Tag Archives: Kristen Ashley

SMOOTH SAILING (Wild West MC 3) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Posted on by
15

🩷SMOOTH SAILING (Wild West MC 3) by Kristen Ashley-review tour🩷

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo Chapters /Apple /

Listen on audio narrated by Joseph Discher, James Lurie & Stella Bloom: https://adbl.co/4gIoHw5

Add Smooth Sailing to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4ghAXTS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

When the Chaos Motorcycle Club came to call, Harlan “Hugger” McCain wasn’t ready to be welcomed into the fold. They said he was a legacy. He felt like an outcast.

But he patched in anyway.

And he was all in to be a part of their not-quite-outlaw missions.

This takes him down to Phoenix, right into the orbit of Diana Armitage, a beautiful, green-eyed woman with a heart of gold and a scarily honed tendency to sacrifice for pretty much everyone she cares about, and some people she barely knows.

Hugger has been existing. Life has never given him much, now, he expects even less.

Diana lives life to its fullest. And she doesn’t keep it a secret she wants to drag Hugger right along with her.

But Hugger is certain he’s got bad blood. He’s got one foot in Chaos, one foot out. One foot in Diana’s life, one foot out.

Diana and his brothers in Chaos have their work cut out to show Hugger who he is.

That he belongs.

And he’s worthy to be loved.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SMOOTH SAILING is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult WILD WEST MC erotic, MC romance series, a companion set in the author’s CHAOS MC world. This is thirty-five year old Harlan ‘Hugger’ McCain, and twenty-nine year old artist Diana Armitage’s story line. SMOOTH SAILING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Diana) and third person (Harlan) SMOOTH SAILING follows in the wake of Diana Armitage’s need to help a young woman whose life had been destroyed by perverts and predators. With a connection to the Chaos MC, the men responsible have threatened the lives of everyone involved so Harlan ‘Hugger’ McCain, and several members of the Chaos MC and Resurrection MC have declared themselves protectors and guardians of Diana, and her young charge, a woman known to everyone as Suzette. As the MC members take turns protecting Diana and Suzette, Harlan aka Hugger finds himself drawn to our story line heroine, a woman who knows something about betrayal by someone she trusted, a young woman who has always been determined to make it on her own.

The world building focuses on the protection of Diana and her charge, and the search for the people responsible for the kidnapping and assaults; the back stories and history of both Diana and Harlan; and the reconciliation of family, blood or otherwise. We are up close and personal with the reveal of Harlan’s past, and the destructive nature of the painful reminders from where one comes, and where to going forward.

The relationship between Harlan and Diana is one of immediate attraction but Harlan is in Phoenix on assignment for Denver’s Chaos MC, and our hero doesn’t do relationships in the wake of the demons that refuse to let go. Diana Armitage sees something in Harlan that pulls her like a moth to a flame, and in this, Diana is determined to prove Harlan is worthy of family and love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters from the original Chaos MC, Dream Man and Rock Chick series. We are introduced to Diana’s father Nolan, her mother Maggie, and grandmother Shannon, as well as Nicole and Larry, Suzette Snyder, and Diana’s friends Bernie, Charlie and Mel.

SMOOTH SAILING is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, trust and understanding, death and grief, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and emotional; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are broken, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Still Standing
Smoke and Steel

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

Avenging Angel / Back in The Saddle by Kristen Ashley-reviews

Posted on by
13

Avenging Angel / Back in The Saddle (Avenging Angels 1 & 2) by Kristen Ashley-reviews

AVENGING ANGEL
Avenging Angels #1
by Kristen Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Rachel Armstrong has a burning need to right the world’s wrongs. Thus, she becomes the Avenging Angel.

And maybe she’s a bit too cocky about it.

While riding a hunch about the identity of a kidnapper, she runs into Julien “Cap” Jackson, who was trained by the team at Nightingale Investigations in Denver. Now he’s a full-fledged member at their newly opened Phoenix branch.

It takes Cap a beat to realize Raye’s the woman for him. It takes Raye a little longer (but just a little) to figure out how she feels about Cap.

As Raye introduces Cap to her crazy posse of found family and his new home in the Valley of the Sun, Cap struggles with his protective streak. Because Raye has no intention to stop doing what she can to save the world.

But there’s a mysterious entity out there who has discovered what Raye is up to, and they’ve become very interested.

Not to mention, women are going missing in Phoenix, and it seems like the police aren’t taking it seriously.

Raye believes someone should.

So she recruits her best friend Luna, and between making coffees, mixing cocktails, planning parties and enduring family interventions (along with reunions), the Avenging Angels unite to ride to the rescue.

••••••

REVIEW:AVENGING ANGEL is the first instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult AVENGING ANGEL erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former US army solider turned PI Julien ‘Cap’ Jackson, and bartender Rachel ‘Raye’ Armstrong’s story line. The AVENGING ANGEL series is a companion to the author’s ROCK CHICK series. Several characters cross over for cohesion and familiarity.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: There is a small group of enterprising women who call themselves the Avenging Angels. With the help of a mentor, as well as Nightingale Investigations and Security, these wormen go in search of those unable to help themselves including the missing, the abused and the lost.

Told from first person perspective (Raye) AVENGING ANGEL follows in the aftermath of the search and rescue of a missing child. Along with her best friend Luna, Rachel ‘Raye’ Armstrong works part time search for missing people and children. Her latest assignment finds our heroine face to face with PI Julien ‘Cap’ Jackson, and several members of Nightingale Investigations and Security, searching for the same missing child. Pulled towards our story line heroine, Cap Jackson begins an investigation of his own, only to discover there is more to Rachel Armstrong then he could have ever imagined. Several ‘working’ women are missing in the Phoenix area; NIghtingale Investigations is on the hunt, Raye must come to terms with her past; and a number of familiar faces take time to assist in the search for the missing women.

The world building is detailed as our couple reveal their own heart breaking pasts. Raye has felt shunned since a devastating loss that destroyed her family; Julien Jackson’s chosen family including his ‘mama’ Shirleen (Rock Chick Reborn), open up to Luna and Raye, and in doing so, forge an alliance, a friendship and family based on respect and love.

The relationship between Cap and Raye begins acrimoniously but quickly turns into something more. Cap will come guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love, a woman who can be a little TSTL, but often in the face of finding the missing women, and in defiance of being told what to do. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters , many of whom we met in the original Rock Chick series. We are introduced to Luna Nelson, and her sisters Dream; Luna’s parents Charlie and Deb Armstrong; the tight knit group of tenants of Raye’s apartment complex, as well as the security team at Nightingale Investigations, and the women of the Avenging Angles.

AVENGING ANGEL is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, madness and vengeance, determination and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The slow building premise is dramatic and gritty; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic

Own a Copy

________

BACK IN THE SADDLE
Avenging Angel #2
by Kristen Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

Jessie Wylde is on a secret mission. She’s trying to find her brother. She hasn’t told her friends; this is about family.

She doesn’t think it’s dangerous.

Eric Turner disagrees.

Eric is a member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team. Therefore, Eric knows what he’s talking about.

Eric isn’t only badass, he’s also a seriously gorgeous guy, and Jessie has a huge crush on him. She doesn’t think he knows she exists…until now.

Eric steps in, and so do Jessie’s besties, the Avenging Angels. Soon, the Angels and the Hottie Squad are on the case to find Jessie’s missing sibling.

There’s more happening when it comes to Eric, though. Jessie’s so worried about her brother, she’s not paying attention. Eric sets about changing that, and just like all the Hot Bunch before him, when he finds his one, he doesn’t mess around.

However, something is afoot in Phoenix. And as the Angels uncover the sinister workings behind people going missing, and Eric and Jessie unpack their emotional baggage, the Angels dive deeper into the dark underbelly of the city…

Finding heroes, more hot guys, lots of hijinks…and heart.

••••••

REVIEW: BACK IN THE SADDLE is the second instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult AVENGING ANGELS erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off, set in the author’s ROCK CHICK worlds. This is forty-three year old, former FBI agent and member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team Eric Turner, and Avenging Angel Jessie Wylde’s story line. BACK IN THE SADDLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: There is a small group of enterprising women who call themselves the Avenging Angels. With the help of a mentor named Arthur, as well as Nightingale Investigations and Security (Rock Chick #1), the women go in search of those unable to help themselves including the missing, the abused and the lost.

Told from first person perspective (Jessie) BACK IN THE SADDLE picks up a few months after the events of book one AVENGING ANGELS, and follows Jessie Wylde as she goes in search of her missing brother, a young man who struggles with mental illness. Stalking the homeless encampments at night, Jessie battles between head and heart knowing that if her brother is found, he may not be the brother she remembers. Enter former FBI agent Eric Turner, a member of the Nightingale Investigations, and the man with whom Jessie will fall in love. The search for Jessie’s brother Jeff reveals a continuing list of missing people, people who may have fallen victim to drug dealers and abusers, as well as a crew of well-intentioned vigilantes who may or may not be giving Nightingale Investigations a run for their money.

The world building follows several intersecting pathways including the search for missing and vulnerable people:the ill, the addicted, the abused and the lost. As Jessie and Eric’s relationship quickly builds into something more, the Angels and Nightingale Investigations will team together to help those unable to help themselves.

The relationship between Jessie and Eric is one of immediate attraction. For Eric is appears to be a relationship predicated upon insta-lust to love; for Jessie, our heroine is falling for a man who is determined to protect the woman he loves, even from herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the return of bar owner Tito, Luna Nelson, and her sister Dream; Angel Harlow, Nightingale Security specialists and Rock Chick husbands/ mates: Mace ,Roam, Liam, Knox, Gabe and Brady, as well as Cap and Raye; Moses and Shirleen; Jessica’s brother Jeff Wylde aka Easy: Javiar Montoya aka Mountain; Homer aka The General; Eric’s ex girlfriend Savannah; Titus, and Chief Alvarez. The camaraderie, and the back and forth between characters is frenetic and fast.

BACK IN THE SADDLE is a story of mental illness and struggle, secrets and lies, obsession and determination, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is detailed, dramatic and captivating; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

Embracing the Change ( River Rain 6) by Kristen Ashley-review

Posted on by
13

Embracing the Change (River Rain 6) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple / Chapters Indigo /

Add Embracing the Change to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3VkUOsl

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

That Kiss…

Gorgeous New York socialite, Nora Ellington has been waiting a very long time for her happily ever after.

So long, she’s given up on it and has decided, even though she’s the plus-one friend without benefits to a man she’s head over heels in love with, an HEA will forever be out of her reach.

Handsome billionaire Jamie Oakley thought he’d had two happily ever afters in his life. However, neither lasted long, and both ended in tragedy. He’s not about to try it again or put his children through the trauma Jamie has learned from experience undoubtedly will come their way.

And he’s made this decision even if the woman who’s become his constant companion is a woman he loves straight to his soul….and wants with everything that is him.

But then, one night, Jamie loses control and kisses Nora.

He can’t go there.

She can’t go on without it.

They’ll never be the same.

Or will they?

•••••••••

REVIEW:  EMBRACING THE CHANGE is the sixth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN romance series. This is socialite and heiress Nora Ellington, and billionaire Jamie Oakley’s story line. EMBRACING THE CHANGE should not be read as a stand alone as many of the references, and previous story line couples figure prominently throughout the current time line. Jamie is the father of Judge Oakley (Chasing Serenity), and Nora is best friends with Mika (Making the Match)

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be mild triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Nora), and omniscient third person (Jamie) EMBRACING THE CHANGE follows several years in the life of our story line couple. Jamie Oakley has loved and lost twice, both relationships ending tragically but he gained a daughter and a son. Nora Ellington, heiress and socialite’s only marriage was fraught with deceit and betrayal but her three, now adult children, are the light of her life. Throughout the years, Nora has rescued and aided Jamie as his world began to spiral but now it was their turn together to form a union between their two families, and everything it entailed.

The world building follows several pathways including all of Nora and Jamie’s adult children scheming to get their parents together. From an yacht excursion to a new grandchild, to blackmail, family secrets and the past refusing to let go, Jamie and Nora must weather the storm together, in an effort to finally find peace and their own happily ever after.

The relationship between Nora and Jamie had been building for several years but both had been married (Jamie twice), and although not necessarily happy, but happy for now. Nora is the quintessential socialite, almost an over the top caricature of wealth and money (calling everyone ‘darling’), designer labels and the ultimate friendship with a support group of four gay men known as the G-force.Jamie is a businessman whose own family tree deviates between the branches, and in this, our hero must contend with the reality of what was, and what may never be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Jamie’s son Judge (Chloe) and daughter Dru; Nora’s children Allegra and Darryn, Nico and Felice, Valentine and Archie; Nora’s ex Roland Castellini, as well as several cameos and mentions of previous story line couples and characters.

EMBRACING THE CHANGE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and jealousy, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and thought-provoking; the romance is seductive and fated; the character are dynamic, sassy and determined.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap
Making the Match
Fighting the Pull

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

His fork clattered on his plate, the sudden sound surprising me so much, I gave a slight jump as Jamie turned fully to me.
“Right, we’re here.”
Oh dear.
I wasn’t sure what “here” meant.
But I was sure I didn’t want to be there.
He carried on. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, and I’ll give you more time, but I do want to talk about it. However, for now I’ll just say, I can have you as I’ll allow myself to have you.”
As he’ll allow himself to have me?
What on earth did that mean?
“And in so doing, I have you,” Jamie continued. “You mean something to me. You’re mine. You’re a part of my life. You’re a member of my family. And I think you know I take care of those I love, Nora. That being the man I am, I cannot countenance this jackass annoying you or taking your time or infiltrating your life in any way that does not involve the children you share. Am I being clear?”
You’re mine.
I take care of those I love.
You’re…
Mine.
Those…
I…
Love.
“Nora,” he called. “Am I being clear?”

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

Posted on by
14

The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2024

Nadia Williams needs somewhere peaceful to sort through her grief after her mother is brutally murdered. She finds a cozy cabin at the side of a tranquil lake in the quaint town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest.

The minute she arrives, she knows it’s perfect.

The very night of her arrival, however, someone—or something—is scratching at her window.

The next morning, she meets her one and only neighbor, Doc Riggs. He’s a rough, good-time guy who rubs Nadia wrong immediately. They clash, and neither of them are happy to be sharing their lake.

But soon, Nadia learns the lore around her cabin, and how the townsfolk are certain it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was murdered there fifteen years before.

Riggs and Nadia are suddenly thrown into a tangled web of history, betrayal, grief, secrets, with only one thing certain.

Someone—or something—wants them off that lake.

••••

REVIEW:THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Misted Pines. This is single father and contractor Andrew ‘Doc’ Riggs, and primary school teacher Nadia Williams’ story line. THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..

Told from first person perspectives (Nadia) and third person (Riggs) THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE follows Nadia Williams as she takes a leave of absence from her job, escaping the memories left behind in Chicago, Renting a cabin by the lake in Misted Pines, Nadia would come face to face with her neighbor, contractor Doc Riggs, the man with whom Nadia would fall in love but all was not well in Misted Pines, and the cabin she was renting would become the focus of ghost stories, hauntings, and a case of unsolved murders. As Nadia, Riggs, and Sheriff Harry Moran began to research the history of a family murder, Riggs would find himself embroiled in his own family squabble with the mother of his nine year old son. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nadia and Riggs, and the potential fall-out as our couple, and the town of Misted Pines must reconsider what happened in the past and why.

The world building follows several paths; is detailed and intriguing as Misted Pines holds too many demons that have yet to let go. Add the usual small -town gossip and busybodies, as well as those who deem themselves above everyone else, and our couple must contend with secrets and gossip wherever they go.

The relationships between Nadia and Riggs begins acrimoniously as Riggs is known to throw obnoxiously loud parties. Nadia was hoping for to take time to rest, relax and reconsider her future but never expected to find herself falling for a man, and his nine year old son. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the opt, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, enthusiastic and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are witness to the return of Cade and Delphine (The Girl in the Mist 1), Rus Lazarus (The Girl in the Woods) as well as Sheriff Harry Moran. We are introduced to Riggs’ son Ledger, as well as Rigg’s mom Gail, and friends Storm and Viggo, Bubbles and Lucille, Rigg’s questionable ex Angelina, and several local residents of Misted Pines.

THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is a story of secrets and lies, murder and mystery, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The thought provoking premise is intriguing, haunting and dramatic; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are stubborn, honest and charismatic

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Girl in the Mist
The Girl in the Woods

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

ROCK CHICK REMATCH (Rock Chick 9.5)by Kristen Ashley-tour

Posted on by
13

ROCK CHICK REMATCH (Rock Chick 9.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2024

In high school, Malia Clark found the man of her dreams.

Darius Tucker.

But life hits them full in the face way before it ever should. Darius makes a drastic decision to keep his family safe and Malia leaves town with a secret.

When Malia returns, she seeks Darius to share all, but Darius finds out before she can tell him. At the same time, she finds out just how much Darius has changed in the years she’s been away.

She just refuses to give up on him.

Until he forces her hand.

Secrets come between Malia and Darius, at the same time Malia has to worry about weird things going on at the law firm where she works, her kid wants a car and she’s stuck in slow-cooker hell. Luckily, her ride or dies have her back.

And in the meantime, she might just learn she never should have lost hope in Darius Tucker.

••••••

REVIEW: ROCK CHICK REMATICH by Kristen Ashley is instalment 9.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult ROCK CHICK erotic, romance series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is Darius Tucker and Malia Clark’s story line. ROCK CHICK REMATCH can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Darius and Malia’s story is revealed throughout.

Told from first person perspective (Malia) covering approximately sixteen years, ROCK CHICK REMATCH focuses on the acrimonious and strained relationship between our story line couple. Approximately sixteen years earlier, a then sixteen year old Malia fell in love with our story line hero but life would deal Darius and Malia a devastating blow, and for the next sixteen years Darius would come in and out of Malia’s life whenever he wanted or felt he was needed. Fast forward to present day, Darius is a changed man, a new job, a new perspective, and Darius wants another chance with the woman he has never stopped loving, a chance at the family he has always wanted.

The world building follows Malia as she struggles with her love for a man who is keeping secret a life she knows nothing about. Pushing Malia out of his life, Darius knew he was protecting those unable to protect themselves but sixteen years of secrets and lies meant Malia would struggle between head and heart to forgive the man she never stopped loving.

The relationship between Darius and Malia is fractured at best. Sixteen years earlier, after professing their love for one another, Darius’ life imploded, and he walked away from the only woman he would ever love. Malia moved, desperate for a support system from the people she loved but upon her return, Darius would discover the secret Malia has kept for several years. With Darius coming in and out of Malia’s life, she still knew very little about the man she believed wanted something else. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful, energetic and fun secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines including the ‘Rock Chicks’.

ROCK CHICK REMATCH is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, desperation, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, heart breaking and captivating; the romance struggle in the face of deception and secrets; the characters are broken, desperate, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Posted on by
13

Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.

There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.

But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.

Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.

They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.

As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING THE PULL is the fifth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN erotic, romance series. This is thirty-year old, billionaire businessman Hale Wheeler, and twenty-seven year old, celebrity journalist Elsa Cohen’s story line. FIGHTING THE PULL can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one AFTER THE CLIMB for backstory as it pertains to Hale’s father Corey Szabo.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including talk of suicide, child abuse, and bondage and discipline, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Elsa) and third person perspectives (Hale, Heath) FIGHTING THE PULL follows the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa. Elsa’s interview with billionaire Hale Wheeler was about to go off the proverbial rails as Hale was struggling with revealing anything about himself but a few minutes with Elsa found Hale reconsidering the who and what of our story line heroine. A pretend relationship, a potential stalker, and the heart falling for someone who couldn’t love themself found our couple battling the heart break of betrayal, and the dramatic loss of a father that had yet to be acknowledged. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa, and the potential fall-out as Elsa is caught in the direct line of fire, and Hale is unable to forgive himself for the damage that is caused.

The world building focuses on three severely dysfunctional families with insights into child abuse, neglect, infidelity, divorce, and the resulting suicide of a man who struggled to come to terms with what happened and why. Kristen Ashley pulls the reader into a heart breaking and emotional look into deteriorating family values precipitated by greed, jealousy, betrayal and vengeance. Innocent children will pay for the sins of the parents but sometimes the child pays more than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Elsa and Hale begins acrimoniously as Hale is reluctant to be interviewed by Elsa Cohen but Elsa and Hale are kindred spirits, each suffering with the endless emotional abuse and betrayal by the people sworn to love them the most. As Hale and Elsa come to terms with their own relationship, the past is determined to destroy our couple, taking aim at the woman with whom Hale is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with some light scenes and discussion of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often destructive secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Elsa’s embattled family, and Hale’s bitter and remorseless mother, as well as Elsa’s co-workers and Hale’s security team.

FIGHTING THE PULL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, loss and acceptance, greed and jealousy, acceptance and love. The haunting premise is heart breaking, emotional, raw and honest; the characters are tragic, animated and starting to heal; the romance is seductive and spicy.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap
Making the Match

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

The thing on my mind that I wasn’t admitting was taking more headspace than it should was the fact that Hale had texted the day before.
Again.
Why he wasn’t letting himself off the hook about this interview he never wanted in the first place, I did not know. And it wasn’t going to be me who let him off the hook. Oh no. Not officially.
But I wasn’t returning his texts, so unofficially, the guy should take a hint.
We’d made a deal almost a year before. The deal was, I’d kinda, sorta lay off his family, he’d give me an interview.
I couldn’t totally lay off his family. They were the most celebrated celebrities in the world. Even the ones who hadn’t sought that out, like Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley.
But there were a great many different kinds of celebrity news, and it didn’t seem like Hale Wheeler had cottoned on to the fact I wasn’t a mudslinger.
Sure, I also wasn’t an objective journalist. But I wasn’t TMZ either.
Nugget of news: you could share gossip for a living and still be classy. I was proof of that (or I thought I was).
I had my key ready to put into the four locks on the door to the building where my studio was in Brooklyn, and with practiced ease, I was out of the New York autumn morning cold in no time.
I locked the door behind me and headed to the space in the sectioned off warehouse that I rented for my studio.
I had to unlock that door too (only three locks this time), and once inside, I practically ran into Chuck, my cameraman, who was for some reason right there and crowding me.
My space was small, but this was weird.
I looked at his face, and…great.
We’d probably been burgled.
It wasn’t like I had a ton of expensive equipment, but what I had was hard won. I had offers coming in, and they were healthier than I’d allowed myself to dream, but I hadn’t signed on any dotted line. So, for the foreseeable future, ongoing operating costs, and any expansion, was on me.
I didn’t have time to deal with police reports and insurance companies telling me how little they could actually replace seeing as some small line in their contract exempted them from doing what I paid them to do. Nor did I need to be shelling out to replace stuff.
“What’s up?” I warily asked Chuck.
“Hale Wheeler is here,” he whispered.
Oh no.
That was worse than being burgled.
My gaze flew beyond Chuck to my set which was a one-step dais on which sat a mint green velvet swivel chair with a glass-topped gold side table beside it. These were in front of a greenscreen backdrop we could make anything we wanted it to be. Though usually it was subtle pastel green and peach swirls against a soft white with the words “Elsa’s Exchange” repeated throughout.
And damn it all to hell, there he was.
Tall, ridiculously handsome, athletically built Hale Wheeler, the richest man in the world.

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Posted on by
13

PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley-review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 13, 2023

Wyn and Remy Gastineau were perfect together…

Until, without warning, Remy walks out on their life, their love and their marriage.

Wyn is blindsided and heartbroken. It takes her years to get over the loss of Remy.

Sometime later, their children call a family meeting and Remy is acting strange. Wyn refuses to hope. Remy has moved on. She must do the same.

But she’s wrong.

Remy wants her back and he’s pulling no punches. He’s determined to do the work to piece together the marriage he shattered. Forced by circumstances to tell Wyn things he never wanted her to know, Remy reveals his tragic secrets.

As the family reels from pain long buried now laid bared, Wyn realizes instead of letting go, she has to hold tight to the man and the family they made that’s perfect together.

•••••

REVIEW: PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley is a contemporary, stand alone, erotic, second chance romance focusing on the Gastineau family: Remy and Wyn, and their children Sabre, Manon and Yves. For fans of Kristen Ashley, there is a slight cross over with the author’s RIVER RAIN series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Wyn) and several omniscient third person (Remy, Yves, Sabre) PERFECT TOGETHER follows the rebuilding relationship between Wyn and Remy Gastineau, and the reconciling of a family destroyed by secrets and lies.

Three years earlier architect Remy Gastineau walked away from his wife of nineteen years, stylist Wyn Gastineau, leaving behind his family, his children and the woman he loved. Fast forward to present day, Remy has asked his family to his house, a family meeting that is about to change the direction of everyone’s life. As Remy battles to heal the fractured dynamics between himself and his immediate family, the damaged and mutilated past is about to revise the course of the Gastineau family, once again. A friendship broken by hatred and animosity; a relationship destroyed by betrayal and obsession; and a family shattered by lies and abuse must come to terms with a past and present clouded by denial and rejection, and a future that is eased by acceptance and love.

We are introduced to a colorful and somewhat questionable cast of secondary and supporting characters including Remy and Wyn’s immediate family including sons Sabre and Yves, and their daughter Manon; Remy’s parents Collette and Guillaume Gastineau, as well as Wyn’s PA Noel, and her besties Bernice, Bea, Kara and her husband Reed, actor Fiona Remington, and Remy’s ex Myrna.

PERFECT TOGETHER is a story of fractured family dynamics, secrets and lies, abuse, animosity and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional and raw; the romance is a second chance love; the characters are struggling but learning to thrive.

Here’s hoping the author has plans for Remy and Wyn’s three adult children.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley-review

Posted on by
10

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley -review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2023

This body would be the last for Zachariah Lazarus…

The Crystal Killer’s latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.

His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.

Misted Pines has recently survived a killer’s rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.

But it’s more.

Something is just not right with this latest victim.

As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victim’s employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides she’s going to do everything she can to help.

To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.

And to help Rus let go of his burdens.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is the second instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic, suspense, series focusing on the small town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest. This is FBI investigator Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus, and business woman Lucinda Bonner’s story line. THE GIRL IN THE WOODS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person omniscient perspective (Rus) THE GIRL IN THE WOODS focuses on the search for a serial killer nicknamed the ‘Crystal Killer’ in the wake of leaving a crystal gem in the victim’s hands. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus has been working the Crystal Killer case for years, and a another possible victim has been found in the small town of Misted Pines but Rus isn’t positive that the new case is connected, and a possible copy-cat may have found a mark. As Rus begins to interview the people in the victim’s life, our hero will come face to face with business woman Lucinda Bonner, the victim’s boss, and sometimes mother like mentor. Rus never expected to lose his heart in Misted Pines but something about Lucinda drew Rus like a moth to a flame. As Rus and the local Sheriff’s department continue their investigation Rus suspects the killer is someone he knows, someone who is tied closely to our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rus and Lucinda, as Rus begins to ferret out the possibilities, and the real chance there is more than one killer for their current investigation.

The relationship between Lucinda and Rus begins when Rus must interview our story line heroine. Lucinda Bonner is a single mother, a business woman whose family has lived and worked in the town of Misted Pines for over one-hundred and fifty years. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus’ family history, like Lucinda’s, is questionable at best, and we are privy to the dark and dangerous backstories of two people who wanted more than their families had offered. As Rus continued to search for the truth, our hero must come to a decision about his career going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, used only once, more for shock value and maturity rating.

We are introduced to several colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lucinda’s nine year old daughter Madden, and her father Jaegar; Rus’s adult children Acre and Sabrina, his ex Jennifer (via phone) as well as the return of former Green Beret, former FBI field agent, former profiler turned contractor and single father Cade Bohannan, his twenty-seven year old twins/private investigators Jesse and Jace Bohannan, as well as local law enforcement, gossips and the ‘coven, and questionable townies. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is an intriguing and edgy mystery/murder/thriller of obsession and madness, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the characters are strong, animated and spirited; the romance is stirring and intimate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one GIRL IN THE MIST

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share