Walk Through Fire (Chaos #4) by Kristen Ashley [Review + Giveaway]

Millie Cross knows what it's like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn't be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie's chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can't ignore. And this time, she won't let him ride off . . .

Bad boy Logan "High" Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she's just a ghost of her former self. High's intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn't want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie's betrayal, he'll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man . .

Ride Steady (Chaos #3) by Kristen Ashley [Review + Giveaway]

The ride of her life . . .

Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy---until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa's pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . .

In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he's the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa's acting, it's clear she's falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker's secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa---or ride away forever . . .

With Everything I Am (The Three #2) by Kristen Ashley

One night, Callum is driven into the woods by instinct, an instinct to protect. In the form of wolf, he meets a young human child who he is instantly drawn to in a fierce way he doesn’t quite understand. 

Sonia Arlington has lived a lonely life. She has certain abilities that make her strange and she has a rare disease that, if untreated, could kill her. Her father makes her vow that she will never let others discover her abilities. This forces Sonia to stay distant, always guarding against exposure. 

Intelligence leaks that Sonia is Callum’s human mate. He is now King of the Werewolves and has war on his hands. He’s forced to claim his mate and integrate Sonia into a world that is strange and frightening. 

As Sonia attempts to adjust, Callum attempts to cope with the knowledge that his mate is mortal. He will have her beauty and gentleness only the length of a mortal life making their union unbearably bitter even as Sonia makes it unbelievably sweet.

4.5 King Wolf Stars

I’m starting to REALLY like this series. Oh my gosh. If you loved Until the Sun Falls from the Sky, then you will LOVE With Everything I Am. I felt like this one had EVERYTHING I looked for in a KA novel.

Strong Alpha Check

Adorable HeroineCheck

Crazy, sexual tensionCheck

Interesting, page-turning plot Check

Unforgettable Steamy ScenesDouble Check

This was a GREAT book. This is Callum and Sonia story, which happens to be the wolf story. I’m a fan of paranormal reads and I love how KA wrote these. There’s no crazy language or hard stories to follow. It’s simple and straight forward. The main plot is the about the two characters, nothing less and nothing more. It’s Perfect.

The prologue was fantastic. I was hooked from the beginning and I had to dive into the story. Callum will soon be King and when he is, he will need a Queen. Before Sonia’s birth, she has been destined to be Queen. The thing is, she is human and she doesn’t know she is going to be Callum’s Queen.

I loved how Callum knew about Sonia and when it was time for Sonia to be Queen, he went all out on her. He wanted to claim her and bring her back to his people. I also loved that Sonia is human and she has no idea what wolves and vampires are.

So a HUGE part of the book is Callum and Sonia working on the relationship. I love it when a big, dominate male chases away the Heroine. It just gives me a tingly sensation in my belly and I can’t get enough of it. It’s super cute to read Callum telling what Sonia needs to do, like cook, clean and when to speak. It’s also funny to read Sonia finding the situation so difficult.

Sonia does frustrate me at times and there’s mild angst towards the middle. Everyone knows I’m not a fan of angst, but it didn’t really bother me so much. Also, I usually don’t like long books, but I seriously couldn’t put this sucker down.

It’s just that good

If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed with this one. I can’t wait to read the final book.

 

REVIEW | AMAZON

AMAZON

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.

http://www.kristenashley.net

Until the Sun Falls from the Sky (The Three, #1) by Kristen Ashley

Until the Sun Falls from the Sky by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Oh my Lucien Stars

I need this. I’ve been craving for a paranormal book and this is my first from KA. It had everything I wanted in a paranormal and KA read.

Alpha male Check

Strong and suborn Heroine Check

Hero chasing the Heroine Check

Crazy steamy scenes! Double Check

Leah is part of the Buchannan clan. She’s kind of like noble blood within the vampire world, even though she is human. In this world, humans are concubines for the vampires. So the vampires use the human to feed and in return the human is cared for financially.

Leah doesn’t want to be a concubine, but she is just making her debut. It’s kind of like when you come of age, you are ready to date, but in this case, she she’s finally single and she is requested to be at the selection (where vampires pick concubines).

Lucien is a very old vampire. He’s established and is kind of like a celebrity in the vampire world. He has taken notice of Leah and he wants her.

Even though Leah doesn’t want to be taken. So he mind-tricks her into being his concubine.

What worked for me is that when you get a paranormal read, there is this world you are introduced to. Sometimes there are a lot of facts and new things you need to learn, but with this one, there wasn’t much and I found myself enjoying this world then trying to figure out what’s going on.

I also loved the characters. I loved Lucien. Everyone knows KA writes some good alpha males. What made this one so different is that Lucien is a vampire so he speaks more refined. Most of KA males have the Southern drawl, not that there is anything wrong with that, my husband is southern, it’s just something different is good.

I liked Leah. She’s very headstrong and it worked for me. I like it when the Heroine makes the Hero work for it and oh boy there’s plenty of sexual tension to keep you interested.

Most of the book is about Lucien trying to get Leah to submit to him. I really liked the push and pull of the relationship. Of course there’s issues, like the council (kind of like the vampire police) and ex’s, like Lucien’s previous mates (like vampire wife). It’s just crazy, but fun and good.

If you love KA reads and want something a little different, then I recommend this one.

AMAZON

Deacon (Unfinished Hero, #4) by Kristen Ashley

Deacon by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 YAY, it’s the Unfinished Hero series!!! Stars

Doesn’t it feel like FOREVER since the last unfinished Hero book? I’ve been DYING for this one.

Deacon wasn’t as gritty as what I am use to with this series. Deacon was kind of light hearted, but it definitely has the alpha Kristen Ashley hero we crave and LOVE

Summary

Cassidy throws her life savings and purchases cabins to rent out. The cabins need a lot of TLC and over the course of years, she fixes the place. Over the course of years, a mysterious man comes very randomly to rent out the same cabin. Cassidy doesn’t interact with him that much except that she provides the keys and takes his money, but that’s about it.

Review

I love the plot. I think the idea of Cassidy owning cabins and fixing them up is really cute. Even though the beginning is a bit slow, I love the slow build up between Cassidy and Deacon. I like how there is no insta-love or insta-lust. I like how Deacon is a big mystery and he shows up randomly.

Of course eventually there is interaction and you know how Kristen Ashley writes her Heroes. They never speak in full sentences, are always in charge, mysterious and very alpha. Like I say, I love it. Deacon is attracted to Cassidy but doesn’t have much to offer her.

He doesn’t even tell her his last name, that’s how much he can offer her.

But Cassidy doesn’t think with her brain, she’s using her heart and her heart tells her that Deacon makes her feel good and so far it’s enough.

The second half of the book, things shift and it’s steamier and there is a little more meat in the relationship. We start to question who Deacon is, where he comes from and why is he the way he is. I did feel like getting to the shift, it dragged a bit, but once you get to it, it picks up.

Overall, I enjoyed Deacon very much. It wasn’t my favorite, I love Knight, but very enjoyable regardless.


REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON

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The Gamble (Colorado Mountain, #1) by Kristen Ashley

4 Stars

The Gamble was a cute adorable typical Kristen Ashley read. If you are a KA fan, then you will not be disappointed.

Nina lives in England but takes a “time-out” from her fiancé and rents a house in the Colorado Mountains. There was a slight hiccup and the owner, Holden Maxwell, who usually rents out the house while he is out, is actually staying in his house at the same time Nina booked it. Suffice it say, Nina doesn’t leave and Max stays.

I really liked the beginning. I thought the Max and Nina’s dynamics were very comical and very cute. I liked how Max was a plan arse in the beginning and of course is a huge alpha male.

I did have some issues…

Even though I gave a 4 star rating, I would rate The Gamble more towards a 3.5 star mark. I thought it was a bit too long and the tension was kind of mild. I thought Nina said “I’m Sorry”, WAY too much. Whatever happened to “what” or “come again?”? Maybe it’s not British, but geez if Max interrupts Nina one more time, I’m going to reach through my book and smack him.

Also, I have issues with British characters. I just don’t know what my pet-peeve is. I know KA lived in England, but Nina didn’t feel too British, but at least she was half American and half British, so I’ll let that go.

I’m not a huge fan of the main issue between Nina and Max. I think it’s because I can’t really relate. Call me old fashion, but I felt like Nina was second best. It’s hard to describe that turning point in the book, but it just didn’t seem like it sat well with me. I’m glad that part was kind of toned down (in my opinion).

Okay, my rant is over…

I thought the beginning and climatic-ending was perfect. The epilogue really rounded the whole story and it was a satisfying conclusion. I was also happy that the title was referenced several times, although I felt “Mountain Man” would have been a better representation, but since this is a three part series, you can’t really do that.

The Gamble had pretty much everything in a light-hearted amusing read. The characters were developed, witty and there was great banter and tension. I liked the slow developing relationship between Nina and Max despite the two week time line. The additional side characters like Mindy, Jeff, Nina’s mom, etc were great side stories and really added something to the read.

There’s some action towards the end and I really enjoyed that. I was kind of wondering what else could happen and glad there was a small side plot. I feel like if this wasn’t a KA book I would have given The Gamble 3.5 stars, but the writing was very developed and I laughed out loud at many points, I think over overall, I just didn’t understand nor could relate to the story.

If you are a KA fan, then this one is for you. I probably will not move on to book 2, Sweet Dreams

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Creed (Unfinished Hero, #2) by Kristen Ashley

3.5 Stars

I really wanted to like Creed because I am a huge KA fan and I really liked Knight BUT I wasn’t feeling it. Suffice it to say, there’s a reason why it took me over a month to finish.

I was going back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars, but ultimately there was enough drama and tension to push my rating to 3.5.

I like damaged characters and even though I’m not a HUGE fan of flashbacks, it wasn’t so bad. I wasn’t really interested in the flashbacks after most of the secrets were out, it kind of felt like I was re-reading what was just said.

Sylvie and Creed are childhood friends. Both come from broken homes. We don’t know what happened, but all we know is that Creed left 16 years ago and is back into Sylvie’s life. Both endured past pains and are trying to get over differences to move forward.

I wasn’t really interested in present day all bad arse Sylvie and I can’t pinpoint why. I like a strong girl, so I know that wasn’t my reason or maybe I just didn’t understand her until I got to know her. I’ll admit once I figured out what happened she wasn’t so bad.

I liked Creed and I was interested in why he had to redeem himself so badly. He’s not really bad, sure he has faults, but I thought Knight was more flawed. I think I would have enjoyed Creed more if he was more mean … maybe?

I liked the interaction between Sylvie and Creed. There was plenty of tension and steamy parts. The parts I didn’t really enjoy was the find-who-the-mole-is story line. Yeah, as much as I love Knight, I wasn’t really interested in the investigation. Also, some parts seem to drag on forever and yep, I started to skim towards the end.

Almost everything is out in the open towards the middle and I was expecting a kind of crazy climatic ending and I did get a slightly messed up twist, but that was it. Overall, the writing is fabulous, very much like the way KA writes and we all love it. I guess I was just not really interested in the characters or story line.

I hope Raid is a bit more messed up because I want a super dramatic epic read. For now, I’m taking a KA break.


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Motorcycle Man (Dream Man, #4) by Kristen Ashley

4.5 Stars

What a sweet conclusion to the Dream Man series!!!

Book 1 -> Mystery Man ---- > Review HERE

Book 2 - > Wild Man

Book 3 - > Law Man

No one had ever kissed me like this. I didn’t even know you could kiss like this. It drained me dry at the same time it filled me up. Filled me full of what, I wasn’t sure except all of it was good.

I’m a fan of the series, but I’ll admit, Tack was never my favorite guy, so I put off reading Motorcycle Man for months. Finally, I couldn’t take the positive reviews anymore and had to see what the fuss was about.

Can I just say … I heart Tack completely! **SWOON**. I’m not a fan of biker guys, goatees… you know all of that, but I love his dominance and take-no-sh!t attitude.

If there was nothing else to be said about Kane “Tack” Allen, he made me feel alive. Every minute I spent with him from his initial, “Hey,” to when he kissed me hard and wet and long before he left me that morning, I felt tingling. I felt excitement. I felt fear. I felt pleasure. I felt warmth. And I felt anger.

The beginning was adorable and I really liked the first chapter, I was laughing from the first page to the last. At times, I wish there was a little more action, but the climatic conclusion did not disappoint! Tyra was a great Heroine and she kicks major arse! Heck YAY!

You get a bit of glimpse of the other girls from the previous book, which is always nice, BUT my favorite…. Getting a preview of Tabby’s story!!!

OMG I CAN.NOT.WAIT to read TABBY and SHY’s STORY!!!

So, on with the Chaos books…


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Knight (Unfinished Hero, #1) by Kristen Ashley

Knight by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

I didn’t really know anything about this book and the summary was pretty vague, however I’m a huge Kristen Ashley fan, so I knew it would be a treat reading and it definitely was. I haven’t read many Kristen Ashley books, but I feel like every time I do read her books, they are always different, with new characters, new personalities and interesting plot/story line.

Anya is what I called, not your typical realistic girl (by any means), but as the heroine she is of course modest, poor, and super gorgeous. She tags along with her friend to a party and Anya’s friend ditches her to hook up with someone. Anya doesn’t have a working cell phone so she goes into a bedroom to make a call for a taxi, Knight shows up because it’s his bedroom and he’s pissed because he doesn’t understand why a random girl is in his room. The story begins from there; I loved the beginning of the book. Knight is super mysterious, but obviously super aggressive. I was actually taken aback on how aggressive his character was; usually Kristen Ashley books are a bit tamer.

The first half of the book is basically Anya and Knight getting to know each other, with nothing really reveled, once the relationship is taken up a notch, more things come into play. There wasn’t anything too dramatic and the tension was subtle, this can be good or bad, depending on what kind of book you are in the mood for. I always like a mix of dramatic books and easy-going books.

I can understand the negative comments, if you are use to Kristen Ashley books, then you will be a little shocked on how Knight goes. I happen to love all forms of relationships, the typical expected kind or the unusual, a little out of the ordinary kind, it makes an interesting read, and not everything can be “vanilla”.

I would go into this book with an open mind and if you are a fan of Kristen Ashley, then you won’t be disappointed.


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Rock Chick (Rock Chick #1) by Kristen Ashley

Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

“Honey, it’s good you’re gorgeous or you’d be a pain in the ass”

I am starting to become a fan of Kristen Ashley. I started reading the Dream Man series and decided to venture to Kristen’s other series. I am not a huge fan of murder mysteries, however I love comical murder mysteries, so when I read the summary of Rock Chick, I just thought to myself, “well, why not?”

Of course, there’s a lot of the typical Kristen’s writing, which includes crazy possessive men who are always rich and have been either in the army or are street smart , add the crazy heroine who is adventurous, loyal and some-what spunky and you got yourself ingredients I love!

“You don’t tell me, I’ll go through every one of your men, that way, I’ll be sure to get the fuck”

Holy shit. I nearly wet myself.

Indy Savage is not really your typical person, she owns a book store, but it seems like this is more of a front than anything. She goes into work whenever she feels like it and closes shop if she doesn’t want to work, who does that? I guess it makes it easier to take on adventures with her long time crush Lee Nightingale.

Sure, the love story is there, but it’s really a murder mystery book. I like all the characters that come into play; you have the crazy best friend Alley, the cool guy friend Tex and Lee’s sexy work men. You throw in some funny situations and witty comments and the book becomes this big ball of laughter. I really did laugh out loud at some of the parts, like

“So now you’re getting shot at, you’re gonna leave me?”

“Girlie, I’m from Texas. We shot at each other to say good morning.”

Coming from someone that is from Texas, yeah it’s kind of like that.
Conclusion, I’ve read about 3 of Kristen Ashely’s and I won’t stop at that, definitely a good read.

“I don’t think I’m done being pissed at you,” I told him.
“That’s okay,” he said against my ear, “I can still make love to you when you’re angry.”


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Mystery Man (Dream Man, #1) by Kristen Ashley

Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t even know where to begin, so I’ll start out with a quote from the book

“Baseball or crowbar? Which one would you want if you were in a scary situation?” He paused a second, his eyes holding mine, before he answered softly, “Gwendolyn , I own a gun.”

Oh, how I love funny contemporary romances! This book reminds a lot of the writing style of “Kiss an Angel” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and “Play for keeps” by Mathewson R.L., both books I am crazy about.

How can I explain how much I love Mystery Man’s character, he has almost all the qualities any red blooded women wants, he’s possessive, aggressive and screams male. Oh yes please, especially when he says stuff like

“I’m here because when you call me baby in bed, I feel it in my dick”

“Is he a satin and lace man?” Tracy asked. “No, he’s a take it as it comes man,” I answered. Or, more accurately, take it off because It’s in the way man”

I know, it sounds dirty, but it really isn’t. Mystery Man, really is a mystery, you start to learn a few things about him at first and it’s sprinkled throughout the book, so the story is always interesting. I love Gwendolyn’s character, I thought she was spunky, she stood her ground and she knew what she was doing, even at times she knew it wasn’t right. Some of things she thinks is just so funny, like,

Oh my God! Did my father just call mystery lover “son” after only knowing him for five seconds? He’d never called Scott “son”. The only thing he ever called Scott was “Scott” and “a pussy”.

The hot-o-meter started ringing like crazy as hot guys descended on me, my car and Tack from two directions. Boy was I glad I curled my hair.

I love it, because it’s exactly what I would be thinking in that situation. How could you not laugh at that, it’s just too funny. More funny quotes I love.

But my mission was to own a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes before I died. Some women had career goals. Some women wanted to be good mothers. Some women wanted to do their bit to save the world. My life goal was owning really beautiful, really expensive shoes.

I think I can sum up this summary on just excerpts from the book, that’s how funny and great the writing is. I’m definitely moving to book 2, Wild Man.


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