New Release Review ~ Rock Chick Reborn ~ Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68 #2018NewRelease

Rock Chick Reborn by Kristen Ashley
Rock Chick #9
Release Date: April 2, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Gift on Kindle (using gift card from Lexxie)
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a Rock Chick, Shirleen Jackson lived through all the kidnappings and explosions. Along the way, she also watched the dramatic love stories that came with those rides unfold.

But long ago, Shirleen made her choice. It affected who she was and would always be. She decided to settle for what she had and not want for more. She had good friends. She was raising two fine young men who weren't hers, but she loved them anyway.

She was good.

And then Moses Richardson crashed into her life, literally... and deliberately.

Moses has different ideas about Shirleen. He's more interested in the Shirleen of now, mostly because she's interesting. And funny. And loyal. Smart. Beautiful.

But Moses has a big challenge on his hands.

He has to convince Shirleen of all that.

And then convince her she deserves to have more.

Rock Chick Reborn was like a more mature version of Rock Chick... a Rock Chick story with ALL the feels but without all the mayhem. And seeing as it's Shirleen's story, it was just right!

I've adored Shirleen since she first stepped onto the page. She's as selfless as they come, taking on everyone else's problems and love life  even taking on raising two street kids who needed love and stability. And getting to boss around badasses - the Hot Bunch - and making bets on their love lives was gravy. But Shirleen never thought to have bets made on her own love life because she felt she wasn't worthy.

Omigosh did I enjoy Moses' way of proving to her just how worthy she is! Moses was a more mature version of one of the Hot Bunch. Every bit as alpha - but a bit more...reserved maybe? in his methods. Watching him win Shirleen over - worm his way into her heart - was so sweet. Getting to spend a little time with both the Hot Bunch and the Rock Chicks was the cherry on top...and made me long for yet another re-read. *wink* Oh, and I appreciated that a character from the Chaos series - a minor character who made a huge impact on Joker and Carissa - appeared here, making an impact once again. Just made me smile.

The release of Rock Chick Reborn was a surprise and a very welcome one. Shirleen had to have her day, her say, and get her own Hot Bunch man. Now the series is really complete!

#COYER Review ~ At Peace ~ Kristen Ashley

At Peace by Kristen Ashley
The 'Burg #2
Release Date: May 2, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Violet Winters once had it all but lost it when her husband was murdered by a criminal madman. During a cold winter night Violet has to leave her warm bed to tell her neighbor to turn the music down. And that's when she meets sinister, scarred, scarily attractive security specialist, Joe Callahan.

She wants to deny it, but Violet can't beat back the hunger she feels for Joe so she gives in again and again. Feeling it himself, Joe feeds Vi's hunger, breaking his own rules to keep her in his bed.

Even though Violet had only one man in her life, she's sure Joe is giving her the signals and Vi decides she's ready to take a second chance at life and, maybe, love. But Violet doesn't know the dark secrets in Joe's past, secrets so soul-wrenching, they've drained him dry. With nothing left to give, Joe's determined to live his life alone and he breaks Violet's heart.

Crushed by Joe's betrayal, Violet comes to terms with the fact that, no matter what signals he gave, Joe was not theirs to win. But Violet's husband's murderer is obsessed with her and heartbreak again haunts the door of the Winters home. When it does Joe is forced to face the knowledge that he can't fight Violet's pull, she's under his skin and filled him full to bursting.

Joe needs to win her back and put his life on the line to keep Violet safe. But, having had it all once, can Violet endure losing Joe?

After spending a little time in the world of KA's Unfinished Hero series, it was good to return to a story that gave me more of what I expect from KA. A return to The 'Burg was just what I needed.

Highlights:

• Characters
  Violet is so awesome! Not only is she a great mom to 2 teen daughters (who are equally as awesome as their mom), she's a devoted sister and friend. She's loyal, compassionate, and so resilient! I adored her outlook on life - bad things happen but you have to go on because there's just no other choice. Joe has been mostly existing for the last 17 years. He lost everything he'd ever wanted in one fell swoop and changed his goals thereafter. He never thought to hope for more. And then Vi and her girls moved in next door. As is typical with KA, she has a large secondary cast who are well-developed and engaging. Not only did I get to spend time with old friends (from For You) but I met new ones who I hope to spend more time with in the future.
• Story
  Both Vi and Joe know about loss. It broke my heart how well acquainted with it they are. Together they filled holes in each other - gave each other things they needed. Watching them fall wasn't always comfortable - I wanted to shake them both silly sometimes - but they knew they were meant to be and it was worth all they went through to get there. 
• Suspense
  The way KA incorporated the suspense element was well done. Where things came to a head might have been a little formulaic (a la KA) but I give her a pass here because she writes good suspense in her romance and doesn't really shy away from the grit.

So At Peace was that comfort read for me - what I expect from KA - and just what I needed. I'm eager to spend more time in The 'Burg and I dearly hope to get better acquainted with a few of my new friends.

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #73 ~ At Peace ~ Kristen Ashley

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is a weekly meme hosted by my blogger wife, Lexxie, @(un)Conventional Bookviews. It's a way to highlight a book using quotes that revolve around food and/or drinks. Every Thursday, post a line or two...or heck, a whole paragraph, that spoke to you in some way using food or drinks. *wink* Don't forget to link up!

My pick this week for Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is from:

At Peace by Kristen Ashley

***

"Buddy?" Joe called when we were in bed.

I was in his tee, my cheek to his chest, his heart beating in my ear and I was half asleep.

"Yeah?"

"That first time, shoulda made me a hot fudge sundae."

My head came up and I looked in the direction of his face, even though I couldn't really see him because it was dark.

"What?"

"Before I f*cuked you over the first time, you should made me a hot fudge sundae."

"Why?" I asked.

"I wouldn't have f*cked you over. I woulda taken you to Vegas."

"Vegas?"

"Married you, Vi," he said, sounding like he was close to laughing.

"What?" I breathed.

"They're that good."

"What are?"

His hand curled around the back of my head and he urged, definitely laughing now, "Stick with me here, honey. Your sundaes. They're that good."

My sundaes were good. I loved my sundaes. The hot fudge was Bea's recipe but I made it better simply by putting in a bit of cinnamon.

Still, I asked, "You wouldn't have told me you were done with me if I'd made you a sundae? Instead, you would have married me?"

"Yeah."

"Are you tryin' to piss me off when I'm half asleep?"

"Just givin' you a heads up on what'll keep me happy."

I pushed up higher. "You are tryin' to piss me off when I'm half asleep."

He curled up, his arms went around me, and suddenly I was on my back, Joe on me.

Favorites of 2017 ~ Couples

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Couples*~*

• Eva and Gideon - watching them fall for one another and learn to be strong enough in themselves to build a relationship strong enough to last was a wonder.
• Silver and Logan - I've so enjoyed watching as Logan courts Silver. They're each growing so much even while enduring so much. It's been a challenge but it's great to see them together.
• Greer, Embry, and Ash - okay, I realize it's a trio rather than a couple but still...they were a pleasure to get to know and to watch change, mature, and fall in love.
• Nora and Soren - this couple is making the list two years in a row! Their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Charles and Anna - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger 
• Will and Layken - I really enjoyed reliving all their best and worst memories along with them. These two are just meant to be together!
• Tate and Logan - their love is swoon-worthy, y'all!
• Lily and Lo - these two broke my heart and put it back together again. They're each so broken and yet still perfect together. No, they don't fix each other - their love just makes them want to be better for the other. *sigh*
• Violet and Jennings - this couple made me laugh out loud all the while rooting for them to end up together!
• Jamie and Claire - I felt so much for these two! They're amazing individuals and as a couple? I'm not sure I've ever rooted for an historical couple more.
• Tabby and Shy, Lanie and Hopper, Joker and Carissa, High and Millie, Brock and Tessa, Hawk and Gwen, Tack and Tyra, and Mara and Mitch (I know it's cheating, right?)

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

Favorites of 2017 ~ Worlds/Settings

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Worlds/Settings*~*

• Cognito - I'm finishing up the year in Cognito. I've enjoyed spending time there with Silver and all her friends. And Dannika Dark does a fine job of creating the "look and feel" of snowy, cold weather.
• Denver, Colorado - the setting for Kristen Ashley's Chaos series and Dream Man series is brought to life in the stories...and I enjoyed spending time here, so near home, all over again.
• Denton, Texas - this is where the Thieves series is set and it's perfect! Having lived in North Texas for 4 years prior to moving to Colorado, Blake nails the feel.
• Chicago, Illinois - I've spent quite a bit of time in Chicago this year - mostly fictionally but also in real life. Helena Hunting's Clipped Wings series is set here and I liked how she brought to life the area around Northwestern to life. I also spent time in Chicago with Ella Frank's Temptation series and Jennifer Dawson's Undone series.
• West Texas (Amarillo, Dumas, Ernest) - Having spent about half my life, before getting married, in West Texas, I quite enjoyed spending time there with the characters of Kari Lynn Dell's Texas Rodeo series.
• New York City - I binged on Sylvia Day's Crossfire series in November and December, and she brought to life the hustle and bustle of the city through Eva's eyes. Having visited Manhattan before, it was fun reminiscing. Lara Adrian's For 100 Days and For 100 Nights is also set in NYC. She brought an entirely different scene to life in the trilogy.
• Rome - Rome is not a location I'd ever hoped to visit...until I read J.T. Geissinger's Edge of Oblivion. Her description of the city as well as the underground city, the historical buildings and ruins, the art, the food, the mythology...yeah, Rome went on my bucket list.
• Scotland - although I like to think I'd have liked to live during the time of Highlanders - and maybe I would - Gabaldon created a Scotland the felt very realistic in it's harsh beauty...very realistic. 

Review ~ The Farthest Edge ~ Kristen Ashley #2017NewRelease

The Farthest Edge by Kristen Ashley
Honey Series #2
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER (summer)
Goodreads

Synopsis
Step into the Honey Club, where every sensual boundary will be tested in search of the ultimate pleasure...

Branch doesn't exist. Living off the grid, he's looking for a way to forget his past and the guilt that plagues him. But no woman has ever been able to bring him to the edge he craves.

After a traumatic experience of her own, Evangeline stepped away from the decadent world of the Honey Club. But when she gets Branch's offer - to play without boundaries or commitments - it's too tempting for her to refuse.

As their passion ignites, Evangeline and Branch push each other to their farthest limit, fulfilling their darkest desires while falling harder and deeper than they ever imagined.

I don't typically read the teaser for the next book in a series that are sometimes included at the end of a book. It's too much for me to handle knowing that little bit but having to wait. :/ But I couldn't help myself when I got to the end of The Deep End - I just *had* to know who starred in the next story. And to say I was thrilled and overly eager for The Farthest Edge once I knew would be a huge understatement.

When we met Branch Dillinger in The Deep End, I was instantly intrigued. He was an enigma - certainly dangerous if you got on the wrong side of him or a friend of his, but also loyal and seemingly...redeemable. He was someone you could tell, from the small page time he received, who'd endured and suffered...carried a lot of secrets and guilt...and he was someone I was dying to see his layers peeled back.

Evangeline Brooks was a character we were only told about. A Domme at the Honey, she had the unthinkable happen to her with her sub. Just knowing what happened and how that would affect her, I was eager to really get to know her but also to see how KA would pull her back from the edge.

Branch and Evangeline were made for each other. Oh, that's not to say anything was easy for them (although Branch might argue that with me) but their broken pieces were such that in helping each other put themselves back together, they also found connecting pieces which fit them together quite nicely. Learning of all Branch had been through made me ache for him. Evangeline, while living a good life minus the one incident, had a difficult time overcoming that one incident considering her position and the trust that was violated. Witnessing Branch and Evangeline work at mending themselves and each other was riveting.

I have to admit that The Farthest Edge was much easier to take than The Deep End. I don't know if it's because I was familiar with KA's version of the D/s lifestyle at this point or if it was because Evangeline was more relatable as a character. It might be a combination of both those things but whatever it was, I found The Farthest Edge to be a KA read that I was completely immersed in and finished in no time. I loved it!

There was no teaser for the next book, sadly. I have my top three desired candidates for the next installment but KA is keeping me guessing this time. I'm keen for the next story though.

Review ~ Motorcycle Man ~ Kristen Ashley #ShelfLove

Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley
Dream Man #4
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER (summer), #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Get ready to ride...

Tyra Masters has had enough drama to last a lifetime. Now, she's back on track and looking forward to her new, quiet life. Until she meets the man of her dreams. The tattooed, muscled biker plies her with tequila-and the best sex of her life. She knows it isn't the tequila and hot sex talking. He's the kind of man she's always wanted. Unfortunately, he's also her new boss...

Kane "Tack" Allen has a rule. He doesn't employ someone he's slept with. So when he learns he spent last night in bed with her new office manager, he quickly fires Tyra. Yet when Tyra stands up to him and fights for her job, Tack is intrigued. He tells her she can keep her job on one condition: no more sex. Ever. But as things heat up between them, Tack finds that he'll be the one breaking all the rules...

So y'all know I started reading KA slightly out of order...I read Chaos when I should have read Dream Man so I'd been dying for Tack and Tyra's story, not realizing it was there...I'd just missed it.And y'all, I knew their story was going to ROCK but it ROCKED harder than I could have imagined. I've determined after reading Motorcycle Man that I have two distinct types and they're polar opposites. I love a broody intellectual as well as a tattooed motorcycle man. LOL

Tack and Tyra meet at a BBQ at Chaos which Tyra was invited to being the new office manager for Ride - Chaos' custom car and bike business. Some talking and drinking with Tack ensues and those things lead to others... However, those other things don't lead to what Tyra envisioned and to be quite honest, the fact Tack ever got another shot was a miracle but I digress. Come Monday, Tyra has to start her new job with Tack as her boss and things DO NOT start off well. But Tyra has a stubborn streak, which I adore, and she's determined to stick it out while letting Tack know what she thinks of him. That stubborn streak and Tyra's mouth are things Tack finds fascinating so he does all he can to get back in there. 

All that combined with the mortification of meeting Tack's ex, meeting this kids who can be a handful, and Tyra's best friend, Lanie, getting into some trouble thanks to her fiance's dealings with the Russian mob - well, it all boiled down to the kind of KA read I adore and love. Oh, and we also got some time with the other Dream Man men and a few of the Hot Bunch, too. Awesome sauce, right?!?

Despite my initial reaction to Tack's behavior towards Tyra - okay, it took him a little bit to stop being an ass - Tack completely won me over. Which I knew he would since I already fell for him in the Chaos books but you'll love him too when he says things like:

And into the darkness, to this sleeping woman, he whispered, "You don't know this, baby, but some men have dream women too."

"I figured I'd find my way to beauty eventually. And I'd find absolution because I'd know, I earned the love of that woman, a woman who's got so much to her it'll take years to dig down and find the heart of her, that would be my reward."

See what I mean? Tyra didn't stand a chance but she did give as good as she got and that's something I adore in a heroine. So Motorcycle Man comes out on top as my favorite in the Dream Man series (sorry, Mitch) because I have two distinct types and Kane "Tack" Allen pushes all my buttons as the tattooed motorcycle man type. *wink*

Review ~ Law Man ~ Kristen Ashley #ShelfLove

Law Man by Kristen Ashley
Dream Man #3
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER (summer), #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Love is just around the corner...

Sweet, shy Mara Hanover is in love with her neighbor. For four years, she has secretly watched her dream man from afar. Handsome police detective Mitch Lawson is way out of her league. She's a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and there's no way a guy like Mitch would want anything to do with her. But when Mara has a leaky faucet that she can't fix, it's Mitch who comes to her rescue.

Mitch has been eyeing his beautiful neighbor for a long time. He jumps at the chance to help her, and soon their formerly plantonic relationship gets very hot and heavy. But when Mara gets a disturbing phone call from her cousin's kids, she gets pulled back into the life she's tried so hard to leave behind. Can the hot law man convince Mara to let go of her past- and built a future with him?

I am officially in love with Mitch Lawson and since he has to have a leading lady other than me *wink* I couldn't ask for a better on e than Mara.

There really isn't anything that didn't work for me in this Dream Man installment but here are the main things that soooo did:

• Mara - I completely identified with and related to her. I understood her rating system (she considers herself a 2.5 to Mitch's 10.5) and where it came from. I understood why her self-esteem was essentially non-existent and why she lived her life the way she did. I also really loved watching her blossom, come into her own, and realize she actually was a 10.5!
• Mitch - God! Mitch. What's not to like about this man? I'd liken him to Hank (Rock Chick Redemption) on the alpha scale as well as being a family guy. And he said this one thing that I think is one of the greatest quotes about feelings when first laying eyes on a person... "I think I fell in love with the promise of you..."  *swoon*
• Billy and Billie - you'll have to read to understand and I dare you not to fall in love with these two kids. They are ADORABLE. And I like that KA can incorporate kids in a story where they have a crucial roles.
• The secondary cast - as always, a total draw! KA never underestimates or undervalues the importance of having good people around you...family and friends. Elvira is a character I can't get enough of and so I'm sad the Dream Man series is almost at its end.
• The suspense - what can I say? KA gives good suspense...right along with good alpha *wink*

That's What HE Said #77 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #69 ~ Ride Steady ~ Kristen Ashley

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

I re-read Joker and Carissa's story in my quest for reading KA's books in the order she recommends. I loved them just as much as I did the first time. Maybe more. :)

***

"I don't know where this will lead," he stated. "You and me and your boy. I know what we got. I know I like what we got. I know I wanna keep that strong and make it stronger. Shit happens. I hope like fuck it happens to us, we'll fight through to the other side. But I know this and you gotta know it too. No matter what happens, I will never, not ever, not fuckin' ever, Carissa, regret ridin' down that shoulder to help you and your boy. It's the best decision I ever made in my life, and I know that in a way I know I'll feel that until the day I fuckin' die."

***

I love this exchange between Carissa and Joker. And it gave me a hankering for some chili, too. :)

"Do you like chili?"
"Yeah."
"Chili," I declared and started to grab cans of beans.
"You know, a list helps," he remarked.
"I have a mental list," I told him, tossing kidney beans in the cart and going back for black.
"Was chili on it?" he asked.
I looked at him. "Don't you want chili?"
"What I want is not to wander every aisle so we're here for an hour rather than bein' here for twenty minutes gettin' shit from a list."
"If I stick to a list, inspiration can't strike, like the fact I suddenly have a craving for chili," I told him.
He shook his head, grinning and muttering, "Whatever."
He wasn't annoyed.
He was easy.
So I turned back and grabbed black beans. Then I got some chili beans. I finished up with pinto.
Four-bean chili. The best.

#OctobeRecFest Review #4 ~ Knight ~ Kristen Ashley #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Knight by Kristen Ashley
Unfinished Heroes #1
Release Date: April 7, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Recommended by: Jessica @Rabid Reads
Goodreads

Synopsis
Anya Gage has learned that to get anything good in life, you have to work for it. She has no expectations, no dreams.

Then she finds herself at a party where she doesn't want to be and she meets Knight.

Knight Sebring knows who he is, what he wants and what he likes. And he gets it. But he never expected something as sweet as Anya Gage to wander into his bedroom during a party he did not expect to be having to borrow his phone.

Knight tries to leave Anya to the life she deserves of white picket fences and a man who watches football on Sundays - good, normal and clean. But when Anya comes to his nightclub and finds herself in a situation, he knows someone has to look after her, he can't fight it anymore and he decides that man will be him.

Knight teaches Anya that, just as with the bad, in life you should also expect the good. And he teaches her this by giving it to her.

But Knight has a dark past and just as he desires Anya for exactly who she is, he fears when she finds out exactly the man he has become and always intends to be, she'll leave him for good, normal and clean.

WARNING: This book is an ADULT EROTIC romance featuring an anti-hero. This novel contains explicit sex scenes and language. The hero in this novel lives a life by his own code with no apologies. He is not your "normal" hero. If you do not enjoy the above, this novel may not be for you.

Note - I know I'm supposed to be catching up on series I'm behind in but while this book is technically the first book in a series, I'm making my way through KA's recommended reading order for her books and this one was next on the list. =) Now on to the review...

KA, even when she takes a slightly different tack with her storytelling, still manages to deliver a story in her signature style. 

Knight, the first in her Unfinished Hero series, was that something a little different. Oh, Anya is her typical heroine...strong, resilient, smart, and sassy. I adored her. But Knight. Knight was an anti-hero. He was a good man who engaged in some maybe not so good things. His intentions and his heart - those were his redeeming qualities. He'd lived a portion of his life in an unsavory situation before it was made better. Anya lived a wonderful life until things went bad. Knight wanted to give her the gold - give her all he could to make her life wonderful again.

KA not only delivered a mighty fine romance. She also delivered a supporting cast that was fun to get to know. Anya had some great friends at her back - an defining element for KA. There was also some tension and a little suspense. And, of course, KA delivered all the feels. My emotions were all over the place. And Knight and Anya together were magic. So while this was a slightly different kind of KA, I still very much enjoyed it.

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #66 ~ Fire Inside ~ Kristen Ashley

This scene is from Fire Inside, which I re-read for #COYER over the summer. There are lots of food quotes from this book because Lanie is a heck of a Southern cook. (so you'll probably see more) But this scene was Hop taking care of his lady and it struck me in the heart just like it did her. 

***

"Pastrami," he muttered. "Provolone. Had them grill it and hold the mustard. Nothin' should mar that blouse, lady." He dipped his head to my blouse, his lips curved up in appreciation. "There's packets in the bag if you wanna go wild."
I reached for the bag thinking, yes, he was getting to me.
I mean, everyone knew you had mustard on pastrami but very few would think to hold it in case you were willing to make the sacrifice because you were wearing a nice blouse.
Thoughtful.
Sweet.

Review ~ Wild Man ~ Kristen Ashley #COYER #ShelfLove

Wild Man by Kristen Ashley
Dream Man #2
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
She's about to walk on the wild side...

While filling the display case in her bakery, the bell over the door sounds and Tessa O'Hara looks up to see the man of her dreams. Within thirty seconds he asks her out for a beer. But after four months of dating, she discovers he's an undercover DEA agent - and he's investigating her possible role in her ex-husband's drug business. For Tess, this means their relationship is over.

Brock disagrees. He's committed to his anti-drug mission, but he's fallen in love with the beautiful woman who's as sweet as her cupcakes - and he'll do anything to win her back. Standing between Tess and Brock are their own exes, one of them a drug lord who's determined to get what he wants. Now as danger threatens, can Brock break the rules he's lived by and let loose his wild side to protect the woman he loves?

Wild Man was an unusual KA read for me. She delivered on all I'm used to - a riveting story, great MCs and supporting cast, action, suspense, grit and emotion. But it was a heavy read for some reason. There's a difficult topic for starters. Brock, although I met him in Mystery Man, still took awhile to grow on me. And there was something about Tess...at the start of the story something happens and when Brock shows up, finally, to talk it out, Tess immediately forgives him and it's never brought up again. Now, this is completely in character for Tess. She's a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda girl. No drama. And maybe that was my issue, but I missed the playful and/or snarky banter. It was...well, she was just an unusual heroine for KA, in my opinion.

I did, however, love her anyway. And once I warmed up to Brock, I fell for him as well. Their romance is a challenge thanks to the ugliness of their pasts not to mention meddling exes. And Brock's ex is a piece of work...a nasty one!

KA included a couple of kiddos. Brock's boys not only added depth, they also added a lot of fun. I appreciated that being incorporated along with the already stellar secondary cast.

There was so much going on in Wild Man so there wasn't a dull moment. I think I finished it just a few days. I still loved it but there was just a little something missing that kept this from being the typical spectacular 5-Bookworm KA experience.

New Release Review ~ The Deep End ~ Kristen Ashley (@KristenAshley69) #2017NewRelease

The Deep End by Kristen Ashley
Honey Series #1
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Erotic Romance, BDSM
Source: Purchased on Kindle (pre-ordered in 2016)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.

Olivier isn't sure what he's gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.

When Amelie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier's past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Y'all are well aware of my love and adoration for KA. I'm always singing her praises - and I'm about to again. Y'all also know I never hesitate in recommending a KA book. But with The Deep End I have to warn y'all - it deals with the BDSM lifestyle and won't be for everyone. It was, however, for me. :)

I was at a KA signing when she announced she was working on something new - going in a different direction for her. She was excited yet nervous. This new direction being erotica. But this is KA so I held my nerves in check. I didn't know she'd be going in this direction - that being BDSM - but I was confident with KA taking me there. I don't claim to understand BDSM or those who live the lifestyle. I also can't deny being fascinated. I think this is mostly due to the fact that I think people involved in this lifestyle have this whole other level of trust in their relationships. But I digress...

The Deep End is a story revolving around Amelie and Olivier and the rocky road hey travel down in trying to have a relationship that satisfies them both on all levels. But since this is also the first story in a new series, it also introduces many of the players that will inhabit this series as well as a new setting: Phoenix. Quickly, I want to say I already adore and/or am captivated by many of the secondary characters and am more than eager for the next installment.

On to Amelie and Olivier... Amelie is a Domme. Yep. She's confident, intelligent, caring, and in charge. But that doesn't mean she wants a sub who rolls over and bares his tummy in submission. Oh no. She craves a challenge. Unfortunately, men like that are rare. 

Enter Olivier. Olly is all alpha and KA gives good alpha. But in the sexual arena, he craves a woman who will take control. In Amelie, he gets exactly that. But these two have some hurdles to make it over. Amelie longs for the whole package - not just a club relationship but one outside as well with marriage and children. She's been burned in the past though so she's unsure of where she and Olly are heading. Olly is alpha, as I said, so he has some issues outside the playroom/bedroom with his woman already having "more" than he could ever provide monetarily. He's also a member of Honey under dubious circumstances and that secret could break what he's trying to build.

As this is KA, there's also a strand of suspense and it was really well done. But for the most part, this is one HOT erotic romance where Amelie and Olivier enjoy their kink.

I have to admit that it took me some time getting into Amelie and Olivier's story. I thought on that and decided this was because it's not familiar. These aren't characters or a locale I'm familiar with. And then there's the BDSM. But KA took me by the hand and led me there. By 40% I was hooked! I was loathe to put it down, flipping through pages quickly needing to know what came next. And so, I'm a believer. Yes, this was a different KA but it's still KA. And I put my trust in her knowing she'd deliver the goods. She did as she always does. Bring on book #2!

Review ~ Mystery Man ~ Kristen Ashley #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove

Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley
Dream Man #1
Release Date: July 11, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Night time is the right time...

Gwendolyn Kidd has met the man of her dreams. He's hot, he's sexy, and what started as a no-names-exchanged night of passion has blossomed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Sure, it's a little strange that he only appears in her bed at night, but Gwen is so sure he's the one, she just can't turn him away...

Hawk Delgado knows more about Gwen than she could ever imagine. She's gorgeous, headstrong, and skittish about relationships. But Hawk is facing his own demons, demons that keep him from connecting with anyone. Yet when Gwen is drawn into Denver's lethal underground scene, Hawk's protective nature comes out full force. The problem is, when Gwen gets a dose of Hawk's Alpha attitude in the daylight, she's not so sure he's the one anymore...

After a foray into something a little new from KA (review posting soon) it was nice to return to comfort food KA-style. Mystery Man is the first in the Dream Man series but it's set in the Rock Chick world (meaning Denver) and since I previously read a few of the Chaos books (out of order) I'd met a few of these characters. Getting to know their world though and more about them was a treat! Kinda like coffee (or wine) and chocolate...or chocolate chip cookie dough since that's more Gwen's style. ;) Here are a few of the reasons I enjoyed the indulgence:

• Gwen. She's a great gal! She's sassy, feisty, fun. She's loyal to her friends and family - still claiming her sister despite her sister being hell on wheels. She's smart and she's tough. But having been hurt in the past she - rightfully so - has some issues with commitment. Gwen's also funny and she lives in her head a lot which I could identify with.
• Hawk. Have I mentioned KA gives good Alpha? ;) Yeah. Hawk is mysterious, enigmatic, and too dang hot for his own good. He keeps women at arm's length - for good reason - but when Gwen gives him lip for the first time, it's all over for him. Yes, he's a bit domineering but he's... well, he's Hawk.
• A brilliant secondary cast. From Gwen's family and besties to Hawk's team of commandos and everyone in between, I delighted in meeting more people who I'll enjoy spending my time with. A few I'd met previously because of the reading out of order thing and getting to see Tack pre-Chaos series was awesome! I'm eager to spend more time in this world.
• A mysterious baddie and lots of suspense. KA typically weaves in a fair amount of suspense in her stories and Gwen and Hawk's story was all the more exciting because of it. It didn't hurt that a few of the Hot Bunch boys (Rock Chick) were needed and therefore made cameos. ;)
• Female solidarity. This is almost always a main theme in KA stories and it's one I relate to and one I appreciate.
• An HEA.

KA rocked it with Mystery Man and Wild Man (#2) is already in my queue.

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #61 ~ Mystery Man ~ Kristen Ashley

This scene is kinda long but it's just too dang funny not to share!

***

Elvira was in the kitchen creating what she declared were "boards" except she was creating them on Hawk's big, square, midnight blue plates. She was doing this because she came into the warehouse laden with bags from Crate and Barrel and Fresh and Wild, places, she informed me, she took off work early so she could pay a visit. These bags contained brand-new martini glasses (a set of four, long stemmed, ultra sleek), a martini shaker, a mammoth wedge of brie, a French baton, grapes, applies, assorted olives, gherkins, red onion marmalade, assorted crackers, assorted chocolates and an enormous chunk of pate.
Oh, and she brought the ingredients for cosmopolitans.
She had me at the martini glasses. The rest of it made me declare my undying love for her and I told her she'd officially been accepted into my girl posse.

...

"Well, I see good things but I always saw good things," Tracy declared, hitching her ass up on a stool and learning forward to grab an olive off Elvira's board.
The bread knife Elvira was using clattered to the counter and Tracy bought her hand a quick, sharp slap.
"I'm not done," Elvira declared when Tracy snatched her hand back and held it with her other one, staring at Elvira in shock. "It's about presentation. Don't mess with my presentation."

...

"Hurry, Elvira, if you don't, I'm breaking out the cookie dough," I told her.
"Cookie dough is for heartbreak and sister trouble, why would you break out the cookie dough?" Tracy asked.
"Cookie dough has many functions. It isn't just for heartbreak and sister trouble. It's also for when you're freaking out about your love life," I replied.
"I'll tell you this," Elvira announced, fanning out little slices of French baton on the plate next to fanned-out little slices of apple all surrounding a gleaming, clean bunch of succulent grapes in the middle, "Hawk put me on radar, watched my every move for a year and a half and activated the troops when I caught trouble, there'd be no cookie dough in sight. I'd be on my knees next to the bed prayin' to the good Lord, thankin' him 'cause he heard my words. Then I'd put on my little teddy, the purple one, looks good against my skin, and I'd get in bed and count down the minutes until he got home."

Review ~ Bounty ~ Kristen Ashley #COYER #ShelfLove

Bounty by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain Series #7
Release Date: April 18, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Gifted paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Justice Lonesome has enjoyed a life of bounty.

Even so, she's inherited the curse of the Lonesome. A poet's soul. Which means she's still searching for something. Searching for peace. Searching for the less...that's more.

And when the foundation of her life is pulled out from under her, grieving, she goes to the mountains to find her oasis. She hits Carnal, Colorado and decides to stay.

Deke Hightower lost everything at the age of two. He lost it again at fifteen. His life has not been about bounty. It's been about learning to live with less, because there's no way to get more.

Deke's also watched all his friends go down to the women wh ogave them what they needed. He wants that for himself. But he knows that search isn't going to be easy because he's a rider. His home is the road. That's the only place he can breathe. And the woman who takes her place at his side has to do it sitting on the back of his bike.

When Deke meets Justice, he knows she's not that woman. She's cute. She's sweet. And she's into him, but she's got it all and Deke knows he won't fit into that. So he holds her at arm's length. Establishes boundaries. And Justice will take it because she wants Deke any way he'll let her have him.

But when Justice finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game, Deke makes a decision.

When he does, he has no idea he's just opened himself up to bounty.

As per usual with anything from KA, I have myriad reasons to love it. Here are a few of the myriad as pertains to Bounty.

• Deke had certain preconceived notions of what people with money were like and he had solid reasons for these notions but I love how KA gave him Justice and therefore reason to change those preconceived notions...to realize not all people fit under one definition. And then gave him the bounty for being willing to change.
• I loved that despite the fact Justice had everything and the money to buy what she didn't, she was always looking for the less that was more. That's what she needed - less - and with Deke that's what she found... a less that was so much more.
• Justice and Deke were truly made for one another. They fit, even if Deke took a little convincing, and i was so completely natural. They were just together, even before they were, and it was easy.
• KA always but always makes the most important things in life important for her characters: family and friends. With family, it's not always smooth sailing, there are bumps in the road and both Justice and Deke had and were experiencing those bumps. But they both understood loss and that family - even when you might wish they weren't your family - comes first. As for friends - with KA, female solidarity is always a focal point and in Bounty, we got that when the women of Carnal, Gnaw Bone, and Chantalle, rallied around Justice - became her posse and enfolded her into the tribe. And Justice made that easy. But I think the even stronger expression of friendship came with the camaraderie among the mountain men. We've seen them all have each others' backs but this time there was a little something stronger in the dynamics which illustrated just how tight these guys are.
• Bounty - as a title punches you with what this story is all about. KA typically shares life lessons as a thread in her stories - at least it's one thing I always get out of one of her stories - and Bounty was no different...except it was. I loved that in changing Deke's perceptions, Justice's were altered and it all equaled a shift in perspective. At least in mine...how they looked at life - how I look at life - what it means to be happy. What do we really need to achieve it?

"Best anyone can hope for. Either the contentment of knowin' they're right where they need to be, doin' what they should be doin' among the fold they should be with or takin' a path that, least it could be is interesting, best it's a god-damned kick in the ass." -Deke

"I was grateful for thermostats and a new deck and creamy foam in my walls. I was grateful for Jim-Billy. I was grateful for fate setting my feet on that sidewalk so I could be there for a woman I barely knew, but she was a woman that needed me. I was just grateful that the life I'd been born into already giving me so much, continued to offer me bounty." -Justice

"That's it, Deke. I'm a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it's almost embarrassing how much God likes me. But He must really like me because I have all I have and He also gave me you." -Justice 

• KA wove in some suspense as well and she gives good suspense. I actually feared she was going to take us somewhere I didn't want to go. I shouldn't have feared but I did.

All these things combined for a deep, powerful, and compelling story with all the complexities in the characters that draw me to KA. Y'all know I love her and she's not let me down yet. Hopefully, if I talk about her enough, y'all will eventually cave - if only to see what all my gushing is about!