Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Aspen Cove #23

One Hundred Desires

Rate this book
She’s all work.
He’s all play.
Can they meet in the middle for love?

Vivian Armstrong has taken control of Vortex, her family's security business, and she’s determined to prove her worth. She may be the youngest of seven and the only woman bodyguard on the team, but she’s every bit as tough as her older brothers. On a trip to Aspen Cove, she finds herself working for famous bass player Red Blakely, the personification of everything she detests in a man: arrogant, entitled, and too handsome for his own good. How can she protect him when all she wants to do is kill him?

Red is used to getting what he wants when he wants it. He likes his women here tonight and gone by morning. But when a fan becomes a fanatic, he finds himself in need of Vivian’s assistance. Forced to stay together, they discover an attraction they never expected, but can love really blossom between a workaholic and a playboy?

Welcome to Aspen Cove, the tiny Colorado town where fire and gasoline combine to create red-hot love…

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

143 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Collins

168 books1,091 followers
Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links

COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins





Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
270 (65%)
4 stars
90 (21%)
3 stars
40 (9%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
6 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2023
Light hearted romance. No 23 in the series. Finally get a little insight into bad boy Red. The musician who loves them and is happy to say goodbye the next morning. Red has settled in Aspen Cove but the female fans can sometimes be OTT and a crush can turn into a dangerous stalker. Red doesn’t know he needs Viv, a small but powerful security guard trying to prove to her family, and her brother Val in particular, she is just as capable as her four brothers. We find out a little of the reason Red feels unlovable when it is revealed that the person who should have loved him more than any other woman in his world abandoned him as a young boy.

Can Viv tame Red and show him he is lovable and worthy of being loved, plus take down the stalker at the same time. You’ll have to visit Aspen Cove again to find out.

This is the second last in the Aspen Cove series with some much loved characters such as Doc, Maisie and Katie making an appearance but all books are also stand alone stories.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,112 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2023
I just can't believe we are up to book 23 in this wonderful series that I loved to read about so often, it's like visiting family. Warm and safe but always a bit of drama to make it all a bit more exciting. I have been looking forward to Red's story but I must say I was a little disappointed. Please do not get me wrong I enjoyed this book but it was just missing something for me. It seemed too easy for Red to change his bad boy reputation so fast and I would have liked to see more feisty little pocket rocket Viv go up against him a bit more.
As always it's great to revisit with some old charters while reading the next instalment of Aspen Cove.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
June 17, 2023
Since the time we first met “Indigo’s” band, I have been anxiously awaiting finding out what kind of woman would bring the inveterate playboy, Red, to his knees. The lone Armstrong sister was not who I was expecting to be the answer, but I can easily see how it would take someone with her unique abilities and outlook to find the real man hidden underneath the rockstar player mask. But her defenses are high and well maintained, so it was going to take something equally powerful to get her invested in what could be between them. I loved these two together, but it kind of killed me to see the Val I loved so much previously, turn into an overbearing jerk when it came to his sister. Aspen Cove has become such a treasured part of my life, it’s going to break my heart when we have to say a final goodbye to it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
2,299 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2023
Bad boy man wh*** Red finally meets his match, Vivian, who happens to be the CEO of a bodyguard company and the younger sister of Val. Their first meet, Viv, outs Red in his place and the next is when he asks Val for help with a stalker. Viv takes the case against her brother’s wishes and finds there is more to Red than the persona he shows everyone. When the stalker gets bolder, it will take Viv to put all her expertise to use to keep Red safe and hopefully in her life.
A good read with a bit of suspense and good characters. Red does somewhat redeem himself, he’s more than the man wh***** he actually is and Viv had back bone to put him in his place. I would have liked more depth to Red, more on his back story, more heart to hearts with Viv as we only got the surface of his issues.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Lady M..
1,386 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2023
I keep saying that the Aspen Cove series is one of my favorites. So many books, so many characters and I never get tired of it. You couldn't possibly revisit with every character in every book, but no book is complete without a stop at B's Bakery or Doc's advice. I didn't expect Red to get his own book, because I wasn't sure he could be redeemed. Somehow he was, and it felt right. It might have made it a little more interesting (and a longer story) if we would have seen him open up a little more with Viv in some more detailed scenes, but I still enjoyed how she brought out the best in him. Even though they got off on the wrong foot, I'm glad it wasn't a full on enemies to lovers situation.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,216 reviews18 followers
June 5, 2023
Little packages sometimes have a big bang, just like Vivian! She was surprised when her older brother retired from their security agency and made her CEO. I can just imagine how much she fell in love with said brother’s baby. That was her main reason going to Aspen Cove and talking to her brother about the company. It was so ironic when Red needed a bodyguard when he had a fan that would not leave him alone. You will laugh when you find the circumstances of Vivian became Red’s bodyguard. Of course Red’s reputation of going through women hadn’t helped him with the people of Aspen Code thinking much of him. I loved watching the two really get to know each other and become friends while Vivian was keeping him safe. There was some excitement that had me wondering what would happen. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
79 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
This story of Viv and Red is suspenseful and a page turner. I loved the character Viv because she is so outspoken and doesn't let anyone judge her for her height. Red really grew as a person in this book. They are an unlikely match.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,654 reviews17 followers
June 20, 2023
Red was quite the player and heartbreaker In previous books in this series. But there’s something about a reformed bad boy. Vivi has had to be tough working as a bodyguard and she doesn’t put up with Red’s flirting ways. Only she takes him seriously about his crazy fans, who provide some suspense to the story especially when Red and Vivi get a little too comfortable. I loved that they rescued a dog and the location tag Red put on him is genius. It was great catching up with the wonderful members of this town who look out for each other.
Profile Image for Habit_of_book_reading.
248 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2023
Excellent book

As we all know Red contributed to two books and as we all waited he also caught the love fever in Aspen Cove. He is the only one character to not get the love fever after living in Aspen Cove for so long and I am so happy he caught it in this book. This book has thrown some shades into his past as well which to my liking should have been done more but overall a beautiful book and 4.7 on 5 stars
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
June 5, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised that Red Blakely finally redeemed himself! Yes, this 23rd book in the Aspen Cove Romance series was another wonderful addition to these amazing stories about this small town, with such unique, lovable characters. Viv felt she had to prove herself to her family and taking on Red as a client seemed a good way to accomplish this. When Red needed a bodyguard due to a stalker problem, Viv convinces him that she is the perfect person for the job (much to her brother Val’s chagrin and continued objections!). The story is absolutely entertaining and certainly well worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katy Battisti.
591 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2023
This is the 23 book on the Aspen Cove series. This is Red’s story, I was looking forward to this book for awhile. I had a hard time getting into this in the beginning. It had a good storyline, that was interesting but kind of unusual. I liked that they were revisited by past characters, is always a nice benefit! This was a good read!
451 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2023
As always Kelly has given us a story to warm your heart.

I so love all the Aspen Cove series, and this book is one of the best!
With his ex and her brother being together and a baby to visit, then a fan getting a little to close for comfort....
Their adventure begins!
Happy Reading :-)
Profile Image for Nati.
2,963 reviews16 followers
June 17, 2023
Red and Viv’s story is full of tender moment, tough feelings, lots of communication and a low boiling. They too different. He is a player. She is her bodyguard. But they are more than that. And together they will their way to each other hearts.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,074 reviews19 followers
June 7, 2023
This is another great read that’s set in Aspen Cove .
Red is having trouble with a starker and he hires viv
for security .
This is where the book takes off as we watch the relationship between
involve into more that just security.
I found this book was near impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,584 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2023
one Hundred Desires

A wonderful story about Red, finally realizing his one night stands, aren’t helping him with finding his forever woman. He finally found someone who makes him think about more! This story has all the feel, laughs, and big brother protectiveness. Beautiful story. ❤️
208 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
Loved it

So glad Red found his true love. I knew he couldn't be as bad as everyone thought. This is a sweet story, that shows love will find a way to even the toughest heart. Kelly Collins never fails to grab your attention.
2,340 reviews31 followers
June 16, 2023
I liked

I really liked Vivian, she sounds like a feisty cute little thing that's tough as nails. Red was just an okay guy. The story moved along briskly not insta but almost.
2,428 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story. It was really interesting to get to know Red better and see his transformation. Viv is just the one to help him.
Profile Image for Juli Hall.
1,319 reviews43 followers
June 15, 2023
Love the Aspen Cove books, I’ve read them all.
One Hundred Desires is a quick read, I read it in about a day.
Viv is a strong heroine which I love, she’s the protector in this book.
She’s feisty too and loves to put Red in his place.
Red is a playboy or he portray one really well. He wants a serious relationship but I think he thinks he doesn’t deserve one but everyone does.
They are definitely opposites attract and it works for them.
The only downside of this book was I thought it was rushed and could have been longer.
312 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2023
Red has a bad reputation that was earned. Viv is a CEO who runs a bodyguard company with her family. When Red is stalked by a fan that won’t take no for answer. He hires Viv. The sparks fly and they find an attraction that is hard to ignore. Truly enjoy the Aspen Cove series. I was gifted this book as an arc. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,946 reviews990 followers
July 22, 2023
I could not stop reading this adorable romance set in picturesque town of Aspen Cove. Kelly writes from the heart and that resonates with the readers on a visceral level. You get to adopt these characters as your own and share their smiles and tears.
Add to it the funny banter between these almost Enemies-to-lovers, Reverse grumpy sunshine tale of simple love at first glance,I'm flooooored.
Red Blakely stands in the cafe line behind a girl buying brownies and just her soft voice intrigues him purple. A virtual cherub with a harp would've appeared at this point, if they were real.
Kelly shoots the cupids arrow straight to his heart and he is now invested.
Turns out he does have a connection with her.
His ex fiancé is married to her brother.
Awwwwwkwaaaardd!!!!!
But he needs protection and she's Vivian Armstrong of Vortex security taking him as her client.
Things get pretty steamy as chemistry sets the circuits functioning overtime.
A puppy adds to their love and we get a ringside seat to this should we/shouldn't we circus.
But their kindred souls just align like yin and yang immediately

"Their battles were different, but battles that shaped them, nonetheless. He battled inner demons and feelings of worthlessness. She battled society’s unspoken rules and her family. "

It's hilarious with some top notch smartass banter I've ever read.
And it melts your heart in a puddle of mushy love goo
What more could you ask for?
4.5 stars for small grenades and big sizzles
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,835 reviews50 followers
June 20, 2023
Viv and Red definitely don’t hit it off when they first meet. Not only did he knock her down, he basically called her invisible. Not exactly a way to impress someone or at least have them see you in a good light. Of course his comment strikes a nerve too given that her petite stature has often led to to her being overlooked or underestimated, even by her family. She has always felt the need to prove herself to others, but she won’t even look at a guy twice or consider dating him if he starts in about her size and her being in need of assistance. Little did she know that Fate would bring her and Red together in a most unexpected way.

Red is used to being fawned over and sought after by the ladies due his fame. He has a much deserved reputation as a player, though much of it is because he has always pushed anyone away if things turn serious. He actually doesn’t think he is deserving of love or capable of giving it as he ends up making a mess of any relationship. The fact that he felt a spark of something different, a connection to the petite firecracker he accidentally knocked down has him wondering what is going on. He dismisses it since he is unlikely to see her again as she is just visiting someone in Aspen Cove. He is not sure what to do when Fate brings her back into his life as his bodyguard.

I loved the push pull aspect of Red and Viv’s relationship. He often acts like an entitled jerk, is very flirty and enjoys riling Viv up. Red likes her fire though and the way she schools him and shows him that she is more than capable of doing her job. The sparks between them eventually start a blaze and desire for something more between them. Both will have to let go of their doubts, be willing to compromise and really work on their relationship before they can make it work. Are they ready for commitment or is their relationship going to and in heartache?

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,088 reviews21 followers
June 4, 2023
I have been reading the Aspen Cove books since the beginning and I must say that I love this quaint fictional mountain town. This story unfolds to Viv Armstrong coming to Aspen Cove to meet her brand new niece. Her older brother Val was featured in One Hundred Dreams and he and his wife Cameron have made a life for their family in Aspen Cove. Viv cannot even begin to fathom how anyone can live is this small quaint area that doesn't even have a Starbucks! Stopping at the local bakery she is literally run into by Red Blakely. Red has been living in town for awhile because his band Indigo is based out of Aspen Cove. Red is a player. His reputation is known far and wide for all of his conquests. He makes no bones about it and doesn't plan to change his ways even though he has an empty feeling about his life. When Red had a stalker problem he turns to his ex-fiancee's husband Val for assistance. Viv ends up taking the job of assisting Red and in doing so they both begin a reflective journey about their lives and what they want in the future. I loved Viv. She is smart, funny, self motivated and everything a fictional heroine should be. Red...well he's pretty much the same character that he has been since he was first introduced in One Hundred Wishes, a loveable cad! Can these two beat the odds and and have a future together? Read One Hundred Desires and find out! It was told from dual POV and was sweet, low angst and a slow burn with minimal heat.
Profile Image for Kerry Kennedy.
Author 16 books197 followers
February 8, 2024
I love Kelly Collins cozy romance books and have read nearly all of the Aspen Cove series and have to say this is one of my favorites. With Red, the famous singer having to hide back at home in Aspen Cove being stalked by a fan. He finds himself in need of a body guard and V is the only one around that can guard him as head of Vortex security in the Cove.
This is an enemies to lovers, close proximity, small town romance. It's around 3.5 on the spice rating and I love how the spice does not over ride the plot.
It's full of wit and humor and a lot of laughs as we read how these try to navigate their feelings for each other when they find themselves attracted to each other.
Kelly Collins knows how to write a quick romance that leaves you feeling so content and like you have been to Aspen Cove. If there were a place I'd consider moving to it would definitely be here with all the gang. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves small town, bodyguard, enemies to lovers romance.
At just 210 pages it is a quick read and Collin's style flows so easily that you don't even realize how much you've read until you get to the end.
It's a beautiful story of how two people have to learn to let their guards down and to love, and to take care of the other. It's about letting yourself believe you are worth being loved.
Kerry Kennedy Author
3,562 reviews40 followers
January 19, 2025
With this audiobook, we are back in Aspen Cover where individuals come for a short term visit, and end up not only falling in love with the town, but also finding their soulmates.
In this case, it’s Vivian Armstrong whose life will be changed forever.
Vivian is the youngest of seven siblings as well as the only woman on the bodyguard security team. Always having the need to prove herself, she’s determined to show them she has what it takes to do the job.
Her assignment is to protect the infamous Red Blakely. He’s the kind of guy she would likely avoid if she had a choice. Arrogant and he is good looking and charming.
But when a fan goes off the deep end and puts Red in danger, it’s Vivian who will be coming to the rescue . The seclusion they take to keep Red safe, will test also their developing feelings. But can these two not only overcome the danger, but also their differences?
As always, it’s a joy to “see” how characters from previous stories are doing, as the author brings them into the storyline on occasion.
This was another great addition to the series.
Even though I had purchased and read the book, the audiobook brought the story to life . Making it even more enjoyable.
Logan McAllister did a very good narration.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,306 reviews1,779 followers
June 25, 2023
Favorite Quotes:

All in black, you look like a cat burglar on a coffee break.

There’s more to life than one-night stands and an unlimited supply of penicillin from Doc,

The last real action she’d seen between the sheets was when she was on assignment in Australia and woke to find a snake in her bed.

“Why do they call coffee Joe?” Maisey set the pot on the table and touched her chin. “I have no idea. Since it’s a man’s name, I imagine he had to be bold and bitter.”

I’m not looking for a wedding just yet. Besides, my mom was not in the ‘why should he buy the cow if he gets the milk free’ camp. She always told me to try it before you buy it and make sure your bull is hung the way you like. Doesn’t matter how many cows he can milk if he doesn’t satisfy you.

My Review:

Yet another entertaining and engaging tale from Aspen Cove, I adore this series. I will never tire of these witty and quirky small-town residents. The storylines are always easy to follow, packed with humor, snarky banter, observant insights, and picturesque descriptions that have me wanting to hop on a plane and visit. Ms. Collins’s tales are so well depicted and familiar, I feel I know these people and could recognize them on the street without a formal introduction.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,418 reviews274 followers
June 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this spin on my favorite protector for hire storyline. In this book it is the woman who is the bodyguard and the man who needs saving. This was such a fun, fast read for me and I loved getting to know these characters. Vivian may be small, but don't you dare underestimate her ability to get the job done. Red may be a famous musician that has a reputation as a lady's man but that doesn't mean that he isn't ready for something more. When Vivian comes to the small town to visit her brother she isn't expecting to get hired on as a full time bodyguard but she takes her family's security company seriously and knows that she is the right one for the job. Red doesn't think that he needs all the bells and whistles of a big security system, but that is put to the test when a crazed fan decides not to take no for an answer. Sparks fly between the two of them and even though Viv tries to keep things professional she can't stop the feelings that start to form. With some drama, suspense and a few twists this book will have you hooked and dying to know how things will work out. A must read for sure!
By Alisa
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,913 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2023
Viv and red

At the beginning I thought Jackson would be the love interest but 30 seconds later Red is a angry meet.This author would not make viv thickel and have to choose good guy or bad boy can't pick so thankfully it never went in that direction.I was worried he would mess up or look like he was about to cheat (like a girl jump him and kiss him as Viv walks around the corner to see) but again this author is about Romance and good drama wants you to enjoy the read.

I love Aspen Cove I hope new in town Jackson is not the last book that is next.

Viv is new in town visting her brother Val who just had a baby,when she picks up ex army jackson and his dog who has broken down on the road, they build a easy friendship on the road but nothing more(his book conning next) she finds herself taking a bodyguard job for the local singer plainly red when he had a creepy fan Sarah jumping backed in his bed.

All women hates players but this was beautiful written Red has very sad demons in his heart and you can't help but like the guy and feel sorry for him.Will Viv make him shine and heal them scars?
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 16, 2023
Vivian is the youngest in her family of seven, but despite that, she's every bit as tough as her brothers are, and yet, she still has to prove herself more in the family security business than she should have to do in my opinion. Anyway, she's filled with all kinds of girl power as she's the only female bodyguard on the team, and that's what leads her to Aspen Cove where she ends up hired to protect Red Blakely, a famous bass player. There's nothing about him that impresses her since he's an arrogant playboy, and yet, they do have the sparks flying as they're forced to spend time together to keep him safe from a crazy fan. I loved how she's the stronger one in this scenario, and anyone who is foolish enough to take her on, deserves whatever they get LOL! So we have the arrogant playboy & the workaholic who are actually perfect for each other but will they ever figure that out for themselves at the end of the day?! One Hundred Desires was an entertaining story that was easy to read quickly, and again, who doesn't love some girl power?! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
June 16, 2023
A quick visit to Aspen Cove turns a family visit into an inconvenient bodyguard assignment for Vivian Armstrong. She may have had the appearance of a pixie, but she packs a powerful punch and knows how to use her strength to her advantage. Red never saw her coming, but when a crazy woman tries to invade his life, Vivian is the only answer to his problems. The novel is fast-paced and the romance between Viv and Red builds slowly, especially as their lifestyles are so very different. Underneath the bad boy facade, Viv discovers that Red is full of surprises and a really likable persona emerges. Viv's protective brother tries to step between the couple, but she has come to a place in her life where she has to stand up for herself and no longer allow her brothers to steamroll her. Their story could have come to a very bad ending, but a Lucky decision cements the couple's relationship, bringing this standalone romance to a very happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.