Abel

5th Street #4

by Elizabeth Reyes

Coming off the worst divorce in the history of marriages, Nellie Gamboa’s looking to let loose and make up for years of neglect. When months of building sexual tension between her and the young hot boxing stud, Abel Ayala, finally peak, she makes him an offer no man would refuse.

No promises. No demands. Just pure unrestrained passion.

Abel’s training for the biggest fight of his career. He has no time for a social life, much less a relationship. So this arrangement couldn't be more perfect. A beautiful woman asking him to help her alleviate her neglected desires—no strings attached. What more can he ask for?

As the lines between lust and something much deeper, begin to blur, Abel finds himself in an even bigger fight.

The fight to regain control of his now demanding heart.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fighters, Sports Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2013

About the author

Elizabeth Reyes is a USA Today Best Selling Author of The Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, Fate, Looking Glass, De Luca Boys series' and two stand alone novels Desert Heat, & Defining Love.

Join the fun and become a royal member of TeamReyes and enjoy the perks of early announcements,cover reveals teasers, including exclusive teasers shared only the group. Along with exclusive team,giveaways,discussions, trivia, Secret Santa and much much more!

Note to readers, I don't do dark, tragic or kill off main characters no matter what it might seem like. Just keep reading and trust me you'll ALWAYS get an HEA from me!

Moreno Brothers:

Forever Mine - New Adult / Mature YA

Sweet Sofie - New Adult/ Mature YA

Forever Yours - New Adult (Angel and Sarah's follow up (college story!)

When You Were Mine - (A prequel novella to Always Been Mine)- New Adult

Always Been Mine - Adult contemporary

Romero - New Adult- Adult contemporary

Making You Mine - New Adult
(with bonus Angel and Sarah short "Only 8 days") *Tearjerker

Tangled - (A Moreno Brothers holiday novella) Featuring Romero and Izzy

Tall, Dark & Obnoxious - Adult Romantic Comedy- short featuring Izzy's uptight sister and Romero's obnoxious uncle.


5th Street:

Noah - Adult Contemporary

Gio - New Adult

Hector - New Adult

Abel - Adult Contemporary *Tear Jerker

Felix - New Adult *Tear jerker

Blindside - Adult contemporary short featuring Noah and Roni

Fate series:

Fate - New Adult

Breaking Brandon - New Adult *Tear jerker

Suspicious Minds - Adult contemporary

Again - New Adult/Adult Contemporary *MAJOR tear jerker

Rage - Adult contemporary

His To Guard - Adult contemporary

Uninvited - Adult contemporary

Boyle Heights series

Lila - Adult Contemporary

Beast - Adult Contemporary

Nine - Adult Contemporary/RomCom

Orlando - Adult Contemporary

Looking Glass

Girl In The Mirror - Adult Contemporary/psychological thriller

We Were One - Adult Contemporary *MAJOR tear jerker but TRUST ME! ;)

De Luca Boys

Remi's Choice - Adult Contemporary - Love triangle MAJOR angst - cheating but hailed one of the BEST love triangles written.




For more up to date info visit her website at www.ElizabethReyes.com

Reviews

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 warm all over, giddy stars. Review to come ♥

[✿ | thatgrl.kuoya | ❥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

When i first saw the cover..



When i saw that Abel's story comes out sometime this year..



That pretty much sums up how i'm feeling right now xD

_____________________________________________________________________________

Finally. I read it. And wished i didn't.
What the freak.
All i got from this was - "blahblahblah".
SERRRRIOUSLY!

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (4/15/2015)

BLURB:
Coming off the worst divorce in the history of marriages, Nellie Gamboa’s looking to let loose and make up for years of neglect. When months of building sexual tension between her and the young hot boxing stud, Abel Ayala, finally peak, she makes him an offer no man would refuse.

No promises. No demands. Just pure unrestrained passion.

Abel’s training for the biggest fight of his career. He has no time for a social life, much less a relationship. So this arrangement couldn't be more perfect. A beautiful woman asking him to help her alleviate her neglected desires—no strings attached. What more can he ask for?

As the lines between lust and something much deeper, begin to blur, Abel finds himself in an even bigger fight.

The fight to regain control of his now demanding heart

http://www.amazon.com/Abel-5th-Street...


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 400 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, last CR book for at least a few days. The binge is over - heading back to the land of other genres now.

3.5 stars. Anyone else feel like moving within a block or two of the 5th Street gym after reading this series? Show of hands? Anyone?

Welcome to Cougar-Ville 5th Street - where the guys are hot and the fights aren't the only form of action happening.

Seriously. What is up Ms. Reyes? I wasn't expecting all of the sex that there was. I mean, I knew there were sex scenes in the prior books, but this time...


I think close to half of Abel (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a touch) was sex scenes, which isn't normal for a Reyes book. Not that I'm complaining because this time it worked, given the characters' history and how we'd been waiting for these two to hook up since book 1 (I LOVED how the story started right off with a great scene on the cruise ship). If nothing else, I'd consider the book to be a fun fluff read.

There's nothing about 5th Street which jumps out for being exceptional or different when it comes to contemporary romance, but I don't seem to mind that with this series. Abel had a spin I liked on a no-strings-attached scenario. This author has always been sort of a hit-or-miss with me (still not sure if I'll be going back to Moreno Brothers), but when she manages to write something that I like, I find myself having a good time.

Fans of Noah and Roni from book 1 will enjoy seeing what these two are up to now. ;)

I won't plague yet another review with words like cute or sweet or sexy this week. My internal thesaurus seems to be broken at the moment. Fill in the blanks with your own words.

My one complaint : there were some editing errors/typos.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked:



A sexy fighter having casual sex all the time with a sexy heroine? What’s not to like?!?

Abel and Nellie have known each other for a while through friends and family. We actually start to feel and hear the sexual tension in the previous book.

Abel is a womanizer and a serious fighter. He is approaching one of the biggest fights of his career, so he doesn’t want any distractions including a serious relationship.

Nellie went through a horrible divorce two years ago and is still recovering. She doesn’t want anything serious, but she feels the need to spread her ovary wings!

My Abel:



My Nellie:



What I didn’t like:



I think I had my expectations set too high. I am in love with Ms. Reyes’s last book, Hector, and I had a picture in my head of both Abel and Nellie. They are both smart-asses, and I thought, “When these two come together, there is going to be passion and drama and fighting and loving.”...But there wasn’t. The characters fell short for me.

I’ve read ALL of Ms. Reyes’s books. I started reading her books at the beginning. I love her YA books, but I feel like she should stick with the YA genre because you can tell that’s where she has her roots.

Don’t tell me the story...SHOW ME!!!!
Don’t tell me how the character felt...MAKE ME FEEL IT!!!

I think this might be the end of the road for me with Ms. Reyes. It’s so hard to let go of an author that’s been with you for so long. I will always respect Ms. Reyes. She is a great author and so many readers love her (as you can see by her amazing reviews!).



I’m saying this now, but when her next book comes out, I’ll probably read it because I’m a book slut and I can’t help myself!

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than Noah, but another older woman romance. She's eight years older so not quite a May-December, more like a June-September.

Both the heroine and the hero are completely and stupidly besotted with each other which works as they have sex like it's goin to be outlawed tomorrow. Actual drama here as the heroine is trying to recover from the horror of being married/divorced from the man that had a long term affair with her equally skanky sister, and the H is trying to get ready for his huge fight.

The ex doesn't make it on page which is unfortunate. I would have loved a scene where the H punches him out. The heroine seriously upgrades as she gets Mr. Muscles, excuse me, the younger Mr. Muscles and finds out what all the bother about sex is.

Very sweet.

One problem, Noah and Ronni from the first book are unbelievably annoying, and it's a miracle these two get together because of the smug meddling of the other couple.

[Jacqueline's Reads]

FREEBIE http://amzn.to/1OjBvGb

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love an Elizabeth Reyes story and Abel was one I had been really looking forward too.
When you read a series about a group of guys that that work at a gym in 5th Avenue LA you get to read about some hot, alpha men.

Abel was always the one that intrigued me the most, dark, good looking and quiet, the one that was just waiting in the background to have his story told..
Once again an enjoyable read even with the lack of communication and misunderstandings between him and Nellie. Abel was a perfect and caring guy and a typical alpha male that this author can write without making him sound like a jerk!!



Look forward to Felix's story next

[Autumn Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abel was the perfect example of why I'm an Elizabeth Reyes fan! She creates characters that I've fallen in love with and stories that I can relate to. In this book, Abel and Nellie's chemistry was off the charts hot and I loved watching them finally give in to their attraction to each other. But, I also loved their journey getting there. I can say without a doubt that this was my favorite book in the series!

I usually start with the guy, especially when I have a strong attachment to the character, but Nellie is pretty awesome. She's had to deal with a cheating husband and betrayal by her own sister, but in the end Nellie came out stronger. She's resilient. After dealing with her messy divorce, she's looking to have a little fun. This is where Abel comes in. They can't fight their attraction anymore, so they strike a deal to begin a no-strings attached relationship. The thing is, I think there was more to their relationship even before it started.

I love each 5th Street guy for different reasons, but Abel is my very favorite. He's sexy, dedicated to his family and his career, and for a tough guy...pretty darn romantic. He is the kind of Alpha male I typically fall for. One of things I loved the most about Abel is that he's becoming this celebrity, but he's still very real. Even though he was training hard for his fight, she was still the top priority. He never expected to fall for Nellie as hard as he did, but as I said before, I think he had feelings for her long before they got involved. They became a great couple and definitely my favorite of the group.

Overall, I loved this book and was sad when I finished. It was sexy, romantic, dramatic, and everything I had hoped to get from Abel and Nellie's story. I also loved seeing all the characters again. This is a special group of people. I'm still holding out hope that Felix will get his own story and that we'll get to see this group again. If you're looking for a great NA series to start, check this one out. Hot guys, steam, and true love...what more could you ask for?

Quotes:
~She might be great with this arrangement, but after today, he wasn't so sure he was anymore. Things just may've gotten complicated.-pg 43

~"It's true," he smiled, "not just in love, Nell, but hopeless, there's-no-helping-this-guy kind of in love with you."-pg 190

[Veronica WordsAreMyDrinkOfChoice · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sick of books where the victim forgives family for betraying themselves. The heroine’s sister had an affair with her husband for years,
For pregnant by him and was happy to steal him. But things didn’t work out and the douche bag usband didn’t want her. So the heroine was going to let the sister move in with her! Seriously! I get her living her innocent nephew, but I was done after this conversation:

“So let me get this straight.” Abel said, closing the cap on the water he’d just poured into his cup of ice and sliding his hand back into hers. “You offered to not only let your sister, who got knocked up by your ex and had been having an affair with him for years, move in but also her son—you’re ex’s kid.” “I don’t see it that way,” Nellie explained. “Gus is my nephew first—not Rick’s son. I know technically he is, but that’s not Gus’s fault. He didn’t choose to come into this world under these circumstances. To me, he’s just my nephew. He’s an innocent baby and a part of my family now. I love him.” She sighed, knowing what she would say next would possibly make her sound like the most pathetic and stupidest person on the planet, but it was the truth and she thought Abel, having a brother he was so close to, would understand. “And despite everything that’s happened, I still love my sister. Aside from my parents and my brother who’s always stationed in some far-out place, she’s the only family I have in this country, well, besides Gus now. It’s why I offered to let them move in with me.”

I don’t care that they are family, some stuff you don’t forgive! Also, her sister had been jealous of the heroine her whole life, and had tried to take anything she had, so it was not like they were so close and loving that this betrayal was out of the ordinary! Poisonous people like that you cut off, not invite into your life! I had littl sympathy for the heroine as she literally invited people to walk over her!

[Camy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9

Superb tension throughout.

Typical Elizabeth Reyes alpha hero (though she broke the mold with Romeo), great story, and Reyes' style HEA.

I liked the brothers' relationship a lot. Great characters beside such as well.

Enjoyable read for me :-)

[Sky- A hopeless romantic girl :D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 "Gimme more jealous heroes" stars!!

it would have been a 4.5 star read easily but that long ass misunderstanding irrated me like no other!

i hate those stupid type of misunderstandings which are dragged through out the whole book, when they can easily be solved by some confrontation or easy talk!!

C'mon you potrait them as 25 or 31 yrs old adults yet they behave like some egoistic teenagers!!!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ "Mine," he whispered~

Welcome back to 5th Street "Abel" is the fourth  instalment of Elizabeth Reyes' 5th Street Series
Abel  and Nellie have an undeniable attraction for each other. They have been fighting it for the past 3 books. 
Abel has no time for a relationship, especially with an older woman. He is in his prime, training for the biggest fight of his career. 
When the gang head off on a cruise, Nellie propositions Abel. 

~ "I'm game if you're game." ~

Abel can't believe what he is hearing. He has no business getting involved with Roni's  best friend. But she was offering no-strings. 
No promises. No demands. No hurt feelings. Just pure unrestrained passion.

When they get back from the cruise, they continue their agreement  seeing each other almost nightly. 
Nellie wasn't complaining, the old Nellie no longer existed. Taking risks was thrilling. After her failed marriage, she wanted to explore a different side to her. Sex with a younger man like Abel was beyond her wildest fantasies. And that's all she agreed it would be. She would experience this and when it was over she would move on and no be hurt. Nothing could hurt her more than what her ex had done to her. 


Abel and Nellie establish their boundaries both not admitting their feelings are becoming more. 
Abel can't get enough of her, he finds himself craving more then the amazing sex they share. He wants to get to know her. Spend time with her. But Abel believes Nellie when she keeps telling him that she was all of for a no- relationship deal. He finds ways to prove to her that he wants her more without saying the words out right and scaring her away. 

~ Sucking the inside of her soft thighs until he saw the pleasing hickey that would be there for days. ~

Nellie soon realises that she is falling hard for Abel. Something she said she would never do. She will take him anyway she can have him, even if he doesn't feel the same way. She is having the best sex of her life. She thought the pain her ex caused was more than she ever could handle. But now Abel holds that power over her and she just knows she wouldn't survive it this time.
 

~ Getting hung up on the first guy you sleep with after your divorce isn't exactly freeing shit. ~

With both Nellie and Abel  convinced the other person isn’t interested in more of a relationship. They both do things that are miss interpreted by the other, sending mixed signals. 
When Nellie believes Abel is seeing other women, she agrees to go out on a date with Sam. Abel doesn't understand where things went wrong. He figures it's best to let her go, but he can't. He finally admits to himself he is in love with her. And when he finds out about Sam heading to Vegas for the fight he finally admits to Nellie how he really feels. 

~ “I can’t do this anymore, Nell. I know you’re not looking for a serious relationship, but I can’t fucking stand the thought of you with someone else.” ~

The sex! WOW Reyes has upped the anti.. Like by 100% hahaha I love all the boys from 5th st and their stories but Abel and the added sexy times…. HOT!  He is just my type of guy. 

~ "You know what happens to bad girls who let any guy, aside from their boyfriend, pull them into another room for more privacy?"... 
"But I didn't …. What? What happens to them?…
"They get fucked so hard until they're begging for forgiveness."~

With everything out in the open, they can both move forward and be together. 
But when forces are trying to break them up, forcing Nellie away into danger. Able never thought the biggest fight of his life would be holding onto Nellie.
Willing to give up everything, will they get their happy ending? 










Elizabeth Reyes does it again. Abel had so much sex appeal I loved it. I'm glad it was Abel who came to the conclusion first to admit his feelings. I love all the 5th st Boys but Able tops my list. I can't wait for Felix's story next. Would definitely read this whole series. 




★ 4 Stars ★

Buy it
Read it
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[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this contemporary trope between Abel and Nellie about 'friends with benefits' or 'fuck buddies' or a 'no strings attached relationship.' Of course, it then leads to more feelings than each expects.

Ever since Noah, we've had glimpses of the tension between Abel and Nellie. We also have seen them grow as characters. After a scandalous divorce, Nellie is no longer that broken, insecure woman. Abel has also changed. Back then, he came off as a cocky, immature high schooler but I must say that times are a changing. Abel has matured and he is all MAN! There is no doubt about it!

I really enjoyed this book. There was tons of SEX! Who doesn't love that?! Somethings were predictable especially with this type of theme but I felt the connection between these characters and also the emotions that they were feeling. I also didn't predict some of the conflict in this so that was a fun surprise.

I also speculated after Hector if a certain person would have a book and I'm glad to report that I was right!! I'm looking forward to the next book of the 5th Street Series!

3.5 Stars

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to read this book! When is the release date?? I'm DYING to read it!! That may be a bit dramatic but oh well! Do you hear that Elizabeth?? People are DYING!! :)

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts:


Abel was...Phenomenal, Breathtaking, Romantic, Sexy, and Pure Perfection! As usual Ms. Reyes places the bar so high, that it's impossible for most books to be at the same level. The 5th Street Series has become a favorite of mine! In fact, I have the whole series in ebook format, and also paperback on my bookshelves. Ms. Reyes' writing puts a spell on me, and for the life of me, every time I read one of her books, nothing gets done. Cleaning, laundry, errands...all get put on hold. The only way I would have put Abel down is if somebody, had grabbed my Kindle by force (literally), and let me tell you, I think that my husband was tempted! I unashamedly admit, I pushed the ignore button on my cell phone quite a few times while reading Abel.


Abel was such an amazing character. He's one hot alpha male! He had it all, charisma, charm, loyalty, and was beyond devoted to the woman he fell madly in love with, Nellie. That's what I love most about these 5th street men. They may play around, and not settle down with one woman, or do committed relationships, but when they find "The One," game over! As in, they give their whole heart, and self to the woman that they love, become fiercely protective, and there's nothing they wouldn't do for her. It was fun watching Abel get to that point with Nellie. These two have been friends with the same group of people (The 5th Street Guys, and their women,) and have had an intense sexual chemistry. It was just a matter of time before they would stop fighting their desires, and give in.


Nellie was intelligent, strong, independent, and she knew what she wanted! I respected her character. It was fun having Roni, Noah, Gio, Bianca, Hector, and Charlie make appearances in Abel's story. Abel and Hector's mom, was funny, and had a very sweet heartfelt moment with Nellie that really touched my heart. We were introduced to new secondary characters as well, such as Abel's boxing opponent and obnoxious siblings, Logan (Nellie's co-worker), Emily, (Nellie's assistant) and Sam (a man she dated). All of these character's contributed to the drama, and appeal of the story, and there were a few character's that I "loved to hate." I always miss my favorite character's in a series, and the 5th Street character's are very special to me. I felt like I got reunited with my closest friends. I loved Roni's fierce loyalty and protectiveness of Nellie, after all, they were more like sister's than best friend's, and had been there for one another through the toughest times in each other's lives. Noah was a good friend, and worried about things going sour with Abel and Nellie, resulting in problems with the group dynamic. While Roni and Noah had good intentions, they hindered Abel, and Nellie's relationship by contributing to miscommunications, and misunderstandings, that could have been avoided. I enjoyed the tight fraternity, camaraderie, and deep friendships of the 5th Street gang, and admired how the were protective and deeply loyal to one another. It was admirable how protective Hector was of his brother, and in turn protective and possessive of Nellie for Abel's sake.


There are many great romance authors out there, but there is something very unique, and special about Ms. Reyes' writing. She completely transports you in to the story. Reading Abel, I was completely absorbed in Abel and Nellie's world. I became a part of their lives, felt what they were going through, as if I myself was going through the same things. I cared about these characters, connected with them, and became completely protective of them. I cheered them on, and wanted them to succeed and be happy. I LOVED Abel, and Nellie, and wish they were real people. If they were, I would be lucky to have a friend like Nellie, and would hold Abel in the highest regard. Ms. Reyes, bring on Felix! I can't get enough of these sexy, 5th Street men, and their amazing women.


My Rating:


I give Abel, by Elizabeth Reyes 5 Dynamic, Exceptional, Beautiful, and Emotion-Filled Stars! Abel has it all ladies, the full package! I am talking romance, sex-appeal, love, amazing characters, great friendships, and many beautiful moments that will touch your heart. You will need to take a lot of cold showers while reading Abel, or have a willing partner close by! This book is so H-O-T!!! Trust me on this! Read Abel if you want to get lost, and escape in to a spectacular story that will take your breath away!


My Favorite Quotes:


"Maybe it was wishful thinking, but the way she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his chest made it feel as though her little confession, about having done this with only him, gave him hope that it meant more. Maybe this and everything else she'd experienced with him for the first time so far would stay just like that for good--with only him." (Kindle Loc. 1114)
~Abel

"Closing her eyes, she sighed, giving into him once again. This is where she wanted to be forever. Even as her head screamed at her to jump ship and do it now, her heart clung to the unspoken emotion she felt from him." Kindle Loc. 2222)
~Nellie


To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com

[Sophie [at] Book Suburbia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start this review SCREAMIN’ out loud something I hope Eli can hear all the way to wherever she might be right now:
I FREAKIN’ LOVE EVERY SINGLE BOOK YOU HAVE WRITTEN!

Actually, I would love anything she writes.

Even if it would be her grocery shopping list I would read it.

I’ve been thinking all week on how to write this review so I don’t end up spoiling the fun. To be honest, anything I could write to praise Elizabeth’s work is not enough. She’s the absolute cherry on top that any avid romance reader would love to find in their slice of cake. Her books have not only been a safe haven to my stressfully challenged day to day, but also a small sample of our hardworking Hispanic heritage which makes me extremely proud. Eli has managed to create a world within our world where very realistic situations happen and characters suffer as any normal human being would.

Abel is DEFENETELY not your average love tale. This book was written with the flawlessness of any aged hardcore romance writer. Her way of exposing characters, their troubles, ordeals, and all the funny, loving, caring, and scary moments is what makes this story the written masterpiece it is.

But of course, before I tell you how much I ADORE this story, let me tell you a quick one of my own:

So 2 weeks ago, my cousin sends me a text message:

‘Sophie what are you doing on Saturday?’

Me: ‘Nothing’

Cousin: ‘Ok, so, I’m getting married this Saturday in Vegas and I wanted to know if you wanted to go’

Me: ‘…………………………..’

Cousin: Sophie?

Me: ‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I wouldn’t miss that for ANYTHING’. Can we go play Black Jack @ the Freemont????

Now mind you, her birthday was the next day after that conversation and most likely she and her now husband decided it would be a good birthday present for her to jump on the 15 Freeway and go get married in a quickie Las Vegas style union. They’ve been together now for 14 years so it was just a formal way to seal the deal.

To me, well, besides the fact that I was really happy for them I simply LOVE going to Vegas. Bright lights, bigger city they say. Sure enough, the bright lights were waiting for us, along with a HUGE billboard announcing the upcoming (actually tonight’s) fight against Floyd Mayweather and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

All I could think about was photoshoping Canelo’s head and replacing it for my ideal image of Abel “Aweless’ Ayala.
Talk about OBSESSED!

See, if you have been a true follower of Elizabeth Reyes’s stories, you must remember that since book # 1 (Noah), Abel has been the disciplined athlete, the one who would make 5th Street’s gym a true legend. Well, in the beginning Abel is just starting, though slowly but surely. After many events in the first 3 books, we kind of see Abel in the background at a steady pace and making a name of himself up to the point that he’s completely ready to compete for the Heavyweight Championship in book 4.

He also could not hide his attraction to Nellie Gamboa too much longer either.

Nellie, as you may also remember is Roni’s BFF; and Roni literally would do ANYTHING for her friend. Even support her on all her weird and crazy ideas. Based on ugly facts that happened back in ‘Noah’, she decides to shut up and respect Nellie’s choice of ‘getting her life back on track’. She doesn’t agree yet she doesn’t judge either. True friend Roni, that’s for sure. Nellie then jumps into the strong and perfectly shaped arms of Abel Ayala to tame her innermost desires.

That’s when every single barrier she built around herself goes STRAIGHT. TO. HELL.

And who wouldn’t succumb to such STUD? HELLOOOOOO! The man is a sexual magnet IN EVERY. SENSE. OF. THE. WORD. OH-EM-GEE! Not only is he the HOTTEST boxer ALIVE nowadays, but he is the sweetest most caring and loving and passionate and charming and gentleman guy there is. EVER. Nellie of course has a great ordeal and quick decisions to make if she wants to save her heart from the very one thing she doesn’t believe in any more: falling in love.

Throughout the whole story we see not only a sweet and caring Abel, but we get to know the passionate man capable of fighting (not only with his fists) for what he wants. We also learn firsthand all what Nellie has to go through before realizing she’s utterly and madly in love with Abel. Her struggle to open her heart again is so well portrayed that you can actually feel like you are the best friend listening to her problems.

So since the fight taking place in Vegas will NOT include Abel ‘Aweless’ Ayala (which saddens me beyond words), I’ll have to find comfort in this magnificent and amazingly told love story which includes the scorching part you will indeed crave for, but also a little bit of punching and knock outs.

[RO Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ro's Take on this Journey

I want to start by saying, "Eli, give me some Abel!!!" That guy is gorgeous, delectable, tender, kind, one of a kind, loving, sensitive, full of fire, still able to show his vulnerability, and all man! He blew me out of the water! Not only does he know how to treat his woman, but he loves his Mama. LOL! Gotta love that guy. Abel, by Elizabeth Reyes is the topper on the cake of the 5th street series. I didn't think that Eli could top Hector, but somehow she did it! I still haven't come down from this all encompassing thrill ride! Her writing is seamless, perfection at it's best, warms your heart, and will light a fire in your love life. Boy oh boy, do these 5th Street boys know how to make love to their women, and there is never a dull moment. Ms. Reyes writes so well that we are transported to another place and time, and we are with her all the way. My 83 year old mother reads these novels, and just eats them up!!! She loves them because she says they take her back to a time of family and traditions. Abel's mother is clearly representative of that. Always trying to tell her son's what they should or should not do, and what is right or wrong. That woman was something else! I especially loved the fact that she finally realized that her son's had the perfect women for them, and she was wrong about her assumptions. What a great mother-in-law ladies!!! Not too many of those around.

The writing of Abel was flawless, well developed from beginning to end, full of surprises, and a whirlwind escape into the lives of the 5th Street gang. The reader is brought into the private lives of all the couples are they gather for different occasions, and Abel and Nellie's private rendezvous. I read Abel through the night without putting it down, with my husband hovering over my shoulder over and again saying, "Wow, that must really be a good book, you seem mesmerized, and you haven't taken a break yet!" He was right! That and I found my newest swoon worthy, Man Candy on a Stick!" Abel was described to a tee, "I could picture every square inch of him!

Nellie was engaging. She had been put through the ringer by her insufferable sister, and her scum bag ex-husband. They were both scandalous, and self-centered. They deserved each other! L O S E R S... I was so glad when Nellie got the strength to move on from the broken woman she was, overcome her insecurities, and succumb to her inner wants and needs. Nellie made the rules, placed the stakes, and was resilient. She was completely encompassed by her hormones beyond her control when it came to Abel. She was putty in his hands. Who wouldn't be? She was a great heroine in my eyes. Nellie fought for what she wanted, and ended up on top.

The reader will be enthralled with the witty banter, interaction of the characters, and the riveting dialogue that is Ms. Reyes. Her standards exceed our expectations, and we are the fortunate ones that reap the rewards of her effortless writing, and the way she conveys every thought and action, we become a part of their family and kinship. Masterful writing!!!

I love the 5th street gang, and all their personalities, defects, loyalty, devotion, ferocity, and unbridled passion. Their women come first, even though they are always surrounded by groupies ready to drop their panties on a dime! These men know what they have at home, and they won't compromise their lives. Get your hanky's ready, this is an emotional ride that will leave you tear stained, and heartbroken at times.

I give Abel, by Elizabeth Reyes, 5+ Brilliant, Hot, Pin Me Against the Wall, I'm Flushed with Fever, Panty Dropping, One Track Mind Stars!!!

Ro's Favorite Quotes

"After sex with Abel, It'd be like indulging in a rich strawberry cheesecake dessert with loads of whip cream and the promise of no weight gain then giving it up for a rice cake with a dab of peanut butter."
(Kindle Loc. 222) ~Nellie (comparing Abel and her Ex)

"How in the world had she scored getting this man in her bed? He was eye candy for crying out loud!"
(Kindle Loc. 483)


To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit READING, EATING AND DREAMING for reviews by MORGAN AND DANA

One of the first books I ever reviewed on Reading, Eating & Dreaming was Forever Mine (The Moreno Brothers #1) by Elizabeth Reyes. Needless to say, Elizabeth and I go way back. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've read every single one of her books. Yep. I just checked goodreads.com and I've officially read every single one of her books. Obviously I'm a big fan of her writing, her characters, and her stories. While I haven't enjoyed The 5th Street series quite as much as The Moreno Brother series, I'm still very much a HUGE fan of Elizabeth's and of all of the 5th Street guys.

In fact, I think Abel is my favorite 5th Street character so far. I mean how could you not love him? He's the total package. He's gorgeous and confident but not overly cocky. He's extremely talented. He's passionate and dedicated to something he loves. And the best thing about Abel is that he thinks he is above falling in love when in reality, he is in for the fall of his life. And come on, what girl doesn't love to watch a man fall hard?

Nellie also tops the list when it comes to my favorite 5th Street characters. In the beginning of this novel, Nellie's a little lost. As a recent divorcee, she doesn't really know who she is and what she wants. All she knows is that she wants to have fun and she doesn't want to be tied down. But can she really keep her relationship with Abel just a fling when she keeps falling harder for him?

I enjoyed pretty much everything about this novel but my absolute favorite thing about Abel was the SMOKIN' HOT CHEMISTRY between Abel and Nellie. My one and only complaint about this story was that conflict in this novel was all because of a serious lack of communication. If you are familiar with my reviews then you know how I feel about this. Basically, I get a little frustrated when the characters main conflict could be solved with communication. Talk people. I understand peopled fear rejection. However, sometimes you have to man up and bite the bullet. That said, I think the characters in this novel really made this story work and almost made me overlook my struggle with the main conflict. Almost. The characters were extremely likable and their transition from friends to lovers to something more was believable and beautiful. I definitely recommend this story.

I gave Abel (5th Street #4) by Elizabeth Reyes 4 STARS. I strongly recommend anything written by Elizabeth Reyes. Seriously, anything and everything.

-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABEL AND NELLIE


This is Abel and Nellie's story. Both of them have featured in the previous books. Abel and Nellie have had a connection for a some time. While on a family cruise they get together, they both agree this is to be a one off thing, no strings.
But then when they return home the sex with no strings continues. Nellie having been married previously, is not too keen on getting involved, a free spirit is what she wants to be. Abel feels pretty much the same way. But the longer this arrangement carries on the more involved it gets. But neither one of them is willing to be upfront about their true feelings. They have both agreed that they will date other people. But increasingly both are finding the whole situation more and more difficult to cope with.

I'm loving this particular series from the author. I really enjoy her writing style it's addictive and I usually read her books in one sitting.
This was a good addition to the series with great characters. Nellie has been through quite a bit with her ex husband and has worked hard to re-build her confidence. I did feel that having been married to a man who consistently cheated on her. Would she really be happy to be intimate with a man, whom she believed was either dating or having sex with other woman. But then again she was totally into Abel, she seemed to find him irresistible. As for Abel he was a very intense character, he felt things very deeply. But was not too good at verbally expressing his feelings. His possessiveness and jealousy were a major factor in this tale. I thought that the story picked up a lot more in the last 50%. Especially with Abel's upcoming boxing match, with all the high emotions and drama surrounding that. Characters from the previous books feature very strongly as well.

This is an enjoyable read, but Hector and Noah's stories still remain my favourites.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited a long time for this book and I have to say that it did not disappoint one bit! I absolutely love Abel. I also really love Nellie. Since reading about Nellie in Noah, I wanted desperately for her to have her happy ending. Nellie, I felt deserved it more than anybody. I'm so happy that she had found it in Abel. Nellie is such a sweetheart but I thought she was too forgiving. In Noah we find out Nellie has a sister who was having an affair with her husband and then winds up pregnant. If I was Nellie, you would have bet your ass I wouldn't have been so forgiving. Nellie's sister was such a bitch, she didn't even apologize for what she did...never used the words, "I'm sorry." I didn't feel she deserved Nellie's kindness but I guess that's what makes Nellie, Nellie. However, in the end, this book had me in tears of joy. This book was just an emotional roller coaster. Throughout the book I wanted to smack some sense into Nellie and Abel. I just wanted to scream "TELL EACH OTHER YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER ALREADY!!!" I can't believe it took them book so long to finally say their "I love you's," due to the fact that they were both so stubborn. Towards the ending half of the story, it was filled with so much drama I couldn't sit still reading it. I just was in turmoil during the hospital stay. However, I'm just so ecstatic everything worked out in the long run. I am also really happy we had gotten to hear more from the other couples from the 5th street series. It was like we got more insight into their stories. I hope the Felix gets a book because I just don't want the series to end! I love it way too much lol. Abel was definitely so worth the wait.

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!! Abel is a VERY sexy and very romantic story. As a character, Abel is strong, handsome and very charming. I found it refreshing that he actually did not like to play games, even though he and Nellie started off their sizzling relationship with a “no strings attached” declaration. When he realizes how he really feels about Nellie, he is very honest and straightforward in his behavior, which I found to be very refreshing. Abel is actually an Alpha male who is very sweet, too.

Nellie is a very smart and strong character. She is recovering from a disastrous marriage and very painful divorce and vows not to get involved in a serious relationship. But along comes Abel, who is several years younger, by the way, and she is literally swept off her feet.

Elizabeth Reyes does a great job of developing their very sexually intense relationship outside the bedroom, too, and the supporting cast of 5th Street characters are all very well-written and developed. We are also introduced to some new supporting characters in Abel.

There is a very interesting storyline involving Abel’s boxing opponent and I loved reading about the boxing world. I loved the mix of sports and romance in Abel. There are some intensely emotional moments in the story, which blend nicely with the hot sex scenes. Elizabeth Reyes has
created very rich and sexy story and I look forward to reading more of her books!

Favorite Quotes:

“Only three types of people tell the truth: Kids, the drunk, and the
angry.” – Abel

“You’re mine, Nellie.” – Abel

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abel has just surpassed Noah, who has always been my favorite 5th Street guy. The teasers leading up to the release had me chomping at the bit for this book, and it did NOT disappoint. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. There were times that I couldn't even sit still, and I was yelling at the book with my children looking on with wonder. I won't give any spoliers, so I'll just say it was the PERFECT story for Abel and Nellie. There was every kind of emotion you can think of in this book from passion and heartbreak to confusion and joy. I even had moments of rage and desparation. I am emotionally drained right now, just like I want to be after a great book. Please check it out! You won't regret it.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to be back with the boys on 5th Street.!
I'm not a fan of boxing per se but the fear and adrenaline present in the story was captivating.
Nellie, is Ronni's friend and just out of a bad marriage. Taking a chance on another serious relationship is the last thing on her list, let alone wIth Abel, who is preparing for his big fight and trying to sty focused.
Being open about your true feelings leves you exposed to rejection, holding back is not the solution either. Nellies her reasons to tread cautiously and does so with everyone's best interests at heart.
I was on edge at times,but I couldn't put this book down! Really enjoying this series and keen to read about Felix next.

[D.R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Main female character was a doormat. Seriously. Her sister did things no sister should ever do. And if she did, she should have her ass handed to her. Nellie not only forgave her for unforgivable behavior, but went even beyond that. Weak. I couldn't relate her to her. I couldn't understand her. I couldn't get behind her character not even a little.

The storyline was decent. Male Hero, Abel, was mostly cool. He was at least more sympathetic than the heroine was. Some parts felt too slow, others too fast. But overall, the story arc was good.

I guess my dislike of the female lead was such that I just couldn't get behind this book. At all. And yes, I know there are women like her out in the world. I just don't want to know them or read about them.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abel gets what's coming to him. He scoffed at Noah and his older love, and here he is attracted to Roni's (Noah's girl) best friend Nellie. Nellie, like Roni doesn't think this is a good idea. She's divorced from a man who took her love and betrayed her every which way. She has no use for relationships. Abel is about to change all that. The boy is a heart throb and a kickass boxer able to get any girl he wants, and he wants Nellie. Try their story, you'll be glad you did. The 5th Street series is awesome. Great read!

[Tracy Kellies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abel, Abel, Abel... He is definitely my favourite guy on Fifth Street. First the cover had me swooning and then reading the book I fell more inlove with him.

There are a lot of twists a turns and curve balls thrown at Abel and Nellie that kept me hooked.

This was also the book that had me crying for the characters more than I did with the other three books in the series.

Elizabeth Reyes is surely making her way to becoming my favourite author.

[Mindi Poelwijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried really hard to like this book. But for some reason it was just so boring. Seemed to me it had lots of filler.

[Sleepy]

CAN'T FUCKING WAIT!!!:-)

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Full review ABEL Blog Tour***
CLICK HERE to Enter The Signed Giveaway- ends 08/25/13

★★★★★STARS!!!

I feel like we have waited forever for this book and with Elizabeth being such a tease and giving us teaser after teaser it drove me crazy insane, all I wanted was to be brought back to the 5th Street Gym and hang out with the guys that we have all grown to love. But like the saying goes good things come to those who wait and is that ever true when it comes to this book. Abel lived up to my every expectation and was without a doubt well worth the wait and all the steamy teasers!

"I'm game if you're game"
"Hell yeah, I'm game"

Well what can I say other than the elusive-broody-heavyweight finally shares and bares it all for us! It's safe to say that the tension between Abel and Nellie started in the first book and continued to build slowly with each book from there. Now we're here on the cruise, book number 4 and their hormones have reached the boiling point. Since neither of them wants a commitment at this time - Abel because he is about to begin his training camp for the biggest fight of his career, and Nellie because she has been royally burned in the past they come to a no strings attached, friends with benefits agreement.

This seems to be the perfect solution for both of them and works out great for the last bit of their cruise but can you really have that type of relationship with someone you have been secretly lusting over without those pesky feelings getting in the way? And can an alpha male really tolerate seeing the woman he's with- with anyone else no matter the circumstance...

" The question now begged to be asked. Was it too late to pull back? As much as he hated to admit it, he had no choice now...Would he be able to get a grip if he heard about or saw Nellie with someone else? Not a chance in hell."

This was so well written, I loved how Elizabeth took a character like Abel who was always in the background, one that we got to know as the love'em and leave'em bad boy. One that was not too impressed when his boys started dropping like dopey love sick puppies around him, and not only completely transformed my view of him but also showed us in depth just how loyal and caring this alpha bad boy truly is.

"The tears ran freely down the side of his face, and he was certain of one thing. Never-not in all the fights he'd been in or even the ones Hector had ever been in, which made him more nervous than his own- had he been so terrified in his life"

Nellie, I must admit that Nellie's character pleasantly surprised me. Again like Abel she is someone that we have gotten to know throughout the previous books and with everything she went through and at the stage in her life that she was at...I don't know I guess I didn't have very high hopes for her in the 'like' department. Was I ever wrong, I found myself actually really really liking Nellie. Finding out about the person she is on the inside, and getting a clear picture of everything that she actually went through with not only her douche ex-husband but also her sister- my heart broke for her, and even through it all hearing of how she handled that situation and the amount of love and forgiveness that she had within herself after everything, it was just written to perfection. I wanted nothing more than for her to get that HEA that she didn't get the first time around.

"Despite everything that's happened I still love my sister. Aside from my parents... she's the only family I have"

This book like all of Mrs. Reyes' other books took me through a whirlwind of emotions. When Abel and Nellie come to terms that this arrangement isn't working- for either of them, and agree to go the relationship route, if you can believe it things get even more complicated. With his fight just around the corner, the paparazzi lurking behind every wall to snap a picture and fluff a story about the heavyweight contender, his opponents team looking for the slightest crack in the Aweless Ayala to ensure their victory in this championship bout, and him and Nellie just trying to see through the fog of lies, most definitely my favorite 5th street book to date!

"This close to the big day the media starts grasping for anything...Prepare yourself for not only the media to stop at nothing but McKinley's camp to pull some kind of stunt just to rattle you"

There's something simple yet tasteful in Elizabeth's writing that just seems to effortlessly captivate me time and again. I have read every one of her books and none have fallen short for me. I love picking up a book and knowing that no matter the ride my journey will end in absolute satisfaction, and this book did just that. It's has everything we love the fiercely protective alpha male- and not the jerk kind either but the tough on the outside soft on the inside kind. Angst, suspense, and romance, all written flawlessly while also giving us a look into the lives of the other character's we have missed and grown to love throughout this series, and a peek at ones to come ;) I would recommend this book to anyone, but if you haven't read this series yet start with the first book (Noah) and work your way up to Abel, that way you get to know all the characters and nothing is spoiled for you.

CASTING
" "


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