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The Five Syndicates #1
Asher Black
Měl mě zabít.
Udělala jsem nemyslitelné. Zavolala jsem na něj a jeho rodinu policii, ale on mě nečekaně nechal naživu.
Stali se z nás nejdřív přátelé a potom… i něco víc…
Všechno to začalo mým močovým měchýřem. Neměla jsem v plánu stát se na chodbě toalet svědkem podezřelého obchodu.
Policii jsem zavolala bez dlouhého rozmýšlení. To jsem ovšem netušila, komu ten klub patří.
Asheru Blackovi.
Bývalému zabijáku a mafiánovi. CEO, miliardáři. Tomu nejžhavějšímu kandidátovi na ženění v New Yorku.
Když se objeví na vysoké škole, kam chodím, a hledá dívku, která zavolala policii na jeho podnik, vím, že se můžu rozloučit se životem. Jeho nabídka mě však zaskočí – zaplatí za mě školné, najde mi po promoci příjemnou práci a jediné, co pro to musím udělat, je… předstírat, že jsem jeho snoubenkou.
Udělala jsem nemyslitelné. Zavolala jsem na něj a jeho rodinu policii, ale on mě nečekaně nechal naživu.
Stali se z nás nejdřív přátelé a potom… i něco víc…
Všechno to začalo mým močovým měchýřem. Neměla jsem v plánu stát se na chodbě toalet svědkem podezřelého obchodu.
Policii jsem zavolala bez dlouhého rozmýšlení. To jsem ovšem netušila, komu ten klub patří.
Asheru Blackovi.
Bývalému zabijáku a mafiánovi. CEO, miliardáři. Tomu nejžhavějšímu kandidátovi na ženění v New Yorku.
Když se objeví na vysoké škole, kam chodím, a hledá dívku, která zavolala policii na jeho podnik, vím, že se můžu rozloučit se životem. Jeho nabídka mě však zaskočí – zaplatí za mě školné, najde mi po promoci příjemnou práci a jediné, co pro to musím udělat, je… předstírat, že jsem jeho snoubenkou.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2017
8176 people are currently reading
9232 people want to read
About the author
Parker S. Huntington
30 books8,052 followersParker S. Huntington is from Southern California. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from UCR and an A.L.M. in Literature from Harvard.
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,286 reviews
July 21, 2017
Oops, 2 chapters in and I'm eye-rolling. DNF @15%
March 22, 2019
Seriously terrible
Every contrived, unoriginal romance device EVER crammed into one book.
Celibate wallflower heroine who has a tragic backstory ✔️
Heroine who gets stuck in embarrassing situations ✔️
Heroine has a model gorgeous best friend ✔️
Every other female character is a slut ✔️
"Alpha" hero who is smarter, richer, more confident, more successful, more sexually experienced, more everything than the heroine ✔️
All of that on top of some seriously mediocre writing.
Every contrived, unoriginal romance device EVER crammed into one book.
Celibate wallflower heroine who has a tragic backstory ✔️
Heroine who gets stuck in embarrassing situations ✔️
Heroine has a model gorgeous best friend ✔️
Every other female character is a slut ✔️
"Alpha" hero who is smarter, richer, more confident, more successful, more sexually experienced, more everything than the heroine ✔️
All of that on top of some seriously mediocre writing.
Read
December 21, 2024You know you’ve got yourself an annoying h when 7% into the book she has mentioned three times she’s smart and intelligent, and has said she knows she’s beautiful.
I wanted to like this book, I love arranged engagements-marriages and mafia books... but let me tell you, this one was not worth the reading time. I finally finished it and I regret not dnfing it.
The h was annoying af.
The H was so beautiful, strong, could take up to twenty men by himself no needing help but sweet at the same time. He hooks up with our beloved h in the first 10% of the book whilst having his “fuck-buddy/fake fiancée” upstairs in the same club.
Yeah... no thank you.
I wanted to like this book, I love arranged engagements-marriages and mafia books... but let me tell you, this one was not worth the reading time. I finally finished it and I regret not dnfing it.
The h was annoying af.
The H was so beautiful, strong, could take up to twenty men by himself no needing help but sweet at the same time. He hooks up with our beloved h in the first 10% of the book whilst having his “fuck-buddy/fake fiancée” upstairs in the same club.
Yeah... no thank you.
June 25, 2021
4 stars
Absolutely loved this mafia romance. The chemistry between Lucy and Asher was amazing. I loved how Asher treated Lucy from the beginning. It was very different to your typical Dark romance.
I just have to commend the scene where Lucy stuck up for Asher when the board members were speaking French; their compassion towards each other was what really sold me with this book.
Parker S. Huntington had kicked started the Five Syndicates series with a bang. I'm looking forward to reading the rest!
Absolutely loved this mafia romance. The chemistry between Lucy and Asher was amazing. I loved how Asher treated Lucy from the beginning. It was very different to your typical Dark romance.
I just have to commend the scene where Lucy stuck up for Asher when the board members were speaking French; their compassion towards each other was what really sold me with this book.
Parker S. Huntington had kicked started the Five Syndicates series with a bang. I'm looking forward to reading the rest!
April 22, 2021
DNF (30%) I wonder how come I've manage to read even this much.
Toooooo Wattpad-ish 🙄
I should've read my other GR friends reviews before.
The whole story of the book was in a BOOM BOOM BOOM rhythm. So much happening in the short interval of time.
Weird🙈
Toooooo Wattpad-ish 🙄
I should've read my other GR friends reviews before.
The whole story of the book was in a BOOM BOOM BOOM rhythm. So much happening in the short interval of time.
Weird🙈
September 19, 2019
It’s been a while since I read a mafia romance novel. This one didn’t disappoint at all. I enjoyed it thoroughly. But I wouldn’t call it your typical mafia romance novel, it wasn’t dark more like on the light side. It was suspenseful, steamy, funny.
It starts with Lucy, our heroine, calling the cops on the mafia thinking that a crime was about to happen. Our hero, Asher, tracks her down and offers her a deal to be his fake fiancé. Since she doesn’t have any other option she agrees. As the story progresses, you learn more about the characters.
I loved Lucy so much. Her inner monologue was funny. You couldn’t stop laughing. At the same time, she wasn’t dumb. She played smart when the situation called for it. I loved how she overcame her fears of her past.
Asher was the perfect combination of dominant, sweet, mysterious and funny. The chemistry between both of them was off the charts. I loved how they grew to fall for each other, stood up for each other. You could feel the push and pull between them and when they did finally ended up together, it was worth it. The sex scenes were sizzling and just the way I love to read.
The only reason I didn’t give full five stars was because I wanted more of a mafia element to it. I prefer it a lot dark. The twist in this was good and more could have been done with it. But I feel like other books in the series will definitely will be, this is a good to start to it.
For a debut novel, this one is amazing and I would recommend that others read it too. You won’t be let down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It starts with Lucy, our heroine, calling the cops on the mafia thinking that a crime was about to happen. Our hero, Asher, tracks her down and offers her a deal to be his fake fiancé. Since she doesn’t have any other option she agrees. As the story progresses, you learn more about the characters.
I loved Lucy so much. Her inner monologue was funny. You couldn’t stop laughing. At the same time, she wasn’t dumb. She played smart when the situation called for it. I loved how she overcame her fears of her past.
Asher was the perfect combination of dominant, sweet, mysterious and funny. The chemistry between both of them was off the charts. I loved how they grew to fall for each other, stood up for each other. You could feel the push and pull between them and when they did finally ended up together, it was worth it. The sex scenes were sizzling and just the way I love to read.
The only reason I didn’t give full five stars was because I wanted more of a mafia element to it. I prefer it a lot dark. The twist in this was good and more could have been done with it. But I feel like other books in the series will definitely will be, this is a good to start to it.
For a debut novel, this one is amazing and I would recommend that others read it too. You won’t be let down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Want to read
May 21, 2017Giveaway for this book happening now at Facebook page ends 4/27/17
--->GIVEAWAY
--->GIVEAWAY
August 4, 2019
Mixed feelings for this one.....
August 2, 2019
Do I regret reading this until 2am last night? Not one bit.
Am I tired af? Yes, yes I am.
Asher Black was a pretty interesting mafia book. In it, you will meet Lucy and Asher. How they meet was pretty normal I guess - if you count what they did in an alley outside a night club normal. Then there's the teeny tiny fact that she called the cops on a misunderstanding in said night club.. and walked away from him and that place.
Little did she know that Asher was looking for her. I mean, she thought he was and that he was going to murder her and stuff since she found out that he is in the mafia and owns the club on the night of the dreaded phone call. When he found her, it was a bit weird but everyone/everything was in this town. The moment he met her, something changed in him. She was intriguing and something special in a way. Mostly because she's a ghost - she has no background or anything. Clean has a whistle which is good for the public eye that seems to follow him. Or he thought.
Once they come up with a plan to be fake engaged... well the sexual tension turns up. It's there and it's obvious but nothing really happens. They get closer to each other throughout the book but then things got in the way. Whether it was people trying to murder her, trying to take Asher down, or their own confused feelings getting in the way - I was hooked. Which is why I up so late reading this thing from start to finish.
The ending was really cute and I definitely enjoyed watching them come together. They were completely shippable because they had amazing chemistry. I'm kind of excited to carry on with this series just to get little glimpses of these two.
Am I tired af? Yes, yes I am.
Asher Black was a pretty interesting mafia book. In it, you will meet Lucy and Asher. How they meet was pretty normal I guess - if you count what they did in an alley outside a night club normal. Then there's the teeny tiny fact that she called the cops on a misunderstanding in said night club.. and walked away from him and that place.
Little did she know that Asher was looking for her. I mean, she thought he was and that he was going to murder her and stuff since she found out that he is in the mafia and owns the club on the night of the dreaded phone call. When he found her, it was a bit weird but everyone/everything was in this town. The moment he met her, something changed in him. She was intriguing and something special in a way. Mostly because she's a ghost - she has no background or anything. Clean has a whistle which is good for the public eye that seems to follow him. Or he thought.
Once they come up with a plan to be fake engaged... well the sexual tension turns up. It's there and it's obvious but nothing really happens. They get closer to each other throughout the book but then things got in the way. Whether it was people trying to murder her, trying to take Asher down, or their own confused feelings getting in the way - I was hooked. Which is why I up so late reading this thing from start to finish.
The ending was really cute and I definitely enjoyed watching them come together. They were completely shippable because they had amazing chemistry. I'm kind of excited to carry on with this series just to get little glimpses of these two.
April 12, 2025
Read in 2021
Dnf
Not me reading this solely because I really liked the model on the cover, and I had no idea about the plot or anything else 🤦♀️
DISASTROUS DECISION 😫😫
This book was far far far far away from the real world. It was a fantasy world where you can Google mobsters like the heroine did. So fucking believable, right? 🙂🙂
I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story. It felt so unrealistic that I struggled to get past the nonsense. 🥺🥺
Hero was one of the wealthiest men in the city. He was a mob fixer too, such a hardworking guy I must say 🙄. The heroine's description of him as a media darling with gorgeous looks was totally believable. Paparazzi obsessed with his every move, dedicated fans posting pictures on fan blogs all day... yeah, right. How believable? I'm totally convinced 🙃🙃
I was totally flabbergasted during that classroom scene – what was the author thinking?! The whole thing was just... absurd and cringe. I'm still trying to figure out what went through their mind when writing it 🤦♀️
The story was just so illogical and boring – and don't even get me started on the characters. They were ridiculously immature and completely unlikable 🥺
2 stars solely for the gorgeous model on the cover 💘 You go girl 🤭🤭
Dnf
Not me reading this solely because I really liked the model on the cover, and I had no idea about the plot or anything else 🤦♀️
DISASTROUS DECISION 😫😫
This book was far far far far away from the real world. It was a fantasy world where you can Google mobsters like the heroine did. So fucking believable, right? 🙂🙂
I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story. It felt so unrealistic that I struggled to get past the nonsense. 🥺🥺
Hero was one of the wealthiest men in the city. He was a mob fixer too, such a hardworking guy I must say 🙄. The heroine's description of him as a media darling with gorgeous looks was totally believable. Paparazzi obsessed with his every move, dedicated fans posting pictures on fan blogs all day... yeah, right. How believable? I'm totally convinced 🙃🙃
I was totally flabbergasted during that classroom scene – what was the author thinking?! The whole thing was just... absurd and cringe. I'm still trying to figure out what went through their mind when writing it 🤦♀️
The story was just so illogical and boring – and don't even get me started on the characters. They were ridiculously immature and completely unlikable 🥺
2 stars solely for the gorgeous model on the cover 💘 You go girl 🤭🤭
January 25, 2022
This was my first time reading Parker S. Huntington! This is her debut book and while I was reading it, it definitely felt like a debut book. The writing and pacing is choppy but I didn’t completely dislike it. It just... wasn’t great.
This felt like a strange mafia romance. It’s not too dark or anything, mainly because of how dorky the heroine is. There is a LOT of inner monologue in this book. Lucy has this quirk of going on tangents in her mind and it’s supposed to be funny, but she does it so much that it got frustrating to read. She’s a girl with a tragic past who gets to escape to college and goes clubbing, which is where she meets Asher Black, a rich and powerful man who may or may not have mafia ties. She sees something wrong happening at the club and calls the cops, not knowing what she saw was mafia business. This all leads the Asher finding out it was her and forcing her into a fake engagement with him.
Asher and Lucy were okay. I liked them the more I read them but I never fell in love with their characters. I would’ve loved chapters in Asher’s POV – we would’ve gotten more of the mafia aspect that way. And plus, Lucy and Asher spent a lot of time apart so it would’ve been nice to see what Asher was doing while he was away. But overall it was an okay read – I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series unless someone can tell me there’s a REALLY good book in the series.
This felt like a strange mafia romance. It’s not too dark or anything, mainly because of how dorky the heroine is. There is a LOT of inner monologue in this book. Lucy has this quirk of going on tangents in her mind and it’s supposed to be funny, but she does it so much that it got frustrating to read. She’s a girl with a tragic past who gets to escape to college and goes clubbing, which is where she meets Asher Black, a rich and powerful man who may or may not have mafia ties. She sees something wrong happening at the club and calls the cops, not knowing what she saw was mafia business. This all leads the Asher finding out it was her and forcing her into a fake engagement with him.
Asher and Lucy were okay. I liked them the more I read them but I never fell in love with their characters. I would’ve loved chapters in Asher’s POV – we would’ve gotten more of the mafia aspect that way. And plus, Lucy and Asher spent a lot of time apart so it would’ve been nice to see what Asher was doing while he was away. But overall it was an okay read – I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series unless someone can tell me there’s a REALLY good book in the series.
April 24, 2017
And the search for a good Mafia book continues... This was just way to unrealistic. The female lead walks into a restaurant that's owned my a mobster and he introduces himself by telling her he was "head of enforcement" uhm no! Wise guys don't hand out that kind of information! Oh and let's not forget that she did a google search on Asher that told her he was a fixer for the mob. Is there a Mobster Wikipedia that I don't know about? Sorry, but that's not how this works. DNF at about 30%
May 12, 2017
“Lucy: Why do you want me to stay?
Asher: Because I like you.
Lucy: Why do you want me to go?
Asher: Because I like you.”
Houston we have a problem here. Apparently I am the only 3 stars review here. I should be worried, but I'm not. Different minds, different worlds and all that. Anyways let's talk about Asher Black.
I love Mafia novels. My Favorite author is J.M. Darhower and I can't get enough of her books. (Don't let me start talking about Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. Just Wow!). That being said let's start. This is Parker S. Huntington debut novel. I can tell you she has potential but....
I think the book would have been a lot better if it had been written from dual POV or Third person. The way is written (from Lucy's POV) the reader doesn't get te chance to really feel and enjoy the mafia world. It felt like I really didn't get to know Asher (the fixer or the business man).
I must admit the plot was ok but definitely could have been much better. There are so many references to other books and most of the time are not funny. The Christian Grey reference, the horny Lucy reference (inner goddess) or the whole fifty shades of grey reference made me love this story a little bit less. Again like I said maybe without these references the story would have been amazing.
The blurb is a good one, but when you read the story the blurb doesn't deliver. Somethings were kind of unbelievable and others didn't make a lot of sense. I'm not telling you which ones because spoilers.
The Hero (Asher) is HOT, FUNNY and yes sometimes intimidating, but I wanted to know more about him. Our Heroine (Lucy) was not that strong and I couldn't connect with her. The other characters were ok.
The book deserves a 3.5 stars. As a debut novel it wasn't that bad and I'm sure the other books will get much better.
Let's remember not everyone reads the same book. So you would probably like it. Give it a chance.
July 24, 2023
Cute 3.5/5
November 20, 2021
Just did a re-read, and still love this story so much. Parker has a fresh and addictive take on mafia romance- and I am here for it! Excellent chemistry, engaging plot, emotional and psychological intensity, and riveting steam. My favorite book of hers!
November 28, 2024
Güzel başladı ama sonra bolca saçmaladı.
July 15, 2019
Dammit. This book.
Sometimes I hate being right.
Up until about 75%, this was about a 4-star read for me. It looks and sounds like a million other billionaire-ish type stories out there but was surprisingly different. There were a couple near misses early on but afterward it became a nice slow-burn, letting the reader see Lucy and Asher interact and get to know one amother rather than shag every other page. Lucy was great, first heroine I haven't actively disliked in a while. She was seriously funny and self-deprecating and pretty matter-of-fact about things for her youthful age. She saw herself as a coward but the girl was tough and brave - all without being a b*tch. No doormat, this one.
Single-person narrative - which I love - and the writer did an excellent job of revealing Asher through Lucy's perspective. I didn't need or want his, as I prefer my heroes to have that hint of mystery - particularly heroes like Asher. He was very easy to visualise and understand, because the writer had the ability to paint him through the eyes of another.
This was a debut novel and I've seen far less skill in established writers with multiple publications. Aside from some continuity issues and skimming over events to advance the timeline, the story was relatively solid and had the plot easy to follow.
Then at around 3/4 in, the wheels came off. Again, I am not prudish. I dig well-written sex scenes, it's just that they are like unicorns nowadays. But I detest filth and feel it cheapens the writer who resorts to it. I know for a fact it is possible to be explicit without resorting to gutter words and lurid descriptions of body parts and fluids.
I was pretty pissed that the writer went there once or twice already, but she ruined it for me with their first full sex scene.
Asher was intense, a little dark and mysterious, but he was also loving and loyal and honest - and a wee bit sweet here and there. He didn't keep things from Lucy. There was none of that 'dominant' crap. Then, she finally admits to loving him and what does he do? Tells her to 'kneel.' To kneel.
The Lucy I thought I knew would have said, "No, YOU kneel, and btw, feck off."
But Lucy knelt, and I wanted to break things.
Just after confessing their love and for their first time together, he slaps her, yanks her hair and fucks her from behind like a dog. Like a whore. And I was done.
I was afraid of something like this happening when I began reading. But I'd relaxed and didn't see it coming at near the end of the book. And these were NOT the people I knew! God, it sucked.
I enjoyed this until then and liked the writer enough to want to see something else, but almost feel like I shouldn't.
Anyway, most readers will have no problem with this book and will probably like it. But this is one of those times when I wish that the genre was defined better, because this isn't CR, it's definitely ER and had it been labeled as such, I wouldn't have chosen it. Bondage, slapping, choking and rough, bruising sex aren't my jam. Sorry.
Sometimes I hate being right.
Up until about 75%, this was about a 4-star read for me. It looks and sounds like a million other billionaire-ish type stories out there but was surprisingly different. There were a couple near misses early on but afterward it became a nice slow-burn, letting the reader see Lucy and Asher interact and get to know one amother rather than shag every other page. Lucy was great, first heroine I haven't actively disliked in a while. She was seriously funny and self-deprecating and pretty matter-of-fact about things for her youthful age. She saw herself as a coward but the girl was tough and brave - all without being a b*tch. No doormat, this one.
Single-person narrative - which I love - and the writer did an excellent job of revealing Asher through Lucy's perspective. I didn't need or want his, as I prefer my heroes to have that hint of mystery - particularly heroes like Asher. He was very easy to visualise and understand, because the writer had the ability to paint him through the eyes of another.
This was a debut novel and I've seen far less skill in established writers with multiple publications. Aside from some continuity issues and skimming over events to advance the timeline, the story was relatively solid and had the plot easy to follow.
Then at around 3/4 in, the wheels came off. Again, I am not prudish. I dig well-written sex scenes, it's just that they are like unicorns nowadays. But I detest filth and feel it cheapens the writer who resorts to it. I know for a fact it is possible to be explicit without resorting to gutter words and lurid descriptions of body parts and fluids.
I was pretty pissed that the writer went there once or twice already, but she ruined it for me with their first full sex scene.
Asher was intense, a little dark and mysterious, but he was also loving and loyal and honest - and a wee bit sweet here and there. He didn't keep things from Lucy. There was none of that 'dominant' crap. Then, she finally admits to loving him and what does he do? Tells her to 'kneel.' To kneel.
The Lucy I thought I knew would have said, "No, YOU kneel, and btw, feck off."
But Lucy knelt, and I wanted to break things.
Just after confessing their love and for their first time together, he slaps her, yanks her hair and fucks her from behind like a dog. Like a whore. And I was done.
I was afraid of something like this happening when I began reading. But I'd relaxed and didn't see it coming at near the end of the book. And these were NOT the people I knew! God, it sucked.
I enjoyed this until then and liked the writer enough to want to see something else, but almost feel like I shouldn't.
Anyway, most readers will have no problem with this book and will probably like it. But this is one of those times when I wish that the genre was defined better, because this isn't CR, it's definitely ER and had it been labeled as such, I wouldn't have chosen it. Bondage, slapping, choking and rough, bruising sex aren't my jam. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
4.5 STARS....When their fake became real.
I cannot believe I read this in one sitting but in between breaks wow 😂
I think this would be my third book by this author and I’d say this one is my favourite. Now, why would I say this it’s cause Lucy is sassy she’s funny and I think she’s adorable. I love Lucy’s character, she’s the right mix for Asher who’s always this serious guy. Although they met and insta chemistry, but far from it, nothing went further between them, but Lucy’s bubbly character will make you laugh and love her at the same time. I love how it’s not overshadowed with s3x scenes, but it’s a slow-burn of yearning chemistry and with Lucy’s thoughts you’ll 😂 along. I thoroughly enjoyed a good laugh with this book despite it not being dark and all, but it has a good storyline.
I cannot believe I read this in one sitting but in between breaks wow 😂
I think this would be my third book by this author and I’d say this one is my favourite. Now, why would I say this it’s cause Lucy is sassy she’s funny and I think she’s adorable. I love Lucy’s character, she’s the right mix for Asher who’s always this serious guy. Although they met and insta chemistry, but far from it, nothing went further between them, but Lucy’s bubbly character will make you laugh and love her at the same time. I love how it’s not overshadowed with s3x scenes, but it’s a slow-burn of yearning chemistry and with Lucy’s thoughts you’ll 😂 along. I thoroughly enjoyed a good laugh with this book despite it not being dark and all, but it has a good storyline.
February 16, 2020
5 Surprising stars
I’ve seen Parker S. Huntington books trending on Amazon for some time now. I’ll be honest and say that even though Asher Black has raving reviews, I didn’t want to read the book because the cover is so … boring and kind of serious.
This is not a serious book, it’s not a funny book, but it’s not dark. I think had I known it was a lower angst book I would have read it a lot sooner.
I think the best part of the book for me is the storyline and the character development. I kind of wished the couple had two more books because I want to see where they will go.
Lucy is a well-rounded and lovable girl. I loved her character and I liked she was in college and she was sucked into Asher Black’s world.
Asher black is the kind of Hero I like to read. He’s protective, powerful and smart. I felt like Lucy and Asher balanced each other very well.
It was just a nice to read the day to day events and then there was the overall threat you had to read about. I will 100% continue with the series.
I’ve seen Parker S. Huntington books trending on Amazon for some time now. I’ll be honest and say that even though Asher Black has raving reviews, I didn’t want to read the book because the cover is so … boring and kind of serious.
This is not a serious book, it’s not a funny book, but it’s not dark. I think had I known it was a lower angst book I would have read it a lot sooner.
I think the best part of the book for me is the storyline and the character development. I kind of wished the couple had two more books because I want to see where they will go.
Lucy is a well-rounded and lovable girl. I loved her character and I liked she was in college and she was sucked into Asher Black’s world.
Asher black is the kind of Hero I like to read. He’s protective, powerful and smart. I felt like Lucy and Asher balanced each other very well.
It was just a nice to read the day to day events and then there was the overall threat you had to read about. I will 100% continue with the series.
July 5, 2019
Reading "Asher Black" by Parker S. Huntington was so worth the wait!
Asher and Lucy's story was
!!!!!!!!!!!!
So yes
Asher and Lucy's relationship might has started off so wrong but their slow burn relationship was so worth it!
There was a fake engagement, hot attraction, suspense; intense twists and turns, college MEAN girls rivalries, and a lot of backstabbing moments but through it all... I really enjoyed reading this enthralling story!
So
“Is this how Julia Roberts' character feels like in Pretty Woman? Two parts princess, one part whore?” -Luc
Looking forward to reading the other books in this series!!!!!!!!!!!
5 Team Asher Black and Luc stars!
Asher and Lucy's story was
!!!!!!!!!!!!So yes
Asher and Lucy's relationship might has started off so wrong but their slow burn relationship was so worth it!
There was a fake engagement, hot attraction, suspense; intense twists and turns, college MEAN girls rivalries, and a lot of backstabbing moments but through it all... I really enjoyed reading this enthralling story!
So
“Is this how Julia Roberts' character feels like in Pretty Woman? Two parts princess, one part whore?” -Luc
Looking forward to reading the other books in this series!!!!!!!!!!!
5 Team Asher Black and Luc stars!
May 1, 2017
"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own."
Asher Black has a touch of Tijan's Carter Reed with a freshness and intelligence that comes directly from debut author Parker S. Huntington. This is a well-written, well-paced, action-filled, character driven book. I found it highly entertaining.
Lucy is an incredibly intelligent, beautiful, college student. She is multi-layered; a product of the foster care system, she's spent the last 2 years volunteering in Africa. She's brilliant, yet a bit broken from her past. She goes with her roommate Aimee to the city's hottest nightclub the weekend before classes start where she has a partial hookup with the hottest guy, witnesses a partial crime, and tries to be a good citizen and report it. No good deed goes unpunished. It turns out that the club is mafia connected and she just put her life at risk. And the hot guy turns out to be Asher Black, clean-up man for the Romano family. Lucy does everything she can possibly do to cover her tracks, yet weeks later Asher tracks her down. While his initial plans are to "handle" her, he decides instead to have her owe him a favor. The favor turns out for her to pretend to be his fiance. Here's where the story gets really good. These two have a physical attraction, but even more they attract each other on an intellectual and emotional level. The slow burn of their relationship keeps you anticipating. Lust, fear, intrigue, friendship, more. Perfectly believable.
I am drawn to character driven books and this book definitely delivers. Lucy is a solid lead female. The supporting cast from Aimee to Lucy's bodyguard, Xavier to Asher's business associates, Monica and Rene, and finally to his mafia associates, Vince and Bastian are all well-developed and integral to the story line. Each character is completely flushed out. But this story begins and ends with Asher Black. He is so complex, so complicated. Brilliant, driven, focused; his mind works 6 steps ahead of others at any given time. He's partly cold-hearted and ruthless, but gain his respect and love and he's endlessly giving and loyal. After his first scene with Lucy in the book I was not sure I could like him, but he proved to be one of my favorite male leads ever. The combination or brains, lethalness, tenderness, and hot sex appeal was impossible to resist.
This book offered some of everything; suspense, intrigue, betrayal, lust, anger, humor, danger. It blends college life, the business world, and the mafia seamlessly. But what sets it above other debut novels is the overall intelligence flowing through everything. The detailing is exceptional. I couldn't come up with a criticism. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in The Five Syndicates Series!
Asher Black has a touch of Tijan's Carter Reed with a freshness and intelligence that comes directly from debut author Parker S. Huntington. This is a well-written, well-paced, action-filled, character driven book. I found it highly entertaining.
Lucy is an incredibly intelligent, beautiful, college student. She is multi-layered; a product of the foster care system, she's spent the last 2 years volunteering in Africa. She's brilliant, yet a bit broken from her past. She goes with her roommate Aimee to the city's hottest nightclub the weekend before classes start where she has a partial hookup with the hottest guy, witnesses a partial crime, and tries to be a good citizen and report it. No good deed goes unpunished. It turns out that the club is mafia connected and she just put her life at risk. And the hot guy turns out to be Asher Black, clean-up man for the Romano family. Lucy does everything she can possibly do to cover her tracks, yet weeks later Asher tracks her down. While his initial plans are to "handle" her, he decides instead to have her owe him a favor. The favor turns out for her to pretend to be his fiance. Here's where the story gets really good. These two have a physical attraction, but even more they attract each other on an intellectual and emotional level. The slow burn of their relationship keeps you anticipating. Lust, fear, intrigue, friendship, more. Perfectly believable.
I am drawn to character driven books and this book definitely delivers. Lucy is a solid lead female. The supporting cast from Aimee to Lucy's bodyguard, Xavier to Asher's business associates, Monica and Rene, and finally to his mafia associates, Vince and Bastian are all well-developed and integral to the story line. Each character is completely flushed out. But this story begins and ends with Asher Black. He is so complex, so complicated. Brilliant, driven, focused; his mind works 6 steps ahead of others at any given time. He's partly cold-hearted and ruthless, but gain his respect and love and he's endlessly giving and loyal. After his first scene with Lucy in the book I was not sure I could like him, but he proved to be one of my favorite male leads ever. The combination or brains, lethalness, tenderness, and hot sex appeal was impossible to resist.
This book offered some of everything; suspense, intrigue, betrayal, lust, anger, humor, danger. It blends college life, the business world, and the mafia seamlessly. But what sets it above other debut novels is the overall intelligence flowing through everything. The detailing is exceptional. I couldn't come up with a criticism. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in The Five Syndicates Series!
June 25, 2017
Original Ditial Copy (ODC) received by the Author for an honest review:
A gritty and brutal concept with a cocktail of love, arranged nuptials, mystery, laughter and being courageous towards life.
Lucy, the female lead, is an undergraduate, studying something in biology, a difficult name to recall as I suck in biological terms. Sorry to the author. :p
Anyways, she is a woman with a shady past and a heavier baggage but she knows how to stand up for herself because that's all she has learnt while growing up in foster homes.
Asher Black, the brooding owner of Black Enterprises, is in trouble indirectly because of our dear Lucy, and it is just a matter of time when he catches up with her to break out the hell on her.
The story is intimidating and incredulously funny. The author has done a magic on the female lead as I am a strong feminist and I love to see women growing stronger even after a gory past or a troubled childhood.
The author, Parker, lived up to my expectations throughout the cover of the book and the blurb of the same. I am so in love with the references she threw so mercilessly at the reader to laugh their asses off literally and figuratively.
Moreover, the scenes are so grandeur, lavished and polished that it seems like we are watching a prime time movie of a big screen television channel on a big theatre, a movie which makes you laugh, pout, gasp in astonishment and much more.
I totally concur with this novel through and through and would love to read further romances from this author because she knows how to torture the readers even for a kiss through half of the novel. ARGH at the sexual tension between the leads!!!
A gritty and brutal concept with a cocktail of love, arranged nuptials, mystery, laughter and being courageous towards life.
Lucy, the female lead, is an undergraduate, studying something in biology, a difficult name to recall as I suck in biological terms. Sorry to the author. :p
Anyways, she is a woman with a shady past and a heavier baggage but she knows how to stand up for herself because that's all she has learnt while growing up in foster homes.
Asher Black, the brooding owner of Black Enterprises, is in trouble indirectly because of our dear Lucy, and it is just a matter of time when he catches up with her to break out the hell on her.
The story is intimidating and incredulously funny. The author has done a magic on the female lead as I am a strong feminist and I love to see women growing stronger even after a gory past or a troubled childhood.
The author, Parker, lived up to my expectations throughout the cover of the book and the blurb of the same. I am so in love with the references she threw so mercilessly at the reader to laugh their asses off literally and figuratively.
Moreover, the scenes are so grandeur, lavished and polished that it seems like we are watching a prime time movie of a big screen television channel on a big theatre, a movie which makes you laugh, pout, gasp in astonishment and much more.
I totally concur with this novel through and through and would love to read further romances from this author because she knows how to torture the readers even for a kiss through half of the novel. ARGH at the sexual tension between the leads!!!
January 4, 2018
Asher Black is not my typical read/listen. I actually don't think that I have ever read a mafia book/romance. I'm so happy that I took the chance though to discover this new to me author!
This was a really entertaining audiobook and the heroine had me laughing throughout most of the book. Lucy's inner monologue and her back and forth banter with Asher was fantastic. Throw in the whole fake fiance trope and this was an awesome debut novel. Even though there are some heavier and more serious moments in the book, Lucy and Asher's interactions and chemistry kept it more lighthearted and playful. Readers/listeners may find a few parts of the story a little over the top, but for me it just made it more fun. This is my first time listening to the narrator, Lacy Laurel. I thought that she did a great job as Lucy and I felt her performance was perfect for the character.
I didn't find the book to be super mafia heavy and though the overall pacing was fine, I felt like the end was a little rushed/abrupt. I would have loved to have an epilogue further into the future as well as Asher's POV, but overall, this was a really enjoyable book and I look forward to reading/listening to more by this author.
This was a really entertaining audiobook and the heroine had me laughing throughout most of the book. Lucy's inner monologue and her back and forth banter with Asher was fantastic. Throw in the whole fake fiance trope and this was an awesome debut novel. Even though there are some heavier and more serious moments in the book, Lucy and Asher's interactions and chemistry kept it more lighthearted and playful. Readers/listeners may find a few parts of the story a little over the top, but for me it just made it more fun. This is my first time listening to the narrator, Lacy Laurel. I thought that she did a great job as Lucy and I felt her performance was perfect for the character.
I didn't find the book to be super mafia heavy and though the overall pacing was fine, I felt like the end was a little rushed/abrupt. I would have loved to have an epilogue further into the future as well as Asher's POV, but overall, this was a really enjoyable book and I look forward to reading/listening to more by this author.
August 5, 2022
This .. was bad. I feel like I should just leave it at that.
But maybe let me expand it just a little bit.
The writing was .. not so good let’s just say.
The characters were shallow and stereotypes.
The plot was ridiculous and had holes galore.
To be completely honest, reading this had me cringing. A lot.
February 10, 2020
Need to reread.
June 16, 2020
I love this writer, I typically become impatient waiting for the characters to hook up, but Parker has great wit and pacing. So, I love every minute of her books.
April 23, 2017
❤️🔥ASHER BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK....AND LUCY JUST HAPPENS TO LOVE BLACK!!!!!❤️🔥
This is one of those times I wish we could give a book more than 5 stars....First of all, I am dumbfounded by the fact that ASHER BLACK is Parker S. Huntington's debut novel!!! I have read SOOOO MANY books, and this author is one that I will continue to read anything else she writes...in fact, I'll be following/stalking her and watching for her new releases.🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
ASHER BLACK...I fall in love with him and the book right from the beginning...Is he a mobster? Is he just a billionaire businessman?..Either way, I didn't care....he is now one of my favorite book boyfriends,,,,He's written perfectly....gorgeous, dirty talking, sexy, and all alpha male...with a heart buried down there somewhere....🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
Lucy, who I also loved from the beginning is an intelligent, beautiful, college student and, really, just a normal girl, with insecurities abounding, like everyone else at 20.....Asher and Lucy meet, in an unusual and unconventional way....It's really not insta-love, but it's definitely insta-lust....BIG TIME!!! Their chemistry is off the freakin charts, the love scenes are hot without being over the top or on every page.....but the sexual tension is there....always!!! I could feel it!!!🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
And to tell you the truth...I don't want to tell you anymore....I never like spoilers, myself, but you will be happy I didn't spoil it, and you were given the opportunity to read a really good book, and it is a REALLY good book, without any preconceived ideas of what's to come next or how it will end......I read it in one sitting, because I just acould not put it down...and I WILL BE READING IT AGAIN!!!!
Just remember the names ASHER BLACK and Parker S. Huntington....if this is her first book, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next...I just hope she is working on it, because I want it to be released soon!!!!🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
This is one of those times I wish we could give a book more than 5 stars....First of all, I am dumbfounded by the fact that ASHER BLACK is Parker S. Huntington's debut novel!!! I have read SOOOO MANY books, and this author is one that I will continue to read anything else she writes...in fact, I'll be following/stalking her and watching for her new releases.🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
ASHER BLACK...I fall in love with him and the book right from the beginning...Is he a mobster? Is he just a billionaire businessman?..Either way, I didn't care....he is now one of my favorite book boyfriends,,,,He's written perfectly....gorgeous, dirty talking, sexy, and all alpha male...with a heart buried down there somewhere....🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
Lucy, who I also loved from the beginning is an intelligent, beautiful, college student and, really, just a normal girl, with insecurities abounding, like everyone else at 20.....Asher and Lucy meet, in an unusual and unconventional way....It's really not insta-love, but it's definitely insta-lust....BIG TIME!!! Their chemistry is off the freakin charts, the love scenes are hot without being over the top or on every page.....but the sexual tension is there....always!!! I could feel it!!!🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
And to tell you the truth...I don't want to tell you anymore....I never like spoilers, myself, but you will be happy I didn't spoil it, and you were given the opportunity to read a really good book, and it is a REALLY good book, without any preconceived ideas of what's to come next or how it will end......I read it in one sitting, because I just acould not put it down...and I WILL BE READING IT AGAIN!!!!
Just remember the names ASHER BLACK and Parker S. Huntington....if this is her first book, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next...I just hope she is working on it, because I want it to be released soon!!!!🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️
May 9, 2017
You MUST check out this new author, she is FABULOUS!!! It's hard to believe this is her first book!!
I will be following her work and reading whatever she comes up with next!
I have a new book boyfriend...and his name is Asher Black! OMG...he is definitely drool worthy!!
Asher and Lucy are amazing characters, with so many layers...as layers are peeled back and emotions and fears are dealt with they become stronger. Lucy learns she is no longer a runner, who runs from her problems, but she finds strength and courage. Asher learns trust and love, and how to let someone in. This isn't just a romance book, it's so much more!!
Parker S. Huntington will go far, if she keeps writing like this!
"I’ve always been a runner. Runners aren’t sassy. They’re never around to be sassy. They’re cowards, like I was before I met Asher. I wonder if this bold and brave person is who I am now that I’m done running."
I will be following her work and reading whatever she comes up with next!
I have a new book boyfriend...and his name is Asher Black! OMG...he is definitely drool worthy!!
Asher and Lucy are amazing characters, with so many layers...as layers are peeled back and emotions and fears are dealt with they become stronger. Lucy learns she is no longer a runner, who runs from her problems, but she finds strength and courage. Asher learns trust and love, and how to let someone in. This isn't just a romance book, it's so much more!!
Parker S. Huntington will go far, if she keeps writing like this!
"I’ve always been a runner. Runners aren’t sassy. They’re never around to be sassy. They’re cowards, like I was before I met Asher. I wonder if this bold and brave person is who I am now that I’m done running."
June 10, 2023
Everyone seems to know who Asher Black is except Lucy, so that is why after going to the bathroom at a club and witnessing a crime she calls the police. Finding out after the fact she knows she has made a grave mistake and believes he is going to kill her. So when Asher shows up days later and confronts Lucy she is ready to meet the maker, but Asher has other plans for Lucy. He needs a fiancée and Lucy will be the perfect woman for that. What Lucy doesn't plan on is getting attached to the Asher, but could it be possible that Asher feels the same way?
Loved this, I read mixed reviews but I could not put this down. I loved Lucy she is quirky and has a past that is heartbreaking. Asher oozes male dominance and alpha male behavior. Chemistry is off the charts between this couple and I look forward to reading the next book.
Loved this, I read mixed reviews but I could not put this down. I loved Lucy she is quirky and has a past that is heartbreaking. Asher oozes male dominance and alpha male behavior. Chemistry is off the charts between this couple and I look forward to reading the next book.
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