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Smoldering #1
Smoldering
Money ~ power ~ fame
Kelsey
Growing up in the arms of one of the wealthiest families in America, I lived a champagne lifestyle and never wanted for anything.
That life came with stipulations…
1. Marry the man I don’t love.
2. Make my parents proud.
Wrong.
I left my Manolos and fancy apartment behind and fled that life to find out who I really was.
Someone unexpected bulldozed my life.
Riley Jackson
He was the man everyone, including me, wanted, but his future was one I wasn’t sure I wanted to thrust myself back into. And when he chose a career over the family business, his family supported him instead of pushing him away.
My past collided with my future.
I didn’t see it coming. If I had, I would’ve ran far, far away.
Now I’m stuck in the same position I started in two years ago, except this time, it’s not my decision to make.
Loyalty to your family? Loyalty to your own happiness?
Which would you choose?
Kelsey
Growing up in the arms of one of the wealthiest families in America, I lived a champagne lifestyle and never wanted for anything.
That life came with stipulations…
1. Marry the man I don’t love.
2. Make my parents proud.
Wrong.
I left my Manolos and fancy apartment behind and fled that life to find out who I really was.
Someone unexpected bulldozed my life.
Riley Jackson
He was the man everyone, including me, wanted, but his future was one I wasn’t sure I wanted to thrust myself back into. And when he chose a career over the family business, his family supported him instead of pushing him away.
My past collided with my future.
I didn’t see it coming. If I had, I would’ve ran far, far away.
Now I’m stuck in the same position I started in two years ago, except this time, it’s not my decision to make.
Loyalty to your family? Loyalty to your own happiness?
Which would you choose?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2014
47 people are currently reading
1411 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Aleman
11 books391 followersTiffany is a mother of two and married to wonderful man. She is lover off anything that has to do with the outdoors. When she's not writing, she's spending time at the beach with her family and friends. Tiffany published her first novel in May of 2013 and hasn't seemed to stop writing ever since. She loves to read and lose herself in the imaginary world of the written word.
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February 7, 2017
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
I had this audiobook sitting on my Audible shelf for a long time. Finally, I decided to give it a shot as a way to recuperate from the book hangover I was suffering from after finishing K. A. Linde's 'Avoiding' series. 'Smoldering' ended up being a good choice for that purpose.
The heroine, Kelsey, is a young lady from a very wealthy family. The daughter of a prominent politician, she is little more than a prop for her parents' social image. Always yearning to please them, she has allowed herself to be controlled by her parents.
On the day of her wedding, she finally has a long overdue epiphany. She's standing at the altar, in the midst of marrying a man that she hates, when she realizes that her parents will never truly love her. Trying to please them or make them proud is a pointless endeavor.
For once, she decides to make a decision based upon her happiness. Knowing the fallout will be tremendous, she musters up the courage to take a stand. She leaves her groom standing at the altar and doesn't look back.
Despite being disowned by her parents, she knows that she has done the right thing. Cut off completely, she moves with her best friend and makes ends meet by working as a waitress. Her life is a far cry from the opulence of her past, but she is happy for the first time in her life.
When she meets Riley Jackson, a local military man, things are finally going right for her. The two have a whirlwind romance and fall in love quickly. Theirs was definitely a case of insta-love.
Just as their relationship begins to get more serious, Kelsey's past and present collide. What ensues is a clusterf*ck of epic proportions. Betrayal. Hurt. More betrayal. It gets really ugly, really quick.
While I love angst and usually live for the emotional pain a great story can evoke, this story left me feeling a little irritated. With the way Riley was so quick to dismiss Kelsey, and the way he acted almost immediately afterwards, I just couldn't believe that he really cared all that much for her in the first place. I just didn't buy it.
Then, after all of Riley's insensitive actions, he barely even mutters an apology before Kelsey takes him back. Seriously? To make matters worse, she actually assumes a large part of the blame because she had never told him about her ex...even though she didn't lie and it never really came up.
I absolutely hate it when the heroine turns into some sort of weak, pushover that takes on the blame for the hero's bad behavior. Ugh! Kelsey needed to grow a damn spine and send Riley packing for good. He didn't even grovel. Nope. I was not happy at all.
Overall, it ended up being just an "okay" book for me. It started out strong, but then everything hit the fan and there was no coming back for me. Once everything was kind of "resolved" and the characters got their HEA, it seemed to drag on and on also. Maybe I was just irritated because their HEA was not a HEA for me...but the last 45 minutes of this audiobook seemed unnecessary to me.
I had this audiobook sitting on my Audible shelf for a long time. Finally, I decided to give it a shot as a way to recuperate from the book hangover I was suffering from after finishing K. A. Linde's 'Avoiding' series. 'Smoldering' ended up being a good choice for that purpose.
The heroine, Kelsey, is a young lady from a very wealthy family. The daughter of a prominent politician, she is little more than a prop for her parents' social image. Always yearning to please them, she has allowed herself to be controlled by her parents.
On the day of her wedding, she finally has a long overdue epiphany. She's standing at the altar, in the midst of marrying a man that she hates, when she realizes that her parents will never truly love her. Trying to please them or make them proud is a pointless endeavor.
For once, she decides to make a decision based upon her happiness. Knowing the fallout will be tremendous, she musters up the courage to take a stand. She leaves her groom standing at the altar and doesn't look back.
Despite being disowned by her parents, she knows that she has done the right thing. Cut off completely, she moves with her best friend and makes ends meet by working as a waitress. Her life is a far cry from the opulence of her past, but she is happy for the first time in her life.
When she meets Riley Jackson, a local military man, things are finally going right for her. The two have a whirlwind romance and fall in love quickly. Theirs was definitely a case of insta-love.
Just as their relationship begins to get more serious, Kelsey's past and present collide. What ensues is a clusterf*ck of epic proportions. Betrayal. Hurt. More betrayal. It gets really ugly, really quick.
While I love angst and usually live for the emotional pain a great story can evoke, this story left me feeling a little irritated. With the way Riley was so quick to dismiss Kelsey, and the way he acted almost immediately afterwards, I just couldn't believe that he really cared all that much for her in the first place. I just didn't buy it.
Then, after all of Riley's insensitive actions, he barely even mutters an apology before Kelsey takes him back. Seriously? To make matters worse, she actually assumes a large part of the blame because she had never told him about her ex...even though she didn't lie and it never really came up.
I absolutely hate it when the heroine turns into some sort of weak, pushover that takes on the blame for the hero's bad behavior. Ugh! Kelsey needed to grow a damn spine and send Riley packing for good. He didn't even grovel. Nope. I was not happy at all.
Overall, it ended up being just an "okay" book for me. It started out strong, but then everything hit the fan and there was no coming back for me. Once everything was kind of "resolved" and the characters got their HEA, it seemed to drag on and on also. Maybe I was just irritated because their HEA was not a HEA for me...but the last 45 minutes of this audiobook seemed unnecessary to me.
July 20, 2014
Five Romantic & Ravishing Riley Jackson Stars
Wow where do I being? Well I guess I will start with Kelsey as the book does. She is about to marry the man she does not love and once you meet him you won't blame her. The only problem is she is extremely loyal to her family. Her dad is a congressman and her mother, well there is not much to say about her. Just think of a rich bitch who has no clue what it's like to be a mother.
"Four hundred people at least, not that I care, sit patiently waiting for me to make my grand entrance. Senators, judges, governors, actors, you name it; if they are worth at least ten million dollars, they are probably here.
With my father holding a seat in the House of Congress, it only makes sense that I marry someone that my parents see fit."
No thank you is what I say and Kelsey doesn't want this either. She doesn't want a fake marriage or a fake life and I was so thrilled when she stood up for herself and walked away from it all.
"What I want is real."
Fast forward two years and Kelsey is working at a truck stop, diner, she lives with her best friend, Jen, whom I absolutely loved but most importantly she is content and happy. Jen was hilarious. I think we could all use a friend like her.
There were lots of great characters in this book and I enjoyed each and everyone of them. One in particular was an older gentlemen who came in the diner a lot and Kelsey got to know him rather well as he was one of the regulars. I mention him because it was something he said that I loved when Riley Jackson entered the diner and he could see the instant attraction between the two of them.
"Make him earn you."
Now let's talk about Riley. Holy swoon! He's tall, handsome, sexy, very romantic, funny and quite confident. Oh he is in the army too! The banter between the two was amusing and I immediately fell in love with him.
"You seem pretty sure of yourself. What makes you think I would want you to give me mouth to mouth? Why not just check my pulse? I retort.
"Because that would consist of me putting my hands on you, and when I do that, You. Will. Not. Want. Me. To. Stop," he states matter of fact.
There was no doubt that these two shared an amazing chemistry and it wasn't only sexual. They wanted to get to know each other and they did. Riley was a complete gentleman with a touch of alpha tendencies and some dirty talking to go right along with it. It was so nice to see their relationship develop. They were different yet the same as they both came from similar backgrounds, namely money.
The difference was the love that was shared between Riley and his family. It was nothing like Kelsey's family where there was no love and compassion.
My heart broke for Kelsey and all of the things she went through during her life. She had so many fears and was so closed off about her past when it came to telling Riley but I completely understood. The more I read the more I learned about her and her past.
"I'm afraid of ending up alone."
"I know my worth, but have insecurities, just like any other woman."
I couldn't blame her at all. Riley wasn't pushy but I knew that eventually things would come out and I wasn't quite sure what would happen or how he would handle it or better yet how they would handle it.
I was completely engrossed in their world. It was like I was there watching them, feeling what they felt and falling in love with them just like they fell in love with each other.
Kelsey~"Thank you."
Riley~"For what?"
Kelsey~For finding me."
Riley~"I didn't even know I was looking for you until you found me."
As the relationship between the two of them developed and seemed to be moving smoothly, it was what lie ahead that would be a major turning point in their relationship, one that involved her slimy ex, a Virginia governor, whom I did not trust at all and basically wanted to have some type of revenge on Kelsey for what she had done to him.
"Even a Valentino, custom-made tux can't hide evil."
I won't lie to you, half way through I was a mess, my heart was hurting, I was crying and so consumed with everything that had taken place, what continued to take place, frustrated with the choices that Kelsey and Riley made, fussing at the author, lol, so eager for them to get their shit straight but never stopping for one minute because I had to know what was going to happen.
Their love was so strong and they belonged together in every way!
"He replenishes me in a way that no one ever has. He's saving me and doesn't even know it."
"You matter to me. You always have. You always will."
"My love for you knows no bounds."
So what happens when Kelsey's past is thrown in her face? How will Kelsey and Riley handle their relationship from this point forward and what obstacles will they have to fight their way through? Don't wait another minute go one click this now. Currently it's only 0.99 and that is one hell of a deal for an awesome fucking book that I couldn't put down and read in a day and a half which is fast for me lol.
"Even when your world crumbles down around you, the rest of the world still goes on living."
I highly recommend you read this book and experience Riley and Kelsey's story. It was wonderful with some twists and turns a little shock factors to boot but totally worth it in every way. There is an HEA for those that need to know.
This story also touches on what military members and their families go through when their loved ones are deployed, certainly an eye opener for those that don't have to deal with this.
The author kept me engaged the entire time I was reading this book. There wasn't a time when I wanted to put it down. It is a beautiful story with so much meaning in so many different ways. There is lots of love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, humor, passion, empathy and there was never a moment I didn't feel or experience everything that was going on with each and every character in this story.
It is and amazing book written from an author who definitely knows how to captivate and hold her readers hostage for the entire duration.
Wow where do I being? Well I guess I will start with Kelsey as the book does. She is about to marry the man she does not love and once you meet him you won't blame her. The only problem is she is extremely loyal to her family. Her dad is a congressman and her mother, well there is not much to say about her. Just think of a rich bitch who has no clue what it's like to be a mother.
"Four hundred people at least, not that I care, sit patiently waiting for me to make my grand entrance. Senators, judges, governors, actors, you name it; if they are worth at least ten million dollars, they are probably here.
With my father holding a seat in the House of Congress, it only makes sense that I marry someone that my parents see fit."
No thank you is what I say and Kelsey doesn't want this either. She doesn't want a fake marriage or a fake life and I was so thrilled when she stood up for herself and walked away from it all.
"What I want is real."
Fast forward two years and Kelsey is working at a truck stop, diner, she lives with her best friend, Jen, whom I absolutely loved but most importantly she is content and happy. Jen was hilarious. I think we could all use a friend like her.
There were lots of great characters in this book and I enjoyed each and everyone of them. One in particular was an older gentlemen who came in the diner a lot and Kelsey got to know him rather well as he was one of the regulars. I mention him because it was something he said that I loved when Riley Jackson entered the diner and he could see the instant attraction between the two of them.
"Make him earn you."
Now let's talk about Riley. Holy swoon! He's tall, handsome, sexy, very romantic, funny and quite confident. Oh he is in the army too! The banter between the two was amusing and I immediately fell in love with him.
"You seem pretty sure of yourself. What makes you think I would want you to give me mouth to mouth? Why not just check my pulse? I retort.
"Because that would consist of me putting my hands on you, and when I do that, You. Will. Not. Want. Me. To. Stop," he states matter of fact.
There was no doubt that these two shared an amazing chemistry and it wasn't only sexual. They wanted to get to know each other and they did. Riley was a complete gentleman with a touch of alpha tendencies and some dirty talking to go right along with it. It was so nice to see their relationship develop. They were different yet the same as they both came from similar backgrounds, namely money.
The difference was the love that was shared between Riley and his family. It was nothing like Kelsey's family where there was no love and compassion.
My heart broke for Kelsey and all of the things she went through during her life. She had so many fears and was so closed off about her past when it came to telling Riley but I completely understood. The more I read the more I learned about her and her past.
"I'm afraid of ending up alone."
"I know my worth, but have insecurities, just like any other woman."
I couldn't blame her at all. Riley wasn't pushy but I knew that eventually things would come out and I wasn't quite sure what would happen or how he would handle it or better yet how they would handle it.
I was completely engrossed in their world. It was like I was there watching them, feeling what they felt and falling in love with them just like they fell in love with each other.
Kelsey~"Thank you."
Riley~"For what?"
Kelsey~For finding me."
Riley~"I didn't even know I was looking for you until you found me."
As the relationship between the two of them developed and seemed to be moving smoothly, it was what lie ahead that would be a major turning point in their relationship, one that involved her slimy ex, a Virginia governor, whom I did not trust at all and basically wanted to have some type of revenge on Kelsey for what she had done to him.
"Even a Valentino, custom-made tux can't hide evil."
I won't lie to you, half way through I was a mess, my heart was hurting, I was crying and so consumed with everything that had taken place, what continued to take place, frustrated with the choices that Kelsey and Riley made, fussing at the author, lol, so eager for them to get their shit straight but never stopping for one minute because I had to know what was going to happen.
Their love was so strong and they belonged together in every way!
"He replenishes me in a way that no one ever has. He's saving me and doesn't even know it."
"You matter to me. You always have. You always will."
"My love for you knows no bounds."
So what happens when Kelsey's past is thrown in her face? How will Kelsey and Riley handle their relationship from this point forward and what obstacles will they have to fight their way through? Don't wait another minute go one click this now. Currently it's only 0.99 and that is one hell of a deal for an awesome fucking book that I couldn't put down and read in a day and a half which is fast for me lol.
"Even when your world crumbles down around you, the rest of the world still goes on living."
I highly recommend you read this book and experience Riley and Kelsey's story. It was wonderful with some twists and turns a little shock factors to boot but totally worth it in every way. There is an HEA for those that need to know.
This story also touches on what military members and their families go through when their loved ones are deployed, certainly an eye opener for those that don't have to deal with this.
The author kept me engaged the entire time I was reading this book. There wasn't a time when I wanted to put it down. It is a beautiful story with so much meaning in so many different ways. There is lots of love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, humor, passion, empathy and there was never a moment I didn't feel or experience everything that was going on with each and every character in this story.
It is and amazing book written from an author who definitely knows how to captivate and hold her readers hostage for the entire duration.
July 20, 2014
The book begins with Kelsey realising that no matter what she does, even marrying a man she doesn't love, her parents will never love her. So she leaves her wealthy lifestyle behind to find herself. Working as a waitress she meets military man Riley and falls in love for the first time.
This book should be right up my street but I just can't get over how the story unfolds after the obligatory blip at the 50% mark.
Even though I struggled with aspects of the story they don't detract from the fact the book was well written and the story moved along at a good pace.
Sorry it just wasn't the book for me
This book should be right up my street but I just can't get over how the story unfolds after the obligatory blip at the 50% mark.
Even though I struggled with aspects of the story they don't detract from the fact the book was well written and the story moved along at a good pace.
Sorry it just wasn't the book for me
December 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
I'm not really sure how I feel about this. It started out well enough. The insta-like between the two characters was refreshing to me since I've been reading a lot of books with UST. I even found myself grinning a lot in the beginning, although honestly, I maybe would have thought some of it a bit cheesy normally.
But then the shit hit the fan — it was heartbreaking, frustrating, and stupid! OK, rant over. Aside from some issues, this was an okay book, could have been better though.
I'm not really sure how I feel about this. It started out well enough. The insta-like between the two characters was refreshing to me since I've been reading a lot of books with UST. I even found myself grinning a lot in the beginning, although honestly, I maybe would have thought some of it a bit cheesy normally.
But then the shit hit the fan — it was heartbreaking, frustrating, and stupid! OK, rant over. Aside from some issues, this was an okay book, could have been better though.
July 2, 2014
AHHHH-MAZiNG!!! I freaking loved this book!!! Once I read that prologue ....I was HOOKED!!
Kelsey Connor had it all growing up and was from one of the wealthiest families in America. All she ever wanted was to be loved by her parents and to make them proud no matter what the cost but when she is about to marry the man she knows without a doubt she will never love will she go thru with what her parents want her to do or will she run no matter what the consequences may be?
2 years later she is living with her best friend Jen and working at a local diner just trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. The last thing she ever expected to shake up her world was Riley Jackson.
OMG, HOLLLYY SWOOON, I LOVED Riley!!! He was so sweet and loving with Kelsey. I loved the two of them together and at times they had my kindle SmOkiNg!!!!
When Riley asks Kelsey to come home with him and meet his parents she agrees but what she doesn't expect is to come face to face with her past. Will Riley and Kelsey be strong enough to make it thru the storm? Will their love be able to conquer all?
OMG, I can't keep going on about this book or I will end up giving something away for sure. I can't express how much I think everyone should go ONE CLICK this AWESOME book NOW!!
Tiffany Aleman, thank you so much for taking a chance on me and letting me be one of the first few people to read your AMAZING first solo "Baby" You ROCK my friend and I cannot wait to see what that brilliant brain of yours comes up with next!! I am now one of your new stalker!!! <3
Kelsey Connor had it all growing up and was from one of the wealthiest families in America. All she ever wanted was to be loved by her parents and to make them proud no matter what the cost but when she is about to marry the man she knows without a doubt she will never love will she go thru with what her parents want her to do or will she run no matter what the consequences may be?
2 years later she is living with her best friend Jen and working at a local diner just trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. The last thing she ever expected to shake up her world was Riley Jackson.
OMG, HOLLLYY SWOOON, I LOVED Riley!!! He was so sweet and loving with Kelsey. I loved the two of them together and at times they had my kindle SmOkiNg!!!!
When Riley asks Kelsey to come home with him and meet his parents she agrees but what she doesn't expect is to come face to face with her past. Will Riley and Kelsey be strong enough to make it thru the storm? Will their love be able to conquer all?
OMG, I can't keep going on about this book or I will end up giving something away for sure. I can't express how much I think everyone should go ONE CLICK this AWESOME book NOW!!
Tiffany Aleman, thank you so much for taking a chance on me and letting me be one of the first few people to read your AMAZING first solo "Baby" You ROCK my friend and I cannot wait to see what that brilliant brain of yours comes up with next!! I am now one of your new stalker!!! <3
July 20, 2014
I thought this book revolved around politics rather than the genre it's been bracketed in because that side of the storyline only came into play at the ending 10%. Anyway, I started off really enjoying all the characters. We start with Kelsey in turmoil and once that's sorted she meets Riley who I really, really liked!
Cut to the chase, there's an altercation which has Kelsey running. What happened after totally put me off both characters ( that's just me ) and I skim read the rest of the book. The first few chapters and the last 10% was the best for me hence 3*
Cut to the chase, there's an altercation which has Kelsey running. What happened after totally put me off both characters ( that's just me ) and I skim read the rest of the book. The first few chapters and the last 10% was the best for me hence 3*
July 9, 2014
4.5 Fantastic Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
Meet Kelsie.
When we first meet Kelsey she is standing in a one of a kind spare no expense top of the line wedding dress. I mean who’s wouldn’t get a real tiara when they are marrying the governor. This is what she was bred for; this is what is expected from her. How can she not go through with a wedding to a man that she doesn't love and who has his side vagina at the wedding. Well she decided that she was through. Throw out the Manolo’s and the diamonds- this Cinderella has just turned into a pumpkin. She runs, but how far can you run from your past? Not far enough.
Riley Jackson has had the complete opposite life that Kelsey lead. He has parents that want him to pick what makes him happy, regardless if it’s their choice. He sets his sights on Kelsy and achieves something no one has ever done. He made her love. A feeling she’s never had, a feeling that was never cast upon her. What can go wrong?
Hello past- meet my present! Riley is in for a big surprise. Not a nice surprise, but a big knock him on his ass one. Kelsey never told him something important and now he’s blind sighted and to say it didn’t go over well, well that would be the understatement of the year.
He can’t get over it and she is not about to come between him and his future. She wants someone to fight for her, that wants to be with her. Let me warn you-get out the tissues, because there is a scene to end all scenes...I mean that scene shattered my heart into little bits of pieces.
You told me I was your sanctuary. People don’t run from the place that grounds them. But you did. And you left me a shell of a man that’s crumbling to the ground. You f*cking ruined me.
"It’s ok Riley, just know that, even thought I didn’t tell you every single gritty detail about my past, you knew me here", she points to her heart, “and that’s all that matters. What I feel for you is the realist thing I’ve ever f*cking felt. I was giving you space, you sealed our fate.” He broke me. He burned me.
This scene is the most heartbreaking and soul-shattering scene I’ve ever read. I held my breath and my heart pounded in my chest all the way up to my ears. I wanted to curl into a ball and sob for her and tell them everything is ok, but it isn’t, how do you recover from a broke heart when you have no idea what this feeling is?
She hits rock bottom and slowly starts to find herself again only to be thrust into Riley’s life again. Can they overcome the past and look to the future? What a wicked ride we went on. Up , down, all around and it was great.
On a side note this is the first book that I’ve read that has touched on the deployment side of the military and that scene before they leave had me holding my breath. To everyone whose lives the military touches, I want to thank you all for dedicating your life and the lives of your beloved to make sure we are safe.
Review by Natasha Gentile
Meet Kelsie.
When we first meet Kelsey she is standing in a one of a kind spare no expense top of the line wedding dress. I mean who’s wouldn’t get a real tiara when they are marrying the governor. This is what she was bred for; this is what is expected from her. How can she not go through with a wedding to a man that she doesn't love and who has his side vagina at the wedding. Well she decided that she was through. Throw out the Manolo’s and the diamonds- this Cinderella has just turned into a pumpkin. She runs, but how far can you run from your past? Not far enough.
Riley Jackson has had the complete opposite life that Kelsey lead. He has parents that want him to pick what makes him happy, regardless if it’s their choice. He sets his sights on Kelsy and achieves something no one has ever done. He made her love. A feeling she’s never had, a feeling that was never cast upon her. What can go wrong?
Hello past- meet my present! Riley is in for a big surprise. Not a nice surprise, but a big knock him on his ass one. Kelsey never told him something important and now he’s blind sighted and to say it didn’t go over well, well that would be the understatement of the year.
He can’t get over it and she is not about to come between him and his future. She wants someone to fight for her, that wants to be with her. Let me warn you-get out the tissues, because there is a scene to end all scenes...I mean that scene shattered my heart into little bits of pieces.
You told me I was your sanctuary. People don’t run from the place that grounds them. But you did. And you left me a shell of a man that’s crumbling to the ground. You f*cking ruined me.
"It’s ok Riley, just know that, even thought I didn’t tell you every single gritty detail about my past, you knew me here", she points to her heart, “and that’s all that matters. What I feel for you is the realist thing I’ve ever f*cking felt. I was giving you space, you sealed our fate.” He broke me. He burned me.
This scene is the most heartbreaking and soul-shattering scene I’ve ever read. I held my breath and my heart pounded in my chest all the way up to my ears. I wanted to curl into a ball and sob for her and tell them everything is ok, but it isn’t, how do you recover from a broke heart when you have no idea what this feeling is?
She hits rock bottom and slowly starts to find herself again only to be thrust into Riley’s life again. Can they overcome the past and look to the future? What a wicked ride we went on. Up , down, all around and it was great.
On a side note this is the first book that I’ve read that has touched on the deployment side of the military and that scene before they leave had me holding my breath. To everyone whose lives the military touches, I want to thank you all for dedicating your life and the lives of your beloved to make sure we are safe.
July 18, 2014
5 Stars for first half and 3.5-4 Stars second half
Hmmmmm, ok I am not quite sure where to start! I absolutely loved the first half of the book. Riley, OMG, the guy is definitely sex on a stick, I mean sexy, sweet and oh so damn loving.....wowza hot and swoony factor for sure...... Kelsey, I did love (not as much as Riley, hehehe) with the exception of her "holding back" certain aspects of herself and that was just in the beginning where I was in love with this story.... Well about halfway through or so I just knew all good things were going to come to an end and yikes when the crap hit the fan, it HIT the fan, no lie! It was at that turn of events where I got a bit turned off and the whole separation of time and the "things" that went on with both of them sorry I just couldn't "get it" and it certainly made me feel very different about both of them, hmmmmm the added "drama" just didn't work for me. I loved how it ended up at the end BUT I just couldn't move past quite a few personal issues I had.....I would absolutely read another book by this author to give a second chance and I would LOVE to read about Jen's story with her new beau, wink, wink and I would most defintely love to read more about Riley and Kelsey and see where they are and how they are doing too becuase I feel like there are a bunch of holes for me that need to be filled for me to feel "complete" with them.... So all in all I would average it a 4 Solid Star read with the exception of the few issues I had, sorry, it's my personal feelings and some may not care or it may not impact them as a reader but my personal style, it did impact my feelings quite a bit....
Hmmmmm, ok I am not quite sure where to start! I absolutely loved the first half of the book. Riley, OMG, the guy is definitely sex on a stick, I mean sexy, sweet and oh so damn loving.....wowza hot and swoony factor for sure...... Kelsey, I did love (not as much as Riley, hehehe) with the exception of her "holding back" certain aspects of herself and that was just in the beginning where I was in love with this story.... Well about halfway through or so I just knew all good things were going to come to an end and yikes when the crap hit the fan, it HIT the fan, no lie! It was at that turn of events where I got a bit turned off and the whole separation of time and the "things" that went on with both of them sorry I just couldn't "get it" and it certainly made me feel very different about both of them, hmmmmm the added "drama" just didn't work for me. I loved how it ended up at the end BUT I just couldn't move past quite a few personal issues I had.....I would absolutely read another book by this author to give a second chance and I would LOVE to read about Jen's story with her new beau, wink, wink and I would most defintely love to read more about Riley and Kelsey and see where they are and how they are doing too becuase I feel like there are a bunch of holes for me that need to be filled for me to feel "complete" with them.... So all in all I would average it a 4 Solid Star read with the exception of the few issues I had, sorry, it's my personal feelings and some may not care or it may not impact them as a reader but my personal style, it did impact my feelings quite a bit....
August 6, 2014
4.5 Stars
In her debut novel, Tiffany Aleman gives readers a romance that is charged with emotion. You’ll meet Riley Jackson, swoon-worthy military fly-boy, and Kelsey Connor, a girl who once had it all until she dared to cross her wealthy family. Expect that your feelings will run the emotional spectrum.
Choosing a favorite part of this story would be difficult because I loved it all and it took every single minute from start to finish creating the book it turned out to be. Not only are the lead characters well-defined and their relationship developed without rush, but you’ll also encounter a quality secondary cast that keeps the momentum on a high.
I found the chemistry between Riley and Kelsey to be enticing and thrilling -- it was real and believable. Not any of what I call "sex for filler" – each encounter was meaningful and sincere. My emotions ran the gamut and that's a definite requirement for a top read. I loved the relationship between Riley and his family. Especially touching was his mother’s acceptance of Kelsey and in return, just how significantly it affected Kelsey. The friendship extended to Kelsey by girlfriends Jen and Candace was loyal without question -- even when tough love was needed. The author shares with readers a realistic view of troop deployment and the excitement shared by all upon the return into welcoming arms.
All the elements I am usually looking for and like best to captivate and spellbind were found in these characters and their story. This is one of those books you wish could be like the energizer bunny and keep going and going and going. You don’t want to see the last page when it suddenly sneaks up on you. I was ecstatic and surprised to discover a top-rate all around fulfilling reading experience in "Smoldering."
There were some small glitches in editing here and there but nothing earth-shattering or that would put a damper on your reading pleasure. Can't wait to see what this new author releases next! She’s definitely on my watchlist.
In her debut novel, Tiffany Aleman gives readers a romance that is charged with emotion. You’ll meet Riley Jackson, swoon-worthy military fly-boy, and Kelsey Connor, a girl who once had it all until she dared to cross her wealthy family. Expect that your feelings will run the emotional spectrum.
Choosing a favorite part of this story would be difficult because I loved it all and it took every single minute from start to finish creating the book it turned out to be. Not only are the lead characters well-defined and their relationship developed without rush, but you’ll also encounter a quality secondary cast that keeps the momentum on a high.
I found the chemistry between Riley and Kelsey to be enticing and thrilling -- it was real and believable. Not any of what I call "sex for filler" – each encounter was meaningful and sincere. My emotions ran the gamut and that's a definite requirement for a top read. I loved the relationship between Riley and his family. Especially touching was his mother’s acceptance of Kelsey and in return, just how significantly it affected Kelsey. The friendship extended to Kelsey by girlfriends Jen and Candace was loyal without question -- even when tough love was needed. The author shares with readers a realistic view of troop deployment and the excitement shared by all upon the return into welcoming arms.
All the elements I am usually looking for and like best to captivate and spellbind were found in these characters and their story. This is one of those books you wish could be like the energizer bunny and keep going and going and going. You don’t want to see the last page when it suddenly sneaks up on you. I was ecstatic and surprised to discover a top-rate all around fulfilling reading experience in "Smoldering."
There were some small glitches in editing here and there but nothing earth-shattering or that would put a damper on your reading pleasure. Can't wait to see what this new author releases next! She’s definitely on my watchlist.
August 25, 2014
Wow! Talk about an ugly cry! This book had my insides twisting and turning but I loved it! The heroine Kelsey, is a strong female character which I really need in romance. Our hero Riley was hot and sexy with the right mix of alpha and sensitive to make him a favorite BBF. I'll admit their falling in love was really easy and smooth and it's been a while since I've had a book like this. It was nice not to have drama in the beginning while things heated up between them. It was almost refreshing.*smiles*
******Small Mini Spoiler******
As for the drama, I'm docking a star because the whole "mix-up" was based on a lack of communication that I thought was lame and way too drawn out. The same conversations were had over and over to explain the same point which felt odd since the author was so great at recapping things and moving them quickly through the first half of the book. The other thing I didn't like was the heavy handed pro military wife/military man thing that started to consume the ending. I have lost some men very very close to me and this actually took me out of the story and stabbed too close to home. I wasn't expecting it to drone on in this way on this subject when I picked the book up or else, I wouldn't have read it
Overall, a wonderful love story with great passion that I felt! HEA
******Small Mini Spoiler******
As for the drama, I'm docking a star because the whole "mix-up" was based on a lack of communication that I thought was lame and way too drawn out. The same conversations were had over and over to explain the same point which felt odd since the author was so great at recapping things and moving them quickly through the first half of the book. The other thing I didn't like was the heavy handed pro military wife/military man thing that started to consume the ending. I have lost some men very very close to me and this actually took me out of the story and stabbed too close to home. I wasn't expecting it to drone on in this way on this subject when I picked the book up or else, I wouldn't have read it
Overall, a wonderful love story with great passion that I felt! HEA
July 4, 2014
Initially this book started reading fairly slow for me. Once I got past the first couple of chapters if couldn't stop reading. Hince the 5 stars. It doesn't have much of an emotional roller coaster that many of my 5 star books have but just the fact that I didn't want to put my Kindle down is what moved it from 4 to 5 stars.
The characters are awesome. I'm happy to see that Kelsey is able to build herself into someone she respected and could love. Riley is fantastic. He's such a charmer. Lyle is a decent guy too.
Yes there are some roller coaster moments in this sorry. What good love story doesn't. I'm so happy for the HEA Kelsey gets with her man. I just won't tell you which one she picks.
Just know they are absolutely perfect for each other and continue to be as they make their way through their journey together.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
The characters are awesome. I'm happy to see that Kelsey is able to build herself into someone she respected and could love. Riley is fantastic. He's such a charmer. Lyle is a decent guy too.
Yes there are some roller coaster moments in this sorry. What good love story doesn't. I'm so happy for the HEA Kelsey gets with her man. I just won't tell you which one she picks.
Just know they are absolutely perfect for each other and continue to be as they make their way through their journey together.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
July 9, 2014
4.5 stars
Smoldering by Tiffany Aleman
I got burned with this book and I loved it. I was gripped from the beginning feeling the weight of Kelsey's decision and followed through the entire book Feeling the initial spark between Riley and her to the angst that had me cussing and biting my freshly painted nails. I loved the fact Riley is from Alabama too (ROLL TIDE) Tiffany Aleman let me see a part of military life I've never experienced and My GUT tightened while Kelsey and Riley went through circumstances that couldn't be helped. Her description is beautiful and I could visualize every piece of the romance… even the bad parts that left me teary eyed and angry… Thank you Tiffany for Allowing me to read your Baby. I loved it and hope to see more of Kelsey and Riley- R.D. Cole
Smoldering by Tiffany Aleman
I got burned with this book and I loved it. I was gripped from the beginning feeling the weight of Kelsey's decision and followed through the entire book Feeling the initial spark between Riley and her to the angst that had me cussing and biting my freshly painted nails. I loved the fact Riley is from Alabama too (ROLL TIDE) Tiffany Aleman let me see a part of military life I've never experienced and My GUT tightened while Kelsey and Riley went through circumstances that couldn't be helped. Her description is beautiful and I could visualize every piece of the romance… even the bad parts that left me teary eyed and angry… Thank you Tiffany for Allowing me to read your Baby. I loved it and hope to see more of Kelsey and Riley- R.D. Cole
July 5, 2014
Holy shit. I can't stop crying. Blubbery, sobby, happy tears.
This book is so much more than I expected. It's hot and sexy, like its cover and name and teasers. I knew it would be good.
But the STORY. So heartfelt, SO much feeling, so much soul. There are so many facets to it, I couldn't put it down and my stomach hurt and my heart hurt and I didn't know how it was going to turn out and GGAAAAAHHHHH.
You will ADORE Kels. Adore her. She's so strong and funny and flawed.
And Riley. Fucking Riley. Well...I'd like to...
Right? You know where I'm going. You'll want to as well.
Holy shit grab this book as soon as you can. This books has something for everyone to love, no matter your mood. Phenomenal.
5 stars. At least.
This book is so much more than I expected. It's hot and sexy, like its cover and name and teasers. I knew it would be good.
But the STORY. So heartfelt, SO much feeling, so much soul. There are so many facets to it, I couldn't put it down and my stomach hurt and my heart hurt and I didn't know how it was going to turn out and GGAAAAAHHHHH.
You will ADORE Kels. Adore her. She's so strong and funny and flawed.
And Riley. Fucking Riley. Well...I'd like to...
Right? You know where I'm going. You'll want to as well.
Holy shit grab this book as soon as you can. This books has something for everyone to love, no matter your mood. Phenomenal.
5 stars. At least.
February 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little apprehensive after reading a few reviews on Amazon, but gave it a whirl. I am glad I did. Although the end felt a little rushed, the author did a good job resolving outstanding issues. We have a heroine who grows a backbone rather quickly and grandly (I wanted to kick her turd of a fiancée in the nuts) and becomes the person she always wanted to be. Then we have Riley, our hero. Intense and goes after what he wants. If you are looking for a read full of angst that will have you reaching for the Puffs, go for it. The bonus is this is a stand alone novel.
July 5, 2014
(ARC review)
OMG WOW
I loved this story, even though it had my emotions in a tailspin.
love pain, angst, anger & happiness, it's got it all, the way it's written pulled me in and made me want to give Riley & Kelsey a good talking too one minute and a big hug the next.
This story is exceptionally written & definitely deserves 5*'s
I totally recommend it :)
OMG WOW
I loved this story, even though it had my emotions in a tailspin.
love pain, angst, anger & happiness, it's got it all, the way it's written pulled me in and made me want to give Riley & Kelsey a good talking too one minute and a big hug the next.
This story is exceptionally written & definitely deserves 5*'s
I totally recommend it :)
July 23, 2014
Smoldering by Tiffany Aleman
4.5 stars!!!
Well, what can I say…I am still a bit of an emotional wreck so I needed to put pen to paper as soon as I could. Everyone who knows me and reads my reviews knows that my favourite book is one that makes me “feel,” I want to live and breathe the book with the characters and Tiffany managed to do this is spades. Judging by the tears that I lost while reading this book, I know she hit it spot on, I was a mess and it wasn’t pretty. This is by no means a sad book, but it is highly emotional in places and if you are a softy like me, then you will feel it all too.
This is a story about Kelsey and Riley. Kelsey is a congressman’s daughter, her parents have high expectations and there is a family reputation to uphold no matter the consequences or the sacrifices. It seems that the biggest sacrifice her parents are willing to make is their one and only child’s happiness. Reputations and appearances are her parents biggest worries, reading between the lines, Kelsey seemed to be more of an inconvenience than anything else. It felt at times they only had a child so they could portray a normal family unit. There was no love, no interaction between Kelsey and her parents. Kelsey craved their love, their adoration, their respect and she was willing to do anything to try to make them love her, even if that meant marrying the man they chose for her, even though he was an ass, he was horrible and she didn’t love him. The man that her parents chose was highly connected in politics and it made “good political sense” for these two to get married, he already had a mistress and that was before they got married. Kelsey had to really do some soul searching and weigh up the pros and cons, was this really all worth it? Was she willing to live the life that her parents wanted for her, even though nothing seems to have made a difference to their feelings for her? Finally while standing at the altar, she has her epiphany, she runs, her parents disown her and finally Kelsey’s life can begin.
The story picks up two years later, Kelsey and her best friend Jen had moved away from home and were living together. Kelsey didn’t want to utilise her Master’s Degree in nursing as her parents had paid for it so she was working the night shift in a truck stop diner. She loved her job though; she had met some amazing people, none more so amazing than the night that a certain Riley Jackson walked in.
Riley Jackson, the epitome of a perfect man, he was well mannered, gorgeous and he was a man in uniform, he was a helicopter pilot in the army. He exuded confidence, he knew what he wanted and went all guns blazing to get it. He wanted Kelsey.
As with any new relationship they have their ups and downs, there are secrets, but there is also shared confidances, meeting his parents, the getting to know you phase. These two had amazing chemistry, it oozed off the pages and you couldn’t help but be pulled into their relationship hook, line and sinker. You were championing them from the start, you wanted them to make it, and they were perfect for each other. The banter between them was hilarious, not only were they lovers but they were best friends and this was beautiful to watch develop.
Riley and Kelsey shared more than they even realised, they both came from money and it was inevitable that Kelsey’s past and future would cross over at some point…and it does. Kelsey wanted to forget her past, her parents had said that she was dead to them and so she had the same opinion. She wanted to forget “Kelsey” she just wanted to be “Kels,” Kelsey was gone.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was gripped from start to finish, I wanted to read it in one sitting and I didn’t want to put it down. As I said, it is emotional in places but this is interspersed with great humour and wit, leaving this read perfectly balanced. All the side characters had a reason to be there and were all totally loveable (except the ex of course). Her best friend Jen was a total hoot, Lyle was just the best friend ever, so understanding. Riley’s parents were adorable and even the truck stop workers and patrons made their mark in this story.
I must admit, I wasn’t ready for this story to end and I would have loved for their story to be continued. For me, I felt they were just beginning, maybe I am being greedy, but I am hoping that this is not the ends for Kels and Riley; I feel that their story has a lot further to go.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!!
“You came into my life like a sandstorm, here one minute and gone the next. Your sand surrounded me, blanketing me in love. Your sand consumed me as I drowned in everything that makes you, you. Your sand suffocated me, leaving me to breathe only the breath you gave me.”
Well, what can I say…I am still a bit of an emotional wreck so I needed to put pen to paper as soon as I could. Everyone who knows me and reads my reviews knows that my favourite book is one that makes me “feel,” I want to live and breathe the book with the characters and Tiffany managed to do this is spades. Judging by the tears that I lost while reading this book, I know she hit it spot on, I was a mess and it wasn’t pretty. This is by no means a sad book, but it is highly emotional in places and if you are a softy like me, then you will feel it all too.
This is a story about Kelsey and Riley. Kelsey is a congressman’s daughter, her parents have high expectations and there is a family reputation to uphold no matter the consequences or the sacrifices. It seems that the biggest sacrifice her parents are willing to make is their one and only child’s happiness. Reputations and appearances are her parents biggest worries, reading between the lines, Kelsey seemed to be more of an inconvenience than anything else. It felt at times they only had a child so they could portray a normal family unit. There was no love, no interaction between Kelsey and her parents. Kelsey craved their love, their adoration, their respect and she was willing to do anything to try to make them love her, even if that meant marrying the man they chose for her, even though he was an ass, he was horrible and she didn’t love him. The man that her parents chose was highly connected in politics and it made “good political sense” for these two to get married, he already had a mistress and that was before they got married. Kelsey had to really do some soul searching and weigh up the pros and cons, was this really all worth it? Was she willing to live the life that her parents wanted for her, even though nothing seems to have made a difference to their feelings for her? Finally while standing at the altar, she has her epiphany, she runs, her parents disown her and finally Kelsey’s life can begin.
“If you do not marry him, you will be dead to us,” my father states. His hands are tucked casually into his suit pockets like this is just another day at the office, not like he just gave me the biggest ultimatum of my life. At one point in my life, those words would have gutted me. Hell, thirty minutes ago those words would have caused me physical pain, but not now. Now those words are of liberation to me, words that make me feel free.
The story picks up two years later, Kelsey and her best friend Jen had moved away from home and were living together. Kelsey didn’t want to utilise her Master’s Degree in nursing as her parents had paid for it so she was working the night shift in a truck stop diner. She loved her job though; she had met some amazing people, none more so amazing than the night that a certain Riley Jackson walked in.
Riley Jackson, the epitome of a perfect man, he was well mannered, gorgeous and he was a man in uniform, he was a helicopter pilot in the army. He exuded confidence, he knew what he wanted and went all guns blazing to get it. He wanted Kelsey.
“Because see, if you pass out, then I’ll have to rush behind the counter to make sure you’re breathing. And of course, that might result in a little mouth to mouth.” He shakes his head . “And I don’t think you’re ready for any of that.” My jaw drops from his self -confidence. “You seem pretty sure of yourself . What makes you think I would want you to give me mouth to mouth? Why not just check my pulse?” I retort. “Because that would consist of me putting my hands on you, and when I do that, you. Will. Not. Want. Me. To. Stop,” he states matter of fact.
As with any new relationship they have their ups and downs, there are secrets, but there is also shared confidances, meeting his parents, the getting to know you phase. These two had amazing chemistry, it oozed off the pages and you couldn’t help but be pulled into their relationship hook, line and sinker. You were championing them from the start, you wanted them to make it, and they were perfect for each other. The banter between them was hilarious, not only were they lovers but they were best friends and this was beautiful to watch develop.
Riley and Kelsey shared more than they even realised, they both came from money and it was inevitable that Kelsey’s past and future would cross over at some point…and it does. Kelsey wanted to forget her past, her parents had said that she was dead to them and so she had the same opinion. She wanted to forget “Kelsey” she just wanted to be “Kels,” Kelsey was gone.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was gripped from start to finish, I wanted to read it in one sitting and I didn’t want to put it down. As I said, it is emotional in places but this is interspersed with great humour and wit, leaving this read perfectly balanced. All the side characters had a reason to be there and were all totally loveable (except the ex of course). Her best friend Jen was a total hoot, Lyle was just the best friend ever, so understanding. Riley’s parents were adorable and even the truck stop workers and patrons made their mark in this story.
“I was an open field, full and plentiful, needing tender love and care. My parents drove the plow over me, tearing up my soil. They left me broken. Thirsty for love. Hungry for affection. Todd was the asshole that came and poured concrete in the empty spaces of my soul, leaving me with scars as hard as stone . But Riley, he’s my jackhammer. Slowly, he digs out the unrelenting pieces of stone, giving me what neither my parents nor Todd would. He replenishes me in a way that no one ever has. He’s saving me and doesn’t even know it.”
I must admit, I wasn’t ready for this story to end and I would have loved for their story to be continued. For me, I felt they were just beginning, maybe I am being greedy, but I am hoping that this is not the ends for Kels and Riley; I feel that their story has a lot further to go.
www.theromancecover.com
July 24, 2014
Visit The Book Enthusiast for more reviews by the girls!
This is a GREAT story that really took me by surprise! I was thoroughly hooked on this book from the very first page, no joke! I didn't realize getting into this story that the characters lives would somewhat revolve around military themes. I have a ‘super soft spot’ for well written military stories AND Smoldering definitely delivered!
“Stripped, bare, raw and yours for the taking. You have my heart, body, my thoughts, my emotions… all of me.” - Kelsey
There are so many well developed characters that fill this story. Kelsey, comes from a past where she has trouble dealing with love and compassion from anyone, simply because her family never gave her any love growing up. She was basically raised to be a pawn in her high society family. Deep down she has this huge, loving heart but she’s scared of showing it and revealing the dark secrets of her past.
Riley has this amazing, fun and deeply compassionate personality which is a perfect match for Kelsey. Riley’s biggest issue is coping with stressful situations that happen in life from time to time. Then there is this sweet guy that comes into play named Lyle. He is the epitome of a perfect male friend and I really believe he deserves the best! I think Kelsey’s female best friend Jen is someone that everybody needs in their lives because she doesn't sugar coat anything! She’s a ‘tell it how it is’ kind of gal but at the same time is 100% committed to Kelsey and would put Kelsey’s needs at the top of her priority list when necessary. There are others I could list but this review would go on and on forever!
The way Ms. Aleman writes her story is purely phenomenal! I was instantly drawn right into this book from literally the very first sentence. She uses just the right amount of detail to put you right into the story, painting a perfect picture in every scene. The only issue I would like to mention is that there were so many time and date lapses. I understand this is how the sequence of the story needed to go but when several chapters are starting with, “Three weeks later” or
“Two days later” it became a little too repetitive for me. I know she is a fairly new author and these small issues are easily kinked out over time but it was just something that caught my attention and I felt it was worth mentioning. Otherwise, I think this book is one of the best one’s that I have read in a long time. I’m honestly impressed with the entire story as a whole.
One thing I’d like to point out is how well Ms. Aleman wrote the deployment and returning home from war parts of the book. I myself went through a long deployment with my husband when he went overseas for 13 months AND Ms. Aleman nailed both scenes to a tee! The feelings expressed are spot on and the correct order on how a deployment and returning from war operates is exactly right. As I was reading these parts of Smoldering I couldn't help but tear up because all of my repressed emotions suddenly came flooding back at once.
“Military families and their soldiers are the only ones who can truly understand what it is like to be separated from someone by choice. It’s a cause we all support, humanity.” - Kelsey
Smoldering brought on lots of ugly tears at several spots, especially during the last 20% of the book and I have to mention this story kept me up wayyy too late because I had to finish this or I wouldn't be able to sleep.
I LOVED this story and highly recommend this author to every romance lover! I give Smoldering, 4.5 LOVE CONQUERS ALL STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
This is a GREAT story that really took me by surprise! I was thoroughly hooked on this book from the very first page, no joke! I didn't realize getting into this story that the characters lives would somewhat revolve around military themes. I have a ‘super soft spot’ for well written military stories AND Smoldering definitely delivered!
“Stripped, bare, raw and yours for the taking. You have my heart, body, my thoughts, my emotions… all of me.” - Kelsey
There are so many well developed characters that fill this story. Kelsey, comes from a past where she has trouble dealing with love and compassion from anyone, simply because her family never gave her any love growing up. She was basically raised to be a pawn in her high society family. Deep down she has this huge, loving heart but she’s scared of showing it and revealing the dark secrets of her past.
Riley has this amazing, fun and deeply compassionate personality which is a perfect match for Kelsey. Riley’s biggest issue is coping with stressful situations that happen in life from time to time. Then there is this sweet guy that comes into play named Lyle. He is the epitome of a perfect male friend and I really believe he deserves the best! I think Kelsey’s female best friend Jen is someone that everybody needs in their lives because she doesn't sugar coat anything! She’s a ‘tell it how it is’ kind of gal but at the same time is 100% committed to Kelsey and would put Kelsey’s needs at the top of her priority list when necessary. There are others I could list but this review would go on and on forever!
The way Ms. Aleman writes her story is purely phenomenal! I was instantly drawn right into this book from literally the very first sentence. She uses just the right amount of detail to put you right into the story, painting a perfect picture in every scene. The only issue I would like to mention is that there were so many time and date lapses. I understand this is how the sequence of the story needed to go but when several chapters are starting with, “Three weeks later” or
“Two days later” it became a little too repetitive for me. I know she is a fairly new author and these small issues are easily kinked out over time but it was just something that caught my attention and I felt it was worth mentioning. Otherwise, I think this book is one of the best one’s that I have read in a long time. I’m honestly impressed with the entire story as a whole.
One thing I’d like to point out is how well Ms. Aleman wrote the deployment and returning home from war parts of the book. I myself went through a long deployment with my husband when he went overseas for 13 months AND Ms. Aleman nailed both scenes to a tee! The feelings expressed are spot on and the correct order on how a deployment and returning from war operates is exactly right. As I was reading these parts of Smoldering I couldn't help but tear up because all of my repressed emotions suddenly came flooding back at once.
“Military families and their soldiers are the only ones who can truly understand what it is like to be separated from someone by choice. It’s a cause we all support, humanity.” - Kelsey
Smoldering brought on lots of ugly tears at several spots, especially during the last 20% of the book and I have to mention this story kept me up wayyy too late because I had to finish this or I wouldn't be able to sleep.
I LOVED this story and highly recommend this author to every romance lover! I give Smoldering, 4.5 LOVE CONQUERS ALL STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
September 16, 2014
OK WOW, I don't even know where to start.. By far one of my favorite romance reads of this year!
My thoughts, when I first saw the cover ( I know, I know don't judge a book by its cover..but hey whom I kidding I still do it internally) was that its just another steamy erotica with the mundane story line..I was SOO wrong people.
This book was so much more. Ok I'm not the overly cheesy type but seriously, The couple in here had such a strong connection and story, that they felt so real. I absolutely adored Riley and Kelsey.
The story starts off with Kelsey, who left her life of riches to rags, all to be true to her self. She was the daughter of a congressman and cookie cutter mother, and the two of them dictated her life, ever since she could remember. She let everyone around her control her life, until she finally decided at her wedding that marrying Todd, who by the way was an A class asshole, was not worth her happiness and jilted him at the altar. She left her family, money and previous life to create a new happier one, with her best-friend/maid of honor Jen (who every girl should have as a friend btw).
So moving on, after leaving her lavish life, she moves to Savannah Georgia with Jen to get away from all the drama. She starts working at a truck stop diner, and this is where the story begins. While working a double shift, which added to an already shitty day, in walks 6ft drop dead gorgeous, hunky, flight suit wearing, mouth-watering, wet your pants Riley. Upon seeing him she doesn't realize that she dropped cake all over her shirt, another addition to her already shitty day, and its my signature to end my summary right when things get juicy, to make you guys read. mwahaha
This book was such an AMAZING love story, with so much emotion, love and amazing side characters! Kelsey and Riley are hands down one of the cutest couples I have encountered during my many reads. They were just so adorable together. Also when characters usually have misunderstandings in books, they just have makeup sex and forgive each other easily, but in this book it wasn't your typical cookie cutter scenes. The author wrote scenes in a more realistic sense, where if you were in Kelsey or Riley's shoes, you would have the same reaction or act the same way, which I felt was so refreshing then some other books I've read lately.
I would definitely recommend this book to any romance lovers out there. And would like to thank one of my goodreads friends Brittany, who if it wasn't for her, I probably would not even have had the opportunity to devour this book in one day.
P.S- I know this is going to make me sound bitchy, but I thought the girl in the book was a tad bit on the bigger side upon seeing the cover, which don't get me wrong I'm not putting that down or anything, but anyways the reason why I'm mentioning this is, bcas as sad as it is to say, I know alot of people won't pick up a book if the characters don't meet the expectations of what they imagine. That being said, the cover made me assume it was a story about a thicker girl, but it's not, for those of you who were wondering.
My thoughts, when I first saw the cover ( I know, I know don't judge a book by its cover..but hey whom I kidding I still do it internally) was that its just another steamy erotica with the mundane story line..I was SOO wrong people.
This book was so much more. Ok I'm not the overly cheesy type but seriously, The couple in here had such a strong connection and story, that they felt so real. I absolutely adored Riley and Kelsey.
The story starts off with Kelsey, who left her life of riches to rags, all to be true to her self. She was the daughter of a congressman and cookie cutter mother, and the two of them dictated her life, ever since she could remember. She let everyone around her control her life, until she finally decided at her wedding that marrying Todd, who by the way was an A class asshole, was not worth her happiness and jilted him at the altar. She left her family, money and previous life to create a new happier one, with her best-friend/maid of honor Jen (who every girl should have as a friend btw).
So moving on, after leaving her lavish life, she moves to Savannah Georgia with Jen to get away from all the drama. She starts working at a truck stop diner, and this is where the story begins. While working a double shift, which added to an already shitty day, in walks 6ft drop dead gorgeous, hunky, flight suit wearing, mouth-watering, wet your pants Riley. Upon seeing him she doesn't realize that she dropped cake all over her shirt, another addition to her already shitty day, and its my signature to end my summary right when things get juicy, to make you guys read. mwahaha
This book was such an AMAZING love story, with so much emotion, love and amazing side characters! Kelsey and Riley are hands down one of the cutest couples I have encountered during my many reads. They were just so adorable together. Also when characters usually have misunderstandings in books, they just have makeup sex and forgive each other easily, but in this book it wasn't your typical cookie cutter scenes. The author wrote scenes in a more realistic sense, where if you were in Kelsey or Riley's shoes, you would have the same reaction or act the same way, which I felt was so refreshing then some other books I've read lately.
I would definitely recommend this book to any romance lovers out there. And would like to thank one of my goodreads friends Brittany, who if it wasn't for her, I probably would not even have had the opportunity to devour this book in one day.
P.S- I know this is going to make me sound bitchy, but I thought the girl in the book was a tad bit on the bigger side upon seeing the cover, which don't get me wrong I'm not putting that down or anything, but anyways the reason why I'm mentioning this is, bcas as sad as it is to say, I know alot of people won't pick up a book if the characters don't meet the expectations of what they imagine. That being said, the cover made me assume it was a story about a thicker girl, but it's not, for those of you who were wondering.
September 2, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
If there was ever an aptly named book, Smoldering is certainly it.
Kelsey is the daughter of a congressman and has lived a privileged life, attending the best boarding schools and colleges. She has always tried to be close with her parents, however they seem to find her as just an accessory, a way to market the influential family as being “family first”. But when she finds herself at the altar, close to marrying a man she doesn’t love, she gives up her life and flees to Savannah, GA with her best friend Jen. She works as a waitress in a diner, despite her master’s degree in nursing from Yale. When Riley, a warrant officer stationed at nearby Fort Stewart walks into the diner one night, Kelsey finds her life about to be turned upside down.
When Riley stops by the diner one night after work, he is immediately smitten with Kelsey. He is a bit cocky and flirts mercilessly, however Kelsey isn’t immediately ready to pursue anything with him. This just ups the ante for Riley; Jane is a challenge, not impressed with his rank as many other women have been. She finally agrees to a date with him and the rest, as they say, is history.
When Riley takes Kelsey home to meet his parents and attend a benefit ball, the wheels quickly come off their promising relationship. Riley’s family is nothing like her own. They are a family of love and devotion and Kelsey is immediately comfortable with them. But Kelsey’s secrets come out at the benefit ball when her ex-fiancé is in attendance, and Riley is angry and disappointed that Kelsey was less than forthcoming about her past, instead blindsiding him with the truth. When Kelsey overhears Riley speaking with his parents on the matter, she quickly runs away from him, and they each find themselves realizing how much they truly love each other. But will Kelsey’s past be too much to recover from?
It seems that the stars are just unwilling to align and after months apart, they begin to give up hope that a reunion is possible. When Riley’s unit comes up for deployment, things are put in perspective; can they find their way back to each other, even though they are looking at a nine-month absence while Riley is deployed?
The love scenes between the two are hot. Seriously hot. Riley is the perfect alpha male, but has a soft spot, which is endearing. Kelsey is not a spineless heroine; she is a take-charge kind of person, having had to start at square one when she left her parents. She also has the benefit of a best friend that has her best interest at heart.
From the very first page I was completely enraptured with this story. The chemistry between Kelsey and Riley is explosive, whether it is in the bedroom, or they’re fighting over the secrets Kelsey has kept. This was easily a five star read for me. I absolutely adored the character of Riley, and all of the others were well developed and relatable. The story had plenty of ups and downs and kept my interest. I am definitely looking forward to more from Ms. Aleman!
If there was ever an aptly named book, Smoldering is certainly it.
Kelsey is the daughter of a congressman and has lived a privileged life, attending the best boarding schools and colleges. She has always tried to be close with her parents, however they seem to find her as just an accessory, a way to market the influential family as being “family first”. But when she finds herself at the altar, close to marrying a man she doesn’t love, she gives up her life and flees to Savannah, GA with her best friend Jen. She works as a waitress in a diner, despite her master’s degree in nursing from Yale. When Riley, a warrant officer stationed at nearby Fort Stewart walks into the diner one night, Kelsey finds her life about to be turned upside down.
When Riley stops by the diner one night after work, he is immediately smitten with Kelsey. He is a bit cocky and flirts mercilessly, however Kelsey isn’t immediately ready to pursue anything with him. This just ups the ante for Riley; Jane is a challenge, not impressed with his rank as many other women have been. She finally agrees to a date with him and the rest, as they say, is history.
When Riley takes Kelsey home to meet his parents and attend a benefit ball, the wheels quickly come off their promising relationship. Riley’s family is nothing like her own. They are a family of love and devotion and Kelsey is immediately comfortable with them. But Kelsey’s secrets come out at the benefit ball when her ex-fiancé is in attendance, and Riley is angry and disappointed that Kelsey was less than forthcoming about her past, instead blindsiding him with the truth. When Kelsey overhears Riley speaking with his parents on the matter, she quickly runs away from him, and they each find themselves realizing how much they truly love each other. But will Kelsey’s past be too much to recover from?
It seems that the stars are just unwilling to align and after months apart, they begin to give up hope that a reunion is possible. When Riley’s unit comes up for deployment, things are put in perspective; can they find their way back to each other, even though they are looking at a nine-month absence while Riley is deployed?
The love scenes between the two are hot. Seriously hot. Riley is the perfect alpha male, but has a soft spot, which is endearing. Kelsey is not a spineless heroine; she is a take-charge kind of person, having had to start at square one when she left her parents. She also has the benefit of a best friend that has her best interest at heart.
From the very first page I was completely enraptured with this story. The chemistry between Kelsey and Riley is explosive, whether it is in the bedroom, or they’re fighting over the secrets Kelsey has kept. This was easily a five star read for me. I absolutely adored the character of Riley, and all of the others were well developed and relatable. The story had plenty of ups and downs and kept my interest. I am definitely looking forward to more from Ms. Aleman!
August 17, 2014
Meet Kelsey
When we first meet Kelsey she is standing in a one of a kind spare no expense top of the line wedding dress. I mean who’s wouldn’t get a real tiara when they are marrying the governor.. I mean this is what she was breed for. This is expected of her. How can she not go through with a wedding to a man that you don’t love and who has his side vagina at the wedding. Well she decided that she was through. Throw out the Manolo’s and the diamonds this Cinderella has just turned into a pumpkin. She runs..and how far can you run from your past..Not far enough.
Riley Jackson who had the complete opposite of what Kelsey had. Parents that wants him to pick what makes him happy, regardless if it’s their choice. He sets his sights on Kelsy and achieved something no one has ever done. He made her love. A feeling she’s ever had a feeling that was never cast upon her. What can go wrong.
Hello past meet my future..
He can’t get over it and she is not about to come between him and his future. She wants someone to fight for her, that wants to be with her. In the break up to shatter all breakups.. I mean that scene where they break up shatter my heart into little bits of pieces. Every single time.
You told me I was your sanctuary. People don’t run from the place that grounds them. But you did. And you left me a shell of a man that’s crumbling to the ground. You f*cking ruined me
"It’s ok Riley, just know that, even thought I didn’t tell you every single gritty detail about my past" you knew me here, she points to her heart, “and that’s all that matters. What I feel for you is the realist thing I’ve ever f*cking felt. I was giving you space, you sealed out fate” He broke me He burned me.
This scene is the most heartbreaking and soul-shattering scene I’ve ever read. I held my breath and my heart pounded in my chest all the way up to my ears. I wanted to curl into a ball and sob for her and tell them everything is ok, but it isn’t, how do you recover from a broke heart when you have no idea what this feeling is.
She hits rock bottom and slowly starts to find herself again only to be thrust into Riley’s life again. Can they overcome the past and look to the future??? What a wicked ride we went on. Up down all around it was great..
On a side note this is the first book that I’ve read that has touched the deployment side of the military and that scene before they leave had me holding my breath. To everyone that the military touches I want to thank you all for surfacing your life and the lives of your beloved to make sure we are safe.
When we first meet Kelsey she is standing in a one of a kind spare no expense top of the line wedding dress. I mean who’s wouldn’t get a real tiara when they are marrying the governor.. I mean this is what she was breed for. This is expected of her. How can she not go through with a wedding to a man that you don’t love and who has his side vagina at the wedding. Well she decided that she was through. Throw out the Manolo’s and the diamonds this Cinderella has just turned into a pumpkin. She runs..and how far can you run from your past..Not far enough.
Riley Jackson who had the complete opposite of what Kelsey had. Parents that wants him to pick what makes him happy, regardless if it’s their choice. He sets his sights on Kelsy and achieved something no one has ever done. He made her love. A feeling she’s ever had a feeling that was never cast upon her. What can go wrong.
Hello past meet my future..
He can’t get over it and she is not about to come between him and his future. She wants someone to fight for her, that wants to be with her. In the break up to shatter all breakups.. I mean that scene where they break up shatter my heart into little bits of pieces. Every single time.
You told me I was your sanctuary. People don’t run from the place that grounds them. But you did. And you left me a shell of a man that’s crumbling to the ground. You f*cking ruined me
"It’s ok Riley, just know that, even thought I didn’t tell you every single gritty detail about my past" you knew me here, she points to her heart, “and that’s all that matters. What I feel for you is the realist thing I’ve ever f*cking felt. I was giving you space, you sealed out fate” He broke me He burned me.
This scene is the most heartbreaking and soul-shattering scene I’ve ever read. I held my breath and my heart pounded in my chest all the way up to my ears. I wanted to curl into a ball and sob for her and tell them everything is ok, but it isn’t, how do you recover from a broke heart when you have no idea what this feeling is.
She hits rock bottom and slowly starts to find herself again only to be thrust into Riley’s life again. Can they overcome the past and look to the future??? What a wicked ride we went on. Up down all around it was great..
On a side note this is the first book that I’ve read that has touched the deployment side of the military and that scene before they leave had me holding my breath. To everyone that the military touches I want to thank you all for surfacing your life and the lives of your beloved to make sure we are safe.
September 16, 2014
Let me start by telling you all; 'Do not bother to put on a mascara if you are going to read this book, pointless!'
This was just an emotional rollercoaster. I got so happy at times and then I got so frustrated and angry and I just could not believe what I was reading, I mean what just happened! The angst and the drama was just killing me and I thought to myself that this would not end in any way like I wanted it to. Then I got so happy and then I got so sad again and then there was this horrible 'sandstorm' or something in my house, because I just kept getting something in my eyes!
The idea of the story was very good in my opinion, though I would have wanted some things to turn out differently than they did. I liked the characters, Riley and Kelsey at first and then I didn´t like them so much and found their behavior very childish (they are supposed to be 28 and 30), but then I liked them again! See a total rollercoaster ride! Some parts of the story I really disliked and some of it I really liked.
This was just an emotional rollercoaster. I got so happy at times and then I got so frustrated and angry and I just could not believe what I was reading, I mean what just happened! The angst and the drama was just killing me and I thought to myself that this would not end in any way like I wanted it to. Then I got so happy and then I got so sad again and then there was this horrible 'sandstorm' or something in my house, because I just kept getting something in my eyes!
The idea of the story was very good in my opinion, though I would have wanted some things to turn out differently than they did. I liked the characters, Riley and Kelsey at first and then I didn´t like them so much and found their behavior very childish (they are supposed to be 28 and 30), but then I liked them again! See a total rollercoaster ride! Some parts of the story I really disliked and some of it I really liked.
July 20, 2014
This book was so good! Definitely a favorite of mine.
Raised in a political family who cared more about their image and connections than being a true family unit, Kelsey decides to take her future into her own hands.
When she meets Riley, is an instant connection on many different levels.
When Riley finds out the one secret she was keeping from him, Kelsey could lose Riley forever.
This was such a real book. I loved how Tiffany didn't dwell on Kelsey's parents. Yes, they played an intricate part in why Kelsey did everything she did, but as characters they were left where they needed to be. Awesome debut, and I can't wait to read more by Tiffany.
Raised in a political family who cared more about their image and connections than being a true family unit, Kelsey decides to take her future into her own hands.
When she meets Riley, is an instant connection on many different levels.
When Riley finds out the one secret she was keeping from him, Kelsey could lose Riley forever.
This was such a real book. I loved how Tiffany didn't dwell on Kelsey's parents. Yes, they played an intricate part in why Kelsey did everything she did, but as characters they were left where they needed to be. Awesome debut, and I can't wait to read more by Tiffany.
July 19, 2016
Tiffany Aleman’s new stand-alone smoldering is just that! HOT! The connection between Riley and Kelsey is explosive. Smoldering is a story about letting your heart lead you to happiness. I could not put it down.
The chemistry between Riley and Kelsey keeps you turning pages. Riley is a sweet and sexy military man who goes after what he wants. Kelsey is just trying to live her life by her own rules. Riley was not in the plan, but who could turn him away?
Tiffany takes you through a swarm of emotions so be prepared! You don't want to pass this one up.
The chemistry between Riley and Kelsey keeps you turning pages. Riley is a sweet and sexy military man who goes after what he wants. Kelsey is just trying to live her life by her own rules. Riley was not in the plan, but who could turn him away?
Tiffany takes you through a swarm of emotions so be prepared! You don't want to pass this one up.
January 5, 2015
This book was so good. Firstly, I am happy it was a standalone book. But more importantly it was so well written, you the reader will be consumed by the storyline. It's been a while since I've read a book where my heart ached and stomach clenched. I was totally absorbed by this story emotionally and that right there is what makes a great romance novel. As a first book for the author, you have gained a fan with this book and your writing. So looking forward to more!
March 21, 2015
Talk about true love ...
I liked the whole story. The happy parts and the sad parts. It was an emotional book full of love and pain.
Riley was just the type if guy you wish was real! And I hope that Lyle finds his true love in this fictional world....
I liked the whole story. The happy parts and the sad parts. It was an emotional book full of love and pain.
Riley was just the type if guy you wish was real! And I hope that Lyle finds his true love in this fictional world....
July 13, 2014
This is one of the best books I've read to date, if I could give more than 5 stars I would. A wonderful love story. Absolutely loved it!
October 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how it's about taking chances to find your own happiness and that money cannot buy you happiness.
October 2, 2014
Smoldering is Tiffany Aleman's debut solo novel and she nailed it. I thought it was a little comical that she was nervous to see what my thoughts were on this novel. I have to say, Tiffany, you did an AMAZING job. I was taken on a journey with Kelsey and I got to see her transform into the woman that she wanted to be.
Kelsey had it all, or at least that is what it appeared to those who were on the outside looking in. Kelsey grew up in a lavish lifestyle, the daughter of a Congressman. Kelsey wasn't living for herself. Every decision she made, was based upon her parent's approval. If she made the right decision, would that make her parents proud, would it make them love her. When Kelsey was being forced to marry a man that she didn't love, Kelsey decided she was going to make a decision that was best for her. Kelsey left the life she knew behind in search of her own happiness. That happiness walked in her life when she was least expecting it.
When Riley Jackson walked into the diner down the road from his work, never did he expect to see what stood before him. Riley is immediately attracted to Kelsey and wants to get to know her. The only problem is, Kelsey really isn't interested in meeting anyone. Riley is never one to back down from a challenge, and his determination to get to know Kelsey fuels his fire. With a little persuasion, Riley is able to convince Kelsey to go out on a date with him.
Kelsey isn't one to divulge her past to anyone. She figures it is in the past, that is where it belongs. She doesn't feel the need to tell Riley about it. It isn't like she is lying to him, she answers what he asks, she may tip toe around it, but she doesn't lie to him. She just doesn't feel the need to taint her new life with her past. However, our pasts are what makes up who we are. We can not hide from it, because it can always come back to rear it's ugly head.
When Kelsey's past is staring her in the eyes, what will she do? Will she finally open up to Riley and trust him with everything? Will she run? Will her past ruin her future? When Kelsey has finally found happiness in herself and the love that she was always wanted, will it be taken away in the blink of an eye? When you love someone, you have to fight for it; will Kelsey fight for Riley's love? Does Kelsey have the strength to fight for it?
"Love is supposed to bring you joy, not pain" ~ Kelsey
Riley never imagined that one person could destroy him. That person was Kelsey, she was his ruin. When Kelsey's past collided with their future, everything he thought was real, is brought into question. Riley loved Kelsey, she held his heart. She was his future, so he thought, until one night changed it all.
When Tiffany asked me to participate in this blog tour, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. When I began to read Smoldering, I was like, OMG, I read these two chapters already. I knew she was working on her debut novel, because she sent me the first two chapters about two months ago. I didn't know that Smoldering was the book that I got a sneak peak at. Once I continued reading, I could not put it down. I felt the chemistry between the characters. I understood why Kelsey did what she did, I understood the decisions that she made. I may not have agreed with them, but they were Kelsey's decisions to make.
As I read the book, I continued to turn the page with hesitation, because I was waiting for the floor to fall out from under Riley and Kelsey. I prayed that it wouldn't but I knew it was going to. Love is hard, everyday we have to work on it. There are days that you want to throw in the towel, but then you think of all of the happy times and it makes it all worth while.
There are parts of the book that had me laughing out loud, and then there were parts of the book that had me in tears. I had to take several deep breaths and wipe the tears from my face as I tried to continue to read. I am not one who cries a lot when I read a book, however this book touched my heart. To see both Riley and Kelsey struggle to find their way in life, crushed me. I was screaming internally at both Riley and Kelsey saying, fight for it, do not give up on each other. I wanted to smack both of them for some of the decisions that they made, but we all make mistakes. We can only hope that we can find the strength to know when we made one, and try and fix it.
"He broke me. He burned me. And he left me there smoldering in a pile of ashes." ~ Kelsey
Tiffany, I bow my head to you and I want to give you a huge pat on the back. I absolutely loved Smoldering. I am praying that you will not make it a standalone. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you will continue on with this story and give us more. I was left wanting more. You have so many options on how to continue with these characters.
Kelsey had it all, or at least that is what it appeared to those who were on the outside looking in. Kelsey grew up in a lavish lifestyle, the daughter of a Congressman. Kelsey wasn't living for herself. Every decision she made, was based upon her parent's approval. If she made the right decision, would that make her parents proud, would it make them love her. When Kelsey was being forced to marry a man that she didn't love, Kelsey decided she was going to make a decision that was best for her. Kelsey left the life she knew behind in search of her own happiness. That happiness walked in her life when she was least expecting it.
When Riley Jackson walked into the diner down the road from his work, never did he expect to see what stood before him. Riley is immediately attracted to Kelsey and wants to get to know her. The only problem is, Kelsey really isn't interested in meeting anyone. Riley is never one to back down from a challenge, and his determination to get to know Kelsey fuels his fire. With a little persuasion, Riley is able to convince Kelsey to go out on a date with him.
Kelsey isn't one to divulge her past to anyone. She figures it is in the past, that is where it belongs. She doesn't feel the need to tell Riley about it. It isn't like she is lying to him, she answers what he asks, she may tip toe around it, but she doesn't lie to him. She just doesn't feel the need to taint her new life with her past. However, our pasts are what makes up who we are. We can not hide from it, because it can always come back to rear it's ugly head.
When Kelsey's past is staring her in the eyes, what will she do? Will she finally open up to Riley and trust him with everything? Will she run? Will her past ruin her future? When Kelsey has finally found happiness in herself and the love that she was always wanted, will it be taken away in the blink of an eye? When you love someone, you have to fight for it; will Kelsey fight for Riley's love? Does Kelsey have the strength to fight for it?
"Love is supposed to bring you joy, not pain" ~ Kelsey
Riley never imagined that one person could destroy him. That person was Kelsey, she was his ruin. When Kelsey's past collided with their future, everything he thought was real, is brought into question. Riley loved Kelsey, she held his heart. She was his future, so he thought, until one night changed it all.
When Tiffany asked me to participate in this blog tour, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. When I began to read Smoldering, I was like, OMG, I read these two chapters already. I knew she was working on her debut novel, because she sent me the first two chapters about two months ago. I didn't know that Smoldering was the book that I got a sneak peak at. Once I continued reading, I could not put it down. I felt the chemistry between the characters. I understood why Kelsey did what she did, I understood the decisions that she made. I may not have agreed with them, but they were Kelsey's decisions to make.
As I read the book, I continued to turn the page with hesitation, because I was waiting for the floor to fall out from under Riley and Kelsey. I prayed that it wouldn't but I knew it was going to. Love is hard, everyday we have to work on it. There are days that you want to throw in the towel, but then you think of all of the happy times and it makes it all worth while.
There are parts of the book that had me laughing out loud, and then there were parts of the book that had me in tears. I had to take several deep breaths and wipe the tears from my face as I tried to continue to read. I am not one who cries a lot when I read a book, however this book touched my heart. To see both Riley and Kelsey struggle to find their way in life, crushed me. I was screaming internally at both Riley and Kelsey saying, fight for it, do not give up on each other. I wanted to smack both of them for some of the decisions that they made, but we all make mistakes. We can only hope that we can find the strength to know when we made one, and try and fix it.
"He broke me. He burned me. And he left me there smoldering in a pile of ashes." ~ Kelsey
Tiffany, I bow my head to you and I want to give you a huge pat on the back. I absolutely loved Smoldering. I am praying that you will not make it a standalone. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you will continue on with this story and give us more. I was left wanting more. You have so many options on how to continue with these characters.
September 4, 2014
I have to admit, I am glad it was dark outside when I finished this book. Because if my neighbors saw me ugly crying all over my tablet again, I would never live it down. But there is just something about books with men in the military that do me in every single time. But Tiffany Aleman takes it one step further. She wrote two remarkable characters with tough standards to live up to completely full of passion and tenderness. This book was full of raw emotion, love and pain… but in the end, it was more about discovering the beauty that can be found in love and finding out who you are along the way.
Kelsey’s life has been planned out for her. She didn’t get to choose who her family was any more than they felt she should have the choice in who she would spend her forever with. Even if he was an arrogant jackass who just happens to be the governor. Well crap. Kelsey has spent every day of her life waiting and wanting the approval of her family. Wanting them to have faith in her and to show her the love she has always wanted.
Well… now it’s her wedding day and I have never wanted to smack two people more than I wanted to smack her parents. The thought of making her wed someone that she not only did not love, but couldn’t stand… well, let’s just say, I would have done a lot more than let the bird fly. But always wanting to live up to their expectations Kelsey knew what she had to do. But standing face to face with the biggest ass ever, suddenly she has an epiphany. She knows this will change everything in her life if she says “I do.” How much is she really willing to sacrifice to win the approval and love of her parents?
Two years later, he walks into the diner when Kels has happily worked since walking away from the only life she has known. He has her flustered from the very beginning, but there was something special about Riley. He wasn’t just another guy looking to get her attention. There was something there. Yes, he was charming. Yes, he had the corniest pick up lines… yes, he made her smile and made her southern region go insane. But there was more. He didn’t back down. Oh, but let me back up, Riley had my attention the second he walked into that diner, not only because he was hot, but he was a hot man in a uniform… my heart melted instantly.
Kels and Riley are in the beginning of the most amazing relationship, but there is so much of her past that she just would rather forget. It is not who she is now. She doesn’t want to be looked at a certain way for the decision she made when she walked away from that life. But the beauty of Riley is that he could care less about her past, but he wants to know what made her who she is.
It’s hard to let people in when all you have done is spend your life placating others. It’s hard to be seen as a strong person, when you have spent your life being pushed down. It is hard to believe that love can exist, when you have seen nothing but status in your life as a means to an end. When you don’t know all those things can happen, it’s hard to accept when they finally do.
Now Kels has to make some big decisions where Riley is concerned. Once the truth is out, everything is going to change. Can she handle the backlash of the truth or will the love they have built come crashing down? And if Riley, our amazing hero in this book, ends up being deployed, will they lose everything?
Now, when I started this review, I told you that I sat outside and ugly cried. I didn’t cry because of the romance. I was crying like a baby at the thought of another amazing man being deployed. Anytime you throw an amazing soldier in a story, my heart just melts. There is nothing I take greater pride in than the men and women who defend our country so reading about deployments and the possibilities that come with that one word just tear me to pieces. So ugly crying because of the romance, no. Ugly crying because I am patriotic and I love the men and women who sever our country and protect our freedom… EVERY SINGLE TIME!
The romance in this book is electric and hot, the passion behind the characters is breathtaking and when Kels realizes how much of her past shaped her into the person she was is just heart warming. The heat level in this book is fantastic. The sad moments are depressing as hell. But this book was a winner from the beginning. This is a first class book and it is a must read and I know I will be re-reading it over and over. It just got me right where it counts… in my heart… and I will not let that go!
Kelsey’s life has been planned out for her. She didn’t get to choose who her family was any more than they felt she should have the choice in who she would spend her forever with. Even if he was an arrogant jackass who just happens to be the governor. Well crap. Kelsey has spent every day of her life waiting and wanting the approval of her family. Wanting them to have faith in her and to show her the love she has always wanted.
Well… now it’s her wedding day and I have never wanted to smack two people more than I wanted to smack her parents. The thought of making her wed someone that she not only did not love, but couldn’t stand… well, let’s just say, I would have done a lot more than let the bird fly. But always wanting to live up to their expectations Kelsey knew what she had to do. But standing face to face with the biggest ass ever, suddenly she has an epiphany. She knows this will change everything in her life if she says “I do.” How much is she really willing to sacrifice to win the approval and love of her parents?
Two years later, he walks into the diner when Kels has happily worked since walking away from the only life she has known. He has her flustered from the very beginning, but there was something special about Riley. He wasn’t just another guy looking to get her attention. There was something there. Yes, he was charming. Yes, he had the corniest pick up lines… yes, he made her smile and made her southern region go insane. But there was more. He didn’t back down. Oh, but let me back up, Riley had my attention the second he walked into that diner, not only because he was hot, but he was a hot man in a uniform… my heart melted instantly.
Kels and Riley are in the beginning of the most amazing relationship, but there is so much of her past that she just would rather forget. It is not who she is now. She doesn’t want to be looked at a certain way for the decision she made when she walked away from that life. But the beauty of Riley is that he could care less about her past, but he wants to know what made her who she is.
It’s hard to let people in when all you have done is spend your life placating others. It’s hard to be seen as a strong person, when you have spent your life being pushed down. It is hard to believe that love can exist, when you have seen nothing but status in your life as a means to an end. When you don’t know all those things can happen, it’s hard to accept when they finally do.
Now Kels has to make some big decisions where Riley is concerned. Once the truth is out, everything is going to change. Can she handle the backlash of the truth or will the love they have built come crashing down? And if Riley, our amazing hero in this book, ends up being deployed, will they lose everything?
Now, when I started this review, I told you that I sat outside and ugly cried. I didn’t cry because of the romance. I was crying like a baby at the thought of another amazing man being deployed. Anytime you throw an amazing soldier in a story, my heart just melts. There is nothing I take greater pride in than the men and women who defend our country so reading about deployments and the possibilities that come with that one word just tear me to pieces. So ugly crying because of the romance, no. Ugly crying because I am patriotic and I love the men and women who sever our country and protect our freedom… EVERY SINGLE TIME!
The romance in this book is electric and hot, the passion behind the characters is breathtaking and when Kels realizes how much of her past shaped her into the person she was is just heart warming. The heat level in this book is fantastic. The sad moments are depressing as hell. But this book was a winner from the beginning. This is a first class book and it is a must read and I know I will be re-reading it over and over. It just got me right where it counts… in my heart… and I will not let that go!
July 23, 2014
Shayna Renee's Spicy Read's TOP PICK of 2014!
Unbelievably romantic and sexy, Tiffany Aleman hit it out of the park with her first solo debut novel, Smoldering! Never have I cried so damn much from reading a book. And it wasn’t just a tear here and a tear there. It was an all out blubbering, UGLY as sin cry! Tears of sadness, tears of joy, this book ripped my heart in pieces and slowly made it whole again. I was blown away with the realness of it all. Real issues, circumstances and events that happen every single day to people throughout the world. It was just amazing! I believe that readers of this genre will completely devour Smoldering and continue to sing its praises long after they finish. I know I will!
❝Everybody needs saving at one point or another.❞
Kelsey grew up craving and striving for her parent’s love. She wants what every girl wants…LOVE. The LOVE of her family, the LOVE of her friends, and the LOVE of a good man. Standing at the altar with only 1 out of the 3, who would blame her for wanting to get the hell out of there as fast as she can! Kelsey traded her wealthy and privileged life for one of happiness. Not wanting anything to do with her parents or her parent’s money, she gives up on pursuing her nursing license, and gets a job at a local diner as a waitress. Still trying to figure out what she is going to do with her life, in walks the man who has the potential to flip her world upside down.
❝You laugh now, but there will come a time that, when I do touch you, you will not want me to stop.❞
Unlike Kelsey, Riley Jackson grew up LOVED and ADORED by his family. Even going into the army, his parents had nothing but support for him. Gorgeous, sexy, sweet, and more importantly, NOT FAKE, Riley is EVERYTHING that Kelsey wants and needs. He has the ability to show Kelsey what love truly is.
The past always finds a way to rear its ugly head. You can always say, ‘it’s in the past, let’s not worry about it’, but that’s a joke. You and you alone have the ability to overcome your fear of the past, and handle it head on. Kelsey never wanted to bring up her past to Riley. She just wanted it to go away. In true ROMANCE STORY fashion, the past runs head on to the present, and totally obliterates any remnants of a possible future. Anguish and sorrow fill both of their hearts and strip away any hope that they might have had for the future. For the first time in her life Kelsey experienced true love. For the first time in her life Kelsey experienced absolute heartache. How does one follow their heart to true happiness, when their heart leads them to the person who broke it in the first place?
❝I am coming back to you if I have to move Heaven or Hell to do it and we both know I’m a very determined man.❞
There is not one part of this story where I didn’t experience some heartfelt emotions. Kelsey and Riley were amazing together, with smoldering chemistry, and witty banter. These wonderful characters were tested throughout this entire story. Certain circumstances tested the depth of their love for one another. With such great moments of tenderness and beauty and moments of such devastating loss, it was very difficult to tear myself away from their story. Ms. Aleman gave us such great detail, not only in the aesthetics, but with the characters emotions as well. What Kelsey and Riley felt, you felt right along with them. Ms. Aleman had me completely immersed from the very beginning, hence the reasoning for the blubbering mess I was by the end of the book. I couldn’t believe this was a solo debut for the author. The way she writes, it’s incredibly poetic and beautiful. Keep this author on your TBR list, as I expect really great things from her in the future. Smoldering is a true love story that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
❝I’m no longer broken.❞
❝I’m just fractured.❞
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Unbelievably romantic and sexy, Tiffany Aleman hit it out of the park with her first solo debut novel, Smoldering! Never have I cried so damn much from reading a book. And it wasn’t just a tear here and a tear there. It was an all out blubbering, UGLY as sin cry! Tears of sadness, tears of joy, this book ripped my heart in pieces and slowly made it whole again. I was blown away with the realness of it all. Real issues, circumstances and events that happen every single day to people throughout the world. It was just amazing! I believe that readers of this genre will completely devour Smoldering and continue to sing its praises long after they finish. I know I will!
❝Everybody needs saving at one point or another.❞
Kelsey grew up craving and striving for her parent’s love. She wants what every girl wants…LOVE. The LOVE of her family, the LOVE of her friends, and the LOVE of a good man. Standing at the altar with only 1 out of the 3, who would blame her for wanting to get the hell out of there as fast as she can! Kelsey traded her wealthy and privileged life for one of happiness. Not wanting anything to do with her parents or her parent’s money, she gives up on pursuing her nursing license, and gets a job at a local diner as a waitress. Still trying to figure out what she is going to do with her life, in walks the man who has the potential to flip her world upside down.
❝You laugh now, but there will come a time that, when I do touch you, you will not want me to stop.❞
Unlike Kelsey, Riley Jackson grew up LOVED and ADORED by his family. Even going into the army, his parents had nothing but support for him. Gorgeous, sexy, sweet, and more importantly, NOT FAKE, Riley is EVERYTHING that Kelsey wants and needs. He has the ability to show Kelsey what love truly is.
The past always finds a way to rear its ugly head. You can always say, ‘it’s in the past, let’s not worry about it’, but that’s a joke. You and you alone have the ability to overcome your fear of the past, and handle it head on. Kelsey never wanted to bring up her past to Riley. She just wanted it to go away. In true ROMANCE STORY fashion, the past runs head on to the present, and totally obliterates any remnants of a possible future. Anguish and sorrow fill both of their hearts and strip away any hope that they might have had for the future. For the first time in her life Kelsey experienced true love. For the first time in her life Kelsey experienced absolute heartache. How does one follow their heart to true happiness, when their heart leads them to the person who broke it in the first place?
❝I am coming back to you if I have to move Heaven or Hell to do it and we both know I’m a very determined man.❞
There is not one part of this story where I didn’t experience some heartfelt emotions. Kelsey and Riley were amazing together, with smoldering chemistry, and witty banter. These wonderful characters were tested throughout this entire story. Certain circumstances tested the depth of their love for one another. With such great moments of tenderness and beauty and moments of such devastating loss, it was very difficult to tear myself away from their story. Ms. Aleman gave us such great detail, not only in the aesthetics, but with the characters emotions as well. What Kelsey and Riley felt, you felt right along with them. Ms. Aleman had me completely immersed from the very beginning, hence the reasoning for the blubbering mess I was by the end of the book. I couldn’t believe this was a solo debut for the author. The way she writes, it’s incredibly poetic and beautiful. Keep this author on your TBR list, as I expect really great things from her in the future. Smoldering is a true love story that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
❝I’m no longer broken.❞
❝I’m just fractured.❞
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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