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The Electric Tunnel #2
Smoldered
Asher Peterson is a self-made man, owner of the Electric Tunnel, Sin City’s hottest adult entertainment spot. Brazen and formidable in designer T-shirts and motorcycle boots, he seems unflappable whether he’s making his rounds through the decadent decor of the Tunnel, or whipping through the desert heat on his bike. But inside he is a shattered man, desperate to understand what unconditional love from a woman feels like.
Hiding the effects of his emotionally stunted youth behind a gritty persona, and keeping his fractured soul buried deep while seeking out his baser instincts, Asher is convinced he is man enough to leave the past in the past. The only clue to his broken soul is his deep-seated need to provide safety and a good life for emotionally damaged women within the glamorous walls of his strip club.
Fooling himself that he deserves little in life, Asher keeps his big heart tightly guarded with everyone but Sienna Flower, his friend, business partner, and headliner. Until, that is, the night he runs into his childhood friend, Natalie Parker. While trolling a rival strip club, perusing their offerings for his own personal pleasure, he collides with his past. Coming face-to-face with a woman he only knew as a girl, he’s shaken when he finds the dark-haired beauty in a precarious position. Now all grown up, she’s a hardened soul who reminds him of where he came from, and stirs within him the need to protect yet another woman.
Known as Nat to most everyone, Natalie is a single mom to Quinn. But when she’s under the bright spotlights in a thong, she’s known as Natasha or Nataleigh Dallas. A girl who once had everything going for her, she’s now a jaded stripper with only room for her son in her life, and has erected impenetrable barriers around her heart. The strength of those walls is challenged the night a man she has known since childhood steamrolls his way back into her life, flashing those smoky-gray eyes that have always melted her.
A man she has loved from afar since she was a young girl, one who lights fire to her walls, burning deeper, setting everything ablaze––smoldering her.
Asher and Natalie, two people who are equally tormented by their own demons, set out to rescue each other as part-time lovers in a torrid, desperate workplace affair. Thinking they can remain friends while keeping their hearts at a safe distance, they find themselves at odds when their situation morphs into a messy, tangled mess.
Ripping free of each other proves impossible as they learn that the very web that connects them goes much deeper than they ever expected.
Hiding the effects of his emotionally stunted youth behind a gritty persona, and keeping his fractured soul buried deep while seeking out his baser instincts, Asher is convinced he is man enough to leave the past in the past. The only clue to his broken soul is his deep-seated need to provide safety and a good life for emotionally damaged women within the glamorous walls of his strip club.
Fooling himself that he deserves little in life, Asher keeps his big heart tightly guarded with everyone but Sienna Flower, his friend, business partner, and headliner. Until, that is, the night he runs into his childhood friend, Natalie Parker. While trolling a rival strip club, perusing their offerings for his own personal pleasure, he collides with his past. Coming face-to-face with a woman he only knew as a girl, he’s shaken when he finds the dark-haired beauty in a precarious position. Now all grown up, she’s a hardened soul who reminds him of where he came from, and stirs within him the need to protect yet another woman.
Known as Nat to most everyone, Natalie is a single mom to Quinn. But when she’s under the bright spotlights in a thong, she’s known as Natasha or Nataleigh Dallas. A girl who once had everything going for her, she’s now a jaded stripper with only room for her son in her life, and has erected impenetrable barriers around her heart. The strength of those walls is challenged the night a man she has known since childhood steamrolls his way back into her life, flashing those smoky-gray eyes that have always melted her.
A man she has loved from afar since she was a young girl, one who lights fire to her walls, burning deeper, setting everything ablaze––smoldering her.
Asher and Natalie, two people who are equally tormented by their own demons, set out to rescue each other as part-time lovers in a torrid, desperate workplace affair. Thinking they can remain friends while keeping their hearts at a safe distance, they find themselves at odds when their situation morphs into a messy, tangled mess.
Ripping free of each other proves impossible as they learn that the very web that connects them goes much deeper than they ever expected.
ebook
First published October 16, 2014
17 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Blaufeld
27 books939 followersA recent poll of her readers described Rachel Blaufeld as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a clinical social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas.
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
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As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 4, 2015
4 stars!
Smoldered is an insanely sexy, angsty and emotional read. It’s about Asher and Natalie who were friends as children. They became teens, then adults and with time lost touch. As adults they meet again. Natalie, a girl with dreams and aspirations is working at a strip club in Vegas to support her and her five year son. Asher wants to help her so he gets her a better job at one of his clubs. We fast forward 5 years and Nat is still working for Asher. She has major feelings for him, and he does for her as well. It should be easy from here, right? Well… not quite. Natalie doesn’t let anyone get too close. Even though she has always loved Asher, she needs to keep her distance from him emotionally. It needs to be just sex.
Asher wants Natalie, and he only wants Natalie. But after feeling unwanted by her, he makes some questionable decisions. They both do. I know I’ll get enquires if there is cheating in this book so I’ll go ahead and answer that for those of you that want to know…
Natalie and Asher’s relationship is a beautiful mess. It’s tumultuous and hard to read at times.
Heroes like Asher Peterson are the main reason I created my ‘Jerks that I love’ shelf. Because this guy could be a huge jerk at times, but I still found myself loving him. There were parts I wanted to throttle him, but I loved this broken man. Natalie had her moments as well. Although I could understand the choices she made, I didn’t agree with them. There were so many choices that were made that changed so many peoples lives. So many secrets that when they came out, changed everything.
I think this author has a unique writing style and I enjoyed it. I liked the descriptiveness and how her storytelling kept me engaged. This story was written mainly in dual pov (Asher and Natalie’s) but as a treat, there chapters from Mike’s pov scattered in. Mike was my favorite character in this story, so I was happy about that. I can’t wait for his story!
If you are looking for a bit of a gritty and angst filled second chance romance, I would recommend this one! It was super steamy and kept me on the edge of my seat. Thankfully, I was in the mood for an angsty read with a broken hero so it really worked for me.
Smoldered is an insanely sexy, angsty and emotional read. It’s about Asher and Natalie who were friends as children. They became teens, then adults and with time lost touch. As adults they meet again. Natalie, a girl with dreams and aspirations is working at a strip club in Vegas to support her and her five year son. Asher wants to help her so he gets her a better job at one of his clubs. We fast forward 5 years and Nat is still working for Asher. She has major feelings for him, and he does for her as well. It should be easy from here, right? Well… not quite. Natalie doesn’t let anyone get too close. Even though she has always loved Asher, she needs to keep her distance from him emotionally. It needs to be just sex.
Asher wants Natalie, and he only wants Natalie. But after feeling unwanted by her, he makes some questionable decisions. They both do. I know I’ll get enquires if there is cheating in this book so I’ll go ahead and answer that for those of you that want to know…
Natalie and Asher’s relationship is a beautiful mess. It’s tumultuous and hard to read at times.
Heroes like Asher Peterson are the main reason I created my ‘Jerks that I love’ shelf. Because this guy could be a huge jerk at times, but I still found myself loving him. There were parts I wanted to throttle him, but I loved this broken man. Natalie had her moments as well. Although I could understand the choices she made, I didn’t agree with them. There were so many choices that were made that changed so many peoples lives. So many secrets that when they came out, changed everything.
I think this author has a unique writing style and I enjoyed it. I liked the descriptiveness and how her storytelling kept me engaged. This story was written mainly in dual pov (Asher and Natalie’s) but as a treat, there chapters from Mike’s pov scattered in. Mike was my favorite character in this story, so I was happy about that. I can’t wait for his story!
If you are looking for a bit of a gritty and angst filled second chance romance, I would recommend this one! It was super steamy and kept me on the edge of my seat. Thankfully, I was in the mood for an angsty read with a broken hero so it really worked for me.
January 14, 2015
**Smoldered generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5+++ Asher Smolders Stars
You know those books that you’re excited to read because you met the main character in a previous book and something about that person tied you up in knots making you believe he or she would be an awesome main with a riveting story to tell? Smoldered is that book and Asher Peterson is that man.
I read book one of the Electric Tunnel series and really enjoyed it. Asher caught my eye from first time he was introduced in book one thanks to his bad boy exterior and soft affection for Sienna. With a strong feeling his story would hold the ability to knock my socks off; I went to into Smoldered with socks on. Rachel Blaufeld – I commend and thank you for indeed knocking them off and opening my heart to Asher Peterson.
To fully enjoy Smoldered I would most definitely read Electrified first even though it features two different main characters, the back story is important as questions are answered. Unlike its predecessor, though, this story wasn’t as light and optimistic; no, this story is much darker and better because of it.
Smoldered is an edgy, hard traveled journey with not only an anti-hero but an anti-heroine as well. Two people hailing from the underbelly of Vegas nightlife, two people who saw big things for themselves outside of Vegas but who instead made something of themselves in the place they thought they could escape. Smoldered is the story of beautiful wings flying from decaying, misguided roots.
Asher and Natalie literally embody the exact opposite of traditional romance yet their story, riddled with mistakes and tragic character flaws, encompasses the deepest seeds of the best kind of romance. These heart-wrenching mistakes and half-truths plaguing both characters build an unbreakable connection between them and the reader. Things left unsaid emotes feeling neither know how to handle creating a malevolent storm of angst and conflict within themselves, outwardly to each other and the motley crew of family at the Electric Tunnel they all call home, and for the reader. There were times I wanted to throw my Kindle, to choke Asher or slap Natalie, but those feelings, those emotions perfectly represent the astounding writing and story building structure of this gifted author. These characters are who they are, no apologies and the reader feels every part of that.
There’s so much I want to say about Asher and Natalie, so much to rave about regarding the structure of the plot, the roller coaster ride of twists and turns lurking in the pages. So much about the knowledge we get from the dual points of view plus an added bonus of an additional character point of view. Mix these elements with the development of the sordid relationship between Asher and Natalie balanced with the relationships between them and the secondary characters making us remember the glory in families we create with people we love because of forgiveness and acceptance. I can’t go into immense detail; I’d spoil a phenomenal love story. Just know, it’s tough to read the hardships of these two but author takes you there with great delicacy in the hardships. Smoldered proves to be raw and hard, self-deprecating and dirty. But as in all great romances, sometimes out of our greatest weaknesses come our greatest strengths. Dark becomes light and lies become beautiful, gripping truths.
This incredible journey provides a true testament to the gift Rachel Blaufeld owns in telling an extraordinary story of two characters entangled in their present, tormented by their past, snaring them for their future. Rachel Blaufeld has a voice I’m excited about hearing more from with stories that aren’t all hearts flowers but instead real nuanced with darkness and depth. Smoldered gives the reader a hard journey worth taking, one you’re on the edge of your seat craving what’s next in this web of half-truths all the while hope simmering beneath words of despair. And as an end note, Blaufeld provides the most satisfying and joyful epilogue that suits both characters perfectly.
Let Rachel Blaufeld introduce you to the gripping world of The Electric Tunnel. Asher and Natalie will hold you captive.
One of my Favorite Quotes:
"Instead, I stood planted like a palm tree blowing in the wind, waiting for the storm to arrive, stuck in the ground as if there were nothing I could do to stop the blustery weather heading my way, threatening to topple me over."
My spoiler-free review of Book One:
Electrified
January 11, 2015
This book was amazin I enjoyed every bit of it was so good didn't want 2 put it down it was that good
I luvd Asher in the first book an knew something was goin on with Natalie so I was delighted that they had there own book the story was great luvd the different pov I was shocked sometimes in this book I didn't see anything that happened coming that's what makes this book totally amazin
Asher an Natalie knew each other as kids really young kids when ashers mum left him so they were close from a early age an Natalie as always luvd him but Asher didn't really c well that's what she thought after not seein each other 4 yrs Asher seen Natalie at a strip club he went 2 2 let of steam when he seen he knew he needed her so did what he had 2 do 2 get in his bed an work 4 they r both so hot 2gether
Natalie didn't want 2 get 2 close so she just wanted Friends with benefits but we al know how that goes Natalie had other people 2 worry about b4 herself an that is her son so when thinks got hard she could take it anymore so she moved away leaving Asher an her lil family at the club behind
So much happened in this it is totally a great read the story was great I liked the first book but this was just perfect
If u haven't read these books up need 2 like now I can't wait 2 read big mikes book we got a lil peek at what was goin on an I want 2 now what happens like now really I want it now ;) xxx
October 10, 2014
**ARC, kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.**
...
Second chances in the gritty world of Vegas, you can read the same kinda story over and over again, but it's the writing that keeps it fresh, that gives it new eyes which this has. I really liked this, can't wait for the next one ;)
...Second chances in the gritty world of Vegas, you can read the same kinda story over and over again, but it's the writing that keeps it fresh, that gives it new eyes which this has. I really liked this, can't wait for the next one ;)
May 2, 2022
🌟FREE, FREE, FREE for the next few days!🌟
amzn.to/2rGKrAN
www.rachelblaufeld.com/smoldered
Part of me didn't want to hit publish and share Asher because I absolutely fell in love with his broken soul writing this book...
This book was such a roller-coaster of emotions, and I found myself crying or cheering at any given moment.
And now it is time to put Natalie and Asher's story out into the big world for everyone to experience and feel.
I also loved having Mike make brief appearances in this novel. He is the best of the best, and now I get to write his story.
So 5 stars from me. Here is to Asher and Natalie's wild ride. It is gritty, racy, painful and filled with angst, but so worth it.
RB
amzn.to/2rGKrAN
www.rachelblaufeld.com/smoldered
Part of me didn't want to hit publish and share Asher because I absolutely fell in love with his broken soul writing this book...
This book was such a roller-coaster of emotions, and I found myself crying or cheering at any given moment.
And now it is time to put Natalie and Asher's story out into the big world for everyone to experience and feel.
I also loved having Mike make brief appearances in this novel. He is the best of the best, and now I get to write his story.
So 5 stars from me. Here is to Asher and Natalie's wild ride. It is gritty, racy, painful and filled with angst, but so worth it.
RB
October 15, 2014
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
Smoldered is book two in Rachel Blaufeld's Electric Tunnel series. From the beginning of the book I was hooked. The characters seemed to flow effortlessly with the way they were created by this exceptional author. The story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Rachel created a beautiful world of erotica using the strip clubs and the characters in her book.
Asher Peterson is a hard man to please, in the bedroom that is. He has always needed...more. From threesomes, to hot nasty sex, his demands are pretty high level and taste specific. In every facet of Asher's life, he works hard, and plays equally hard! But a second chance meeting 5 years earlier brought the one woman that he has always carried a torch for, his "little doll" back into his life. This time he would take whatever she is willing to give.
Natalie Parker is a single mom trying to support her son by working as a stripper at the Electric Tunnel. She has known Asher since she was a little girl, when he rescued her from the former club she worked at and now he is her boss with benefits! Confused and never wanting to trust him too much, Natalie keeps Asher at arms length most of the time. There are so many secrets that could change everything, but she can't help herself, she has always wanted Asher.
This book has a little bit of everything in it. Hot steamy sex, passion, love and a reckoning of monumental proportions! I couldn't believe how the story took shape and grew even more intriguing as I turned each page. My heart was pounding in my chest and my panties were wet from the depth of the writing in this story! I was totally smoldered, Rachel!!!
Hero - Asher Peterson 4.5 stars
Heroine - Natalie Parker 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! I would totally recommend this book and the one before it! Smoldering hot from the beginning to the end!! You must read this book!
Would I recommend this author: Yes! Absolutely, I love everything I've read by Rachel Blaufeld. She is brilliant in her writing. I can't get enough!!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Smoldered
Rachel Blaufeld
Smoldered is book two in Rachel Blaufeld's Electric Tunnel series. From the beginning of the book I was hooked. The characters seemed to flow effortlessly with the way they were created by this exceptional author. The story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Rachel created a beautiful world of erotica using the strip clubs and the characters in her book.
Asher Peterson is a hard man to please, in the bedroom that is. He has always needed...more. From threesomes, to hot nasty sex, his demands are pretty high level and taste specific. In every facet of Asher's life, he works hard, and plays equally hard! But a second chance meeting 5 years earlier brought the one woman that he has always carried a torch for, his "little doll" back into his life. This time he would take whatever she is willing to give.
Natalie Parker is a single mom trying to support her son by working as a stripper at the Electric Tunnel. She has known Asher since she was a little girl, when he rescued her from the former club she worked at and now he is her boss with benefits! Confused and never wanting to trust him too much, Natalie keeps Asher at arms length most of the time. There are so many secrets that could change everything, but she can't help herself, she has always wanted Asher.
This book has a little bit of everything in it. Hot steamy sex, passion, love and a reckoning of monumental proportions! I couldn't believe how the story took shape and grew even more intriguing as I turned each page. My heart was pounding in my chest and my panties were wet from the depth of the writing in this story! I was totally smoldered, Rachel!!!
Hero - Asher Peterson 4.5 stars
Heroine - Natalie Parker 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! I would totally recommend this book and the one before it! Smoldering hot from the beginning to the end!! You must read this book!
Would I recommend this author: Yes! Absolutely, I love everything I've read by Rachel Blaufeld. She is brilliant in her writing. I can't get enough!!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Smoldered
Rachel Blaufeld
November 30, 2014
5 Stars of Roller Coaster Emotions
I just finished this book and LOVED it:) I truly enjoyed reading the first book in this series and was excited to read this one! Now, I am not gonna lie, this book was full of angsty moments... I mean thank goodness I went into this fairly blind because I had to work past a lot of "hard limits" for me as a reader, lol, yep and it was so damn worth it!!!!!!
This was a very tough love story to read during the first half of the book, for me personally, there were a lot of issues in this story I had that normally I just couldn't push past BUT I did and the second half and especially that last quarter of this book made it ALL worth the long, angsty filled ride!!!!! Asher, oh Asher, he was a first class douche...but gosh did I LOVE him.... I did get a bit put off at first with his "relationship" with Sienna/Lila, it was a bit too much for me personally, especially when she seemed to always come first, now that part I definitely didn't like, hehehehe! Natalie was one tough, stubborn woman and although I understood a part of it, she did frustrate the crap out of me most of the time, lolol:) Quinn, oh Quinn, LOVED that kid:)
This story had every emotion possible and I absolutely LOVED the Epilogue as it made this roller coaster ride worth every stressed filled moment for me so damn worth it!!!!!! LOVED IT!!!!!!!
Now, I cannot wait for Mike's story and hell, hopefully we continue with all the great characters we met at The Tunnel, too:)
I just finished this book and LOVED it:) I truly enjoyed reading the first book in this series and was excited to read this one! Now, I am not gonna lie, this book was full of angsty moments... I mean thank goodness I went into this fairly blind because I had to work past a lot of "hard limits" for me as a reader, lol, yep and it was so damn worth it!!!!!!
This was a very tough love story to read during the first half of the book, for me personally, there were a lot of issues in this story I had that normally I just couldn't push past BUT I did and the second half and especially that last quarter of this book made it ALL worth the long, angsty filled ride!!!!! Asher, oh Asher, he was a first class douche...but gosh did I LOVE him.... I did get a bit put off at first with his "relationship" with Sienna/Lila, it was a bit too much for me personally, especially when she seemed to always come first, now that part I definitely didn't like, hehehehe! Natalie was one tough, stubborn woman and although I understood a part of it, she did frustrate the crap out of me most of the time, lolol:) Quinn, oh Quinn, LOVED that kid:)
This story had every emotion possible and I absolutely LOVED the Epilogue as it made this roller coaster ride worth every stressed filled moment for me so damn worth it!!!!!! LOVED IT!!!!!!!
Now, I cannot wait for Mike's story and hell, hopefully we continue with all the great characters we met at The Tunnel, too:)
October 15, 2014
This book, once I was done with it, I just could not stop thinking about it. And the title is so perfect...SMOLDERING HOT! This was the first book by Rachel that I read, and I hooked and went straight away to buy book 1 in this series. And although this book is part of a series, you can totally read it as a stand alone and not be lost.
Asher and Nat were a hot mess. Asher is all alpha and Nat is so stubborn - I wanted to reach thru the page and shake her a time or two. Having both grown up in the part of Vegas far from the lights of the strip, they were both determined to leave that world behind and make a new life away from their pasts. And even though Asher is still in Vegas, The Electric Tunnel is his ticket, making a name for himself. So when he runs into Natalie at another club and see the hard, broken girl, nothing like the friend from his childhood. He does what he always does - turns into the overbearing, over protective, savior to the women that occupy his life.
Five years later, Natalie has a better life, but she still is broken and Asher is at a lose at how to help her. Their sometimes love affair is starting to feel like more for both of them. Leaving both confused and not knowing where to go from here.
This book had me from the very beginning and I read it straight through. HIGHLY recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series!
Asher and Nat were a hot mess. Asher is all alpha and Nat is so stubborn - I wanted to reach thru the page and shake her a time or two. Having both grown up in the part of Vegas far from the lights of the strip, they were both determined to leave that world behind and make a new life away from their pasts. And even though Asher is still in Vegas, The Electric Tunnel is his ticket, making a name for himself. So when he runs into Natalie at another club and see the hard, broken girl, nothing like the friend from his childhood. He does what he always does - turns into the overbearing, over protective, savior to the women that occupy his life.
Five years later, Natalie has a better life, but she still is broken and Asher is at a lose at how to help her. Their sometimes love affair is starting to feel like more for both of them. Leaving both confused and not knowing where to go from here.
This book had me from the very beginning and I read it straight through. HIGHLY recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 26, 2016
All the Dramz.
Blaufeld takes you on a journey of twists turns and decades old secrets.
Life gets a little crazy between these pages.
Asher is one heck of a man though.
Blaufeld takes you on a journey of twists turns and decades old secrets.
Life gets a little crazy between these pages.
Asher is one heck of a man though.
October 18, 2014
4.5 stars!
Whew. Smoldered wasn’t only smokin’ hot it was also one wild roller coaster of a ride that took me through the ringer.
Smoldered is the second book in the Electric Tunnel series and it is technically a standalone, however, I recommend that you read Electrified beforehand. Everything will make more sense if you do.
I was hooked from the beginning of the story. Smoldered is unputdownable. The writing is good, and I loved Asher. I had, and still have, mixed feelings about Natalie. I’ll tell you more about that in a second.
But, first: Asher and Natalie knew each other years ago. They were close until they just drifted apart. Natalie is a single mom working as a stripper. Asher ends up coming to the club that she works at, they haven’t saw each other in years, and he offers her a job at his own club. She takes it. Both of them have changed since the last time they saw each other. Natalie is a broken young woman who is now a mother and trying to provide for her son. Asher always cared for Natalie, and now he wants to be there for her. He wants to help her out anyway that he can.
Now fast forward to the present day and Natalie and Asher have a friends with benefits relationship going on.
This is where my mixed feelings for Natalie come into play. Asher, you can tell, really loves her. However, she won’t let him in. She cares for him too, but refuses to give into her feelings. That frustrated me. Their relationship was a bit messy at times. It was far from perfect. I was rooting for Natalie to finally see what she had in front of her and tell Asher how she really felt.
Just when I thought I had things figured out, wham-bam there’s a twist that shocked me. I never ever guessed that was going to happen. Suddenly Natalie’s actions sort-of made sense in a way and in a way they didn’t. I’m not going to tell you what the twist was because it was MAJOR and changed everything.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Smoldered. I actually liked it a little better than Electrified. The characters were great. While I didn’t understand Natalie’s actions at times, I did care for her. She was a strong heroine because she was determined to give her son the best life that she could. She was a great mom. I loved Asher, he’s bossy and an alpha. I liked the secondary characters and catching up to what everyone was up to. I can’t wait to see more from this series.
Whew. Smoldered wasn’t only smokin’ hot it was also one wild roller coaster of a ride that took me through the ringer.
Smoldered is the second book in the Electric Tunnel series and it is technically a standalone, however, I recommend that you read Electrified beforehand. Everything will make more sense if you do.
I was hooked from the beginning of the story. Smoldered is unputdownable. The writing is good, and I loved Asher. I had, and still have, mixed feelings about Natalie. I’ll tell you more about that in a second.
But, first: Asher and Natalie knew each other years ago. They were close until they just drifted apart. Natalie is a single mom working as a stripper. Asher ends up coming to the club that she works at, they haven’t saw each other in years, and he offers her a job at his own club. She takes it. Both of them have changed since the last time they saw each other. Natalie is a broken young woman who is now a mother and trying to provide for her son. Asher always cared for Natalie, and now he wants to be there for her. He wants to help her out anyway that he can.
Now fast forward to the present day and Natalie and Asher have a friends with benefits relationship going on.
This is where my mixed feelings for Natalie come into play. Asher, you can tell, really loves her. However, she won’t let him in. She cares for him too, but refuses to give into her feelings. That frustrated me. Their relationship was a bit messy at times. It was far from perfect. I was rooting for Natalie to finally see what she had in front of her and tell Asher how she really felt.
Just when I thought I had things figured out, wham-bam there’s a twist that shocked me. I never ever guessed that was going to happen. Suddenly Natalie’s actions sort-of made sense in a way and in a way they didn’t. I’m not going to tell you what the twist was because it was MAJOR and changed everything.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Smoldered. I actually liked it a little better than Electrified. The characters were great. While I didn’t understand Natalie’s actions at times, I did care for her. She was a strong heroine because she was determined to give her son the best life that she could. She was a great mom. I loved Asher, he’s bossy and an alpha. I liked the secondary characters and catching up to what everyone was up to. I can’t wait to see more from this series.
October 22, 2014
5 sizzling -Asher having my babies- stars
Smoldered is the story of Sienna’s best friend and savior, Asher, however, you get so much more than that as you dive into this book. I LOVED Asher!! I mean Hot damn, what a sexy motorcycle riding, suit wearing, Vegas club owning bad A$$!!! Plus, he has a heart of gold and would do anything for his girls. He has this drive to take care of a damsel in distress, starting with Sienna and he feels this same need to rescue, protect and nurture with his “little doll”, Natalie. *deep sigh* awww Nat, Nat, Nat You took a little longer to warm up for me, but gosh when I did, I just loved you girl. I know you had a hard road and Asher was always “the one” for you, and I’m glad you made him work for it, but baby girl he was hooked from the moment he saw you again ( maybe even longer). I kept shouting at my kindle to just let Asher in already!! Hello!! Little doll wake up, Man in love up ahead!! Yeah, you get the picture. It took some TLC but Asher was finally able to break through her defenses and get his girl.
I enjoyed this story just a tad more than Electrified. Why, you ask, because it was mainly Asher and Nat’s story, but you also get other characters POV, one being the amazing bouncer/big Brother role Mike. While reading Electrified, I would of never guessed all these things were going on in mikes life (cheating ex, terrible family, betraying father, ect) When I read the first chapter we get of Mike’s POV, I was hooked! Mikey, is such a teddy bear on the inside of his stacked body and no mess bouncer personality. He loves his job, loves his family at the Electric Tunnel, but most of all he is a protector of all things beautiful. It is always nice to see a big, strong, tough guy just become all soft and fluffy for one of his girls.
The story is told almost parallel to the time line in the first book. It was neat seeing what the other characters are doing at the same time that Sienna and Carson were interacting/ having hours of sexy times *giggles*, or what conversations were happening via the other person on the phone. It also answers that questions and to what the hell is going on with Asher and Nat. And when you find out the big halla-ba- lou….*picks jaw up off the floor* HOONNNNEEEYY!!! I really enjoyed this author series, and will defiantly be keeping my eye out of future books from her.
** ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Smoldered is the story of Sienna’s best friend and savior, Asher, however, you get so much more than that as you dive into this book. I LOVED Asher!! I mean Hot damn, what a sexy motorcycle riding, suit wearing, Vegas club owning bad A$$!!! Plus, he has a heart of gold and would do anything for his girls. He has this drive to take care of a damsel in distress, starting with Sienna and he feels this same need to rescue, protect and nurture with his “little doll”, Natalie. *deep sigh* awww Nat, Nat, Nat You took a little longer to warm up for me, but gosh when I did, I just loved you girl. I know you had a hard road and Asher was always “the one” for you, and I’m glad you made him work for it, but baby girl he was hooked from the moment he saw you again ( maybe even longer). I kept shouting at my kindle to just let Asher in already!! Hello!! Little doll wake up, Man in love up ahead!! Yeah, you get the picture. It took some TLC but Asher was finally able to break through her defenses and get his girl.
I enjoyed this story just a tad more than Electrified. Why, you ask, because it was mainly Asher and Nat’s story, but you also get other characters POV, one being the amazing bouncer/big Brother role Mike. While reading Electrified, I would of never guessed all these things were going on in mikes life (cheating ex, terrible family, betraying father, ect) When I read the first chapter we get of Mike’s POV, I was hooked! Mikey, is such a teddy bear on the inside of his stacked body and no mess bouncer personality. He loves his job, loves his family at the Electric Tunnel, but most of all he is a protector of all things beautiful. It is always nice to see a big, strong, tough guy just become all soft and fluffy for one of his girls.
The story is told almost parallel to the time line in the first book. It was neat seeing what the other characters are doing at the same time that Sienna and Carson were interacting/ having hours of sexy times *giggles*, or what conversations were happening via the other person on the phone. It also answers that questions and to what the hell is going on with Asher and Nat. And when you find out the big halla-ba- lou….*picks jaw up off the floor* HOONNNNEEEYY!!! I really enjoyed this author series, and will defiantly be keeping my eye out of future books from her.
** ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
February 21, 2015
Was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy! Smoldered is sizzling hot! Sin City ignites with heated passion... you will love Asher and Natalie's red hot romance! This is an amazing story... Rachel Blaufeld's writing is brilliant.
A gripping and emotional story about two people who have very real problems. Asher is the ultimate Alpha, and Natalie is the stubborn woman that drives him both wild with passion and a little crazy {Their chemistry could definitely start a fire.} They have history, childhood friends who grew up in the same gritty part of Las Vegas far from The Strip, and both have the desire to escape for more. This story is told from both Asher's and Natalie's POV, with Asher's right hand man, Mike perfectly mixed in at times. Smoldered will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, not only because of the story itself, but also because these characters are so layered and relatable in a lot of ways.
Blaufeld's storytelling in Smoldered captivates, effortlessly weaving the characters' past and present into a seamless work. I felt a deep connection to these characters. My heart broke at times for Natalie and Asher. This was one of those books where you felt sad that it was over, but it made you laugh, smile and root for them all along the way.
I urge you to pick up this book - immediately! One not to miss.
Congrats Rachel- you hit another home run! Ready for Tinged!
A gripping and emotional story about two people who have very real problems. Asher is the ultimate Alpha, and Natalie is the stubborn woman that drives him both wild with passion and a little crazy {Their chemistry could definitely start a fire.} They have history, childhood friends who grew up in the same gritty part of Las Vegas far from The Strip, and both have the desire to escape for more. This story is told from both Asher's and Natalie's POV, with Asher's right hand man, Mike perfectly mixed in at times. Smoldered will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, not only because of the story itself, but also because these characters are so layered and relatable in a lot of ways.
Blaufeld's storytelling in Smoldered captivates, effortlessly weaving the characters' past and present into a seamless work. I felt a deep connection to these characters. My heart broke at times for Natalie and Asher. This was one of those books where you felt sad that it was over, but it made you laugh, smile and root for them all along the way.
I urge you to pick up this book - immediately! One not to miss.
Congrats Rachel- you hit another home run! Ready for Tinged!
August 13, 2015
Title: Smoldered
Author: Rachel Blaufeld
Pulisher: Rachel Blaufeld Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance
Release date: October 16, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Smoldered is book two in The Electric Tunnel series however, it can be read as a standalone. I personally have not read book one yet but after reading Smoldered I will be reading it.
Stripper meets Strip club owner, sounds exciting right? It was! This book follows the life of stripper Natalie and the strip club owner, Asher. They were friends from when they were little and grew up together. Years later, after Asher decides to visit another strip club, he runs into Natalie on the pole. Asher feels this isn’t the right club for Natalie and she should be working for him. He convinces her to come to work for him at the Electric tunnel. The story blooms from there. The ups and downs of this book really drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. It flashes from past to present so you were able to understand the relationship between Natalie and Asher from the beginning.
Many secrets are revealed throughout the book that makes you fall in love with these main characters as well as all the others. I would recommend this book to friends! It was hot and sexy, I really enjoyed it. However, I don’t want to share Asher!
Author: Rachel Blaufeld
Pulisher: Rachel Blaufeld Publishing, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance
Release date: October 16, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Smoldered is book two in The Electric Tunnel series however, it can be read as a standalone. I personally have not read book one yet but after reading Smoldered I will be reading it.
Stripper meets Strip club owner, sounds exciting right? It was! This book follows the life of stripper Natalie and the strip club owner, Asher. They were friends from when they were little and grew up together. Years later, after Asher decides to visit another strip club, he runs into Natalie on the pole. Asher feels this isn’t the right club for Natalie and she should be working for him. He convinces her to come to work for him at the Electric tunnel. The story blooms from there. The ups and downs of this book really drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. It flashes from past to present so you were able to understand the relationship between Natalie and Asher from the beginning.
Many secrets are revealed throughout the book that makes you fall in love with these main characters as well as all the others. I would recommend this book to friends! It was hot and sexy, I really enjoyed it. However, I don’t want to share Asher!
hell-fucking-no
February 25, 2015Hero admits to having feelings for the heroine, begins a sexual relationship with her, all the while continuing to have sex with other women? No thanks. Disgusting.
November 20, 2014
5 Stars!!!
Smoldered is a book that will leave you thinking about its characters long after you have finished reading it. Caution – High levels of Angst and Two Massively Frustrating, Pig-headed Lovers. But Oh they are the reason we love these novels.
Asher Peterson is one man you will love to hate one minute and swoon over then next. On two occasions in this story I wanted to beat this man up for being such a man-whore and giving up so easily. I had to walk away from the kindle before I did some bodily harm to something. The emotions that are presented in this story are so powerful that I dropped tears several times when it came to Asher and Quinn. After reading this book Asher is my favoirite guy in this series. He melted my heart in the epilogue and what an epilogue it was. Thank you Rachel!
Now for Natalie. My God this woman was so frustrating and stubborn I wanted to scream. I did understand she had to be this strong mother for her son but she did carry it to a new frustrating level. Natalie used her body to communicate instead of her words and it created so much angst I yelled out loud too many times. When Natalie finally got her head on straight the chemistry and fireworks were incredible between the two.
Both Natalie and Asher were running from themselves and commitment. Both have secrets that hurt each other deep. But what neither of them realizes until much, much later, is they are soul mates. It takes a heap of help and patience to get this couple to the top of the mess of a mountain.
We did get to see Sienna, Mike, and many of the other Tunnel characters that we grew to love in the first book. I love when this happens. The mystery that is unraveled in this book is beautifully done and left me a gooey mess.
This is only Rachel’s second book and she writes as if this is her 50th best seller. Rachel’s writing flows so smooth and she brings you an awesome story to the very last word. I am already a huge fan of her work and cannot wait for more of her books to come out.
This book can be read as a stand-alone. But read the first book “Electrified” to get Carson and Sienna’s story. Asher is in Electrified quite a bit.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
My Favorite Quotes:
I had always wanted to melt into him. I’d wanted to bury myself, my whole being, into his soul, swirl us together, become one and never, ever separate.
Forgiveness seemed so much more attainable in the shadows, and now brightness was chasing me away, bringing me back to reality where I was meant to live a life without the unconditional love of a woman.
And just like that, father held his son, and I remained lifeless and listless across the room, floating on some imaginary cloud where happily-ever-after happened for the stripper and the boy next door.
December 4, 2014
We have a lot of choices to make when it comes to books these days. There are so many released every day and honestly it's hard to keep up with the up and coming releases anymore. But sometimes you find that true diamond in the rough, someone that writes a story that grips your heart and soul and sends your emotions soaring and your left wanting the next book. Rachel had that effect on me. I fell in love with her characters in Electrified and couldn't wait to devour Smoldered.
When I first met Asher as the club owner of the Electric Tunnel I knew that this man had deep rooted issues and secrets from his past. He was sort of an enigma. His story was truly intriguing, the tidbits that we got during the first book so I couldn't wait to have his full story. Especially when it came to the sneaking around he seemed to do with Natalie. Their story just simply blew me away! There were so many things that I didn't see coming throughout this book. Ash is hot and sexy but vulnerable at the same time, he doesn't like hearing "no" and he has no problem letting you know it either.
Natalie is holding some things from the past that she doesn't want Asher or anyone else to know so she keeps everyone at an arms length. She doesn't trust anyone even in her closest inner circle of friends. But even in her most vulnerable of times she shows a strong front as a single mom fighting for her child and her independence. I truly loved her character and though I didn't always agree her strength and conviction in her choices made it easier to understand.
Smoldered is hot and sexy, sad and frustrating and all around just a fantastic read! I went through all the emotions in this book, from extreme elation to ugly tears. If you like a well rounded read with a hot and sassy female lead and a sexy won't take NO for an answer hero then this is a book I would highly recommend. Nat and Ash's highs and lows will have you cresting and falling like the waves of the ocean and in the end you will be left with fantastic story that will stick with you. I gave Smoldered 5 stars. I think this 2nd book from Rachel was brilliantly written and highly entertaining from beginning to end. Once I started I didn't want to put it down.
When I first met Asher as the club owner of the Electric Tunnel I knew that this man had deep rooted issues and secrets from his past. He was sort of an enigma. His story was truly intriguing, the tidbits that we got during the first book so I couldn't wait to have his full story. Especially when it came to the sneaking around he seemed to do with Natalie. Their story just simply blew me away! There were so many things that I didn't see coming throughout this book. Ash is hot and sexy but vulnerable at the same time, he doesn't like hearing "no" and he has no problem letting you know it either.
Natalie is holding some things from the past that she doesn't want Asher or anyone else to know so she keeps everyone at an arms length. She doesn't trust anyone even in her closest inner circle of friends. But even in her most vulnerable of times she shows a strong front as a single mom fighting for her child and her independence. I truly loved her character and though I didn't always agree her strength and conviction in her choices made it easier to understand.
Smoldered is hot and sexy, sad and frustrating and all around just a fantastic read! I went through all the emotions in this book, from extreme elation to ugly tears. If you like a well rounded read with a hot and sassy female lead and a sexy won't take NO for an answer hero then this is a book I would highly recommend. Nat and Ash's highs and lows will have you cresting and falling like the waves of the ocean and in the end you will be left with fantastic story that will stick with you. I gave Smoldered 5 stars. I think this 2nd book from Rachel was brilliantly written and highly entertaining from beginning to end. Once I started I didn't want to put it down.
October 19, 2014
4.5 stars!!
I was lucky enough to be asked by Rachel to beta read both books in the series so far- Book 1, Electrified, and this one, Smoldered. I can’t thank her enough for trusting me and asking.
Set in Vegas, in the world of strippers and strip clubs, we have the story of Asher and Nat- friends in childhood and reunited as adults. We met them in book one but we learn their full story here. And it’s an interesting one full of ups and downs. They come back into each others’ lives unexpectedly and things are never the same for either of them again.
While I loved Electrified, I feel that Rachel definitely kicked it up a notch with Smoldered. Her writing has definitely improved with time. The story is more cohesive and flows better. The words are descriptive. And overall, it’s just more succinct.
Smoldered has a great plot with an awesome twist, drama, romance, and relatable characters. You will love Asher and Nat and root for them to end up together. And Rachel definitely did her research into the whole strip club scene.
If you want to get sucked into some great books that you won’t want to put down, this is the series for you! I am looking forward to the next book already!
For more reviews, go to www.lovenbooks.com
I was lucky enough to be asked by Rachel to beta read both books in the series so far- Book 1, Electrified, and this one, Smoldered. I can’t thank her enough for trusting me and asking.
Set in Vegas, in the world of strippers and strip clubs, we have the story of Asher and Nat- friends in childhood and reunited as adults. We met them in book one but we learn their full story here. And it’s an interesting one full of ups and downs. They come back into each others’ lives unexpectedly and things are never the same for either of them again.
While I loved Electrified, I feel that Rachel definitely kicked it up a notch with Smoldered. Her writing has definitely improved with time. The story is more cohesive and flows better. The words are descriptive. And overall, it’s just more succinct.
Smoldered has a great plot with an awesome twist, drama, romance, and relatable characters. You will love Asher and Nat and root for them to end up together. And Rachel definitely did her research into the whole strip club scene.
If you want to get sucked into some great books that you won’t want to put down, this is the series for you! I am looking forward to the next book already!
For more reviews, go to www.lovenbooks.com
October 20, 2014
**** 1/2 stars
Smoldered is book two in Rachel Blaufeld's Electric Tunnel Series.
What another amazing book. In this book you will find Asher completely torn and broken. It will leave your head spinning and your heart twisting. Although Asher and Natalie have know each other for years do they really know each other at all? Their lives have been picked apart by the ones that were suppose to love and care for them and their walls just seems to crumble to the ground once again. Trying to pick up the pieces they both find encouragement through one person Quinn. Can their friendship stand the test of time? Will they become more than friends. Be sure to check out this book and if you haven't already pick Electrified as well. I was given a copy of this book for an honest opinion.
Smoldered is book two in Rachel Blaufeld's Electric Tunnel Series.
What another amazing book. In this book you will find Asher completely torn and broken. It will leave your head spinning and your heart twisting. Although Asher and Natalie have know each other for years do they really know each other at all? Their lives have been picked apart by the ones that were suppose to love and care for them and their walls just seems to crumble to the ground once again. Trying to pick up the pieces they both find encouragement through one person Quinn. Can their friendship stand the test of time? Will they become more than friends. Be sure to check out this book and if you haven't already pick Electrified as well. I was given a copy of this book for an honest opinion.
October 18, 2014
This was the first book I have read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. When I first started this book I felt a disconnect between the two main characters, I didn't feel the chemistry and didn't get the history between the characters. Once I got into the story, holy hell, the pages started to Smolder. The flashbacks gave me just what I needed and everything fell into place. I loved all the secondary characters as well. I'm eager to go back and read Lila and carters story and more about mike in Miami. It was sexy and had a few twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from the author.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from the author.
November 7, 2014
I read Smoldered as a stand alone. The author simply said that my crush Charlie Hunnam was the inspiration for Asher and she had me hooked.
Without the background of what I assume is Sienna's story, I don't have any opinions of Asher going in. That being said, I was definitely in LUST with him. His desire to "save and protect" his 5 year junior childhood friend Natalie from some dangers in her life as a stripper, made me develop a crush on him.
Their affair has some twist and turns I didn't see coming but the story was developed nicely and I really enjoyed the book.
Bravo Rachel Blaufeld. Can't wait to Mike story next and I will definitely go back to read Sienna's!
Without the background of what I assume is Sienna's story, I don't have any opinions of Asher going in. That being said, I was definitely in LUST with him. His desire to "save and protect" his 5 year junior childhood friend Natalie from some dangers in her life as a stripper, made me develop a crush on him.
Their affair has some twist and turns I didn't see coming but the story was developed nicely and I really enjoyed the book.
Bravo Rachel Blaufeld. Can't wait to Mike story next and I will definitely go back to read Sienna's!
October 14, 2014
Rachel....you have done it AGAIN!! I effing love you! Once again your book has left me speechless. This story has so many twists and turns, love and support and a lot of damn stubbornness and I freaking love it!!
Girl you got talent!! The dedication to your grandma had me in tears before I even started the book!! Much love for you!!
Girl you got talent!! The dedication to your grandma had me in tears before I even started the book!! Much love for you!!
March 15, 2015
I couldn't put it down! I read it in one seating! It was awesome and hot #greatbook
Want to read
May 4, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/4/2022)! 🎁
April 12, 2017
I loved all the characters in this book! This was a fast paced booked with a couple twists. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
January 17, 2015
Note: This ebook was provided by Rock Star Lit PR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Smoldered is the second book in The Electric Tunnel series by Rachel Blaufeld and the events take place across the same timeline as the first book and contains a few flashbacks. The main characters were introduced previously so I do suggest that you read book one, Electrified, prior to jumping into this one in order for you to have some familiarity regarding what The Electric Tunnel is and the relationship between best friends Asher and Lila. ^.^
From the age of three, Natalie Parker has only had eyes for one boy--Asher Peterson--and even though she never believed she would be enough for him, her heart has never belonged to anyone else. They were once friends but spent several years apart. When they meet again, Natalie is working at a strip club in order to earn a living for herself and her son Quinn. Asher offers her a job at his own club, needing to protect and take care of her.
Since agreeing to work for Asher, Natalie appears to have finally given in to becoming his friend with a heck of a lot of benefits but that doesn't include him spending time in her home. Natalie prefers keeping some distance even as she gives in every single time Asher reaches out for her. She prefers the no-strings-attached approach to their non-relationship but nothing prepares her for discovering not one but two naked women in Asher's house.
Natalie has been a keeping a secret for far too long and when Asher discovers it, he decides it's time he goes after what he's always wanted and needed--Natalie. Even as Natalie wants to be with Asher, she's hesitant, not sure if she's ready to trust him fully even as he tries harder than he's ever tried before. She isolates herself and pushes Asher away, but what happens when all her pushing makes Asher feel that he's had enough and gives up on them?
Admittedly, I had issues with the novel that came before this one BUT this second novel went above and beyond my expectations. The author took the story to places I wasn't expecting and if you've read enough of my reviews will know that I love it when that happens. The characterizations were nicely achieved, with flawed characters that had a great deal of angst but equal amounts of heart. You seriously want to cheer each one on towards happiness.
I liked that the story was told from Asher's and Natalie's points of views respectively and while I initially didn't think having Mike's POV there as well would work, I enjoyed reading things from his perspective. It also sets things up rather nicely for the third book, which will focus on Mike Wind, everyone's favorite bouncer/bodyguard/unofficial brother. This cast of characters belonging to the Tunnel family each deserve to have their stories told!
This book was about family, the one we're born into and the one we create for ourselves. It's about forgiveness and giving those we care about the most the chance to become part of our lives even after having been apart. It's about redemption and learning to let go of the doubt and anger that we carry in order to find love and peace of mind. Smoldered was a great book to read and I'm going to happily give it a much deserved 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads! ♥
Smoldered is the second book in The Electric Tunnel series by Rachel Blaufeld and the events take place across the same timeline as the first book and contains a few flashbacks. The main characters were introduced previously so I do suggest that you read book one, Electrified, prior to jumping into this one in order for you to have some familiarity regarding what The Electric Tunnel is and the relationship between best friends Asher and Lila. ^.^
From the age of three, Natalie Parker has only had eyes for one boy--Asher Peterson--and even though she never believed she would be enough for him, her heart has never belonged to anyone else. They were once friends but spent several years apart. When they meet again, Natalie is working at a strip club in order to earn a living for herself and her son Quinn. Asher offers her a job at his own club, needing to protect and take care of her.
Since agreeing to work for Asher, Natalie appears to have finally given in to becoming his friend with a heck of a lot of benefits but that doesn't include him spending time in her home. Natalie prefers keeping some distance even as she gives in every single time Asher reaches out for her. She prefers the no-strings-attached approach to their non-relationship but nothing prepares her for discovering not one but two naked women in Asher's house.
Natalie has been a keeping a secret for far too long and when Asher discovers it, he decides it's time he goes after what he's always wanted and needed--Natalie. Even as Natalie wants to be with Asher, she's hesitant, not sure if she's ready to trust him fully even as he tries harder than he's ever tried before. She isolates herself and pushes Asher away, but what happens when all her pushing makes Asher feel that he's had enough and gives up on them?
Admittedly, I had issues with the novel that came before this one BUT this second novel went above and beyond my expectations. The author took the story to places I wasn't expecting and if you've read enough of my reviews will know that I love it when that happens. The characterizations were nicely achieved, with flawed characters that had a great deal of angst but equal amounts of heart. You seriously want to cheer each one on towards happiness.
I liked that the story was told from Asher's and Natalie's points of views respectively and while I initially didn't think having Mike's POV there as well would work, I enjoyed reading things from his perspective. It also sets things up rather nicely for the third book, which will focus on Mike Wind, everyone's favorite bouncer/bodyguard/unofficial brother. This cast of characters belonging to the Tunnel family each deserve to have their stories told!
This book was about family, the one we're born into and the one we create for ourselves. It's about forgiveness and giving those we care about the most the chance to become part of our lives even after having been apart. It's about redemption and learning to let go of the doubt and anger that we carry in order to find love and peace of mind. Smoldered was a great book to read and I'm going to happily give it a much deserved 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads! ♥
January 19, 2015
4.5 out of 5 stars...
Another great read, thank you Rachel for showing us more of Asher. Although I had a hard time with some parts of this storyline, I pushed that aside since it was a very “real” feeling journey of mistakes and half-truths. I really loved Asher in the first book so I wanted to give him a chance and I am so glad I did!
Asher and Natalie have known each other since they were really young. Thrown together growing up, drifted apart then after a chance meeting at a competitors club, Asher found his ‘little doll’ again. He has this need to protect and take care of his ‘strip-club’ family because he never had that from his own. He’d do anything for them. Rachel did great job of making you want the best for this guy with the heart of gold. He is a super sexy, motorcycle riding guy in his jeans, boots and black shirt showing his rock-hard abs. A hot mess of a man with particular sexual needs that he finds hard get satisfied except for when he is with this one woman...
Natalie made a bad choice back in her younger days but is making the best of it for her and her son, raising him alone. She work at “the Electric Tunnel” for Asher to support her son. Quinn is such a cutie, you can tell just by the way this kid talks and acts that Natalie is doing a great job raising him right. At times I wanted to smack her in head and tell her to stop being so stubborn in her relationship with Asher… To just let things happen! Together these two seemed to be a great together, unfortunately it was always more of an ‘on again/off again’ boss with benefits type of arrangement for them. But you can tell they have great chemistry and love for one another. There are few twists and turn that will keep you reading, you won't be able to put the book down.
This story is told from both POV and it also contains a few from Mike’s POV. It enabled us to see more of Big Mike (head bouncer) and how he is intertwined with the main characters. This book has a HEA and like the first book, leaves you wanting more of the gang from “The Tunnel”.
Thank you Rachel, another successful book!
Another great read, thank you Rachel for showing us more of Asher. Although I had a hard time with some parts of this storyline, I pushed that aside since it was a very “real” feeling journey of mistakes and half-truths. I really loved Asher in the first book so I wanted to give him a chance and I am so glad I did!
Asher and Natalie have known each other since they were really young. Thrown together growing up, drifted apart then after a chance meeting at a competitors club, Asher found his ‘little doll’ again. He has this need to protect and take care of his ‘strip-club’ family because he never had that from his own. He’d do anything for them. Rachel did great job of making you want the best for this guy with the heart of gold. He is a super sexy, motorcycle riding guy in his jeans, boots and black shirt showing his rock-hard abs. A hot mess of a man with particular sexual needs that he finds hard get satisfied except for when he is with this one woman...
Natalie made a bad choice back in her younger days but is making the best of it for her and her son, raising him alone. She work at “the Electric Tunnel” for Asher to support her son. Quinn is such a cutie, you can tell just by the way this kid talks and acts that Natalie is doing a great job raising him right. At times I wanted to smack her in head and tell her to stop being so stubborn in her relationship with Asher… To just let things happen! Together these two seemed to be a great together, unfortunately it was always more of an ‘on again/off again’ boss with benefits type of arrangement for them. But you can tell they have great chemistry and love for one another. There are few twists and turn that will keep you reading, you won't be able to put the book down.
This story is told from both POV and it also contains a few from Mike’s POV. It enabled us to see more of Big Mike (head bouncer) and how he is intertwined with the main characters. This book has a HEA and like the first book, leaves you wanting more of the gang from “The Tunnel”.
Thank you Rachel, another successful book!
October 18, 2014
I was so curious to read this book just for the mere fact I loved the author's debut novel Electrified so much I was wondering it she would be able to follow it up with something equally as fascinating and entertaining. Also I fell in love with Asher in Electrified so I REALLY wanted his story to be good. The bar was set high by the author herself so I almost felt bad for her because she had a lot to live up to for her second book. And thank the lords Rachel Blaufeld blew my expectations out of the water! Asher is hot, sexy, alpha...ALL MALE, but not without his flaws. And he fits so well with Natalie, the equally flawed but sassy and strong heroine. I have to say one thing I loved the most was how Rachel Blaufeld was able to weave the flashbacks and back story of Asher and Natalie so seamlessly through out the whole book. Some stories where an author flashbacks into the past I end up bored and skipping pages, but not with Smoldered. I was always on the edge of my seat and totally enthralled, to the point I realized I had been reading for 4 hours straight and didn't even realize it. I also love how at times I wanted to both slap and then hug both Asher and Natalie. Slap because their actions anger me, but then hug because I completely understood why they acted the way they did at times. The growth of these characters is truly an experience, and I don't want to give too much of the story away because as reader you will want to figure it out all first hand. Smoldered is full of action, mystery, hotness, and of course love. This is definitely a must read and one that I sense I will be reading again very soon....also one more thing....ASHER!!!!!! I want one of him....
May 25, 2017
Holy Hotness!!!!
This is the second book of this series. I really loved reading Asher and Nat's story and getting to know them better. They were both very stubborn, with hearts beating only for each other. I was routing for them to get their happily ever after. I was not disappointed, this is a must read.
This is the second book of this series. I really loved reading Asher and Nat's story and getting to know them better. They were both very stubborn, with hearts beating only for each other. I was routing for them to get their happily ever after. I was not disappointed, this is a must read.
October 19, 2014
3.5 hearts!
Asher is definitely smoldering! Fell in major lust with him in "Electrified" and I can tell you, that feeling only intensified when we get his story in "Smoldered."
We already know that Asher is an amazing friend and definitely has a damsel in distress complex. He needs to save women. We also got a brief glimpse of his "relationship" with Natalie. Oh but man we don't know that half of it!
Natalie's story will rock you. With a long history between her and Asher, its a wonder they both hide so much from one another. Most importantly, they hide their true feelings. Natalie sticks to her "no strings" request even though her heart says something else. Asher just doesn't push things. He is almost submissive to his feelings and the feelings of Natalie.
As the secrets of their past and present start to unravel, Natalie and Asher are forced to be honest about what they've been avoiding. This is where the twists start happening! All of a sudden what you think can't be possible, definitely is!
I can't say enough about the steam with these two either! Asher is definitely not submissive when it comes to his bedroom abilities! Whew, he had me all kinds of bothered!
"Smoldered" was an amazing follow-up to "Electrified" and great opening to Book 3, "Tinged." I can't wait to read more about Mike!
Great job Rachel!
Asher is definitely smoldering! Fell in major lust with him in "Electrified" and I can tell you, that feeling only intensified when we get his story in "Smoldered."
We already know that Asher is an amazing friend and definitely has a damsel in distress complex. He needs to save women. We also got a brief glimpse of his "relationship" with Natalie. Oh but man we don't know that half of it!
Natalie's story will rock you. With a long history between her and Asher, its a wonder they both hide so much from one another. Most importantly, they hide their true feelings. Natalie sticks to her "no strings" request even though her heart says something else. Asher just doesn't push things. He is almost submissive to his feelings and the feelings of Natalie.
As the secrets of their past and present start to unravel, Natalie and Asher are forced to be honest about what they've been avoiding. This is where the twists start happening! All of a sudden what you think can't be possible, definitely is!
I can't say enough about the steam with these two either! Asher is definitely not submissive when it comes to his bedroom abilities! Whew, he had me all kinds of bothered!
"Smoldered" was an amazing follow-up to "Electrified" and great opening to Book 3, "Tinged." I can't wait to read more about Mike!
Great job Rachel!
March 20, 2015
I was so happy when I was given the chance to read and review Asher's story after learning a little about him in Electrified. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading Electrified first as you won't have so many questions.
Asher Peterson is the owner of a strip club called Electric Tunnel, he loves his job and has a need to save and protect broken girls, having them work at his club as he did with Sienna, who is now his business partner.
Natalie Parker has loved Asher since she was a child, after not seeing each other for years he stumbles across her while she's working at a rival club and finds out she has a child who isn't supported by his dad. In true Asher style, he sets out to make a plan to rescue Nat and get Quinn's dad to cough up and pay what he thinks he owes them.
Nat had one priority in life and that was to provide for her son to let him have the best life possible, she did her best to keep him hidden away from everyone at the club and didn't want him to know what she does for a living.
The story flips from the past to the present and has multiple POV. It was full of twists and suspense and definitely left me shocked in places.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on Tinged to read more about Mike.
Asher Peterson is the owner of a strip club called Electric Tunnel, he loves his job and has a need to save and protect broken girls, having them work at his club as he did with Sienna, who is now his business partner.
Natalie Parker has loved Asher since she was a child, after not seeing each other for years he stumbles across her while she's working at a rival club and finds out she has a child who isn't supported by his dad. In true Asher style, he sets out to make a plan to rescue Nat and get Quinn's dad to cough up and pay what he thinks he owes them.
Nat had one priority in life and that was to provide for her son to let him have the best life possible, she did her best to keep him hidden away from everyone at the club and didn't want him to know what she does for a living.
The story flips from the past to the present and has multiple POV. It was full of twists and suspense and definitely left me shocked in places.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on Tinged to read more about Mike.
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