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Aspen
A hate-to-love novel that will leave you craving the romance and the fight!He's arrogant, ruthless, and irresistible–the last man I should ever trust.
And he wants me to be his wife.
Lucian Daire wants my family’s company.
I want to watch him burn for it.
He thinks I'm nothing more than a spoiled princess and I think he’s a heartless bastard.
But no matter how much we push, we keep pulling back together.
When I discover he needs a wife and he realizes my determination to save my family’s legacy, a deal is struck–lines are drawn.
But the more we fight, the more those lines blur.
Because hatred is just passion turned inside out.
And when it finally explodes, it threatens to destroy us both.
And we might just be desperate enough to let it.
And he wants me to be his wife.
Lucian Daire wants my family’s company.
I want to watch him burn for it.
He thinks I'm nothing more than a spoiled princess and I think he’s a heartless bastard.
But no matter how much we push, we keep pulling back together.
When I discover he needs a wife and he realizes my determination to save my family’s legacy, a deal is struck–lines are drawn.
But the more we fight, the more those lines blur.
Because hatred is just passion turned inside out.
And when it finally explodes, it threatens to destroy us both.
And we might just be desperate enough to let it.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
164 people are currently reading
978 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Cole
34 books4,466 followersFiona Cole is a military wife and a stay at home mom with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. As much as she loved science she decided to postpone her career to stay at home with her two little girls and immersed herself in the world of books until finally deciding to write her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
August 19, 2025
Given the book's strong start, I was really excited. But as I went further, I realised the story is going nowhere. This book is for readers who are looking for a workplace billionaire romance with lots of spice but little to no emphasis on the plot. The majority of the book is spent on smut, and as someone who enjoys erotic reads, I wouldn't mind if there was enough plot to balance the spice. But there wasn't, and I couldn't overlook that.
Also, The FMC (Aspen) in this was really intolerable. I really liked her in the start since she was portrayed as a strong, independent and opinionated woman. BUT as I went further, I saw that she was nothing more than cruel, rude and egocentric woman who doesn't care about her own father— someone who would literally do anything and everything for her. She was so rude to him that even the hero intervened and admonished her on how to treat her own father.
Secondly, she was all about women putting other women down.
"A petty part of me asked it as a dig toward Emily—a reminder of her position being under mine in the company. I held some ill will toward Emily because of her past relationship with Lucien."
"I had no reason to not like this woman, but I also wanted to hate everything about her."
She kept making negative remarks on how emily is beneath her in the corporate hierarchy. All because, Emily slept with the hero and that was long before the fmc aspen, even entered his life. Also, emily is so mature, she's literally a girl's girl. She should've been the fmc instead of Aspen.
Getting jealous is understandable, but putting another woman down just because she has a past with the hero, isn't right. Also, the fmc claimed to hate the hero at that point, yet here she was, degrading other women who slept with the hero she claims to hate.
Also, The FMC (Aspen) in this was really intolerable. I really liked her in the start since she was portrayed as a strong, independent and opinionated woman. BUT as I went further, I saw that she was nothing more than cruel, rude and egocentric woman who doesn't care about her own father— someone who would literally do anything and everything for her. She was so rude to him that even the hero intervened and admonished her on how to treat her own father.
Secondly, she was all about women putting other women down.
"A petty part of me asked it as a dig toward Emily—a reminder of her position being under mine in the company. I held some ill will toward Emily because of her past relationship with Lucien."
"I had no reason to not like this woman, but I also wanted to hate everything about her."
She kept making negative remarks on how emily is beneath her in the corporate hierarchy. All because, Emily slept with the hero and that was long before the fmc aspen, even entered his life. Also, emily is so mature, she's literally a girl's girl. She should've been the fmc instead of Aspen.
Getting jealous is understandable, but putting another woman down just because she has a past with the hero, isn't right. Also, the fmc claimed to hate the hero at that point, yet here she was, degrading other women who slept with the hero she claims to hate.
April 25, 2025
Aspen by Fiona Cole
5/5 stars
Aspen is my first book by Fiona Cole and my lord I completely and utterly fell in love with her writing style. The last few weeks I read quite a lot of dark romances. And I gave quite a few 5 stars. But Aspen blows them all out of the park. I madly, completely and utterly fell in love with Aspen and Lucian. It's been awhile since I was that invested in a love story. My heart was pounding every scene they were in. They had this amazing chemistry that all-consumed them as well as me. Their tension was palpable right from the first scene they were in and I instantly ached for them to give in to this powerful erotic connection they share.
The book starts with Aspen crashing into her father's office when she overheard that he plans to sell a huge part of the company over to someone else. She begs him to reconsider, but the second she utters those words a voice says: it's already done. She turns around and sees a tall, dark and very intense man. When her father excuses himself he instantly crowds her personal space. He taunts her and makes sexual innuendos. And gosh she resists, but a fire instantly bursts between the two of them and I felt it reverberate through my bones. It was that powerful.
Later on her father tells that Lucian owns 47% as does she. And her dad owns the last 6%. In five years time she'll get the opportunity to buy the last 6%. If she can't afford it, Lucian gets the chance to buy it. And that is one reason why they have this amazing push and pull. Both are dead set on getting that last 6% and become the CEO in 5 years time. They argue, bicker and Lucian gets a bit out of dominating stubborn Aspen.
Their entire relationship changes after they have a bickering fight and he follows after her. She has a huge panic attack and Lucian's instinct instantly takes over. He uses breathplay to calm her down. And for once in her entire life, Aspen truly calms down.
Aspen's panic attacks were written very realistically. And my heart broke whenever I saw fear consume her entire being. It also hurt to see how she dealt with her trauma. Seeing how 'gently' Lucian helps her through these panic attacks had my heart burst with love.
And that one time they both completely and utterly lose themselves ... my lord I felt their feelings burning through my own body.
They both are hellbent on having the upper hand over the other one. And that drive forces a certain distance between the two of them. I constantly screamed: give in! But that wouldn't have suited either of them.
And that bloody ending!!! That freaking huge cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next ASAP! Though that rebellious act of Aspen, God it suits her. It suits her strength. And though I am fearful of the repercussions in the second book. I know in my bones that Lucian will admire her defiance as well.
5 HUGEEEE stars for this utterly addictive book! Maybe even six stars! I will devour the sequel the second it's out!
5/5 stars
Aspen is my first book by Fiona Cole and my lord I completely and utterly fell in love with her writing style. The last few weeks I read quite a lot of dark romances. And I gave quite a few 5 stars. But Aspen blows them all out of the park. I madly, completely and utterly fell in love with Aspen and Lucian. It's been awhile since I was that invested in a love story. My heart was pounding every scene they were in. They had this amazing chemistry that all-consumed them as well as me. Their tension was palpable right from the first scene they were in and I instantly ached for them to give in to this powerful erotic connection they share.
The book starts with Aspen crashing into her father's office when she overheard that he plans to sell a huge part of the company over to someone else. She begs him to reconsider, but the second she utters those words a voice says: it's already done. She turns around and sees a tall, dark and very intense man. When her father excuses himself he instantly crowds her personal space. He taunts her and makes sexual innuendos. And gosh she resists, but a fire instantly bursts between the two of them and I felt it reverberate through my bones. It was that powerful.
Later on her father tells that Lucian owns 47% as does she. And her dad owns the last 6%. In five years time she'll get the opportunity to buy the last 6%. If she can't afford it, Lucian gets the chance to buy it. And that is one reason why they have this amazing push and pull. Both are dead set on getting that last 6% and become the CEO in 5 years time. They argue, bicker and Lucian gets a bit out of dominating stubborn Aspen.
Their entire relationship changes after they have a bickering fight and he follows after her. She has a huge panic attack and Lucian's instinct instantly takes over. He uses breathplay to calm her down. And for once in her entire life, Aspen truly calms down.
Aspen's panic attacks were written very realistically. And my heart broke whenever I saw fear consume her entire being. It also hurt to see how she dealt with her trauma. Seeing how 'gently' Lucian helps her through these panic attacks had my heart burst with love.
And that one time they both completely and utterly lose themselves ... my lord I felt their feelings burning through my own body.
They both are hellbent on having the upper hand over the other one. And that drive forces a certain distance between the two of them. I constantly screamed: give in! But that wouldn't have suited either of them.
And that bloody ending!!! That freaking huge cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next ASAP! Though that rebellious act of Aspen, God it suits her. It suits her strength. And though I am fearful of the repercussions in the second book. I know in my bones that Lucian will admire her defiance as well.
5 HUGEEEE stars for this utterly addictive book! Maybe even six stars! I will devour the sequel the second it's out!
April 29, 2025
4.5 rounded up 🩷
this book was SO much fun, a few years back when i first started reading Fiona Coles voyeur series was one of my first introductions to smutty books and i remember having the time of my life reading them but i hadn’t read anything of hers since so when i saw this one i RAN to sign up. i’m so glad i did because i cannot get over how good i think this was to start off a new series.
aspen and lucien’s chemistry was palpable from start to finish, there were so many times where i was like holding my breath because i was nervous for what was about to come out of their mouths lol. i really enjoyed the dynamic they formed even if it did make me want to slap them both upside the head a few times because i couldnt understand why they dont just confront their feelings already 😂 BUT THEN i realized what i thought would be a standalone is at the very least going to be two books bc BOY was that some fucking cliff hanger LOL i am so intrigued to find out what choices will be made and what drama is going to come of it.
i really love the direction i think their story may go because there is so much room for growth from both MCs and i think its going to be reallllly messy getting their happy ever after but like a thrilling sort of messy 🤭
this book was SO much fun, a few years back when i first started reading Fiona Coles voyeur series was one of my first introductions to smutty books and i remember having the time of my life reading them but i hadn’t read anything of hers since so when i saw this one i RAN to sign up. i’m so glad i did because i cannot get over how good i think this was to start off a new series.
aspen and lucien’s chemistry was palpable from start to finish, there were so many times where i was like holding my breath because i was nervous for what was about to come out of their mouths lol. i really enjoyed the dynamic they formed even if it did make me want to slap them both upside the head a few times because i couldnt understand why they dont just confront their feelings already 😂 BUT THEN i realized what i thought would be a standalone is at the very least going to be two books bc BOY was that some fucking cliff hanger LOL i am so intrigued to find out what choices will be made and what drama is going to come of it.
i really love the direction i think their story may go because there is so much room for growth from both MCs and i think its going to be reallllly messy getting their happy ever after but like a thrilling sort of messy 🤭
July 3, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ 4.5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
OMG WHAT DO U MEAN IT ENDS LIKE THAT
WHAT DO U EVEN MEAN ITS NOT A FUCKING STANDALONE 😭😫 me getting closer to the end and was like why is it not resolving there are TEN PAGES LEFT 😭😭😭😭😭😭 help I’m so done.
I was so unprepared for the damage LucianAspen did to me like WHAT !!!!!!
The way I am reeling still from their chemistry fuckkkk their whole relationship was not once boring or tired. The back and forth was so intense I was gripped the entire time.
Aspen is sooooo my girl. Powerful, resilient and the biggest soft under that hard exterior. My bbg that feels too much 🥹❤️🩹
Lucien is such an asshole at times but when he shows those sides of him that care ugh I’m putty in his hands 😋 and the mouth on this man 🫦 I’m more in love with how he’s really in tune with aspens wants and needs, thoughts or fears and how he reacts to them.
The mind games, the dom/sub power dynamic, their pasts, their tension at work. Oml I’m so invested and it’s all happened against my will !!!!
The writing was so artful that despite there not being much romance, the incredible tension and chemistry weighed so much heavier and it was exactly what their story needed. Their relationship deserves the depth and development, to not be rushed. The way I can’t get over how perfectly emotional yet distanced Fiona wrote these characters bc Omg I’m in love??? Like I just knowwwww that next book is gna serve deliver provideeee with the yearning and romance 😋😋😋
What am I gna dooooo how will I wait for this next instalment 🤧💔 I don’t even know WHEN it’s going to release 😫🤚
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
It’s the way this is the first time I’ve read a book within 24 hrs in fucking ages. Like that says it all to me.
OMG WHAT DO U MEAN IT ENDS LIKE THAT
WHAT DO U EVEN MEAN ITS NOT A FUCKING STANDALONE 😭😫 me getting closer to the end and was like why is it not resolving there are TEN PAGES LEFT 😭😭😭😭😭😭 help I’m so done.
I was so unprepared for the damage LucianAspen did to me like WHAT !!!!!!
The way I am reeling still from their chemistry fuckkkk their whole relationship was not once boring or tired. The back and forth was so intense I was gripped the entire time.
Aspen is sooooo my girl. Powerful, resilient and the biggest soft under that hard exterior. My bbg that feels too much 🥹❤️🩹
Lucien is such an asshole at times but when he shows those sides of him that care ugh I’m putty in his hands 😋 and the mouth on this man 🫦 I’m more in love with how he’s really in tune with aspens wants and needs, thoughts or fears and how he reacts to them.
The mind games, the dom/sub power dynamic, their pasts, their tension at work. Oml I’m so invested and it’s all happened against my will !!!!
The writing was so artful that despite there not being much romance, the incredible tension and chemistry weighed so much heavier and it was exactly what their story needed. Their relationship deserves the depth and development, to not be rushed. The way I can’t get over how perfectly emotional yet distanced Fiona wrote these characters bc Omg I’m in love??? Like I just knowwwww that next book is gna serve deliver provideeee with the yearning and romance 😋😋😋
What am I gna dooooo how will I wait for this next instalment 🤧💔 I don’t even know WHEN it’s going to release 😫🤚
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
It’s the way this is the first time I’ve read a book within 24 hrs in fucking ages. Like that says it all to me.
July 19, 2025
This had an interesting premise and for the most part I did enjoy the story. However, I was not endured to these characters. The MMC was and asshole for no reason. Even had the audacity to look down the FMC because she was set to inherit her father's company when he himself was running a company left to him by his father(hypocrite much?).
Also authors need to learn how to write strong female leads without then been irrational and annoying. Throwing tantrum and making irrational decisions all in the name of "having a back bone" is not it.
Other than that and the book ending so abruptly(what the hell was that? a cliffhanger?), I did enjoy it. The story flowed well, the characters had really good dynamics and the book was filled with smutty goodness.
Story: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also authors need to learn how to write strong female leads without then been irrational and annoying. Throwing tantrum and making irrational decisions all in the name of "having a back bone" is not it.
Other than that and the book ending so abruptly(what the hell was that? a cliffhanger?), I did enjoy it. The story flowed well, the characters had really good dynamics and the book was filled with smutty goodness.
Story: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Currently reading
April 29, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3XCdWE0
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/Aspen
Audible: https://bit.ly/42EAIxO
Narrated by: Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4hbMwf7
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3XCdWE0
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/Aspen
Audible: https://bit.ly/42EAIxO
Narrated by: Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4hbMwf7
April 29, 2025
I’ve been thinking about this story for a few days since finishing it because it’s plot and character development are beautifully written. I’ve been mulling over certain parts and even reread the last chapter several times to try to envision what may come to pass in the second book of this duet.
Aspen and Lucian are intriguing characters. The underlying animosity between Aspen and Lucian in the business setting pulled me in immediately as it leads to the determination of each of them to succeed at achieving their individual wants with the company.
Aspen’s development and realization about herself despite her fiery exterior is very insightful. Lucian has his own personal experience that makes him an enigma considering his lifestyle. His innate ability to read Aspen’s own unique needs and unrecognized nature adds something realistic to the story. Their push and pull, banter and palpable chemistry, intense dialogue and scenes are fire.
I couldn’t put my kindle down wanting to know what would happen next and after that unexpected ending I’m anxious to know what happens in Lucian! (Book 2)
Aspen and Lucian are intriguing characters. The underlying animosity between Aspen and Lucian in the business setting pulled me in immediately as it leads to the determination of each of them to succeed at achieving their individual wants with the company.
Aspen’s development and realization about herself despite her fiery exterior is very insightful. Lucian has his own personal experience that makes him an enigma considering his lifestyle. His innate ability to read Aspen’s own unique needs and unrecognized nature adds something realistic to the story. Their push and pull, banter and palpable chemistry, intense dialogue and scenes are fire.
I couldn’t put my kindle down wanting to know what would happen next and after that unexpected ending I’m anxious to know what happens in Lucian! (Book 2)
May 20, 2025
“ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴘᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀʟʏ, ᴛʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴡᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇꜱᴋ. ᴘᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴀꜱꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɪʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇꜱꜱ.”
This is my first time reading Fiona Cole and all I have to say is….HOLY….🤭🤭🤭🤭. This book was HOT!! Did I go back and add every single thing they have written to me TBR? You bet your sweet a** I did!
Aspen is our FMC and one tough cookie. I related to her SO MUCH…in ways i definitely didn’t want to because actually reading someone going through the same pain and trauma you have is eye opening and painful, especially when you try to push that stuff deep down. Poor Aspen is losing her mind when she finds out her father has sold 47% of the company she thought she was inheriting to Lucian…our MMC. She owns the other 47%…her father the remaining 6%. In 5 years she has the option to purchase the remaining 6% from her father…if she can’t…then Lucian will.
Lucian is tall, dark and DELICIOUS! He has NO PROBLEM dealing with Aspen and her hard demeanour. He’s dominant in every aspect of the word and his life. He clashes with Aspen immediately because they BOTH want control but neither will relent or give an inch. They fight and hurl insults and sexual innuendos like it’s an Olympic sport. Until one fight between the two sends Aspen spiralling into a panic attack. Lucian’s dominant personality and knows exactly what she needs. He helps her through her panic attack with breath play and spanking. And it’s the first time that Aspen has ever been able to let go and get through it without falling apart.
What I loved most about this book was the whole aspect of mental health and past trauma. Lots of people tend to think that when someone has gone through SA as a child or adult, that they immediately shy away from shmex in the future. And that isn’t ALWAYS true. Sometimes the only way some can deal with the darkness is to fall into it deeper. BDSM is more than just whips and chains…in fact there’s a very minimal part of it. It’s an exchange of power and trust. The ULTIMATE part of BDSM is trusting your partner to take care of you. That no matter what , even when that control is given away, they will always be there to catch you. It’s a give and take of mutual respect and trust. And that’s exactly what Aspen needed even though she didn’t know it.
Aspen and Lucian enter into a BDSM contract and agree that there is no love…no feelings. But there’s no way it’s not already heading there. You can tell by how jealous they each get at the mention of past partners. Things get even more complicated when they enter into a marriage of convenience to help with an arrangement set up by Lucians God-Father. Both Lucians family and Aspens have their REASONS for what they have done but we don’t really know everything because FIONA COLE LEFT US WITH A CLIFFHANGER THAT HAD ME SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS AT 4AM!!!! The tension and build up in this book had me on the edge of my seat. Fiona Cole has edged us through this whole book and now we are still being edged waiting for the second book!! I need it NOW! 😩😮💨💜
Thank you so much to Fiona Cole & VPR for letting me read this ARC. You guys are amazing 💜
❤️🔥Age Gap
❤️🔥BDSM
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥They LOATHE Each Other
❤️🔥Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥Dom x Sub
❤️🔥Workplace Romance
❤️🔥Billionaire Romance
❤️🔥Alpha Hero
❤️🔥Bad A** Heroine
❤️🔥Business Rivals
❤️🔥Mental Health Rep
❤️🔥Spanking
❤️🔥Breath Play
❤️🔥Dual POV
❤️🔥Cliffhanger
This is my first time reading Fiona Cole and all I have to say is….HOLY….🤭🤭🤭🤭. This book was HOT!! Did I go back and add every single thing they have written to me TBR? You bet your sweet a** I did!
Aspen is our FMC and one tough cookie. I related to her SO MUCH…in ways i definitely didn’t want to because actually reading someone going through the same pain and trauma you have is eye opening and painful, especially when you try to push that stuff deep down. Poor Aspen is losing her mind when she finds out her father has sold 47% of the company she thought she was inheriting to Lucian…our MMC. She owns the other 47%…her father the remaining 6%. In 5 years she has the option to purchase the remaining 6% from her father…if she can’t…then Lucian will.
Lucian is tall, dark and DELICIOUS! He has NO PROBLEM dealing with Aspen and her hard demeanour. He’s dominant in every aspect of the word and his life. He clashes with Aspen immediately because they BOTH want control but neither will relent or give an inch. They fight and hurl insults and sexual innuendos like it’s an Olympic sport. Until one fight between the two sends Aspen spiralling into a panic attack. Lucian’s dominant personality and knows exactly what she needs. He helps her through her panic attack with breath play and spanking. And it’s the first time that Aspen has ever been able to let go and get through it without falling apart.
What I loved most about this book was the whole aspect of mental health and past trauma. Lots of people tend to think that when someone has gone through SA as a child or adult, that they immediately shy away from shmex in the future. And that isn’t ALWAYS true. Sometimes the only way some can deal with the darkness is to fall into it deeper. BDSM is more than just whips and chains…in fact there’s a very minimal part of it. It’s an exchange of power and trust. The ULTIMATE part of BDSM is trusting your partner to take care of you. That no matter what , even when that control is given away, they will always be there to catch you. It’s a give and take of mutual respect and trust. And that’s exactly what Aspen needed even though she didn’t know it.
Aspen and Lucian enter into a BDSM contract and agree that there is no love…no feelings. But there’s no way it’s not already heading there. You can tell by how jealous they each get at the mention of past partners. Things get even more complicated when they enter into a marriage of convenience to help with an arrangement set up by Lucians God-Father. Both Lucians family and Aspens have their REASONS for what they have done but we don’t really know everything because FIONA COLE LEFT US WITH A CLIFFHANGER THAT HAD ME SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS AT 4AM!!!! The tension and build up in this book had me on the edge of my seat. Fiona Cole has edged us through this whole book and now we are still being edged waiting for the second book!! I need it NOW! 😩😮💨💜
Thank you so much to Fiona Cole & VPR for letting me read this ARC. You guys are amazing 💜
❤️🔥Age Gap
❤️🔥BDSM
❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️🔥They LOATHE Each Other
❤️🔥Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥Dom x Sub
❤️🔥Workplace Romance
❤️🔥Billionaire Romance
❤️🔥Alpha Hero
❤️🔥Bad A** Heroine
❤️🔥Business Rivals
❤️🔥Mental Health Rep
❤️🔥Spanking
❤️🔥Breath Play
❤️🔥Dual POV
❤️🔥Cliffhanger
April 18, 2025
FIONA COLE!!!!!!!!!!! We need to talk right now. I just finished an ALC of Aspen and I was not expecting it to end that way! The way I gasped. The way I am still sitting here in shock.
We first met Aspen in Blame it on the Tequila (Bk. #2 in the Blame it on the Alcohol Series). I was not expecting her to be such a complex character. She is young, but independent, guarded, focused, but she also has this vulnerability that she hides very well. She’s had to learn self control in order to contain the parts of her that make her unique. I completely relate to that. Aspen is so into her control that she doesn’t allow herself to feel, to let go, but I can’t really blame her.
Lucian is also complex but not like Aspen. He, too, is very controlled, but as a Dom he has to be. However, I think it’s deeper than that.
Aspen and Lucian are enemies and rivals, but they can’t help being pulled towards each other especially when they both want something from the other.
I really like the Dom/Sub aspect of this book. Fiona Cole does an amazing job explaining the importance of taking your control back even when it means giving that control to someone else. Through her characters she explains the importance of consent and building trust. I can’t wait to see how Aspen continues to grow and develop and for Lucian to admit to himself what we already know.
Note: this books does end does end in a little cliffhanger so it’s going to leave you wanting some answers.
We first met Aspen in Blame it on the Tequila (Bk. #2 in the Blame it on the Alcohol Series). I was not expecting her to be such a complex character. She is young, but independent, guarded, focused, but she also has this vulnerability that she hides very well. She’s had to learn self control in order to contain the parts of her that make her unique. I completely relate to that. Aspen is so into her control that she doesn’t allow herself to feel, to let go, but I can’t really blame her.
Lucian is also complex but not like Aspen. He, too, is very controlled, but as a Dom he has to be. However, I think it’s deeper than that.
Aspen and Lucian are enemies and rivals, but they can’t help being pulled towards each other especially when they both want something from the other.
I really like the Dom/Sub aspect of this book. Fiona Cole does an amazing job explaining the importance of taking your control back even when it means giving that control to someone else. Through her characters she explains the importance of consent and building trust. I can’t wait to see how Aspen continues to grow and develop and for Lucian to admit to himself what we already know.
Note: this books does end does end in a little cliffhanger so it’s going to leave you wanting some answers.
April 29, 2025
OH.MY.GOD. Aspen is EVERYTHING I love in a book!!
age gap ✔️
enemy-to-lovers ✔️
office romance ✔️
engagement of convenience ✔️
dom/sub✔️
steamy ✔️
Aspen, the FMC, is a badass! She is strong, independent, and always in control. Until she's not. Her dad has thrown one heck of a curveball her way in the form of Lucian Daire. He now owns 47% of the company she thought she’d take over once her dad retired. Don't hate on, dad. He did it for a reason.
It's Lucian who sees her control slipping, and he knows just how to help her - through BDSM.
Lucian, who has been burned big time in the past, has his own issues going on and needs a wife ASAP to fulfill a promise to his godfather. Don't hate on the godfather. He has his reasons, too.
Together, Aspen and Lucian strike a deal. What exactly that will look like we'll have to wait to find out - yes, it ends on an OMG cliffhanger.
age gap ✔️
enemy-to-lovers ✔️
office romance ✔️
engagement of convenience ✔️
dom/sub✔️
steamy ✔️
Aspen, the FMC, is a badass! She is strong, independent, and always in control. Until she's not. Her dad has thrown one heck of a curveball her way in the form of Lucian Daire. He now owns 47% of the company she thought she’d take over once her dad retired. Don't hate on, dad. He did it for a reason.
It's Lucian who sees her control slipping, and he knows just how to help her - through BDSM.
Lucian, who has been burned big time in the past, has his own issues going on and needs a wife ASAP to fulfill a promise to his godfather. Don't hate on the godfather. He has his reasons, too.
Together, Aspen and Lucian strike a deal. What exactly that will look like we'll have to wait to find out - yes, it ends on an OMG cliffhanger.
August 17, 2025
I just know that in the next book they’re gonna serve c*ntttt
May 17, 2025
Cliffhanger I hate them
Will not be reading the next book I hate cliffhangers & this book did not say it ended on one!
Onto the next
Will not be reading the next book I hate cliffhangers & this book did not say it ended on one!
Onto the next
May 16, 2025
So I received the ALC of this but due to life and SO many things happening all at once, my review is coming SUPER late but I still wanna thank Valentine PR and the author, Fiona Cole, for the opportunity.
Aspen happened to be the second ever audiobook and ALC I've ever listened to/gotten and OMG, let me tell you guys, it was an EXPERIENCE! Aspen and Lucian are explosive together but getting to actually HEAR them just teleported me to a whole new realm, I swear.
I loved these two so so much—they had me squealing, SCREAMING, almost yanking my hairs out lol, and best believe that the enemies-to-lovers trope in this lives up to it, OMFG! My mantra throughout this book was “JUST GIVE IN ALREADY!” Aspen held out for so long, Lord knows I would've melted at the snap of Lucian's fingers. 🫠
I especially love how Aspen was portrayed and I related to her on so many levels about the whole ‘feeling like you're too much and need to suppress yourself’ thing. It was so real. But despite feeling that way, Aspen, in reality, is a strong, brave woman who knows what she wants and isn't shy to go after it. She's admired by the people around her—something she unfortunately doesn't see but then that's where my man, Lucian, comes in.😭 I enjoyed the way one minute he's making her wanna rip his head off then the next, he's calming her down, helping her through a panic attack and just being such a freaking DADDY! 🥹🤭
I loved, loved, loved, the relationship between these two and intense push-and-pull between them, and after that CLIFF-FREAKING-HANGER! OMG! I can't wait for the next book. I need it like I need my next breath. 😭
Shout-out to Fiona Cole for writing this masterpiece. This will be the first book of hers I'm reading/listening to, but I, very much, intend to browse her previous works after this one.
If you're gonna give this a read, remember to check the TWs/CWs! Hope you give it a shot tho, besties. 🫶🏽✨
Aspen happened to be the second ever audiobook and ALC I've ever listened to/gotten and OMG, let me tell you guys, it was an EXPERIENCE! Aspen and Lucian are explosive together but getting to actually HEAR them just teleported me to a whole new realm, I swear.
I loved these two so so much—they had me squealing, SCREAMING, almost yanking my hairs out lol, and best believe that the enemies-to-lovers trope in this lives up to it, OMFG! My mantra throughout this book was “JUST GIVE IN ALREADY!” Aspen held out for so long, Lord knows I would've melted at the snap of Lucian's fingers. 🫠
I especially love how Aspen was portrayed and I related to her on so many levels about the whole ‘feeling like you're too much and need to suppress yourself’ thing. It was so real. But despite feeling that way, Aspen, in reality, is a strong, brave woman who knows what she wants and isn't shy to go after it. She's admired by the people around her—something she unfortunately doesn't see but then that's where my man, Lucian, comes in.😭 I enjoyed the way one minute he's making her wanna rip his head off then the next, he's calming her down, helping her through a panic attack and just being such a freaking DADDY! 🥹🤭
I loved, loved, loved, the relationship between these two and intense push-and-pull between them, and after that CLIFF-FREAKING-HANGER! OMG! I can't wait for the next book. I need it like I need my next breath. 😭
Shout-out to Fiona Cole for writing this masterpiece. This will be the first book of hers I'm reading/listening to, but I, very much, intend to browse her previous works after this one.
If you're gonna give this a read, remember to check the TWs/CWs! Hope you give it a shot tho, besties. 🫶🏽✨
June 8, 2025
He was a wounded boy, she was a masking girl(boss), Can I make it any more obvious?
Can’t communicate, but hey, he can spank
What more can I say?
Believability score? 0
Kinda hot bsdm scenes? Ehhhh, 2.5 stars
Can’t communicate, but hey, he can spank
What more can I say?
Believability score? 0
Kinda hot bsdm scenes? Ehhhh, 2.5 stars
April 19, 2025
4 ⭐️
I honestly have so many questions about this, so many!
This was my first Fiona Cole book and I’m still reeling from the cliffhanger. I wasn’t prepared for it to just abruptly end like that, and now, I have no idea how long I have to wait to find out what happens next.
This follows Aspen, a 25-year-old woman caught in a power play with Lucian Daire; the man determined to take over her family’s company. She’ll do whatever it takes to save her family’s legacy, even if that means marrying him. The two are at constant odds, and the chemistry between them was angsty and so palpable. It was endlessly fascinating to watch unfold.
The book leans more into their growing connection and emotional push-pull, with a gradual exploration of dominance and submission, with Lucian being the one to introduce Aspen into the BDSM word. He was a great dom, (he defo gave off pleasure dom vibes) and really wanted to get to know and understand her. That said, the actual marriage of convenience aspect doesn’t really come into play until quite late, around the final third; though I imagine the next book will dive deeper into that dynamic.
The ALC was phenomenal, Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudson done an incredible job bringing this story of trust, the power of control and the world of bdsm to life. Fiona also did a brilliant job introducing the bdsm world and lifestyle; showing how there’s real strength in surrendering control, especially for someone like Aspen, who’s spent her life trying to protect herself by holding everything together.
** a few spoilery thoughts; I was cackling, my jaw on the floor, at the scene in the club when Aspen courageously decided to go on stage, only to then realise that Lucian was gonna be the dominant in the scene. (Haha, he’s so reluctant to admit he’s developing strong feelings for her, but like, I totally understand his hesitant). His ex-wife was a nasty piece of work.
I’m very intrigued for when Lucian finally opens up about his ex-wife to Aspen… but also, Lucian giving Aspen the same ring that he gave his ex-wife, is abit wild lmao. I get that it’s his mother’s ring, though. And if I didn’t like his ex-wife before, the fact that she thought a 5 carat emerald cut ring was gaudy is insane because that’s literally a dream ring! 😭😭**
I’m so excited, and very much need to know, like yesterday, what’s to come next for Aspen and Lucian.
Tropes:
Billionaire MMC
Strong FMC
Fake dating leading to marriage of convenience
Age gap
Business rivals
Enemies to lovers
BDSM elements (dom/sub dynamic, praise kink, spanking)
I honestly have so many questions about this, so many!
This was my first Fiona Cole book and I’m still reeling from the cliffhanger. I wasn’t prepared for it to just abruptly end like that, and now, I have no idea how long I have to wait to find out what happens next.
This follows Aspen, a 25-year-old woman caught in a power play with Lucian Daire; the man determined to take over her family’s company. She’ll do whatever it takes to save her family’s legacy, even if that means marrying him. The two are at constant odds, and the chemistry between them was angsty and so palpable. It was endlessly fascinating to watch unfold.
The book leans more into their growing connection and emotional push-pull, with a gradual exploration of dominance and submission, with Lucian being the one to introduce Aspen into the BDSM word. He was a great dom, (he defo gave off pleasure dom vibes) and really wanted to get to know and understand her. That said, the actual marriage of convenience aspect doesn’t really come into play until quite late, around the final third; though I imagine the next book will dive deeper into that dynamic.
The ALC was phenomenal, Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudson done an incredible job bringing this story of trust, the power of control and the world of bdsm to life. Fiona also did a brilliant job introducing the bdsm world and lifestyle; showing how there’s real strength in surrendering control, especially for someone like Aspen, who’s spent her life trying to protect herself by holding everything together.
** a few spoilery thoughts; I was cackling, my jaw on the floor, at the scene in the club when Aspen courageously decided to go on stage, only to then realise that Lucian was gonna be the dominant in the scene. (Haha, he’s so reluctant to admit he’s developing strong feelings for her, but like, I totally understand his hesitant). His ex-wife was a nasty piece of work.
I’m very intrigued for when Lucian finally opens up about his ex-wife to Aspen… but also, Lucian giving Aspen the same ring that he gave his ex-wife, is abit wild lmao. I get that it’s his mother’s ring, though. And if I didn’t like his ex-wife before, the fact that she thought a 5 carat emerald cut ring was gaudy is insane because that’s literally a dream ring! 😭😭**
I’m so excited, and very much need to know, like yesterday, what’s to come next for Aspen and Lucian.
Tropes:
Billionaire MMC
Strong FMC
Fake dating leading to marriage of convenience
Age gap
Business rivals
Enemies to lovers
BDSM elements (dom/sub dynamic, praise kink, spanking)
April 30, 2025
𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞!
🎧𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 & 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
🖤𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩
🔥𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🖤𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
🔥𝐃𝐨𝐦/𝐒𝐮𝐛
✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐆𝐞𝐭 ready to be swept off your feet with Aspen, the latest novel from the amazing 𝐅𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞. The fiery chemistry between the main characters, Lucien and Aspen, had me blushing and fanning myself with their intense interactions.
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 Aspen, she is determined to protect her family business, even if it means facing off with the new owner. Their constant bickering and lingering stares eventually lead to a sizzling spark that ignites a passionate game of seduction. But it goes beyond that. Aspen, used to having all the burdens on her shoulders, can finally let go and let Lucien take the reins of all her desires.
🎧𝐓𝐡𝐞 dynamic between Lucien and Aspen is so entertaining, filled with intense sparks that result in some of the steamiest encounters. The narrators, 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞, truly bring these characters to life with their performances. I’m looking forward to the next book!
𝐈𝐟 you're in the mood for a spicy and engaging story, Aspen is a must-listen. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger that will leave you craving more. This story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔：𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️ 𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ：𝟒🔥 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾ℴ𝓃：𝟒/𝟓🎧
🎧𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 & 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
🖤𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩
🔥𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
🖤𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
🔥𝐃𝐨𝐦/𝐒𝐮𝐛
✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐆𝐞𝐭 ready to be swept off your feet with Aspen, the latest novel from the amazing 𝐅𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞. The fiery chemistry between the main characters, Lucien and Aspen, had me blushing and fanning myself with their intense interactions.
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 Aspen, she is determined to protect her family business, even if it means facing off with the new owner. Their constant bickering and lingering stares eventually lead to a sizzling spark that ignites a passionate game of seduction. But it goes beyond that. Aspen, used to having all the burdens on her shoulders, can finally let go and let Lucien take the reins of all her desires.
🎧𝐓𝐡𝐞 dynamic between Lucien and Aspen is so entertaining, filled with intense sparks that result in some of the steamiest encounters. The narrators, 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞, truly bring these characters to life with their performances. I’m looking forward to the next book!
𝐈𝐟 you're in the mood for a spicy and engaging story, Aspen is a must-listen. Just be prepared for a cliffhanger that will leave you craving more. This story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔：𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️ 𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ：𝟒🔥 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾ℴ𝓃：𝟒/𝟓🎧
May 6, 2025
Get ready for a captivating tale of scorching passion and intense rivalry that turns into unexpected love with Aspen – a sinfully hot enemies-to-lovers office romance with Dom/sub elements.
Meet Lucien Daire – a commanding, enigmatic figure whose cold exterior conceals a deep capacity for desire. Opposing him is Aspen, a determined woman focused on her family’s legacy. Their initial clashes are electric, simmering with tension that hints at something more profound beneath the surface. As circumstances force them together, a provocative dance of seduction, vulnerability, and longing begins to unfold.
Aspen’s dedication to her family’s legacy and Lucien’s strong presence lead to a provocative blend of confrontation and chemistry. Their interactions are full of raw emotion and sizzling tension, gradually breaking down walls and revealing their true selves. Both characters are fiercely in control, yet their dynamic sparks moments of surrender and mutual understanding, creating a compelling dynamic rooted in respect and genuine connection.
Hold tight for the second part of this duet, because this story leaves you eager for more with that cliffhanger.
The audiobook’s narration by Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudson brings every detail to life, immersing you in a world where vulnerability becomes strength and love surprises you.
Meet Lucien Daire – a commanding, enigmatic figure whose cold exterior conceals a deep capacity for desire. Opposing him is Aspen, a determined woman focused on her family’s legacy. Their initial clashes are electric, simmering with tension that hints at something more profound beneath the surface. As circumstances force them together, a provocative dance of seduction, vulnerability, and longing begins to unfold.
Aspen’s dedication to her family’s legacy and Lucien’s strong presence lead to a provocative blend of confrontation and chemistry. Their interactions are full of raw emotion and sizzling tension, gradually breaking down walls and revealing their true selves. Both characters are fiercely in control, yet their dynamic sparks moments of surrender and mutual understanding, creating a compelling dynamic rooted in respect and genuine connection.
Hold tight for the second part of this duet, because this story leaves you eager for more with that cliffhanger.
The audiobook’s narration by Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudson brings every detail to life, immersing you in a world where vulnerability becomes strength and love surprises you.
June 20, 2025
Aspen is the first book in a duet and it ends on a major cliffhanger, it's also not mentioned anywhere! 11 year age gap, billionaire, marriage of convenience between enemies to lovers is just a few of the tropes in this book. The MMC is a complete douche and the FMC is feisty but lets the hero get away with too much! If Dom/Sub is your go to then this book is eat up with it. I'm undecided if I will continue with the second book due to my disappointment in this edition.
TW: Dom/Sub, spanking, breath play, BDSM, blackmail, death of parents, cancer, off page noncon & filming, panic attacks and control issues..
Lucian Daire is a billionaire and he promised his Godfather that he would marry before he dies.
Aspen Quinn expects to inherit her fathers music business when he retires and is shocked when she finds out that he has sold 47% of it to a real estate tycoon who knows nothing about the music industry.
They are expected to work together to hire a CEO and the two are like oil and water. He finds it amusing to have her loose control but she needs him to calm her panic attacks with unusual methods.
Lucian needs a wife and she wants the controlling 5% of the company so, he blackmails her into a marriage of convenience with her wanting a time limit and him wanting something normal. Who will get their way? Find out in book 2...
TW: Dom/Sub, spanking, breath play, BDSM, blackmail, death of parents, cancer, off page noncon & filming, panic attacks and control issues..
Lucian Daire is a billionaire and he promised his Godfather that he would marry before he dies.
Aspen Quinn expects to inherit her fathers music business when he retires and is shocked when she finds out that he has sold 47% of it to a real estate tycoon who knows nothing about the music industry.
They are expected to work together to hire a CEO and the two are like oil and water. He finds it amusing to have her loose control but she needs him to calm her panic attacks with unusual methods.
Lucian needs a wife and she wants the controlling 5% of the company so, he blackmails her into a marriage of convenience with her wanting a time limit and him wanting something normal. Who will get their way? Find out in book 2...
April 29, 2025
Aspen and Lucian’s story is one that I was not expecting, but one that I very much enjoyed!
🧎♀️Billionaire romance
🧎♀️Alpha hero
🧎♀️Badass heroine
🧎♀️Enemies to lovers
🧎♀️Age gap
🧎♀️Business rivals
Aspen has worked for her father’s company in hopes of one take taking over, but her father has other plans when he sells almost half of the company shares to Lucian; a powerful businessman who is determined to make everything as hard as possible for Aspen.
And when one day their working relationship turns into a sp@nking session; things really take a turn to a different direction for these two! They agree to enter into a dom x sub contract, that eventually turns into a marriage of convenience for many reasons.
The two of them say that they will absolutely not fall in love, but will that be able to hold true as their agreement and relationship moves further?
I absolutely adored Aspen and all of her take no charge attitude. She is full of sass and so much depth and I loved her for it. I also really liked Lucian and his powerfulness. I can’t wait to see the two of them fall so hard for one another!
Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose are both new to me narrators and I felt like they really hit the ball out of the park with this narration! Kingsley's voice embodied the strong and powerful attitude that was Aspen. And Ryan was totally the billionaire grump that is Lucian!
Just a note that this book does end on a cliffhanger.
🧎♀️Billionaire romance
🧎♀️Alpha hero
🧎♀️Badass heroine
🧎♀️Enemies to lovers
🧎♀️Age gap
🧎♀️Business rivals
Aspen has worked for her father’s company in hopes of one take taking over, but her father has other plans when he sells almost half of the company shares to Lucian; a powerful businessman who is determined to make everything as hard as possible for Aspen.
And when one day their working relationship turns into a sp@nking session; things really take a turn to a different direction for these two! They agree to enter into a dom x sub contract, that eventually turns into a marriage of convenience for many reasons.
The two of them say that they will absolutely not fall in love, but will that be able to hold true as their agreement and relationship moves further?
I absolutely adored Aspen and all of her take no charge attitude. She is full of sass and so much depth and I loved her for it. I also really liked Lucian and his powerfulness. I can’t wait to see the two of them fall so hard for one another!
Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose are both new to me narrators and I felt like they really hit the ball out of the park with this narration! Kingsley's voice embodied the strong and powerful attitude that was Aspen. And Ryan was totally the billionaire grump that is Lucian!
Just a note that this book does end on a cliffhanger.
April 29, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you to Fiona Cole and valentine_pr_ for a copy of this story, I couldn't put it down.
Secondly, Fiona, how could you leave us with that ending?! I am not so patiently waiting for book 2 so I can find out what happens because DAMN!
This story follows Aspen, who is a complete boss babe, as she prepares herself to take over her father's company. Her father, however, has different plans. Enter Lucian, aka, Mr D&D. This man is s3x on legs, quite literally. Aspen finds herself in a situation, and Mr D&D really thinks outside the box when it comes to helping her. The tension between these two is so hot, a cold shower was definitely needed after I finished reading! I can't say anything else without spoiling it, but if you're intrigued, I definitely recommend reading.
Tropes include
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 bdsm references
🖤 spanking
🖤 praise
🖤 age gap
🖤 business rivals
🖤 marriage of convenience
🖤 billionaire alpha hero
Secondly, Fiona, how could you leave us with that ending?! I am not so patiently waiting for book 2 so I can find out what happens because DAMN!
This story follows Aspen, who is a complete boss babe, as she prepares herself to take over her father's company. Her father, however, has different plans. Enter Lucian, aka, Mr D&D. This man is s3x on legs, quite literally. Aspen finds herself in a situation, and Mr D&D really thinks outside the box when it comes to helping her. The tension between these two is so hot, a cold shower was definitely needed after I finished reading! I can't say anything else without spoiling it, but if you're intrigued, I definitely recommend reading.
Tropes include
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 bdsm references
🖤 spanking
🖤 praise
🖤 age gap
🖤 business rivals
🖤 marriage of convenience
🖤 billionaire alpha hero
April 30, 2025
Oh.my.goodness! Hello my first Fiona Cole book and won’t be my last. I ate this book up and was so excited to get the ARC for it.
Aspen
By Fiona Cole
Available now!
All I have to say is, Lucian freaking Daire could tell me to do whatever he wants and I would obey in a heartbeat. That man had me being submissive just reading his dominant ways. Thighs clenching and all 🥵
Then, the banter between him and Aspen, I loved it. These two were pure enemies to lovers and I was here for it.
Workplace Romance
Enemies to lovers
Kink club
Sassy FMC
Dominant MMC
Marriage of convenience
Praise
Kink exploration
Nicknames
Spanking 😉
Aspen
By Fiona Cole
Available now!
All I have to say is, Lucian freaking Daire could tell me to do whatever he wants and I would obey in a heartbeat. That man had me being submissive just reading his dominant ways. Thighs clenching and all 🥵
Then, the banter between him and Aspen, I loved it. These two were pure enemies to lovers and I was here for it.
Workplace Romance
Enemies to lovers
Kink club
Sassy FMC
Dominant MMC
Marriage of convenience
Praise
Kink exploration
Nicknames
Spanking 😉
May 2, 2025
I first found Fiona Cole because I was going to an author signing in Nashville last June. I ordered her pre-release signing edition of this book and I have been dying to read it but refused to actually read the physical book for fear of messing it up.
I have 1000 percent onboard with Lucian and Aspen…I loved every aspect of this book.
November can not get here fast enough for me to read the second one.
Slow burn
Enemies to Lovers
BDSM
I have 1000 percent onboard with Lucian and Aspen…I loved every aspect of this book.
November can not get here fast enough for me to read the second one.
Slow burn
Enemies to Lovers
BDSM
May 6, 2025
my oh my
This is my first audio by Fiona Cole, and man, am I glad I took the chance!! Workplace, forced proximity, age gap, marriage of convenience, and more… I’m so obsessed! I’ve been listening to a lot of Ryan Hudson lately, and he’s just so good as an older domineering man. I loved his take on Lucian. And Kingsley Rose was fantastic as Aspen. These two out on such a sultry and sexy performance that had me hooked!
4.5⭐️
This is my first audio by Fiona Cole, and man, am I glad I took the chance!! Workplace, forced proximity, age gap, marriage of convenience, and more… I’m so obsessed! I’ve been listening to a lot of Ryan Hudson lately, and he’s just so good as an older domineering man. I loved his take on Lucian. And Kingsley Rose was fantastic as Aspen. These two out on such a sultry and sexy performance that had me hooked!
4.5⭐️
January 17, 2026
Aspen by Fiona Cole is the first book in the Aspen & Lucian duet. This book was pure fire! Aspen and Lucian's chemistry was out of this world! I loved it, and can't wait for the conclusion with Lucian's book in February! Another fantastic story by this author! Highly recommended with way more than five stars!
May 5, 2025
Story 4 stars
This is a spicy read. Aspen and Lucian are the hottest battle of wills that I enjoyed to watch. The tension and chemistry between them were great, and explosive when the were together. The story is slightly slow at first but once it gets going, it keeps going. This is a duet and I'm glad because I felt that Aspen and Lucian had some issues they needed to work on their own. Also Aspen has much to explore about herself and Lucian to help her, and this I'd like to see more of. I can't wait for the next book.
Audiobook 3.9 stars
The narrators did a very good job at narrating the story. However, I didn't completely feel their voices for the characters. It took me a few of chapters of listening to fully be immersed in the story. I guess by this point their voices grew on me. I'm a picky listener and this is a me problem. Overall, the ease of following and knowing who was speaking was great.
This is a spicy read. Aspen and Lucian are the hottest battle of wills that I enjoyed to watch. The tension and chemistry between them were great, and explosive when the were together. The story is slightly slow at first but once it gets going, it keeps going. This is a duet and I'm glad because I felt that Aspen and Lucian had some issues they needed to work on their own. Also Aspen has much to explore about herself and Lucian to help her, and this I'd like to see more of. I can't wait for the next book.
Audiobook 3.9 stars
The narrators did a very good job at narrating the story. However, I didn't completely feel their voices for the characters. It took me a few of chapters of listening to fully be immersed in the story. I guess by this point their voices grew on me. I'm a picky listener and this is a me problem. Overall, the ease of following and knowing who was speaking was great.
Read
May 21, 2025steamy, enemies to lovers office romance, exploration of kinks
May 14, 2025
First of all, this ends on a cliffhanger. If I had known that, I never would have read it.
Secondly, this needed a trigger warning for sexual assault. The FMC is assaulted several years before the book begins, but she recounts that assault in graphic detail for the MMC. The assault was also filmed and distributed by her rapist.
Secondly, this needed a trigger warning for sexual assault. The FMC is assaulted several years before the book begins, but she recounts that assault in graphic detail for the MMC. The assault was also filmed and distributed by her rapist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
Fiona Cole is back with yet another fiery romance. This book just took it to another level. The tension between Lucian and Aspen was off the charts, getting more intense with every page. They definitely knew how to push each other's buttons, but then perfectly collide together. I liked the cat and mouse games they had and I particularly liked Aspen and her personality.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I usually enjoy Fiona's writing and this one was no exception. The only thing I could have loved more was a more emotional connection that was independent from their intimate one. However, considering that unexpected ending, we are getting more of Lucian and Aspen and their steamy story and I am certainly intrigued.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I usually enjoy Fiona's writing and this one was no exception. The only thing I could have loved more was a more emotional connection that was independent from their intimate one. However, considering that unexpected ending, we are getting more of Lucian and Aspen and their steamy story and I am certainly intrigued.
May 2, 2025
It has been a while since I dipped my toes in the world of BDSM, but there is no one better to do it with than Fiona Cole. Aspen and Lucian’s story is a beautiful journey from pain and trauma to self-discovery. Fiona hit me with an unexpected cliffhanger, but she made the right call; these characters deserve more time to grow and develop into the best that they can be.
I couldn’t help but love Aspen’s feisty character, who proudly stands up for herself, no holds barred. She gives everything right back to Lucian, and he craves it. He loves the fight that comes before the surrender. Their chemistry is hot AF, and every scene had me writhing right along with them. Every word they say to each other has meaning, and they each take some pleasure in hitting their mark.
This story has so much potential, and I can’t wait to see the journey author Fiona Cole takes the characters on. Lucian deserves the love he denies himself, and Aspen is also worthy of so much more than she believes. I fear that Lucian is going to break my heart as his love for Aspen grows, especially if Aspen holds on to her stubbornness; she may just break Lucian in the process.
Both characters have some dark moments from the past that plague their present selves, and I enjoy watching them fight those memories. I enjoy watching each of them worm their way into the lifeblood of the other, slowly taking over. I'm loving listening to their hate banter go back and forth. I'm loving watching these enemies turn into lovers with the hottest hate sex. I’m so ready for them both to submit to this love they are building. I also love a good office romance, so you can bet I’m here for those desk scenes!
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Published by Podium Audio, narrators Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose absolutely smashed it. Ryan’s voice pulls you into each scene and his inner thoughts. His commanding presence sets the tone for his Dominant character. Kingsley plays the perfect Aspen. Her voice transitions from seductive and submissive to feisty with no filter when she moves into combat mode with Lucian. She is a woman who knows what she wants and is ready to do what needs to be done to get it. She is also a woman who realizes what she wants, as well as needs, and she is not going to cut off the hand that feeds her. Book two is scheduled for fall 2025, but I’m secretly hoping Fiona Cole hits the writing cave and brings us the finale much sooner.
I couldn’t help but love Aspen’s feisty character, who proudly stands up for herself, no holds barred. She gives everything right back to Lucian, and he craves it. He loves the fight that comes before the surrender. Their chemistry is hot AF, and every scene had me writhing right along with them. Every word they say to each other has meaning, and they each take some pleasure in hitting their mark.
This story has so much potential, and I can’t wait to see the journey author Fiona Cole takes the characters on. Lucian deserves the love he denies himself, and Aspen is also worthy of so much more than she believes. I fear that Lucian is going to break my heart as his love for Aspen grows, especially if Aspen holds on to her stubbornness; she may just break Lucian in the process.
Both characters have some dark moments from the past that plague their present selves, and I enjoy watching them fight those memories. I enjoy watching each of them worm their way into the lifeblood of the other, slowly taking over. I'm loving listening to their hate banter go back and forth. I'm loving watching these enemies turn into lovers with the hottest hate sex. I’m so ready for them both to submit to this love they are building. I also love a good office romance, so you can bet I’m here for those desk scenes!
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Published by Podium Audio, narrators Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose absolutely smashed it. Ryan’s voice pulls you into each scene and his inner thoughts. His commanding presence sets the tone for his Dominant character. Kingsley plays the perfect Aspen. Her voice transitions from seductive and submissive to feisty with no filter when she moves into combat mode with Lucian. She is a woman who knows what she wants and is ready to do what needs to be done to get it. She is also a woman who realizes what she wants, as well as needs, and she is not going to cut off the hand that feeds her. Book two is scheduled for fall 2025, but I’m secretly hoping Fiona Cole hits the writing cave and brings us the finale much sooner.
May 7, 2025
Fiona Cole is back! She’s the queen of writing seductive and sensual stories of sexual exploration that parallel profound emotional character arcs- and Aspen is shaping up to be s story full of all her hallmarks. Aspen is spicy and scorching hot with a dash of taboo, but it’s also emotional rich and character driven. And, as always, Fiona brings her BDSM dynamic to the page. The audio was quite addictive, though I didn’t know it was ending on a cliffhanger! Now I need more!
We have an enemies to lovers set-up here as Aspen and Lucian are both vying for leadership in Aspen’s father’s music company. Aspen wants to inherit the crown, but her father doesn’t quite think she’s ready, so when his retirement looms he brings in Lucian Daire- giving him a significant share the company and forcing Aspen to work with him…and to ultimately have to find a pathway to get controlling shares of the business she loves and thinks she deserves.
Aspen is the kind of Fiona Cole character I’ve come to adore- she’s feisty, stubborn, self-assured and strong. She’s not scared to stand up to Lucian, to fight him at every turn…and it’s that fight and tension that catalyzes everything between them. But she’s also got her own set of baggage. Her character journey was the most compelling to me- and her dynamic with Lucian is the catalyst for her self-discovery and starting to uncover her needs, desires, and more of herself. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and I ache for her to find the love and safety she deserves.
Lucian too has his own baggage more than we cold expect. He’s a bit of a mystery at first, and I loved unpacking his relationship history and what led him to his lifestyle and needs. He not only sparks Aspen curiosity, but my own. Aspen’s pain and past feels so much more present at the surface, where as Lucians is much more buried deep. He’s all alpha bravado and dominance, a man who likes to be in charge.
The chemistry is laced with scathing banter, heated animosity, and a tense and hot chemistry, an intense and captivating push and pull. Since this is only part of their love story, we get to some heated fire between them, but not quite to the full on feelings and openness I’m thirsty for. But it certainly does make for some quite delicious “hate sexy” moments even if we don’t quite get the emotional connection full uncovered just yet, particularly as Lucian hasn’t fully unfurled just yet. The cliffie definitely has me wanting more!
The audiobook is scorching hot- narrated by Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudon. I wasn’t super familiar with either narrator but they both were really great. Ryan has a delicious voice that brings the edge and dominance of Lucian to life, he’s quite alluring but commanding. And Kingsley is fantastic as Aspen and all her emotional nuances. She brings Aspen’s headstrong fire to life but also her immense vulnerability. She also does a great job portraying the panic attack moments Aspen experiences in an immersive and emotive way. Both narrators i’ll be looking out for more from.
What to expect:
🔥age gap
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥business rivals
🔥marriage of convenience
🔥mental health rep
🔥 billionaire alpha hero
🔥 spankings/BDSM/high spice
We have an enemies to lovers set-up here as Aspen and Lucian are both vying for leadership in Aspen’s father’s music company. Aspen wants to inherit the crown, but her father doesn’t quite think she’s ready, so when his retirement looms he brings in Lucian Daire- giving him a significant share the company and forcing Aspen to work with him…and to ultimately have to find a pathway to get controlling shares of the business she loves and thinks she deserves.
Aspen is the kind of Fiona Cole character I’ve come to adore- she’s feisty, stubborn, self-assured and strong. She’s not scared to stand up to Lucian, to fight him at every turn…and it’s that fight and tension that catalyzes everything between them. But she’s also got her own set of baggage. Her character journey was the most compelling to me- and her dynamic with Lucian is the catalyst for her self-discovery and starting to uncover her needs, desires, and more of herself. Her backstory is heartbreaking, and I ache for her to find the love and safety she deserves.
Lucian too has his own baggage more than we cold expect. He’s a bit of a mystery at first, and I loved unpacking his relationship history and what led him to his lifestyle and needs. He not only sparks Aspen curiosity, but my own. Aspen’s pain and past feels so much more present at the surface, where as Lucians is much more buried deep. He’s all alpha bravado and dominance, a man who likes to be in charge.
The chemistry is laced with scathing banter, heated animosity, and a tense and hot chemistry, an intense and captivating push and pull. Since this is only part of their love story, we get to some heated fire between them, but not quite to the full on feelings and openness I’m thirsty for. But it certainly does make for some quite delicious “hate sexy” moments even if we don’t quite get the emotional connection full uncovered just yet, particularly as Lucian hasn’t fully unfurled just yet. The cliffie definitely has me wanting more!
The audiobook is scorching hot- narrated by Kingsley Rose and Ryan Hudon. I wasn’t super familiar with either narrator but they both were really great. Ryan has a delicious voice that brings the edge and dominance of Lucian to life, he’s quite alluring but commanding. And Kingsley is fantastic as Aspen and all her emotional nuances. She brings Aspen’s headstrong fire to life but also her immense vulnerability. She also does a great job portraying the panic attack moments Aspen experiences in an immersive and emotive way. Both narrators i’ll be looking out for more from.
What to expect:
🔥age gap
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥business rivals
🔥marriage of convenience
🔥mental health rep
🔥 billionaire alpha hero
🔥 spankings/BDSM/high spice
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