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Deacons of Bourbon Street #3
Hold Me Down
When the biker who broke her heart rides into town, a woman must choose between passion and duty. Jackie Ashenden ups the ante in a seductive series co-written with Megan Crane, Rachael Johns, and Maisey Yates.
Leonidas “Blue” Delacroix might be the prodigal son of New Orleans aristocrats, but the Deacons of Bourbon Street are his real family. And with their patriarch murdered, Blue wants nothing more than to unleash hell on the motorcycle club’s enemies—even if it means taking up arms against the girl who used to be his best friend. She’s done quite a bit of growing up, and suddenly their chemistry is red-hot. But where’s the line between ruthless seduction and sweet temptation?
For Alice Day, loyalty is everything. When Blue skipped town, she had no choice but to adopt a new family: their rivals, the Graveyard Ministry. Seeing him again reawakens old feelings . . . and fiery fantasies. Alice could never forget the scent of leather on his skin—just as she could never forgive the sting of his betrayal. But while the Ministry has treated her like one of their own, Blue is part of her soul. And as their liaisons hit the boiling point, Alice trusts her heart with the deadliest choice of her life.
Leonidas “Blue” Delacroix might be the prodigal son of New Orleans aristocrats, but the Deacons of Bourbon Street are his real family. And with their patriarch murdered, Blue wants nothing more than to unleash hell on the motorcycle club’s enemies—even if it means taking up arms against the girl who used to be his best friend. She’s done quite a bit of growing up, and suddenly their chemistry is red-hot. But where’s the line between ruthless seduction and sweet temptation?
For Alice Day, loyalty is everything. When Blue skipped town, she had no choice but to adopt a new family: their rivals, the Graveyard Ministry. Seeing him again reawakens old feelings . . . and fiery fantasies. Alice could never forget the scent of leather on his skin—just as she could never forgive the sting of his betrayal. But while the Ministry has treated her like one of their own, Blue is part of her soul. And as their liaisons hit the boiling point, Alice trusts her heart with the deadliest choice of her life.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2015
46 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
489 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
December 11, 2015
I admit that the first book in this series was a DNF for me and I didn't bother with the second. But I've been a huge fan of Jackie Ashenden so I just had to read this book.
The good news is, this was better than book one. Ms. Ashenden's talent as a writer kept me glued to the pages until the end. She just has a way with words and emotions and oh my gosh, did I mention the steam? Yeah. This book has loads of it.
The bad news? The story overall, including the overarching plot that was Priest's murder was just weak. The Deacons of Bourbon Street is one of the lamest motorcycle club. I just don't feel them. And for a motorcycle club series, it's important for readers to root for these guys. Me? I was like IDGAF.
They can disband and go their own way and I wouldn't shed a tear. I didn't care about Priest's murder or who murdered him. They failed to fascinate me. Honestly, the rival MC, the Ministry was more fascinating than the Deacons. And that's very telling.
Romance wise, I liked Blue and Alice. They got great chemistry together and while both of them have their facepalm moments, I liked them together. I was rooting for their romance, which is why I gave this one 3 stars instead of 2 despite disliking the Deacons storyline.
ARC provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
The good news is, this was better than book one. Ms. Ashenden's talent as a writer kept me glued to the pages until the end. She just has a way with words and emotions and oh my gosh, did I mention the steam? Yeah. This book has loads of it.
The bad news? The story overall, including the overarching plot that was Priest's murder was just weak. The Deacons of Bourbon Street is one of the lamest motorcycle club. I just don't feel them. And for a motorcycle club series, it's important for readers to root for these guys. Me? I was like IDGAF.
They can disband and go their own way and I wouldn't shed a tear. I didn't care about Priest's murder or who murdered him. They failed to fascinate me. Honestly, the rival MC, the Ministry was more fascinating than the Deacons. And that's very telling.
Romance wise, I liked Blue and Alice. They got great chemistry together and while both of them have their facepalm moments, I liked them together. I was rooting for their romance, which is why I gave this one 3 stars instead of 2 despite disliking the Deacons storyline.
ARC provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2015
The Good: I’ve been waiting for these last two books in the Deacons MC series, and I have to say this is the best one so far. I’m still enjoying Ms. Ashenden’s prose, as she has a way with words and with a steamy sex scene that certainly gets my attention. I think the character motivations are well drawn and the plot is the most cohesive that I’ve seen in this series, with the biggest strides towards letting the reader know more about the mystery of Priest’s death.
The Bad: Unfortunately, for a heroine who is all about being self-sufficient and surviving in a badass biker world, Ally makes some highly questionable choices when it comes to her investigation into Priest’s death and any connection with the Ministry MC, even if her main conflict regarding loyalty is understandable. Then again, the Deacons are not shining bright with their own intelligence the further along I get in this series either. I liked that we learn more about Priest’s death than in any of the other books so far, but that progress comes at a cost of some big ole plot holes. There are certain moments, particularly with the Ministry MC, that are very obvious and make the Deacons seem ineffectual and honestly, kind of dumb.
Everything in Between: Feels similar in tone to the first book, at least the setup between Ajax/Sophie and Ally/Leon (right down to some questionable neck grabs - Leon’s is way better and less offensive). I like Ally/Leon as characters way more than Ajax and Sophie (and I’ve liked them less and less with each successive book). It left me way more intrigued with the Ministry than in the Deacons and if there were to be a spinoff series, I’d love to see their inner workings, because they just seemed to be the smarter, better club.
I liked it. I think it’s the strongest book so far in this series, and I’m still hoping that the final book really ties it all together in a really satisfying way.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
November 26, 2015
DNF...
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 1, 2016
This is a preachy and ranty review. You’ve been warned.
So here’s the deal…
We’ve just entered the year 2016, we’ve sent a man up to the moon, turning on an electrical light is as easy flipping a switch and worlds of knowledge are at the fingertips of anyone with access to an internet connection and an electronic device with a keyboard. There really is no excuse for any confusion surrounding the issue of rape.
Let me make it simple: If someone says no – you stop. That’s it. You don’t manipulate, cajole, barter or present ultimatums. YOU. STOP.
Let’s go over it again. When a person says no to sex you don’t say:
You’re my property, and I’m taking back what’s mine.
You either submit to me and agree to be my property or I let you go out there to be killed
If you tell me what you’re scared of, I will stop, otherwise I’m taking you
I don’t care what you think their body is saying, I don’t care if you think they might just need a little bit more convincing, I don’t care if you think they belong to you and it’s your right to take them, I don’t care if you think you know what they want or need better than they do themselves, if someone says no, YOU. STOP.
Even if you are so turned on you want to melt into a puddle you still have the right to say no for whatever reason – whether you’re still a virgin, or mad at him, or you think sleeping with him is a bad idea. Even if the guy bought you a drink, even if you kissed him, even if you let him touch you, even if you’ve known him forever, even if you used to date, even if you slept with him last night – you still have the right to say no for whatever reason. It’s your body, and nobody has the right to touch it in a way you do not like.
There is enough confusion surrounding consent, not saying no being regarded as consent and that instances of rape inside a relationship or marriage still being disregarded in many places in the world, without books like these perpetuating the idea that when a woman says no she actually means yes and adding to the goddamn confusion.
I know that because of many reasons some women are still ashamed of their sexual fantasies, especially those of a darker/rougher nature, and that books such as these where a woman is forced or taken even seemingly against their will let’s them forego the responsibility of owning their fantasies but I for one would LOVE to see more books that have a healthier outlook on sex and teaching woman that it’s OK to want to have sex – even if you just met the guy.
Authors are in a unique position to allow women to live their fantasies in a safe environment and to teach them that it’s OK to want what they want when they want it - but books such as these just add to the confusion and perpetuate the idea that the only way you can have what you want is by being forced.
Let me say again:
No means no.
Rape is rape.
If a guy forces you it doesn’t mean he’s so overcome by lust and passion and love that he can’t help himself – it means he’s a rapist.
And I really don’t give a shit if this opinion labels me a prude, this kind of thing is unacceptable and irresponsible no matter how you slice it or dress it up as romance.
I had the same issue with this author in You Are Mine and I’m just giving up on this author.
(ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
So here’s the deal…
We’ve just entered the year 2016, we’ve sent a man up to the moon, turning on an electrical light is as easy flipping a switch and worlds of knowledge are at the fingertips of anyone with access to an internet connection and an electronic device with a keyboard. There really is no excuse for any confusion surrounding the issue of rape.
Let me make it simple: If someone says no – you stop. That’s it. You don’t manipulate, cajole, barter or present ultimatums. YOU. STOP.
Let’s go over it again. When a person says no to sex you don’t say:
You’re my property, and I’m taking back what’s mine.
You either submit to me and agree to be my property or I let you go out there to be killed
If you tell me what you’re scared of, I will stop, otherwise I’m taking you
I don’t care what you think their body is saying, I don’t care if you think they might just need a little bit more convincing, I don’t care if you think they belong to you and it’s your right to take them, I don’t care if you think you know what they want or need better than they do themselves, if someone says no, YOU. STOP.
Even if you are so turned on you want to melt into a puddle you still have the right to say no for whatever reason – whether you’re still a virgin, or mad at him, or you think sleeping with him is a bad idea. Even if the guy bought you a drink, even if you kissed him, even if you let him touch you, even if you’ve known him forever, even if you used to date, even if you slept with him last night – you still have the right to say no for whatever reason. It’s your body, and nobody has the right to touch it in a way you do not like.
There is enough confusion surrounding consent, not saying no being regarded as consent and that instances of rape inside a relationship or marriage still being disregarded in many places in the world, without books like these perpetuating the idea that when a woman says no she actually means yes and adding to the goddamn confusion.
I know that because of many reasons some women are still ashamed of their sexual fantasies, especially those of a darker/rougher nature, and that books such as these where a woman is forced or taken even seemingly against their will let’s them forego the responsibility of owning their fantasies but I for one would LOVE to see more books that have a healthier outlook on sex and teaching woman that it’s OK to want to have sex – even if you just met the guy.
Authors are in a unique position to allow women to live their fantasies in a safe environment and to teach them that it’s OK to want what they want when they want it - but books such as these just add to the confusion and perpetuate the idea that the only way you can have what you want is by being forced.
Let me say again:
No means no.
Rape is rape.
If a guy forces you it doesn’t mean he’s so overcome by lust and passion and love that he can’t help himself – it means he’s a rapist.
And I really don’t give a shit if this opinion labels me a prude, this kind of thing is unacceptable and irresponsible no matter how you slice it or dress it up as romance.
I had the same issue with this author in You Are Mine and I’m just giving up on this author.
(ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
August 10, 2018
Spoilers
Blue and Alice were friends before he left. She however has always had feelings for him but she was his best friend and the one who introduced him to the Deacons so their friendship remained platonic.
Blue left on the order of Priest but only sent a message for Ally and didn't contact her at all during that time. Ally finding herself wrecked after Blue left and the death of her father had sex with a mc member( he came up too often for me) and got pregnant. She had an ectopic pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage and a partial hysterectomy. The only one there for her was Blade from the rival mc, she defected and became the mechanic for that club.
When Blue returns they meet as he tries to pick her up in the bar. When he sees it's Ally but with another mcs tattoo on her arm he goes ballistic. They have it out and Blue decides the only way to spare her a traitor's punishment from Ajax is to pretend to claim her. Cue the hot sex from a biker who has been CELIBATE for 10 years.Ally is torn between loyalty to her new club and the Deacons and Blue as well as disbelief that Blade could've been involved in Priest's death. As such she goes and tries to find out if Blade really ordered Priest's death
I liked this one. Blue was a badass, possessive loyal Alpha biker and Ally was a fierce and loyal mechanic/biker babe. Her loyalty to Blade I found endearing and I liked her even more. Her only TSTL move I found was confronting the bad guy with her knowledge. Nothing bad thankfully came from that.They were good together and in the end she left her club to be with Blue. The plot of who actually ran Priest off the road was cleared up but not why,which I'm expecting to happen in the next book.All in all I'm a sucker for safe,sexy mc romances and this author delivered! On to the next.
* I'd dearly love a story of Blade and his guys!*
Blue and Alice were friends before he left. She however has always had feelings for him but she was his best friend and the one who introduced him to the Deacons so their friendship remained platonic.
Blue left on the order of Priest but only sent a message for Ally and didn't contact her at all during that time. Ally finding herself wrecked after Blue left and the death of her father had sex with a mc member( he came up too often for me) and got pregnant. She had an ectopic pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage and a partial hysterectomy. The only one there for her was Blade from the rival mc, she defected and became the mechanic for that club.
When Blue returns they meet as he tries to pick her up in the bar. When he sees it's Ally but with another mcs tattoo on her arm he goes ballistic. They have it out and Blue decides the only way to spare her a traitor's punishment from Ajax is to pretend to claim her. Cue the hot sex from a biker who has been CELIBATE for 10 years.Ally is torn between loyalty to her new club and the Deacons and Blue as well as disbelief that Blade could've been involved in Priest's death. As such she goes and tries to find out if Blade really ordered Priest's death
I liked this one. Blue was a badass, possessive loyal Alpha biker and Ally was a fierce and loyal mechanic/biker babe. Her loyalty to Blade I found endearing and I liked her even more. Her only TSTL move I found was confronting the bad guy with her knowledge. Nothing bad thankfully came from that.They were good together and in the end she left her club to be with Blue. The plot of who actually ran Priest off the road was cleared up but not why,which I'm expecting to happen in the next book.All in all I'm a sucker for safe,sexy mc romances and this author delivered! On to the next.
* I'd dearly love a story of Blade and his guys!*
September 3, 2015
Netgalley for an honest review.
This MC romance novel had angst, alpha male, strong heroine and was very hot!!!
Our hero is Blue who has been away from the MC Deacon's for ten years. He's back to find out who murdered Priest,the former president of the MC.
When he left, he also left his best friend behind who he never forgot, Alice.
Alice our heroine has to be one of the strongest heroines I've read in a while. She beautiful, independent, but also a women who experienced a lot of hurt. She Love Blue and was heart broken when he left the MC.
After ten years these two meet up again and the chemistry and sexual tension between these two jumps off the pages. We have some hostility between the two the first couple meetings due to some misunderstandings. Alice joined a rival MC in the years that Blue was gone and now works in a Motorcycle shop. Blue was a great hero who was totally alpha (be warned) but also sweet and caring. He was protective and determined to win Alice back. They decided to work together to try and find out who murdered Priest.
This was an intense, sexually charged read. These two characters played off each other well and the development of the relationship was excellent. Well written and fast paced. You reconnect with some of the characters from past books. I have to say these authors have done an excellent job in connecting and continuing the story.
This MC romance novel had angst, alpha male, strong heroine and was very hot!!!
Our hero is Blue who has been away from the MC Deacon's for ten years. He's back to find out who murdered Priest,the former president of the MC.
When he left, he also left his best friend behind who he never forgot, Alice.
Alice our heroine has to be one of the strongest heroines I've read in a while. She beautiful, independent, but also a women who experienced a lot of hurt. She Love Blue and was heart broken when he left the MC.
After ten years these two meet up again and the chemistry and sexual tension between these two jumps off the pages. We have some hostility between the two the first couple meetings due to some misunderstandings. Alice joined a rival MC in the years that Blue was gone and now works in a Motorcycle shop. Blue was a great hero who was totally alpha (be warned) but also sweet and caring. He was protective and determined to win Alice back. They decided to work together to try and find out who murdered Priest.
This was an intense, sexually charged read. These two characters played off each other well and the development of the relationship was excellent. Well written and fast paced. You reconnect with some of the characters from past books. I have to say these authors have done an excellent job in connecting and continuing the story.
November 2, 2025
Hold Me Down is a MC scorcher.
Blue left without a word leaving Alice, AKA Red, his best friend behind.
Years later, Blue returns and discovers Alice is all grown up in a way that he’d like to get to know her more, until he finds out that she has joined the rival MC. To make matters worse, the Deacons, Blue’s club, believes the Graveyard Ministry, Alice’s club is responsible for the Deacon’s presidents death. Alice could be held as a traitor to the Deacon’s if Blue doesn’t protect her so he claims her has his property.
Let the battles begin. Red and Blue take fighting to an extreme until the anger turns to all consuming passion. Mistrust and anger seem to dominate the show between explosive sexual encounters everywhere else.
I’ve been with this series from the beginning and I can’t believe a group of men with all these talents for investigation and mercenary actions can’t figure out why they were all told to leave.
Some suspense but kind of predictable, it all comes down to war with Red and Blue caught in the middle.
This was my least favorite of the series so far. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it but the sex seemed to be the glue that held these two together. Made for some hot reading but light on the connection to the characters. That is why I’m going to give Hold Me Down 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Hold Me Down from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 8, 2015.
Blue left without a word leaving Alice, AKA Red, his best friend behind.
Years later, Blue returns and discovers Alice is all grown up in a way that he’d like to get to know her more, until he finds out that she has joined the rival MC. To make matters worse, the Deacons, Blue’s club, believes the Graveyard Ministry, Alice’s club is responsible for the Deacon’s presidents death. Alice could be held as a traitor to the Deacon’s if Blue doesn’t protect her so he claims her has his property.
Let the battles begin. Red and Blue take fighting to an extreme until the anger turns to all consuming passion. Mistrust and anger seem to dominate the show between explosive sexual encounters everywhere else.
I’ve been with this series from the beginning and I can’t believe a group of men with all these talents for investigation and mercenary actions can’t figure out why they were all told to leave.
Some suspense but kind of predictable, it all comes down to war with Red and Blue caught in the middle.
This was my least favorite of the series so far. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it but the sex seemed to be the glue that held these two together. Made for some hot reading but light on the connection to the characters. That is why I’m going to give Hold Me Down 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC copy of Hold Me Down from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 8, 2015.
February 2, 2016
Review to follow closer to release date.
December 8, 2015
Leigh and Afrodyt's reviews posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Leigh's Review 4 Stars
It amazes me that each book in this series is written by a different author because they have all managed to craft each book to have the same feel. The seediness of Bourbon Street, the sultriness of the bayou and the testosterone of the alpha bikers all mix to create a fantastic story. And written in the same gritty dark tone as the first two books in the series, Hold Me Down is a great addition to the Deacons of Bourbon Street.
This installment is Blue’s story. After returning to New Orleans ten years after Katrina, Blue finds that his old friend, Alice, has found a new home with the rival club. Now the mechanic for the Graveyard Ministry, Blue views Alice as a traitor to the Deacons. But despite his belief in loyalty to the club, he feels a loyalty to Alice as well. Having left her once, he has no intention of leaving her again. And in the Deacon’s quest to find out what really happened to their former President, Priest, Alice can prove to be a source on the inside at the Ministry.
I loved Blue. He was honorable and had a high moral standard. He was loyal to those he loved, and valued doing the right thing, regardless at the cost to himself. He was alpha and sexy and dark and broody and a perfect fit for Alice, who had lost everything and was trying to pick up the pieces the best she knew how. Blue was her link between the past and her future, and I wanted her to find the happiness that eluded her all these years.
I truly am in love with this series. The writing, regardless of the author, moves along as we unravel the truth about Priest’s death. And the shared setting of New Orleans provides the perfect backdrop for all of this to play out. It is almost as if the city is a character itself to provide the consistency from story to story, and I can’t wait to read the finale and meet Prince to hear his side of the story. It has a lot to live up to after the first three books.
Afrodyt's Review 4.5 stars
When I picked up this book I felt a little thrill because the Deacons of Bourbon Street is one of my favorite MC drama series. Composed of four stories told by four different authors, this is the third installment. This story follows Leon "Blue" Delacroix as he returns after ten years exiled in the swamplands of Louisiana. He made a vow to himself that until he could return home to Bourbon Street he wouldn't wear his cut, ride his Harley or touch a woman. He kept his vows. It has been ten long years and now he and his brothers are back to reclaim what's rightfully theirs.
Alice "Ally" Day is a motorcycle mechanic. She inherited the garage owned by her father, a now deceased member of the Deacons. After the club essentially disbanded after hurricane Katrina, and at the same time her father reveals his terminal illness, Alice is between a rock and a hard place. She feels she has no choice, for protection as well as the survival of the business, but to align with the rival MC of the Deacons, the Graveyard Ministry.
Blue and Ally have history that runs deep. They were best friends during adolescence and stood by each other through loss, heartache and family drama. Now that Blue is back from ten years of exile, things are complicated between he and Ally. Really complicated. Loyalty, lust and love are all tangled up for both of them and the question becomes, "who are they going to put first?" Each other or their clashing MC's.
With chemistry that practically leaps off the page, I loved the tension between these characters. I enjoyed the way Jackie Ashenden was able to craft this story and keep the overall backstory consistent with the other authors. Each author has done this brilliantly. The world feels familiar no matter which installment I read. The sex scenes are intense, generous and well done. I am looking forward to the finale of the Deacons story when Maisey Yates brings it home with Strip You Bare.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Leigh's Review 4 Stars
It amazes me that each book in this series is written by a different author because they have all managed to craft each book to have the same feel. The seediness of Bourbon Street, the sultriness of the bayou and the testosterone of the alpha bikers all mix to create a fantastic story. And written in the same gritty dark tone as the first two books in the series, Hold Me Down is a great addition to the Deacons of Bourbon Street.
This installment is Blue’s story. After returning to New Orleans ten years after Katrina, Blue finds that his old friend, Alice, has found a new home with the rival club. Now the mechanic for the Graveyard Ministry, Blue views Alice as a traitor to the Deacons. But despite his belief in loyalty to the club, he feels a loyalty to Alice as well. Having left her once, he has no intention of leaving her again. And in the Deacon’s quest to find out what really happened to their former President, Priest, Alice can prove to be a source on the inside at the Ministry.
I loved Blue. He was honorable and had a high moral standard. He was loyal to those he loved, and valued doing the right thing, regardless at the cost to himself. He was alpha and sexy and dark and broody and a perfect fit for Alice, who had lost everything and was trying to pick up the pieces the best she knew how. Blue was her link between the past and her future, and I wanted her to find the happiness that eluded her all these years.
I truly am in love with this series. The writing, regardless of the author, moves along as we unravel the truth about Priest’s death. And the shared setting of New Orleans provides the perfect backdrop for all of this to play out. It is almost as if the city is a character itself to provide the consistency from story to story, and I can’t wait to read the finale and meet Prince to hear his side of the story. It has a lot to live up to after the first three books.
Afrodyt's Review 4.5 stars
When I picked up this book I felt a little thrill because the Deacons of Bourbon Street is one of my favorite MC drama series. Composed of four stories told by four different authors, this is the third installment. This story follows Leon "Blue" Delacroix as he returns after ten years exiled in the swamplands of Louisiana. He made a vow to himself that until he could return home to Bourbon Street he wouldn't wear his cut, ride his Harley or touch a woman. He kept his vows. It has been ten long years and now he and his brothers are back to reclaim what's rightfully theirs.
Alice "Ally" Day is a motorcycle mechanic. She inherited the garage owned by her father, a now deceased member of the Deacons. After the club essentially disbanded after hurricane Katrina, and at the same time her father reveals his terminal illness, Alice is between a rock and a hard place. She feels she has no choice, for protection as well as the survival of the business, but to align with the rival MC of the Deacons, the Graveyard Ministry.
Blue and Ally have history that runs deep. They were best friends during adolescence and stood by each other through loss, heartache and family drama. Now that Blue is back from ten years of exile, things are complicated between he and Ally. Really complicated. Loyalty, lust and love are all tangled up for both of them and the question becomes, "who are they going to put first?" Each other or their clashing MC's.
With chemistry that practically leaps off the page, I loved the tension between these characters. I enjoyed the way Jackie Ashenden was able to craft this story and keep the overall backstory consistent with the other authors. Each author has done this brilliantly. The world feels familiar no matter which installment I read. The sex scenes are intense, generous and well done. I am looking forward to the finale of the Deacons story when Maisey Yates brings it home with Strip You Bare.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. This is the 3rd book of 4 and all written by different authors. An overarching plot has been forming and I felt like it made a little more sense and there was more momentum. Although I haven't read the 4th and final book, so far this one clicked with me the most (basically I was less frustrated and angry).
I've been struggling with the series due to a lot of internal dialogue and vague backgrounds and explanations to the storyline. I like Jackie Ashenden's other books, and I think her writing stayed solid with this one. She added a nice depth to Blue and Alice which made me care about them more than I did for Ajax, Sophie or Billie's stories.
I unexpectedly liked Blue more than I thought. In the previous books, he's built up as a cold Sargent of Arms who did most of the dirty work for the MC. I can't say any of that came up in this book, which I partly think has to do with 4 different authors writing and coordinating a series. If anything, Blue and Cash/Travis are the only ones with some sort of depth or grey areas to their personalities.
For three books now, I'm clueless as to why Priest sent everyone away. I don't even feel like we're building on the reasons why or if it will ever be addressed at this point. I see him as unceremoniously exiling them from their "family," for what they think might be forever, with no explanation as the ultimate and more defining betrayal to the 4 of them. You know who would disagree with that and cut your throat before you finished a sentence? Ajax. It comes down to his character being so unreasonable and black/white as the reason I've not enjoyed this series. The Deacons are his life and it should also be everyone else's no matter what happened 10 years ago or has been happening since then. It's a fanatic loyalty that doesn't make sense to me why he's so extreme and essentially forcing the others to fall in line and under his dictatorship (I think he even threatens Micah and Cash). Dude. Grow the hell up. (OMG. These characters aren't real, I need a Valium. Breathe.)
Since book 1 I've had a bigger issue. If 4 of the Deacons are banished from New Orleans, then Katrina hits and most scatter... why is there no one left except for a few old guys in wheelchairs and nursing homes? How big was this club and where are the other (younger) members? Why isn't Ajax threatening them with death if they don't do what he wants and says???
I agree 257.99% with Alice about the Deacons. I felt like Blue was that someone who finally saw reason through all of this hot mess of unreasonableness. Alice is just like them - she's been abandoned by everyone and did what she needed to survive. Priest was in town all along after everyone left, but why didn't he take care of her and her father??? I'm hoping a lot of these questions will be answered in book 4, but it would help if hints were given in the first 3 books to develop Priest's background and tie these people together.
You know who I do like? Blade. He's the most rational male of all of them. Plus, he actually can back up his swagger with results. I especially like how he treated Alice and didn't jump to conclusions, threaten to kill her or LEAVE BRUISES ON HER NECK?!!! He's been with her during the ups and downs for 5-10 years and treated her like a sister. The fact Blue could see that... HUGE for me and saved this book.
I'm left with an odd question.. what did Blue/Leon do all day with his time and for money while he was out on the bayou for 10 years straight being celibate?
Rant over. ((Drop the mic.))
I've been struggling with the series due to a lot of internal dialogue and vague backgrounds and explanations to the storyline. I like Jackie Ashenden's other books, and I think her writing stayed solid with this one. She added a nice depth to Blue and Alice which made me care about them more than I did for Ajax, Sophie or Billie's stories.
I unexpectedly liked Blue more than I thought. In the previous books, he's built up as a cold Sargent of Arms who did most of the dirty work for the MC. I can't say any of that came up in this book, which I partly think has to do with 4 different authors writing and coordinating a series. If anything, Blue and Cash/Travis are the only ones with some sort of depth or grey areas to their personalities.
For three books now, I'm clueless as to why Priest sent everyone away. I don't even feel like we're building on the reasons why or if it will ever be addressed at this point. I see him as unceremoniously exiling them from their "family," for what they think might be forever, with no explanation as the ultimate and more defining betrayal to the 4 of them. You know who would disagree with that and cut your throat before you finished a sentence? Ajax. It comes down to his character being so unreasonable and black/white as the reason I've not enjoyed this series. The Deacons are his life and it should also be everyone else's no matter what happened 10 years ago or has been happening since then. It's a fanatic loyalty that doesn't make sense to me why he's so extreme and essentially forcing the others to fall in line and under his dictatorship (I think he even threatens Micah and Cash). Dude. Grow the hell up. (OMG. These characters aren't real, I need a Valium. Breathe.)
Since book 1 I've had a bigger issue. If 4 of the Deacons are banished from New Orleans, then Katrina hits and most scatter... why is there no one left except for a few old guys in wheelchairs and nursing homes? How big was this club and where are the other (younger) members? Why isn't Ajax threatening them with death if they don't do what he wants and says???
I agree 257.99% with Alice about the Deacons. I felt like Blue was that someone who finally saw reason through all of this hot mess of unreasonableness. Alice is just like them - she's been abandoned by everyone and did what she needed to survive. Priest was in town all along after everyone left, but why didn't he take care of her and her father??? I'm hoping a lot of these questions will be answered in book 4, but it would help if hints were given in the first 3 books to develop Priest's background and tie these people together.
You know who I do like? Blade. He's the most rational male of all of them. Plus, he actually can back up his swagger with results. I especially like how he treated Alice and didn't jump to conclusions, threaten to kill her or LEAVE BRUISES ON HER NECK?!!! He's been with her during the ups and downs for 5-10 years and treated her like a sister. The fact Blue could see that... HUGE for me and saved this book.
I'm left with an odd question.. what did Blue/Leon do all day with his time and for money while he was out on the bayou for 10 years straight being celibate?
Rant over. ((Drop the mic.))
September 24, 2015
3.5 stars! ***
A third part in the series, HOLD ME DOWN, was a pleasant qick read but one I'm probably not going to repeat.
I read only this one and I'm not going to read the rest. I don't like it when several different authors write a series together. I think that in the ends it lacks something.
Leon aka Blue returns after ten years back to New Orleans with two things on his mind. Revenge and a girl, the best friend he'd left behind.
Alice aka Red is a mechanic. She used to belong to Deacons' MC, but when they all fled and left her on her own she became a part of another MC - the Ministry. They took her in, they saved her garage and gave her the family she didn't have anymore.
When they meet again it doesn't go over well. Alice is (rightfully) pissed at Blue for leaving and not saying a word to her for ten years and Blue is pissed at Ally for joining the Ministry. But it ends pretty well for both of them.. In a round of angry sex.
I was angry at the characters (or maybe the author) for some things that happened (or did not happen) in the book.
1. There was basically no explanation about why Blue and other had to leave.
2. Are they really angry at her joining the Ministry? They freaking left her. She was supposed to be a part of them and they abandoned her and didn't think about her again until she walked right under their noses (stupid move, if I have to say)
3. Blue lived like an hour or two away from New Orleans. He really couldn't call? Write? Send a pigeon? Smoke signals?
4. The ending. It was rushed and only on thing was resolved and another ten were left open. To me it seems like the author didn't know how to resolve it so she just ended it.
For more reviews visit: http://do-notdiewondering.blogspot.com
*ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
A third part in the series, HOLD ME DOWN, was a pleasant qick read but one I'm probably not going to repeat.
I read only this one and I'm not going to read the rest. I don't like it when several different authors write a series together. I think that in the ends it lacks something.
Leon aka Blue returns after ten years back to New Orleans with two things on his mind. Revenge and a girl, the best friend he'd left behind.
Alice aka Red is a mechanic. She used to belong to Deacons' MC, but when they all fled and left her on her own she became a part of another MC - the Ministry. They took her in, they saved her garage and gave her the family she didn't have anymore.
When they meet again it doesn't go over well. Alice is (rightfully) pissed at Blue for leaving and not saying a word to her for ten years and Blue is pissed at Ally for joining the Ministry. But it ends pretty well for both of them.. In a round of angry sex.
I was angry at the characters (or maybe the author) for some things that happened (or did not happen) in the book.
1. There was basically no explanation about why Blue and other had to leave.
2. Are they really angry at her joining the Ministry? They freaking left her. She was supposed to be a part of them and they abandoned her and didn't think about her again until she walked right under their noses (stupid move, if I have to say)
3. Blue lived like an hour or two away from New Orleans. He really couldn't call? Write? Send a pigeon? Smoke signals?
4. The ending. It was rushed and only on thing was resolved and another ten were left open. To me it seems like the author didn't know how to resolve it so she just ended it.
For more reviews visit: http://do-notdiewondering.blogspot.com
*ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 7, 2015
3 ‘Red and Blue’ Stars
As I read an uncorrected ARC, I will refrain from quoting.
Leonidas “Blue” St. Delacroix III goes back home after ten years to restore the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC to his former glory after the president was killed in an ‘accident’.
Everything was still the same.
Except for Alice.
Alice “Red” Day lost everything along the years. First her mother, then her best friend, Leonidas, and then her father. The club was not the same thing, and with a business to keep running, she turned to their rivals for help.
The ten years Blue was gone changed her in a fundamental way and she wasn’t the teenager Blue once knew.
Cue in a very pissed man who wants things his way, a strong willed woman who doesn’t regret turning to the other side and likes things her way, a flaming passion, red hot sex, and a suspicious death and you have Hold me Down.
I have to say I wanted more.
The book was good, with amazing sex scenes, two very good main characters and a coherent story line.
On another note, it lacked depth, longer scenes, action (this was an MC book after all), emotion in certain parts and a longer ending. It was rushed and left me wanting more.
*An ARC was provided by the author via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*
***
December 13, 2015
What a great 2nd chance love story involving Blue and Red. Leon aka Blue returns to New Orleans after he left town 10 years before with two things on his mind; to get back with his best friend, Alice aka Red that he left behind and to avenge the death of the head, Priest. His murder about devastated the club and he is back to find out who committed the murder.
Alice aka Red, is not about to let Blue back in her life 10 years later after he left her the way he did and let him expect he gets to pick right up. She had so many things go wrong after Blue left her life with literally no explanation 10 years before. And after he left, the Deacons' MCs, didn’t even bother to keep in contact or stay in touch, it’s like she became a causality of whatever when down and she was devastated. So she ended up being saved by another MC club called the Ministry and they took her in and help her in her time of need. Thanks to them, she has her garage up and she is known as a great mechanic.
Red meets Blue again in a bar and OMG their first meeting is explosive. She is sooo mad and who can blame her ? She doesn’t understand why he couldn’t tell her he was leaving and wants to know why ? She is still mad, very mad even today, 10 years later. Well Blue is very upset that Red she joined the MC club Ministry. Well what happens? Two people who have instant chemistry together and a past that was never resolved. They have angry sex , they have make up sex --- oh and it is totally awesome sex. The ending was good for two people who had such a long history together.
I will say that I felt the ending was rushed together and I never found out why Blue left. I woud have liked to know more in that regard AND I would have liked to know why the Deacons didn’t keep Red with them and cut her off. That totally bothered me ..I would have loved to see more of the MC after they got together but may we will see them in future books. Overall this was a good book and I loved the sassy, strong willed Red and the Alpha, Dominant Blue. Just a few things that kept this book from getting a higher rating.
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review**
August 25, 2017
For starters I'm a little biased because there is a special place in my heart for books set in Louisiana. I am so glad that I had the privilege to read installment of the Deacons of Bourbon Street because it's edgy, sexy and hard to put down.
Leon ‘Blue' Delacroix has returned to New Orleans after being exiled by Priest, his murdered MC president . Blue has been waiting patiently in order to return to his old stomping grounds. He had only two things on his agenda 1) reestablish the Deacons' dominance in their former territory 2) revenge. But fate has away of changing all things. Blue is domineering, a bit aggressive and super sexy. He owned his role as leading male in this installment of the series and he helped to keep my eyes glued to the pages. I always love a leading male character who is cocky and sure of himself. Blue has all of the alpha male characteristics in spades and as the reader I just couldn't get enough of him.
Alice ‘Red’ Day is as strong of a character as the leading male in this tale. Alice isn’t simpering and constantly in need of saving. Her character is in your face and often wondered if she carried her own set of balls around with her. Strong willed and compassionate, Red will do what is needed to keep the ones she loves safe. Beautiful, capable and independent Alice was still lacking what she most desired … a family.
The chemistry between both Blue and Red leaps right off the pages and it was a pleasure to go on the angsty ride with both. Face it, with 10 years of misunderstanding between them tempers will flare, aggression will be displayed and pent up sexual frustration will be resolved.
The story is fluid and it is easy to connect with previous characters. Overall, I give this one 4.5.
ARC was graciously provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
Leon ‘Blue' Delacroix has returned to New Orleans after being exiled by Priest, his murdered MC president . Blue has been waiting patiently in order to return to his old stomping grounds. He had only two things on his agenda 1) reestablish the Deacons' dominance in their former territory 2) revenge. But fate has away of changing all things. Blue is domineering, a bit aggressive and super sexy. He owned his role as leading male in this installment of the series and he helped to keep my eyes glued to the pages. I always love a leading male character who is cocky and sure of himself. Blue has all of the alpha male characteristics in spades and as the reader I just couldn't get enough of him.
Alice ‘Red’ Day is as strong of a character as the leading male in this tale. Alice isn’t simpering and constantly in need of saving. Her character is in your face and often wondered if she carried her own set of balls around with her. Strong willed and compassionate, Red will do what is needed to keep the ones she loves safe. Beautiful, capable and independent Alice was still lacking what she most desired … a family.
The chemistry between both Blue and Red leaps right off the pages and it was a pleasure to go on the angsty ride with both. Face it, with 10 years of misunderstanding between them tempers will flare, aggression will be displayed and pent up sexual frustration will be resolved.
The story is fluid and it is easy to connect with previous characters. Overall, I give this one 4.5.
ARC was graciously provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
November 29, 2015
2.5 not my cup of tea stars. The premise drew me to the book because I've already said I'm down for any kind of biker, sports, or dominant man novel. I anticipated some harshness on both ends of the spectrum but this book really just didn't sit well with me. I had to force myself to keep reading as I'm not one o those people that likes to leave a book unfinished. I want to get the entire picture before I say, "not for me."
Leon, "Blue", comes back to New Orleans when his President dies. He is hardened by life and age. He's a bit of a hard ass and is very much a "you are my property" kind of male. He lost me by the middle of the story.
Alice, "Red", has been around bikers her entire life and when one gang left she had to make nice with a new one in order to keep her father's shop going. She had a crush on Leon but when he up and left without a word she was destroyed. She blames him for her reckless decisions that led her to not being able to have children. She too lost me by the middle of the book.
The two fight like cats and dogs and only ever seem to really have "anything" when he's quite literally fucking her into submission. I'm all for using sex and chemistry to your own benefit but it felt like there was no character bonding, growth, and no chance at an actual relationship. I just was left rolling my eyes, scrunching up my face, and feeling ridiculously unsatisfied. It seemed like neither were redeemable or ever an anti-hero/anti-heroine. It was just a big cluster fuck for me. I am going to give another book a try and see if I just can't get with the author's writing style or if this story line was the issue for me.
Leon, "Blue", comes back to New Orleans when his President dies. He is hardened by life and age. He's a bit of a hard ass and is very much a "you are my property" kind of male. He lost me by the middle of the story.
Alice, "Red", has been around bikers her entire life and when one gang left she had to make nice with a new one in order to keep her father's shop going. She had a crush on Leon but when he up and left without a word she was destroyed. She blames him for her reckless decisions that led her to not being able to have children. She too lost me by the middle of the book.
The two fight like cats and dogs and only ever seem to really have "anything" when he's quite literally fucking her into submission. I'm all for using sex and chemistry to your own benefit but it felt like there was no character bonding, growth, and no chance at an actual relationship. I just was left rolling my eyes, scrunching up my face, and feeling ridiculously unsatisfied. It seemed like neither were redeemable or ever an anti-hero/anti-heroine. It was just a big cluster fuck for me. I am going to give another book a try and see if I just can't get with the author's writing style or if this story line was the issue for me.
November 21, 2015
When Blue is ordered out of town, he leaves everything behind without even a goodbye, even his best friend Alice.
Alice has had a crush on Blue since he was a little girl. Blue never paid attention, he just loved her as a friend. Alice is lost without him, and the protection of the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC.... Shortly after losing Blue, she also loses her Dad, and to avoid losing her dads bike shop, Alice does the unforgivable. She joins the rival MC. She truly has no choice, and being protected by someone is better than losing it all.
10 years later, Blue can return home. Things have definitely changed, especially Alice.
Read this story to find out if Blue and Alice get an HEA, of course after some serious MC drama and danger!
I really liked this story... it had a different element to it with a lot of secrets and danger with a twist of a story.
Alice has had a crush on Blue since he was a little girl. Blue never paid attention, he just loved her as a friend. Alice is lost without him, and the protection of the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC.... Shortly after losing Blue, she also loses her Dad, and to avoid losing her dads bike shop, Alice does the unforgivable. She joins the rival MC. She truly has no choice, and being protected by someone is better than losing it all.
10 years later, Blue can return home. Things have definitely changed, especially Alice.
Read this story to find out if Blue and Alice get an HEA, of course after some serious MC drama and danger!
I really liked this story... it had a different element to it with a lot of secrets and danger with a twist of a story.
August 25, 2015
*4.5 stars
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
April 2, 2016
This is the third story in the Deacons of Bourbon Street series, written by four different authors. Though technically each story features a standalone couple, there is a story arc through all four books, so it’s recommended to start at the beginning with Make You Burn by Megan Crane, followed by Fire me Up by Rachael Johns. (Strip you Bare by Maisey Yates comes out in Jan 2016 and will complete the series). I was looking forward to Jackie’s story because she is one of my favourite authors, and I knew I could expect a sexy and interesting tale, plus I was curious to know what progress had been made on solving the mystery in the story.
The hero of this story is Blue (real name Leon) who has returned from a ten year exile (like his 3 other friends who make up the heroes of the other stories) upon hearing that his mentor, and the man who sent him away in the first place, Priest, is dead. The first two books established that Priest’s death was likely not an accident and the current culprit appears to be the Graveyard Ministry, a rival MC that took over the Deacons’ territory when the club disbanded. Alice, a mechanic whose father worked for the Deacons before his death, was a friend to Blue from when they were teenagers. When he left town without a word, and her father died shortly thereafter, she had no one – except for Blade, President of the Ministry. He took care of her (in a platonic big brother sort of way), made her shop the choice for Ministry repairs, and as a result she has become loyal to their club, complete with a tattoo on her arm declaring that loyalty. With Blue’s return her world is rocked once again. Ajax, newly elected president of the Deacons views her as a traitor for switching allegiances. But now that Blue is back in town, he’s determined to make up for leaving and promises her protection – in return for her temporarily becoming his ‘old lady’ while the club decides what to do with the news that the Ministry was involved in Priest’s death. Alice’s loyalties are torn, with her new club on the one hand and her old one on the other. Complicating that is her attraction to Blue, which she has always felt but he is only now discovering on his end. With loyalty and deceit going hand in hand, will Alice find herself with a new home and a new man, or left out in the cold in a biker turf war?
I really enjoyed this continuation to the series. First off, I have to say that the secondary character of Ajax, whose book is the first in the series, comes off pretty much the same as he did in his own story – he’s a very tough and brutish character, and I’m impressed that Jackie was able to capture that same sense of him as in Megan’s book. Similarly the setting of New Orleans and the overall feel of the book is the same, so I think all the authors have done a great job of keeping that thread of continuity. The suspense plot gets a bit further on, though not everything is revealed yet. But we do get a little more of the big picture, the rivalry between the Ministry and the Deacons coming to a head in this story. I thought the portrayal of the Ministry club, and in particular the president Blade was quite interesting. It’s not quite so black and white as to who are the good guys and who are the bad guys when it comes to dealing with these two motorcycle clubs. Blade came across as a fairly decent guy (for an MC president) and his concern for Alice is what gives her a guilty complex when it comes to dealing with the Deacons again. He was a really compelling character and I don’t mind admitting that I’d like to see him get a spin off book.
Blue and Alice have a pretty complicated history. As teenagers, Blue’s dad and Alice’s mom were involved in an affair that wrecked both families, but resulted in the strong friendship between the two teens despite the screwed up family dynamics. Though Alice had a crush on Blue then, it was not returned and it’s only now, ten years later, that he can see what a beautiful, strong and courageous woman she is. Though Blue wishes she hadn’t made the choice to join the Ministry, he can understand her desire for a family and needing somewhere to belong. As it turns out though, he soon realizes that he wants her all to himself and the scorching chemistry between them, from the first moment they meet again as adults, ensures some hot and steamy scenes as Blue convinces Alice that he’s her only chance at protection. Blue comes across as the definite alpha male here, possessive and somewhat controlling, though he does come to realize that he’s going to have to give Alice the choice eventually of whether she’s going to stay with him or be loyal to Blade and the Ministry. Alice is a strong character too, who has made the choices required to survive. Her attraction to Blue hasn’t disappeared despite his long absence, and it frustrates her to feel that way, as she is also very angry at him for leaving. This makes their sex scenes pretty passionate as those strong emotions overflow into the bedroom. If I had one complaint, it would be that I would have liked to see a bit more tenderness between them. There isn’t a lot of romance, it’s mostly just hot sex and while they feel that sense of rightness together, it doesn’t translate into any sweetness. All in all though, I thought the story flowed well, had some good plot advancement, and gave us a happy ending for Blue and Alice while leaving some open ended questions for the last book in the series. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
The hero of this story is Blue (real name Leon) who has returned from a ten year exile (like his 3 other friends who make up the heroes of the other stories) upon hearing that his mentor, and the man who sent him away in the first place, Priest, is dead. The first two books established that Priest’s death was likely not an accident and the current culprit appears to be the Graveyard Ministry, a rival MC that took over the Deacons’ territory when the club disbanded. Alice, a mechanic whose father worked for the Deacons before his death, was a friend to Blue from when they were teenagers. When he left town without a word, and her father died shortly thereafter, she had no one – except for Blade, President of the Ministry. He took care of her (in a platonic big brother sort of way), made her shop the choice for Ministry repairs, and as a result she has become loyal to their club, complete with a tattoo on her arm declaring that loyalty. With Blue’s return her world is rocked once again. Ajax, newly elected president of the Deacons views her as a traitor for switching allegiances. But now that Blue is back in town, he’s determined to make up for leaving and promises her protection – in return for her temporarily becoming his ‘old lady’ while the club decides what to do with the news that the Ministry was involved in Priest’s death. Alice’s loyalties are torn, with her new club on the one hand and her old one on the other. Complicating that is her attraction to Blue, which she has always felt but he is only now discovering on his end. With loyalty and deceit going hand in hand, will Alice find herself with a new home and a new man, or left out in the cold in a biker turf war?
I really enjoyed this continuation to the series. First off, I have to say that the secondary character of Ajax, whose book is the first in the series, comes off pretty much the same as he did in his own story – he’s a very tough and brutish character, and I’m impressed that Jackie was able to capture that same sense of him as in Megan’s book. Similarly the setting of New Orleans and the overall feel of the book is the same, so I think all the authors have done a great job of keeping that thread of continuity. The suspense plot gets a bit further on, though not everything is revealed yet. But we do get a little more of the big picture, the rivalry between the Ministry and the Deacons coming to a head in this story. I thought the portrayal of the Ministry club, and in particular the president Blade was quite interesting. It’s not quite so black and white as to who are the good guys and who are the bad guys when it comes to dealing with these two motorcycle clubs. Blade came across as a fairly decent guy (for an MC president) and his concern for Alice is what gives her a guilty complex when it comes to dealing with the Deacons again. He was a really compelling character and I don’t mind admitting that I’d like to see him get a spin off book.
Blue and Alice have a pretty complicated history. As teenagers, Blue’s dad and Alice’s mom were involved in an affair that wrecked both families, but resulted in the strong friendship between the two teens despite the screwed up family dynamics. Though Alice had a crush on Blue then, it was not returned and it’s only now, ten years later, that he can see what a beautiful, strong and courageous woman she is. Though Blue wishes she hadn’t made the choice to join the Ministry, he can understand her desire for a family and needing somewhere to belong. As it turns out though, he soon realizes that he wants her all to himself and the scorching chemistry between them, from the first moment they meet again as adults, ensures some hot and steamy scenes as Blue convinces Alice that he’s her only chance at protection. Blue comes across as the definite alpha male here, possessive and somewhat controlling, though he does come to realize that he’s going to have to give Alice the choice eventually of whether she’s going to stay with him or be loyal to Blade and the Ministry. Alice is a strong character too, who has made the choices required to survive. Her attraction to Blue hasn’t disappeared despite his long absence, and it frustrates her to feel that way, as she is also very angry at him for leaving. This makes their sex scenes pretty passionate as those strong emotions overflow into the bedroom. If I had one complaint, it would be that I would have liked to see a bit more tenderness between them. There isn’t a lot of romance, it’s mostly just hot sex and while they feel that sense of rightness together, it doesn’t translate into any sweetness. All in all though, I thought the story flowed well, had some good plot advancement, and gave us a happy ending for Blue and Alice while leaving some open ended questions for the last book in the series. 4 stars.
Resting her head on his stomach, she stroked him, moving her hands in a gentle, absent caress up and down his thighs, feeling the muscles tense and relax.
He was panting, his breathing harsh in the confined space of the shower. “That was good, baby.” His fingers uncurled from her hair, rubbing gently over her scalp. “That was so fucking good.” Those fingers moved lower, down over the back of her neck to curl around it, holding her. Possessive. Territorial. “You’re not doing that for anyone else, ever again. Only me. Understand?”
A dark kind of thrill went through her. One she’d never experienced before. She dug her fingers into the hard muscles of his thighs. “Ever? This is temporary, Leon. Remember that.” Her voice sounded thick, strange.
There was silence. He didn’t like that, it was clear, and whether it was her objection or the fact that he didn’t like the sound of temporary, she didn’t know.
Too bad. What she did know was that his skin was warm and wet against her cheek, and she wanted to turn her head and put her mouth to it, lick the water from him.
“We’ll see,” he said at last. “Now go get me a towel. I want us both dry and in bed in five minutes. I have plans.”
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
October 31, 2017
Blue and Red's story have been the best so far in this series. Really strong characters, depth to both of them. Now on to the last story in this series, written by four different authors.
January 10, 2016
HOLD ME DOWN is an engaging story of old friendships, shared betrayals, split loyalties and new love and continues a wonderful collaboration among four authors. I really love the continuity of the overall arc of the story, even as each book features a distinct and unique character, as well as how the feel of New Orleans remains the same from book to book: the seediness of Bourbon Street, busy streets filled with different kinds of people - from tourists to con artists- and the coarse and rough world of testosterone-filled bikers.
Alice Day has always wanted a place to belong, a family to call her own and for a time she had that with the Deacons, until they abandoned her and she found a new family in their rival MC, the Graveyard Ministry. The Deacons are back after ten years away and Alice is now considered a traitor and only Blue's claim on her as his property protects her from the retribution that would otherwise be aimed at her.
Despite his blue-blooded roots, Blue considers the Deacons his real family and he's back in New Orleans with his club brothers to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of their President, Priest. He can't help remembering the girl who was his best friend but he's not quite prepared for the woman she has become, his attraction to her and the complications her defection to a rival MC create. Bourbon Street is about to heat up and Blue finds himself torn between loyalty to his brothers and the woman who has had a tight grip on his soul for the last ten years.
Blue is my favorite male in the series so far. He was broody, dark and thoroughly alpha but he was also honorable, loyal and always chose to do the right thing without thinking about the cost to him. These qualities made him just the perfect person for Alice to have in her corner, especially as she found herself caught between two MCs.
MC romances by their very nature are crude and I find that keeping that before me helps deal with some of the over the top macho behavior that would ordinarily have me seeing red. And Blue definitely was as macho and high-handed as can be quite a few times, but Alice was every bit as fiery as her red hair suggested and very much his match. I loved their chemistry and their battle for control made for some very interesting reading.
The mystery surrounding Priest's death, which had stalled in the previous book, suddenly picks up steam here and there are revelations that pit MC against MC and it's up to Alice and Blue to calm an already volatile situation.
I have enjoyed this series so far and I know that each book can be read as a stand alone, but the stories of all the Deacons are so intertwined that reading them in order actually helps to understand the characters and what drives them, fill in the blanks about their pasts and get a peek into what they want for the future.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Alice Day has always wanted a place to belong, a family to call her own and for a time she had that with the Deacons, until they abandoned her and she found a new family in their rival MC, the Graveyard Ministry. The Deacons are back after ten years away and Alice is now considered a traitor and only Blue's claim on her as his property protects her from the retribution that would otherwise be aimed at her.
Despite his blue-blooded roots, Blue considers the Deacons his real family and he's back in New Orleans with his club brothers to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of their President, Priest. He can't help remembering the girl who was his best friend but he's not quite prepared for the woman she has become, his attraction to her and the complications her defection to a rival MC create. Bourbon Street is about to heat up and Blue finds himself torn between loyalty to his brothers and the woman who has had a tight grip on his soul for the last ten years.
Blue is my favorite male in the series so far. He was broody, dark and thoroughly alpha but he was also honorable, loyal and always chose to do the right thing without thinking about the cost to him. These qualities made him just the perfect person for Alice to have in her corner, especially as she found herself caught between two MCs.
MC romances by their very nature are crude and I find that keeping that before me helps deal with some of the over the top macho behavior that would ordinarily have me seeing red. And Blue definitely was as macho and high-handed as can be quite a few times, but Alice was every bit as fiery as her red hair suggested and very much his match. I loved their chemistry and their battle for control made for some very interesting reading.
The mystery surrounding Priest's death, which had stalled in the previous book, suddenly picks up steam here and there are revelations that pit MC against MC and it's up to Alice and Blue to calm an already volatile situation.
I have enjoyed this series so far and I know that each book can be read as a stand alone, but the stories of all the Deacons are so intertwined that reading them in order actually helps to understand the characters and what drives them, fill in the blanks about their pasts and get a peek into what they want for the future.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
October 7, 2015
Book three in the Bourbon Street series starts where book two left off. Everyone knows Priest was killed and plans to not only find out who killed him but get revenge. Blue came back like everyone else when Priest was killed and when he see's a beautiful red head he is shocked to find out it is his childhood friend Ally. Seeing her bring feelings to the surface he never had and old memories and pain from leaving her so long ago.
When Ally see's Blue she can't believe he is back after leaving her and taking away one of the only people she had in her life. Seeing him brings back all the anger and also the attraction she always had for him. Anger very quickly turns in to passion but then Blue finds out Ally has a rival MC's tattoo and that she is a part of the very MC who they believe killed Priest.
Feeling betrayed but knowing he has to keep Ally safe Blue gets her to agree to his plan, but Ally has plans of her own. And they include getting everyone to see her MC is innocent. The more time Ally and Blue spend together the more they begin to fall in love but Ally has been hurt by not only Blue but by life and Ally isn't sure who she can trust anymore.
This book yet again takes us on the journey of finding out what really happened to Priest. We get some revelations but there are still many questions left including what all really happened. There was also some questions left unanswered with Ally's past that I really hoped would be answered. I liked Blue though I will say at the beginning of the book I wasn't sure if I would.
Ally is another story she irritated me and I didn't like most of what she did as well as most of her decisions. I think Ally was too quick to judge and selfish when it was all said and done. She was also way to concerned with be tough, I can take care of myself and I don't need anyone when really we all need help now and again no matter how strong or tough we are. I did't hate Ally but especially at the end I don't think she deserved Blue.
I honestly have no clue how this will all end and I am excited to see not only how it all ends but what happens next. Book four is sure to be interesting not only because of who the hero is but because of all we find out in this book. Even though this book hasn't been my favorite I did like it and I liked seeing how this all progresses as well as getting back to this world these authors created. I also really like that this series is a collaboration. One that has worked and put a nice fresh take on the MC world.
*Thank you NetGallery and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for this ARC for my review.
When Ally see's Blue she can't believe he is back after leaving her and taking away one of the only people she had in her life. Seeing him brings back all the anger and also the attraction she always had for him. Anger very quickly turns in to passion but then Blue finds out Ally has a rival MC's tattoo and that she is a part of the very MC who they believe killed Priest.
Feeling betrayed but knowing he has to keep Ally safe Blue gets her to agree to his plan, but Ally has plans of her own. And they include getting everyone to see her MC is innocent. The more time Ally and Blue spend together the more they begin to fall in love but Ally has been hurt by not only Blue but by life and Ally isn't sure who she can trust anymore.
This book yet again takes us on the journey of finding out what really happened to Priest. We get some revelations but there are still many questions left including what all really happened. There was also some questions left unanswered with Ally's past that I really hoped would be answered. I liked Blue though I will say at the beginning of the book I wasn't sure if I would.
Ally is another story she irritated me and I didn't like most of what she did as well as most of her decisions. I think Ally was too quick to judge and selfish when it was all said and done. She was also way to concerned with be tough, I can take care of myself and I don't need anyone when really we all need help now and again no matter how strong or tough we are. I did't hate Ally but especially at the end I don't think she deserved Blue.
I honestly have no clue how this will all end and I am excited to see not only how it all ends but what happens next. Book four is sure to be interesting not only because of who the hero is but because of all we find out in this book. Even though this book hasn't been my favorite I did like it and I liked seeing how this all progresses as well as getting back to this world these authors created. I also really like that this series is a collaboration. One that has worked and put a nice fresh take on the MC world.
*Thank you NetGallery and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for this ARC for my review.
February 23, 2016
Hold me Down centres around Blue from the Deacon's of Bourbon Street MC and his journey to find out the truth behind their Presidents death even if it means getting involved with the enemy.
The first book in this series was a DNF for me but the second one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I was keen to read the third instalment in this series. Thankfully it didn't disappoint.
Blue or Leon Delacroix is a 'blue blood' and has come from a life of privilege, however after finding out the flaws in that life, he left and joined the Deacon's whom he considers his real family. He's rough around the edges and doesn't apologise for it. When he wants something he gets it, even with women. This side of him I found a little confronting at first but once you meet Alice and understand her thoughts and emotions it's not quite as bad as it seems.
Alice Day is the mechanic for the rival outlaw motorcycle club – The Ministry. Her father was the Deacon's mechanic until their exodus from New Orleans 10 years ago and after this occurred, he died. To keep her father's business alive she needed security plus people she considered 'family' around her, and so she joined the Ministry to obtain that. She's been friends with Blue since they were kids, and has had feelings for him since then. When he skipped town she felt the full force of it and has been hurting ever since. Alice is a tough chick, she is able to look after herself and fight for what she believes to be the right thing. She's admirable and is certainly not afraid to take on Blue either, both in and out of the bedroom. She's rough around the edges but she's logical and I liked her from the start.
They have a struggle with their emotions throughout he story and Blue will do what it takes to protect her and vice versa in what is essentially a forbidden romance between members of rival clubs.
This story gets better as it moves along, and the main storyline of finding Priest's killer is always at the forefront.
Once again the author has managed to capture the same essence of each of the characters from the previous stories (each book has a different author) and carry them forward and the writing style was very clear and easy to read.
Overall, another exciting read and I recommend it for those who enjoy an MC read.
4 stars!
Thank you to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley.
The first book in this series was a DNF for me but the second one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I was keen to read the third instalment in this series. Thankfully it didn't disappoint.
Blue or Leon Delacroix is a 'blue blood' and has come from a life of privilege, however after finding out the flaws in that life, he left and joined the Deacon's whom he considers his real family. He's rough around the edges and doesn't apologise for it. When he wants something he gets it, even with women. This side of him I found a little confronting at first but once you meet Alice and understand her thoughts and emotions it's not quite as bad as it seems.
Alice Day is the mechanic for the rival outlaw motorcycle club – The Ministry. Her father was the Deacon's mechanic until their exodus from New Orleans 10 years ago and after this occurred, he died. To keep her father's business alive she needed security plus people she considered 'family' around her, and so she joined the Ministry to obtain that. She's been friends with Blue since they were kids, and has had feelings for him since then. When he skipped town she felt the full force of it and has been hurting ever since. Alice is a tough chick, she is able to look after herself and fight for what she believes to be the right thing. She's admirable and is certainly not afraid to take on Blue either, both in and out of the bedroom. She's rough around the edges but she's logical and I liked her from the start.
They have a struggle with their emotions throughout he story and Blue will do what it takes to protect her and vice versa in what is essentially a forbidden romance between members of rival clubs.
This story gets better as it moves along, and the main storyline of finding Priest's killer is always at the forefront.
Once again the author has managed to capture the same essence of each of the characters from the previous stories (each book has a different author) and carry them forward and the writing style was very clear and easy to read.
Overall, another exciting read and I recommend it for those who enjoy an MC read.
4 stars!
Thank you to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley.
December 24, 2015
Leonidas “Blue” Delacroix has been biding his time until he can return to the Deacons of Bourbon Street. When his time finally comes he can't wait to get settled in with his brothers until... in walks Alice Day. Last he checked Alice was his best friend and confidant who was 100% loyal to the Deacons and him ...now unfortunately he finds that many things have changed during his absence.
Alice Day's life changed when Blue left and her father died. After months of waiting for Blue to return she gives up and does the only thing she could to survive. When Blue returns like a blast from the past Alice is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Can Blue convince Alice that the Deacons MC is where she belongs or will Alice show him the past should be left in the past and her loyalties have changed? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review!
Jackie Ashenden as well as all the other authors involved in this series have done a great job. The great thing about multiple authors writing one series is that it keeps things fresh and interesting. Every book I read in this series somehow surpasses the other and becomes my favorite and this book does not fail to hit that mark!
Blue in all of the other books appears to be the enforcer and one of the most dedicated person to the MC outside of Ajax. What I love about this book is that you get a crystal clear look into his past as well as getting a chance to see the real him now. In this book Blue shows us his tough side as well as his softer more vulnerable side, which should somehow be confusing right?...WRONG! Jackie did a great job showing us all of his layers, peeling back the toughest of his exterior to the softest bluest levels he has all while keeping him macho and ready to die for his MC.
Alice on the other hand may have changed sides but she has not given up the fight. She still fights everyday to stay safe and tries not to cross any lines until Blue makes it impossible to stay impartial. She also gives the reader a softer pinker side but she doesn't make it easy for anyone to see that side.
Overall this book was really good. It made me laugh, gasp in shock by some of the decisions the characters make and cry when the most unlikely of hearts get broken. Very good book, very good series, I highly recommend it!
Alice Day's life changed when Blue left and her father died. After months of waiting for Blue to return she gives up and does the only thing she could to survive. When Blue returns like a blast from the past Alice is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Can Blue convince Alice that the Deacons MC is where she belongs or will Alice show him the past should be left in the past and her loyalties have changed? Read and find out!
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review!
Jackie Ashenden as well as all the other authors involved in this series have done a great job. The great thing about multiple authors writing one series is that it keeps things fresh and interesting. Every book I read in this series somehow surpasses the other and becomes my favorite and this book does not fail to hit that mark!
Blue in all of the other books appears to be the enforcer and one of the most dedicated person to the MC outside of Ajax. What I love about this book is that you get a crystal clear look into his past as well as getting a chance to see the real him now. In this book Blue shows us his tough side as well as his softer more vulnerable side, which should somehow be confusing right?...WRONG! Jackie did a great job showing us all of his layers, peeling back the toughest of his exterior to the softest bluest levels he has all while keeping him macho and ready to die for his MC.
Alice on the other hand may have changed sides but she has not given up the fight. She still fights everyday to stay safe and tries not to cross any lines until Blue makes it impossible to stay impartial. She also gives the reader a softer pinker side but she doesn't make it easy for anyone to see that side.
Overall this book was really good. It made me laugh, gasp in shock by some of the decisions the characters make and cry when the most unlikely of hearts get broken. Very good book, very good series, I highly recommend it!
March 6, 2017
Book number three, asshole number three as well. None of these girls have a backbone or pride. None of these guys have any sense of decency and respect for women. It was disgusting and trashy. These girls were weak, pathetic, doormats with no brain or common sense. These guys are cocky, controlling, abusers. He raped her and she was manipulated into thinking she wanted it. She told him to stop and he kept going telling her she wanted it, that she was just scared of wanting him. Every time she said no he still went further and then had the audacity to say "why are you still here if you don't want this? If you didn't want me you would have up and left already?" WHICH SHE WAS TRYING TO DO, BUT HE HELD HER DOWN, STUCK HIS FINGERS IN HER, AND TOLD HER HE KNOWS SHE WANTS IT!!!!! Are you fucking kidding me???!!!
These piece of shit stories get worse and worse with each one in the series. He forced her into sex, he forced her into the situation of pretending they're together, he forced her to bend to his will. These jerks treat women like actual property instead of people. They talk to these women like they're club sluts, groupies, whores whatever they call them. They are treated no different than the girls who sleep around with anyone and everyone. How are they supposed to feel wanted or special to them? How are they supposed to know that they're different from other girls when the affection they get is being told to get down on their knees and get him off? Each of these authors from this series has been put on my shit list I'm not even bothering to censor my language in these reviews anymore because I simply don't care about etiquette since they obviously have no code of conduct when writing characters we can respect, love, and cheer for.
I'm not expecting a gentle Prince Charming who likes sending roses just because he wants to put a smile on her face but I'm certainly not expecting a wild, feral, animal mounting a female they claim as theirs whether she likes it or not to assert his dominance and ownership. Because that's what they are. Their behavior is that of animals, dogs if you must, and I'm NOT into bestiality. One more piece of shit book to go and I'll regain my sanity and patience.
These piece of shit stories get worse and worse with each one in the series. He forced her into sex, he forced her into the situation of pretending they're together, he forced her to bend to his will. These jerks treat women like actual property instead of people. They talk to these women like they're club sluts, groupies, whores whatever they call them. They are treated no different than the girls who sleep around with anyone and everyone. How are they supposed to feel wanted or special to them? How are they supposed to know that they're different from other girls when the affection they get is being told to get down on their knees and get him off? Each of these authors from this series has been put on my shit list I'm not even bothering to censor my language in these reviews anymore because I simply don't care about etiquette since they obviously have no code of conduct when writing characters we can respect, love, and cheer for.
I'm not expecting a gentle Prince Charming who likes sending roses just because he wants to put a smile on her face but I'm certainly not expecting a wild, feral, animal mounting a female they claim as theirs whether she likes it or not to assert his dominance and ownership. Because that's what they are. Their behavior is that of animals, dogs if you must, and I'm NOT into bestiality. One more piece of shit book to go and I'll regain my sanity and patience.
February 1, 2016
Loved, Loved, Loved this book!
What happens to you when everything you have known and loved changes? You do whatever is needed to survive, and that is exactly what Alice did after Leon left, her father died, and she had a devastating life altering consequence from one drunken night.
While The Deacons believe Alice is a traitor Blue knows better, he knows that Ally did what needed to be done to keep herself safe, and now it is up to him to protect her and win her back after being gone for ten years.
The Deacons President was killed - there is no doubt in Ajax's mind that it was a hit from their rivals the Graveyard Ministry MC and with Ally being a Ministry now what does that mean for her?
While Ajax is wanting to wage a war with the Ministry Blue convinces him to wait a bit until they can get more proof. This was an amazing read and the ride that Jackie Ashenden takes you on is one heck of a rollercoaster ride, you just didn't know what was going to happen next, and I loved it!
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
What happens to you when everything you have known and loved changes? You do whatever is needed to survive, and that is exactly what Alice did after Leon left, her father died, and she had a devastating life altering consequence from one drunken night.
While The Deacons believe Alice is a traitor Blue knows better, he knows that Ally did what needed to be done to keep herself safe, and now it is up to him to protect her and win her back after being gone for ten years.
The Deacons President was killed - there is no doubt in Ajax's mind that it was a hit from their rivals the Graveyard Ministry MC and with Ally being a Ministry now what does that mean for her?
While Ajax is wanting to wage a war with the Ministry Blue convinces him to wait a bit until they can get more proof. This was an amazing read and the ride that Jackie Ashenden takes you on is one heck of a rollercoaster ride, you just didn't know what was going to happen next, and I loved it!
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
December 13, 2016
This might be my favorite book in the series, I really loved Blue!
Along with the other 3 brothers from the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC, Blue was banished from New Orleans by his president, Priest, 10 years ago after a run went terribly wrong. Now Priest is dead and the brothers have been called back to his funeral and to avenge his death which they now believe was murder. Ajax, from book 1, is the new president and Blue is his VP. Leon “Blue” Delacroix left his rich family behind years ago when he joined the MC after his father ruined his dreams of ever having a loving family. In the 10 years since Blue has been gone he’s not slept with a single woman because his heart belongs with Alice “Red” Day. Alice and Blue have been friends since childhood and in their later years that turned into more. Alice was destroyed when Blue left without a backwards glance and shortly later her father passes away leaving her alone. With no other choice Alice makes the difficult decision to join the Ministry, the Deacons rival MC. The Deacons see her as a traitor but Blue doesn’t care, he wants her back anyway. With the belief that the Ministry was the one to kill Priest Ajax and the other brothers are really putting pressure on Blue to leave Alice be but he can’t.
I think my favorite aspect of this book was the fact that Blue stayed celibate the entire time he was gone because he only wanted Alice. I also really love that Alice is a rough-and-tumble type of girl, my favorite type of heroine. All in all a great book and I look forward to wrapping up this series in the next one!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Along with the other 3 brothers from the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC, Blue was banished from New Orleans by his president, Priest, 10 years ago after a run went terribly wrong. Now Priest is dead and the brothers have been called back to his funeral and to avenge his death which they now believe was murder. Ajax, from book 1, is the new president and Blue is his VP. Leon “Blue” Delacroix left his rich family behind years ago when he joined the MC after his father ruined his dreams of ever having a loving family. In the 10 years since Blue has been gone he’s not slept with a single woman because his heart belongs with Alice “Red” Day. Alice and Blue have been friends since childhood and in their later years that turned into more. Alice was destroyed when Blue left without a backwards glance and shortly later her father passes away leaving her alone. With no other choice Alice makes the difficult decision to join the Ministry, the Deacons rival MC. The Deacons see her as a traitor but Blue doesn’t care, he wants her back anyway. With the belief that the Ministry was the one to kill Priest Ajax and the other brothers are really putting pressure on Blue to leave Alice be but he can’t.
I think my favorite aspect of this book was the fact that Blue stayed celibate the entire time he was gone because he only wanted Alice. I also really love that Alice is a rough-and-tumble type of girl, my favorite type of heroine. All in all a great book and I look forward to wrapping up this series in the next one!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 21, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love MC romances. I think a lot of people do. However, these MC romances have suddenly become such a huge fad that almost every book released each week is an MC romance. It's a good thing because for someone who loves these books, it means that you have a lot of choices. The bad thing is that a lot of these MC books aren't really as good as the reader deserves. I've been burned by a lot of supposedly MC books that didn't give the authentic MC feel.
I checked out this series because I was interested in the fact that it was written by different authors. I wanted to see which author would be able to maintain the momentum and keep the characters consistent. In that regard, I think the authors did a pretty good job. While each book is of a different couple, the main story arc is continues from the first book, so I don't suggest reading this as a standalone. It's a lot better if you started it from the beginning, so you can appreciate the journey of the Deacons from the death of their president to them trying to find out exactly what happened and who did it.
I liked this installment. I have always liked Jackie Ashenden's books, so I guess that's why I also enjoyed this book. I can't say this is one of my favorites of hers, but it is still a solid read that entertained me. I think I will continue on with the series because I am invested enough to see the story through its end.
I love MC romances. I think a lot of people do. However, these MC romances have suddenly become such a huge fad that almost every book released each week is an MC romance. It's a good thing because for someone who loves these books, it means that you have a lot of choices. The bad thing is that a lot of these MC books aren't really as good as the reader deserves. I've been burned by a lot of supposedly MC books that didn't give the authentic MC feel.
I checked out this series because I was interested in the fact that it was written by different authors. I wanted to see which author would be able to maintain the momentum and keep the characters consistent. In that regard, I think the authors did a pretty good job. While each book is of a different couple, the main story arc is continues from the first book, so I don't suggest reading this as a standalone. It's a lot better if you started it from the beginning, so you can appreciate the journey of the Deacons from the death of their president to them trying to find out exactly what happened and who did it.
I liked this installment. I have always liked Jackie Ashenden's books, so I guess that's why I also enjoyed this book. I can't say this is one of my favorites of hers, but it is still a solid read that entertained me. I think I will continue on with the series because I am invested enough to see the story through its end.
January 18, 2016
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 1/2 stars.
I have loved the Deacons of Bourbon Street series so far. I had no idea that the authors were going to be different going into this new series. The first book was written so eloquently I was just wow'd. The second one a bit less so and this one even less. While I enjoyed Blue & Red's story line I found myself easily distracted, which did not happen with book one. That being said I'm still invested in this story line and these characters.
Blue is back after a 10 year long hiatus from his MC club after a run gone horribly wrong. The Deacons are reconvening back in the Quarter to find out who killed their President.
Alice was a Deacon through & through, until all hell broke loose and the Deacons abandoned her and the Quarter. She defects to rival club, The Ministry. But when she hears the Deacons are back in town for good, Alice decides to check things out. Needing to see for herself if her old best friend, Leon aka Blue, is back for real she makes a stop at the Priory which is the old Deacons hangout. Blue & Red may have been best friends 10 years ago but sparks fly now! Problem is, she's with the Ministry MC now with the tattoo to prove it. Club loyalties are pushed to the limits while Blue & Red try to do the right thing for their clubs and their hearts. The ending was somewhat rushed and predictable but I was thankful for the closure. I will read the next because, again, it's a different author.
3 1/2 stars.
I have loved the Deacons of Bourbon Street series so far. I had no idea that the authors were going to be different going into this new series. The first book was written so eloquently I was just wow'd. The second one a bit less so and this one even less. While I enjoyed Blue & Red's story line I found myself easily distracted, which did not happen with book one. That being said I'm still invested in this story line and these characters.
Blue is back after a 10 year long hiatus from his MC club after a run gone horribly wrong. The Deacons are reconvening back in the Quarter to find out who killed their President.
Alice was a Deacon through & through, until all hell broke loose and the Deacons abandoned her and the Quarter. She defects to rival club, The Ministry. But when she hears the Deacons are back in town for good, Alice decides to check things out. Needing to see for herself if her old best friend, Leon aka Blue, is back for real she makes a stop at the Priory which is the old Deacons hangout. Blue & Red may have been best friends 10 years ago but sparks fly now! Problem is, she's with the Ministry MC now with the tattoo to prove it. Club loyalties are pushed to the limits while Blue & Red try to do the right thing for their clubs and their hearts. The ending was somewhat rushed and predictable but I was thankful for the closure. I will read the next because, again, it's a different author.
January 14, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Hold Me Down is the third installment of the Deacon's of Bourbon Street. This one is written by a "new to me" author. The first two I loved, completely invested in the stories, this one left me not caring as much. It had the same grittiness about it as the others but overall the feeling was much different. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the basic story line but I found myself skimming and skipping on this one.
After ten years Blue returns to the Deacon's. When he does he finds an old friend that was once with the Deacon's is now with their rivals, the Ministry. Blue's furious Alice has joined with the rivals, Alice is mad that the Deacon's left her, what was she supposed to do. The chemistry between the two ignite.
The ending seemed to be very rushed. Some questions were answered, others were left open on purpose I'm sure for the conclusion of the series. I'd like to see where it goes given my investment into the Deacon's.
Hold Me Down is the third installment of the Deacon's of Bourbon Street. This one is written by a "new to me" author. The first two I loved, completely invested in the stories, this one left me not caring as much. It had the same grittiness about it as the others but overall the feeling was much different. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the basic story line but I found myself skimming and skipping on this one.
After ten years Blue returns to the Deacon's. When he does he finds an old friend that was once with the Deacon's is now with their rivals, the Ministry. Blue's furious Alice has joined with the rivals, Alice is mad that the Deacon's left her, what was she supposed to do. The chemistry between the two ignite.
The ending seemed to be very rushed. Some questions were answered, others were left open on purpose I'm sure for the conclusion of the series. I'd like to see where it goes given my investment into the Deacon's.
December 8, 2015
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I just love this series, with each book it gets better and better!
In Hold Me Down we get to read about Red and Blue or Alice and Leon depends on the mood of the characters :)
10 years ago Blue had to leave New Orleans, he left his entire life behind, including his best friend Alice, now he's back and his friend Alice is no longer a 16 year old girl, but a grown up woman that has awakened a strong passion in him, she challenges him and he loves it, they are both trying to heal from the past, she is trying to let go of her anger and resentment towards Blue but she is having some problems with that.
The chemistry between Blue and Red was amazing and very very hot, it was a kind of best friends to lovers story but with anger mixed in there for good measure and to make things more interesting.
The mystery that has been progressing throughout the books is slowly been discovered and I for one I'm eager to know what really happened.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
I just love this series, with each book it gets better and better!
In Hold Me Down we get to read about Red and Blue or Alice and Leon depends on the mood of the characters :)
10 years ago Blue had to leave New Orleans, he left his entire life behind, including his best friend Alice, now he's back and his friend Alice is no longer a 16 year old girl, but a grown up woman that has awakened a strong passion in him, she challenges him and he loves it, they are both trying to heal from the past, she is trying to let go of her anger and resentment towards Blue but she is having some problems with that.
The chemistry between Blue and Red was amazing and very very hot, it was a kind of best friends to lovers story but with anger mixed in there for good measure and to make things more interesting.
The mystery that has been progressing throughout the books is slowly been discovered and I for one I'm eager to know what really happened.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
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