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Spirit
When Matthew Logan offers a homeless young woman a bed for a few nights, he expects the girl to eat, sleep, recover from the flu, and then move on. Instead, in no time at all eighteen-year-old Beth Harte has captured his affections completely. Though Matt wants only to protect her and has no intention of sleeping with her, Beth has other ideas, and she proves to be very persuasive.But after Beth is attacked by a friend of Matt’s and subsequently learns for the first time that Matt is an experienced dominant, she is unable to separate the man she is growing to care about from her hateful memories of previous exploitation. Confused and frightened, she runs away.Almost six years pass before Matt sees Beth again, and in that time his vulnerable little waif has reinvented herself as an artist. Now she has a stunning proposition for him and his environmental engineering to collaborate on a project fusing art and science to promote one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. But when Matt demands to know what went wrong before, she tells him the truth, both about her childhood and about his friend’s actions.Matt is determined to make Beth’s abusers pay for their crimes, but he’s also not about to let her run away from him again. Can Beth bring herself to trust Matt despite her fears and give him the chance to love her and show her the pleasures of being his submissive, or will the wounds of her past keep her from trusting anyone ever again?Publisher’s Spirit is an erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, anal play, BDSM content, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2015
18 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Ashe Barker
142 books807 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 9, 2015
I read Spirit without reading the blurb at all so I had no idea what I was going to be experiencing here. Once I finished and checked the blurb, and compared it to my mental notes I got it. Actually, I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb first. All those little angle mentioned I would have been waiting for to happen and that mental checklist would have detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
There’s a real nice build up to the story. For me it started out very emotional as Beth is struggling to survive living ‘rough’. Her first encounter with Matt was quite the scary YIKES! but quickly settled into not a creeper. I found him very sweet, quite the gentleman with a hint of steely strength. Beth I found to be innocent and not quite impulsive for dumb reasons but more for survival. Jump forward six years later, and she still has a hint of that innocence and impulsive actions but not tied so much to fear this time around. This new Beth I enjoyed much better although I found Matt to be much the same. Their interactions and building of relationship is what really had me excited. There was this honest feel to it, a general interest in each other that had nothing to do with between the sheets although when they finally got ‘there’, oh yes! Sweet, sweet hotness!
Having devoured quite a few of Ashe Barker’s books, I almost feel Spirit is a bit of a departure from her normal books. It’s not that it is lacking anything, instead I feel it has a bit of an element that I find a bit more enticing. There’s a gentleness to this story, a building of a relationship that I fell in love with. Not to say her other books don’t build a relationships, but the other titles feel like the story revolves around BDSM, which is usually front and center. Instead, in Spirit, the BDSM is taking a back seat to the story itself. Also, the BDSM is less GRRR! and more playful. Matt is less of a uber Dom and shows more of a caring side. Equally, I felt Beth was less subservient in her submission. I liked it…they felt more like couple than a power play.
Of all titles by Ms. Barker, this would be the title I would recommend as a first read. It makes a great introduction to her works. Definitely a book for anyone who wants to read BDSM without it over-running the story. I give Spirit two thumbs up.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 5, Flames - 4
There’s a real nice build up to the story. For me it started out very emotional as Beth is struggling to survive living ‘rough’. Her first encounter with Matt was quite the scary YIKES! but quickly settled into not a creeper. I found him very sweet, quite the gentleman with a hint of steely strength. Beth I found to be innocent and not quite impulsive for dumb reasons but more for survival. Jump forward six years later, and she still has a hint of that innocence and impulsive actions but not tied so much to fear this time around. This new Beth I enjoyed much better although I found Matt to be much the same. Their interactions and building of relationship is what really had me excited. There was this honest feel to it, a general interest in each other that had nothing to do with between the sheets although when they finally got ‘there’, oh yes! Sweet, sweet hotness!
Having devoured quite a few of Ashe Barker’s books, I almost feel Spirit is a bit of a departure from her normal books. It’s not that it is lacking anything, instead I feel it has a bit of an element that I find a bit more enticing. There’s a gentleness to this story, a building of a relationship that I fell in love with. Not to say her other books don’t build a relationships, but the other titles feel like the story revolves around BDSM, which is usually front and center. Instead, in Spirit, the BDSM is taking a back seat to the story itself. Also, the BDSM is less GRRR! and more playful. Matt is less of a uber Dom and shows more of a caring side. Equally, I felt Beth was less subservient in her submission. I liked it…they felt more like couple than a power play.
Of all titles by Ms. Barker, this would be the title I would recommend as a first read. It makes a great introduction to her works. Definitely a book for anyone who wants to read BDSM without it over-running the story. I give Spirit two thumbs up.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 5, Flames - 4
August 13, 2015
The thing about M's. barkers books is that there is always an underlying premise behind the story. Yes they are sexy, lusty and full of interesting characters that you get to know. I feel as though I could call on any one of them for coffee and have a conversation without missing a beat. They are people who have careers and are making their lives in this world. It is as if she takes two and puts a spot light on them for a brief moment in time. This story is a snippet of two people who happen upon each other and what happens to them. Well written and full o characters with heart and backbone.
July 4, 2017
Beth Harte has been on the street, sleeping rough, for more than a year. She knows her way around Leeds—the trash heaps where she can scavenge, the corners and alleys where she can crash, the over-crowded shelters where she can find a cup of watery soup or maybe even a roof for a night. It’s a difficult life, but Beth is a survivor. On a frigid night in December, though, her luck seems to be running out. Burning up with fever, unable to breathe from near pneumonia, desperate for a bit of warmth, she risks sneaking into an office building car park and is caught by one of the building’s tenants.
Affluent executive Matt Logan is annoyed when he catches sight of the filthy vagrant crouching against the wall, but his irritation turns to sympathy when the skinny girl collapses in his arms. He takes her home, calls a doctor friend, feeds her and nurses her back to health. Beth starts out being suspicious of his kindness, but soon her emotions shift, first toward trust, then toward strong attraction.
Thinking her far too young for a man of his age and vices, Matt tries to resist Beth’s advances, but it doesn’t take her long to overcome his scruples. Sparks fly as Matt teaches Beth about pleasure—and learns a few things himself. As the year spins to an end, they become increasingly close. Then a traumatic event shakes Beth’s trust. Disturbed, frightened and disgusted, she runs away from the man she believes has deceived her.
When they meet again, eight years later, Beth has fought her way to independence and self-sufficiency. She knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go after her dreams. She’s no longer the innocent eighteen year old whom Matt rescued from the streets. Neither she nor Matt is sure they can recapture the magic of their past relationship—or whether she’s ready to take the next step, into his secret world of dominance and submission.
I bought this book after reading the first few pages, an incredibly vivid and moving description of Beth’s experience as a homeless woman. This isn’t typical romance material. It’s dark, gritty, painful, a bit terrifying, and absolutely gripping. Ms. Barker captures the details that make it all real: Beth’s care in hiding the cardboard sheets and bubble pack she uses to keep warm, the way she wears multiple pairs of socks, her embarrassment at her own rank smell.
The first section of the novel is totally believable. In particular, I really appreciated the way the author managed the sex scenes. Beth isn’t a virgin, but at eighteen her experience is limited. With Matt, she’s learning all the time, exploring her sexuality, trying new things—first time “doggy style”, first time being on top, first oral sex and so on. She’s eager, no doubt overflowing with hormones, but realistically uncertain. I’m so tired of erotic romance featuring virgin heroines who after their first experience with the hero turn into lust, self-confident sluts.
The incident that drives Beth from Matt’s home is also handled really well. It dovetails nicely with the information we get later in the book, explaining how Beth ended up homeless in the first place. Furthermore, it reveals a lot about Beth’s character, both her strengths and her frailties.
Matt’s and Beth’s reunion later steps a bit more into fantasy territory, but Ms. Barker keeps the story grounded with telling details, for instance the fact that Beth still uses the rucksack she was carrying the night Matt rescued her. I rather expected a bit more conflict—greater difficulty in their regaining their mutual trust. They fall back into their relationship a little too easily for my tastes.
On the other hand, that gives the author more opportunity to bring the two of them together in her glorious sex scenes. And glorious they are—intense, creative, varied, full of emotional nuance as well as physical sensation. Beth turns out to be an enthusiastic submissive, at least when Matt is the Dom. And Matt manages to be delightfully stern while still considerate and respectful. Anyone who has the mistaken notion that BDSM involves some sort of abuse should read this book.
Indeed, this novel deliberately contrasts consensual kink and abuse. Furthermore, the abusers get exactly what they deserve. The ending of this novel ties up every loose end in a happy bow. I actually would have preferred a bit more ambiguity, at least a hint of shadow. Readers who thrive on HEAs, though, will be thoroughly satisfied.
Overall, I loved this novel. Considering the writing, the characters, and of course the erotic encounters, it’s among the best erotic romance I’ve read in the past year.
Affluent executive Matt Logan is annoyed when he catches sight of the filthy vagrant crouching against the wall, but his irritation turns to sympathy when the skinny girl collapses in his arms. He takes her home, calls a doctor friend, feeds her and nurses her back to health. Beth starts out being suspicious of his kindness, but soon her emotions shift, first toward trust, then toward strong attraction.
Thinking her far too young for a man of his age and vices, Matt tries to resist Beth’s advances, but it doesn’t take her long to overcome his scruples. Sparks fly as Matt teaches Beth about pleasure—and learns a few things himself. As the year spins to an end, they become increasingly close. Then a traumatic event shakes Beth’s trust. Disturbed, frightened and disgusted, she runs away from the man she believes has deceived her.
When they meet again, eight years later, Beth has fought her way to independence and self-sufficiency. She knows what she wants, and is not afraid to go after her dreams. She’s no longer the innocent eighteen year old whom Matt rescued from the streets. Neither she nor Matt is sure they can recapture the magic of their past relationship—or whether she’s ready to take the next step, into his secret world of dominance and submission.
I bought this book after reading the first few pages, an incredibly vivid and moving description of Beth’s experience as a homeless woman. This isn’t typical romance material. It’s dark, gritty, painful, a bit terrifying, and absolutely gripping. Ms. Barker captures the details that make it all real: Beth’s care in hiding the cardboard sheets and bubble pack she uses to keep warm, the way she wears multiple pairs of socks, her embarrassment at her own rank smell.
The first section of the novel is totally believable. In particular, I really appreciated the way the author managed the sex scenes. Beth isn’t a virgin, but at eighteen her experience is limited. With Matt, she’s learning all the time, exploring her sexuality, trying new things—first time “doggy style”, first time being on top, first oral sex and so on. She’s eager, no doubt overflowing with hormones, but realistically uncertain. I’m so tired of erotic romance featuring virgin heroines who after their first experience with the hero turn into lust, self-confident sluts.
The incident that drives Beth from Matt’s home is also handled really well. It dovetails nicely with the information we get later in the book, explaining how Beth ended up homeless in the first place. Furthermore, it reveals a lot about Beth’s character, both her strengths and her frailties.
Matt’s and Beth’s reunion later steps a bit more into fantasy territory, but Ms. Barker keeps the story grounded with telling details, for instance the fact that Beth still uses the rucksack she was carrying the night Matt rescued her. I rather expected a bit more conflict—greater difficulty in their regaining their mutual trust. They fall back into their relationship a little too easily for my tastes.
On the other hand, that gives the author more opportunity to bring the two of them together in her glorious sex scenes. And glorious they are—intense, creative, varied, full of emotional nuance as well as physical sensation. Beth turns out to be an enthusiastic submissive, at least when Matt is the Dom. And Matt manages to be delightfully stern while still considerate and respectful. Anyone who has the mistaken notion that BDSM involves some sort of abuse should read this book.
Indeed, this novel deliberately contrasts consensual kink and abuse. Furthermore, the abusers get exactly what they deserve. The ending of this novel ties up every loose end in a happy bow. I actually would have preferred a bit more ambiguity, at least a hint of shadow. Readers who thrive on HEAs, though, will be thoroughly satisfied.
Overall, I loved this novel. Considering the writing, the characters, and of course the erotic encounters, it’s among the best erotic romance I’ve read in the past year.
April 8, 2015
So many things to like
This story is of a young, barely legal, woman, Beth, who sleeps 'rough'.(is homeless...sleeps wherever) due to a pervert and her mum's choices. She is very ill when she tries to sleep in the garage car park in December. She is caught by Matthew Logan who works in the building. Matt takes her home because she is so ill and gets her medical care.
When she is better, Matt offers her to stay.
A relationship begins when thing go awry again, and off Beth runs.
Some years later, she runs into Matt and ultimately the is a HEA ending.
I like the spunk of Beth but also the inexperience and innocence. I also love the caring and careful way Matt deals with Beth.
In the end, after re-acquainting again, and Clearing the air, Matt says NO on her big project but later joins forces.
Not too much description to bore but enough to show the people and events.
I like that the rhythm of the story was even. Not too much or too little.
For those looking for something BDSM heavy, you won't find it here and It would be important to Not be too aggressive. Enjoyed the book. Not a long read but really a perfect length.
I recommend this story if you are looking for, the results of abuse to young girls, street life for young girls. Good sex but not the focal point and just an element of Dom. Lots of gentleness.
I just think that the things they do and enjoy in the bedroom, is about where most people are.
Read. I did it in one sitting at 11pm. At night. Going to take a nap now.
This story is of a young, barely legal, woman, Beth, who sleeps 'rough'.(is homeless...sleeps wherever) due to a pervert and her mum's choices. She is very ill when she tries to sleep in the garage car park in December. She is caught by Matthew Logan who works in the building. Matt takes her home because she is so ill and gets her medical care.
When she is better, Matt offers her to stay.
A relationship begins when thing go awry again, and off Beth runs.
Some years later, she runs into Matt and ultimately the is a HEA ending.
I like the spunk of Beth but also the inexperience and innocence. I also love the caring and careful way Matt deals with Beth.
In the end, after re-acquainting again, and Clearing the air, Matt says NO on her big project but later joins forces.
Not too much description to bore but enough to show the people and events.
I like that the rhythm of the story was even. Not too much or too little.
For those looking for something BDSM heavy, you won't find it here and It would be important to Not be too aggressive. Enjoyed the book. Not a long read but really a perfect length.
I recommend this story if you are looking for, the results of abuse to young girls, street life for young girls. Good sex but not the focal point and just an element of Dom. Lots of gentleness.
I just think that the things they do and enjoy in the bedroom, is about where most people are.
Read. I did it in one sitting at 11pm. At night. Going to take a nap now.
April 6, 2015
I loved this book from beginning to end! A very well written contemporary romance with a well defined plot kept me turning the pages! The romance that blooms between Matthew and Beth is so hot and their chemistry is fantastic. My heart hurt for Beth at the beginning of the book but it became obvious the young woman had an indomitable spirit and strength. Matthew is a very compassionate, strong man who proves to be much more than he appears at the beginning of the book. Fantastic! I received the book from Stormy Night Publications as an Advanced Reader Copy.
April 25, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was fantastic with scenes that make you really think about other things in life. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Stormy Night Publications.
August 30, 2021
Good but could have been better
Beth is 18, homeless and sick. Matt finds her sneaking into the parking garage and takes her home to get better. He gets her a doctor and medicine and lets her use his extra bedroom. No strings. Once she's better she pushes for sex and they start sleeping together. Vanilla only and he doesn't tell her he's a Dom.
To avoid spoilers, I'm going to be vague about the details but the following contains some spoilers. His friend does something to upset her and she realizes Matt is a Dom. She panics and leaves. Fast forward six years and they see each other again. I had several issues with the story.
1. When she leaves her reasons seem valid. Six years later they suddenly aren't. It's mentioned that he should have realized something happened because of items in his apartment but that isn't explained. I didn't like the fact that it becomes entirely her fault that she left. He should have told her he was a Dom even if he didn't want that from her and realized his friend had done something wrong especially after that text.
2. During the six years she accumulated a ton of student loans but she's not paying payments. Why isn't that a concern for her?
3. The story is based in England and uses a lot of that terminology to the point that some things are a little confusing.
4. The ending feels abrupt. I think their future should have been laid out especially since several things were in the air.
5. Some details are wrong and need a proof read. For example, he gets up from his desk and walks over to her. They talk. Then he gets up from his desk and walks over to her again.
I really wanted to love this story and characters but too many details kept that from happening. It's good but could have been so much better.
Beth is 18, homeless and sick. Matt finds her sneaking into the parking garage and takes her home to get better. He gets her a doctor and medicine and lets her use his extra bedroom. No strings. Once she's better she pushes for sex and they start sleeping together. Vanilla only and he doesn't tell her he's a Dom.
To avoid spoilers, I'm going to be vague about the details but the following contains some spoilers. His friend does something to upset her and she realizes Matt is a Dom. She panics and leaves. Fast forward six years and they see each other again. I had several issues with the story.
1. When she leaves her reasons seem valid. Six years later they suddenly aren't. It's mentioned that he should have realized something happened because of items in his apartment but that isn't explained. I didn't like the fact that it becomes entirely her fault that she left. He should have told her he was a Dom even if he didn't want that from her and realized his friend had done something wrong especially after that text.
2. During the six years she accumulated a ton of student loans but she's not paying payments. Why isn't that a concern for her?
3. The story is based in England and uses a lot of that terminology to the point that some things are a little confusing.
4. The ending feels abrupt. I think their future should have been laid out especially since several things were in the air.
5. Some details are wrong and need a proof read. For example, he gets up from his desk and walks over to her. They talk. Then he gets up from his desk and walks over to her again.
I really wanted to love this story and characters but too many details kept that from happening. It's good but could have been so much better.
March 28, 2021
A story about hope and determination
Wonderful story about a very young girl in desperate circumstances saved by a man willing to help. She leads the developing relationship and he give her hope and shows her the way forward. Their happily ever after is delayed but they find each other eventually. Love the story.
Wonderful story about a very young girl in desperate circumstances saved by a man willing to help. She leads the developing relationship and he give her hope and shows her the way forward. Their happily ever after is delayed but they find each other eventually. Love the story.
October 24, 2017
Good
This was a good read. Good back story for Beth. I would've liked to know more about Matt, had some of the story told from his POV. I was engaged through the whole book but a bit disappointed with the ending. All this said, I still enjoyed the story and would recommend.
This was a good read. Good back story for Beth. I would've liked to know more about Matt, had some of the story told from his POV. I was engaged through the whole book but a bit disappointed with the ending. All this said, I still enjoyed the story and would recommend.
February 25, 2018
Sorry this had a good idea, that got lost along the way! He saves her then she disapears for 6 years. Even the ending was blah.
April 23, 2019
I loved the story. I wish I could see the art work. It sounds so lovely.
April 9, 2017
Great character development and good drama as well as sex. I enjoyed reading this story and the journey the female protagonist took. Loved the bit of kink involved, was not overwhelming. I've read several books by Ashe and liked them all so far.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews