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#dirtysexygeeks #2
Down To Ash
She's his best friend's baby sister, and he's too broken to deserve her.
Victor Yang spent six years in the Army as a bomb tech, and when he came back from war, he was half out of his mind and completely dangerous to anyone who got too close to him. His friend saved his life, and now he's repaying that debt in the worst way possible.
He shouldn't fantasize about Ashley's touch, her taste. Definitely shouldn't act on those urges. But he doesn't half-ass mistakes. One explosive night later, he's learned how sweet her forbidden fruit tastes, and is coming back for seconds. And if his friend finds out Victor knows exactly how Ash's skin feels beneath his tongue, his best friend will kill him.
Victor Yang spent six years in the Army as a bomb tech, and when he came back from war, he was half out of his mind and completely dangerous to anyone who got too close to him. His friend saved his life, and now he's repaying that debt in the worst way possible.
He shouldn't fantasize about Ashley's touch, her taste. Definitely shouldn't act on those urges. But he doesn't half-ass mistakes. One explosive night later, he's learned how sweet her forbidden fruit tastes, and is coming back for seconds. And if his friend finds out Victor knows exactly how Ash's skin feels beneath his tongue, his best friend will kill him.
172 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2016
51 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Blue
56 books443 followersMelissa Blue's writing career started on a typewriter one month after her son was born. This would have been an idyllic situation for a writer if it had been 1985, not 2004. Eventually she upgraded to a computer. She's still typing away on the same computer, making imaginary people fall in love.
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Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorOfSMR
Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/MelissaBlue
Pinterest: pinterest.com/melblu
*You can sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases and deals here: http://eepurl.com/n0RR1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 21, 2022
The concept of this story was truly a good one….Porter & Vic were best friends for over 20 years since elementary school and being in love with his sister since his early teens….I’m not sure if it was the narration or the story (perhaps both, boring narration and a underdeveloped story)…the love between Vic & Ash wasn’t believable to me…I kept wishing for this story to be over…in a word…Boring. The narrator basically read the story without inflection and at times it was hard to determine which character was talking.
March 23, 2017
Apparently, the violation of the so-called sacred brotherhood code is a big thing I never knew about, like the equivalent of the desecration of some religious rite which would incite extreme reactions from everyone all around.
Being a fan of the first book, I wish I could say I liked this book more, given its take on the best friend's brother trope. My main quibble lay with the main characters themselves, whose self-indulgent and selfish ways were off-putting - particularly Ashley's thoughtless and frivolous pattern of behaviour, always playing the victim somehow - but also inexplicable in their overwhelming idiocy that they display when it comes to the brotherhood code. Ultimately, this made the sudden revelation (and declaration) of love and the marriage proposal even more ridiculous by the end.
Being a fan of the first book, I wish I could say I liked this book more, given its take on the best friend's brother trope. My main quibble lay with the main characters themselves, whose self-indulgent and selfish ways were off-putting - particularly Ashley's thoughtless and frivolous pattern of behaviour, always playing the victim somehow - but also inexplicable in their overwhelming idiocy that they display when it comes to the brotherhood code. Ultimately, this made the sudden revelation (and declaration) of love and the marriage proposal even more ridiculous by the end.
April 3, 2016
4,5 stars
First off, I loved the Gamer Truths at the beginning of every chapter.
Ash is bubbly, brazen and a straight-shooter. She lives her live by her own rules, save for the one her brother put in place: she's not to date his friends.
Vic is a veteran suffering from PTSD, a bomb expert turned IT tech. He's a bit dark and grouchy and in love with his best friend's sister. Sadly he is unable to act on it because of her brother's rule: he is not to date his little sister.
In a way I understood Porter's insistence on the no-dating-between-friends-and-family rule but it also annoyed me a bit. It was the driving force for the angst and conflict in the romance but at the same time I just wanted Vic and Ash to be together as they were so good together.
Also there's a scene where Porter in my eyes goes one step too far and really hurts Ashley emotionally. I didn't like that but the grovel was sublime so I forgave him. And a lot sooner than Ash did ;)
Victor also had some groveling to do and I must confess his grovelingn was brilliant. It might have been some of the best groveling I've ever read.
The Goon Squad was back fullforce in this second book of the #dirtysexygeeks series. I really enjoyed the scenes where they got together and the brotherly banter flew around. I'm still firmly in the Wade camp as my fascination with him from book 1 just grew stronger in this one.
In conclusion: This second installment of #dirtysexygeeks really kept the promise that book 1 made. I loved the sh*t out of it and am SO ready for Wade's book now!
Favorite Quotes:
“Victor tilted his face to the sky. “You know what I wish for?” He didn't wait for a reply. “I wish a woman would come into your life and make you stupid. You're going to apply every mathematical theory you know to her, and she still won't make sense and you still won't walk away from her.”
Wade seemed to consider that. “I'll try not to blink and miss her.”
She laughed. “I love Wade. He's such an ass.”
Vic shifted on the bed until they were face to face. “No one is perfect.” He placed a hand on her cheek when she tried to turn away.
“So, you've got to look at a person, see their flaws and then you can finally see what makes them beautiful.”
“Begging already?”
How could she not when every time they kissed it felt like he was ripping something out of her? It hurt so good that it left her mindless, without ego or pride. Just heart and skin, and he made love to both with just his mouth.
First off, I loved the Gamer Truths at the beginning of every chapter.
Ash is bubbly, brazen and a straight-shooter. She lives her live by her own rules, save for the one her brother put in place: she's not to date his friends.
Vic is a veteran suffering from PTSD, a bomb expert turned IT tech. He's a bit dark and grouchy and in love with his best friend's sister. Sadly he is unable to act on it because of her brother's rule: he is not to date his little sister.
In a way I understood Porter's insistence on the no-dating-between-friends-and-family rule but it also annoyed me a bit. It was the driving force for the angst and conflict in the romance but at the same time I just wanted Vic and Ash to be together as they were so good together.
Also there's a scene where Porter in my eyes goes one step too far and really hurts Ashley emotionally. I didn't like that but the grovel was sublime so I forgave him. And a lot sooner than Ash did ;)
Victor also had some groveling to do and I must confess his grovelingn was brilliant. It might have been some of the best groveling I've ever read.
The Goon Squad was back fullforce in this second book of the #dirtysexygeeks series. I really enjoyed the scenes where they got together and the brotherly banter flew around. I'm still firmly in the Wade camp as my fascination with him from book 1 just grew stronger in this one.
In conclusion: This second installment of #dirtysexygeeks really kept the promise that book 1 made. I loved the sh*t out of it and am SO ready for Wade's book now!
Favorite Quotes:
“Victor tilted his face to the sky. “You know what I wish for?” He didn't wait for a reply. “I wish a woman would come into your life and make you stupid. You're going to apply every mathematical theory you know to her, and she still won't make sense and you still won't walk away from her.”
Wade seemed to consider that. “I'll try not to blink and miss her.”
She laughed. “I love Wade. He's such an ass.”
Vic shifted on the bed until they were face to face. “No one is perfect.” He placed a hand on her cheek when she tried to turn away.
“So, you've got to look at a person, see their flaws and then you can finally see what makes them beautiful.”
“Begging already?”
How could she not when every time they kissed it felt like he was ripping something out of her? It hurt so good that it left her mindless, without ego or pride. Just heart and skin, and he made love to both with just his mouth.
April 8, 2025
Whew this book was so good. It’s about a guy who used to diffuse bombs for the military and he has pretty severe PTSD and he’s also in love with his best friend’s younger sister. And the one thing his best friend ever asked of him (and the rest of their friend group) is to not put a finger on Ashley. But of course, romance rules mean when you can’t have something, you want it EVEN MORE and Vic and Ash give into their attraction and the pain from the resulting fallout is brutal (whew that convo between Ash and Porter, her brother, was a LOT) but what I really really love about this series is the male friendships between the “Goon Squad” and how much they will have each others backs no matter what. In fact, as much as I loved the romance and the sexy times (whew this book is HOT), it’s the male friendships that I’m beginning to really love the most. Will absolutely be inhaling the rest of this series this month.
Content notes: PTSD, slut shaming, parental abandonment, off page marital infidelity (between minor characters)
Content notes: PTSD, slut shaming, parental abandonment, off page marital infidelity (between minor characters)
July 24, 2021
3.5
Really enjoyable read overall. I wanted some more length for their story to develop a bit more though.
Really enjoyable read overall. I wanted some more length for their story to develop a bit more though.
January 18, 2017
Dammit, I really wanted to love this. Honestly though, I think this author is just not for me. I've tried several times but her style of writing, man...
Also, playing WoW and quoting Supernatural does not make one a geek. I MEAN, REALLY.
Had to jump ship.
Also, playing WoW and quoting Supernatural does not make one a geek. I MEAN, REALLY.
Had to jump ship.
July 31, 2019
Gruff hero and sunshine heroine? A woman completely in touch with her sexual desires? Who goes for what she wants? Who is confident and strong? Sign me up any day of the week! I've read several books about people who have been in love since childhood and pined for one another.... most of those have a hero who has never thought twice about being celibate paired up with a heroine who has never had sex or who has only had a handful of bad sexual experiences (those books are fine but I'm a bit overloaded on them). That was not the case with this book as Vic and Ash were evenly matched in basically every way. The chemistry they'd been denying for years? Magic. Their banter? Had me smiling until my face hurt. And the fears that kept them apart or from trusting themselves felt completely real. I love the way Ash held her ground after Vic pushed her away... and I adored the way he fought for her. This book was definitely an emotional roller coaster (my heart hurt during a few scenes), but these two had me rooting for them every step of the way and I was very satisfied with their ending :)
July 26, 2019
Down to Ash is my first book by Melissa Blue. I know, I know, I should have read her books so long ago. I'm very slow *I'm sorry* but I'm here, right!!!! I saw this book because I follow Melissa on Twitter and saw a tweet where she tweeted about this book and pitch it with a grumpy/sunshine pairing and I WAS SOLD.
My heart hurt so much while reading this book (I cried of course who is surprised) but it's so beautiful and the ending is worth it. That HEA is epic and you will love it so much!!! The grovel, the actions, the kisses, Melissa Blue is really an author I will keep reading because this book just made me feel so Good and happy and all the things obviously.
My heart hurt so much while reading this book (I cried of course who is surprised) but it's so beautiful and the ending is worth it. That HEA is epic and you will love it so much!!! The grovel, the actions, the kisses, Melissa Blue is really an author I will keep reading because this book just made me feel so Good and happy and all the things obviously.
March 26, 2016
I loved the first book in this series and I love the Goon Squad. But there was something about Down to Ash that didn't click with me. The writing was different. Kinda choppy. I didn't care for Ash at all. Felt the same about Victor. Maybe she should have been paired up with someone different? I don't know. i still like the series. this one was just didn't mesh. I skimmed it and that's not like me when I read this author's work
March 3, 2021
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this Black woman/ Korean man romance. Ash, the FMC was spunky and did not take any sexist bullshit from her brother Porter or Vic, the MMC. Her declaration that all her "brothers" taught her to be strong then tried to put her in a sexist box was on point.
The gamer tip epigraphs were also super fun. Also, the office sex scene was hot. (cw: rough sex)
I don't know enough about PTSD to know how accurate it was, but I really liked the caring and loyalty in Vic's circle of guy friends, especially Porter. Men with feelings! What a concept. However, they use gender essentialist mocking to distance themselves from their emotions, which is kind of typical, but also annoying.
The main thing I wasn't a fan of was the last-act break-up-make-up, which also happened in the previous book in the series. It's a staple in the genre that I don't really like.
I really enjoyed this Black woman/ Korean man romance. Ash, the FMC was spunky and did not take any sexist bullshit from her brother Porter or Vic, the MMC. Her declaration that all her "brothers" taught her to be strong then tried to put her in a sexist box was on point.
The gamer tip epigraphs were also super fun. Also, the office sex scene was hot. (cw: rough sex)
I don't know enough about PTSD to know how accurate it was, but I really liked the caring and loyalty in Vic's circle of guy friends, especially Porter. Men with feelings! What a concept. However, they use gender essentialist mocking to distance themselves from their emotions, which is kind of typical, but also annoying.
The main thing I wasn't a fan of was the last-act break-up-make-up, which also happened in the previous book in the series. It's a staple in the genre that I don't really like.
June 13, 2023
3.5 stars. This was a nice listen. I kind of like the brother's-best-friend/best-friend's-sister trope. Ash was a bit of a selfish asshole, but when her true motivations became clear, it's easy to forgive her. All-in-all, it was a fun listen. They story was good, the spice was there, and the conflict was believable.
July 25, 2021
Ashley and Victor had been staying away from each other since forever - due to Porter, Victor's best friend and Ashley's brother. Because Porter had a rule about none of his friends being with his sister.
March 27, 2016
Linda Christiani
What I like about this series is that each couple has issues that you've either heard about or you can relate to these stories they give you an example of how much love and sacrifice is needed to sustain these relationships and yes only true love can!
What I like about this series is that each couple has issues that you've either heard about or you can relate to these stories they give you an example of how much love and sacrifice is needed to sustain these relationships and yes only true love can!
May 31, 2016
So freaking good
Angst and love and romance and just everything good with within this book. It was just so freaking good! I cant wait for the next book in the series
Angst and love and romance and just everything good with within this book. It was just so freaking good! I cant wait for the next book in the series
August 1, 2021
childhood friends to lovers, brother's BFF, pining, angst, push you away for your own good
For me, I prefer to see a lot of on-page emotional development, and both of these characters knew each other for years and years, plus were already secretly in love... just not my scenario
-Bomb tech vet Victor has always loved Ashely, but she's his BFF's sister, and totally off limits. They finally give in to their lusts, and then have to deal with the brother/best friend and their mutual friend group in repercussions, and she has to realize she's always loved him.
Steamy for sure, felt like Vic was quite closed off, and Ash was too "eff it, I don't care"
The writing style was not working for me, too much wavering and debate and talking through the pros and cons... was hard for me to follow. Also my ebook had lots of typos/inconsistencies/editing issues? I also didn't get the 'gamer' element? I mean, it was there, but not a focus, so to be under this series definition?
I was getting to know Vic and Ash as they were getting connected, but I didn't get to know them/see the emotional development happen on page, as he's been pining and she's clueless
Friend group was great, liked the found family element
PTSD seemed serious/handled well, though I can't speak to the accuracy
For me, I prefer to see a lot of on-page emotional development, and both of these characters knew each other for years and years, plus were already secretly in love... just not my scenario
-Bomb tech vet Victor has always loved Ashely, but she's his BFF's sister, and totally off limits. They finally give in to their lusts, and then have to deal with the brother/best friend and their mutual friend group in repercussions, and she has to realize she's always loved him.
Steamy for sure, felt like Vic was quite closed off, and Ash was too "eff it, I don't care"
The writing style was not working for me, too much wavering and debate and talking through the pros and cons... was hard for me to follow. Also my ebook had lots of typos/inconsistencies/editing issues? I also didn't get the 'gamer' element? I mean, it was there, but not a focus, so to be under this series definition?
I was getting to know Vic and Ash as they were getting connected, but I didn't get to know them/see the emotional development happen on page, as he's been pining and she's clueless
Friend group was great, liked the found family element
PTSD seemed serious/handled well, though I can't speak to the accuracy
September 27, 2022
Yes, I'm not reading these books in the chronological order that they were intended. But anyway, Down to Ash is my least favorite installment in this series so far.
Maybe pick this up for the rough sex scenes (including a fun scene involving an office setting). But romance-wise, there's not much to gush about - especially since I wasn't too sold on the character pairing. And on top of that, unlike the other installments I've read ( Bluest of Blue , and my personal fave, Kiss the Bride , it wasn't as emotionally hard-hitting.
Not recommended.
I consumed this as an audiobook via Scribd, but for some reason, that format isn't available on Goodreads.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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Maybe pick this up for the rough sex scenes (including a fun scene involving an office setting). But romance-wise, there's not much to gush about - especially since I wasn't too sold on the character pairing. And on top of that, unlike the other installments I've read ( Bluest of Blue , and my personal fave, Kiss the Bride , it wasn't as emotionally hard-hitting.
Not recommended.
I consumed this as an audiobook via Scribd, but for some reason, that format isn't available on Goodreads.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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April 5, 2022I get the trope. I do. I've got brothers. It would be UBER weird to be around them and all of us knowing me and their bestie are doing the deed. So, ok-fine.
But they took this too far.
Ultimately as two grown people, at some point SOONER vs later you just tell the person you're dating. Period. All the "guilt" is dumb. Discomfort, yes. And maybe even guilt for not being open about it, but all the betrayal nonsense is stupid. Brothers don't have a right to even ASK that of friends. Sure you can say its your preference, but thats it. Siblings don't belong to us, so the entire obstacle of the story is just bothersome to me.
And there was a LOT of repetitive thoughts expanded on. Over...and over...and....
You're hung up on each other. You feel guilty about it. Everything he/she does is attractive to you. Lets move on.
But they took this too far.
Ultimately as two grown people, at some point SOONER vs later you just tell the person you're dating. Period. All the "guilt" is dumb. Discomfort, yes. And maybe even guilt for not being open about it, but all the betrayal nonsense is stupid. Brothers don't have a right to even ASK that of friends. Sure you can say its your preference, but thats it. Siblings don't belong to us, so the entire obstacle of the story is just bothersome to me.
And there was a LOT of repetitive thoughts expanded on. Over...and over...and....
You're hung up on each other. You feel guilty about it. Everything he/she does is attractive to you. Lets move on.
January 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Simple romance novels like this are so great. The story was very straightforward. Don't mess with your best friends sibling while having a slight twist on who exactly the sibling was getting involved with. It was heartwarming. Gave me Eve Brown vibes (which was my first ever romance book)
I loved the "gamer truths" thing with each chapter. That small little addition made this more enjoyable for me as I'm also a gamer. Not to mention, I also maybe have my eye on Asian guys, so the story felt that much closer to me ><
All in all, it's a good read. I listened to the audio book but didn't find it compelling enough for me to want to get the book myself and read it. Reasons to why it's only 4 star. It is a simple and enjoyable romance story. Highly recommend giving it a read
I loved the "gamer truths" thing with each chapter. That small little addition made this more enjoyable for me as I'm also a gamer. Not to mention, I also maybe have my eye on Asian guys, so the story felt that much closer to me ><
All in all, it's a good read. I listened to the audio book but didn't find it compelling enough for me to want to get the book myself and read it. Reasons to why it's only 4 star. It is a simple and enjoyable romance story. Highly recommend giving it a read
September 13, 2025
This book was the best. It portrays a man who likes women and treats one woman like a woman. With all her girliness and characteristics of a woman. I think I may have become cynical but this book brings me hope that there truly are still men who LIKE women and don’t just tolerate them to get sex. Can I also say I like the book cover that showed a black woman and a Korean man. It’s amazing how it’s become necessary to underplay cultural differences in romance novels so that we don’t offend anyone’s sensibilities. The book cover in Goodreads is different than on Everand which is where I read the book.
February 18, 2017
I only discovered this series yesterday and already read two books. I'm obsessed loving it!!
Victor and Ash... sigh. How perfect with all their flaws. And the cast of secondary characters adds a lovely background noise to the overall story.
Can't wait to dive into Wade's book today!! In all series books there's usually a secondary character that intrigues you the most, whose story you NEED in your eyeballs WADE is that character. He's just so interesting and if he's as good as I think he will be, he's about to be lifted to the lofty heights of book boyfriend!
Victor and Ash... sigh. How perfect with all their flaws. And the cast of secondary characters adds a lovely background noise to the overall story.
Can't wait to dive into Wade's book today!! In all series books there's usually a secondary character that intrigues you the most, whose story you NEED in your eyeballs WADE is that character. He's just so interesting and if he's as good as I think he will be, he's about to be lifted to the lofty heights of book boyfriend!
July 20, 2021
3 1/2 out of 5
The pining in this is fabulous. The found family in this is equally as good. I really liked Ash and her examination of her feelings and how her father's abandonment affected her. Victor was so torn. I do wish that someone had advocated for him to find more support for his PTSD. He was managing after receiving some therapy, but I think he would have felt better about himself if he still saw someone. There was a lot going on and I wish that there had been more on-page time with Victor and Ash together as a couple.
The pining in this is fabulous. The found family in this is equally as good. I really liked Ash and her examination of her feelings and how her father's abandonment affected her. Victor was so torn. I do wish that someone had advocated for him to find more support for his PTSD. He was managing after receiving some therapy, but I think he would have felt better about himself if he still saw someone. There was a lot going on and I wish that there had been more on-page time with Victor and Ash together as a couple.
January 5, 2020
Didn't love this one as much as Grady and Eva's story, mostly because of the brother's best friend/best friend's sister overprotective brother on overdrive. It's not a trope I love when taken to the extreme (and leaves me wondering what I'll think of brother Porter's story with the sister's best friend).
March 23, 2017
So this was a bag full of gorgeousness to read. Well worth adding to your book collection.
Do I love those Goon Squad boys?
Onto Wade!
Do I love those Goon Squad boys?
Onto Wade!
May 18, 2020
This was great! The sex scenes were reallllllllly well done. While I typically don't go for the "brother's friend attracted to sibling/we can't be together b/c you're my sibling's best friend" sort of plot, I'm super glad I read this one anyway. (Thanks Twitter recommendation!)
November 12, 2020
Realistic
I love reading stories that you can actually imagine happening in day to day life this is realistic and the struggle of PTSD is also very real. Not always easy to get through but is must be addressed one day at a time. So glad these two have each other.
I love reading stories that you can actually imagine happening in day to day life this is realistic and the struggle of PTSD is also very real. Not always easy to get through but is must be addressed one day at a time. So glad these two have each other.
November 25, 2020
Cute
This was a fun quick read ! Great character development , Ash and Victor are a forbidden pair. So lots on aghast and steamy sciences. You will root for them all the way to end. Loved it!
This was a fun quick read ! Great character development , Ash and Victor are a forbidden pair. So lots on aghast and steamy sciences. You will root for them all the way to end. Loved it!
July 29, 2021
The best-friend's-sib-is-off-limits trope always strikes me as kinda ridiculous (and sometimes even creepy), but Melissa Blue does an unusually good job of supporting it here as the reader gradually learns more about Vic's past. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me, though.
December 20, 2017
Great story
Ashley and Victor romance blossomed into more once they confronted their issues. The issues that could be worked through with love.
Ashley and Victor romance blossomed into more once they confronted their issues. The issues that could be worked through with love.
May 3, 2018
Best friend's forbidden sister is not my favorite trope, but the characters were well drawn. This is the second story with mental health issues, and those are drawn well.
April 20, 2020
Military vet falls for his best friend's sister. Part of the Dirty Sexy Geeks series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews