Talon

Ashes & Embers #4

by Carian Cole, Sean Crisden (Narrator), Elizabeth Hart (Narrator)

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PARTNER:
Caring. Hard-working. A devoted family man, loves kids.
Clean cut, funny, smart, quiet, but a good communicator.
~ Asia Jenson

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PARTNER:
Independent. Tall, blonde, sexy. Outgoing. Intelligent, neat. Confident. Loves to travel. Committed.
~ Talon Valentine

A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT.
The concept was scary but exciting...

Marry a total stranger.
Live together for six months.
Journal everything. (Feelings. Fights. All of it.)

After six months, we each get $50K in trade for our journals, whether we stay married or not. But the goal is to commit to the experience and see if the relationship experts could put together the perfect matches.

I've never been lucky in love. This is my chance to find my soulmate, and hopefully, the man of my dreams.

I couldn't wait to meet the man the experts felt was perfect for me, but my hopes were immediately shattered when I saw him at the altar.
Crap. I married my worst nightmare.
Right?!

** This story is not based on a reality show plot. It's based on a serious social experiment run by a psychologist and it's all discrete. The characters are not on TV or followed around with cameras. They are alone ** This book has no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after ending. Talon can be read as a single book.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Music, New Adult, Marriage Of Convenience

12 pages, Audible Audio

First published November 22, 2015

About the author

I have a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, the sweet girls that try to tame them and win their hearts.

Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming.

Reviews

[Sleepless Readmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are considered fragile
but I’ve never seen anything as easily
wounded as a man’s ego.

FIVE I LOVE THIS #COCKSTAR

Laugh with me, Love with me

No beginning, No end

"You really don't recognize my name?"
He asks in disbelief. "Or me? Come on."
Ah. an ego is emerging, it seems.
"No, I'm sorry."

"Marrying you doesn't change who I am."
"No, but it changes who we are together."

So I told myself that I would wait before writing this review to contain all these emotions that are passing through. HOLY F*CKING SH*T .. is Carian Cole for real???? This book was F*CKING PHENOMENAL. I legitimately CAN'T F*CKING EVEN. Normally when I see that the book is coming to an end it's bittersweet. With this NOVEL that was not the case .. I was absolutely DREADING it. I DID NOT WANT IT TO END! I didn't feel like I lost a friend after reading this I feel like I lost a part of MYSELF. This novel made me feel .. OH DID IT EVER! I was a SOBBING mess whether it be out of joy or heartbreak. This series was getting better and better and then when I read this one .. I was DONE for. The whole concept was EXCEPTIONAL .. I was NOT expecting that and Carian Cole truly blew me away.

We're never gonna be perfect, baby,
but we'll always be like this.
Whatever this is between us,
it's always going to be here.
I promise you.

I'm becoming the part that don't last
I'm losing you and it's effortless .. ►♫

"Do I make you happy, though?
I don't mean just sex, I mean, like everything?"
"You've redefined happy for me."

Two strangers that are found compatible are paired and set to be MARRIED. It's a social experiment that is set for 6 months .. they both weren't expecting each other. It was an absolute roller coaster between these two and everything was done backwards however I wouldn't want it any other way. When I read how the story came to be and the basis I started bawling .. AGAIN! I don't even like cats but that was absolutely HEARTF*CKINGBREAKING. I read quite a lot (#Understatement) which I why I come to appreciate and shelf things as #ALLSTARS when they spark something. This one sparked something in my core and truly had me feeling all sorts and that is the work of Carian Cole writing. This book can be read as a standalone which give you no excuse but TO READ it however it's enjoyable to read it as a series and see how the stories intertwine.

"Um, I'm pretty sure mistletoe means give a kiss,
not a blow job," I argue raising my eyebrows at him.
"No, it's a blow job. Santa changed it last year."



"I love you."
"What?"
"I love you and I don't know why you don't love me back."
"Is that what you think? Then ya know what?
You're stupider than I am."

Talon Carian Cole

[Mariℓina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm writing this review while tears are streaming down my face, that's how purely in love with this story i am. Talon and Asia stole a part of my heart from the beginning and with every new chapter i fell deeper and deeper.


For me this is clearly one of the best books of 2015. The ultimate romance, with an amazing main couple, great supportive characters, a very original concept and the best part? The writing style is phenomenal.


I love all of Carian Cole's books, Storm was sweet and honest, Vandal was dark and heavy, Lukas was light and hopeful, but every time there was something missing, a tiny, little detail. Not in Talon. It was beautiful, painful, heartbreaking, hopeful, funny, unique and insanely romantic.


Asia, her #cockstar -don't laugh that's his hashtag and there is a good reason why- and their tiny fury child Princess Pixie provide the reader with an intense love story and a journey towards family and deep connection. I really felt their hesitations, their doubts and their desperation. They put a smile on my face with their witty comments and had me bawling my eyes out in a matter of a few pages.


So if you want to read an amazing book that will have your heart and your body melt, while also make you think and smile, this is the best book for the job. Asia and Talon's predicament is very unorthodox and their love is anything but ordinary, but 100% genuine. With a few words, a realistic fairytale and who doesn't love those?








THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK

- The real story Of Talon and Asia broke my heart so badly.


- I always admire the fact that every book in this series has an animal as a key character.
- So happy to read about all of my favorite characters.
- Now i anxiously wait for Asher's book. After so many new hints about his story i can't wait.
- Those boys possibly have the best grandma ever.
- The dandelion part is utterly beautiful.
- Talon possesses a beautiful, warm heart.
- Asia is guarded but once you get to know her she is a sweet bundle of goodness.
- Her past is disturbing and painful.
- His disease is handled with such care, it was incredible.
- Their dating time was adorable and so sexy.
- I can't believe how cute the story with their first Valentine was.. AWWWW!
- Those guys have a Guns N' Roses feeling. At least for me. But in a good way.

ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review. Thank you Carian again, so much!

[Isabella. R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 You're My Heart's Hero ⭐

How long does it take for a broken heart to unbreak? Does it ever go back together again? Or is it just forever damaged, eternally weakened, shivering in the dark among our bones?

With well-meaning, meddling family and friends, Talon and Asia are encouraged to take part in a social experiment to find love. Marrying a stranger that has been chosen for them. A 6 month arrangement to see if love can blossom with a person perfect for you on paper.

She may not be my type, and I may not be hers, but there's definitely a little spark of chemistry starting to burn between us that I plan to take full advantage of.

Talon is tired of groupie’s sex and secretly believes that love isn't on the cards for him. Where Asia has been abandoned all her life she is desperate to be loved. Initially these two cannot believe they've been paired together. Talon is an immature prick without filter and Asia is prudish and judgemental. It seems doomed. The only sign of hope is them both wanting this marriage to work.

I don't want someone better than you. I'll admit, you can be a real jerk sometimes and I want to slam you in the balls. But when you're good?" Her voice lilts with emotion. "I can't imagine anything better, and that's the truth."

Admittedly I really disliked the beginning of this book. An arranged marriage between a Rockstar with his head up his ass and a young woman with the personality of a wet blanket? I had to push through and strangely it ended well which was a miracle in itself.

The author didn't gloss over the highs and lows of their relationship which I appreciated. Falling in love is the easiest part, however learning to live with that person and exposing your soul is completely different. It took growth and many fuckups along the way for it to work out. By the end I forgot why I had any reservations. The concept was clever and well played.

[Alp · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re my heart’s hero.”

THIS. I’m literally lost for words…

This book grabbed me from the very start and then took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. The story is full of ups and downs, and the fluctuation of feelings I experienced throughout the entire book was too much for me to find the right words to express them here. It’s been a while since a book made me ugly cry. Gosh, I cried like a baby! My heart was broken and many tears were shed while reading this.

Can you imagine yourself marrying a complete stranger, someone you don’t even know his or her name? And how can you love and care for a person you know nothing about, who happens to become your husband or wife?

Talon and Asia decided to join the social experiment (both of them never knew each other before). They had to marry to a total stranger who the research team would match them up with for six months. And after that, they could either stay married or get a divorce.

The moment they met each other for the first time at the altar, they both thought that it had to be a mistake. Talon wasn't a man of her dreams by any means, and Asia was absolutely not his type in every single way either. Both of them struggled from the first day of their marriage, but they agreed to give it a try and take baby steps to learn to know and trust each other. Of course, marriage isn’t that easy. It is neither destination nor happy ending. It’s a whole new chapter of their lives. They fought. They kept messing things up. They unintentionally hurt each other’s feelings. But they never gave up trying to do whatever they could to make their relationship work out.


“Marrying you doesn't change who I am.”
“No, but it changes who we are together,” I grab her hand to stop her fingers from nervously circling on her leg. ‘Together, we're supposed to be better.”


Both Talon and Asia aren’t flawless. Talon isn’t what I call sweetheart. Sometimes he drove me mad. Sometimes he did or said things that made me want to smack him and kiss him at the same time. Although he made numerous mistakes, he learned from them. He not only tried to mend things but he also put all the effort into their relationship. I can tell you that Talon is certainly not perfect, yet I can’t think of any other reason not to love him!

At first, Asia somewhat got on my nerves the whole first half of the book. She could be difficult at times, no, actually most of the time! Well, I can’t blame her for who she is, considering all she had been through. Undoubtedly, she had had some issues during their marriage due to her horrible childhood. But unknowingly at some point, I found myself making an exception for her. Thankfully, she could redeem herself in the second half. Somehow I found that she became less annoying and more adorable as the story progressed. And around the beginning of the last quarter of the book, when Talon was sick, Asia was there for him, took care of him, and never left his side. So yes, she completely won me over!

I know I can never find words beautiful enough to describe how this story made me feel. This is a book that you should read and see for yourself how awesome it is! Highly recommended for all fans of rock star romances.

Loved it!

[TF · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/14/19 - Listened to the Audio Version and this story is as good as I remember it to be. Narrators did a great job!

10/4/16 - Original review

This is a unique twist to a Rock star romance. The MCs join a marriage experiment at the persuasion of Talon’s Mom, who feels it’s time for him to settle down, and Asia’s best friend, who believes it’s time for her to “air out her vag” and make herself available. The experiment requires them to marry a total stranger and for the next 6 months, talk regularly with a relationship coach and document their lives in a journal. At the end of the 6 months, they then decide if they want to continue with the marriage or part ways. Tired of their lifestyle, they agree and fill out the application listing all the traits they request in the ideal partner. They soon find out that their idea of the “ideal partner” is the exact opposite of what they receive but later discover it’s what they need and want.

Talon is the lead guitarist for Ashes and Embers. He loves his women tall, blonde and big breasted and his cocksure personality attracts them all, well that, and his famous 11 inches. He parties hard and looks like the typical rockstar with his long dirty blonde hair and tattoos that cover most of his body. But he is tired of the line of groupies who are only interested in his attributes and stardom and is looking to find someone like his brothers and cousins did. What he didn’t expect is his bride to be someone that looks like the total opposite of what he is attracted to – short and flat chested. I like Talon and he really is a sweetheart but the lack of filter sometimes has him say or do things that came across as hurtful to Asia. To his credit, he would do his best to make up for it and express his commitment for the marriage to succeed.

While Talon grew up with a big loving family, Asia had a tough childhood which causes her to have abandonment and insecurity issues. She is a sweet homebody with a creative flair for upcycling materials and creating adorable scented soaps. Her ideal partner is someone quiet, stable and clean cut and willing to share his life with her and her adorable cat Pixie.

This is a sweet and enjoyable story of two opposites who learn not to judge outer appearances because that person may very well be your soulmate. It has wonderful side characters that you might be familiar with if you’ve read Carian Cole’s books. I love the banter and humor between these two. Their chemistry and affection is nicely paced and not instant. They go through many ups and downs with an unexpected medical condition that adds the right amount of drama and angst to the story.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aaaaargh! So much potential, but in the end characters do make or break a book for me, so this was more a miss than a hit.

Still, I'd like to say that I love Cole's writing style, the A&E family and the rock star world/atmosphere. Weirdly enough for me, what I did not like were the main characters. I mean, I liked Asia, but she was the worst possible match for Talon.

So here's my issue with him. At first, I could even excuse his being rude to her, his hurting her feelings because I was expecting some satisfying groveling. He did not deliver. At all. Their relationship was almost abusive. He hurts her feelings so many times and each and every time she's the one who has to take the first step, who has to make the first move toward a reconciliation. Eff that. Eff the eff that!

I loved the idea of a blind arranged marriage as a social experiment and all that came with it. Beside the un-scientificness of it all (who cares, it's romance!) I really was interested in the originality that would add to the plot. And to a certain extent it did, but the main byproduct was that it added unnecessary anxiety regarding their relationship.

Which leads me to the second issue, something that this book kinda shares with the others in the series. Most plot twists are quite predictable. Which is not a huge flaw, but adding something extra, and unexpected, would set this series to a whole new level, IMO.

But back to this story. In truth, I liked Talon's realness. The way he's not good at communicating his main feature. Sex is the way he expresses his feelings, and I could get behind that. All right, that's who you are. FINE! But coupled with Asia's personality and his tendency to run her down every time an issue arises... I could not, for the love of all that's crispy and sugary, like him as a person or even swoon for him. In a nutshell, he comes off as an A grade a-hole.

"I never claimed to be fuckin' Romeo, baby."

No shit?! Still, you don't have to be fuckin' Otello for that matter.

Especially after Lukas' story, Talon stood out as a rude, vulgar, unromantic, abusive a-hole. And yes, I did want them together, but I wanted him to get his head out of his ass way more. The way he treats Aria throughout the book had me flabbergasted, because I couldn't get past his lack of insight on the damage he was causing her and his inability to properly grovel.

I felt bad for Asia so many times. She is too good for him. Simple as that.

Talon needed a different kind of heroine... or a different kind of story altogether. He needed someone to put him back to his place, to answer his insults with the nad-kick of the century.

In the end, the three stars are for the good writing style, interesting plot device and the few moments in which Talon and Asia were actually happy and real with each other.

"You have redefined happy for me." /b>

Also, Asia's backstory, the semicolon and the whole theme of hope and soldiering through the roughest patches of your life was well treated, with respect.

;
This is just a pause.
Not today.
Maybe not tomorrow.
But I will be.
Someday.
It won't always be this bad. This pain isn't my forever.
This is just a pause.
There's more waiting for me, somewhere down the road of my life. .

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an awesome read and such a strange situation, marriage to a complete stranger that experts set you up with, and staying together as a married couple for six months.

What could possibly go wrong.

Happy Reading 📙📚📗📘📘📘📒📓📗📔📘📓📚📙📕📖📓📚📙📓📒📘📔📗📖📕📙📚📚📓📗📖

[Jenny Lovez Bookz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 STARS Ehhh, this wasn't the greatest. I think the biggest problem was that Talon's book followed Lukas' in the series and to me, Lukas was a tough act to follow. I really did not like either character much. Asia was kind of whiny & annoying and didn't even want to open up to Talon. Her jealous tendencies of calling everyone in Talon's fam to get the scoop on why he wasn't calling or texting after a day was so immature. I wasn't a huge fan of Talon either, which is surprising because I usually love Carian's heroes. There was just no depth or progression in this relationship. Also, how did Asia handle this 11in cock so easily!???

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely the best book in the series for me (I skipped Vandal so I don't have an opinion about it). The main idea was really interesting and original and it also had depth which I always I appreciate in romance books. I'm glad they got their hea and I hope we'll get to see more of them in the next books.

Since it was the best book in the series so far and it was one of the most enjoyable reads for me lately I'm going to be a little generous and give it 4 ⭐

[Floripiquita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5-4. El mejor libro de la serie hasta ahora con diferencia, que además se puede leer como un stand-alone. La sinopsis prometía mucho y no me ha decepcionado. Por obra y gracia de un experimento sociológico, un tatuado y pelilargo guitarrista de un grupo de rock, con un aire al Thor de Chris Hemsworth y al que las fans apodan Cockstar, y una chica todo corazón, con un duro pasado y un presente complicado, acaban casados sin conocerse ni haberse visto previamente. Aunque ninguno es lo que el otro había pedido ni esperaba y su principio como pareja no puede ser más falso, el desarrollo de su relación como pareja está lleno de verdad, con sus altibajos, sus buenos momentos y sus dramas (que los hay y me han tocado la fibra sensible). Y la historia de los verdaderos Talón y Asia ya ni te cuento. Lo recomiendo.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I liked about this book, was the idea of being married at first sight. I mean wow anything can happen right, so of course I was interested. Then give the characters absolutely no filter and you have a recipe for some serious fun, an outrageous drama. Completely addicted to this series and this book was no expection, great highs an lows through out this book never dull, or borning, so glad I found this author, love all the books in this series so far.

The author done a great job with the time line from one book to the next loved it.

Happy Reading 😇📚📚📚📖📕📘📗

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! This could’ve been a solid 4/4.5, but the hero brought this down a bit for me. He was too dumb and careless when it came to the heroine, even up til the end.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'laughter and tears' stars

This is my first Carian Cole and even being Book 4 of a series, it still can be read as a standalone. From the blurb, there are mentioned of 'social experiment', 'marriage' and 'nightmare'. Honestly, I thought is a dark erotica. But it isn't! Actually is a very sweet and lovely read.

This book has
Experimental marriage
A hippie heroine
A 11" rockstar
A celebrity cat
Humor
Sex
Love
Tears
Heartache
HEA

First of all, I think the whole idea of they wanting to participant in an experimental marriage with a total stranger extremely bizarre. But I enjoyed every moment of them getting to know each other, living together and falling in love.

Asia Jenson is a girl living alone in the ghetto. She is a hippie, the kind who are crafts loving, vegan eating and smoothie drinking.

Talon Valentine is a rockstar. He had a long wavy hair, tattoos on almost every inch of his body. He is a drinker, a smoker and a recreational drug user. He is basically a stereotypical rockstar.

When I was younger, I believed if I ever reached famous rock star status I would be as happy as a pig in shit.


I'm trying to find a picture of a long hair tattoo guy with cat. But it seems like this is the best one I can scavenge.

When they both ended up paired together, they nearly suffered some serious trauma. What the heck is happening? They are supposed to each get their dream partner, not a total opposite of their heart desire. Some hilarious outcome ensure!

I wanted quiet. Normal. Family man. Suit and tie. Someone stable, not someone wild and crazy. Not a freaking rock star!

"I'm not into the long hair and tattoos. At all."
"I definitely see implants in our future, so I guess we're even, then."

I love Talon. What is it about these endearing tattoo bad boys with a heart of gold that make me into a total mush. He really exceeded my expectation of a rock star. It amazed me that Talon is the positive one, the one that actually believes in the marriage and want it to works. He even try to change himself to be a good husband.

"I'll admit, you can be a real jerk sometimes and I want to slam you in the balls. But when you're good? I can't imagine anything better, and that's the truth."

Asia is more level headed, but she can't help but had an underlying fear that their marriage is doom. But with times, she noticed that although her husband it not what she expect, he might still be perfect for her.

Their relationship had it ups and downs, but they were both committed to make things work, even with their polar opposite personality.

"Every part of you taste delicious. I want to fucking eat you alive."
"Mmmm... sexy with a side of serial killer..."

With the addition of Talon's bandmates and family, they bring forth so much warm to the story. Each of them have their distinct personalities without overshadowing the main characters.

My favorite part of the book is the second half when the author thrown in some drama into the story and causes a shift in the romance department. The thing that happened to Talon sounds really unusual and refreshing and I'm a total sucker for vulnerable man and love seeing how the heroine fussing and fawning over the hero.

I actually enjoyed this kind of delicious angst whereby they both are not in a good place, but we knew they still both very much in love and won't be able to stay away for long. I love the fact that the author gave them a do-over and seeing the cute and romantic side of Talon is priceless.

"It's hard to shine when you're surrounded by stars, baby.
"Then don't be a star, Talon. Be the moon. Shine above all of them.



As if Carian hasn't win me over yet with Talon and Asia, she even thrown in an acknowledge about her cats that make me cry a fucking river.

I know she's waiting for him to come back, and nothing is more heartbreaking to see.

True love never dies. Not for anyone.

[Tea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well…. I don’t know. I didn’t hate it but it’s absolutely not good. I guess it had potential but the author majorly fucked up.

Talon and Asia are strangers who gets married for a social experiment. 6 months. Will they find love or will they part ways when the time is up.

Asia & Talon
The hero is an absolute idiot. Throughout the entire book he’s doing a great job of fucking up. The heroine is a pushover. There are never any consequences what so ever for the hero after he’s been a jerk. He didn’t take the heroine’s feelings seriously for a long time.. if ever. ”I said I was sorry, are you always going to bring that up?” He’s a dick and she’s spineless.

They both had problems with attraction in the beginning but I didn’t like at all how the hero acted about it.
"Wait a minute," he says. "You're not attracted to me?"
"You're not really my type or what I pictured."
"All women are attracted to me, babe. I've never met one who wasn't."
"Surprise." "You just married one, unfortunately. I'm not into the long hair and tattoos. At all."
"That's fuckin' great. I'm not about to get out a cheese grater and scrape all my ink off, honey. So you're gonna have to get into it."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"I definitely see implants in our future, so I guess we're even, then."
"Implants?" "What are you talking about?" "I'm a boob man. And you're definitely lacking in that department."
"Oh, hell no. I’m not altering my body for you."
"Lemme get this straight. You hate to travel, you got no tits, you're short, you hate long hair and tattoos, you probably hate my music, and you're not attracted to me. At all."
"Yeah. That about sums this up. Actually, I do like your music, from what I remember." "What the fuck did we answer all those questions for? I asked for a hot, tall, sexy as fuck blond with big tits who loves to travel." He points to me. "Instead, I get a flat dwarf who can barely look me in the eye, doesn't want me to touch her, and won't get on a plane."

He pulls out his wallet and hands me his credit card. "I want you to enjoy it. Get yourself some sexy clothes, or whatever you need to make yourself something if you'd rather do that, and get your hair and nails done. Pamper yourself a little, okay?"
"I don't usually do that sort of thing…"
"Ya know what would look hot on you? Have your hair dyed just a little bit darker, almost black, with a dark purple tint in it. It will make your eyes look fucking amazing." This is 28% in and he’s still trying to change her appearance. I don’t think the author intentionally made it out to seem this way but to me this says ”Change how you look, you’re not beautiful enough as you are”

Without annoying mc’s, sexist comments and slut shaming I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more. Especially if the mmc had grovelled.

This is the fourth book in the series but only the second I’ve read and both are filled with sexist spewing bullshit. The fact a woman wrote this boggles my mind.

”I think we need to agree that the girls shouldn’t be going on tour with us."
"Why not?"
"It’ll get too crazy having girls on the tour bus. I can't even imagine the drama that could start with fights, jealousy, PMS, wanting time alone, not getting enough sleep, no privacy, Starbucks stops every ten miles, and the list goes on. It's not a place for a woman to be[…..] Am I supposed to laugh… or did she think I’d agree?

2 stars

[TJ ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I've been on a kick of Carian Cole books and while this plot was fun, Talon was prob my least fav hero yet. I still liked him bc I don't think she's capable of writing a H I dislike, but his sexual innuendo humor wasn't for me, it felt kind of sleazy. Every time he brought up his 11 inch cock it took me out of the story bc I would just pause like .... 11 inches???? That seems unreasonably large. Eventually I went to get a ruler just to settle this debate w myself and what the fuck??? That's legit absurd. If someone came at me with that I'd be like a deer in the headlights. Remember that Sex and the City episode where Samantha taps out of a relationship bc his dick is too big? Yeah, that guy was probably 11 inches. Sheesh I'm stressed out just thinking about it.



Onto other matters, I couldn't stop picturing Asia as Sade. Seriously so random. They're not even the same race but whatever, once I cast someone in my head it's impossible for me to get them out. Can you blame me tho 🤷🏽‍♀️ Sade's hot as hell.



Overall tho I'm sad to say this book was pretty boring :/ Asia annoyed me and their relationship progression was like watching paint dry. I started skimming at around 70% and frankly, I wish I'd started skimming earlier. This should've been 300 pages max. Their first sex scene left a lot to be desired as well, especially after all that waiting. Like, were they even awake during it??

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5* I'm glad I pushed through my dislike of book two and three in order to get to this one. It wasn't half bad! Two strangers getting married, and learning about each other over the course of six months. I enjoyed these two complete opposites, and how they slowly found commonality, and eventually love.

The good
Foot snuggles
Pixie
Lukas' friendship
The dandelion wishes
Homemade clothing

The bad
I was so tired of hearing about his eleven inches
He’s a huge manwhore and even has his own hashtag #cockstar
He isn't celibate before the wedding
The zero amount of groveling wasn’t acceptable

Talon says some really awful things to Asia at the beginning of the story (and throughout) that made it really hard for me to like him for quite a while. I would've liked to have seen Talon's character take a good look at his past, and come to some kind of understanding why he was using women and drugs to fill a hole in his life. This question is never really answered, so it's hard to understand why he doesn't feel the need to do these things anymore. Is his new wife magical?

Parts of this story felt like emotional manipulation. I don't need the pink bubblegum additions to tug at the heartstrings. That end with the valentine? Serious eye roll.

[Monique · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 25%. I'm having the worst luck with books lately, honestly I'm cursed.

The H is a dumb ass who calls everyone babe, he's also a slut shaming misogynist.

The h is a buzzkill who completely overreacts to absolutely everything so far and is also a bit slut shame-y.

Just not hitting it off with these two and this weird AF experiment and life is too short for books that just piss me off.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in absolute awe since the first time I read a Carian Cole book. So far I have read every one she has written to date and after devouring Talon I have to say BRAVO woman...you have matured into quite an amazing storyteller and this one is by far my favorite (and that is saying a lot because I adored all of the boys).
A social experiment to partner up compatible couples (much like you might have seen on a reality tv show), have them get married without knowing anything about each other and then seeing if they would stay married after six months of “marriage” sounded like a fun idea for a book but honestly I was not excited to read it at first. Then...OMG...I started to read and was completely sucked into the story of these two complete opposites and what on earth was anyone thinking when they paired off a manwhore of a player and a shy artistic young woman who was looking for “Mr. Average” and not “Mr. Rockstar”.
Things are not always what they seem to be though, and as the layers start to peel off of these two (seemingly) mismatched people looking for love, it becomes apparent that there is way more to each of them than what is on the surface.
I can’t really say too much about what happens when they get married and are contractually required to live and sleep together, but suffice it to say that it was at times hilarious, at times sadly poignant and mostly just heartwarming and REAL. This is no fantasy people (yes it is fiction but this type of experiment has been done before) and what Talon and Asia go through was very realistic and believeable...no insta-love or phony dialogue. The banter was witty and some of the expressions made me literally laugh out loud while I was cheering these two on that they would end up where I wanted them to be. It also opens up some serious dialogue and explores what really attracts and keeps people together and it’s definitely not the size of someone’s bank account (or body parts) but a deeper spiritual quality and chemistry.
I was left numb in parts and honestly cried a time or two...alternating between laughing and wanting to slap some sense into a character (or two or three). It was just beautifully written, well thought out plotwise and hit so many places in my heart that it made me want to know these people for real and be in their world as an observer or friend. If you liked Storm, Vandal and Lukas you will LOVE Talon...he is my new favorite A&E member and definitely in the running for book boyfriend of the month for me.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

***** 5 ***** “it’s all about what’s on the inside” stars

[DemetraP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed. In the earlier 3 books in the series, I really felt like the heroes loved their women and couldn't live without them. Here, I felt like Talon was dumb.

The whole reason they broke up was that he saw her with another man and read her journal, and decided she didn't want to be with him. Instead of asking her why he saw her hugging, HUGGING, a guy, he leaves her, kicks her out of their house, and says he'll file for divorce.

I fell like if he had truly loved her, he would have asked her or refused to believe she was cheating. And all this after she told him how so many people abandoned her and she was committed to their marriage.

In other words, I don't believe Talon loved her. He couldn't have hurt her that way. And the heroine eventually forgives him because he was sick and blames it on the pain medication he was taking.

I highly recommend the earlier 3 books in the series, but not Talon's book. Talon's book left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Haidoulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.... It had everything, humor,love,drama all wrapped up in a perfect package.... Talon and Asia are so perfect together.... I simply loved them....

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I wanna cry so bad.. And I'm trying to hold it in. EVERYTHING about this one, was on point. My heart responded to it all... I don't even think I can articulate my feelings for this one in a way that would do it justice. So, Please just read this one people. And Start at the beginning. I take that back. Start at Lukas' book, like I did, and then go in order. *giggles*


And the real Talon & Asia, actually got a few sobs out of me.

Thanks, Carian, for penning such a poignant, beautiful story <3

I would recommend this read, this series.

Happy Reading :)

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review soon...

This was good...very good...especially cause of the unexpected, refreshing concept of a plot!

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book tugged on my heartstrings. I cannot compare it with any other book. It was original, refreshing, well written and emotional.
Talon is a member of Ashes & Embers. Women flock him but they never stick around. He is tired of meaningless hook ups. He wants something else.
Asia is struggling to survive but she is a fighter. Her bad luck with men has led her to believe that something is wrong with her. She has tried everything, even dating sites.
When an experiment offers her the chance of marrying the perfect man for her, she takes the chance. But nothing prepared her for her supposedly perfect match. Talon is not her type. At all. He seems wild and forward but she is bound to him for six months, until the social experiment is over.
When Talon meets his wife, he is certain that there has been some mistake. He wanted a blonde bombshell but instead he got the tiny girl with the purple eyes. Can they make the marriage work? Can they become the ideal couple?
I found the story excellently written and executed. The characters were the best I've read in a while and the way they were brought together was skillful and believable. The story is humorous and romantic and the pace smooth and perfectly orchestrated.
Talon has some of the best lines ever. He is amazing.
Asia was utterly lovable. Her kindness amazed me.
If you are looking for something different but well written, this is for you. Do not miss this book.

5_Stars for Tally and his Jelly Bean. Oh, for Princess Pixie as well.;))))

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t feel it. Here’s my issues:

1. The 2 MCs are thrown together thru an experiment by granted ppl who know them well. But at no point do I feel like they are “meant to be.” It could have been a diff guy for the girl and a diff girl for the guy and might have worked even better together than these 2, which makes me disappointed.

The afterword on the 2 cars who inspired the MCs names have more “destined love” to them than these 2!!

2. Was all that drama at the end necessary? Really?? Issues with health AND misunderstanding by reading smth he wasn’t supposed to read AND seeing her with another man and jumping to conclusions?? What???? AND the man’s name starts with the same letter as the woman’s ex which made him jump to those conclusions??

Contrived much??

OK, getting pissed, 1 more star off.

Think I’m done with this series.

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Then, now, always will I give Talon 5 stars


(#)(#)(#)(@)(#)(#)


Something very odd has started to happen with this author. Whenever I hear Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi I get a real strong trigger to read one of thr Ashes & Embers books by Carian Cole. Seriously, it does trigger me. This was Talon’s turn only I changed it up this time. It seems that because I already had the book on my Kindle, I could get the audio book for free. So this time I listened and loved it just as much. And Storm 1 &2, Lucas and Vandal were also free on audio. Sweet.


<¥> <¥> <¥> <¥> <¥>

It was time for another reread of this book. Its the perfect comfort read and i just needed that. It seems like a while since I've read a new Carian Cole book so it's reread time.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/


I was listening to Bed of Roses by Jon Bon Jovi the other day and it reminded me of this series which meant it was time to pick one and read it again. Talon was the winner this time. It takes next to nothing to prompt me to read again one of her books.

********
There are two authors with the same last name, Scarlet Cole and Carian Cole who have both written a series about rock groups and I am completely and totally mad for both of them and have read each book in both series multiple times. I just did a review for a reread book by Scarlet Cole, Lennon Rebuilt and adored it and then it was Carian’s turn for a reread and it turned out to be Talon. I think this is maybe the fourth time I’ve read this one and I just can’t seem to get enough of the whole series, Amber and Ashes. Each and every book in both series gets 5 stars and going through then again, I’m wishing we were able to give six or even seven stars.
I just checked out this review and I’ve nothing much to add except I’m now up to SIX reads. And I love it just as much each time.
I’m at work on a break and I almost yelled out a huge YES!! when I saw the next book in the series is coming out next month.
The writing in all these books (and the Scarlett Cole books as well) is so perfect that it’s like they are a real rock band and when I hear a song I like on the radio, I close my eyes and imaging it’s Ashes and Embers…..unless I’m driving of course. I still picture them singing but just not with my eyes closed.
So, if you have read my review yet, feel free and go ahead. Pure perfection, this book is pure perfection for this reader.

And I deleted the original in error. Good thing I save them

*******


I’m so taken with this whole series. This is my third book read and I’ve enjoyed it just as much as the first two books. This one is Talon’s story. He is the youngest Valentine brother. His three older brothers, Asher, Storm and Michah as well as their cousin Vandal and occasionally Lukas are in a rock band, Ember & Ashes. Talon has been into the sex, drugs and rock and roll life style but now that he’s starting to grow up, he’s pretty much dropped the drugs and while still quite sexually active, he does want to settle down. So far he hasn’t found anyone worth it yet which is why he agrees to a very unusual experiment, kind of like an old fashioned arranged marriage. He doesn’t meet his wife to be until the actual wedding and they have to agree to stay married for six months, after which they either stay together or divorce. He and his perspective bride are each to keep a journal of their thoughts and meet regularly with the psychologist doing the experiment. He fills out all kinds of questionaires as to what he is looking for in a wife and prepares to meet and marry the woman of his dreams.

In the meantime, we have Asia Jensen. Asia is a very lonely young woman who can’t seem to make any connection with a guy though not from lack of trying. She makes a modest living restyling old clothes and lives alone with her dwarf cat. Although very reluctant, her best friend who works for the psychologist convinces Asia to become part of the experiment since what Asia wants most in the world is to find someone to love who will love her. She fills out her questionnaire on what the perfect match for her will be.

They meet at the wedding and both are shocked as neither is what the other one is expecting. Here’s Talon, a long haired, tattooed rocker who’s on the road touring often when she wanted someone who comes home nightly. Asia, who is rather on the sheltered side and has led a sad and abandoned life, hasn’t even heard of the band and has no real idea what a sex god he is, or has been. And Talon is looking for a tall, blond bombshell who is self-assured and ready to party with the band which absolutely does NOT describe Asia.
So here they are each married to the exact opposite of whom they thought they wanted and they have to give it their all. They are different in so many ways. After the initial let down, they both agree to at least try since both want to find someone to love.
At first glance I’ll admit, Talon comes across as a real douche and I was prepared to not like him. But it took no time at all for me to open my heart and come to adore him just as much as the other heroes in this series. He was just behaving to the level he thought everyone thought of him at. Once he has someone else to look out for he’s tender and caring and thoughtful. He’s had quite the active sex life previously, but he’s willing to put it aside despite his own randyness until Asia is ready. He’s been ‘the flirt’ of the band, performing shirtless. But when Asia lets him know she’s uncomfortable with it, he’s more than willing to start wearing clothes. In fact, she makes a shirt for him to wear and when he loves it and when he realizes she designs it, he jumps right on board and helps her in a number of different ways.
Asia is very sensitive and Talon feels terrible when he inadvertently hurts her feelings. And he loves her cat. Being a lover of cats, I love me a hero who loves cats. And then there is the hat scene. I donn’t want to give anything away, but to all who have read it, when I say the hat scene I’m sure they know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s very memorable. Despite the occasional setback, Talon and Asia grow closer and closer and begin to fall in love. That is until something terrible comes up and threatens to completely ruin what they have built together.
I’m late getting to writing this up and in the meantime I’ve read it 3 times. I LOVE this book, this whole series. Talon is such a sweetheart after an initial rocky start and with Asia being so innocent and shy, there is potential for her to be annoying. But she’s not, not at all. She’s the kind of character you want to befriend and take under your wing.

I’m going to have to contact the author and gush I have it that bad. As with the first two books I’ve read, this one also gets a well deserved 5 stars

[nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talon & Asia.....WOW. This might possibly be my favourite out of all the Ashes & Embers books so far.
But...im finished. What do i read now?
Maybe i just need to start right back from book 1 again.

Carian Cole, if youre reading....i need a book from Asher. Pretty please???? <3

[Ainhoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this series because I found this book, but had to do it in order... Obviously.

So... I didn’t end up loving the whole Asher and Embers series. The first one wasn’t bad but the second was a No for me and I had to DNF on the third because I wasn’t invested in the story and characters, age gap doesn’t really pique my interest. So I very much liked the idea of this one, the plot sounded really good, the idea of an arranged marriage by experts was new to me, and I wanted to see how the characters coped with it.

Overall it wasn’t a bad story, the characters were cute together, their chemistry was all over the place and I liked them. Of course a misunderstanding and no talking caused problems but I guess I expected it.

I won’t finish the series, but I’m glad I ended up reading this one.

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book - LOVED - like, soooooo much!

From a few percent in, I was in tears and choking back the odd sob. How rare to say that I could hardly see my Kindle because of crying and rubbing my eyes - I just completely felt this book and Asia's struggle. It was beautifully written as were Talon's struggles later in the story.

The characters, the writing, the story... all awesome, again I've lost sleep for this author! : )

Oh and I loved Pixie too! AND I broke my heart at the real Talon and Asia story at the end : (

Jeez ...What a ride this book has been for me... I heading straight on to book 5.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talon and Asia

This is the fourth book in the series. I loved them all. It has taken me awhile to write reviews. This one I simply adored. I loved Talon. Carian has the ability to explain a character in a way that gets us so turned on. Talon oozed so much sex appeal. I loved they way he and Asia met. Sometimes the book was sad and sometimes it was really funny.

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]