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Texas Bounty #3
Take Me Harder
An ex-con with a bad-boy reputation falls for his childhood sweetheart—a good-girl cop chasing a ruthless killer—as the Texas Bounty series gets steamier than the Lone Star State.
Rush Redmond never expected freedom to taste so bittersweet. He spent eight years in jail doing someone else’s time, and for what? As an ex-con, Rush can’t work as a bounty hunter like his brothers—not in Texas. Better to drown his sorrows with a stiff drink and soft curves. Too bad the temptation he craves is a redhead with a badge: Ava St. George. Once upon a time, Rush would’ve done anything for the sheriff’s innocent daughter. Now he’s fighting the urge to let her sweet-talk him into some trouble he can’t afford.
Even though she’s a cop, Ava knows that sometimes justice means pushing the boundaries of the law. To track down her mother’s killer, she turns to the man with the county’s criminal underworld in his little black book. The boy she knew is still drop-dead gorgeous, with panty-dropping charm as smooth as his smile. But his sculpted arms and the menacing gleam in his eyes scream “Don’t mess with me.” Yet Ava needs Rush more than ever—in more ways than one.
Don’t miss any of Jackie Ashenden’s seductive Texas Bounty novels:
TAKE ME DEEPER | MAKE IT HURT | TAKE ME HARDER
Rush Redmond never expected freedom to taste so bittersweet. He spent eight years in jail doing someone else’s time, and for what? As an ex-con, Rush can’t work as a bounty hunter like his brothers—not in Texas. Better to drown his sorrows with a stiff drink and soft curves. Too bad the temptation he craves is a redhead with a badge: Ava St. George. Once upon a time, Rush would’ve done anything for the sheriff’s innocent daughter. Now he’s fighting the urge to let her sweet-talk him into some trouble he can’t afford.
Even though she’s a cop, Ava knows that sometimes justice means pushing the boundaries of the law. To track down her mother’s killer, she turns to the man with the county’s criminal underworld in his little black book. The boy she knew is still drop-dead gorgeous, with panty-dropping charm as smooth as his smile. But his sculpted arms and the menacing gleam in his eyes scream “Don’t mess with me.” Yet Ava needs Rush more than ever—in more ways than one.
Don’t miss any of Jackie Ashenden’s seductive Texas Bounty novels:
TAKE ME DEEPER | MAKE IT HURT | TAKE ME HARDER
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
25 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
488 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 9, 2017
I am reading this series out of order it seems,need to check the others out.This is also my first read by this author and I have to say that I liked the style of this one.Hero is an ex con,he was sent to prison for a crime that was not committed by him,and his father assured him that he would get him out.This did not happen and he stayed in jail for 8 years with barely no visits from his family and friends.Prison made him a tough man and when he was released from prison,all he cared about was booze,spending his days at a strip club,screwing women and just generally not giving a dam.Enter the heroine who is now a cop who is his friend that he used to give milk and cookies to when she was a young child.They bonded with each other over the deaths of their respective mothers.His died of cancer and on her death bed tells him his father is not his father,that a criminal is his dad instead,the heroine's mother was a cop who had a hit taken out on her by the hero's supposed father.They come up with a plan to take him down.This heroine has always been in love with him,but she thinks that he has no care for her,but the sexual tension between these two are smoking hot,and their sex scenes sizzles.Their first time together is in the front seat of his beat up truck.
I liked this hero,he is not a billionaire,just a regular Joe with some scarastic scarry ass humor and no filter whatsoever when he speaks.He likes to drink,fuck and go to strip clubs and makes no bones about it.His relationship with his 2 other brothers is not the best and I would have loved to have know what the bone of contention was with all of them.They each seemed to have deep issues,his seem to be daddy issues.Apparently,the criminal turns out not to be his daddy,so he still does not know why his father treated him so badly and never got him out of prison even though he told him that he would get him out.
The heroine was okay,sweet virgin who had loved the hero in forever and her reason for breaking up with him was asinine I thought . She was afraid of being hurt and let down again and again as she was when her mom died and her dad checked out when her mom died.
Communication people!!!!!
The ending,I wanted more,felt like an hfn,instead of hea.I ultimately did enjoy this story and will read the rest in this seties.
I liked this hero,he is not a billionaire,just a regular Joe with some scarastic scarry ass humor and no filter whatsoever when he speaks.He likes to drink,fuck and go to strip clubs and makes no bones about it.His relationship with his 2 other brothers is not the best and I would have loved to have know what the bone of contention was with all of them.They each seemed to have deep issues,his seem to be daddy issues.Apparently,the criminal turns out not to be his daddy,so he still does not know why his father treated him so badly and never got him out of prison even though he told him that he would get him out.
The heroine was okay,sweet virgin who had loved the hero in forever and her reason for breaking up with him was asinine I thought . She was afraid of being hurt and let down again and again as she was when her mom died and her dad checked out when her mom died.
Communication people!!!!!
The ending,I wanted more,felt like an hfn,instead of hea.I ultimately did enjoy this story and will read the rest in this seties.
February 9, 2017
Rush Redmond is finally out of prison. After giving up eight years of his life for something he didn’t do and for someone who didn’t care for him, he’s done caring about anyone but himself. He has no problem pissing off his brothers and keeping everyone else at a distance, it’s easier when there’s only one back to watch, his own. Nothing and no one gets close enough to make a blip on his give-a-fuck radar now-a-days.
Except for one milk and cookies virgin ...
If there is one person he can’t convince himself to stop caring about its Ava St. George. He hadn’t seen her in years, but when she strides toward him with a crazy idea to investigate a criminal kingpin, there’s no way Rush can allow her to tackle that kind of danger alone. No amount of threats or bribes can convince Ava to steer clear, not if it can shed light on her mother’s unsolved murder.
Ava still remembers the big tough guy who befriended a little girl, the guy who took care if her and gave his support when no one else did. 8 years is a long time to change a man. He's a smart ass with a massive chip on his shoulder. But deep down, Ava sees that beneath his laid back and careless attitude, traces of the old Rush still remain.
“You’re my hero, Rush. You always have been.”
When a girl who just won’t take no for an answer, and questions about his own past haunt him, Rush finds himself walking a thin line between doing what he wants and getting what he needs.
This is my second read by this author and she definitely has a darker writing style than I’m used to. Her characters are definitely not safe predictable vanilla wafers. But thats what keeps it so interesting! I loved that JA channelled her inner Deadpool to make Rush such an amazing character. His sarcastic humor and naughty banter totally became him and it made this a light read with all its raunchy cockiness.
There is so much going on that you really have to sit back and just absorb every detail before making a call on it. I admit there are times I wanted to slap some sense into both Rush and Ava but then Ms. Ashenden would go and make them do or say something that made me love them all over again.Especially Rush he was a perfect blend of cocky and sweet.
So yes, this book had me high and low but I like a book that leaves an impression on me and this one did.
I wouldn’t say this book is for everybody but I throughly enjoyed this one. This is hard edged, complicated love between two multi-dimensional characters. You have to really stick with them through some crappy situations to get to their HEA. This has angst and push/pull like no-one’s business. Both MCs have baggage that they need to resolve before taking that final plunge and it gets intense for a while. But as messed up as they both are, when they drop their walls, Rush and Ava were so adorable! This had some really great moments that melted my sappy heart!
General Info:
Ava is 22 years old and a virgin
Rush is 32 years old, and pretty much a man whore since getting out if jail.
Safety: It sort of is and it sort of isn’t . . .
No cheating or OM/OW drama. Ends with a HFN and an epilogue a few months down the road that was short but so sweet!
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Except for one milk and cookies virgin ...
If there is one person he can’t convince himself to stop caring about its Ava St. George. He hadn’t seen her in years, but when she strides toward him with a crazy idea to investigate a criminal kingpin, there’s no way Rush can allow her to tackle that kind of danger alone. No amount of threats or bribes can convince Ava to steer clear, not if it can shed light on her mother’s unsolved murder.
Ava still remembers the big tough guy who befriended a little girl, the guy who took care if her and gave his support when no one else did. 8 years is a long time to change a man. He's a smart ass with a massive chip on his shoulder. But deep down, Ava sees that beneath his laid back and careless attitude, traces of the old Rush still remain.
“You’re my hero, Rush. You always have been.”
When a girl who just won’t take no for an answer, and questions about his own past haunt him, Rush finds himself walking a thin line between doing what he wants and getting what he needs.
This is my second read by this author and she definitely has a darker writing style than I’m used to. Her characters are definitely not safe predictable vanilla wafers. But thats what keeps it so interesting! I loved that JA channelled her inner Deadpool to make Rush such an amazing character. His sarcastic humor and naughty banter totally became him and it made this a light read with all its raunchy cockiness.
There is so much going on that you really have to sit back and just absorb every detail before making a call on it. I admit there are times I wanted to slap some sense into both Rush and Ava but then Ms. Ashenden would go and make them do or say something that made me love them all over again.Especially Rush he was a perfect blend of cocky and sweet.
So yes, this book had me high and low but I like a book that leaves an impression on me and this one did.
I wouldn’t say this book is for everybody but I throughly enjoyed this one. This is hard edged, complicated love between two multi-dimensional characters. You have to really stick with them through some crappy situations to get to their HEA. This has angst and push/pull like no-one’s business. Both MCs have baggage that they need to resolve before taking that final plunge and it gets intense for a while. But as messed up as they both are, when they drop their walls, Rush and Ava were so adorable! This had some really great moments that melted my sappy heart!
General Info:
Ava is 22 years old and a virgin
Rush is 32 years old, and pretty much a man whore since getting out if jail.
Safety: It sort of is and it sort of isn’t . . .
No cheating or OM/OW drama. Ends with a HFN and an epilogue a few months down the road that was short but so sweet!
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
February 7, 2017
The biggest draw for me with this book was the pairing of an ex-con and a cop. I love when unlikely pairs are matched in books and they usually end up being very entertaining for me. I read and loved book 2 in this series so I was excited to dive right in for Rush and Ava's story.
With book 3 we have the same town, same characters and a smooth flow from book 2 to 3 with the focus switched to Rush and Ava. As much as I loved book 2, this book was a bit of a struggle for me. The jerk Hero's are not my favorite but can still be a good read for me as long as they treat the heroine right. Unfortunately, we don't get that with Rush. He was rightfully angry with the world. He took the fall for his dad and brother for a manslaughter charge and spent 8 years in prison. When Rush was finally released, he lashed out at everyone, including Ava.
I think what made his treatment of her worse for me was that she was young, naive and had the memories of a man that was the only one that had been there for her growing up. You wonder how a cop can be naive? She has only been on the force for one year and you learn how she never got to bond with anyone in the academy because her father was the sheriff. You realize how isolated she was and always has been. He knew she had no one but him before he went to prison and her life wasn't easy.
I actually really liked how she handled Rush in the beginning. He justified his jerk behavior trying to get her to leave him alone and her reaction to him kept throwing him off. There was no game playing with Ava. You got what you saw with her and if he had just treated her even a little bit better, I would have enjoyed this story so much more.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
With book 3 we have the same town, same characters and a smooth flow from book 2 to 3 with the focus switched to Rush and Ava. As much as I loved book 2, this book was a bit of a struggle for me. The jerk Hero's are not my favorite but can still be a good read for me as long as they treat the heroine right. Unfortunately, we don't get that with Rush. He was rightfully angry with the world. He took the fall for his dad and brother for a manslaughter charge and spent 8 years in prison. When Rush was finally released, he lashed out at everyone, including Ava.
I think what made his treatment of her worse for me was that she was young, naive and had the memories of a man that was the only one that had been there for her growing up. You wonder how a cop can be naive? She has only been on the force for one year and you learn how she never got to bond with anyone in the academy because her father was the sheriff. You realize how isolated she was and always has been. He knew she had no one but him before he went to prison and her life wasn't easy.
I actually really liked how she handled Rush in the beginning. He justified his jerk behavior trying to get her to leave him alone and her reaction to him kept throwing him off. There was no game playing with Ava. You got what you saw with her and if he had just treated her even a little bit better, I would have enjoyed this story so much more.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
February 10, 2017
I am loving this series talk about melt while reading this one. Yes Rush Redmond the middle son of Joseph Redmond now deceased is one bad ass of a hero an ex- convict sent to jail for murder that he didn’t commit and left there for 8 years now he is out and back with his brothers working the bounty hunter business but it looks like an old friend is going to pull him down a peg or two sit back and enjoy a wild ride to a fabulous HEA.
Ava St George has grown up now she is still a cookies and milk girl but a cop as well she has followed in her mother and father’s footsteps and works hard she lost her mother when she was young she was killed while working and her father is distant but she made friends all those years ago with Rush who is ten years older than her. Ava has been given a tip about her mother’s death and she needs Rush’s help now that he is home, but that crush she had on him years ago did it ever go away maybe not because as innocent as Ava is Rush brings out another side to Ava.
Rush is out of jail home and angry big time, he has a good reason to be so angry he has plans to stay a year then move on he has made a lot of contacts inside and is a changed man now Rush was always the caring person not anymore or maybe he is still when his old friend Ava who now is a cop and gorgeous and such a temptation to him asks for help what can he do but help of course there are reasons he wants to help for himself to uncover the truth about a secret that he has kept since his Mum passed away a doozy of a secret.
This is one fabulous story that will keep you turning the pages my god Rush is bad and Ava so innocent but what a perfect couple they make friends to lovers and wild up and down journey that is fast and so very good I savoured every word. MS Ashenden you have done it again a fabulous story that will be on the keeper shelf.
Ava St George has grown up now she is still a cookies and milk girl but a cop as well she has followed in her mother and father’s footsteps and works hard she lost her mother when she was young she was killed while working and her father is distant but she made friends all those years ago with Rush who is ten years older than her. Ava has been given a tip about her mother’s death and she needs Rush’s help now that he is home, but that crush she had on him years ago did it ever go away maybe not because as innocent as Ava is Rush brings out another side to Ava.
Rush is out of jail home and angry big time, he has a good reason to be so angry he has plans to stay a year then move on he has made a lot of contacts inside and is a changed man now Rush was always the caring person not anymore or maybe he is still when his old friend Ava who now is a cop and gorgeous and such a temptation to him asks for help what can he do but help of course there are reasons he wants to help for himself to uncover the truth about a secret that he has kept since his Mum passed away a doozy of a secret.
This is one fabulous story that will keep you turning the pages my god Rush is bad and Ava so innocent but what a perfect couple they make friends to lovers and wild up and down journey that is fast and so very good I savoured every word. MS Ashenden you have done it again a fabulous story that will be on the keeper shelf.
February 16, 2017
I would like to start off by saying that this has been my favorite so far in the series, don't worry if you haven't read Take Me Deeper or Make It Hurt yet this can be read as a standalone, but I do suggest you read the first two books in the series because they were definitely enjoyable reads.
This was a great read, as I mentioned before this is my favorite in the series so far....that may change when Quinn's story is released. During chapter eighteen I was balling so be prepare to have some tissues handy. Jackie Ashenden has a way of spinning a story so that you are so engrossed you feel as if you are right there watching it play out right in front of you.
You can read my full review and an excerpt here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
This was a great read, as I mentioned before this is my favorite in the series so far....that may change when Quinn's story is released. During chapter eighteen I was balling so be prepare to have some tissues handy. Jackie Ashenden has a way of spinning a story so that you are so engrossed you feel as if you are right there watching it play out right in front of you.
You can read my full review and an excerpt here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
June 1, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Texas Bounty series but my first read from this author. You can read this book as a stand-alone.
Rush Redmond and Ava St. George were friends growing up. With a 10 year age difference, they bonded over both their mother's death. He fed her milk and cookies. He taught her how to shoot. But then Rush spent eight years in jail for a murder he didn't commit. He didn't have a problem taking the fall for his dad or his brother. But prison changed him and made him tough. Now he's out and angry at the world and everyone for not visiting and leaving him in prison especially since he's an innocent man. Ava is the wholesome, never-been-kissed sheriff's daughter. She worked hard to be at the top of her class in the police academy. Never having time to make friends or date. She gets a tip that the police arrested the wrong man for her mother's murder. Ava needs Rush's connections to find out the truth about her mother's death. But Rush now has a "don't give a f*ck" attitude.
I had some issues with the story and the characters. Ava is plain, weak and naive. She's 22 years old and sleeps in the same single bed that she had growing up. She has a CSI and Cagney and Lacey poster hanging up on the wall in her bedroom. She's the same little girl that was in love with her childhood crush. Rush is angry, selfish and arrogant. In a week, they fell in love with each other? Hard to believe a "booze-and-strippers" kind of guy will have a lasting relationship with a "milk-and-cookies" kind of girl.
Also, there was no background on why Rush went to prison except it was a botched bounty job. Maybe it was in a prior book? I also did not like the ending. Throughout the book she said she will always be there for him and then threw it in his face?
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for supplying a copy of Jackie Ashenden's "Take Me Harder" in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in the Texas Bounty series but my first read from this author. You can read this book as a stand-alone.
Rush Redmond and Ava St. George were friends growing up. With a 10 year age difference, they bonded over both their mother's death. He fed her milk and cookies. He taught her how to shoot. But then Rush spent eight years in jail for a murder he didn't commit. He didn't have a problem taking the fall for his dad or his brother. But prison changed him and made him tough. Now he's out and angry at the world and everyone for not visiting and leaving him in prison especially since he's an innocent man. Ava is the wholesome, never-been-kissed sheriff's daughter. She worked hard to be at the top of her class in the police academy. Never having time to make friends or date. She gets a tip that the police arrested the wrong man for her mother's murder. Ava needs Rush's connections to find out the truth about her mother's death. But Rush now has a "don't give a f*ck" attitude.
I had some issues with the story and the characters. Ava is plain, weak and naive. She's 22 years old and sleeps in the same single bed that she had growing up. She has a CSI and Cagney and Lacey poster hanging up on the wall in her bedroom. She's the same little girl that was in love with her childhood crush. Rush is angry, selfish and arrogant. In a week, they fell in love with each other? Hard to believe a "booze-and-strippers" kind of guy will have a lasting relationship with a "milk-and-cookies" kind of girl.
Also, there was no background on why Rush went to prison except it was a botched bounty job. Maybe it was in a prior book? I also did not like the ending. Throughout the book she said she will always be there for him and then threw it in his face?
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for supplying a copy of Jackie Ashenden's "Take Me Harder" in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the third book in the series, but could be read as a stand alone if desired.
This books focuses on Redmond brother Rush and cop Ava, both of whom we have seen in previous books.
I kinda had to feel sorry for Rush, sent to prison for a crime he did not commit, a father that seemed to hate him and to top it all his mothers death bed confession. Its no wonder that he uses his sarcastic humour and distances those that he calls family.
Ava is a good girl, however she see's a deeper side of Rush that no one else seems to be seeing. She can put side comments that she knows are only to help Rush cope and helps him like no one else has bother to so far.
She helps him out from the dark with her light persona, her strength and determination.
Its a friends to lovers book, with an eight year gap in-between and the same goal in mind.
This is the third book in the series, but could be read as a stand alone if desired.
This books focuses on Redmond brother Rush and cop Ava, both of whom we have seen in previous books.
I kinda had to feel sorry for Rush, sent to prison for a crime he did not commit, a father that seemed to hate him and to top it all his mothers death bed confession. Its no wonder that he uses his sarcastic humour and distances those that he calls family.
Ava is a good girl, however she see's a deeper side of Rush that no one else seems to be seeing. She can put side comments that she knows are only to help Rush cope and helps him like no one else has bother to so far.
She helps him out from the dark with her light persona, her strength and determination.
Its a friends to lovers book, with an eight year gap in-between and the same goal in mind.
November 24, 2016
Rush has a serious 'I don't give a eff' attitude, “because you’re my effing girlfriend and I’ll do whatever I want to you, whenever I want to do it.” His eyes gleamed. “Where did you get the gear?” There are times I don't think Rush knows what to do with Ava,"...had her squirming and shifting on his lap. “Holy eff, honey. Remember what I said about a hair trigger? Jesus, I’ve got a reputation to uphold.” I really loved this book, I loved Rush, even if his attitude sucked at times.
February 20, 2017
Take Me Harder is the third novel in Jackie Ashenden’s Texas Bounty series, featuring men and women bounty hunters who are fighting the good fight to bring fugitives to justice. The lines of who is a bad guy and who are not get a bit blurred with this latest story, featuring an ex-con and his one-time friend, now a female cop, whose independent missions to undercover secrets from their pasts collide to form a common goal in this sexy and intense story.
Rush Redmond spent eight years in a jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Expecting to be sprung by his derelict father, instead, he was left to live out his sentence in the harsh environment of prison. Bitter but now free, Rush has joined with his brothers Quinn and Zane to keep their family bounty hunter business afloat but their brotherly relationship is tenuous at best. Rush made enough contacts in prison to have his own version of a black book and he’s looking to call in some favors to find out the truth of who his father really is – the man who raised him but was cold and distant, or a con who seduced his mother and now runs an arms business among other shady pursuits.
Ava St. George, a female cop and daughter of the sheriff has known Rush since they were both children, though Rush is several years older. As a child she idolized the teen who empathized with her over the loss of her mother and treated her with kindness. But now, years later, the man fresh out of prison is not the friend that she knew. Still, she is on a mission. She’s heard that her mother’s killer, the real person behind the crime, is still on the loose and she’s determined to find out what really happened. Entreating Rush to help her, when it turns out they are both hunting down the same man he reluctantly agrees. Ava’s innocence draws Rush like a moth to a flame even though he knows that she’s very off limits. He’s not interested in corrupting virgins, no matter how tempting. But in close quarters with a common goal, it’s not long before the sizzling attraction between them leads to a fiery affair. Will their happy ending be snuffed out too soon?
If you’ve seen any of my reviews for Jackie Ashenden titles, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of hers for mixing super sexy scenes, interesting and complex characters and intensely suspenseful plots into wholly entertaining stories. That’s definitely what we get here. Rush and Ava are such interesting opposites! While they have that tentative childhood connection, Rush has clearly put those days behind him and is not the same (no surprise after 8 years in prison). Yet Ava is able to draw out glimpses of that kind and generous young man. While Ava on the surface appears to be a bit naive, she makes up for it with her determination and confidence. She’ll do whatever is necessary to catch the killer and Rush is quick to admit to himself that the young girl he knew is all grown up. Their interactions are fraught with sexual tension and it’s a slow burn until things ignite mid way through the story in some steamy scenes.
Along with the suspenseful plot and sexy romance, Rush’s relationship with his brothers is a key part of the story. Having grown up together with an alcoholic father, they each had their own way of coping, none of which kept them very close. With Rush’s stint in prison and few visits from his brothers, their fractured relationship will need a lot of work to heal. Ava is able to make Rush consider what things are like from Quinn and Zane’s perspectives, and also to realize that if he wants to become friends with his brothers, he has to take the first step. I liked seeing the brothers work through some of their issues, leading to a happy ending not just for Ava and Rush, but also Rush’s family. The setting is well described and shows the seedier side of life in this area of Texas, with strip clubs and bar hangouts the norm. There are some interesting secondary characters, in particular, Rhys, who works for another bounty hunter agency and becomes a friend of sorts to Rush. His story is next, and I’m very much looking forward to it! If you like gritty, sexy stories, you need to put Jackie Ashenden on your to-read list.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Rush Redmond spent eight years in a jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Expecting to be sprung by his derelict father, instead, he was left to live out his sentence in the harsh environment of prison. Bitter but now free, Rush has joined with his brothers Quinn and Zane to keep their family bounty hunter business afloat but their brotherly relationship is tenuous at best. Rush made enough contacts in prison to have his own version of a black book and he’s looking to call in some favors to find out the truth of who his father really is – the man who raised him but was cold and distant, or a con who seduced his mother and now runs an arms business among other shady pursuits.
Ava St. George, a female cop and daughter of the sheriff has known Rush since they were both children, though Rush is several years older. As a child she idolized the teen who empathized with her over the loss of her mother and treated her with kindness. But now, years later, the man fresh out of prison is not the friend that she knew. Still, she is on a mission. She’s heard that her mother’s killer, the real person behind the crime, is still on the loose and she’s determined to find out what really happened. Entreating Rush to help her, when it turns out they are both hunting down the same man he reluctantly agrees. Ava’s innocence draws Rush like a moth to a flame even though he knows that she’s very off limits. He’s not interested in corrupting virgins, no matter how tempting. But in close quarters with a common goal, it’s not long before the sizzling attraction between them leads to a fiery affair. Will their happy ending be snuffed out too soon?
If you’ve seen any of my reviews for Jackie Ashenden titles, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of hers for mixing super sexy scenes, interesting and complex characters and intensely suspenseful plots into wholly entertaining stories. That’s definitely what we get here. Rush and Ava are such interesting opposites! While they have that tentative childhood connection, Rush has clearly put those days behind him and is not the same (no surprise after 8 years in prison). Yet Ava is able to draw out glimpses of that kind and generous young man. While Ava on the surface appears to be a bit naive, she makes up for it with her determination and confidence. She’ll do whatever is necessary to catch the killer and Rush is quick to admit to himself that the young girl he knew is all grown up. Their interactions are fraught with sexual tension and it’s a slow burn until things ignite mid way through the story in some steamy scenes.
Along with the suspenseful plot and sexy romance, Rush’s relationship with his brothers is a key part of the story. Having grown up together with an alcoholic father, they each had their own way of coping, none of which kept them very close. With Rush’s stint in prison and few visits from his brothers, their fractured relationship will need a lot of work to heal. Ava is able to make Rush consider what things are like from Quinn and Zane’s perspectives, and also to realize that if he wants to become friends with his brothers, he has to take the first step. I liked seeing the brothers work through some of their issues, leading to a happy ending not just for Ava and Rush, but also Rush’s family. The setting is well described and shows the seedier side of life in this area of Texas, with strip clubs and bar hangouts the norm. There are some interesting secondary characters, in particular, Rhys, who works for another bounty hunter agency and becomes a friend of sorts to Rush. His story is next, and I’m very much looking forward to it! If you like gritty, sexy stories, you need to put Jackie Ashenden on your to-read list.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
December 21, 2016
Take Me Harder is the third book in the Texas Bounty series by Jackie Ashenden. I just randomly came across this series and was interested in these bounty hunter brothers as they have some interesting stories. This book focuses on Rush, the brother who went to jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
While I liked this book I don’t think this was my favorite of the series. Rush is an interesting character but he has some demons that will be difficult for him to shake. When he went to jail, just about everyone abandoned him and now that he is out, he isn’t pulling any punches with his brothers or anyone. He is also pretty open about his love of alcohol and strippers and considering the fact that most days when he isn’t at the office he is at a specific strip club, you can guess where he is in moving forward with his life.
Enter Ava St. George. She’s a cop…specifically the Sheriff’s daughter, and she and Rush go back. When her mother was killed Rush is the one who would sit with her and talk. So when she finds out something about her mother’s death that requires someone who knows the players in town, she goes right to Rush. She knows he has connections with some of the seedier people in town and she needs to get to them to find out what really happened to her mother and get revenge.
As these two come together, Rush does everything he can to get Ava to stay away from him. Unfortunately she is determined and she also cares about him. She regrets that she never went to go visit him in prison but now that he is home she isn’t going to just sit back. Eventually she breaks through the barrier that Rush has put up and just when Rush seems to be happy and seeing a future for them, Ava does something that she feels she needs to in order to protect her heart. This is the part that threw me…she was so sure of him and them together that when she flipped, it felt forced. Regardless, the separation forces them to figure out what they really want and what they are willing to face for the one they love.
Overall I enjoyed this one but there were pieces that felt rushed or just didn’t fit. With that said, consider the series. I have enjoyed it so far and look forward to the future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
While I liked this book I don’t think this was my favorite of the series. Rush is an interesting character but he has some demons that will be difficult for him to shake. When he went to jail, just about everyone abandoned him and now that he is out, he isn’t pulling any punches with his brothers or anyone. He is also pretty open about his love of alcohol and strippers and considering the fact that most days when he isn’t at the office he is at a specific strip club, you can guess where he is in moving forward with his life.
Enter Ava St. George. She’s a cop…specifically the Sheriff’s daughter, and she and Rush go back. When her mother was killed Rush is the one who would sit with her and talk. So when she finds out something about her mother’s death that requires someone who knows the players in town, she goes right to Rush. She knows he has connections with some of the seedier people in town and she needs to get to them to find out what really happened to her mother and get revenge.
As these two come together, Rush does everything he can to get Ava to stay away from him. Unfortunately she is determined and she also cares about him. She regrets that she never went to go visit him in prison but now that he is home she isn’t going to just sit back. Eventually she breaks through the barrier that Rush has put up and just when Rush seems to be happy and seeing a future for them, Ava does something that she feels she needs to in order to protect her heart. This is the part that threw me…she was so sure of him and them together that when she flipped, it felt forced. Regardless, the separation forces them to figure out what they really want and what they are willing to face for the one they love.
Overall I enjoyed this one but there were pieces that felt rushed or just didn’t fit. With that said, consider the series. I have enjoyed it so far and look forward to the future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
February 7, 2017
Bounty hunter series with standalone stories and this being the third in the series but my first read I have mixed feelings. I liked the idea that there was a HFN ending and at times liked the relationship between Ava and Rush. I liked Ava’s father being willing to help Rush out. I liked the whore with a heart of gold. I didn’t like the fact that Rush seemed to have nobody in his corner – ever – even though Ava tried from time to time. I didn’t like the way Rush’s family treated him. I didn’t like the fact that Rush seemed more interested in being angry than moving on. I didn’t like the idea that nobody, not even Rush, tried to clear his name.
Rush had definitely been dealt a bad hand, spent 8 years in jail for something he did not do and came home with a grudge on his shoulders and anger in his belly. His surly talk, drinking and other indulgences might be due to being deprived while behind bars but every once in a while his true once kinder nature tried to peek out. I never saw Ava as a “strong” person though she was empathetic, kind and eager to please. I felt more like she was a teenager than a grown woman and whether that was due to her crush on Rush when she was a teenager seeping over into the present or if it was just her in general I still don’t know. I found it hard to believe some of the things Ava was willing to do at various times in the book. Anyway…This was an easy at times predictable read with the surly ex-con and the good girl from his past finding a way to move forward together into the future by the end of the book. I would like to know more about Quinn and Rhys and wonder if they will show up at some point later in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Rush had definitely been dealt a bad hand, spent 8 years in jail for something he did not do and came home with a grudge on his shoulders and anger in his belly. His surly talk, drinking and other indulgences might be due to being deprived while behind bars but every once in a while his true once kinder nature tried to peek out. I never saw Ava as a “strong” person though she was empathetic, kind and eager to please. I felt more like she was a teenager than a grown woman and whether that was due to her crush on Rush when she was a teenager seeping over into the present or if it was just her in general I still don’t know. I found it hard to believe some of the things Ava was willing to do at various times in the book. Anyway…This was an easy at times predictable read with the surly ex-con and the good girl from his past finding a way to move forward together into the future by the end of the book. I would like to know more about Quinn and Rhys and wonder if they will show up at some point later in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the ARC. This is my honest review.
February 11, 2017
Take me Harder is Jackie Ashenden's 3rd book in her Texas Bounty series, for which I read and LOVED the 1st book, Take me Deeper. I've also read and LOVED a stand-alone novel by her called Wrong for Me. So two 5Star books down and I'm about to jump into this one with my hopes up for continued stellar reviews, lets hope that I'm not let down. I'll have to keep you posted.
**Ok, I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much, it made me cry, it made me smile, mostly it made me mad when it was over because I wanted to keep reading it. Jackie Ashenden is officially my new favorite author which means that she will be at the top of my automatic buy list.
Rush got back to town from prison a couple of months ago for a crime he did not commit and is holding a grudge against those who didn't visit him those 8 years. Holding onto his bitterness with anger, disdain and a nonchalance he doesn't quite feel he pushes away anyone who tries to get close to him.
So when Ava comes into the strip club where he likes to spend all of his time and asks her long time friend and secret crush for help he can't help but be rude to her and notices that she's no longer the little girl he used to babysit and talk to. Their attraction to each other is off the charts, their chemistry explosive. Being that she's a cop and he's an ex-con makes the perfect pair to go after a deadly dangerous criminal arms dealer.
You will love their journey and their story will keep you vastly entertained.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
**Ok, I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much, it made me cry, it made me smile, mostly it made me mad when it was over because I wanted to keep reading it. Jackie Ashenden is officially my new favorite author which means that she will be at the top of my automatic buy list.
Rush got back to town from prison a couple of months ago for a crime he did not commit and is holding a grudge against those who didn't visit him those 8 years. Holding onto his bitterness with anger, disdain and a nonchalance he doesn't quite feel he pushes away anyone who tries to get close to him.
So when Ava comes into the strip club where he likes to spend all of his time and asks her long time friend and secret crush for help he can't help but be rude to her and notices that she's no longer the little girl he used to babysit and talk to. Their attraction to each other is off the charts, their chemistry explosive. Being that she's a cop and he's an ex-con makes the perfect pair to go after a deadly dangerous criminal arms dealer.
You will love their journey and their story will keep you vastly entertained.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Read
January 27, 2017I try to never judge a book by it's cover, but honestly? How on earth could anyone resist this cover!
This story is the third in the series by Jackie Ashenden. The Redmond brothers run a bounty hunter business and Rush has reluctantly rejoined his brothers at work. Rush went to jail for eight years for a crime he didn't commit. This has left him as a very rough man who has a huge chip on his shoulder (and rightly so). We first meet Rush when he is at a strip club getting drunk.
Ava is the good girl of the town. Her father is the Sheriff and she is a cop. To say that Ava has daddy problems would be understating the issue. She longs for her father's approval, but has never gotten the support she wants. Ava is investigating the decades long murder of her mother and wants Rush to help her infiltrate the criminal underworld that he is so intimately knowledgeable about.
The writing is quite good in this book. The author creates scenes that are very vivid. You almost can smell the smoke in the air and imagine the sticky beer on the bar. The plot and the pacing were fine and the story unfolded in a measured way. My challenge for the story was with the main characters. Rush was hard to like at times. While this is a great plot devise, sometimes I just wanted to smack some sense into him. Ava could be such a contradiction at times. She longs for Rush, but flipflops on what she wants. It just made me frustrated as the reader at times.
This series is worth reading! You don't need to read the books in order and this book can be read as a standalone.
This story is the third in the series by Jackie Ashenden. The Redmond brothers run a bounty hunter business and Rush has reluctantly rejoined his brothers at work. Rush went to jail for eight years for a crime he didn't commit. This has left him as a very rough man who has a huge chip on his shoulder (and rightly so). We first meet Rush when he is at a strip club getting drunk.
Ava is the good girl of the town. Her father is the Sheriff and she is a cop. To say that Ava has daddy problems would be understating the issue. She longs for her father's approval, but has never gotten the support she wants. Ava is investigating the decades long murder of her mother and wants Rush to help her infiltrate the criminal underworld that he is so intimately knowledgeable about.
The writing is quite good in this book. The author creates scenes that are very vivid. You almost can smell the smoke in the air and imagine the sticky beer on the bar. The plot and the pacing were fine and the story unfolded in a measured way. My challenge for the story was with the main characters. Rush was hard to like at times. While this is a great plot devise, sometimes I just wanted to smack some sense into him. Ava could be such a contradiction at times. She longs for Rush, but flipflops on what she wants. It just made me frustrated as the reader at times.
This series is worth reading! You don't need to read the books in order and this book can be read as a standalone.
February 5, 2017
When I start a Jackie Ashenden novel I know that I have to be prepared to be wowed! This author can knock your socks with her sexy times, hot chemistry and engrossing storylines! Take Me Harder was no different! Rush and Ava were fantastic. I was consumed from the first page!
Rush and Ava have a history. Being ten years older than Ava, Rush had always looked out for her when she was younger, protective of her while she was growing up. But years go by and now Ava is a grown woman and Rush is out of an 8 year prison stint for a crime he did not commit. So what happens when Ava needs a favor from Rush in solving a murder? This is the same man she has always had a crush on who is now a broody, angry broken man who doesn't look at her like a little girl anymore and who isn't afraid to tell her what he wants in return. Be prepared for FIREWORKS, people! Read this book! It is electrifying and hard to put down. Rush and Ava were amazing! 4 stars!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept house for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. ~Ratula
Rush and Ava have a history. Being ten years older than Ava, Rush had always looked out for her when she was younger, protective of her while she was growing up. But years go by and now Ava is a grown woman and Rush is out of an 8 year prison stint for a crime he did not commit. So what happens when Ava needs a favor from Rush in solving a murder? This is the same man she has always had a crush on who is now a broody, angry broken man who doesn't look at her like a little girl anymore and who isn't afraid to tell her what he wants in return. Be prepared for FIREWORKS, people! Read this book! It is electrifying and hard to put down. Rush and Ava were amazing! 4 stars!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept house for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. ~Ratula
February 8, 2017
Ava grew up with a crush on Rush, as her dad pushed her away when her mother died but, Rush was always there to talk to her, feed her and make her feel better. Rush has just gotten out of 8 yrs in prison for a crime that he did not commit. He has learned not to trust anyone, especially his family and the people he used to care for. When he runs into Mia and finds out she's now a cop, he walks away as fast as he can. Unfortunately, Ava won't take no for an answer. She needs help and Rush is the one to help her. This is a clash between an alpha male and alpha female that is downright explosive! I loved it!
February 20, 2017
Awww! I loved Rush. Such a big softie inside and so badly misunderstood. I wanted to strangle his parents, especially his Mum. What kind of freakin' twisted last words were those? She basically set him up to get hurt for the rest of his life. And poor Ava too. There should be something like a parenting school set up, so losers like them could go learn how to treat their kids. Or then it should be illegal for certain people to have kids altogether. Geez!
But I'm so happy that Ava was finally able to crash through those walls and reach him because they are just PERFECT for each other. And I just LOVED that ending.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
But I'm so happy that Ava was finally able to crash through those walls and reach him because they are just PERFECT for each other. And I just LOVED that ending.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
February 7, 2017
Loved this!! This is Rush Redmond's story. He's a character that has you hating him and loving him at the same time. After spending 8 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit he's back in town with a bad attitude and determined not to care about anything or anyone. The only person that seems to be able to get through to him is the one woman he should want no part of. Rush remembers Ava St. George as the little girl he befriended when they were younger but she's not that little girl anymore. Now sweet sheriff's daughter is all grown up and a deputy working for her father. When she starts poking her nose into some very dangerous territory Rush knows he has to help her. And while he doesn't think she should be anywhere near the dangerous people she's hunting, these same people hold some answers that Rush needs as well. Will spending so much time with Ava be Rush's undoing??
This is the third in the series but each of these books can be read on their own. I definitely recommend this one.
This is the third in the series but each of these books can be read on their own. I definitely recommend this one.
December 17, 2016
Take Me Harder is a great addition to the Texas Bounty series. I enjoyed Rush and Ava and look forward to seeing what comes next from Ms. Ashenden
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2016
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
February 8, 2017
*****5 ‘Milk & Cookies Redemption’STARS*****
I am addicted to the ‘innocent ex-con’ storyline. I can’t get enough. Add in a dirty talking alpha with an attitude problem and I’m a goner. Jackie Ashenden’s newest entry into the Texas Bounty series checked all those boxes and then some. I was in Alpha Jerk Heaven. A story of childhood friendships and harsh life lessons, I was hooked from page one where we see that the past can be a happy joyful memory used to fill the holes in our hearts – but we can never go back – and now it’s time to move forward.
“She was a milk-and-cookies kind of girl and he was a booze-and-strippers kind of boy.”
Rush Redmond (H) has a huge chip on his shoulder. Convicted for a crime he admitted to but didn’t commit, he was locked away for years taking painful secrets with him – secrets that ate at his soul, day after day, week after week, year after year. As he learned the rules in the game of prison survival of the fittest anger and bitterness became his best friends and constant companions. Upon release freedom is bittersweet – he’s still carrying secrets and guilt and has no illusions life is going to be easy. Fair warning: Rush is a damaged Alpha*hole. While his crass, rude behavior irritated me at times, I couldn’t wait for his redemption. The very heart of his bad behavior illustrates an insight into his anger and pain. It’s not fun to watch at times but it is completely a part of his growth and eventual acceptance of his circumstances and provides the vehicle for him to move forward, forgive and find happiness.
“But caring wasn’t something he did anymore, not after prison, and he didn’t need her hanging around reminding him about all those times when another person had mattered to him.”
Ava St. George (h) lost more than anyone ever guessed when Rush was sent to prison. The boy turned man was her best friend and confidante. Social inept Ava is left with her emotionally unavailable father and turns to her dream of following in her deceased mother’s footsteps – becoming a police officer. For years it’s all she lives and breathes despite her father’s protests; as long as she has the badge she doesn’t need anything or more importantly anyone else. When Rush is released from prison old feelings start to resurface at the same time new information on her mother’s murder leads her straight into Rush’s arms – begging for a favor. It’s not long before Ava realizes the ‘old’ Rush is gone. And the ‘new’ Rush? Sweet innocent Ava’s not sure what to do with him. A rookie cop, Ava still has stars in her eyes and a ‘do-good’ attitude; her social ineptness lends to her innocent naiveté while her life’s experiences show us she does have some backbone. She may be a sweet, shy, somewhat naïve rookie cop, but her strength and understanding with Rush is a powerful thing. When she’s pushed to the brink to use that backbone, Rush is that catalyst, and although it takes some buildup in the story to see it – I was happy that we did see it.
“And it was only because she knew how incredible his smile had once been when it reached his eyes that she realized how much it had changed now.”
One of the things I love about Ms. Ashenden’s books is the power exchange dynamics. Well, that and her luscious grumpy alphas. While Rush is all controlling dominant alpha male, seeing his interactions with Ava and his decent into love give you the chance to see how powerless he is in the face of his deep emotions – as much as he tries to control his life it keeps spiraling in the face of this anger, self-pity and loathing. Sexual dynamics play into this as well (and whew! they’re hawt together!) and even though he doesn’t relinquish control in the bedroom it is clear that the reins are transferred on occasion to Ava emotionally and it holds Rush hostage at first. He’s mean, he says ugly things. It’s knee-jerk-reaction, that’s who he’s evolved into in the last 8 years. But maybe, just maybe Ava’s loyalty and love will help him heal and show him the fall is worth it. I appreciated that Rush’s character stayed true throughout the book. He didn’t magically become a nice guy overnight – or a nice guy at all. He’s had eight years to cultivate his bad attitude and it takes time and understanding from Ava before we start to see the light. Don’t get me wrong he has growth but its Rush style growth – this is a man that’s never going to be the ‘nice guy’. The small peeks into his heart and softening with Ava turned my heart to goo.
“Gimme a taste honey. Just a little one.”
At the same time, watching Ava struggle with her feelings of inadequacy and fear of emotional abandonment were heartbreaking. Growing up without her mother and a father who treats her like an acquaintance instead of a daughter has damaged something very fragile in Ave – her sense of worth and value. On the same token as Rush, she’s had years to develop and grow these feelings and Rush Certainly doesn’t help her in the beginning – he’s way too wrapped up in his own head. This imperfect hero and his girl stole my heart. I honestly love Rush for his alpha*hole ways – I totally understood where he was coming from and even agreed with him now and again. I applauded his personal confrontation of his demons so that he could move forward in his life. He and Ava have a lot stacked against them including their mutually disapproving families, but that just made me root for them harder.
“One thing you’re gonna have to learn about me is that I never, ever do what I am told.”
I understand hardcore jerk alphas aren’t for everyone. Even when I hated the way Rush treated Ava, I still understood why. That until the ‘why’ was resolved he literally couldn’t move on. That’s the story here for me. Who Rush was when he was released was not who he was destined to be. And for all the times I wanted Ava to be, perhaps, a bit stronger, that’s just not who she was at that time either. Grumpy jerky Rush paved the way to Ava’s empowerment and growth as a woman. Really, that’s what I love to see – the hero and the heroine inspiring (even if it starts out in anger) and encouraging growth and love in each other. Anger, irritation, jealousy, gulit, heartbreak, sadness, healing, hope, forgiveness. Love. It’s all in these pages and I adored the journey – every page. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
“But he should have known Ava wasn’t just another woman. She never had been.”
*ARC provided by Loveswept via NetGalley and does not effect my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 3rd date, multiple novels read by author to date.
Characters: M/F
OM/OW: No
Sex: Yes, descriptive
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, although this is book 3 in the series, you can read it without any significant plot/story line issues.
I am addicted to the ‘innocent ex-con’ storyline. I can’t get enough. Add in a dirty talking alpha with an attitude problem and I’m a goner. Jackie Ashenden’s newest entry into the Texas Bounty series checked all those boxes and then some. I was in Alpha Jerk Heaven. A story of childhood friendships and harsh life lessons, I was hooked from page one where we see that the past can be a happy joyful memory used to fill the holes in our hearts – but we can never go back – and now it’s time to move forward.
“She was a milk-and-cookies kind of girl and he was a booze-and-strippers kind of boy.”
Rush Redmond (H) has a huge chip on his shoulder. Convicted for a crime he admitted to but didn’t commit, he was locked away for years taking painful secrets with him – secrets that ate at his soul, day after day, week after week, year after year. As he learned the rules in the game of prison survival of the fittest anger and bitterness became his best friends and constant companions. Upon release freedom is bittersweet – he’s still carrying secrets and guilt and has no illusions life is going to be easy. Fair warning: Rush is a damaged Alpha*hole. While his crass, rude behavior irritated me at times, I couldn’t wait for his redemption. The very heart of his bad behavior illustrates an insight into his anger and pain. It’s not fun to watch at times but it is completely a part of his growth and eventual acceptance of his circumstances and provides the vehicle for him to move forward, forgive and find happiness.
“But caring wasn’t something he did anymore, not after prison, and he didn’t need her hanging around reminding him about all those times when another person had mattered to him.”
Ava St. George (h) lost more than anyone ever guessed when Rush was sent to prison. The boy turned man was her best friend and confidante. Social inept Ava is left with her emotionally unavailable father and turns to her dream of following in her deceased mother’s footsteps – becoming a police officer. For years it’s all she lives and breathes despite her father’s protests; as long as she has the badge she doesn’t need anything or more importantly anyone else. When Rush is released from prison old feelings start to resurface at the same time new information on her mother’s murder leads her straight into Rush’s arms – begging for a favor. It’s not long before Ava realizes the ‘old’ Rush is gone. And the ‘new’ Rush? Sweet innocent Ava’s not sure what to do with him. A rookie cop, Ava still has stars in her eyes and a ‘do-good’ attitude; her social ineptness lends to her innocent naiveté while her life’s experiences show us she does have some backbone. She may be a sweet, shy, somewhat naïve rookie cop, but her strength and understanding with Rush is a powerful thing. When she’s pushed to the brink to use that backbone, Rush is that catalyst, and although it takes some buildup in the story to see it – I was happy that we did see it.
“And it was only because she knew how incredible his smile had once been when it reached his eyes that she realized how much it had changed now.”
One of the things I love about Ms. Ashenden’s books is the power exchange dynamics. Well, that and her luscious grumpy alphas. While Rush is all controlling dominant alpha male, seeing his interactions with Ava and his decent into love give you the chance to see how powerless he is in the face of his deep emotions – as much as he tries to control his life it keeps spiraling in the face of this anger, self-pity and loathing. Sexual dynamics play into this as well (and whew! they’re hawt together!) and even though he doesn’t relinquish control in the bedroom it is clear that the reins are transferred on occasion to Ava emotionally and it holds Rush hostage at first. He’s mean, he says ugly things. It’s knee-jerk-reaction, that’s who he’s evolved into in the last 8 years. But maybe, just maybe Ava’s loyalty and love will help him heal and show him the fall is worth it. I appreciated that Rush’s character stayed true throughout the book. He didn’t magically become a nice guy overnight – or a nice guy at all. He’s had eight years to cultivate his bad attitude and it takes time and understanding from Ava before we start to see the light. Don’t get me wrong he has growth but its Rush style growth – this is a man that’s never going to be the ‘nice guy’. The small peeks into his heart and softening with Ava turned my heart to goo.
“Gimme a taste honey. Just a little one.”
At the same time, watching Ava struggle with her feelings of inadequacy and fear of emotional abandonment were heartbreaking. Growing up without her mother and a father who treats her like an acquaintance instead of a daughter has damaged something very fragile in Ave – her sense of worth and value. On the same token as Rush, she’s had years to develop and grow these feelings and Rush Certainly doesn’t help her in the beginning – he’s way too wrapped up in his own head. This imperfect hero and his girl stole my heart. I honestly love Rush for his alpha*hole ways – I totally understood where he was coming from and even agreed with him now and again. I applauded his personal confrontation of his demons so that he could move forward in his life. He and Ava have a lot stacked against them including their mutually disapproving families, but that just made me root for them harder.
“One thing you’re gonna have to learn about me is that I never, ever do what I am told.”
I understand hardcore jerk alphas aren’t for everyone. Even when I hated the way Rush treated Ava, I still understood why. That until the ‘why’ was resolved he literally couldn’t move on. That’s the story here for me. Who Rush was when he was released was not who he was destined to be. And for all the times I wanted Ava to be, perhaps, a bit stronger, that’s just not who she was at that time either. Grumpy jerky Rush paved the way to Ava’s empowerment and growth as a woman. Really, that’s what I love to see – the hero and the heroine inspiring (even if it starts out in anger) and encouraging growth and love in each other. Anger, irritation, jealousy, gulit, heartbreak, sadness, healing, hope, forgiveness. Love. It’s all in these pages and I adored the journey – every page. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
“But he should have known Ava wasn’t just another woman. She never had been.”
*ARC provided by Loveswept via NetGalley and does not effect my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 3rd date, multiple novels read by author to date.
Characters: M/F
OM/OW: No
Sex: Yes, descriptive
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, although this is book 3 in the series, you can read it without any significant plot/story line issues.
February 15, 2017
This is definitely not my first book by Jackie Ashenden, and it won't be my last. I've read all three books in this series, and I'm definitely hanging in there to see what happens with Quinn. I'm hoping he's next, but there are a couple other characters I wouldn't mind also getting stories for too. This is certainly a series with the potential for several more books. If you like surly growly alphas hiding big softy hearts, this is the series for you.
Rush is bitter, rude, crude, and just all around not very fun to be around. He has a right to be, but it doesn't make him an easy person. Ava is a serious blunt straight shooter who was raised by a single dad and has no concept of feminine wiles or really anything related to the games men and women play. She's a complete innocent who is much younger than Rush but has loved him forever. Rush starts our pretty determined to crush that love. He really does care about her and doesn't want to maliciously hurt her, but he sees treating her badly as the only way to protect her from getting hurt by getting to close to him. Regardless of his feelings, or lack of feelings, for her, Ava needs Rush to help her track her mother's killer. He's the only one one with the right connections. He doesn't want to be around her enough to help, but it's Ava, and there is no way he is going to sit back and watch her get herself hurt going after the killer alone.
These two characters were so very opposite. Rush was so very crude, and everything was related to a certain part of his anatomy, but I loved him anyway. The story had plenty of emotional ups and downs and so much sexual tension. It was great, and I'm ready for more.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.
Rush is bitter, rude, crude, and just all around not very fun to be around. He has a right to be, but it doesn't make him an easy person. Ava is a serious blunt straight shooter who was raised by a single dad and has no concept of feminine wiles or really anything related to the games men and women play. She's a complete innocent who is much younger than Rush but has loved him forever. Rush starts our pretty determined to crush that love. He really does care about her and doesn't want to maliciously hurt her, but he sees treating her badly as the only way to protect her from getting hurt by getting to close to him. Regardless of his feelings, or lack of feelings, for her, Ava needs Rush to help her track her mother's killer. He's the only one one with the right connections. He doesn't want to be around her enough to help, but it's Ava, and there is no way he is going to sit back and watch her get herself hurt going after the killer alone.
These two characters were so very opposite. Rush was so very crude, and everything was related to a certain part of his anatomy, but I loved him anyway. The story had plenty of emotional ups and downs and so much sexual tension. It was great, and I'm ready for more.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.
January 20, 2021
#3 in the Texas Bounty romance series
It's been quite a while since I read the first two books in this series, but it was easy to get right back into the setting. The brothers (Quinn, Zane, and Rush) are bounty hunters, although Rush has been in jail for a while. It's made clear from the beginning that he was innocent but accepted the blame to protect his father. Rush ends up doing 8 years, despite the fact that he expected to be able to cut a deal and/or be released early. Not so, and he's very resentful but has no outlet since his father is now dead. So he spends his days glowering, drinking, and fraternizing with strippers. Enter Ava, a little girl he befriended when her mother died, and now a grown-up cop. She's always had a crush on him, but now she just wants his help to find her mom's killer. There's a lot of pushing and shoving between them, with friction, sexual tension, and all kinds of other emotions--and it all made sense. I liked their relationship since I knew it was warm and sweet underneath all the negative feelings. Both characters are appealing in very different ways. Opposites attract, I guess, although they are alike in that they both try to escape from deep feelings and push others away when they get too close. They worked together to solve the mystery, and their romance was hot and explosive. A good read, and I look forward to the next in the series. (We briefly meet Rhys, the "robot" who is kind of friendly with Rush, but we'll get to know him better in the next book.)
It's been quite a while since I read the first two books in this series, but it was easy to get right back into the setting. The brothers (Quinn, Zane, and Rush) are bounty hunters, although Rush has been in jail for a while. It's made clear from the beginning that he was innocent but accepted the blame to protect his father. Rush ends up doing 8 years, despite the fact that he expected to be able to cut a deal and/or be released early. Not so, and he's very resentful but has no outlet since his father is now dead. So he spends his days glowering, drinking, and fraternizing with strippers. Enter Ava, a little girl he befriended when her mother died, and now a grown-up cop. She's always had a crush on him, but now she just wants his help to find her mom's killer. There's a lot of pushing and shoving between them, with friction, sexual tension, and all kinds of other emotions--and it all made sense. I liked their relationship since I knew it was warm and sweet underneath all the negative feelings. Both characters are appealing in very different ways. Opposites attract, I guess, although they are alike in that they both try to escape from deep feelings and push others away when they get too close. They worked together to solve the mystery, and their romance was hot and explosive. A good read, and I look forward to the next in the series. (We briefly meet Rhys, the "robot" who is kind of friendly with Rush, but we'll get to know him better in the next book.)
December 1, 2016
Rush is the kind of man you want to both kiss the heck out of and beat with a baseball bat. He doesn't think he matters to anyone, including his brothers. All he wants to to is drown in whiskey and women. That is until Ava comes to him for help only he can give her. He has only ever seen her as the kid he used to babysit and give milk and cookies too. But he is now starting to realize Ava is all grown up and possibly the one thing he needs the most.
Ava has always had a crush on Rush. And working together on finding the right person who killed her mom several years ago brings back all those feelings for him. Even when he is being a complete jerk to her and trying to push her away with crude remarks and hurtful words all she wants to do is help him through whatever he is dealing with.
Ava and Rush are made for each other. Him with his overbearing jerkiness and her with her innocence. They get each other. Understand what makes the other tick. The chemistry between them is off the charts too. The pace of the story is steady. It is a great add to a great series.
ARC PROVIDED PUBLISHER THROUGH NETGALLEY
Ava has always had a crush on Rush. And working together on finding the right person who killed her mom several years ago brings back all those feelings for him. Even when he is being a complete jerk to her and trying to push her away with crude remarks and hurtful words all she wants to do is help him through whatever he is dealing with.
Ava and Rush are made for each other. Him with his overbearing jerkiness and her with her innocence. They get each other. Understand what makes the other tick. The chemistry between them is off the charts too. The pace of the story is steady. It is a great add to a great series.
ARC PROVIDED PUBLISHER THROUGH NETGALLEY
December 4, 2016
After being eight years in a prison for something he didn't do, he is finally released only to find out that while freedom is good, everything has changed. For example, his friend (who was 14 when he was arrested) Ava is all grown up. And his body likes what he sees.
There are several things that bothered me on this book. One: Rush's family. I haven't read the rest of the series so I might be missing something but still. One of his two brother's didn't bother to visit him at all. The second one visited him only a couple of time because he felt guilty (it was his and his father's fault that Rush was in a prison). And neither the father or brother tried to get him out. I just don't get it. And I felt like everyone blamed Rush for being rude to them.. well, I'd be too if this happened to me.
Two: it all resolved all too quickly and easily. It was like one, two, three, eight, epilogue, end. I don't know, I just feel that there was so much missing in the book.
But overall, it was a fast, enjoyable read.
ARC recieved via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are several things that bothered me on this book. One: Rush's family. I haven't read the rest of the series so I might be missing something but still. One of his two brother's didn't bother to visit him at all. The second one visited him only a couple of time because he felt guilty (it was his and his father's fault that Rush was in a prison). And neither the father or brother tried to get him out. I just don't get it. And I felt like everyone blamed Rush for being rude to them.. well, I'd be too if this happened to me.
Two: it all resolved all too quickly and easily. It was like one, two, three, eight, epilogue, end. I don't know, I just feel that there was so much missing in the book.
But overall, it was a fast, enjoyable read.
ARC recieved via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
Rush is out of jail and working with his brothers. He's angry for the hand that was dealt to him. Pissed off because his family abandoned him when he needed them the most. Did time in jail for a crime he did not commit. Good reasons to be angry. Enter Ava, the sheriff's daughter, turned cop. She needs his help. But at every turn Rush tries to warn her off from him. She shouldn't get involved, he's not the guy who used to give her milk & cookies when they were kids. Ava should run.
Frankly I agree with Rush. Ava should run for the hills. Rush is a douche. He's hell bent on being angry for the rest of his life. Fine have at it. I disliked Rush from the beginning and it didn't get better as the book went on. My disdain for Ava and Rush grew. She was so in love with who he used to be that she over looked how mean he treated her. He is no long that guy. Move on sister!
There were parts that were rush and parts that just didn't fit into the book. I skimmed as I got closer to the end, because I was over it. Rush was a jerk to Ava, Ava ate it up like a puppy. SMH
Frankly I agree with Rush. Ava should run for the hills. Rush is a douche. He's hell bent on being angry for the rest of his life. Fine have at it. I disliked Rush from the beginning and it didn't get better as the book went on. My disdain for Ava and Rush grew. She was so in love with who he used to be that she over looked how mean he treated her. He is no long that guy. Move on sister!
There were parts that were rush and parts that just didn't fit into the book. I skimmed as I got closer to the end, because I was over it. Rush was a jerk to Ava, Ava ate it up like a puppy. SMH
March 22, 2017
After spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit Rush Redmond left jail a totally different man than he was when he went in. This new hardened version of him has one goal and it is to find out the truth...there is just one person standing in the way...little Ava St. George
Ava has waited for Rush to get home because she can't seem to forget the guy who was always there for her when she was growing up. What shocked her more than anything is not only did Rush not want her to visit while he was in jail he acts like the last person he ever wants to see is her once he gets out.
Unfortunately for Rush, Ava is not the little girl she used to be...so when she realizes that Rush has the information that she needs to all of her questions, she refuses to give up until she gets what she wants.
I voluntarily read this advanced reviewers copy of this book
Overall this book was great. The emotional roller coaster that Jackie Ashenden brings you on in this book will keep you wanting and needing more.
Rush is just a man that needs answers...Ava is a woman that needs justice...together they are erotically hot, emotionally charged and romantically beautiful. This is hands down my favorite book in this series with book 1 following very close behind it.
This book definitely gets my rating as a great book...for a great price...by a great author!
Ava has waited for Rush to get home because she can't seem to forget the guy who was always there for her when she was growing up. What shocked her more than anything is not only did Rush not want her to visit while he was in jail he acts like the last person he ever wants to see is her once he gets out.
Unfortunately for Rush, Ava is not the little girl she used to be...so when she realizes that Rush has the information that she needs to all of her questions, she refuses to give up until she gets what she wants.
I voluntarily read this advanced reviewers copy of this book
Overall this book was great. The emotional roller coaster that Jackie Ashenden brings you on in this book will keep you wanting and needing more.
Rush is just a man that needs answers...Ava is a woman that needs justice...together they are erotically hot, emotionally charged and romantically beautiful. This is hands down my favorite book in this series with book 1 following very close behind it.
This book definitely gets my rating as a great book...for a great price...by a great author!
February 6, 2017
3.75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2017
An ex-con with a bad-boy reputation falls for his childhood sweetheart—a good-girl cop chasing a ruthless killer—as the Texas Bounty series gets steamier than the Lone Star State.
Rush Redmond never expected freedom to taste so bittersweet. He spent eight years in jail doing someone else’s time, and for what? As an ex-con, Rush can’t work as a bounty hunter like his brothers—not in Texas. Better to drown his sorrows with a stiff drink and soft curves. Too bad the temptation he craves is a redhead with a badge: Ava St. George. Once upon a time, Rush would’ve done anything for the sheriff’s innocent daughter. Now he’s fighting the urge to let her sweet-talk him into some trouble he can’t afford.
Even though she’s a cop, Ava knows that sometimes justice means pushing the boundaries of the law. To track down her mother’s killer, she turns to the man with the county’s criminal underworld in his little black book. The boy she knew is still drop-dead gorgeous, with panty-dropping charm as smooth as his smile. But his sculpted arms and the menacing gleam in his eyes scream “Don’t mess with me.” Yet Ava needs Rush more than ever—in more ways than one.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--TAKE ME HARDER is the third installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult TEXAS BOUNTY erotic, romance series. This is former inmate and reluctant bounty hunter Rush Redmond, and police officer Ava St. George’s story line. TAKE ME HARDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Some background: Rush, Quinn and Zane Redmond are the current owners of LONE STAR BOUNTY since the death of their father months before. Lone Star Bounty is a struggling business but a business that brings the brothers closer together.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Rush and Ava) TAKE ME HARDER looks at the friends to lovers romance between Rush Redmond, a former inmate who served eight years for a crime he did not commit; and naïve rookie cop Ava St. George-a woman determine to uncover the truth about her mother’s demise. When Ava receives a anonymous tip about the death of her beloved mother-a police officer killed in the line of duty- Ava knows that to dig deeper she will need a list of contacts she knows only one man will have. Enter Rush Redmond, recently release from jail, and the man that has always called to Ava’s heart. What ensues is the tempestuous relationship between Ava and Rush; Ava’s need to uncover the truth; and Rush’s journey to discover the who and what of his past, and the heartbreaking rejection by his brother and dad.
Ava has always believed her mother, Lauren St. George, was killed by a drug dealer but a recent phone call from an unknown source revealed that the wrong man was arrested for her mother’s shooting. Rush Redmond was the only person with the available means to ferret out the information and contacts that Ava required but the man she loved was no longer the man she remembered years before. Ava has been in love with Rush Redmond since she was a little girl but eight years behind bars hardened Rush Redmond into someone she no longer knew. Rush Redmond is an angry man; a former member of the armed forces, a military man who upon his return three years later began working in the family’s LONE STAR BOUNTY business only to take the fall when a shooting goes horribly wrong. Ava’s request of Rush is met with derision , harassment and too much anger but our heroine is determined to take down the man who destroyed her mother’s life –with or without Rush Redmond’s help.
The relationship between Ava and Rush is acrimonious. Rush will direct his anger at the woman who calls to his heart; his treatment of Ava is reprehensible, rude and vulgar. Rush is nothing short of a pr*ck and an a$$hole; his demons ride very close to the surface. Ava is so desperate for information that she is willing to submit to Rush’s demands believing the man she once knew hides behind the cold and rough hewn exterior. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense. Some readers may take offense to Rush’s treatment of the story line heroine.
Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including Rush’s brother Zane, and the love of his life Iris Callahan (Take Me Deeper #1) , as well as Nora Sutcliffe of Duchess Bail Bonds (Make It Hurt #2). Quinn Redmond may or may not have an attraction to Duchess Bail Bonds owner Lily ‘Duchess’ Hammond. The Redmond brothers are a little rough around the edges and continue to push one another’s buttons; I am hoping the author reveals more of the family history because the brother’s relationship struggles with secrets from the past. Rush can only surmise why he had to suffer through his father and brother’s rejections. The requisite evil comes with many faces including an expensive bottle of bourbon that all but tries to destroy Rush’s life.
The world building continues to focus on the struggling sibling relationships between Rush, Quinn and Zane Redmond, as well as the bounty ‘collections’ that come into the office. The hunt for the man responsible for destroying Ava's life reveals some interesting facts about Rush Redmond's past.
TAKE ME HARDER is a gritty romance about a broken man who lost eight years of his life for a man who seemingly despised the ground upon which he walked. The premise is dark and multi-layered; the characters are tragic and tense; the romance is difficult and struggles in the face of one man’s anger and shame.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2017
An ex-con with a bad-boy reputation falls for his childhood sweetheart—a good-girl cop chasing a ruthless killer—as the Texas Bounty series gets steamier than the Lone Star State.
Rush Redmond never expected freedom to taste so bittersweet. He spent eight years in jail doing someone else’s time, and for what? As an ex-con, Rush can’t work as a bounty hunter like his brothers—not in Texas. Better to drown his sorrows with a stiff drink and soft curves. Too bad the temptation he craves is a redhead with a badge: Ava St. George. Once upon a time, Rush would’ve done anything for the sheriff’s innocent daughter. Now he’s fighting the urge to let her sweet-talk him into some trouble he can’t afford.
Even though she’s a cop, Ava knows that sometimes justice means pushing the boundaries of the law. To track down her mother’s killer, she turns to the man with the county’s criminal underworld in his little black book. The boy she knew is still drop-dead gorgeous, with panty-dropping charm as smooth as his smile. But his sculpted arms and the menacing gleam in his eyes scream “Don’t mess with me.” Yet Ava needs Rush more than ever—in more ways than one.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--TAKE ME HARDER is the third installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult TEXAS BOUNTY erotic, romance series. This is former inmate and reluctant bounty hunter Rush Redmond, and police officer Ava St. George’s story line. TAKE ME HARDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Some background: Rush, Quinn and Zane Redmond are the current owners of LONE STAR BOUNTY since the death of their father months before. Lone Star Bounty is a struggling business but a business that brings the brothers closer together.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Rush and Ava) TAKE ME HARDER looks at the friends to lovers romance between Rush Redmond, a former inmate who served eight years for a crime he did not commit; and naïve rookie cop Ava St. George-a woman determine to uncover the truth about her mother’s demise. When Ava receives a anonymous tip about the death of her beloved mother-a police officer killed in the line of duty- Ava knows that to dig deeper she will need a list of contacts she knows only one man will have. Enter Rush Redmond, recently release from jail, and the man that has always called to Ava’s heart. What ensues is the tempestuous relationship between Ava and Rush; Ava’s need to uncover the truth; and Rush’s journey to discover the who and what of his past, and the heartbreaking rejection by his brother and dad.
Ava has always believed her mother, Lauren St. George, was killed by a drug dealer but a recent phone call from an unknown source revealed that the wrong man was arrested for her mother’s shooting. Rush Redmond was the only person with the available means to ferret out the information and contacts that Ava required but the man she loved was no longer the man she remembered years before. Ava has been in love with Rush Redmond since she was a little girl but eight years behind bars hardened Rush Redmond into someone she no longer knew. Rush Redmond is an angry man; a former member of the armed forces, a military man who upon his return three years later began working in the family’s LONE STAR BOUNTY business only to take the fall when a shooting goes horribly wrong. Ava’s request of Rush is met with derision , harassment and too much anger but our heroine is determined to take down the man who destroyed her mother’s life –with or without Rush Redmond’s help.
The relationship between Ava and Rush is acrimonious. Rush will direct his anger at the woman who calls to his heart; his treatment of Ava is reprehensible, rude and vulgar. Rush is nothing short of a pr*ck and an a$$hole; his demons ride very close to the surface. Ava is so desperate for information that she is willing to submit to Rush’s demands believing the man she once knew hides behind the cold and rough hewn exterior. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense. Some readers may take offense to Rush’s treatment of the story line heroine.
Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including Rush’s brother Zane, and the love of his life Iris Callahan (Take Me Deeper #1) , as well as Nora Sutcliffe of Duchess Bail Bonds (Make It Hurt #2). Quinn Redmond may or may not have an attraction to Duchess Bail Bonds owner Lily ‘Duchess’ Hammond. The Redmond brothers are a little rough around the edges and continue to push one another’s buttons; I am hoping the author reveals more of the family history because the brother’s relationship struggles with secrets from the past. Rush can only surmise why he had to suffer through his father and brother’s rejections. The requisite evil comes with many faces including an expensive bottle of bourbon that all but tries to destroy Rush’s life.
The world building continues to focus on the struggling sibling relationships between Rush, Quinn and Zane Redmond, as well as the bounty ‘collections’ that come into the office. The hunt for the man responsible for destroying Ava's life reveals some interesting facts about Rush Redmond's past.
TAKE ME HARDER is a gritty romance about a broken man who lost eight years of his life for a man who seemingly despised the ground upon which he walked. The premise is dark and multi-layered; the characters are tragic and tense; the romance is difficult and struggles in the face of one man’s anger and shame.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 19, 2021
Liked the premise for this one; Rush went to prison for 8 years for a crime he didn’t commit; totally stupid by the way, and he’s out now and reconnect with his old friend, Ava, who is a cop now. Ex-con and cop romance! Fun! Plus, there’s some mystery surrounding the death of Ava’s mom that she’s trying to investigate. Fun! Rush is a butt; too much of one actually, and tries to push Ava away, but Ava is persistent. Plus, she needs some help with her whole mom thing. Ava is the naive sort, but I liked her. She’s only 22; about 10 years younger than Rush, so she still needs to work on her independence. Didn’t really care for Rush for most of the story; he has a chip on his shoulder, grow the heck up and move on. Ava is good for him though. I liked their history; super sweet! Overall, I didn’t love everything, but was entertained the whole read!
January 25, 2017
3.5 stars - This was an okay read, but not quite my speed. You get a fair amount of angry hero with some glimpses of the genuine guy he was before he sacrificed his freedom for his brother and father. As for the heroine, she's had a crush on the hero since forever and bends a lot to accommodate his mood swings and brashness. You do get a HEA in the end, but I don't know that I ever felt a genuine affection between the two characters. Lust, yes. Compassion, sure. Love, not so much.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGallery, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGallery, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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