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11th Hour #2
Total Control
Once they were soldiers. Now they answer only to honor . . .
The 11th Hour is made up of men and women who are no longer deemed fit to serve their country, but still need to fight a war. They work in shadows, keep their secrets—and follow their hearts . . .
Helicopter pilot Kellan Blake has always hated being told what to do, so being discharged from the army for insubordination doesn't come as much of a surprise. What does surprise him is that when he joins up with the elite, underground 11th Hour squad instead, they send him straight home. The nest of vipers that calls itself his family is the next target for the team’s tech unit, so he’ll either have to brave their traps and deceptions himself—or watch his sweet, shy friend Sabrina walk into them alone . . .
Sabrina’s no femme fatale, but since there's no one else with the tech skills to get the info they need, she’ll put on a party dress and take one for the team. But whoever decided she should pretend to be Kellan’s new fiancée hit a little too close to home. How can she concentrate on a dangerous mission when she's worried about giving away what she really feels for her loyal, passionate, smoking hot partner? At least she isn’t likely to blow their cover. Until she’s in the line of fire, and neither Kellan's demons nor his heart are hers to tame . . .
Praise for Jackie Ashenden’s Dirty for Me
“An intense scorcher of a story that is sure to delight fans and win her a legion of new devotees. . . . Unforgettable.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick
“Tension and heat pervade the frequent sex scenes . . . Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments in the series.” —Publishers Weekly
“Explosively sexy.” —Heroes & Heartbreakers
The 11th Hour is made up of men and women who are no longer deemed fit to serve their country, but still need to fight a war. They work in shadows, keep their secrets—and follow their hearts . . .
Helicopter pilot Kellan Blake has always hated being told what to do, so being discharged from the army for insubordination doesn't come as much of a surprise. What does surprise him is that when he joins up with the elite, underground 11th Hour squad instead, they send him straight home. The nest of vipers that calls itself his family is the next target for the team’s tech unit, so he’ll either have to brave their traps and deceptions himself—or watch his sweet, shy friend Sabrina walk into them alone . . .
Sabrina’s no femme fatale, but since there's no one else with the tech skills to get the info they need, she’ll put on a party dress and take one for the team. But whoever decided she should pretend to be Kellan’s new fiancée hit a little too close to home. How can she concentrate on a dangerous mission when she's worried about giving away what she really feels for her loyal, passionate, smoking hot partner? At least she isn’t likely to blow their cover. Until she’s in the line of fire, and neither Kellan's demons nor his heart are hers to tame . . .
Praise for Jackie Ashenden’s Dirty for Me
“An intense scorcher of a story that is sure to delight fans and win her a legion of new devotees. . . . Unforgettable.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick
“Tension and heat pervade the frequent sex scenes . . . Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments in the series.” —Publishers Weekly
“Explosively sexy.” —Heroes & Heartbreakers
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
47 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
487 books976 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 61 reviews
May 3, 2018
‘Total Control’ started out fantastically, I have to say. The conflict was established early on, as Kellan Blake went all out to prove his father’s innocence when the 11th Hour crew had all but deemed his guilty of crimes too horrific to imagine. But it was the undercover mission involving him and fellow operative and best friend Sabrina however, that had things going completely awry for me, along with a set of revelations and corresponding behaviour that made me think twice about rooting for this pairing.
Combining the unrequited love, best friends-to-lovers trope here, Jackie Ashenden focuses less on the action and more on the drama surrounding both Kellan and Sabrina, though it’s the former’s intrusive past that has been brought to light in a very unpleasant way, overshadowing the original mission. And that was what spoiled the broth for me, so to speak. I wanted to see how Ashenden addressed his inability to see Sabrina for who she was given she was under his nose all these years, but this didn’t happen; instead, all I got was more of Kellan bulldozing his way through to proclaim Sabrina was what he wanted after 2 weeks undercover and several nights of hot sex.
In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to find a more emotionally-manipulative and controlling ‘hero’ than Kellan, who uses every weapon in his arsenal to get his way (that includes sex) to railroad his best friend under the guise of wanting to protect her. His inability to see her as an operative, his unquestioning acceptance of the his sudden but inexplicable attraction to her despite the fixation on anything and everything else but her didn’t make him a protagonist deserving of a woman who was insecure enough in measuring her self-worth in terms of usefulness to him and whose only crime was to stupidly let herself be controlled by him.
The constant repetition of what Kellan did years ago grated on me—a character who made her presence felt without appearing nonetheless—made the story like a lopsided love triangle when that became the focus at the end instead of the mission that we started out with. The result was an ending scene that became an emotional mess and both Sabrina and Kellan tried different ways to rationalise what they’d done…until I failed to see any logic in their arguments.
In essence, the direction the story took was immensely disappointing, particularly after the pretty cool build-up from the start. And more’s the pity, because ‘Total Control’ could have gone down so differently for me but ultimately didn’t.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Combining the unrequited love, best friends-to-lovers trope here, Jackie Ashenden focuses less on the action and more on the drama surrounding both Kellan and Sabrina, though it’s the former’s intrusive past that has been brought to light in a very unpleasant way, overshadowing the original mission. And that was what spoiled the broth for me, so to speak. I wanted to see how Ashenden addressed his inability to see Sabrina for who she was given she was under his nose all these years, but this didn’t happen; instead, all I got was more of Kellan bulldozing his way through to proclaim Sabrina was what he wanted after 2 weeks undercover and several nights of hot sex.
In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to find a more emotionally-manipulative and controlling ‘hero’ than Kellan, who uses every weapon in his arsenal to get his way (that includes sex) to railroad his best friend under the guise of wanting to protect her. His inability to see her as an operative, his unquestioning acceptance of the his sudden but inexplicable attraction to her despite the fixation on anything and everything else but her didn’t make him a protagonist deserving of a woman who was insecure enough in measuring her self-worth in terms of usefulness to him and whose only crime was to stupidly let herself be controlled by him.
The constant repetition of what Kellan did years ago grated on me—a character who made her presence felt without appearing nonetheless—made the story like a lopsided love triangle when that became the focus at the end instead of the mission that we started out with. The result was an ending scene that became an emotional mess and both Sabrina and Kellan tried different ways to rationalise what they’d done…until I failed to see any logic in their arguments.
In essence, the direction the story took was immensely disappointing, particularly after the pretty cool build-up from the start. And more’s the pity, because ‘Total Control’ could have gone down so differently for me but ultimately didn’t.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
June 16, 2018
The premise of this series is intriguing and a blogger whose opinion I trust recommended the author so I requested this book and was approved.
"Bree and Kellan are life-long best friends and foster siblings. She's loved him for years but he sees her as a friend. They're each keeping secrets from the other. They work for the same covert private agency. Then, a very personal case changes everything.
I liked seeing Kellan's feelings for Bree change. Suddenly, he sees her as a woman and a sexual person, and it felt so real. His discombobulation, his uncertainty, the gradual awareness as well as the recognition that if he acts on his his feelings, if they get together, there is no going back. Neither of them pretends they can scratch this itch and go back to how things were. It was a refreshing change. But, Bree does end up waffling, afraid of losing the one person who has been there for her over the years. Her father walked away and abandoned her, Kellan's parents took her in but made sure she always knew she wasn't really part of the family. And her mother? Well, her mother had the unbelievable gall to die while saving Bree's life after a car accident. And, fifteen years later, Bree STILL whines about her mother leaving her. Not once does she acknowledge that her mother didn't leave by choice but died; she doesn't acknowledge that her mother died saving her life. I got so tired of the whining and her poor, pitiful me attitude. Yawn.
Bree and Kellan both realize they've made mistakes and own up to them. Apart from Bree's insecurities, which were major, they behaved in a mature, adult manner. The sex was hot and dirty and Kellan is both a dirty talker and somewhat dominating sexually. Overall, the romance worked, despite Bree's immature whining (is there such a thing as mature whining?).
The mystrey/suspense portion of the story was less satisfying. Kellan's father was suspected of gun running but evidence for that suspicion was sketchy at best. Kellan was useless at first on the mission to clear his father, too busy lusting after Bree and arguing with his parents. Kellan's family was certainly dysfunctional. I kept waiting for Kellan to get his head out of his ass and be useful. That part of the story picked up about halfway through and the action ramped up. Yet, details remained sketchy. The mission was vague, the believability was slight and there was never a sense of urgency or importance. The supposed gunrunning and the possible treachery of Kellan's father were simply an excuse to get the hero and heroine together. Also, there was a ridiculous and unbelievable scene where Bree breaks out of a room. I'm not questioning Bree's skills or competence but the believabiluty of the scene as written.
"Total Control" didn't wow me but I liked it and a scene at the end involving Bree and Kellan's boss was intriguing. I'll probably pick up the next one in the series.
"Bree and Kellan are life-long best friends and foster siblings. She's loved him for years but he sees her as a friend. They're each keeping secrets from the other. They work for the same covert private agency. Then, a very personal case changes everything.
I liked seeing Kellan's feelings for Bree change. Suddenly, he sees her as a woman and a sexual person, and it felt so real. His discombobulation, his uncertainty, the gradual awareness as well as the recognition that if he acts on his his feelings, if they get together, there is no going back. Neither of them pretends they can scratch this itch and go back to how things were. It was a refreshing change. But, Bree does end up waffling, afraid of losing the one person who has been there for her over the years. Her father walked away and abandoned her, Kellan's parents took her in but made sure she always knew she wasn't really part of the family. And her mother? Well, her mother had the unbelievable gall to die while saving Bree's life after a car accident. And, fifteen years later, Bree STILL whines about her mother leaving her. Not once does she acknowledge that her mother didn't leave by choice but died; she doesn't acknowledge that her mother died saving her life. I got so tired of the whining and her poor, pitiful me attitude. Yawn.
Bree and Kellan both realize they've made mistakes and own up to them. Apart from Bree's insecurities, which were major, they behaved in a mature, adult manner. The sex was hot and dirty and Kellan is both a dirty talker and somewhat dominating sexually. Overall, the romance worked, despite Bree's immature whining (is there such a thing as mature whining?).
The mystrey/suspense portion of the story was less satisfying. Kellan's father was suspected of gun running but evidence for that suspicion was sketchy at best. Kellan was useless at first on the mission to clear his father, too busy lusting after Bree and arguing with his parents. Kellan's family was certainly dysfunctional. I kept waiting for Kellan to get his head out of his ass and be useful. That part of the story picked up about halfway through and the action ramped up. Yet, details remained sketchy. The mission was vague, the believability was slight and there was never a sense of urgency or importance. The supposed gunrunning and the possible treachery of Kellan's father were simply an excuse to get the hero and heroine together. Also, there was a ridiculous and unbelievable scene where Bree breaks out of a room. I'm not questioning Bree's skills or competence but the believabiluty of the scene as written.
"Total Control" didn't wow me but I liked it and a scene at the end involving Bree and Kellan's boss was intriguing. I'll probably pick up the next one in the series.
May 11, 2018
Total Control was awesome. It was right blend of suspense and naughty. It's friends to lovers and centers around Sabrina and Kellan. I loved going on this journey with them and watching them deal with both internal and external conflicts. I also loved that a piece of the overall story arc was revealed it has so excited not only about it but also the illusive Mr. Night. I cannot wait to see where the author is taking this revelation.
I recommend this to lovers of romantic suspense.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
I recommend this to lovers of romantic suspense.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
June 26, 2018
3.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018
Once they were soldiers. Now they answer only to honor . . .
The 11th Hour is made up of men and women who are no longer deemed fit to serve their country, but still need to fight a war. They work in shadows, keep their secrets—and follow their hearts . . .
Helicopter pilot Kellan Blake has always hated being told what to do, so being discharged from the army for insubordination doesn't come as much of a surprise. What does surprise him is that when he joins up with the elite, underground 11th Hour squad instead, they send him straight home. The nest of vipers that calls itself his family is the next target for the team’s tech unit, so he’ll either have to brave their traps and deceptions himself—or watch his sweet, shy friend Sabrina walk into them alone . . .
Sabrina’s no femme fatale, but since there's no one else with the tech skills to get the info they need, she’ll put on a party dress and take one for the team. But whoever decided she should pretend to be Kellan’s new fiancée hit a little too close to home. How can she concentrate on a dangerous mission when she's worried about giving away what she really feels for her loyal, passionate, smoking hot partner? At least she isn’t likely to blow their cover. Until she’s in the line of fire, and neither Kellan's demons nor his heart are hers to tame .
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--TOTAL CONTROL is the second instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult 11th HOUR romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for 11th Hour Security. This is former Night Stalker Helicopter pilot and former Navy SEAL Kellan Blake, and IT specialist Sabrina Leighton’s story line. TOTAL CONTROL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Kellan and Sabrina) TOTAL CONTROL follows the friends to lovers relationship between 11th Hour Security team members former Night Stalker Helicopter pilot and former Navy SEAL Kellan Blake, and IT specialist Sabrina Leighton. Sabrina and Kellan were childhood best friends. The daughter of the Blake estate gardener, Sabrina was raised alongside Kellan when her mother’s death and her father’s subsequent abandonment left a ten year old Sabrina with no one else to care. Fast forward to present day wherein, Sabrina and Kellan must work side by side when an 11th Hour Security assignment pits father against son as Kellan must uncover the truth behind the accusations against the father he loves. What ensues is the building physical romance between Kellan and Sabrina; the take down of the man Kellan calls dad; and the fall-out of the relationship and friendship between our leading couple as Sabrina struggles with memories from the past.
Sabrina Leighton has loved Kellan since she was ten-years old but as the daughter of the hired help, Sabrina was constantly reminded that she would never be acceptable for the man that she loved. With secrets of her own, Sabrina knew that to get involved with Kellan potentially meant a broken heart-a heart she had already lost to the man who only saw Sabrina as a friend, and nothing more. Low self esteem and numerous insecurities were always at the forefront of our heroine’s mind. Kellan Blake refused to believe that the man that he loved, his father, was involved in the things of which the 11th Hour Team had accused. With secrets of his own Kellan and Sabrina return to their childhood home, only to come face to face with the dysfunction within.
The relationship between Sabrina and Kellan is a friends to lovers romance that is doomed to fail as secrets and ghosts from the past continue to loom over our leading couple. From unrequited love to the hero’s overprotective alpha personality, the relationship also struggles with preconceived notions and a familial history that continues to eat at our heroine’s heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the 11th Hour Team including leader Jacob Night, ex-Black Ops, owner of a billion-dollar security company; Faith Beasley, Isaiah Graham, and Callie Hawthorne and Jack King (Raw Power #1). Faith and Jacob’s story is next in Hard Night.
There are some issues of repetitiveness and redundancy including 76 mentions of varying eye shades of blue, and 16 comments about the green or green-gold color of the heroine’s eyes. I also had a difficult time accepting the ‘issues’ that eventually tore our couple apart-Sabrina’s explanations and actions just didn’t fly in the face of everything that had happened. Kellan’s quick emotional turn around once he discovers that Sabrina has wanted a relationship for close to twenty years is questionable; and the results of the team investigation that culminated in nothing more than a slap on the hand were unfulfilling and underwhelming.
TOTAL CONTROL is an interesting and entertaining story line but I struggled with a number of issues. The premise is engaging; the romance is spicy; the characters are dynamic and energetic.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2018
Once they were soldiers. Now they answer only to honor . . .
The 11th Hour is made up of men and women who are no longer deemed fit to serve their country, but still need to fight a war. They work in shadows, keep their secrets—and follow their hearts . . .
Helicopter pilot Kellan Blake has always hated being told what to do, so being discharged from the army for insubordination doesn't come as much of a surprise. What does surprise him is that when he joins up with the elite, underground 11th Hour squad instead, they send him straight home. The nest of vipers that calls itself his family is the next target for the team’s tech unit, so he’ll either have to brave their traps and deceptions himself—or watch his sweet, shy friend Sabrina walk into them alone . . .
Sabrina’s no femme fatale, but since there's no one else with the tech skills to get the info they need, she’ll put on a party dress and take one for the team. But whoever decided she should pretend to be Kellan’s new fiancée hit a little too close to home. How can she concentrate on a dangerous mission when she's worried about giving away what she really feels for her loyal, passionate, smoking hot partner? At least she isn’t likely to blow their cover. Until she’s in the line of fire, and neither Kellan's demons nor his heart are hers to tame .
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--TOTAL CONTROL is the second instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult 11th HOUR romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for 11th Hour Security. This is former Night Stalker Helicopter pilot and former Navy SEAL Kellan Blake, and IT specialist Sabrina Leighton’s story line. TOTAL CONTROL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Kellan and Sabrina) TOTAL CONTROL follows the friends to lovers relationship between 11th Hour Security team members former Night Stalker Helicopter pilot and former Navy SEAL Kellan Blake, and IT specialist Sabrina Leighton. Sabrina and Kellan were childhood best friends. The daughter of the Blake estate gardener, Sabrina was raised alongside Kellan when her mother’s death and her father’s subsequent abandonment left a ten year old Sabrina with no one else to care. Fast forward to present day wherein, Sabrina and Kellan must work side by side when an 11th Hour Security assignment pits father against son as Kellan must uncover the truth behind the accusations against the father he loves. What ensues is the building physical romance between Kellan and Sabrina; the take down of the man Kellan calls dad; and the fall-out of the relationship and friendship between our leading couple as Sabrina struggles with memories from the past.
Sabrina Leighton has loved Kellan since she was ten-years old but as the daughter of the hired help, Sabrina was constantly reminded that she would never be acceptable for the man that she loved. With secrets of her own, Sabrina knew that to get involved with Kellan potentially meant a broken heart-a heart she had already lost to the man who only saw Sabrina as a friend, and nothing more. Low self esteem and numerous insecurities were always at the forefront of our heroine’s mind. Kellan Blake refused to believe that the man that he loved, his father, was involved in the things of which the 11th Hour Team had accused. With secrets of his own Kellan and Sabrina return to their childhood home, only to come face to face with the dysfunction within.
The relationship between Sabrina and Kellan is a friends to lovers romance that is doomed to fail as secrets and ghosts from the past continue to loom over our leading couple. From unrequited love to the hero’s overprotective alpha personality, the relationship also struggles with preconceived notions and a familial history that continues to eat at our heroine’s heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the 11th Hour Team including leader Jacob Night, ex-Black Ops, owner of a billion-dollar security company; Faith Beasley, Isaiah Graham, and Callie Hawthorne and Jack King (Raw Power #1). Faith and Jacob’s story is next in Hard Night.
There are some issues of repetitiveness and redundancy including 76 mentions of varying eye shades of blue, and 16 comments about the green or green-gold color of the heroine’s eyes. I also had a difficult time accepting the ‘issues’ that eventually tore our couple apart-Sabrina’s explanations and actions just didn’t fly in the face of everything that had happened. Kellan’s quick emotional turn around once he discovers that Sabrina has wanted a relationship for close to twenty years is questionable; and the results of the team investigation that culminated in nothing more than a slap on the hand were unfulfilling and underwhelming.
TOTAL CONTROL is an interesting and entertaining story line but I struggled with a number of issues. The premise is engaging; the romance is spicy; the characters are dynamic and energetic.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
July 21, 2018
I am loving this series and MS Ashenden has bought new meaning to the word awesome in this one, can I say WOW what a story, I could barely put this one down, a fabulous friends to lovers story with gun running criminals to be caught and helicopter pilot Kellan Blake and IT expert Sabrina Leighton teaming up to catch them, but they have to have a story to arrive at Kellan’s home and a fake engagement is just the thing although Sabrina is none too happy.
Kellan is an ex SEAL after being injured and given a release from them, he now works for semi legal 11th Hour group doing what he does best catching the bad guys, but when he is told to check out his own father he is not happy and is determined to prove his boss Jacob Night wrong, and he is not happy either that they are teaming him up with Sabrina who has been his best friend forever to help with the mission, emotions are going to run riot on this mission.
Sabrina works for 11th Hour as the best computer hacker there is, she is smart, quiet and has been in love with her best friend Kellan since she was ten years old, you see she lived with Kellan’s family after losing her mother and brothers in a terrible accident and the her father walked away and the Blake’s took her in. She has secrets that she has kept for a long time and now that she is back there as Kellan’s fake fiancé chasing bad guys can she keep her feelings intact or will she be hurt?
This story takes us on a very sensual and rocky road to a beautiful HEA Kellan is strong and a little bit alpha whereas Sabrina is stubborn, feisty and a little vulnerable and yes they have been best friends forever but Sabrina has loved Kellan for many years and is scared to open up to him and as for Kellan when he finally realizes that he does love Sabrina explosions happen. This story is fast paced, action packed and just awesome it rocks I loved it from the start and the ending fabulous (can’t wait for the next one in the series). Kellan gorgeous fabulous hero and Sabrina beautiful and so very caring are made for each other and MS Ashenden you have left this reader very happy.
Kellan is an ex SEAL after being injured and given a release from them, he now works for semi legal 11th Hour group doing what he does best catching the bad guys, but when he is told to check out his own father he is not happy and is determined to prove his boss Jacob Night wrong, and he is not happy either that they are teaming him up with Sabrina who has been his best friend forever to help with the mission, emotions are going to run riot on this mission.
Sabrina works for 11th Hour as the best computer hacker there is, she is smart, quiet and has been in love with her best friend Kellan since she was ten years old, you see she lived with Kellan’s family after losing her mother and brothers in a terrible accident and the her father walked away and the Blake’s took her in. She has secrets that she has kept for a long time and now that she is back there as Kellan’s fake fiancé chasing bad guys can she keep her feelings intact or will she be hurt?
This story takes us on a very sensual and rocky road to a beautiful HEA Kellan is strong and a little bit alpha whereas Sabrina is stubborn, feisty and a little vulnerable and yes they have been best friends forever but Sabrina has loved Kellan for many years and is scared to open up to him and as for Kellan when he finally realizes that he does love Sabrina explosions happen. This story is fast paced, action packed and just awesome it rocks I loved it from the start and the ending fabulous (can’t wait for the next one in the series). Kellan gorgeous fabulous hero and Sabrina beautiful and so very caring are made for each other and MS Ashenden you have left this reader very happy.
July 2, 2018
Another great story from Jackie, I'm loving the new series already. The 11th hour group is made up of primarly ex military personnel with a few exceptions, based on their skills and talents. The group is run by a man called Night. He's elusive, no traceable history and serves to correct all wrongs to rights.
This book opens with an angry Kellan, once a SEAL then to an Army helicopter pilot until a crash ended his career. His father was career military and Kellan seems to think the man walks on water. So is surprised to say the least when their next assignment concerns his father and a group of higher ups and wealthy men funneling guns for money into Central America. Guns that are being used to kill innocent people. Briana is the computer whiz with a genius IQ who grew up with Kellan and has always had a thing for him. When Kellan blows his cork about his father's innocence and refuses to take part he feels the need to speak for Bree too and Bree gets angry. So unlike her. Bree knows things about the family he doesn't know. Things she promised his mother she'd protect him from.
All these years later, she's still doing that. She also doesn't believe his father is innocent. When Kellan finally agrees to join in thinking he's going to prove his father innocent, but he'll accept whatever he finds, he and Bree make a trip back to NY as a couple. Not received well by either parent because even though they raised her after her father left her there in their care, she's never been a part of the family. What really struck me was that Kellan never caught on until Bree finally pointed it out and things slowly dawned on him, along with watching the way his parents treated her.
The suspense in this book was stellar and Jackie's writing was perfect. Character driven with a great plot, who could ask for more. I loved Bree, Kellan was a little hard to take at times, even on a good day but he fit his role so well.
As we watch this story unfold the twists just get better and better and I can't wait for the next book!
*arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review**
This book opens with an angry Kellan, once a SEAL then to an Army helicopter pilot until a crash ended his career. His father was career military and Kellan seems to think the man walks on water. So is surprised to say the least when their next assignment concerns his father and a group of higher ups and wealthy men funneling guns for money into Central America. Guns that are being used to kill innocent people. Briana is the computer whiz with a genius IQ who grew up with Kellan and has always had a thing for him. When Kellan blows his cork about his father's innocence and refuses to take part he feels the need to speak for Bree too and Bree gets angry. So unlike her. Bree knows things about the family he doesn't know. Things she promised his mother she'd protect him from.
All these years later, she's still doing that. She also doesn't believe his father is innocent. When Kellan finally agrees to join in thinking he's going to prove his father innocent, but he'll accept whatever he finds, he and Bree make a trip back to NY as a couple. Not received well by either parent because even though they raised her after her father left her there in their care, she's never been a part of the family. What really struck me was that Kellan never caught on until Bree finally pointed it out and things slowly dawned on him, along with watching the way his parents treated her.
The suspense in this book was stellar and Jackie's writing was perfect. Character driven with a great plot, who could ask for more. I loved Bree, Kellan was a little hard to take at times, even on a good day but he fit his role so well.
As we watch this story unfold the twists just get better and better and I can't wait for the next book!
*arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review**
May 31, 2018
Mmmmmmmmm. Oh, I'm sorry. I can't stop looking at the cover. Daaaaaaaaaang, right?
Kellan is a member of the 11th Hour. The team of ex-military who still protect civilians even though they no longer serve their branch. Kellan has been hit over the head, because the next mission assignment couldn't really be happening, right? He's just learned that the man he's idolized his entire life could be behind an legal arms ring. WHAT?! No. Way. And there's no way he's gonna let someone else investigate this, because he's determined to prove his boss wrong. His dad's innocent. Right?
Sabrina is Kellan's best friend and although not ex-military, works with the 11th Hour Team. She's also been in love with Kellan since she was ten years old. After her mother died and father left her, Kellan's family made her a part of the family. At least that's what everyone thinks. Truth be told, she hasn't really felt like part of the family. And now with this new mission, the past is rearing it's ugly head.
OMG! I'm in love with this couple. Best friends turned lovers is THE BEST chemistry, ever!!! The mission takes on a whole new meaning when these two are forced to lie to Kellan's parents, stating they're engaged. Having to "act" the role forced Kellan to finally see Sabrina in a different light. And boy oh boy, the sparks don't just fly, they soar!!! The tension of the mission also brings up the past for both characters. Each one having to come to terms with it in order to move forward.
And that EPILOGUE!!!!!! Hurry up! I'm dyin' ova here!!!!!!!!!!!
Kellan is a member of the 11th Hour. The team of ex-military who still protect civilians even though they no longer serve their branch. Kellan has been hit over the head, because the next mission assignment couldn't really be happening, right? He's just learned that the man he's idolized his entire life could be behind an legal arms ring. WHAT?! No. Way. And there's no way he's gonna let someone else investigate this, because he's determined to prove his boss wrong. His dad's innocent. Right?
Sabrina is Kellan's best friend and although not ex-military, works with the 11th Hour Team. She's also been in love with Kellan since she was ten years old. After her mother died and father left her, Kellan's family made her a part of the family. At least that's what everyone thinks. Truth be told, she hasn't really felt like part of the family. And now with this new mission, the past is rearing it's ugly head.
OMG! I'm in love with this couple. Best friends turned lovers is THE BEST chemistry, ever!!! The mission takes on a whole new meaning when these two are forced to lie to Kellan's parents, stating they're engaged. Having to "act" the role forced Kellan to finally see Sabrina in a different light. And boy oh boy, the sparks don't just fly, they soar!!! The tension of the mission also brings up the past for both characters. Each one having to come to terms with it in order to move forward.
And that EPILOGUE!!!!!! Hurry up! I'm dyin' ova here!!!!!!!!!!!
June 22, 2018
I just went on another thrilling mission for the 11th Hour team. On the Total Control mission, I joined Kellen and Sabrina as they fought their way to discovering the truth about Kellan’s father and Sabrina’s place in his family.
Kellan and Sabrina are strong characters that easily grabbed my attention and I just had to find out what happened between these two because for them achieving their happily ever after is a heart tugging, soul wrenching journey that was anything but smooth or easy. Blindness and a refusal to accept the changing emotions between them keep this couple on an emotional rollercoaster throughout their mission, and let me tell you that I don’t think I have ever been around two more stubborn characters than these two.
The fast paced and thrilling story keeps the adrenaline pumping and the suspense building throughout the story as Kellan and Sabrina go to some elaborate lengths to get at the truth, but there undercover game adds to the tension of their relationship as it starts to change the dynamics of their long standing friendship, so there was never a dull moment to be found.
The second book in the 11th Hour series is quite an emotionally explosive but sexy and daring story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The best friends turning into lovers for this couple was filled with intense emotions and electrifying chemistry that I could practically feel as they poured from the pages. Needless to say, so far I am really liking this series, so I can’t wait for Hard Night to be released in November.
Kellan and Sabrina are strong characters that easily grabbed my attention and I just had to find out what happened between these two because for them achieving their happily ever after is a heart tugging, soul wrenching journey that was anything but smooth or easy. Blindness and a refusal to accept the changing emotions between them keep this couple on an emotional rollercoaster throughout their mission, and let me tell you that I don’t think I have ever been around two more stubborn characters than these two.
The fast paced and thrilling story keeps the adrenaline pumping and the suspense building throughout the story as Kellan and Sabrina go to some elaborate lengths to get at the truth, but there undercover game adds to the tension of their relationship as it starts to change the dynamics of their long standing friendship, so there was never a dull moment to be found.
The second book in the 11th Hour series is quite an emotionally explosive but sexy and daring story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The best friends turning into lovers for this couple was filled with intense emotions and electrifying chemistry that I could practically feel as they poured from the pages. Needless to say, so far I am really liking this series, so I can’t wait for Hard Night to be released in November.
November 8, 2018
**My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
Although i liked this book, it was not as good as the previous one. Kellan lost his way a little too much after discovering that he was seeing his best friend Sabrina as more than just his friend.
Sabrina was a good strong character and did not back down from either getting her task down or from Kellan's sudden change with the way he was treating her. She just had a little wobble at the end where Kellan had to 'man-up' and chase for what he really wanted from Sabrina.
There are certainly a few twists and turns in the story, but nothing that i had not already seen coming but we did get a good HEA.
Can't wait to see what happens next, but i am guessing that the next story in the series goes to Jacob Night and Faith.
Although i liked this book, it was not as good as the previous one. Kellan lost his way a little too much after discovering that he was seeing his best friend Sabrina as more than just his friend.
Sabrina was a good strong character and did not back down from either getting her task down or from Kellan's sudden change with the way he was treating her. She just had a little wobble at the end where Kellan had to 'man-up' and chase for what he really wanted from Sabrina.
There are certainly a few twists and turns in the story, but nothing that i had not already seen coming but we did get a good HEA.
Can't wait to see what happens next, but i am guessing that the next story in the series goes to Jacob Night and Faith.
June 25, 2018
LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED!
This was a change up from the other books I've read by this author and it was a home run for me! I loved the inner struggle that Kellan had in dealing with the mission and his family. My heart broke for Bree and how she was treated as such an outcast by Kellan's family. Being in love with Kellan for years, only to have him think of her as nothing more than a friend was heartbreaking for her. Then being forced to pretend to be his fake fiance? How much more do we want to her this girl?
My only complaint...I don't think the situation with Kellan's dad was ever resolved.
Can we please get Jacob's Knight's story? And why is he carrying at picture around?
This was a change up from the other books I've read by this author and it was a home run for me! I loved the inner struggle that Kellan had in dealing with the mission and his family. My heart broke for Bree and how she was treated as such an outcast by Kellan's family. Being in love with Kellan for years, only to have him think of her as nothing more than a friend was heartbreaking for her. Then being forced to pretend to be his fake fiance? How much more do we want to her this girl?
My only complaint...I don't think the situation with Kellan's dad was ever resolved.
Can we please get Jacob's Knight's story? And why is he carrying at picture around?
May 12, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) So we are back with the 11th hour and we get Kellan and Sabrina's book. They are best friends but Kellan never knew that Sabrina has loved him for years. Now they are assigned to work together on a new assignment he figures out that he also has some feelings for her after she admitted her feelings and also when her life is put in danger while he is trying to get information to prove his father's innocence and her to prove that he is guilty. But nothing goes as planned, why? well you need to read!
March 13, 2019
This could have been really enjoyable, but the execution of tropes was Not My Thing.
June 23, 2018
Well, Jackie Ashenden has outdone herself again in this second novel in her 11th Hour series, which features a fascinating cast of characters, brought together by the shadowy Jacob North to carry out his assignments. Many of the 11th Hour team are former military, mercenaries and black ops, with at least one notable exception, Sabrina, their resident computer geek, and Kellan Blake, her best friend, who was forced to leave the military after a helicopter crash that left him badly burned. This novel is their story and it gets a 5-star rating from this reader.
Sabrina lost her mother and brothers in a car accident when she was quite young. Her father didn't take it well but he eventually took a job as a gardener for the wealthy and influential Blake family at their estate in Southhampton, which is where she first met Kellan. When her father wandered off one day and never returned, the Blake family took her in, and she and Kellan became best friends, with Kellan now considering her a member of his family, sort of an adopted little sister, but he never noticed that his snooty parents didn't see or treat her like family at all. Sabrina was well aware that his parents, by word and deed, considered her anything but family. It's this dichotomy of perceived roles, and Kellan's misconceptions about Sabrina, his loyalty to his family, and his protectiveness of Sabrina, form the emotional backdrop for their relationship and for this novel. All Kellan knew and believed was that she was his best friend, the person he could confide in, someone who always had his back, and someone who he could rely on. But there are secrets and lies in the Blake family, and both Sabrina and Kellan manage to keep those secrets well concealed into adulthood.
When Kellan joined 11th Hour, Sabrina's computer skills and expertise as a hacker were both noticed and needed, and so she followed him into the organization. Secretly, on her part, she'd follow him anywhere, having been in love with him since age 10, when they first met. When Mr. North gives them their latest assignment, Kellan is beyond outraged. Kellan is beyond shocked to learn that his father, who he idolizes, is suspected of selling arms to South American drug cartels, and he's ready to prove that those suspicions are completely unfounded. When Sabrina is also assigned to this mission because they will need to use her hacking skills to get into the elder Blake's encrypted computer files, Kellan does everything he can to keep her out of it--and fails.
Their plan is to show up at the family estate to announce their engagement, and while there, gain access to Phillip Blake's locked office, his computer and his safe. Kellan believes in his father's innocence, while Sabrina expects that Kellan is in for a rude awakening. It's while preparing for the visit to his family home that Sabrina and Kellan have to practice their act as an engaged couple so that his family will believe it, and this is when Kellan finally begins to see Sabrina as something more than just his best friend, but rather than being pleased that he's finally noticed her as a woman, Sabrina is secretly outraged by the fact that it's taken all these years for him to finally realize that. Not only is she a woman, she's a woman with a secret she must keep, one that will change their relationship forever. What she doesn't know, is that Kellan is also keeping a deep, dark secret from her.
As these two try to find a way to complete their assignment, their pretend relationship turns physical, something which Sabrina has both dreamed of and feared. She'd rather remain his best friend forever than risk losing him after their affair by being seen as simply another one of his lovers, one of whom his parents would never approve. Kellan is still wearing blinders where his family's opinion of Sabrina is concerned, but his parents reaction to the news of his engagement to her is what begins to remove the blinders he's been wearing for years.
As the clues mount up, so does the tension, and so does their sexual relationship. Jackie Ashenden certainly knows how to ramp up the heat between her characters to incendiary levels, as well as drawing the reader into their emotional and angst-driven relationship, so much so, that she once again had this reader in tears. Once the skeletons in the Blake family closet have been revealed, and in the aftermath of all that led to these revelations, this riveting novel takes a surprising turn, one that eventually leads to an HEA ending, but not in any way that I'd expected, and I absolutely loved the way in which Ms. Ashdenden accomplished it.
Just when you think Ms. Ashenden has dotted all her "i's" and crossed all her "t's", she leaves us with a startling revelation about the next novel in this series, due out in late fall, and it can't get here soon enough for this reader.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Sabrina lost her mother and brothers in a car accident when she was quite young. Her father didn't take it well but he eventually took a job as a gardener for the wealthy and influential Blake family at their estate in Southhampton, which is where she first met Kellan. When her father wandered off one day and never returned, the Blake family took her in, and she and Kellan became best friends, with Kellan now considering her a member of his family, sort of an adopted little sister, but he never noticed that his snooty parents didn't see or treat her like family at all. Sabrina was well aware that his parents, by word and deed, considered her anything but family. It's this dichotomy of perceived roles, and Kellan's misconceptions about Sabrina, his loyalty to his family, and his protectiveness of Sabrina, form the emotional backdrop for their relationship and for this novel. All Kellan knew and believed was that she was his best friend, the person he could confide in, someone who always had his back, and someone who he could rely on. But there are secrets and lies in the Blake family, and both Sabrina and Kellan manage to keep those secrets well concealed into adulthood.
When Kellan joined 11th Hour, Sabrina's computer skills and expertise as a hacker were both noticed and needed, and so she followed him into the organization. Secretly, on her part, she'd follow him anywhere, having been in love with him since age 10, when they first met. When Mr. North gives them their latest assignment, Kellan is beyond outraged. Kellan is beyond shocked to learn that his father, who he idolizes, is suspected of selling arms to South American drug cartels, and he's ready to prove that those suspicions are completely unfounded. When Sabrina is also assigned to this mission because they will need to use her hacking skills to get into the elder Blake's encrypted computer files, Kellan does everything he can to keep her out of it--and fails.
Their plan is to show up at the family estate to announce their engagement, and while there, gain access to Phillip Blake's locked office, his computer and his safe. Kellan believes in his father's innocence, while Sabrina expects that Kellan is in for a rude awakening. It's while preparing for the visit to his family home that Sabrina and Kellan have to practice their act as an engaged couple so that his family will believe it, and this is when Kellan finally begins to see Sabrina as something more than just his best friend, but rather than being pleased that he's finally noticed her as a woman, Sabrina is secretly outraged by the fact that it's taken all these years for him to finally realize that. Not only is she a woman, she's a woman with a secret she must keep, one that will change their relationship forever. What she doesn't know, is that Kellan is also keeping a deep, dark secret from her.
As these two try to find a way to complete their assignment, their pretend relationship turns physical, something which Sabrina has both dreamed of and feared. She'd rather remain his best friend forever than risk losing him after their affair by being seen as simply another one of his lovers, one of whom his parents would never approve. Kellan is still wearing blinders where his family's opinion of Sabrina is concerned, but his parents reaction to the news of his engagement to her is what begins to remove the blinders he's been wearing for years.
As the clues mount up, so does the tension, and so does their sexual relationship. Jackie Ashenden certainly knows how to ramp up the heat between her characters to incendiary levels, as well as drawing the reader into their emotional and angst-driven relationship, so much so, that she once again had this reader in tears. Once the skeletons in the Blake family closet have been revealed, and in the aftermath of all that led to these revelations, this riveting novel takes a surprising turn, one that eventually leads to an HEA ending, but not in any way that I'd expected, and I absolutely loved the way in which Ms. Ashdenden accomplished it.
Just when you think Ms. Ashenden has dotted all her "i's" and crossed all her "t's", she leaves us with a startling revelation about the next novel in this series, due out in late fall, and it can't get here soon enough for this reader.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2018
Kellan Blake and Sabrina Leighton work for 11th Hour, a privately run underground organisation that does missions just this side of legal for its elusive owner, Jacob Night. When Kellan is instructed to investigate reports that his ex-General father, Philip, is selling guns to cartels, Kellan baulks. The information must be false because there’s no way his father – a war hero – could be doing something that’s getting innocent people. But Kellan is given an ultimatum by Jacob Night – either prove his father innocent or someone else in the team will do it.
Not only is having to investigate his father bad enough, but Kellan is also told to take Sabrina with him. As a coding expert, she’s the best person to find incriminating evidence on Philip’s personal computer because it will no doubt be encrypted. Kellan and Sabrina, whom he calls Bree, have been best friends since they were ten. Sabrina’s father was the gardener at the Blake residence, a job he got after Sabrina’s mother and two brothers died in a car accident, but her father couldn’t cope and took off, leaving Sabrina in the care of the Blakes. They took her in and gave her shelter, but Charlotte Blake always did a good job of reminding Sabrina quietly that she wasn’t really part of the family.
Having lost everyone she ever loved, Sabrina will never take the risk of telling Kellan the truth of how she feels about him – she’s been in love with him for years. So when it’s suggested they use a cover story of being engaged to explain the sudden visit to Kellan’s parents, Sabrina is uneasy at the notion. But since they have to move quickly and nothing better is suggested, that’s what they go with.
What follows is the revelation of secrets. Everyone has them – Kellan, Sabrina, Charlotte and Philip. Kellan won’t stop until he finds out the truth about whether his father is gun running or not; Sabrina is determined Kellan will never discover the secret she knows about his father, and the elder Blakes have been hiding secrets of their own. Kellan and Sabrina follow the clues and when Sabrina’s feelings finally come out, Kellan is forced to examine his own and see the truth that’s been buried for a long time.
I found both protagonists a little frustrating at times and wanted to shake them both – Kellan more so than Sabrina. He’s has this beautiful, loyal woman who’s stuck with him through everything and he doesn’t really see her as a woman, see how amazing she is. I wanted to smack him upside the head!
The sex scenes. Oh, boy. They were so hot I’m surprised my book didn’t turn into ash in my hands! Definitely some of the best I’ve ever read. If you love best friends to lovers books, you’ve got to read this one.
Not only is having to investigate his father bad enough, but Kellan is also told to take Sabrina with him. As a coding expert, she’s the best person to find incriminating evidence on Philip’s personal computer because it will no doubt be encrypted. Kellan and Sabrina, whom he calls Bree, have been best friends since they were ten. Sabrina’s father was the gardener at the Blake residence, a job he got after Sabrina’s mother and two brothers died in a car accident, but her father couldn’t cope and took off, leaving Sabrina in the care of the Blakes. They took her in and gave her shelter, but Charlotte Blake always did a good job of reminding Sabrina quietly that she wasn’t really part of the family.
Having lost everyone she ever loved, Sabrina will never take the risk of telling Kellan the truth of how she feels about him – she’s been in love with him for years. So when it’s suggested they use a cover story of being engaged to explain the sudden visit to Kellan’s parents, Sabrina is uneasy at the notion. But since they have to move quickly and nothing better is suggested, that’s what they go with.
What follows is the revelation of secrets. Everyone has them – Kellan, Sabrina, Charlotte and Philip. Kellan won’t stop until he finds out the truth about whether his father is gun running or not; Sabrina is determined Kellan will never discover the secret she knows about his father, and the elder Blakes have been hiding secrets of their own. Kellan and Sabrina follow the clues and when Sabrina’s feelings finally come out, Kellan is forced to examine his own and see the truth that’s been buried for a long time.
I found both protagonists a little frustrating at times and wanted to shake them both – Kellan more so than Sabrina. He’s has this beautiful, loyal woman who’s stuck with him through everything and he doesn’t really see her as a woman, see how amazing she is. I wanted to smack him upside the head!
The sex scenes. Oh, boy. They were so hot I’m surprised my book didn’t turn into ash in my hands! Definitely some of the best I’ve ever read. If you love best friends to lovers books, you’ve got to read this one.
November 21, 2018
There is so much history between Sabrina and Kellan and I love it. It’s amazing how two people can see circumstances entirely differently from one another. They, for the most part, grew up in the same home. For Kellan, it was his home with his mother and father. For Sabrina, she was the abandoned young girl Kellan’s family took in. While Kellan always believed Sabrina was treated the same as he was, that wasn’t the case.
Because of the way Sabrina was treated by Kellan’s parents, and the fact that he allowed himself to be blind to it, left a lot to be unpacked in this relationship. While Sabrina never held Kellan at fault, he is the type of man who has a sort of hero complex so it doesn’t sit well with him. Especially when his parents are less than welcoming to her in the present day.
I’m a huge fan of friends to lover and fake fiancée stories, so this one seemed made for me. Oddly enough, I have a bit of an issue with the person in the friends to lovers trope that is the clueless person in the scenario; the one that doesn’t even realize the chemistry and connection they have with the other person. And to say Kellan was clueless is a huge understatement. Huge! So while I love the trope, I hate the inevitability of feeling one character has something over the other.
The author does a great job instilling tension into the narrative. From the feelings Sabrina is trying to hide from Kellan, the mission they’re both hiding from his parents, the secrets both Sabrina and Kellan are keeping from each other, the tension is palpable.
This story seems to be the start of something big in this series. There is a lot uncovered and a lot that still needs to be learned. The Sabrina/Kellan arc is concluded, but there’s so much more to come.
My last note, I believe I’ve said it before but I’m going to repeat myself. Jackie Ashenden really knows how to write sexy scenes. Kellan “interrogates” Sabrina at one point and it is raw and angry and hot and wrong and oh so right all at the same time. Fire!
This review can also be found at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
Because of the way Sabrina was treated by Kellan’s parents, and the fact that he allowed himself to be blind to it, left a lot to be unpacked in this relationship. While Sabrina never held Kellan at fault, he is the type of man who has a sort of hero complex so it doesn’t sit well with him. Especially when his parents are less than welcoming to her in the present day.
I’m a huge fan of friends to lover and fake fiancée stories, so this one seemed made for me. Oddly enough, I have a bit of an issue with the person in the friends to lovers trope that is the clueless person in the scenario; the one that doesn’t even realize the chemistry and connection they have with the other person. And to say Kellan was clueless is a huge understatement. Huge! So while I love the trope, I hate the inevitability of feeling one character has something over the other.
The author does a great job instilling tension into the narrative. From the feelings Sabrina is trying to hide from Kellan, the mission they’re both hiding from his parents, the secrets both Sabrina and Kellan are keeping from each other, the tension is palpable.
This story seems to be the start of something big in this series. There is a lot uncovered and a lot that still needs to be learned. The Sabrina/Kellan arc is concluded, but there’s so much more to come.
My last note, I believe I’ve said it before but I’m going to repeat myself. Jackie Ashenden really knows how to write sexy scenes. Kellan “interrogates” Sabrina at one point and it is raw and angry and hot and wrong and oh so right all at the same time. Fire!
This review can also be found at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
March 18, 2018
Kel and Sabrina have been best friends all their lives, ever since Sabrina saw him standing the garden of his parents' mansion when she was ten years old and her father brought her to live there when he became the gardener, after a terrible accident killed her mother and brothers. But Sabrina was never *really* part of the family -- Kel never noticed, including her in everything, always having her back, but his parents are another matter entirely. She keeps this secret from him. And others. And he keeps secrets from her. Is this what best friends do? Both of them have to wonder as the mission they're sent on continues and opens up old wounds.
They now work for the 11th Hour, Kel having had left the military after a terrible helicopter crash burned and hurt him, he on ops and she as a computer and hacking expert. They're still best friends, but after being assigned to infiltrate Kel's father's home to gain information about assumed arms dealing -- Kel because it's his dad's home, Sabrina because of her hacking skills -- another level to their relationship begins to open.
When Kel starts to romance Sabrina she is infuriated: she's loved him, *loved* him all her life. Ever since she was ten. How dare he start to want more than a friendship now of all times? Stupendous sex aside, Sabrina is unsure of where this is going, but the mission must remain their primary focus.
Clues, leading to other people, a beautiful scene at the NY Met's gala, Sabrina in a gown and Kel in a tux, and the scene is set for intrigue, more hot sex, and a stunning conclusion after the real villain is revealed.
I can't wait until the third volume in November 2018 -- you won't be able to wait either, when you read the shocking ending. This book of the 11th Hour series delivers on everything the first one did: intrigue, suspense, sexual tension, and great character development. I think it may even be better than the first one, and that's a hard row to hoe.
They now work for the 11th Hour, Kel having had left the military after a terrible helicopter crash burned and hurt him, he on ops and she as a computer and hacking expert. They're still best friends, but after being assigned to infiltrate Kel's father's home to gain information about assumed arms dealing -- Kel because it's his dad's home, Sabrina because of her hacking skills -- another level to their relationship begins to open.
When Kel starts to romance Sabrina she is infuriated: she's loved him, *loved* him all her life. Ever since she was ten. How dare he start to want more than a friendship now of all times? Stupendous sex aside, Sabrina is unsure of where this is going, but the mission must remain their primary focus.
Clues, leading to other people, a beautiful scene at the NY Met's gala, Sabrina in a gown and Kel in a tux, and the scene is set for intrigue, more hot sex, and a stunning conclusion after the real villain is revealed.
I can't wait until the third volume in November 2018 -- you won't be able to wait either, when you read the shocking ending. This book of the 11th Hour series delivers on everything the first one did: intrigue, suspense, sexual tension, and great character development. I think it may even be better than the first one, and that's a hard row to hoe.
July 5, 2018
**I received a copy of Total Control from Jackie Ashenden from Net Galley and Kensington Books in exchange of a voluntary and honest review**
Total Control by Jackie Ashenden is the second book by the author in her 11th Hour series. While I didn't read the first book, I have read books in Tate Brothers and Texas Bounty series. But I have to say I had a very hard time getting into this story. Maybe it was the constant repetition and reminder of Kell's blue and Sabrina's green eyes of the H/h but it just fell flat for me. The story felt rushed at times alson.
Kellen Blake misses being a helicopter pilot so when his next assignment involves his father who may or may not be a gun runner even though he's a decorated retired Army General. He sets out to prove Jacob Night who runs 11th hour wrong but balks at Sabrina Leighton included in this ops. He decides that both he and Sabrina should pose as a newly engaged couple and hope that his parents won't ask questions while they compile a case against his father. However what he doesn't know is the Sabrina knows a lot more than she'll tell Kellen especially the secret from his past.
Sabrina Leighton has known Kellen's family most of her life as his family took her in when her gardener father disappeared. She's a computer hacker extraordinaire who know the truth about General Blake and that she'll do anything to protect Kell even keep a secret for years. She has loved Kellen since they were teenagers and wonders if he'll finally see her as a lover instead of a friend. Things will get sketchy and they will need to use all of their skills to find out the truth as well plan to take down his father.
Total Control by Jackie Ashenden is the second book by the author in her 11th Hour series. While I didn't read the first book, I have read books in Tate Brothers and Texas Bounty series. But I have to say I had a very hard time getting into this story. Maybe it was the constant repetition and reminder of Kell's blue and Sabrina's green eyes of the H/h but it just fell flat for me. The story felt rushed at times alson.
Kellen Blake misses being a helicopter pilot so when his next assignment involves his father who may or may not be a gun runner even though he's a decorated retired Army General. He sets out to prove Jacob Night who runs 11th hour wrong but balks at Sabrina Leighton included in this ops. He decides that both he and Sabrina should pose as a newly engaged couple and hope that his parents won't ask questions while they compile a case against his father. However what he doesn't know is the Sabrina knows a lot more than she'll tell Kellen especially the secret from his past.
Sabrina Leighton has known Kellen's family most of her life as his family took her in when her gardener father disappeared. She's a computer hacker extraordinaire who know the truth about General Blake and that she'll do anything to protect Kell even keep a secret for years. She has loved Kellen since they were teenagers and wonders if he'll finally see her as a lover instead of a friend. Things will get sketchy and they will need to use all of their skills to find out the truth as well plan to take down his father.
October 10, 2018
Totallly Enjoyable
Wow! I'm still reeling from the emotional conclusion of this story that's part old-fashioned mystery potboiler & parts high-tech suspense. Very well done to author Jackie Ashenden. This series gets better & better.
Total control is book 2 in the 11th Hour series by Jackie Ashenden and I loved it.
Ex-Navy SEAL Kellan Blake and computer expert Sabrina Leighton have been best friends since childhood & now they work together for a semi-legal paramilitary outfit called the 11th Hour. They're given orders to get into his father's computer and find proof that Blake senior is involved with gun running & arms dealing. Kellan doesn't want to believe his father, a retired army general, could be involved & Sabrina isn't surprised, for reasons we don't know.
Sabrina has been in love with Kellan for years, hiding her feelings so she could at least be in his life as a friend. To gain access to his father & not arouse suspicion, they pretend to be engaged. Old secrets come to light. Old wounds are ripped open. Kellan and Sabrina are forced to confront their long buried feelings for each other.
A great mystery (in an upstate New York estate no less), a terrific & emotional romance full of passion, and well-crafted love scenes make Total Control the total package & worth reading.
A stand-alone, it's not necessary to read book 1, Raw Power. (But I recommend it.)
Wow! I'm still reeling from the emotional conclusion of this story that's part old-fashioned mystery potboiler & parts high-tech suspense. Very well done to author Jackie Ashenden. This series gets better & better.
Total control is book 2 in the 11th Hour series by Jackie Ashenden and I loved it.
Ex-Navy SEAL Kellan Blake and computer expert Sabrina Leighton have been best friends since childhood & now they work together for a semi-legal paramilitary outfit called the 11th Hour. They're given orders to get into his father's computer and find proof that Blake senior is involved with gun running & arms dealing. Kellan doesn't want to believe his father, a retired army general, could be involved & Sabrina isn't surprised, for reasons we don't know.
Sabrina has been in love with Kellan for years, hiding her feelings so she could at least be in his life as a friend. To gain access to his father & not arouse suspicion, they pretend to be engaged. Old secrets come to light. Old wounds are ripped open. Kellan and Sabrina are forced to confront their long buried feelings for each other.
A great mystery (in an upstate New York estate no less), a terrific & emotional romance full of passion, and well-crafted love scenes make Total Control the total package & worth reading.
A stand-alone, it's not necessary to read book 1, Raw Power. (But I recommend it.)
February 9, 2019
This was a 3.5 star if I'm honest. I'd read the third book, loved it. Found the first book, loved it but this one just seemed a bit off. I'm not sure if it was because Kellan seemed a bit manipulative at times or because of Sabrina's total lack of self-worth. Don't get me wrong I'm a big old bag of lack of self-esteem myself but Sabrina just couldn't see that her skills made her awesome not Kellan's interest in her as anything other than a friend!
Kellan's history as a former SEAL and helicopter pilot had little to do with the plot really other than as an entry point for the investigation into his family. Sabrina Leighton is like uber-hacker girl and I just felt that she was completely manipulated by those around her. 11th Hour at least respected her as a hacker and agent, even with her lack of field experience. But as Kellan's quasi foster-sister she was as good as wallpaper, she barely existed to them!
The whip-lash speed of Kellan's changing passion towards Sabrina and the very repetitive nature of some of the descriptions just made this a bit...wanting. It won't put me off reading any other works by this author but just felt a bit underwhelmed.
Kellan's history as a former SEAL and helicopter pilot had little to do with the plot really other than as an entry point for the investigation into his family. Sabrina Leighton is like uber-hacker girl and I just felt that she was completely manipulated by those around her. 11th Hour at least respected her as a hacker and agent, even with her lack of field experience. But as Kellan's quasi foster-sister she was as good as wallpaper, she barely existed to them!
The whip-lash speed of Kellan's changing passion towards Sabrina and the very repetitive nature of some of the descriptions just made this a bit...wanting. It won't put me off reading any other works by this author but just felt a bit underwhelmed.
June 26, 2018
Sabrina is very smart and works for the 11th Hour company as a computer specialist. Kellan is former Marine and Army, from a wealthy family and took Sabrina in when her father left her at ten years old. She has been in love with Kellan for as long as she’s known him. Kellan’s father is suspected of selling arms to cartels. Kellan doesn’t believe it, so he and Sabrina go undercover as a couple to find the information that will prove he’s guilty or find nothing just like Kellan thinks. While at his childhood home secrets are revealed and he finds out everything Sabrina has been keeping from him. They’ve always been best friends but when they become lovers, Sabrina gets scared and tries to push Kellan away. Kellan has to choose the woman he’s fallen for or the man who was his hero.
A sexy, suspenseful story with friends to lovers. Secrets and a woman who’s learned to keep everyone’s secrets. The only thing that bothered me was when she finally gets what she’s always wanted, she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
A sexy, suspenseful story with friends to lovers. Secrets and a woman who’s learned to keep everyone’s secrets. The only thing that bothered me was when she finally gets what she’s always wanted, she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
May 30, 2018
I am a longtime reader and lover of Ms. Ashenden’s stories. They are highly emotional and I love every minute of them (with the exception of a couple). Yeah, totally love the angst. In reading the first book in this series I got the impression that Kellan was a happy go lucky kind of guy. He is not. He is full of self-recrimination regarding both his military career and his personal life. When he and Sabrina go on a mission he discovers that she has “liked” him for many years but just could not commit. Her issue is with abandonment. I like how the stories of their growing up were intertwined to show their differences and really how they enable each other. I cried a lot while reading this story. That is always a good sign I like the story. Their interaction and journey are beautifully written. I am not usually one to talk about sensuality in books but damn, this book is freaking off-the-charts hot from the first kiss scene to the end.
Next up Night and Faith…I am betting it is a good one!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Next up Night and Faith…I am betting it is a good one!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 26, 2018
Total Control is book two of one of Jackie Ashenden’s best series, The 11th Hour. These are good guys who never could find their fit in the regular military. They are also the guys that you would want on your side if you find yourself in dire straits.
Undercover mission to prove innocence or guilt provides plenty of action in this addition to the series. Add in a best friend romance between helicopter pilot Kellan Blake and tech savvy Sabrina, it is an exciting story. As far as the covert action and suspense goes, it is a wonderful story. I liked Sabrina. On the other hand, Kellan came across too strong and calculating in his treatment of Sabrina. He may have done things for the right reasons but not the right way. Perhaps that is part of the reason for the title. With that aside, it is still an interesting read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Undercover mission to prove innocence or guilt provides plenty of action in this addition to the series. Add in a best friend romance between helicopter pilot Kellan Blake and tech savvy Sabrina, it is an exciting story. As far as the covert action and suspense goes, it is a wonderful story. I liked Sabrina. On the other hand, Kellan came across too strong and calculating in his treatment of Sabrina. He may have done things for the right reasons but not the right way. Perhaps that is part of the reason for the title. With that aside, it is still an interesting read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 13, 2018
Somehow I missed book one of this series, which is surprising considering how big a fan I am of this author. I was able to jump right in with this book though and caught up pretty quickly. Kellan is former military now 11th Hour. When his organization uncovers evidence that his father may be involved in illegal activities, Kellan and his best friend Sabrina are tasked with the investigation. Sabrina has been in love with Kellan and fiercely protective of him for a long time. She is all in on the mission, but Kellan wants her nowhere near it. He doesn't get his way, and they are paired together for what turns into more than he bargained for.
The story has all the action, intrigue, and spice you know to expect from Jackie Ashenden. I loved the characters (although Kellan was difficult to like at first), and I definitely can't wait to learn more about the mysterious Jacob Knight.
Net Galley provided an ARC.
The story has all the action, intrigue, and spice you know to expect from Jackie Ashenden. I loved the characters (although Kellan was difficult to like at first), and I definitely can't wait to learn more about the mysterious Jacob Knight.
Net Galley provided an ARC.
September 27, 2018
First time reading a book by Ms Ashenden. I'm personally not too fond of repetitions. There were repeats about the clashes of feelings felt by either main characters, there were repeating paragraphs of the past, there were repeating paragraphs of what Kellan's father was suspected of doing and more. It got the the point I felt like the book was just trying to lengthen the story with the repetitions and it became a drag to me.
I also do not like that Kellan talks to his dad using expletives. He seemed to be quite a well-raised son so what is it with the overdone need to use the f-word whenever he argues with or challenges his father?
I gave this book an extra star more than I think it deserves because I felt that the overall plot was quite unique. I have not come across a similar pair of lovers set up so that is a plus.
I would like to read another book by the same author to give another chance of her getting into my list of to-read authors or not.
I also do not like that Kellan talks to his dad using expletives. He seemed to be quite a well-raised son so what is it with the overdone need to use the f-word whenever he argues with or challenges his father?
I gave this book an extra star more than I think it deserves because I felt that the overall plot was quite unique. I have not come across a similar pair of lovers set up so that is a plus.
I would like to read another book by the same author to give another chance of her getting into my list of to-read authors or not.
June 21, 2018
This was an enjoyable story. That had a nice mix of family drama and romance. Along with a little sprinkling of suspense and I liked how all of it blended together.
Yet I did find the story a little slow at times, particularly during the first half. And if I'm honest, I would of liked a lot more action. But then again, Kellen is investigating his own dad who is something of a hero to him. So I do understand why this story isn't action packed and I did really enjoy the romance between best friends Sabrina and Kellen. As it had heat, sweetness and angst.
And I also never once felt at a disadvantage having not read the first book in this 11th Hour Series. But I'd certainly check it out and I would happily recommend this story to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Yet I did find the story a little slow at times, particularly during the first half. And if I'm honest, I would of liked a lot more action. But then again, Kellen is investigating his own dad who is something of a hero to him. So I do understand why this story isn't action packed and I did really enjoy the romance between best friends Sabrina and Kellen. As it had heat, sweetness and angst.
And I also never once felt at a disadvantage having not read the first book in this 11th Hour Series. But I'd certainly check it out and I would happily recommend this story to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
June 24, 2018
Fantastic as expected! It's no secret that I'm a huge Jackie Ashenden fan and this book is the perfect example of exactly why. Unique and fresh storyline, superb writing, and unforgettable characters make this book a must read.
Kellan Blake is a help pilot for the elite crime fighting group The 11th Hour. He's surprised when one of his first assignments is to return home and investigate his father. He's positive they have it all wrong but agrees to do it certain he can prove his father innocent. Going with him is his lifelong friend Sabrina. She's a tech genius and her skills will be invaluable. This mission will open Kellan's eyes not only to exactly what type of man his father really is but also to what an amazing woman Sabrina has grown into.
Must read! I highly recommend it.
Kellan Blake is a help pilot for the elite crime fighting group The 11th Hour. He's surprised when one of his first assignments is to return home and investigate his father. He's positive they have it all wrong but agrees to do it certain he can prove his father innocent. Going with him is his lifelong friend Sabrina. She's a tech genius and her skills will be invaluable. This mission will open Kellan's eyes not only to exactly what type of man his father really is but also to what an amazing woman Sabrina has grown into.
Must read! I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2018
This is an emotional, suspenseful and steamy romance. Kellan is bold, stubborn, and oblivious. Sabrina is smart, caring, naive and vulnerable. She's always loved him but knew nothing would ever come of it, he only thought of her as his best friend. Until they have to pretend that they're engaged, and they end up sleeping together. On a mission to get evidence against his father, Kellan aims to prove his father's innocence while Sabrina prepares to offer comfort when he discovers the truth, and neither is prepared for his altered way of thinking about her. Lies, secrets and promises soon make a hard job even harder, and threatens to tear them apart. I loved the storyline, but Kellan took a while to like, he was just too blind and cold in the beginning, but he did redeem himself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
June 17, 2018
*ARC from NetGalley for Honest Review*
I Give This Book a 3 Star Rating
I Am A HUGE Fan of Jackie, I Always read her books and I give a honest review.
My consistent rating is around 3 stars and sadly this book has met the same exact rating.
Jackie has the potential of 5 star books!
The detail are there and the characters are there too, But it’s like she gets sidetracked and the character(s) in this case mainly the lead Female was a bit over the top, I just could not for the life of me CLICK with her, she made this book very hard to read.
I Am a Loyal Reader, I KNOW she will hit 5 stars one day, and I plan to the one to give it! :)
I will continue to read more from this author and in DO recommend reading her books ;)
I Give This Book a 3 Star Rating
I Am A HUGE Fan of Jackie, I Always read her books and I give a honest review.
My consistent rating is around 3 stars and sadly this book has met the same exact rating.
Jackie has the potential of 5 star books!
The detail are there and the characters are there too, But it’s like she gets sidetracked and the character(s) in this case mainly the lead Female was a bit over the top, I just could not for the life of me CLICK with her, she made this book very hard to read.
I Am a Loyal Reader, I KNOW she will hit 5 stars one day, and I plan to the one to give it! :)
I will continue to read more from this author and in DO recommend reading her books ;)
May 28, 2018
Total control is the 2nd in the 11th hour series. For me it's the first but not for Jackie's books. This one is about two best friends as who are going to have battle not only each other but accept some harsh realities of their new mission.
Kellan had it all and now that hes losing it and his life is spiraling a bit. How is he gonna handle this new mission when it concerns his dad?
Sabrina knows Loss. She's experienced alot of it and now working side by side with Kellan things are going to get real. All in all it was a decent book but the ending and Brees actions were rough for me to swallow. I get her stance but I feel it went way to far. Other than that it was good.
Kellan had it all and now that hes losing it and his life is spiraling a bit. How is he gonna handle this new mission when it concerns his dad?
Sabrina knows Loss. She's experienced alot of it and now working side by side with Kellan things are going to get real. All in all it was a decent book but the ending and Brees actions were rough for me to swallow. I get her stance but I feel it went way to far. Other than that it was good.
June 5, 2018
This book was really good! Kellan was hot if a little annoying at first. The story was great! Lots of action, suspense and sexy romance. I love that Sabrina is more like a normal woman and not perfect. I don't like heroines who are too perfect and beautiful. The story does start a little slow but not does it pick up. Kellan's family is something else that's for sure. Like they say in the description, a nest of vipers. I loved the action and it definitely had me on the edge of my seat! I really hope there will be more to this series because I think I'm hooked.
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