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Ashes & Embers #1-4
Ashes & Embers Series Collection
Meet the sweet, sexy, and sometimes alpha Valentine men who make up this awesome rock band!
This collection includes the first four complete novels of the Ashes & Embers rock star contemporary romance series - Storm, Vandal, Lukas, and Talon. It also contains a short excerpt from Asher's upcoming book.
Storm - Evelyn finds herself trapped in a truck during a blizzard for 48 hours with a sexy stranger - who's keeping it a secret he's a famous musician! Things heat up fast! When the blizzard is over and they go their separate ways, Evelyn is thrown into a tailspin when Storm decides he can't live without her.
Vandal - One tragic night tears his life apart and sends him into a spiral of destruction. When Vandal meets Tabitha, all he wants to do is make things right and somehow ease his grief. And hers. But when secrets threaten to tear them apart, can their unconventional relationship survive?
Lukas - Ivy, a 36 year old mom of two thought her life was over when she found her husband having an affair. Her life takes a major turn when she meets sexy, inked-up, 24 year old Lukas Valentine - tattoo artist, violin player extraordinaire, and extreme hopeless romantic. Their chemistry is undeniable, but can she trust her heart with a younger man?
Talon - Asia thinks signing up for a marriage experiment to marry a stranger picked by experts might just be the key to finding her Mr. Right - until her new husband turns out to be a sexy, sarcastic, famous rock star! This book is a rollercoaster of witty banter, laugh out loud moments, a steamy slow sensual burn, heartache and angst, and a happily every after.
This collection includes the first four complete novels of the Ashes & Embers rock star contemporary romance series - Storm, Vandal, Lukas, and Talon. It also contains a short excerpt from Asher's upcoming book.
Storm - Evelyn finds herself trapped in a truck during a blizzard for 48 hours with a sexy stranger - who's keeping it a secret he's a famous musician! Things heat up fast! When the blizzard is over and they go their separate ways, Evelyn is thrown into a tailspin when Storm decides he can't live without her.
Vandal - One tragic night tears his life apart and sends him into a spiral of destruction. When Vandal meets Tabitha, all he wants to do is make things right and somehow ease his grief. And hers. But when secrets threaten to tear them apart, can their unconventional relationship survive?
Lukas - Ivy, a 36 year old mom of two thought her life was over when she found her husband having an affair. Her life takes a major turn when she meets sexy, inked-up, 24 year old Lukas Valentine - tattoo artist, violin player extraordinaire, and extreme hopeless romantic. Their chemistry is undeniable, but can she trust her heart with a younger man?
Talon - Asia thinks signing up for a marriage experiment to marry a stranger picked by experts might just be the key to finding her Mr. Right - until her new husband turns out to be a sexy, sarcastic, famous rock star! This book is a rollercoaster of witty banter, laugh out loud moments, a steamy slow sensual burn, heartache and angst, and a happily every after.
1286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2018
1203 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Carian Cole
20 books8,799 followersI have a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, the sweet girls that try to tame them and win their hearts.
Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming.
Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 27, 2020
Storm - Perfect beginning - Absolutely loved this heartwarming story. Storm and Evie were perfect together. I laughed out loud and wiped away tears while these two unlikely soulmates came together. I cannot wait to read more of this series. I am hooked.
Vandal - Surprisingly good - I will admit, I did not think I could read this book after Vandal's accident. To lose a child like that was too emotional for me. However, I am glad I continued to read it as the layers of hurt, control and desperation led to finding someone to help ease the pain and make life worth living. This was an inspirational read that I highly recommend. Give it a shot. I am glad I did.
Lukas – So, So good - Ivy and Lukas' story was a masterpiece. Not age, children or exes will stop these two soulmates from having their happily ever after. Each book I read from Carian Cole becomes my favorite. Love this series and cannot wait to read more.
Talon – WONDERFUL - Wow, this book killed me. Asia and Talon met in a moment and married as an experiment, but the relationship was not a fluke. In sickness and in health are vows that test them to the very end. I laughed and cried while reading this story and did not want it to end. I love this series.
Loving Storm – Perfect Ending - Carian Cole has done it again. This might have been a short novella but each page had so much emotion. From picking a date, to finally saying I do, to eventually the birth of their first child, no one who reads this can walk away without truly understanding how much these two characters are in love. They might have met by chance in a blizzard but they are forever soulmates. The characters get deeper and deeper as the tale unfolds. This was pure romance at its best. As with all of Carian Cole's books, this one is a definite must read.
Merged review:
Storm - Perfect beginning - Absolutely loved this heartwarming story. Storm and Evie were perfect together. I laughed out loud and wiped away tears while these two unlikely soulmates came together. I cannot wait to read more of this series. I am hooked.
Vandal - Surprisingly good - I will admit, I did not think I could read this book after Vandal's accident. To lose a childlike that was too emotional for me. However, I am glad I continued to read it as the layers of hurt, control and desperation led to finding someone to help ease the pain and make life worth living. This was an inspirational read that I highly recommend. Give it a shot. I am glad I did.
Lukas – Loved It - Ivy and Lukas' story was a masterpiece. Not age, children or exes will stop these two soulmates from having their happily ever after. Each book I read from Carian Cole becomes my favorite. Love this series and cannot wait to read more.
Talon – WOW - Wow, this book killed me. Asia and Talon met in a moment and married as an experiment, but the relationship was not a fluke. In sickness and in health are vows that test them to the very end. I laughed and cried while reading this story and did not want it to end. I love this series.
Vandal - Surprisingly good - I will admit, I did not think I could read this book after Vandal's accident. To lose a child like that was too emotional for me. However, I am glad I continued to read it as the layers of hurt, control and desperation led to finding someone to help ease the pain and make life worth living. This was an inspirational read that I highly recommend. Give it a shot. I am glad I did.
Lukas – So, So good - Ivy and Lukas' story was a masterpiece. Not age, children or exes will stop these two soulmates from having their happily ever after. Each book I read from Carian Cole becomes my favorite. Love this series and cannot wait to read more.
Talon – WONDERFUL - Wow, this book killed me. Asia and Talon met in a moment and married as an experiment, but the relationship was not a fluke. In sickness and in health are vows that test them to the very end. I laughed and cried while reading this story and did not want it to end. I love this series.
Loving Storm – Perfect Ending - Carian Cole has done it again. This might have been a short novella but each page had so much emotion. From picking a date, to finally saying I do, to eventually the birth of their first child, no one who reads this can walk away without truly understanding how much these two characters are in love. They might have met by chance in a blizzard but they are forever soulmates. The characters get deeper and deeper as the tale unfolds. This was pure romance at its best. As with all of Carian Cole's books, this one is a definite must read.
Merged review:
Storm - Perfect beginning - Absolutely loved this heartwarming story. Storm and Evie were perfect together. I laughed out loud and wiped away tears while these two unlikely soulmates came together. I cannot wait to read more of this series. I am hooked.
Vandal - Surprisingly good - I will admit, I did not think I could read this book after Vandal's accident. To lose a childlike that was too emotional for me. However, I am glad I continued to read it as the layers of hurt, control and desperation led to finding someone to help ease the pain and make life worth living. This was an inspirational read that I highly recommend. Give it a shot. I am glad I did.
Lukas – Loved It - Ivy and Lukas' story was a masterpiece. Not age, children or exes will stop these two soulmates from having their happily ever after. Each book I read from Carian Cole becomes my favorite. Love this series and cannot wait to read more.
Talon – WOW - Wow, this book killed me. Asia and Talon met in a moment and married as an experiment, but the relationship was not a fluke. In sickness and in health are vows that test them to the very end. I laughed and cried while reading this story and did not want it to end. I love this series.
February 4, 2020
Great series
What a great series this was. Books 1-4, I loved each one of them. It was nice to get to know these boys and their families. Each story was unique but the love that bounced off the pages was consistent. My favorite was Storm, but they were all good.
See individual book reviews.
What a great series this was. Books 1-4, I loved each one of them. It was nice to get to know these boys and their families. Each story was unique but the love that bounced off the pages was consistent. My favorite was Storm, but they were all good.
See individual book reviews.
February 19, 2020
I have read and reread these but must have been before joining GRs which has to be the only reason why I haven't reviewed them here. *See my updated review below.
I just have FLOVED every book by Carian Cole and despite the lack of reviews on this site, I have read every one she's written so far.
This authors talent for writing emotional, exciting, sexy AF characters (+ family oriented Rockstars and MC romances, big bonus for me!) is just one reason she will always be a one click author for me.
I read Storm and was totally hooked, then went on to get to know all the Ashes and Embers family. Each book so different yet with all the familial connections that will keep you wanting to know more, more and MORE about every one of them. A favorite series by a favorite author with enough talent in her pinky finger to have you turning pages until waaayyy past your bedtime and dying for the next story.
I am so excited to see one of the most mysterious, Asher, who's been slowly teased with hints of who he is here and there throughout Ashes and Embers as well as Devil's Wolves, is finally going to share his story. AND, I need to know what it is...
* 2/16/20- REREAD 😻
Third times the charm, maybe more for me and just as amazing as it was the 1st and subsequent times I read these wonderful books individually. Isn't it funny how much you can still get out of rereading stories, how much excitement and enjoyment that still can be felt when an amazing author puts her words to paper. Carian Cole creates these worlds with her whole heart and I can't wait to read the oldest and most mysterious Valentine brother, Asher's story because I know it will be angsty, heartwrenching, unputdownable and will no doubt carve a permanent place in my romance loving soul. Of course, someday, I'll have to reread it and love it all over again!
I just have FLOVED every book by Carian Cole and despite the lack of reviews on this site, I have read every one she's written so far.
This authors talent for writing emotional, exciting, sexy AF characters (+ family oriented Rockstars and MC romances, big bonus for me!) is just one reason she will always be a one click author for me.
I read Storm and was totally hooked, then went on to get to know all the Ashes and Embers family. Each book so different yet with all the familial connections that will keep you wanting to know more, more and MORE about every one of them. A favorite series by a favorite author with enough talent in her pinky finger to have you turning pages until waaayyy past your bedtime and dying for the next story.
I am so excited to see one of the most mysterious, Asher, who's been slowly teased with hints of who he is here and there throughout Ashes and Embers as well as Devil's Wolves, is finally going to share his story. AND, I need to know what it is...
* 2/16/20- REREAD 😻
Third times the charm, maybe more for me and just as amazing as it was the 1st and subsequent times I read these wonderful books individually. Isn't it funny how much you can still get out of rereading stories, how much excitement and enjoyment that still can be felt when an amazing author puts her words to paper. Carian Cole creates these worlds with her whole heart and I can't wait to read the oldest and most mysterious Valentine brother, Asher's story because I know it will be angsty, heartwrenching, unputdownable and will no doubt carve a permanent place in my romance loving soul. Of course, someday, I'll have to reread it and love it all over again!
July 4, 2019
(1) Storm Carian Cole
“Evie, you gotta stop living in fear. You can’t see the stars unless you go out in the dark. You get what I’m saying?”
Ever read a line and close the book, staring at the wall cause it was just so perfect you need a minute to absorb it? There were a few of those in this one. I had 2 long flights this weekend and devoured this book. I fell in love with Carian's writing in 'No Tomorrow' a few months ago and I'm honestly still in a book hangover from that one. I've read a ton of books since then, but nothing has hit me quite as hard, so when I was searching for a new series to start, I decided to start at Carian's beggining.... I'm so glad I did.
This author has quite the talent for descriptive storytelling with an emotional maturity about burly, tattooed men with big hearts and sexy souls. These talented yet humble men that fall for these shy yet feisty women - women who just knock them off their feet. It's adorable and hot at the same time.
And steammmmmyyyyy... Woooweee.... And he hadn't even touched her yet.....
Yeah, I'm looking forward to the rest of this family... Bring on the Valentine's
(2) Vandal
I'm not sure if I love him or hate him for lying to her that whole time, but understand why he did....interesting developments through the story that went to the side of kink, but not too far. Vanilla kink? Is that a thing? Certainly a D/s kink, but never delved too far... Also had such a terrible childhood, a little delving into that would have been nice...
Then the ending... Asher's "Times up" was perfect. Can't wait to read his book.
That epilogue tho... Did not expect that and not sure what to do with that info... Still pondering why and where that is going...
Who's next? Lukas
(3) Lukas
Whoa, Lukas is one special human and this story only scraped the surface of what I imagine his life was like and how it shaped him into this deep, old soul he became. So many layers to him and his love and forgiveness has no bounds. That shi t that went down was fucked up and how they repair that kind of rift or move forward as a family would only happen with a man like that...and to take on more...boy, that man is something special. Swoony moments, sensual moments, but his depth of character, integrity, caring, understanding, compassion, all wrapped in a fine well decorated passion. Carian has a fantastic way of creating such intricate characters with so many layers, strength and vulnerability, tender and tough, while being loving and manly all at the same time.
I wanted to know more of his stories.
I wanted Ivy to be worthy of his love.
I liked her, but I didn't love her...she just didn't have his depth to truly be his soulmate. I understand her predicament, but it was more than that... She just didn't have the depth (to her soul or cosmic connection) that I thought he deserved. He loves hard but needs to be loved harder.
And I just love this family of such unique and creative misfits. I want more Gram, and who was the guy in the bench?
Book 4 is Talon... Let's see where this goes...
Talon
So I finished last night, but needed a day to kick around this story in my head before writing a review. First, I adore this family and each brother and cousin gets more and more interesting. Asher's book is highly anticipated and I understand why. As a supporting character in this book and shrouded in mystery... I'm intrigued to say the least.
But, this one was about Talon and Asia. It was an interesting premise of a couple brought together by a "research" project for the ultimate match up (or scientific version of match. com) of two very different people who paired in a unique and unexpected way. Neither of them got what they thought they wanted and got exactly who they never knew they always needed. Both incredibly giving, kind, and passionate - yet at 2 ends of the spectrum. It took awhile for them to find their groove and I'm glad she made him wait for it. Although her making him wait probably drove her insecurity of whether or not he wanted her. Him respecting her boundary may have added to her fear. And her history and fears were so complex, deep rooted and could have gone much deeper in the storyline. I wanted to know more. I wanted him to want to know more. Maybe he wouldn't have done what he did if he understood her more.
And fuck him for doing that! I was so mad at him, devastated for her and wanted to throat punch him several times. And after all that time, he swoops back with little groveling... She should have made him crawl and beg. Of course she loved him, but man, he needed to be racked over the coals for that. Dipshit. I don't care what he was going through - he's a dumbass. A sweet hearted teddy bear, but a dumbass nevertheless.
Glad he has brothers and cousins who look out for each other and their women.
Asia was adorable, she deserved to be cherished.
“Evie, you gotta stop living in fear. You can’t see the stars unless you go out in the dark. You get what I’m saying?”
Ever read a line and close the book, staring at the wall cause it was just so perfect you need a minute to absorb it? There were a few of those in this one. I had 2 long flights this weekend and devoured this book. I fell in love with Carian's writing in 'No Tomorrow' a few months ago and I'm honestly still in a book hangover from that one. I've read a ton of books since then, but nothing has hit me quite as hard, so when I was searching for a new series to start, I decided to start at Carian's beggining.... I'm so glad I did.
This author has quite the talent for descriptive storytelling with an emotional maturity about burly, tattooed men with big hearts and sexy souls. These talented yet humble men that fall for these shy yet feisty women - women who just knock them off their feet. It's adorable and hot at the same time.
And steammmmmyyyyy... Woooweee.... And he hadn't even touched her yet.....
Yeah, I'm looking forward to the rest of this family... Bring on the Valentine's
(2) Vandal
I'm not sure if I love him or hate him for lying to her that whole time, but understand why he did....interesting developments through the story that went to the side of kink, but not too far. Vanilla kink? Is that a thing? Certainly a D/s kink, but never delved too far... Also had such a terrible childhood, a little delving into that would have been nice...
Then the ending... Asher's "Times up" was perfect. Can't wait to read his book.
That epilogue tho... Did not expect that and not sure what to do with that info... Still pondering why and where that is going...
Who's next? Lukas
(3) Lukas
Whoa, Lukas is one special human and this story only scraped the surface of what I imagine his life was like and how it shaped him into this deep, old soul he became. So many layers to him and his love and forgiveness has no bounds. That shi t that went down was fucked up and how they repair that kind of rift or move forward as a family would only happen with a man like that...and to take on more...boy, that man is something special. Swoony moments, sensual moments, but his depth of character, integrity, caring, understanding, compassion, all wrapped in a fine well decorated passion. Carian has a fantastic way of creating such intricate characters with so many layers, strength and vulnerability, tender and tough, while being loving and manly all at the same time.
I wanted to know more of his stories.
I wanted Ivy to be worthy of his love.
I liked her, but I didn't love her...she just didn't have his depth to truly be his soulmate. I understand her predicament, but it was more than that... She just didn't have the depth (to her soul or cosmic connection) that I thought he deserved. He loves hard but needs to be loved harder.
And I just love this family of such unique and creative misfits. I want more Gram, and who was the guy in the bench?
Book 4 is Talon... Let's see where this goes...
Talon
So I finished last night, but needed a day to kick around this story in my head before writing a review. First, I adore this family and each brother and cousin gets more and more interesting. Asher's book is highly anticipated and I understand why. As a supporting character in this book and shrouded in mystery... I'm intrigued to say the least.
But, this one was about Talon and Asia. It was an interesting premise of a couple brought together by a "research" project for the ultimate match up (or scientific version of match. com) of two very different people who paired in a unique and unexpected way. Neither of them got what they thought they wanted and got exactly who they never knew they always needed. Both incredibly giving, kind, and passionate - yet at 2 ends of the spectrum. It took awhile for them to find their groove and I'm glad she made him wait for it. Although her making him wait probably drove her insecurity of whether or not he wanted her. Him respecting her boundary may have added to her fear. And her history and fears were so complex, deep rooted and could have gone much deeper in the storyline. I wanted to know more. I wanted him to want to know more. Maybe he wouldn't have done what he did if he understood her more.
And fuck him for doing that! I was so mad at him, devastated for her and wanted to throat punch him several times. And after all that time, he swoops back with little groveling... She should have made him crawl and beg. Of course she loved him, but man, he needed to be racked over the coals for that. Dipshit. I don't care what he was going through - he's a dumbass. A sweet hearted teddy bear, but a dumbass nevertheless.
Glad he has brothers and cousins who look out for each other and their women.
Asia was adorable, she deserved to be cherished.
October 12, 2018
Yassssss
Just read these. Every single book in this Series is five stars. All a bit different but equally amazing. These are so easy to immerse yourself in but so hard to put down😍! I rarely write reviews but made a point to go back and share my thoughts. Husband had to put out a missing persons report cuz I got lost in these books!
Just read these. Every single book in this Series is five stars. All a bit different but equally amazing. These are so easy to immerse yourself in but so hard to put down😍! I rarely write reviews but made a point to go back and share my thoughts. Husband had to put out a missing persons report cuz I got lost in these books!
July 1, 2019
Wow, I just.. this book is a-w-e-s-o-m-e! Serious I would recommend this series... And this would be worthy of a re-read.
Each sexy hawt guy is serious Alpha and sweet to the bone... YES I cannot WAIT for Ash's story
Okay Storm is very naughty at the beginning as all the bad boys are but still a sweetie (I myself grew up around the big muscled tatted long hair *not rockstar* guys and they are SERIOUSLY misunderstood but sweet, I'm not saying every one of them are just MOST ladies ;) ) *sorry off the rails here* He has a serious dirty mouth on him with LOTS of suggestive things for Evie to do but through everything he is nice and loves the hell out of her and she him too.
Vandal, he was a little harder for me to read and I gotta say I've read a lot of BDSM books but not quite like him. But I still understand all the things that he has been through *not myself personally but with friends* and I would feel the same way if this happened to me... But I love his devotion to Tabitha and that he sticks through it all good and bad with her.. And she gets him.
Lukas and Ivy... Hmmm Lukas is very much a sweetie and you get a glimpse of him in Storm with Ivy which is great *and they all run with their timelines kinda at the same time which is sometimes hard to follow but not* and him being a musician of all trades that rocks *pun intended* and he is a tattoo artist sweet!! The whole age thing sometimes is very hard to swallow for just Ivy and a lot of people, but I think that awesome that Lukas doesn't see it and is VERY persuasive to Ivy to understand that its okay. And I believe that its fine too...
Talon Asia... Loved Talon with his sexy brooding ways and just wanting to be loved and find that right girl *understand that* Asia she I wanted to take out and slap a few times with her worry of him (cuz I see Talon in my son), but I also in the same sense understand her worry cuz I suffer from depression and being not good enough for people.. And thank you Ms. Cole for the ; *pause* that is REALLY interesting I have never heard of that in all my life and had added this to MY tattoo list *yeah people I have a list its in my notes section* Most days when I'm out and about I have to say to myself ALOT too "You deserve better, YOU DO NOT SETTLE for LESS" ;)
Every one of them was awesome and I have begun on TORN and I will be waiting for ASH and EMBERS story ;)
I'm not sure if this was a great review but I just wanna say it was a great read And I would recommend this to my friends... 3
Each sexy hawt guy is serious Alpha and sweet to the bone... YES I cannot WAIT for Ash's story
Okay Storm is very naughty at the beginning as all the bad boys are but still a sweetie (I myself grew up around the big muscled tatted long hair *not rockstar* guys and they are SERIOUSLY misunderstood but sweet, I'm not saying every one of them are just MOST ladies ;) ) *sorry off the rails here* He has a serious dirty mouth on him with LOTS of suggestive things for Evie to do but through everything he is nice and loves the hell out of her and she him too.
Vandal, he was a little harder for me to read and I gotta say I've read a lot of BDSM books but not quite like him. But I still understand all the things that he has been through *not myself personally but with friends* and I would feel the same way if this happened to me... But I love his devotion to Tabitha and that he sticks through it all good and bad with her.. And she gets him.
Lukas and Ivy... Hmmm Lukas is very much a sweetie and you get a glimpse of him in Storm with Ivy which is great *and they all run with their timelines kinda at the same time which is sometimes hard to follow but not* and him being a musician of all trades that rocks *pun intended* and he is a tattoo artist sweet!! The whole age thing sometimes is very hard to swallow for just Ivy and a lot of people, but I think that awesome that Lukas doesn't see it and is VERY persuasive to Ivy to understand that its okay. And I believe that its fine too...
Talon Asia... Loved Talon with his sexy brooding ways and just wanting to be loved and find that right girl *understand that* Asia she I wanted to take out and slap a few times with her worry of him (cuz I see Talon in my son), but I also in the same sense understand her worry cuz I suffer from depression and being not good enough for people.. And thank you Ms. Cole for the ; *pause* that is REALLY interesting I have never heard of that in all my life and had added this to MY tattoo list *yeah people I have a list its in my notes section* Most days when I'm out and about I have to say to myself ALOT too "You deserve better, YOU DO NOT SETTLE for LESS" ;)
Every one of them was awesome and I have begun on TORN and I will be waiting for ASH and EMBERS story ;)
I'm not sure if this was a great review but I just wanna say it was a great read And I would recommend this to my friends... 3
August 22, 2018
So worthy of more than 5 stars.
I cannot say enough good things about these books. There isn't enough words. Each book,each character has his or her own story to tell, and each is a story to be loved and cherished forever.
I cannot say enough good things about these books. There isn't enough words. Each book,each character has his or her own story to tell, and each is a story to be loved and cherished forever.
October 1, 2019
3.5 stars
I am a little upset with this series. I do like it, but it fell short.
Carian Cole's writing is good, her characters are good, the overall storyline is good. Sadly, there is the big BUT.
While all her characters are really likable, they are also not very unique, there just are too many stereotypes. The perfect grandmother to bring the family together, to give life advice and feed everybody. The loving parents, highly talented and successful, the smart, talented children, all beyond beautiful. Still there is or was alcohol and substance abuse (because rockstars just do that?).
Then there is the other side, the cousins that were brought back into the fold, having had incredibly hard childhoods.
And then there are the women the sons/cousins fall for, which are all sweet and highly likable, not as stereotypical, but still staying in a certain pattern.
Many serious subjects are touched. You find depression, loss, cheating, a D/s relationship, divorce, abandonment issues, disease, trust issues, you name it. BUT sadly, all of these subjects stay too superficial to be believable. Stop drinking, doing drugs? Yes, sure, it's no hardship!
It's romance, I don't expect very deep insights, but when picking up all those subjects, I as a reader just want a little more than I was given in these books to be satisfied. A lot of it felt too constructed, too unlikely, to make me believe or feel it. It's enough to not be totally unsatisfied but not enough to be satisfied.
Add to that that there are some constructed twists with false assumptions towards the end of the stories that nearly had me throwing my ereader at the wall.
I will still read the rest of this series.
I am a little upset with this series. I do like it, but it fell short.
Carian Cole's writing is good, her characters are good, the overall storyline is good. Sadly, there is the big BUT.
While all her characters are really likable, they are also not very unique, there just are too many stereotypes. The perfect grandmother to bring the family together, to give life advice and feed everybody. The loving parents, highly talented and successful, the smart, talented children, all beyond beautiful. Still there is or was alcohol and substance abuse (because rockstars just do that?).
Then there is the other side, the cousins that were brought back into the fold, having had incredibly hard childhoods.
And then there are the women the sons/cousins fall for, which are all sweet and highly likable, not as stereotypical, but still staying in a certain pattern.
Many serious subjects are touched. You find depression, loss, cheating, a D/s relationship, divorce, abandonment issues, disease, trust issues, you name it. BUT sadly, all of these subjects stay too superficial to be believable. Stop drinking, doing drugs? Yes, sure, it's no hardship!
It's romance, I don't expect very deep insights, but when picking up all those subjects, I as a reader just want a little more than I was given in these books to be satisfied. A lot of it felt too constructed, too unlikely, to make me believe or feel it. It's enough to not be totally unsatisfied but not enough to be satisfied.
Add to that that there are some constructed twists with false assumptions towards the end of the stories that nearly had me throwing my ereader at the wall.
I will still read the rest of this series.
September 17, 2018
I love these books and will always look forward to rereading them. Which one is my favourite? I really can’t say they all have great twists and turns; they all touch on real life challenges; they are all a rollercoaster ride for the emotions. They all left me wanting more, I became so engrossed in them that when I finished them I felt bereft which in my eyes makes Carian Cole a great author.
March 13, 2020
Dnf at 66%. I don't know when I've read something I've disliked more.
October 19, 2018
Not Disappointed
I borrowed this bundle from Kindle Unlimited to read Talon and brush up on the previous books. It is totally worth it. With improbable storyline for Talon and Asia it did work. There was a twist which even made it better. I can’t wait to read Asher’s book. This is good uplifting romance at it’s best.
Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this bundle from Kindle Unlimited to read Talon and brush up on the previous books. It is totally worth it. With improbable storyline for Talon and Asia it did work. There was a twist which even made it better. I can’t wait to read Asher’s book. This is good uplifting romance at it’s best.
Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.
September 12, 2018
I’ve read all the books prior to this release as a matter of fact I own them all but I wanted this for the Asher bit at the end. I have wanted Asher and Embers book since Storms book and this little teaser just made me want it more!! I can’t wait!!!!!
September 13, 2018
Fantastic Collection
Loved all four of these books in this box set. Each one will pull on your heartstrings and have you calling in love with all the characters.
Loved all four of these books in this box set. Each one will pull on your heartstrings and have you calling in love with all the characters.
September 12, 2018
Storm, Lukas, or Talon
Three amazing stories! But I have to know about Asher. Evie, Ivy and Asia, three girls that need good men! I have to read more by this author!
Three amazing stories! But I have to know about Asher. Evie, Ivy and Asia, three girls that need good men! I have to read more by this author!
September 4, 2018
The Ashes&Embers series conveniently in one place! Loved the Asher bonus can’t wait to read his story
August 26, 2018
Varian Cole gives us a glimpse of what's to come!!!
And I cannot wait. I am utterly beyond giddy to read Asher and Embers book. I know it will be a long while before it comes out. But I still cannot wait nonetheless!!!!
Varian writes about these men who seriously I wish existed. Its unreal to think about a man loving his wife and family the way these men do. I haven't seen that kind of love ever. And I wish I could. But if I can't the least I can do is read about them. And that's what Carian Cole brings. SHE BRINGS HOPE!!!
And I cannot wait. I am utterly beyond giddy to read Asher and Embers book. I know it will be a long while before it comes out. But I still cannot wait nonetheless!!!!
Varian writes about these men who seriously I wish existed. Its unreal to think about a man loving his wife and family the way these men do. I haven't seen that kind of love ever. And I wish I could. But if I can't the least I can do is read about them. And that's what Carian Cole brings. SHE BRINGS HOPE!!!
August 25, 2018
Must have
Five stars very bright stars and two very enthusiastic thumbs up!! This is a Must have collection for anyone who loves a bad boy musician with a heart! They all have challenges that kept me guessing . . . Could not put this down
Five stars very bright stars and two very enthusiastic thumbs up!! This is a Must have collection for anyone who loves a bad boy musician with a heart! They all have challenges that kept me guessing . . . Could not put this down
August 20, 2018
I read a lot of books but this series is one of my all time favorites. The stories are wonderful, the characters are unforgettable and the writing is superb! You feel every emotion from utter desolation to total jubilation and everything in between! These books will be the ones you read over and over again!
August 20, 2018
Incredible book and definitely deserves 5 stars! There are 4 individual books and a couple teasers at the end. The characters are unique and unforgettable, I can’t wait until the next book comes out. Never a dull moment and you won’t want to put it down.
August 20, 2018
Well worth it
This is a brilliant way to experience the magic of Carians writing in one single hit and the goodies at the end are divine . So if you like well crafted emotional and books that grab you pull you through all manner of emotions then read this and not be disapointed
This is a brilliant way to experience the magic of Carians writing in one single hit and the goodies at the end are divine . So if you like well crafted emotional and books that grab you pull you through all manner of emotions then read this and not be disapointed
August 19, 2018
😍
I can’t get enough of these books. Just love them. Can wait for the others to come out. 😍😘
Milla
I can’t get enough of these books. Just love them. Can wait for the others to come out. 😍😘
Milla
August 19, 2018
I LOVE Carian's books! I've read books 1, 2, & 3. Currently reading Talon. My review on Talon will be posted on that book's page. Excited to read the Asher bonus!
August 20, 2018
Amazing!!!
I love how all the books are together. Also the Asher teaser is just that a tease. Now I can’t wait for it to come out!!! ❤️
I love how all the books are together. Also the Asher teaser is just that a tease. Now I can’t wait for it to come out!!! ❤️
November 14, 2022
Underwhelming- all the cute FMC were the same
*Possible Spoilers*
I read the first and thought it was good. FMC is short, 5 feet, loves white chocolate lattes, 130lbs, has a long-term boyfriend and a blind cat that she lives with, and works in a job she doesn't love. Has one bestfriend. Cue instalove with the MMC. He's is ready to settle down, tired of girls with implants, family-oriented with a rough, rockstar persona. He shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte. He's the reason she finds her perfect job.
Then the second book. FMC is 5 feet, loves a different type of latte, just lost her long-term husband (who is only the second man she's ever *been* with), jobless because it wasn't her passion and she's struggling with her grief. Has one best friend. Cue instalove with MMC, who is also shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte. He's the reason she finds her perfect job - photography. The end is really odd, like a cheap twist thrown in because the author had a page count goal. Also, there's another blind cat. (Sidenote: the author uses Indian and Native American interchangeably a number of times)
Now, the third book. We have another short FMC who doesn't have implants, as it's noted by the author, who's favorite drink is a brown sugar latte, who's getting out of a long-term relationship with the only man she's ever "been" with, and has one bestfriend. Cue instalove with MMC, who shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte and fixing her shed (he accessed her address without permission). He proposes pretty early on in their relationship.
Not that the timelines here are very clear. In Vandal's book, Ivy and Lukas have dinner with Tabi and Vandal, which occurs after The Accident, and during that time they talk about needing a new receptionist because the current one is sleeping with clients. In this book, Lukas has already replaced the receptionist with his cousin Raine, before The Accident, because of the extra "services." Book 2 references how close Katie and Tommy were, but in book 3 they only mention meeting once before The Accident. Finally, in book 3, the thing that would throw me the most, if I hadn't read back-to-back making this errors/patterns so obvious, was that she won a giftcard for her tattoo and it covered three 2 - 3 hours sessions for the one piece. Like, what?! What shop-owning, successful artist gives away 1K of free tattooing? Also, how amazing of a coincidence is that both Vandal and Lukas are flawless freehand tattoo artists? Vandal, without sketch or stencil, puts giant wings on Tabi and Lukas goes from upper tight to lower ankle, without a sketch or stencil.
I'm so burnt out of this nonsense, I didn't read Talon, but I did wordsearch it and was *shocked* to see that the FMC was described as "short" and "flat-chested." I truly can't bring myself to read it, but I would bet money she has a favorite latte and one or fewer men in her romantic history.
If you do want to read these, and enjoy them, space them out and read other books in between.
*Possible Spoilers*
I read the first and thought it was good. FMC is short, 5 feet, loves white chocolate lattes, 130lbs, has a long-term boyfriend and a blind cat that she lives with, and works in a job she doesn't love. Has one bestfriend. Cue instalove with the MMC. He's is ready to settle down, tired of girls with implants, family-oriented with a rough, rockstar persona. He shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte. He's the reason she finds her perfect job.
Then the second book. FMC is 5 feet, loves a different type of latte, just lost her long-term husband (who is only the second man she's ever *been* with), jobless because it wasn't her passion and she's struggling with her grief. Has one best friend. Cue instalove with MMC, who is also shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte. He's the reason she finds her perfect job - photography. The end is really odd, like a cheap twist thrown in because the author had a page count goal. Also, there's another blind cat. (Sidenote: the author uses Indian and Native American interchangeably a number of times)
Now, the third book. We have another short FMC who doesn't have implants, as it's noted by the author, who's favorite drink is a brown sugar latte, who's getting out of a long-term relationship with the only man she's ever "been" with, and has one bestfriend. Cue instalove with MMC, who shows his affection through gift-giving and acts of service, like showing up with her favorite latte and fixing her shed (he accessed her address without permission). He proposes pretty early on in their relationship.
Not that the timelines here are very clear. In Vandal's book, Ivy and Lukas have dinner with Tabi and Vandal, which occurs after The Accident, and during that time they talk about needing a new receptionist because the current one is sleeping with clients. In this book, Lukas has already replaced the receptionist with his cousin Raine, before The Accident, because of the extra "services." Book 2 references how close Katie and Tommy were, but in book 3 they only mention meeting once before The Accident. Finally, in book 3, the thing that would throw me the most, if I hadn't read back-to-back making this errors/patterns so obvious, was that she won a giftcard for her tattoo and it covered three 2 - 3 hours sessions for the one piece. Like, what?! What shop-owning, successful artist gives away 1K of free tattooing? Also, how amazing of a coincidence is that both Vandal and Lukas are flawless freehand tattoo artists? Vandal, without sketch or stencil, puts giant wings on Tabi and Lukas goes from upper tight to lower ankle, without a sketch or stencil.
I'm so burnt out of this nonsense, I didn't read Talon, but I did wordsearch it and was *shocked* to see that the FMC was described as "short" and "flat-chested." I truly can't bring myself to read it, but I would bet money she has a favorite latte and one or fewer men in her romantic history.
If you do want to read these, and enjoy them, space them out and read other books in between.
August 8, 2020
Storm
Holyshit!! How the hell did I not read this book. I love a rockstar romance and this is a fantastic start to a series. I can't wait to dive into the next book.
Storm and Evie are a couple that make you completely fall in love with them and the chemistry that they have from the very first scream lol.
This book is a beautiful and touching romance. One that will stay with me and I hope I see develope through the series.
Vandal
I totally loved this broken Rockstar romance. I really didn't know how or expect for this story, to go the way it did. And although I screamed at Vandal so much during this book. I really didn't expect the twist that happens.
This book isn't all hearts and flowers and although this story is tragic, it is a totally beautiful love story. I couldn't help but fall for Vandal, his dark domainant ways were just spell binding and you can see why Tabitha eventually couldn't do anything but fall in love him.
A fantastic read
Lukas
What a book this was, I loved every single word. Lucas is just as broken as his big brother Vandal, just not in the psycho way that he is. He has similar issue stemming from his childhood. And is much older in mind than his 24 years.
When Ivy walks into his tattoo parlour the instant connection is undeniable. It's like their souls cry out to each other. This story is touching, some say taboo but for me, it was just a man falling in love with a beautiful woman. He didn't care that she was older than him. He didn't care that she had children. He just wanted her. For the strong, brave woman that loved him just as much.
This story was filled with emotions. And I although I smiled hard through this book. I cried more than a little. Especially when both they both realise their love for each other and the huge sacrifice they make for someone else.
This book is a fantastic read.
Talon
This is my favourite book of the series for me so far. This books is an emotion fueled romance. One that breaks your heart with almost every turn of the page.
Talon and Asia are a beautifully broken couple that meets for the first time, at the the end of the aisle. They embark on a experimental marriage and what a ride it is. Watching and hoping that it all ends in forever. But sometimes things aren't black and white, people jump to conclusions after reading something so private.
I cried hard reading this book but God did I laugh and smile so much reading this book. I also fell hook, line and sinker for Talon. He was a great character, one I didn't think could be turned. But he changed so much when Asia entered his life.
This book is a total and series is recommend from me. I am obsessed with these books and characters. I can't believe I waited so long to read them.
Holyshit!! How the hell did I not read this book. I love a rockstar romance and this is a fantastic start to a series. I can't wait to dive into the next book.
Storm and Evie are a couple that make you completely fall in love with them and the chemistry that they have from the very first scream lol.
This book is a beautiful and touching romance. One that will stay with me and I hope I see develope through the series.
Vandal
I totally loved this broken Rockstar romance. I really didn't know how or expect for this story, to go the way it did. And although I screamed at Vandal so much during this book. I really didn't expect the twist that happens.
This book isn't all hearts and flowers and although this story is tragic, it is a totally beautiful love story. I couldn't help but fall for Vandal, his dark domainant ways were just spell binding and you can see why Tabitha eventually couldn't do anything but fall in love him.
A fantastic read
Lukas
What a book this was, I loved every single word. Lucas is just as broken as his big brother Vandal, just not in the psycho way that he is. He has similar issue stemming from his childhood. And is much older in mind than his 24 years.
When Ivy walks into his tattoo parlour the instant connection is undeniable. It's like their souls cry out to each other. This story is touching, some say taboo but for me, it was just a man falling in love with a beautiful woman. He didn't care that she was older than him. He didn't care that she had children. He just wanted her. For the strong, brave woman that loved him just as much.
This story was filled with emotions. And I although I smiled hard through this book. I cried more than a little. Especially when both they both realise their love for each other and the huge sacrifice they make for someone else.
This book is a fantastic read.
Talon
This is my favourite book of the series for me so far. This books is an emotion fueled romance. One that breaks your heart with almost every turn of the page.
Talon and Asia are a beautifully broken couple that meets for the first time, at the the end of the aisle. They embark on a experimental marriage and what a ride it is. Watching and hoping that it all ends in forever. But sometimes things aren't black and white, people jump to conclusions after reading something so private.
I cried hard reading this book but God did I laugh and smile so much reading this book. I also fell hook, line and sinker for Talon. He was a great character, one I didn't think could be turned. But he changed so much when Asia entered his life.
This book is a total and series is recommend from me. I am obsessed with these books and characters. I can't believe I waited so long to read them.
March 18, 2021
Storm: 3 ☆☆☆
After finishing the series, I think Storm was my least favorite. I think it would have been better with his POV. Sometimes Evie's thoughts were all over the place. I did not like that she was with Michael over 80% of the book. I don't mind cheating in books, but she just couldn't make up her mind. He treated her like crap, while Storm treated her like princess. There really wasn't a choice in my opinion.
Vandal- 4 ☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved Vandal!!! He was heartbroken and destructive after an accident changed his life forever. His heartbreak and guilt over Katie made me want to cry for him. Who doesn't love a sexy dom Rockstar?
That ending completely pissed me off though. I really hope Carian Cole writes their second book soon. I really want to know what happens with them.
Vandal deserves to be happy after all the pain he has suffered.
Lukas- 4 ☆☆☆☆
I really liked Lukas and Ivy's story. Its rare to see a book with a older woman and younger man. It is always the other way around. Lukas is a sexy 24 year old alpha tattoo artist that can play any instrument. He is sweet to Ivy's kids. His love is just what Ivy needed after being cheated on by her husband.
Ivy is a 36 year old single mother. She has recently spilt with her husband of 18 years. She doesn't feel sexy or wanted anymore until she meets Lukas at a tattoo appointment. He is persistent trying to get her to go out with him. She feels he is too young for her.
Talon- 4☆☆☆☆
I really liked Lukas and Ivy's story. Its rare to see a book with a older woman and younger man. It is always the other way around. Lukas is a sexy 24 year old alpha tattoo artist that can play any instrument. He is sweet to Ivy's kids. His love is just what Ivy needed after being cheated on by her husband.
Ivy is a 36 year old single mother. She has recently spilt with her husband of 18 years. She doesn't feel sexy or wanted anymore until she meets Lukas at a tattoo appointment. He is persistent trying to get her to go out with him. She feels he is too young for her.
Overall this was really good boxset with some troubled heros and heroines. Every book has a different trope.
I am looking forward to more from these couples in the future.
After finishing the series, I think Storm was my least favorite. I think it would have been better with his POV. Sometimes Evie's thoughts were all over the place. I did not like that she was with Michael over 80% of the book. I don't mind cheating in books, but she just couldn't make up her mind. He treated her like crap, while Storm treated her like princess. There really wasn't a choice in my opinion.
Vandal- 4 ☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved Vandal!!! He was heartbroken and destructive after an accident changed his life forever. His heartbreak and guilt over Katie made me want to cry for him. Who doesn't love a sexy dom Rockstar?
That ending completely pissed me off though. I really hope Carian Cole writes their second book soon. I really want to know what happens with them.
Vandal deserves to be happy after all the pain he has suffered.
Lukas- 4 ☆☆☆☆
I really liked Lukas and Ivy's story. Its rare to see a book with a older woman and younger man. It is always the other way around. Lukas is a sexy 24 year old alpha tattoo artist that can play any instrument. He is sweet to Ivy's kids. His love is just what Ivy needed after being cheated on by her husband.
Ivy is a 36 year old single mother. She has recently spilt with her husband of 18 years. She doesn't feel sexy or wanted anymore until she meets Lukas at a tattoo appointment. He is persistent trying to get her to go out with him. She feels he is too young for her.
Talon- 4☆☆☆☆
I really liked Lukas and Ivy's story. Its rare to see a book with a older woman and younger man. It is always the other way around. Lukas is a sexy 24 year old alpha tattoo artist that can play any instrument. He is sweet to Ivy's kids. His love is just what Ivy needed after being cheated on by her husband.
Ivy is a 36 year old single mother. She has recently spilt with her husband of 18 years. She doesn't feel sexy or wanted anymore until she meets Lukas at a tattoo appointment. He is persistent trying to get her to go out with him. She feels he is too young for her.
Overall this was really good boxset with some troubled heros and heroines. Every book has a different trope.
I am looking forward to more from these couples in the future.
December 1, 2018
Epic Collection - A Must Read...
Since I recently came across this amazing Author, I am devouring everything she writes and so to my utter happiness I saw this whole collection of the Ashes & Embers series in one bundle. Yay me!! What a great find!
To be able to read these books one after the other was fantastic. These guys and theirs girls are a lovely bunch of people. Each story was different which kept it interesting and an enjoyable series to read.
Having read Torn and Tied before this series was good as the guys from A & E popped in here and there.
Storm & Evelyn:-
I really enjoyed their story. Their banter was quick and funny in the truck and then throughout. Storm's persistence was lovely to read and especially when she just didn't just fall all over him. Evelyn was a sweetheart and great to see her come into herself as the story progressed.
Vandal & Tabatha:-
It was so easy to fall in love with Vandal. You just wanted to wrap your arms around him and then on meeting Tabatha, you wanted to do the same with her. This was a sad story at the start then changed into something that I was in two minds with but suited them and their story. Ultimate acceptance and love. Their transformation through this story was nice to read.
Lukas & Ivy:-
This story was enjoyable to read as well. Loved Lukas. Hands down a lovely old soul. So much love to give and I think my favourite. Ivy was a funny character and wasn't too sure of her but could understand her with different things going on. The ending was interesting. Loved their epilogue 😊
Talon & Asia:-
Enjoyed this story. It was great to read things from their point of view and the change in each of them throughout their story. Asia was a nice character and enjoyed seeing her grow. Saying that though, the ending I felt, was a bit short changed. Not having an epilogue seemed to give me a feeling of their story being incomplete in a way.
Over all it was a great series and look forward to Ashers story next. Well worth the time.
Since I recently came across this amazing Author, I am devouring everything she writes and so to my utter happiness I saw this whole collection of the Ashes & Embers series in one bundle. Yay me!! What a great find!
To be able to read these books one after the other was fantastic. These guys and theirs girls are a lovely bunch of people. Each story was different which kept it interesting and an enjoyable series to read.
Having read Torn and Tied before this series was good as the guys from A & E popped in here and there.
Storm & Evelyn:-
I really enjoyed their story. Their banter was quick and funny in the truck and then throughout. Storm's persistence was lovely to read and especially when she just didn't just fall all over him. Evelyn was a sweetheart and great to see her come into herself as the story progressed.
Vandal & Tabatha:-
It was so easy to fall in love with Vandal. You just wanted to wrap your arms around him and then on meeting Tabatha, you wanted to do the same with her. This was a sad story at the start then changed into something that I was in two minds with but suited them and their story. Ultimate acceptance and love. Their transformation through this story was nice to read.
Lukas & Ivy:-
This story was enjoyable to read as well. Loved Lukas. Hands down a lovely old soul. So much love to give and I think my favourite. Ivy was a funny character and wasn't too sure of her but could understand her with different things going on. The ending was interesting. Loved their epilogue 😊
Talon & Asia:-
Enjoyed this story. It was great to read things from their point of view and the change in each of them throughout their story. Asia was a nice character and enjoyed seeing her grow. Saying that though, the ending I felt, was a bit short changed. Not having an epilogue seemed to give me a feeling of their story being incomplete in a way.
Over all it was a great series and look forward to Ashers story next. Well worth the time.
October 1, 2019
3.5 stars
I am a little upset with this series. I do like it, but it fell short.
Carian Cole's writing is good, her characters are good, the overall storyline is good. Sadly, there is the big BUT.
While all her characters are really likable, they are also not very unique, there just are too many stereotypes. The perfect grandmother to bring the family together, to give life advice and feed everybody. The loving parents, highly talented and successful, the smart, talented children, all beyond beautiful. Still there is or was alcohol and substance abuse (because rockstars just do that?).
Then there is the other side, the cousins that were brought back into the fold, having had incredibly hard childhoods.
And then there are the women the sons/cousins fall for, which are all sweet and highly likable, not as stereotypical, but still staying in a certain pattern.
Many serious subjects are touched. You find depression, loss, cheating, a D/s relationship, divorce, abandonment issues, disease, trust issues, you name it. BUT sadly, all of these subjects stay too superficial to be believable. Stop drinking, doing drugs? Yes, sure, it's no hardship!
It's romance, I don't expect very deep insights, but when picking up all those subjects, I as a reader just want a little more than I was given in these books to be satisfied. A lot of it felt too constructed, too unlikely, to make me believe or feel it. It's enough to not be totally unsatisfied but not enough to be satisfied.
Add to that that there are some constructed twists with false assumptions towards the end of the stories that nearly had me throwing my ereader at the wall.
I will still read the rest of this series.
I am a little upset with this series. I do like it, but it fell short.
Carian Cole's writing is good, her characters are good, the overall storyline is good. Sadly, there is the big BUT.
While all her characters are really likable, they are also not very unique, there just are too many stereotypes. The perfect grandmother to bring the family together, to give life advice and feed everybody. The loving parents, highly talented and successful, the smart, talented children, all beyond beautiful. Still there is or was alcohol and substance abuse (because rockstars just do that?).
Then there is the other side, the cousins that were brought back into the fold, having had incredibly hard childhoods.
And then there are the women the sons/cousins fall for, which are all sweet and highly likable, not as stereotypical, but still staying in a certain pattern.
Many serious subjects are touched. You find depression, loss, cheating, a D/s relationship, divorce, abandonment issues, disease, trust issues, you name it. BUT sadly, all of these subjects stay too superficial to be believable. Stop drinking, doing drugs? Yes, sure, it's no hardship!
It's romance, I don't expect very deep insights, but when picking up all those subjects, I as a reader just want a little more than I was given in these books to be satisfied. A lot of it felt too constructed, too unlikely, to make me believe or feel it. It's enough to not be totally unsatisfied but not enough to be satisfied.
Add to that that there are some constructed twists with false assumptions towards the end of the stories that nearly had me throwing my ereader at the wall.
I will still read the rest of this series.
October 26, 2021
Each one got better! I really enjoyed reading this series. Family of musicians, in the band Ashes and Embers. We start off with Storm, one of the brothers. At first, the trope all seems the same, successful musician, fed up with groupie chasers and endless mindless sex. Instead they are looking for a real connection. Storm and Evie's story was good, but I felt like each book as we went on got better. Vandal was my least favorite character - not because of any writing issues - but because I had a hard time seeing how he used controlling sex to justify his insecurities. The rest of the men were alpha-worthy-protective-as-all-hell-deeply-loving men. Vandal still has issues to work out.....anyhow, by the time I got to book 4, Talon, was deciding if I should continue or not, since I had read Talon a few months before. Decided to go ahead and re-read, and boy did I love it more the second time around. While each can be read as a standalone, it just felt richer to have read the others in the series. Talon and Asia had some real heart breaking moments, but glad they got their HEA. Now on to Asher.....
July 22, 2021
A great series to restore your faith in true love
I loved these books about Storm, Vandal, Lucas and Talon. They are all part of The Ashes and Embers Series which explores the Valentine family men and women, and all their issues, each story is different and unique, I loved them all, although slightly perplexed at the ending of one of them, it came as a shock, that's all I'm going to say. The men are super sexy, damaged rock stars, tatted-up long haired players, but they are all looking for their one true soul mate, whether they know it or not. Each hero and heroine are seriously hot and sexy in their own way, they all have some major issues and upsetting back stories that the author seals with sensitively and knowledgeably. There is also some tie in with the All Torn Up series, and I've just found out there are now two more books in the A&E series. I can't wait to read more!
I loved these books about Storm, Vandal, Lucas and Talon. They are all part of The Ashes and Embers Series which explores the Valentine family men and women, and all their issues, each story is different and unique, I loved them all, although slightly perplexed at the ending of one of them, it came as a shock, that's all I'm going to say. The men are super sexy, damaged rock stars, tatted-up long haired players, but they are all looking for their one true soul mate, whether they know it or not. Each hero and heroine are seriously hot and sexy in their own way, they all have some major issues and upsetting back stories that the author seals with sensitively and knowledgeably. There is also some tie in with the All Torn Up series, and I've just found out there are now two more books in the A&E series. I can't wait to read more!
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