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Book Description
Ash Callahan...
The Irishman whose life’s work is going up in flames in Boston. A carpenter by trade, Ash's true talent lies in carving grand nautical figureheads, the lifelike depictions of mermaids, sea legends, and such. The type found in wild defiance at the prows of the mighty, masted sailing ships of yore. Clippers and galleons. Pirate ships.
Only now the life he’s worked for is all but—gone.

Colby Quaid...
One of America's first female Army Rangers, and the girl who got away. She's only returned to Boston to sell off her family's multi-million dollar business. She doesn’t expect to stay any longer than it takes to sign on the dotted line. Colby has a life to live, a proud life, and she intends to live it—her way. Only now she's wondering why Ash Callahan's nude figurehead of the Irish Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley, looks just like her?

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2017

17 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Irish Winters

50 books182 followers
Growing up in the countryside of Wisconsin, I always wanted to be a writer. I've dabbled in poetry, short stories, and more daydreaming than most. Way back when, I remember long Sunday afternoon drives with my parents where they'd
tell us eight kids to, 'Look out the window and see something!'

I've been looking out the window ever since . . .

In the great Northwest pines, I saw a woman who had nowhere to run find refuge in the arms of a tender warrior seeking his own road to healing.
In the hills of Wyoming, I saw a broken man who thought he'd lost everything
rediscover the man he was in the eyes of a pretty girl.
And in the Dairy State, (yes Wisconsin), I saw two people fall in love
and overcome horrific obstacles on their way to happily-ever-after.


Life is short. Pick up a good book. Read. Write. Enjoy.
Look out the window and see something!

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5 stars
51 (77%)
4 stars
11 (16%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn Hill.
904 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2017
Oh Irish you have nailed it yet again! For someone to put all his eggs in one basket and poof gone just like that. What another thrilling page turner you have written for us. Then to give us the Irish Brogue on top of all the excitement!! I do so love your writing, please keep them coming. Thank you!!
Profile Image for Kristie Cooper.
194 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2017
I enjoyed yet another book by Irish.
I love her characters and stories.
Ash is a gorgeos Irish man, that never forgot Colby. Colby the 1st female Army Ranger never forgot her Irish Ash.

There is a lot to overcome but they do and get their happily ever after.

This is another book to buy from Irish Winters
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
April 16, 2017
Irish Winters has a powerful, distinct writing style that draws you into her stories and makes you feel as though you are living with her characters. This 2nd book in the Hearts and Ashes series is captivating from beginning to end. There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with. Ash is, well perfect! Lol! I fell in love with his Irish brogue and his sense of humor. He is sweet, caring and soooo swoon worthy. Colby is a strong, independent woman who loves Ash, however is adamant that they are too different to be together. However, circumstances bring them together anyway and they are in for a wild ride. Grab a box of tissues and get ready for a marvelous story. I received this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Staples.
17 reviews
April 18, 2017
I was given this book to read and review. Irish Winters never disappoints. I loved this book because she tapped into the vulnerabilities that men have. Ash reminds me of my husband, who is an artist too. Artist love deeply and are fiercely loyal, like Ash. I wasn't expecting the twist of who burned his warehouse either. It's a sweet love story that was hard to put down, but some people do have regular office jobs to go to every day. LOL
Profile Image for Teresa.
26 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2017
Ash... between his Irish brogue and his devil may care attitude he developed in to an amazing character with many facets to his personality, from the drunken Irishman, the talented artist, the womanizer, the soft hearted man and most importantly his love for only one women in his life – Colby. Colby is one tough gal and yet you were able to capture the side she kept hidden from everyone including Ash, the side of a vulnerable female who really did need and want Ash in her life. The book was full of twists and turns which made it hard to put down. All in all another great read by Irish.
Profile Image for Marion Lent.
301 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2017
Colby (and Irish) has been tantalizing us for few books now, especially since Smoke's story (Hearts and Ashes Book 1). And what a story!

Colby comes from a background that I don't think any of us expected. While she returns home for duty, she ends finding that things weren't all they appeared to be and the love of her life, Ash. Ash....how does one explain him other than he is the quintessential Irishman, now American, trying to make a go of it in the land of the free. Unfortunately, Ash meets up with some devastating occurrences and finds himself fighting an unknown enemy who is out to destroy him. Through it all, Colby and Ash settle the past, deal with the present and find themselves with an extremely loving future.

Irish Winter's is always a one-click for me and since day 1, I haven't been disappointed! I've received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for MK.
1,631 reviews22 followers
May 3, 2017
Another amazing read by Irish Winters.
Love Colby and Ash. Tragedy strikes Ash's family business.
When he feels like he's lost everything Colby comes back to town.
He's just learning why, and a fire breaks out at Colby's home. Not the first one.
There both at a loss. The one thing they have in common right now is find out what's going
on.

Buy to find out what happens..
Profile Image for Jessie Collins.
222 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2017
Ash (Hearts and Ashes Book 2)

Irish Winters

Fire Fighters are a different breed. Because they work under difficult circumstances, in dangerous situations, they play just as hard as they work. Some have hobbies, some drink, some chase women, some make beautiful things with their hands. Ash Callahan was such a man.

Colby Quaid was fearsome woman. The first female Army Ranger she could inflict damage with her smallest finger. But she was running from family, wealth and Ash Callahan.

Irish Winters brings her humor, insight and writing magic to tell us the story of Ash and Colby. Ash is a hunky, strong, protective, Irish carpenter who is also running. Running to get away from family and life in Ireland, he becomes a Firefighter here. He settles in Boston with others of his same mindset, and begins to build a life here. Irish adds a good backstory to a well thought out complex relationship between Ash and Colby. She adds suspense, twists, turns and male/female shenanigans to make the story interesting!

While Ash and Colby are trying to dance around each other there is someone out there trying to burn down Beantown. This fire monger has their sights set on Ash, but Colby is the one who gets burned. If you love romance, suspense, and a touch of Blarney, here is your book! Pick a spot, get a drink, and curl up with Ash…..you will not be disappointed!

I was given an ARC but the Review is voluntarily mine.
Profile Image for Lana.
260 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2017
Once again the talented author Irish Winters has written a beautiful story that has everything that you could possibly need or want in a book.
The characters come to life through the pages and you will fall in love immediately with them.
The chemistry is undeniable and you will feel the emotions through their story, a roller coaster ride you will not want to end!
Definitely recommend this book and can not wait for more from this talented author!!
Profile Image for Pauline Frost.
1,471 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2017
It was a well written story with strong characters. Struggles and twists to keep your interest from start to finish. A love story that Colby wasn't looking for but she finds it all in Ash. A quick read you cannot put down.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,753 reviews52 followers
May 11, 2017
A man with an Irish brogue is sexier than anything else. Ash hails from Ireland and has made a name for himself as a woodcarver. He hasn't had a relationship since Colby left for the Army. She was always tough and independent, trying to live away from the spoiled rich life her parents provided. As the first female Army Ranger she had to prove herself to men over and over again. Colby seemed very rough around the edges when the story began but returning home to her mother and, surprisingly, Ash softened her heart. Not only are the two of them trying, and struggling, to start a relationship but are battling with an arsonist out for revenge on Ash. The story of Ash and Colby connects with the Dallas Fire and Rescue series, however a bit distant. I have not read her first book in the series, Smoke, or the DF&R series but I did not need to as the story held on it's own. From what I read it appears Colby helped save Smoke and his girl, as this story picks up where she leaves them behind. I was given and advanced copy by the author and have written this review voluntarily.
4 reviews
April 25, 2017
Irish Winters has done it again! She's hit it out of the park this time with a treasure of a book spotlighting her most bad-ass heroine to date. Said heroine finally returns home after a long absence and finds out leaning on someone else doesn't make you weak, if it's the person you were always meant to be with. Both Ash and Colby discover they are stronger together as they push past all of the obstacles in the way to their true love.
152 reviews
November 30, 2017
Irish Winters has done it again with a hot romance, nail-biting suspense and unforgettable characters.

We first met Colby (although very briefly) in other Irish Winters books. Colby, one of the first female Army Ranger, is on her way home to Boston from California to deal with her mother's declining health and to sell the family business. She is a strong, independent woman who disdains all the trappings of the luxury and the society that she was raised in. When we first meet her in this book, she is on her cross country journey, riding her beloved Harley. At a stop in Texas, she is accosted by some bikers but she quickly uses her army skills and escapes the attack unharmed.

Ash, an Irish immigrant, came to the U.S. with nothing but the clothes on his back following his parents horrific deaths. After living in a homeless shelter, he has finally realized his dreams and after 10 years, he is a successful businessman, owning his own woodworking company. As the story opens , Ash is watching his dreams go up in smoke, thanks to a serial arsonist.

Ash and Colby had known each other before she left for the Army and now fate throws them together again. The romance slowly develops as Ash is so aware of the differences in their backgrounds and upbringing. Despite the many obstacles they must overcome, they get their HEA.

Ms. Winters has several "WOW, I didn't see that coming" moments. I would have never guessed the arsonists identity and was totally surprised when Ash reveals the true reason for leaving Ireland. Be sure and have a box of tissues handy for the epilogue as Ash visits his parent's grave and comes to terms with their deaths.

A gripping tale that you will be reading straight through.

I have received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,423 reviews20 followers
May 9, 2017
Ash, an Irish immigrant, now a citizen, lives and works in Boston. He has finally made it with his extraordinary carpentry and wood crafting talent. Until a fire destroys it all. In the ashes of his business, the woman he loves and who walked away returns. Colby is a daughter of one of The Boston Families and one of the first few female Army Rangers. She's just returned from rescuing friends and leaving the service. She doesn't want to take over running the family business. She doesn't want to admit her feelings for Ash. Her future is undetermined until Ash enters her life again.

Another fire, accusations, danger, secrets, and revelations. Can all of this bring them closer or will it push them further apart? Both characters are unforgettable, unique, and deserve to be together. An Irish rogue with the soft heart. Is he man enough to reach for what he wants in the ashes of destruction? Most men would be too proud to look for a future with a woman who has so much. Is he that kind of man? It is obvious that her family roots do not this woman make. Will she give them a chance?

Once again the author has provided us with exceptional characters, danger, bravery, and examples of love for family and lover. The Irish brogue only added to the lust factor for this guy. The tough exterior with the soft inside Colby keeps well hidden made me respect her even more.
A Strong recommend from me.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
830 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2017
Ash Callahan is a carpenter who happens to carve amazing figureheads. He is Irish born, American citizen who thinks everything has gone up in flames when his business is tragically burned, but that might not be the complete story. The woman who got away, the woman who's face and body just might have been the one that graced the figureheads is back.

Colby Quaid, the Army's first female Ranger, only planned to come back to handle some business ... a quick visit then leave again. She comes from a surprise background because the first look at her proves she is one tough woman. But the past does have a way of making you stop and pay attention, especially if it's a case of what might have been.

I have just recently found author Irish Winters and fell in love with the way she brings a story to life. I could hear the Irish lilt in the voices, fell the pain of loss and the reawakening of love rolled into these pages. I enjoyed the growing relationship, the softening toward one another all the while dealing with an arsonist that had destroyed his livelihood. There are a number of twists and turns that took me by surprise but added to the complete atmosphere of the story-line. If you want a touching, sweet and intriguing read then this one is perfect for you.
660 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2021
Colby and Ash

I had read Smoke and couldn't wait to find out more about Colby. Although I found several minor errors, more that I usually find in her books. But chapter 3 was too much for a Iowa Girl to handle. Colby enjoyed her ride through Nebraska she started to hear noises between Iowa City and Des Moines. Since Iowa City is East of Des Moines I thought they should have been reversed. But I could ignore that it was after repairing her bike she started East again spending the night in Council Bluffs (Which is North West of Des Moines on the Missouri River). East out of Des Moines would take you to Iowa City, Davenport, and the Mississippi River. Since I couldn't find anyway to contact the Author directly I had to reflect the errors in the review.
Ms Winters does write very good stories. If you are able to over look the multiple errors I'm sure you will enjoy the story.
Profile Image for Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews).
1,854 reviews46 followers
May 27, 2017
The story starts off with Ash Callahan losing everything he holds dear, ironically, when his dreams go up in flames. The minute Colby Quaid comes roaring back into his life, he’s reminded of the heartache he once suffered at her hands, and is determined to fight the attraction between them that only grows stronger.
With Ash trying to discover the identity of a serial arsonist, and Colby deciding the fate of her family’s company, they must lean on each other for support and strength. This story has many ups and downs, keeps you on your toes, and will have you guessing until the end. It’s not your typical second-chance story, yet another great addition to the new Hearts and Ashes series by Irish Winters.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2017
Still going and filling my craving for more from this world I come across this author. This also seems a bit different but to a good way. I was not wrong on that for this author has her own flair that will snare you right away with her humor and romance but not least of all the hunk in this one. Ash is talented in his own right with Colby noticing something he has done. When she does you chuckle. This would also I think be termed as a second chance. She better watch it though because this is a guy you want to eat right up. She is unique also plus stubborn. This combo makes for delightful reading with a different air then some of the ones I have read from this world.
Profile Image for Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews.
850 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2017
This is the second book I have read from this author and the second book in the Hearts and Ashes series. This book follows Ash and Colby.

If you've read the first book in the series Smoke, than you'll recognize Colby. She made an appearance in Smokes book. I was glad to see Colby get her own book and get to know her better. Though I will admit at times her attitude kind of drove me nuts.

I just loved Ash to pieces. He was so sweet, kind, funny, and caring.

I did enjoy this book. There was definitely hints of humor in this book and definitely some mystery, that brought some action.

I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!

***I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion***
23 reviews
May 4, 2017
Irish Winters has another hit on her hands! I absolutely love Ash! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with his Irish accent. Colby was amazing , her no nonsense get things done Ranger attitude is amazing and her realization that things are not always as they seem is a real eye opener for the real world. If you haven't read Irish Winters then you need to and if you have then you know that you won't be let down.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2017
Ash and Colby were pure heat from the start. He's Irish, so you know that we're going to love him even if he does have a few vices. Colby is a fierce independent woman that has fought for her country but still knows it's important to be a woman. Together, Ash & Colby are like oil and kerosene. Both ready to combust, but not willing to give into the other immediately. A fiery read!
26 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2017
I love love love this book, it does start out slow but keep going you will definitely fall in love
Profile Image for Heather White.
1 review
June 18, 2020
Left wanting more to read! Can't wait for more! Whats next?

Love the story line! Want more and two friends to meet up again! Can't wait till the story continues on.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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