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The Corrupted #3
Targeting Celeste
Zach Murphy has a target painted on his back.
When Zach's ex-wife resurfaces after years of silence, he's determined to push her out the door just as she did to him all those years ago, but she refuses to go without issuing a warning. Zach's in danger.
When those around him start dying, Zach sets out on a hunt for answers and discovers a trail of clues leading back to Clayton Matthews and a dead crime boss in New York. As he searches for a connection, he's forced to turn to the one woman he never wanted to need again.
The last thing Celeste wanted to do was return to the city filled with painful memories of a future she’d only ever dared dream about.
When her ex-husbands name ends up at the top of a hit list, she is pulled back in to help figure out who’s targeting him before it’s too late.
As old flames spark new life, Zach and his ex-wife are pursued by a deadly hunter who won’t stop until they’ve both been terminated.
Corruption runs deep in the last installment of J.W. Ashley’s high-stakes suspense trilogy, where old friends and new come together to fight the final battle in a war they may not all walk away from.
When Zach's ex-wife resurfaces after years of silence, he's determined to push her out the door just as she did to him all those years ago, but she refuses to go without issuing a warning. Zach's in danger.
When those around him start dying, Zach sets out on a hunt for answers and discovers a trail of clues leading back to Clayton Matthews and a dead crime boss in New York. As he searches for a connection, he's forced to turn to the one woman he never wanted to need again.
The last thing Celeste wanted to do was return to the city filled with painful memories of a future she’d only ever dared dream about.
When her ex-husbands name ends up at the top of a hit list, she is pulled back in to help figure out who’s targeting him before it’s too late.
As old flames spark new life, Zach and his ex-wife are pursued by a deadly hunter who won’t stop until they’ve both been terminated.
Corruption runs deep in the last installment of J.W. Ashley’s high-stakes suspense trilogy, where old friends and new come together to fight the final battle in a war they may not all walk away from.
Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2020
8 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Bishop
25 books211 followers USA Today bestselling author Jessica Wayne writes as Carmen Bishop to bring you spicy contemporary romance.
During the day, she slays laundry and dishes as a homeschooling, stay at home mom of three, and at night her worlds come to life on paper.
She runs on coffee and if you ever catch her wearing matching socks, it's probably because she grabbed them in the dark.
She has always believed in the power of true love and soul mates, even if sometimes we have to work a little harder to find ours.
She lives in Texas with her husband, kids, their two German Shepherd's and an entire flock of chickens that will likely double before she updates this bio.
During the day, she slays laundry and dishes as a homeschooling, stay at home mom of three, and at night her worlds come to life on paper.
She runs on coffee and if you ever catch her wearing matching socks, it's probably because she grabbed them in the dark.
She has always believed in the power of true love and soul mates, even if sometimes we have to work a little harder to find ours.
She lives in Texas with her husband, kids, their two German Shepherd's and an entire flock of chickens that will likely double before she updates this bio.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2020
This story has all the tropes that I loath...
– 2nd chance stories with always a 10 yr separation.
– Blurb misleading. MC's not divorced, therefore not "ex's".
- Cheating. Hero never filed the divorce papers that the heroine sent him, so they were technically still married throughout the 10 yr separation with both of them screwing OP - both knowing they were still married to one another.
- Slight OW drama of hero’s ex whom he said in one chapter that he hooked up 2 yrs after heroine left him, but in another chapter, he said a year after. He & this OW had been in somewhat a relationship of I think he said 2 yrs(?) She comes into the picture a few times & we get lovely thoughts of his of how attractive she is, what new wardrobe she is wearing, how the sex was hot, etc.
- OM drama in the form of heroine's FB who of course has to
- Mature leads in their 40’s - so no babies or baby talk at all.
- Mystery/suspense? Not really. I figured out who the "baddies" were right from the beginning so I wasn't surprised at the end at all.
- While it can be read as stand alone, it is too confusing at times to understand characters & background history (i.e. bad guys) and what happened in the past.
- Sex scene with MCs in public under the "influence".
- HEA/Epilogue. Disappointing.
All in all, a waste of my time & brain cells but at least it was a free KU read....
– 2nd chance stories with always a 10 yr separation.
– Blurb misleading. MC's not divorced, therefore not "ex's".
- Cheating. Hero never filed the divorce papers that the heroine sent him, so they were technically still married throughout the 10 yr separation with both of them screwing OP - both knowing they were still married to one another.
- Slight OW drama of hero’s ex whom he said in one chapter that he hooked up 2 yrs after heroine left him, but in another chapter, he said a year after. He & this OW had been in somewhat a relationship of I think he said 2 yrs(?) She comes into the picture a few times & we get lovely thoughts of his of how attractive she is, what new wardrobe she is wearing, how the sex was hot, etc.
- OM drama in the form of heroine's FB who of course has to
- Mature leads in their 40’s - so no babies or baby talk at all.
- Mystery/suspense? Not really. I figured out who the "baddies" were right from the beginning so I wasn't surprised at the end at all.
- While it can be read as stand alone, it is too confusing at times to understand characters & background history (i.e. bad guys) and what happened in the past.
- Sex scene with MCs in public under the "influence".
- HEA/Epilogue. Disappointing.
All in all, a waste of my time & brain cells but at least it was a free KU read....
July 16, 2020
After reading the first two books in this series I honestly had no idea what to expect as I had no idea if J.W. Ashley was planning on adapting more to this series… So I’m pretty sure you can imagine my shock when I saw she was planning a third book… In a way this book is fresh compared to the other two books, but at the same time it is still the same because you get to see how things are progressing with the characters from the first two books….. But the way J.W. Ashley wrote this, you can see that she did a great job. This had a different feel and vibe from the other two, but that worked out perfectly because it gave this book/ story it’s own identity… you get to see the raw pain that Zach goes through and how he’s dealt with things for the last 10 years and the journey that takes place is an interesting one because one day he had everything he could ask for and then within seconds it was taken from him and he never understood why. The ideas that J.W. Ashley comes up with are honestly amazing and I have no idea how she manages to put them into words.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this story and honestly didn’t want to put it down, but I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events that took place as I truly didn’t see half of them coming. She kept me guessing the entire time and I loved that… It’s not often you get to read a book when you can’t predict how things are going to end up, but this author totally nailed it.
I’m interested to see what else J.W. Ashley has planned next, I have no idea if she plans to add to this series or if she’s going to go in another direction, but either way I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with.
Zach had nailed into him that happiness, weakness, a family and much more wasn’t important and all that would happen in the end is that it would just break you. So he was taught to be strong and never let anyone in…. Until Celeste came into his life. She made him want the things he’s been taught to not crave or want in life… They married fast, lived in bliss but that was all taken from Zach without him getting to make a choice or anything.
Ten years on and he’s doing well for himself, but there’s one case he’s struggling with and people are wanting answers that he can’t give. However, when a knock on his door one night brings him back into the past, what will happen?? With Celeste back because of her needing to warn him he’s stepping in too deep and there’s a mark on his head, how will things go? Will he take her warning lightly or not believe a word she says due to disappearing act 10 years ago???
I was hooked from the very beginning of this story and honestly didn’t want to put it down, but I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events that took place as I truly didn’t see half of them coming. She kept me guessing the entire time and I loved that… It’s not often you get to read a book when you can’t predict how things are going to end up, but this author totally nailed it.
I’m interested to see what else J.W. Ashley has planned next, I have no idea if she plans to add to this series or if she’s going to go in another direction, but either way I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with.
Zach had nailed into him that happiness, weakness, a family and much more wasn’t important and all that would happen in the end is that it would just break you. So he was taught to be strong and never let anyone in…. Until Celeste came into his life. She made him want the things he’s been taught to not crave or want in life… They married fast, lived in bliss but that was all taken from Zach without him getting to make a choice or anything.
Ten years on and he’s doing well for himself, but there’s one case he’s struggling with and people are wanting answers that he can’t give. However, when a knock on his door one night brings him back into the past, what will happen?? With Celeste back because of her needing to warn him he’s stepping in too deep and there’s a mark on his head, how will things go? Will he take her warning lightly or not believe a word she says due to disappearing act 10 years ago???
April 7, 2020
Fun read with some suspense and some hot romance! Love that characters from the previous books all work together in this one. A fully entertaining read. Zach’s heart was broken 10 years ago when he’s wife, Celeste, vanished with little word. Celeste reappears in his life with some bad news; he’s been put on a hit list. So, not only do they need to deal with multiple people trying to kill Zach and those around him, but they need to deal with the bad way things ended between them. Celeste is involved in some super dangerous things; she totally kicks butt! But, the world she lives in and Zach being a cop don’t exactly mix. They do have some intense chemistry and passion though. Some hot stuff! I’m not a fan that it’s been 10 years since these two were originally together; it’s too long. Also, I wanted a better reason why Celeste left all those years ago, and I thought Zach acted like a bit of a baby dealing with things. Still a very entertaining read with some cool action! I’m totally down for more in this series! Loved all 3 books so far!
April 10, 2020
Targeting Celeste is the final book in the Corrupted Series by J.W. Ashley. The book focuses on Police Captain Zach Murphy while pulling in FBI agent Caid King & Officer Harley Andrews as well as their respective ladies. The underbelly of corruption is still alive & kicking and they need to figure out what is going on before it is too late for Zach. Insert the love of Zach's life and the story is off and running. Ms. Ashley is able to hook the reader with the minute details and you find yourself not wanting to put the book down. Insert a few more characters that you may or may not believe their intent and you are left trying to figure out who the top crime boss is. I will admit I felt the ending was a touch rushed after the build up throughout the book. However, the book kept my attention, wrapped up the series, and is highly recommended for all to try.
April 5, 2020
Zach is hot hot hot. In the beginning I really disliked Celeste... then I'm on the edge of my seat.... and this is only 20% into the book! Then she starts showing some emotion and I start liking her😂... but then she makes me hate her again... my emotions can't handle this book! 40% in and I'm clenching my cheeks in fear, I'm sad, and trying to figure out the mystery! The action in the book is freaking awesome! I started liking Celeste again at 60%🤦♀️😂. I thought maybe I would figure out the mystery of who. But nope didnt figure it out until the end!! This was a fantastic way to end the series!!!
April 15, 2020
PHENOMENAL !! I absolutely LOVE this series ! All the suspense, some romance, humor and much more. To be able to have a sense of humor in very intense times is priceless and this group of friends sure do have it.
Will they be able to find the head honcho and end these very in depth crimes without getting hurt or dying? Can they trust old friends and ex lovers? With a hit out on your life who will you trust, an estranged wife?
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES !! Definitely need to read from the first book.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Will they be able to find the head honcho and end these very in depth crimes without getting hurt or dying? Can they trust old friends and ex lovers? With a hit out on your life who will you trust, an estranged wife?
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES !! Definitely need to read from the first book.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 12, 2020
This is an intense read that held me captive from start to finish.The author does a fantastic job developing the story and pulling you in with an action packed story line, keeping me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns along the way in this emotional romance. It's well written with detailed and descriptive scenes and flows fluidly. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 10, 2020
Celeste and Zach take you on a action packed, emotional read with so may twists and turns you won't see anything coming. This book pulls you in and keeps you on the edge trying to find out who is the enemy and who is not. When the truth comes out will it all blow up or will it finally reveal the truth. Definitely can't wait to read what she has next.
April 14, 2020
Just like always Jessica's new book kept me hooked. This one was full of action and twists, Celeste is amazing and very diferent from the other character and i love it. It was great to see all the characters working together and finally figure out the big boss and take him down! I loved it and totally recomend the book.
April 26, 2020
This book 3 in the Corrupted Series is very well-written action packed, full of twists/turns/suspense/chills and lots of romance. It has developed characters with chemistry and cold not put this book down until I finished it. Great Read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2020
Suspenseful read
Edge of your seat is where this book will have you sitting. I had a bunch of who one of the people was . The culprit that is behind everything will leave you baffled.
Edge of your seat is where this book will have you sitting. I had a bunch of who one of the people was . The culprit that is behind everything will leave you baffled.
March 9, 2024
Way better than the first 2 books. Actually didn't expect much but wanted to finish series. Was pleasantly surprised. 3,5 stars
June 2, 2020
I enjoyed this story very much so. It had a well-thought out premise with plenty of extremely interesting characters. The main character was increasingly fascinating and I never found myself wanting to quit reading the story. I finished it all rather quickly and would definitely recommend this book to others wanting to try this author out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews