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Freelancers #1
Temple
There’s no guilt like knowing you’re the reason your best friend is dead…except maybe the guilt of falling for his fiancé.
Temple ran from Hadley Cove two years ago, chased by remorse and Vik’s harsh words of blame. He’s back, expecting more hostility from his dead best friend’s lover. Instead, he finds commiseration, apologies, and reciprocated attraction.
Somewhere between grief and loss lies hope and healing, but can what’s blossoming between them be real?
Does Temple want it to be?
Temple ran from Hadley Cove two years ago, chased by remorse and Vik’s harsh words of blame. He’s back, expecting more hostility from his dead best friend’s lover. Instead, he finds commiseration, apologies, and reciprocated attraction.
Somewhere between grief and loss lies hope and healing, but can what’s blossoming between them be real?
Does Temple want it to be?
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
64 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,676 followersA Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 20, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
I thought this was pretty cute and sweet. The beginning made me tear up but after that it was petty smooth sailing after that. Temple and Vik were perfect together🥰. And it’s a little forbidden and taboo which makes everything better. But once they give in to each other it’s sooooooo hot, literally the hottest sex scene I’ve ever read. Vik was ready to be with Temple and didn’t really have any hang ups .Temple was ready to jump town but he’s loved Vik for ever so he couldn’t stay away. All in all it was short, sexy, and sweet.
I thought this was pretty cute and sweet. The beginning made me tear up but after that it was petty smooth sailing after that. Temple and Vik were perfect together🥰. And it’s a little forbidden and taboo which makes everything better. But once they give in to each other it’s sooooooo hot, literally the hottest sex scene I’ve ever read. Vik was ready to be with Temple and didn’t really have any hang ups .Temple was ready to jump town but he’s loved Vik for ever so he couldn’t stay away. All in all it was short, sexy, and sweet.
January 19, 2021
First of all, I have missed Syren Rua so damn much. A re-read is in the cards.
Second, this is a standalone! This is very surprising, and if you 're familiar with this author's work you know why. Her stories are so intertwined, it's almost impossible to follow a storyline without having read most of her books.
Avril Ashton is a category of her own. It's like there is a very small corner in the MM world that only belongs to her. Her books are definitely NOT for everyone but special in their own way.
This one would have made a great full story, but I liked it as it is too. I'm definitely looking forward to the series!
Second, this is a standalone! This is very surprising, and if you 're familiar with this author's work you know why. Her stories are so intertwined, it's almost impossible to follow a storyline without having read most of her books.
Avril Ashton is a category of her own. It's like there is a very small corner in the MM world that only belongs to her. Her books are definitely NOT for everyone but special in their own way.
This one would have made a great full story, but I liked it as it is too. I'm definitely looking forward to the series!
December 30, 2024
Dude falls in love with his dead best friend's fiancé. It's short but super cute. Their kitchen counter freaky time made me hehe.
Read
January 24, 2021Gem #3 from the WinterWonderland giveaway.
Why read this novella...
- Starts a brand new series... #YesPleaseIWantMore
- Forbidden love... Dead Best Friend's Fiancée #ICantIgnoreMyFeelingsAnymore
- Hawt Sex, because of course it is... #AvrilDoesItBest
- All the feels! #HereForYou
- POC characters... #Represent
Temple
Vic
#HappyReading!
Why read this novella...
- Starts a brand new series... #YesPleaseIWantMore
- Forbidden love... Dead Best Friend's Fiancée #ICantIgnoreMyFeelingsAnymore
- Hawt Sex, because of course it is... #AvrilDoesItBest
- All the feels! #HereForYou
- POC characters... #Represent
Temple
Vic
#HappyReading!
January 28, 2021
I really liked this story 😍😍
There are so many feelings: guilty, grief, sadness, regret, love...
There are so many feelings: guilty, grief, sadness, regret, love...
December 21, 2021
I expected a lot of crying and guilt but there wasn't nearly as much. I mean, I'm glad that I didn't have to get emotional but it brought down the rating but😅. Sex was off the charts though🤭.
January 2, 2021
3.5 stars. That sex scene was hot.
January 3, 2021
3,5-3,75/5
« Temple » est l'histoire de Temple et de Vik. C'est une histoire de perte, de deuil, de culpabilité mais aussi de seconde chance.
Pour moi, ce genre d'histoire est à double tranchant, soit ça passe, soit ça passe absolument pas du tout.
Comme d'habitude pour ces formats hyper courts, je ne dévoilerai pas plus concernant l'histoire du couple. Honnêtement, pour une nouvelle, je trouve que l'auteur s'en est hyper bien sortie.
L'émotion est au rendez-vous. Le poids de la perte de son ami, la douleur infligée à lui-même, Temple était vraiment touchant. On le voit tellement peiné aussi pour Vik, le fiancé de son ami. Le rapprochement qui va se passer entre eux est bien mené par Avril Ashton.
Alors c'est tendu entre eux, mais je trouve que l'émotion est là, la tension aussi. Leurs moments intimes qui auront lieu à un moment donné sont hyper sexy, sensuels, c'est chaud bouillant. Ce n'est pas ma première fois avec Avril Ashton et je sais que ces scènes-là sont bien écrites et hot.
Une très chouette nouvelle pour ma part pour un sujet aussi sensible, d'où ma note !
Je me laisserais bien tenter par les romans dans lesquels certains personnages sont cités ici, on verra ^^
« Temple » est l'histoire de Temple et de Vik. C'est une histoire de perte, de deuil, de culpabilité mais aussi de seconde chance.
Pour moi, ce genre d'histoire est à double tranchant, soit ça passe, soit ça passe absolument pas du tout.
Comme d'habitude pour ces formats hyper courts, je ne dévoilerai pas plus concernant l'histoire du couple. Honnêtement, pour une nouvelle, je trouve que l'auteur s'en est hyper bien sortie.
L'émotion est au rendez-vous. Le poids de la perte de son ami, la douleur infligée à lui-même, Temple était vraiment touchant. On le voit tellement peiné aussi pour Vik, le fiancé de son ami. Le rapprochement qui va se passer entre eux est bien mené par Avril Ashton.
Alors c'est tendu entre eux, mais je trouve que l'émotion est là, la tension aussi. Leurs moments intimes qui auront lieu à un moment donné sont hyper sexy, sensuels, c'est chaud bouillant. Ce n'est pas ma première fois avec Avril Ashton et je sais que ces scènes-là sont bien écrites et hot.
Une très chouette nouvelle pour ma part pour un sujet aussi sensible, d'où ma note !
Je me laisserais bien tenter par les romans dans lesquels certains personnages sont cités ici, on verra ^^
February 8, 2021
3.6 Stars I just wished for more!!!
August 30, 2021
My last shot at Avril, but this was super repetitious for how short it was and I had a bad time trying to keep from skimming the whole thing.
I was hoping this was a standalone series, as it isn’t on the list or the reading order, but clearly that isn’t the case.
I was hoping this was a standalone series, as it isn’t on the list or the reading order, but clearly that isn’t the case.
January 17, 2021
Linked
While short on pages, this novella was long on emotions. Vic and Temple made me run the gamut of feelings but I loved every part of their heartfelt, beautiful journey. I’m so glad that this is a new series as I want to know more about each of the Freelancers and *fingers crossed* that we see more of Temple and Vic too.
While short on pages, this novella was long on emotions. Vic and Temple made me run the gamut of feelings but I loved every part of their heartfelt, beautiful journey. I’m so glad that this is a new series as I want to know more about each of the Freelancers and *fingers crossed* that we see more of Temple and Vic too.
January 12, 2021
Probably more like 3.5 Loose connection to Sinners series with Syren appearing as a Criminal Cupid. No criminal action, no bullets flew, no blood flowed; is this even an Avril Ashton book?! Yes, yes it is, her version of fluffy holiday story.
March 3, 2021
A promising start to a new series by Ms. Ashton. I liked Temple and Vik, and it was nice to see them get together with only a smidge of angst and torture. Looking forward to reading more.
Freebie from author.
Freebie from author.
Want to read
January 1, 2021Free on prolific works: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/6...
June 26, 2021
This was a nice short of healing and moving on. I liked both Temples and Vin a lot despite the length of this standalone.
December 4, 2023
Small, Sweet, Not so romantic story 😅
January 3, 2021
Only Avril Ashton to, on the third day of the year, break my heart in tiny little pieces and then give me all the feels with a lovely and perfect HEA. Vik and Temple will definitely go to the reread pile. Well done, Avril!
May 27, 2024
Still love.
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4.5. Short and sweet. I loved this.
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4.5. Short and sweet. I loved this.
January 23, 2023
Temple is a MM, standalone novella with forbidden second chance elements.
Temple and his best friend Henry are missionaries that work for Syren Rua who is a character that reoccurs in Avril’s other books. I’ve read several of Avril’s MM novels in which the character Syren always makes an appearance so it could be Avril’s “thing” in her stand alone romances.
When Temple and Henry go on one more job, no one ever thought it would be the last time Temple saw his best friend since childhood who was like a brother to him. They did everything together and now it’s over. Now Temple has to tell Henry’s live in boyfriend of 2 years what happened.
𝘏𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘝𝘪𝘬 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.
Vik loves Temple as a friend. He, his boyfriend Henry who grew up with Temple all hangout together. When Temple comes over after the job they were on and essentially crushes Vik’s whole world by informing him what happened, Vik takes it out on Temple which is something he has regretted every day since that tragic moment.
Now back in each others lives, Temple and Vik realize there’re not only attracted to each other but these terrible, forbidden feelings they have are only growing stronger.
I loved that was a short story and Avril can truly do no wrong. Her steamy scenes are amazing and her stories about love are always so enjoyable! Whether she’s tugging at your heartstrings or shocking me, Avril Ashton is one of my faves and always blows me away with her words.
You can read this as a standalone and it’s the first book in the Freelancer Series.
Avril’s books DO interconnect A LOT, so if you’re like me and need to read a series in order, please do so. All of her books are so fun in their own right.
Temple and his best friend Henry are missionaries that work for Syren Rua who is a character that reoccurs in Avril’s other books. I’ve read several of Avril’s MM novels in which the character Syren always makes an appearance so it could be Avril’s “thing” in her stand alone romances.
When Temple and Henry go on one more job, no one ever thought it would be the last time Temple saw his best friend since childhood who was like a brother to him. They did everything together and now it’s over. Now Temple has to tell Henry’s live in boyfriend of 2 years what happened.
𝘏𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘝𝘪𝘬 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.
Vik loves Temple as a friend. He, his boyfriend Henry who grew up with Temple all hangout together. When Temple comes over after the job they were on and essentially crushes Vik’s whole world by informing him what happened, Vik takes it out on Temple which is something he has regretted every day since that tragic moment.
Now back in each others lives, Temple and Vik realize there’re not only attracted to each other but these terrible, forbidden feelings they have are only growing stronger.
I loved that was a short story and Avril can truly do no wrong. Her steamy scenes are amazing and her stories about love are always so enjoyable! Whether she’s tugging at your heartstrings or shocking me, Avril Ashton is one of my faves and always blows me away with her words.
You can read this as a standalone and it’s the first book in the Freelancer Series.
Avril’s books DO interconnect A LOT, so if you’re like me and need to read a series in order, please do so. All of her books are so fun in their own right.
July 28, 2021
A sad but hopeful and beautiful little short. Temple always worked with his best friend Henry and the two have always kept each other safe. On this last job something goes wrong and Henry doesn't make it home. Temple already blames himself but when he goes to tell Henry's fiancé, Vik, that blame is heaped on even further. Temple leaves Vik alone and runs from his old job, trying to make it work on his own. A couple years later Temple ends up back in his old town but to run into Vik, who seems more interested in reaching out to Temple than he ever expected. Something more is there and Temple just has to figure out if he deserves it.
This was a beautiful story full of survivor's guilt, love, loss, and the guilt of moving on. Vik feels horrible about blaming Temple for everything but has no way to make it up to the man when he flees. Temple takes all of that blame and guilt and genuinely believes it all to be his fault, leaving him worthy of little in life. But when the two accidentally meet up and their mutual feelings come clear, it both allows for hope and for even for guilt as moving on would mean letting go of Henry. Moving on by falling for each other could mean betraying Henry. There is a lot to unpack for them but there is a nudge to make things work. It was a lovely little story!
This was a beautiful story full of survivor's guilt, love, loss, and the guilt of moving on. Vik feels horrible about blaming Temple for everything but has no way to make it up to the man when he flees. Temple takes all of that blame and guilt and genuinely believes it all to be his fault, leaving him worthy of little in life. But when the two accidentally meet up and their mutual feelings come clear, it both allows for hope and for even for guilt as moving on would mean letting go of Henry. Moving on by falling for each other could mean betraying Henry. There is a lot to unpack for them but there is a nudge to make things work. It was a lovely little story!
January 16, 2021
Temple and his best friend Henry are mercenaries. When a job goes wrong and Henry dies, he leaves behind his fiancé, Vik. Temple is the one who has to deliver the bad news and Vik breaks down and throws Temple out of the house. Two years later Temple returns to his home town and runs into Vik. Both of them are still struggling with their grief, but perhaps they can help each other see the light again.
The subject matter of the story is pretty heavy and the first half of the novella drags quite a bit. The 2nd half is a lot better and both Vik and Temple become more active characters that pursue new goals.
The subject matter of the story is pretty heavy and the first half of the novella drags quite a bit. The 2nd half is a lot better and both Vik and Temple become more active characters that pursue new goals.
January 7, 2021
This book was amazing but absolutely heartbreaking. There is a HEA but man did the author drag you through hell to get there. Within about five minutes of reading I was full on ugly crying - but man did I fall in love with Temple and Vic. Both so strong and fighting so hard to come back from heartbreak. I’m so glad they got their HEA.
Definitely not low angst but we’ll worth the read if you’re prepared for it.
Definitely not low angst but we’ll worth the read if you’re prepared for it.
January 17, 2021
This was my first read by Avril Ashton. I took a break to think through why I did not love it.
I did like the writing though I had a strange feeling that Kai could have been easily replaced with a female character and story would have felt more real. I don't imply that men don't have deep feelings but everything felt OTT emotionally.
Most likely it's a case of me and not the book since everyone else seems to love it.
And I do agree the sex scene was hot.
I did like the writing though I had a strange feeling that Kai could have been easily replaced with a female character and story would have felt more real. I don't imply that men don't have deep feelings but everything felt OTT emotionally.
Most likely it's a case of me and not the book since everyone else seems to love it.
And I do agree the sex scene was hot.
June 8, 2021
Beautiful
This was a beautiful story of love lost, redemption and a new love found. There certainly is a lot packed into a little novella, but each word on the page had meaning behind it.
The depth of heartbreak for both Temple and Vik was staggering. Each man lost something beloved and each man gained something new and wonderful. I couldn’t help but feel for these two. Both deserved their happily ever after and they definitely got it.
This was a beautiful story of love lost, redemption and a new love found. There certainly is a lot packed into a little novella, but each word on the page had meaning behind it.
The depth of heartbreak for both Temple and Vik was staggering. Each man lost something beloved and each man gained something new and wonderful. I couldn’t help but feel for these two. Both deserved their happily ever after and they definitely got it.
November 8, 2021
interesting
Pretty good, quick read. Temple and a Vik’s story. Third person style with some clunky parts. Not my favorite MM, it was a bit hard to get into it since it felt like it started in the middle almost? This could have been really good in first person, duel POV, full length and started earlier in the story. There just wasn’t enough to connect to either character. 3.35/5⭐️ 1.5/5🌶🔥
Pretty good, quick read. Temple and a Vik’s story. Third person style with some clunky parts. Not my favorite MM, it was a bit hard to get into it since it felt like it started in the middle almost? This could have been really good in first person, duel POV, full length and started earlier in the story. There just wasn’t enough to connect to either character. 3.35/5⭐️ 1.5/5🌶🔥
February 1, 2021
Just great.....
I'm excited for this new series, even seeing Syren name popping up in it, knowing the gang is back. It's great knowing that it's a continuation of the previous series. I'll be looking forward in reading this series, knowing I'll be seeing familiar names popping up.
I'm excited for this new series, even seeing Syren name popping up in it, knowing the gang is back. It's great knowing that it's a continuation of the previous series. I'll be looking forward in reading this series, knowing I'll be seeing familiar names popping up.
February 12, 2021
Winter Wonderland download. Pretty angsty, very real. Good characters and great dialog. The guilt trips these men have to deal with just made the connection so worthwhile. And the scenes where they get physical: HOT! Ashton handles the psychological issues extremely well, giving them the weight they deserve, recognizing their importance to each man and to their future.
March 20, 2021
Two men wracked by grief and attraction they don't expect. The story starts on a very emotional tone and sets the pace for the whole of it. I loved how invested I was in the story and how the author approached the characters!
Very insightful and despite the shorter form, jam packed with feels! Loved it!
Very insightful and despite the shorter form, jam packed with feels! Loved it!
January 11, 2021
4.25 stars
Enjoyed this peek into this new series Av is doing. Temple and Vik had to work through the mutual grief and attraction for each other to find there HEA. Looking forward to the rest of the Freelancers. And we all know Syren can keep is nose out of anyone's business.
Enjoyed this peek into this new series Av is doing. Temple and Vik had to work through the mutual grief and attraction for each other to find there HEA. Looking forward to the rest of the Freelancers. And we all know Syren can keep is nose out of anyone's business.
January 22, 2021
Never go wrong with Avril Ashton books
The writing skills that this beautiful woman has to lure you in and forget everything around is remarkable talent. Short but gripping. Loved this Novella
The writing skills that this beautiful woman has to lure you in and forget everything around is remarkable talent. Short but gripping. Loved this Novella
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews