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Freelancers #3
Demming
Demming had a plan… until the son of his enemy forces him to question who he is and what he wants.
Demming has been on a decade-long personal mission to right the wrongs done to his family. There’s zero room in his life for anything or anyone else, especially not the son of the man he holds responsible for stealing away his father’s company.
Thrust into a role he doesn’t feel ready for, all Hart wants is to make his father proud. Then Demming storms into his office, making demands. They may be at odds, but underneath the mercenary’s stubborn and gruff exterior, Hart discovers a lonely man with a kindred spirit.
With each moment they spend in each other’s company, the chip on Demming’s shoulder crumbles and soon he finds himself questioning who he is, what he wants, and where he fits, if not at Hart’s side?
Demming is the final installment in the Freelancers series, but can be read as a complete standalone. It’s a low-angst, bi-awakening novella featuring a grumpy mercenary with an ax to grind, a soft-hearted billionaire heir with something to prove, and tender yet hot, first-time themes.
Demming has been on a decade-long personal mission to right the wrongs done to his family. There’s zero room in his life for anything or anyone else, especially not the son of the man he holds responsible for stealing away his father’s company.
Thrust into a role he doesn’t feel ready for, all Hart wants is to make his father proud. Then Demming storms into his office, making demands. They may be at odds, but underneath the mercenary’s stubborn and gruff exterior, Hart discovers a lonely man with a kindred spirit.
With each moment they spend in each other’s company, the chip on Demming’s shoulder crumbles and soon he finds himself questioning who he is, what he wants, and where he fits, if not at Hart’s side?
Demming is the final installment in the Freelancers series, but can be read as a complete standalone. It’s a low-angst, bi-awakening novella featuring a grumpy mercenary with an ax to grind, a soft-hearted billionaire heir with something to prove, and tender yet hot, first-time themes.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2021
41 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,682 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 39 reviews
August 22, 2021
This was short and fluffy and cute and entirely Non-Avril.
I quite liked the fact that Avril was taking a break away from her usual angsty, suspenseful books.
Both characters were likable.
I was intrigued with Demming when we first met him in Roman. Fueled by anger and revenge, he meets Hart, the son of the man he wants to get back on.
This is a bi-awakening story, opposites attract, insta-love novella.
So if you're searching for something light and steamy, this will be perfect for you.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
I quite liked the fact that Avril was taking a break away from her usual angsty, suspenseful books.
Both characters were likable.
I was intrigued with Demming when we first met him in Roman. Fueled by anger and revenge, he meets Hart, the son of the man he wants to get back on.
This is a bi-awakening story, opposites attract, insta-love novella.
So if you're searching for something light and steamy, this will be perfect for you.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
August 12, 2021
Intense, sexy and unexpectedly moving OFY romance. I got swept off my feet and desperately need more books like this one! What a great escape from that dreary reality. The writing is incredible, so very gripping. I loved how the pacing and dialogue, often wonderfully direct and heartfelt, drew me into the story. Several times my breath caught at the intense emotions of the main characters. This wasn’t an overly long read, but there was still a wealth of complex feelings for the MCs, and reader, to live through. I loved the nuance in the character development and really appreciated how Sawyer and Hart grew as individuals and as a couple. The bisexual awakening arc for Sawyer was quite unexpected, on his part, but luckily not too angst-filled and oh so hot. Sawyer and Hart’s chemistry is blazing…even more so as they are kind of enemies or at least adversaries at the start. Sawyer is amazing, but it's Hart that truly captured my heart. Standing up to parents you look up to isn't easy and making amends for a wrong you didn't commit ... he really is the bigger person, for no other reason than wanting to do the right thing. I was also surprised in the very best way by how the family feud was written and by the fact that there were no pitch-black villains in the story, even if some of the secondary characters were more flawed than others. The book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
May 25, 2023
Demming is a MM low angst story with instalove vibes.
The thing I didn’t like about it was just HOW low angst it was. It’s not so much that the story didn’t have any issues, I can’t even point my finger to what specifically I didn’t love about it but it dragged to me. I didn’t love it as much as the other Avril Ashton books I’ve read.
That being said, I consider Avril Ashton to be a superior one of my all time favorites, so I do hold her books to a higher standard than I would another author.
If you pick any other MF or MM contemporary novel, Avril will still beet the writing every time. So that being said, it was an excellent story and I do recommend it if you’re in a short story instalove mood with literally 0 angst.
The thing I didn’t like about it was just HOW low angst it was. It’s not so much that the story didn’t have any issues, I can’t even point my finger to what specifically I didn’t love about it but it dragged to me. I didn’t love it as much as the other Avril Ashton books I’ve read.
That being said, I consider Avril Ashton to be a superior one of my all time favorites, so I do hold her books to a higher standard than I would another author.
If you pick any other MF or MM contemporary novel, Avril will still beet the writing every time. So that being said, it was an excellent story and I do recommend it if you’re in a short story instalove mood with literally 0 angst.
February 10, 2022
Me gustaron los tres libros de Freelancers. Son historias bonitas, con su poco de drama, pero bastante ligeras de leer y muy cortas, así que se hace agradable y rápida la lectura. Ideal cuando quieres salir de la resaca que produce un libro o serie muy largo o de un bloqueo lector...
August 14, 2021
perfect 🤤
August 13, 2021
I'm more than surprised by this book. Easy to read, enjoyable story and no angst at all - and I'm talking about an Avril Ashton book, who has one of the most teary books I've ever read!
If you are looking for a good story, low ansgt and with and adorable and swoony HEA, this one (and the other books on the Freelancers Series) is what you need.
If you are looking for a good story, low ansgt and with and adorable and swoony HEA, this one (and the other books on the Freelancers Series) is what you need.
August 17, 2021
Didn't felt like an Ashton book. Quite a lot of typos in this one too. Bryce became Bruce and then Bryce again a few times.
August 19, 2021
Unexpected
We finally get to learn about the man behind the Freelancers. I think what I liked most about this book was that both Demming and Hart learned that not only is it ok to deviate from your original life plan but that unexpected and lovely surprises can happen along the way, like finding your true happily ever after. “Because I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything as much as I want this.” These two are swoony, sweet and hit the jackpot with families. A heartwarming conclusion to the series.
We finally get to learn about the man behind the Freelancers. I think what I liked most about this book was that both Demming and Hart learned that not only is it ok to deviate from your original life plan but that unexpected and lovely surprises can happen along the way, like finding your true happily ever after. “Because I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything as much as I want this.” These two are swoony, sweet and hit the jackpot with families. A heartwarming conclusion to the series.
August 24, 2021
This novella was a quick and VERY low angst read from Ashton. While it was an easy read, I must say that I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually enjoy Ashton's work. I found very little chemistry between Demming and Hart and it was so instalust then love that I couldn't just go with it.
Usually, Ashton can distil down quite quickly what the characters find in one another that truly lights the spark fo whatever happens between them going forward but I found the spark lacking here. These two had absolutely nothing in common and there never seemed to be common ground there to build anything on. I think it being a novella didn't help but Ashton was able to establish common ground in Roman, just not here for me. I couldn't understand why Demming would so easily and quickly be into the son of the man he thinks ruined his family. Whether warranted in that belief or not, it's driven him for nearly a decade and he just abandons it for lusty times with Hart. More than that, he's easily (seemingly) forgives Hart's father even though until a month prior, the man was still treating him horribly regarding their history. It made the stakes so low and a bit ridiculous. Also, I think I may have officially gone off rich, privileged characters because while Hart wasn't his father, he knows how his father made the money that's afforded him the life he leads yet he's completely comfortable with that. He cares about righting his father's wrong in Demming's case but no one else's (because if he exploited one person, he definitely did others). I can't see/read these monied characters these days without seeing the exploitation involved in how they came by that money so Hart never worked for me either. Oh, and the idea that he built this art collection without his father and it was something of his own was ridiculous because any money he has came from his Dad so... yeah.
Demming has a pretty ho-hum bi-awakening and while I don't care for a character overthinking this new aspect of themselves, Demming was zero to sixty unbelievably for me. This novella was truly insta-everything and most of it didn't work for me. The trademark banter and flirting and raw sexuality were all present but things just lacked a spark. I found the previous offering, Roman, a better and more believable outing. Even Temple, which was much shorter (I think) felt more solid (I was also surprised that Demming takes place before Temple, which I found jarring). This one was just okay for me but as always, I look forwardto Ashton's next release
Usually, Ashton can distil down quite quickly what the characters find in one another that truly lights the spark fo whatever happens between them going forward but I found the spark lacking here. These two had absolutely nothing in common and there never seemed to be common ground there to build anything on. I think it being a novella didn't help but Ashton was able to establish common ground in Roman, just not here for me. I couldn't understand why Demming would so easily and quickly be into the son of the man he thinks ruined his family. Whether warranted in that belief or not, it's driven him for nearly a decade and he just abandons it for lusty times with Hart. More than that, he's easily (seemingly) forgives Hart's father even though until a month prior, the man was still treating him horribly regarding their history. It made the stakes so low and a bit ridiculous. Also, I think I may have officially gone off rich, privileged characters because while Hart wasn't his father, he knows how his father made the money that's afforded him the life he leads yet he's completely comfortable with that. He cares about righting his father's wrong in Demming's case but no one else's (because if he exploited one person, he definitely did others). I can't see/read these monied characters these days without seeing the exploitation involved in how they came by that money so Hart never worked for me either. Oh, and the idea that he built this art collection without his father and it was something of his own was ridiculous because any money he has came from his Dad so... yeah.
Demming has a pretty ho-hum bi-awakening and while I don't care for a character overthinking this new aspect of themselves, Demming was zero to sixty unbelievably for me. This novella was truly insta-everything and most of it didn't work for me. The trademark banter and flirting and raw sexuality were all present but things just lacked a spark. I found the previous offering, Roman, a better and more believable outing. Even Temple, which was much shorter (I think) felt more solid (I was also surprised that Demming takes place before Temple, which I found jarring). This one was just okay for me but as always, I look forwardto Ashton's next release
August 15, 2021
3,5 stars
The story follows mercenary Sawyer (Demming) who wants to get the property back his late father lost and Hart, who had to step in his fathers footsteps in running the family company.
Out of these two MCs Hart absolutely captured my heart (hehe). How he tried to be himself and not just be seen as his dad’s son, while trying to do right by his father’s company and simultaneously doing the “right” thing. Standing up to parents you adore isn’t easy. I loved his complexity and character development. Demming on the other hand is driven by revenge and has to face some not so easy truths about this. I was stunned at how easily he embraced his attraction to another man. And their encounters are on fire (as expected in an Avril Ashton book).
I admit that I prefer Avril‘s dark and angsty reads and although here is little to no angst, it’s well written and a nice read. Unfortunately for me it felt a little superficial in the MCs interactions and too insta-love but that aside, it’s a great story. And I really liked that the believed villain turned out to be not so bad at all.
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
So, if you’re in the mood for an easy, well written enemies to lovers / bi awakening book, this is for you!
The story follows mercenary Sawyer (Demming) who wants to get the property back his late father lost and Hart, who had to step in his fathers footsteps in running the family company.
Out of these two MCs Hart absolutely captured my heart (hehe). How he tried to be himself and not just be seen as his dad’s son, while trying to do right by his father’s company and simultaneously doing the “right” thing. Standing up to parents you adore isn’t easy. I loved his complexity and character development. Demming on the other hand is driven by revenge and has to face some not so easy truths about this. I was stunned at how easily he embraced his attraction to another man. And their encounters are on fire (as expected in an Avril Ashton book).
I admit that I prefer Avril‘s dark and angsty reads and although here is little to no angst, it’s well written and a nice read. Unfortunately for me it felt a little superficial in the MCs interactions and too insta-love but that aside, it’s a great story. And I really liked that the believed villain turned out to be not so bad at all.
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
So, if you’re in the mood for an easy, well written enemies to lovers / bi awakening book, this is for you!
September 12, 2023
Couldn’t get into this one
This idea behind this book had promise, but from the get go it was poorly executed. The main characters have intricate backgrounds that COULD HAVE tied in well with the plot of the story and helped it go in the direction it wanted to go (according to the stories blurb) but the backstories somehow seem very detached from the action playing out. Not sure how to describe it, but I knew I was DNF’ing this when the straight guy Demming started oogling Hart with no intensity, no build-up, no nothing. There was a great plot here, a big devastating obstacle for these two men to go through before Hart gives Demming what he wants, and Demming begins realizing he likes a man, but the author just shoves all the potential aside RIGHT after the angst started firing up and now, as soon as they started to hate one another, they are checking each other out and wanting to comfort each other when they’ve only known each other for like a day? What?! And don’t get me started on the mis-use of pronouns in this story. I couldn’t figure out if Tam was a woman or man, but I’m going with man since Tam is a man’s name from what I know. Using inappropriate pronouns makes it very hard for the reader to picture the characters. Very off-putting.
This idea behind this book had promise, but from the get go it was poorly executed. The main characters have intricate backgrounds that COULD HAVE tied in well with the plot of the story and helped it go in the direction it wanted to go (according to the stories blurb) but the backstories somehow seem very detached from the action playing out. Not sure how to describe it, but I knew I was DNF’ing this when the straight guy Demming started oogling Hart with no intensity, no build-up, no nothing. There was a great plot here, a big devastating obstacle for these two men to go through before Hart gives Demming what he wants, and Demming begins realizing he likes a man, but the author just shoves all the potential aside RIGHT after the angst started firing up and now, as soon as they started to hate one another, they are checking each other out and wanting to comfort each other when they’ve only known each other for like a day? What?! And don’t get me started on the mis-use of pronouns in this story. I couldn’t figure out if Tam was a woman or man, but I’m going with man since Tam is a man’s name from what I know. Using inappropriate pronouns makes it very hard for the reader to picture the characters. Very off-putting.
March 28, 2022
2.5 This book was a miss, but loving two of the three books in this series counts as a win for me. I liked Demming and Hart well enough, but their relationship was super insta lovey, and I felt like I was reading about two teenage girls. Everything was just super sappy. I love a feel good story as much as the next gal, but there was no grit to this at all. Denning seemed like a completely different person from the man who walked into Hart's office in Chapter 1. It was also super weird that it never occurred to Hart that Demming might be using him. At least his dad had the presence of mind to mention it. The fact that he had him all up in his house showing off millions of dollars in art work, knowing what he did for a living, was also strange. By the end, it seemed like the most sensible course of action was to just abort the sale of the property in question. Hart didn't want to sell and it no longer made sense for Demming to buy.
The most 'stressful' thing for me was realizing that a character that died in Book 1 (and 2; they run concurrently in parts) is alive in Book 3. Huh?? It feels like Book 3 should have been Book 1.
The most 'stressful' thing for me was realizing that a character that died in Book 1 (and 2; they run concurrently in parts) is alive in Book 3. Huh?? It feels like Book 3 should have been Book 1.
September 14, 2021
Sad to see it end…
Demming and Hart were the bittersweet end to the Freelancers series. I am so sad to see this series end. Every installment has been wonderful, and Demming was no exception. What should have been a straightforward thing for Demming is turned upside-down when he meets Hart. Hart is not at all what Demming expects him to be and it opens a whole new world for Demming. Watching Demming accept his new feelings and attraction to Hart was refreshing and new; Avril made us feel like we were right there with him as he comes to the realization that he is attracted to a man for the first time in his life. Hart was accepting and understating and just wonderful. These two men were just beautiful together. Honest in their feelings and ready to just sink into one another.
I adore Avril Ashton’s writing style, the depth of character she creates and her gritty stories that leave you yearning for more. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Demming and Hart were the bittersweet end to the Freelancers series. I am so sad to see this series end. Every installment has been wonderful, and Demming was no exception. What should have been a straightforward thing for Demming is turned upside-down when he meets Hart. Hart is not at all what Demming expects him to be and it opens a whole new world for Demming. Watching Demming accept his new feelings and attraction to Hart was refreshing and new; Avril made us feel like we were right there with him as he comes to the realization that he is attracted to a man for the first time in his life. Hart was accepting and understating and just wonderful. These two men were just beautiful together. Honest in their feelings and ready to just sink into one another.
I adore Avril Ashton’s writing style, the depth of character she creates and her gritty stories that leave you yearning for more. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
August 13, 2021
Demming is on a mission to buy back what was taken from his family.
When the hardened, mercenary storms into the now CEOs office, he didn’t expect Hart.
Hart, a man who is so different from what he was looking for and who is awakening in him feelings he never had before.
Hart is trying his best to do what is expected of him. Family obligations pull at him and when Demming comes into his life, it’s a slow attraction that cannot be denied no matter who the man is.
This is an easy, quick read that can be read as a stand-alone even though it is part of a series. The author touches on many themes, family obligations, bi-awakening, a bit of opposites attract and the righting of past wrongs in this story.
I loved seeing these two characters work through the past and come together to make a future for themselves. Definitely a well deserved HEA. A highly recommended read.
When the hardened, mercenary storms into the now CEOs office, he didn’t expect Hart.
Hart, a man who is so different from what he was looking for and who is awakening in him feelings he never had before.
Hart is trying his best to do what is expected of him. Family obligations pull at him and when Demming comes into his life, it’s a slow attraction that cannot be denied no matter who the man is.
This is an easy, quick read that can be read as a stand-alone even though it is part of a series. The author touches on many themes, family obligations, bi-awakening, a bit of opposites attract and the righting of past wrongs in this story.
I loved seeing these two characters work through the past and come together to make a future for themselves. Definitely a well deserved HEA. A highly recommended read.
August 13, 2021
Avril does in this book what she does best, writes passion so palpable that the reader can feel it as they read. There's a hunger between the characters that is just right and I love the build up to their mutual combustion.
The story lacks any kind of angst, but it doesn't suffer from it, as they are both straight forward with each other and rarely is there any misunderstandings, which is refreshing at times.
I liked how it all worked out in the end with strong characters and supporting family standing beside them.
The story lacks any kind of angst, but it doesn't suffer from it, as they are both straight forward with each other and rarely is there any misunderstandings, which is refreshing at times.
I liked how it all worked out in the end with strong characters and supporting family standing beside them.
August 17, 2021
The third book in the series, and I love what Avril continuously brings to the table. This book is about Demming and Hart overcoming their challenges. When they are thrown together because Demming wants his old building back that Hart's father took. You get a lot of tension and steam. You could feel the intensity that the characters had for each other and how they fought for what they wanted. Great read as always by this author.
August 21, 2021
Demming is out for revenge against the man that destroyed his family and gets back what was stolen from them. First, he has to get past the Hart, the man he's attracted to, even though he's not gay. He's baffled by his attraction and surprisingly to him Hart is the same way. The book is romantic, some angst, and the sexy times are very hot. These two finds out that everything is what it seems and they have a lot of issues that they have to deal with. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
August 26, 2021
Sweet and sexy read.
From the first Freelancers book; Temple I was curious of just who Demming was. I hated him, he seemed so cavalier about Henry's death. I wanted to get into his head and figure him out and Avril did not disappoint. In this 3rd instalment, we learn more about Demming and why he is the way he is, I divided into his journey falling for Hart and by the end of the book, I was madly in love with them both. It is a sweet, sexy and heart-warming story.
From the first Freelancers book; Temple I was curious of just who Demming was. I hated him, he seemed so cavalier about Henry's death. I wanted to get into his head and figure him out and Avril did not disappoint. In this 3rd instalment, we learn more about Demming and why he is the way he is, I divided into his journey falling for Hart and by the end of the book, I was madly in love with them both. It is a sweet, sexy and heart-warming story.
September 12, 2022
Definitely a well-earned, solid 4 stars. It was much easier for me to relate to both Sawyer and Hart, no problem like with the previous one in this series. I enjoyed watching these two work their way to each other.
August 17, 2021
Hart and Demming story was a great take on redemption. I liked Demming's character a lot - an intense alpha male, but with a great heart and plenty of feels. I liked how the confusion and conflicting emotions were depicted on page here.
It's a very wholesome story despite being a novella and a great roundup for the whole series.
It's a very wholesome story despite being a novella and a great roundup for the whole series.
August 18, 2021
If you've read any of Ms Ashtons books, you know that is a fluffy read. Because normally her books are about the nitty-gritty, the gore, the desperate, the obsessive and the all consuming love.
And I absolutely LOVE them.
This one is totally different. If you want a nice, easy, quick read with no angst and lots of love then this is your book.
Enjoy!!
And I absolutely LOVE them.
This one is totally different. If you want a nice, easy, quick read with no angst and lots of love then this is your book.
Enjoy!!
September 1, 2021
Eh, 3.5 estrellas.
El inicio fue bueno, lo admito, me gustó esa trama de odio-amor que había entre los protas. Me gustó cómo se desarrolló la historia en ese punto. Pero, llegando ya por el final, sentí que el libro bajó mucho. Dejó de gustarme, y puede, que lo haya acabado solo porque ya había avanzado mucho.
El inicio fue bueno, lo admito, me gustó esa trama de odio-amor que había entre los protas. Me gustó cómo se desarrolló la historia en ese punto. Pero, llegando ya por el final, sentí que el libro bajó mucho. Dejó de gustarme, y puede, que lo haya acabado solo porque ya había avanzado mucho.
August 16, 2021
A sweet final installment
I really enjoyed the Freelancers series. Much 'tamer' than I'm used to with Ms Ashton but great nonetheless. How Hart and Demming got together was born out of hatred and evolved into a solid love. Low angst and surprisingly very sweet.
I really enjoyed the Freelancers series. Much 'tamer' than I'm used to with Ms Ashton but great nonetheless. How Hart and Demming got together was born out of hatred and evolved into a solid love. Low angst and surprisingly very sweet.
August 20, 2021
This was a good light read, low angst. Characters were strong people, well matched with some heat, not to the level of previous series, but totally real. Can’t wait to see where Ms Ashton takes us next.
August 27, 2021
I think this may have been my favorite book by Avril Ashton. Sawyer is a completely different man with Hart - they are able to move forward and leave the past behind. Beautifully done, so incredibly sexy and an amazing story!
September 14, 2021
Alternative title: Just Two People Showing Up To Each Other's Homes
this is like my nth avril ashton book and i think i just have to accept we aren't meant to be. the writing never clicks with me. this one in particular was just random and weirdly intense
this is like my nth avril ashton book and i think i just have to accept we aren't meant to be. the writing never clicks with me. this one in particular was just random and weirdly intense
September 19, 2021
Past becomes your Present
Demming and Hart are both falling for each other hot an fast. Demming trying to seek revenge on the others father an realizing it maybe more. Hart trying to right the wrong of his father an hoping the look he sees in demming eyes are true.
Demming and Hart are both falling for each other hot an fast. Demming trying to seek revenge on the others father an realizing it maybe more. Hart trying to right the wrong of his father an hoping the look he sees in demming eyes are true.
August 17, 2021
Excellent
I loved how this story gave the complete back story of their team members death. The Freelancers has been an enjoyable series to read Great job Ms. Ashton!
I loved how this story gave the complete back story of their team members death. The Freelancers has been an enjoyable series to read Great job Ms. Ashton!
August 18, 2021
this was boring... sorry!
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