Ashes

Men of Inked: Heatwave #9

by Chelle Bliss

Dylan Walsh left his small town behind and vowed to never return. But when his brother needs help, Dylan steps back into the memories he tried so hard to forget. He thought there was nothing there for him anymore until a woman he knew as a little girl catches more than Dylan’s eye.

Rosie Gallo is known for her kind spirit, good-girl vibes, and her loyalty to the ones she loves. She’s spent her entire life avoiding the Walshes, knowing her father’s distaste for the family. But when Rosie’s ditched during a disastrous date, it’s a Walsh who puts a smile back on her face.

The attraction is easy, but the complications are many.

Can Dylan prove that he is more than his troubled past? Or is he as bad as the good girl next door always believed him to be?

Ashes is the ninth full-length standalone novel in the Men of Inked Heatwave series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss. Ashes is a forbidden, age gap, small town romance featuring a hot biker and a wild ride.

Men of Inked®: Heatwave Series:
• Book 1 - Flame
• Book 2 - Burn
• Book 3 - Wildfire
• Book 4 - Blaze
• Book 5 - Ignite
• Book 6 - Spark
• Book 7 - Ember
• Book 8 - Singe
• Book 9 - Ashes
• Book 10 - Scorch

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult Fiction, Smut, Ebooks

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

Chelle Bliss is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico, but hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and loves everything romance.
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Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

NINE books into these kids and they just keep on getting better and better! #winning



This was such a great match. I loved all the choices Chelle made for this storyline. The entire time I was reading I felt a deep emotional pull to these two. Their story had an aura to it that was emotional even when it was fun and games with the Gallo clan! I was happy while I read as well. I was hopeful and really rooting for these two. I loved both their personalities and all of their interactions, even when they weren’t pleasant! Everything just fit really well!

Obviously I know when I read a romance that there’s going to be a HEA or such so what I enjoy most when I read is the getting there part of the journey and Chelle wrote a really good story about forging from the past to the future, a story of love and friendship, hope and healing and most of all family. *happy sigh*

This series has been such a great reading experience for me from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read all about Luna next!

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie and Dylan😍

Ashes is book nine in the second generation story of Gallos and boy oh boy, was it great to catch up with this family that feels so much like my own❣️Rosie is the quieter twin sister but she tags along most times when her sister Luna goes out, as she’s the WILD one😉 Suffice to say they get in trouble and Dylan steps in to help out.

Dylan left town as soon as he turned eighteen to get away from an abusive father, but left his brothers behind. He’s back in town for them but they are resentful and not accepting of him and the choices he made about leaving. When he catches up with Rosie, soon after arriving in town and she sasses him, he decides his might just stick around🤩

Loved Rosie and Dylan and especially the interactions with Rosie’s grandparents…can’t wait for more and excited to see what kind of man can tie down Luna next🙃 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review Ashes (Men of Inked: Heatwave #9) by Chelle Bliss

This time we have Rosie Gallo and Dylan Walsh’s story and oh what a story it was. From the first chapter I was hooked on the story that Ms. Bliss wove. Although book nine in the series, it can be read as a standalone but honestly, this is such a fabulous series I highly recommend you read them all.
Dylan has finally returned home after being gone for years, escaping his abusive childhood, but his brothers are not welcoming, resenting the fact that he left them behind. Rosie is quieter than her twin sister Luna but is a typical Gallo woman. She loves hard and fierce and will do anything for her family. Meeting Dylan again after a horrendous date she is determined to keep him at arms length.
I loved how confident he was with Rosie; no matter how hard she tried to push him away, he was equally as determined to stand his ground. I love the relationship that this generation of Gallo's shares and course as the parents and grandparents made appearances throughout it only added to my enjoyment.
I loved how feisty, sassy and determined Rosie was and the chemistry that they share sizzled between them. There were times that my heart broke for Dylan and his brothers and all they had endured. Their family dynamics could not be more different and yet somehow they are meant for one another.
Another awesome addition to what is one of my all time favourite series.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Men of Ink’d book is up for grabs I’m all for it. This series about two generations of the Gallo family packs a punch in terms of enmeshed family dynamics. This book is no exception, about Rosie Gallo (one of Joe (City) and Suzy’s daughters) and Dylan Walsh, their former neighbour.

Dylan’s returned to town after 17 years having been in the service and working all over since returning stateside. He’s back because he’s the last resort - his brother needs a marrow match. Rosie doesn’t really recall Dylan but knows Gallo’s and Walsh’s don’t mix. She’s not about to change that… well not at first.

The couple find themselves crossing paths, with Dylan ‘rescuing’ Rosie when she gets into an altercation over her twin sister. I’m usually averse to rescuers and prefer stronger, independent female characters making intentional choices. Dylan is essentially enamoured by Rosie and it’s pretty much all over for him as far as she’s concerned from that point.

The road to HEA doesn’t tend to be easy for the Gallo’s but it’s usually a one in all in affair - again this in is no exception. This one laid the groundwork as well for Rosie’s twin sister Luna’s story which should be a corker.

Thanks to Valentine PR and Chelle Bliss for the advanced copy of this one.

Pick this one up if you like - love my neighbour, age gap, insta -love, moderate open door steam.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear each new book is my new favorite Gallo! Rosie is definitely a reserved but feisty one! She is a Gallo for sure, independent, tough and funny! Then she meets Dylan a blast from the past and all bets are off. They have sizzling chemistry and an amazing connection. Dylan comes from a rough family and Rosie is a rule follower and knows liking him is a bad idea. Dylan likes what he sees and is all in. But are they a good match? Do they come from two different families to make it work? Dylan and Rosie learn a lot from each other, especially about what family truly means to them. Oh boy did I love this book. I love Chelle’s fast paced writing style. I also enjoy the layered stories that flow into one extremely entertaining book. This family is overwhelming, funny, protective and have each other’s back no matter what! The text feed is always laugh out loud funny and probably my favorite part of every Men of Ink book. The men love their women hard and protect them even harder. I can Never get enough of this family. As each book ends I look forward to seeing what is coming next.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

I loved Ashes and really enjoyed getting to know Rosie Gallo! This story surprised me in a lot of ways - but it exceeded my hopes for the Gallos. I adored the moments with Grandma and Grandpa Gallo as well as City. So many times I wanted to hug Dylan, he overcame so much and could have been so different considering his childhood. The cousin group chats were a highlight as always - love their fun banter and protective ways! A great addition to this series and I’m ready for more!

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we are back in the world of the Gallo kids, this is Rosie's story and it is great.
Rosie is tired of men, they are only after one thing while she is ready for a relationship. When the date she was on leaves in the middle of it, she is left with the bill. While sitting at the bar enjoying her drink, a stranger interrupts her scanning all the liquor bottles behind the bar.
Dylan Walsh left home at 17, tired of being a punching bag. He wanted his brothers to go with him but they didn't. Now he is back to help his brother. While sitting next to the beauty at the bar, he can't help but look at her. She is gorgeous and just his type. That is until he realizes who she is.
This story is filled with pain, heartbreak, fun, family, and love. Each of these stories in the Heatwave series has the best banter between the cousins and this one has it too.
If you haven't read this series, then what are you waiting for. You will enjoy it, I promise. *
**I received a free copy of this book to read and this is my honest opinion**

[Theresa Natole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of the Father. Sometimes you are judged by your parents. Something as a child you have no control over. But it follows you and sometimes dictates how you are if you let it. Dylan left home and the beatings from his father seventeen years ago and never looked back. He either left or he would destroy his life. He left his six other brothers but felt he had to in order to survive. He asked them to come but all refused. Now he is back because one of his brother’s needs him. But coming back to a town where you and your family were not liked is a hard pill to swallow. People, including Rosie’s dad, do not like Dylan because of where and who he came from. Judging him for the sins of his father. The last thing Joe Gallo wants is for his precious Rosie to become involved with the likes of Dylan. But Rosie shows her dad that he is so wrong about Dylan and to give him a chance. Afterall, he wasn’t so innocent when he was younger and look at the man he has become. A great husband and a great dad.
The Gallo’s. I love this family. They will love and protect their own to their last dying breath. A close knit Italian family. The strong bonds they each share. Family is everything. Once you are in you are in for life. Rosie is fighting her attraction to Dylan. One of the reasons is her father and his dislike for Dylan. But the more she gets to know Dylan, beneath the layers, she likes what she sees. He is nothing like his father. He is honorable and protective. He came to help his brother Ian. He didn’t hesitate to come. One phone call and he was there. This is something Rosie can relate to. Family, Be there no matter what.
This is a story of love and family. Once you begin you cannot let it go. This series just keeps getting better and better with each Gallo.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes is a story that has you caught up in Dylan’s past as he fights between the past and the present. Returning to his hometown, a place he swore never to return to when one of his brothers needs him, he will be caught off guard by none other than Rosie Gallo, the little girl who lived next door who is now all grown up. Two people who should stay away from each other are drawn like a moth to a flame. These two give us a story of drama, protectiveness, heat and passion. Dylan will protect Rosie from everything and everyone including himself. These two draw you in with the love that simmers just waiting to boil to the surface. Another entertaining and captivating story in the Men of Inked Heatwave series.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Ashes last night. OMG!! Chelle Bliss is a goddess with a laptop. I cannot move on. This story was so touching, so beautiful. When this review is done I going to read it again and maybe again after that.

I need the author's talent for writing. I am struggling to put in to words why Ashes was so fantastic without spoilers. Dylan Walsh has risen from the ashes. He grew up with an abusive father. He was surrounded by those that judged him for his father's actions. When he left home at 18; his six brothers turned on him. When his brother, Ian, calls him home, after more than fifteen years, it is his chance to be reborn, to be accepted, as he saves his brother.

A night at a bar visiting Ian, Dylan finds himself saving a damsel in distress. Dylan meets up with his old neighbor, Rosie Gallo. Years have passed and they have been very good to her. Rosie is no longer the little girl that played in the yard next door. She is a beautiful woman. The connection is strong, but denial is stronger. Yet, Dylan always seems to be there when Rosie needs him.

Dylan and Rosie's story made for great entertainment. She is the forbidden fruit. Or is it that he is forbidden? When you add in the rest of the Gallos; hold on to your hat for it is going to be a wild ride. Grandma Gallo is just as opinionated as ever. Gotta love that woman. Advice jumps off the pages. Pike and Mammoth bring on the the "been their, done that" attitude to kick Dylan back into reality. The laughs. The expletives. The tears. Sign me up for more.

[Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review for an arc received.

Rosie Gallo hasn’t had much luck with men. When she has a chance encounter with Dylan Walsh she does everything she can to fight the attraction.

Dylan Walsh had a crap childhood. Although he left town several years ago and swore he would never return, he’s back for his brother. While trying to make amends, he can’t get Rosie Gallo off his mind.

4 1/2 second chance stars! I love Dylan and Rosie. She is such a strong character who also has her struggles. Dylan is fighting his own demons. They have a lot of tension between them that is pretty steamy. Another great book from Chelle Bliss.

[Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes is another addition to the Men of Inked: Heatwave series which tells the story of Rosie Gallo and Dylan Walsh. Chelle always gives us the swooniest book boyfriends and Dylan was no exception!!

“This is my job. That’s part of what life is like when you’re mine. I take care of you, and you let me without any lip.”

If you love a hot, dirty talking biker and a sassy, bookworm then you're definitely going to enjoy this age gap, small town romance about redemption and second chances. This is one story that I couldn't stop reading but anytime your back with the Gallo's it's hard to put your book down!!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I think Dylan and Rosie may have become my new favorite couple.
The beginning of the book started off a bit sad and you just feel for Dylan. Then we fast forward to the present and I am just laughing. Rosie and her cousins banter is always my favorite because you add the men into it and you just roll off the couch laughing. Any ways Dylan and Rosie meet one night at a bar when Rosie is trying to forget about the horrible date she was just on. But once she realizes who the man sitting next to her is a Walsh she decides her wallowing is over and time to go home, hoping to never see Dylan again. Well the next day guess who comes into Inked…….Dylan!!!! The sparks between these two fly and the chemistry is off the charts. Since he is a Walsh, Rosie knows she can’t get involved with him no matter what she feels. Rosie ends up in two sticky situations where Dylan comes to her rescue, so she finally caves and takes him for a thank you dinner. But the night doesn’t go as planned, go read the books for details it’s way better than me recounting it.
You’ll get lots of Gallos and lots of laughs. So go read this book, you won’t be disappointed.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, boy. Dylan and Rosie might have a less than impressive first adult meeting, but Dylan can’t help wanting more with her. Even knowing who she is, who her family is, and what people in town likely think about him won’t stand in the way. So Dylan sets out to woo and hopefully win Rosie. And holy wow, does he do both. But will he hold her when doubts creep in and he thinks he’s nothing better than the sum of his father’s past?

I really enjoyed this book and found that you don’t have to read the books before it in this series to easily catch up. I mean, I’m still going to go back and read them, but I wasn’t lost here. If anything, I want more of Dylan and his brothers. I want more of Rosie and her family, including her possibly insane twin. I loved the family dynamics that both Rosie and Dylan had going on, even if Dylan thought that his family dynamic meant he was forever on the outside looking in for a while. And yes, there is a good grovel when Dylan needs to give it, so this one is a must read in my eyes!

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Rosie and Dylan’s story! The Gallos always come in red hot and their story was amazing.

The Gallos have been around a long time and that always leads to old riffs. Rosie’s Dad, Joe, has never been a fan of the Walsh’s. Dylan is back in town after leaving 17 years prior to escape his abusive father. When he has a run in with Rosie at the bar after a bad date. The attraction is instant but Rosie stands by the Gallos and doesn’t want anything to do with him. Not backing down, Dylan does everything to show her he’s serious about her.

Rosie is a curvy, independent bookworm who knows her worth like any good Gallo woman and I loved her. She stands by her family and will do anything for them. She didn’t immediately give in to Dylan and made him work for it. Dylan is a growly, alpha perfection. He instantly did everything he could to protect, cherish and spoil her. He had a super hard past and worked past it so he could have a present and future. The epilogue was so sweet and I can’t wait for wild and carefree Luna’s story next.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes is the 9th book in the Men of Inked: Heatwave and is Rosie Gallo and Dylan Walsh’s story. Each of these books can be read as a standalone so you can jump in and start reading anytime that you are ready too. My advice is to read this book and then go back and read all of the other books including the spinoff’s. I highly recommend it. It is always good to know who’s who in this amazing family. If you click through to the end of the book there is a family tree.

I love how confident he was with Rosie. No matter how hard she tried to push Dylan him away. Dylan’s upbringing was full of abuse so I will forgive Dylan for the one wishy washy, no confidence time. Oh, you say it was up to Rosie to forgive him, not me….. ;) There is a HEA, so what can i say.

I have fallen in love with each of these Gallo's! Rosie has a twin sister, Luna and it’s her turn next time and I CAN’T wait to read more about these Gallos! This is truly a great series and I have been fortunate to have read most of the books with all these Gallo's! 5 STARS

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan Walsh had me swooning and sighing

Another year and another Chelle Bliss Gallo family story, and once again Ms. Bliss had me hooked on every word from beginning to end. ASHES is book #9 in the second generation Heatwave series, and it is the story of Rosie Gallo and Dylan Walsh. Rosie is Joe 'City' Gallo's daughter and Dylan is the neighbour who left seventeen years earlier. ASHES is an age-gap, friends to lovers romance that had me sighing and swooning with every turn of the pages.

"You feel it, don't you?"
"Feel what?"
"The electricity. The connection. The whatever there is between us in the room now and last night."

Rosie Gallo was raised in a family with so much love that sometimes it became overwhelming, but it was a family Rosie adored and couldn't live without. Dylan Walsh lived in a family that was the complete opposite, so at eighteen he left home never intending to return. Except now he's back, his brother needed him, and he just couldn't say no. From the moment they meet the chemistry and connection ignited and sparks flew. Like all Gallo girls, Rosie has plenty of sassiness about her, is extremely independent, and knows how to stand up for herself. It is a combination of all three that has Dylan deciding he wants Rosie Gallo ... She is going to be his.

"I want Rosie Gallo, and I will do everything possible to insert myself into her life, no matter how much hell I'll have to pay to be there."

Dylan's upbringing has him believing he is unable to love and is unworthy of being loved. Rosie changes that, she shows him what it's like to have love in his life. She shows him a life he never thought would be possible, a life he never thought he would be lucky enough to experience. i loved that no matter how many times Rosie tried to push him away, Dylan persevered, he knew there was something special about Rosie. He knew she was destined to be his. Rosie also saw Dylan differently to how others saw him, she saw the care and tenderness he had for her. She saw Dylan the thirty-five-year-old man, not Dylan the eighteen-year-old boy who left home to escape the brutality of his father. Will Rosie and Dylan be able to overcome the family prejudices and his family history to find their HEA?

"I extend myself like an invitation - he can have it all. I'm his, body and soul. Heart and mind."

If there is one thing I love about the Gallo family it is the love and support they have for one another. The Gallo men have always been protective, yet it is the Gallo women that truly rule the roost. Their strength and love have been handed down, through their genes, from Marie and Sal Gallo, and this is never more evident than when they meet Dylan. Their love shone through every word and action. Dylan's 'chat' with Joe also brought out the love, protection, and forgiveness that the Gallo's have in their hearts. Of course all the cousins are included, and they are not shy about giving their opinions on any matter. I've loved this family since book #1, Joe's Throttle Me, and that love has carried me through twenty-four books to ASHES, and I know it will continue for many more.

Next up is Luna's book, Scorch, I can't wait to see what this little minx will get up to.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE SWOONING STARS✨✨✨✨✨

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect start to the new year spending time with one of my favourite families. This is book nine in the second generation series of the Gallos and this is Rosie and Dylan’s story and boy do they have a tale to tell.
Rosie spends lots of time with her twin sister Luna but never wanting to draw attention to herself she try’s to stay in the background but trouble has a way of finding Luna and no matter how quiet Rosie seems nothing will stop her protecting her sister and this is how she bumps into Dylan again. Dylan was the boy next door as Rosie grew up but he left town as soon as he reached eighteen, leaving behind an abusive father and his brothers but when one of his brothers calls asking for help he doesn’t hesitate returning home even if anyone in town including his brothers resent him. When he bumps into Rosie she gives him a hard time and plenty of sass and that has him deciding he might just have meet his match and the woman to make him settle down…….
This book touched me on so many levels, I fell hard and fast for Rosie and Dylan but it was Grandma and Grandpa Gallos interaction that took this story to another level for me. I loved everything about this book and I’m sure you will too. As with all books in this series you can read each one as a stand-alone although I’m sure one encounter with this family will never be enough, so I guess all I need to say is please one click this gem of a read.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books of this series. Dylan was kind of wishy-washy and I had to roll my eyes at him a little bit. I'm interested to see how Luna goes down 😁

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Dylan and Rosie!! Their story was so fun and had a huge heart. The chemistry was perfect, and I enjoyed the sparks these two struck off each other. These characters had layers and that made them super likable. My heart truly ached for Dylan, and I thought he was wicked swoon worthy! This was a great addition to this series, and a wonderful read that was heartfelt, and gave me plenty of luscious feels. I am posting a volitional, candid review.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ninth book in the Men of Inked: Heatwave series by Chelle Bliss, Ashes is a well written, fast-paced, forbidden, age-gap, small town romance. There's off-the-charts chemistry, witty banter, LOL moments, and a guaranteed HEA.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounding up to 4.

I wanted to love this book but there are just continuing issues with these kids that bother me. I hate how pushy all the girls are with each other in these books. When Rosie says she doesn’t want to go out, her twin Luna bugs her and basically forces her to go. Then of course when they go, Luna gets herself into trouble which causes issues for Rosie.

There were times when I really liked Dylan but then he would let his past affect him too much. He kept saying he was nothing like his dad but then he was constantly worried he was going to be like him. I was glad he was there to help Rosie when she needed it most.

Rosie was always back and forth. She would swear she wanted nothing to do with Dylan and then she would be all over him. I didn’t really get the back and forth.

I wish there was more time to truly build a relationship with these characters instead of the basic insta-love. I also wish Dylan and his siblings had been able to work through their issues. I’m honestly not looking forward to Lina’s book because she is nothing but a slut (and I hate saying that). Who sleeps with her sisters brother-in-law and then immediately is hitting on her sister’s OBGYN. That’s just gross. Hopefully she won’t be sleeping with every man that walks by in her book or I’ll have to pass on that.

[Paige Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is a hit or miss for me and this was a miss. I read about 40% then skimmed the rest as it was a bit painful. For the part I read Dylan waa more stalker-ish as opposed to a smitten Alpha male. And I don't think the Gallo's would hate the children. They would have taken the kids under their wings.

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Younger Version of City Had Me Swooning!!!
It’s official! I’ve finally found a Chelle Bliss book boyfriend that I love as much as City! Might be because the hero of “Ashes,” Book 9 in the Men of Inked: Heatwave series that follows the second generation of the Gallo family, is not only in love with his daughter, but he also reminds me so much of the original Gallo men - protective, sexy as sin, and completely over the moon for his woman. Dylan is a tatted, motorcycle-riding, misunderstood loner who has a whole lot of baggage, but he has a huge heart, is genuinely and innately a nice guy under all that muscle and ink, and he’s got that hot alpha thing going on without being an over-the-top alphahole. Rosie is the more responsible of Joe (aka City) and Suzy Gallo’s twins - smart, sweet, and beautiful, although she seems to think her curves say otherwise. When Dylan comes to her rescue more than once, the chemistry between the two incinerates the F- - ks they have to give about her father’s wishes for her to steer clear of “that Walsh kid.” As always, Ms. Bliss gives us a page-turning, well-rounded plot with a little sprinkling of danger, a rich cast of characters going back multiple generations of a beloved family, and all the lip biters, heart tuggers, and everything in between that makes every single installment in the Men of Inked universe so very special. In fact, one of my absolute favorite parts about this particular story is the interaction with Sal and Marie, Rosie’s grandparents. The way Ms. Bliss so masterfully weaves the elders of the family into each new book brings something infinitely more endearing to it. By my count, there are still four more in the Florida branch of the second generation to get their stories, and I’m crossing fingers, toes, and everything else that Ms. Bliss will see fit to revisit the Chicago side of the family as well. As a die-hard fan, I say ALL. THE. STARS. Can’t wait for more!

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always a great day when a book featuring the Gallos shows up on my e-reader. Chelle Bliss writes these stories with such ease, getting into the hearts and minds of Rosie Gallo and Dylan Walsh like it's second nature and it is always a fabulous thing. Ashes is a wonderful addition to the Men of Inked: Heatwave series, giving us yet another glimpse into the 2nd generation of hard-working, brutally honest, and crazy-in-love family that is the Gallo crew. Rosie is a no-nonsense kind of woman and has no problem putting a man in their place when needed. When Dylan Walsh shows back up in town after a 17-year absence, not only does she try her hardest to ignore the sexy beast who insists on being her savior more than once but she ultimately finds the man who is truly her equal in every way.

Although they didn't technically truly know each other before Dylan left town and his abusive father behind, there was and is definitely a bit of a tether between them. As we start to get the harsh details of his life and that of the brothers who he couldn't convince to leave at the time, it becomes very clear that Dylan is a man of integrity and is the only one for Rosie.

Dylan's insecurities made me sad for him but thank goodness that Gallo clan can't stay out of each other's lives. Many of the beloved characters I have come to know well and love come to the rescue a few times throughout this book and once again, I'm in a Gallo bubble, never wanting to leave.

Each and every one of these books are full of the kind of romance I can't help but devour. And I do, very happily. Rosie and Dylan are a great couple with a passion for each other that can't be denied. And knowing it will be a wild time with twin sister Luna's story next, I can only hope we get to see more of the Walsh brothers, too, hoping for full redemption for each of them as well.

4 big stars!

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read the Men of Inked series-I would absolutely pick up a book and start them! I have loved this series from the start, and this newest installment is no different! Rosie is the quieter sister, especially compared to Luna. But she never hesitates to step up when her sister gets herself into trouble. And when that happens, Dylan is there to help her. Dylan left town as soon as he turned 18. He had to get away but when he did, he left his brothers behind. And now he is back to help them, but they are angry and bitter that he left them in the first place. And when he meet's Rosie again, he knows that he has to stay for more than just his brothers.

There is so much more to his back story and the story with his brothers-but I don't want to say a lot because I feel like it will wreck part of the story. Needless to say, there was a lot that would break anyone's heart for them. As per usual with the Gallo's, when their family needs them (whether they know it or not) they will all step up and help them. And this book was no exception to that! I loved seeing not only the next generation of Gallo's in this story but also the older generation as well. This series never fails to suck me in and make me want to keep reading, but honestly I am absolutely loving this newest generation and just how loud and out there they truly can be! And after reading the lead up for Luna's story, I absolutely can't wait for that one!! Another great read for me!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie Gallo is the shy, timid twin and has always and will always be a daddy’s girl, so when the long lost neighbor blows back into town she plays it off like she doesn’t remember him. BUT even as a little girl who could ever forget that sexy, hot face of an older boy !!

Dylan Walsh left town 17 years ago because it was time .. time to become and man and time to stop the beatings from his father. BUT in leaving he left his 6 brothers thinking if he left dad would become a dad and not a habitual drunk and beater. So NOT the case .. So when Ian needs him he know he has to go back home. Will it be forever .. not sure BUT if Ro has anything to do with it she is hoping so because one look, one touch and the electricity is flowing between these two …. BUT Joe Gallo HATES the Walsh’s and makes the girls swear to never ever go out with a Walsh !

Can she get daddy to change his mind about Dylan after he rescues her TWICE ?? Will Suzy and Grandma remind Joe he used to be the same bad boy as he says and thinks Dylan is .. BUT boy is her wrong …. Will he be the turning point in there relationship even when Rosie try is to stay away from him ??

Omg .. I hung on every word written on the pages .. the Gallo is just that a big loving FAMILY !! Everyone wants and needs a FAMILY like that !!

Bring in the wild twin !! Let’s go Luna !!

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every since I read the blurb for Ashes (Men Of Inked: Heatwave #9), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. And as to be expected, Chelle Bliss absolutely nailed it! I was hooked on Dylan and Rosie’s story right from the start. Rosie Gallo is the quieter and more calmer one of Joe Gallo’s twins, I adored everything about her and she’s definitely deserving of a good man. But don’t let sweet Rosie fool you because she definitely has the Gallo sass and a naughty side and fortunately, Dylan Walsh is the perfect man to bring out that side of her. And what’s not love about him considering he’s the definition of a bad boy with major sexy alpha vibes.

Ashes is a touching story with a great storyline that I devoured and couldn’t help but fall in love with. Luna Gallo’s (Rosie’s twin) book is up next and I’m highly anticipating reading it as I know it’s going to be one heck of a wild ride!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan returns to his home town after 17 years. His family has a bad reputation, but he doesn't deserve it. His brothers hate him for leaving and they only want him back as they need something. Rosie, doesn't need a hero, she's independent and strong, but she doesn't need to be strong all the time. Dylan goes back and forth between fighting for her and running from her as he thinks he's not good enough. Loved the family interactions, especially Luna, can't wait for her story, Rosie thinks Luna is a gem and that she is an afterthought. Especially loved the banter between Dylan and Rosie, a total hard commitment from each side, one saying yes and one saying no. Grandparents, gotta love them, especially when one person does not have that connection, they truly are your history and your present meeting in the same time.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.