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urned off men by a bad dating experience, Ava Jones wasn't looking for anything but a fun night out with her friend … then she met a tall, handsome, charismatic man at a bar.
It was supposed to be one night with him and they’d never see each other again. But when she finds herself drawn to him, she goes back looking for him.
The only problem? He is the kind of man she promised she would never fall for.
Now she's caught between two decisions: letting go of a lifelong vow she made, or letting herself fall for the sexy Army man.

Archer has never been the kind of guy that gets attached to anything or anyone … ever.
But when he wakes up in bed alone after a passionate night with a redheaded beauty, he's filled with the need to find her and claim her for himself.
But he can't do that without opening up his heart.

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Alexis Ashlie

89 books106 followers
Alexis loves writing steamy romance with instalove and alpha males. She loves reading them as much as writing them!
She also loves movies, cooking and photography.
You can sign up for her email list and get all new releases and giveaways.
https://www.subscribepage.com/x3n3x7

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5 stars
27 (56%)
4 stars
15 (31%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
11.6k reviews49 followers
September 11, 2021
Disappointing as it was rough reading

Bruiser is the first book in the Hot Heroes series. The story is about Archer "Bruiser" Bryant and Ava Jones. Archer is in the Special Forces of the Army and appears to lead a unit. Ava is a baker who owns a bakery with her best friend Katie. They meet one night at a bar, Ava was there with Katie who took off with a guy and left Ava alone. Archer was there and it seemed he was cruising to find someone to take home that night. He sits at the stool next to Ava and starts chatting. She states she is not interested and she is not sleeping with him. He says not looking for that either but if he was then he would get her to come home with him. Thirty seconds later she is out the door, in his car, and then banging it all night at his place.

So I glanced through the other reviews so far and it appears I am going to not agree. I found this book was choppy, the characters dialogue is stilted at times and way, way , way OTT or does not make sense. The story-line could be quite good as the sexy scenes are super hot. But there are inconsistencies in the details, they jump around in time and in character. I did make it through to the end. BTW - I have read and reviewed a number of other books by this author so this book surprised and disappointed me. Sorry but this one is a pass for me. I will read the next book in this series, as it may only be this book which is rough.
1,509 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2021
It was suppose to be girls night out but Ava was left alone at the bar when her friend hooked up with some guy and left her. Now sitting at the bar feeling miserable, when a guy approached her and was ring to make small talk. Ava not really wanting to talk but Archer talked to her and explained the plan for the night. Ava could go along with his plan. They go back to his place and have a good night. She left early the next morning so she didn't have that uncomfortable morning after. While at work though she felt horrible for leaving. Days later, not being able to think of anything else, she went to his place to talk. Archer was unhappy she walked out on him but glad she was back. After their night together, Archer asked her to go on a date. While the date Archer got a call he had to take. This was exactly why she didn't want to be with a Military man. She told him they can't be together because she can't deal with his career. After talking to her mom, she explained that if she likes him and happy, then she can handle everything he has to do.
Ava decided to go talk to him and let him know she loves him and wants to be with him. Archer was more then thrillled.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
August 29, 2021
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Ava was on a night out with her best friend when she meets Archer, it was meant to be girls night but there she was sitting at the bar alone. She’s not looking for anything when Archer approaches her with the offer of one night only, she decides to take a chance but when the morning comes will she want to stay or will she run?

As a military man Archer has always been in to one night only, no feelings and no complications type of man so meeting Ava felt like a blessing, especially when she makes it crystal clear that this could never be anything more with him being in the military. But when morning comes after the best night of his life and he finds himself alone Archer for the first time wants more but will he find the redhead who has tipped his world on its side or was it really just one night?

These two are awesome characters and I loved reading their journey to each other they are both scared of being left behind and want to take a chance on love. I was in the story from the start and if this is any indication there are some seriously hot stories heading our way in this series. 4.2* read.
437 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
This is the story of Archer “Bruiser” and Ava. He was a military man and she came from a military family. She promised that she will never have a relationship with a military man. One day she was in a bar with her best friend and she ditched her for a guy. Alone in the bar, Archer introduced himself and told her that he wanted a night with her. When he told her that he was a soldier she immediately refused to have a relationship, but he convinced her that he was not interested in a relationship, just a night. After a night together, none of them were able to stop thinking about the night and show they felt. They met again and were not able to stop their feelings. But Archer still a soldier and Ava does not want a life with a soldier. Will they be able to make things work even the differences? Will she accept a relationship with him?
Nice story and characters. I want to see if Ava’s friend ended with one of Archer’s friends. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,088 reviews13 followers
August 25, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Bruiser is book 1 from Alexis Ashlie's new series Hot Heroes. It is a short instant love story about Ava who grew up the daughter of an Army man. She knows the loneliness she and her mother felt when he was away. She swears to never get involved with one. Archer has a way of getting to her. He wants one night but what about her oath to no involvement because he swore his loyalty to uncle sam?

These two had lots of chemistry and seemed to blend together well. As for her reason to not date him, I guess I just don't understand. I kept telling her to look at the whole package, not to think about when he is away. Overall the story reads fast and ends happily. It is great for a short story and if you like quick ones this book is just right for you. I just wanted more time to get to know them. That being my only complaint isn't much of one.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,698 reviews28 followers
August 26, 2021
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Bruiser( Archer) and Ava. They met one night at a bar and Ava said she had no interest in dating a military man. Archer said he didn't want a relationship either, but he wanted a night without strings. Ava agreed and went home with him. They had an amazing night, but Ava left without leaving her number. Ava couldn't forget Archer and soon found herself regretting leaving him without a word. Archer was also having a hard time forgetting Ava and when she showed up at his door, he was both glad and angry. Even though they both didn't want a relationship, they began spending time together and soon found they had feelings for each other, but Ava still didn't want to be with Archer because he was in the military. I liked this book, i liked Archer. I think he had deep feelings for Ava and was determined to be with her. Ava had to deal with her issues from the past and decide if she wanted to take a chance on Archer. Good one.
417 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2021
Bruiser/Archer, is in the Special Forces with the Army. He walks into the bar just for a drink, and runs into a beautiful woman, Ava.
Ava owns a bakery and has no intentions of getting together with an Army man. Her father is a General in the Army, and she knows all too well how hard, and emotional it is when any military man is gone.

This story had a lot of hot scenes. These two had chemistry and passion, and an easy flow between them. This was well written, but I like longer stories. I know there are many people who like a short story. I recommend this book if you do. This would be right up your alley if you like bossy, dominant, possessive, military men.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2021
This is book number 1 of the Hot Heroes series and focuses on Archer and Ava. They meet at a bar and have an life changing one-night stand before Ava leaves before Archer gets up. Ava has an a no dating a military guy rule for herself to protect herself from being constantly left behind due to her dad being in the military and always gone. Archer is an Army man so she runs because she is scared of being hurt. Archer is used to being alone and not committed to anyone so he has a hard time rationalizing his feelings towards Ava because he doesn't want to complicate his life with a relationship but he doesn't want to let her go either. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read. Great start to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
September 11, 2021
Ava grew up an Army brat and knowing how often she was without her father, she never wanted a relationship with a military man. At a bar one night with her bakery co-owner, she meets Archer, a military man. They start with a one night, but over that week they can not stop thinking about each other. She returns to his home and they start a relationship, which has its many ups and downs. Loved their choices for dates.
The characters are terrific, with great backstories that give them depth. The storyline is wonderful and leaves a smile on your face. The romance progresses well and the party was a nice highlight. Loved the conversation with her mother. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany Barnett.
667 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2021
Ava Jones doesn't date anyone in the military. She grew up an Army brat and doesn't want the same thing for her future. What happens when she meets a handsome military man that she can't stop thinking about?

Archer Bryant does not need a relationship. He's in the military and could leave at a moments notice. What happens when he meets a beautiful woman and can't stop thinking about her?

I loved this fast paced story. This is the first book in the Hot Heroes series. There a lot of steam 🔥. I loved how both Archer and Ava we're open about what they didn't want but were willing to work things out. Can't wait for the next one! 🖤

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
2,704 reviews33 followers
August 18, 2021
Archer is in special forces when he meets Ava at a bar. Neither wanted more than a one night stand until they met each other.
Sweet, romantic and steamy this book was. I loved the chemistry ava dynamic Ava and Archer had. He was all alpha and kind of dominant and she was hot, sweet but confident in what she did and didn't want.
But they just worked. Alexis Ashlie writes sweet romance that I just love and this was another. Great work!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,168 reviews58 followers
August 24, 2021
I loved how Archer and Ava met. Their attraction was so intense right away. There was so much passion. I know how Ava felt about military men as they sometimes have to leave so that they can do their job. I like how Archer and Ava decided to give each other a chance to get to know each other and see where their relationship went. Archer was so honest with Ava but he was falling fast. Ava was willing to take the good with the bad. That's love. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Haworth.
1,030 reviews25 followers
September 3, 2021
Ava is a talented baker and Archer is the Adonis that sweeps her off her feet for the night after her friend abandons her.
Their sexual chemistry is off the scales, neither of them ever feeling that way with someone. But they were both just looking for a hook up, nothing serious. Raised a soldiers daughter, Ava has always vowed to never settle down with a soldier.
But neither can forget the other and they keep meeting up together with sex always the precursor to anything else.
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. Loved it.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
September 12, 2021
Bruiser is a hot and an intensely fiery short story of Ava and Archer. Ava is a military brat who swore never to date anyone in the service. Archer stopped at the bar for a drink, but when he sees Ava he wants more. Not wanting a relationship nor to label anything, Archer and Ava have a night they can't forget. But because of the intensity Ava ran.

Ava and Archer's story is a push and pull of feelings, wants, desires, fears, passion and lust that will have you melting in your seat and wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
625 reviews
October 13, 2021
Ava has made the decision to not date any man who is in any of the military services. She holds the pain inside of her as she was growing up with her father not being home as much. When she meets Archer at a bar, it is easy to have feelings for him because he is tall and good looking. The morning after Ava and Archer spend together, Ava leaves without saying good bye and regrets her decision. Hopefully Ava can get over her mind roadblock and ask forgiveness of Archer. This is book #1 of the "Hot Heroes" series. Enjoy!
12.1k reviews75 followers
August 22, 2021
The author has given us a fast paced, quick read that pulls us into the lives of Ava and Archer. He is a military man that has never had a relationship, and does not want one when he meets Ava. She has vowed to never get involved with a military man. Will their feelings for each other bring them together or are they willing to let the other go?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,092 reviews31 followers
August 23, 2021
Risking Their Hearts For Love -
It was meant to be one night and done, but neither one of them could hold their will to that after their night of unbridled pleasure. This scorching romance story will leave you needing a cold shower by the time you finish reading it. However, I can assure you that as you turn each page, you will realise it was worth your time. I will be happy to recommend this shirt story.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,071 reviews
August 24, 2021
Alexis Ashlie has done it again. This is her first book in her new Hot Heroes Series and it will have you turning the pages. Archer (aka Bruiser) is in the military and Ava is a military brat. This is a short, quick, fast paced read and the chemistry between them is explosive. What a wonderful start to a new series. I can hardly wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,758 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2021
A short sexy read...
The story has been covered in the blurb & by prior reviewers. It was an easy read. Love the heroic brave military men & can appreciate that they're not looking for long term commitment & women generally probably want more than a one night stand. Such was the situation of the main characters featured but could either compromise to make it a win win? I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2021
Ava is mad at her friend for ditching her at a bar. She gets approached by Archer. She discovers Archer is in the Army and because of her dad, she is vowed to not date someone in the military. After being together, Ava leaves but can't forget Archer. But will she be able to overcome her own rule to find her HEA with Archer. This is a good read. I love how Ava and Archer are with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,428 reviews30 followers
August 24, 2021
Archer and Ava met in a bar when he propositioned her for a one night stand which she agrees to. But their chemistry is so strong that one night is not enough. I really enjoyed this story about how their relationship evolved into a sweet hea. Very entertaining, fast paced, short , and easy to read. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*
Profile Image for Mia Loves Reading 📚💕.
177 reviews13 followers
August 25, 2021
I received this ARC for a review, I really enjoyed this one, it was quick easy, and steamy. Something light for my mind to handle during more chaotic times. I liked that he was an army guy, that was very attractive. I recommend!

Archer was so enjoyable to read and Ava was relatable. A dreamy love interest and a relatable leading lady are always my favorite reads!
3,264 reviews10 followers
August 25, 2021
This is a short, fast read. The characters get down to some major steam right away and agree to one night of bliss. Feelings begin to invade and each starts wanting more. Circumstances create many conflicts. What will happen?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
964 reviews
August 30, 2021
An fatefull meeting!
What it was supposed to be a one night stand, it turns out to be sooooo much more!

An untertaining read, with beatiful characters, some twists and turns, and a lot of steam!
A successful start of a new series!

I received an ARC copy thru Bookfunnel and I leave my honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jo.
883 reviews
October 10, 2021
It was a cute short story. Bruiser never expected to find love. Ava and his story was cute. It’s crazy how you try to fight being an a relationship similar to what you grew up in but still find the one in similar situation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea Barth-Leidinger.
417 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2021
Short, to the point and sexy. There’s not much to say to this romance novel, as it is far too short to delve into details. But it’s a nice pass time for lunch break if you skip certain scenes… if not, be prepared to bring a big parcel or folder with you to hide behind…
at least the red face….
Profile Image for Elaine Swinney.
2,207 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2021
I received an ARC Copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is a well written short story with great characters. This is a quick easy read. I would encourage everyone to get this one for that lazy afternoon. This one is worth your time.
Profile Image for Laurie Martin.
1,358 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2021
Alexis Ashlie’s latest release will have you entertained for a bit. Great Characters and Storyline. I can’t wait to read her next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,769 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2021
Archer and Ava is a great read that has us excited that they have an attraction to each other but fighting their own personal demons. A fantastic read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
September 2, 2021
An enjoyable book one in the Hot Heroes series! It is emotionally deep, intriguing, engaging, and well written with humour, ups and downs, lots of steam, instant chemistry, likeable characters, and more.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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