On My Terms

by Ashley Farley

Jolie Hogan likes coffee black, panties lacy, and tequila neat. She’s a cop, turned journalist, turned private investigator. People say she’s ballsy. Truth is, her courage is a recklessness that stems from her troubled past.

Jolie is currently in a mess of trouble. She’s been set up for murder by a powerful criminal attorney. The murder victims are the attorney’s wife and Jolie’s husband, Lucas. Jolie will do whatever it takes to clear her name. Including selling her soul to the devil. In Jolie’s case, the devil is a wickedly hot detective who brings the past back to haunt her.

Genres: Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.

A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.

Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...

Reviews

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your average Ashley Farley novel that is sweet yet fraught with emotions. No, this is a grittier mystery (romantic suspense) novel with flawed characters and the search for the truth.

As is with all of this author's novels, I was drawn in immediately. Who wouldn't be when Jolie is hired to find out who a client's wife is cheating with and it turns out to be her husband. And then they both end up dead and Jolie is caught in the middle of the situation. This is where her training comes in handy as she ferrets out the truth, which doesn't come easy.

I really enjoyed this story and there were some twists I didn't expect but they fit perfectly with the story. There is a wide variety of characters with motives that range from the pure to the extremely devious. Only Joie and those closest to her will be able to figure everything out, but will they do it in time? The action kept me glued to my seat and I think I stayed up just a little too late reading this book. 

We give this book 5 paws up.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different type of a book by Ashley Farley who normally writes women's fiction and it proves that she can write a fantastic book in any genre. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down until the end. I stayed up much later at night than I usually do but it was well worth it.

Jolie Hogan is a cop - a real kickass cop with a heart of gold that she tries to keep hidden. She often acts reckless and wants to get the job done. She and her twin brother had a tough upbringing. Their mother left them at a police station when they were young and they tried (and succeeded) to stay together in foster care. Despite their differences, they are very close to each other. As the book begins, she is a private investigator who gets set up by a rich lawyer to help him kill his wife and her boyfriend who also happened to be Jolie's husband. She knows that she'll be accused of the murders and starts investigating to clear her name. She is fearless and takes lots of chances to make other people safe from harm. When a terrible event happens in her life she has to decide if she'll go on living or make changes in her life.

There were lots of interesting plots in this story but I don't want to give any spoilers. All I can tell you is to READ this book. It will make you laugh and it may make you cry but I ended up with a lot of admiration for Jolie. This is about romance, sex, abandonment and life changing decisions. Jolie is not a character that you'll soon forget.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although On My Terms is a departure from Ashley Farley's usual women's fiction novels, it is as compelling as her previous novels intrigue and suspense added into the plot. We are introduced to Jolene, who is struggling with the demise of her marriage, a problem with alcohol and a career change from police officer and journalist to a private detective. Jolene also had to deal with the fact that her mother abandoned her and her twin brother at a young age. Will she be able to make peace with her mother? She may be down on her luck and facing the prospect of being charged with the murder of her husband and his lover, but she will find her strength and prevail in the end. Ashley Farley continues her theme of women battling their inner demons and become strong-minded and independent women.

[Tancy | tancysreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnfing this at 38%. This is awful. I will absolutely not be finishing it. Every single crazy thing that could happen in a book (abduction, double homicide, being framed, catching the person who framed you, multiple love interests that suck, being in the foster care system, brother being in a shooting, brother dying) all in 38 freakin percent. What’s in the rest?! Idk but I’m not finishing it.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is SO good!
A Suspenseful, drama that had me on the edge of my seat many times!
The main character- Jolie, is a staunch private investigator, who had a tough childhood growing up in foster homes, creating distrust as an adult.
Her main memory as a kid was she and her brother being left at a police station by their mother. Where did her mom go? Did she have a dad?
Jolie tries to always keep her emotions in check. It is the only way to survive.
Her best friend is her twin bother who understands his sister and helps to keep her in balanced.
When she is called to investigate and document an affair occurring, she sees that her own husband is involved in this affair. Now what?
Jolie's life is now in complete chaos.
Life does not always play fair and many things change within a minute.
I followed and actually got caught up in Jolie's life and admired her determination to right the wrong in her life.
This is a definite 10 stars in my opinion and I loved it!
Truly a great read!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Ashley Farley can write anything she puts her mind to. Her new book On My Terms was a huge step outside of her comfort zone and she knocked it out of the park! This book is classified as Murder Mystery but, it is so much more than that. 

I have been a fan of Ashley Farley for a couple of years and won the jackpot when she accepted me on her review team. She never disappoints. This book has a little love, death, murder, police procedure… you name it. It grabbed from the very first sentence and totally had me hooked by the time I turned the first page. 

I haven’t read an Ashley Farley book yet that didn’t leave me wanting more. They are so delicious. Her characters are often complex. The story lines are deep. Her writing has an easy flow making even the longer books fly by. 

If you haven’t read anything by this author yet, go ahead and pre-order On My Terms. You won’t regret it. You’ll be hooked and looking at her long list of books for another great read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. It was pretty fast paced with strong female character. I really enjoyed this book!
Thanks to the author for the early copy

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It's not a normal Ashley Farley book....meaning it wasn't a romance in the low country of South Carolina...now I know that Ashley Farley can write anything and I would still devour it the same as her low country books
Jolene Hogan is a former cop turned private investigator. She is hired to investigate a cheating wife...but little did Jolene (Jolie) know that the wife she is hired to investigate is having an affair with someone she knows.
Jolie and her twin brother Jason had a rough childhood where they were left by their mother and put into foster care.
So hard to write a review without giving up a lot of the story so I will focus on the writing. Ashley Farley has a wonderful writing style that once you start a book it is hard to put down. Even when she comes out of her element of women's fiction and writes an intriguing and suspenseful story line. The characters are well rounded and you will find yourself going through the gamut of emotions. I laughed, cried and cheered Jolie on. Excellence at it's best!
Ashley Farley you have stepped out of your comfort zone but you nailed this story! Congratulations on a great book! Although I must say that I love all your books!
Highly recommend

Thank you to Ashley for allowing me to be part of her ARC team for an honest review. All words are mine and mine alone!

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story , the cover truly conveys the character of Jolie, a unique blend of a strong yet vulnerable woman who on no uncertain terms takes anything from anyone. She is a true rebel of sorts , seeking out justice and serving it! really love how this author gives each character of her books their own identity and self worth.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed me from the first chapter! There was a lot going on and I immediately got drawn into the drama. And being familiar with Ashley's storytelling, I knew this was going to be a story that would be full of memorable characters, plenty of emotion, and tons of wonderfulness. I was not disappointed.

Jolie goes through so much, right from the get-go and as things escalate, she learns who has her back and who she can trust... and who is out to get her. There were some heart wrenching scenes but those were balanced out with plenty of love, compassion, and forgiveness. It was beautiful watching the people who loved Jolie gather around her when she needed them the most.

On My Terms is very different from Ashley's usual writings—more action and suspense—but I love the way she told the story and the direction she took with it. I have loved all of Ashley's stories and this is now one of my favorites. I highly recommend it!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re a survivor, Jolie. Be strong and fight for keeps.”

WOW! As soon as I started reading I knew this was not a usual Ashley Farley book. The story captivated me from the beginning. So many emotions as I read.
Jolie is a former police officer, journalist, now working as a private investigator.
She is dealing with her marriage falling apart, and an alcohol problem. Jolie and her twin brother Jason were abandoned by their mother when they were young.
Fast paced story filled with love, loss, survival, family, suspense and drama.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, mystery, intrigue, the possibility of forgiveness, love, and trust. All of these elements are found in this exciting story by author Ashley Farley. The first page drew me in with action and deep emotions. I couldn't put this one down. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, captivating story that grabbed my interest on the first page. Jolene Hogan, known as Jolie, former police officer, journalist and is now working as a private investigator, has been hired by a high-powered criminal attorney to document the activities of his wife. What a shock to discover his wife is having an affair with Jolie’s husband. Jolie finds herself in more trouble than she could even imagine when she realizes she’s been set-up for murder.

Jolie and her twin brother Jason, who is an anesthesiologist resident, grew up in foster care after being abandoned at a young age, at a police station by their mother. Despite being fraternal twins, they are nothing alike. Jason is more settled, responsible, has goals and lives a responsible, clutter free life. Jolie is pretty much the opposite. She helped put Jason through college but has no desire to go herself. She is fearless, lives in the fast lane, which leads to being reckless. Tequila is her drink of choice. Her troubled past plays a big part in who she is today.

This is a story that has many moving parts. Secrets are revealed while courageous acts prove to be life-changing events. Ashley has a way of bringing all the parts together into one cohesive, fascinating, compelling story that is nearly impossible to put down.

I’ve read every book Ashley Farley has written, and for those who are fans of Ashley, you’ll find this one much different then her usual women’s fiction genre. This would fall more into the category of romantic suspense, which she captured well. It has a totally different feel than her other books.

[Carla Suto · Rating 5 out of 5]

ON MY TERMS by Ashley Farley is a gripping story of love, family, loss and redemption. I have read many of Ashley Farley’s women’s fiction novels, but this book has a totally different feel. It is fast-paced, edgy and loaded with drama. Jolie Hogan was a cop before being a journalist before becoming a private investigator. She and her beloved twin brother, Jason, had a troubled upbringing, never knowing their father and being abandoned by their mother at an early age. They are polar opposites in many ways but have always been very close and have relied on each other all their lives. Jolie finds herself framed for murder when she is set up by a powerful criminal attorney investigating his wife and her lover. She will do anything to clear her name, but a tragic event leads her to embark on a risky mission that could cost Jolie her life and endanger those around her. There is so much going on in this story. As Jolie fights for what’s right, she must make some heart-wrenching and life-changing decisions about her own future. I really enjoyed this compelling novel and look forward to whatever is next from Ashley Farley. Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review an early copy of her book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed me from the beginning. A little off the normal path for this author and she did an excellent job with something new! It was fast paced with a lot going on that kept me turning pages to see what happened next. I really liked the character development and various relationship “drama” throughout the story. If you enjoy police detective reads with some family drama and a tad of romance; don’t miss this one. Thanks to the author for allowing me the privilege to read an ARC.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolie Hogan has had some awful things happen in her life, and bad things seem to keep happening. Ashley tells her story with such depth, feeling, and honesty, that you will feel her pain, and wonder at times, how she is surviving.
Jolie has been going through life and learned to be tough, but she always had her twin brother, who always saw the world with hope, kindness, and he balanced her out. When he was murdered, the pain she felt, I thought she would self-destruct. She took risks, and when she went after a ruthless man, who had a long criminal history, but never any charges, she once again, had a lot of goons trying to take her out.
A little seed, sparked something in her, and she finally realized, she couldn't live on her terms anymore. You will have to read the book, to see her fight just as hard, to change the way she is living life, She is a fighter, but she has been fighting and living life on her terms, most of her life. The book captured my attention from the start, and kept my attention to the end, it is a powerful story, filled with love, loss, decisions, and surviving, everything life has thrown at her.
I received an ARC from the author, Ashley Farley.

[JeanneK · Rating 4 out of 5]

On My Terms by Ashley Farley is a well written, intriguing story that grabbed my attention from the very first page. Without giving away any spoilers, the plot is full of mystery, danger, tragedy, romance, forgiveness and leaning how to cope with grief and starting over. It is a fast paced, intense, easy read. I think the author did a great job in creating both the plot and the characters. I rated it a four.

[Sherry Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

On my Terms

I enjoyed the story but was predictable and a bit cheesy for me at times. The second half is better. Easy and fast read but fell a little boring. Not a bad book but not my favorite by this author.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

COURAGE OR RECKLESSNESS?

Ashley Farley steps out of her comfort zone and brings readers an edgier, suspense filled mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Farley’s characters are complex, the plot is intriguing, and she has purposefully written an intense working relationship between the two main characters that is full of sparks—good and bad. All of these ingredients add into making a very enjoyable read.

To say Jolie Hagan has had a difficult life would be an understatement. It all started when her Mom abandoned her and her twin brother when they were very young. It seems to have given her courage but in reality it is a recklessness that stems from her troubled past. This restlessness is a double edged sword that makes her good at what she does but also almost costs her life. She allows herself to let her emotions rule and she gets set up to take the blame for a double murder. Unfortunately, this case is high profile and someone is intent on making sure she goes does down for the murder. Jolie starts down the path of making choices as to just what she is is willing to do to clear her name. Could help really come in the form of a good looking detective who brings the past back to haunt her?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! On My Terms was such a good book. I just love Ashley Farley. This grabbed you from the beginning and you just can't put it down. Jolie Hogan is a writer but was a cop first. When the story starts Jolie is a Private Investigator hired to follow a cheating wife and little did she know she would know the other person in this affair. Joline feels she is set up. Jolie will do whatever it takes to clear her name. Jolie had a tough life growing up in the foster system with her twin brother. Jolie is very tough and not very trusting. Jolie goes back to work for the police where there are many twists. This is a great read with love, loss, regret, survival and family. Thank you to Ashley Farley and the publisher for allowing me to be part of the ARC team in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really tried to not read this so fast BUT, with Ashley’s amazing writing skills, it just didn’t work. I couldn’t put this story down. Ashley normally writes women’s fiction and while this IS women’s fiction, it’s more mystery/suspense and I AM HERE for it!

Jolie is a mess, she’s gotten herself into a real pickle and suddenly her world is getting more dangerous by the minute. Former cop, turned private investigator slash podcaster, Jolie is on a collision course with murder when she gets the surprise of her life.

This story was really good; Murder, conspiracy, pregnancy, Jolie’s world is a mess but, family always makes things better.

Thank you to Ashley for the review copy! I highly recommend this one if you’re in a reading rut, it will get you excited to start reading again

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

On My Terms by Ashley Farley

I have been given an advance copy for my honest review.

This book is gripping. It gets you from the very first page. I could not put it down. I have not felt this way about a book in a long time. I read it in a day and a half.

There is a murder who committed this murder. Was it Jolie or was she set up. There is one thing after another that happens to Jolie that will want you to keep reading and not put it down.

I recommend this book. You will totally love it.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing story! It's about loss and family and falling in love. About finding your place and being happy. It's different what I've read by this author but at the same time it's the same because she knows how to tell a story with characters and a story that make you feel. Be prepared to shed a few tears, to laugh, to smile, to feel. It's a story you don't want to put down, a definite must read!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Farley doing what she does best, writing great books! Genre of ON MY TERMS a bit different from her usual. Don't let that discourage you from reading it. Yes , it's mystery,suspense and intrigue but still has Ashley's strong willed women facing her issues and problems. I liked it as well as all her others and recommend you read it too!
Thank you to Ashley Farley and the publisher for allowing me to be part of the ARC team in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Farley stepped into a new lane of writing. This was a suspense thriller that had me from the first paragraph. Jolie experienced more than most people will ever experience in a life time. She’s a tuff cookie who can hold her own but under that tuff side is a sweet, fragile side that has a calling to help others and wants to feel loved. A story of betrayal, anger, loss, love and forgiveness. A great story that wrapped up beautifully.

[Merrick Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m so impressed at how versatile Ashley Farley is as an author. From South Carolina beach reads to a murder mystery set in Richmond, Virginia, Farley can do it all! I admit, I was wary about trying a different type of book by Farley, but boy was I surprised. On My Terms had me hooked from the beginning. Jolie was a strong protagonist who threw me for a few surprises along the way. I really hope that Ashley Farley continues these characters through a series.

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ashley Farley has done it again! Written another bestseller and in a fashion that is not her usual form. This is a great book with characters you will love. Jolie is a private investigator who is embroiled in a murder not of her making and she will do anything to clear her name. This a page turning, do not put down until done, must read kind of book! Thank you so much to Ashley Farley for my requested copy and this is my own and honest review.

[Marti Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. Jolie and her fraternal twin, Jason, were abandoned at a police station when they were children. But they are grown now, Jason is a doctor and Jolie is married and working as a private investigator. Until one night, her job starts her on a very remarkable journey. I don’t want to give anything away, except to say that this is a great book. On My Terms- Ashley Farley. Five stars. Highly recommend.

[Lois Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

On My Terms

Ashley Farley's storylines are her own, her characters you can believe. When Jolie loses Justin her despair is real, if she could have died, she would have, I believe it took guts on Ashley's part to keep her alive.

This Author "lives" her books, her storylines, her characters; when she brought Jolie's Mother on board; I would be willing to say her character was much like the Author herself. Just saying. Absolutely great read. Enjoy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense read that grabs your attention from the start. A departure for Ashley Farley, but at the same time, you still have characters that are real facing everyday challenges. In this story or love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness Jolie comes to grip with her past and future. A very good read!