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Ashes #3

Ashes - Book 3

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Welcome to Book Three of the Ashes Series. You should read Book One and Two first. Haunted by her night at the club, Beth's heart feels like ashes... like the smallest hint of wind would blow the fragile pieces away. But she must carry on, she won't let any man make her feel like this. Besides, she has a job to do. And now, a mystery she knows she must solve.This third installment in Leslie Johnson’s steamy suspense series turns up the heat and will leave you panting for more.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2015

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About the author

Leslie Johnson

67 books129 followers
Leslie is a California native but recently moved to Arizona after a stint in Arkansas. She enjoys travel and being with her grandchildren.

She is an avid reader of many genres, but prefers romances with travel or thriller themes. She loves writing about strong women and strong men because the world needs both!

Please visit me at:

http://lesliejohnsonauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie...

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5 stars
58 (68%)
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23 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
960 reviews
August 11, 2015
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 3 in the series, and it is even better than the first two. Gage had made a date with another woman while Beth went out with her girlfriends. They all ended up at the same place although Gage had not realized it. Beth had followed Gage and his date into a room where they had a romantic encounter. Beth gets assaulted as she is running away from the room. All of this happened at the end of the last book.

Beth's friends go looking for her and see Gage. When they ask him if he has seen her, he gets upset and leaves his date to go look for Beth. I will not tell anymore of the story except to say that I loved it!!! Gage finds out more about Beth and Beth finds out a little bit more about her original rape that happened years ago.

Of course there is a cliffhanger which made me scream again as I did at the end of the last book. I can't wait to read the next book because we still are missing a lot of information.

You must read the first two books in order before you read this one.

Warning: there is hot sex but it is just a small part of the exciting plot.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,613 reviews43 followers
September 14, 2015
This book is the third book in this series and they must be read in order. It again picks up right where the last one left off. Beth is being attacked by Tanner in the back hallways of the club. Beth manages to get away and is running trying to find her way back to the main part of the club. Steph has gone looking for Beth and runs into Gage. They run into another they know as tells them that she saw Beth go down the hallway. So they go looking for her and that is when they hear her screaming. Gage doesn't waste a second taking off to find her before its too late. Gage manages to find her and get Tanner away. Gage and Beth need to have a talk about the way feel about each other. It is not just friends with benefits anymore for either of them. Will they be able to set their fears aside and tell each other how they really feel or with they let the other slip away? Again I am loving this series. I am intrigued by who could be behind the deaths of the girls in cave. Beth has been through so much and is finally letting go of the past and trying to move on. I can't wait to read the last book and see what happens.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
51 reviews
August 10, 2015
OMG! Leslie has done it again. This installment picks up where Book 2 left off and is even better. Beth, Stephanie and Hannah had gone to a club and Beth noticed Gage there with another woman. Of course, she followed him and saw them having sex in a back office. She got upset and started to leave but was then attacked and nearly raped. Gage, hearing a noise took out his gun to go investigate leaving Amber behind. He runs into Stephanie who is looking for Beth. They hear a scream and go running after the sound. Gage saves Beth from her attacker, but Beth has discovered who her attacker is and decides to investigate. The book is a roller coaster ride that will leave you wanting more, and the cliffhanger at the end...I never saw that coming. This is definitely for the 18+ crowd. Book 4 cannot come fast enough.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
88 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2015
Oh my gosh! These books just keep getting better and better. I've pulled for the main characters since I first "met" them. These books keep you guessing at every turn. I have to finish each one in a single sitting otherwise I'm jumping out of my skin. My favorite part of this one, strange though it sounds, is the "rape" talk at the high school. As the mother of a teenage girl, I literally was applauding and cheering the talk these two heroines gave. My daughter brought up the other day how unfair school dress codes are for girls and that it isn't her problem that guys are sleeve bags...she does dress modestly just for the record but the school has changes to the girls dress code policy every year, no changes for the boys. This is such a huge issue in our society, I feel Ms. Johnson did an excellent job of addressing the exploitation of females, rape and the sex trade/human trafficking crimes. It really helped raise my awareness. As a substitute teacher, it gave me signs to look for in the students I encounter and some resources if I do notice anything out of the ordinary.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox. Now on to the good stuff. The sex scenes sizzled, the dialogue was witty, the action was riveting, and the emotions that this book stirred up were mind boggling. As I read this book, I was under the impression that it was the final one in the series and threw a fit that I was being forced to face a cliffhanger with no possibility of resolution. I should have had more faith in Ms Johnson. I highly recommend you read all her books, but this one and the last one were my all time favorites (so far.) I can't wait to read Ashes 4....really soon!
Profile Image for Carrie Renteria.
257 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2015
Wow...this is one incredible series Leslie Johnson you have outdone yourself I absolutely could not put this down from the moment I picked up my kindle and started reading. Not only is the story line absolutely impeccable but the suspense and level of emotions that have written and evoked into each and every book so far have been absolutely genius!

Ashes is Book 3 in the series and picks up where book two left us on that incredibly dramatic cliff hanger Beth is being kidnapped after witnessing Gage in a rather compromising position with another woman. Let me just say this story is full of some amazing action, drama, tons of suspense some hot and steamy sex scenes and one hell of an amazing story line. This book seriously leaves you with one major book hangover at the end because not only do you have a cliffhanger but you are seriously left with so many questions and wondering where in the world this story is going. Make sure you hang on to your hats ladies and gentlemen because this book will take you on one heck of an amazing rollercoaster ride and as of now there is no telling where we are going to stop.

If you haven't downloaded this book or added it to your TBR list don't wait another minute this story is truly amazing!
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,855 reviews54 followers
September 3, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.

Book three follows book two and you need to read those first.


Beth's trip to the club turned nightmarish for more than one reason. Following that night, she pushes Gage away, but Gage won't let her, and they reunite, beautifully!


I had to wait for this part after reading one and two, and I HATED waiting!


Beth and Gage's story is a rollercoaster of emotions, love, hate and everything inbetween. Secrets abound, from those Beth thought she was closest to.


Its quite hard to write seperate reviews for each part, its like trying to write a review for each chapter in a longer book! Each book follows on fron the other, in one continuous story, so breaking them down is hard!


All I can say is, I refused to read this part, until I had part four ready to read too. I knew it was gonna be a corker because this was orginally planned to be just three books, and the author must have found something. Something that is dark, deadly and oh so delicious!


4.5 stars


**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amamzon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
September 18, 2015
Every book in this series gets better! You have to read 1 & 2 first to understand what's going on. Beth is trying to get over the bad night at the club. She's now admitting she has feelings for Gage and willing to give up her controlling tendencies. He's also haunted by that night and what could have happened. Gage is now willing to put his fear of commitment to rest and take a leap. However there are evil forces at work and a mystery to be solved before lives are lost.

The suspense is at an all time high, and my heart never stopped pounding. Leslie Johnson does a brilliant job layering the plot into one hell of a mystery. I love the character development as the love story is slow going and realistic. The sexy scenes have become SCORCHIN with the intimacy factor building up. Gage's hot alpha male self is coming out more and more with Beth giving up control. The storyline is exciting, and follows perfectly from Book 2, while giving answers piece by piece. CANNOT WAIT to read the conclusion!
Profile Image for Kendra Needs.
1,191 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2015
Loving this series, let me tell you there are no words that can describe how I felt at the end of this book.

The story in this book is very well developed and well written and the plot is very fast paced and by the end of the book my head was spinning and I was like what the heck just happened. The characters in this book have to be one of my favorites of Leslie Johnsons, Beth and Gage are perfect for each other, they just have to wake up and realize it.

This book takes so many twists and turns and ups and downs. Beth and Gage are both so stubborn and it takes a serious event for them to open their eyes and see whats right in front of them. That same event sends Beth and Gage on a wild goose chase to try and prove that she was telling the truth about Tanner, but what Beth discovers is enough to send her running and leave us with our jaws on the ground.

Cannot wait for book four
Profile Image for Shelley Youngblood.
829 reviews6 followers
August 21, 2015
Leslie Johnson continues to build suspense in book 3 of her Ashes Series. If you have not read the first two books in this series, you will want to start there. It is definitely a series which builds on the previous books. Gage and Beth are fantastic characters you will want to learn more about.

Book 3 starts immediately where the last one left off. It is dealing with the aftermath of what happened to Beth at the Night club. Beth has been pushed to her limit and almost broken once again. She is left with the decision to pick herself up and move on or let it consume her. Gage is there for her and finding his own path to dealing with the situation presented before them.

Leslie Johnson continues to build the depth of each character throughout this books. She ties up some loose ends, while creating more twists and turns in the plot to come. I cannot wait to read more from this series!
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews21 followers
August 12, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Leslie Johnson.

When Beth watches Gage with another female she is hurt to the core. Now she finds out be getting attacked again who her college rapist was but the copy do not believe her. Gage realizes just how special Beth is when he sees her being attacked and saves her just in time. Things go from bad to worse when Gage and Beth go to a high price BDSM club and recognize a couple men there. Can they get justice for Beth or will the events wreck their chance at happiness.

Wow I am totally blown away by the story line and how the characters are interacting with each other. Drama, revenge, romance, fear and hope are in this book 3 of the authors series.

This is for mature romance book reader because of sexual content.
Profile Image for Lynette.
8 reviews60 followers
August 9, 2015
Laugh. Cry. Bite my nails. Rage in fury. Gasp in surprise. Get all hot and bothered. Repeat.

I love these books... all the emotions they swirl together, leaving me feeling as if the characters are real people and I'm a fly on the wall watching their lives unravel around them. I want to yell and scream or hug them. It's incredible how 'real' they are to me. Not just the main characters, but characters like Captain Frank who appear only occasionally. I hope all firemen have a captain like him.

Book 3 was beautiful and unexpected. Sensual. Loving. I now adore the word 'surrender' as I hadn't thought of it that way. It was beautiful to witness Beth and Gage surrender to each other. And then the cliff bomb at the end. Wow. Wasn't expecting that. Book four can't come soon enough.
112 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2015
As this story continues, you get a glimpse into the greatest fears of both Gabe and Beth. They're both afraid of putting themselves out there that they miss what's right in front of them. I loved this next episode in this series. I enjoyed watching them both grow and see that love is not a bad thing. I also liked the continuation of the mystery of the bodies that Gabe found in the second book. There's still no answer there but what we do learn is creepy and gave me chills. Maybe in the next installment we'll get that info. The plot follows wonderfully from the second book and gives us some answers. I hope if you've read the first two that you'll read this one too.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author for an honest review*
Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2015
**Reviewed By Hooked On Books**

I gave this book 4.5 Stars!

WOW! This series keeps getting better and Hotter!!! Just when I thought book 2 was HOT this one is going to set your Kindle on fire!!! Good thing we know a sexy fireman that can put it out!!!! You get to see how much Beth and Gage really are moving from the Friends with Benefits to more of a relationship. I love how this book just keeps getting more twister and with every turn you learn something knew.

Beth is haunted by her night at the club, but she is determine to find out the answers. Gage thinks he can keep Beth in the friend zone until the night at the club.

Can these two see what's right in front of them?

Leslie you keep me wanting more of these two and I can't wait to read the conclusion.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
November 21, 2015
I gave this book 4.5 Stars!

WOW! This series keeps getting better and Hotter!!! Just when I thought book 2 was HOT this one is going to set your Kindle on fire!!! Good thing we know a sexy fireman that can put it out!!!! You get to see how much Beth and Gage really are moving from the Friends with Benefits to more of a relationship. I love how this book just keeps getting more twister and with every turn you learn something knew.

Beth is haunted by her night at the club, but she is determine to find out the answers. Gage thinks he can keep Beth in the friend zone until the night at the club.

Can these two see what's right in front of them?

Leslie you keep me wanting more of these two and I can't wait to read the conclusion.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobis.
477 reviews
August 9, 2015
Beth is assaulted and nearly raped again at a night club. Gage gets to her in time to stop the rape. Gage and Beth finally acknowledged they live each other. They try to investigate Tanner, who assaulted Beth, and discover something very upsetting to Beth.

This serialized book deals with rape in a very different way than many other books. It is putting the blame for rape where it belongs, on the rapist. The narrative on the high school seminar that Steph and Beth put on should be read by all high school students. Unfortunately, this book is only for age 18 and over due to the graphic sexual content.
Profile Image for Deborah.
2,994 reviews23 followers
August 9, 2015
Absolutely outstanding! OMG what an incredible story! Beth has a past; one that's defined her present and future. As Beth grows closer to her sleeping buddy, Gage, truths are shared. Will this handsome firefighter save her from her worst nightmare? How, when and where will Gage come to terms with his relationship with Beth? Will Beth come clean about her past to help prevent others from being hurt in the future? As clues from a crime scene start clicking into place, Beth decides to play spy. Does Gage support her decision? Can he protect Beth? Ashes 3 has a tremendous cliffhanger that had me wanting to throw my ereader. Simply amazing! A must read!
Profile Image for Johnnie-Marie Howard.
1,144 reviews43 followers
September 20, 2015
Thinking that things are finally going the way they should another plot twist and turn come from out of no where. It's bam in your face lol. The author really knows how to write to keep you reading the series that's for sure. Once I reached the end more of the mystery love story was going on and I couldn't help but read even faster then what I was already going. Damn characters and the way they are falling for each other, also the different POV helps this story out a lot, the flow of the story is really great makes it fly by and totally worth it in every way.

***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
Profile Image for Judy.
1,809 reviews
August 9, 2015
Another Leslie Johnson book that has me screaming NO at the end!!! The story of Gage and Beth continues. He's a hot fireman and she's Miss Independent that likes to be in charge. Gage is enjoying his "friends with benefits" friendship with her and she's enjoying their relationship, as well. After she has another scary incident in her life and so does Gage, will they finally realize that they are more than "friends with benefits"? Such a great series, you have to read it!! Looking forward to the next book (I hope it's a really LONG book, I feel like this story could go on for a while)!
1,097 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2015
Given to me for an honest review. Must read these stories in order. I thought this one was the last one. Well, I was mistaken. There is, at least, one more. Gage and Beth are having problems. Neither wants the other to be dominant (not in the BDSM way) but just in the usual man vs woman thing. Stephanie talks to Beth and helps her understand the issues Beth is having. One of the men who raped Beth tries again, but Gage found her and the police came. Will the police mistreat Beth by laying all the issues at her feet? Guess who bails Tanner out.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,804 reviews52 followers
August 11, 2015
Gage and Beth are extremely strong in personality and passion. They have been through so much - finding bodies in a cave, saving a young boy and now running from an attacker. Beth and her friends are after the truth behind her attack and solving the mystery of her past. Something isn't right and they head somewhere new to find out. I thought this was to be the last of the series but definitely not. Beth is about to find out so much more than she wanted. My copy was given for my honest review by the author.
Profile Image for Tracy Grieve.
414 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better.

Our past defines us, we do things to keep us and those we love safe but mainly we use our past to protect us and not let anyone get close and with Beth's past she wants to be the one in charge but lately Gage has been getting to her and now after her attack at the club her past has finally caught up with her. But she realizes what matters (with the help of Steph) and that is Gage.

And what a cliffhanger I mean come on, my mind started going through all the scenarios with what came out and what's happened in the previous books.
Profile Image for Chrissy Ferguson.
5 reviews14 followers
August 17, 2015
Wow...is all I can say! I was given this book as an ARC to give my honest opinion. I loved this book!! I'm not sure if this book is over extremely quickly because it was short or because I couldn't put it down and flew through the story. While the book is a little on the short side, it is definitely a story that will grab your attention and hold on to it. As with all the other books by Leslie Johnson, the cliffhanger at the end keeps you guessing as to what will come next and how the main characters will deal with what they've been given/shown. Really looking forward to Book 4!
Profile Image for Kelly Lamley.
77 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2015
I can't get enough of this series and I love Leslie Johnson's style of writing, I have read quite a few of her other series and I really like this one..... Beth has been plodding along with Gage in their 'open relationship' but things are about to change. After a really bad experience in a club with Gage saving her could this push their relationship to another level. Beth is fearing that her past is catching up with, and can she cope with this and find out the answer to the mystery bodies. There is also a brilliant cliff hanger at the end that I was not expecting..... Bring on book 4.
Profile Image for Kim Ginsberg.
Author 3 books29 followers
September 5, 2015

Beth and Gage are still FWB. What happens when someone from Beth's past comes back and tries to hurt her again? Gage has no idea how to think and feel about his "relationship" with Beth. What happens when he finds out what happened to her in her past when confronted with her present when she's attacked by the same man who attacked her in college? Will he help her find out information to track him down and get proof of his dirty deeds? What happens in the end is a total shocker! This is a must read book!!!
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
September 14, 2015
Again you need to have read book 2 due to the cliffhanger it let us on before reading this.

Beth is dealing with the aftermath of what happened in the night club and some revelations about her rapist from college as well as some stuff that her father is involved in.

This one I just could not put down, I dont want to say too much about it without spoilers, but this series is completely not what I thought it was going to be and I should have realised that after the cliffhanger in book 1!

The twists this one takes will have you on the edge of your seat
Profile Image for CDBW.
1,617 reviews80 followers
September 17, 2015
5 Crazy Ass Must Read Star!!!!!

This series just gets better and better. I'm glad I had all the books so I didn't have to wait in between for the next installment. I don't think I would have been able to stand the anticipation with the way each installment has ended in a cliffhanger. This book is my favorite by far and I love how Gage and Beth have worked their relationship and finally got their heads out of their asses. My heart broke for Beth with everything she goes through especially the end of this book. The story line ramped up and had me stuck to my kindle.
Profile Image for MegL.
922 reviews6 followers
Read
September 17, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better. I can't seem to get enough of Gage and Beth. I like that Leslie Johnson brushes on the topic of rape awareness and prevention. As with the two previous installments, book 3 keeps you wanting more. It's fast paced and I never saw the plot twist coming. I love that Gage and Beth finally expressed how they felt for each other. The story just gets more intense and keeps you guessing. There's plenty of humor to go with the drama. I really enjoyed this installment.
Profile Image for Karen.
449 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2015
Another MUST READ from Leslie. What a way to end book 3 in the Ashes series. Beth learns a dark family secret that shakes to to the core. Thought out the book, Beth and Gage struggle to remain "friends with benefits" and make a life changing decision about their "relationship." I can't wait to read book 4 to see how Beth handles the family secret she has uncovered and how will it change her and her relationship with Gage.
Profile Image for Barbara Anderson.
109 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2015
This book is hot. Love the firefighter books. Leslie has kept my interest in her books since I first read Stoking the embers. Beth and Gage have become my favorite couple. These two want to fight the love they feel for each other so much. Both have their past that is causing some issues with their present. This book picks up where Beth is trapped by a man she doesn't know in the club and it ends with a real big cliffhanger. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Jessica Lowe.
250 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book in the Ashes series. I loved the drama and intensity of the series. I love the way that Gage and Beth's relationship is developing and I can not wait to see what is still yet to come for them.

Yet again this book was so good that I was able to read it in less than 1 day. I couldn't put it down once I started it.

I cannot wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews