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What You Need
One man hiding from his mistakes. Another running toward safety. They’ll find all they need in each other.
Jack Wellington has shut himself off from the world. Nursing a broken heart, the DEA agent is running on fumes and hiding from the many mistakes he’s made in the name of love. Solitude is all he wants… until he answers a knock on the door one stormy night and comes face to face with a past he barely recognizes.
Ashe Tannen-Novak is running from parents trying to control him, a husband hell-bent on keeping him, and the darkness threatening to consume him. It’s been a decade since the agent with the blue eyes saved him, but Ashe has never forgotten Jack. He’s the only safety Ashe can think of, but reality hits hard when he finds his savior just as bruised and emotionally battered.
Neither man is the person the other once knew, but their past binds them just as their present traps them. Lost and in need of anchor, Jack and Ashe find more than connection; they find acceptance, comfort, and passion. Now all they have to do is hold on to it.
What You Need is a standalone m/m romance featuring a trans MC and the following tropes/themes: hurt/comfort, only one bed, forced proximity, Interracial relationship, opposites attract, angst.
Jack Wellington has shut himself off from the world. Nursing a broken heart, the DEA agent is running on fumes and hiding from the many mistakes he’s made in the name of love. Solitude is all he wants… until he answers a knock on the door one stormy night and comes face to face with a past he barely recognizes.
Ashe Tannen-Novak is running from parents trying to control him, a husband hell-bent on keeping him, and the darkness threatening to consume him. It’s been a decade since the agent with the blue eyes saved him, but Ashe has never forgotten Jack. He’s the only safety Ashe can think of, but reality hits hard when he finds his savior just as bruised and emotionally battered.
Neither man is the person the other once knew, but their past binds them just as their present traps them. Lost and in need of anchor, Jack and Ashe find more than connection; they find acceptance, comfort, and passion. Now all they have to do is hold on to it.
What You Need is a standalone m/m romance featuring a trans MC and the following tropes/themes: hurt/comfort, only one bed, forced proximity, Interracial relationship, opposites attract, angst.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
77 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,677 followersA Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 10, 2023
I’ve read a lot of this author’s books but my God, I forgot how much drama she can pile upon a misfortunate MC! And it’s almost ironic how these books manage to be dark and sappy at the same time . I enjoyed it , I admit and yet I was constantly asking myself all kinds of questions because, as in all her other books ,everything was OTT exaggerated and highly unlikely (and for fuck’s sake , I’ve never seen so many characters bawling their eyes out like they do in these books ).
Anyway, I loved Ashe,I felt for him and I was happy he got Jack to love him and care for him . Although the entire book I kept thinking that those circumstances were his own doing. I mean he could have gone to the police and put his ex in jail but “Oh, he didn’t want to affect his company”.. Didn’t matter that he could have stopped that monster from doing the same thing to someone else. So he kept quiet because he didn’t want to lose his rich boy life even though he said over and over again that he didn’t care about material things . Uhum, yeah, sure 🙄 His family was harassing him because of that company, his ex was harassing him because he didn’t go to the police ..And all because he didn’t want to loose the company (money) he himself said he didn’t care about. He could have put his ex in jail , take. some of those millions and go live somewhere else free and safe.
The writing is good as always, the smut is hot, the characters INTENSE and the fact that the MC is Black and trans was a nice touch and refreshing (though the author put him through the fucking wringer). 3,5 stars rounded up for the trans and African-American representation (I also loved Fawn).
PD . I haven’t read the book where Jack did those bad things to his ex, it’s on my tbr and I don’t know if I’m glad I haven’t read it because I didn’t start this one biased about Jack or that I regret not reading it because seeing Jack’s redemption would have been cool (I love a good redemption story).
PD 2 Read the TW if you got any triggers . Ashe’s story is hard to read at times..
October 5, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
What you Need started off so good, there were so many feels in the first chapters and I was instantly hooked. But it lost its spark real quick.
The good parts
That initial angst was heartbreaking, but I was loving the pain. Jack and Ashe are both broken souls who find love and get to heal, and I always fall for stories full of emotion and passion. The beginning was so captivating, and I wish it had kept that level of feels throughout the book.
The spice was sexy and loving, you could feel their connection from the beginning. It wasn’t anything special, but I loved the trans rep and how the MCs were crazy about each other.
The bad parts
The plot was unrealistic. In the span of a couple of hours, these two strangers end up spilling all their trauma to each other, cuddling together to ward off nightmares, and making out.
The drama/action plot line was also a bit of a mess. For what is meant to be a standalone, it definitely didn’t feel complete. Jack’s backstory, and the side characters, are all connected to other books. So even with the bit of context the author gave here, I still felt like I was missing a fair chunk of story.
Various plot points meant to bring tension, didn’t actually serve a purpose. They were brought up (“This thing that might happen is super dangerous” or “This guy is threatening to kill us”) and promptly fixed (“oh, nevermind, we good now”). What was the point?
Overall, it was fine. It started out amazing, fizzled out by the end. I’m starting to think this author might not be for me, because I just remembered I DNFed another one of their books. Still, it wasn’t a terrible read, it had its moments, but it wasn’t everything I was hoping for.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death/murder
- Abusive relationship (not between MCs)
- PTSD & panic attacks
- Mentions of suicide attempt (past)
- Transphobia
- Racism
- Deadnaming
- BIPOC rep
- Trans MC
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Toys
“Now that I’ve touched you, I can’t let you go.” He swallowed. “Do I have to let you go, Jack?”
What you Need started off so good, there were so many feels in the first chapters and I was instantly hooked. But it lost its spark real quick.
It came in waves, the haunting, but he never ran too far from it. He let it catch up to him, soaking in the hurt until his skin was all saturated, dripping pain like bathwater in his wake.
The good parts
That initial angst was heartbreaking, but I was loving the pain. Jack and Ashe are both broken souls who find love and get to heal, and I always fall for stories full of emotion and passion. The beginning was so captivating, and I wish it had kept that level of feels throughout the book.
The spice was sexy and loving, you could feel their connection from the beginning. It wasn’t anything special, but I loved the trans rep and how the MCs were crazy about each other.
The bad parts
The plot was unrealistic. In the span of a couple of hours, these two strangers end up spilling all their trauma to each other, cuddling together to ward off nightmares, and making out.
The drama/action plot line was also a bit of a mess. For what is meant to be a standalone, it definitely didn’t feel complete. Jack’s backstory, and the side characters, are all connected to other books. So even with the bit of context the author gave here, I still felt like I was missing a fair chunk of story.
Various plot points meant to bring tension, didn’t actually serve a purpose. They were brought up (“This thing that might happen is super dangerous” or “This guy is threatening to kill us”) and promptly fixed (“oh, nevermind, we good now”). What was the point?
“When I knocked on your door that rainy night, I didn’t expect this.”
Overall, it was fine. It started out amazing, fizzled out by the end. I’m starting to think this author might not be for me, because I just remembered I DNFed another one of their books. Still, it wasn’t a terrible read, it had its moments, but it wasn’t everything I was hoping for.
Ashe liked to say that Jack saved him, but in truth he saved Jack, too.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death/murder
- Abusive relationship (not between MCs)
- PTSD & panic attacks
- Mentions of suicide attempt (past)
- Transphobia
- Racism
- Deadnaming
- BIPOC rep
- Trans MC
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Toys
February 17, 2023
This was my first Avril Ashton novel, but I'm preeeetty sure it won't be my last.
Because "What You Need" was absolutely fantastic. Complex and bittersweet, romantic and steamy, with a truckload of exquisite hurt/comfort and all the angst my angst-loving heart desires.
Jack and Ashe were absolutely wonderful protagonists, and I ADORED seeing their relationship flourish: it's sweet and wonderful and respectful and loving and just, perfect. And I loved them individually too, so damn much.
I know I started Avril Ashton's backlog a bit backwards (this book works as a standalone, but it's interconnected to a lot of books and series), but I'm glad I stared here, with this novel. I really needed to read something like this. That being said; this one easily works as a standalone, and I wasn't lost at all, especially considering that much of this novel is centred on Ashe and Jack's romance, with very little action and a minimal subplot, but I'm still very intrigued by all the side characters and their stories. I think I'll have to start from the beginning now: I'm just dying to know more about them all.
Because "What You Need" was absolutely fantastic. Complex and bittersweet, romantic and steamy, with a truckload of exquisite hurt/comfort and all the angst my angst-loving heart desires.
Jack and Ashe were absolutely wonderful protagonists, and I ADORED seeing their relationship flourish: it's sweet and wonderful and respectful and loving and just, perfect. And I loved them individually too, so damn much.
I know I started Avril Ashton's backlog a bit backwards (this book works as a standalone, but it's interconnected to a lot of books and series), but I'm glad I stared here, with this novel. I really needed to read something like this. That being said; this one easily works as a standalone, and I wasn't lost at all, especially considering that much of this novel is centred on Ashe and Jack's romance, with very little action and a minimal subplot, but I'm still very intrigued by all the side characters and their stories. I think I'll have to start from the beginning now: I'm just dying to know more about them all.
February 15, 2023
Such a good read
Ashe and Jack were just….everything. With her signature angst, Avril Ashton makes us fall in love with two tormented men who are looking for solitude. They eventually find that solitude with one another, of all places.
Ashe was written so beautifully. As a trans MC, he was represented with love and sensitivity. I also really appreciate that it wasn’t brought up to every new person who met Ashe. I also loved Jack’s absolute acceptance of Ashe. He never questioned anything and loved Ashe wholly. Jack had his own past to contend with and was tormented in his own way. These two broken men didn’t try to fix each other, they just made their broken pieces fit together beautifully.
As with all of the books in this series, there is a lot going on but the story is engrossing and kept me interested the whole time. Yet still, Ashe and Jack shine through on every page they are together. I loved them from start to finish.
Ashe and Jack were just….everything. With her signature angst, Avril Ashton makes us fall in love with two tormented men who are looking for solitude. They eventually find that solitude with one another, of all places.
Ashe was written so beautifully. As a trans MC, he was represented with love and sensitivity. I also really appreciate that it wasn’t brought up to every new person who met Ashe. I also loved Jack’s absolute acceptance of Ashe. He never questioned anything and loved Ashe wholly. Jack had his own past to contend with and was tormented in his own way. These two broken men didn’t try to fix each other, they just made their broken pieces fit together beautifully.
As with all of the books in this series, there is a lot going on but the story is engrossing and kept me interested the whole time. Yet still, Ashe and Jack shine through on every page they are together. I loved them from start to finish.
February 14, 2023
❤️ I loved this book.
Trigger Warning this has a bad beginning with a description of a character being buried alive may trigger readers. Suicide thoughts with Trans Black MC. Domestic violence, Murder scenes and threats.
Ashe has bad PTSD after what happened to him, which continues with nightmares, ten years have passed, and he still remembers Jack, the Detective that found him.
Okay, I thought this book would be gutwrenching with emotions from the start, and I was right.
This one is a perfect hurt and comfort book to read for both characters.
Jack was now a hermit living in the mountains without a phone or internet, getting over a bad relationship.
A good and bad first remeet in the middle of the storm between them, it would be the beginning of their turbulent relationship.
Dangers and threats are included heavily in the story, which had me feeling for Ashe, especially after the entire disclosure of who Ashe was. Jack has secrets from his past career of going undercover to deal with, especially when he doesn't want to hear from Dutch.
I'd read a great book that I didn't want to put down.
I loved the hot sexy scenes of switching in the bedroom. Although this is a standalone book, I want to read more of the characters featured in this book. "What you need" was on the borderline for me, with the complex triggers scenes included. I also loved the emotions coming off both characters as the story plays out. The author has beautifully written this book. A HEA ending that I loved and included both POVs.
I'm recommending this one for those who can handle the triggers.
*also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
Trigger Warning this has a bad beginning with a description of a character being buried alive may trigger readers. Suicide thoughts with Trans Black MC. Domestic violence, Murder scenes and threats.
Ashe has bad PTSD after what happened to him, which continues with nightmares, ten years have passed, and he still remembers Jack, the Detective that found him.
Okay, I thought this book would be gutwrenching with emotions from the start, and I was right.
This one is a perfect hurt and comfort book to read for both characters.
Jack was now a hermit living in the mountains without a phone or internet, getting over a bad relationship.
A good and bad first remeet in the middle of the storm between them, it would be the beginning of their turbulent relationship.
Dangers and threats are included heavily in the story, which had me feeling for Ashe, especially after the entire disclosure of who Ashe was. Jack has secrets from his past career of going undercover to deal with, especially when he doesn't want to hear from Dutch.
I'd read a great book that I didn't want to put down.
I loved the hot sexy scenes of switching in the bedroom. Although this is a standalone book, I want to read more of the characters featured in this book. "What you need" was on the borderline for me, with the complex triggers scenes included. I also loved the emotions coming off both characters as the story plays out. The author has beautifully written this book. A HEA ending that I loved and included both POVs.
I'm recommending this one for those who can handle the triggers.
*also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
September 21, 2023
As far as tropes and representation go there was a lot to enjoy about this book.
I think because I hadn't read any of the other books that had connections to this book, I felt like there were pieces I didn't understand - there were too many intersecting plots for me and it was difficult to focus. I also felt like the romance between Ashe and Jack happened too quickly, I wanted them to talk more about the very specific relationship they had and how that could progress into something romantic.
The concept itself though was something I hadn't ever read before I was very intrigued by it which is why this is 3 stars for me. But again, I have not read the other books by this author that feature the side characters in this book so maybe if I had I would have enjoyed this more!!
I think because I hadn't read any of the other books that had connections to this book, I felt like there were pieces I didn't understand - there were too many intersecting plots for me and it was difficult to focus. I also felt like the romance between Ashe and Jack happened too quickly, I wanted them to talk more about the very specific relationship they had and how that could progress into something romantic.
The concept itself though was something I hadn't ever read before I was very intrigued by it which is why this is 3 stars for me. But again, I have not read the other books by this author that feature the side characters in this book so maybe if I had I would have enjoyed this more!!
February 10, 2023
I really didn’t want to like Jack after his depiction in previous books, but Avril totally messed up my plans. Jack and Ashe are a safe haven for each other, and their interaction was full of the compassion and protector vibes I didn’t know I needed from Jack. They have both had a rough time, but they fit together perfectly in a way that helps them both heal. The story is definitely closer to insta-love than slow burn, but it works because of their intensity and connection. Avril Ashton never fails to pull the reader in, and she definitely doesn’t fail here. Another awesome read!
February 14, 2023
Wow!!! The level of compassion and adoration the MCs in this book has is just mind-blowing.
A beautiful love story with amazing characters. Ashe and Jack are perfect for each other.
A beautiful love story with amazing characters. Ashe and Jack are perfect for each other.
February 17, 2023
I was excited to read Jack's story. He was an ex FBI who answered a call about someone being buried alive. The victim, Ashe, was a black trans man who had been beaten badly and left to die in a coffin. This rescue made an impression on both men and we catch up with them a few years on both near rock bottom. Ashe seeks out Jack hoping to find the caring soul who saved him. Both have been through a lot and there is a lot going on around them. Even so, the slow burn was dark at times, hot at others and it kept me turning the pages to see where this would take them.
I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and Jack was so good to Ashe. Silas and Faith were good friends and I didn't think much of Brody or Ashe's family, they were horrible. I recognised characters from previous books Varun, Pablo Castillo and Shane, Danial Nieto! It made me want to go back to read Call the Coroner to read Daniel's story again. I would have liked to know if the stakes part in between or after that book.
I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and Jack was so good to Ashe. Silas and Faith were good friends and I didn't think much of Brody or Ashe's family, they were horrible. I recognised characters from previous books Varun, Pablo Castillo and Shane, Danial Nieto! It made me want to go back to read Call the Coroner to read Daniel's story again. I would have liked to know if the stakes part in between or after that book.
February 16, 2023
Great Read!
What I didn't expect was for the main characters, Jack, to have such an compelling backstory written so well that it pulls you in...in to his story of redemption...of inclusion...of family...of even having the capacity to love and ultimately of how the strength of his love for Ashe drives his acceptance of their found love in their very complicated lives, to carve out a unique love that was so good to see bloom.
Wonderful to see past characters from other books by the author...Varun Patel (Thank you for putting Dutch in check-SO NECESSARY!😊). Pablo Castillo, always loved him-it was a pleasure to see him. Daniel Nieto!😳🤯😬, El Diablo himself-who knew! Not so fairy,but maybe a Scary Godfather (as protectors go,it don't get no better than him!) I see you Daniel- self appointing yourself Ashe's Padrino!😊
I love the author and have read all her books. She is a master storyteller!
It was a great read!
What I didn't expect was for the main characters, Jack, to have such an compelling backstory written so well that it pulls you in...in to his story of redemption...of inclusion...of family...of even having the capacity to love and ultimately of how the strength of his love for Ashe drives his acceptance of their found love in their very complicated lives, to carve out a unique love that was so good to see bloom.
Wonderful to see past characters from other books by the author...Varun Patel (Thank you for putting Dutch in check-SO NECESSARY!😊). Pablo Castillo, always loved him-it was a pleasure to see him. Daniel Nieto!😳🤯😬, El Diablo himself-who knew! Not so fairy,but maybe a Scary Godfather (as protectors go,it don't get no better than him!) I see you Daniel- self appointing yourself Ashe's Padrino!😊
I love the author and have read all her books. She is a master storyteller!
It was a great read!
February 13, 2023
4.5 stars!
I love, absolutely love how Avril makes connections across books. Let me tell you, I was squeeing at some scenes in this book. I also know what I’m going to re-read very soon. Jack and Ashe will tug at your heart, rip it, and mend it with their love.
“Because I missed you. Because the thought of someone else holding you while you battled your nightmares made my chest feel as if it were caving in.” He blew out a shaky breath and continued hoarsely, “Because your kiss is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Because I like the way I feel when you look at me.”
“How do you feel when I look at you?”
“Worthy.”
These two are a satisfying angst-filled, emotional journey, and I adore them. I adore how they fit together, how they helped each other heal, how they respect each other’s boundaries, and how they treasure one another and the home they’ve made.
I love, absolutely love how Avril makes connections across books. Let me tell you, I was squeeing at some scenes in this book. I also know what I’m going to re-read very soon. Jack and Ashe will tug at your heart, rip it, and mend it with their love.
“Because I missed you. Because the thought of someone else holding you while you battled your nightmares made my chest feel as if it were caving in.” He blew out a shaky breath and continued hoarsely, “Because your kiss is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Because I like the way I feel when you look at me.”
“How do you feel when I look at you?”
“Worthy.”
These two are a satisfying angst-filled, emotional journey, and I adore them. I adore how they fit together, how they helped each other heal, how they respect each other’s boundaries, and how they treasure one another and the home they’ve made.
September 30, 2023
Raw, powerful, erotic ! This is a thrilling, tense tale of hard core men. A trans MC, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, erotic sex, MM, opposites, violence. Connected to the book Brooklyn Sinners.
Jack is a haggard man, hiding out,
who was FBI/DEA agent, living in the northern Georgia mountains. He is blue eyed, muscled, hard and fierce.
Ashe/Ashley, running from his
parents and maniacal husband. He is bruised, mentally and physically. He looks for the man who saved him in his past.
A stormy night, the two men from the past come face to face. Jack realizes who he is looking at, flashing back to the past, Ashe was the woman he saved from a grave.
They begin talking and Ashe shared how horrible his husband is.
They continue to talk and then hold each other,
as Ashe's nightmares repeat. Issues crop up. Jack's top secret past and their plans change.
It's a wild ride, past and present, and never a dull moment. Jack and Ashe were completely taken with each other. Jack has no problem with the transition, and jumps right in, no hesitation.
It's exciting, electric, erotic, all
encompassing sex, and yikes it is HOT ! They are vers, and use toys.
Later they get a twist in the wrap up, and it suits the suspenseful tale.
ENJOY !
======
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love that the trauma experienced was not downplayed. I love that mental health was addressed appropriately. Love that our POC character (Ashe) was not made to escape the harsh reality of racism in the world.
It took a while getting used to reading a novel again which wasn't from each character's POV so that was refreshing to do again.
This book would have been a full 5 but I had a few hiccups along the way. Everything seemed to happen sooooo quickly. How quickly things developed between the characters (which makes some sense in hindsight) but also challenges the realm of believable to some extent.
I do love the Trans representation. This is my third time reading a novel with a Trans MC and its refreshing. We never got to the part where the characters discussed a future with kids despite the subject being broached twice by both (Jack mentioning his parents and their want for grandkids from him) and Ashe when he mention freezing his eggs.
Even with the time jump it was never brought up again which was disappointing 😞
That being said I'm fully invested in Silas and Fawn and need to know their story. Would appear Dutch and Patel has theirs which I'm going to check out.
Awesome book....a lot happening and all at once. Definitely recommend 👌🏾
It took a while getting used to reading a novel again which wasn't from each character's POV so that was refreshing to do again.
This book would have been a full 5 but I had a few hiccups along the way. Everything seemed to happen sooooo quickly. How quickly things developed between the characters (which makes some sense in hindsight) but also challenges the realm of believable to some extent.
I do love the Trans representation. This is my third time reading a novel with a Trans MC and its refreshing. We never got to the part where the characters discussed a future with kids despite the subject being broached twice by both (Jack mentioning his parents and their want for grandkids from him) and Ashe when he mention freezing his eggs.
Even with the time jump it was never brought up again which was disappointing 😞
That being said I'm fully invested in Silas and Fawn and need to know their story. Would appear Dutch and Patel has theirs which I'm going to check out.
Awesome book....a lot happening and all at once. Definitely recommend 👌🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
♡𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕄𝕄ℂ
♡𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕡𝕝𝕖
♡𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕕 ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕩𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕪
♡𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝔹𝕖𝕕
♡ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕪𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕
♡ℍ𝕦𝕣𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕥/𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕟 𝔹𝕠𝕪
♡𝔹𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕒𝕣𝕖/𝔽𝕓𝕚 𝔸𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕥
⚠️𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕙𝕠𝕓𝕚𝕔 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕤/𝕖𝕩
⚠️ℙ𝕥𝕤𝕕-𝔸𝕓𝕦𝕤𝕖-𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕦𝕞𝕒
♡ When in doubt, pick up a book by Avril Ashton. She has never steered me wrong.
♡ Ashe’s story was everything I didn’t know I needed until I picked it up. He is a Black Trans Mc who suffered abuse at the hands of a man that claimed to love him. A man he trusted and gave his heart and love who turned around and became his nightmare. That was ready to kill him the minute Ashe came out to him as Trans.
♡ Gosh, 🥺 hearing him recount the horror he suffered at the hands of his ex made my heart ache. He was buried alive, this poor baby, all because his weak ASF ex wasn’t man enough to experience Ashe’s greatness. His character was written with so much care and sensitivity, and my heart ached for him so much and then he found Jack.🥺🥺
♡ Jack had his demons too, but he was Ashe’s savior, the one who pulled him out of that grave years ago and brought him back from the dead and the same man who held him down in the present, keeping him afloat and preventing him from drowning.
♡ Their story was so delicate and written so beautifully.🥹🥹 I love them.
♡ I love Avril, seeing Daniel make an appearance in this had me yearning for my favourite dark romance couple so, I’m going to head over to kindle to borrow Call The Coroner and do my 100th reread(probably). 👌🥰🥰
February 13, 2023
Finally Jack gets his story
Jack Wellington former FBI and DEA agent made some terrible mistakes especially when it came to his ex. The one thing he did right however was to save Ashe. Little did he know that Ashe would be the one to save him. Ashe survived a horrible ordeal with no support from family. Ashe is a transgender MC and he and Jack are amazing together. This was a great love story and was wonderful to hear from other characters again.
Jack Wellington former FBI and DEA agent made some terrible mistakes especially when it came to his ex. The one thing he did right however was to save Ashe. Little did he know that Ashe would be the one to save him. Ashe survived a horrible ordeal with no support from family. Ashe is a transgender MC and he and Jack are amazing together. This was a great love story and was wonderful to hear from other characters again.
April 17, 2023
Finally, we get Jack’s redemption and love story. It’s classic Ms. Ashton, with two tortured souls, each with heavy baggage, who fit each other’s broken edges perfectly. There is another set of villainous parents, which I am so tired of. That aside, there was also some good education about the challenges of being a black man, and even tougher challenges of being a black trans man. Thank you for enlightening this cis white female, Avril Ashton.
KU
KU
July 5, 2025
disappointing
So few books with trans men as an MC, so it was extra disappointing that this one was basically unreadable. The pacing was off from the start. The characters's actions, reactions, emotions made no sense. Maybe the author was aiming for telenovela style melodrama? But this was even less credible than a telenovela with even more annoying characters. I really wanted this to be good! :(
So few books with trans men as an MC, so it was extra disappointing that this one was basically unreadable. The pacing was off from the start. The characters's actions, reactions, emotions made no sense. Maybe the author was aiming for telenovela style melodrama? But this was even less credible than a telenovela with even more annoying characters. I really wanted this to be good! :(
February 11, 2023
Once I finished reading this book I realized that I now had to reread some books in the Brooklyn Sinners and loose ends in a specific order and when I tell you so many things now made sense???
Avril Ashton is a genius!
4.5 stars for Ashe & Jack!
Took out half a star due to the repetitive Shane narrative, it really wasn’t necessary!
Avril Ashton is a genius!
4.5 stars for Ashe & Jack!
Took out half a star due to the repetitive Shane narrative, it really wasn’t necessary!
February 14, 2024
Ashe was very well written, a trans BIPOC character who was really put through the wringer in almost every possible way. Jack quickly became a great support although he started off very unappealing (I think this is his redemption due to his actions in another book). I haven't read any books in this world but that wasn't a problem.
February 28, 2023
Could not put it down
My heart cried, my soul ached. This book had all my emotions going crazy. Buy far one of the best book, and I've read all the other series that bends this character together. Great job.
My heart cried, my soul ached. This book had all my emotions going crazy. Buy far one of the best book, and I've read all the other series that bends this character together. Great job.
March 17, 2023
Such a story. This was rather a dark story with two broken men that saved each other. The plot was character driven and Jack and Ashe needed each other to heal. Enjoyed reading very much--couldn't stop reading it until I finished the book. Recommend reading.
October 15, 2023
AVRIL DID IT AGAIN !!
I could not put this book down. If you're new to Avril's work you are in for a treat. I am now going to read from the beginning where it all started with Angel and Gabe.
I could not put this book down. If you're new to Avril's work you are in for a treat. I am now going to read from the beginning where it all started with Angel and Gabe.
May 10, 2025
This was really good and I loved Jack and Ashe together, but the ending dragged and dragged. The trans rep was great, and it was great to see some of the characters from previous books. Looking forward to reading more by Avril Ashton soon.
July 25, 2025
Ashe deserves EVERYTHING and Jack will give it to him!!
In the present climate we are in this book represents so many ppl in the most respectful, loving manner. Ashton has a way of writing broken men that makes you want to break the world to protect them
In the present climate we are in this book represents so many ppl in the most respectful, loving manner. Ashton has a way of writing broken men that makes you want to break the world to protect them
February 17, 2023
Always good
As usual for this author, she delivers am intense and beautiful romance, but for me it’s the plot around the romance that brings me back every time.
As usual for this author, she delivers am intense and beautiful romance, but for me it’s the plot around the romance that brings me back every time.
March 1, 2023
Honestly I didn’t finish this- just wasn’t getting into it..
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars
March 26, 2023
Another great addition to Avril’s world of amazing characters. Absolutely loved Ashe and Jack’s love story.
February 21, 2024
dutch, my guy, shut the hell up omfg
August 2, 2024
4.5 Stars
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