Deacon by Kristen Ashley

Reviewed by Lucy
Adult read 18+

(Warning: Dark Read) I'm a huge KA fan and have read all of her books. I preordered this book and couldn't wait to devour it as soon as it hit my nook. This series, while darker than her others, are great reads if you enjoy the genre. Deacon was mentioned in the Raid novel, another great read, so you have some background into his history.

The book starts out with Cassidy, a young woman who recently bought property with vacation cabins in the Colorado. It had been a dream of hers since the age of 13, one she included her current boyfriend Grant in on. Unfortunately, Grant's promises to help her but doesn't follow through, preferring to drink with his 'buds', and enjoy the outdoor activities the mountains have to offer, leaving Cassidy with all of the labor he never seems to get around to doing.

During a particularly ugly argument, a knock comes at the door. Enter John Priest, aka Deacon. The the man is large and menacing, coming to the counter requesting cabin 11, he refuses to give a credit card and pays cash. Cassidy is pretty sure his name is an alias and doesn't feel right renting him a room. But she needs the money as Grant reminds her, so does so anyway. Something about the stranger, while she does fear him, intrigues her.

Always cold and a man of few words, over the years, and long after Grant is gone, randomly he continues to come back, always for cabin 11. Cassidy finds herself looking forward to his return, even though he remains distant and cold, finding herself wondering about the stranger and his life, until one day something happens to change all of that.

I won't say any more, not wanting to spoil the book for anyone else. But what you will find are devastating secrets, heartbreak, beauty, and pain. Kristen Ashley doesn't disappoint as she pens the story of her latest damaged alpha male. As always I can't wait and see what she does next. I gave this book four instead of five stars because I thought the conflict resolution at the end needed something more after what happened between the characters. Other than that, a solid KA read. Links listed below

http://www.amazon.com/Deacon-Unfinished-Heroes-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00M8T7P86

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deacon-kristen-ashley/1120028661?ean=2940046068276

Knight by Kristen Ashley

Reviewed by Lucy
Recommended 18+
Adult read

In anticipation of Deacon, the next to be released in Kristen Ashley's Unfinished Hero's series on September 23, 2014, I thought to rewind and go back to the beginning to her first novel in the series titled Knight. I have enjoyed nearly all of what this author has created over the years, some more than others, but I will say overall, she rarely disappoints. This book and series for me was no different.It is by far one of her darker novels, telling the story of characters who have survived trauma and unusual upbringings that have left a lingering effect on their lives for better or for worse.

Our story begins with Anya, a woman who has struggled most of her life, including financially after being orphaned as a young girl and raised by an alcoholic neglectful aunt. While begrudgingly attending a party, she meets Knight, a young wealthy mysterious and harsh man. The two couldn't be more different. Knight is mysterious with a dark edge and well off while Anya is sweet, kind, good natured as she struggles from week to week to make ends meat.

Knight decides to leave Anya alone despite being enamored with her, believing her to be better off with a normal traditional man, something Knight most definitely is not. That changes when Knight finds Anya in his nightclub. Finding her in a bad situation, he decides he doesn't care if he's right for her. He pursues her, deciding he's going to take care of her by making her life easier and goes about doing just that. This is something Anya hasn't had since the passing of her parents.

Throughout this book, most of the time I found Knight to be either a bastard or the best thing since chocolate. I won't say anything more, no plot spoilers. What I will say is this is by far more than a boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy and both live happily every after. Kristen Ashley in my opinion delivers yet again. This is definitely an anti-hero type book, darker than your average romance read. For $3.99 it's a good value, a recommended 4 star read.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Knight

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-kristen-ashley/1110498584?ean=9780615803838

Stay by Emily Goodwin

Reviewed by Lucy
Recommended 18+

Warning! Adult read. While this is considered a romantic read, it falls into the dark and dramatic for me. If you are a sensitive reader, you may find the subject matter in this novel disturbing. This story centers upon the human trafficking of young women and girls and deals with rape involving sexual slavery. I bought this book on sale for $.99 on Amazon at the suggestion of a fellow reader.

Alrighty, let's get to it shall we. Okay, so I tend to favor these darker reads about the damaged psyche, the monster who is missing part of his or her humanity and what made him or her that way. So, I have some experience reading these types of books. What I usually find is that they center around the Stockholm Syndrome condition between the character, which I find fascinating as well, though surprisingly I did not find it here.

Our story centers around a young college age woman named Addie. While attending a gay pride parade in support of a friend in the company with her sister and other best friend, a chance encounter changed the course of her life, who she was and ultimately who she was to become. Upon seeing a young woman upset seemingly fearing she was being followed, she finds this same young woman later in the day in a secluded alley, when two men approach. Not understanding the nature of these men, Addie asks them for help. Moments later, Addie finds herself captive by the hands of two men, Zane and Jackson.

I hate spoilers, so I won't say much more about what unfolds. What I will say, within these pages you encounter damaged people, two to be precise, who find a true beautiful true connection. One built on trust, understanding, and hope in a place where none of these things should exist. The only complaint I have about the book, is at times it felt rushed taking away from the characters. That said, it was still a great read that I would recommend. Honestly, for me this was a huge bargain for $.99. Regular purchase price is $2.99 and totally worth it. Link to Amazon found below. I give it 4 out of 5 stars! Definitely 18 & up.

http://www.amazon.com/Stay-Emily-Goodwin-ebook/dp/B00KGHZCVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410232162&sr=8-1&keywords=stay