ARC Review: The Billionaire's Intern by Jackie Ashenden

This is the first book I've read where the heroine had ADD. I thought that was a really interesting twist in the story and I really like this author. But none of that was enough to make me feel very strongly about this book. It is indeed a Billionaire intern romance and there really isn't much to tell in terms of Kira as an intern. The thing that struck me and kind of turned me off was Lorenzo's attitude towards Kira. Lorenzo has no Kira since she was a hyperactive child throwing temper tantrums at party with her Dad, Lorenzo's business associate.

In the past, Lorenzo helped young Kira to focus and calm down by showing her how to make paper cranes (gave her something to do with her hands I guess). Young Kira fell in hardcore love with grown up Lorenzo who bothered to pay attention to her. Lorenzo was in love with someone else at the time who also happened to be an adult and not a hyperactive child. Kira grows, tragedy strikes Lorenzo and the two find themselves thrust back together. Kira's father ask Lorenzo to take Kira on as an intern. He has ulterior motives and so does Kira in a way. Kira just wants so badly to be accepted by her parents that she would do almost anything.

Kira is working hard to put away everything that makes her herself. She feels like being her caused a terrible accident and she is determined to be someone else who is more responsible. As for Lorenzo, he has just grown cold and hard. Since his first love died, he has completely sealed off his heart and is just a giant a-hole by the time this book kicks off. I'm ok with jerk alpha heroes who love the heroines but I think Lorenzo crossed a line. Kira was so broken and Lorenzo was so awful to her it might have been too much. Watching Kira trying to hold on and do a good job while Lorenzo treated her like something on the bottom of his shoe, that was unpleasant.

In the end, I didn't find the book difficult to read. It moved at a good pace and never seemed to drag. The writing is good as I would expect from this author. I just couldn't completely get into the characters or the romance.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Dangerous Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden

Navy SEAL Sullivan "Van" Tate has been called home to reluctantly inherit an empire and finds himself facing the most difficult mission of all: love.

Nothing about Sullivan "Van" Tate is what it seems. A Navy SEAL raised among the New York City elite, Van prefers heart-pounding action over a Wall Street corner office. But when his adoptive father dies and his business rivals move in to overtake his empire, Van must suit up to save the company and protect the one woman most forbidden to him…and the object of Van's most dangerous desires.

Chloe Tate is as ambitious as she is gorgeous. With a newfound independence, Chloe is no longer a prisoner on her father’s ranch. But everything changes when losing her father may also mean losing her life. Even with her survival on the line, Chloe can’t deny the burning attraction she feels the moment she locks eyes with Van, her rich, rough and ready, foster brother and the new head of her father’s company. Tall, dark, and muscled, he's the one man who she has no business being with. But how can she resist a Navy Seal Warrior when he’ll do anything to protect her?

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ARC Review: The Billionaires Virgin by Jakie Ashenden

I like Jackie Ashenden as an author. I've read a couple of books by her and usually she is very adept at character development. I also liked the synopsis of the book and had high expectations based on the description of this book. The problem that I had with this book happens from time to time when a author takes a popular trope (in this case the Cinderella theme) and just takes it too damn far.

So in this book Mia is homeless. Not like fake homeless or temporarily experiencing hard times, she's homeless homeless. Like she's been on the street for years. Xavier, on the other hand is a uber billionaire. In fact, the only reason Xavier and Mia meet is because Xavier is volunteering at the soup kitchen where Mia eats meals. Because she has no home and no kitchen and no FOOD. And somehow while serving Mia at the soup kitchen Xavier rises above the smell of unwashed bodies and nameless food that can be mass produced, he finds himself like super attracted to Mia. Xavier is some bad boy/playboy type but somehow he sees past the dirt, emaciated body and baggy clothes of a homeless woman and decides she is the one...

As for Mia, she is understandably suspicious of Xavier's intentions. You know why she's suspicious? Because generally when a wealthy man takes interest in a poor woman with whom he absolutely has nothing in common and volunteers to put her up in a real nice play, dress her and feed her good- he's a PIMP trying to turn a hoe out. I'm sorry but hel-loooooo. Cinderella stories are among my favorite sub-genres but come on.  The hero and the heroine need to have something in common before I can relate to the romance.

So anyway, fast forward some pages and Xavier has taken Mia off the streets and into his home. And then all of a sudden Mia is a virgin but she wants to have porn star sex with Xavier. There is some sub-plot going on about Xavier and issues with his Father and brothers but honestly, it was hard to focus on anything besides the ridiculousness of the relationship between Mia and Xavier. I honestly can't tell you a single thing they had in common, the basis for any conversation between them or why they would be attracted to one another.

Ok, I know I've said a lot here but even with all of this being said, I still don't think this is a bad book. The writing is good and the story moves forward at a entertaining pace. All I'm saying is that the premise is ridiculous and the relationship lacks credibility. If you can get past that, you might actually think this book is ok.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Make It Hurt by Jackie Ashenden

Everyone who reads my reviews knows I'm a sucker for MC romance. If there is a book with a Motorcycle Club, I'm pretty much in. So of course when I saw the description of this book, I was like hells yes.  But then Nora happened and things went left quick.

So Nora is a bounty hunter. But before Nora was a bounty hunter, she was a southern debutante who was firmly under her Daddy's control and did everything he told her.  But Nora was not immune to lust. So when she was a teenager and met the super sexy Smith, it was only a matter of time before she gave herself to him. And I do mean gave herself to him. Nora was the one who led when it came to Smith. She was younger and he was reluctant but Nora pressed the issue until they were doing the vertical hokey pokey. Nora fell in love with Smith and vice versa but when her Dad found out she was into some lowly contractor, things went left. I didn't mean to tell you this much but the background is significant to understanding why the rest of the book annoyed the hell out of me. The thing that you most need to understand is that Nora convinced Smith to get into a relationship with her, they both fell in love with each other and NORA sold Smith out, not the other way around.

So fast forward several years.  Nora comes to Smith's MC bar hangout to claim a bounty on Smith's VP. Let's just pause right here for a minute. Nora goes crashing into a MC bar by herself to arrest one of the club regulars. IN WHAT WORLD? This does not happen. Nora would've gotten her ass killed in anything near a real MC bar. Instead, she sashays in, talks crazy to the MC PRESIDENT and lives to tell the story. The MC Pres happens to be....you guessed it, Smith. In addition to the fact that I could not get over Nora talking crazy, the book totally lost me at this point.

Nora treated Smith like Smith was the one who did her wrong. I kept going backwards in the book trying to figure out if I had gotten the details of their early relationship wrong but I didn't. There is simply no explanation for Nora's treatment of Smith. Oh wait, Nora was a witch. That might explain it. And that explains why despite all the things about this book that should have made it a great read for me, I didn't love it. Smith is great. He's a strong bossy man who seems to really love Nora. I liked that he was not at all put off by Nora's tough facade and that he pressed her to get what he wanted. And of course he is the president of a MC so he has that going for him!! I think if Nora had been less ridiculous about her history with Smith, I would have really liked this book. By the time Nora sorts herself out, I just really didn't like her.

I know this is going to sound crazy but beyond my issue with Nora, this is quite a good book. Lots of action, twists and turns. The story was entertaining, the sex was sexy and eventually I even kind of liked Nora and Smith together. You just have to be able to overcome Nora's shenanigans to enjoy this one.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: In Bed With The Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden

So apparently this is the 5th book in a series.  I didn't know that and I haven't read any of the other books in the series.  I can guarantee I will go about rectifying that oversight at the first available opportunity. The book is supposed to be a standalone and I believe it is.  Since I haven't read any of the other books, I can't tell you if there are series spoilers contained in this book.  My advice is to just start reading the series from book 1. If they are all as good as this book, you can't go wrong and you'll get to this one eventually.  If the first four books suck (I don't think they do), I apologize in advance for leading you in that direction.

First thing first- Jackie Ashenden is just a really good writer. Read any of my reviews.  I sometimes say that authors are good writers but not all the time. If i say it, it's because the writing really stood out to me. From like the first few chapters I was completely sucked into this book. The writing was seamless.  By that I mean that I couldn't find the thread between the story the author was telling and reality. I was just transported into the story for a few hours at a time and forgot reality.  Good writing is really underrated.  A so-so writer can't save a shaky plot but a really good writer can transform an entire reading experience.

The story and the characters were brilliant.  I'm not going to run down a plot summary of this book. I don't think it's necessary and I don't want to give away any of the twists. But here's what I will tell you, the characters, Jericho and Temple are intriguing, compelling and thrilling. Temple is a 5 foot 2 inch assassin with Shirley Temple curls. Who knew? Temple has a one track mind and the track is vengeance.  She's been so obsessed with vindicating her sister that she has kind of gone dead inside. When she meets Jericho, it's on purpose and it's supposed to be just another step on her path to revenge.  Temple has become so attached to revenge and so detached from reality that she is actually hoping that her next kill presents a challenge just so something can wake her up inside. (which reminds me that this whole book reminded me of that Evanescence song "Bring Me to Life").

Then there is Jericho.  He is in the same emotional space as Temple.  Jericho has been so focused on ending a global human trafficking operation that he has done nothing else for 15 years. Jericho is beautiful and dangerous but from the beginning it's clear that he is also dead inside.  When Jericho meets Temple, he is drawn to her for the same reason she is looking forward to her mission, he senses a challenge.  People have tried many times to kill Jericho but nobody but Temple has ever made him curious. 

The thing that sucked me into this story and kept me hook was the emotional war between Temple and Jericho. Both of these characters hate that the other exposes their desire.  Both try desperately to reassert their indifference.  Jericho and Temple both know that the other is dangerous.  Temple won't walk away because she just doesn't care about her safety anymore.  Jericho won't walk away because he can't shut down his need to know what is drawing him to Temple. And so the book is a constant push-pull between the two. Add in some sexy sex, a lot of suspense and a great supporting cast and this is a book I recommend you not pass up!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Hollywood Blackmail by Jackie Ashenden

Hollywood Blackmail by Jackie Ashenden is the first book in her new contemporary series, Seacliffe Medical. I have read some of Jackie Ashenden's work before, and I couldn't wait to read this book. I liked this book and thought it was a promising start to her new series. It was a quick and easy read that I found to be enjoyable.

Eleven years ago, Lizzie left everything she knew behind. She is now a nurse and loves the anonymity of the life she leads. But one night while working at the clinic, her past comes crashing back into her life in the form of her onetime love Ash. Ash is now a famous movie star and has had a ton of success. Even though she has tried to disguise herself, Ash instantly recognizes her. When Ash needs treatment he knows that they only person he wants to do it is Lizzie, but she is hesitant to agree. He threatens to go to her boss if she doesn't agree, and she reluctantly changes her mind seeing no other option. Ash is determined to use the two weeks of treatment to get her to answer some questions he has had for years as well as to get her into his bed. Lizzie is determined to get through the two weeks and move on once and for all. But the more time they spend together, the more they both begin to see that the connection they once shared has never gone away. Unable to fight it any longer they give in to their passion. But with Ash having such a high profile career that he is unwilling to give up, and Lizzie determined to not be noticed how can they possibly have a future together? Will either be willing to give up everything for the love that they once shared and a chance at forever?

I really liked Ash. He was sweet and thoughtful, charming and smoking hot. There is just something about a sexy guy on a motorcycle. I loved that he was so determined when it came to his career and being successful, but also in getting Lizzie to open up to him. Even though he came from nothing and was now rich and famous, he never forgot about her and always cared about her. Lizzie on the other hand annoyed me. I found it hard to connect with her character. She was a bit whiny and I hated that she acted like everything was Ash's fault even though she was the one who had left him. I didn't quite understand where she was coming from and why she seemed to blame him, and I just felt her attitude was completely ridiculous when it came to Ash and their past. I felt like Ash and Lizzie did have a connection and they had a lot of chemistry together though. There were a lot of steamy scenes between them and I thought that they were written really well. I also enjoyed their banter and thought that they were funny together. I just wish I had been able to like Lizzie more. I think that their relationship was real and believable, but I just didn't feel as emotionally invested in their HEA because I just couldn't get behind the heroine.

Overall, this was enjoyable and a fun way to spend a few hours. Even though this isn't one of those books that is going to stick with me or stay on my mind, I thought that it was a good read. I liked that it was a second chance lovers story and even though that trope is familiar, this one was done well. I think it is a promising start to the series, and I am interested to see more of the characters that we met in this story. I think that if you are looking for a contemporary romance that is a light and easy read filled with fun banter that this might be a story you would enjoy. Ash is definitely worth giving a shot, and he was by far the highlight of this book for me.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Jackie Ashenden and Giveaway

Meet Jackie Ashenden, author of Talking Dirty with the Boss.

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

Places to find Jackie:

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ARC Review: Talking Dirty With The Player by Jacki Ashenden

Talking Dirty with the Player is the second book in Jackie Ashenden's Talking Dirty Series. I didn't know that this was the second book until after I had already started reading this story. Luckily, these books can be read as stand alone and I didn't have any problems with feeling lost or missing anything. This book does a great job of including the characters from the first book and giving enough back-story that you know everything you need to. That being said though, I think that having read the first book before this would have given me some extra insight to these characters. I really enjoyed this book though, and I can't wait to go back and read the first one now.

Judith is used to being in control. After having her heart broken by her brother's best friend Caleb eight years ago, she is reluctant to give him the time of day at her brother's wedding. Caleb needs a photographer for a charity fundraiser and thinks that this is a great chance for them to catch up. He knows that the feelings he has for Judith are not something that he should pursue for many reasons, not the least of which is her brother. But once he convinces Judith to do the fundraiser, he can't help but want to rekindle the relationship they once had. However convincing Judith to give him another chance after the way he pushed her away so many years ago will not be easy. He sets out to win her back and promises that this time he won't hurt her. They begin a relationship and their relationship and connection are stronger than ever. But with the end of his career in sight, and a possible job in another country how can they possibly make things work? Will they both be able to put their fears and the past behind them, or will they continue to push each other away to try and avoid another heart break?

I really liked Caleb. I didn't think I was going to like him much at first. When we first meet him in this book, he comes off as arrogant and out to annoy Judith. But he quickly turns things around, and becomes the hero that you want to root for. He was strong and sexy, and yet he was also really sweet. Caleb and Judith were very witty, and their banter was so much fun to read! I also loved that Caleb was always calling her cute nicknames. Judith was for the most part a likable heroine. There were a few times that I felt she was somewhat confused. She seemed to be a bit wishy-washy to me and would flip back and forth. I was frustrated at times that she wouldn't just make up her mind. But once she finally was honest with herself and stopped fighting Caleb, I was glad that she opened up to him and was honest about what she wanted. I think it spoke a lot about her character that she would lay herself and her feelings bare to someone that had broken her heart once in the hopes that the risk would be worth the reward. Caleb and Judith were really hot together and I thought those scenes were very well written.

Overall, this story was enjoyable. I am a huge fan of this particular trope, and I always jump at the chance to read stories like this. This one was very fun to read, and I found myself laughing many times throughout this story especially because of the characters' witty banter. It was also nice to see both of these characters evolve and grow. They both had things in their past that they had to overcome and I loved watching as they shared with each other and their connection grew deeper. I think that Caleb and Judith were a very believable couple and they were a great balance for each other. I think romance fans with find this story to be a very satisfying and enjoyable story that is not only heartwarming, but also very funny. I am looking forward to reading more from Ashenden, and I cannot wait to go back and read the first book Talking Dirty with the CEO which is the story of Judith's brother Joseph and Christie.

**ARC provided by Goddess Fish Promotions**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Guest Post with Author Jackie Ashenden and Giveaway

Meet Jackie Ashenden, author of Talking Dirty with the Player.

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.

Places to find Jackie:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter |