Fighting the Pull by Kristen Ashley Release Blitz

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain Series, Fighting the Pull.

Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.

There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.

But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.

Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.

They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.

As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the River Rain series!
For book two, Chasing Serenity, click HERE.
For book three, Taking the Leap, click HERE.
For book four, Making the Match, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

The thing on my mind that I wasn’t admitting was taking more headspace than it should was the fact that Hale had texted the day before.

Again.

Why he wasn’t letting himself off the hook about this interview he never wanted in the first place, I did not know. And it wasn’t going to be me who let him off the hook. Oh no. Not officially.

But I wasn’t returning his texts, so unofficially, the guy should take a hint.

We’d made a deal almost a year before. The deal was, I’d kinda, sorta lay off his family, he’d give me an interview.

I couldn’t totally lay off his family. They were the most celebrated celebrities in the world. Even the ones who hadn’t sought that out, like Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley.

But there were a great many different kinds of celebrity news, and it didn’t seem like Hale Wheeler had cottoned on to the fact I wasn’t a mudslinger.

Sure, I also wasn’t an objective journalist. But I wasn’t TMZ either.

Nugget of news: you could share gossip for a living and still be classy. I was proof of that (or I thought I was).

I had my key ready to put into the four locks on the door to the building where my studio was in Brooklyn, and with practiced ease, I was out of the New York autumn morning cold in no time.

I locked the door behind me and headed to the space in the sectioned off warehouse that I rented for my studio.

I had to unlock that door too (only three locks this time), and once inside, I practically ran into Chuck, my cameraman, who was for some reason right there and crowding me.

My space was small, but this was weird.

I looked at his face, and… great.

We’d probably been burgled.

It wasn’t like I had a ton of expensive equipment, but what I had was hard won. I had offers coming in, and they were healthier than I’d allowed myself to dream, but I hadn’t signed on any dotted line. So, for the foreseeable future, ongoing operating costs, and any expansion, was on me.

I didn’t have time to deal with police reports and insurance companies telling me how little they could actually replace seeing as some small line in their contract exempted them from doing what I paid them to do. Nor did I need to be shelling out to replace stuff.

“What’s up?” I warily asked Chuck.

“Hale Wheeler is here,” he whispered.

Oh no.

That was worse than being burgled.

My gaze flew beyond Chuck to my set which was a one-step dais on which sat a mint green velvet swivel chair with a glass-topped gold side table beside it. These were in front of a greenscreen backdrop we could make anything we wanted it to be. Though usually it was subtle pastel green and peach swirls against a soft white with the words “Elsa’s Exchange” repeated throughout.

And damn it all to hell, there he was.

Tall, ridiculously handsome, athletically built Hale Wheeler, the richest man in the world.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series, and they are just all fabulous! Thankfully, here in the UK, today is a Bank Holiday, as when this arrived on my Kindle I knew once I started it, I would just keep tapping until I got to the last page – and I was right! For sure you need to have read the earlier books in the series to have any hope of gaining all the goodness from this story. There are so many links, important back stories, and family politics involved, you would not believe (unless, of course, you are a KA fan, in which case this is one of her fortes!).

Hale is the product of his upbringing and yet may become all that his father hoped for him – we discover just what that might mean, a little like peeling back layers of an onion... with, on occasion tears, as well as happiness. A complex life is an understatement, partly driven by the urging of the family that Corey gave him, partly due to this fascinating woman who has been hounding him for an interview, Hale is at a crossroads.

Elsa is a successful podcast journalist, specialising in revealing the truths of celebrities; yet after being blindsided by Hale's mother, Sam, she has become much fussier and careful about where her interviews go. This is attracting much attention from networks, and she is about to break into the big time. That promised interview with Hale Wheeler is what she needs to take that next step... and he is being illusive.

I love the interactions between Hale and Elsa and the depth of their story. It is full of family, some good and supportive, some toxic and destructive, but there is always a chance for growth and unity. We get to meet up with all our old friends and foes from earlier books, and learn more about Corey and just why he may have behaved as he did. I love that these characters are so real that it feels like attending a family wedding and getting the low down on everyone's news.

The relationship which blossoms draws in others to enjoy the glow, bringing together such disparate groups as Elsa's work team, her upholsterer, and her family, alongside Hale's adoptive family from both Tom and Genny's side – so life is full of opinions, suggestions, and laughter.

Mesmerising – and I really look forward to finding time to read all five back to back, because certainly there will be great richness in not forgetting some of the details which inevitably happens when there are gaps between releases.

Thank you again, Kristen Ashley, for a wonderful story!


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
The fifth book in Kristen Ashley's River Rain series was not what I was expecting. For some reason, I thought this was going to be an enemies-to-lovers type, same old story. I am happy to report, THIS IS NOT THAT!

I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series, if you haven't already. Most characters have their own back stories that have already been explored.

Hale Wheeler, what do I say about him? Attractive, wealthy, and *slightly* damaged – he is a strong character who knows who he is and what he wants. He also has some serious protective instincts and works hard to earn his reputation.

Then we have Elsa. She is my favorite heroine, of the younger generation! She has busted her hump, made a name for herself, and tirelessly tries to improve her reputation. Being a celebrity reporter, she doesn't pride herself on gossip and reporting negatively. No, she wants to report celebrity news, in a positive way, even though she's judged harshly for previous work. She is strong, she is fierce, and she is human. I adore her and wish many other heroines were portrayed as she.

These two strong-willed, successful, attractive people understand each other in a way that brings them together at the same time it puts them at odds with another. Both having issues with their mothers, they have more in common than most. They're both confident in their selves but still have a hint of insecurity when it comes to opening to others.

I love how they were honest up front, no guesswork needed. I love how they interact with one another, how they're willing to learn and grow from experiences. I absolutely LOVE their chemistry and maturity. I especially love that these two were able to admit their weaknesses and overcome them together.

I often wonder why I ever doubt this author, even if I don't fully enjoy one book there is always another that just amazes me!

 

 

 

KRISTEN ASHLEY is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold millions of books.

Kristen, born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, was a fourth-generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her independent publishing career. She now writes full-time.

Although romance is her genre, the prevailing themes running through all of Kristen’s novels are friendship, family, and a strong sisterhood. To this end, and as a way to thank her readers for their support, Kristen has created the Rock Chick Nation, a series of programs that are designed to give back to her readers and promote a strong female community. You can learn more about Kristen and the Rock Chick Nation on her website.

Connect with Kristen Ashley!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristen Ashley – Rock Chicks Group!

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Fighting the Pull (River Rain #5) by Kristen Ashley to read and review.

Making the Match by Kristen Ashley Blog Tour

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain series, Making the Match.

Decades ago, tennis superstar Tom Pierce and “It Girl” Mika Stowe met at a party.

Mika fell in love. Tom was already in love with his wife. As badly as Tom wanted Mika as a friend, Mika knew it would hurt too much to be attracted to this amazing man and never be able to have him.

They parted ways for what they thought would be forever, only to reconnect just once, when unspeakable tragedy darkens Mika’s life.

Years later, the impossible happens.

A time comes when they’re both unattached.

But now Tom has made a terrible mistake. A mistake so damaging to the ones he loves, he feels he’ll never be redeemed.

Mika has never forgotten how far and how fast she fell when she met him, but Tom’s transgression is holding her distant from reaching out.

There are matchmakers in their midst, however.

And when the plot has been unleashed to make that match, Tom and Mika are thrown into an international intrigue that pits them against a Goliath of the sports industry.

Now they face a massive battle at the same time they’re navigating friendship, attraction, love, family, grief, redemption, two very different lives lived on two opposite sides of a continent and a box full of kittens.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the River Rain series!
For book two, Chasing Serenity, click HERE.
For book three, Taking the Leap, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

She looked beyond him and called, “Hey, Mom.”

Suddenly, Tom felt like he’d been punched in the chest, his breath not coming easy.

Dragging some in, he turned and saw Mika standing there.

She was wearing a kaftan dress with a low V at the neck, draping sleeves and a string through an empire waist that gathered the material. The print on a black background was mostly reds, oranges and pinks with bright accents of green and blue and turquoise. She had some flat, embroidered mules on her feet. And her still-golden hair was up in a messy knot on top of her head.

Even though she was dressed like she was hanging around the house, she wore makeup. Mostly neutral but with black cat’s-eye, drawing focus to her eyes and the startling sea-blue color of the iris. She had some delicate chain bracelets at her wrists and a number of piercings in her ears, with studs or small hoops running up the shell, and dangling beads coming from the lobe.

She looked the picture of what a poet, photographer, novelist, filmmaker would look like. An easy style that was not unique, but she made it that way.

She was also still one of the most attractive women he’d ever laid eyes on.

In fact, he’d go so far as saying she was in the top two, vying for number one.

“Tom,” she greeted.

“Mika,” he replied, and then was surprised yet again in his short visit to her home.

He saw a soft pink rise in her cheeks, the kind a woman got when she felt nervous or didn’t know what to do with flattery, something he hadn’t offered, unless she caught it in his gaze.

She looked to her daughter and ordered, “Scram, kid.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
I don’t give a lot of five-star reviews, but Making the Match is definitely five stars for me. So why did I love it?

First, I loved having such a passionate and loving romance between a couple in their late 40s early 50s. As I am close to their age group, it was great to have a story where I could relate to the stage of life of the characters.

Secondly, I was fascinated with how the story dealt with the past relationships of Tom and Mika. Tom is divorced, after cheating on his famous actress wife. Mika has raised her teenage daughter after the man she loved was killed while she was pregnant. Dealing with their past and how that is affecting their present is a huge part of the story and had me in tears several times. Anyone who has read Kristen Ashley’s work would know she regularly writes about crazy exes, so it was so good to have a story where the former partners were still loved.

Thirdly, Mika… she is an amazing woman. Strong, creative, self-assured, beautiful, intelligent. I adored her. And Tom is a pretty great guy too. And together they are the perfect couple.

Fourthly, the wonderful cast of characters around them, some of whom we know from previous books and some, like Mika’s daughter Cadence and her bestie Nora, are new to us. I loved the hints of other things going on between characters and I absolutely cannot wait to get Hale’s story. Also, I devour every little snippet we get of Corey Szabo. He just breaks my heart.

I was completely enchanted by Making the Match. It is my favorite book in this series so far and I can’t wait to read more of this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series – and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order to make sure you understand the complexity of the relationships in the story. I reckon you would enjoy it regardless, but it makes so many things clearer reading this after the earlier books!

I would have found it difficult to imagine how Tom could be restored to happiness and fulfilment, and yet, of course, Kristen Ashley does so and more. The relationships in this series have always been complicated and forgiveness hard to find, but here we get such a beautifully rounded story. Humans are fallible, but also capable of redemption.

I loved Mika and the closeness with her daughter – and the story of their lives being so deeply emotional and yet they are so eminently practical. That Mika and Tom finally get a chance was definitely a blessing, but it was easy to imagine why they would be skeptical and cautious!

Add in some real corporate intrigue and this book has it ALL – all the drama, all the feels, and all the love. Delicious outcome, smooth, page-turning writing... don't expect to get much of anything done until you turn the very last page!

 

 

 

KRISTEN ASHLEY is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold millions of books.

Kristen, born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, was a fourth-generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her independent publishing career. She now writes full-time.

Although romance is her genre, the prevailing themes running through all of Kristen’s novels are friendship, family, and a strong sisterhood. To this end, and as a way to thank her readers for their support, Kristen has created the Rock Chick Nation, a series of programs that are designed to give back to her readers and promote a strong female community. You can learn more about Kristen and the Rock Chick Nation on her website.

Connect with Kristen Ashley

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristen Ashley – Rock Chicks Group!

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Making the Match (River Rain #4) by Kristen Ashley to read and review.

Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley Blog Tour

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain series, Taking the Leap.

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.

She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.

Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.

However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…

As a fake couple.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the River Rain series!
For book two, Chasing Serenity, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

What kind of coffee drink do you like?

I could have lied, and when I saw him at the office, said I was driving when I got the text and that was why I didn’t answer.

But there was a part of me that was so excited to get my very first text from Rix, and that part was strong.

So strong, that thought didn’t even occur to me before I texted back with oodles of curiosity, Why?

Because I’m buying you a coffee, babe.

Another babe.

That was three.

Highly inappropriate, even infantilizing.

I said not one word about the “babe.”

Instead, I texted, Iced Chai.

Once I sent that, I texted, Mocha latte, iced or hot.

And on its heels, I sent, For just hot, flat white.

Then I got nervous that I might be sounding like a goof.

So nervous my thumbs couldn’t seem to stop tapping letters, and I therefore texted, I assume you want to know what I want right now, rather than all that I like. So just to say, I tend to be a coffee explorer, since I like coffee. And caffeine on the whole. That means the list is kinda long. But if you’re asking for right now, which you are, because it’s chilly this morning, flat white.

After I sent that, I realized that I was absolutely sounding like a dork in sending it, all of it, including the three before. As such, I watched in agony as Rix’s three dots cycled and cycled and then they did it some more.

Until I got, How much coffee have you already had?

This would have been funny if it wasn’t so mortifying.

Just one, I responded miserably.

Try to cycle down cuz you’ll have another when you get to work. Later.

I decided I’d texted enough, so I let that lie.

It didn’t lie for long.

Rix showed at my desk at River Rain (which wasn’t going to be my desk at River Rain for very long, it’d be my desk at Trail Blazer since we were moving the next day, Judge’s office furniture, mine, and some unused stuff they had sitting around was all going to the new offices for temporary use because the telephones and Internet were being hooked up that day and it was time to occupy Trail Blazer).

Rix set my flat white down while I valiantly attempted not to blush, he made no attempt whatsoever to hide he totally did not miss I failed at this endeavor, smiled a smile that I wanted to think was friendly, but instead it seemed sexy, this thought being exacerbated when he muttered under his breath so I almost couldn’t hear it, “Only you could make a rambling coffee order adorable.”

I sat frozen.

Rix winked at me and said in his normal voice, “Bottoms up, Alex.”

With that, seeing as he was in his chair that day, he wheeled away.

Since there was a lot going on with packing for the move and tech hookups and such, I only had to deal with Rix in passing for the rest of Monday.

However, Tuesday morning, I was shoving stuff into my bag at home, preparing to head down the mountain to dig into the move, when my phone chimed.

OK, I have ten minutes, explain today’s coffee order.

Yes.

Another text from Rix.

A startled laugh escaped from me because he was being funny.

I then texted back, You don’t have to buy me coffee.

To which he texted, I know I don’t.

Then I sent, I’m just saying, we’re good. We had a blip last week. But now we’re great.

We’re great?

Damn.

Why did reading those two words texted by him make my breasts swell?

Good. Great. I mean, things are fine. You don’t have to butter me up with coffee.

So coffee is a way to butter you up?

Oh God.

What was that?

Was it flirty?

Or was it just being funny and friendly?

Or was it just a kind of getting-to-know-you, valued co-worker, but in a jokey fashion?

Tell him what you want and stop texting, Alex! I admonished myself.

I did not stop texting.

Well, yeah. Kinda. Like I said, I like coffee.

You did say that, so maybe you’ll tell me what kind you want this morning.

Time to get beyond this.

Iced Chai.

That’s tea.

Oh my God!

Flirty?

Or jokey?

I’m feeling tea today, I replied.

Right. And then he sent, That only took five minutes. I’d fill the other five by asking you what kind of donuts you like, but we got a lot to get accomplished today. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your dissertation on that, but I’d prefer to sort out my office so I can start doing the shit I’m getting paid to do.

He one hundred percent did not need my views on donuts then.

Therefore, I noted, Good call. He sent a smirk emoji, which shared the impossible.

Rix could even make emojis sexy.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Alex and Rix are co-workers and friends. She has been crazy about him for years, but he hasn't really noticed her. Then one night while they were out together with their friends, he begins to notice her and starts to really see her. But then it all goes to hell in a handbasket real fast. So she goes back to crushing on him in silence.

John 'Rix" Hendrix finally has his life back on track after a tragic accident and he loves his life. He has guilt and pain from his past, but he deals with it the only way he knows how. He likes Alex but he can't let her get too close or he will hurt her.

Alex and Rix are made for each other, and it will take other people, namely her family and his ex-fiancée, to make them see that they belong together. This story is filled with pain, fear, fun, hero, heroine, kindness, forgiveness, and finally love. It is worth reading and I highly recommend it and the others in this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I think you would be well served to read them in order, although the story is certainly strong enough to stand alone.

Rix and Alex are about to embark upon an amazing new project which will pitch them together far more than in the past. This worries Alex, as she has liked him forever, but seems to be entirely invisible to him. He is certainly a difficult character to like in the beginning. As we get to understand better his viewpoint, it is easy to see why he behaves as he does, even if it continued to grate at times. Alex is such a genuinely good person, that his harsh assumptions are unfair – something he has to learn for himself.

I loved the time we spent outdoors with them, when they are at their most relaxed and real, learning what makes both of them tick. It made the differences between expectation and reality all the clearer, and explains why they need to call their relationship a fake one to prove themselves to others. I still felt that Rix got the better deal at the end, which for me is unusual in an Ashley novel, but I definitely enjoyed the story, and look forward to the next installment very happily.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
I’d been really looking forward to reading Taking the Leap and reading Rix’s story and reading about a hero with a disability. And I have to say I think generally, it was handled well. The first time we see Rix emotionally vulnerable is when Alex sees his legs for the first time, and it helped me connect with him to see under his macho exterior. Until that point, I didn’t think much of Rix as a hero. He treats Alex poorly very early on in the story and it look me a very long time to warm up to him even though he was saying and doing all the right things

I’m not a big fan of fake relationships in books but I find it can work best in a romcom setting; for me, it didn’t really work here. It just felt too juvenile for two people who seem like mature adults. Thankfully, this portion of the story doesn’t last too long but it did keep me from really connecting with the story. I really liked Alex and I wanted to see her happy. I loved the way that she loved Rix even when I didn’t, and it is great how this quiet and shy woman wasn’t afraid to ask Rix questions about himself or about his disability. She is a lot stronger than she initially appears.

For me, Taking the Leap was an enjoyable romance with all the usual things you expect from a Kristen Ashely story, macho men, fun gal pals, and lots of description about very cool homes. But for me, this story really picked up in the last quarter or so when the couple travel to New York to attend her sister’s wedding. Alex’s drama-filled family provides plenty of entertainment. They also provide the most epic wedding scene I’ve ever read. It was brilliant and this story is worth reading for that scene alone. Seriously, I cheered while reading it was so great.

Overall, I’d give Taking the Leap three stars because at the end of the day, it is a good romance.

 

 

KRISTEN ASHLEY is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold over three million books.

Born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, Kristen was a fourth generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her writing career.

Connect with Kristen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristen Ashley – Rock Chicks Group!

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Taking the Leap (River Rain #3) by Kristen Ashley to read and review for this tour.

Chasing Serenity by Kristen Ashley Blog Tour

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley brings a new novel in her River Rain series…

From a very young age, Chloe Pierce was trained to look after the ones she loved.

And she was trained by the best.

But when the man who looked after her was no longer there, Chloe is cast adrift—just as the very foundation of her life crumbled to pieces.

Then she runs into tall, lanky, unpretentious Judge Oakley, her exact opposite. She shops. He hikes. She drinks pink ladies. He drinks beer. She’s a city girl. He’s a mountain guy.

Obviously, this means they have a blowout fight upon meeting. Their second encounter doesn’t go a lot better.

Judge is loving the challenge. Chloe is everything he doesn’t want in a woman, but he can’t stop finding ways to spend time with her. He knows she’s dealing with loss and change.

He just doesn’t know how deep that goes. Or how ingrained it is for Chloe to care for those who have a place in her heart, how hard it will be to trust anyone to look after her…

And how much harder it is when it’s his turn.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Considering the fact he’d brought in a coffee for his buddy, Rix, who managed the store, Judge was down on the floor where Rix’s office was, not on the top floor where his was, so he saw her when she walked into the shoe section.

He’d dated Meg.

And before Meg, there was Jess.

And before Jess, there was Kimberly.

They all had different color hair, Meg and Jess were tall, Kim was not.

But even so, Judge had a type.

He knew it.

And that woman who’d strolled up to the shoe displays?

She was his type.

Multiplied by a thousand.

Christ, she was beautiful.

And bad news.

He could tell that last by the outfit, including her ridiculous, high-heeled booties.

He’d worked at River Rain Outdoor stores for nine years—starting as a sales associate when he was still going to college and advancing to director of the Kids and Trails program.

In all that time, he didn’t think he’d ever seen a woman walk into any of their stores wearing shoes like hers.

And when he came down again a half an hour later to hit Rix’s office to make some copies because the copier in the corporate offices at the top level was busted, he noticed she was still there.

He also noticed he had further evidence she was bad news.

That evidence?

The sheer number of boxes of boots that she was trying on scattered around her.

She looked like she’d not set foot on a hiking trail in her life.

And she looked like she was there because she’d already trolled through all the boutiques around the square, but this hadn’t assuaged her shopping fix, because nothing really did.

Therefore, there was a possibility, after making a member of staff bring her fifteen pairs of shoes, she’d walk out not buying anything.

She’d do this not thinking a thing of it.

However, he noted some of the boots she was trying on were riding boots, and Judge could see that round ass of hers in the saddle on top of a horse.

Wearing a riding habit.

Even if she was trouble, and he had not the slightest interest (or he was telling himself that), he couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

Because he was a moron.

That said, she caught his gaze every time.

So he was looking.

But so was she.

His instincts proved true when he came down for the third time with more to copy, and he again walked through the shoe section to get to the office in the back. Doing this close to where she was seated, still trying on boots, because, yes, in the fifteen minutes between then and now, he had not stopped being a moron.

And again, she caught his gaze.

He had no clue why, but as her gorgeous hickory brown eyes hit his, he muttered, “Nice booties.”

Her back shot straight, and she demanded, “What did you just say?”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved everything about this book, Chloe is the oldest daughter of two very famous parents. She was raised in a family filled with love, trust, and she learned to look after those she loved.

From the moment Chloe meets Judge, they argue and each time it seems they are arguing. But the more time they spend together it begins to change for them. As they spend more time together, you can see their feelings change, how they are together is almost perfect. Even Judge's dog loves Chloe.

This story is all about finding the one that makes you whole. It is fun, flirty, sad, filled with family, love, and a relationship that will last forever.

If you haven’t read a Kristen Ashley book yet, you should start with this series, After the Climb is where it all starts and I loved it too. I hope you give it a chance and you will love it too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Utterly unputdownable, a Kristen Ashley classic love story with so much family drama, and complications, but fundamentally strong ties that hold firm.

So exciting to have a new series to indulge in, from a talented author. Told over a period of years, travelling backwards and forwards to give insight into what is important to the central family and Chloe in particular. I loved all the family dynamics, the way that loss and change affect the individuals and how there is resolution of rifts.

I love the locating of this story in Arizona, and bringing a new landscape and environment to the fore. It is good to pull away from the oft featured cities, and get a new view of life, even if the main characters are anything if ordinary. With Hollywood, and tennis royalty as Chloe's parents, and Judge having successful and wealthy forebears too, they make a dashing pair once they get together – but their meet-cute will have you chuckling for sure.

There are some really difficult issues in this book, there are some pertinent points made about wider cultural issues too, but at its heart is a wonderful romance, and a lot of big smile-inducing humour. Such a treat, that I did little else but read this book from cover to cover in the last 24 hours!

I cannot wait for the next installment – and am delighted at who are going to star in it, but will need a significant fix of the enlarged family clan too.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Chasing Serenity is Kristen Ashley at her best. I was totally swept up in Chloe and Judge’s story. There is so much more to Chloe than what you see on the surface. At first, I wasn’t really taken by her but once we really got to know her, I loved her, just like everyone around her. Judge is a great guy and her banter with Judge is fabulous. I loved the way their relationship unfolded, and that Judge wasn’t afraid to make his feelings about her known. l loved that he had to work hard to win her because that made it that much sweeter. Together this couple is dynamite.

This story is about more than Judge and Chloe’s romance although that is the centerpiece. With their circle of family, they are dealing with loss, suicide, addiction, divorce, and general family drama. There is a lot of heartache and a lot of love, both romantic and familial, in both Chloe and Judge’s lives. I lost count of how many times the story brought me to tears. And Chloe’s Uncle Corey, wow, my heart broke for him and he kept making me cry.

My heart was completely wrapped up in this drama filled romance and I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, this is the first book in a new series so no doubt we will see more of Judge and Chloe. The next romance in this series is between Rix and Alex and I can’t wait to get my hands on their story, which is due out on 15 February 2022.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

Chasing Serenity is an appropriate title for book one in the River Rain series.

Chloe Pierce is a fierce, strong, independent woman. She likes her high-end clothes, shoes, and accessories but these do not define her. The eldest daughter of two famous parents, she has always been responsible and protective of her siblings.

Judge is exactly the opposite. He's an outdoorsy guy, cares not a wit about designers, but has a heart for the environment and children's enjoyment of anything nature.

This story has depth, is emotionally charged, and contains important side characters – all of this NOT including the romance! Having said that, I was relatively bored with the story more than I enjoyed it. I felt like there wasn't any big climax, no nail-biting moments. Maybe I just had high expectations or was hoping for something else. Maybe I need to read it again at a different point in my life.

Overall, I like Chloe and Judge together. They are unstoppable and perfect for one another. My favorite interactions, though, were between the siblings/stepsiblings!

 

 

KRISTEN ASHLEY is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold over three million books.

Born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, Kristen was a fourth generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her writing career.

Connect with Kristen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristen Ashley – Rock Chicks Group!

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Chasing Serenity (River Rain #1) by Kristen Ashley to read and review for this tour.