The Burg Series by Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley has a way of writing cool, tough, HOT alpha males like nobody else. Almost all of her men are good guys in security, policework or something similar. They are straight shooters who are old fashioned in many ways. They pay, they protect their women, and they always man-up. The heroines are all women I would love to have as friends. The characters in her books I have read so far tend to be older (30-40s), often with kids, and usually getting a second chance at love. There is some major suspense mixed in with great sex, great endings and even better epilogues. Kristen Ashley’s writing style is very unique. All of her characters have a tough, “motorcycley” (I know-that’s not a word) way of talking, women and men. But they all seem so cool and down to earth. I want to move to the burg!
In this series, the first book was actually the one I liked the least, yet I still really enjoyed it. All of her books are nice and long, have action up through the end, and are priced great! HIGHLY recommended reads after Fifty Shades of Grey. Reading order:
Colt & Feb’s book. Colt & Feb were High School sweethearts. Then, Feb took off and left town for years. 15 years later, she’s back in town and a psycho is after her. Of course, Colt steps in to protect her and they re-kindle a lost love. While I still really enjoyed this book, it didn’t carry the same intensity as the rest of the series. This story is more suspense than romance. The serial killer part is the most prominent. Plus, there were a LOT of characters to get to know, and I had a hard time keeping track, especially because they used full names and nicknames. Luckily, I read on my kindle app on my phone, so I just searched the name and found where they were mentioned earlier to refresh my memory. Because of that, it’s one of the few Kristen Ashley books with less than 5 stars. 4 star book with 4 Hs.
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At Peace- Joe (Cal) and Violet’s book. Violet is a widow with two kids. Joe is her neighbor. They have some HOT, HOT interludes, but Joe wants nothing more because of past scars. He is that neanderthal (but gorgeous) alpha male that communicates with his body better than his mouth. He is gruff, he is blunt and he is a man who knows how to take control! For the first half of the book, he is also a total asshole. I believe “alpha hole” is the phrase. There was also another hottie (Mike) in this book vying for Violet’s attention. And boy, for a while there, it was hard to choose between them! I was completely out of touch with my life while reading this. I couldn’t put it down. Just when you think-HERE is a perfect ending-you are only 60% done! Her stories are long and satisfying. The perfect mix of alpha male, danger, love, sex, heartache, suspense and family. 5 stars, 4 H
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Tanner Layne and Rocky’s book. Layne and Rocky were high school sweethearts who were supposed to end up together until Rocky left with no explanation. Layne got married, had kids, divorced, left, and came back to town to be the dad his teenaged boys needed. (Loved his boys, loved the family). When Layne gets shot, Rocky gets involved in trying to track down dirty cops, and a much larger, more sinister plot. Rocky and Layne rekindle their HOT romance and deal with the past. This book is told entirely from Laynes POV. Ms. Ashley tackled parenthood, divorce, child abuse, (in many ways–but I don’t wan’t to spoil), teaching, dirty cops, sports, teenagehood, mental illness, loss of a parent, PTSD and so much more into an action packed romance. I cried my eyes out in a few spots for both good and bad reasons. I think this is my favorite because of all the issues dealt with in such a way that you never lost track of any of them. I also enjoyed the interaction between the characters from the previous books. 5 stars, 4 H
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Games of the Heart- Mike Haynes is tough, bossy, hot, a great dad, an all around good guy, and with his two teenaged kids, he gets his own book! Yay! He hooks up with Dusty, a straight-shooting, down to earth, beautiful woman who has had a crush on Mike since she was 12 when her older sister dated him. I’m currently reading this and can’t put it down.
LOVED LOVED x 50! One of my favorite all-time books!
Here is the full review.
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The Promise (The ‘Burg Series)
Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.
The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.
Benny has decided differently.
But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.
Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.
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Jenfier says
I love this series! I’ve read reread it several times and I think it’s better each time. At Peace, with Cal and Violet, is my fave of the series. They’re all really good. I’m so ready for Frankie and Benny’s book. I completely agree about the length of her books. There’s been many times I think I’m closing in on the end, but when I check my ereader, I’m thrilled to find I’m only halfway done 🙂