Deacon has an ugly history, a history that broke him, leaving him a ghost of a man. Out of necessity, he left the normal world to descend into the criminal world and found he fit. So he stayed. Cold as ice and living off the grid, Deacon has no intention to connect, not with anyone.
Then he returns to some remote cabins in the Colorado Mountains and finds they have new owners. One of them is Cassidy Swallow, a young woman willing to work hard to live her quiet dream in a house by a river surrounded by aspen and pine.
Suddenly, Deacon finds he’s at war. Cassidy’s pull for him to connect is strong. He fights it, but he loses, always coming back for more. But when he does, he gives her nothing.
From the first time she sees him, Cassidy knows Deacon is dead inside. She knows he’s the kind of man who could destroy a woman. But one night when Deacon’s control slips, Cassidy takes a chance.
He might break her. He also might be her dream come true
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5 Beautiful War Stars |
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
Excitement flowed through me. With kindle in hand, eyes fixated on its screen, the world around me faded away. All that existed resides in cabin 11 – Glacier Lily Cottages - Antler, Colorado. Captivated and consumed by Deacon and Cassidy’s love story, I was once again lured into a fantastical world created by one of my favorite authors, Kristen Ashley. As expected, I was treated to a wondrous, emotional tale filled with laughter, heartache, and amazing erotic scenes, which surpassed any previously penned by this author. Deacon is a must read for fans and lovers of romance.
Deacon is the fourth installment in the “Unfinished Heroes” Series - stories about ‘anti-heroes’ - decent men whose life experiences forced them to do undesirable deeds. Deacon, aka John Priest as he is first introduced to Cassidy, is one of those men. Heart-shattering events from his past led him down a dark and dangerous path to become a “dead man walking”.
This erotic romance is by far one of the hottest, sexiest books I’ve read. The sex, which included BDSM elements, was deliciously arousing. Cassie and Deacon know how to get their kink on and their “vanilla” lovemaking was just as sizzling. Ashley has out done herself, making this read one of my all time favorites. It had it all…a well written plot, drama, suspense, passion and breath-taking moments. Her detailed and descriptive writing, as well as the dialogue, gives great insight into the hearts and minds of the characters.
Cassie is the owner of Glacier Lily Cottages, cabins set in the mountains of Colorado. Her first customer is a gorgeous, terrifyingly scary man who calls himself “John Priest”. From the moment they met, Cassie was drawn to him by simply glancing into his expressionless eyes. And so begins a quasi-relationship spanning over six years as Deacon finds himself returning to what he considers home…cabin 11. All the while, a war was raged within the mysterious Deacon Gates. A battle between his will to remain a broken, emotionally detached man and the growing need to submit to his burning desires for Cassie.
I fell head over heals in love with Deacon. Tall, handsome, rugged, outrageously sensual and a growler – everything I desire in the Alpha hero of my dreams. Each time he rumbles “WOMAN”, “HERE” to Cassie, I tingled with girlish excitement. The complexity of his character was fascinating. A total badass who voiced so few words but whose actions and expressions spoke volumes. His transition from a stoic, soulless man to a caring and passionate lover overwhelmed me.
Buried beneath his ‘wall of ice’ lived a true romantic hero. The more Deacon shed his secrets, the more I connected with his character. Tough and tender, serious and sweet, commanding and compassionate – all that makes Deacon the powerful man who wormed his way into Cassie’s heart, managed to capture mine.
Cassidy Swallow is “the shit”. One of the strongest storybook heroines I’ve come across. She’s funny and sassy (in a non annoying way). Her determination to be both an independent woman and to break through to Deacon was immeasurable. She’s the perfect “tough broad” to challenge a man like Deacon. I admired her tenacity and the way she gave all of herself to help heal his pain. Cassie is without a doubt the woman Deacon needed to help conquer his demons, let go of an ugly past and fight a “beautiful war”.
For fans, Deacon is a must read. It contains some sexual situations mentioned in the disclaimer, but honestly, I personally had no trouble with it. There is no cliffhanger, but a foundation is set for the last installment. It can be read as a stand-alone. However, I highly recommend reading Knight, Creed and Raid to fully appreciate the journey and the characters involved in the storyline. One of the highlights of diving into a new release is discovering which old friends make cameo appearances. Another reason why I love KA’s books, the perpetuity she gives all of her characters. You really never say a final goodbye. My only gripe (if you can even consider it one) is that I found myself wanting more of Cassie and Deacon’s romance. I am a greedy reader when it comes to Kristen’s work. Her stories exist on a different plane for me, and the power of her tales touches me in unspeakable ways. Seeing the word “epilogue” fills me with dread knowing I have to wait to get my next fix.
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Kristen
Ashley stole my heart when I stumbled upon Knight over 2 years ago. I will
always count this series as very special to me because it was what caused me to
discover an author that is now my #1 go to authors for passionate and riveting
plots. Stories that suck you in and make you read slowly to savor each and
every sizzling page. While this series is what Kristen calls her Anti-heroes
there is not doubt they are still swoon worthy heroes indeed. Deacon’s story broke my heart and then put it all back
together. From the moment he walked into Cassie’s cabin I was swept away in the
abyss of his personality.
I felt so many feelings while reading this
book that I at times caught myself with my hand over my heart..because the emotions
were so intense. That is what makes a brilliant author. When you can’t stop
reading and don’t want anything to interrupt this amazing love affair with
words. Deacon and Cassidy were just breath taking together. I loved the slow
build of their love and the sexy and sassy banter.
The dialogue was over the
top amazing and I found everything I love about a Kristen Ashley romance in
this. A steamy love story that is erotic
yet tender, broken but beautiful. Healing and forgiveness and loyalty and
strength.
Characters that intrigue, plot that is intense and
passionate and a whole cast of favorites who sweep you away to the past when
you fell in love with each of them. I adore this author with everything I my
heart and eagerly count the days till my Kindle carries the next brilliant read
she gifts her readers with.
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What
can I say? Kristen Ashley does it again
with Deacon. Although this time Deacon
is more broody, mysterious and kinky than her other Alpha males - which is a
recipe for a great freaking story that I could not put down. And as usual, Cassie, the heroine, is this awesome, strong
female who you can't help but admire, root for and want to become her best
friend.
I
have to say, some of my very favorite "alpha man" quotes came out of
Deacon's mouth.
And
I don't want to take anything away from Cassie - she held her own.
If
you are a Kristen Ashley fan, I can say you will not be disappointed with
Deacon - and if you have never read one of her books - this is absolutely a
great place to start and get hooked on K.A. and her amazing writing style
including all of her incredible H/h's.
It
truly was....
Kristen Ashley was born in
Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it
into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her
neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first
breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived
in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been
blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy
(to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen
was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They
lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed
amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon
and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better
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