Fire Inside

Chaos #2

by Kristen Ashley

Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .

For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Erotica, Audiobook, Motorcycle

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2013

About the author

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.

Reviews

[KristenReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4–Hop Won My Heart–Stars

HOLY MOLY! The impossible happened! I actually fell head-over-heels in love with Hop, which shocked me to no end because I was NOT, and I repeat, NOT his biggest fan in Motorcycle Man. In fact, I put off reading his book until now because I had no desire to read his story. I could kick myself for waiting so long and not trusting Kristen Ashley's ability to make me fall in love with her hero. I should have known better.



I'll admit, I struggled with Lanie's character at first; she was a bit too wishy-washy for my tastes, but she won me over BIG TIME by the end. And don't get me started on how much I adored Hop's kids. His daughter and son were just too cute for words. I'm alway in awe of Kristen Ashley's ability to write children that feel authentic and palatable. The kids in her stories always add substance and delight to what is already compelling plot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book but I also felt it had a few flaws. Mainly, it should have been a novella instead of a full length book and placed at the end of the Dream Man series instead of the second book in the Chaos series. There just wasn't enough plot substance for it to keep my full and undivided attention considering it paralleled Own the Wind's timeline and events. Basically, it brought nothing new to the series arc. Not to mention, the Chaos series main focus is on the YOUNGER club members not the older ones.

Still, I very much enjoyed this book, and like all Kristen Ashley stories, the epilogue left a huge smile on my face and happiness in my heart.

ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing.

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[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 9/29/23

Re-read 4/15/16... I'm not just in a book slump, I have some major fucking PMS am in a total slump, period. Nothing I'm reading is appealing to me as a result, thus...Re-reading a favorite!
Re-read 8/30/15
Re-read 1/17/15

I've re-read this so many times it's not even funny.
And I always love it.
Hop and Lanie are one of my favorite KA couples for sure...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

FIRE INSIDE

Hop



Lanie

-"You'll Accomp'ny Me" by Bob Seger

" 'I'll tell you now, I do not have a replacement. There's only one me. You want it, you find,' he jerked his thumb at his chest, leaning toward me and concluded, 'me.'"

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review coming soon. Here's my fav quote:

“… [he] used you as a shield… No way would I let you put yourself in the path of anything for me… You’ll learn to trust me, the brothers, Tack. I don’t use you as a shield. I am the goddamn shield.”

BLURB --> Lanie Heron isn’t looking for love—no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club...

For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She’s too polished and too classy for his tastes. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can’t say no. And he doesn’t regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that’s ever happened to him—in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.

Release date: June 4th

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
It was only supposed to be one night...




We first meet Lanie in Motorcycle Man. She is Tyra’s (Tack’s old lady) best friend. It’s been eight long years since Lanie’s life changed drastically. Eight years since her fiance was killed, she was hurt. She is still not over it, after all this time, she still can’t let anyone in. She is not willing to take that risk again. Not now, not ever.

“You have something, you have something to lose.”

Hopper Kincade has been with Chaos MC for over 15 years, ever since he’s been 24. He is a badass biker guy, but he is also a big sweetheart. He is a devoted father who is divorced. You really get the wrong impression of Hop in MM. I was worried I wouldn’t like him in this because of that, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Hopper is a caring guy, he is there for you when you need him.

“Anything you need, babe. I’m there for you. One way or another.”

When Lanie and Hop start this ‘thing’ between them, Hopper is hesitent. He knows what Lanie has been through. Tack is his brother, Tyra is Lanie’s best friend. He knows it could get complicated. Messy. But he can’t resist Lanie. And once he’s had her, one night is not enough.

The best I ever had.

Lanie has a lot to work through. As much as she doesn’t want to admit it, she likes being with Hopper. She enjoys his company, she just knows its not a good idea to get involved with him, with anyone. He just wants a chance.

“Take a chance on me.”


He wants her to let him in.

“I’ll wear you down. You won’t let me in, I’ll break in, sneak in, blast in.”

“You won’t get in.”

“Let you in on a secret, babe. I’m already in. Just gotta wait for you to realize it.”

He wants Lanie to live again, to enjoy life.


Most importantly, he wants to protect her, for her to realize that he is there for her. He has her back.

“I don’t use you as a shield. I am the goddamn shield.”

Lanie knows she and Hop have something, something special.


When Lanie actually lets Hop in, there time together is beautiful, amazing. But she has a bad habit of shutting him out, putting up walls. Hop tries to be patient with her, but their relationship is difficult at times. And Lanie is insisting it be kept secret, for now.

Hop is an alpha, biker guy, badass, he is funny and he has a soft side. I wasn’t sure if I would like him, but I really did. He isn’t my favorite KA alpha, but he was still pretty great. He was just the guy Lanie needed. He knows Lanie is a classy lady, so thats what he calls her- Lady. So we’ve established Hop is a badass biker with the tats and all, a sweet caring guy... but did I mention he plays guitar and sings? And he dedicated a song to Lanie... freaking swooning


Okay- Hop and Lanie’s relationship was far from perfect, but once they got it situated, I loved them together. The epilogue was PERFECT! I may have teared up a bit... but I do that in every KA epilogue- He’d done it. Pulled her out of the shadows and brought her into the light of family.
. I just love the MC books, plus- I am a KA fan for life. Like I said before, I really enjoyed this, but I think my expectations were too high. I ended up loving both main characters, the story was enjoyable, it was just missing that little special touch that At Peace, Knight, Own the Wind, Motorcycle Man etc. had. I did want more of a 'story' besides the Hop and Lanie relationship, and even though the bulk of there relationship was based on sex in the beginning... I could have definitely used more KA sex scenes... just sayin. I could see why others didn’t love this one, but I still give it a solid 4 stars!



Now please for the love of all that is holy can we get a RUSH book next!!!!

***Arc provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGallery***

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.5 stars for me. I tried to stay away from the reviews before reading this one but saw that it was not getting the usual RAVE reviews that a KA book usually gets. I loved it, I did. I thought it was right back there with her older books – got my first KA in November 2011 – Sweet Dreams – ah, the good old days. We knew Hop and Lanie already from some previous books and wasn’t sure if I was going to like Hop too much – you guys know what happened at the Club. We won’t say anything. But I did like him, a lot. Not as much as Tate or Tack (nobody can surpass those guys). I seriously don’t think KA can write a bad book. I have given most of her books 4 and 5 stars – there was the one that only got 3 stars from me, but all her books have a familiarity that I like. I love her Hero’s, although their stamina in the bedroom is to be taken with a grain of salt…. I could be mistaken but if any of you lovely Goodreads people have a person in your life with THAT kind of stamina I, for one, would sure love to know!!

ENJOY IT!





"I’m already in. Just gotta wait for you to realize it."




"Yeah, I liked skank," he bit off. "Liked the taste. Wild, free and easy. Went back for more. Repeatedly. But that was before I had my mouth between the legs of a lady. You get that, you don’t go back."

LOL – such a sweet talker …






"I’m not taking a chance on you," I declared. "I am not taking a chance on anybody."





I swear to God these KA Hero’s must be on fucking Viagra for the amount of times they are able to get it UP!!!













"Please be real."
"Lady, I’m as real as it gets."




52% in when he went on stage and did that – Fuck Me Pink – even if the rest of the book was total shite, he HAD me there …


"YOU ARE THE SHIT, HOPPER KINCAID."


A gypsy wind is blowing warm tonight
The sky is starlit and the time is right
And still you're tellin' me you have to go
Before you leave there's something you should know
Yeah something you should know babe

I've seen you smiling in the summer sun
I've seen your long hair flying when you run
I've made my mind up that it's meant to be
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me

Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Out where the rivers meet the sounding sea
You're high above me now, you're wild and free ah but
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me

Some people say that love's a losin' game
You start with fire but you lose the flame
The ashes smolder but the warmth's soon gone
You end up cold and lonely on your own

I'll take my chances babe I'II risk it all
I'll win your love or I'II take the fall
I've made my mind up girl it's meant to be
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me

It's written down some where, it's got to be
You're high above me flyin' wild and free
Oh but someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me

Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Out where the rivers meet the sounding sea
I feel it in my soul, it's meant to be
Oh someday lady you'll accomp'ny me
Somedaylady you'll accomp'ny me



How could I be that angry and still have a mini-orgasm in the forecourt of a garage?


I know, these guys kinda do that to you, don’t they?





I watched him, thinking, a badass biker in faded jeans, a faded black Henley and beat up motorcycle boots. He needed a haircut and a shave. He used profanity way too often. And there were shadowy things in his life he had to protect me from.
But, yes.
All that was perfect.
Absolutely.




Lanie, this is especially for you ….








Hop, dearest, yes ….






Aw, Lanie and Ty Ty …






"On the road groupie pussy. Bike pussy. Fuckin’ Mitzi. I’ve had a lot and some of the women in there, they were good. Fine women. Sweet women. Excellent lays. But never, not in forty fuckin’ years of life, have I had a woman who I felt about like I feel about you. You tell me you care about me and yes, we both fuck up and hurt each other, you won’t make the effort it takes to forgive and get back on track? In doing that, taking away the only shot I’ve ever had in forty fuckin’ years of being genuinely happy?"


"You love me?" I breathed.
"You’ll never know," he replied, turned, slid the door and walked away.







It wasn’t time yet for Hop and me to have moved past what Hop and I were and lapse into distant acquaintances that had to share each other’s space on occasion. With the number of times I’d turned to wine and Bob Seger the last couple of weeks, torturing myself and barely containing the pain, I knew that would take about seventy-five years.



"Fuck yeah, it is. I’m done with this shit. Weeks, nothin’ on my mind but you. Weeks, goin’ to bed alone when you’re a fuckin’ twenty-minute drive away. Heard you were talkin’ to that fuckin’ guy and lost it. I ate shit, did shit I hated, scored marks on my goddamned soul to fight for the life I wanted. Bein’ that man, do you think I’m gonna let the first woman in my life who makes me happy slip through my fingers?"

SO

FUCKING

BEAUTIFUL

"You’re beautiful, fuck me, seriously, so goddamned beautiful sometimes, swear to God, I think I can’t look at you any longer because if I do, your beauty will burn out my eyes."




"Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I’m thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, ‘cause all that shit led me to you."


I LOVE TACK!!!


"Keep hold of happy. You deserve it. It’s found you. Don’t let go."
….. and I LOVE ELVIRA and her words of wisdom – great to catch up with her again….



I thought something major might have happened with the Drugs guy, Benito…. But it all sort of fizzled out! Maybe she is keeping that for the next in the series.


I LOVE THIS SONG ….. had it on repeat play for a while reading this book.

I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care girl
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight babe
Why don' you stay?

Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like everyone else does
I know I'll keep searching, even after today
So there it is girl, I've said it all now
And here we are babe, what do you say?
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight babe
Why don't you stay?

I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely

We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last, let's find a way
Turn out the light, come take my hand now
We've got tonight babe
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay?

BOB SEGER ROCKS!!!

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready for more Chaos in your lives?



Lanie; Hop's only chance at redemption...



...and just maybe, his own much deserved Happily Ever After.



4 KA males, Badass Bikers and the Lives-we-choose-for-ourselves Stars

Where rules didn’t apply, only feelings did. You went with your gut, you led with your heart, you did what you wanted and you didn’t think of consequences. You lived. You were free.



Kristen Ashley's Life Lessons:

Rule #1:

There is always a happily ever after, especially if you think you don't deserve it.



Rule #2:

Whoever said to you that the above rule applies only to princes, knights, magicians and heroes, lied in your face! YEAH, fairytales, I am talking to you and I call...



Rule #3:

(no explanation needed)


This is Lanie & Hop's story. Gritty, emotional, passionate, realistic and their own. No excuses needed. No shame, because love always finds a way and life gives you a second, third and fourth chance if you fight hard enough for it.

“Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I’m thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, ’cause all that shit led me to you.”



Lanie has been existing for the last 8 years. Consumed by guilt, remorse and grief, she can't get past her fiance's involvement with the Russian Mob, that killed him and almost her and her best friend Tyra.



She has stopped living and breathing, afraid of taking a chance to love again. Afraid to let her self go and risk getting hurt, to deal with her nightmares, to fight the monsters that live inside her head.



But what if she doesn't have to slay them by herself? What if knights, no longer wear shiny armors, but leather? What if they are tattooed bikers, with their own past mistakes, long hair and silver rings?



“Baby,” his lips dropped to mine but his eyes didn’t let mine go, “Christ, I’m beggin’ you, let me in. Let me help. Let me in so I can untie that shit you got wound up inside you.”

A night of passion will open up the possibility of a future that both have too many scars to accept without fighting and making mistakes. Without screwing up and dreading what's ahead. Love.

“Don’t regret what you did. Don’t regret the decisions you made. You did right. You followed your heart and that is never wrong, darlin’. But shit went down and it was extreme. That’s over, Lanie. Long over. Move on.”



The story that ran parallel to Shy and Tabby's in Own the Wind, is finally here and it follows the general rule of awesomeness that applies to KA stories. Her heroes aren't always likeable and they don't make excuses. They get to live and love and their stories are engaging and beautiful. And they make you believe that you too will find the other half of your soul...



My only complaint and reason of my rating? I think we spent a tad too long in Lanie's head. I get that she had a lot to deal with and overcome, but I needed more interactions between all the characters and a more mysterious/dangerous plot.

Overall, a book that all KA lovers don't wanna miss!!!

Special Mention:

the one and only.... Tack Allen



TACK, YOU ROCK MY WORLD!!!!

*READ NOW ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!* Jo, amazing bestie, thanks for the heads up.... You are awesome!

[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars (Originally Read 8/29/2016)

4 Stars (Re-Read/Listen Audiobook 7/2/2019)

*Re-Read/Listen update: This was an enjoyable audiobook. I felt like the narrator did a great job with the different voices and storytelling. I enjoyed the story again and realized that KA is an author that I need to seek out her stories for long road trips because her audiobooks are so long! It worked for this trip for sure! I enjoyed the story the second time around too. Yes, both mcs ticked me off again with being stubborn -- but I felt like that was balanced well with the good stuff to make it forgivable. I'm going to keep my rating at 4 stars, because I do feel like I liked it again.

Overall Opinion: I am really liking this series! I'm not quite sure why I put it off for so long, but I'm so happy I gave it a chance. I started out with it being an audiobook, but I was so into it I had to download the ebook to read along. It is really low drama for being a "mc romance", but that's ok with me because that means it's higher on the romance side. Hop was a pleasant surprise for me, because with experiencing him in Motorcycle Man along with Tyra -- I wasn't that huge of a fan of his tbh. They were an awesome couple, a little frustrating at times with their stubbornness, but awesome! I was smiling and happy when I finished with their HEA :)

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lanie and Hop's story. Lanie has been around Hop because her best friend is married to his mc's president. They have always been friendly, but Lanie decides to take it a step farther and proposition him for a ONS. He accepts, but doesn't agree to the "one night" part of their agreement. They start a hot secret affair and stronger feelings start to develop. There is some major baggage that they have to work through, a little family and mc drama, some hot sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.

POV: This was told mainly in Lanie's POV with a few chapters in Hop's.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: No. They've known each other for years.

H rating: 4.5 stars. Hop. He's going up there in my top favorite KA heroes (with Tate and Tack still being my 1 & 2). He was unexpectedly sweet and gentle with the h, but also the typical hot alpha family man that I come to expect in KA books.

h rating: 4 stars. Lanie. She was a little crazy, but I liked her crazy.

Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.

Push/Pull: Yes The h just wanted a ONS, but the H wasn't having that. There is a time when both the h and H push away, and both of them pursue at varying times.

Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes. There is mention of condom use, std status, and birth control. I don't remember any mention of past practices.

OW/OM drama: No The closest is that they both carry baggage from their relationships with their exes.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No (other than mention of side characters cheating).

Separation: Yes They have a short separation, and there is no mention or suggestion of other partners during it.

Possible Triggers: Yes The H's fiancé was murdered in front of her (past tense memories), the H was married before and cheated on, alcoholic parent, cheating parent, and some mc violence (mild).

Closure: This had a great epilogue that made me feel happy because they got their HEA :D

How I got it: I got the audiobook through my scribed subscription, and the ebook on loan through my library.

Safety: I think this should be Safe for most readers.

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have both the H and h pushing away
- Does have a separation between the h and H (not sure how long - few weeks total?)
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts
- Does have a HEA ending

[Arini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this.

1.
It started off with a ONS. I loooved how Lanie went about it. Coming over to Hop’s table and straight out asked, “Wanna fuck?” I just thought that was so . . . cool. They did the nasty. Lanie wanted it to be a one time thing. But it was so good, Hop wanted to pursue and see where it could lead.

2.
Hop was great, but Lanie not so much. At the risk of sounding like an inconsiderate b*tch, SEVEN years of drowning in guilt, remorse, grief, and trauma is too long. I think two years is enough. What’s so hard about picking up the phone and booking an appointment for a therapy session? Well, I don’t know. I’ve never done it.

3.
They kept their relationship a secret. I’m reeealllyyyy not a fan of the secret dating trope. Wanting to keep things private, I understand. But hiding and keeping it from Tack and Ty-Ty? That I didn’t like. They were amazing btw in this book. Gah, love them!

4.
The push and pull, and the break ups? Urggh! Lanie so dramatic, she jumped to conclusion all the time. She angry and broke up with Hop. Then Hop was ticked she broke things off with him without letting him explain the situation, so he broke up with her. Then Lanie realised her mistake, she went to Hop and laid one on him AND broke up with him AGAIN. What the heck I was pissed.

5.
There was no drama and suspense. I mean, this book was full of drama (Lanie’s). But not the kind that I like coming from KA. Also, I checked after I finished reading and found out this book was actually not shelved as suspense. So I guess that’s my fault for expecting it.

In short, I liked it but I didn’t like it more.

(Read as an Audiobook)

[Geri Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Okay. Here we go...

This was me when I got my ARC for the book.



And this was me as I was reading through it.



Yeah. I hate giving less than 4 stars to KA considering I enjoyed her books in the past. Sadly, Fire Inside didn't live up to the hype for me. Don't get me wrong, it was an okay read. Most people might end up loving it but to me this was just lackluster. I was waiting for that omph and it never came.

Hop



On the surface, this book has all the KA elements. We have a good-looking, badass biker, alpha male in Hopper Kincaid. Even his name screams hot biker. And get this he sings and plays a guitar. Hop should be a shoo-in for the best KA alpha hero award and join the illustrious rank of Tate and Joe in KA world but he felt a tad bit short.

I liked him a lot. I was surprised at how much I liked him considering what he did during Motorcycle Man didn't endear him to a lot of readers. KA did a brilliant job of redeeming--or should I say explaining his actions during that whole BeeBee-Gate fiasco. As much as I liked him, I also felt that there was nothing special at all about him. Not even his 'stache wasn't special because every KA fan knows that Luke Stark already has that area covered. Poor Hop. Even his stint as a former front man of a rock band wasn't enough. That said, I still liked him a lot.

Lanie



Sadly, Lanie, again, was a disappointment for me. The blurb said she was full of drama, so I was expecting Roxie-like drama or even like Gwen or Elvira. She was neither. She basically didn't do anything. She had her moments of brilliance but it wasn't enough to make me like her or root for her.

Which brings me to the crux of the matter, the whole reason why I didn't feel this book as much as the others. If I may be honest, the last three or four books sounded scarily alike in my opinion. For example...

"Never had class. Never had beauty."

"Nothin' like you, lady. Nothing like that beauty."

"All soft, every inch. Got my d*ck buried in beauty."

"I didn't have a lot of beauty in my life. Found it in that."

And those are just examples. I swear, the word beauty was repeated so many times, and used in that same vein as the examples above, it drove me nuts. It became repetitive. It wasn't exciting anymore. I was pretty sure I've read these lines before from another KA book. It came to a point where I just wanted to read something else. I wanted the hero to sound different from the last hero or the heroine for that matter.



It wasn't all that bad. It had some note-worthy moments too. I squeed like a little girl that I am when Vance Crowe made an appearance. I swear, he said no more than 6 words overall and I was like, "Wow, that was brilliant! I love him. Hmm, I think I'm gonna reread Rock Chick Renegade again."

But what saved this book from getting two stars from me was Tack! Tack, you're still the man! He was funny here, without being intentionally so. It was classic Tack and I loved it!!

In spite all that, I would still recommend this book especially to those who are still getting to know Kristen Ashley's writing. This is great choice for them but for those of us who have been around the block, this might not work. But then again, you'll never know until you read the book. Who knows, you might end up loving this.



P.S.
One thing that's great about KA is that her stories are so diverse, judging from the series that she has under her belt. That said, the last four books were from her Unfinished Heroes and then Chaos. She did these back-to-back. Not the best idea in my opinion. I'm glad she's doing Rock Chicks next and then the Colorado Mountains. I really think the change of theme or series would be best. Just sayin'.

ARC provided by GCP through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted below giveaway information...




 March 10, 2014 Facebook Update

Spreading the Love Giveaway

When Kit's happy, she wants everyone to be happy. So for the next five days, I'm giving away signed copies of FIRE INSIDE as well as signed ARC copies of LADY LUCK and KALEIDOSCOPE. I know, they're random but they're the books I have that you can't get your hot little hands on in the stores...so they're special.

This is me celebrating my good friend coming to town, THE WILL coming out in less than a month (pre-orders available, so get to clicking Rock Chicks!) and FIRE INSIDE hitting the bookstores in print on March 25 (pre-orders also available).

So, just tell me who said this in what book and you're entered!

"You take me as I give it and I'm takin' my time."

The boring stuff: I'll announce the winner the next day. Five chances to win. We'll post books internationally. We'll only announce winners once, so please have a look to see if you've won and get in touch with us. If a winner doesn't claim their prize, an alternate winner will not be chosen. Good luck!

Follow Kristen Ashley on Facebook and Twitter

My review...

No matter how many Kristen Ashley books I read - and I've read a lot - I'm ALWAYS left anxiously awaiting the next story, regardless of the genre or series. Such was the case with Hop and Lanie's story in Fire Inside... and this despite the drama that surrounds them and their turbulent pasts. I know you'll get me when I say that, start to finish, this is one hell of an emotional ride! And the epilogue? Typical Kristen Ashley brilliance! I'm still grinning from ear to ear!!! Read it and you'll feel it, too!


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[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed....



I will start out with saying that I LOVE Kristen Ashley... she is my all time favorite author. I've read every single one of her books and most of them twice or more. I'm a HUGE HUGE fan. Sure, there were a couple in the past that were not 5 stars for me but I still enjoyed them.. but for the first time ever..I've read one that was so close to being put in my DNF pile that the only thing that saved it was that it was Kristen Ashley.. any other writer and I would have put this book down by the halfway mark. To me, the ONLY thing that rang out that this was a KA book was the way that Hop spoke.. he had the typical bad ass biker voice that KA's men do so well. Other than that, he still annoyed me. To me, it was like his character was not really thought out very well.. To me.. he had this bad ass persona that didn't really mesh with his words. He almost sounded to soft one minute then all growly and bad dude in the next sentence. Hop's character just didn't do it for me.. at all..-- FAIL

Then we have Lanie....she whined a a lot and it wasn't cute.. the book referenced how much drama she could dish out and Hop constantly mentioned her drama melt downs but I never saw one.. Shit, I was DYING for a drama melt down. Something!!-- FAIL

This book started out totally different than her other books too, which was a shame. There was no build up at all to them gettin busy and neither wanted more than one night and then the next thing its on every night. I think the book focused too much on the fact that they had already known each other for 10 years through the club so there was no "getting to know you" phase.--- Another FAIL.

The sex.. what in the hell happened to KA's super spicy descriptive encounters??? The sex scenes were just a few paragraphs if that.. A few mild descriptions thrown in but they were nothing like KA's other books.. nothing at all... The sexy times sounded NOTHING like KA.. nothing at all. Big disappointment..--FAIL

The story line--- WHAT STORY LINE??? There wasn't one.. just Lanie and Hop together and apart then together and apart. There was no side drama like there usually is.. no danger, no suspense , no edge of my seat what's going to happen. NOTHING. A little bitty side on local gangster Benito was mentioned a few times and at the end to let us know there will be more in the next book but hells bells I needed something in THIS BOOK.. --FAIL

*le sigh....* A good book I can devour in less than a day.. I don't think its ever taken me longer than a day, maybe 2 sometimes to munch down on a KA book. This one, a little over 2 days as that's only because I skimmed some parts I was so bored. bored bored bored. bored.

Although I did not enjoy this one, this by no means will stop me from getting the next KA as soon as its released. I'm a fan for life and one crummy book isn't going to send me away. .no way. I know what KA is capable of and she remains my favorite author. I don't know what happened with this one, I can only hope that it doesn't happen again.

In order to cleanse my mind from all that was wrong in this book.. I'm going to have to do a re-read of one of my favorite KA books,Rock Chick Revenge. I must have me some Luke and Ava to get past this whole Hop and Lanie mess..

So until next time....

[Smitten's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

(^^^ Add ink!)

I know right.... A KA book that I'm not head-over-heels, ass-over-tit in love with!

Ok, so here's the deal...

There were parts I absolutely loved and parts that reeeeally dragged for me. It just didn't seem to have the usual pacey, intense, drama filled KA-ness that all her other books have. I don't know. It just... fell a little... flat, in some parts.

So, I adore the alpha-ness. Yep, never fear, we still get our cocky, 'Babe', sexy badass alpha biker. And no doubt about it, he'll have your knickers spontaneously combusting within the first few chapters. So we're all good there.

"You're very arrogant, Hopper Kincaid."
"Yeah, well, man gets that way when a woman that looks like you comes as hard as I can make you come."

And the writing is still as genius as always. I've highlighted soooo many quotes from this. I just love love love Kristen's writing. She is a fucking legend when it comes to making me giggle-snort tea through my nose, read with a big smirk on my face and swoon left, right and centre!

Just a note: it was impossible to stay pissed at a handsome man when he had his mouth between your legs.
Especially if he really, really knew how to use that mouth.

It's funny, it's witty, it's effortless, it's true KA style.

"You're beautiful, fuck me, seriously, so goddamned beautiful sometimes, sweat to God, I think I can't look at you any longer because if I do, your beauty will burn out my eyes."

So, that's all still there. No change on that front. And for that, I gave the four stars...

So, why only four?
There was definitely something missing! The only action was what we've already read about in Shy and Tabby's story, as, obviously, Hop and Lanie's story runs along the same time frame. So, no kidnapping, no crazy stunts to win his woman, nobody got shot *gasp* Shock horror! Or stabbed, or blackmailed or taken hostage... Nope. Nada.

It's meant to be a one night thing with Lanie and Hop.





But ooooobviously, that would make for a really crappy book! So, thing's get 'complicated' and feelings start rocking up and taking over and shit goes down.

Basically Lanie and Hop just twoed and froed (<<< are they even words? They are now!) between wanting to be together and not wanting to be together. Lanie had her demons to conquer, obviously, and that took up a good chunk of the book, and Hop had some shit to work through too. But other than that... :/

I had nothing left to give.
I not only had nothing left to give, I just had nothing.
And I was going to keep it that way.
If you had nothing, you couldn't feel more pain because you had nothing left to lose.

Now, if you don't mind the lack of crazy, then dive in. Chances are, Fire Inside will still be a hit, because, lets face it, it's KA. The woman is a Goddess among book-boyfriend creators!


Swoooon!

But for me, I was a little deflated and felt like I was waiting for some kind of explosion. Like, literally!

So there it is, a KA book that isn't perfect, or near as dammit. But, I guess we can give the woman a break and let her off, right?! ;) After all, she did totally redeem Hop!

"Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I'm thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, 'cause all that shit led me to you."

And, like I mentioned, I could quote this book until the cows come home. You want some more?? Okay... knock yourselves out...

"I go to bed, lie there and think of you. Wake up, you're the first thing on my mind."
Oh God.
I liked that.
Oh God.
I couldn't like that.

"You take a chance on me, your biggest worry is your 7Up fizzing over."

"Please be real."
His hand in my hair stilled, curled around my head and Hop whispered back, "Lady, I'm as real as it gets."

"Honey," I called and his head came up. "You have a monster too."
"I did. My woman just slayed it."

"I tried to give you what you needed, to stay away, let you live your fucked-up life, but I can't. Taste you in my mouth, lady. See you in my dreams."

"Babe?" Hope called.
"As of now, I'm not talking to you," I announced with a mouth full of donut.
"Love you more than life."

Fire Inside Statistics
Steam Rating (out of 5): ♥♥♥♥♥
Ending: HEA
Series: ✓
Reading Order:
Book #1 - Own the Wind
Book #2 - Fire Inside
Can this be read as a standalone? Yes
Themes:
Motorcycle Club
Fear of relationships
Warning. This book includes... Sexual content. Moderate violence. Alcoholism. Badass bikers.
Writing: Great

AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Inside-C...
AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Inside-Cha...

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[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars

Well KA did it!! ****As if there was ever any doubt!****

She completely 180'ed my opinion of Hop. He went from a schlumpy no-good cheater who looked like this (in my head):



to a badass, sexy, HAWT biker with hints of sweet who looks like this:



(... +10 or so years of course...)

'Fire Inside' wasn't as wild a ride as 'Motorcycle Man' - either emotionally or in the action sense - but it was still a touching, sweet biker-love story with hints of behind-the-scenes badassness that I thoroughly enjoyed from word 1.

It was a long lonely road, but Hop and his Lady (I'm totally swooning with that pet-name!!!) finally found IT and as far as I'm concerned it's a match made in biker heaven. Can't wait to find out what KA has in store for Chaos next!!







Pre-Release Thoughts

Lanie and... Hop??!!! Holy crap I did not see that coming!

Barring the fact that he "hopped" on (or should I say under) the Beebee train while Mitzi was his old lady, I kinda had this mental picture of him with a huge beer gut and tangled unkempt Biker hair - ya know like Bobby Elvis from SOA only not as likable because, uh, hello? Hop's a "cheater". Not. Sexy!



Clearly, I've been wrong.

If anybody can redeem Hop, KA can. I can't wait to read how she does it!!!!

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had enough. Kristen Ashley fans, cover your eyes, because I think that...

::whispers::

Her books are not that great ::ducks to avoid a punch::.

I have to say, I get why people love her. I found certain parts of this book to be both entertaining and smoking hot, so folks, I get it, I get it. I even was sucked in at times with the sexy, possessive alpha male talk. However, I cannot overlook the fact that her main characters are clones of one another. CLONES!! They talk the same, they walk the same, they bone the same. The same!!! Each Kristen Ashley man (well, at least in the Chaos series) loooooves to leave off pronouns when talking. I think KA thinks is sounds masculine.

It just bugs me.

Each KA girl is promised to be feisty and smart but instead they all turn into blinking, silent, sex-mimes. There is a lot of whining in this book from Lanie and she just didn't work for me as a sympathetic character. Hop was exactly like Shy to me. I almost couldn't tell them apart at all. They way that they treated women in the past, the way they treated their girls now, the way they talk... identical. I almost couldn't differentiate them.

I honestly felt bored during the second 1/2 of the book. The lack of a plot really got to me. There is just one long string of drama that forms some semblance of a plot.

Uncle! I cry uncle on the Chaos series!!

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

**Find this review and others like it at myfictionnook.com!**

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books

You know, Fire Inside was that one book I wasn't all that excited about. Knowing Hop's history from Motorcycle Man, him being a cheater? Nope, it was crap shot that I'd like this one. What are the odds...I adored it.

"You are the shit, Hopper Kincaid!"

Hopper Kincaid won me over with his mellow nature. While he had some serious alpha tendencies - as it to expected in any Kristen Ashley story - he also had a sweet side to him that I loved. He treated Lanie with kid gloves which was more than necessary, seeing as she found all kinds of excuses for not committing to a real relationship with Hop. In Fire Inside we get the the full picture of what exactly happened that made Hop look like a cheater. Everything is forgiven, no, wait, there *is* nothing to forgive. Hopper Kincaid is truly a good man, sexy, badass, and I loved him with his kids.

"Please be real."
His hand in my hair stilled, curled around my head and Hop whispered back, "Lady, I'm as real as it gets."

Lanie experienced some serious trauma. The full story is in Motorcycle Man. In short, her late fiancé got himself killed and failed to protect her. Worse, he used her as a shield. It is understandable that she doesn't trust men to do right by her. She shies from any attachment while craving it with every fiber. When she approaches Hop she only wants a night, that's what she says anyway. As their relationship continues you want to see her fight for it but she doesn't. Not only one time does she let Hopper go and while my heart was full of compassion for her I also wanted to shake her to wake her up. She had so much bottled up and misdirected guilt

“Babe, you are so fucked up, you’re the fuckin’ definition of fucked up.”

But Hopper slays Lanie's demons and Lanie takes care of Hopper's and when they come out on the other side it's sheer beauty. Their love is truly beautiful.

I loved that we were reunited with Tack and Tyra. It was so good to catch up with them. Tack in particular, I adored him for showing Lanie how much he cared about his wife's best friend. The epilogue is KA-like EPIC. Once again, Kristen Ashley took me on a ride full of drama, love and humor. This book is chock-full with beautiful quotes, I wish I could list them all. I can't wait to continue the Chaos series.

“Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I’m thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, ‘cause all that shit led me to you."

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS

Not exactly my favourite KA book. Lots of drama and way too little action, but the second half was definitely better than the first. Really liked Hop. ;)

That's all.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

“Please be real,” I whispered.

“Feel this.” He gave me a squeeze. “I’m real, Lanie.” I drew in breath, drawing him in, then I pulled back and looked at him. “Okay, then I won’t let you go but I will say good night.”

It’s no secret, that I am a HUGE KA fan, sure her work has changed over the years but I can’t imagine it not changing, there can only ever be one Tack, one Hawk, one Tate, one Cal and now I get to add Hop to the never-ending list (or at least I like to believe it will never end.)

The Chaos series up to now are really all about the couples there is no suspense, no major plot, it is just him and her and how they make it all work out. What’s it about, it’s real simple, it’s about "… two people just so shit scared of the love they feel for each other, they’d rather drive each other away than take a risk on feeling the fullness of that feeling."

Hop was the ultimate sweetie-alpha-biker, holy cow, how can someone so big and gruff be sweet and do it in a total alpha way ?!? Lanie was high class, the polar opposite from a biker, but what I loved about her was it didn’t matter to her what you wore, what you drove, all that mattered to Lanie was who you were as a person. She fought for what she believed in and loved with her whole heart, “Her dead old man was a moron and she’d paid for his shit in the worst way she could. Her loyalty had bought her nothing but pain, bullet wounds, and heartache.” Years of not having a man and in need of an orgasm, Lanie doesn’t want a relationship, she wants just one night

"...no complications, Hop. Just you and me and tonight. Tomorrow, I won’t expect flowers. I won’t expect a belated courtesy date. I won’t even expect you to take me out for a cup of coffee. This isn’t about that. I don’t even want that. I just want you and sex. No expectations. Nothing but what we have tonight,"

But we all know one night is never enough, especially when it's as good and pure as this



Hop knows that Lanie is dealing with a lot of shit, there is no way that anyone could go through what she went through without some demons, luckily for her he decided he likes what he sees and he’s willing to protect her even if it’s from herself

“No, babe, so goddamned blind, purposefully, you’re stumblin’, bumpin’ into shit, but barrelin’ ahead anyway, bound for a world of hurt.”

Months they have been keeping their relationship a secret, Lanie won’t commit herself to be claimed as an old lady. She can’t go through the hurt again, she needs to protect herself and if pushing away her safe haven is what it takes than she has no choice. Lanie has a flair for drama and when she finds things out that are a hard limit for her, she takes the easy way out and doesn't even give him a chance to explain. Hop won’t let it go that easily, he makes sure she knows what she’s missing letting her know it was her choice .



You just gotta read it, Hop is totally swoon worthy, and even more stubborn than Lanie. She never had a chance, even before that first night, she was his.

Another beautiful KA story, it seems that the Chaos novels are building up to become something huge. Seriously can’t get enough of these bad boys! Not to mention when KA name drops some of her other alpha hotties, you can’t help that flutter in your belly, because you know what they gave you and it’s something only KA has managed to never fail to deliver.

_________________________________________

Teaser taken from Prologue [04.02.2013]

Hop is totally swoon-worthy *sigh*

"... I’m gonna give it to you. Never had class. Never had beauty. I’ll repeat, never… had… class. I’m not gonna fuck over Cherry, who I care about, or Tack, who’s my brother, and I know you don’t wanna do that either, so this is what we got for as long as it’s good. But it’s a clean, pure beauty the like I’ve never had, I’m gonna respect it like I feel like I gotta and you’re gonna let me."

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start by saying, "this ain't like anything Kristen Ashley's written before, and I ABSOLUTELY loved it!"

I've had a couple of days to think about how I wanted to review this book, and finally I've come to a point where I can now put it down on paper.

Over the last couple of month's I've been re-reading my favorite KA books. It started with "Rock Chick", then I proceeded to read "Rock Chick Revenge" (twice), "Mystery Man", "Motorcycle Man", "Three Wishes", "Golden Dynasty", and then finishing with "At Peace".

All of KA's men are aggressive, domineering, straight forward, über-alpha males but, the one thing they have in common is this: When they see a "soft spot" they would shield it and would lay down their lives to protect it. To them, it is a treasure worth dying for.


"Ava, you should know Stark and me don't get along. We don't because we find ourselves on opposite sides of the fence a lot of the time. We also don't get along because we're a lot alike. Therefore I know a man like that doesn't 'kind of' see a woman like you because I wouldn't 'kind of' see a woman like you. A man like that gets hold of a woman like you, all ass, legs hair and attitude, protecting a soft spot you can just about see but she won't let you touch. "Fuck", his voice lowered in a sexy way, he leaned in further, his eyes got that hungry look again and I was having trouble breathing. "A man like that gets hold of a woman like you it automatically becomes exclusive".
- - Ren talking to Ava, "Rock Chick Revenge"

In almost ALL of KA's stories, there's an 'epic' ending where somebody gets shot, stabbed, blown up, or kidnapped (or all of the above), but in this story, Lanie's 'tragedy' happened 7 years ago, when her fiancé was shot at, and Lanie threw herself in front of him to shield him from the bullets. She was shot 3 times. The bullets went through her, and her fiancé died in front of her with a look of disbelief in his eyes that Lanie's body didn't prevent the bullets from killing him.
For 7 years Lanie has lived with the guilt that had she listened to Tyra, and left her fiancé (Elliot), Tyra wouldn't have been kidnapped and stabbed, and a lot of people wouldn't have put their lives on the line to rescue her.
For 7 years Lanie has lived life on the side-lines watching, and going through the motions, but 'not living', because she NEVER wants to open her heart up again. It's just too painful.
For 7 years Lanie has been watching Hop from the side-lines. Watching him interact with his Brother's, with the other Old Ladies, with his kids, with her, and her friends.



After 7 years, Lanie finally gets the courage to make a proposal for him to spend 'One Night' with her, to which he accepts after Lanie pleading with him.



"One Night" turns into Hop seeing Lanie's soft spot , and he wants MORE.
Hop knows Lanie has a monster inside her that paralyzes her, that's eating her up, and He wants to be the one to help 'slay' that monster... and Lanie is TERRIFIED!

In this book, Kristen Ashley does a fantastic job of showing her readers what happens when her female character is SO broken, all she needs is her man's patience, love, understanding, strength, courage, and perseverance to help start the healing, so she can move on and love him right back with all that she is.



Lanie & Hop's journey wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.



It was such an AMAZING pleasure to read this book. I loved the characters, the story, and the writing.


Favorite Quotes:

"I don't use you as a shield. I am the goddamn shield."

"Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I’m thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, ’cause all that shit led me to you."

"Please be real."
His hand in my hair stilled, curled around my head and Hop whispered back, "Lady, I’m as real as it gets."

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Kristen Ashley Badass Biker Stars.



That was my initial excitement and then....

Me while reading this book........


I seriously feel rather shitty giving this book 3.5 stars. I mean, it IS a Kristen Ashley book and all. So I rounded up my rating to the positive side. I'm really bummed this book didn't do it for me like her other books all have. I'll delve into that shortly.....

This is Hopper and Lanie's story. We've seen them both starting in MM. Lanie was engaged to the douche that got involved with the Russian mob, subsequently getting herself stabbed, TyTy injured and himself killed. It's eight years or so later and Lanie is still alone, still holding on to the guilt for getting Tyra hurt.....hanging on to the pain. Never again. Enter Hop.....

When Hop is propositioned by Lanie for "just one night'" he knows it's gonna get complicated.

"Wanna fuck?"
"Say again?" He asked.
Wanna fuck?"
"You had one too many, babe?"

But Hop caves and this one fuck turns into a night filled with panty melting hotness only KA can provide. That night progresses to many..... Things change for Hop. He wants her in his bed, to be his lady, but Lanie is seriously messed up. She's got so much baggage from the fiancée that used her for a shield, she can never open herself up again. But Hop's gonna be her shield from now on....she just needs to let him kill that monster within her.



So, what was missing in this book that I loved in all other KA books (put the weapons down, people)..... Spark! Storyline! Action! Suspense! I kept waiting for the huge "oh shit" moment but it never came. It was like I was reading a diary of Hop and Lanie. The day to day story of "them." Like something they'd plop a grandchild on their lap and tell all.....while the kid fell asleep. Seriously, I dozed off every stinking time within an hour in. I was so bummed. Five days...five days it took to read a Kristen Ashley novel. That is absurd. Lackluster is the word for it. Did I mention how bummed I am?



We still get all the KA badass biker hotness I freaking love. Their clipped language....SWOON. Hop chooses to call Lanie "lady" as opposed to babe...which was okay. But babe is so biker-ish. Tack was present in all his hotness as was Tyra, Elvira and the other Chaos brothers.

A favorite quote-





This book goes alongside Tabby and Shy's story in time.....so there's a few references to stuff you'll remember from their book. We get answers to the whole BeeBee fiasco in Shy's book and answers to who bitch Mitzi is and what happened to their marriage. Hop is uber sweet. He is truly Lanie's shield and does what it takes to rid her of the monsters within. They bicker and fight but the make-up sex is phenomenal.

This was both their story, in Lanie's POV but it was Hop I enjoyed most. He got his thoughts in the epilogue. I just never really bonded with Lanie's character I guess.


It was fairly enjoyable. Definitely not my favorite. I know my expectations are high for KA though.

Arc provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written April 6, 2015

4.4 Stars - Amusing and enjoyable, sexy hot and fast-paced. A perfect moderately long 'MC' romance

I just finished listening to the 11 hrs audiobook narrated by Kate Russell. This kindle book (and old ARC) have been in my e-reader more than a year (since summer 2013) but I never felt that exactly right mood. Then suddenly this Easter weekend I wanted a MC m/f story on audio and this one felt like a perfect choice.

• • •

Yay, yay...this was a lot of fun
Just like this shall a good entertaining contemporary romance be to catch my interest. Light, funny, heartbreaking emotional and wonderful romantic. With a hero to drool after, a heroine to feel for and not to long. No whining from this lady — Simply Great.

***********************************************************

Once again in 'KA World' in Denver, Colorado U.S.

The book blurb says: "Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . ."

We remember them both from Motorcycle Man (5 stars).
She, Laine is sweet Tyra's best friend and he, Hop is the sexiest hero ever, Tack's Chaos MC Club brother. Laine wasn't to be honest my favorite second character back then but the years forgive and make you forget. ~ It's now nine years later.

The queasiness came back but it was different. This time it came in the form of fear. Fear caused simply by the low, lethal, enraged tone of Hopper’s voice. Slowly, my eyes rose to his. Yes, enraged. And lethal. Oh dear.
“Hop—”
“Lanie, swear to God, swear to God… ” he trailed off, lifted a hand in my direction, palm up, and scowled at me. Then he dropped his hand and bit off, “You. Bike. Fucking now.”

I really really really like romances with adult characters with adult problems and an adult lifestyle (including adult steam). Fire Inside was another one written by this author delivering exactly that.

Hop is the tender tough biker man —with Molly 11 and Cody 9— who wants to join when Laine (now 39) "must" meet her (not very happy together) parents, another dysfunctional family, in Vail. Then, just at that moment, I started to love him.

***********************************************************

I'm blushing ...this was "drool-listening" yummy
It's not like me (honestly) but Ms Ashley for sure knows how to make a girl (even a one like me) to fan-hype-scream in a embarrassing silly way sometimes. This listening made me want to do just that a lot of times (!!!!). Jeez, these heroes Ms. Ashley give us are just amazing 'dream-hubby-material' men. In every book there is a new one. Dear Hop, our here here, doesn't disappoint a single minute. I so much liked him. Sigh, what a swoon-worthy MAN.

“...I want you to have all of me. So while you’re burnin’ out your drama, think about that and also think about the fact that I feel it like a fuckin’ knife in my gut right now havin’ to let you go and walk away without bein’ free to take your mouth to say good-bye.”
I stopped breathing.
Hop let me go.’

There were a lot of drama. Not angst but good heartbreaking drama moments. And oh, then we get those so very sweeeet yummy make-up moments we love in our KA romances (a nice quote:

‘I watched how my capitulation affected him as he let the emotions wash over his face. Softness, warmth, then the darkness of passion.
He stopped at the passion and ordered, “Now get over here.”
“Are you going to give me a rug burn?” I asked.
“No. But you’re gonna become acquainted with the seat of your couch and not because your ass is gonna be in it but because your face is gonna be in it. Your ass is gonna be over the back of it which is how you’re gonna take me.”
Another mini-orgasm.
“I think you just gave me a mini-orgasm,” I shared.
“If you get your ass over here, I’ll give you one that is not mini.”
Oh wow.’

).

I just didn't like this book, the storyline or these lovely characters, I enjoyed Kate Russell and her varying intense voices very much as well.

***********************************************************

I LIKE - listening to smexy chuckling fun m/f CR

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Since I have still not managed to break past the 20 Reviews Behind mark, the end of the year is quickly closing in on me, AND I’m reading yet another KA book currently since I just can’t help myself, I’ll make this short and sweet with a solo gif. Briefly put, Fire Inside is the literary equivalent to a Zayn Malik song ‘cause it’s all about . . . .



It had all of the trademark Kristen Ashley bullet points such as trembling legs and dripping vaginas and barfy nicknames and 42,000 pages when 150 probably would have sufficed and weird abbreviations such as . . . .

‘tache



Oops, I lied. There’s another gif.

And despite the leading male having a name that made me want to get all sorts of upside down . . . .



I still didn’t like this one a whole lot. But that’s the great thing about these series. At least one of them will provide for a good time . . . .

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars!! Hopper Kincaid lit a ‘fire inside’ of me…he was a most excellent hero, one of KA’s best!! She is the master at redeeming her heroes. Hop was the story, he owned it and now he owns me!!

Review to follow…


*ARC kindly provided to Swept Away by Romance by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley, the awesome Kristen Ashley and Chas!*


Karia girl, you got it right and did it first!! All I could think of was Sam Elliott when I imagined what Hop would look like with his 'tache!! So I'm stealing from the book of Karia and posting a Hop/Sam pic too!

Hop and Lanie

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!!

Yes...big surprise? I LOVED it!!! ...Loved the characters, loved the story, couldn't put it down. No surprise there!!!

Just finished this book today, and I have to say that, despite the mixed reviews I had read, I just loved it! These two characters Lanie Heron and Hopper Kincaid have such an amazing chemistry, I fell in love with them both right away, and never stopped pulling for them throughout all of the blow out dramas that tried to tear them apart; and believe me, there were many!!!

We first met Lanie Heron during Motorcycle Man, when her fiancé Elliot got himself mixed up with the Russian mob, owing them money in order to afford the wedding he wanted to give her. Lanie was also Tyra’s best friend, and through her connection with Elliot, she ended up getting not only herself kidnapped and shot, but also getting Tyra kidnapped and almost stabbed to death. Both Tyra and Lanie survived the assault in the end, but Elliot was not so lucky… he was killed that day, despite his attempt to use his own fiancé as a shield against the bullets meant for him.

“I don't use you as a sheild. I am the goddamn sheild.”

That said, it is now 8 years later, and Lanie is still alone, still lonely, and still protecting her heart with a twelve foot wall. She is back in Denver though, at Tyra’s command, and running her own Advertising Agency. She is doing well financially, but she has clearly closed down her personal life in a permanent sort of way!! She is determined to keep men out of her life for good, not wanting to repeat her past mistakes. But damn, it’s been a long time. A girl has needs.



Hop Kincaid is a biker at the Chaos MC. He is also a brother and long time friend of Kane “Tack” Allen, who is not only the President of Chaos, but also the old man/husband of Lanie’s best friend Tyra. And Lanie has had her eye on him…for a while now. But what now…how to break the ice? How about this…corner him at a Chaos BBQ, and just flat out ask him…”do you want to fuck?”

What?

Yes…that is the opening line to their story… and it was posed by Lanie herself. Just asking for one night, no strings, no complications. Who could refuse that? A girl like Lanie, not likely. But he tried, he tried to stand clear, and avoid her. He knew who she was. He knew what she had been through. He was not about to touch that. But damn she was beautiful. It was too good to be true, and he knew it. He knew he had no business going there with her. But damn. Damn.



Totally fucking complicated.

And so it began, and what a story. From the very first encounter, Lanie and Hop were lost to each other. They both knew it was wrong, but damn, it was good. And it wouldn’t be long before neither of them could deny the love they shared.

”I’m already in. Just gotta wait for you to realize it.”

I just loved the whole background of this story. I loved the characters. And I loved the chemistry they shared. Hop was rough, he was good looking, but no less a badass for it. He had already gone through a rocky marriage that ended poorly, and was not looking forward to repeating history. But he also knew a good thing when he found it. And Lanie Heron was as good as it got. But she didn’t come without her share of drama.

”I’m thinking I like my shield,” I whispered…

And drama seemed to be the theme here. Their story was one self-induced drama after another, causing doubt and turmoil in their relationship. But considering the mucked up backgrounds they both walked in with, it would be unrealistic to expect any less.

”You’re right. I’m shit scared of taking the risk of feeling the fullness of how much I love you.”
“I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you.”
“Fuck me,” he murmured…

The dialogue was fabulous as usual. The kids were awesome as well. And no matter how bad things seemed to get, there was always an explanation that would shine a new light on the situation. Poor Hop was jumping through rings of fire to get his girl, and Lanie was no less relentless with that whip! And then there was the whole business of keeping their relationship a secret. I still don’t know how they managed to pull that off so long.

“Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I’m thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, ’cause all that shit led me to you.”

There were also some cameos that were also well noted… Vance Crowe…swoon, and Elvira and Gwen, made their appearances as well, and of course Shy and Tabby were also in the midst of their hide away romance. It was fun to have the gang all together!!!

In the end…I love the way it all played out, even though the rollercoaster had me sick to my stomach at times, and almost brought me to tears. They had to go through those hoops in order to understand what they had, and what they had to lose. And in the end the result was just perfect for both of them.

“I tried to give you what you needed, to stay away, let you live your fucked-up life, but I can’t. Taste you in my mouth, lady. See you in my dreams.”

And the epilogue…AMAZING, as usual.

No complaints here. Another Kristen Ashley book of dreams!!!! Enjoy!!!!

4.5 STARS
Here are my pics...

Lanie Heron


Hopper "Hop" Kincaid

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful, drama filled story from the talented Kristen Ashley! I fell in love with Hopper, he is just a sweetheart and genuinely a nice guy. Lainey, well...I could take her or leave her..I know that sounds nasty; but for some reason she was never one that I yelled "Woohoo" over.
I did give this book four stars instead of five, and these are some of the reasons why:

First of all, if any of you follow my updates, you will already know that I was annoyed with Hop's term of endearment for Lainey.."Lady" I found this to really get on my nerves (not sure why, it just did!)and unfortunately he called her this often!
Another nerve racking thing for me was the over use of the phrase: "He buried his face into my throat and groaned deep.." or "he groaned into my neck." Trust me, there are tons of variations of this phrase, but the bottom line is; I thought it was over used..There was a lot of "putting there faces against each others necks" going on and it became irritatingly repetetive.
That being said there was also great humor to the book, that upped the enjoyment factor for me. I loved how Hop thinks, and this quote had me laughing out loud so that my husband thought I was just a tad bit loopy!!

"Over two hours a day to do your hair and make up. Diana fuckin' Ross in her heyday probably took less time to get ready for a show. Babe, if that isn't high maintenance, I do not know what is."

Also, a thing that I love about KA's books are how she includes the kids in the story. Some of the one liner's from the kids crack me up as well!

"That's gross! Mister Hop had his tongue in your mouth!" After which he instantly turned to his father and kept yelling, "You do that to mom too and it's sick!"

The next one that I love is when Lainey is making waffles with Hop's kids, and his son Cody has some pretty intereting ideas about women!!

"We're teaching Cody to make waffles, Dad!" Molly shouted with excitement. "Don't know why," Cody stated, but did this from his station manning the waffle iron. "I get a woman, she's doin' all the cookin'."

"You plannin' on shackin' up soon boy?" Hop asked. "Soon's I graduate high school so I don't ever have to do laundry, clean, or cook," Cody answered.

"Cody looked to his father. "I'm gonna get a Lainie, 'cept," he screwed up his mouth as he narrowed his eyes on Lainie then looked back at his old man, "blonde," he finished then thought better of his conclusion and said to Lainie. "Not bein mean. You got pretty hair, too."

And this is what I love most about Kristen Ashley and her stories..she writes a highly enteraining,feel good, sexy story, and they usually keep me entertained from start to finish. I have never read one of her books and become bored while doing it. So, even though she may have a different style in writing than most, I would never pass up reading one of her adventure filled stories. I love them, and she writes the best epilogues in the business! Can't wait to hear who we will get to read about next. I hope that we get many more Chaos novels to come.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 – 3 Stars. Huh?

I never thought I’d write that about a Kristen Ashley novel but there it is, just staring me in the face. I’ve been a KA fan from the beginning and it pains me to say this but Fire Inside just didn’t work for me.

I had a sneaking suspicion this wasn’t going to be my favorite KA read even before I started it. I know a lot of folks had problems with Hop getting his own book after Motorcycle Man but my problem’s always been with Lanie. I just didn’t care much for her, period. Maybe I couldn’t relate to her decisions in Motorcycle Man. Who the hell stays with a wimpy, unattractive man who displays only poor decision making based on the fact he thought he could mess with the Russian mob and get away with it. Yeah, go on the run with him. That’s a FABULOUS idea! Unfortunately she didn’t endear herself to me any more in this book and most of the time I thought she was in need of a serious bitch slapping.

Hop, on the other hand, I ended up liking a little more but he won’t be going down as one of my favorite KA alphas. For those concerned about whether or not they were going to like Hop based on his actions in Motorcycle Man, The BeeBe thing is dealt with and I was more than satisfied with the explanation. The gross factor’s still there because after all, Beebe’s a dirty skank, but at least he’s not a dick for cheating on his wife.

”So, no, Lanie, you are not gettin’ down on your knees like every biker skank or groupie, or drunk, high piece of ass before you dropped to hers and sucked me off. You go down on me, you do it like who you are.”

So he wants her to go down on him like a lady. Gotcha! I think one of the things I missed most was the build up to the sexy time action. There literally was none and that meant the drama had to come from somewhere else. As I was reading this the theme song from The Simpsons Itchy and Scratchy Show kept going through my head. They fight, They bite, They bite and fight and bite! Substitute humping for biting and you have a pretty clear picture of the situation. There just wasn’t enough actual story there for me.

I’m in no danger of leaving the KA fan club any time soon. Sometimes even authors you love can write a book that just doesn’t do it for you and unfortunately that’s the case with me and Fire Inside.

ARC provided from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

TWO POINT SEVEN-FIVE

I realized I read ALL the other books in this series EXCEPT this one. Not sure how I missed reading this one but I just rectified that situation.



The beginning was a rough start for me. It made me feel uncomfortable with how demanding Hop was towards Lanie. It starts with Lanie having a one night stand with Hop who she has known for a long time. From then on he takes it upon himself to let Lanie know he was going to be inserting himself into her life. Even when Lanie let him know that she didn’t want anything more from him he was persistent that she really did want something with him.

Of course, as the book went on Lanie and Hop became a couple. But for some reason, I just wasn't feeling this couple. Ah well, I enjoyed the other books in the series.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.9 Stars***

“… [he] used you as a shield… No way would I let you put yourself in the path of anything for me…You’ll learn to trust me, the brothers, Tack. I don’t use you as a shield. I AM the goddamn shield.”

I'm going to be short and sweet with this review. ALL of the components were there for this to be another fantastic KA classic. However, it felt like the story never fully sparked to life...the fire never ignited.

I expected more from these characters, especially since both had a history from Motorcycle Man. Lanie's situation was horrible, but I didn't understand why she was holding on to so much. Her "demon" never fully formed in my mind.

Hop's situation with BeeBee took way too long to be explained. Though I will say that once he explained everything, he fully redeemed himself in my eyes (but I wasn't holding much of a grudge anyway).

On a side note, I LOVE Tyra from Motorcycle Man, but the way she relayed the situation really put a damper on my feelings for her.



And to top off my annoyance with the handling of that, Lanie overreacts and goes off the deep end. At that point she lost me and I had a hard time containing my irritation with her. However, she managed to barely, and I mean barely win me back by the end of the book, but her dumbass moment hangs like a black cloud over my overall thoughts on her.

Even with these issues, this still had the feel of a classic KA book....even if it was KA lite. KA lite is better to me than no KA at all.

Hop was still the alpha badass we've come to expect from her characters, and being in her world for a short period of time is always gratifying to me. I loved any moment involving Tack, and the mention of the characters from other series really feels like hearing about old friends.

In a nutshell, Hop is what will always stand out to me about this book.

"Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I'm thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, 'cause all that shit led me to you."

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lets Screw, then Fight, and then Screw Some More!!
•••• 2.5 Glarring, Stomping, and Snapping Stars ••••

Hop

Hop is a sexy as hell member of the Chaos Motorcycle club. Though he has had plenty of women, he has lived a life without love. His first wife was obsessed with another man and basically used Hop as a replacement for sex and a mortgage payment.

Hop is a good man with a huge heart but he is also a badass biker that doesn't take no for an answer. So when he sets his sights on Lanie... She has no defense strong enough to resist Hop's demands.

"Every step, every breath, every second I lived on this earth, I'm thankful for, no matter how fucked up or whacked or hard or good, 'cause all that shit led me to you."

I doubt that there are any women in the world capable of resisting Hop when he is on a mission and I enjoyed Hop's pursuit of Lanie. He's sweet, considerate and determined to protect her from all harm and hurt. He often refers to himself as her shield and he is stalkerific in his pursuit of her heart.

"Burying my face back in that pussy then fuckin' it, all with you at my mercy, babe. You can touch me later. Say what I want to hear now."

Lanie


Lanie is a hot mess. Her fiance was killed after a deal with the Mob went bad. Seven years have passed but Lanie has not moved on nor healed. Though she has a successful business, she has refused to date.

I had nothing left to give. I not only had nothing left to give, I just had nothing. And I was going to keep it that way. If you had nothing, you couldn’t feel more pain because you had nothing left to lose

She has decided that a one night stand with Hop may be what she needs to scratch an itch. But when Hop wants more than Lanie is capable of giving, she is forced to face her demons.

This was a cute love story of a "drama queen" and a mellow biker. They argue often and he pretty much ignores her requests and does what he wants, or thinks is best. It was cute the first two times it happened and then I started to get annoyed. Annoyed with Lanie's immature ways and Hop's bossy, it's my way all the time, attitude. The pattern of the book mostly involved sex, arguing, followed by more sex and arguing. There was a cameo from Tact, and he talked and sounded just like Hop. They both would just talk over Lanie and not allow her to finish her thoughts. Ggrrrr!!! That just got under my skin.

There were a few funny parts involving Lanie's sister and her mom near the end of the book. And the epilogue was adorable. It took me ten days to finish this book because it was a chore to read at times. I had to make myself finish it and I am glad that I did because the ending was sweet. But I can only give this book a 2 star because it was just OK. There was potential for it to have been great, but I just couldn't relate to the way Lanie and Hop communicated like two stubborn, horny, teenagers. She "glared" at him 15 time's, stomped around 5 times, and snapped at him 25 times. Yes, I counted them! That's just ridiculous!!!

ARC received from Netgalley

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ~ 3 1/2 Hop Stars

I'll take my chances babe I'll risk it all
I'll win your love or I'II take the fall
I've made my mind up girl it's meant to be
Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me~ Bob Seger

Lanie Heron has been to hell and back. KA readers witnessed Tyra, Elloitt and Laine’s kidnapping, bullet wounds, stab wounds and the death of Lanie’s fiancé Elliott. When things got hot with the Russian mob, Lanie was warned not to flee with Elliott. She followed him and disaster happened. Eight years later and she hasn’t moved on even though her friends have.



”Don’t regret what you did. Don’t regret the decisions you made. You did right. You followed your heart and that is never wrong, darlin’ But shit went down extreme. That’s over, Lanie. Long over. Move on.”~Tack

Lanie puts on facade with her friends and family, she works hard at her advertising firm but for men…none not a one.

One biker has always caught her eye and she offers one night to…Hopper Kincaid. Hopper has a Biker ’tache…cute right! He knows things could get complicated if he gives into Lanie’s offer for a one night stand. One night is not enough and he pushes for more and more.



Hop offers to slay Laine’s monsters and all he wants in return is for her to…

”Take a chance on me,” he whispered.”

Laine and Hop continue their sex/love affair while they get closer. Laine’s parent’s difficulties hold Laine back as well as her inner doubts and fears. (Typical KA female who can’t get out of her head while the hot male showers her with sexy and sweet.)

”You have something, you have something to lose,” I went on, slowly backing up. “You don’t have anything, you have nothing to lose.”~Lanie

Hop has two children, Molly and Cody with his ex-wife Mitzi. The children are so adorable! A reader learns all the ways in which Mitzi screwed up their marriage as well as the monsters Hop holds close. He puts it all out to Lanie and only wishes she would let the world know about their relationship.

”You mean somethin’ to me in a way, for a man, he wants the world to know it. I’m proud you’re on my arm in my bed and I want to share that with my family. Don’t keep takin’ that away from me.”~ Hopper

Slowly step by step Hop wins Lanie’s heart…

”Thank you, Hopper Kincaid. Suitcases. Sandwiches. Chinese. God’s country. Sweet kids. I didn’t go to sleep last night buried under emotional exhaustion. I went to sleep looking forward to seeing you. That’s a miracle, honey, and you have to know I appreciate you making that miracle happen for me.”~Lanie

This couple struggle to get it right. They have some really explosive arguments…

”I did not fuck around on you. I did not use you to shield me from bullets. I did not lead you to heartbreak. I did none of that shit, Lanie, and your makin’ me pay for all your,” he jabbed a finger at me, “mistakes”.~ Hopper

”You love me?” I breathed. “You’ll never know,” he replied, turned, slid the door to and walked away.”

In typical KA fashion this couple has some really fun scenes and some really sweet ones as well.



KA delivers once again one fantastic epilogue for Lanie and Hop.

”He’d done it. Pulled her out of the shadows and brought her into the light of family.
And she was basking in it.”

Was Fire Inside one of my favorite Kristen Ashley books? No it was just okay for me. Still, it was a good read. It took almost fifty percent of the story for me to connect to the characters and other than this couple’s back and forth to get it together nothing much occurred in the story. The book held several cameos which are always fun.

*ARC kindly provided to Swept Away by Romance by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley*

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 Star Kristen Ashley Read!!!

*Sigh* what can I say? I absolutely loved Hop!! I went into this thinking, Hop? The cheating louse is actually getting a book...really!!?? Nevertheless, it is KA and if anyone can redeem a character it's Kristen Ashley.

Hop & Lanie were great together. They both have issues and plenty of reasons not to trust in love. Naturally their "One Night Only" turned into many, many nights and more importantly, something more meaningful.

Normally there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in KA's books, but this one had some heavy heartfelt issues for both Hop and Lanie to work through, especially Lanie...she has some serious heavy issues and Hop does all he can to get through and get her to hold on to real. They definitely had a bumpy road but they finally learned to let go, trust, and fight (even if they had to fight one another) for their HEA.

"You love me?" I breathed.
"You’ll never know," he replied, turned, slid the door and walked away.

Hop & Lanie were perfect for one another!!! Looking forward to the next book Ride Steady in the Chaos series.


A couple favorite quotes:
"At your back baby, now and always"

"I don't use you as a shield. I am the goddamn shield"

"You take a chance on me, you biggest worry is your 7Up fizzing over"





Play List:
We've Got Tonight and You'll Accompany Me by Bob Seger:
http://youtu.be/AixMLerqlik
http://youtu.be/i6U0aYCXT8k

* A special Thank you, once again to my friend and KA Buddy Read Partner the lovely Lady Heather!!