Heart of Ash

Tryst Island #4

by Sabrina York

When Emily Donahue sets eyes on Ash Bristol, she is convinced he’s the one she’d been waiting for, her Prince Charming. But wealthy playboy Ash Bristol’ has been burned. He’s sworn off relationships, vowing to have nothing more than a series of steamy one night stands. So when he meets Emily, the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, he resolves to seduce her, possess her…and walk away. The passion that ignites between them has him questioning his decision. He begins to suspect he just tossed away the best thing that’s ever happened to him…and vows to win her back. Can he survive the erotic punishment she—and her friends— devise?

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Ebooks, Fiction

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2013

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance Author

To check out coming books visit www.sabrinayork.com

Amazon Page: amazon.com/author/sabrinayork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks
Twitter: @sabrina_york

Reviews

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Contemporary Erotic Romance
Series : - Fourth in the series.
Writing - Third person Dual POV
Main Characters : Emily Donahue, naive, inexperienced and all round do gooder. Believes in waiting for her "Prince Charming". Feels she has found the one in Ash.
Ash Bristol has been burned in the past by women, and has decided he is only going to do one night stands from now on (even if the woman is not aware of this)
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 2 stars.


★Review★

This is by far my least favourite of the series.

And it is all down to Ash!

I am not sure how I am meant to like a man, who lies to a woman to get her alone with him, then fakes an engine failure, so she then has to remain alone with him over night, then proceeds to constantly top her up with wine so she is good and tipsy, all so he can get his one night stand, that he fails to inform the woman, is actually a one night stand!

He starts the book like this:







And then in an effort to make me feel sorry for him he gets all:





Seriously, not even nearly killing off his dad, and adding in an even bigger "villain" in the form of a would be rapist, so that 1, I might feel sorry for Ash, and 2, realise he is not so bad next to an actual raping idiot is going to work to make me think this man is not a creep!

It got better, once he realised he is in fact a creep, and that him being a creep and punishing all of womankind for the transgressions of the 2 mentioned women in the book who did him wrong, did not make him a tortured poor little soul, but a dickwad user.

And the issue, I feel with the series, is that, the books are rather short, and it is all about a group of friends, so in an effort to make each person a completely different person, then that is all they are. Bella, is just a hard nosed cow, and that is all she provides. She remains unlikable even from her own book and the previous ones, as that is all she has to offer. Emily, here is all airy fairy and naive, and again, that is all she has to offer. That is her set personality. So in an effort to make each book different, and the main characters from each book have very distinct personalities, it feels almost like they become caricatures of themselves. There is nothing else to them.

A disappointing 2 stars - but meh, you cant like them all I suppose!

[MsRomanticReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily was probably the most soft-spoken one of the entire group thus far. She came from a wealthy family (like most of the characters) but she loved her job as a teacher and organizing events for various charities. She was brought up to always be polite, she didn’t tolerate cussing or yelling, she preferred to avoid confrontation, and she was rather shy. An incident in her past has made her weary of men, especially rich pretty boys who think they’re God’s gift to women. And then she laid eyes on Ash Bristol.

In the beginning, Ash is a real jerk, but there are hints of a kind man buried under paranoia, anger and just a general case of misguidedness. He obviously had a conscience but preferred to push it away to guard his heart and his bank account. I felt his character had a bit more growth or arc than Emily’s, but I did enjoy seeing him make mistake after mistake only to finally realize he was on a train to lonelyville.

What I found very enjoyable about this pairing was the innocent virgin with a backbone and the “bad boy” who eventually realized that not all women were like his conniving ex, and thus making an innocent woman pay for another’s mistakes was not the kind of man he was raised or wanted to be. They both had their issues with the opposite sex, but they were able to learn something from one another. If you think Emily was going to be a pushover and forgive him easily, you’d be mistaken :)

The best moment of the story was Ash’s attempt to redeem himself. I loved his vow to take things slow and just be her friend while trying to woo her back with dates, revealing a secret passion of his and his vow to not touch her until she was ready. When Emily repeatedly tried to tell him that she wanted to take their relationship to the next level, he didn’t believe her. Her plans for seduction were endearing then funny then really hot!

He was an honorable man—when he chose to be. And he had given her his word. No sex until he’d earned her trust.

What the fuck had he been thinking?

I’m really enjoying the tempo changes of each story in this series. It keeps me from getting bored too easily yet they all feel cohesive. All the stories are fast-paced, but Ms York does manage to give enough information about the characters to make me feel for them and feel vested in the outcome of their relationships. It’s best to read the stories in order because the circle of friends that congregate on Tryst Island always return in one group or another throughout the series. On the one hand we get more insight into characters whose stories have yet to be told, but on the other hand a new reader might get confused with so many names and personalities. If you want a quick, sizzling read with a good balance of sexiness, humor and drama then pick up any one of these books. I’m giving it five stars because the a-hole turned into a wonderful man, and Emily may have started out as a shy virgin, but she emerged as a strong woman who wasn’t afraid to set clear boundaries even if the consequence might have pushed away the man she wanted.

Where Rebound was a fun, cheeky and flirty read, the second book in the series, Dragonfly Kisses, takes a turn towards a heartachingly beautiful story about second chances and taking charge of life.

We’re introduced to Dylan on the first page, and it quickly becomes clear that he’s hit rock bottom. He’s in the dark abyss of pain and loss and his will to live is slowly slipping through his fingers. At the very moment he considers taking his life, he sees a woman who will change the course of his life in more ways than one.

I loved the pacing of Dylan’s obsession with the mystery woman. Seven months. He didn’t come across as some creepy stalker, and I didn’t mind that he never tried to approach her once. I got the feeling he wasn’t ready for that step. He took the time to pull himself back from the brink of despair and found something to make living worthwhile. Obviously that sort of thing doesn’t happen overnight. It gave the reader time to see him as more than a pitiful man. I liked that he tried to clean up his act before meeting Cassie so she wouldn’t have to do that much “patch work”.

Cassie was brought up to be focused and rather prim and proper. When she finally laid eyes on Dylan, she was attracted but admitted that he was the exact opposite of the kind of men she usually dated. She liked safe, and he seemed anything but safe. Her attraction was further solidified the moment she caught a glimpse of his tattoo, a silver dragonfly which was also her totem. Perhaps the universe was trying to tell her something.

I completely bought their chemistry. The ease with which they seemed to be able to talk to one another and their blossoming relationship was lovely to see. However this story wasn’t just flowers and chocolates. Cassie was quite perceptive, and it didn’t take long to figure out what had him so pained. That common ground allowed for a deeper connection, but the one time they forgot to use protection threatened to unravel him, for good reason. That scene made me choke back a few sobs because he was truly looking out for Cassie’s best interests.

I thought the pacing of the story was well thought out and executed, as was the way these two came together. I could see what attracted them to one another, and the obstacle in their way was cleverly integrated, especially towards the end of the story and the slight twist. I loved what they each brought out in one another. Cassie made Dylan feel lighter, happier, more carefree and alive. She gave him hope and light. In return, Dylan made Cassie question the trajectory of her life. I appreciated her focused artistic side, but I preferred her end decision to do more with her talent, to give back. I thought it suited her very well and just gave this story that little extra sparkle.

If you want to indulge in a series that covers a range of characters with diverse backgrounds, some light and funny, others a little more tragic and angsty, then I highly recommend the Tryst Island series. Each book ends on a high note with no cliffhanger! I suppose you could start anywhere in the series, but given the fact that some characters make cameos, you may want to start at the beginning so you won’t feel lost. I’m in love with the series and its author, and I will continue to gobble them up as they come out.

Disclaimer: I received the paperback as a gift for Christmas from a friend. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

“Heart of Ash” by Sabrina York is Volume 4 in the ‘Tryst Island’ series and centers around naive teacher Emily Donahue who gets ensnared in the machinations of fun-loving Ash Bristol who discovers that his seductive techniques are all a game to him. Emily’s friends rally around her and Ash has to decide whether to continue to judge all women by the ones who hurt him but he will have to overcome plenty of skepticism to earn his second chance with Emily.

This excellent addition to a fun erotic series provides a great combination of sizzling encounters with dramatic emotional conflicts as well as entertaining cameos of characters introduced in previous stories. The serious repercussions of a dark episode in Emily’s past is lightly touched upon but the emotional scars that each of the main characters bears sensitizes them to each other’s pain. I enjoy the variety of personalities that mesh to form the close-knit group of friends that are depicted in the series even as I am entertained by the blunt observations that some of them make and the inventive solutions (and threats) that are conjured up. There are some definitely striking fun and games provided with the help of various types of syrup and delightful shattering of preconceived notions that help humble those who need to be. A very enjoyable read.

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a rich man who has had his heart broken. He is afraid to believe that anyone would love him for him. Emily Donahue is a woman who has always believed that there was a Prince Charming just for her. Ash and Emily are meant for each other, but will their pasts keep them apart?
Another story in Sabrina York's Tryst Island series, I loved Heart of Ash. It was fun and serious and full of the things I like best in Sabrina's stories! Hot and steamy for sure! Also sweet and a joy to read! Each story in this series just keeps getting better and better!

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Heart of Ash is the 4th book in the Tryst Island series by Sabrina York and by far the most emotion provoking book that I've read in a long time. In true Sabrina York fashion the story was smoking hot and intelligently written with a dash of a love hate relationship between me and some of the characters.

The Tryst Island series is set up around a group of college friends. 2 of the friends own a big beautiful house on the Island; the others all share the utilities and living expenses. The house is used as a getaway whenever an individual or the group wants to escape life and it's demands or just have a great fun filled weekend.


Emily Donahue is a good girl. After having a really bad experience where she was rescued from a guy in just the nick of time she has pretty much kept her distance from men. That's why when she meets the guy next door she is convinced he's the one. It's the first guy, other than her friends, that she has felt comfortable being around. Not only does she feel comfortable with him, but the sparks are next to impossible to ignore. And for once, she's going to throw caution to the wind and not ignore them.

Ash Bristol is a spoiled trust fund baby afraid of commitment and screwing his way throuhg life. To be fair, there was a time when he tried to commit, but he learned early on that women wanted him for one thing and one thing only and that's his money. Hence his pact for one night stands and nothing more. So, if he felt a twinge of guilt when he tricked Emily into spending the night with him it didn't take long to push it right out of his mind. That is until he breaks her heart and sends her on her way the next morning. He can't get her out of his mind and will stop at nothing to make amends and convince her they deserve a chance at forever.

I will be the first to admit I couldn't stand Ash Bristol in the beginning of this book. Actually, I couldn't stand him for the whole first half. It was the first time I ever read a book that I found myself wondering am I ever going to like this character. And then pow, 50% in I found myself cheering for him like no one else could.

I especially got really annoyed with Bella and several of her other friends in this book. Emily came to her friends for their help and advice. Granted, she got support from a couple of them, but I was appalled at how some of them acted. I think this shows what a great writer Sabrina York is. Several of her characters are selfish, demanding, bossy and not likable. Yet, you read their story and root for them. She is great at explaining their individual stories and the reasons they are the way they are. Hats off to you, Ms. York!

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until this story, I thought I had found my favorite in this series in the second title, Dragonfly Kisses. But again, Sabrina York has created characters that are both believable and empathetic, despite a rough start early on. Back at Tryst Island, the weekend share crowd is completely engrossed in having their own version of a good time: food, friends and some partying. Slowly but surely those who share the house on the island are pairing off, but these friends still manage to find adventure and enjoyment in company.

Shy and softhearted Emily, who can’t resist a stray, is on the island with her friends for a weekend of fun. When she encounters Ash at the local bar, the sparks are instantaneous but his reputation and her reticence make him untouchable. Ash is recovering from a bad divorce, and two parents who were married and divorced more often than anyone could count has fallen into the One Night Stand only trap.

With typical skill, Sabrina York uses the characters and tumultuous emotions to show their issues, thrown up roadblocks in their path to together that they must overcome, and added several distractions from furry and funny to devious and twisted. Sexual tension is evident, and sensual descriptions bring pleasure from both points of view, even as they are both fighting the attraction and holding onto the pain of their separation. Ash the ass, as her friends so aptly named him shows real growth and the ability and willingness to make amends for his bad actions. These characters are people who could be friends and neighbors, given real reasons for their hesitancy and issues, and presented with a life altering chance at a relationship for a happily ever after. Each new book brings another couple into focus, while allowing quick moments to check back with those who have gone before.

Whether you want a reformed trying to be bad boy, a wounded neophyte to the game of love, steamy sex or a story that is sure to bring a smile, this book will not disappoint.

I received an eArc from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to give props to any author that can start a romance with a hero I find skeezy and a heroine I find naïve and too innocent and turn them into a couple who I not only care about but I find them interesting enough that I not only want them to find happiness but I’m cheering them to their own happily ever after.
Tryst Island is a favorite weekend getaway retreat for many. Ash (the ass) and his friends have found that it is also a place where they can hold on to their glorious college years and behave like obnoxious immature frat guys. Wow. It took me a while to like Ash. He starts off as an overly attractive rich brat. This side of him makes it so easy to see why Emily and her gal pals would vow to steer clear of their hot yet unattractive neighbors. Emily has her own mountain of issues when it comes to the opposite sex anyways so it makes sense for her to stay away from the rowdy boys next door. Yet the moment sexy golden boy catches her alone and oozes some of his natural charm vows are forgotten and hearts are broken.
As a reader going into a romance it is a given that you’ll get your happily ever after. I have to be honest after Ash and Emily’s “One Night” I was beyond curious how Sabrina was going to take these two from that to happily ever after. I loved the story she created to bring them to life and make them someone I cared about. Sabrina made them into read people. She gave them real problems and real obstacles to overcome. Many of those obstacles drove the sexual tension up and allowed for the romance to flow at a pace that reflected Emily and Ash’s beginning.
Heart of Ash is the first book I’ve read in the Tryst Island series. It certainly will not be the last. Feel confident in jumping into this series at any point as each book works as stand-alone.

[The BookChick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★★

EXCELLENT: The characteristics of a 5 star story include: an awesome story; and, I love everything about the story — characters, plot, and story elements. I would definitely read it again and I would highly recommend it to a friend and rave about it often.

My Thoughts:
I have enjoyed all the books in the Tryst Island series thus far. But, Heart of Ash is my absolute favorite. I loved Emily and Ash's story. It was sexy *making me fan* and emotional *tugging on my heart*. Sabrina York did a brilliant job with this story and I can't wait to read the next one. This series is definitely a steamy one but I really enjoy the stories that are intermingled with the sexiness.

Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 5★
Rating for male protagonists: 5★
Rating for secondary characters: 5★
Steam Level: 5★
Plot Viability: 5★
General Storyline: 5★
Story Ending: 5★
Ease of Reading: 5★
Book editing: 5★
Cliffhanger: No

Overall rating: 5★

Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely!

For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog

[JJH--Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story about a playboy millionaire who, because of his rule of "one night stands only", breaks the heart of his one true love. She sees him for everything he can be, he only sees her at face value at first. It's a story of love, loss, and " how the heck am I going to fix this". I liked the writing style--good flow, easy to follow, no gaps in the time line. Intimate scenes are nice and spicy. It's not the first of the series, but the first I read. There were a bunch of secondary characters (not sure which ones have already gotten their own book), but I did not find the fact I did not read any of the earlier works to hamper the enjoyment of this story. Will read more from this author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the forth book in this series. I love these characters/friends and have enjoyed all of these short stories. This is about Ash, the rich boy who's been burned by love before and is hesitant to spend more than one night with another woman. He has an explosive night with Emily and can't get her out of his mind. When she approaches him the next day to see if their time together meant more to him than one night, when he can't answer, she walks away devastated. He knows he's hurt her and can't forget her so he'll do whatever it takes to win her back.

This story was told in both POVs and is a good quick read.

[Pansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made me cry! Then it made me laugh! Then it made me sigh! Talk about your emotional roller coaster! When Emily realizes what Ash has done in the beginning of the story, well, I cried! I so felt what she was feeling. I almost didn't want her to forgive him. But, under it all, Ash did turn out to be a good guy, so I did forgive him. I loved the little tour though some of my favorite Seattle sites. Yes! This was a very engaging story. HRH, Sabrina York, has done it again! Another must read story.

[Shelly Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to go back and read the ones I missed!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it, it was marvelous..

[Christy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash has my heart, after the way women have used him it is great to see he can find love.

[Cristina]

Honestly, I didn't give it a fair try. Maybe I'll try again...

[Isabelle MBTL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Title: Heart of Ash
Series: Tryst Island #4
Author: Sabrina York
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Heat: 4 stars

Source: purchased for kindle

Cover: 5 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Heat: 4 stars
Freshness: 5 stars
Addictiveness: 5 stars
Total: 4.5 stars

Another hit from Ms. York. This series hasn't disappoint me yet. All of the characters are amazing and somehow the author has been able to bring them back one way or another to this amazing setting.

Tryst Island is the perfect setting for a book. This vacationing house belongs to Lane, one of the friends that has met in college, and is leased by the entire group of friends that shares the bills of the house. Every weekend some or all of them visits the house and reconnects with their friends.

Each book has my favorites shifting, but Holt has become a constant. That man is adorable! Even as a secondary character at most of the books, but his own (book 3 of the series), he shines. What a friend he is!

Really looking forward to what comes next!

"She knew she'd read far too many fairy tales as a child and far too many romances as a young girl. She knew her expectations were unrealistic and fanciful and, all right, a bit naive. But she had never, in the whole of her life, imagined her Prince Charming would snore."

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the fourth "chapter" in the Tryst Island series, we meet sweet, shy, and inexperienced Emily. A woman who had a horrible experience with a man in college and has stayed away from men since then. When she meets Ash and his drunken friends on the ferry over to Tryst Island, Emily realizes that Ash is the first man that she isn't afraid of. Unfortunately, Ash was burned in his former relationship and has sworn off a commitment to women. He has adopted a one night stand attitude with all women. Ash and Emily hit it off and sneak away for the night. Unfortunately, poor Emily doesn't realize that she is Ash's latest conquest and thinks that he is her Prince Charming. When the light of day hits, and Ash is gone with the first rays of sunlight, Emily is despondent. Her friends all have it in their heads to kill Ash. When Ash can't stop thinking about Emily, he realizes he has made a huge mistake and will now do anything he can to get her back.
I have to say that at first, I didn't like this, this wasn't your typical erotic romance in this series, but then I realized that this is written in Emily's voice. Emily who is as pure as the Disney Princesses she worships. This is a sweet story, not a hot story, and I think I liked it even more because of that. While I think that this was waaaaay to short (as I do all of the novella's in this series), I really enjoyed it. While you don't have to read these stories in order, and they can all be read as stand-alone novels, reading them in order, together is helpful!

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tryst Island series has been on my TBR pile, and I'm not sure what took me so long to read them! I spent my weekend gobbling them up!! These stories can stand alone, or better yet, read them in order. I've now read them all and can honestly say Ash's and Parker's have been my favs! If you enjoy a good romance that's hawt enough to melt your Kindle and the characters feel like long lost friends, then I highly recommend this series!


Fav quotes:
"You're looking back at your life, what kind of landscape do you want to see?"

"We think we have all the time in the world, and then one day, we wake up and realize we missed it. Missed so much."

"I don't see the best in people, Ash"..."I look for it. There's a difference."

[Negar Arvanaghi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay for non-FDA-approved uses for maple syrup! So sexy! I wonder what the laundry looked like after that...

I liked how Ash recognized he was a douche, and tried to make up for it. I like a man who can grovel. Even though he was kind of justified in assuming all women suck, since he doesn't have a positive frame of reference.

I enjoyed that there was no angst here. Just a sweet love story, witch a cute storybook ending.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[She Hearts Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What begins as a one night stand on the island turns into so much more for Ash and Emily. Ash breaks her heart when she mistakenly believes that their one night of passion is more. He realizes his mistake and how much Emily means to him, but he will have to win her heart back.

I loved Emily. She is so sweet and brings out the best in Ash. I loved that he courted her. I wanted Emily to have her happily ever after. This was my favorite story in the series.

I give Heart of Ash 5 hearts!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was hot, and not just because of the sex scenes, but the anticipation scenes, hoo baby, hot!!

There was a lot of punch packed into this quickie. An innocent and sweet heroine and a douche player, both who realize too late exactly who and what the other is and how they are good for them

I just loved this book, and it seemed when I started I wouldn't, but it quickly turned me around

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina York does it again! This book pulls you in so you feel as though you are part of the story line. Just as Emily's friends surrounded her to protect and help her, I wanted to wrap my arms around her and protect and comfort her as well. I laughed. I cried. I wanted revenge. This story is packed with emotion, love, and steamy sex scenes. It is a quick and easy read. It can stand-alone but I would recommend the entire series. Great read!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me mad, cry, love, a whole myriad of emotions! That is why I gave it a five star rating! This book has it all! Ash and Emily's developing relationship is exciting, the sex is hot, and I love the love of friends and family. This is book 4 of 5 (so far) in this series. I recommend reading all of them!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little sweeter for me than some of the others. Kind of funny Ash didn't know she was a virgin, and also surprised none of her friends chewed his ass off and told him that. Maybe having read Holts story it seemed tamer in the sex aspect but again a very sweet good story.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

This was another great story in a great series. The characters so true to life and make it seem like you are there with them. You spend the time you are reading the book hoping that everything works out for them.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUICK read

My favorite of the Tryst Island Series so far. I loved the innocence of Emily and the meaning of the story. This was a great read.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice and sweet read... Really like this series overall.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars