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Iron Portal #2

Rogue's Passion

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Hidden within the rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Iron Portals separate the modern and ancient worlds. Only a chosen few, Warriors of the Iron Guild, know their locations.

For years, Olivia Crawford has kept a low profile in order to keep her para-ability secret. If the army finds out she's a Healer-Talent, they'll force her to work for them--just like her brother who was taken as a boy and never seen again. But when a terrible explosion rocks New Seattle, she risks everything to save the injured, including a handsome stranger with secrets of his own.

Blaming himself for the death of a friend, Iron Guild warrior Asher Kane vows to bring those responsible to justice. After he's hurt on a mission and nursed back to health by a beautiful yet mysterious woman, this dangerously sexy bad-boy finds himself falling for her...even as he struggles to stay away.

But stalking them on the streets of New Seattle is a cruel and vengeful evil--one that threatens to destroy them both...

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2013

32 people are currently reading
845 people want to read

About the author

Laurie London

22 books612 followers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews372 followers
December 27, 2013
Rogue's Passion is a fast paced fun read. Things happen very quickly between the main characters Olivia Crawford and Asher Kane. Asher, an Iron Guild Warrior, has come back through a Portal to New Seattle in order to continue the fight between the Pacificans and Cascadians. Asher is still reeling from the death of his friend Fallon and needs to continue the fight and seek justice for not only the death of his friend, but for all of the atrocities that continue to be done and blamed on his people. There's a bomb explosion in the downtown area where Asher is doing reconnaissance and Olivia is working at a wine bar. After the fallout Olivia is caught out by Asher as she is healing a severely injured woman who was close to death. Olivia is an unregistered Healer Talent. She desperately tries to keep her ability undetected especially after what happened to her twin brother. Olivia knows the dangers and consequences of having any enhanced abilities. The physical attraction between the two happens extremely quickly and they begin their affair believing that it will only last one week. There's an evil character called "The Fixer" that will have you anxiously awaiting the time when he receives the punishment that he deserves. There's lots of action in this installment and although there is no real cliff hanger London leaves you wanting to know more and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

I received a copy of Rogue's Passion from the LoP Good Reads group in exchange for an honest review.

You can find more of my reviews at http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Profile Image for Debbie.
79 reviews
November 21, 2013
Rogue’s Passion (Iron Portal # 2) by Laurie London
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com
I fantastic read... I was quickly drawn in and became absolutely engrossed in this book until the very end. A successful mix of hot steamy sex, romance and adventure set in two worlds linked by a portal, one which is modern and the other almost medieval in nature. This book follows the story of Asher, an Iron Guild Warrior and Olivia, a beautiful woman with a Healing-Talent, both from a different world who fate brings together. The characters are brilliant and very well defined. The writing is rich, descriptive and flows effortlessly. With its unique plot this book has a refreshing twist and is original and creative. A wonderful read that I enjoyed immensely. But I have to warn you that this book does leave you wanting more. I will definitely be looking out for more of this talented authors work.
Profile Image for Megan.
354 reviews47 followers
November 10, 2013
Asher is on a mission to find that man that killed his friend. Olivia is hiding her Talent from the Army that would draft her into service. When they are victims of a bombing done by the Army they help each other get away and decide to spend some time together.

I have to say that while I did enjoy this book I never really connected to the characters. I liked them both. Asher is all dominate and assertive, Olivia is stubborn and tenacious but I just never really connected with them as a couple. They are thrown together after an explosion and then stay together to find Asher’s dog. I was confused as to how Olivia goes from disliking Asher for wanting to force her to use her gift to agreeing to help find the dog and then spend the night with him. I never saw any reason or explanation as to her change of heart but she has one. To me, their whole relationship seemed to be just a hook up. They neither one really show any deeper feelings for the other until it’s pointed out by another character that Asher is not behaving in his usual way. Once this is mentioned we get the thoughts and feeling they seem to be hiding but like I said, I never really connected with them. I felt the heat and the passion but I never felt the love between them.

There are many side character’s mentioned. The character’s from the chop shop were very interesting to me and I would like to see more about them. Especially Rand, who owns the chop shop where Asher usually lives when he crosses the portal.

There are big blocks of time that are skipped toward the end of the book. It is plainly stated so it’s not confusing but I would have liked a little more explanation about what happened during that time. When Asher crossed the portal, what happened? Did he talk to his sister? Why did he decide to come back and be with Olivia? As the next book in the series is going to be about Olivia’s brother, Vince, we will probably get some answers in his book, Warrior’s Heart.

This is book two in the Iron Portal series and we briefly revisit the characters from the first book, Assassin’s Touch. This is a stand alone novel but there is some world building done in the first book that isn’t fully explained in this one but I don’t believe it will confuse a new reader. However I would suggest reading the series in order to get the most enjoyment out of them.
Profile Image for Angela Carr.
762 reviews81 followers
August 13, 2016
3.5 Stars



This book took off slightly after Assassin’s Touch had ended. Asher had just lost a dear friend, and he is out for revenge. Unfortunately, the humans who are in war with them isn’t as easy defeat. They are knowledgeable of what Cascadians are capable of, and they are known to take them for their own selfish needs. While the Iron Portal warriors are fierce, they are not invincible. When Asher gets hurt from an explosion, Olivia uses her healing power to help him. Of course, the fierce warrior falls for her from then on.

Though, I did not enjoy it as much, Rogues Passion was equally intriguing as Assassin’s Touch. I liked Asher and Olivia, I thought they played their roles well. The only thing is that their relationship was a bit fast for me. But I do have to admit, Ms. London had put more of an “umph” in the steam department. Let’s just say there was a “finger” action that was totally unexpected and something you do not usually see in Ms. London’s books.

The world building was good, and it was nice to see the other characters including Rickert from Assassin’s Touch. I do wish there were more scenes in Cascadia which I found very fascinating.

Overall, Rogue’s Passion was an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see where Ms. London takes this series.

Review provided by publisher
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,192 reviews119 followers
April 13, 2023
Asher and Olivia actually make a very good couple, although Asher does come across as a bit of a tool to begin. In his defence, he is injured and worried about his dog... but still. Olivia is traumatised as a bomb has just exploded nearby and people are injured and dying. The ability to control her healing talent is hard at the best of times but in circumstances like this, near impossible.

Due to Asher toning down his attitude, Olivia realises that he isn't actually as bad as she originally thought. Just in time too, as two Army Investigative Unit officers arrive on the scene. An unregistered Healer talent and a Cascadian barbarian would not go down well. Luckily they help each other and are able to leave. Things heat up pretty quickly after that although they both agree that it is only for a week, to begin with. They both have a history that makes them wary of the thought of commitment.

Cameo appearances are made by Neyla and Rickert as well as a few others from Book 1.

Well-written and fast-paced, Olivia and Asher work well and play hard. This is an intense and sometimes steamy novella which carries on perfectly with the Iron Portal series. Definitely recommended and looking forward to the next one.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Jess the Romanceaholic.
1,033 reviews491 followers
November 27, 2013
Ehhhh... Not really my thing. Too much talking, too much smexin, and a big mea culpa in that I somehow didn't know there was going to be all this talk of bedroom slavery and submission and whatnot going into it. I think it would've been okay if there'd been some actual follow-through on it, but it was really mostly talk.

Weeks pass by with a few sentences, the heroine's healing power wasn't really used to its full advantage, and I wasn't really feeling the connection between the protagonists, nor did I really find it sexy.



2/5 - not for me.
Profile Image for Rebekah Daniels.
Author 3 books38 followers
November 17, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author through the Goodreads' group "Lovers of Paranormal". Rogue's Passion is the second book in the Iron Portal Series. Asher is an Iron Guild warrior and Olivia is an unregistered healer-talent, both doing their best not to be apprehended by the Pacific Military.

The characters seemed to have it all, good chemistry, hot "bedroom" scenes, and both have past experiences that they need to overcome. To me, though, something was missing. At times, the interactions between the main characters seemed a little too childish, and it was hard to connect with them at first. Finally, near the end, I finally felt the passion between the two.

Overall though, I thought it was a good story. It kept me entertained, and I found myself procrastinating on housework just to read a little bit more. It did feel as some information got left out of the story, but I am hoping the next one in the series will fill in the gaps, and you can be sure that I'll be reading the next one. Thank you, Ms. London for a great new series!

Best line I have read in a romance for a while...
"You’re mine, Liv, until the end of time. And when the earth crumbles to dust and the sun burns out in the sky, there will still be us. There will still be this.”

Still gives me chills...
Profile Image for Daria.
1,994 reviews42 followers
April 24, 2014
It seems that anytime something is different, there is a group trying to either control it or make it go away. In Rogue's Passion is no difference. New Seattle is a home of special “talent” and people “not around” here. A Army that sole purpose is to control the masses with force and Propaganda against the Guild Warriors.
Oliva has spent most of her life going from place to place, Asher has spent most of his life a warrior trying to write the wrongs on the otherside of the portals. After a explosion throws Olivia and Asher together they both agree that the “us” that is happening between them is only for the now, they can have no future. When they both fall hard for each other what will happen, both are in danger and basically on the run.
I really enjoyed the content and the interaction between the characters. I loved Rand!, well the main characters also. (smiles) But Rand as a secondary was awesome. Along with the ongoing danger for the “only” for now couple, theres some pretty yummy scenes. Bringing it all together to make a fun read that Id recommend to everyone. So grab your fav drink, your fav place to read and grab this book.. enjoy.


This is part of Dark and Deadly 8 boot set

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,422 reviews29 followers
October 17, 2020
Futuristic (the Pacific Northwest destroyed by massive earthquake which opened a portal to a parallel dimension called Cascadia). The (Pacifican) army inhabits New Seattle. The Cascadians are blamed for every terror attack. In reality, the army is behind the attacks and blaming Cascadia. Cascadia is a parallel world with magic (think olden days, but with magic). Presumably there have always been portals and the earthquake uncovered one (or more) or something. The army finds portals and goes to Cascadia stealing infants and killing everyone else.
As a result of the kidnappings, there are some in this new world that are "Talents" (have magical abilities- healing, protection, etc). If found, Talents are conscripted into army service (mandatory). Olivia is a healer and in hiding. She witnessed the army take her brother (Talent unknown) and murder her father. She and her mother have not heard from brother since and do not know if he is alive or dead. She meets Asher after a bomb goes off destroying the nightclub Asher was in and Olivia's place of employment.
This did have some TSTL moments (both being hunted and dinner at Olivia's mom's house is smart?). Insta-love as well, but I didn't really care too much about that. Overall this was a decent, quick read.
Profile Image for Maria Dodd.
488 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Lovers of Paranormal.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first, which I wasn't really expecting. We got to find out a little more about the two worlds and the war between them. It's nice to read that the people who have less technology are by far the nicer people.

This book has more suspense than the first and more sex, which seems to fit in well with the way the Cascadians live. I liked the two main characters and although relationships tend to move ahead very quickly in these books they somehow seem acceptable as though it has some draw from their Talent.

We also got to meet some new characters, friends of Ash. I wish these books were longer so that the author could explore some of these characters further. Maybe they will be in future books.

Once again I am looking forward to the next book and feeling a bit sad that I have longer to wait.

A very good book!
Profile Image for Bookish Satty.
956 reviews33 followers
November 25, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
I got this book from Lovers of Paranormal Group of Goodreads under the Read to Review theme.
Well, to be honest this installment didn’t impress me very much and I felt that many parts of this book was a bit rushed up, like the instant love and making out of the Asher and Olivia and many other parts. The action scenes are great as usual and I loved the writing style of the author very much, it’s descriptive and the scenes were portrayed in details. The characters were a bit sketchy too and I would like to see them in a much more developed state in the next sequel. Over all an okay read for me.
Profile Image for Loretta.
94 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Lovers of the Paranormal.
First time I've read any of the Iron Portal stories, thank you so much for letting me review it.Since l haven't read the first one so l was pleasantly surprised that l had no trouble getting into the story.lt kicked of at the start with plenty of intense action between a Cascadian Iron Guild assassin,Asher,and a Pacifican Healer,Olivia. l loved the chemistry between the two characters, Asher and Olivia.As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that Olivia is being hunted by a man called the Fixer.As the story goes on we learn of Olivias brother, Vince who seems to have a connection to Asher's past. A great read,Cant wait till the next one that involves Vince.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,007 reviews35 followers
May 12, 2014
I'd have to say that this one was really more like a full novel than a novella. A quick read full of alpha male who is soft when it comes to kids and animals. Yes, he has a deerhound who is loyal to him and he to the hound. :) Olivia is a girl with a healing secret. In this book the army is the bad guy and they are out to find people with "talents" so they can become invincible. Asher is one of the warriors in charge of keeping his people safe who happen to exist on the other side of a portal. As you suspect, passions are ignited and love is found. A sweet book with 2 people you want to root for. It was short so you didn't get too frustrated with the alpha male, but long enough to give you a good story. I give this book 4 1/2 stars and I really want to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2015
I read this as a part of the Dark and Deadly box set
3-3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and its take on portals, dimensions and different cultures.
Asher is quite a character and I liked Olivia. My favourite was Conry -lol. This is a quick read with enough to keep you interested. The relationship was a bit sudden but the humour was a great distraction.
Profile Image for Jinxy.
118 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2020
Missed opportunities, 2.5 stars

This book is the second in the Iron Portal series but is easily read as a standalone. I love paranormal books that include a healer so I was really excited to start this one. Unfortunately, while this book had a lot of potential, it just never delivered. Here are my thoughts on the novel...

-Both of the main characters were likable. I also really enjoyed their relationship even though it was bordering on instalove. Neither character seemed to have any negative qualities. That actually is one of the problems... they seemed too nice. I didn't get a lot of depth of character from them. While I liked them during the book, I couldn't really say that I know what makes them tick or what their priorities or dreams are. For example... Asher doesn't want to be leader of the squad while the former leader is being reviewed for past actions. He considers himself a "lone wolf" (even though there's no evidence of this) and doesn't feel he has leadership qualities. Fine, then what does he want to do instead? What are his goals? Who even knows. And same for the heroine. She is in a temporary job but once that's over, and now that she doesn't have to keep moving, what does she want to do?

-Missed opportunities. This is my main issue with this book. There were so many instances where things were on the right track to evoke emotion in the reader or to explain something that was going on and it never quite gets there. Most of the time this is due to the author fading the scene. For example, the reader gets to the climax scene of the book where they're fighting the guy that was hunting the heroine for her healing talent (which was pretty anticlimactic to begin with as it was so short). The hero gets gravely injured and the heroine is trying to get to him to heal him before he bleeds out but the villain is preventing her. When she finally is able to get to him it's shown from the hero's perspective and it goes into this weird spirit world tug of war where his dead lover is trying to entice him to die and the heroine is trying to get him to live (that's a whole other bunch of weirdness that I have no idea what to say). The hero tells his dead lover he's not ready to die yet and then the scene fades and picks up a few days later. What? That just made what could have been a powerful and emotional scene turn into mush because the author didn't let the reader experience the emotions, and near miss, with the characters. This happened several times throughout the book and felt like it cut me off just when I was starting to connect and empathize with the characters. (And seriously, were they not even going to bring up the dead lover tug of war situation and explain? Really?)

Overall, an enjoyable book for some fluff paranormal romance but not for those looking to connect with the characters. Would probably not read again.
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
May 12, 2019
In this novella which can be read as a stand alone we meet Olivia and we get to see more of Asher, who was in book one.

Olivia has a healing talent which she is trying to hide from the military, however she cannot help herself from healing those who need it.

Asher sees her healing when on a mission and they both end up helping each other very quickly.

The pair have instant chemistry and Olivia teams up with Asher as soon as a situation arrises meaning that they both cover for the other.

We do get to see a tiny bit of Neyla and Rickert from book one and the ending happens all too fast with out i feel the drama leading up to it. It just seems to happen and finish at the same time.

I look forward to the next novella, but hope it does not feel as rushed at the end.
Profile Image for Sarah.
438 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2018
Really like the story line of this book. I did not, however, like the very descriptive sex scenes but for those of you who like that you will love this book. I read this in the Dark and Deadly Anthology without knowing it was book 2 but had no trouble following the story.
Profile Image for Kelly Russell.
792 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2019
Actually really good, well written, interesting plot. I'll look for the series.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews28 followers
October 26, 2013

Rogue's Passion is book two in Laurie London's exciting Iron Portal Series. In Book one, Assassin's Touch, we are introduced to a world that has been divided between the Pacifican and the Cascadian. The Pacifican are a modern, technologically savvy people who believe that they are the superior race. They have lost all touch with the "talents" given to their people. The powers in charge, through serious propaganda have convinced the people that the Cascadians are barbarians ruled by envy and will do anything to destroy the Pacificans. As most societies are wont to do, the people believe their government. As we travel further and further into this world split by a portal (wormhole, dimensional gate, whatever you want to call it) we begin to see that not all is what it seems to be.

Olivia Crawford is on the run. Ever since the death of her father and the capture of her brother, Olivia knows that the government is not as good as it wants it's people to believe. She and her twin brother were sixteen years old. Way too young to be forcibly removed from their parents and yet because Vince's (her brother)talent had already manifested, he was taken. Because of some fast thinking on her mother's part, Olivia was saved.. and she has been hiding every since. No one can ever know that she is a Healer-Talent.. Her life, such as it is will be over and she too would be forced to work for the evil that exists. Even with a life in chains a possibility, Olivia can't help herself. When she finds someone that is in dire need of healing she succumbs to the need to heal. When she is discovered healing a woman, Olivia's world is rocked. First by the close call and then by a man she knows is not what he seems to be.

Asher Kane is on a mission. He is determined to find the man who caused the death of their team mate. Who forced him through the iron portal carrying all of their weapons. Carrying weapons, anything metal, causes extreme sickness (sort of like the bends I am picturing) and that's just if you carry one knife or it's equivalent. To force a man to carry an entire unit's worth of weapons is guaranteed to kill him in the most horrid manner. Asher watched his friend die and now he wants revenge. During his nightly search, Asher watches a shadow running in the darkness and then the entire world goes up in flames. A bomb has been placed and blamed on the Cascadians.. During the bombing Asher is hurt and when he sees a woman healing another he is determined to force her to heal him as well. Only nothing ever turns out like it's supposed to.

Asher and Olivia are kindred spirits, each on the run in one way or another. Asher is determined to do his duty for his people.. to protect them as best he can. While Olivia is one of the few who doesn't believe that everything is as they are being told. Together these two have found a way to walk a line between their worlds. Falling ever deeper into each other's spell. Only time will tell if they have a chance, except of course time is the one thing they do not have.

The Pacifican army is tracking them and Asher is sure he is putting Olivia in danger. Asher has a choice on his hands, should he end his relationship with Olivia to save her? Or should he sacrifice everything to keep her? It's a hard choice and one he struggles with the entire book.

Ms. London reminds us in this story that there is always good and evil. Not every Pacifican is bad and not every Cascadian is good. Each side has their problems..

Another fun fact Ms. London offers us is to remind us that not everyone is the same. Asher suffers from dyslexia, a disorder unheard of in Cascadia.. honestly, he has been tormented and teased, even abused, his entire life because he is "stupid" a harsh reality and sweet subplot.. In general this is a good book. I enjoy the characters and will read the series as it comes out. The premise is unique and yet familiar enough to remind us that there is more going on around us than what we are told. I could say this book makes a very good political statement.. and yet in the end it's a story about true love and what choices we make to be with the one we love.

Shauni


This review is based on the ARC of Rogue's Passion, provided by netgalley
Profile Image for Tory Michaels.
Author 4 books79 followers
November 8, 2013
First an advisory: I had a chance to read the first book in this series, Assassin's Touch, when I was judging for the NERFA (First Coast Romance Writers' published author contest) this year, so I was really excited to see this book available on Net Galley ... once I realized why the idea of the Iron Portals and Cascadia/Pacifica sounded so familiar. Heh. I read too much. Oh, wait, there's no such thing as too much reading.

Okay, on to the review. Wow, Ms. London starts the action off with a bang (literally, there's a massive explosion in the first couple of chapters) and never lets off on the intensity.

Olivia's been on the run for several years. In this alternate reality, some people have developed Talents (in Olivia's case, she's a healer), and they are forcibly put into the army or hunted down and then forced into the Army after some reconditioning. Not pleasant. She's getting ready to move out of New Seattle when the place she's working blows up and that's how she encounters Asher.
Asher's in Olivia's world hoping to avenge the death of a friend of his who died at the hands of a man called The Fixer. He's following up on an informant's lead when he goes to the nightclub across from where Olivia works and happens to see a couple of figures planting the bomb.

Many people die in the explosion and the Army blames the Cascadians for it, though Asher knows that it was actually the Army, trying to keep inciting the people toward more war and bloodshed against his people. Unfortunately, Asher also got injured and Olivia heals him, but she gets caught on tape and is reported as a potentially Unregistered Talent to the Army. The Army sends their best tracker to get her. You can guess who that is.

Meanwhile, as the Army tracks Olivia, she and Asher are getting close. Asher initially is unwilling to get involved beyond a simple week-long fling (where she's his sex slave no less), because of a bad experience when he fell in love with another girl on this side of the portal.

Olivia was really strong and determined not to let Asher shove her behind him for protection purposes, so to speak. She likes to give as good as she gets and when they're not having sex, she doesn't let him get away with any chauvanistic behavior without calling him on it. Asher's bemused by her and I love how well he's integrated himself into the world on this side of the Iron Portals.

I enjoyed the quick look we got at the couple from the first book, who are busy setting up safe houses for Cascadians coming through the help stop the army from finding any more of the portals.

The only thing I didn't like in this book, and why it's a 4.5 star instead of a 5, is because of just how they end up dealing with the Fixer. I felt it was sort of anticlimactic. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the situation resolved itself, but it was just .... dealt with largely off camera and after the horrible stuff the man did, I wanted to see revenge. Yes, I'm blood thirsty.

There were definitely plot threads left open, including one that features Olivia's brother, her twin brother who was taken by the Army many years earlier. I hope Ms. London doesn't make us wait too long until we get a story about Vincent!

Loved this book tons!

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shelley.
482 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2017
This is the second book in the Iron Portal series and it is the story of the tall, dark and mysterious Asher and a healer Talent Olivia

They meet when an area of New Seattle they area both in is bombed, and they are thrown together. Both hiding from the army, both with secrets. What a ride of a read.

There is a deep connection between the two characters and I loved it. Olivia might be a link to his past and might be able to help him with his own personal mission on this side of the portal. Asher is hunting the fixer, and the fixer is hunting one of them.

I love the deep connection between the two characters and how they are connected to other people in the previous books and hopefully in the next books. You can read as a stand alone but nicer to have read the first book.
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,174 reviews80 followers
June 28, 2015
3.5 Stars! This is the second book in Laurie London's Iron Portal Series. It could be read as a stand alone but would probably be more enjoyable if you have read the first book.

This book centers around Asher and Olivia and takes places shortly after the events of the first book Assassin's Touch. Asher is focused on getting revenge for against the man who killed his friend and so has gone off on an un-sactioned mission to track him down. While at a bar that he has heard the man he is looking for goes to he is caught up in a terrorist explosion. Luckly he has just exited the premises and so he is just badly hurt. When he sees a woman healing someone he decides to force her to heal him so that he can escape before the Army closes in on him and so he can find his dog.

Olivia is a healer talent and has been hiding from the Army and her ex-boyfriend who both want to use her for her talent. She knows better than to expose herself but when a bomb explodes across the street from where she works she can't help but to heal a dying woman. Unfortunately this brought her to the attention of a stranger who insists that she heal him. However, before she can do much the Army shows up with questions and she and Asher end up helping each other by covering for the other.

Forced to rely on each other they make their way from the scene of the bomb and Asher realizes how weak healing has made Olivia so he takes her to a safe place. The two soon agree to spend one week together before Olivia returns to her life and Asher continues on with his mission. However, they can't just hide, the man Asher is after is still out there and then there are the people hunting Olivia.

I really enjoyed both Asher and Olivia and although I thought the one week agreement between the two was a little silly and if she was going to agree to be his slave for a week in the bedroom there should have been more follow through. Other than the first sex scene their wasn't much "slave" to the sex. Their was action and romance and a good storyline to this book and I actually enjoyed it more than I did the first book. The relationship between Asher and Olivia was more believable then Rickert and Neyla who make an appearance in this book. This book is steamier then the previous book as well.

I enjoyed this and am looking forward to book 3.

Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,673 reviews974 followers
December 24, 2015
~ 4 Rogue Stars ~

Rogue’s Passion is book two in the Iron Portal series by Laurie London. It takes place slightly after Assassin's Touch ended. Asher had lost a dear friend and he is seeking revenge. I was a little disappointed in this book, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Assassin’s Touch.

Olivea, is a Healer-Talent and has kept under the raider of the militant forces that want to use all Talent’s wither they want to go or not. I felt her talent never got used to it’s full potential. Asher, an Iron Guild warrior. Asher is attractive, has no talent, and is not looking for a permeant relationship. I liked the softer side that we got to see of him.
Olivia and Asher had good chemistry with each other. They played their roles well. We do get some pretty yummy scene’s between Asher and Olivea. I enjoyed Asher’s dominance. The ”finger” action was unexpected and something you usually don’t see.

The world building was ok! Could have been better. I miss the other realm that the Portal’s lead too. We really don’t get much of the Iron Guild’s world in this book like we did in Assassin’s Touch. The interaction between the characters was enjoyable. Rickert and Neyla do make an appearance and we learn something about them. I liked Rand as a secondary character he brought us some perspective. Their is a little action, but not as much as I would have liked.

Overall, Rogue’s Passion was an enjoyable read. It is part of the Dark and Deadly box set. I’m interested to see what takes place next in the Iron Portal series.

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Profile Image for Beth.
3,112 reviews301 followers
November 26, 2025
There is worlds within worlds and secret portals that only a few traverse. The Iron Guild warriors hold the portal's secrets sacred and only use the portals to protect their world. The army, on the modern world side wants to exploit the powers "talents" of the people behind the portals.

Olivia Crawford has kept a low profile for years. She has an extraordinary ability to heal. She lives in the modern world. If the army discovers her ability they will drag her away just like they did to her brother 5 years before. When a bomb explodes in front of the wine bar she works at she uses her abilities to help those about to die, revealing herself to a very dangerous enemy...the army. Her ability is also noticed by the Iron Guild Warrior Asher Kane who needs her healing so he can escape the army's torture and certain death.

When Olivia risks her own health to help Asher a bond is formed. Asher knows he shouldn't get involved with someone from this world but he can't help but be drawn to Olivia.

Pursued by a known Iron Guild warrior killer, Olivia and Asher must watch their every step or become a victim in this war for power.

This is a dynamic and fast paced story. The characters are refreshing and engaging. The plot thickens, we learn more of the lengths the army will go to control the talented humans.

Olivia's and Asher's relationship develops quickly and is hot and heavy. Bringing her to his home away from home, the garage, we meet more energizing and interesting characters.

A very original twisting a Fae fantasy with modern earth, Rogue's Passion is a highly entertaining and sexually steamy read.

I received this copy of Rogue's Passin from Aspendawn Books in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
January 4, 2014
4.5sstars actually
As the Cascadian's war with the Pacific Army continues to escalate, Asher goes rogue so that he can find and kill the informant he holds responsible for his friend Fallon's death. While searching for his prey Asher meets Olivia, an unregistered healer-talent who guesses that he is a Cascadian but doesn't believe the propaganda that the Cascadian's are responsible for terrorizing the city. The strong attraction Asher & Olivia have for each other leads them to protect each other's secrets and elude the Army Intelligence officers together. During their time together, Asher learns that Olivia has her own issues with the Army and that she may have a lead on his kidnapped sister. Also as Asher explains life on his side of the portal to Olivia, she becomes more convinced that may be the best place for her as she plans a life with Asher. Meanwhile, Army Intelligence has stepped up their search for Olivia as does her ex-boyfriend who intends to continue blackmailing Olivia for her talent and Asher is certain they are searching for him using Olivia as one of the people searching for her is the one responsible for Fallon's death.
I didn't realize how layered the overall story was and how invested I'd become in the characters until I read the first chapter of this very sexy installment. I liked Olivia and Asher together and thought they had good chemistry and interacted well with the secondary characters. An update on Rickert & Neyla and glimpses of life across the portal rounded the read. The pacing in this storyline was really good and kept the tension level high. Both the action and intimacy scenes showed both characters at their best and Olivia showed she could hold her own when things got tough. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,860 reviews210 followers
November 17, 2013
This is the second in this authors Iron Portal series and although I haven't read the previous offering ( Assasins Touch) I had absolutely no trouble whatsoever in following this story. Yes this is a series and probably best read in order but this book can be read as a standalone novel as the storytelling is just that good!
When we meet the hero Asher Kane he is searching for the man behind the death of his friend. A death he can't help but blame himself for and he's not giving up! Whilst trying to track down the shadowy figure in charge he finds himself seriously injured and quite by chance meets Olvia Crawford, who has a gift for healing that she has struggled to hide from those in authority. This is a dangerous world where she lives a new world where the army are to be feared and people like her ( a Healer Talent) would be forcibly taken away .
Living in New Seatle is dangerous. Portals separate them from the ancient world of Cascadia and propaganda insists that the Cascadians are all killers. How can Asher convince the intriguing Olvia that he means her no harm? Furthermore how can he reconcile himself with leaving her when his job is done. He's not used to a woman who challenges him and Olvia is not taking anything lying down.
As their relationship grows more passionate the couple are in danger as past and present start to collide . Olivia lost her brother will she lose Asher? And can Asher find the man responsible , known as The Fixer before it's too late?
I really enjoyed this. Ms London has a talent for throwing the reader into the story that makes it exciting and fun. I thought reading about alternate realities mght be confusing but no not at all. Im defnately going to read more by her
and happily rate this a 4 and a half as its quite short.
Profile Image for Mel.
1,209 reviews46 followers
October 25, 2013
Rogue's Passion is the second book in Laurie London's fantabulously unique Iron Portal series and is not a starting point. In order to understand the significance of the hostility between the Cascadians and the Pacificans, you really need to read the first book, Assassin's Touch. Rogue's Passion was a great next step in the series and tells the story of Cascadian and Iron Guild assassin, Asher, and Pacifican Healer-Talent, Olivia.

Asher is looking for a man known as The Fixer as he is believed to have been responsible for the death of Asher's friend and fellow Iron Guild assassin. Olivia is on the run from the Pacifican Army because she is an unregistered Talent. When a bomb goes off outside Olivia's place of employment and Asher discovers that she is able to heal people, it turns her already unsteady life upside down.

Laurie London's Iron Portal series is unlike anything else I've read which is great when you read as much as I do. It isn't often that I come across a really unique book and/or series so when I do I want to shout its praises to the world. If you are tired of the same old same old and want something different, I highly suggest giving this series a shot. The world building is intriguing, the heroes are beyond frakkin hot, the heroines are kick ass in their own right, and the smexiness abounds.

After learning of Oliva's brother and his possible connection to Asher's past, I can't wait to see where the Iron Portal series goes next. The possibilities are endless and I'm really looking forward to Vince's book, Warrior's Heart.

*eARC PROVIDED BY ASPENDAWN BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*
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