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Avenging Angels #2

Back in the Saddle

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Jessie Wylde is on a secret mission. She’s trying to find her brother. She hasn’t told her friends; this is about family.

She doesn’t think it’s dangerous.

Eric Turner disagrees.

Eric is a member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team. Therefore, Eric knows what he’s talking about.

Eric isn’t only badass, he’s also a seriously gorgeous guy, and Jessie has a huge crush on him. She doesn’t think he knows she exists…until now.

Eric steps in, and so do Jessie’s besties, the Avenging Angels. Soon, the Angels and the Hottie Squad are on the case to find Jessie’s missing sibling.

There’s more happening when it comes to Eric, though. Jessie’s so worried about her brother, she’s not paying attention. Eric sets about changing that, and just like all the Hot Bunch before him, when he finds his one, he doesn’t mess around.

However, something is afoot in Phoenix. And as the Angels uncover the sinister workings behind people going missing, and Eric and Jessie unpack their emotional baggage, the Angels dive deeper into the dark underbelly of the city…

Finding heroes, more hot guys, lots of hijinks…and heart.

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2024

1149 people are currently reading
1244 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Ashley

133 books39.5k followers
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,499 reviews35.8k followers
December 22, 2024
4 stars

I said it when I read the first book in this series and I’ll say it again, this series is giving me all the old school Rock Chick vibes and I love it! As a plus, we actually got to see quite a few from the OG gang

Jessie is one of the Angel’s we met in the first book and she is trying to find her brother. She’s been on the streets for months looking with no luck. Eric is one of the Phoenix branch of the hot bunch and he’s there to help her. These two were just seamlessly good together. I loved getting to see so many favorites and honestly, it was just so fun.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Stella Bloom
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 12h 14m


Profile Image for Amy Imogene Reads.
1,203 reviews1,138 followers
December 3, 2024
3.5 stars

I love visiting Kristen Ashley Land. It's a special place where the people have heart, good times are had, romance is king, and drama fuels the fun. This second romp in the Avenging Angels universe was no exception!

Please stop HERE if you have not read the first book in the series, Avenging Angel. This series of interconnected standalones is best read in order. My review of Avenging Angels here.

Back in the Saddle is the second story in this spinoff series from Kristen Ashley's popular Rock Chick books—which are some of my favorite romance books EVER, I highly recommend them if you're into highly dramatic, very over-the-top stories.

This series takes place in Phoenix, and the main narrative hook is a Charlie's Angels concept of younger women in their thirties who right the world's wrongs while having a good time and falling in love with hot men.

What's not to like??

Truly, the vibes of this series are fantastic. As someone who rereads at least two Rock Chick books every single year, my expectations for this second-generation spin-off series were through the roof. And they delivered! Avenging Angels was the romance of Raye and Cap, and it was precious. Drama, hijinks, the whole nine yards.

Now we're here, with Back in the Saddle, and it's Jessie and Eric's story.

Eric Turner had his introduction in the Rock Chick books—a former FBI agent who left the scene because his partner betrayed him by being a crook, Eric's had a rough go. Add in some personal life drama and he's been ready for his happily ever after for QUITE some time.

Enter Jessie Wylde, the Avenging Angel who is a mixologist by day, and worried older sister by night. She's looking for her brother as he struggles with his mental illness and is on the run, and she's desperate to find him.

Eric's been about Jessie since he saw her months ago, so when she needs the backup, he wades in and makes his intentions knownnnn.

It's time for another adventure in KA Land... Strap in!

Okay, so on to the good stuff:
This installment gave me all the warm fuzzy favorites that I associate with Kristen Ashley books. Namely, that we're here for a good time and not for a literary deep dive. I say "Kristen Ashley Land" when I talk about her books because it's like Disneyland—it has its own ecosystem with its own mannerisms, rules, sense of time/place, and culture. These books don't feel current or even grounded in our universe—they're grounded in location (here, it's Phoenix) but the time period feels like its own bubble of the past and present together and the characters all act in a very particular way that doesn't feel like Reality but isn't necessarily a fantasy. It's a vibe, and I know it's a very particular one that clashes with more people than it meshes with. I'm a mesher, but you reading this might be a clasher (and that's okay). KA isn't for everyone. That being said—being in the zone in a KA book is an endorphin high like little others I've experienced in books. So I was flying high on my drug of choice once more: these stories. Eric and Jessie were very emotionally stable and wonderful characters to follow and I enjoyed their sweet romance very much.

Maybe some less good stuff:
Okay. So it pains me to admit this, but Back in the Saddle was not my most favorite book in the KA universe. But hold up, because I know sometimes a 3.5 star rating is seen negatively by a lot of people and I don't mean to knock this book down at ALL. It's just, we wanted different things here. I'm a person who needsssss that angst. That drama. That I-don't-know-how-they'll-make-it-past-that-hang-up push and pull in romance. That oh-baby level of steam based on extenuating circumstances and tropes like forced proximity and instant attraction fueled with angsty vibes. And Jessie and Eric's story? Was all fluff. They didn't have drama, because they were reasonable adults who loved each other and communicated. Different strokes for different folks, I know, but for me? I wanted Eric and Jessie to go through it before their happily ever after and they didn't. Couple the lack of relationship drama with a serious lack in DRAMA drama (again, reasonable adults with reasonable boundaries means everyone was too on the same page for us to get TO the drama stage) means that I was craving a drama fix that I didn't necessarily get.

However, all of my quibbles here are because I'm a drama-loving, extremely over-the-top romance reader. So my fellow readers, if you like something softer and more emotionally balanced, take those signs as a positive!

Regardless, I am LOCKED IN to the concepts that were teased in this book for a future Harlow story and a future Luna story. Those seem... dramatic...!!!

Many thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,297 reviews13.6k followers
December 1, 2024
4 STARS

Kristen's Rock Chicks was one of my favorite series. Reading it is like putting on a pair of fuzzy socks and cuddling up with comfy blanked for the night. It's the ultimate comfort read. And I didn't think anything could ever top it for me. So when the first book in Avenging Angels came out, I didn't immediately read it because I was terrified that the spinoff would just not hit the same. But I simply couldn't hold off anymore and had to read book two. And now I am seriously kicking my own butt for not reading this series sooner. Because I AM IN LOVE!!

This series has absolutely all the feels of the original Rock Chicks but with new and amazing characters while also giving cameos by series favorites. And having Mace and Stella featured in this one? OBSESSED.

I immediately fell in love with the FMC, Jessie. who is desperately searching for her brother who fell off the radar. And of course there is a new brand of Hot Bunch, this time with the older and absolutely delectable, Eric, previous FBI now turned PI, who is obsessed with keeping her safe. Jessie is perfectly ignorant of him feeling her, of course, which made it that much more fun to see the realization slowly dawn on her.

I loved Eric's understated intensity and the way he just casually courted Jessie without her being non the wiser. Which was also pretty entertaining considering the man was throwing some serious vibes her way.

Everything about this story just hit the spot, the suspense, the slow burn romance, the suspense. Admittedly, I did have a moment where I wanted to drop kick Jessie's brother, but he did redeem himself for the most part. But I also loved their sibling journey in this story.

I can't believe I slept on this series for so long and definitely won't be missing the next installment because I am desperate for that story!


ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for alana ☁️.
1,129 reviews1,306 followers
December 29, 2024
well again love me some Kristen Ashley. I will be honest I didn’t love this book as much as the first one, but only because I felt like the romance needed more angst—Jess & Eric’s relationship was smooth sailing all along and too fluffy for my taste— but it was still very much worth the read and I wouldn't hesitate to re-read it again. totally looking forward to the next AAHS book. I hope it’s not a long wait between books.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,790 reviews11 followers
December 14, 2024
I used to finish a KA book in two days. This one took me almost a week. I’m so disappointed. Her writing is no longer about character development or story, and is instead repeated references to “Hot Bunch” or hotties or whatever nickname is being overused. The beauty of the original series of Rock Chicks was their denial of said hotness of themselves and the shock of it from the men. Now, it’s all that’s mentioned. Again and again. It’s not interesting, or well written, or interesting. It’s bland, and it’s boring.
I miss the old style of writing where Tyra discovered the colors in her shampoo, or the beauty of Mitch Lawson was observed and lamented. Now, these men are just hot and smart. It’s so flat. I never thought I’d have to push through to finish a KA book, but here I am.
There’s also very little clever banter. These Angels do not seem intelligent. Just pretty. It’s one tone throughout.
Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].
1,424 reviews3,715 followers
December 12, 2024
Life is TOO SHORT, man.

In my review for the first book in this series, I went into depth about the reasons why I think KA's writing is struggling, and nothing has really changed in this book (in what I read so far, I freely admit I didn't finish). Age gap romances aren't a thing of mine anyway, so this may be a contributing factor. But I skipped to the epilogue and realised one vitally crucial thing: I HATE ALL THESE CHARACTERS.

Seriously. Raye, Jess or whatever her name is, and all their little blonde friends* are annoying as all hell. They're like teenagers in a late-20s woman's body, complete with slang and lack of concern over jobs etc. In fact, my 16-year-old brother definitely worries more about what he's going to do in life than this lot do, which I guess is no surprise since they all have the best jobs on the planet - making coffees for, somehow, enough to have great lives and pensions. Get real.

I didn't get far enough into this book to have real thoughts on the romance, but someone get me if it's anything KA hasn't written before - in fact, someone get me if it's closer to the greatness of Jules/Vance or Sylvie/Creed than the hot mess that was Raye. You'll find me at the cemetery, because I'll have expired of shock. I'm also cringing already at the setups in the epilogue - rarely have I read such desperate attempts at SEQUEL BAIT in neon flashing letters.

*Nothing against blondes (one of my best friends is one lol) but these women give off such insane blonde energy that it's hard not to dislike them.

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Profile Image for Débora ~The Book Addict~.
186 reviews11 followers
December 4, 2024
OMG! An age-gap book by KA? SIGN ME THE F UP!!

In this book, we'll get 1st gen Eric Turner and 2nd gen Jessie Wilde's story. I read the first chapter and I can't wait to have the whole book in my hands!!

I literally have no clue how I'll manage to wait until December 😭... These will be some dark times indeed.
Profile Image for Mel  (whilemelwasreading).
1,301 reviews120 followers
November 7, 2024
And were Back in the Saddle again, so to speak, with another fabulous Avenging Angel addition!

There are no literal saddles in this book, just to say. It's metaphorically speaking. But when I tell you I was SO excited for Eric's story to come to life, I was SO EXCITED! You meet Eric in the Rock Chick series, which you should absolutely read, because this is a spin off. While you could get by reading as a standalone, this series is so much more enjoyable knowing who's who and what's what. Because the cameo's and typical shenanigans will just hit that much more perfectly. Making this such a even better joy to read and experience.

This story is so well rounded in that it will bring out all the feels. You'll laugh. You'll smile. You'll swoon. You'll also feel sadness too. There is a lot of emotion in this story. On the verge of crying I was, many times. There are topics that may be difficult for some (I've tried to list them to the best of my memory's ability below). But the way these characters come together to face challenges... How they come together to support one another... The found family vibes are just incredible.

I haven't even gotten to the romance of it all yet. A badass experienced PI, and a younger mixologist (who is also a badass by night just to say), known to each other from being in the same social/business circle. In true KA fashion, Eric wades in when it appears Jessie is endangering herself. And I loved how their feelings came to the light. How he waited on her to make that move. There is an age gap here, and I had all these ideas on how that could play out in this story, and it just wasn't a thing. Like at all. Their connection is quick and strong and really just a beautiful addition to follow as the plotline unfolds. It didn't feel like a main focus. But I loved them regardless. They have much in common. And seem to bond over past traumas. They just FIT so well together. And they brought some spice too!

This story came at a time I just needed a KA read to give me a boost only she, my comfort author, can provide. But if you're a fan of romance suspense, shenanigans, all the feels, and couples who fall fast and hard- this book, series and author are for you! I'm excited for more in this series, and from the author in general!

CW/TW:

*Thanks to the author and her team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,721 reviews519 followers
December 3, 2024
Let's start by saying I read this baby—all five hundred-plus pages—in one day. You read that correctly: one day for a book the size of two. Why, you ask? Because it was phenomenal. If I had to describe this series, I would say it's part Rock Chick and part Charlie's Angels. And, if you're like me, who loved both of those series, you will also love this one.

Eric Turner is an original Hot Bunch member of Nightingale Investigations and Security. We met him in The Rock Chick Series. Since then, a lot has happened to him, which is why he is now in Phoenix, NI&S's newest location. What I liked most about Eric is that once he sets his mind to something, he sees it through, which is why he never gave up on Jessie, even if it took her a while, and a long while it was, to figure out he was into her.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐓 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBitS

avenging angels back in the saddle by kristen ashley

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
February 10, 2025
Liked it. Didn't Love it.

4 Stars.

Maybe I'm just getting over KA books?
Anyway, this one was 'Nice' but didn't come anywhere near setting my would on fire.
I liked it but definitely didn't love it.
Had some good parts but a lot was slow paced. Could have used more intense action.
Maybe?
Profile Image for Erica Binges Books.
782 reviews55 followers
November 6, 2024
5 stars. I hardly know where to start this review. I loved Avenging Angel. It was very much the spinoff to the Rock Chick series that I’ve been waiting for. So when I say that Back in the Saddle was even better than Avenging Angel (book 1), that means this was REALLY good. Given that this is a spinoff series, there’s a ton of nostalgia and cameos. And I have to be honest, that’s definitely a tick in the plus column for me. (It might be confusing if you haven’t read the Rock Chick books, but KA does include a list of characters). But beyond being pure nostalgia, Back in the Saddle was filled with action and swoon and friendship/ found family and hot guy alphas and have your back sisters and fun laughs and emotional moments. Honestly, this is one of the most emotional books I’ve ever read from KA (and I’ve read lot of her backlist). So much of this book I was on the brink of tears and heartbroken. But in the following scene, I’d find myself laughing. And I’ve said this before, but if a book can make me run the emotional gamut, it’s the sign of a very talented author. Honestly, this is the best new KA book I’ve read in years (again, this is saying something since I loved book 1). It can be read as a standalone, but book 1 is also great. So why not read both? This will for sure be a book that I reread and I can’t wait for book 3 (even though I don’t know which angel it will feature!).

Thank you to Kristen and her team for hooking me up with an advance copy. If you ever read and loved KA, I implore you to give this series a try.
223 reviews
December 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I love Kristen Ashley and the Rock chick series has been my favorite. This book falls a little short for me though. I will still continue to read future books but this one wasn’t the best in comparison with the others.
Profile Image for Tanja.
50 reviews29 followers
December 12, 2024
KA placed all the drama outside of Erik's and Jass's relationship. Again. I really, really miss the turbulence in a love story. She did it so well. Now, it's just...meh. FFS! Remember Tate and his Ace? Joe and his Buddy? Lahn and his Golden gueen? COME ON!!!
Profile Image for Anas Attic  Book Blog.
1,561 reviews693 followers
December 8, 2024
Avenging Angels: Back in the saddle by Kristen Ashley
Avenging Angels: Back in the Saddle by Kristen Ashley
2nd in the Avenging Angels Series, a Rock Chick Series Spinoff
My thanks to Kristen and her team for providing an advance copy for review purposes. Ana’s Attic accepts no compensation for reviews, and all reviews contain my honest opinion, regardless of any relationship with the author. This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links.

If you love the original Rock Chick series by Kristen Ashley, it’s impossible not to love the Avenging Angels Series. It brings back that classic Rock Chick vibe with a whole new squad of alpha protective hotties, a great group of girlfriends who constantly get themselves into trouble, and a bunch of OG favorites who are now in Phoenix instead of Denver.

If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Avenging Angel, here’s the setup: Nightingale Investigations has opened a new office in Phoenix, bringing some of the original guys and adding new faces to create the new “Hottie Squad.” There’s also a group of girlfriends living in a kickass apartment complex called The Oasis who solve crimes through an anonymous benefactor, like modern-day Charlie’s Angels. The Avenging Angels are the new Rock Chicks. Now they are "Back in the saddle" (though there are no horses) for another adventure with Avenging Angels: Back in the Saddle.

Jessie and her brother are incredibly close. He has schizophrenia, and Jessie has been his protector for years, ensuring he stays on his meds. But now he’s missing, and Jessie has no choice but to visit the city’s homeless encampments to try and find him. She hasn’t told her friends, but the guys at NI are starting to pick up on her dangerous solo missions. Eric Turner, one of the OG Hot Bunch now stationed in Phoenix, isn’t thrilled to discover that the woman he’s into is putting herself in harm’s way. When her secret gets out, her friends jump in to help.
“Avenging Angels unite so we can find your brother,” Harlow decreed.
Oh shit.
“Word,” Raye agreed.
Luna just nodded. Once.
Crap!

I struggle with remembering details, and with Kristen Ashley’s expansive character lists, it sometimes makes reading her books harder for me. That wasn’t the case here. Not only is there a helpful character list in the back, but most of the crossover characters are OG favorites like Tex, Shirleen, and Daisy, which made me feel right at home.

Eric has been biding his time, waiting for Jessie to be ready, and taking things slow.
“Eric isn’t Hottie Squad. Eric is Hot Bunch. He’s OG. He’s got experience with bitches like us. So maybe he’s into Jess but isn’t all the way down with being into Jess, considering she’s an Avenging Angel, and he isn’t all fired up to deal with stalkers and car bombs. So he’s gonna take shit slow and see how it plays out.”

But, as with every Rock Chick before her, when an OG Hot Bunch guy makes his move—especially under the guise of protection—there’s no stopping him.
“It’s not the nightie, Jessie. It was never the nightie. It was always the woman in the nightie.”

I loved every word of Avenging Angels: Back in the Saddle by Kristen Ashley. It was nostalgic, while also bringing something fresh and new, making it a perfect comfort read for fans of the originals. This book brought ALL the emotions—I laughed, cried, swooned, was on the edge of my seat, and even teared up happy tears.

Likes:
•All of the things I love about Kristen Ashley’s original books.
•The perfect blend of fun, nostalgia, campiness, romance, and emotion.
•All of the scenes with my favorite OG characters, especially Tex!
•As always, I love the friend group, which is such a huge part of her books.
•She covered some very sensitive topics with care.
•He was a good amount older than her, and she was in her early thirties.
•I love all the new characters as well as the originals.
•Everything that has made Kristen Ashley a favorite for 13+ years was in this book.
•The character list in the back.
•While it’s campy and silly in a way, I love that Kristen acknowledges that and makes it funny instead of corny.

Dislikes:
•I’m confused about the title. The book listing says Avenging Angels: Back in the Saddle, but the cover says Avenging Angel (singular). The cover of the first book calls the series Avenging Angel Series, and the second calls it Avenging AngelS Series.

The Down & Dirty:
We’re back in the saddle with the second amazing addition to the Avenging Angels series. Kristen Ashley has been one of my favorite authors since I started this blog in 2012, and Avenging Angels: Back in the Saddle is a perfect example of why. No other author pulls me out of a reading slump faster, and her books remain the ultimate comfort reads. I loved the friendships, the found family, the romance, the intrigue, the inner voices, the emotions, and the nostalgia. This book is a love letter to the Rock Chicks and their fans, but even if you haven’t read the originals, I think you could start with Avenging Angel, the first in the series. If you’re a longtime fan like me, I can’t see how you wouldn’t fall head over heels for this one.

Rating: 5 Stars, 3 Flames

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375 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2024
Good things: Being back in a somewhat familiar world feels great. There are numerous characters that are recognizable, including some from waaaay back in the day with the original Rock Chicks. There are strong female relationships and strong found family relationships, too. The story takes place in the desert. Yeah! And some favorite characters from Rock Chicks are jumping into the series, too.

Not good things: The story is a meandering series of scenes, but the main plot appears to be "When are Eric and Jesse going to have $ex?" Numerous other things happen involving a missing brother off his psychotropic drugs; some homeless people are missing; and well, that's about it. Like most of Kristen Ashley's previous books, there's a couple of "bad girls." Usually, they're mostly comical, as well as catty. However, in this case, one of the bad girls is a single mother with two kids and a third on the way, each from a different father. While she is a truly difficult person, she is judged repeatedly for the situation she's created. She's judged by this group of young, single, top-of-the-world, "Angels," desired and pursued by the hottest men on the planet, viewed by everyone as nearly perfect. I do agree that there is some judgment due a women who has put herself squarely in this position. Yet somehow it feels icky. It feels like women judging other women. Don't we have an enormous boatload of that as it is?

The other bad girl is the ex-wife of the male lead, a determined woman who is labeled a narcissistic type who is mostly a stalker. Eric's refusal to deal with this woman's outlandish behavior is a huge disappointment in a KA alpha. This same man berates Jesse for not "clueing in" that HER ex, who shows up for coffee 3x a month at her restaurant, is hoping to reconcile with her. He also repeatedly insists that Jesse confront this dude and make sure he understands that she's not available. Huh? The same guy who gets 7 or 8 texts a day from his ex-wife? Who can't seem to deal with a woman who keeps showing up where he doesn't want her to, including his home? Who threatens to take out a protective order, but never does? That guy? Ok.

Anyhoo, probably the weirdest thing about this story is the high schoolish behavior of these women. In the first book in this series, i thought the women behaved a bit younger than their ages, around 30. But this book portrays these women, now in their early 30s, as if they are in their early 20s. Their speech, their way they are easily offended by things that aren't remotely about them, their complete disregard for the real world, all illustrates very, very young women. When you look at KA's heroines from Rock Chicks, they were the same age during their stories, too, around 30. But none of them behaved or spoke the way these women do. I can't figure out what changed from the previous book. It's nearly YA.

I was encouraged by the first book in this series, even though it was light years away from Rock Chicks. I have no issue with that! But this new crew seems significantly younger, nearly childish. I don't want to read about girl children. I expected 30-something adult women doing adult things, finding love with adult men, and having a riotous time doing it. Instead we get school-age acting girls and a cheesy takeoff of Charlie's Angels.

Oh, and the "age gap" thing? I can't say i ever read anything that indicated that. The only time age was even mentioned was this weird scene with Stella, from Rock Chicks, where Jesse is told Stella and Eric had a brief dating life 15 YEARS AGO. An odd and strange thing that didn't fit anywhere in the story, such as it is.

I'm not sure about reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book.
676 reviews653 followers
December 2, 2024
Every now and then I get the urge to re-read one (or mor) of the Rock Chick books by Kristen Ashley. There’s just something about the author’s swoon-worthy, action-packed, suspense-filled narratives featuring strong-willed heroines and badass, morally grey heroes that’s an unbeatable combination. But now, I’m getting my serotonin boost via the Avenging Angel Series, the Rock Chick Series spinoff, which has proven to be just as epic as the original. Book 2, Back in the Saddle, brings back some familiar faces, but with a brand new romance that I was absolutely giddy to read!

With Back in the Saddle, we have the love story between Eric Turner, an OG member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team who transferred to the new Phoenix office, and Jessie Wylde, the newest recruit for the Avenging Angels - a group of girlfriends and coworkers moonlighting as amateur detectives, backed by a mysterious and wealthy benefactor. Jessie is hopelessly smitten with the older, handsome PI, believing her crush to be unrequited, but when she finds herself needing help with her missing brother, she realizes that the attraction isn’t quite so one-sided…

With a slow-burning, but scorching hot romance, that’s swoon-worthy, sexy, and achingly sweet, and a fast-paced, drama-filled narrative that’s fun, entertaining, and emotional (but low angst), Back in the Saddle is an exhilarating, unputdownable romance from Kristen Ashley. The Avenging Angels are a chaotic force of feminine fierceness, bulldozing their way into dangerous situations, and the Hottie Squad (aka the new generation of NI&S) is along for the (wild) ride. I hope this series has at least a dozen books so that the Avenging Angels and Hottie Squad can keep adding to their ranks, because I would gladly read every single one!

*complimentary review copy provided by author
Profile Image for HERE FOR THE STEAM.
415 reviews
November 19, 2024
When it comes to contemporary fictional worlds, there is nowhere else I’d rather live than @kristenashleybooks Rock Chick universe!

I wanna rock out with the Chicks.
I wanna live free with Chaos.
I wanna drink coffee made by Tex.
I wanna kick ass with the Angels.

I love every word, every story, every sexy alpha male, and every romantic journey to HEA. Avenging Angel, Back in the Saddle is book two in this series and the perfect addition to this world. I always loved Eric and seeing him score his very own Angel was amaaaaaazing! And Jess, my dark side, sassy badass, fierce loving soul sister … yall were absolute perfection!!
Profile Image for Chris- Bookaddict.
778 reviews253 followers
December 30, 2024
This booked rocked it! I love KA and I’m so happy to see we are getting the original KA in the Avenging Angels series.

From start to end I was Invested and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I cannot wait for book3!
Profile Image for Amy .
3,092 reviews
January 17, 2025
4 stars!

I'm a sucker for cameos, and this book had them in spades.

Eric and Jess's story was a lot of fun, and I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Beth.
3,183 reviews293 followers
June 30, 2025
Kristen Ashley once again proves her mastery in crafting stories that grab hold of your heart and don’t let go. Back in the Saddle is an emotionally charged journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery. The characters are so vividly drawn, with raw, real emotions that made me laugh, cry, and at times simply pause to take it all in. The love story isn’t just romantic, it’s deeply human and full of layered nuance that lingers long after the last page. This book felt like coming home and facing everything you've tucked away. A powerful, heartfelt read that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Profile Image for Pauline Cassie.
1,189 reviews55 followers
December 2, 2024
It's always great to be back in a KA world and there is little to compare to Back in the Saddle, book 2 in the newest series, Avenging Angels.

Jessie, one of the 'Angels' and Eric an OG Hot Bunch member, who mainly kept to the background, are very much front and centre.

Much like many KA heroes, once they have 'claimed' one of our unstoppable heroines, there is no messing about...well there is but, Eric is all in from early in the proceedings.

There are shenanigans galore involving well known characters as well as new, that have up to now, only been talked about.

As expected I loved the development of the story of the moment, as well as the series as a whole, getting to know the residents of the Oasis as well as staff and customers of the Surf Club as we go, knowing that it is likely they will take centre stage if only for a chapter at some point in the series.

The similarities to 'other Angels' continues to be nurtured and I just wonder what Arthur will do next to keep the ladies of the Oasis in the game of solving mysteries, collecting 'family' as they go.

Another great addition to the catalogue of this one-click author.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,463 reviews90 followers
November 17, 2024
Finally, ERIC!!!!!! Okay, so realistically, we have moved from the Hot Bunch to the Hottie Squad, and Eric straddles them both. Love that man, and even more so after learning even more of what life has thrown at him. Jessie is perfection, unaware, uber-caring, and tough as nails, she is velvet wrapped in steel. Lots of adventure and wildness, of course. Lots of steaminess interrupted, of course. Lots of giggles and belly laughs, doubly of course. New characters, new connections, and an abundance of love and understanding. And watch for those emotional moments, they are a throat-punch for sure, and they come when you least expect it. Eric and Jessie are magic together, and they so richly deserve it <3
148 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2024
Boring! Boring. Boring!

I hated the first book but have this a chance in the hopes it would be better. It isn’t! It’s the same problems as before.

The main characters are already into each other before the book even begins so get together straight away. They are just so wonderful that there’s no misunderstandings or miscommunications so not only do we miss the build up of a relationship but there’s no drama which makes it dull to read. I actually skim read most and don’t feel I missed anything.

The ‘slang’ the author uses is cringe and shows she’s writing characters that she doesn’t understand because people in their 20’s do not talk like that.

The whole ‘angel’ aspect is completely redundant to the book. They are unqualified, do virtually nothing but faff around and yet somehow save the day.

I’m fed up reading descriptions of everyone’s clothes and what they had for dinner each day.

The Rock Chick books weren’t perfect but they were always fun to read. This is a pathetic imitation.
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,371 reviews329 followers
February 15, 2025
Quickish Review

Familiar KA kinda read and with the way RL has been going, I needed an escape and this fit the idealized found family bill. I think it’s for longtime KA fans, because these young FMCs sound like classic KA heroines, which means they sound like GenX more than Gen Z but hey I am Gen X so I can look past that. I’ll happily read more in this series.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.2k reviews534 followers
December 9, 2024
I don't know there was something off about this one for me and I'm not sure what. I like the zaniness, the girls doing what they will, the guys trying to look out for them. Like that Jessie and the others were looking out for the unhoused, in her quest to find her brother. Liked that there were mysterious figures (Titus and Javi) and it seems like we will get to see more about them. Liked that Eric and Jessie (once she actually realized Eric like her back) talked about their lives, from the past, to what was going on now, to the mundane of how was your day. It really helped build their relationship. Liked all the Rock Chick characters showing up, some just popping in, but some look like they will be permanent side characters. But something didn't make me like this as much as I should.

Like what the hell was going on with the cop (who seemed like he was high up) bring in the girls to try to stop their high jinx, talking about he knew about the guys and wanted to put a stop to it, because he wasn't having his city become like Denver and how he couldn't talk to some of the players in town, when the girls got right in there. That whole thing was weird and not believable.

I'm still reserving judgement on the whole Charlie's Angel aspect, that also seems really weird to me.

I hope my issues end with this one and the next is better for me.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,747 reviews398 followers
December 6, 2024
Think about one of those grandmother's recipe. You know the ingredients. You know the steps. But it still never tastes as good as grandma. Kristen Ashley's alpha heroes are just like this. No one can replicate them. They are legends, just like that. We are back to Rock Chick universe with our Angels and their hot men, solving crimes and setting your kindle on fire, one at a time.

Eric Turner is all lethal and dangerous and edgy for his job but so caring and protective for his woman. A man like him, who lives on the edge, needs someone who will understand and accept it all. Enter Jessica aka Jess aka Jessie. A complete sassy and fierce woman who loves so deep and intense..who has a world of hurt and pain and trauma hiding behind her tough exterior. Together? It's pure sexy swoony action packed magic.


I don't know any book husband has as much swagger and alpha hotness and bossy presence like Kristen Ashley creations. But they are also wrapped around their women's fingers. Eric is no exception. Specially after getting manipulated and used by his ex wife. He appreciates Jessie with all her sweetness and all her flaws. They have to work around the mystery of disappearing homeless people, her missing brother with mental health problems suddenly becoming a vigilante and drug gang wars on the street. I love how Jessie and the Angels are an equally important part of the case. Expect Rock Chick level shenanigans with some amazing women, epic girl gang power, secrets missions despite the men trying to stop them..Eric and Jessie are just perfect together. They fit with each other's cracks and holes. Once they were in..they were in. It was spicy after the initial slow burn torture. It was fast paced and entertaining. It was the same Kristen Ashley magic that makes you want to re read her books all the time.


I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
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