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Hostage Negotiation Team #2
Ashes Ashes
Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty?
Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth.
Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?
Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth.
Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?
Unknown Binding
First published May 2, 2013
30 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Julie Coulter Bellon
47 books590 followersAfter reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 20, 2017
This was a fun one and a great addition to the Hostage Negotiation Team series. The synopsis gives you a good taste of what this story is about so I won't rehash that. Sophia was a likable character, hard to imagine being in that situation myself and I thought she handled herself well. Probably better than I would have, haha. She's lucky she met up with Colby, although she is hesitant to trust him at first, he does become a good ally and protector. Colby was also a likable character and someone you'd want on your side if things got tough. I thought they had good chemistry and liked the added bit of romance in the story.
I thought this was a good romantic suspense, kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Enjoyed the romance and reuniting with members of the Hostage Negotiation Team. I liked that this could stand on its own, but do look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean, just kisses
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Series: Hostage Negotiation Team, Book 2 - can stand alone
Source: Amazon
I thought this was a good romantic suspense, kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Enjoyed the romance and reuniting with members of the Hostage Negotiation Team. I liked that this could stand on its own, but do look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean, just kisses
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Series: Hostage Negotiation Team, Book 2 - can stand alone
Source: Amazon
July 19, 2013
Julie Coulter Bellon's exciting Hostage Negotiation series continues in this second novel of 'Ashes Ashes'.
Colby's experience in the Marines as a sniper provided him with the qualifications he needed as a sharpshooter/detective for the local police Hostage Negotiations task force. He loved his job... most of the time. He usually felt like he could really aid in the saving of lives and in saving others from undue harm from heartless criminals.
As the story opens, this wasn't one of those times of fulfillment. He felt he had failed. He was still feeling down as he arrived home to do some personal therapy. He hadn't been home long when he smelled smoke. On further investigation he found it to be coming from the house next door. The house that was now being used as a rental. he quickly arrived, only to discover a young woman holding a pan of hot grease and fanning with the other hand. He got her attention enough to discover where the fire extinguisher was. He then tried to assist with her burned arm but she resisted all help. He returned later that evening with several bags of different take-outs and a smile. Afterward she still persisted in being evasive of his questions and attention.
Sophia had secrets she didn't want to involve him or anyone in. She tried to solve her own problems but soon they became too big. She felt she couldn't trust anyone.
Colby returned to work a couple of days later and discovered she had serious problems and felt a fool. How could he be so wrong about an individual? He was angry.
Thus the story continues with one action after another. It became a very intense tale of friendship, trust, mistrust, murder, suspense, and romance.
This book review gives a Four and 1/2 Stars rating of this novel.
It was very well-written and action-packed but skips scenes a little too fast for true excellence. The first of the book gradually built up in intrigue and suspense. The suspense held the reader but the remaining scenario moved too quickly allowing a slight feeling of the reader missing something. I still am anxious to read more of the series.
The author generously sent me this book in exchange for an honest review of which I have given.
Colby's experience in the Marines as a sniper provided him with the qualifications he needed as a sharpshooter/detective for the local police Hostage Negotiations task force. He loved his job... most of the time. He usually felt like he could really aid in the saving of lives and in saving others from undue harm from heartless criminals.
As the story opens, this wasn't one of those times of fulfillment. He felt he had failed. He was still feeling down as he arrived home to do some personal therapy. He hadn't been home long when he smelled smoke. On further investigation he found it to be coming from the house next door. The house that was now being used as a rental. he quickly arrived, only to discover a young woman holding a pan of hot grease and fanning with the other hand. He got her attention enough to discover where the fire extinguisher was. He then tried to assist with her burned arm but she resisted all help. He returned later that evening with several bags of different take-outs and a smile. Afterward she still persisted in being evasive of his questions and attention.
Sophia had secrets she didn't want to involve him or anyone in. She tried to solve her own problems but soon they became too big. She felt she couldn't trust anyone.
Colby returned to work a couple of days later and discovered she had serious problems and felt a fool. How could he be so wrong about an individual? He was angry.
Thus the story continues with one action after another. It became a very intense tale of friendship, trust, mistrust, murder, suspense, and romance.
This book review gives a Four and 1/2 Stars rating of this novel.
It was very well-written and action-packed but skips scenes a little too fast for true excellence. The first of the book gradually built up in intrigue and suspense. The suspense held the reader but the remaining scenario moved too quickly allowing a slight feeling of the reader missing something. I still am anxious to read more of the series.
The author generously sent me this book in exchange for an honest review of which I have given.
May 25, 2013
I loved this book! It starts off with a bang and never stops. Yet, even with all the action, there is a nice love story in it as well and I found myself really rooting for the two main characters. It's hard not to love a hero, Colby, who bakes and cleans. I found myself really feeling for Sophia, who finds herself in a bad situation not of her making. Colby helps her figure out what is going on and saves her a time or two in the process. I think the only thing that would have improved this book for me would have been Colby's cinnamon roll recipe.
June 1, 2013
Hang on tight!
Ashes, Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon is a thriller with an offbeat ex-Marine and hostage negotiator who manages his stress by cleaning house and baking cinnamon rolls. He stumbles into a plot fraught with murder, diamonds, and arms smugglers by helping the woman next door put out a kitchen fire.
The novel has a complex and timely plot with romance, twists, turns and a big ending that serves up surprise after surprise. Ms. Bellon is clearly in top form!
Ashes, Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon is a thriller with an offbeat ex-Marine and hostage negotiator who manages his stress by cleaning house and baking cinnamon rolls. He stumbles into a plot fraught with murder, diamonds, and arms smugglers by helping the woman next door put out a kitchen fire.
The novel has a complex and timely plot with romance, twists, turns and a big ending that serves up surprise after surprise. Ms. Bellon is clearly in top form!
March 2, 2017
I love this series and the characters in it and well, I wrote it, so five stars it is! :)
June 19, 2021
Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty? That's the fear Sophia Naziri has. She's innocent but will anyone listen to her and check out her story, or will they just go by the evidence they have that makes her look guilty?
This is a great romantic suspense and the second book in the Hostage Negotiation Team series. Sophia is on the run hiding out after a U.S. senator is killed. Unfortunately or fortunately for her, the house she's in is right next door to Colby Black, a detective and member of the hostage negotiation team. He gets pulled into Sophia's situation and because he believes her, helps to prove her innocence. Right now he's the only person she can trust.
This is a fast paced story with some twists and turns. It definitely kept my attention. The characters are multidimensional and not "cookie-cutter" at all. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great. He really did a wonderful job and kept me interested the entire time.
This is a great romantic suspense and the second book in the Hostage Negotiation Team series. Sophia is on the run hiding out after a U.S. senator is killed. Unfortunately or fortunately for her, the house she's in is right next door to Colby Black, a detective and member of the hostage negotiation team. He gets pulled into Sophia's situation and because he believes her, helps to prove her innocence. Right now he's the only person she can trust.
This is a fast paced story with some twists and turns. It definitely kept my attention. The characters are multidimensional and not "cookie-cutter" at all. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great. He really did a wonderful job and kept me interested the entire time.
December 20, 2013
Ashes Ashes is book two of the Hostage Negotiation series by Julie Coulter Bellon. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and although it’s the second in the series, I feel it worked well as a stand-alone story.
The story opens with Colby Black, a member of a hostage negotiation team, with a hostage-taker in his sites. After a tragic outcome, Colby heads home for some much needed time to get his head together. He doesn’t get a chance to because when he sees smoke billowing out of the house next door, he rushes in and saves Sophia, his beautiful new neighbor.
The attraction between Colby and Sophia is immediate, but she has secrets—complicated ones that have her pushing him away even as she’s reeling him in. Colby is persistent and ends up involved anyway, which leads to a fast-paced thriller spanning the globe. Who is Sophia really, and why is she on the run? The police are after her, some shady looking men are after her, and Colby wants into her heart and life. He’ll end up risking his career and his own life, but is he making the right choice by believing Sophia when the evidence suggests otherwise?
Bellon’s writing is intriguing and descriptive, and she keeps the plot moving at a rapid-fire pace with no wasted words or unnecessary scenes to bog down the story. I had a hard time putting this one down. I was tempted several times to peek at the end but restrained myself.
Some suspense stories start off strong and fall flat. That was definitely not the case with Ashes Ashes. The author delivered a sustained cocktail of pace, excitement, a touch of romance, and danger, danger, danger—right to the last page. There was no easy way out in this story, no hero swooping in to save the day like Superman. Things got complicated and gritty and downright scary. The action starts on page one and doesn’t let up until the very end.
The characters were well-developed and real; I connected with and cared about them right away. There was nothing two-dimensional about the characters or plotline.
The one critique I have is related to editing. There were missing commas throughout. For the most part, the book was well edited, and these minor errors didn’t detract from my enjoyment. This is saying a lot because I try to offer constructive criticism when reviewing, and the only thing that comes to mind was related to punctuation.
I was wowed by my first experience reading Julie Coulter Bellon and look forward to checking out some of her other offerings.
5 stars
Read more reviews on my website www.sarahaisling.com
The story opens with Colby Black, a member of a hostage negotiation team, with a hostage-taker in his sites. After a tragic outcome, Colby heads home for some much needed time to get his head together. He doesn’t get a chance to because when he sees smoke billowing out of the house next door, he rushes in and saves Sophia, his beautiful new neighbor.
The attraction between Colby and Sophia is immediate, but she has secrets—complicated ones that have her pushing him away even as she’s reeling him in. Colby is persistent and ends up involved anyway, which leads to a fast-paced thriller spanning the globe. Who is Sophia really, and why is she on the run? The police are after her, some shady looking men are after her, and Colby wants into her heart and life. He’ll end up risking his career and his own life, but is he making the right choice by believing Sophia when the evidence suggests otherwise?
Bellon’s writing is intriguing and descriptive, and she keeps the plot moving at a rapid-fire pace with no wasted words or unnecessary scenes to bog down the story. I had a hard time putting this one down. I was tempted several times to peek at the end but restrained myself.
Some suspense stories start off strong and fall flat. That was definitely not the case with Ashes Ashes. The author delivered a sustained cocktail of pace, excitement, a touch of romance, and danger, danger, danger—right to the last page. There was no easy way out in this story, no hero swooping in to save the day like Superman. Things got complicated and gritty and downright scary. The action starts on page one and doesn’t let up until the very end.
The characters were well-developed and real; I connected with and cared about them right away. There was nothing two-dimensional about the characters or plotline.
The one critique I have is related to editing. There were missing commas throughout. For the most part, the book was well edited, and these minor errors didn’t detract from my enjoyment. This is saying a lot because I try to offer constructive criticism when reviewing, and the only thing that comes to mind was related to punctuation.
I was wowed by my first experience reading Julie Coulter Bellon and look forward to checking out some of her other offerings.
5 stars
Read more reviews on my website www.sarahaisling.com
July 13, 2013
4 STARS
Ashes Ashes is a title that really fits the book in different ways. It is exciting, full of twists, keeps you guessing the whole way to what is really going on. It is also a clean read. There is a lot of violence , fires, multiple agency task force and a little romance thrown in.
Colby Black is a sniper on the hostage negotiation team. He is a loveable character. He likes to clean when he is stressed, or cook he could come clean my house anytime.
Colby had a stressful day at work and comes home and sees someone in his next door neighbor's home and smoke. Colby steps in and helps get the fire out. He meets Sophia who is staying at James's house for a few days to be alone. Colby offers to help her clean up the kitchen, take her for medical help for her burn. Sophia would rather be alone.
Colby goes and gets 4 different fast food dinners so Sophia won't go hungry. Colby ends up back at his house so he cleans his kitchen spotless. He is serious about cleaning when he is stressed. The next day he takes her fresh cinnamon buns he made and cleaning supplies and helps her clean the walls.
Sophia can't believe the mess her life is in right now. She witnessed a U.S. Senator's murder. Her father was with him and she does not know why he did nothing to stop it. Now Sophia is wanted for questioning. She found a bag with diamonds in a pouch, a million dollars in cash and a piece of paper with a little information about a digital file her father made.
Sophia is a strong character that wants to do what is right she just does not know who to trust. What little of the conversation she overheard leaves her confused. She does not believe the Senator or her father would do anything wrong. Sophia designs jewelry. She is making something for the Senator for his wife right now.
I did not want to put the book down. I also want to go and read the first book about the Hostage Negotiation Team. This book stands alone. Target age would be older teens and adults.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to review it and be part of their blog tour. I was not paid and all opinions are my own.
Published May 30th 2013 by Julie Coulter Bellon 219 pages ISB 1484886402 (ISBN13: 9781484886403)
July 1, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Julie Coulter Bellon and I must say I will be checking out her other books soon. Her writing has a way of engaging you right from the beginning and never letting
up until the very end.
"Ashes, Ashes" is the second book in the Hostage Negotiation Team series, but it reads as a stand-alone (in my opinion). Colby Black is a retired marine currently working as a detective in Hartford, CT as part of their Hostage Negotiation Team. His new neighbor, Sophia Naziri, is a bit of a conundrum to Colby. The two meet when he rescues her from a kitchen fire in her house. She sends him mixed signals, letting him in and then pushing him back, and something definitely feels a little "off. But he certainly didn't expect to be told she was wanted for questioning in the investigation of the murder of a US senator!
Ms Bellon has crafted a suspenseful and intriguing story in "Ashes, Ashes". Colby is a hero that the reader can easily fall in love with. He's a tough marine, who's easy on the eyes, but he has some fun quirks that make him more "human" and even more likeable. I love that he can bake and I can totally relate to his habit of cleaning to help relieve stress. When we meet Sophia she is a bit of a "damsel in distress", but she has spirit and, like Colby, the reader doesn't know all of her secrets. As the reader gets to know her, you can't help but have great admiration for her strong character. Even though
Sophia has to rely on Colby, she is not passive nor does she expect him to come rescue her at first
sign of difficulty. It's very refreshing to read a book with a strong female paired with a strong male. Neither are perfect, but they are both independent and strong-willed, making for a nicely balanced relationship.
If you enjoy a good dose of suspense with your romance, I highly recommend "Ashes, Ashes" by Julie Coulter Bellon!
FYI: contains some violence and sexual intimations.
FYI: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
up until the very end.
"Ashes, Ashes" is the second book in the Hostage Negotiation Team series, but it reads as a stand-alone (in my opinion). Colby Black is a retired marine currently working as a detective in Hartford, CT as part of their Hostage Negotiation Team. His new neighbor, Sophia Naziri, is a bit of a conundrum to Colby. The two meet when he rescues her from a kitchen fire in her house. She sends him mixed signals, letting him in and then pushing him back, and something definitely feels a little "off. But he certainly didn't expect to be told she was wanted for questioning in the investigation of the murder of a US senator!
Ms Bellon has crafted a suspenseful and intriguing story in "Ashes, Ashes". Colby is a hero that the reader can easily fall in love with. He's a tough marine, who's easy on the eyes, but he has some fun quirks that make him more "human" and even more likeable. I love that he can bake and I can totally relate to his habit of cleaning to help relieve stress. When we meet Sophia she is a bit of a "damsel in distress", but she has spirit and, like Colby, the reader doesn't know all of her secrets. As the reader gets to know her, you can't help but have great admiration for her strong character. Even though
Sophia has to rely on Colby, she is not passive nor does she expect him to come rescue her at first
sign of difficulty. It's very refreshing to read a book with a strong female paired with a strong male. Neither are perfect, but they are both independent and strong-willed, making for a nicely balanced relationship.
If you enjoy a good dose of suspense with your romance, I highly recommend "Ashes, Ashes" by Julie Coulter Bellon!
FYI: contains some violence and sexual intimations.
FYI: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
June 4, 2013
This is the second book in Bellon's Hostage Negotiation Team series. I haven't read the first one yet, All Fall Down, but I definitely want to now! What I like is that I didn't feel lost since I haven't yet read book one but I've met the characters now and want to read their story so I can get to know them better.
Colby Black has had a rough day at work. The hostage situation that he was involved in didn't end well and he arrives home to the smell of smoke coming out of his neighbor's house. It's a renter he hasn't met yet so he runs over and helps stop the kitchen fire. He then meets his beautiful neighbor Sophia, who is grateful for his help but doesn't want anything to do with him when she finds out he's a detective. Colby isn't going to be deterred and brings her back some takeout food since her dinner was burned and offers to come back the next day to help her clean up.
We learn more about Sophia's background and what she's running from which is serious and dangerous and also explains why she doesn't want to become too cozy with Colby. Colby does get pulled into her situation and has to decide if he believes her or if she's playing him. And then he needs to figure out what he's going to do about it.
There isn't anything I didn't like about this book and this is my favorite type of book to read. It moves at a fast pace which makes it difficult to put down, the dialogue is well written with no swearing--a major plus, and there are characters I love and ones I hate (and some I wasn't sure about until the very end). There's also the romance: I knew they cared about each other and they let their feelings be known and the romance was just the right amount to me. If you enjoy a fast-paced, clean, romantic suspense novel, you must read this book!! I'm looking forward to reading book 1 and hope there are several more books to come in this series!
Mel's Shelves
Colby Black has had a rough day at work. The hostage situation that he was involved in didn't end well and he arrives home to the smell of smoke coming out of his neighbor's house. It's a renter he hasn't met yet so he runs over and helps stop the kitchen fire. He then meets his beautiful neighbor Sophia, who is grateful for his help but doesn't want anything to do with him when she finds out he's a detective. Colby isn't going to be deterred and brings her back some takeout food since her dinner was burned and offers to come back the next day to help her clean up.
We learn more about Sophia's background and what she's running from which is serious and dangerous and also explains why she doesn't want to become too cozy with Colby. Colby does get pulled into her situation and has to decide if he believes her or if she's playing him. And then he needs to figure out what he's going to do about it.
There isn't anything I didn't like about this book and this is my favorite type of book to read. It moves at a fast pace which makes it difficult to put down, the dialogue is well written with no swearing--a major plus, and there are characters I love and ones I hate (and some I wasn't sure about until the very end). There's also the romance: I knew they cared about each other and they let their feelings be known and the romance was just the right amount to me. If you enjoy a fast-paced, clean, romantic suspense novel, you must read this book!! I'm looking forward to reading book 1 and hope there are several more books to come in this series!
Mel's Shelves
July 15, 2013
3.5 stars.
Last fall I had the opportunity to be a part of a blog tour for a book called All Fall Down . This was the first book I'd read by Julie Coulter Bellon, and it was refreshing to find a good romantic suspense novel that was clean! When I heard that Bellon had another book coming out, I was eager to read it.
Ashes Ashes is an exciting story with a few surprising twists and turns. The main characters have some quirks, but it may be those quirks that enhance their likability. Not being able to read Sophia right off kept me intrigued. Colby's job as a sniper is an occupation I can't begin to imagine having, especially due to the emotional toll it would take on a person. The way Bellon described his reaction to his job was somewhat eye opening. He really seemed like a great guy (who wouldn't love a guy who cleans and bakes to help deal with his stress?).
A few instances felt a little rushed for the level of trust/interest given, but it wasn't out of place with the pace of the story. This is a clean and entertaining story with a good romance.
Ashes Ashes is book two of Bellon's Hostage Negotiation Team series, but I think it stands on its own very well. The main characters in book one are supporting characters in book two, so a reader isn't lost by not having read the first book in the series (although it is a very good story, so read it if you can).
Last fall I had the opportunity to be a part of a blog tour for a book called All Fall Down . This was the first book I'd read by Julie Coulter Bellon, and it was refreshing to find a good romantic suspense novel that was clean! When I heard that Bellon had another book coming out, I was eager to read it.
Ashes Ashes is an exciting story with a few surprising twists and turns. The main characters have some quirks, but it may be those quirks that enhance their likability. Not being able to read Sophia right off kept me intrigued. Colby's job as a sniper is an occupation I can't begin to imagine having, especially due to the emotional toll it would take on a person. The way Bellon described his reaction to his job was somewhat eye opening. He really seemed like a great guy (who wouldn't love a guy who cleans and bakes to help deal with his stress?).
A few instances felt a little rushed for the level of trust/interest given, but it wasn't out of place with the pace of the story. This is a clean and entertaining story with a good romance.
Ashes Ashes is book two of Bellon's Hostage Negotiation Team series, but I think it stands on its own very well. The main characters in book one are supporting characters in book two, so a reader isn't lost by not having read the first book in the series (although it is a very good story, so read it if you can).
June 25, 2014
Another action-packed thriller from Julie Coulter Bellon! It was fun to see some appearances from Rafe and Claire (from Book One) in this one!
Colby Black has had a horrible day at work and thinks his luck has changed when he meets his beautiful next door neighbor, Sophia, when he helps her put out a kitchen fire. He doesn't know that his troubles have only started.
Sophia is not excited to meet her handsome former-Marine detective neighbor. She is trying to lay low so she can figure out how to clear her name. She is being accused of murdering a senator and she doesn't know who actually did it. People around her are dying, and it seems like more than one person wants her dead.
When Colby finds out who she really is, he feels like he's been played... Can she regain his trust enough for him to help her? Is there enough evidence on the encrypted digital file she has to prove her innocence?
They find out they are dealing with one of the most wanted arms dealers on the planet - a man who will supply arms to anyone who will target the US - a man who Sophia met when she and her Iranian father visited Bulgaria. A man who is hard to get access to, but who wants more than a business relationship with Sophia. Will they be able to protect Sophia if she gets that close to the enemy -- but then, is there any other way to bring the enemy down?
Colby Black has had a horrible day at work and thinks his luck has changed when he meets his beautiful next door neighbor, Sophia, when he helps her put out a kitchen fire. He doesn't know that his troubles have only started.
Sophia is not excited to meet her handsome former-Marine detective neighbor. She is trying to lay low so she can figure out how to clear her name. She is being accused of murdering a senator and she doesn't know who actually did it. People around her are dying, and it seems like more than one person wants her dead.
When Colby finds out who she really is, he feels like he's been played... Can she regain his trust enough for him to help her? Is there enough evidence on the encrypted digital file she has to prove her innocence?
They find out they are dealing with one of the most wanted arms dealers on the planet - a man who will supply arms to anyone who will target the US - a man who Sophia met when she and her Iranian father visited Bulgaria. A man who is hard to get access to, but who wants more than a business relationship with Sophia. Will they be able to protect Sophia if she gets that close to the enemy -- but then, is there any other way to bring the enemy down?
July 11, 2013
WOW!
Two hundred and nineteen pages of action-packed and romance-laced intense suspense!
SO. GOOD!
Page one throws you right into the action and it doesn't stop until she kisses "him with all the fire in her soul."
SO. SO. GOOD!
I couldn't put it down! I read it in a matter of hours!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
This is book two of the Hostage Negotiations Team
Book one is All Fall Down.
Colby Black is on the special hostage negotiations team and today wasn't a good day.
First, the hostage situation he was trying to handle didn't end well.
Then he comes home to find his next door neighbor's house on fire.
And the house has been rented to a woman named Sophia.
What Colby doesn't know is that Sophia is wanted for questioning in a murder case and she is on the run trying to prove her innocence.
Not knowing who else to turn to Sophia asks Colby for his help.
Together they find themselves face with another hostage situation...this time Sophia is the hostage.
OH. SO. SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
If Julie Coulter Bellon wrote the book you KNOW it will be GOOD!
Two hundred and nineteen pages of action-packed and romance-laced intense suspense!
SO. GOOD!
Page one throws you right into the action and it doesn't stop until she kisses "him with all the fire in her soul."
SO. SO. GOOD!
I couldn't put it down! I read it in a matter of hours!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
This is book two of the Hostage Negotiations Team
Book one is All Fall Down.
Colby Black is on the special hostage negotiations team and today wasn't a good day.
First, the hostage situation he was trying to handle didn't end well.
Then he comes home to find his next door neighbor's house on fire.
And the house has been rented to a woman named Sophia.
What Colby doesn't know is that Sophia is wanted for questioning in a murder case and she is on the run trying to prove her innocence.
Not knowing who else to turn to Sophia asks Colby for his help.
Together they find themselves face with another hostage situation...this time Sophia is the hostage.
OH. SO. SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
If Julie Coulter Bellon wrote the book you KNOW it will be GOOD!
June 5, 2013
This is a fantastic romantic suspense from one of my favorite authors in this genre. The first book in this series is All Fall Down although you don't have to read the first to understand Ashes Ashes. I would call these stand alone books with overlapping characters. :)
Colby is such a good guy- all protector and by the rules. He was a great lead man in this book. He's got a thing for the hot girl next door, shrouded in some mystery. I think he got more than he bargained for with her!
There are a few things I love about Julie and her books. I know when I pick up a book by Julie, it will be a good, solid story. I will be engaged from beginning to end. The characters will feel real and I will be able to relate to them. I know it will be clean and that I won't have to hide it away from my mother or small children. :) I also know that I will be given a good balance of romance and suspense that will divert me from my normal, every day life stuff. It's easy reading. What could be better than that?!
Colby is such a good guy- all protector and by the rules. He was a great lead man in this book. He's got a thing for the hot girl next door, shrouded in some mystery. I think he got more than he bargained for with her!
There are a few things I love about Julie and her books. I know when I pick up a book by Julie, it will be a good, solid story. I will be engaged from beginning to end. The characters will feel real and I will be able to relate to them. I know it will be clean and that I won't have to hide it away from my mother or small children. :) I also know that I will be given a good balance of romance and suspense that will divert me from my normal, every day life stuff. It's easy reading. What could be better than that?!
July 16, 2013
Ashes Ashes is the book #2 of the Hostage Negotiation Team series. Although I did not read the first book (but intend to!), I found Ashes Ashes to be great as a book on its own! Colby Black is a retired Marine that works on a Hostage Negotiation Team as a detective. And he de-stresses by cleaning. Colby finds himself saving his beautiful new next door neighbor, Sophia, from a kitchen fire, saving her life, and yes, cleaning up. Colby becomes intertwined in Sophia’s life, despite the fact she continuously pushes him away. The book is filled with intense suspense, a heart-pounding plot, and great characters.
I received a free copy of this ebook to review; I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed in this review are one hundred percent my own.
I received a free copy of this ebook to review; I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed in this review are one hundred percent my own.
May 4, 2013
Colby Black, a handsome sniper for a hostage negotiation team, has a peculiar way of de-stressing; he cleans. After his pretty, new next-door neighbor has a kitchen fire, he not only puts out the fire, saving her house, but he talks his way into her life by helping her with the cleanup. Colby saves Sophia again after someone grabs her through her window and he chases away the man. From that point on, Sophia had Colby’s full attention no matter how much she tries to push him away.
I read Ashes Ashes all the way through in one sitting. I couldn’t help it. I had to find out how it ended. And, unlike some other books I’ve read, I didn’t want to spoil the thoroughly enjoyable adventure by flipping to the last page first. Yes, I’ve done that.
I read Ashes Ashes all the way through in one sitting. I couldn’t help it. I had to find out how it ended. And, unlike some other books I’ve read, I didn’t want to spoil the thoroughly enjoyable adventure by flipping to the last page first. Yes, I’ve done that.
May 7, 2013
I loved it! This is the Second book in this series (after All Fall Down) where we met Rafe and Claire. I like that they had a small part in it and we got to hear a little more of their story! Colby was the epitome of an awesome love interest. I couldn't believe it when she turned him down! We're talking a guy that cleans, bakes, serves others, and undoubtedly easy on the eyes. Apparently she was super stressed, although not as much as I would have been! I loved the suspense and action! It was just right for my very short attention span! There was some nice kisses and that was it! I love how clean her books are! I had a hard time putting it down, especially when my husband kept taking the laptop! All-in-all I give it five stars!
August 21, 2014
Another outstanding book by Julie Bellon!
Ashes Ashes is book 2 from the Hostage Negotiation Team. I finished book 1 a couple of days ago and went straight to reading this book, but it can be read as a stand alone book and you won't feel lost. I love Julie's writing because she jumps right into the action and suspense in the first chapter, but still effectively introducing the story line and characters. This book was about Colby-a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, and his neighbor Sophia. I love how Colby and Sophia interacted as they worked together to figure out and try to stop an international crime. Clean (no sex or language), fast paced, thrilling book!! Truly an amazing series!!
Ashes Ashes is book 2 from the Hostage Negotiation Team. I finished book 1 a couple of days ago and went straight to reading this book, but it can be read as a stand alone book and you won't feel lost. I love Julie's writing because she jumps right into the action and suspense in the first chapter, but still effectively introducing the story line and characters. This book was about Colby-a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, and his neighbor Sophia. I love how Colby and Sophia interacted as they worked together to figure out and try to stop an international crime. Clean (no sex or language), fast paced, thrilling book!! Truly an amazing series!!
June 4, 2013
This was an awesome book! I loved the level of suspense that started almost with the very first page. Characters are very important to me, if I like them, I usually care about what happens to them, and these characters were very well written. I liked Colby especially, he had a few crazy quirks to his character that made me smile. The plot of this book was excellent too, I loved the level of action and suspense, waiting for a man with a gun to jump out at any moment. You won't regret reading this book! This book is actually the second in a series, but I haven't been able to read the first one yet and this one made perfect sense
June 8, 2013
Another great romantic suspense novel by Julie Bellon. Book 2 in the Hostage Negotiation Team series, we follow Sophia who is on the run, avoiding questioning in the murder of a US Senator until she can find a way to clear her name. When she hides out in a friend's house, she meets her neighbor, Colby, who is a detective. Sophia is attracted to Colby, but she can't let herself become close to him because of all the secrets she has. When Sophia's life is put in danger, she realizes that Colby might be the only one she can trust.
Ashes Ashes is fast-paced romantic suspense novel with deeply-layered characters, and an intriguing plot that takes unexpected twists and turns.
Ashes Ashes is fast-paced romantic suspense novel with deeply-layered characters, and an intriguing plot that takes unexpected twists and turns.
September 13, 2013
4 1/2 stars.
I read this one yesterday and almost in one sitting. First, I loved Colby- a guy who cleans and bakes when he needs to destress? What a hero! He was always there in the right moment to help Sophia but still respectful of her wants. Sophia was a courageous protagonist, and knew how to keep her head cool when needed.
The action plot was a page turner, it had all the right elements of intrigue and suspense without going overboard. And the romance parts and those kisses- awesome!
This was the first book I read from this author, but certainly not the last.
(original review on http://lucindawhitney.com/2013/09/boo...)
I read this one yesterday and almost in one sitting. First, I loved Colby- a guy who cleans and bakes when he needs to destress? What a hero! He was always there in the right moment to help Sophia but still respectful of her wants. Sophia was a courageous protagonist, and knew how to keep her head cool when needed.
The action plot was a page turner, it had all the right elements of intrigue and suspense without going overboard. And the romance parts and those kisses- awesome!
This was the first book I read from this author, but certainly not the last.
(original review on http://lucindawhitney.com/2013/09/boo...)
July 16, 2013
Ashes Ashes, is a fast-paced thriller that you will finish quickly, since you won't be able to stop reading. As with the other books of Julie's I've read, the characters are likable and very well written and the plot is enjoyable. I really liked Colby and Sophia. Colby would be the perfect guy-next-door neighbor. A great cook, clean freak, and friendly. I liked how Julie would give the reader hints throughout, and ended her chapters in such a way it kept me reading eagerly.
4 out of 5 stars. I was also happy for an update on Rafe and Claire, characters from All Fall Down.
4 out of 5 stars. I was also happy for an update on Rafe and Claire, characters from All Fall Down.
November 8, 2013
This is a great book. I really liked it. It is the sequel to "All Fall Down". It is the story of Colby Black. He meets his next door neighbor when a fire starts in her house. She is very mysterious and tries to stay away from him. They end up having several adventures together, one of which involves going to Bulgaria. I am looking forward to other books in this series, and other books by Julie Coulter Bellon.
I just read this book again. This is a great series.
I just read this book again. This is a great series.
August 16, 2014
Ms. Bellon penned Ashes Ashes with all things loved by suspense readers: murder, the heroine wrongly accused, international seedy characters, missing loved one, diamonds, a bag full of money, and a hero that most girls would love to have next door and come to their rescue.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 9, 2013
Book 2 focuses on different member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, Colby, who befriends his new neighbor, Sophia. Unbeknown to him she is involved in armed weapons trading, and has a duffle bag filled with money and a bag of loose diamonds! Is she guilty or trying to prove her innocence? Another quick read with plenty of heart-stopping drama.
September 14, 2013
I just finished a great suspense novel. The characters were so real to me that as I read Ashes Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon, I wanted to talk with them. When I went places in between reads, I expected to round a corner and bump into one of them. My mind kept asking, What’s going to happen? Are they okay?
I do not have the skills to write this kind of book, but I thoroughly enjoy reading it!
I do not have the skills to write this kind of book, but I thoroughly enjoy reading it!
June 6, 2013
This might be my favorite of Julie's books, and possibly my favorite of her heroines. I love Sophia's determination to clear her name, and the inner battle she wages with trusting Colby. And hey, a hunky sniper/cop? Never hurts! I can't say much without spoiling, but the twist at the end--LOVE.
October 28, 2014
Exciting, suspenseful, AND romantic (but clean)? I'll take four, please. Lucky me. This book is part of a quadilogy (I don't think that's a real word.) Anyway, another fun book I enjoyed and two more to go!
May 7, 2013
A real nail biter!
June 3, 2013
A romantic story full of international intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. From exploding houses to snipers and betrayal this book will definitely keep you guessing.
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