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Nine Circles #5
In Bed With the Billionaire
A man with everything on the line…
Known to the underworld only as Jericho, billionaire Theo Fitzgerald is one of the most powerful men in the world. But his plan is to tear down the criminal empire his father created from the inside out—unless someone else does it for him. He suspects a bold, seductive woman named Temple Cross might be trying to take him out with it—but for the chance to burn in the heat she gives off, he’s not sure if he minds…
A hired hit woman, Temple has been waiting to get close to Jericho her whole life. The man who destroyed her family is worth looking in the eye before she kills him—but when she’s finally alone with Jericho, he’s nothing like the ruthless barbarian she imagined. Her reaction to his touch is explosively sexual—and their emotional connection is too powerful for her to ignore. Is she his shot at redemption? Or will he have to risk losing her love to save her life, in In Bed with the Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden.
Known to the underworld only as Jericho, billionaire Theo Fitzgerald is one of the most powerful men in the world. But his plan is to tear down the criminal empire his father created from the inside out—unless someone else does it for him. He suspects a bold, seductive woman named Temple Cross might be trying to take him out with it—but for the chance to burn in the heat she gives off, he’s not sure if he minds…
A hired hit woman, Temple has been waiting to get close to Jericho her whole life. The man who destroyed her family is worth looking in the eye before she kills him—but when she’s finally alone with Jericho, he’s nothing like the ruthless barbarian she imagined. Her reaction to his touch is explosively sexual—and their emotional connection is too powerful for her to ignore. Is she his shot at redemption? Or will he have to risk losing her love to save her life, in In Bed with the Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
31 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
494 books977 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 13, 2016
I've been following this series. Jericho (Theo) and Temple are a great addition to this messed up mix of people. The story was packed with some seriously emotional scenes that took complex and dynamic characters through a journey that allowed them to find themselves and each other at the other end of what started as quite the messed up situation. Temple gets tested time and time again even as Theo tries to bring about the end to the evil his father made him a part of. The plot is intricate and deep. There's an interwoven connection between this couple and the ones from the other books in the series that was well executed. The characters are greatly flawed but the writer does an excellent job of leaving hints of something that make them redeemable. The title of the book didn't really seem to fit the story imo. Safety: There is rape and abuse as the plot deals with human trafficking. No explicit scenes with the subject matter. No OW/OM/Sharing.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2017
This book was kind of amazing! With a title like that, I was expecting the usual Billionaire seducing the secretary type book. Imagine my surprise when I was put into a world of crime, assassins and human trafficking. This is a dark read. You will not find a sappy romance story about a rich guy seducing a poor girl.
For those readers who like the anti-hero, you can't get more anti than Jericho. You even get the anti-heroine in Temple. Temple is an assassin who was hired for a contract on Jericho, the head of a huge human trafficking operation. This may be a job for her, but it's also personal. She has been searching for 7 years to find her sister who was sold to Jericho. 7 years, starting at the age of 15, to train and take on jobs that has finally lead her to him. The problem is Jericho isn't exactly what he seems.
Both may be doing bad things in the name of good, but they have delved into the dark for so long that they have blackened their souls and are hanging onto humanity by a thread. This is what was so intriguing about this story for me.
This had everything in it that just draws you in deeper with each chapter you read. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book at first. I mean they both were set on killing each other and there was a couple of intense fighting scenes. The first fighting scene...uh, just whoa! Yeah, that's all I'm gonna say on that.
It's the 5th book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it does have other characters from previous books. This book left me so intrigued that I immediately went out and bought book 1 and 2. ARC provided by NetGalley.
For those readers who like the anti-hero, you can't get more anti than Jericho. You even get the anti-heroine in Temple. Temple is an assassin who was hired for a contract on Jericho, the head of a huge human trafficking operation. This may be a job for her, but it's also personal. She has been searching for 7 years to find her sister who was sold to Jericho. 7 years, starting at the age of 15, to train and take on jobs that has finally lead her to him. The problem is Jericho isn't exactly what he seems.
Both may be doing bad things in the name of good, but they have delved into the dark for so long that they have blackened their souls and are hanging onto humanity by a thread. This is what was so intriguing about this story for me.
This had everything in it that just draws you in deeper with each chapter you read. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book at first. I mean they both were set on killing each other and there was a couple of intense fighting scenes. The first fighting scene...uh, just whoa! Yeah, that's all I'm gonna say on that.
It's the 5th book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it does have other characters from previous books. This book left me so intrigued that I immediately went out and bought book 1 and 2. ARC provided by NetGalley.
December 27, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
I liked this book, I liked the dark and the gritty about it. But, at the same time it started to get a little old. I felt that the story really didn't evolve. It was a pattern of fighting and f#$%^&G over and over. Was this bad? Not necessarily. But, it left me feeling that there was not a lot of connection between Temple and Jericho.
I see what the author was trying to do here, and I see the appeal of it. I was just hoping for more connection with the characters. It is possible, especially as both Temple and Jericho were comfortable in the world in which they lived.
I also thought the payoff, the sister, was handled badly. I wanted to be a part of that reunion...not hear about it after the fact. The whole reason Temple was involved with Jericho was to get to her sister...but as readers we didn't get to see it. I felt let down.
This book wasn't awful. It had great points. I just wasn't sold on it overall.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
I liked this book, I liked the dark and the gritty about it. But, at the same time it started to get a little old. I felt that the story really didn't evolve. It was a pattern of fighting and f#$%^&G over and over. Was this bad? Not necessarily. But, it left me feeling that there was not a lot of connection between Temple and Jericho.
I see what the author was trying to do here, and I see the appeal of it. I was just hoping for more connection with the characters. It is possible, especially as both Temple and Jericho were comfortable in the world in which they lived.
I also thought the payoff, the sister, was handled badly. I wanted to be a part of that reunion...not hear about it after the fact. The whole reason Temple was involved with Jericho was to get to her sister...but as readers we didn't get to see it. I felt let down.
This book wasn't awful. It had great points. I just wasn't sold on it overall.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
November 29, 2016
Sexy and incredibly intense. A climactic end to a fantastic series. Jackie Ashenden could write a recipe for bread and I'd read it. More please! :)
November 1, 2016
This group is a pretty messed up bunch thanks to the shady shenanigans of Evelyn Fitzgerald. Now this series has come full circle, concluding with the story of Jericho. Who is he and what is he doing? Spoilers! But if you have been following this series you will have an inkling of what he is up to.
The Jericho and Temple combo though woohoo! Of all the couples in this series, theirs is the most intense and emotionally raw. You just want to forgive them immediately for all that they've done because of what they have been through. This is a masterpiece finale for the series. I loved Zac & Eve and Elijah & Violet but the raw emotion of these two is awesome! What an emotional roller coaster.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration
The Jericho and Temple combo though woohoo! Of all the couples in this series, theirs is the most intense and emotionally raw. You just want to forgive them immediately for all that they've done because of what they have been through. This is a masterpiece finale for the series. I loved Zac & Eve and Elijah & Violet but the raw emotion of these two is awesome! What an emotional roller coaster.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration
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October 29, 2016DNF at 54%
I felt this book was disturbing to read. Their first time having sex starts with fighting and then he holds her down and proceeded to have sex with her. It was a little to rape-y for my taste. I didn't understand why Jericho kept buying and selling people in the sex trade if he was trying to bring it down. I just didn't like any part of the book. Sorry.
I felt this book was disturbing to read. Their first time having sex starts with fighting and then he holds her down and proceeded to have sex with her. It was a little to rape-y for my taste. I didn't understand why Jericho kept buying and selling people in the sex trade if he was trying to bring it down. I just didn't like any part of the book. Sorry.
December 20, 2018
Just a warning that this book does deal with darker themes: dubious consent, sex trafficking, suicide, drug use, etc.
I probably would have benefited from reading the previous books in this series, as there are previous characters and events that are central to the plot. There are also some continuity issues.
HOWEVER.
I ate this one up. Temple was a great heroine and admittedly, it was kind of hot reading about her beating the shit out of Jericho. A dark romance, but addicting. It also makes me want to go back and read the previous books, as well as dive into Ashenden's backlist.
More of a 3.5 than a 4, but I don't mind rounding up out of pure enjoyment.
I probably would have benefited from reading the previous books in this series, as there are previous characters and events that are central to the plot. There are also some continuity issues.
HOWEVER.
I ate this one up. Temple was a great heroine and admittedly, it was kind of hot reading about her beating the shit out of Jericho. A dark romance, but addicting. It also makes me want to go back and read the previous books, as well as dive into Ashenden's backlist.
More of a 3.5 than a 4, but I don't mind rounding up out of pure enjoyment.
November 2, 2016
In Bed with the Billionaire is the concluding story in the five book Nine Circles series that spans Europe, Asia and North America with a global human trafficking ring as the intense and disturbing background setting. Though each story in the series has a standalone couple romance, the story arc does build from the beginning, with secrets being revealed to the reader (and the characters) in each book until this finale. As such, you can read this one on its own and get a grasp of what’s happened before (and the romance flows well) but to fully appreciate it, and the characters involved you’re better off to start at the beginning.
Jericho. The name strikes fear into the seedy underworld of human trafficking and sex slavery as the mysterious ruler of networks spanning the globe. The devil himself some say, with his propensity to pick one woman from his shipments to entertain him for the night. It’s this habit of Jericho’s that Temple, assassin extraordinaire is counting on when she works her way into the hands of the brothel keepers to come to his attention. If she can get him to choose her, she can fulfill two missions – find out what happened to her sister who was sold into slavery under Jericho’s rule, and kill him once she knows the truth. Her plan works, and she gets swept off to Jericho’s suite for the night. But things don’t go quite as she expects. Something in his eyes tells her that things aren’t quite what they seem and though she wants desperately to hate him, to her shame she finds herself attracted to him. An intense affair ensues, with Temple unable to resist the magnetic chemistry between her and Jericho. And soon enough she discovers that things aren’t quite what they seem. It should be a clear cut case of wrong versus right but Temple understands the gray morality with what she’s had to do personally to find out what happened to her sister. When Jericho’s plans are revealed, will she help him to enact the ultimate revenge or stick to her contract and destroy him and any chance of a happy ending for herself in the bargain?
With the surprising twist that was thrown into the end of Kidnapped by the Billionaire, book 4 of the Nine Circles series, I expected this story to be a roller coaster ride and I was right! From the moment Temple garner’s Jericho’s attention in the strip club, it’s an intense and erotic read, the sexual tension between them giving way quickly to some very steamy scenes even as Temple is determined to fulfill her goals and get rid of Jericho. The fact that he’s incredibly handsome and intelligent only makes her more determined. Temple and Jericho are both conflicted souls, doing what is necessary in order to pull off long term plans, and understanding what they need to sacrifice to achieve them. It’s this commonality that eventually draws them together on an emotional level. The story moves swiftly and dramatically from one scene to the next and there are appearances from the other four couples in the previous books in the series, as they all have a vested interest in the outcome of Jericho’s plans. The conclusion of the series was exactly what I’d hoped it would be, tying up the loose ends and giving a satisfactory ending for everyone involved, including Temple and Jericho who find in each other the way to healing and redemption. I highly recommend this story and the series as a whole for its combination of steamy sex and intrigue, with flawed characters who walk a fine line between wrong and right.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Jericho. The name strikes fear into the seedy underworld of human trafficking and sex slavery as the mysterious ruler of networks spanning the globe. The devil himself some say, with his propensity to pick one woman from his shipments to entertain him for the night. It’s this habit of Jericho’s that Temple, assassin extraordinaire is counting on when she works her way into the hands of the brothel keepers to come to his attention. If she can get him to choose her, she can fulfill two missions – find out what happened to her sister who was sold into slavery under Jericho’s rule, and kill him once she knows the truth. Her plan works, and she gets swept off to Jericho’s suite for the night. But things don’t go quite as she expects. Something in his eyes tells her that things aren’t quite what they seem and though she wants desperately to hate him, to her shame she finds herself attracted to him. An intense affair ensues, with Temple unable to resist the magnetic chemistry between her and Jericho. And soon enough she discovers that things aren’t quite what they seem. It should be a clear cut case of wrong versus right but Temple understands the gray morality with what she’s had to do personally to find out what happened to her sister. When Jericho’s plans are revealed, will she help him to enact the ultimate revenge or stick to her contract and destroy him and any chance of a happy ending for herself in the bargain?
With the surprising twist that was thrown into the end of Kidnapped by the Billionaire, book 4 of the Nine Circles series, I expected this story to be a roller coaster ride and I was right! From the moment Temple garner’s Jericho’s attention in the strip club, it’s an intense and erotic read, the sexual tension between them giving way quickly to some very steamy scenes even as Temple is determined to fulfill her goals and get rid of Jericho. The fact that he’s incredibly handsome and intelligent only makes her more determined. Temple and Jericho are both conflicted souls, doing what is necessary in order to pull off long term plans, and understanding what they need to sacrifice to achieve them. It’s this commonality that eventually draws them together on an emotional level. The story moves swiftly and dramatically from one scene to the next and there are appearances from the other four couples in the previous books in the series, as they all have a vested interest in the outcome of Jericho’s plans. The conclusion of the series was exactly what I’d hoped it would be, tying up the loose ends and giving a satisfactory ending for everyone involved, including Temple and Jericho who find in each other the way to healing and redemption. I highly recommend this story and the series as a whole for its combination of steamy sex and intrigue, with flawed characters who walk a fine line between wrong and right.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
November 5, 2016
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 1, 2016
A man with everything on the line…
Known to the underworld only as Jericho, billionaire Theo Fitzgerald is one of the most powerful men in the world. But his plan is to tear down the criminal empire his father created from the inside out—unless someone else does it for him. He suspects a bold, seductive woman named Temple Cross might be trying to take him out with it—but for the chance to burn in the heat she gives off, he’s not sure if he minds…
A hired hit woman, Temple has been waiting to get close to Jericho her whole life. The man who destroyed her family is worth looking in the eye before she kills him—but when she’s finally alone with Jericho, he’s nothing like the ruthless barbarian she imagined. Her reaction to his touch is explosively sexual—and their emotional connection is too powerful for her to ignore. Is she his shot at redemption? Or will he have to risk losing her love to save her life?
••••••••
REVIEW: IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is the fifth and final? installment in Jackie Ashendon’s contemporary, adult NINE CIRLES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of friends ‘bound together by power, secrets, need, family and love’. This is billionaire Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald, and assassin Temple Cross’s story line. Jericho is the brother of Violet Fitzgerald whom we met in book four-Kidnapped by the Billionaire. IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as much of the premise of the current story line has been building throughout the series. If you have not read the previous story lines there may be some spoilers in my review.
NOTE: IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE contains graphic sexual text and scenes of questionable consent.
Told from several third person perspectives IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE follows hired assassin Temple Cross as she sets out to kill the man –Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald- she believes destroyed her sister’s life. Jericho is one of the world’s most powerful criminals with his hands in prostitution, nightclubs and human trafficking. Several years earlier Temple’s sister went missing and our heroine believes Jericho sold her sister into human sexual slavery. What ensues are Temple’s attempts to infiltrate Jericho’s personal life, and Jericho’s need to understand what makes our heroine ‘tick’.
As the story line builds we learn that Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald is a reluctant criminal who hides the truth behind a powerful façade. Temple Cross, like Theo Fitzgerald, has a dark and dangerous past, and her powers as an assassin hide the true intent of what it is she is hoping to uncover.
The relationship between our leading couple is highly sexual. Many of the $ex scenes are graphic, intense and not without some ambiguous consent; arguments and physical fights lead to rough and angry $ex but initial consent is debatable and unclear.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples. The final several chapters in the story reveal some of the back story for each of our couples, as well as their connections to one another and the current story line players coming full circle from beginning to the end.
IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is an emotional story line with controversial and complex characters. The premise is thrilling and intense; the characters are tragic and broken; the romance is melodramatic and powerful. IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is a suspense filled, erotic romance with memorable characters and a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 31, 2016
Jackie Ashenden has delivered a dark story about a powerful man on a mission and the woman trained to kill him. This story was pacy, addictive, sexy and well-written.
Temple is a hit woman. Her latest target is the most famous crime lord in Europe, Jericho, aka Theodore Fitzgerald. He is going to be her last contract, the one she has wanted to fulfill for a long time. Jericho has a cold and aloof personality, never showing emotions. Getting close to him is a gamble and being at his mercy is utterly dangerous. Jericho is a murderer, drug dealer and human trafficker, no less! This character was complex and dark, but definitely not the person he seemed to be. Surprisingly, he intends to pull down the crime empire he has patiently built over the years, taking down a huge human trafficking network in the process. The author gives a nuanced picture of Jericho, he is conflicted, broken by his actions and doesn’t deny he is a bad man. But he hopes that the end will justify the means.
Temple is a threat he immediately identifies, she challenges and intrigues him. She is loyal and determined, but her feelings for Theo get in the way of her mission. Their attraction was undeniable and felt real. They both enjoy pushing boundaries and they understand one another. These characters are totally flawed, but the author managed to make me root for them, no matter what.
This book grabs you from the first page, with its angsty, gripping and intense storyline and intriguing characters. It is part of a series, but the fact that I hadn’t read the previous installments didn’t prevent me from enjoying Theo and Temple’s story of hope.
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Temple is a hit woman. Her latest target is the most famous crime lord in Europe, Jericho, aka Theodore Fitzgerald. He is going to be her last contract, the one she has wanted to fulfill for a long time. Jericho has a cold and aloof personality, never showing emotions. Getting close to him is a gamble and being at his mercy is utterly dangerous. Jericho is a murderer, drug dealer and human trafficker, no less! This character was complex and dark, but definitely not the person he seemed to be. Surprisingly, he intends to pull down the crime empire he has patiently built over the years, taking down a huge human trafficking network in the process. The author gives a nuanced picture of Jericho, he is conflicted, broken by his actions and doesn’t deny he is a bad man. But he hopes that the end will justify the means.
Temple is a threat he immediately identifies, she challenges and intrigues him. She is loyal and determined, but her feelings for Theo get in the way of her mission. Their attraction was undeniable and felt real. They both enjoy pushing boundaries and they understand one another. These characters are totally flawed, but the author managed to make me root for them, no matter what.
This book grabs you from the first page, with its angsty, gripping and intense storyline and intriguing characters. It is part of a series, but the fact that I hadn’t read the previous installments didn’t prevent me from enjoying Theo and Temple’s story of hope.
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
May 29, 2017
WOW - so, i think that we got exactly what we were hoping for as a conclusion and resolution to this fairly complicated story. Not only was it filled with twists and turns, i think that we also got to see the true colors of people.
Before i get into the meat of this story - i have to say it again- i don't know how Ms Ashenden does it, but what we have is another example of a series that's made up of stories about couples that happen in a chronological order of sorts, but instead we have a series that's made up of stories that are completely connected, and you have to really follow the series as it goes to truly understand what everything means to each other part.
So in this final installment, we get to see how it will all play out. You know that throughout this one, we have seen couples come together in the hopes of taking down a kingpin only to learn that there's someone bigger and badder who's behind it all, and then when we find out that it's Theo, Violet's brother who's supposedly dead, well that makes things all that more complicated. He has his motivations but the question becomes whether we can trust him or not. and the guess is not.
Then there's Temple - the woman that we had met as Eva's driver, hired by Zac to protect her and when we saw her betray Eva a few installments back, you had to wonder what that was all about. We learn that she's linked to them all in a deeper way - having her ties to Elijah in the hopes of taking down the ring as well as trying to find her sister who was taken by them and sold.
Of course you know that since she's personally invested, there's another revenge saga. Add to that the fact that she's an assassin, and you know that things are going to get spicy - FAST. Temple takes on a job at the request of Zac to locate Jericho (or Theo) and take him down, kill him all so that this can be done with. What no one expected was that there would be feelings there, that we would see the truth behind Temple and the truth behind Jericho and perhaps that there was so much more that was going to come out.
Throughout this story we see the fight of chemistry between Jericho and Temple. She wants to get information from him in regards to where her sister is/was and then kill him, all while playing him and herself. She won't admit what she's feeling towards Jericho and she won't even it admit the reasons behind it, but with the prodding that he does, and his need for control, we start to see things unravel.
Then there's Jericho. He's got his motivations, the fact that he knew all about what it was that his father did, and his intent all these years was to take down the ring and make sure that his father paid for everything. Even if it means that his sister will never look at him again. And we know that Violet is a tough one - so you never know.
The journey here isn't as deep but very angst ridden since they both have so much pain and it's all tied to the Nine Circles desired outcome. What we don't know is how it's going to end, who's going to remain alive and what that will mean for these friends and family. I think that there's a level of expectation of the happy ending and i think that it's highly unreasonable to expect that to be the case now that things are being shaken up, so it's the masterful writing that gives us closure in a way that makes sense and gives us hope.
Also, true to her form, Ms Ashenden gives us some incredibly steamy scenes. Not the bondage that Zac loves, not the control of the others, but the power and rage that only Jericho can have and the fight that only Temple can bring. It's hot and sensual and really really intense. To top it off, we get romance, and we get saving grace and that's what we need at this point.
Before i get into the meat of this story - i have to say it again- i don't know how Ms Ashenden does it, but what we have is another example of a series that's made up of stories about couples that happen in a chronological order of sorts, but instead we have a series that's made up of stories that are completely connected, and you have to really follow the series as it goes to truly understand what everything means to each other part.
So in this final installment, we get to see how it will all play out. You know that throughout this one, we have seen couples come together in the hopes of taking down a kingpin only to learn that there's someone bigger and badder who's behind it all, and then when we find out that it's Theo, Violet's brother who's supposedly dead, well that makes things all that more complicated. He has his motivations but the question becomes whether we can trust him or not. and the guess is not.
Then there's Temple - the woman that we had met as Eva's driver, hired by Zac to protect her and when we saw her betray Eva a few installments back, you had to wonder what that was all about. We learn that she's linked to them all in a deeper way - having her ties to Elijah in the hopes of taking down the ring as well as trying to find her sister who was taken by them and sold.
Of course you know that since she's personally invested, there's another revenge saga. Add to that the fact that she's an assassin, and you know that things are going to get spicy - FAST. Temple takes on a job at the request of Zac to locate Jericho (or Theo) and take him down, kill him all so that this can be done with. What no one expected was that there would be feelings there, that we would see the truth behind Temple and the truth behind Jericho and perhaps that there was so much more that was going to come out.
Throughout this story we see the fight of chemistry between Jericho and Temple. She wants to get information from him in regards to where her sister is/was and then kill him, all while playing him and herself. She won't admit what she's feeling towards Jericho and she won't even it admit the reasons behind it, but with the prodding that he does, and his need for control, we start to see things unravel.
Then there's Jericho. He's got his motivations, the fact that he knew all about what it was that his father did, and his intent all these years was to take down the ring and make sure that his father paid for everything. Even if it means that his sister will never look at him again. And we know that Violet is a tough one - so you never know.
The journey here isn't as deep but very angst ridden since they both have so much pain and it's all tied to the Nine Circles desired outcome. What we don't know is how it's going to end, who's going to remain alive and what that will mean for these friends and family. I think that there's a level of expectation of the happy ending and i think that it's highly unreasonable to expect that to be the case now that things are being shaken up, so it's the masterful writing that gives us closure in a way that makes sense and gives us hope.
Also, true to her form, Ms Ashenden gives us some incredibly steamy scenes. Not the bondage that Zac loves, not the control of the others, but the power and rage that only Jericho can have and the fight that only Temple can bring. It's hot and sensual and really really intense. To top it off, we get romance, and we get saving grace and that's what we need at this point.
May 7, 2017
Wow if you want to read a story that is full of suspense and passion this is a story for you, well actually this is a series for you.
This is the fifth installment in the Nine Circles series and an amazing read. I can’t believe that I waited this long to read this book. I have had it for a while in my Kindle and finally this weekend I was looking for something good to read and started this story. When I started reading this story I totally forgot that this was part of the Nine Circle series but when I saw Zac, Violet and Elijah names came across this series I knew I was going to love this story. I knew that it was going to make me laugh and cry.
Jericho “Theo Fitzgerald” is someone that has lived a very rough life and he knew that he had hurt his sister, Violet. Temple Cross only has one mission and that is make the person that sold her sister into human trafficking pay. That person needs to die but first she needs to know what happened to her she needs to know everything. These two characters have an amazing chemistry together they poke at each other and it seems like they are playing a game. They were going to have a long journey in order for him to get answers from her and for her to know what happened to Thalia. She is a very strong woman and she knows that she can’t let her feelings get in the way of this contract she knows that at the end she will have to kill Jericho. Jericho knows something is happening to him he can’t help wanting Temple. He hadn’t been interested in a woman in so long but with Temple he needs her he craves her. In the end will he be able to go through his promise? Will she be able to pull the trigger even after she had fallen in love with him?
In Bed with the Billionaire was an excellent read. The characters were well developed. I loved seeing all the other characters from the other books. I loved that no matter what they stuck together even though they didn’t all agree. Ms. Ashenden’s writing style was perfect. I loved the detail of the scenes and of course the storyline. The chemistry between Jericho and Temple was so amazing they were perfect for each other. They only need to stay strong and know that no matter what their love will be strong enough to sustain anything.
I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
This is the fifth installment in the Nine Circles series and an amazing read. I can’t believe that I waited this long to read this book. I have had it for a while in my Kindle and finally this weekend I was looking for something good to read and started this story. When I started reading this story I totally forgot that this was part of the Nine Circle series but when I saw Zac, Violet and Elijah names came across this series I knew I was going to love this story. I knew that it was going to make me laugh and cry.
Jericho “Theo Fitzgerald” is someone that has lived a very rough life and he knew that he had hurt his sister, Violet. Temple Cross only has one mission and that is make the person that sold her sister into human trafficking pay. That person needs to die but first she needs to know what happened to her she needs to know everything. These two characters have an amazing chemistry together they poke at each other and it seems like they are playing a game. They were going to have a long journey in order for him to get answers from her and for her to know what happened to Thalia. She is a very strong woman and she knows that she can’t let her feelings get in the way of this contract she knows that at the end she will have to kill Jericho. Jericho knows something is happening to him he can’t help wanting Temple. He hadn’t been interested in a woman in so long but with Temple he needs her he craves her. In the end will he be able to go through his promise? Will she be able to pull the trigger even after she had fallen in love with him?
In Bed with the Billionaire was an excellent read. The characters were well developed. I loved seeing all the other characters from the other books. I loved that no matter what they stuck together even though they didn’t all agree. Ms. Ashenden’s writing style was perfect. I loved the detail of the scenes and of course the storyline. The chemistry between Jericho and Temple was so amazing they were perfect for each other. They only need to stay strong and know that no matter what their love will be strong enough to sustain anything.
I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
October 19, 2017
4* because it's a great conclusion to the series! Not advisable to read this without reading the first four books in series.
After we found out in book 4 that Violet's supposedly dead brother was the mobster Jericho, we now have his story as the finale of the Nine Circles Club. Surprisingly the heroine is Temple, Eva's ex-chauffeur! Temple was actually an assassin!
By the end of Violet and Elijah's book we knew Violet did not want her brother/ Jericho dead, and Elijah would side with her. However the rest of the group was not so sure...and right at the beginning of this book we saw Zac contracting Temple to kill Jericho.
Thus I was riveted to the story reading till 3am and couldn't wait to continue the next morning.
Right from the first moment the two of them felt something sizzling between them though Temple could not see Theo. Their fighting scenes were so fun and HOT! Best foreplay I have read in a long while haha!
The emotions were intense, because of both their family history and baggage. Reading them work through it was heavy going and it did drag the book out a bit for me. But overall the pace of the plot was good and kept me engaged.
SPOILERS
WHEN Theo make Temple put a gun to his head, and the scene in the Parisian garden, were the most agonising...so much emotions and anguish. I really felt for Theo.
The resolution seemed a bit too simplistic but I am glad it was HEA for everyone.
I want to go aww each time Theo called Violet "Peanut". It's just so sweet and I really felt the love between brother and sister.
PS. Theo's fiancée...the first she was mentioned, Theo called her "Lily." Then Violet and Theo talked about her to Temple, she became "Rose." All these flower names...
After we found out in book 4 that Violet's supposedly dead brother was the mobster Jericho, we now have his story as the finale of the Nine Circles Club. Surprisingly the heroine is Temple, Eva's ex-chauffeur! Temple was actually an assassin!
By the end of Violet and Elijah's book we knew Violet did not want her brother/ Jericho dead, and Elijah would side with her. However the rest of the group was not so sure...and right at the beginning of this book we saw Zac contracting Temple to kill Jericho.
Thus I was riveted to the story reading till 3am and couldn't wait to continue the next morning.
Right from the first moment the two of them felt something sizzling between them though Temple could not see Theo. Their fighting scenes were so fun and HOT! Best foreplay I have read in a long while haha!
The emotions were intense, because of both their family history and baggage. Reading them work through it was heavy going and it did drag the book out a bit for me. But overall the pace of the plot was good and kept me engaged.
SPOILERS
WHEN Theo make Temple put a gun to his head, and the scene in the Parisian garden, were the most agonising...so much emotions and anguish. I really felt for Theo.
The resolution seemed a bit too simplistic but I am glad it was HEA for everyone.
I want to go aww each time Theo called Violet "Peanut". It's just so sweet and I really felt the love between brother and sister.
PS. Theo's fiancée...the first she was mentioned, Theo called her "Lily." Then Violet and Theo talked about her to Temple, she became "Rose." All these flower names...
October 17, 2021
First, I just want to say this book was a total surprise for me. It was a dark romance. Jericho mets Temple when she is playing a stripper in his club. Jericho was a suppose drug lord and Temple was searching for her missing sister Thailia that she believe Jericho had some involvement in her sister disappearance. Jericho held Temple captive and they began a relationship that was wild, strong, fiesty, and aggressive on both characters. It seems at times that either Jericho and Temple did not want to give anything of each other but pushes Temple and she pushes right back.
They shared some personal secrets about themselves and she was loyal to Jericho after he explained where he had came from a drug lord dad and his sister that he wanted to protect. The is romance challenged me and this was not your usual romance where the heroine and hero were running in the field to met each other. There was human trafficing, talk about former child sexual abuse, and drugs. These were not your typical things in a romance novel but boy did it pushes the boundaries. It was lovely, sexy, romantic suspense, strong female and entertaining, wonderful writing style, and plot.
They shared some personal secrets about themselves and she was loyal to Jericho after he explained where he had came from a drug lord dad and his sister that he wanted to protect. The is romance challenged me and this was not your usual romance where the heroine and hero were running in the field to met each other. There was human trafficing, talk about former child sexual abuse, and drugs. These were not your typical things in a romance novel but boy did it pushes the boundaries. It was lovely, sexy, romantic suspense, strong female and entertaining, wonderful writing style, and plot.
November 17, 2016
This is the final installment in the Circle 9 series. If you love Jackie Ashenden's books this one is OFF THE CHARTS ! Could not put it down read in a weekend!
Without giving to much away we find out who Jericho is & his connection to other characters in Circle 9 books. Although u do not have to read them all prior to this one it's awesome all on its own. Temple is a kick ass heroine more than a match any day for Jericho !!
Loved the HEA !!!
Would I recommend this book & series ? Absolutely - way above 5 stars - not enough stars in the sky to show how much I really loved this book.
Jackie Ashenden is a "go to " - must read author for me !!!!
November 6, 2016
Enjoyed this story so much. Wow! Just so glad that the culmination to this story ended the right way. Proud and happy for both Theo and Temple. They both deserved some happiness. Their past lives were full of torment and no one more deserved an HEA like these two. I was also happy to see and hear the rest of the Nine Circles crew and the wonderful surprise for one of the couples. I'm not saying who as I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you, Lol. A fantastic read! Ashenden does not disappoint!!!!
November 25, 2018
First I would like to thank Jackie Ashenden for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.. I couldn't put it down.. I wanted to know what Jericho and Temple were up to.. When I say this book touched me.. It really did.. I lost my mother & father this year in January.. But anyway.. I loved it.. Plus this was my first book from you.. And I think I'll definitely read more.. So thanks again...
December 10, 2016
I enjoyed this one a lot, despite (or maybe because) of the knock down drag out fights with the hero and heroine beating the shit out of each other and getting turned on by it. I'm not sure what that says about me, though I'm hopeful that I can distinguish between fantasy and reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
This book was very difficult to get through. I almost put it down several times. The characters were unlikable and strange. It did pick up a bit in the last 150 or so pages, but not enough to earn an extra star.
Read
May 8, 2025DNF soft core porn. I was looking for spy/mystery romance for this month’s book group theme. Both MCs are ostensibly good people who do bad things. The bad is so bad I couldn’t make it to the redeeming part
May 31, 2017
Delicious, tasty angst. So good to watch the irredeemable Jericho get his HEA, with Temple, the strong as hell assassin. A good end to this series.
Bought from kindle
Bought from kindle
November 20, 2017
Jericho and Temple
January 18, 2018
Great finale to the Nine Circles series. I KNEW that there were more sides to Theo than everyone thought.
May 12, 2020
loved this book. Excellent!
June 14, 2022
3.5 / 5 Stars
January 8, 2023
The sex in this was great, but I didn’t remember the stories of the hero’s sister and if I had this book would’ve been better. I also like that the hero had to do bad things to keep his cover
November 14, 2016
Intense. Emotional. Wow.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 16, 2016
I loved the possessiveness Jericho showed, “you’re mine,”he whispered fiercely, intensity blazing from him. “From now on, you’re nobody’s but mine.” Jericho is one man who is proud of the stamina that he has, “you didn’t seem to think that last night,” he commented lazily, giving her a sidelong glance. “In fact, if I recall, you were the one who wanted to go to sleep.” I loved this book, Temple was the perfect match for Jericho.
March 18, 2017
Marvelous
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