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The Taste of You
Aster Sorrelle thrives in the darkness.
Programmer by day and vigilante by night, even her life being threatened doesn't stop her from carrying out her mission. No one knows, and no one sees her. Not until him. She might not know his face, but she knows his black soul as well as her own.
Freelancer is a man made of secrets.
Watching Aster starts as a job and turns into an obsession. When stalking her from the shadows turns into more, he'll have to decide if what they have in the dark can survive the removal of their masks and thrive in the light.
Programmer by day and vigilante by night, even her life being threatened doesn't stop her from carrying out her mission. No one knows, and no one sees her. Not until him. She might not know his face, but she knows his black soul as well as her own.
Freelancer is a man made of secrets.
Watching Aster starts as a job and turns into an obsession. When stalking her from the shadows turns into more, he'll have to decide if what they have in the dark can survive the removal of their masks and thrive in the light.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2022
12 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 1, 2022
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
Now this is what I'm talking about! This book starts off with a bang and it kept my interest the whole way through. I hated whenever I had to put it down and wish I could have told responsibility to shove it so I could finish it sooner!
With this entry to The Senses series, I connected with Aster and Freelancer so MUCH. I'm sure some of it is an improvement in skill for the author but also, I can tell she just really LOVED this couple so much. I felt the same almost immediately and I fell for them more and more as I went.
Aster is the youngest of the Sorrelle sisters and also the most dangerous. She also may be just a 'smidge' unhinged. She is a programmer for the family business in the light and a vigilante femme fatale in the darkness. She is smart, fierce, wields her blade with skill, and if she gets a little turned on by the man watching her carry out justice... who can blame her? What starts off as a risky hook up in an alley turns into a soul-deep connection between her and her mysterious protector.
Freelancer is hired to keep an eye on Aster when a hit gets put on her. When he discovers what she's doing sneaking out at night... well, he's not inclined to stop what he sees. He was already drawn to her but now his attraction is through the roof. She hasn't even seen his face but that only makes their connection deeper. He is a man of many secrets though and while I saw one of them coming pretty early on, it did not spoil my enjoyment.
My favorite thing about this couple is how they connect. They just have this great sense (pardon the pun) for each other. They very quickly have this chemistry that just deepens as their time together grows. And this connection helps them get through some of the reveals and truths that come out near the end.
Their dynamics in the steamy times are top notch. I was blushing like crazy when I was reading this at the coffee shop! Their "taste" for certain intimate things was naughty and fun. They both have some dominate aspects to them and I LOVED how they each got their turn to be in charge. Aster can cede her control to Freelancer, but girl needs her turn in the drivers seat now and then and I was here for it. They complimented each other really well.
I also liked how this intertwined with The Sight of You just a bit, there is some over lap in time where we hear about the events as they are happening with Derek & Alina. With events in our story going further in time afterwards and having some serious implications for what will happen next. There are some serious losses and the effects will be felt forever after.
Overall, I was VERY impressed with the improved writing quality and while I appreciated how the "them" chapters were unique and different in the first book... I am pleased we moved past that for this one. I really don't have any other critiques, I could gush all day.
4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, torture, death of a loved one, attempted SA, mention of suicide, blood
Now this is what I'm talking about! This book starts off with a bang and it kept my interest the whole way through. I hated whenever I had to put it down and wish I could have told responsibility to shove it so I could finish it sooner!
With this entry to The Senses series, I connected with Aster and Freelancer so MUCH. I'm sure some of it is an improvement in skill for the author but also, I can tell she just really LOVED this couple so much. I felt the same almost immediately and I fell for them more and more as I went.
Aster is the youngest of the Sorrelle sisters and also the most dangerous. She also may be just a 'smidge' unhinged. She is a programmer for the family business in the light and a vigilante femme fatale in the darkness. She is smart, fierce, wields her blade with skill, and if she gets a little turned on by the man watching her carry out justice... who can blame her? What starts off as a risky hook up in an alley turns into a soul-deep connection between her and her mysterious protector.
Freelancer is hired to keep an eye on Aster when a hit gets put on her. When he discovers what she's doing sneaking out at night... well, he's not inclined to stop what he sees. He was already drawn to her but now his attraction is through the roof. She hasn't even seen his face but that only makes their connection deeper. He is a man of many secrets though and while I saw one of them coming pretty early on, it did not spoil my enjoyment.
My favorite thing about this couple is how they connect. They just have this great sense (pardon the pun) for each other. They very quickly have this chemistry that just deepens as their time together grows. And this connection helps them get through some of the reveals and truths that come out near the end.
Their dynamics in the steamy times are top notch. I was blushing like crazy when I was reading this at the coffee shop! Their "taste" for certain intimate things was naughty and fun. They both have some dominate aspects to them and I LOVED how they each got their turn to be in charge. Aster can cede her control to Freelancer, but girl needs her turn in the drivers seat now and then and I was here for it. They complimented each other really well.
I also liked how this intertwined with The Sight of You just a bit, there is some over lap in time where we hear about the events as they are happening with Derek & Alina. With events in our story going further in time afterwards and having some serious implications for what will happen next. There are some serious losses and the effects will be felt forever after.
Overall, I was VERY impressed with the improved writing quality and while I appreciated how the "them" chapters were unique and different in the first book... I am pleased we moved past that for this one. I really don't have any other critiques, I could gush all day.
4.5 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, torture, death of a loved one, attempted SA, mention of suicide, blood
June 3, 2023
This continuation of the Senses series has definitely picked it up a notch since the first.
The Taste of You brings us along the storyline of Aster and "Freelancer".
Aster is known to be the scariest and most feared out of the Sorelle sisters, and her reputation doesn't back down from that. Both mysterious and meticulous, Aster is not what she seems. Behind the character she portrays of the bad ass girl she is, hides a girl who is suffering and trying to remove the guilt she feels.
Learning from a young age on how to defend herself, not only has she done that, but she's created protection for her entire family that is put at risk in this book through an underlying conflict that appears will continue throughout the series.
Due to her nature, Aster's father, Don, has sought the help of Freelancer. Freelancer's job is to protect Aster, especially since she's been targeted.
What wasn't in the job description? Falling in love with the client's daughter.
"The scariest Sorelle was a motherfucking vigilante. That was the moment I think I fell in love with her."
Freelancer has to live a double life, one where he's a mysterious guy hiding behind a mask and another where he's part of Aster team within the Sorelle's company. He did a really exceptional job given that even I was confused as to who he really was for a few chapters.
In the book, several events begin to take place that cause Aster and her family to come into more danger until the unexpected happens and everything shatters.
What I loved throughout this book was that Freelancer was always there for Aster. Whether she was committing some form of crime or she was buried in self-hatred, his love for her never faltered. The tension and build-up between the two started almost instantly but it also had some slow aspects, but when we got to the good parts, I was like YESSSS.
"Are you mine?"
"I've never been anybody else's."
Although this book was very much into a darker side, it had some light aspects and the plot thickened so much that I was left in shock with the cliffhanger.
Seriously, if anyone reads it, please let me know what you think.
The Taste of You brings us along the storyline of Aster and "Freelancer".
Aster is known to be the scariest and most feared out of the Sorelle sisters, and her reputation doesn't back down from that. Both mysterious and meticulous, Aster is not what she seems. Behind the character she portrays of the bad ass girl she is, hides a girl who is suffering and trying to remove the guilt she feels.
Learning from a young age on how to defend herself, not only has she done that, but she's created protection for her entire family that is put at risk in this book through an underlying conflict that appears will continue throughout the series.
Due to her nature, Aster's father, Don, has sought the help of Freelancer. Freelancer's job is to protect Aster, especially since she's been targeted.
What wasn't in the job description? Falling in love with the client's daughter.
"The scariest Sorelle was a motherfucking vigilante. That was the moment I think I fell in love with her."
Freelancer has to live a double life, one where he's a mysterious guy hiding behind a mask and another where he's part of Aster team within the Sorelle's company. He did a really exceptional job given that even I was confused as to who he really was for a few chapters.
In the book, several events begin to take place that cause Aster and her family to come into more danger until the unexpected happens and everything shatters.
What I loved throughout this book was that Freelancer was always there for Aster. Whether she was committing some form of crime or she was buried in self-hatred, his love for her never faltered. The tension and build-up between the two started almost instantly but it also had some slow aspects, but when we got to the good parts, I was like YESSSS.
"Are you mine?"
"I've never been anybody else's."
Although this book was very much into a darker side, it had some light aspects and the plot thickened so much that I was left in shock with the cliffhanger.
Seriously, if anyone reads it, please let me know what you think.
April 13, 2023
Is there’s such a thing as cozy stalker romance? Apparently.
Is it something I didn’t know I was craving until I read this? Apparently.
Everybody needs a stalker.
The Senses series was a BookTok recommendation promising FMCs who, “are as scary as the MMCs” and I think this delivers. We’re not in Zade Meadows or Easton Sinnett territory, but this tickled the part of my brain that craved relatable depravity.
The MCs have demons but they aren’t super human and their connection is genuine. The chemistry is off the charts, but the spice doesn’t detract from the plot. Its not going to revolutionize your life or anything, but if you don’t ship “Freelaster” by the end? You don’t have a pulse.
The author says it’s a standalone, but I’d still recommend reading the first in the series. You’ll connect much more with the characters. The writing is greatly improved in this second installment and it ditches the weird third POV used in the first novel to “fast forward.”
Is it something I didn’t know I was craving until I read this? Apparently.
Everybody needs a stalker.
The Senses series was a BookTok recommendation promising FMCs who, “are as scary as the MMCs” and I think this delivers. We’re not in Zade Meadows or Easton Sinnett territory, but this tickled the part of my brain that craved relatable depravity.
The MCs have demons but they aren’t super human and their connection is genuine. The chemistry is off the charts, but the spice doesn’t detract from the plot. Its not going to revolutionize your life or anything, but if you don’t ship “Freelaster” by the end? You don’t have a pulse.
The author says it’s a standalone, but I’d still recommend reading the first in the series. You’ll connect much more with the characters. The writing is greatly improved in this second installment and it ditches the weird third POV used in the first novel to “fast forward.”
October 5, 2022
This series is so delicious! Aster and Freelancer's story was piping hot with a serious side of spice, lit on fire. I absolutely loved the idea of a vigilante heroine and a hero who is an assassin/protector/stalker. This whole book just *worked* for me and was unputdownable. While the author's not says that this book can be read as a standalone, I personally wouldn't recommend it because, although we get to hear some of Alina's background from book 1 from Aster's POV, it would be hard to connect to her character fully without having read the first one. This series is so phenomenal, you just WON'T want to put it down!
December 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!
It’s such an intriguing and interesting story/ characters.
This was addicting and I couldn’t get enough.
Absolutely loved Isaac and Aster together and their mind process was very interesting, weirdly sweet and fun.
Loved their sexy times 🥵🫠🫣🫠🥵
A lot happened towards the end and it definitely got to me a bit. The aftermath of it all left its toll so I’m very intrigued to see how much things changed .
I can’t wait to read the next book.
It’s such an intriguing and interesting story/ characters.
This was addicting and I couldn’t get enough.
Absolutely loved Isaac and Aster together and their mind process was very interesting, weirdly sweet and fun.
Loved their sexy times 🥵🫠🫣🫠🥵
A lot happened towards the end and it definitely got to me a bit. The aftermath of it all left its toll so I’m very intrigued to see how much things changed .
I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I’m enjoying this series so much I can’t wait to read Aro’s book. This book has a really good storyline, plot and lots of smut. This book is definitely the darkest one of the series so far, so if you do read it make sure to check trigger and content warnings. This book has a lot of darker smut scenes that some readers might not like so please just check before reading. But I would highly recommend it, it really was an amazing read.
This book follows aster as she begins to get threats both at work and her personal life, not that she has much of one. This leads to her dad hiring a guy to protect her in secret. However aster can’t be easily fooled and knew she was being watched. So she put on a show for him. One day she decides she’s had enough of him staying in the shadows and pretending like she doesn’t know he’s there. So she calls him forward and nothing will ever be the same for her again. After tension rises between the two and a connection forms, aster realises that she’s never felt so safe and seen by someone before in her entire life. But can she move pass her own personal issues to admit that she wants him? Or will she continue to push him away? And what about the threats on her life, will that keep the two apart?
Meet freelancer. He was hired by asters dad to keep her safe, however he becomes obsessed with aster. He’s gorgeous but mysterious. Whenever he’s near aster he wears a mask so that during the day she has no idea that he’s around her all the time as someone else. His obsession and infatuation only grows the longer he watched aster. This is when he decides he has to have her no matter what. But once the threats on asters life become worse and bodies start piling, will there be anything left to salvage together or will it completely ruin the comfort they have between them? Who is the person so dead set on ruining asters life? Will we find out or will the mystery continue?
I would highly recommend this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and if you like a spicy, smutty, DARK romance then you’ll love this book. If you do decide to give it a read let me know your thoughts and what you think.
This book follows aster as she begins to get threats both at work and her personal life, not that she has much of one. This leads to her dad hiring a guy to protect her in secret. However aster can’t be easily fooled and knew she was being watched. So she put on a show for him. One day she decides she’s had enough of him staying in the shadows and pretending like she doesn’t know he’s there. So she calls him forward and nothing will ever be the same for her again. After tension rises between the two and a connection forms, aster realises that she’s never felt so safe and seen by someone before in her entire life. But can she move pass her own personal issues to admit that she wants him? Or will she continue to push him away? And what about the threats on her life, will that keep the two apart?
Meet freelancer. He was hired by asters dad to keep her safe, however he becomes obsessed with aster. He’s gorgeous but mysterious. Whenever he’s near aster he wears a mask so that during the day she has no idea that he’s around her all the time as someone else. His obsession and infatuation only grows the longer he watched aster. This is when he decides he has to have her no matter what. But once the threats on asters life become worse and bodies start piling, will there be anything left to salvage together or will it completely ruin the comfort they have between them? Who is the person so dead set on ruining asters life? Will we find out or will the mystery continue?
I would highly recommend this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and if you like a spicy, smutty, DARK romance then you’ll love this book. If you do decide to give it a read let me know your thoughts and what you think.
March 11, 2023
Vicious, emotional, and sexy
I don’t do spoilers and I haven’t felt up to writing reviews in a while, but I truly enjoyed this book. Aster is the type of female protagonist I love to read: broken and extremely capable. These things should contradict each other, but they do not. I loved her character and how she grew and built and ultimately found her completed self. As for our morally grayish-black hero, Freelancer is devoted, obsessed, broken and violently capable. I would almost say that he had an “instalove” trope attached, but he’s too complex for that.
This novel wasn’t just sexy times and that’s it, no, it had quite a mystery and a fictionalized(yet irl accuracy) discussion of complex personalities and human nature. I was hooked by the characters first, followed quickly by an intriguing plot line that just happened to include such a passionate love story. An excellent read!
I don’t do spoilers and I haven’t felt up to writing reviews in a while, but I truly enjoyed this book. Aster is the type of female protagonist I love to read: broken and extremely capable. These things should contradict each other, but they do not. I loved her character and how she grew and built and ultimately found her completed self. As for our morally grayish-black hero, Freelancer is devoted, obsessed, broken and violently capable. I would almost say that he had an “instalove” trope attached, but he’s too complex for that.
This novel wasn’t just sexy times and that’s it, no, it had quite a mystery and a fictionalized(yet irl accuracy) discussion of complex personalities and human nature. I was hooked by the characters first, followed quickly by an intriguing plot line that just happened to include such a passionate love story. An excellent read!
December 17, 2022
3.6 ⭐️s. OKAY.. I don’t really get the whole “horny after murder” thing, but the characters were not as crazy as you would thing. Still, the spice was weirdly placed bc of the whole “horny after murder” thing so it was all a bit jarring.
Overall, did I like it?? Ehh not my cup of tea. But my dumbass started at book three and quickly realized I needed to read book one and two first (the author literally says that but I for some reason thought I didn’t need to follow the rules.) It was really crucial to understanding the dynamic between the characters in the third book.
(SPOILER SIDE NOTE: how the fuck did she not recognize his voice. Girl. And the beard? The height? The build?? I know it’s adds to the plot but I saw that shit from a MILE away. And I don’t get plot twists!! Ever!!)
Overall, did I like it?? Ehh not my cup of tea. But my dumbass started at book three and quickly realized I needed to read book one and two first (the author literally says that but I for some reason thought I didn’t need to follow the rules.) It was really crucial to understanding the dynamic between the characters in the third book.
(SPOILER SIDE NOTE: how the fuck did she not recognize his voice. Girl. And the beard? The height? The build?? I know it’s adds to the plot but I saw that shit from a MILE away. And I don’t get plot twists!! Ever!!)
October 4, 2022
Spicy, intriguing and compelling Ashley had done it yet again this story has me spellbound I was hook like a sinker for this story Ashley writing continues to development beautifully. I couldn’t get enough and the steam had me sweating it was so blazing hot.
I can’t wait for more of Ashley’s writing..
“4.25 compelling stars!
Steam 4.5 stars!
I can’t wait for more of Ashley’s writing..
“4.25 compelling stars!
Steam 4.5 stars!
December 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book. However, this book suffered from timeline. At the end of the first book, we find out some shocking developments in the family. This book also ends with those same events, so there are few surprises.
I thought the stalker romance was fun, again, if not a little too obvious. I’ll look forward to book three.
I thought the stalker romance was fun, again, if not a little too obvious. I’ll look forward to book three.
December 11, 2022
These books are getting better but it’s still 20% too long
January 2, 2023
didn’t particularly love this one but the characters def won me over
3.8
3.8
January 11, 2023
4.25/5 ⭐️
June 27, 2024
Love and revenge! Def recommend
I just love the characters such sweetness to caring enough to know someone's darkness. Good reads that I couldn't wait to find out more!
I just love the characters such sweetness to caring enough to know someone's darkness. Good reads that I couldn't wait to find out more!
March 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
Better than the first in the series. Good plot with spice! It’s got a masked man! She is a vigilante! Dual pov! It’s interconnected world. Really enjoyed this book and the characters!
Better than the first in the series. Good plot with spice! It’s got a masked man! She is a vigilante! Dual pov! It’s interconnected world. Really enjoyed this book and the characters!
January 15, 2023
Freelancer and Aster
I KNEW IT!!! That’s all i’m gonna say. I flipping called it from the very beginning. I feel so smart that I knew and Aster didn’t😎 But seriously they are perfect for each other.
I KNEW IT!!! That’s all i’m gonna say. I flipping called it from the very beginning. I feel so smart that I knew and Aster didn’t😎 But seriously they are perfect for each other.
December 19, 2022
TW/ Tropes: Crime family! Vigilante! Morally grey! Dark romance! Violence, sexual nature, explicit language
Aster is a genius who also happens to be a killing vigilante! Which I love! She’s strong and powerful and sadly because of her mothers death a little disconnected from everyone else and estranged to her emotions. ❤️🩹
Isaac/ freelancer is an assassin/ bodyguard/ genius who is assigned to watch Aster and ends up completely enamored with her🤭.
Together they are a crazy sex machine!😼
The mystery of who is it, is good and still partially unanswered. I am a little hurt from the last couple of chapter🥹 but still can’t wait to read the next book.
Aster is a genius who also happens to be a killing vigilante! Which I love! She’s strong and powerful and sadly because of her mothers death a little disconnected from everyone else and estranged to her emotions. ❤️🩹
Isaac/ freelancer is an assassin/ bodyguard/ genius who is assigned to watch Aster and ends up completely enamored with her🤭.
Together they are a crazy sex machine!😼
The mystery of who is it, is good and still partially unanswered. I am a little hurt from the last couple of chapter🥹 but still can’t wait to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
This book was too good, it had me hooked. I love Aster, she is misunderstood and knows she is too. There is way more to Aster than what meets the eye. Aster in the previous book is not the same Aster in this book. This book was really needed in order to understand Aster more. I loved Freelancer in this book, he was always willing to let Aster do what she wanted and stood by her, he never once tried to control her and stop her from doing what she needed to do. The plot twist in this book did not catch me out, for I figure it out first but it was still great and to prove that I knew what was going to happen all along made the book that much sweeter. It’s interesting to see what Aster sees when she looks at the world or at other people. I’m glad that Aster and Freelancer have each other because they are quite the same.
This is my favourite book out of the senses series🩷.
This is my favourite book out of the senses series🩷.
November 29, 2022
I received an ARC of this book and was a terrible ARC reader because I read it and then forgot to post a review other than a star rating!
This was a fun quick read! I loved the dynamics with this couple and getting to see more of Aster's mind. These two were meant to be together and I enjoyed their comparability in all things. I am looking forward to continuing to read about this family and these women!
This was a fun quick read! I loved the dynamics with this couple and getting to see more of Aster's mind. These two were meant to be together and I enjoyed their comparability in all things. I am looking forward to continuing to read about this family and these women!
August 19, 2023
Small but mighty, Aster Sorrelle packs a fierce punch! Pair her with her bodyguard/stalker, assassin Freelancer and all bets are off. The two together are brilliant chaos and I love the dynamic between them. They both worry about how the outside world might judge them, but never have to worry about it when they’re together. Their experiences make them who they are, and what they are is perfect for each other.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews