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Chaos #1
Own the Wind
Too hot to handle...
Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos—the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...
Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more—much more—he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...
Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos—the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...
Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more—much more—he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...
433 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Kristen Ashley
131 books39.1k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,464 reviews
April 3, 2013
I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
No word of a lie: I have quotes highlighted on nearly EVERY page of this book!!
Kristen Ashley is one of those incredibly talented authors who has my complete and utter trust. I don’t need to read the synopsis or blurbs for her books, I don’t need to see reviews or ratings… Quite simply, if she wrote it, I’ll read it.
And true to KA style, this book ROCKED. MY. WORLD.
First, I just want to say that although technically this book can be read as a standalone, if you haven’t yet read the Dream Man series, you are going to miss out on a good chunk of the emotional impact of it. And to clarify: you’ll definitely feel the romance between Shy and Tabby for sure either way, but in order to get the full EPICNESS that this book has to offer (and trust me, there’s bucket-loads of epic!), you really have to read them after the Dream Man books. There are cameos from Tack, Tyra, Hawk, Elvira, Brock and Mitch, as well as Lee Nightingale, Tex and Fortums (from Rock Chick) so if those names don’t mean anything to you, their scenes won’t send you into the same squee-ing frenzy that they sent me into. So yeah, I suggest reading the Dream Man books first (click here for the full reading order).
Ok, on to the review ;)
Parker “Shy” Cage has a bit of a reputation. One involving copious piles of women. Ok, hang on, let’s just take a collective moment to SWOON over his name. I’m in love with it. I’m in love with him. *dreamy sigh*… Ok, moving on. Yeah, let’s just say he’s gotten around. A lot And to say that he and Tabby got off to a rocky start would be the understatement of the year.
As the daughter of the leader of the biker gang Chaos that Shy was a brother in, Tabby was off-limits to begin with. But when he sees her going down a path he thinks is bad for her, he decides to try and teach her a lesson. His intentions were good, but his delivery… not so much. His point goes through but he went too far and the hurt ran deep. And for the next few years, she can barely stand the sight of him.
But when a tragedy shatters Tabby’s world, Shy is there to help her put back the pieces and learn to be happy again. (And stop freaking out guys, Tack does NOT die!! Breathe. It’s okay!)
“You need a safe place to just forget shit and escape, I’ll give it to you. Tonight. Tomorrow. Next week. Next month. That safe place is me, Tabby.”
I totally loved both Shy and Tabby. Once they got past the initial misunderstandings and miss-communications and officially became a couple, my gosh were they ever functional!!! They were crazy in love and both valued what they had more than anything else in the world. It was precious to them and they weren’t about to let anything get in their way or come between them. They knew where their priorities lay and it was their relationship first. Above all else. I just absolutely freaking ADORED them as a couple!!
“Promise me right now, my dick still inside you, you naked on top of me in my bed, sharing what we just shared, us having a taste of what it’s like apart and knowin’ were better together, you won’t leave me…. You’ll stick with me until there’s nothing to stick to, if that ever happens.”
And as individual characters, they were both also amazing. Tabby was just incredible. She spoke her mind, stood up for herself and didn’t take shit from anyone (and considering that she was always surrounded by these badass biker dudes, that was quite a feat).
And Shy just stole my heart because despite royally fucking up in the beginning, he was the kind of guy who could own up to it, apologize, and move on. He was Alpha, protected and defended his woman, but at the same time wasn’t overbearing and loved her for who she was – the good and the bad.
I loved that despite the way the older bikers ran things, Shy, I guess being younger (27) and maybe more open to change was a biker through and through but at the same time, didn’t put up with a lot of the older ways of dealing with relationships. He had a lot of respect for Tabby in her own right and didn’t let anyone get in her way.
“Shy, she’s yours… Control your woman,” High demanded. “Get her ass out.”
My eyes went to Shy to see him looking at High, and he wasn’t looking pissed.
He was looking reflective.
Then he said, “Tab and I don’t play it that way. You wanna order your old lady around, do what you do, not for me to say. I asked her to go, she didn’t go. Not gonna make her. But you try, you’ll deal with me.”
This book was tight. The story flowed, it was engaging, something new was always happening and there were no dull moments. The imagery was vivid – I honestly feel like I saw the whole book play out in front of my eyes like a movie.
This story had a bit of everything. There were moments that warmed my heart right down to my toes, moments that had me fanning myself and moments that socked me in the gut so hard it took me breath away.
I really felt like the message that came through to me from this book was that the shit life sometimes puts you through can cut deep, right into your soul. But sometimes, if you push through it, you can find beauty you’d never have otherwise found.
I swear to God, KA’s writing has just SO much depth to it. She’s very much got her own style and let me tell you: that woman can WRITE. Brilliant dialogue. Scenes that make your heart squeeze and race. Scenes that make you sigh dreamily and just feel like you are right freaking THERE.
And seriously, this book has one of the most epic verbal smackdowns I have ever read. I was cheering and squeeing. It had some of the best lines from any KA book I’ve ever read (and I’ve nearly read them all). I swear I highlighted almost that whole chapter!!
And boy was this book HOT! When the main couple have a connection as strong as Shy and Tabby had, you can’t help but feel it. Again, EPIC.
“I knew this day would turn shit,” I whispered. “I knew with how great it started, there’d be farther to fall.”
His eyes flashed, his hand moved up to cup my jaw, he tilted my head way back, and brought his face to mine.
“May feel like you’re fallin’, Tabby, but remember, I’m at the bottom ready to catch you.”
It seriously took all my will power not to just post updates every 2 minutes screaming “I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!!!”
My only tiny complaint was that the epilogue was shorter than most and I do love me a big long gushy epilogue, but still... the book rocked!
Aaand also, on a bit more of a random note…. what’s better than a hot-as-fuck badass biker?? Well that would be a hot-as-fuck bad ass biker with a smokin’ hot soldier brother. I totally crushed on Shy’s brother, Landon, and really hope he gets his own book one day
The next installment in this series is well set up and I absolutely can’t wait for MORE!!!!
**SPECIAL (spoiler-free) BONUS SCENE**
For my Blog Tour post, Kristen Ashley wrote a Bonus Scene featuring me "Aestas" and a hot biker dude from Chaos!!! If you want to read it, go to this link:
http://aestasbookblog.com/book-review...
*squeeeeee*
5++ stars!!!
Here is my casting for Shy:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Re-read: 7/26/23
Oh. My. Gawd. I DREAMED AN EFFIN' DREAM AND IT IS THIS BOOK.
Seriously, heaven in print. I thought there was no absolute way that this book could ever meet my ridiculously high, completely unreasonable expectations, but it did. In fact, it blew them out of the water.
Kristen Ashley takes us back to the badass world of Chaos and boy does she bring it. Shy is straight gorgeous and Tabitha is just adorable. I loved how Ashley depicted the evolution of their relationship and made this book totally theirs while still giving us a sprinkle of Tack/Tyra and Hop/Lanie.
KA is seriously a master at creating awesome characters--especially my personal favorite--the alpha male. I just love Chaos and I'm so glad she has made it a series. The excerpt for Fire Inside left me seriously hurting for more. I can't wait until June!
Oh. My. Gawd. I DREAMED AN EFFIN' DREAM AND IT IS THIS BOOK.
Seriously, heaven in print. I thought there was no absolute way that this book could ever meet my ridiculously high, completely unreasonable expectations, but it did. In fact, it blew them out of the water.
Kristen Ashley takes us back to the badass world of Chaos and boy does she bring it. Shy is straight gorgeous and Tabitha is just adorable. I loved how Ashley depicted the evolution of their relationship and made this book totally theirs while still giving us a sprinkle of Tack/Tyra and Hop/Lanie.
KA is seriously a master at creating awesome characters--especially my personal favorite--the alpha male. I just love Chaos and I'm so glad she has made it a series. The excerpt for Fire Inside left me seriously hurting for more. I can't wait until June!
April 4, 2013
5+ OUTSTANDING stars –Kristen Ashley's best work yet!
If I could give this book more than 5 STARS I would. That is how well-crafted and written this story is. I've always loved Kristen Ashley's work and was apprehensive that a professional editor would rob the author of her unique style of storytelling. FOOLISH ME! With a gifted editor, Kristen Ashley has NOW become a ROCK STAR! Kudos to GCP for recognizing a diamond in the rough.
To sum it up, I absolutely loved the dynamics of this book. I loved how young Tabby and Shy were, I love the family interactions, and the atypical epilogue. I simply loved this book.
**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing, Kristen Ashley and Chas**
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If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
If I could give this book more than 5 STARS I would. That is how well-crafted and written this story is. I've always loved Kristen Ashley's work and was apprehensive that a professional editor would rob the author of her unique style of storytelling. FOOLISH ME! With a gifted editor, Kristen Ashley has NOW become a ROCK STAR! Kudos to GCP for recognizing a diamond in the rough.
To sum it up, I absolutely loved the dynamics of this book. I loved how young Tabby and Shy were, I love the family interactions, and the atypical epilogue. I simply loved this book.
**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing, Kristen Ashley and Chas**
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If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
March 5, 2018
5 Dreamy Stars!!!
When I started this one, I thought... no way could it be as good as Motorcycle Man and no way could I love Shy and Tabby as much as I loved Tack and Tyra... yeah- I was wrong! I absolutely loved Shy and Tabby is my new favorite KA heroine!
We meet Shy and Tabby in Motorcycle Man. Tabby is Tack’s(Chaos MC’s president’s) daughter, and Shy is a recruit in The Chaos MC. Tabby is young (16) and has a big crush on Shy. Shy is just a few years older than Tabby, but Shy has a reputation... he is ‘that kind’ of biker. The one with a different girl in his bed every night.
Now we fast forward three years... Tabby is 19 and in nursing school. Shy is no longer a recruit, but a member of Chaos. When Shy gets a call to check on Tab, he goes. Tab is out with some old friends from high school partying. Shy see’s how much potential Tab has, so he sets her straight. It doesn’t go over very smoothly. Tab is hurt and stays away from the MC for a while. Away from Shy. But she does get her act together. Graduates nursing school, becomes engaged to a nice normal guy. Then something big happens. Tab’s fiancée gets in an accident. Tabby is heart broken. Shy has always cared for Tabby, and even though she has ignored him for years, he wants to be there for her.
“You need a safe place just to forget shit and escape, I’ll give it to you. Tonight. Tomorrow. Next week. Next month. That safe place is me, Tabby.”
Shy and Tabby become ‘tight’. They spend a lot of time together and become very close friends. It was great to see their relationship change and grow. Tabby was doing better. Shy was helping her move on with her life, and letting her become the person she was always supposed to be.
Shy was giving me back me. He was guiding me to healing.
Even though everyone warned Tabby about Shy (although they all like him, they know his reputation and Tabby has been through enough, they don’t want her hurt) Tab doesn’t care. She knows the real Shy. Although this quote was pretty funny...
“I’m just tellin’ you to keep your eyes open and watch your heart. Or, more to the point, watch your ass because if you don’t, Shy’ll tap it.”
There are some misunderstandings between the two of them (I wanted to slap Shy for a minute) but they get situated, and eventually, Shy and Tabby become a couple.
"I had a taste of you four years ago that I could never get off my tongue. Now, I've tasted more of you with more than just my mouth and I know I wanna keep it in a way I don't want to think of it bein' done. Not in a few weeks. Not in a few months. Maybe not ever"
They both are so in love with each other, but they keep it quite for a while because they are worried about others reactions- mainly, Tabby’s dad Tack. So they spend the next few weeks in love and happy. Shy’s brother Lan knows(loved Lan!) but everyone else was kept in the dark. Eventually, they are found out and things aren’t pretty. But in the end, it only brings them closer together as a couple. They always have each others backs and stick up for one another. NOTHING is more important to Shy than Tabby, not even his family of brothers in the MC. I love that about Shy. He proves time and time again how much he loves Tabby and how he has changed. He gets Tabby back to herself.
“You promised to get me to a dream, you got me to a dream. Thank you, honey.”
I love Tabby as a KA heroine. I loved her in MM and I loved her even more in this book. She is broken and trying to discover herself in the beginning, but she becomes strong and finds herself. I loved watching her grow from MM and from the beginning and end of this book.
Parker ‘Shy’ Cage... what to say about him... So hot and so freaking lovable. One word to describe him... Swoon
“May feel like you’re fallin’, Tabby, but remember, I’m at the bottom ready to catch you.”
Shy doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He shows Tabby how much he loves her, and proves it to everyone time and time again. He stands up for her, is there for her, and will do anything to protect her
Tabby and Shy face many obstacles. Both have had their fair share of tragedy. Their relationship isn’t an easy ride. But they find something in each other that both desperately need. Of course its a little emotional at times, and there is some drama (it wouldn’t be a KA book if there wasn’t) but their story was beautiful. I loved how their relationship spanned over the years. They went from not speaking, becoming best friends, and then lovers. This will definitely hold a spot in my top 3 favorite KA books. The epilogue was KA perfection. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series about Chaos and hopefully get much more Shy and Tabby!
“I’m tellin’ you now, I want a lifetime.”
June 2, 2015
Wooot! Own the Wind is only .99 for Kindle today at: http://amzn.to/1QnMRIk
Want to hear what Tack had to say about Shy and Tabby, and find out how I used chocolate cake to bribe him for a bit about Hop and Lanie's story? Then keep reading....
Full review now posted!
My keeper shelf just got bigger!!
When you've finished reading my review, be sure and keep reading to find out what tidbit Tack shared with me about Hop and Lanie's story in Fire Inside! Getting the information out of him wasn't easy, but I love yous so I put it out there and got what I got and shared it with you all. So yeah, keep reading!
Those of us who had read Motorcycle Man knew that Shy and Tabby would get their story someday, and it’s a story we’ve been looking forward to. Well, that story came much sooner than I had expected it, and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about that!
Own the Wind is totally, completely, amazing. It’s a beautiful tale filled with growth, passion and the kind of romance we mere mortal readers only dream of. It’s a story of letting go of the past, living in the now, with an eye to a future filled with nothing but the best things life has to offer. It’s sexy, romantic, funny... insightful, thought provoking and inspiring. It truly does not get better than this.
And for those who are concerned, I know a lot of us were worried that going with a publisher would change the way she tells her stories, that we'd lose the voice we've come to adore. I'm telling you now... No worries. Seriously, this is Kristen Ashley at her finest, and you won't be disappointed.
My thanks to Kristen Ashley, Chas, and Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishers, for providing BlithelyBookish Reviews with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was, start to finish, brilliant!
To see how I spent my day with Tack and how he opened up about his baby girl and Shy, check out my Own the Wind Blog Tour post. You'll find it posted right below my blog review, here: My Afternoon Visit With Tack Allen
THE WORKING CHAPTERS ARE UP!!!!
March 7th 2013 Facebook Update
Wanna meet Tabby and Shy? Download the teaser chapters of OWN THE WIND NOW!
Ebook due out April 2. Print book out June 25. Pre-order available for folks in the US, but although not available for pre-order outside the US, the eBook will be available worldwide on Amazon!
Enjoy and ROCK ON!!!!
http://www.kristenashley.net/menu/tit...
January 16th 2013 Facebook Update
Here it is, Rock Chicks and Gurus! I know some of you have already seen it before but still, it's worth looking at again. I love it, love it, LOVE IT. I wanna be on the back of that bike, holding on, open road ahead of me, my arms around a hot guy.
The cover of OWN THE WIND, the first in the Chaos series! WOOT WOOT!
Rock on!
Follow Kristen Ashley on Facebook and Twitter
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If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
November 7, 2015
I see a bunch of my Goodreads friends reading a series and I immediately want to be one of the "cool kids" and read it too.
Then I end up like this:
Tabby Allen is the daughter of the Chaos Motorcycle Club's leader. She has a troubled life as a teenager with wanting to go out and party, one of the "brothers" Shy is on rescue duty aka Tabby Callout. He goes to the party and "takes" Tabby and brings her back to the club and offers for her to join the two naked women in his bed. He is of course trying to "scare her straight".
Later Tabby gets engaged and is actually happy. Tragedy strikes and now Shy steps in to help make everything all better.
Did you feel the sarcasm in that gif? You should.
Tabby has educated herself and tried to rise above the Club's motto's, she is working as a nurse and has her own place...but she might should just change her name to Doormat.
Her bestie even tries to give her some advice.
"He's a dawg, Tabby, and you can't forget that. If he's being cool with you, awesome. Pleased he's givin' that to you. Take it. You need family. I'm just tellin' you to keep your eyes open and watch your heart. Or, more to the point, watch your ass because if you don't. Shy'll tap it."
Tabby rolls her eyes to that advice.
Then this is the passage where I said to heck with this. I'm outta here:
He leaned slightly toward me and it took a lot not to lean back. "Is your phone broke?" he repeated, his voice back to low and menacing.
"No," I admitted.
"So, explain, if you're not avoiding me, you got a call from me, why don't you take it? And, Tab, I'll throw this out there now so you have plenty of time to come up with another excuse, when I leave a message, I wanna know why it isn't returned."
I stared at him and he stared at me.
I licked my upper lip, his eyes dropped to my mouth, his face got hard, and suddenly the room felt like a silent thunderclap rolled through it.
It was then I knew I couldn't take it anymore.
"I know about her," I whispered, and yes, that came right out, and yes, it sounded like an accusation.
"Say again?" he asked.
"I know about her. Your woman."
His brows went up. "So?"
So?
So?
"So, you didn't tell me about her," I pointed out.
"Sorry, Tab, didn't know I needed to report to you about who I fuck," he fired back.
It's totally a real love connection.
There is something else that bugged the crap out of me.
The frigging obsession with her tongue.
This girl licks her lips and rolls that tongue out more than my dog does when he is licking his non-existent balls.
That just is so sexy.
Now get in line:
Booksource: library
For the spotlight on this book I'm spotlighting my friend Brandie's review I love her review and I totally trust Brandie's opinion. So I probably did read this one wrong. Brandie and I have been friends since I think about the first week I joined GR. I adore the girl, so go show her some love.
Then I end up like this:
Tabby Allen is the daughter of the Chaos Motorcycle Club's leader. She has a troubled life as a teenager with wanting to go out and party, one of the "brothers" Shy is on rescue duty aka Tabby Callout. He goes to the party and "takes" Tabby and brings her back to the club and offers for her to join the two naked women in his bed. He is of course trying to "scare her straight".
Later Tabby gets engaged and is actually happy. Tragedy strikes and now Shy steps in to help make everything all better.
Did you feel the sarcasm in that gif? You should.
Tabby has educated herself and tried to rise above the Club's motto's, she is working as a nurse and has her own place...but she might should just change her name to Doormat.
Her bestie even tries to give her some advice.
"He's a dawg, Tabby, and you can't forget that. If he's being cool with you, awesome. Pleased he's givin' that to you. Take it. You need family. I'm just tellin' you to keep your eyes open and watch your heart. Or, more to the point, watch your ass because if you don't. Shy'll tap it."
Tabby rolls her eyes to that advice.
Then this is the passage where I said to heck with this. I'm outta here:
He leaned slightly toward me and it took a lot not to lean back. "Is your phone broke?" he repeated, his voice back to low and menacing.
"No," I admitted.
"So, explain, if you're not avoiding me, you got a call from me, why don't you take it? And, Tab, I'll throw this out there now so you have plenty of time to come up with another excuse, when I leave a message, I wanna know why it isn't returned."
I stared at him and he stared at me.
I licked my upper lip, his eyes dropped to my mouth, his face got hard, and suddenly the room felt like a silent thunderclap rolled through it.
It was then I knew I couldn't take it anymore.
"I know about her," I whispered, and yes, that came right out, and yes, it sounded like an accusation.
"Say again?" he asked.
"I know about her. Your woman."
His brows went up. "So?"
So?
So?
"So, you didn't tell me about her," I pointed out.
"Sorry, Tab, didn't know I needed to report to you about who I fuck," he fired back.
It's totally a real love connection.
There is something else that bugged the crap out of me.
The frigging obsession with her tongue.
This girl licks her lips and rolls that tongue out more than my dog does when he is licking his non-existent balls.
That just is so sexy.
Now get in line:
Booksource: library
For the spotlight on this book I'm spotlighting my friend Brandie's review I love her review and I totally trust Brandie's opinion. So I probably did read this one wrong. Brandie and I have been friends since I think about the first week I joined GR. I adore the girl, so go show her some love.
April 17, 2013
5 KA DeliciousDreams&BadassLove Stars
- Hey mommy, I dreamed a dream, last night.
-Aw, honey… Did you get scared?
-No, mom it wasn’t like that. I saw that beautiful man again.
-Pumpkin, men aren’t beautiful. They are called HANDSOME. Do you remember, how we talked about that and we said that boys are a little sensitive that way?
-Yeah, mom, but he WAS *stomp foot*!!!! And he was shiny and and hadsome and beautiful and he comed to me riding.
-It’s haNdsome, love and came, not comed. *sigh* So, riding? Hmmm… Did you see your prince on his white horse like Snow White?
-Nah…. Prince Charming is kinda lame, mom!
My man, came riding on his Harley, wearing his scuffed boots and his tight leathers. He took off his helmet and he put it on my head. When I grow up I will be his old lady and he will love me enough for 3 Princes, 2 Doctors and 5 Lawyers. Sorry, mom, but MY MAN, will fight my battles and he will love me forever, cussing and cursing, colouring my world, me always on the back of his motorcycle.
Biker meets Biker Babe from birth
Tabitha Allen was born a Biker Princess. The daughter of Chaos Motorcycle Club's President, she always knew that the brothers got her back. She was born to ride. And she had the biggest crush on one of her father's "brothers". Until a fateful night, that by saving her, he broke heart and crashed her dreams. She moved on, the only way she knew, finding love and a future.
Parker "Shy" Cage knows how much it hurts to lose family. So he protects his new one, the Club and its people, at every cost.
He lost Tabby before even getting her and just a taste years ago, haunts him. He understands that he doesn't stand chance and now he has to live with this mistake, trying to make the best out of his life. Find someone to ease his pain.
Life, tragedy and their deep feelings are bringing them back together, stronger, brighter and forever.
“Always and forever, baby, you’re stuck with me.”
To dream again, to breath deep, to BE, they have to prove themselves to each other, their family, the Club and fate. Will fate be in their side, this time? Will they ride together? Or to earn this right, they will be asked to forfeit another?
Amazing and kickass, beautiful and awesome, in a way that only Kristen Ashley can deliver, this is a book about badasses and their women, another way of life, dangerous and liberating in an outlaw(-ish) kinda way.
Young but mature beyond their years, Shy and Tabby are growing up and falling deeper and deeper right in front of our eyes and we are witnessing their journey till they find each other. Life dealt them a hand and they are making the most of it, until the all in and them leaving with the pot.
What makes this story even more beautiful and swoonworthy is the sheer amount of testosterone you experience.... Holy hotness, I wanted to rub my face in it!!
SPECIAL GUEST STARS
Kane "Tack" Allen
Oh come on... A brother with a slutty past is messing with his daughter. What are you expecting??? I have to say, at first:
but after some much needed epiphany:
Lee Nightingale
you’re hiring Lee Nightingale and, girl, you know, that dude has had books written about him. They were fictionalized, but he’s also in the paper all the time, so we both know whoever wrote that shit did not tone it down. He’s the badass to end all badasses. He’s such a badass, he’s the freakin’ definition of badass, and his team of badasses only exist to define alternate nuances of the same thing.” Her chin jerked out. “Badass.”
Hawk Delgado
I also knew Hawk Delgado could totally join the cast of The Expendables but it was more likely he would act as a consultant on the film because Hawk Delgado didn’t playact badass. He just was one.
You don't mess with them...
We also get a little insight in Hop's story that follows and without spoiling anything I'll only say that now I can't wait to read it. This book is missing the usual KA-bawl-your-eyes-out epilogue, but it makes sense because the "Chaos" series are more closely connected than her previous' ones.
KA fans you don't wanna miss this story!!! And you, yes I'm talking to you!! PICK A KA BOOK NOW!!!!
Bonus Quote courtesy of Elvira:
If I was makin’ a porno, not that I’d make a porno, but, just sayin’, if I was, it’d be all about a UFC ring, sweaty hot guys with tape on their hands and shorts that come off easy, say, with that Velcro stuff at the sides. One yank and gone. You get what I’m sayin’?”
- Hey mommy, I dreamed a dream, last night.
-Aw, honey… Did you get scared?
-No, mom it wasn’t like that. I saw that beautiful man again.
-Pumpkin, men aren’t beautiful. They are called HANDSOME. Do you remember, how we talked about that and we said that boys are a little sensitive that way?
-Yeah, mom, but he WAS *stomp foot*!!!! And he was shiny and and hadsome and beautiful and he comed to me riding.
-It’s haNdsome, love and came, not comed. *sigh* So, riding? Hmmm… Did you see your prince on his white horse like Snow White?
-Nah…. Prince Charming is kinda lame, mom!
My man, came riding on his Harley, wearing his scuffed boots and his tight leathers. He took off his helmet and he put it on my head. When I grow up I will be his old lady and he will love me enough for 3 Princes, 2 Doctors and 5 Lawyers. Sorry, mom, but MY MAN, will fight my battles and he will love me forever, cussing and cursing, colouring my world, me always on the back of his motorcycle.
TEAM BIKERS & CHAOS CLUB
Biker meets Biker Babe from birth
Tabitha Allen was born a Biker Princess. The daughter of Chaos Motorcycle Club's President, she always knew that the brothers got her back. She was born to ride. And she had the biggest crush on one of her father's "brothers". Until a fateful night, that by saving her, he broke heart and crashed her dreams. She moved on, the only way she knew, finding love and a future.
Parker "Shy" Cage knows how much it hurts to lose family. So he protects his new one, the Club and its people, at every cost.
He lost Tabby before even getting her and just a taste years ago, haunts him. He understands that he doesn't stand chance and now he has to live with this mistake, trying to make the best out of his life. Find someone to ease his pain.
Life, tragedy and their deep feelings are bringing them back together, stronger, brighter and forever.
“Always and forever, baby, you’re stuck with me.”
To dream again, to breath deep, to BE, they have to prove themselves to each other, their family, the Club and fate. Will fate be in their side, this time? Will they ride together? Or to earn this right, they will be asked to forfeit another?
Amazing and kickass, beautiful and awesome, in a way that only Kristen Ashley can deliver, this is a book about badasses and their women, another way of life, dangerous and liberating in an outlaw(-ish) kinda way.
Young but mature beyond their years, Shy and Tabby are growing up and falling deeper and deeper right in front of our eyes and we are witnessing their journey till they find each other. Life dealt them a hand and they are making the most of it, until the all in and them leaving with the pot.
What makes this story even more beautiful and swoonworthy is the sheer amount of testosterone you experience.... Holy hotness, I wanted to rub my face in it!!
SPECIAL GUEST STARS
Kane "Tack" Allen
Oh come on... A brother with a slutty past is messing with his daughter. What are you expecting??? I have to say, at first:
but after some much needed epiphany:
Lee Nightingale
you’re hiring Lee Nightingale and, girl, you know, that dude has had books written about him. They were fictionalized, but he’s also in the paper all the time, so we both know whoever wrote that shit did not tone it down. He’s the badass to end all badasses. He’s such a badass, he’s the freakin’ definition of badass, and his team of badasses only exist to define alternate nuances of the same thing.” Her chin jerked out. “Badass.”
Hawk Delgado
I also knew Hawk Delgado could totally join the cast of The Expendables but it was more likely he would act as a consultant on the film because Hawk Delgado didn’t playact badass. He just was one.
You don't mess with them...
We also get a little insight in Hop's story that follows and without spoiling anything I'll only say that now I can't wait to read it. This book is missing the usual KA-bawl-your-eyes-out epilogue, but it makes sense because the "Chaos" series are more closely connected than her previous' ones.
KA fans you don't wanna miss this story!!! And you, yes I'm talking to you!! PICK A KA BOOK NOW!!!!
Bonus Quote courtesy of Elvira:
If I was makin’ a porno, not that I’d make a porno, but, just sayin’, if I was, it’d be all about a UFC ring, sweaty hot guys with tape on their hands and shorts that come off easy, say, with that Velcro stuff at the sides. One yank and gone. You get what I’m sayin’?”
April 1, 2013
5…10…15...20 Stars!! Absolute Perfection!! Shy and Tabby and Own the Wind embody everything that the Kristen Ashley name represents! She remained true to herself and her readers will NOT be disappointed. KA's brilliant story telling has been polished to a shine!! IT'S CLASSIC KA…GOLDEN!!
"I dreamed a dream"
I’m at a loss when I have to review a Kristen Ashley book. I sound like a broken record, because I say the same things over and over, but here I go again. Kristen Ashley is one of the few authors that transports her readers into the story, you become a participant; a bystander watching it all play out, you are so close you can almost reach out and touch the characters. I FEEL so much when I’m reading one of her books, a whirlwind of emotions, it exhausts me and yet I am fulfilled, utterly content after I turn the last page, and Own the Wind was no exception!
I loved Tabby’s sass, strength and determination. She’s grown since Motorcycle Man and continued to mature and become her own woman in Own the Wind . She doesn’t wait for life to come find her; she goes out and finds it herself.
Shy is smart, and most of the time he’s logical and reasonable. He’s a bad boy for sure, and he’s described as a player by those who know him, but I don’t see him that way. Oh yeah, he’s got girls bouncing off his bed, but he’s up front on what he’s doing, honest about what he’s looking for, and doesn’t pit one chick against the other. I see him as a man with a really strong libido, and if woman are willing to fall into bed with him, who is he to say no!! He’s had some hard knocks in his life and when the beauty that is Tabby is willing to give him a shot, he grabs at it with everything that he is.
Once they commit…nothing can come between them…another strong point in the story. Oh they fight, but they don’t waver! When these two get between the sheets, in the shower, on the counter...wherever...it is EXPLOSIVE!!! The heat is on and it does not stop! But what I loved the most, was their intimate conversations, where they come to terms with one another. Talk about their past and their future...beautiful!
"Now I’m an us again, and that’s what I’ll be with my woman and the family we make until the day I fucking die."
KA says some of the most profound things and relays powerful messages within the story. I love how the importance of family played into this book, all kinds of family…blood ties and also the club. Family is everything and you do whatever it takes to keep it together, but nothing comes between the one you’ve chosen to spend your life with.
She also rocked the dialogue!! There are some amazing verbal smack-downs, like nothing I’ve ever read in any of her other books. It fires it off…bam bam bam …you can hardly keep up, it had me breathless, it was heartpounding, nailbiting, you are there in that moment…fantastic!
So here are my final thoughts. In my opinion this is Kristen Ashley's most well rounded book, and the best she’s ever written. The story is a page turner, Tabby and Shy will capture your heart, and there is so much in the way of the other characters and setting that is familiar, it’s like going home. But most importantly, you will never doubt that the book you are reading is Kristen Ashley’s, her trademark storytelling is there is spades, yet it’s more defined, sharp, and has a professional stamp on it. Yes, the epilogue is not what we are used to, but it’s still very good, plus remember this is a continuing series, and just as we got to read about characters that are familiar to us in this book, I’m sure we will see Tabby and Shy’s story play out as the series moves forward. Last but not least, KA’s decision to partner with Grand Central Publishing was a smart move, as a businesswoman and most importantly as an author! I have no doubt that her fans will love this book as much as I did.
“May feel like you’re fallin’, Tabby, but remember, I’m at the bottom ready to catch you.”
Shy and Tabby’s song ~ Count on Me by Default
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1FQa...
I know that life ain't always good to you.
I've seen exactly what it’s put you through
Thrown you around and turned you upside down and so you
You got to thinking there was no way out
You started sinking and it pulled you down
It may be tough you've to get back up
Because you know that life ain't over yet
I'm here for you so don't forget
You can count on me
Cause’ I will carry you till you
Carry on
Anytime you need someone
Somebody strong to lean on
Well you can count on me
To hold you till the healing is done
And every time you fall apart
Well you can hide here in my arms
And you can count on me
To hold you till that feeling is gone…
**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing, Kristen Ashley and Chas**
October 6, 2020
4 Stars (Originally Read 8/10/2016 and wrote following review)
4 Stars (Re-Read* 6/12/2019)
3.5 Stars (2nd Re-Read** 10/6/2020)
Overall Opinion: I liked this one. I really appreciated getting the H's POV more than usual, as it really helped me understand him. It also helped me feel and believe in their strong connection. It's no secret that I am a Kristen Ashley fan, so I'm not all that shocked that this was a winner for me. This had a lot of the typical KA features, but it also had differences (in a good way). I really liked this couple, and if it wasn't for the ending (see pacing below) I would've rated it higher :)
*Re-Read Update: I enjoyed this again. I am going to keep my rating the same, as I felt pretty much the same as I did when I read it the first time. I'm still frustrated with the ending which prevented me from rating it higher, but an overall good re-read!
**Re-Read Update: This was enjoyable, but just not quite as much as before. It very well could be the book funk I’m in, but the constant time jumps and half assed ending bugged me more this go-round. I still enjoyed the overall premise and the characters though. I’m just not sure if this will continue to be a re-read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Tabby and Shy's story. Tabby is the mc's president's daughter and Shy is a brother, so when Shy gets called (yet again) to pick Tabby up from a party he isn't all that surprised. He lays it all out for her in a harsh way that her reckless behavior has got to stop, and he ends up hurting her. Shy didn't realize that he would lose her too, but he does and she avoids him for years because of his actions that one night. After a tragic event, he finds himself picking her up again and they start to form a friendship. The friendship turns into more, and they fall in love. There is some mc, family, and friend drama, some sweet moments, and some sexy times...and they do get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Tabby and Shy's POV. There seemed to be much more in the H's pov (as well as the h's) than there normally is in KA books. I liked that!
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. KA books always tend to be on the long side, so I was expecting that. What I didn't expect was that it seemed like an abrupt ending. Don't get me wrong -- I got my HEA...but it felt like it was missing that big conflict right before the ending that is so common in her books, and it really threw me off. I never skimmed and it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No. They've known each other for years.
H rating: 4 stars. Shy. I liked him. He was the pushy alpha H that KA writes so well. I really appreciated how we experienced his regrets, and his longing for the h.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Tabby. I liked her, but I felt like she held on to her grudges too long at times.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I never needed any tissues, but I did shed a few tears.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used until std testing and birth control happens. I don't remember any mention of the h's past practices, but the H says he had never gone without a condom.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending . I would've loved a farther jump ahead epilogue tbh -- but that is probably me just being greedy ;)
How I got it: I got it on loan through my local library.
Safety: I'd say that this is either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most readers depending on personal preferences.
4 Stars (Re-Read* 6/12/2019)
3.5 Stars (2nd Re-Read** 10/6/2020)
Overall Opinion: I liked this one. I really appreciated getting the H's POV more than usual, as it really helped me understand him. It also helped me feel and believe in their strong connection. It's no secret that I am a Kristen Ashley fan, so I'm not all that shocked that this was a winner for me. This had a lot of the typical KA features, but it also had differences (in a good way). I really liked this couple, and if it wasn't for the ending (see pacing below) I would've rated it higher :)
*Re-Read Update: I enjoyed this again. I am going to keep my rating the same, as I felt pretty much the same as I did when I read it the first time. I'm still frustrated with the ending which prevented me from rating it higher, but an overall good re-read!
**Re-Read Update: This was enjoyable, but just not quite as much as before. It very well could be the book funk I’m in, but the constant time jumps and half assed ending bugged me more this go-round. I still enjoyed the overall premise and the characters though. I’m just not sure if this will continue to be a re-read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Tabby and Shy's story. Tabby is the mc's president's daughter and Shy is a brother, so when Shy gets called (yet again) to pick Tabby up from a party he isn't all that surprised. He lays it all out for her in a harsh way that her reckless behavior has got to stop, and he ends up hurting her. Shy didn't realize that he would lose her too, but he does and she avoids him for years because of his actions that one night. After a tragic event, he finds himself picking her up again and they start to form a friendship. The friendship turns into more, and they fall in love. There is some mc, family, and friend drama, some sweet moments, and some sexy times...and they do get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Tabby and Shy's POV. There seemed to be much more in the H's pov (as well as the h's) than there normally is in KA books. I liked that!
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. KA books always tend to be on the long side, so I was expecting that. What I didn't expect was that it seemed like an abrupt ending. Don't get me wrong -- I got my HEA...but it felt like it was missing that big conflict right before the ending that is so common in her books, and it really threw me off. I never skimmed and it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No. They've known each other for years.
H rating: 4 stars. Shy. I liked him. He was the pushy alpha H that KA writes so well. I really appreciated how we experienced his regrets, and his longing for the h.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Tabby. I liked her, but I felt like she held on to her grudges too long at times.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I never needed any tissues, but I did shed a few tears.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used until std testing and birth control happens. I don't remember any mention of the h's past practices, but the H says he had never gone without a condom.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending . I would've loved a farther jump ahead epilogue tbh -- but that is probably me just being greedy ;)
How I got it: I got it on loan through my local library.
Safety: I'd say that this is either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most readers depending on personal preferences.
December 1, 2015
3.5 stars
Okay, truth time. I read this when it first came out . . . and I hated it. I thought it was bland, boring, watered-down KA. I mean, come on . . . Instead of the normal
And YES, I know that's sounds like PLENTY. But if you're a KA fangirl like I'm a KA fangirl, you know that shit is WEAK.
At least it was. This time around . . . It still wasn't nearly as adrenaline-killing as what I was used to, but it also wasn't as half-assed as I'd originally judged it.
SO. My bad.
PS - if anyone knows which MC book has the biker dude and his girl having a knockdown drag-out that ends with him hitting the road on his bike while she's preggers, except he doesn't know b/c she never told him, please let me know what it was.
B/c it wasn't this one. Also, my bad.
Full RTC.
11/22/15: I borderline hated this the first time I read it, but I'm giving it another shot (b/c KA) with Robin , Joanita , Stephanie , Brandi , and Choko over at BB&B .
*crosses fingers*
Okay, truth time. I read this when it first came out . . . and I hated it. I thought it was bland, boring, watered-down KA. I mean, come on . . . Instead of the normal
And YES, I know that's sounds like PLENTY. But if you're a KA fangirl like I'm a KA fangirl, you know that shit is WEAK.
At least it was. This time around . . . It still wasn't nearly as adrenaline-killing as what I was used to, but it also wasn't as half-assed as I'd originally judged it.
SO. My bad.
PS - if anyone knows which MC book has the biker dude and his girl having a knockdown drag-out that ends with him hitting the road on his bike while she's preggers, except he doesn't know b/c she never told him, please let me know what it was.
B/c it wasn't this one. Also, my bad.
Full RTC.
11/22/15: I borderline hated this the first time I read it, but I'm giving it another shot (b/c KA) with Robin , Joanita , Stephanie , Brandi , and Choko over at BB&B .
*crosses fingers*
April 7, 2013
First off, I want to thank my friend Amanda for making it impossible for me to look at this cover title without thinking of flatulence.
2.5 stars. Remember when I said I was on a long, long break from this author? I blame friends for dragging me back in.
Others : Stacia, this one is EDITED.
Me : Nope. I'm not going there.
Others : But it's shorter. It's more polished. You know...
Me : Fine. I have at least 3 lives left. My curiosity is going to get me soon though.
I honestly think that the ship of 'hoping for something unique' has sailed for me. Ashley's got a formula and she's sticking to it. The hardcore fans love it and I get that. I just personally can't get excited about reading the same story over and over with only a few tweaks here and there. You can change the wrapping paper each time you re-gift, but there's still gonna be a Chia pet inside.
The Positive :
~ The editing and condensing helped. A LOT. I don't recall one 5 page scene of backyard BBQ details.
~ The characters were likable. Given that I don't generally like KA heroines, I was surprised to find that I liked Tabby. And Shy was more my speed than some of the super-roided out alphas I've seen before. I have a weakness for the tall and lean ones.
~ The steam content is always nice and the story was an easy read. For the first half, at least.
The Negative :
~ There's nothing new to see here. The story is rearranged and the characters all still talk the same. And that remains the recurring problem (for me).
~ Shy put his hands on Tabby's mom by hitting her in the chest and pushing her into a wall. Not cool.
~ Like others have observed, it appears that the MC info was very poorly researched and/or lifted from television ideas. Nothing about that part of the story felt real.
~ The second half of the book had me skimming. I got bored after they got together and I didn't really care to want to read another "insert random scene of drama in the second half" again, so I skipped ahead a few chapters to the epilogue.
All in all, I wasn't impressed but I also didn't feel like I completely wasted a couple of hours. I enjoyed the sexy times and was able to breeze past some parts I didn't like. The editing is really what saved the book from being repetitive to the point of being bad. I know now that I'll probably never again read one of the older (pre-edited) long KA books, but I might at some point check out another one of the newer short books.
My one big WTF moment (if you know me, you won't be suprised) : It was more intoxicating than any liquor, a high better than any fucking drug.
2.5 stars. Remember when I said I was on a long, long break from this author? I blame friends for dragging me back in.
Others : Stacia, this one is EDITED.
Me : Nope. I'm not going there.
Others : But it's shorter. It's more polished. You know...
Me : Fine. I have at least 3 lives left. My curiosity is going to get me soon though.
I honestly think that the ship of 'hoping for something unique' has sailed for me. Ashley's got a formula and she's sticking to it. The hardcore fans love it and I get that. I just personally can't get excited about reading the same story over and over with only a few tweaks here and there. You can change the wrapping paper each time you re-gift, but there's still gonna be a Chia pet inside.
The Positive :
~ The editing and condensing helped. A LOT. I don't recall one 5 page scene of backyard BBQ details.
~ The characters were likable. Given that I don't generally like KA heroines, I was surprised to find that I liked Tabby. And Shy was more my speed than some of the super-roided out alphas I've seen before. I have a weakness for the tall and lean ones.
~ The steam content is always nice and the story was an easy read. For the first half, at least.
The Negative :
~ There's nothing new to see here. The story is rearranged and the characters all still talk the same. And that remains the recurring problem (for me).
~ Shy put his hands on Tabby's mom by hitting her in the chest and pushing her into a wall. Not cool.
~ Like others have observed, it appears that the MC info was very poorly researched and/or lifted from television ideas. Nothing about that part of the story felt real.
~ The second half of the book had me skimming. I got bored after they got together and I didn't really care to want to read another "insert random scene of drama in the second half" again, so I skipped ahead a few chapters to the epilogue.
All in all, I wasn't impressed but I also didn't feel like I completely wasted a couple of hours. I enjoyed the sexy times and was able to breeze past some parts I didn't like. The editing is really what saved the book from being repetitive to the point of being bad. I know now that I'll probably never again read one of the older (pre-edited) long KA books, but I might at some point check out another one of the newer short books.
My one big WTF moment (if you know me, you won't be suprised) : It was more intoxicating than any liquor, a high better than any fucking drug.
December 4, 2013
To whoever added this to the group and proceeded to vote for it: I hate you and I'll send you poop for your birthday, till the end of time.
It’s not me, it’s you book, all you!
This book made me so mad that I wanted to chuck my laptop out the window. I will never pick up a book by this author[side note: the female character from another of her books should have clued me in that this wasn’t for me, but it serves to see that I am a masochist; who the hell sleeps with a dude for over 6 months without knowing his name?!] or from this contemporary sub-genre.
I try never to do this since I respect authors a lot, but WHAT THE HELL Ms. Ashley? WHAT THE HELL? If you need synonyms use a frigging thesaurus not the same word over and over and over and over and over and over again! See how annoying that is, see?? Examples of great literature(and this only from 2 or 3 pages):
“Baby, bein’ your safe harbor doesn’t come with me gettin’ pissed when you gotta do what you gotta do when you gotta do it.
or
Jason hated my apartment. Not frequently but often enough to make his point, when we were cuddling on the couch watching TV or he was sitting on a stool at the bar watching me ruin dinner, he’d say something like, “Can’t wait until we can get you out of this pit.”
It wasn’t a pit. It was old and worn, but it wasn’t a pit.
Jason thought it was a pit.
Looking at Shy leaning into the counter, he didn’t look like he thought my place was a pit.
Thank you for repeating it. I really enjoyed that. I did!
That sucks, huge, so huge it’s impossible to measure how huge that sucks, it’s that huge.
My last neuron... he just died from sadness.
It's like the characters are retarded: they repeat what other character said or repeat what they said/thought some moments ago. Are you all so dim?? Do you have a memory problem? Besides that I don't understand the thought patterns of any of these characters, they have so convoluted ways of considering problems and talking that I just couldn’t keep up.
Apart from this MAJOR problems, let me tell you about the characters… We have the death-to-feminism-and-other-diseases hero who is the perfect example of the ‘80s bodice reapers dudes. It’s obvious he hates women and disrespects them(the overuse of the word “bitch” gave him away) and, like in those novels, I presume he’ll come to see that HIS woman, not all the gender, are worthy of respect. Besides this dominant character flaw he can’t just make up his mind: he disrespects, talks down to and insults the heroine and then he wanders why she avoids his shitty ass, shame on her for doing it too!
Now, the heroine… she is the washed out copy of a snarky heroine and to add to it, stupid as well. He reduces her to tears, literally, and after 2 years or so he’s the best thing from toilet paper! This Tabitha[every time I see the name I think of the amazing character from dark Hunters that this idiot doesn’t even come close to] is from the earthworm-brained, TSTL category: she can’t make up her mind, is a coward and shacks up with the king of the world from above.
Additionally the names from this books… I hate them. I don’t want to get into this since it will take me forever, but what the hell names are those?!
All in all, I came to the conclusion that this biker book, and maybe all the others, is the re-enactment of the 80s bodice rippers, but with crappy clothing, bad language, stupid people, lesser manners, an uglier setting and the “fuck you grammar, I hate you” attitude. And if we are really lucky, we might find drug dealers and arms dealers too!
All this was brought after 20% of reading, imagine what I could have done if I read more... I shudder in fear.
It’s not me, it’s you book, all you!
This book made me so mad that I wanted to chuck my laptop out the window. I will never pick up a book by this author[side note: the female character from another of her books should have clued me in that this wasn’t for me, but it serves to see that I am a masochist; who the hell sleeps with a dude for over 6 months without knowing his name?!] or from this contemporary sub-genre.
I try never to do this since I respect authors a lot, but WHAT THE HELL Ms. Ashley? WHAT THE HELL? If you need synonyms use a frigging thesaurus not the same word over and over and over and over and over and over again! See how annoying that is, see?? Examples of great literature(and this only from 2 or 3 pages):
“Baby, bein’ your safe harbor doesn’t come with me gettin’ pissed when you gotta do what you gotta do when you gotta do it.
or
Jason hated my apartment. Not frequently but often enough to make his point, when we were cuddling on the couch watching TV or he was sitting on a stool at the bar watching me ruin dinner, he’d say something like, “Can’t wait until we can get you out of this pit.”
It wasn’t a pit. It was old and worn, but it wasn’t a pit.
Jason thought it was a pit.
Looking at Shy leaning into the counter, he didn’t look like he thought my place was a pit.
Thank you for repeating it. I really enjoyed that. I did!
That sucks, huge, so huge it’s impossible to measure how huge that sucks, it’s that huge.
My last neuron... he just died from sadness.
It's like the characters are retarded: they repeat what other character said or repeat what they said/thought some moments ago. Are you all so dim?? Do you have a memory problem? Besides that I don't understand the thought patterns of any of these characters, they have so convoluted ways of considering problems and talking that I just couldn’t keep up.
Apart from this MAJOR problems, let me tell you about the characters… We have the death-to-feminism-and-other-diseases hero who is the perfect example of the ‘80s bodice reapers dudes. It’s obvious he hates women and disrespects them(the overuse of the word “bitch” gave him away) and, like in those novels, I presume he’ll come to see that HIS woman, not all the gender, are worthy of respect. Besides this dominant character flaw he can’t just make up his mind: he disrespects, talks down to and insults the heroine and then he wanders why she avoids his shitty ass, shame on her for doing it too!
Now, the heroine… she is the washed out copy of a snarky heroine and to add to it, stupid as well. He reduces her to tears, literally, and after 2 years or so he’s the best thing from toilet paper! This Tabitha[every time I see the name I think of the amazing character from dark Hunters that this idiot doesn’t even come close to] is from the earthworm-brained, TSTL category: she can’t make up her mind, is a coward and shacks up with the king of the world from above.
Additionally the names from this books… I hate them. I don’t want to get into this since it will take me forever, but what the hell names are those?!
All in all, I came to the conclusion that this biker book, and maybe all the others, is the re-enactment of the 80s bodice rippers, but with crappy clothing, bad language, stupid people, lesser manners, an uglier setting and the “fuck you grammar, I hate you” attitude. And if we are really lucky, we might find drug dealers and arms dealers too!
All this was brought after 20% of reading, imagine what I could have done if I read more... I shudder in fear.
June 8, 2015
I adore KA's storytelling, and Own the Wind is another great example of her ability to create loveable characters and a story that will keep you turning the page. I enjoyed Shy and Tabby's book and look forward to continuing the series.
February 9, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
Hmmmmm. Turns out I kinda like these bad boy motorcycle a-holes . . .
Okay. So even though this is the first in the series it’s really not because the Chaos Motorcycle Club was introduced in Motorcyle Man. I now realize this whole biker scene is a vortex which is nearly impossible to pull yourself out of once you begin, but before I knew that I already had Own the Wind on hold at the liburrrrrrry (Kindle version only because ewwww - Holy Splooshfest, Batman). The reason???? The leading male was described as looking like this guy . . .
Yes please. Do want.
Alright, so like I said, even though this is book 1 it’s really more like book 2. The main characters are Tabby and Shy who were introduced back in Motorcycle Man. Tabby is the daughter of the Club’s President – Shy is one of the “brothers.” When we last saw Tab she was 16 – this book picks up a few years later. It was obvious she was creaming her underage jeans for Shy even back then, but since he was not interested in having a sitdown with Dateline he steered clear - and also because banging the Pres’ kid is strictly verboten. Long story short, Own the Wind does the fastforwardy timeline, bad shit happens, Tab and Shy play the will they/won’t they game for LIKE. FUCKING. EVER. and finally they get down to bidness. And unlike the Super Bowl halftime show, the smexytimes in this book were f-in’ . . .
I think my underwears melted.
Anyway, then more stuff happens and angst and drama llama and a bunch of totally not necessary monkeywrenches get thrown in, but luckily there was plenty more . . . .
thrown in to keep my interest.
These books have zero nutritional value, but somehow I want to eat a whole cabinet full of them anyway. I have no excuse for myself. At this point I am claiming that I won’t be reading the entire series because 600+ PAGES FOR BOOKS 3 AND 4?!?!?!?! Damn. Get thee to a book editor, Kristen Ashley. However, I would not place money on my ability to stay away. I also thought I’d have no interest in reading “Hop’s” book (which is the next in this series) after wanting to straight up pull a Cassius Clay on his ballsack, but then they talked about his mustache and it sounds very . . .
So now I’m getting ready to immediately run back to the library website because . . .
I need an intervention.
The one good thing to come out of this is proof that Shelby and I do not share one brain. She read this 100% wrong and now I’m not sure we can be friends any longer ; )
3.5 Stars
Hmmmmm. Turns out I kinda like these bad boy motorcycle a-holes . . .
Okay. So even though this is the first in the series it’s really not because the Chaos Motorcycle Club was introduced in Motorcyle Man. I now realize this whole biker scene is a vortex which is nearly impossible to pull yourself out of once you begin, but before I knew that I already had Own the Wind on hold at the liburrrrrrry (Kindle version only because ewwww - Holy Splooshfest, Batman). The reason???? The leading male was described as looking like this guy . . .
Yes please. Do want.
Alright, so like I said, even though this is book 1 it’s really more like book 2. The main characters are Tabby and Shy who were introduced back in Motorcycle Man. Tabby is the daughter of the Club’s President – Shy is one of the “brothers.” When we last saw Tab she was 16 – this book picks up a few years later. It was obvious she was creaming her underage jeans for Shy even back then, but since he was not interested in having a sitdown with Dateline he steered clear - and also because banging the Pres’ kid is strictly verboten. Long story short, Own the Wind does the fastforwardy timeline, bad shit happens, Tab and Shy play the will they/won’t they game for LIKE. FUCKING. EVER. and finally they get down to bidness. And unlike the Super Bowl halftime show, the smexytimes in this book were f-in’ . . .
I think my underwears melted.
Anyway, then more stuff happens and angst and drama llama and a bunch of totally not necessary monkeywrenches get thrown in, but luckily there was plenty more . . . .
thrown in to keep my interest.
These books have zero nutritional value, but somehow I want to eat a whole cabinet full of them anyway. I have no excuse for myself. At this point I am claiming that I won’t be reading the entire series because 600+ PAGES FOR BOOKS 3 AND 4?!?!?!?! Damn. Get thee to a book editor, Kristen Ashley. However, I would not place money on my ability to stay away. I also thought I’d have no interest in reading “Hop’s” book (which is the next in this series) after wanting to straight up pull a Cassius Clay on his ballsack, but then they talked about his mustache and it sounds very . . .
So now I’m getting ready to immediately run back to the library website because . . .
I need an intervention.
The one good thing to come out of this is proof that Shelby and I do not share one brain. She read this 100% wrong and now I’m not sure we can be friends any longer ; )
April 4, 2013
03/28/2013 -- FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED --
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 2 = 2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2.5 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars [Was an ARC, $3.79 on Amazon]
I think it is safe to say this isn't one of my favorite Kristen Ashley books. The concept was sound. Execution was lacking. I was excited about reading this as an ARC. I liked Motorcycle Man. But, have to say, if you've read that one, you've pretty much read this one. Nothing new...
A few things I liked:
1 – Shy and Tabby. They were actually pretty good characters, but here is the deal … they used much of the same dialogue I’ve seen in other characters created by this author. Their appearance is remarkably similar to other characters she has created. I liked them, but they were not unique in any form or fashion.
2 – I didn’t note any editing issues, but these haven't been a hot button for me in the past. Even so, this one was more polished compared to the wrongly spelled, poorly used verbiage we've experienced in the past. We all know, if the story is good, you can overlook much. We still have the stilted dialogue and the run on sentences. These have been described as Kristen Ashley trademarks. I’m not buying it. When you stop and look at some of this dialogue it just sounds stupid. You expect the guy to start pounding his chest and UGG’ing. I know men of few words. They aren’t men of few words because they don’t know how to talk or don’t know how to be polite, they are men of few words because they choose their words and battles wisely. I know bikers and to equate bikers with the degree of intelligence you see displayed here is just not fair.
3 – The cover informs the reader quickly about the subject content. I like knowing immediately about the contents. Does it pull me? Hmm… maybe a bit.
4 – The story length. Some of my favorite books were written by this author once upon a long time ago. One of the things I really liked was the longer length of story. When I like a story, I don’t want it to end. I absolutely did not feel this way about this one. It was mediocre in its’ best moments and I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
Unfortunately, I found more to not like than like in this one – here are a few things:
1 – Where was the story?
2 – Characters I’ve read in other books by this author over again. Almost like playing Barbies. We can change their hair color, change their clothes and maybe put them in a fairy castle instead of a cabana by the pool, but they are still the same Barbies. Nothing different or exciting. Therefore, not really worth the time.
3 – The dialogue and run on sentences employed by this author are beyond annoying. They were at a minimum with this book, but were still present. Enough to annoy me.
4 – Did anyone else notice the similarity to a “Sons of Anarchy” episode? A very strong resemblance. A few of the characters were almost identical. I love the show and think it is escape’ism at its best. I thought this book a mediocre to poor copy.
5 -- A very noticed shortcut taken in writing this story surprised me. Maybe this was an effort to cut length. Not sure. At the beginning of almost every chapter you jump ahead; a week, two weeks, a day, three days. Almost every chapter. This is a shortcut transition style that I don't think works well - unless used sparingly. There is so much you feel you miss. You feel slighted. This is the cheap way out and it surprised me this author took that shortcut. I don't know about other readers, but for me, if this is an example of what happens when a writer finds a publisher, I'm not sure I think it is all worth it.
I will to continue to give KA the benefit of the doubt for a bit longer. I will continue to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I wouldn’t say this is my least favorite K. Ashley book, but it is leaps away from my favored Sweet Dreams [in the wrong direction]. I can hope … maybe next time? I'm sure at some point I'll give up trying.
It didn’t happen for me this go ‘round. There are so many rave reviews for this one. I’m not one of them, but many felt this was a great offering. I hope when you read it, you feel the way they did. I wish I could :o|
I hope you are happy reading this one.
ARC provided by the publisher and author in exchange for an honest review.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I said this in a comment to someone as I was reading this book. The more I thought about it, it summed up my thoughts pretty clearly:
Just don't know anymore about this author. Same song, different verse ... like riding down the road with your iPod shuffle on repeat. Works until you get sick of it and then you won't ever listen to the song again, or, if you do -- "oh, yeah. I used to like that song, until ...". Know?
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 2 = 2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2.5 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars [Was an ARC, $3.79 on Amazon]
I think it is safe to say this isn't one of my favorite Kristen Ashley books. The concept was sound. Execution was lacking. I was excited about reading this as an ARC. I liked Motorcycle Man. But, have to say, if you've read that one, you've pretty much read this one. Nothing new...
A few things I liked:
1 – Shy and Tabby. They were actually pretty good characters, but here is the deal … they used much of the same dialogue I’ve seen in other characters created by this author. Their appearance is remarkably similar to other characters she has created. I liked them, but they were not unique in any form or fashion.
2 – I didn’t note any editing issues, but these haven't been a hot button for me in the past. Even so, this one was more polished compared to the wrongly spelled, poorly used verbiage we've experienced in the past. We all know, if the story is good, you can overlook much. We still have the stilted dialogue and the run on sentences. These have been described as Kristen Ashley trademarks. I’m not buying it. When you stop and look at some of this dialogue it just sounds stupid. You expect the guy to start pounding his chest and UGG’ing. I know men of few words. They aren’t men of few words because they don’t know how to talk or don’t know how to be polite, they are men of few words because they choose their words and battles wisely. I know bikers and to equate bikers with the degree of intelligence you see displayed here is just not fair.
3 – The cover informs the reader quickly about the subject content. I like knowing immediately about the contents. Does it pull me? Hmm… maybe a bit.
4 – The story length. Some of my favorite books were written by this author once upon a long time ago. One of the things I really liked was the longer length of story. When I like a story, I don’t want it to end. I absolutely did not feel this way about this one. It was mediocre in its’ best moments and I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
Unfortunately, I found more to not like than like in this one – here are a few things:
1 – Where was the story?
2 – Characters I’ve read in other books by this author over again. Almost like playing Barbies. We can change their hair color, change their clothes and maybe put them in a fairy castle instead of a cabana by the pool, but they are still the same Barbies. Nothing different or exciting. Therefore, not really worth the time.
3 – The dialogue and run on sentences employed by this author are beyond annoying. They were at a minimum with this book, but were still present. Enough to annoy me.
4 – Did anyone else notice the similarity to a “Sons of Anarchy” episode? A very strong resemblance. A few of the characters were almost identical. I love the show and think it is escape’ism at its best. I thought this book a mediocre to poor copy.
5 -- A very noticed shortcut taken in writing this story surprised me. Maybe this was an effort to cut length. Not sure. At the beginning of almost every chapter you jump ahead; a week, two weeks, a day, three days. Almost every chapter. This is a shortcut transition style that I don't think works well - unless used sparingly. There is so much you feel you miss. You feel slighted. This is the cheap way out and it surprised me this author took that shortcut. I don't know about other readers, but for me, if this is an example of what happens when a writer finds a publisher, I'm not sure I think it is all worth it.
I will to continue to give KA the benefit of the doubt for a bit longer. I will continue to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I wouldn’t say this is my least favorite K. Ashley book, but it is leaps away from my favored Sweet Dreams [in the wrong direction]. I can hope … maybe next time? I'm sure at some point I'll give up trying.
It didn’t happen for me this go ‘round. There are so many rave reviews for this one. I’m not one of them, but many felt this was a great offering. I hope when you read it, you feel the way they did. I wish I could :o|
I hope you are happy reading this one.
ARC provided by the publisher and author in exchange for an honest review.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I said this in a comment to someone as I was reading this book. The more I thought about it, it summed up my thoughts pretty clearly:
Just don't know anymore about this author. Same song, different verse ... like riding down the road with your iPod shuffle on repeat. Works until you get sick of it and then you won't ever listen to the song again, or, if you do -- "oh, yeah. I used to like that song, until ...". Know?
March 17, 2013
If you NEVER thought you could love Kristen and her men ANY MORE then BE PREPARED to be BLOWN THE F*CK AWAY by Own The Wind and Shy and Tabby!
For me what has ALWAYS made it or broken it when it came to Kristen's books were the women and i am more than happy to say that Tabby is one KICK-ASS chick that TOTALLY blew me away!! She was strong, she was sassy, she was gutsy and BOY DID SHE GIVE GOOD LIP!!!!
And OMG... Shy... he was just so... PHWOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was sweet... BOY WAS HE SO SWEET *stars in eyes* but he was also ALL the things that i love in Kristen's men; TOTALLY ALPHA, SEXY AS HELL with a TAKE-NO-SHIT-I-AM-THE-MAN attitude!!!! I F*CKING LOVED HIM!!!!
Please note this is by NO MEANS my review... it is just my rambling of thoughts because its is 1am and i'm not in the right frame of mind to write my proper review.
This book DESERVES A GAZZILION STARS, because it is THAT FREAKIN' AWESOME and i KNOW that all of you that will finally get to read it when it comes out will think that this is HONESTLY her BEST BOOK to date!!!!
Kristen, there has NEVER been and there NEVER will be another author like you, for me... you have CHANGED MY LIFE with your books and i will FOREVER be in your debt for that!!!
And can i just say that reading the preview of Fire Inside, the next Chaos novel has me CHOMPING AT THE BIT for Hop and Lanie's story!!!! BRING IT ON!!! MORE CHAOS, MORE HOT KA MEN, MORE AWESOMENESS... HELLS YEAH we all have SO MUCH to look forward too!!!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing with an ARC to read and review - yes folks you read it right, this book is up on Netgalley... run, i say, RUN over there and request it if you have an account NOW!!!
For me what has ALWAYS made it or broken it when it came to Kristen's books were the women and i am more than happy to say that Tabby is one KICK-ASS chick that TOTALLY blew me away!! She was strong, she was sassy, she was gutsy and BOY DID SHE GIVE GOOD LIP!!!!
And OMG... Shy... he was just so... PHWOAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was sweet... BOY WAS HE SO SWEET *stars in eyes* but he was also ALL the things that i love in Kristen's men; TOTALLY ALPHA, SEXY AS HELL with a TAKE-NO-SHIT-I-AM-THE-MAN attitude!!!! I F*CKING LOVED HIM!!!!
Please note this is by NO MEANS my review... it is just my rambling of thoughts because its is 1am and i'm not in the right frame of mind to write my proper review.
This book DESERVES A GAZZILION STARS, because it is THAT FREAKIN' AWESOME and i KNOW that all of you that will finally get to read it when it comes out will think that this is HONESTLY her BEST BOOK to date!!!!
Kristen, there has NEVER been and there NEVER will be another author like you, for me... you have CHANGED MY LIFE with your books and i will FOREVER be in your debt for that!!!
And can i just say that reading the preview of Fire Inside, the next Chaos novel has me CHOMPING AT THE BIT for Hop and Lanie's story!!!! BRING IT ON!!! MORE CHAOS, MORE HOT KA MEN, MORE AWESOMENESS... HELLS YEAH we all have SO MUCH to look forward too!!!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing with an ARC to read and review - yes folks you read it right, this book is up on Netgalley... run, i say, RUN over there and request it if you have an account NOW!!!
June 6, 2013
**2.5 stars**
At last!! I finished!! Three days of reading this book are finally over! **Happy dance!**
Now for my review. It is safe to say that I am not a Kristen Ashley fan-girl. I have read one other book by her before this, which I enjoyed, so I was hopeful for this one. However, this book definitely falls in the "negatives outweigh the positives" category. By the end of this book I was just praying for it to be over. Let's start with some good news, shall we?
What I liked:
1) The beginning. I didn't mind the time jumps and I was excited to see some backstory about Tabby and Shy's relationship.
2) The sex. Kristen Ashley SURE knows how to write a hot love scene! I think she has the panty-dropping scenes down to a science.
What I hated:
1) Shy himself. Ugh, I wanted to slap Shy so badly for the entire second 1/2 of the book. He is so freaking arrogant and controlling. Don't get me wrong, I like an alpha male as much as the next girl but when a man tells me "... you can get pissed, you can rant, you can try sweet, I am not washin' clothes and I'm not pushin' a vacuum. Do you understand me?", I would be SHAKING with anger. No I don't understand you, buddy! You don't have to want to vacuum but I would certainly expect a discussion about it, not just a "I ain't doing that, you feel me?"!!! No way, Jose! That isn't how a relationship works. Want another example of something he said that made me FUMING mad? "You nag or bust my balls, I can dump my clothes wherever the fuck I want at my place or the Compound, and I won't have a woman gettin' up in my face about it." Mind you, these conversations were after the two were in a serious, committed relationship. You just don't talk to your partner like that, you just don't. What made me knock down stars left and right was that I didn't want to be Tabby or envy Tabby in her relationship with Shy. I was so HAPPY that my husband is nothing like him! That isn't what you want from your alpha hero.
2) Tabby herself. She was doormat central in this relationship. She talks a big talk about how she is going to balance him and not let him walk all over her but each time he argues with her, she says, "He was right." It is like a freaking annoying broken record.
3) The situation with Tabby's boss at work.
4) Kristen Ashley's writing. Now I'm really going to get the fans rallying against me. I felt like this book had...well... no point. It was just a rambling series of mundane events in the life of a couple. Sure, there were things that happened, but it didn't feel like this story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I also spend 4 pages reading an argument about whether or not to buy a refrigerator that makes crushed ice... **crickets**. Also, I couldn't stand the way that all of her characters spoke in truncated sentences. What is their beef with pronouns?! They are there for a reason!
Surprisingly, I find myself wanting to move on to the next book in the series. I have the ARC already so I'm going to give it a try. I hope it is an improvement on this one for my tastes.
At last!! I finished!! Three days of reading this book are finally over! **Happy dance!**
Now for my review. It is safe to say that I am not a Kristen Ashley fan-girl. I have read one other book by her before this, which I enjoyed, so I was hopeful for this one. However, this book definitely falls in the "negatives outweigh the positives" category. By the end of this book I was just praying for it to be over. Let's start with some good news, shall we?
What I liked:
1) The beginning. I didn't mind the time jumps and I was excited to see some backstory about Tabby and Shy's relationship.
2) The sex. Kristen Ashley SURE knows how to write a hot love scene! I think she has the panty-dropping scenes down to a science.
What I hated:
1) Shy himself. Ugh, I wanted to slap Shy so badly for the entire second 1/2 of the book. He is so freaking arrogant and controlling. Don't get me wrong, I like an alpha male as much as the next girl but when a man tells me "... you can get pissed, you can rant, you can try sweet, I am not washin' clothes and I'm not pushin' a vacuum. Do you understand me?", I would be SHAKING with anger. No I don't understand you, buddy! You don't have to want to vacuum but I would certainly expect a discussion about it, not just a "I ain't doing that, you feel me?"!!! No way, Jose! That isn't how a relationship works. Want another example of something he said that made me FUMING mad? "You nag or bust my balls, I can dump my clothes wherever the fuck I want at my place or the Compound, and I won't have a woman gettin' up in my face about it." Mind you, these conversations were after the two were in a serious, committed relationship. You just don't talk to your partner like that, you just don't. What made me knock down stars left and right was that I didn't want to be Tabby or envy Tabby in her relationship with Shy. I was so HAPPY that my husband is nothing like him! That isn't what you want from your alpha hero.
2) Tabby herself. She was doormat central in this relationship. She talks a big talk about how she is going to balance him and not let him walk all over her but each time he argues with her, she says, "He was right." It is like a freaking annoying broken record.
3) The situation with Tabby's boss at work.
4) Kristen Ashley's writing. Now I'm really going to get the fans rallying against me. I felt like this book had...well... no point. It was just a rambling series of mundane events in the life of a couple. Sure, there were things that happened, but it didn't feel like this story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I also spend 4 pages reading an argument about whether or not to buy a refrigerator that makes crushed ice... **crickets**. Also, I couldn't stand the way that all of her characters spoke in truncated sentences. What is their beef with pronouns?! They are there for a reason!
Surprisingly, I find myself wanting to move on to the next book in the series. I have the ARC already so I'm going to give it a try. I hope it is an improvement on this one for my tastes.
May 3, 2013
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high and life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted ..
“You shittin’ me, are you fuckin’ shittin me, Mo, you think this was as good as Sweet fuckin’ Dreams”….. “Well, maybe not as good as but I am on a bit of a high here at the moment after reading about Shy Cage….. I mean, I do love you Tate, you know I do, but seriously do you not think that Shy is some real badass piece of shit…. I mean, if you were gay….. oK, me Bad, would you not turn for him?” “Fuck No, Mo, you mean the world to me – those other bithches meant nothing to me – that Baba, she has my name tattooed on her profile on Goodreads but she means nothing to me, she knows that you found me first and I am yours. Hell, she can’t even decide who she wants she has so many names tattooed on her. So I ain’t too happy that you think that Shy Cage is a badass biker that you could do – hey, ain’t he too fuckin’ young for you – he is only 27 – Jesus, Babe, you are old enough to be his fuckin’ mother”… “Nice one Tate, way to go to get a BJ tonight. All I am saying is that if anything ever happened between us, I could seriously go for Shy…. “
Sorry, girls…. Was away in my own little Denver world there for a while…. Yep, I found someone who could rival my one true love, Mr Tatum Jackson. Shy Cage…. A fuckin’ Dawg of the highest order – screws multiple women at a time, couldn’t give a shit about his reputation BUT he has his own One True Love – Tabby, Tabitha, Tab. Tabitha Allen, beautiful daughter of the equally beautiful Tack Allen and step-daugher of Ty-Ty.
This was great – won’t go into to much detail about the story line as it has been done before but would like to said that I was a little disappointed with Ms KA’s last book Raid. Wondered if she was going to desert her fans now that she had got the magic publishing deal. I mean there was a time when I would email her and she would reply but not any more. I don’t begrudge her her fame. She deserves it. But after Raid I thought, No, Kristen, stay true to form. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I embarked on the story of Shy and Tabby. I was NOT disappointed. It had all the elements that I loved from some of her previous books. The clothes descriptions, shoes, belts, earrings. The room descriptions, duvets, pillows, photoframes…… Sigh, Shy – you sweet, sweet boy. .. LOVED IT. Off to bed soon to DREAM about Shy. Tate, you keep your hands to yourself tonight…. And Elvira, she deserves a special mention. She was great. And the next book sounds like it will be fan fuckin’ tastic.
What to read next? That is the question.
When hope was high and life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted ..
“You shittin’ me, are you fuckin’ shittin me, Mo, you think this was as good as Sweet fuckin’ Dreams”….. “Well, maybe not as good as but I am on a bit of a high here at the moment after reading about Shy Cage….. I mean, I do love you Tate, you know I do, but seriously do you not think that Shy is some real badass piece of shit…. I mean, if you were gay….. oK, me Bad, would you not turn for him?” “Fuck No, Mo, you mean the world to me – those other bithches meant nothing to me – that Baba, she has my name tattooed on her profile on Goodreads but she means nothing to me, she knows that you found me first and I am yours. Hell, she can’t even decide who she wants she has so many names tattooed on her. So I ain’t too happy that you think that Shy Cage is a badass biker that you could do – hey, ain’t he too fuckin’ young for you – he is only 27 – Jesus, Babe, you are old enough to be his fuckin’ mother”… “Nice one Tate, way to go to get a BJ tonight. All I am saying is that if anything ever happened between us, I could seriously go for Shy…. “
Sorry, girls…. Was away in my own little Denver world there for a while…. Yep, I found someone who could rival my one true love, Mr Tatum Jackson. Shy Cage…. A fuckin’ Dawg of the highest order – screws multiple women at a time, couldn’t give a shit about his reputation BUT he has his own One True Love – Tabby, Tabitha, Tab. Tabitha Allen, beautiful daughter of the equally beautiful Tack Allen and step-daugher of Ty-Ty.
This was great – won’t go into to much detail about the story line as it has been done before but would like to said that I was a little disappointed with Ms KA’s last book Raid. Wondered if she was going to desert her fans now that she had got the magic publishing deal. I mean there was a time when I would email her and she would reply but not any more. I don’t begrudge her her fame. She deserves it. But after Raid I thought, No, Kristen, stay true to form. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I embarked on the story of Shy and Tabby. I was NOT disappointed. It had all the elements that I loved from some of her previous books. The clothes descriptions, shoes, belts, earrings. The room descriptions, duvets, pillows, photoframes…… Sigh, Shy – you sweet, sweet boy. .. LOVED IT. Off to bed soon to DREAM about Shy. Tate, you keep your hands to yourself tonight…. And Elvira, she deserves a special mention. She was great. And the next book sounds like it will be fan fuckin’ tastic.
What to read next? That is the question.
September 13, 2020
Okay, let's just start off by saying that I rated this story a 4.5 star. The reason being, I was so excited, and eagerly anticipating a HUGE dangerous & dramatic scene at the end... and I didn't get one (or the one I was expecting (sorry!).
I get what KA was doing.. any possible risk of losing Shy being the most devastating thing that Tabby would have to go through again being an enormous tragedy, but for me it just wasn't that... on the edge, chewing your nails, wondering what's going to happen next, a climax that I'm so used to in KA stories.
What I LOVED about this story was being able to witness Shy and Tabby growing up and maturing.
1) Tabby 19 years old - Shy 23: Tabby partying with her friends & Shy over-reacting and ending up being a dick to her. He breaks her heart.
She gives him a kiss to let him know what he's missing out on (and he never forgets the taste of). Tabby then straightens up, focuses on her studies to become a nurse, and makes him invisible for a couple of years.
2) Tabby then on the street with her boyfriend, all dolled up and looking at him like there's no one else in the world around them. Shy sees them together and realizes that if he wants to have "that" then he better stop acting like a dawg.
3) Tabby's fiancé (Jason) is killed in a car accident, and Shy knows he can't go to her directly (because he's still invisible to Tabby) but helps her and supports behind the scenes.
4) After many months of mourning Jason's death, Tabby decides she needs a night out, so she goes out with her best friend since high-school, Nathalie. Nathalie never grew up and is still partying like crazy, except she's partying with a dangerous crowd. Tabby doesn't like the situation she's in and calls Shy because she doesn't want the club & her father to find out about it.
5) Once Tabby lets Shy 'back in', they start to build a different kind of relationship. They become good friends. They hang out, cook dinner together, watch movies, and go for rides. They also begin to trust one another with stuff they never shared with anyone else.
6) Tabby goes to the compound one day, and sees Shy with another woman, and realizes he has an 'old lady'... and this almost kills her. She's upset, sad, and angry that Shy never told her he had a woman since she considered them really close. Shy calls her later on, and she freezes him out..again. After avoiding him for a couple of days, Shy is waiting for Tabby in her apartment when she gets home from work. She confronts him about 'Rosalie', and he loses his mind because he can't believe she's freezing him out since he listened to her talk about her dead fiancé while she was in deep mourning and didn't hold that against her. He leaves mad because now he doesn't want to have anything to do with her for a while.
7) After a month of not talking, Shy finds out that Tabby has taken a job across the country and is leaving soon. He freaks out, storms into her apartment and tells her she can't go... and then he kisses her..and she kisses him back. They both put all the feelings they've been holding into that kiss, and by the time they finish kissing, they're both breathless, and weak-kneed. Shy tells her she has 2 hours to get her shit sorted out, then she's to go to his apartment.
Tabby goes to Shy's apartment and they make love for the first time.
“I have never, not once, not in my life, made love to any woman. Not once. Not until what I just did with you.”
Tabby is scared and has a lot of questions about how their relationship is going to be, and because they have such an awesome foundation already in place, Shy knows exactly what Tabby worried about before she even has to voice it.
.... and this brings the reader to the most amazing place in the story.
We've been able to be apart of their character and relationship development, and now we're finally able to see them be 'on the same page' as each other in their lives.
This is what I like to call a 'divine point' in their lives.
They were destined to be together, but they had to go through all the other stuff first in order to reach this point. This is so they would be 'ready' for one another, and be prepared and equipped to take the next step that will shape their lives. It is because they've been through all the other stuff that they're able to stand together (strong) when they are attacked, and ridiculed by the people they know and love.
This is where the 'adventure & trouble' part of the story begins.
I really enjoyed this story, and I LOVED seeing Elvira, 'Hawk", Lee, Brock, and Mitch *sigh*.
... and the ending & epilogue BEAUTIFUL!
If your a fan of Bad-ass-biker dudes & and kick-ass, smart & sassy women - THEN READ THIS BOOK!!
Favorite quotes:
"I'm alive. You're alive. I gotta work to live so I do that and I'll have to do that for a long lime. But when I'm not workin', I'm livin'. So let's ride."
"I dreamed a dream, Shy Cage."
He shifted so his hips were against mine and his voice was now raw when he ordered, "Shut up, baby, and kiss me."
"I dreamed a dream when I was sixteen and here I am, standing with my dream, feeling it come real."
"Fuck me," he muttered.
Then I knew he'd lost patience because Shy slanted his head and kissed me.
Yes.
I dreamed a dream and there I was, a ring on my finger, my man's mouth on mine, standing with my dream, feeling it come real.
I was feeling everything.
And it was beautiful."
"So Shy lowered his voice and reminded him, "She's not your little girl anymore, not like that. She may always be your, little girl in some ways, brother, but not like that. You gave me the chance, I would have told you, this is solid. We started out and it was friends. That wasn't what I wanted, it was what she needed, so I gave it to her. We built on that. The foundation is laid and it's the kind that holds fast. This is it, brother. We're livin' together. Soon's we can do it, we're movin' to a better fuckin' place so I can provide her with a decent home. I'm puttin' my ring on her finger, I'm givin' her babies, and when she's laid to rest, that ring I give her will still be on her finger. I see you're accepting this now, so you need it all and there it is. I was a part of an us and I was happy. Some motherfucker killed my parents and took that from me, so life forced me to become nothin' but me. Now I'm an us again, and that's what I'll be with my woman and the family we make until the fucking day I die."
"Christ, Shy," Tack whispered.
"I think now you totally fuckin' feel me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2018
Amazon Kindle Daily Deal 25Jul18 here $1.99
I ♥♥♥ Kristen Ashley but she isn't for everyone. Still I enjoyed this book overall.
3.5 I Dreamed a Dream Stars
Have you read Motorcycle Man? If the answer is no…STOP now. Do not pass go, do not collect two-hundred dollars because even though this says Chaos #1 I think your enjoyment will be dramatically reduced without that foundation. At least for me Shy would have had an unsurmountable deficit to overcome if I hadn’t spent time in the Chaos compound and had a little history going into this.
Shy
Let’s say that Shy IS a D. O. double Gee, that spells DOGG. He apparently takes women whose names he can’t remember to bed, often more than one at a time and when we first get a glimpse of him here he is asleep under a few Chaos hoochies when he gets called out to go reel in Tabby and get her home. Shy thinks maybe she needs a lesson one only he can teach her.
You think he’d stop there but nope….
And even after he has seen some stuff and realized that he has never felt anything for anyone like Tabby felt for the man she lost when he gets her call late at night for some help…
Who are these hoochies that are happy to have threesomes with a guy that throws them out right after???
And at this point I’m thinking Shy you are a complete douchecanoe and I’m not sure I’m ever going to like you. It is a pretty big hole even for KA to dig an alpha out of. But she did it!!!
Thank goodness that most of the OTT jerkface things happen in the first 15% but still I’m not one to be gung ho for a leading man that can’t even remember the names of the women he is sleeping with. Still what it comes down to is that KA makes me believe that Shy was miserable in the life he had before Tabby and she was his wake up call he just never thought he’d deserve her.
Tabby
Tack’s only little girl grew up a Chaos princess. She has been around the hard life of the brothers for most of her life and she knows what happens with some of the brotherhood. She fell in love with a man outside that life and was ready to give him everything until a tragedy stuck and she lost her man and her dream. Shy was there for her in a way no one else could be and he brought her back from that depression and the hole that was left in her heart.
However when she falls for Shy, the notorious hound dog, it leads to one of the best Adult to Child coming of age blow-outs I’ve ever read. Tack and Tyra are an alpha couple all the way so it took some doing for Tabby to show them she isn’t a little girl anymore and I LOVED the entire thing. Seriously this book was worth reading just for that conversation between Tabby and Tyra and then Tabby and Tack. She is a strong woman who will not be told who she can or can’t fall in love with and I totally love that about her.
Go Tabby you stand up for your man.
Shy and Tabby
This is really more of a love story than most of KA’s books. There is some building tension with a new player in the drug game that is trying to get into Chaos territory and some trouble with one of Tabby’s no good friends from high school but for the most part this is just a story about Tabby and Shy finding their way to one another and learning how to accept the other for who they are.
The biggest confrontation is when Tabby and Shy are found out and there are repercussions with the members of Chaos. Shy did some stuff in this that totally redeemed him with me.
❶ - He apologized for some of the things he said to Tabby when she was younger and for treating her like he did when he judged her and thought he was helping.
❷ - Shy totally stood up for Tabby and even though some of the boys think it is cool to boss their old ladies around, Shy doesn’t play like that.
❸ - Once Shy decided on Tab he was all in, all the way and never looked back.
❹ - Even though I want to be “no I can take care of myself” I love the way that Shy tries to look out for Tabby and take care of her and her problems, even if it isn’t exactly the way she would want him too.
Overall
I like being in the biker world. It is a fun place to visit and although it is a harder life than I’d like in the real world in my fantasy world it totally works for me.
I ♥♥♥ Kristen Ashley but she isn't for everyone. Still I enjoyed this book overall.
3.5 I Dreamed a Dream Stars
Have you read Motorcycle Man? If the answer is no…STOP now. Do not pass go, do not collect two-hundred dollars because even though this says Chaos #1 I think your enjoyment will be dramatically reduced without that foundation. At least for me Shy would have had an unsurmountable deficit to overcome if I hadn’t spent time in the Chaos compound and had a little history going into this.
Shy
Let’s say that Shy IS a D. O. double Gee, that spells DOGG. He apparently takes women whose names he can’t remember to bed, often more than one at a time and when we first get a glimpse of him here he is asleep under a few Chaos hoochies when he gets called out to go reel in Tabby and get her home. Shy thinks maybe she needs a lesson one only he can teach her.
Hopefully, in about two seconds, she’d be a lot more than kinda freaked out. She’d be scared straight and out of this bullshit she kept pulling. Therefore, two seconds later, he yanked her into his room, tugged her to a stop and flipped the light switch. The two women were still naked, lying head to foot on the bed, having, since he was gone, tangled with each other. Briefly, he tried to remember their names.
You think he’d stop there but nope….
“But you… you made assumptions. You showed you decided exactly the kind of girl I was that night when that guy took his hand to me without knowing one single thing about me. I wasn’t what you thought, Shy. I didn’t need your shit and I also didn’t deserve it. Family doesn’t make judgments. They talk. They support. You made a judgment. You acted on that judgment. You doing it hurt me so that means you are not my family.”
And even after he has seen some stuff and realized that he has never felt anything for anyone like Tabby felt for the man she lost when he gets her call late at night for some help…
“Get her ass up. Both of you need to get dressed and get gone.” He reached into the nightstand and grabbed his gun, shoving it into the back waistband of his jeans and pulling his tee over it. “You got fifteen minutes to get out. You’re not gone by the time I get back, I will not be happy.”
“Sure thing, babe,”
Who are these hoochies that are happy to have threesomes with a guy that throws them out right after???
And at this point I’m thinking Shy you are a complete douchecanoe and I’m not sure I’m ever going to like you. It is a pretty big hole even for KA to dig an alpha out of. But she did it!!!
Thank goodness that most of the OTT jerkface things happen in the first 15% but still I’m not one to be gung ho for a leading man that can’t even remember the names of the women he is sleeping with. Still what it comes down to is that KA makes me believe that Shy was miserable in the life he had before Tabby and she was his wake up call he just never thought he’d deserve her.
Tabby
Tack’s only little girl grew up a Chaos princess. She has been around the hard life of the brothers for most of her life and she knows what happens with some of the brotherhood. She fell in love with a man outside that life and was ready to give him everything until a tragedy stuck and she lost her man and her dream. Shy was there for her in a way no one else could be and he brought her back from that depression and the hole that was left in her heart.
However when she falls for Shy, the notorious hound dog, it leads to one of the best Adult to Child coming of age blow-outs I’ve ever read. Tack and Tyra are an alpha couple all the way so it took some doing for Tabby to show them she isn’t a little girl anymore and I LOVED the entire thing. Seriously this book was worth reading just for that conversation between Tabby and Tyra and then Tabby and Tack. She is a strong woman who will not be told who she can or can’t fall in love with and I totally love that about her.
“You know you’re Dad’s one-and-only, Tyra, and if you don’t know this, seeing as he had kids before he met you, I’m sorry to tell you but even though you’re his one-and-only now, you weren’t his one-and-only.”
Her head jerked, she flinched, and I finally saw it. Understanding.
“You feel me,” I said softy. “I get I’m not Shy’s one-and-only but I still… fucking… am.”
Go Tabby you stand up for your man.
Shy and Tabby
This is really more of a love story than most of KA’s books. There is some building tension with a new player in the drug game that is trying to get into Chaos territory and some trouble with one of Tabby’s no good friends from high school but for the most part this is just a story about Tabby and Shy finding their way to one another and learning how to accept the other for who they are.
The biggest confrontation is when Tabby and Shy are found out and there are repercussions with the members of Chaos. Shy did some stuff in this that totally redeemed him with me.
❶ - He apologized for some of the things he said to Tabby when she was younger and for treating her like he did when he judged her and thought he was helping.
❷ - Shy totally stood up for Tabby and even though some of the boys think it is cool to boss their old ladies around, Shy doesn’t play like that.
“Tab and I don’t play it that way. You wanna order your old lady around, do what you do, not for me to say. I asked her to go, she didn’t go. Not gonna make her. But you try, you’ll deal with me.”
❸ - Once Shy decided on Tab he was all in, all the way and never looked back.
“Waited for you for four years, Tabby, baby. Four. Spent a lot of that time thinkin’ I’d never have you. Now I got you, not even for a day, I’m not big on lettin’ you go. Give me that for now, yeah? Make your calls here.”
❹ - Even though I want to be “no I can take care of myself” I love the way that Shy tries to look out for Tabby and take care of her and her problems, even if it isn’t exactly the way she would want him too.
Overall
I like being in the biker world. It is a fun place to visit and although it is a harder life than I’d like in the real world in my fantasy world it totally works for me.
April 12, 2013
Can someone tell me where I can found a man like Shy???? Please...!!!
Tabitha is the daughter of Chaos Club President and she has been getting into trouble for three years...
Shy a member of Chaos has had enough of 'Tabby Callouts' and decides to tame her wild side and teach her a lesson.Unfortunately Shy is wrong about Tabby and his lesson hurts Tabby deeply...
I love that the first 15% of this book was completely from Shy's POV.It really gives us a chance to see where he is coming from and connect with him as a character We met him in Motorcycle Man & knew he was a stand up guy, but we didn't really know him. Out to protect his 'family'.It's obvious to the reader that he has feelings beyond a family bond for Tabby, but of course he doesn't realize this. I think that's what makes the first chunk of this book so emotionally.Watching him struggle with his feelings, and guilt trying to do the right thing...
It really pained me to watch the chain of unfortunate events and time spent leading up to Shy & Tabby's 'brokenness' to their bonding.
And when they finally came together...Holu shit!!!
I just loved Tabby and I know you will too.I loved how she dealt with being the daughter of Tack and how she did dealt with her problems. And Shy wow he is in my top 5 favorite Kristen Ashley men!!!Shy is hot, sexy, smart, loyal, loving.I can go on and on.The only problem is that he doesnt like to do laundry or vacuum I can put up with that :) :)
Together they are hot,intence and imotional..
"I dreamed a dream when I was sixteen and here I am, standing with my dream, feeling it come real."
Another amazing book from Kristen Ashley!!!
My Shy and Tab
May 5, 2016
Review written May 5, 2016
3.8 Stars - Cute romantic and just the right amount of listening hours
At last the first book in this Chaos series (loved both #2 and #4). — I bought the paperback some years ago but never got to it. A new try with a 11:30 hrs audiobook narrated by Angela Starling.
This was a good enough KA. I liked but wasn't amazed.
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Tabitha 'Tabby' Allen grew up in the Chaos Motorcycle Club as the Chaos' leader Tack Allen's beloved daughter. Years passed but one rider was different from the start and he is still there. Shy Cage has waited for his chance to get the woman he want...
Actually, it feels embarrassing that we female romance books readers are so charmed by these semi-criminal motorcycle club men. Men who, all more or less, think they have the right to live by their very own rules. Yes, this is about a culture filled with goodlooking, horny sexy and badass tough men, with pretty dumb old-fashioned cavemen manners. Men that think themselves a bit god-like with women who accept much of these "man" rules way too often.
~ What happened to equality between sexes, democracy, and equal rights and the same law for everyone? Just wondering. ~
Well, we readers accept, swallow crap and freaking keep loving these KA characters time after time. I can't but be a bit irritated about overly sweet "submissive" heroines who often are just rambling, mumbling and likes to give (and GIVE even more) just they get it naughty good and cozy steamy in the bed.— YEP, but nevertheless I'm charmed, mostly silly enchanted and think it's romantic as hell. — Give me mercy! I'm an incurable romantic girl.
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I LIKE - hot badass bikers ...irritating but true
3.8 Stars - Cute romantic and just the right amount of listening hours
At last the first book in this Chaos series (loved both #2 and #4). — I bought the paperback some years ago but never got to it. A new try with a 11:30 hrs audiobook narrated by Angela Starling.
This was a good enough KA. I liked but wasn't amazed.
*******************************************
Tabitha 'Tabby' Allen grew up in the Chaos Motorcycle Club as the Chaos' leader Tack Allen's beloved daughter. Years passed but one rider was different from the start and he is still there. Shy Cage has waited for his chance to get the woman he want...
“You’re the fuckin’ shit, Tabby.”
“I know,” I told him airily on another smile. “My man tells me that all the time.”
His eyes dropped to my mouth and his lips ordered, “Kiss me, baby.”
Actually, it feels embarrassing that we female romance books readers are so charmed by these semi-criminal motorcycle club men. Men who, all more or less, think they have the right to live by their very own rules. Yes, this is about a culture filled with goodlooking, horny sexy and badass tough men, with pretty dumb old-fashioned cavemen manners. Men that think themselves a bit god-like with women who accept much of these "man" rules way too often.
~ What happened to equality between sexes, democracy, and equal rights and the same law for everyone? Just wondering. ~
Well, we readers accept, swallow crap and freaking keep loving these KA characters time after time. I can't but be a bit irritated about overly sweet "submissive" heroines who often are just rambling, mumbling and likes to give (and GIVE even more) just they get it naughty good and cozy steamy in the bed.— YEP, but nevertheless I'm charmed, mostly silly enchanted and think it's romantic as hell. — Give me mercy! I'm an incurable romantic girl.
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October 4, 2019
My Parker "Shy" Cage
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She pressed closer.
“I dreamed a dream, Shy.”
“You’ll dream more dreams, baby.”
“I’ll never dream,” she whispered, her voice lost, tragic.
“We’ll get you to a dream, honey,” he promised, pulling her closer.
My Tabitha "Tabby" Allen
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“Today, at the Compound, what you said, you did it.”
“What, baby?”
“I dreamed a dream.”
His arms spasmed.
I drifted to sleep, muttering, “You promised to get me to a dream, you got me to a dream. Thank you, honey.”
Then I fell asleep.
[image error]
This is definitly top 5 of KA, for me. You would think aaaah it's a biker story: rough guys, potty mouth, loose women, tequila and bikes. And it is all that and so much more. As only KA can do, she delivered a nice emotional punch to take the wind out of you and it's not enough she brought the big guns of Les Mis.
Tabby is a CHAOS daughter... born, bred and raised in the life. We see her wild side in Motorcycle Man, in the story of how her dad and President of biker club, CHAOS, meets his one and only sex-kitten Tyra/Ty-Ty/Red/Cherry. Tabby parties and part of club's duty is to do Tabby Call-outs when things get wild and Tabby extraction is deemed necessary. One night Shy grows tired of if and lays it into her... HARD. So hard that not only he sets her on the right path... he puts her onto a different one where she turns into someone who is not her. That path is good and wholesome, no complains, but it is not her. I'm afraid to say it but "thankfully" fate has other plans and yanks her off that path into the void. A void of being a 23 year old with a dead fiancee.
“Baby, bein’ your safe harbor doesn’t come with me gettin’ pissed when you gotta do what you gotta do when you gotta do it. It also doesn’t come with me expecting you to explain why you did what you had to do. Bein’ your safe harbor means lettin’ you do what you gotta do when you gotta do it and not gettin’ pissed.”
So, Shy gets in there and burrows deep until he find her in the most bossy, alpha, biker, yet so gently to bring back Tabby. It was cute how he thought hard ultimatums will do it, but thankfully after 2nd time he learned that that won't work on Tab.
It's an amazing ride of Shy and Tab getting to know each other, not exactly insta-romance but still is. SERIOUSLY! I love KA for giving us all these protective Alphas who can be total jerks but once they are straightened out the more I love them (Case in points my Joe obsession).
The story is awesome and I LOVED IT! There are so many awesome characters who I hope to see more of... like NOW, NOW, NOW!
There are some great shout-outs to Rock Chicks, Mystery Man and even a smallest hint of Knight series. I freaking loved it and I loved it that my girls enjoyed it and especially my girl Jamie who got a bit of her Hawk.
July 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Everything Shy did in this book would be a walking red flag in real life, but this is why romance novels are wonderful works of fantasies. I first read this book ten years ago (ten freaking years ago!) and loved it and I loved it the second time around too. I did downgrade from 5 stars to 4.5 stars, but there's always going to be a special place in my heart for Shy and Tabby's story. This made me want to reread all of the Chaos books!
Everything Shy did in this book would be a walking red flag in real life, but this is why romance novels are wonderful works of fantasies. I first read this book ten years ago (ten freaking years ago!) and loved it and I loved it the second time around too. I did downgrade from 5 stars to 4.5 stars, but there's always going to be a special place in my heart for Shy and Tabby's story. This made me want to reread all of the Chaos books!
June 7, 2013
"I'm alive. You're alive. I gotta work to live so I do that and I'll have to do that for a long time. But when I'm not workin', I'm livin'. So lets ride."
The first half of this book was fantastic, I was glued to Tabby and Shy’s story. I enjoyed both Shy and Tabby’s povs but sadly, the second half of the book fell flat for me. It still was a good read and I did enjoy it.
Tabby Allen stole my heart in Motorcycle Man, she so likable and real. She is the daughter of Tack Allen (yes our Motorcycle Man) and she has crushed on Shy for the longest time. Shy pulls a scared straight act on her and she ices him out for years.
Tabby’s life takes a different path than that of Ride and Chaos Motorcycle Club but when tragedy strikes Shy seizes the opportunity to have Tabby Allen in his life.
"I had a taste of you four years ago that I could never get off my tongue. Now, I've tasted more of you with more than just my mouth and I know I wanna keep it in a way I don't want to think of it bein' done. Not in a few weeks. Not in a few months. Maybe not ever"
Shy and Tabby stand up for their relationship and prove that they are in it for the long haul. The couple faces bumps in the road like family, laundry, toilet seat lids, and a drug addict best friend but they do it together.
Loved Loved...all cameo appearances from some of my favorite characters. Hawk Delgado is still sooo yummy. You Get Me?
Overall this book was a good read. I'll be waiting with my helmet on for the next ride!
January 11, 2016
5 I Dreamed a Dream Stars!
Shy, Shy, Shy...you are definitely not shy, which totally made my day. I was in the mood for some biker loving and you gave me exactly what I was looking for. I do have to say that Tack Allen is still my favorite Chaos member, but Shy just pulled up right behind him. If you haven't read Motorcycle Man you really need to. Sooooo good!
Parker "Shy" Cage is definitely not shy. He received his nickname for not being shy when getting around with the ladies. He is a ladies man, a player, a lover. He also has noticed Tabitha Allen. Tabby is the daughter of Tack Allen, leader of the Chaos Motorcycle Club, which makes her off-limits.
Shy would do anything just like any of the other brothers in the MC would. One night Shy gets a. All that Tabby needs to be picked up. He assumes she's out partying, wasting her life away making careless decisions. When he picks her up he comes down hard on her. He's trying to get her to see that she can make something of herself if she would just try. God love him, he's coming from a good place. But he's harsh and he hurts her feelings. He doesn't let he explain the situation.
So from that point on, Tabby decides to avoid Shy. She moves on with her life. Finished nursing school. Meets a boy, falls in love and is engaged to be married. Then tragedy strikes and Tabby's fiancé is killed. All of the MC brothers are there for Tabby. They would do anything for her. Soon Shy and Tabby are spending lots of time together. They form a friendship. Shy is there for Tabby day or night.
But when Tabby finds out that Shy has been dating someone, this causes a major blowup between them. Tabby is hurt again for two reasons, 1) because she thought they were friends and he didn't tell her and 2) because she was starting to have feelings for him. Shy has to go all alpha male on her and make her talk to him, but once he finds out she has feelings for him that's all it takes for him to get his life in order. He knows he's been seeing the other girl because he was looking for something, but he wasn't getting what he wanted and so he let her go. Then he and a Tabby became a couple.
There was no denying the chemistry between them. And because of stupid communication problems these two had, they had a lot of time to make up for. I loved them as a couple. They really were good together, even arguing over cleaning. But the one thing they didn't do was tell her family or the rest of the MC family. This caused a big fight between everyone, but I loved how strong Tabby was and how she stood up for her man. Having Tack Allen as your father can't be easy, but she didn't even back down from him. Eventually things get back on track, but Tabby's friend causes problems and I mean big problems. But what motorcycle club do you know that doesn't have some type of drama? Besides, this drama lets us have some more time with Hawk, Brock and Mitch.
I can't wait to see where this series goes. Hop and Lanie are next in the series. I hope that I get more Tack Allen in each book. It only makes sense right? You can't have a book about Chaos MC and not have the leader in there somewhere.
Shy, Shy, Shy...you are definitely not shy, which totally made my day. I was in the mood for some biker loving and you gave me exactly what I was looking for. I do have to say that Tack Allen is still my favorite Chaos member, but Shy just pulled up right behind him. If you haven't read Motorcycle Man you really need to. Sooooo good!
Parker "Shy" Cage is definitely not shy. He received his nickname for not being shy when getting around with the ladies. He is a ladies man, a player, a lover. He also has noticed Tabitha Allen. Tabby is the daughter of Tack Allen, leader of the Chaos Motorcycle Club, which makes her off-limits.
Shy would do anything just like any of the other brothers in the MC would. One night Shy gets a. All that Tabby needs to be picked up. He assumes she's out partying, wasting her life away making careless decisions. When he picks her up he comes down hard on her. He's trying to get her to see that she can make something of herself if she would just try. God love him, he's coming from a good place. But he's harsh and he hurts her feelings. He doesn't let he explain the situation.
So from that point on, Tabby decides to avoid Shy. She moves on with her life. Finished nursing school. Meets a boy, falls in love and is engaged to be married. Then tragedy strikes and Tabby's fiancé is killed. All of the MC brothers are there for Tabby. They would do anything for her. Soon Shy and Tabby are spending lots of time together. They form a friendship. Shy is there for Tabby day or night.
But when Tabby finds out that Shy has been dating someone, this causes a major blowup between them. Tabby is hurt again for two reasons, 1) because she thought they were friends and he didn't tell her and 2) because she was starting to have feelings for him. Shy has to go all alpha male on her and make her talk to him, but once he finds out she has feelings for him that's all it takes for him to get his life in order. He knows he's been seeing the other girl because he was looking for something, but he wasn't getting what he wanted and so he let her go. Then he and a Tabby became a couple.
“Now you’re willin’ to give me more and I'm gonna take that too.”
"You were gone for me?"
"Gone for you."
There was no denying the chemistry between them. And because of stupid communication problems these two had, they had a lot of time to make up for. I loved them as a couple. They really were good together, even arguing over cleaning. But the one thing they didn't do was tell her family or the rest of the MC family. This caused a big fight between everyone, but I loved how strong Tabby was and how she stood up for her man. Having Tack Allen as your father can't be easy, but she didn't even back down from him. Eventually things get back on track, but Tabby's friend causes problems and I mean big problems. But what motorcycle club do you know that doesn't have some type of drama? Besides, this drama lets us have some more time with Hawk, Brock and Mitch.
I can't wait to see where this series goes. Hop and Lanie are next in the series. I hope that I get more Tack Allen in each book. It only makes sense right? You can't have a book about Chaos MC and not have the leader in there somewhere.
April 4, 2013
A Gazillion Stars!!! Best Book Ever!!!!
Okay people this is going to be a complete and total gush fest. I absolutely loved this book. It ranks up there in the top 5 books I have read this year. I think it is my number 2 with True Love Story still holding at number 1.
Tabby and Shy were just amazing together. The words on the pages were true genius. Shy was the perfect Alpha Male and Tabby was an awesome heroine. I love me some alpha male and Kristen Ashley certainly knows what she is doing when she writes one. Shy has been added to my list of book boyfriends and I have a huge fictional crush on him. It makes me wish my husband were part of a motorcycle club like Chaos and that he was an alpha male like Shy. Oh well I still love my hubby anyways.
I have one huge complaint. This book was not long enough. It seems her last two books have been shorter than what I am used to from KA. I am accustomed to her longer books. I really hope this wont be a trend for future books. Regardless I am still in awe of this book.
So I have a few words of advise for my fellow readers. If you haven't read this book. Stop the book you are reading and pick this one up. It is amazing. KA at her finest. Truly a must read people I have no doubt you will fall in love with Tabby and Shy as I have. Truly a brilliant book!!!
Okay people this is going to be a complete and total gush fest. I absolutely loved this book. It ranks up there in the top 5 books I have read this year. I think it is my number 2 with True Love Story still holding at number 1.
Tabby and Shy were just amazing together. The words on the pages were true genius. Shy was the perfect Alpha Male and Tabby was an awesome heroine. I love me some alpha male and Kristen Ashley certainly knows what she is doing when she writes one. Shy has been added to my list of book boyfriends and I have a huge fictional crush on him. It makes me wish my husband were part of a motorcycle club like Chaos and that he was an alpha male like Shy. Oh well I still love my hubby anyways.
I have one huge complaint. This book was not long enough. It seems her last two books have been shorter than what I am used to from KA. I am accustomed to her longer books. I really hope this wont be a trend for future books. Regardless I am still in awe of this book.
So I have a few words of advise for my fellow readers. If you haven't read this book. Stop the book you are reading and pick this one up. It is amazing. KA at her finest. Truly a must read people I have no doubt you will fall in love with Tabby and Shy as I have. Truly a brilliant book!!!
Read
April 8, 2013DNF
It's not the book, it's me.
I can't read KA anymore :(
The repetitive abrasive biker speak :(
The pointless rambling explanations :(
Luke warm characters, I don't particularly care for :(
Gone is the angst and anticipation :(
The story line no longer excuses the writing style :(
The plots are predictable, long winded and no longer plausible (to me) :(
This is a sad, sad day for me. I just give thanks that there are thousands of other readers out there who can love and appreciate these latest stories, sadly this is no longer my cuppa tea.
It's not the book, it's me.
I can't read KA anymore :(
The repetitive abrasive biker speak :(
The pointless rambling explanations :(
Luke warm characters, I don't particularly care for :(
Gone is the angst and anticipation :(
The story line no longer excuses the writing style :(
The plots are predictable, long winded and no longer plausible (to me) :(
This is a sad, sad day for me. I just give thanks that there are thousands of other readers out there who can love and appreciate these latest stories, sadly this is no longer my cuppa tea.
November 14, 2022
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
==================
==>Re-read in November 2022
==>Re-read in July 2021
==>Re-read in march 2016 in ebook
==>Re-read in may 2015 in audiobook and paper.
Increased a star.
*SPOILLER*
I thought he cheated, after all he was in love with the heroine and talking with her every day and going to her house to give her support. And even then was already dating (and fucking) another woman for 3 months without telling our heroine. It's okay that he kicked his girlfriend as soon as he received the green light from heroine, but still I think he cheated both.
That's what I think
==================
==>Re-read in November 2022
==>Re-read in July 2021
==>Re-read in march 2016 in ebook
==>Re-read in may 2015 in audiobook and paper.
Increased a star.
*SPOILLER*
I thought he cheated, after all he was in love with the heroine and talking with her every day and going to her house to give her support. And even then was already dating (and fucking) another woman for 3 months without telling our heroine. It's okay that he kicked his girlfriend as soon as he received the green light from heroine, but still I think he cheated both.
That's what I think
Shy broke the long silence, “Need a fuckin’ drink.” “Okay, darlin’,” I replied. I could see the run-in with Rosalie cut him deep. I had to admit, seeing that wasn’t real comfortable.
“I get slaughtered, you drive.” Uh-oh. I didn’t have a good feeling about that. He blew off Rosalie for me and, fresh from that, he didn’t seem to have a problem with it. Not at all. But I just saw close-up that she was gorgeous and she looked pained.
“Don’t do laundry, babe,” he told the TV.
“Your bitches did them for you.”
“You either want me like I am, babe, or yeah, I can find a place where I don’t have hassle.”
Respect me or, truthfully, I love you, you know it, you mean the world to me, but that will dig deep, fester, and there will come a time when I don’t mind your clothes are on the floor at the Compound.”
March 10, 2013
5 Stars
My review for this AWESOME book will be posted closer to the release date of April 2nd. I had high expectations because I loved Shy and Tabby in Motorcycle Man, my expectations were exceeded exponentially.
**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing, Kristen Ashley and Chas**
My review for this AWESOME book will be posted closer to the release date of April 2nd. I had high expectations because I loved Shy and Tabby in Motorcycle Man, my expectations were exceeded exponentially.
**ARC kindly provided to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Grand Central Publishing, Kristen Ashley and Chas**
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