M. A. Stacie

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of the Book Blast with Tasty Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts: Has someone changed your life with one small moment that was seemingly insignificant to them, but meant the world to you? That hasn’t happened to me, but I can definitely romanticize the idea. The description for Igniting Ash hooked me right away and I’m not usually much of a “romance” reader, especially if it looks like it’s heading into erotica territory (I’m trying to branch out, but it won’t happen overnight).

Where to start with that plot? It was pretty darsh gone good. There were some plot holes and I thought some parts were resolved too quickly, but that’s me being nit picky. I did expect Igniting Ash to be an intense book, but it was actually pretty tame. With the subject matter (abuse), everything felt a little too clean-cut to be believable. Life is messy and it’s okay to not end up with a perfect happily (or unhappily) ever after. In fact, having a clean-cut end, was an odd way to finish Igniting Ash.

The chemistry between Asher and Emma was slightly off. It was still enjoyable, but something in the build up fell flat and I didn’t quite believe them together. There are some sexual scenes (and I added the warning just to be safe), but it was pretty tame compared to some of the other contemporary fiction I’ve read lately. Before reading Igniting Ash, I would’ve called it a romance novel, but I think the contemporary category would be a better fit.

I loved Asher. He’s an incredible character that deserves all the credit in the world for overcoming his lot in life and trying to find something better for himself. I wasn’t quite as thrilled with Emma. I liked that she was trying to help both Asher and abused kids in general, but she came off as being too naive for her situation. She constantly pushed Asher in a way that I’m not sure was healthy, but the author resolved it as being okay and seemed to put more of the blame on Asher (for snapping). I don’t even have the same background as Asher and I would’ve snapped had someone from my past (that I barely knew) continually pushed me the way Emma did.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Igniting Ash. I do think it needed some more editing, but it wasn’t anything that slowed the reading process. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that’s more about the plot and just dips your toes into the “romance” aspect, then I would recommend Igniting Ash.

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This book sucked me in right away! Dale is pretty awesome the way she gives it back to Kyran. It was plain to see how Kyran felt about Dale but I don't think Dale saw it- which of course lead to a lot of heart break. There is more going on than just Dale & Kyran he has a lot of family issues. I think a spin off story about his Brother would be fabulous. Lots of hot juicy steamy sex. Fabulous ending and a Rocking Epilogue.

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If you love an alpha, boxing, tattooed bad boy just scroll to the buy links below. Kyran Reece is all of those and more! His other half, Dale Porter is a firecracker and hell on wheels. She puts up with no crap from Mr. Reece, and refuses to play beta to his alpha. Kyran starts out as a cold, arrogant, SOB, but soon enough Dale is in his bed and melting his heart before he has a chance to block her sucker punch. I found it comical how Kyran reacted to Dale at first, he was so confused he lashed out at everyone while I imagined her sitting on the sidelines grinning like a fool.

Now, this book is not all hot romps and fun, Kyran has a screwed up brother, an absentee father and a step-mother that could be his sister to deal with. All of the aforementioned in addition to his stubbornness land him in hot water with Dale more than a few times. Kyran deals with the stress the only way he knows how, he boxes at the Metro. Full on, no holds barred, boxing. I grimaced quite a few times in the fight scenes, but they are a significant part of the story line.

In other books where the hero, or heroine, needs the pain their partner usually tries to break them down and get an explanation. They see the need for pain as a weakness and try to get them past their need for pain. Beneath the Surface did not even think about going down that road, and I loved it. People have their own baggage, and their own way of dealing. Truthfully, boxing is a sport and Kyran might have needed the pain but that is his prerogative. Dale never pushed him to explain or tried to make him stop, she just accepted him fully and loved him with her whole being. I think my favorite part was the last third of the book, the ending was especially wonderful! In the last third of the book Dale and Kyran come to grips with each other as well as their own individual problems. Don't expect your run of the mill ending, Ms. Stacie leaves room for questions to be answered in her future books. This will be an ongoing series, and I am so excited to see where Ms. Stacie takes her characters. Beneath the Surface will be available on August 29, 2013!
*ARC provided by Net Galley in exchange for a honest review*

Happy Reading!… (lisätietoja)