Tying up…Loose EndsIn Kristen Ashley’s first anthology, readers will find three short stories and two novellas taking them back to characters and series in the Kristen Ashley universe.No Clue, a short story – Visit with Joe and Vi from At Peace of The ’Burg series and learn how Joe breaks up a fight between his sons, what Ryker’s up to and why, exactly, his wife Violet has no clue.The Stars … clue.
The Stars Aligned, a novella – The long-awaited love story of Hap and Luci. Introduced in Heaven and Hell, readers learned, after a heartbreaking journey through grief, Luci was ready to take another chance at love. But Hap was adhering to “the code” between brothers, unwilling to betray his dead friend Travis by falling for Travis’s widow. Further, Hap can’t quite believe a beauty like Luci could fall for a normal guy like Hap. But for Luci and Hap the heart can’t be denied. Especially when the stars align.
The Favor, a short story – Deacon and Cassidy from Deacon of the Unfinished Heroes series go back to their favorite cabin at Glacier Lily, and there, Cassie asks her husband a favor. He’ll give her anything she wants. Including this.
More Than Everything, a novella – Readers left Diesel, Maddox and Molly at a crossroads at the end of The Greatest Risk of the Honey series. Maddox and Molly were all in with their commitment to their unconventional love triangle. But Diesel was letting the pressures and prejudice of family and society sink under his skin, making him hold himself distant from the man he loved. Can Maddox and Molly lead Diesel fully into their lives and give him more than everything?
Rock Chick Renewal, a short story – Tod has been planning Rock Chick weddings for years. He’s got a new one on his hands. And it’s not what he expected.
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Loving all these short stories, can’t believe I’ve had this so long and not read it!!
So good to get back in touch with some of our KA alpha favourites. We want more.
The Stars Aligned
Hap and Luci brought me tears, ad I knew that going in. What I didn’t expect was the laughter they also brought, but I should have expected that with these two. Denial is not good for the soul, and I was so happy that they gave in to their desires, and then gave in to their feelings while working through their doubts. That epilogue was everything, everything, and the happiest of tears flowed while reading it. Now, how about a Skip and Pearl match-up, who’s with me?
The Favor
I admit that I am biased about the unfinished heroes, they were my first love, and will always hold a special place in my heart. This check-in with Cassie and Deacon was EVERYTHING!!!! So much love, more, always growing, you feel it as you read their story, you know it will be forever. A little glimpse into the everyday life they have built, but still the wildness and craziness that is them <3
More Than Everything
Molly, Diesel, and Maddox first came to my attention in Chaos’ Free. Then I had to go read The Greatest Risk, and I fell for them completely. I knew I needed to know how they went from where they were in TGR to Free, and this story filled me in completely. So hot, so sexy, so many emotions! I cried for them, I cringed for them, I squirmed with them, I laughed with them. Being with this trio as they fight for their relationship, not from outside forces, but from the effects the outside influence has on one of them, making him doubt his worth and place, it was heartbreaking and heart mending all at once. What it did do, how it did work, that made the bond all the more strong, nearly impenetrable, for them all!
Kristen Ashley is probably my all time favourite romance novelist. I love all of her stories so it is no wonder I enjoyed her anthology covering some of the ‘loose ends’ that needed tying up from her novels. Most of all, I was happy to see Luci and Hap get their happy endings, and even more, happy to explore Molly, Diesel and Maddox’s dynamics in their MMF story. I deeply hope Kristen will write another story with this kind of relationship because she truly does it incredible justice.
I liked it. Some more than others, of course. I just shake my head at people upset by short scenes revisiting favorite characters. I don’t know why they expect it to move the story along. Deacon’s story is a happy ever after, it was a nice visit, I never expected more than that for finished series, like Tod and Stevie’s. What more could have happened? I think they were lovely just the way they were. It was nice to see Hap and Luci finally get together though! And while I did enjoy the addition to the Honey series, it wasn’t a favorite. Still a fun read. I’m curious about the fairy story though. Hmm…
I’ll read anything written by Kristen Ashley! She has well developed characters and story lines. There are never any slow or uninteresting segments. Always a fun read.
The few shorts in this compilation didn’t do much for me, but I adored both novellas. KA’s writing is like chocolate, I can’t seem to get enough.
Expanding on a supporting character or two is always welcomed, especially if that involved Hap and Luci. from Heaven and Hell.
A little more of Deacon and his Cassie, What can I say about a big “scary” guy with an even bigger heart that would do anything for his girl/wife, his family.
It’s no secret I’m a Kristen Ashley fan, so I was thrilled to hear her plans to give us a book that tied up some threads left hanging in various books and also gives us a chance to visit some of our favorite characters. A warning though, if you go in thinking you’re getting full-fledged stories you’ll be sorely disappointed. There are two novellas included that are complete stories, but the rest of the book is like being able to get short updates into the lives of some of her characters. Think of it as getting a catch-up phone call from your high school best friend versus going to spend a fun-filled weekend at her place. Thoroughly informative and enjoyable, especially if you have a glass of wine or cocktail in hand, but not as good as an in-person visit.
No Clue was up first and it was super cute and had me smiling throughout. Joe interacting with his youngest kids was exactly what I wanted for his character and absolutely melted my heart. Ryker was his usual hilarious, OTT ridiculous self with the scheme he was planning out, but it also exposed his ooey gooey marshmallow center that I love the most about him. I am glad I got to read this but did feel like I was left hanging a bit wanting to know what happened with Ryker’s grand plan.
Rating: 4.5 Ooey Gooey Marshmallowey Stars
The Stars Aligned finally gives us Hap and Luci’s story. That poor couple has been left dangling forever so I’m glad we finally get their HEA. I wish they could have had a full length book of their own, but I also understand the material just wasn’t there for KA. This was the perfect solution. The story was full of angst, heartbreak, and introduced a character in Pearl that I absolutely adored. Actually I want to be Pearl when I grow up. My one issue with it was there was a boatload of sex. Seriously hot sex but, just like in Hound and Keely’s book, Wild Like The Wind, this one tipped the scale on the Erotica side and I wasn’t expecting that. Since the plot lines between the two couples stories were so similar, this was a negative for me. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rating: 4 Finally An HEA For Hap and Luci Stars
The Favor was our little catch up call with Deacon and Cassidy and it was mainly set in the extremely memorable Cabin 11. This was sweet, sexy in a super hot way and almost too short. I had to remind myself this was a catch up call I was on. Sigh. Still, I’m thrilled our favorite ex-bounty hunter has fought all his demons and is now living the dream.
Rating: 4 I Want To Visit Cassidy’s Cabins Stars
More Than Everything is the longest of the two novellas at 200 pages. I’ve never read the Honey series since alpha subs don’t really melt my butter, but I crossed my fingers and dove in anyway since I’d already paid for it and in the end it is still a KA story. Even not having read their first book, I had no trouble following along. Since I don’t have a problem with MM stories and Molly is a sub and not a domme, I wasn’t uncomfortable with the sex scenes which is good since this was chock full of them. This story about love, acceptance, and family prejudices is full of angst which usually isn’t my thing unless there is action to go with it, but I did enjoy it. Getting to know Rebel, Rush’s future heroine was the cherry on top of this BDSM Sundae.
Rating: 3.75 Angsty Stars
Rock Chick Renewal was Tod and Stevie’s story and I adored it. Like The Favor, this was short but packed a sweet little punch. A bit bittersweet actually since Tod is based on KA’s beloved drag queen neighbor who she lost recently. I couldn’t help but think how hard this must have been to write. See, here I am getting teary-eyed at the thought again. Anyway, the whole gang was on hand to give Tod his HEA as was only fitting. If you cry, at least make sure you have waterproof mascara on like a good Burgundy-ette.
Rating: 5 Drag Queens Deserve It All Too Stars
Loose Ends by Kristen Ashley gets a full 5 stars from me! It’s everything we have come to expect from her. It’s funny, entertaining, heart wrenching at times & absolutely panty meltingly sexy! Not only does she make you fall in love with the new characters but she also takes you back to visit those who you have already fallen head over heels for. Even if you haven’t read all of KAs books this one is still worth the read. Who knows? It could introduce you to some new loves you have yet to find. Well done KA well done!
To see my full review check out my full review. But beware their are spoilers!
https://kathleensreads.blogspot.com/2018/10/loose-ends-by-kristen-ashley.html
From Beginning to end, Loose Ends is pure perfection! Revisiting Joe and Vi for a short stay is like coming home again with your favourite family.
Luci and Hap’s story is divine! Seeing them find their true happy inspired ALL the feelings in me.
Deacon and Cassidy spend some time in cabin 11 so she can ask him a favor, and things get heated when he says she can’t give him a kidney. It also gets a little heated and sexy in the bedroom!
Molly, Maddox, and Diesel’s story brought me to tears! Kristen Ashley knows how to wring the emotion out of her readers, while healing a man who’s been wounded almost all his life. The commitment to make each other happy is so sweet, and finding their “family of the heart” warms Diesel up in a way he knows he’ll never be cold again. This mmf story touches my heart with its lessons on acceptance and kindness. Some extremely HOT sexy times so if it’s not for you just scroll on past.
Maurelle’s fairy magic is sweet as candy when she knocks a certain couple together… at a Spice Girls concert? Love always wins in the end, so don’t stop looking!
Todd and Stevie have a spectacular little short featuring all the Rock Chicks, and even Tex!!
The novellas in Loose Ends are dreamy, and the shorts in between gives readers a chance to look in on old friends. I hope Ms. Ashley will give Henry Gagnon from The Will his happy ending next. He was paying attention this time when the beautiful girl literally stumbled into his path!
I loved this book! This is a must read. I definitely recommend this book, and this author.
I loved that Kristen Ashley loves her characters so much that she can’t let go of them and so the challenge of writing an anthology was accepted. I think the short stories I enjoyed the most were the follow up and daily lives of Joe and Vi and Cassidy and Deacon. In About No Clue, we get to revisit Joe and Vi and see how life has been going for them and to see Joe’s parenting style was awesome! I so want to know what happens with Ryker and his issue!
In The Favor, we get to see how sweet and swoon-worthy Deacon is with his little girls. And the way Cassidy asks for her favor was hot! The banter between the two is so cute and funny, I loved it. It was a very short story (want more!) but still loved it so much.
We also get to see the happily ever after for Hap and Luci from Heaven and Hell, I am so glad to see that they finally found a way to each other again.
The one story I was a bit apprehensive about was More Than Anything. The only book in the Honey series I read happens to be the Greatest Risk so I knew the characters of Diesel, Maddox, and Molly. I have read MMF stories in the past so I was not really shocked with their storyline. I actually did find their story beautiful, but not my favorite. And let me just say, this story was steamy steamy steamy! And we get to know Rebel a little bit more, I can not wait for her and Rush’s story!
We also get a very cute short story of a character we’ve never met before, Maurelle, a matchmaking fairy.
And finally, a story for Tod, I loved how everyone; the Rock Chicks and Hot Bunch banded together to give back what he has always done for them. All the feels in this one!
So all in all I really enjoyed reading this anthology and I really hope this concept works because then we also do not have to say goodbye to her amazing characters!
I wanted this book for Hap and Luci. It feels like we’ve waited a millennium for their story and I’m just so delighted with the way KA chose to tell it in this sweet novella. The Stars Aligned was the perfect story for them, the perfect length, the perfect feels. I’m just so very happy to have finally read it. Full of all the KA goodness you’ve come to expect. So worth it.
The short stories included in this first of KA anthologies were equally as wonderful. This author has characters that stick with you well past the end. I’ve read some of her stories three times over so it’s awesome to see new stories and sides to her characters beyond the end of their full length books. I can’t wait for more Loose Ends.
LOOSE ENDS is the first volume of a collection of short stories and novellas with which Kristen Ashley ties up, you guessed it, loose ends. Is this a must-read? Well. If you’re a big fan, definitely.
Let me give you a quick rundown what you receive when you get Loose Ends:
NO CLUE – shorty from At Peace featuring Joe and Vi
THE STARS ALIGNED – novella – Hap and Luci (from Heaven and Hell)
THE FAVOR – shorty from Deacon featuring Deacon and Cassie
MORE THAN EVERYTHING – Diesel, Maddox and Molly from The Greatest Risk
TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT – Bonus story
ROCK CHICK RENEWAL – MR. AND MR.- self-explanatory, featuring Tod, Stevie and their posse
A word about whether you can read these short stories and novellas as standalones: I didn’t read Heaven and Hell (although it’s sitting prettily on my Kindle – TIME!) and The Greatest Risk and I had mostly no problem understanding what I was reading. I wouldn’t say the same about the shorties because they are basically extended epilogues – which is why I didn’t read No Clue – I wanted to read AT PEACE via audiobook but didn’t like the narrator so I’ll read it the old fashioned way.
THE STARS ALIGNED – 4 Stars
I know some readers will be disappointed that Hap and Luci don’t get a full novel but you know that this is Kristen Ashley and her novellas are the length of other author’s full length books so let me tell you this is definitely a satisfying story.
Hap and Lucie were very sweet and while it took them some time to overcome obstacles and a little resistance from the outside I was happy with how this developed. I’m sure fans of Heaven and Hell who were waiting for Hap and Luci will be too!
MORE THAN EVERYTHING – 4 STARS
In More Than Everything we meet very unconventional lovers. Maddox and Diesel have been in a relationship for years and a couple of years ago Molly joined them. Along the way a rift opened between Maddox and Diesel which both of them don’t know how to overcome. Both D and Mad are looking for solutions out of their funk but the problem is that it’s not just a funk – it goes much much deeper.
I’m sure that people who read The Greatest Risk will have a much deeper experience than me because they know details which I don’t. Although I haven’t read the Honey series I enjoyed this story immensely. It’s full of raw emotions and angst. It’s also full of rough and kinky sex which I could take or leave but it did show the kind of relationship all the characters had – full of trust and love. I really loved the dynamic between Diesel and Maddox and Molly was an adorable character who helped the story move along. The length of this story notwithstanding (which is still 200+ pages) this novella has a deep and clear message about tolerance and how in the face of bigotry love always wins. I was wondering along the way whether Diesel’s sister would get her own story because she was a pretty damn awesome character. To find out, you’ll have to wait until you make it to the epilogue.
THE FAVOR contains some sweet and hot moments with Deacon and Cassie, a couple of years after DEACON ends. I love these little stories that let you catch up with your favorite characters and you definitely can with this shorty.
TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT is a bonus story that is so sweet and adorable I smiled all the way through it. It’s really only a couple of pages long but it’s delightful with its matchmaking fairies.
LOOSE ENDS is a lovely collection of stories that you definitely should have in your book collection. The bit-sized stories are short enough that you can squeeze them in between other books and will still leave you utterly satisfied. They are chock full with beautiful, heartfelt quotes, that are KA’s signature and will touch you deep as always.