When the new girl in town, Eliza “Izzy” Forrester decides to hit the local drinking hole, she’s not ready to meet the town’s good, solid guy. She’s definitely not prepared to engage in her very first hookup with him.Then Izzy wakes up the next morning in Johnny Gamble’s bed and good girl Izzy finds she likes being bad for Johnny.Even so, Izzy feels Johnny holding her at arm’s length. But Johnny … length. But Johnny makes it clear he wants more and Izzy already knows she wants as much of hot-in-bed, sweet-out-of-it Johnny Gamble.
Floating on air thinking this is going somewhere, Izzy quickly learns why Johnny holds distant.
He’s in love with someone else. Someone who left him and did it leaving him broken. Whoever was up next would be runner up, second best. Knowing the stakes, Izzy will take what she can get from the gentleman that’s Johnny Gamble. And even knowing his heart might never mend, Johnny can’t seem to stay away from Izzy.
Until out of nowhere, his lost love comes back to town. He’s not going back, but Johnny still knows the right thing to do is let Izzy go.
And Izzy knew the stakes, so she makes it easy and slips though his fingers.
But that’s before Johnny realizes Eliza moved to town to escape danger that’s been swirling around her.
And that’s why Johnny decides to wade in.
That and the fact Eliza Forrester makes breakfast with a canary singing on her shoulder and fills out tight dresses in a way Johnny Gamble cannot get out of his head.
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One of my picks for must read reluctant heroes in my monthly PopSugar Feature
This was such a wonderful story that was heartfelt and sweet, filled with so much love and healing. I loved the town, the characters, and friendships. It was a great story with an awesome build.
A Very Thought Out Life
Rarely do I read charaters that know their own minds and motivations so well. This book is Hot, but has a good mysteryh storyline behind all the drama and love making. I really suggest giving it a read. I am on to the next book in this series.
I feel like I am on repeat with my reviews but once again, the beginning was not my favorite. Once the Hero got with the program, I started to love it. The only difference between this and other KA books in the beginning was that for once, the hero was not a jerk to the heroine. In fact, he was very good to her when there was an uncomfortable situation in the beginning and I gotta say, she also handled it very maturely. I love that. I want my couples to be mature adults.
Johnny was actually one of my favorite heroes. If you want to know how a man should treat a women, he is it. But I also struggled with him being in love with an old flame in the beginning of the book. It took a long time for me to feel that the heroine wasn’t a runner up for him. I really don’t like that for the heroine. By the end, I finally felt like he realized she was the true love of his life.
I listened to the audiobook and would recommend it. Both narrators did a really good job.
After my 3rd re-read, I still feel the same about this book except for one thing seemed to stand out more this time. As much as I loved how Johnny treated Izzy, I also didn’t enjoy when he lectured her. I’ve seen this in a few KA books and I’m not sure why any woman would want to be treated to a lecture like they were a child. Saying that, I will still re-read this book often. I’m a huge fan of that alpha gentleman. They are a rare breed.
Excellent! This one has sat on my kindle in audio form for months. What took me so long! Izzy and Johnny Gamble were the best. Everyone needs a Johnny Gamble in their lives!
Really enjoyed this story. Some angsty moments, some emotional healing, but lots of romance and steam heat. Love a quirky heroine and love when a man appreciates and loves her foibles and differences. Will absolutely read the second book in the series. 4.5 Stars
Johnny and Eliza were rather cute in a fairytale sort of way. Both of them had sad backgrounds, but managed to come out well adjusted and practical. Eliza was adorably quirky and plain fun. Johnny was blunt, reasonably protective, and laid back. These two could also light a room on fire with their hot and sexy chemistry! The repetitive details did make the story feel long, but I liked the characters too much to care:)
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was a warm and fuzzy feels kind of book with plenty of hanky-panky to keep things spicy.
Really enjoyed this audiobook by Kristen Ashley. You can’t go wrong with her books. They’re both healing so it’s only a hookup. Something she’s never done. Awkwardness and passion and chemistry. And fairy lights and crystals. Add in an ex and a couple siblings and you got some fun. And the barn! That was fun! Johnny Gamble melted my heart!
Eliza “Izzy” Forrester needed a fresh start after her ex turned into a psycho. She relocated to Matlock, Kentucky and after a few months getting acclimated she found herself giving in to the moment and falling in bed with Johnny Gamble. Izzy had no idea that Johnny was legendary around town and it wasn’t because of his magnetic personalty or his family name, it is because Johnny is the man whose heart broke when his fiancee left town overnight and no one knows why.
Johnny knows after the first night with Izzy that he should let her walk away, he has nothing left to give and Izzy deserves the best. However Johnny is selfish and wants to be with Izzy even if it is just temporary. The more he gets to know Izzy though the more he knows he has to let her go and he does. What Johnny didn’t know though was the reason that Izzy moved to Matlock and once he finds out he decides to take a chance and move on from the past. Can Izzy give him a second chance and if she does will Johnny be able to keep his fears of the past in the past?
Another book where I am kicking myself I did not pick up sooner. Loved this, Johnny is pure alpha male and I loved Izzy she is an favorite KA heroine now. Didn’t want the story to end but I am anxious to read what is next. Always entertaining and always a surprise when I pick up a Kristen Ashley book. Excellent.
Johnny Gamble, along with new to town and all around good girl, Izzy Forrester, are hot as sin after what was to be a one night stand. But soon the two become inseparable, not being able to refute their undeniable attraction to one another, while holding quite a bit of baggage respectively.
Izzy was a fun character to get to know and see grow over the course of the book. To learn her story and what made her such a strong and proud woman was very enjoyable.
I did feel that Johnny Gamble’s character was a bit too “caveman” for my tastes. Perhaps it is because I am an independent woman, but I felt that he often treated Izzy as though she was helpless, whereas he could have still shown his great care for her and been strong alpha male lead without being so domineering.
This made for a very pleasurable book to listen to with the charming voices of Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom bringing the story to life.
I look forward to more to come from the Moonlight and Motor Oil Series and I know you will too!
As Always, Happy Reading!
“4/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
I have always attempted to give ‘star’ ratings on my completed reads, just as a tracking method for my titles that I have completed. I have unlimited packages for audio, kindle, and utilize the local/state library.
However, I do not check the ‘I recommend this book’ unless I am willing to reread a book and or a series.
[I read about 5-15 books a month through kindle, and I listen to about 15-30 books monthly]
I have a full life as a nurse, professor, wife, daughter [daughter in law], sister, and mother. I love to read and love a thousand other lives by turning the pages in countless books.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a review. Happy reading 🙂
So wonderfully written!
Another fantastic read by Kristen Ashley. I fell in love with not only the hero and heroine, but the secondary characters as well.
Audiobook edit: First, I am freaking thrilled to find the narration matched the story so perfectly. I listened to it in two marathon sessions and fell in love with Johnny and Izzy all over again!
This author can do no wrong. Every single book I have read by this author is pure gold. I love Izzy and Johnny. I love their story. I love the idea of a new series! Must read if you are a KA fan.
This is a new series by Kristen Ashley, having read the Rock Chicks, The Burg and the Chaos series I’m a fan and really liked this book. It is a quick easy read hen you want something easy and quick. Great summer read.
Great book, I have read and reread this book. It made me smile, laugh, cry and sigh out loud. Best book i’v Read in a while. I can’t recommend it enough
This book just plain shocked me. Ok, yes…the blurb intrigued me. But I don’t always have the best of luck with KA books, so while the blurb sounded good…the story…well, that could go the other way. But once I started it…I was hooked. And I actually enjoyed it…nay, loved it.
One of the issues I tend to have with KA guys is that while they’re alpha (and I love that), there’s no compromise. The walk into a situation and lay down the law and expect everyone to jump and do their bidding. Ok…I get that you want to call the shots but sometimes the occasion calls for COMPROMISE…but I digress. In this book Johnny was definitely alpha but he was alpha in a way that he didn’t steamroll over anyone. He made his alphaness known and he was awesome. I loved the way he was open to compromise and that he didn’t take over every situation. I mean yes, he when things were going down with Izzy’s family, he wanted to help. He wanted to make things better for them, so that things would be better for Izzy.
As for KA heroines…I tend to have an issue with them because they talk a good game about being strong women, but the minute their KA guy says boo, they roll over and turn into doormats (for the most part). And when they try to stand their ground, they’re given a pat on the head and the equivalent of “oh how cute” and then their wishes/opinions are largely ignored. I didn’t find that with Izzy. I loved her. Yes, she was shy and she was awkward but she had strength and self preservation. She felt REAL. She hooked up with Johnny and felt like she had a connection. She thought that given time, maybe something could happen between them. She thought they were starting something. But then she started adding up the pieces and realized that it was just a hook up, not a one night stand, but also not a relationship. And she was ok with that. She didn’t chase him. She didn’t immediately start claiming to herself or the reader that she loved him. She acknowledged that he was a good guy and given time, she probably could fall for him. But she wasn’t going there. She was going to enjoy what time she had with him and then move on, no matter how hard that would be. I LOVED HER. Because when that inevitable conversation with Johnny happened, calling things to an end…she didn’t cry, she didn’t beg, she didn’t chase him…she always knew it would happen and that she would cherish what time they’d spent together and move on with her life. Let me repeat…I LOVED HER. And she stuck to her guns and she did go on living her life. She went out on her own and didn’t let the parting of ways influence her actions and how she lived.
Yes, Johnny realized what he’d lost relatively quickly, and made a play to start up an official relationship with her and that’s ok. But my point is…there wasn’t stupid drama.
I will say that there was one part of the book that I got really passionate about. Nikki read it before I did, and I normally avoid spoilers (at all costs) but in this case, I HAD to know. The dogs. It really bothered me that Johnny’s ex got his dog. I’m sorry, but no. I’m not giving my dog up for ANYONE. And then later in the book, Izzy was basically staying with Johnny and she left her dogs at her house with her sister for “protection”. I mean, it’s a sweet thought but it was unnecessary. She should have taken her dogs with her.
There was one part of the book that I found to be a missed opportunity. There was a bit of talk about Izzy’s crazy ex in the beginning of the book and around the time Johnny decided that he did want a relationship with Izzy…and yet, nothing came of it. There is something that happens later in the book, and I just thought that instead of the person that causes the drama, it should have been Izzy’s ex. It just seemed like a missed opportunity. He was talked about but never utilized beyond Johnny demanding that Izzy call him if the guy ever messed with her again.
Overall, I really did love this book. I ended up reading it in one sitting, and that’s nearly unprecedented for me when it comes to KA. So I totally recommend it!
Ashley books are always a good time. Love her strong women and interesting mysteries. I adore the men, even when I feel like smacking them. Sexy, funny, entertaining.
Johnny likes to give his girl options, “wanna eff before or after I feed you?” he inquired.” I loved Johnny’s aunt, the woman was a hoot, “Johnathon, please. No sexual innuendo at a lady’s dining room table,” Margot scolded. “It’s crass.” I adored this book, Johnny and Izzy didn’t disappoint. Not gonna lie this blurb had me super nervous, I really had to contemplate giving this book a go, but then I read a few reviews and I took a chance, and I was so pleased. I can’t wait for more to come from this series.
Before I get to the important part let me state that the cover of this book made the top 2 of my favorites list. Yes it’s simple and nothing outstanding but the clear simplicity and that beautiful color just works for me. I think it’s also my favorite cover among Kristen Ashley books too.
Okay Kristen Ashley books are a hit or a miss for me, mostly hits and it’s not different this time either. I really liked this story even if it’s not my favorite of hers. It has a really great plotline and phenomenal characters. It also has the earlier KA style just with more sophistication and I loved it.
With 300 and some pages this book is one of the author shortest ones and I think you kinda can feel it in the storyline too. There is a lot of interesting potential in the story and several possible conflict points but maybe because of the length of the story maybe because the author wanted to create a more simple and subtle story, none of them are really used. Let’s just look at the possible love triangle that is mentioned in the synopsis. The possibility is there and I even prepared myself for the emotional wreck it could have made me, but in the end it’s resolved in a kind of lackluster way. This trend is unfortunately true to the whole book, although it’s still a great and enjoyable read but the emotions and the drama is just not top notch in my opinion.
I absolutely loved Izzy. A lot of other readers complained that they don’t like her because she is too cute. Well in my opinion she is not cute but feminine and sophisticated. She is a great character, kind, understanding and relatable. A bit crazy with all of the animals and if you want to go into details she can be sweet and cute too, but I loved her.
Then there is Johnny, who had a bad breakup and still couldn’t really get over that one. This means he is a bit standoffish with Izzy and tries to keep his distance, but it became clear for him that Izzy is someone who can melt his heart and give him what he wants. They are really great together, they ha phenomenal chemistry.
The hookup was an exceptional read and it’s true I think it could have a bit more drama and a deeper emotional charge to it. Yet I’m good with it as it is. Go and read it.