After eight years in prison, Levi Rush is finally out and back on the gritty streets of Detroit to claim the future he was owed. A future that includes the one woman he’s wanted for years—his former best friend Rachel. She’s the reason he went inside and if getting her to do what he wants means buying the building that houses her tattoo studio and using it as leverage, then that’s what he’ll … he’ll do. Because if there’s one thing he’s learned inside it’s that if you want to win, you have to play dirty.
Rachel Hamilton is a tattoo artist and one hell of a tough girl. Detroit is her home, and she’s determined to make it a better place. But her plans are threatened when her old friend Levi reappears and gives her an ultimatum: she gives herself to him body and soul, or else she and her business are out on the street. Levi’s got no room in his heart for anything but anger and the lust he’s been carrying around for so long. But the only thing stronger than the secrets of their shared past is their fiery attraction to each other . . .
Praise for Jackie Ashenden’s Mine to Take
“The sex is dirty-sweet, with a dark lick of dominance and the tantalizing potential of redemption.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Intriguingly dark and intensely compelling . . . sure to keep readers in suspense.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Top Pick
“Ashenden twists and tortures her characters with impressive skill.” —The Washington Post
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I love, love, love Jackie Ashenden. I write myself, and I have this book in particular on my reference shelf. The pitched conflict between the characters is off the charts. And the love scenes will set your sheets on fire. Seriously, every single book in this series is amazing, as are all her books. I’m waiting on your next release Jackie!
This book sees 2 tormented souls in the form of Rachel and Levi reconnecting once Levi has served 8 years in prison. There are some dark themes in this book that may not be to everyone’s liking. Levi wants revenge for the time he served in prison and initially Rachel is the target of his anger. There is a lot of depth to the characters and a lot of hurt that they both need to come to terms with. This is an interesting plot and an enjoyable read.
Characters very realistic and not always likable. But you still can’t keep from turning the page. Does however reinforce the power of love……
Levi Rush is a free man now, and on a mission to right the wrongs committed in the past, and get the girl he’s wanted for the last eight years. The problem is she is a big part of the reason why he was behind bars, so there’s a lot of anger there, and he’s fighting an inner battle that’s pitting his desire for her against his desire to get revenge for having to give up the last eight years of his life. For a long time he’s tried to wrap his mind around how it was that they were best friends, that she could have came to his rescue, but instead she ran and left him high and dry. She could have helped lessen his sentence, came to visit him, but she did nothing… and he wants to know why, and he’s determined to get his answers and get her into his bed!!
Rachel Hamilton is a tough girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone, she lives her life on her own terms, and doesn’t answer to anyone… but that is all about to change! The minute Levi Rush walks back into her life, he turns her carefully planned life upside down, and make demands that she is not prepared to act on, the thing is he isn’t really giving her a choice…and it pisses her off! Her past with him is filled with haunting memories, hurt, and a lot of regret that she isn’t ready to deal with… but no matter how much she fights him and tries to push him away, he just keeps coming back for more!
This dark and edgy story captivated my attention right from the start and had me flying through the pages and losing track of time, I found myself staying up til the well past my bedtime just to finish it! Despite their irritation and anger towards one another the characters had this amazing pull between them, and the anticipation of them finally getting together had me on the edge of my seat. One of my favorite tropes is second chance love stories and this one, definitely hit the mark!! While it was a little darker than my usual reads, I have to say I enjoyed it very much, both of these characters were tortured souls in need of healing and love and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their story unfold. If you if like your love stories a little on the dark side, and sinfully sexy then this just might be the perfect series for you!! No one does love stories quite like Ms. Ashenden, her books will give you a reading experience you’ll never forget!!