This is the first book I have read by this author. I found the story intriguing. Why would a man go to jail for eight years for something he didn't do? The author reveals bits and pieces throughout to answer that question. Rush Redmond is a complicated character, although he comes across throughout the story as a very easy going man who likes his drink and his women. Things get complicated when a friend that is now a cop needs Rush's help with a tip she received. When he finally relents to help, sparks fly although they both fight it.

I would recommend this book. I am reading others in this series by this author as well.

Wow! Ms. Ashenden has done it again! I loved this story. Let's begin shall we. In this story, we have Rush Redmond, middle brother to younger brother Zane, whom we met in Take Me Deeper and he is living his HEA with Iris. Then we have big brother Quinn whom we really need to read about. I mean I seriously need to read his book next...something is going on with Quinn and The Duchess and the air is just palatable with electricity. Lol. I digress, Rush has spent the last 8 years in prison for a crime he did not commit to protect his Dad or Quinn (because at this point, we really don't know who did the deed tsk,tsk,tsk) He is released and he is bitter with a secret he has kept for 18 years and not only does he deserve some series R&R, he sets out for revenge as well. Ava St. George, the heroine, is a girl, now a woman, whom he used to look after when her Dad and his Dad used to shoot the breeze together. He always gave her milk and cookies, sweet right? Ava goes to Rush at a stripper bar to ask for his help and contact names that might know some answers to an unsolved murder that is very important to her. He does not want to give her the information because he knows that she will be in danger. In the end, when she reveals why she needs the information, he decides to help her. Ava has always had a crush on Rush and after losing her V card to him, realizes that she has loved him all along. The sex scenes were hot, which is par the course for Ashenden's books. Scorching hot! Lol. As far as, Rush goes, it took me some time to warm up and fall in love with him. He was basically an a**hole for most of the book to Ava and his family. As the reader, you know why and what he is going through, but you still want to take a frying pan to the side of his head. Lol... He starts to make amends with his brothers and becomes the sweetest and most adorable male to Ava. Justice is met and Rush and Ava get their HEA. Loved it!

I loved this book. While I admit Rush was an arrogant ass most of the book he still made me laugh with his dirty comments. Ava, bless her, was able to just keep talking ignoring his comments. I would not have been able to do that. This book has a couple characters from Make it Hurt but it does not matter if you read one over the other as it does not made a big difference in how the books go. A very good read!

I love this series and this author. I was new to Jackie Ashenden's books in 2016 and once I read my first one I was hooked. I know have been trying to read any of hers that I can find. Her books have it all...memorable characters, good plot, humor and sass and of course sex appeal.

Rush is a jerk throughout the whole book. But in a way that's what made this such a good book. At first it was kinda like he was whining and blaming everyone else for his sucky life, then I figured, nope, just a jerk. Except when he's loving on Ava. Then holy hotness. Still a jerk, but a very sexy jerk. Several times while reading this I was craving milk and cookies.

**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the third book in the series, but could be read as a stand alone if desired.

This books focuses on Redmond brother Rush and cop Ava, both of whom we have seen in previous books.

I kinda had to feel sorry for Rush, sent to prison for a crime he did not commit, a father that seemed to hate him and to top it all his mothers death bed confession. Its no wonder that he uses his sarcastic humour and distances those that he calls family.

Ava is a good girl, however she see's a deeper side of Rush that no one else seems to be seeing. She can put side comments that she knows are only to help Rush cope and helps him like no one else has bother to so far.

She helps him out from the dark with her light persona, her strength and determination.

Its a friends to lovers book, with an eight year gap in-between and the same goal in mind.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and the tension between Ava and Rush. Initially I had a hard time finding a reason to like Rush because he was being so over the top obnoxious/rude and talking so dirty, but the author did a good job of having him grow on you as the book progressed and by the end you can understand how he became the person he was. I did feel the supporting plot (the murder of Ava's mother and Rush's parentage) could have used a little more depth, but it did allow the intense chemistry between Ava and Rush to be the focus of the story.

I received a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rush is an arrogant, selfish, arrogant (yes, doubly) prick. He is also vulnerable, feeling (shh, he does not want anyone to know) and a hero. Ava also guards her feelings and is a bit selfish. Yes, she wants Rush to trust her but does she give trust easily? No. I love the characters in this series. They suffer and are vulnerable and fortunately they find what they need, unconditional love. You might not like everything about them, Rush you douchebag, but you cannot help but love them.

I anxiously wait for each book. Okay, Jackie, I need to know the real story of Rush and his father!! I think there must be more.