Red-Haired Ash Reads

Nash Oakley left everything behind when he joined the military the disappeared into a secret black ops program to become an assassin for the country. His only regret was leaving behind his best friend’s little sister, Georgiana Linden. He never sought her out after leaving the military because he expected her life to continue on as normal, but when he finds out her life has collapsed and she is in danger, he will stop at nothing to protect her. 

“I’m not some fucking white knight….Good. I don’t need one. I need a dark one.”

From the first chapter, I was hooked on this story. Nash was an extremely dangerous, protective man with a heart of gold underneath his armor. He has basically been in love with Georgie since she was a teenager but never pursued anything because of his career as an assassin. Now that he has this chance with her he refuses to give her up and does everything he can to show her how much he cares. I loved how he pampered and took care of Georgie during all of this. He showed her what it’s like to have a healthy partner and supportive family around you. Also, I loved that Nash grew orchids and named them after her! It was so sweet and adorable. 

Georgie was a strong willed woman who refused to let her sister’s killer go free. She knows nothing about killing but doesn’t back down when she has the chance. I loved how strong she was and that she never gave up. She takes the training that Nash gives her (which I fucking loved that he started training her) and actually uses it. She doesn’t sit back and let Nash handle taking down these terrible men. She actively participates and kills, and I loved her for it. 

“I’ll protect you. I’ll kill for you. Whatever you need. If anyone tries to hurt you, I’ll burn the world down for you.” 

Nash and Georgie have a very intense and quick relationship. These two have been hot for each other since they were teens so their relationship moves fast, or as fast as Nash will let it. I loved how supportive Nash was of Georgie’s needing to help bring the men down and that he never stood in her way. He just helped support her and helped plan the missions. These two were just a great couple who showed that supporting your partner is key to a strong relationship, and having supportive friends helps. 

This world of former assassins creating their own found family was fantastic. I loved all of Nash’s friends and how they are now living at the Avernus Casino as a family of misfits. We met a couple of the men in this and so far, I already love all of them and can’t wait to learn more about them, especially Alessio. 

Overall, this was a fantastic start to a new series. I loved the strong heroine and the protective, yet supportive, hero and how their friends all jumped in to help. I really can’t wait to read the next one, which I hope is Bastian’s because I want to know more about him and the mysterious Lark. 

TW: gun violence; death; murder of sibling; sex trafficking; rape; drug use; violence and physical abuse; mentions of death of parents and brother in military; 

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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