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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
Oh Asa I never wanted you to end. Not just because you are so good and I never want any of these books to end, but that also means that this amazing series, The Marked Men, is over. It make me sad, like losing a friend, but at least we have all of these amazing guys to read again and again. Plus the Saints of Denver series to look forward to (with possibly some glimpses of the Marked Men throughout since you know it is set in the same city/world as this series!). I didn't want you to end, but you didn't let me down. This was an amazing read, an amazing end to this series, and I heart Asa and Royal and all the characters we have met along the way!
When we first met Asa back in Jet he was not a good guy. He was using his sister, like he apparently always has. He almost died in that book and that near death experience changed him. He got his act together, started working for Rome at his bar, just has been trying to stay on the up and up. The problem? Even though everyone else has noticed he has changed he doesn't think he has. He still thinks of himself as that person who did all those terrible things. He still feels guilty for everything he has done and thinks it would be too easy to slip back into the Asa he used to be. He doesn't want to, but he doesn't trust himself not to.
Royal is kind of crashing and burning. Her guilt over her partner being shot on the job is eating her up inside. It doesn't matter how many times people tell her it wasn't her fault, her partner is fine, he doesn't even blame her, she blames herself. She is having a hard time dealing with this, dealing with her emotions in a positive way. She is drawn to Asa, drawn to how he makes her feel okay when nothing else does, but he keeps trying to keep her at arms length. He wants her, but doesn't want to be just another mistake she makes.
"Of course he likes you. Maybe he can just tell that you don't like you very much right now."
When they finally start to see each other, they finally get together, things are not easy. Royal is a really strong lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to work for it. She wants Asa. Just Asa. As he is, not some other incarnation of himself. If only he could see that and see how good he is. Asa is his own worst enemy.
"I think you love her but you're so caught up in the then and so worried about the when that you can't even see the now."
Royal is really great for Asa. She helps him get over his past, just like he helped her get over her issues. She was just this amazing lady who grew as the story progressed and you cannot help but love her.
There are some really heartbreaking moments in this book. Asa really is a great guy like I knew he would be. Sure he has a bad past, but he has been trying to change and make things better. He can be so incredibly selfless when he wants even if that hurts him. What he does for Royal, how he is with her, how much he cares, is beautiful. I loved both of them as they are such an amazing couple. The cop and the criminal. Shouldn't work, but it does.
I was sad to have this story end, sad to have to say goodbye to these amazing characters, but it won't be the last I read them. You get to see pieces of everyone else's lives in here, everyone from the prior books, and it was just a really great way to wrap up this series. I cannot wait for more from Jay Crownover. I love her books, love her characters, just love her. Thank you for writing these amazing people. It is always a bit sad when you close a chapter, but there is more to come. I know whatever Jay writes in the future will be amazing, just like these have been. Plus the Marked Men are here for me to read again and again whenever I need. Like saying hello to an old friend you haven't seen in a while. Simply amazing.
4.5 stars
Oh Asa I never wanted you to end. Not just because you are so good and I never want any of these books to end, but that also means that this amazing series, The Marked Men, is over. It make me sad, like losing a friend, but at least we have all of these amazing guys to read again and again. Plus the Saints of Denver series to look forward to (with possibly some glimpses of the Marked Men throughout since you know it is set in the same city/world as this series!). I didn't want you to end, but you didn't let me down. This was an amazing read, an amazing end to this series, and I heart Asa and Royal and all the characters we have met along the way!
When we first met Asa back in Jet he was not a good guy. He was using his sister, like he apparently always has. He almost died in that book and that near death experience changed him. He got his act together, started working for Rome at his bar, just has been trying to stay on the up and up. The problem? Even though everyone else has noticed he has changed he doesn't think he has. He still thinks of himself as that person who did all those terrible things. He still feels guilty for everything he has done and thinks it would be too easy to slip back into the Asa he used to be. He doesn't want to, but he doesn't trust himself not to.
Royal is kind of crashing and burning. Her guilt over her partner being shot on the job is eating her up inside. It doesn't matter how many times people tell her it wasn't her fault, her partner is fine, he doesn't even blame her, she blames herself. She is having a hard time dealing with this, dealing with her emotions in a positive way. She is drawn to Asa, drawn to how he makes her feel okay when nothing else does, but he keeps trying to keep her at arms length. He wants her, but doesn't want to be just another mistake she makes.
"Of course he likes you. Maybe he can just tell that you don't like you very much right now."
When they finally start to see each other, they finally get together, things are not easy. Royal is a really strong lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to work for it. She wants Asa. Just Asa. As he is, not some other incarnation of himself. If only he could see that and see how good he is. Asa is his own worst enemy.
"I think you love her but you're so caught up in the then and so worried about the when that you can't even see the now."
Royal is really great for Asa. She helps him get over his past, just like he helped her get over her issues. She was just this amazing lady who grew as the story progressed and you cannot help but love her.
There are some really heartbreaking moments in this book. Asa really is a great guy like I knew he would be. Sure he has a bad past, but he has been trying to change and make things better. He can be so incredibly selfless when he wants even if that hurts him. What he does for Royal, how he is with her, how much he cares, is beautiful. I loved both of them as they are such an amazing couple. The cop and the criminal. Shouldn't work, but it does.
I was sad to have this story end, sad to have to say goodbye to these amazing characters, but it won't be the last I read them. You get to see pieces of everyone else's lives in here, everyone from the prior books, and it was just a really great way to wrap up this series. I cannot wait for more from Jay Crownover. I love her books, love her characters, just love her. Thank you for writing these amazing people. It is always a bit sad when you close a chapter, but there is more to come. I know whatever Jay writes in the future will be amazing, just like these have been. Plus the Marked Men are here for me to read again and again whenever I need. Like saying hello to an old friend you haven't seen in a while. Simply amazing.
Nella parte finale la traduzione Γ¨ senza controllo. Meglio leggerlo in lingua originale.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Asa is the finale in the "Marked Men" series. This is a story that features a truly opposite couple and their story has been building slowly throughout the series so this was my most anticipated story and I really did enjoy it for the most part. I will always be drawn to the opposites attract trope and you don't get more opposite than a cop/ex criminal pairing. There is some powerful chemistry that builds between these two but the sweet pining between them was so magnetic and Jay Crownover really delivered in that aspect.
First Line
Not too long ago when I watched a girl purposely get as drunk as this pretty one did, I would've moved in for the kill.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Asa
Bad boy, Tattoed, ex criminal and working on redeeming his past.
The Heroine: Royal
Working in Law Enforcement, dealing with some emotional trauma and pining for a man that would be her most unlikely match
Summary
Royal Hastings has been working in law enforcement with her best friend. But when her partner is almost killed, she blames herself and is working through the shame and guilt she feels from it and starts second guessing her own abilities. Then jumps into the mix is Asa Cross, who is working on his own path of redemption. The easy way is his old way of being a criminal but Asa is determined to make his sister proud of him and forge a new life for himself. But being with a woman like Royal will push his limits and may be too much of forbidden fruit.
What I Loved
There were many elements to this story that I DID enjoy quite a bit. The way in which Asa rescues Royal in the beginning was so heartfelt. She is on a path of emotional self destruction, and he is there, a steady rock for her and determined to save her from herself if necessary. The journey that Royal goes on in healing and learning to accept things she can't change was powerful. I adored her growth and seeing her find her own place in her career as a officer. I had a blast seeing the chemistry build between Royal and Asa. They are such an unlikely match, but they really fit so well together. They are the epitome of why opposites attract works so well.
What I Struggled With
So there was done factor in this story that completely ruined the book for me and that was in the third act. I didn't really understand what the author was trying to do here because you build up a conflict and then it leaves you mad as a hatter. I coudn't even enjoy the epilogue like I wanted to because of how the conflict was resolved. I did not feel satisfied in any way. I get the motivations on both sides but I just felt like I was given this big meal of promise and expectation and it was ripped away at the last minute lol
Narration
This duo team did a superb job in narrating this story and I really had a fun time doing most of this series in audio. The narration really brought the characters to life.
Overall View
Asa had a powerful match up that delivers strong emotional connection, a vibrant sexual attraction and a pairing that you can fall head over heels in love with!
Favorite Quote(s)
What I want to do is love the Asa thatβs here with me now. You need to let go of those boulders weighted with all the bad things from the past that are dragging you down before you get crushed under them
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Business Owner
Themes: Tattoo's/Piercings, Secrets, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Only For You by Hearless Bastards
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Christian Fox, Kendall Harper
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Asa is the finale in the "Marked Men" series. This is a story that features a truly opposite couple and their story has been building slowly throughout the series so this was my most anticipated story and I really did enjoy it for the most part. I will always be drawn to the opposites attract trope and you don't get more opposite than a cop/ex criminal pairing. There is some powerful chemistry that builds between these two but the sweet pining between them was so magnetic and Jay Crownover really delivered in that aspect.
First Line
Not too long ago when I watched a girl purposely get as drunk as this pretty one did, I would've moved in for the kill.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Asa
Bad boy, Tattoed, ex criminal and working on redeeming his past.
The Heroine: Royal
Working in Law Enforcement, dealing with some emotional trauma and pining for a man that would be her most unlikely match
Summary
Royal Hastings has been working in law enforcement with her best friend. But when her partner is almost killed, she blames herself and is working through the shame and guilt she feels from it and starts second guessing her own abilities. Then jumps into the mix is Asa Cross, who is working on his own path of redemption. The easy way is his old way of being a criminal but Asa is determined to make his sister proud of him and forge a new life for himself. But being with a woman like Royal will push his limits and may be too much of forbidden fruit.
What I Loved
There were many elements to this story that I DID enjoy quite a bit. The way in which Asa rescues Royal in the beginning was so heartfelt. She is on a path of emotional self destruction, and he is there, a steady rock for her and determined to save her from herself if necessary. The journey that Royal goes on in healing and learning to accept things she can't change was powerful. I adored her growth and seeing her find her own place in her career as a officer. I had a blast seeing the chemistry build between Royal and Asa. They are such an unlikely match, but they really fit so well together. They are the epitome of why opposites attract works so well.
What I Struggled With
So there was done factor in this story that completely ruined the book for me and that was in the third act. I didn't really understand what the author was trying to do here because you build up a conflict and then it leaves you mad as a hatter. I coudn't even enjoy the epilogue like I wanted to because of how the conflict was resolved. I did not feel satisfied in any way. I get the motivations on both sides but I just felt like I was given this big meal of promise and expectation and it was ripped away at the last minute lol
Narration
This duo team did a superb job in narrating this story and I really had a fun time doing most of this series in audio. The narration really brought the characters to life.
Overall View
Asa had a powerful match up that delivers strong emotional connection, a vibrant sexual attraction and a pairing that you can fall head over heels in love with!
Favorite Quote(s)
What I want to do is love the Asa thatβs here with me now. You need to let go of those boulders weighted with all the bad things from the past that are dragging you down before you get crushed under them
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Business Owner
Themes: Tattoo's/Piercings, Secrets, Pining Heroine
Tropes: Opposites Attract
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Only For You by Hearless Bastards
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Christian Fox, Kendall Harper
β3.5 starsβ
You don't judge me, you don't try and make it better. You just let me feel bad while making me feel really good... I want to do that for you, too.
You don't judge me, you don't try and make it better. You just let me feel bad while making me feel really good... I want to do that for you, too.
3.5 stars - didn't love Asa & Royal as much as the previous couples and I felt that the "conflict" was a but unnecessary (as some other reviewers have written.)
Still enjoyed this series and will read the spin offs!
Still enjoyed this series and will read the spin offs!
Are you supposed to cry at the end of a book? Not because it was sad but because you know it's the end of something big. The end of a series with fictional characters that you never knew would become such a big part of your life? No, well shit, I'm doing this reading thing all wrong because I am a sobbing mess. If the intro to the book doesn't get you, then expect all the feels to come when you finally get to see Asa get his HEA. And then if all of that wasn't enough, read on as Jay's acknowledgements pull at your heartstrings.
I've been waiting for Asa's story for a long time and couldn't wait to see how it all played out for him. The attraction between Asa and Royal has been strong from the very beginning, but he does everything in his power to not cross that line with her. Royal was not having it and she went after him with everything she had! I absolutely loved her for it!
Once you see how much Asa loathes himself and how he truly believes that he doesn't deserve to be happy because of the things he's done, you're heart will break. Then watching Royal punish herself for an incident that she believes is her fault only adds to the need to see them open up and heal each other.
When the sexual tension finally breaks and neither one of them can stop the passion between them, it's epic. Seeing the transition in Asa was profound and truly made me smile, proving once and for all that not all people who do bad things are bad people at heart. Seeing Asa come full circle was the perfect way to end this series.
This book is the culmination of two years and 6 stories that I'll never forget. I've fallen in love with each Marked Men one by one and in their own right and I'm incredibly sad to know it's over.
*I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
I've been waiting for Asa's story for a long time and couldn't wait to see how it all played out for him. The attraction between Asa and Royal has been strong from the very beginning, but he does everything in his power to not cross that line with her. Royal was not having it and she went after him with everything she had! I absolutely loved her for it!
Once you see how much Asa loathes himself and how he truly believes that he doesn't deserve to be happy because of the things he's done, you're heart will break. Then watching Royal punish herself for an incident that she believes is her fault only adds to the need to see them open up and heal each other.
When the sexual tension finally breaks and neither one of them can stop the passion between them, it's epic. Seeing the transition in Asa was profound and truly made me smile, proving once and for all that not all people who do bad things are bad people at heart. Seeing Asa come full circle was the perfect way to end this series.
This book is the culmination of two years and 6 stories that I'll never forget. I've fallen in love with each Marked Men one by one and in their own right and I'm incredibly sad to know it's over.
*I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Well. This was a good series with a few stand outs but the Asa/Royal story fell extremely flat for me. Sure they had this great chemistry but I didn't think they really had anything to overcome. And when their big relationship shattering event happens it was boring! And she still just swept it under the rug? Just not one of my faves, hoping the new series brings more spark back. I don't think any can compare to Rule and Shaw though so here's hoping!
I have to say I'm pretty sad to see this series end, but excited for the spin off!
I loved Asa and Royal (not as much as Rule and Shaw), but still there probably gonna be my second favorite couple out of the marked men series.
Royal IS AMAZING. That's one thing I like about Jay Crownover writing of women. She doesn't make a weak female character, she always makes them bold and standing out.
I have to say, I loved how Royal pushed Asa even though he could be a total ass at moments.
Let's not even get me started on the whole I bought you a house and handcuffs!
I loved Asa and Royal (not as much as Rule and Shaw), but still there probably gonna be my second favorite couple out of the marked men series.
Royal IS AMAZING. That's one thing I like about Jay Crownover writing of women. She doesn't make a weak female character, she always makes them bold and standing out.
I have to say, I loved how Royal pushed Asa even though he could be a total ass at moments.
Let's not even get me started on the whole I bought you a house and handcuffs!
I don't like cops either. And I didn't think I was going to like a book where the main chick was a cop, but it was surprising. Although not my favorite book of the series, this wasn't awful either. It's worth reading, even if just to wrap up the stories. I'm very excited for the Saints of Denver series, btw.
