Eva Millien
Jake and Callie electrify readers with passion and determination in the first book of the brand new 11th Hour series. The characters are strong, compelling and easily hook readers on their story as they struggle to find their way through a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and conflicts which continuously plague Jake and Callie. Not only do they have to find a way to get a handle on the situation but they fight an undeniable attraction that has them engaging in some hot and steamy embraces. This story is fast paced and full of surprising twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats with danger and thrills. Jake’s unhappiness with the assignment adds to the confusion of the situation and he tries to determine just where the danger to Callie is coming from and when he does, he faces a couple of major decisions that will impact both his and Callie’s future which adds to the suspense and anticipation of the story, ensuring that readers want to know every last detail of this explosive relationship. Jackie Ashenden has a gift for creating powerful, raw and thrilling stories that are full of enthralling characters that grab my attention and refuse to let go. She brings her worlds to electrifying life which makes it easy for readers to imagine each and every scene and feel as if they are part of the story taking place. I was completely caught up in Raw Power from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series.
Sandy S.
RAW POWER is the first instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult 11th HOUR romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for 11th Hour Security. This is former US Marine Jack King, and socialite Callie Hawthorne’s story line. Told from dual third person perspectives (Callie and Jack) RAW POWER follows the building romance between former US Marine Jack King, and socialite/Senator’s daughter Callie Hawthorne. Hired to protect our story line heroine Jack King doesn’t want to babysit a spoiled socialite especially one who doesn’t seem to give a damn about her personal security. But an attempt against her, along with a number of hidden cameras found in her small apartment, find our heroine beginning to understand that Jack King is the least of her worries. What ensues is the building relationship between Jack and Callie, and the potential fall out when Callie’s life becomes fodder for the man in charge. Callie Hawthorne has lived a life of sheltered abuse by a man whose public persona is matched by the evil that has become her life. Trying to get away places everyone, including Jack King, in danger, a danger she isn’t willing to risk for the man with whom she has fallen in love. Jack King is new to the personal security business, so new his first assignment goes all to h*ll when he isn’t willing to play by the rules in an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. No one, not even his new boss, is able to force Jack to give up on the woman he has been tasked to protect. Scarred both inside and out, our hero refuses to lose another soul to the evil that has followed him from most of his life. The relationship between Callie and Jack begins acrimoniously. Callie comes across as a spoiled socialite, a role she has been groomed to perform from a very young age but a role she hides behind in the face of the truth at home. Jack’s immediate attraction to Callie is tempered by her willingness to place herself in a danger, a danger she believes comes from only one direction. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. –Both Jack and Callie like it rough in the bedroom. We are quickly introduced to the team at 11th Hour Security: Team leader Isiah Graham, Faith Beasley, Sabrina Leighton, former Navy SEAL Kellan Blake, and the money behind 11th Hour – the mysterious Mr. Night. RAW POWER is an intense story line; a sexy, intriguing and spirited story of romantic suspense. The premise is edgy; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is provocative and dramatic.
linda quick
Loved, loved, LOVED this book! This is the start to a new series that promises to be fantastic - what could be hotter than a group of former military that steps in to help when all legal avenues have been exhausted or do not exist.... Jack is one such soldier - as a Marine Force Recon vet, he left the Marines after surviving a grenade blast and is angry about no longer serving and with slightly tarnished honor. Jack's first assignment is to protect Callie, the pampered daughter of a politician. He finds it a bit insulting and well beneath his skill set, but must complete the assignment to secure a regular position with the 11th Hour. Callie, however, is not quite the pampered princess he expected, and he quickly learns that a golden cage is still a cage and the very real danger to her exists within that cage. He puts everything on the line to protect her and ends up finding himself along the way. This is a sexy and hot novel that fans of the genre will love - this is a must read. No one can create a tarnished hero like this author - she made me fall in love with these characters and care about their story. I was so engrossed in this novel that I was sorry when it ended. The author is on my must read authors' list and should probably be on yours as well.
