Title: Smoke and Steel
Author: Kristen Ashley
First published December 6, 2022
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.2
Overview
He wasn’t the type of guy to settle down…
Landon Rhodes didn’t believe in love. He believed in living life to the fullest and never looking back.
But when he meets the stunning and independent Mia Malone, something changes. He can’t help but feel drawn to her, even though he knows he’s not the settling down type.
Mia Malone had her life planned out. She was going to start her own business and live life on her own terms.
She didn’t need a man to complete her, but when Landon comes into her life, she can’t resist his charm.
When Mia’s business is threatened by a ruthless competitor, Landon steps in to help. As they work together to save her business, their feelings for each other grow stronger.
But can Landon overcome his fears of commitment and give Mia the happily ever after she deserves?
About the Author
Kristen Ashley hails from Gary, Indiana in the USA, and she has quite the story to tell about her birth. She was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, which she jokingly refers to as her first attempt at accessorizing before even taking her first breath!
Kristen spent most of her childhood in Brownsburg, Indiana, but she’s also lived in Denver, Colorado, and even the West Country of England. Thanks to her global travels, she’s been fortunate enough to have friends and family all over the world, even if they’re a little bit crazy!
Kristen grew up in a large, multi-generational family on a small farm in a small town in the heartland. They always had music playing in the house, and Kristen grew up listening to Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.
She also had a wardrobe to match the music of the time.
Growing up in a house filled with music, love, and great fashion was an ideal way to spend her childhood, and as she continues to grow up, life just keeps getting better.
Editoral Review
Smoke and Steel by Kristen Ashley is a thrilling romance novel that was first published on December 6, 2022. Ashley is a prolific author who has written several bestselling novels in the romance genre.
Smoke and Steel is a vivid tale of a man who finds love in the most unlikely place, amid the darkness of his past. Set in the small town of South Carolina, Smoke and Steel tells the story of Cade and Mandy.
Cade is a former soldier who has returned home after serving in Iraq. His life is turned upside down when he meets Mandy, a beautiful waitress at a local diner.
Despite his troubled past and difficulty with trusting others, Cade finds himself drawn to Mandy. The novel is written in a fast-paced and engaging style that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
Ashley’s storytelling is masterful, and her character development is exceptional. The town of South Carolina is vividly portrayed, with its sights, sounds, and smells coming to life on the page.
The conflicts between Cade and Mandy, as well as the other characters, are realistic and relatable, adding an element of drama to the story. One of the most significant strengths of Smoke and Steel is the way Ashley connects the past and present.
She highlights the impact of the Iraq war on returning veterans and their families, and the challenges they face readjusting to civilian life. Ashley also weaves in themes of love, loss, and forgiveness, making the novel a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Despite its many strengths, Smoke and Steel is not without its flaws. The pacing can be a little slow at times, and the plot could use a bit more tension to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
However, these minor issues are overshadowed by the overall quality of the novel. Overall, Smoke and Steel is a beautifully crafted romance novel that offers a compelling story and richly drawn characters.
It will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as readers looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging novel.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
