ASHES IN THE WIND - J.J. Massa
The Weather Series, Book 2
Love You Divine - www.loveyoudivine.com
ISBN: 1-60054-077-5
January 2007
Erotic Paranormal Romance - Short Story
Rating: Shooting Star

New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Present Day

Sheriff Gabriel Theroit arrives at the roughest bar in the parish just in time to see someone throw a knife at his best friend's niece, Ashlynn Doucette. The knife lodges in her shoulder blade and Gabriel roars. How dare someone hurt his Ashlynn! Yep, you guessed it. Gabriel carries a torch for the beautiful young woman, but he's never done a thing about it for two very good reasons. One, she's younger than he, and two, his buddy, Deke, would have his hide. However, when the doctor says Ashlynn needs a place to recuperate, Gabe steps in and announces she's coming home with him. Of course, close quarters can do things to a man's control and Ashlynn is a temptation that Gabe simply can't resist.

An agent for the United States Treasury Department, Ashlynn Doucette is in town on the trail of a money laundering scheme. But instead of notifying the sheriff and apprising him of the whats and whys, Ashlynn goes in head first and ends up injured. Not the first time it's happened, but it is the first time she's found herself in Gabriel's arms and in his bed...alone. As much as she'd love to share a bed with Gabriel, she will never marry a sheriff. Her daddy is the sheriff in the next parish over and one controlling man in her life is enough. However, Gabriel has no problem taking their relationship to that of lovers. Once he takes her bed, Ashlynn soon finds that it doesn't matter what your mind tells you, it's what's in the heart. And in her heart, Gabriel is the only man for her.

ASHES IN THE WIND is a thrilling, captivating romantic story with characters that are absolutely charming. When I began reading the book, it soon became apparent that Ashlynn is the daughter of Remy and Rayne Doucette from ELECTRIC RAYNE, and Ashlynn’s story is just as fascinating as her parents' story was. Ashlynn is a special lady with some extraordinary talents; she can start fires and talk to her family with her mind. Gabriel is a tough alpha who knows his mate when he sees her. His feelings for Ashlynn have been a constant throbbing in his head, his heart, and now she's finally his. Or she will be if they can solve her case without either of them dying. The sex between Gabriel and Ashlynn is hot enough to singe the sheets -- literally -- and emotionally involved. Several secondary characters who add depth and background are Gabriel's cousin, Angel; Deke; Remy and Rayne; and Storm, Ashlynn's brother. We only catch a glimpse of Storm since he's out of the country, but that one glimpse gives me hope his story will eventually be told.

J.J. Massa continues her The Weather Series with a stormy tale of romance, passion, and danger. ASHES IN THE WIND contains characters that make you laugh, sigh, and dream.

Sinclair Reid