Cover Image: The Debt

The Debt

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Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this one, the characters were good and the story was good. Nice quick read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

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I am usually a huge fan of Jackie Ashenden's books but this one fell a little flat for me. I couldn't connect with the characters and felt that their development was lacking. The beginning started off well for me, but after the scene with the heroine watching the Hero fondle another woman in front of her, I had a hard time enjoying the story. I just think it ruins the romance and the growing connection between the main characters when they are intimate with others, or attempting to be. The plot was fine, but nothing was overwhelmingly engaging. The writing, however, was excellent, as usual. I am still a fan of this author and hopefully her next book will be more enjoyable for me.

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The Debt is the first book in The Billionaire's Club quartet and follows the story of Ash and Ellie. Ash Evans is a nortorious investor who is know for his brash attitude and being unforgiving when it comes to debts. But, Ellie needs a favor from him, so she takes a job as his chauffer in an effort to get closer to him. However, Ellie didn't plan on Ash being so tempting. A price will need to be paid if Ellie expects Ash to agree to her favor. Pretending to be Ash's girlfriend is easier said then done. With so much on the line, will Ellie's heart be put into danger as well? There's only one way to find out....

Overall, I thought this book was a quick and enjoyable read. The story hits the ground running and the pacing never lets up. From the moment we meet up with Ellie and Ash, the chemistry between the two is instant. Ash is broody and arrogant. He's used to being treated with the upmost respect and always getting his way. When Ellie enters the picture, all bets are off. Ellie is sassy and isn't afraid to put Ash in his place. She challenges him in a way a woman never has before and she's making him feel things that he's not prepared for. Together, these two are absolutely combustible. Despite all their differences and baggage they each carry, somehow these two just click. Sure their journey won't be an easy one. There is bound to be a little drama and heartache along the way. That being said, I had a lot of fun getting swept up in these two and their story.

If I had one complaint about this book, it would be the ending. Don't get me wrong, the ending was great, but I just felt like it was a bit rushed. I didn't feel like it did Ellie and Ash's story the justice that I wanted. I wish that we could have gotten a few more chapters and that Ash would have been made to grovel a little more. 

Other than that, I thought this book was a quick and fun read. You can totally read this story in a single sitting. So, if you're looking for a quick and sexy read, look no further, The Debt might just be the book you've been waiting for.

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Jackie Ashenden has written a hot good story with plenty going on. Good solid writing .Enjoyed the book

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This was a really emotional story. Intensely emotional when it came to both of the main characters.
It was also sensual, steamy and kind of erotic. Especially in the semi- voueyer scene, which I wasn't expecting.
I forgot that the "Dare" inclusion on the eBook cover was the remember that it was going to be of a higher sexual content. The information about this kind of series said that it had strong characters (it did) and highly explicit sexual encounters (it did). For me, I didn't enjoy that as much since it was in the danger zone of taking OVER the story. That is something that I don't like. I can't say it wasn't well written but it's just not my style. Quite a bit of language as well including one of my least favorite "F" bombs.
Now to get to some of the things I did like. Ash was an angry man and he had plenty of reasons to be that way. He was a man who had to fight for any and everything he ever wanted. I liked that he was complex. Anything nice about him he tried to keep hidden and there were some people that he cared about. But he could list those on one hand. Anybody else got the street fighting steamroller part of this personality if they didn't get out of the way first.
Ellie Little was more than a match for Ash. Because even in front of a steamroller she's not going to roll over and play dead. She is a fighter also and loves a challenge. That's something that they both have in common. And she intrigues the heck out of Ash and she finds that she returns the favor. She's not put off by him or his scars. It makes for some interesting interactions.
The book comes to an expected conclusions of some challenges that have been plaguing Ash. Some of his anger issues get resolved, even though we know he will never be an easy to get along with man. He's not tame but there is a H.E.A. for Ellie and Ash.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

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Wow! What can I say, excellent read, great characters to love and root for and sex......in a harlequin novel......who knew? Obviously it’s been a while since I read a harlequin novel....but after reading this I’m looking for my next Harley to read and also anything by Jackie Ashenden because I really liked her style....

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I loved Ash and Ellie's story and how she,kept calling him Mr. Evans. Finally he was getting the respect that he craved. I appreciate how smart Ellie is. It's pretty sexy I think.

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Jackie Ashenden is definitely a talented author and The Debt is right up there with some of her best! The story reels you in from the very first page and keeps the momentum going throughout the entire book. The plot is intriguing, and the characters, though somewhat flawed, have a chemistry that is absolutely combustible. An entertaining read with clever, witty dialogue, an overbearing alpha male, and a smart and sassy female who could hold her own in any circumstances. I can definitely recommend this as a gripping read!

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This book was definitely steamy, but I needed more from the actual story. The characters felt one-dimensional, Ellie, poor little (literally her last name is Little) girl trying to save her family. Her Dad is mean to her because she's beautiful and she reminds him of her dead Mom (Really? A loving Dad will just flip on his love like that?). She wants to prove herself. Ash is a fighter turned billionaire. He wants to prove himself (with a side of revenge). It all felt forced and I couldn't get into the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was a fairly quick book and if you are familiar with Jackie's book you know that they are steamy. We meet Ash and he is an angry individual, his father never claimed him, his brother betrayed him and his mother who loves him dearly would never accept any of his gifts. On his quest for revenge he meets Ellie who is his replacement limo driver but what he doesn't know is that Ellie is there to plead for her fathers company. These two have a steamy encounter and when Ellie explains what she needs he leaves her upset that she used him, but when he needs someone to go with him to show he is in a steady relationship to take something away that his brother also wants he makes a deal with her. You know how this will work, she falls in love he gets angry because no one will truly love him and when he comes to the realization he needs to grovel.

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I enjoy reading Jackie Ashenden books they have a mix of sexy times, spicy temptation, passionate love scenes and characters you’ll love!! From the feisty to the swoony, this author captivated me with this fantastic story!! Happy reading!!

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ARC received for review

3.5 stars

There was lots of steam coming from the chemistry sparks shooting between these two. Plus there was angst and pain to overcome. Their ending just lacked the fire that their relationship had. I don't really get the title with story cause the debt had to do with Ash's mom, not Ellie. I didn't like her Dad not even in the end. ... maybe it showed be 3 stars....

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Enticing but I needed to feel more invested emotionally in the characters - emotionally it felt superficial

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Ash Evans is a billionaire and a ruthless businessman. Ellie Little is a car designer who is trying to help her family’s business by asking Ash for an extension on their loan. But, Ash makes a deal with her: if she poses as his girlfriend, he will give her family the extension. He wants to take vengeance on his stepbrother. Will their hearts get in the way of what they both want?
I have to say I was pleasantly satisfied with this book. It had fantastically flawed characters searching for the truth and love, a plot that was entertaining, and enough steam to curl your toes. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

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The debt has been quite a ride 🛫for me ..
I meet Ellie Little and Ash Evans ...
Ellie is a daughter of an Australian businessman who makes luxury cars .
Ash is a selfmade billionaire .
They met each other for the very first time in Paris and there and then they felt a jolt of electricity that confused them ..😜💥
Aah i love those sparks ....
Ellie and Ash both have certain common things like they were passionate , honest, were deprived of affection, and their feelings for each other ...
I completely adored both of them .
The story line was fantabulous . It gives us a wonderful moral lesson that misunderstandings can only be solved when you try to bridge the gap ... love takes away all your grumpiness , anger and only gives you peace and satisfaction in return .
🌹i give it 10/10🌹
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Guys do read this book . Its amazing ..read it and spread love 💖

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The debt is part of the Billionaire club and Ash has fought his way to the top from nothing literally. He gets what he wants and revenge is what he needs. To make it work he needs a serious girlfriend for a business deal. The problem? He doesn’t do serious.

Ellie loves to drive. Being Ash Evans driver isn’t a hardship, but she needs him to help her family’s car business. What starts as a way to save her families company turns into a deal to get what they both want.

What they don’t expect is to have to fight their chemistry and feelings for each other. Will they survive or crash and burn?

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Car designer Ellie meets rough and tough billionaire Ash in the fast-paced sexy romp! Ellie caused a scene with a fellow car designer that ended up costing her fathers company a lot of money. Now it looks as though they will lose their investor too. Will she be able to convince Ash to not to pull out of the business deal with her father.

Funny, sexy and worthy of adding to your TBR list!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheDebt #NetGalley

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Another great read from Jackie Ashenden. Two very strong characters crash in this intense love story. A self-made billionaire and auto lover who needs a favor so she gets a job as a limo driver and hopes on good luck. But what she didn't count on was that Ash will be so intense, that she will be drawn to her, that chemistry will explode between them. A great hot quick read for a hot summer night.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

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I really enjoyed this book. I heart quick reads or as I call them 'quickies'!

I love the fake relationship troupe and grumpy (sort-of) antiheroes. The only thing that could have made this any better would be some good quality groveling. I really enjoyed the topic of a billionaire that didn't act like one per se and the exotic car aspect. I wish we had learned more about it and maybe more of a highlight on the electric car aspect. I also liked how there was eventually genuine feelings and not insta-love.

Ok so quick summation, Elle is attempting to talk one of the investors in her family's exotic car business into giving them a loan extension and set herself up as his chauffeur to do it. Ash, said investor and notorious for his gruff nature, is not happy about his new chipper fresh-faced chauffer. What they didn't expect was the instant connection between them. There were no continuous themes of deception between them (which is a total turn off for me and greatly appreciated).

As I mentioned above, this was a quick read and as much as I love a good short story with lots of heat and smolder, I kind of wish there was more story.

Definitely recommend for those that love grumpy alphas and hot saucy times, all in a quick read form!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this generously provided ARC!

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This was a complimentary copy from net galley - thank you

I have not read anything by this author before but will certainly be in the future

I loved this book !!

I was a little bit nonplussed by the constant car references. We know Ellie is obsessed with her pet project but I did find the constant references a little annoying

Didn't put me off the book - or giving it 5 stars

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