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Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn’t that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be.

And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he’s grown to be.

When his love is murdered right before Nick’s eyes, Nick knows he has to avenge her. He knows how he’s going to avenge her. And he has no qualms using Olivia Shade to exact that vengeance.

Olivia Shade has grown up on the outside of her family too. Her problem is that they don’t want her outside. They want her all the way in, right under their thumbs. She pays the price for seeking escape and learns her lesson—she’ll never see a dawn where she wakes up free.

Then she meets Nick Sebring, and even as she fights it, the hope that died years ago starts to blossom. She can find love. She can have a man of her own. She can be happy. She can be free.

Olivia hopes while Nick schemes.

However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it.

But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

446 pages, ebook

First published January 11, 2016

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About the author

Kristen Ashley

116 books38.6k followers
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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7,449 (50%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,352 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
1,916 reviews32.3k followers
June 16, 2023
3 Not Sure How I Feel About This One Stars

But I'm gonna be nice and rate it on the high side.

This is going to be short(ish), as:

1) My ass hurts from doing too many squats yesterday, and it's starting to hurt to sit on it.
2) I'm in a bad mood.
3) I'm in a bad mood.
4) And, as I said above, I'm not really sure how I feel about this book.

I mean, I liked it, but in kind of the same way you sometimes you really like broccoli and other times it just tastes like dirty arugula with a side of ass.

But anyway.

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Moving on.

This is my 50th Kristen Ashley.

Yes, you read that right: 50.
Spelled out: FIFTY

And, if you follow any of my reviews, you know that while I fucking LOVE Kristen Ashley, I have been...disillusioned with some of her more recent releases, AKA:

1) Deacon
2) The Promise
3) And, of course, that book that I prefer to pretend never happened, AKA Wild and (fucking not so) Free.

So, needless to say, after "that which should not be mentioned" I have gone into every subsequent KA book with some marginal fear and a shaky side of hope.

Cause, you know,

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But, after seeing the 5++++ Star blast reviews all over my feed, I had to fight not to get too excited about this one.

Now, don't get me wrong.

I really enjoyed this....for about the first 50% - and despite the fact that the first 50% gave me some major Deacon déjà vu in the sense that there was a lot of "tag you're it" slam-bam-thank-you-ma'am scenes with not a whole lot of dialogue between our two main characters.

Something else I really enjoyed?

Olivia.

With the exception of a choice few ladies...

-Sadie, from Rock Chick Regret
-Josephine, from The Will
-And MY ULTIMATE HOMIE, Cher, from Hold On

...ALL of KA's heroine are very similar in my opinion.

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As in, interchangeable twinsie similar.

But for the first 50% of this book, Olivia was feeling pretty unique and singular.

She was reserved, she was poised, and she was without the KA required female "posse."

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In short, she just felt different than the rest of the KA chick pack.

But then?

IT HAPPENED.

*
*
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OHHHHHH...
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Anyone who knows me knows that I fucking LOATHE the endearment, "Honey."

Because it reminds me of my grandmother.


Who for my ENTIRE life has always answered the phone, "Well, hi honey."

In the SAME exact tone.
Every time I call her.
Since I could talk and thus required to call grandma.

Every. Single. Time.

So over 30 YEARS worth of fucking Honey's, people.

Now I love it from my GRANDMA.
Because I LOVE my grandma.

But, when used in a romance novel?

By the heroine?

Constantly?

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Seriously though, it's like cold water being poured over a hot sex scene.

I mean, can you imagine? Reading this:

"Oh yeah, harder, HONEY."

With THIS is your fucking head?


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It makes me shudder.

It literally makes my vagina try to crawl further up inside my body.

Like a fucking turtle shriveling into its shell out of fear.

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And not only that, but once the "honey's" started to suddenly appear in Olivia's vernacular, it's like her entire characterization up until that point completely disappeared.

It's like KA just took her out of the story.

And replaced her with [insert virtually ANY other KA heroine here].

And with the "Honey's" came the "Uhhhh's...," and "Ummm's..." and the sudden inability to walk in a straight line without clumsily falling the fuck over.

But what can I say, I guess Olivia was just a "cute," "fuckin' nut" like every other single KA heroine there is.

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Now obviously I go into every KA KNOWING that I am going to get all of the above; but when it didn't happen for the first 50% - when Olivia seemed to be a heroine that was going to stand on some feet of individuality?

I got excited.

Thus, when 50% hit, the "honey's" arrived, and Olivia seemingly departed?

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I was BUMMED.

The story itself was pretty good though.

It was nice to see Nick get redeemed - even though the majority of that redemption happened off page during the four-year gap between the prologue and where the crux of the story begins.

And, of course, there was the awesome epilogue we all have come to expect from KA, plus some good groveling.

However, the loss of Olivia's character was just so disappointing to me that I had trouble overlooking it.

But I have hope that my love for this story might grow once I re-read it a couple times.

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*fingers crossed*
Profile Image for Christy.
4,077 reviews34.5k followers
January 14, 2016
4 stars!

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I’m sure everyone knows by now how much I love Kristen Ashley. After reading and reviewing 44 of her books, it’s pretty obvious. Nick Sebring was one of those characters that I loathed. To be honest, the main reason I was excited to read this book is because Nick is my main man (Knight’s) younger brother. I was so impressed with how KA made me forget how much I despised Nick. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked his character. And for those of you that are reading this because you want more KNIGHT- there are many Knight sightings to look forward to ;)

Nick Sebring has made a lot of mistakes in his life. He’s grown, he’s changed and he regrets the man he once was. Something big happened that changed him. He was in love once, and she was murdered right in front of him. Now he wants vengeance. To get back at those who killed her, he needs an ‘in’ with the Shade family. And that in is Olivia Shade. He never expected to be so enamored by Olivia, though.

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Olivia’s life has not been easy. She’s always been a bit of an outcast in her family of criminals. She does what she has to do, but she prefers to stay far far away from it. She keeps to herself. She doesn’t want to drag anyone into her mess of a family or mess of a life. She learned that lesson the hard way. She’s never believed she could have anything worth having in life. Slowly but surely, as Nick Sebring makes his way into her life, she starts to think that maybe, just maybe it can be possible.
He was tall. His eyes were the color of the ocean. And he made me believe that I could want something, take it and have it. Own it. Keep it. Something precious would be mine. Even if that belief only lasted seconds, I’d waited all my life to feel that feeling. To really, really believe.

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As I stated before, I was pleasantly surprised with Nick’s character. Also, Olivia was a great heroine. She’s been through so much, but she still finds it in herself to hope, to love, to believe. I love her strength and rooted for her to get that epic KA ending she deserves. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved how their story ended. And the epilogue was fantastic!

I must take a quick moment to talk about my favorite Sebring brother, aka my book husband, Knight! I never tire reading about Knight! He is the best brother- I just love this man!
“Jesus, you’re a bossy motherfucker,” Nick muttered. “Then again, you always were.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Knight muttered back, but did it grinning.



“One thing you do still gotta learn is, when it’s family, Nick, there’s a limit to the shit I’ll eat. But there is no limit to the love I’ll give.”

The Unfinished Heroes series is one of my favorites of Kristen Ashley. I love that these heroes are a little rough around the edges. Plus, they’re a lot more raw and steamy than her other books. As much as I’m sad to see this series end, I was happy with the conclusion! Sebring gets a solid 4 stars from me!

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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,118 reviews13.1k followers
January 7, 2016
4.5 Stars

Back in the day, Nick Sebring had been known as the incompetent, unprincipled wastrel younger brother of a successful man.
He was no longer any of that.
What he was was a dark horse.


Nick Sebring. *pause for dirty thoughts* After first meeting him as Knight's younger brother with a slew of issues in Knight, I knew I wanted his story. See I have this things for the screwed up ones, and Nick was the furthest from perfect as it gets. He had a thing for his brother's woman, a slight drug problem, and that's not touching on the other things he dabbled in. But it's been years since Knight, and Nick is no longer the young boy with issues he once was. He's all man now, but he's definitely not without issues. They're just different now.
The instant I caught sight of him, I froze.
He was tall.
His eyes were the color of the ocean.
And he made me believe that I could want something, take it and HAVE it.
Own it.
Keep it.

I never doubted for even a second that the amazing Kristen Ashley would be able to redeem Nick and boy did she! She did so flawlessly. The fact that the book takes place years after the events of Knight certainly helped. In those years, Nick has grown, he's changed, and he also suffered a loss the likes of which he never healed from. Now all he wants is vengeance. Vengeance on the man that was an integral part in setting things in motion that led to one of the most devastating nights of his life. He'll do anything, he'll kill anyone that gets in his way, and he's use any means at his disposal without regret. The best means to get to the head of a notorious crime family? Through the daughter that helps run his empire...
Mysterious pussy could also just be a mystery.
And Nick was now drowning in the mystery of Olivia Shade.
Which meant he had no choice but to solve it so he could surface.
And maybe survive.

Olivia Shade is the black sheep of her family. Her father, the head of a crime syndicate is certifiable, and her sister is ruthless. Olivia doesn't want this life for herself, but she also doesn't see a way out. The only way to escape is death, a lesson that was painfully taught to her years ago. It's a lesson she'll never forget and she carries the remnants of it to this day.

Olivia knows who Nick is. How could she not? But can she trust that his interest in her is genuine? Can she really have the sort of happy she's always yearned for? Or will it all go down in flames...

Sebring was the final book in Kristen Ashley's Unfinished Hero and it certainly concludes with a bang. Nick was everything I'd hoped he would be and so much more. He's sex on a stick and let's just say the man's kinks really did it for me.
Sebring," I gasped.
"Come," he ordered.
My entire body started trembling.
"Fucking COME," he growled.
Shuddering under him, I came.
Spectacularly.


I loved everything about this book; the set up, the characters, the romance. Olivia is a heroine that's impossible not to love. The things she's been through, and finding out the true depth of them, you begin to yearn for her HEA just as much as she does. And as for Nick? *swoon*

Sebring was action packed, quick-paced erotic perfection. Every new page was more delicious than the last. It offers a KA kind of grit which just works. It's not as dark as most other anti-heroes books you'll find, but it has enough of an edge to satisfy both readers that crave the super gritty and those that just want to dabble in it and dip a toe in the genre. You will absolutely devour this book. It's impossible not to.

All I can say, is Nick Sebring was worth every minute of the wait. The perfect conclusion to one of my favorite series. My only complaint is that now it's over.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,144 followers
January 26, 2016
Sad to see another KA series ending.

Bugger!! I did it again. I swore, this time, I wouldn’t do it…but I just couldn’t help myself. I rushed through Sebring. I should have taken my time. Saying that, it still took me a couple of days, but that was bloody Real Life’s fault, not my choice. I now only have one Kristen Ashley book left that I haven’t read, Fairytale Come Alive. At first I held off reading FCA because I thought it would be sad, now it’s there as an emergency. See, Sebring is another series coming to an end and I’m starting to get very nervous. What if KA decides she’s sick of making me happy (and 60 billion other KA fans)? What would happen if KA got sick of writing and there were no more KA reading parties? When all the heroes in KA’s head get HEA’s, will there be any point in reading anymore? So I’ll keep my emergency KA for as long as I can hold out, and hope she doesn’t get sick of making me happy.

I started Sebring not sure I was going to like it. I’d heard a few rumblings in the book world that it was brilliant, but I was avoiding reviews to make my own judgement. Nick was not a good or nice man in Knight’s story. He seemed to be making changes in his life in subsequent stories, but I was still not fully convinced he could change THAT much. I was kind of surprised with the start of Sebring. I wasn’t expecting for him to have a “love of his life” killed right before his eyes. Firstly, that he was capable of loving someone (as much as himself) was surprising, but mostly it was that he loved her so much that he dedicated years of his life to avenging her murder. This was not the Nick I knew and disliked, this Nick was determined, smart and intense. His plan was to take down The House of Shade.

Olivia Shade is a criminal. Not by choice, she just happens to have a psycho family that won’t let her leave. She’s tried, boy did she try, and it did not end well. She has the scars to prove it. Liv learnt that her best course of action was to do her job, keep her head down and try to avoid her psycho father as much as possible. Liv's life is not ideal and she uses a sex club to observe others and keep her privacy. One night, she can’t get a private room and the other person sharing the room, is from her world. Olivia knows Nick Sebring and is surprised to see him there. When the scene they are watching does its job and gets her “in the mood”, she turns to Nick.

Nick and Olivia start a “thing”. It’s not a relationship, they just meet for sex. They know each others worlds and can’t ever expect to have a future together. It’s all cool, they each know the score and are happy with the way things are…for awhile. Nick starts to look underneath Olivia’s cold exterior and realises she’s not at all what he expected. That cold exterior is her protection. She can’t let it crack or it might just kill her…or someone else. These two are messed up, but their sexual connection and fiery personalities eventually bond them in a way neither expected.

This is not a light and fluffy read. It started off DARK. The sex scenes were intense, the discussions heartbreaking and their protection of each other beautiful. The two sides to family, or how different two families could be, was a big part of this story. On one side we see Knight, who even though he didn’t like some of the things Nick did, loved him, and had his back. The other side is Olivia’s sick family, who only use and abuse her for their own gain. Olivia’s father was pure evil, with a large dose of insane as well. Her sister, Georgia, didn’t fall far from the tree. With the two sides came their armies. Neither could be called a “good side”, but one was definitely better than the other. We get to see some of our favourite characters pop up, say G’day and do the stuff they do best to help Nick out. I loved seeing them and knowing they were living their HEA’s.

I’m sad to see the end of The Unfinished Hero’s, but I’m stoked that it ended as well as it did. Nick and Olivia’s story was not an easy story to read. A lot of pain and suffering was lived before they got their happy, happy, joy, joy. It was another great example of KA magic, where even at the toughest and most uncomfortable stages, I knew I’d be happy in the end. Please don’t get sick of making me happy Kristen Ashley.

To buy Sebring (Unfinished Hero #5) from Amazon -http://amzn.to/1J1STkx

I did a Style Setter Tribute to Sebring - http://www.staceyissassy.com/2016/01/...

Here's one of the outfits I created. Olivia Shade loved to wear pencil skirts.

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I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -



Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,462 reviews5,295 followers
January 12, 2016
3 ~ 3.5 STARS

This is my 42nd book by Kristen Ashley and I have been anxiously waiting years for this hero’s story. Sadly, I didn’t care for this book or couple and never said this before, but something was off in the writing for me as well. Maybe the fault fell on me for my lack of love for this story?

Perhaps my expectations were just too high?

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Maybe more than one sex scene was hot in this book?

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Maybe the connection and epic interactions/dialogue between the couple was lost on me?

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It could have been my eyes playing tricks on me that I noticed errors in the book as well?

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I loved all the Hawk Delgado name drops throughout the story and guessing I should be happy with that even if he never actual appeared.

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The epilogue wasn't even good enough to save the story and wow me over with puppies and a few family cameos.

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Oh well, you can't love them all and I'm hoping your experience with this book is very different from mine!
Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,559 followers
January 13, 2016
3.5 Stars!!

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“Sebring” is the fifth and maybe last book in Kristen Ashley’s “Unfinished Hero” series. Honestly, this series is not my favorite by this author and “Sebring” is not my favorite book in this series. While I enjoyed this one, I can’t say I loved it. It was a good read for the most part, but compared with other books by this author, this one was just ok IMO. Nick is Knight’s youngest brother (character we met in the first book in the series), a former drug addict and a former douchebag who tried to steal his brother’s woman. Over the years Nick grew up, changed and became a totally different man.

“What he was was a dark horse. No one had expected anything of him except, perhaps, the frequently earned title of baby daddy and an early death due to his own folly.
But now, in our world, he was respected and even feared.”


This installment starts off with Nick whose life is shattered when the woman he loves is murdered right before his eyes. Years pass and all he wants, after all this time is revenge and he’s more than ready to do anything to accomplish that, even use one of the daughters of the man who destroyed his life.

“She was not a ghost who could be seen.
She was a hostage in a lavish cage.”


Olivia Shade is the daughter of a well-known crime boss. She’s different from the other members of her family. She knows it and everyone else knows it. Over the years she learned she shouldn’t show emotion. Ever. She hates her life, she doesn’t want to do what she does for a living, but she is practically forced to accept her life. All she wants is to be free. To be safe, to be happy, to be loved, to have someone on her side.

If at first Olivia is for Nick just a woman who has the power to give him peace, as he gets to know the real Olivia, he becomes more than smitten with her. As much as he tries to deny, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame and in a very short time, from a mysterious woman she becomes the woman of his dreams.

“And I’m the man who’s got two priority missions. To get you free of a life you hate and to get you to a place that you smile, frequently and easily.”


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As I mentioned above, I enjoyed this one, but I didn’t love it! I liked both Nick and Olivia. Kristen Ashely redeemed Nick’s character well enough IMO. He was sex on a stick and like every KA’s hero he was bossy, protective, sweet and caring with his woman. Olivia’s character was portrayed in such a way you will feel for her deeply. My heart broke for her at some point reading this story and also for what happened with her years ago. She was easy to like and I’m sure many readers will connect with her.

The story is action packed with some suspenseful elements that didn’t work for me so well. IMO the suspense aspect was lame compared with the suspense in other books by this author. For some reason this story didn’t kept me at the edge of my seat. Maybe is just me, but I felt like something was missing.

Another aspect of the story that didn’t work for me was the relationship/connection between the two MC. Like I said, I liked both Nick and Olivia just fine, but I didn’t like them together. On top of that, I didn’t felt any chemistry between them. So it goes without saying I wasn’t convinced like I wanted to be that Olivia is the woman for Nick.

Overall, just a good read for me!

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Profile Image for Rachel  L.
1,938 reviews2,397 followers
January 13, 2016
Just in case you live under a rock, this book is now LIVE!!!!

5 stars!

"Olivia Shade was something of exquisite beauty not allowed to be what she needed to be. Beauty bound. She was not a ghost who could be seen. She was a hostage in a lavish cage."

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Five years ago, Nick Sebring saw his girlfriend murdered right in front of him and he could do nothing to save her. Now, he’s back for vengeance on the man who ordered the hit but he needs an in. Olivia Shade is the daughter of a notorious criminal and plays her own part in the family business. Years ago she tried to get out and found out the hard way that for the shades, there is nothing else but the family business. A prisoner of her own life, she indulges herself where she can, and this brings her to an elite and private club where she meets Nick.

The two are aware of each other from the world they live in, but when they meet for the first time their chemistry is explosive. But Olivia, knowing what her family is capable of, keeps Nick at a distance. Nick continues to pick away at her walls but finds other ones popping up along the way. As time goes by both of them begin to have deeper feelings for the other, but a huge amount of obstacles stand in their way, the worst being Nick’s ulterior motives.

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“I live in dark. Dawn never comes for me. There will be no new day where I wake up complete. Happy. Loved. There is no other side to make my way to. There is no believe. It just isn’t for me.”

This book completely gutted me. It had everything I look for in a romance novel, not even just a Kristen Ashley one. I love when a heroine is closed off and the man needs to fight for her, it’s one of my favorite romance tropes. Being in the minority and not loving Knight Sebring (I know ladies, put down your pitchforks) I was apprehensive about Nick Sebring as a hero, especially because I didn’t remember him being the best guy when we met him initially. Ashley obliterated these fears because Nick is now one of my favorite Kristen Ashley heroes now. And he doesn’t use the word daddy, thank God.

I loved the plot, it kept me guessing at every turn. There were some twists near the end that I felt I should have seen coming, but honestly didn’t at all. I also don’t normally like mafia/organized crime romance and it totally worked for this story and didn’t hinder my love of the book at all. I also loved how the characters from previous books in this series fit seamlessly into the story and felt like I was saying hello to old friends. Everything with the plot was so intricately done and yet didn’t feel forced, I loved every moment of it.

Hands down my favorite part of the book was Olivia. I felt for her every page I read, and it only grew as the book went on. I understood her choices, and I completely empathized with her situation. My heart bled for her and her suffering, for her impossible situation and her fruitless efforts to escape the life she had been born into. Her constant efforts to shut Nick out and down I was cheering for her and yet at the same time hoping Nick would break through, because I understood both sides of her dilemma. Let him in and possibly get hurt, or let him go and feel that loss.

Kristen Ashley writes a romance that everyone can love and will capture the hearts of her readers, old and new. I felt this story deep in my gut and even now days later I can still feel it; it’s one that will stay with me a long time. I loved it. It made me cry! (In a good way).

“I woke up from my dream to a living dream. Complete, happy…. And loved.”

ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Flo.
286 reviews590 followers
March 9, 2020
4.5 **believe** STARS



“Just so you don’t forget.
You mean more to me today than you did yesterday.
And yesterday, you meant a fuckuva lot to me.”


Is it just me, or did it feel like forever for this book to come out? Well, it's finally here and just between the two of us...it didn't disappoint. I'm surely not alone in my curiosity about Nick Sebring, Knights nefarious and slightly unhinged brother. With Knight actually being my very first Kristen Ashley book I ever read, I can honestly say I have nostalgic feelings about the ending of the series and getting to read Nick's story.

From the first moment we met him, Nick was an up to no good spoiled asshole, who tried to fuck with his brother's life every which way he could. Well, things have changed. He is all grown up, had a change of heart, saw the flaws in his behaviour and went through some tough things that shaped him into a quite fascinating and admirable character. Always a good way to start a story.



”He made me laugh. He made me feel. He made me believe there was something to me.”


Over the course of the Unfinished Hero series and the span of quite a few years Nick Sebring has become a different man. Five years ago his love and truly the person who helped him become a better person was murdered right in front of his eyes. Ever since he has had revenge on his mind. And his way in is none other than the daughter of the man responsible for his misery.

“Beauty bound.
She was not a ghost who could be seen.
She was a hostage in a lavage cage.”


Olivia Shade is the daughter of Vincent Shade, a crime boss in Denver. She works in the family business and runs people for him. Her whole life is very controlled by her family. There really is no escape for her, a reality she had to face early on and to this day dreads on a daily basis. She is stuck and only when she meets Nick Sebring she starts to believe in a future outside her cage.

Their first meeting sets the tone for the whole book. Explosive, sexually charged and unapologetic. An interesting pair and relationship, built on secrets, revenge and fear? What could possibly go wrong?



“Life is short and it mostly sucks so who cares what the nutritionist thinks?”


For me reading a Kristen Ashley book is the perfect escape from reality. I know her style, her writing is consistently detailed and rich. Her stories have some kind of formula to them that just works for me. Alpha male hero who saves the day and the perfect female character who likes to bake and creates a home. There is almost always some mystery or danger, which in the grand scheme of things doesn't really hurt the hero or the heroine, but creates enough tension to keep the story flowing.

Now, Sebring has some of those elements, but others fly right out of the window. Of course Nick is an alpha male with a certain danger surrounding him. Determined and in charge. But Olivia is no cute damsel in distress. She has a criminal background and there really is not much thought about the moral right or wrongness of her actions. It's her family business and despite being trapped in the world she doesn't much question their way of making money. Olivia is no doormat, she is equally as domineering as her male counterpart and the battle of wills alone makes this a fascinating and fun read. Really Nick has his work cut out to break down her walls. But good news, she does make high-calorie desserts. ;)

Now as for the conflict in this story. Other than my usual KA reads I had this constant fear of impending doom in my gut. Given both Nick and Olivia's background there is just no other way. The other shoe will drop eventually. Just a question of when and how much is it going to hurt. Which in return makes this the most gritty KA read for me so far.

Sebring is a nice addition to the Unfinished Hero series and an excellent way to finish it. It was wonderful to catch up with all the previous heroes and just getting lost in this world again was the best way to start of my reading year.


**ARC very kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.




Profile Image for Brandi.
639 reviews1,469 followers
January 12, 2016
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Well. It fucking sucks to say, I did not love this one...

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Honestly, I'm not sure where things went wrong, but I just never connected with Nick or Olivia. 446 pages, and they still feel like strangers. The little glimpses I did receive of their personalities, I liked, and I really wish there had been more character development. This story had potential, a man looking for revenge, falling for the daughter of the man he wants to take down. It could have been great, and there were a few moments where I felt the story reaching that potential. But, overall, the story was filled countless sexual encounters that just felt empty. I needed guts. I wanted emotion. Angst. Something. Anything. Instead I was just left underwhelmed.

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Profile Image for Ang C.
733 reviews114 followers
January 18, 2016

The finale to a beloved series makes me melancholy, but one from this author totally devastates me. I have a hard enough time letting go of Ms. Ashley’s characters and the excitement that overcomes me the first time I step into their literary worlds. Saying goodbye is excruciating, since I’m always anxious for the next installment. Through the power of KA’s flawless descriptive writings, I’ve emotionally attached myself to Knight, Creed, Raid and Deacon…feeling as if they somehow magically became real. As much as I wanted my hands on Nick’s romance, it broke me knowing that the story line was coming to an end.

Stepping into Sebring, I faced a great challenge with getting to know and hopefully liking Nick, the ‘dark horse’ introduced in Knight. Bracing myself, the struggle was real because, lets face it… Nick was a douche. Nevertheless, I liked the challenge of an edgy bad-boy reinventing himself in a way that leaves me no choice but to fall for him. By the end of the prologue, Nick had my heart wrapped tight around his little pinky finger. Olivia (Livvie) and Nick’s erotic romance superbly capped this series and once again, Kristen Ashley overwhelmed me with yet another deeply passionate, highly emotional, poignant tale.


If you have not read the series in its entirety, I highly recommend jumping on that pronto to understand Nick’s mindset. His character started off (in prior installments) as someone I loathed. Jealous, spoiled, sabotaging – he took full advantage of his brother, Knight. After reading Sebring, I hate reflecting back on the asshole he used to be. But, it’s crucial to remember his beginnings to appreciate his character’s transformation. When a hero/heroine is at their worst, Ashley is at her best as she triumphantly scripts their path towards redemption. I absolutely savored seeing Nick struggle from his lowest point, work hard to piece his life back together, while winning my affection along the way.

I loved the man he became. Loved how he earned the respect of his brother, friends and family. Adored how Nick forced himself through the cracks of Livvie’s armor, drawing her from the darkness of fear into dawn’s light. He had my nerves twisted in knots with his elaborate plan of using Livvie to avenge the murder of his late girlfriend/partner, Hettie (his target being Vincent Shade). But without a doubt, his feelings for Livvie were sincere practically from the start. His heart and soul belonged to Olivia Shade as he placed her needs above all else. It may have taken Nick a while, but in his struggle, he found strength for the sake of his love. That’s the true beauty of this tale. The man Nick Sebring became is compassionate, understanding, selfless and fiercely protective of Livvie. Even though Nick’s an anti-hero (overly dark, edgy and living by his own set of rules), to me he’s also a true Alpha-hero in every sense of the word. He was the perfectly flawed, dynamic protagonist.






Seeing Livvie’s life was achingly painful. Trapped under her father’s (a nefarious, heartless bastard) control, she played the role of his dutiful daughter, while helping to run the crumbling ‘family business’. She survived by maintaining a stone-cold facade. Her somber character made my heart bleed when seeing into her dark and lonely life. What I admired the most was, hidden beneath the shroud of sorrow, stood a woman of great strength who dared to hope. I desperately wanted Livvie to find happiness, and it shattered me knowing she was the pawn in Nick’s. My anxiety level soared knowing that the realization would send her reeling. Fortunately for her (and my nerves), what began under false pretenses became very real rather quickly for Nick, when realizing Olivia Shade is not what she appeared to be. She was desolate. She was vulnerable. She was trapped in a prison created by her family and Nick made it his mission to unravel the layers and free her from darkness. He found exquisite beauty in his Livvie and a second chance to love again. In the end, Nick was amazingly romantic as he moved heaven and earth in hopes of bringing Livvie much deserved love and joy.




From the onset, these two ignited in a frenzied fury of erotic explosions. Their sexual chemistry was unrivaled and wild. It was combustible. I was constantly fanning myself down as they frantically battled for domination during each passionate encounter. Nick was incredible and beyond sexy. As Livvie desperately needed affection, Nick consistently gave her everything, and I ate all the intensity up with a spoon. And I loved seeing their tumultuous affair become more than just a romp. Profound feelings of love developed, consuming both, which made me swoon.



I’m always giddy when seeing past loves pop up within the storyline. Knight, of course, comes into play and manages to make me fall even deeper in love with him. He openly welcomes Nick back into the fold and forgives. It was a truly remarkable moment of tenderness and healing between two brothers that struck a chord within my heart. There’s so much more substance to Kristen Ashley’s prose than just a beautifully scripted romance. There are inspirational messages conveyed through her character’s experiences, which brings to light the significance of forgiveness, redemption and family. Whether we are journeying through a motorcycle club, parallel universes, the burgs of Indy, the mountainous towns of Colorado, or in the city of Denver where men live by their own codes – these fundamentals are ever-present in her tales. It’s brothers and sisters lending an abundance of guidance, love and support in a time of need. With each read, I walk away uplifted and tremendously moved as she feeds my soul.



Like all good things, this series came to an end and Sebring was phenomenal. It was one hell of a gripping erotic romance filled with nerve-wracking moments of angst as anti-heroes faced off against their vile foes. GAH! My anxieties climbed sky-high as Nair and Benito added even more drama and twists to the plot. I hated to let these sexy men go…but when one door closes, the promise of what’s to come opens. A secondary character from the Rock Chick Series, who teamed up with Nick, was heavily involved in this story line. I’m keeping my fingers crossed hoping to see more of him in the future.

 
ARC received from Author in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews, visit https://angelas-sizzling-pages.blogsp...





HOLY SHIT!! Sebring is THE BEST read in this series! Love them all...but Nick was so swoon worthily sexy and sweet. GAH!! I'm gushing and panting - Once again, I'm overwhelmed by this author. Nick won me over by page 2!

Review to come.

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I have NO DOUBT KA will force me to fall in love with Nick...even though he was a douche in Knight. He kinda turned my feelings around in Raid...

so.....

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Profile Image for Aisling Zena.
635 reviews497 followers
January 23, 2016
3.5 stars

As there are already many brilliant reviews out there expressing exactly how I felt I'm gonna try to keep this short.

I don't know whether to rant or praise, swear or gush, nag or compliment. And it seems I'm not alone in this. I've read several friends reviews that weren't particularly impressed by this book. And most of them that were not thrilled have the same problem. We didn't feel connected to Olivia and Nick.

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This is one of the most ambivalent KA reads I've ever read. For starters I really needed to read about Nick redeeming himself. Did that happen? No! All of the redemption was done off page and several years prior to the events of this book. That's not to say that I didn't like Nick just that I really wanted to read that progress in his character. The evolution, the realization, the pain and the acceptance. But I didn't get it. Nick was presented to me after all of that and though I liked the new version of him I didn't love it. I don't know why but there was a distinct absence of connection and depth in my feelings for him.

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Olivia was a rough diamond that shone so bright among the rest of the glittery,feisty,gutsy clique of KAs rock chicks up until around 50-60% of the book. And then all the roughness was polished down and cut to fit the rock chick brigade. Her uniqueness stripped from her and blended with all the rest. That was a fucking shame and a half.

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Some parts of this book were brilliant, others felt boring(some sex scenes too) and others were touching,honest and heartfelt.

Needless to say even if I wasn't swept off my feet by Sebring, KA will remain my go-to queen.


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Prior to reading

12/7/15


Redeeming of the douche-canoe! This should be good!

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January 11, 2016
It's live! http://amzn.to/1OkAH2r
Giveaway on blog... http://on.fb.me/1ndf8dm

4.5 Revenge-turned-love Stars!

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I don't think many people think they'll venture into this Kristen Ashley book showcasing Nick Sebring and think they'd fall in love with the bastard man. If there's anything about women, we have long memories and tend to harbor grudges. When that grudge is against the guy who hurt my all-time favorite Alpha anti-hero, Knight Sebring, we hold on uber tight! All these years waiting for his story...can he be forgiven? I believe he can...





Years have passed since Nick betrayed his brother. He's grown up and holds a respectable job as an informant with the Feds. A spin-off to what Knight does for a living, he was taking down a human-trafficking ring with his also-Fed girlfriend when everything goes awry. He's cornered and painfully watches his lover Hettie's murder. He vows revenge against the House of Shade- specifically the kingpin, the father, Vincent Shade.


Olivia Shade is living in the shadows. Her father and sister are major drug lords and she tries to steer as clear of the outlaw aspects of their business as she can, yet she still is a Shade. No choice in the matter- family loyalty or the consequences of betrayal- which she's experienced. Head down, do her job, go home alone, eat alone, and even attend the private club alone. Then one night her private viewing room at the club is double-booked and in walks the infamous sex-on-a-stick Nick Sebring.


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Sebring
was a fairly slow build in the actual story aspect for me yet the sexual side of this book was quick to ensue and SMOKING hot. From the minute Olivia walks up to Nick in the club and mounts him, their sexual connection is explosive. Both are struggling for control. But unwilling to be the bottom. Nick has his sights on revenge yet all the lines start to become blurry as he gets to know the "Shade in the shadows" Olivia Shade. Suddenly the need to gain information about their drug dealings in order to take down her dad starts to take a backseat to his crazed passion with Olivia. But it's just screwing- that's agreed upon. Until it isn't...


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Nick and Livvie both know who the other person truly is in the outside world and their lifestyles don't blend yet their connection builds and Nick is soon beginning to worry that having himself in her life is unsafe for her... why does he even care? Because he cares...





***I just want to put it out there that this is not a book about a broken-hearted guy who is still hung up on his dead girlfriend. The revenge plotting takes years for Nick to build. He's had lots of time to get over losing Hettie. So no worries that this is some forlorn guy still in love with his long-passed girlfriend. His motives are revenge for a person who can't exact it herself.


I never thought Kristen Ashley could take Nick Sebring and make me forgive him! He's grown a lot and his commitment to making things right with Knight and his family was apparent. I can't deny I ate up every scene with Knight and his Anya and two girls. Though Nick is the quintessential hot alpha bachelor, Knight is just it for me. And what does Kristen Ashley do? She takes my favorite quote in Knight and re-uses it here! I was a blubbering pile of goo by then!!!

Wars fought over a face like this. A man would work himself into the ground for it, go down to his knees to beg to keep it, endure torture to protect it, take a bullet for it, poison his brother to possess a face like this.

“My brother found that face,” Knight finished.

Nick hadn’t found that face.
He’d found that woman.


SWOON! But I digress...

Leave it to Kristen Ashley to wrap up the Unfinished Hero series in one gigantic uber-happy red bow. The queen of epilogues gifted us with snippets of each and every couple in the series and what they're up to today. Loved that!!! Everything shines with this author for me and when the book-funks come along, only coming home to a Kristen Ashley novel will bring me out of it. She has a voice all her own; has mastered the art and dialogue of Alpha like no other, yet always brings forth a warm feeling of family, brotherhood, and sisterhood. In Sebring there's suspense, steam, grit, and even some cute, endearing humor at the expense of Livvie's artery-clogging cooking. Now I'm off to Kit's website to find those drool-worthy recipes she so subtly slipped into this book! Arteries be damned.

It's over for Unfinished Heroes, but luckily with Kristen Ashley, it's never over. Her characters revolve around themselves in every series so it's never truly goodbye.

Till we meet again...




Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.

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Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75.2k followers
Want to read
December 2, 2015
NEW KRISTEN ASHLEY BOOK!!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

"I'm not bawling."
"You were close."
"You were being sweet."
"Like I said, get used to that."
"Then you were an ass."
"You should probably get used to that too."


Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn’t that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be.

And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he’s grown to be.

... However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it. But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

KA READING ORDER: aestasbookblog.com/kristenashleyreadi...
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,672 followers
January 18, 2016
Review now posted...

Nick Sebring is the Unfinished Hero I was most excited to read about, and also the most apprehensive to read about. Truth be told, he’s a man I wasn’t sure was worthy of redemption, let alone a happily ever after. Let’s face it - some of the stuff he pulled on his brother, Knight, and Knight’s woman, Anya… the fact Nick was still breathing by the end of Knight’s story was more than surprising. That said, this is a Kristen Ashley story so I put my full trust and faith in her and she pulled it off. As always!

SEBRING, the finale to the Unfinished Hero series is all kinds of feels. Despair, hope, anger, joy, passion… this one took me through an obstacle course of emotions. And I say ‘obstacle course’ because there were some feelings I wanted to avoid, some I wasn’t looking forward to tackling because I didn’t want to love Nick and Olivia as much as I ended up loving them. But even so, I wish there had been more to Nick’s story. For all that he did, all he endured, all he overcame… I wanted more of that amazing man.

Olivia’s side of things was interesting. The daughter of a drug dealer who helped “launder” the ill-gotten gains? How in the world I’d ever become invested in her, I did not know…but again, trust and faith in Kristen Ashley paid off there, too.

Just a note: The Unfinished Hero series is erotica, and Nick and Olivia’s relationship, from early on, is a sexual one. No, seriously… bunnies got nothing on them. Nick and Olivia were going at it hot and heavy from the start, and the romance didn’t come until later on. So invested was I in Nick, that I wish less time had been given to sex and more time spent getting to know him even better.

The bottom line… SEBRING brings the series to an end, and even though I’ll miss those Unfinished Heroes, I know we’ll be seeing more of them as Benito Valenzuela continues his reign of terror and meets the full wrath of CHAOS which will, no doubt, include the alpha men from the Rock Chicks, Dream Man, and Unfinished Hero series'.

An ARC was provided by the author for participation in the SEBRING Blog Tour and Giveaway.

The giveaway is over, but for an excerpt of the story, click here: SEBRING Blog Tour Book Excerpt

------

If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
Profile Image for Mo.
1,378 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2016
First off, saw some low reviews for this one and was a bit worried about starting it. I decided to lower my expectations a bit and went for it. I really enjoyed it.


I honestly couldn't remember Nick Sebring from the series. Bloody old age!! LOL. But he, seemingly, was not a very nice character.

What he was was a dark horse. No one had expected anything of him except, perhaps, the frequently earned title of baby daddy and an early death due to his own folly.


Ok, some of the things that happened were a bit silly, to say the least. But I just said to myself, "It's fiction." - and sometimes you have to suspend the disbelief while reading some books.


If I didn't ... all would be lost because I would get lost in the desperate desire to swim forever in Nick Sebring's eyes.



"The House of Shade has been a house of cards for years now. A cold wind blows, it'll blow away and everything stacked inside will go with it ..."



Sex scenes were hot. We got to meet with the characters in previous books (No, could barely remember them either.)

"Just so you don't forget," he began.
"You mean more to me today than you did yesterday."
Her lips parted and her eyes got bright a different way.
"And yesterday you meant a fuckuva lot to me," he finished.


Ever the sweet talkers.


He'd made it.
He'd fuckkng made it. With his own hands, sweat, balls, guts and brains.
He'd made it and he'd earned it and there he was ...
Living it.
The perfect world.



Sad to see the series end but I am sure it won't be long before KA has another great series for our enjoyment.


"Yours."
Profile Image for Ophelia's Book Blog.
28 reviews28 followers
January 16, 2016
                               ******4+++Stars******

Sebring by Kristen Ashley Unfinished heroes teaser



 
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Dawn is coming, Honey.
Open your eyes."

Perfection. This is the best ending to a series I have EVER read. As soon as I hit the last page I had the urge to turn back and read the entire series again from the start.

 

 

Blurb:
Nick Sebring has issues. Born feeling like an outsider in his own family, growing up under the shadow of a brother who could do anything, Nick isn’t that great of a guy. But when this culminates with Nick lashing out to hurt his brother through the woman he loves, Nick turns inward and makes some decisions about the man he intends to be.

And as he does this, he falls in love and truly learns the man that he’s grown to be.

When his love is murdered right before Nick’s eyes, Nick knows he has to avenge her. He knows how he’s going to avenge her. And he has no qualms using Olivia Shade to exact that vengeance.

Olivia Shade has grown up on the outside of her family too. Her problem is that they don’t want her outside. They want her all the way in, right under their thumbs. She pays the price for seeking escape and learns her lesson—she’ll never see a dawn where she wakes up free.

Then she meets Nick Sebring, and even as she fights it, the hope that died years ago starts to blossom. She can find love. She can have a man of her own. She can be happy. She can be free.

Olivia hopes while Nick schemes.

However, as Nick peels back the layers of all that is Olivia Shade, he finds something surprising. He understands its fragility. He falls in love with its beauty. He seeks to protect it.

But he forgets to protect his Livvie from one thing: Nick Sebring.

 

Can I say first how much I LOVE the cover! It's so beautiful and meaningful and when you read the epilogue it will all make sense ♥


This is Nick's story, the bad trouble making (not the good kind) Sebring brother we met in Knight . He was despicable in that book and many readers doubted his potential redemption and with good reason. But after reading this I can say with absolute certainty that Nick has grown into a different better man.


 
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Back in the day, Nick Sebring had been known as the incompetent, unprincipled wastrel younger brother of a successful man.
He was no longer any of that.
What he was a dark horse.


 

The book started in a heartbreaking way with Nick having lost his woman "Hettie" while they were working undercover (he was a CI and she was an FBI agent). Hell bent on revenge, he convinces Deacon teach him what he knows in order to complete the mission he started with Hittie, take down The House Of Shade aka Olivia's father's gangster organization.




766520 "I had my woman I couldn't build in a dream.


And I sat, tied to a chair, powerless to do anything, looking right into her eyes when they blew a hole through her head.


That mission is not complete. Our mission. The one I had with her, our fucking mission.


It isn't complete. There is work to be done. For her."



Then fast forward 4 years, Nick built an empire with an army of his own, all in preparation to exact his revenge. The only thing he had to do was get to Olivia, the weak link in The House Of Shade and use her to take down her father.


What ensued after they got together was a battle of wills. Olivia trying to protect Nick from her father and him trying to stop himself from developing feelings for her and jeopardizing his plan.




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I needed ...To reduce him to a tool, a length of warm, hard flesh, a stiff cock, all there simply to get me off.


This was what I always tried to achieve with Nick. Effort that was wasted because I spent every moment between being with him until being with him again thinking about being with him.



Olivia was such a badass heroine, she was strong fierce sassy and she didn't let anybody walk over her, but she was also tortured with physical and mental scars. Her entourage was toxic and she didn't have the freedom she craved because she was under her father's (who was a mobster) thumb.




766520 "Beauty bound. She was not a ghost who could be seen. She was a hostage in a lavish cage."



Their first encounters were HOT and incredibly erotic, the steam factor is off the charts sexy! 


The epilogue was pure perfection! I loved it! We got an epilogue for each anti-hero Deacon, Knight, Creed, Raid. It could not have been done better.


I had such high expectations for this book! But this was not Kristen Ashley at her best. I liked Knight way more than I did Sebring. I couldn't connect to the characters, I felt more emotions when I read about Nick and Hettie than when I read about him and Olivia. The storyline was perfect, the characters were wonderful but it lacked the connection I craved. I would have loved more developpement and depth. If you're a fan of the series then definitely read this one, the epilogue was the best I had ever read so far. The feels Oh. My. God I loved the last part of the book sooo much!!


Erotic and emotional this was the end of the unfinished heroes series, I will never forget it. 4+++ Stars





Review Coming

I didn't want to say goodbye

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But it was

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And Now

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Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,663 reviews3,270 followers
April 16, 2022
4.5 Drowning Then Reemerging Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-Warning, Long Ass Review
KA came up with a concept to write a darker more edgy series, Unfinished Heroin 2012, and the first book was about Knight Sebring. It was a risk because she introduced sexual situations her fan base may have not been comfortable with... she used words that made things a little off for some and she gave us a man unrepentant in how he lived his life in his world. For me, it worked.

And one of the ways which made it work was the contrast of Knight to his half-brother Nick. Nick was everything Knight wasn't...meaning Nick was presented as a pig and cruel to women.
He was a user. He had no morals to speak of and when he had a fleeting glimpse of something worth working for, he didn't have the emotional tools to know how to go about it properly. When losing this opportunity, he lashed out, spouting lies and causing pain and conflict between Knight and his woman, Anya.

Nick did work to fix things, though. By the end and epilogue, Knight and his brother had a type of truce and we were left with a holding pattern of sorts...Where Nick may have seen how wrong some things were but at the same time he wasn't totally trustworthy.

In the following books of the series and cross-over storylines in other related KA books, Nick still played a negative character force...one skirting on the outside and never fully redeemed or safe. We would hear things, learn of things but there was no clarity on where he stood in the drug trade and dealers or which side he was loyal to...

This brings me to this last entry of the Unfinished Hero series. It is fitting it is Nick and he was one of the most unfinished...and had the most to redeem. We blatantly hated him...we were directed to by KA's Hand.

How the hell was she going to turn this prick around?

Well, she put him first into a position where his past would help for good. It seems he became a CI for a Fed named Turner and infiltrated the drug/sex scene working with another undercover Fed named Hettie. Did the groundwork, got in close. Also opened his heart and mind and fell hard for Hettie. Loved every little thing about her, even the fact she couldn't fry an egg to save her life.

They were taking down Human Trafficking done by the House of Shade and they were almost there...and then they weren't. They were outed and Nick was tied to a chair opposite Hettie with his eyes telling her how much he loved her when they shot her. Oh, the "Cavalry of Hawk, his men and others" came and saved the women, Nick, and broke up the trafficking... but they were too late for Hettie.

Nick's love for Hettie gave him purpose. He was wounded deeply and over the years he had already mended his relationship with Knight and his family. He was clear in his vision and goal; nothing Knight, Raid, Creed, or Deacon could do to change his mind. They could only teach him the tools he needed to accomplish what he promised himself for Hettie. Turner, the Fed knew of Nick's goal...they were his, too. The House of Shade must go down and any means necessary were to be done.

Nick had learned to bide his time. Plans and outcomes...they don't happen overnight. It took years of watching, tracking, using surveillance, planting bugs, and purchasing a club to line everything up to capture their target... Olivia Shade. She was to be the in... get in her head, find out what he needed and set fire figuratively to Shade's businesses, and end the ones who killed his Hettie.

Olivia Shade walked the Earth, and breathed in oxygen but was not alive. She existed. She was part of a family she never felt part of...with a horrific father and sister who at one time looked out for her.
Olivia was a survivor of major proportions. She was smart. She did not have dirty hands deep in her father's businesses. She wanted to get out, away from all of it, and she thought she was in love. She and her man were going to leave all of this behind...But that didn't happen. Instead, she was treated to a Shade Life Lesson. Because she was smart...she learned. She did not have any control; she was not equal to her sister or father. They wished to use her as they saw fit. Her way of existing was to go through the motion, make things look correct and then repeat.

The only thing now she could call her own was the hidden time she gave herself at the Club. There she would watch through one-way mirrors in a room by herself ...things being done to another...exciting her, wishing it was her...She would never be in a room with others watching... it wasn't safe. She would take these visions and bring them home, aroused and finish alone. Sometimes she would indulge with a hookup...but she was always in charge...and then done, never to see or repeat with the same partner.

That was before Nick.

She seemed of stone, granite-hard...she had to be... she lived a dangerous life. She wasn't part of the dirty; she handles the "Legit" operations for the family. She saw the decline of the past years, the crazy of her father becoming more, and her sister pulling more strings as she was the designated heir to the throne. Things were bad. Money was being manipulated out and the thief needed to be found. The House of Shade was in turmoil.

It took years, but the moment has arrived. Olivia has called the club for a salon; Nick has instructed the "hostess to explain all privates are taken and the open salon is available. Olivia is in need of release so she agrees to reserve her spot. The hostess explains there could be another viewer coming. She does not cancel the reservation. The hostess alerts Nick everything is in place.

This is the moment. Everything depends on this.

Olivia is there waiting for a scene to begin of her liking. As it starts, she hears the door on the other side of the room open and closes quietly. From her section, she sees Nick Sebring sit down and make himself comfortable in the deep leather chair identical to hers. She looks at him side-eyed taking in all that is Nick. She knows of him, who he is, Knight's Brother. She knows he "handles" things, that is his business. Finds people, fixes things, and deals in information. He is part of her world. She has no business being interested or even looking at him.

As the scene in front of these two plays on, Olivia is aroused beyond breathing; all she can think of is Nick there... the gaze he gave her with his ocean blue eyes penetrating her own when she couldn't help looking directly at him...She knows the rules...No no crossing over to the other side and no approaching...

But at that moment, the air thick with want from the both of them, she makes her move. She goes to him and stands bent over him grazing her nose on his cheekbone, touching his face...Nick looks into her eyes silently asking "Yes?"... he gets his answer and takes her swiftly and pushes her up against the wall. The act, the heat was everything... and when both of them looked into each other's eyes for one brief moment- time stopped and a reveal of souls happened...a bonding and imprint on each other, both taken to a place without consent...and then vanished as the physical release happened for them both.

She was released; they both resettled their clothes. She was gathering her things knowing she would never have the Club again... her private place taken from her as she broke the rules. She was getting ready to open the door when she heard, "I want more of that". She turned and looked directly at Nick. It was overwhelming... the flood of feelings warring with what she knew she should do...her feelings won as she took a pen out of her clutch, walked up to him and wrote her cell number on his palm, and left.

This was the start of Nick and his plan to get close for his vengeance. He had done everything to make this one moment happen. He denied what he had felt in their shared moment. He had been warned by his mentors and Knight....not to be pulled under, to not lose himself in the mysterious
Olivia Shade.

Too Bad... for it was happening...and his plan became his pain the more he learned of Olivia... for the woman, this mystery was pulling him deeper, and soon he was drowning. Drowning in her, wanting her for his own.

Nick is not the only one caught up in this whirlpool of feelings, sex, and want. Olivia is right there in the thick of it; fighting mentally one minute then dreaming and wishing for the next text from Nick the next. These two have started this dance of hotel rooms, frantic encounters with fighting for dominance finishing with the spectacular ending and no other communication. You see Olivia refuses to speak to Nick. No one word. Nick is intrigued, Nick is more than curious. Nick is in trouble.

This book takes you on a journey that starts here yet really began at the beginning of the series. Because of all the intricate weaving of past characters and their outcomes...with talk of families etc...This is not a stand-alone. This is an ending with all the bells and whistles KA knows how to do. The plotlines, insight into how they came about, and then the always fantastic epilogue hit every point. It also paves the way for another series in the works.... something which will be taking place in Los Angeles.

I'm sad this series is done but knowing KA and the characters she has mentioned for this new one, I think I will be smiling while reading when it comes.

Knight (Unfinished Hero, #1) by Kristen Ashley Knight (Unfinished Hero, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Creed (Unfinished Hero, #2) by Kristen Ashley Creed (Unfinished Hero, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Raid (Unfinished Hero, #3) by Kristen Ashley Raid (Unfinished Hero, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Deacon (Unfinished Hero, #4) by Kristen Ashley Deacon (Unfinished Hero, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
Sebring (Unfinished Hero, #5) by Kristen Ashley Sebring (Unfinished Hero, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~
What do you do when you know KA is releasing another Unfinished Hero?
Why start it as soon as it is released, of course...

Rumor has it Nick Sebring is back and looking for revenge...
Plans on using someone close to his target...

But what happens when his heart gets in the way...

Nick, I hope you have a plan...


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Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
853 reviews1,141 followers
January 13, 2016
4 "You make me believe" Stars!
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So yesterday I was still in the hype of finishing to read Sebring because it is the last book of the Unfinished Hero series and I really enjoyed it (as a whole). First I rated this with 5 stars (you all know KA is my queen) because I had this bittersweet feeling of finishing another amazing series (and because I ended enjoying the book). However, after thinking about it I decided to change my rating (not so much but still changing it because I have to be honest) and I want to tell you guys why.

Firstly, Sebring, as I said, is the last installment in this amazing full of smoking-hot-anti-heroes series and let me tell you: I had super high expectations for this (I always have with my fave authors). This is the story of Nick Sebring (brother of the first hero in this series --the fabulous Knight-- and a man who after going through a lot of difficult situations emerges into a better human being but now also a man who seeks revenge after watching his beloved die in front of his eyes) and Olivia Shade (a woman who breathes but does not live --not until she meets Nick-- and also the tool that our hero is using to take his vendetta against Olivia's father).

Sometimes you got away with dealing day to day with the devil.
Sometimes you got burned.


Now, let's get to the part that I did not enjoy as much about Sebring.. Normally I start with the good aspects but because this happened (for me) in the first 40-50% of the book, I feel it's better to start with this part. What happened was that I wasn't feeling Nick and Olivia as a couple. What I mean by that is: the book did not get emotional for me until the characters started showing their feelings for each other. The book starts with Nick dealing with Hettie's murder, preparing himself for his revenge and after that (and until the 40-50%) it is all about Nick and Liv fucking each others brains out. Literally. I mean, Olivia did not say a single word to him until after their third fuck fest. NOT. A. WORD.

She said nothing.
He didn’t laugh but he did smile, moving his hand to her face, cupping the side and dropping close. “Hi,” he whispered.
Her gaze had dropped to his smile but after he said that word, it lifted to his.
He again had the void. He missed the fire. But he got her voice.
“Hi,” she whispered back.


Yeah, that's Olivia's first word to Nick. And that is why I did not enjoy the first part of the novel as much: because there was no emotion. No angst. No happiness. No sadness. No love. Just fucking.

However, THANK GOD, that changed. Nick figures out Olivia is a very different woman from what she seemed to be and he starts feeling something for her and she does too for him (even though they deny it). Then, after 50% of Sebring, Nick starts discovering the truth about Olivia's family (who btw are such assholes!!!), what they did to her and their relationship changes completely.

She was not a ghost who could be seen.
She was a hostage in a lavish cage.
He had to let her be. He had to end it with her and find another way. He had the power to save her from one ugly thing that infected her life. And he was going to save her from that.
He was going to save her from Nick Sebring.


I REALLY loved Sebring when the emotions got involved! I was at the point of wanting to cry! haha And did I cry!! The couple separate for some time but they are falling in love and their feelings cannot be stopped now. I loved that. I loved Nick and Livvie falling in love with each other, and finally showing it. They are so strong together and also so funny and hot!

Reduced to that, safe in Nick, trusting in that moment that was just him, only him, nothing else existing, I eventually gave in and gave him everything.
I gave him the real me.
Safe with Nick, I submitted.

“Nick, sweetheart, I’m hungry.”
“So am I.”
“But, Nicky, I’m really hungry,” she whispered in that voice of hers, words he didn’t give a shit about but he still felt them in his dick. He took hold of the gusset of her panties and twisted them aside. Her eyes went hooded and her legs melted open.
“So am I,” he growled in repeat.


See? ;) And again, you all know KA is one of my favourites and what she really does best is her endings. And her epilogues. I loved reading again about all the other couples in the series and reading about their happy lives together. Also, the ending for Nick and Liv was kick-ass!! Finally someone 'took care' of her crappy family and these two were able to be free together!

I opened my eyes. And there it was, an inch away.
Swimming in an ocean of blue, a new day dawning.


Therefore, and after my super-long review, my final rating for Sebring is 4 STARS. It was still a good novel but let's just say it's not Kristen's best. I really missed the emotional part at the beggining but it all came out good at the end. Finally, as always, I want to tell you guys that if you haven't read the Unfinished Hero series (or anything by KA) please do, I am quite sure you will not regret it!!! And thank you Kristen for giving your readers such amazing characters and love stories, you rock my queen! I cannot wait for your next book! :)

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Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,365 reviews1,317 followers
January 16, 2016
"Sometimes you kill me, baby."
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Sebring is the long awaited final installment in the Unfinished Hero Series. Although each book can be read as a stand alone, the characters are intertwined throughout the series. In order to enjoy the full arc of the story, I highly recommend you read them all! Each installment is unique and promises to please!

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"That mission is not complete. Our mission. The one I had with her. It isn't complete. There's work to be done. For her."-Nick
Sebring brings us the story of Nick. Nick was introduced in KNIGHT and he made quite an entrance. His cocky, spoiled, "I'm too sexy" attitude paled in comparison to the magnificent Knight Sebring. Now he has the opportunity to redeem himself. Nick has matured significantly and additionally, he has experienced great loss. At the start of Sebring, Nick is a man on a mission and the name of his game is revenge! With the support of his family and friends (all of our favorite characters from the series), Nick puts his plan into action.
"A Shade lived like a Shade."
Olivia Shade is his target. Liv, the daughter of a gangster, is obligated to work for her father and the family business. She has been held captive by her family and left to live a hopeless life full of regret and pain. Her only escape is to indulge in her sexual desires by frequenting an underground sex club. She watches and enjoys the escape. When Nick inches his way into Liv's life, the attraction is instantaneous and the passion might have overloaded my kindle a time or to throughout the read!
"I believed I could feel complete. I believed I could have someone by my side. I believed I could feel safe. I believed I could be happy. I believed I could be loved. Something precious would be mine."-Liv
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"He took her mouth. And like she'd done to his, he consumed it."
The sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts. As Nick gets to know Liv, he recognizes that she isn't at all who he thought. He experiences inner turmoil over the feelings he is developing for Liv and is his drive for revenge. Liv is completely unaware of Nick's plight and slowly begins to fall in love with him. Nick is able to revive Liv and he brings her security in a way that she has never experienced before.
"Fuck, he was so fucking falling in love with her."-Nick
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"You mean more to me today than you did yesterday."-Nick
Told in dual POV, Sebring was a good addition to the series. Both Liv and Nick are quite complex and their interactions were natural and quite enjoyable to read. The underlying tension of Nick's secret drives the action throughout. The brutality of the Shade family enhanced the story because the fear was real and the emotions that evoked were intense. Additionally, the progression of the relationship between Nick and his brother Knight (I love that man) was nothing short of perfection. The two brothers coming together after years of turmoil brought a satisfying spark of joy! The story was well crafted and very sexy. My only setback in this read was that I did feel like Liv's transformation was a bit abrupt towards the end. Still, I was quite pleased with how things turned out!
"You'll live free and easy. And we keep on, we get to where we're headed, you gotta do what you promised along the way and believe."-Nick
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"Hurry, honey."
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Overall, Sebring was another winner for my "I LOVE KA" shelf! Surprisingly enough, Nick Sebring might just be one of my favorite heroes from the series (well second to KNIGHT)! I always enjoy reading Kristen Ashley. She has her own unique writing style and her heroes never fail to please! As long as she keeps writing, I will keep reading! ROCK ON!

*This was a BR with the girls from Turning Pages at Midnight! Thanks for the fun ladies!*
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For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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January 8, 2016
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

Nichole's Sizzling Reviews

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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages

Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Before reading
So excited yet so very scared.
If anyone can make me love Nick it will be the queen.
Here goes.


After reading

This lady is a magician. She makes the unbelievable simply believable .
Omg I'm blown away.
Total PERFECTION













Profile Image for SamJ ★Needs a HEA★.
609 reviews894 followers
July 28, 2016
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest




★Book Basics★

Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 5th in the series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5 stars

★Review★

Have to be honest, I was not massively looking forward to this. After all, Knight was my first and best KA hero, and Nick was mean to my Knight!

Also, I read the teaser chapters, and did not warm to the heroine Olivia.

And upon starting it I still did not warm to her. But then we started getting hints of her past and begin to realise that this was all a front. She was probably one of the most, if not THE most emotionally damaged of KA's heroines. She had shut herself down completely. Existing in a very narrow world, making no connections as she had learnt horribly, and horrifically just what can happen if she tries to break from her world and make a connection. So in a way, she just shut herself off. She is living in the dark.



And Nick, oh Nick, just how was KA going to redeem him. But Nick has grown up. He has realised certain things no longer matter, he has worked hard, he has known loss. But he wants revenge. He has a plan, and moves to start that plan, but not all is as he realises with The House of Shade and he soon begins to realise that Olivia is a prisoner in a gilded cage.



I loved this story, it was gritty and man was it HOT!

Nick and Olivia begin a battle of sorts, both needing and wanting control, not wanting to mean anything to each other, other than a means to an end.



But Nick cannot help himself from drowning in Olivia and Livvie cannot help but begin to hope she can be free. Nick soon begins to realise his plan for vengeance takes a back seat to his Livvie, and helping her be free. And Livvie, I have read some discussions where she is described as weak, but for me that is not the case. She lived a horrific life, having something awful happen to her at the hands of the one person in the world a girl should be able to rely on protecting her, and she survived, she lived, yes she shut down, but when an opportunity presented itself, she was strong enough to dare to hope again, and put herself on the line. Not one person in her life, until Nick, had ever been on her side. So what will happen when she finds out just how and why Nick came into her life?

There were so many times I made notes on my kindle of bits I loved. I adored when we had the interactions between Knight and Nick, seeing how their relationship had grown.

"Jesus, you're a bossy motherfucker," Nick muttered."Then again, you always were"
"You don't know the half of it," Knight muttered back but did it grinning.
He probably didn't know the half of it. What he did now was that he didn't want to.........................................................

...."You wanna meet my girl, safer for you to come to us first. But I'm no one-trick pony so it isn't gonna be steak."
"Now he disrespects my steak," Knight muttered.
"Get out. Got work to do"
Knight grinned and turned.
He was almost out the door when Nick called his name.
He had men out there, Bernadette.
He didn't care.
"Just so you know, love you too."



While as I said above, this was gritty, on the darker side, hard to take in places, it had some moments that just made me laugh or smile.


There he was.
He'd made it.
He'd fucking made it. With his own hands, sweat, balls, gut and brains.
He'd made it and he'd earned it and there he was......
Living it.
His perfect word.




A perfect end to the series.




Profile Image for Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover.
907 reviews573 followers
January 16, 2016
DNF @42%

Hell has officially frozen over. I never ever in my life thought that I would dnf a KA book. She's one of my fave authors. The Unfinished Heroes is one of my favorite series with Creed being in my top 10 fave books of all time. So I was beyond excited to start this one.

I must say KA did an amazing job at redeeming Nick. He was such an asshole in Knight that I didn't think I would like him at all, but I did. I'm not sure what went wrong. Maybe it was the fact I was confused for the first 15%. Or maybe it was the fact that KA's style of writing was exceptionally bad this time around (who the hell edited this book?!!) or maybe it was just the storyline was so completely generic, or maybe I just overhyped this one so much that there was no way it could live up to my expectations.

I'm still and will always be a KA fan and one day I may try to finish it, but right now I want to burn this book, toss it in the trash can and never think of it again! I do think the series would have been just fine ending with Deacon, but this is my opinion, many of you may feel differently.

January 28, 2016
Nick's been a bad, bad boy but he's been trying to turn his life around. Things really culminated with the death of his girlfriend by the hands of a crime family. A crime family that he was trying to infiltrate and see brought to justice. Well, that deed only increased his intensity tenfold.

And Nick has a plan and that plan includes Olivia, the youngest daughter of the aforementioned crime family. But Nick is in no way prepared for Olivia. She comes across just as alpha as he is and when they "meet" at a sex club, there's no holds barred.

Even though it's supposed to an anonymous one-nighter, they both know who the other is...and what they're involved in. They both know they can't have a relationship so they take the next best thing...sex. Whenever and wherever...and things are good for a while.

description

Olivia's work and personal life (it's all the same) has never been good and events have transpired that have made it downright awful. She can't have hope but she wants it with Nick and as much as she tries to keep her feelings out of it...she fails.

I really had no idea how things would work out for Nick but I was pleasantly surprised with him. He wasn't as much of a jerk as I thought he would be. I especially loved his relationship with Knight and his family...there were some really sweet moments. And I loved reading about him falling for Olivia.

What I didn't care for was all the crime family stuff. Olivia's family was just awful...all the way around. And it just kept coming...ugh! The best part was knowing that Nick had the facilities and manpower to handle that.

I loved having a lot of the prior characters involved in the story even if some of them only had small parts. The best thing was getting a few of their POVs at the end. It was a bittersweet goodbye since this is the last book in the series.

Nick and Olivia were really sweet together...and HOT! But I loved seeing how they broke down each other's walls. Their cooking for each other was really funny especially Nick's reactions to Olivia's cooking!

And what Nick did towards the end was just...priceless! I'd be running to the plane as well!

So, an enjoyable read (for me) although I had to read some of the lines a couple of times. I felt the "alphaspeak" was a bit intense but other than that, I was happy with how things worked out.

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Favorite quote:

♥ "A deck.
A view.
A dawn."
Profile Image for Karen.
814 reviews1,176 followers
January 21, 2016
4 STARS
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“You’re here forever and you’re by my side.”


I can’t believe this is the end of the Unfinished Hero series. These men are truly extraordinary! And I was hoping for a little more from Eric Turner? Maybe? Please?

Anyway. Sebring brings us back to our not so well loved character… Nick Sebring.



Gorgeous but asshole brother of the infamous Knight Sebring. And one has to wonder, how could she possibly redeem this guy? He’s been a shit character from the start. A good looking, womanizing, prick in the past… but some life altering events have ‘changed’ him. And he has definitely grown from the experience. And he is now out to right his wrongs, and get retribution for the woman he loved. The woman who was murdered right before his eyes. And he will not rest until he his vengeance is served.

But in order to take them down… he needs an in. He needs to find a way to gain access to the Shades. The crime family that murdered his girl. So after years of planning he decides he must go for the weakest link… Olivia Shade.



So he finds his way in… and is suddenly lost. Lost in this beautiful, dead girl. Lost is her body, lost in her beauty, and lost in the woman locked inside all the pain.

“The instant I caught sight of him, I froze. He was tall. His eyes were the color of the ocean. And he made me believe that I could want something, take it and have it. Own it. Keep it. Something precious would be mine.”


One of the things I liked best about this book was Olivia’s character. She was a girl bound to her family through loyalty and fear. She had been burned in the past.. literally and figuratively, for trying to make a new life for herself, and the man that she thought she loved. But she soon found out that there was no way out. No escape from the life that was chosen for her since the day she was born. She was a Shade after all, and she owed that name everything. Her loyalty, her body, and her very soul. She had no choices, no happiness, no freedom. She was a bound soul, and she must obey or face the pain of punishment or even death if she did not comply. So she quickly learned to shut it down.. to live the lie, because it was all she ever going to get.



Until she met him… Nick Sebring. A man who let her breathe. A man who made it safe for her to smile. He opened up a whole new possibility for her. A whole new dream. But could she even dare to dream?



“Just so you don’t forget,” he began. “You mean more to me today than you did yesterday.” Her lips parted and her eyes got bright a different way. “And yesterday you meant a fuckuva lot to me,”


Apparently not. I will not elaborate further. This was a very intense relationship between two lost souls. Their first connection was purely physical. But it would soon grow much deeper.

There was a lot of sex in the story.. and it was hot. But it wouldn’t take long for them to realize that there was a much stronger connection between them.



I really loved these two characters together. Nick and his dirty mouth just about did me in. And Livey’s protective instincts and hope for a future happiness… I was hooked.

“I’m gonna walk out of here not touching you and the last thing you’re gonna hear from me is that I love you, baby. Fuck, I so fuckin’ love you.”


After hearing some of the reviews, I was a bit nervous when I started this book, but I was drawn in right away and kept on the edge of my seat getting through this.

I regret that this is the last in the series. I am really hoping for some more spectacular books from Kristen Ashley.

The epilogue was comprehensive and brought it all together. I will definitely be reading this series again. Bravo, Kristen! You have done it again!

Profile Image for S.M. West.
Author 40 books1,199 followers
January 12, 2016
4.5 "Believe" STARS

Nick Sebring's story starts off with a bang and Nick walks down a path of vengeance to right a wrong that truly can never been undone. Olivia Shade, youngest daughter to Vincent Shade (one time kingpin of the Denver underworld and now crazy washed up mad man), is very much a pawn in Nick's plan.

What Nick didn't count on was falling for the "cool customer" that is Olivia Shade. She's not what she appears. While she may live in the dark world of drugs, guns and violence, she's a prisoner with no way of getting out. She tried that once when she was young and foolish and paid an unforgettable price to always remind her that she's owned by her father (and her sister): by the House of Shade.

“I live in dark. Dawn never comes for me. There will be no new day where I wake up complete. Happy. Loved. There is no other side to make my way to. There is no believe. It just isn’t for me.”

This was a lot edgier than some of other KA books, still not as dark as other anti-hero stories, but it worked and it worked well. I also think part of this edge was because Olivia wasn't as accessible as her other heroines. Olivia's a hard nut to crack but I adored her. Despite her horribly bleak situation, she's strong, good and is coping as best she can with the horrible hand she's been dealt. Watching Nick tear down her walls and take up residence in her heart and soul was a beautiful, sexy and moving thing.



And Nick Sebring *sigh*, never thought I'd come around to this man but KA worked her magic. While fully reformed (I hated this man in Knight), he does pay the ultimate price for his dastardly ways and I couldn't help but fall for him.

This moved at a fast paced and while I knew where most of the plot was going, I didn't care, I was that invested and engrossed in the story of Nick and Olivia. With this being the final book in this series, it was a like a true reunion of the these unfinished heroes with cameos from all. And a sweet treat from KA towards the end! This was a great way to end a really goood series!
---------------------
Before reading:

BR with the Canaries!

Well if it isn't the ultimate anti-hero - Nick Serbing - of KA's Unfinished Hero series?? Nick, let's see what you've got!


Profile Image for Dee Montoya.
942 reviews597 followers
January 26, 2016
5 ~I Believe~ Stars****

This was a bittersweet experience for me. Whenever I read a final book from a KA series, my heart and my head become a mess. Elation and sadness. Excitement and nostalgia. I've become so invested in all these books that reading Sebring was like saying farewell to family members, or close friends.

Over the years I have cried, laughed, and felt so many other emotions reading these perfectly crafted stories that will always stay in my heart...

I'm going to sleep on it, allow myself to go through all the different emotions and come back and write my review.

But I can already tell you that I have nothing negative to say about the story. Just like the previous ones it was beyond wonderful and over the top Alpha, funny and sexy. In other words, KA style in all its glory. I loved it very much!!!!

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Full Review Now Posted.

We first met Nick Sebring as the arrogant and flamboyant brother of Knight Sebring. Nick was young and foolish, making a lot of mistakes that he later had to pay for. Years later he's now more mature and is finally working with the good guys. On a mission gone wrong, his girlfriend is murdered in front of him and after that day revenge against those who took his woman is the only motivation he has to keep him going.

Four years later Nick has crafted the perfect plan that will take him inside The House of Shade, so he can finally avenge the life of his dead lover.

Olivia Shade lives a life of riches, big house, fancy and beautiful clothes, anything a woman could want, except freedom; she is a ghost in her own life. She has no say when it comes to making decisions, her father and sister call the shots and she is supposed to do everything they say. This doesn't mean Olivia is weak or a push-over. She's simply learned a hard lesson years ago --not to go against her father's wishes. She now carries the scars of those mistakes in her heart and skin.

Olivia hides behind a stone cold façade. She's had to train herself not to want anything. She simply breathes, eats, and goes to work. But Olivia has one little secret she keeps from everyone. It's the only pleasure she's allowed herself to enjoy through the years, and she has managed to keep it hidden and precious. Nick Sebring knows Olivia's secret and that is where he'll find his way in, or perhaps it will be him she finds.

Nick Sebring and Olivia Shade-two lost souls that will meet in the dark and bask in the glow of lust. Finally finding the strength to believe in the power of love.

The realness and rawness of the characters in this series is something that I really enjoy. Every book is dear to me. Strength and passion are two components always present in these stories and over the years each of The Unfinished Heroes, together with the badass women they call theirs, have captivated my heart.

These books have a bit of a darker side to them but the true KA essence that all of us fans adore, shines bright, making Knight, Raid, Creed, Deacon and Sebring true heroes in my heart.

My Sebring music playlist:
*Stay Alive by Jose Gonzalez
*Killing For Love Jose Gonzalez
*Hands Of Love by Miley Cyrus
* Beautiful Goodbye by Maroon Five
*Bonfire Heart By James Blunt

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Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews792 followers
January 13, 2016
LIVE -> http://amzn.to/1RwvpXF

It’s been five years since Nick watched his girlfriend being murdered and despite going through the motions, he isn’t over it. He is living to avenge her. That’s how he comes in contact with Olivia. She is the daughter of Vincent Shade, the leader of the House of Shade. The organized crime family that killed his girlfriend.

Olivia has little control over her life. She is just existing in her father’s world, trying to get by each day. She has very few things that belong to just to her. All of her actions are monitored and when she does do something against her father she cruelly punished. She has one thing she does that is worth the risk and just for her, her visits to an underground sex club. This is where Nick and Liv officially meet and it’s quite the meeting.

They kissed hard and uncompromisingly. Battling. Seizing. Claiming. Going at it. Giving it all they had.





Nick and Liv’s chemistry is off the charts and this is definitely one of Ashley’s sexier books. I did love the plot and how they started out using each other, only to fall for each other later. I felt the story was paced perfectly and allowed for Nick to move on from Hattie, his deceased girlfriend. I loved how Nick offered Liv unconditional love, safety and freedom.

“Just so you don’t forget, you mean more to me today than you did yesterday. And yesterday you meant a fuckuva lot to me.”



KA is the Queen for a reason, is this my favorite KA book, no, but I did truly enjoy it. I loved getting lost in her world and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Yes, again, I have read a series out of order.


Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,579 reviews3,884 followers
April 24, 2020
I absolutely love this one !! It should be no surprise because this is KA !! I haven't read a book she wrote, that I didn't love ;)

I was very curious about Nick's book ever since his role in "Knight". We all know he was an asshole in that one. This one..not so much. She really made him into a very likable hero. I also think it helps that this book takes place years after "Knight". Nick has had a lot of time to change. He also went through some very tough shit, but not as though as Olivia, I think. My heart really broke for her on more than one occasion. Sure what Nick went through was heartbreaking, but damn Olivia has had it bad...always. I really admired her strength...she was an awesome heroine.

That said, I agree with some of the readers, saying this was more Olivia's book than Nick's. Not that I minded because she really was an amazing character.

I don't want to go into the plot, because I don't want to ruin it for anybody. To be honest it took me a while to fully understand what was going on. Information is being fed it tiny pieces, so it takes some time before the picture becomes fully clear. It frustrated me in the beginning, but I have to admit that I enjoyed it this way...it kept me wanting to know more...know everything. I still would have liked some more info on this whole undercover business with the feds and Hettie. There was some info lacking, and I wanted to know it all !!

I also loved all the old characters that came by, especially Knight ;) He was awesome (as always).
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but I'm sure there will be plenty more awesomeness to come from KA...and I plan to read them all !!

4,5 stars from me
Profile Image for Sabrina.
3,577 reviews2,286 followers
December 7, 2018
4 'I belonged to Nick Sebring' Stars

Yet another book where us readers are supposed to let go of our grudges and forgive a character. Rarely is it possible that I will like a character once they did something to get on my bad side, and Nick got on my bad side in a big way. But this is KA we're talking about, and if anyone can do it, it's her.



I went in to this blind, without looking at more than a few reviews, and having no idea what could happen once I met Nick Sebring as the Hero and not the douche-bag brother of my favorite KA man. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by what I read and I honestly didn't think I would be able to like him as much as I did.



Nick made many mistakes in his past and he knows he did wrong, but five years ago when everything went to shit and he lost his woman he knew things needed to change. He stopped relying on other people to help him and learned how to help himself. Now he isn't just the fuck up brother of Knight Sebring, he's Nick Sebring, badass protector. But he will never forget the look his woman gave him before she was shot and killed, and he will never give up on getting revenge until the House of Shade is finally taken down. And he found his perfect way in.

Olivia Shade exists in the world, but she does not live. She drives her fancy car, and lives in a big ass house, but it's all a prison designed by her dad. She tried to run once before, thought she could finally be happy and live her life, but she was dead wrong and she learned the lesson to never go against her father again. Now she's back to existing, other than the moments she can escape and go the club. At the club she can get that fleeting moment where her guard is down and she can relax. But then she comes in contact with Nick, and he burrows his way into her life and then into her heart. But can Olivia take the chance on Nick and go against her father again?



Reading a book by Kristen Ashley is unlike reading any other book. I know exactly what I'm going to get, and that's a fantastic book. There hasn't been one book yet that I didn't like and her unique style of writing always has a way of sucking me right into the world she creates and makes me forget reality. This book was no different than that and I completely ignored life once I started this book - no, really, I even forgot to eat dinner and made everyone leave me alone.



Sebring had that little bit of suspense that keeps you captivated, and some seriously hot times. Nick and Olivia together were really sexy and their scenes melted my panties right off. I loved seeing them fight each other for dominance and how neither of them wanted to give it up. They had this push and pull type of chemistry that was really fascinating to see.



The ending is what made my rating go down to a 4 Star. I liked it, and thought it was great to get a glimpse of the rest of the characters from this series, but the issue was resolved a little too quickly for me. We didn't really get to see much of what happened that led up to Nick and Olivia's problem being solved, and I wanted more details on that.

Bottom line, this book is a must read. I'm sure other people are just as nervous about Nick as I was. But I promise that if you give this book a try it will be worth it and Nick was completely redeemed. KA didn't just make us try to forget how much of a douche he was, we got to see how sorry he was for what he did, and that is what made me life him.
Profile Image for Arini.
857 reviews2,006 followers
August 14, 2021
3.5 Stars

This was OK, and I’d have probably rounded up the rating if these characters didn’t jump each other’s bone practically every chapter. But otherwise, don’t y’all sometimes wish your life could be as thrilling and scary as being the daughter of a mob boss AND having to fake your own death in order that you and your hot boyfriend could ride off to the sunset and live your HEA in a peaceful, quiet of the mountains??? No? Truly?? Ok. LOL.

I haven’t read the first book, but I heard that the H in this was the bad guy in that book. He seemed rather swoony here, and the grovel he orchestrated was top tier. Meanwhile, the h kinda resembled Sadie from Rock Chick Regretexcept she was the sadder, more doom & gloom version cause at least Sadie can still be sarcastic and witty. These books have been a weird series mostly cause of all the sex kinks, so I’m glad I have only one book left.

(Read as an Audiobook)
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