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Smoke Series #1
Juniper Smoke
In an age of casual hook-ups, can love survive the test of time?
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding.
Juniper Mills is a straitlaced but sassy curator at a History Museum. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.
Kyle Paxton is an intense and intimidating inventor of a successful micro camera from San Francisco. He schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. This helps him cope with the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a hateful and vindictive person from tearing them apart?
Juniper Smoke is a smoking hot read with fun twists, dark secrets and edge-of-your-seat drama. Nothing is as it seems and no one behaves as you would expect.
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding.
Juniper Mills is a straitlaced but sassy curator at a History Museum. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.
Kyle Paxton is an intense and intimidating inventor of a successful micro camera from San Francisco. He schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. This helps him cope with the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a hateful and vindictive person from tearing them apart?
Juniper Smoke is a smoking hot read with fun twists, dark secrets and edge-of-your-seat drama. Nothing is as it seems and no one behaves as you would expect.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2016
About the author
Sadia Ash
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
February 20, 2018
2nd review/addition: Feb 20/2018
I reread it because I missed and loved this book so much. Will I ever get over the ending that ripped my heart out and stomped on it then ran it over with a tank? Nope. I couldn’t even read all of Chapter 51 because I knew I’d cry.
Juniper and Kyle are the best romance characters I’ve ever encountered. They’re so fully fleshed out and wonderfully complex, and for once I can say this isn’t an instalove romance book. Every time I read a story of a poor girl meeting the rich billionaire with the mystery past, they have like ONE conflict and then they date for 1 month and get married and live happily ever after. Don’t forget the steamy sex scenes. That’s why I can’t read more than 4-5 romance books a year.
But here we see a man in Kyle that truly fights his demons every single day. That struggles just to function when so many nightmares haunt him. Juniper is loving and compassionate and intelligent, but she is tormented by her own cocktail of abandonment and trust issues. And though there are firecrackers when these two are together, can they overcome their traumatic childhoods? Can they move past the enemies in their lives trying everything to rip them apart?
This. This book. Oh my god. I will trumpet the praises of ‘Juniper Smoke’ forever. It’s difficult and heart wrenching and so real. You KNOW that Juniper x Kyle are meant to be, but life simply gets in the way. Denise gets in the way. Trauma gets in the way. Death and dark pasts get in the way. And truthfully, that’s what real life and real relationships are like. And every one from Kyle and Juniper as the main characters to side characters such as Denise, Royce, Min-Jun, Cypress, Cindy, even Trevor and Stacy are SO real. They have difficulties and challenges and weaknesses and fears. Denise is a brilliantly evil antagonist, but she’s also afraid of rejection. Royce is afraid of failure and living in the shadow of his brother. Cindy is afraid of reliving her past and runs away from it any chance that she gets. Cypress. Cypress is simply perfect.
I’ll probably end up rereading this book over and over again. Which is an accomplishment because I NEVER reread books. And here I am, a year later, retracing 700 pages of amazing writing.
*sigh*
6 out of 5 stars for me.
Jan 6/2017:
Sadia Ash broke me, yo. This story is insane. I bought it from Amazon on a whim, and I haven't been able to put it down since. I read all 700 pages within 2 days and it was a glorious rush.
Let me make this clearer: I HATE romance books. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some misanthropic curmudgeon who hates everything romantic (I kind of act like one though). I like elements of it in other works. But as for the genre in its purest form? I hate it. I hate the tropes, the overwritten yet somehow boring scenes, the familiar flat characters, and lack of development. Juniper Smoke was NONE of these things. It kept me up two nights in a row, my eyes glued to my screen as I flipped page after page on the Kindle app. I read it on the bus, while eating dinner, making breakfast, tying my shoes, everywhere. I don't think that has happened since Harry Potter. And that's saying a lot because this story isn't deep or philosophical or anything like that. Well, it is and it isn't. You'll have to read for yourself, it definitely has amazing messages embedded throughout. It's just so intriguing and exciting.
And let me tell you, it's slow. It develops gradually, but this allows you to slowly peel off bits and pieces of the characters. Why is Kyle so robotic? How did he become so successful? Why is Juniper so afraid of men? How did Juniper become the sole breadwinner for her family? Do these two even belong together?
Gosh darn, Sadia Ash created BEAUTIFULLY COMPLEX characters. Finally. Gosh I'm so happy, I'm so sick of simple characters. Basically, Juniper Smoke is all that Fifty Shades of Grey will never be. The Hating Game (Sally Thorne) and Juniper Smoke are two romances by two wonderful authors that started off my 2017 with a banger. Perhaps Ash broke my system. I'm not such a romance hater after all.
I recently read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I liked it. But after reading Juniper Smoke, the character development, romance, writing style, and world-building in Red Queen drastically pales in comparison.
I AM SO ANXIOUS FOR PART III. the ending RUINED ME and I want MORE!! Sadia Ash, you're a goddess.
I reread it because I missed and loved this book so much. Will I ever get over the ending that ripped my heart out and stomped on it then ran it over with a tank? Nope. I couldn’t even read all of Chapter 51 because I knew I’d cry.
Juniper and Kyle are the best romance characters I’ve ever encountered. They’re so fully fleshed out and wonderfully complex, and for once I can say this isn’t an instalove romance book. Every time I read a story of a poor girl meeting the rich billionaire with the mystery past, they have like ONE conflict and then they date for 1 month and get married and live happily ever after. Don’t forget the steamy sex scenes. That’s why I can’t read more than 4-5 romance books a year.
But here we see a man in Kyle that truly fights his demons every single day. That struggles just to function when so many nightmares haunt him. Juniper is loving and compassionate and intelligent, but she is tormented by her own cocktail of abandonment and trust issues. And though there are firecrackers when these two are together, can they overcome their traumatic childhoods? Can they move past the enemies in their lives trying everything to rip them apart?
This. This book. Oh my god. I will trumpet the praises of ‘Juniper Smoke’ forever. It’s difficult and heart wrenching and so real. You KNOW that Juniper x Kyle are meant to be, but life simply gets in the way. Denise gets in the way. Trauma gets in the way. Death and dark pasts get in the way. And truthfully, that’s what real life and real relationships are like. And every one from Kyle and Juniper as the main characters to side characters such as Denise, Royce, Min-Jun, Cypress, Cindy, even Trevor and Stacy are SO real. They have difficulties and challenges and weaknesses and fears. Denise is a brilliantly evil antagonist, but she’s also afraid of rejection. Royce is afraid of failure and living in the shadow of his brother. Cindy is afraid of reliving her past and runs away from it any chance that she gets. Cypress. Cypress is simply perfect.
I’ll probably end up rereading this book over and over again. Which is an accomplishment because I NEVER reread books. And here I am, a year later, retracing 700 pages of amazing writing.
*sigh*
6 out of 5 stars for me.
Jan 6/2017:
Sadia Ash broke me, yo. This story is insane. I bought it from Amazon on a whim, and I haven't been able to put it down since. I read all 700 pages within 2 days and it was a glorious rush.
Let me make this clearer: I HATE romance books. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some misanthropic curmudgeon who hates everything romantic (I kind of act like one though). I like elements of it in other works. But as for the genre in its purest form? I hate it. I hate the tropes, the overwritten yet somehow boring scenes, the familiar flat characters, and lack of development. Juniper Smoke was NONE of these things. It kept me up two nights in a row, my eyes glued to my screen as I flipped page after page on the Kindle app. I read it on the bus, while eating dinner, making breakfast, tying my shoes, everywhere. I don't think that has happened since Harry Potter. And that's saying a lot because this story isn't deep or philosophical or anything like that. Well, it is and it isn't. You'll have to read for yourself, it definitely has amazing messages embedded throughout. It's just so intriguing and exciting.
And let me tell you, it's slow. It develops gradually, but this allows you to slowly peel off bits and pieces of the characters. Why is Kyle so robotic? How did he become so successful? Why is Juniper so afraid of men? How did Juniper become the sole breadwinner for her family? Do these two even belong together?
Gosh darn, Sadia Ash created BEAUTIFULLY COMPLEX characters. Finally. Gosh I'm so happy, I'm so sick of simple characters. Basically, Juniper Smoke is all that Fifty Shades of Grey will never be. The Hating Game (Sally Thorne) and Juniper Smoke are two romances by two wonderful authors that started off my 2017 with a banger. Perhaps Ash broke my system. I'm not such a romance hater after all.
I recently read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I liked it. But after reading Juniper Smoke, the character development, romance, writing style, and world-building in Red Queen drastically pales in comparison.
I AM SO ANXIOUS FOR PART III. the ending RUINED ME and I want MORE!! Sadia Ash, you're a goddess.
July 18, 2016
DNF at 58%:(
Wow. I really seem to be in the minority with this one. I tried so hard to love it. I tried so hard to finish it!! It really grabbed me from the beginning and went downhill after about the first third. At first I loved Juniper! She was different and quirky and I loved that at first she told Kyle off after his proposal. But soon she became as wishy washy as every other annoying heroine I've ever read. Her internal back and forth was exhausting, as was Kyle's!! One minute he was ass convincing her to sign a termination contract, the next he was saying nothing was off limits and planning romantic outings. Bleh. I couldn't keep up.
Also, I guess a minor thing in the long run but what was with the author's aversion to contractions??? I can not, I will not, I do not know...nobody talks like that!!! It was strange and very distracting, so much so it started ruining the story for me. Also on a bizzare grammar note, she would seemingly arbitrarily shorten words to make them more colloquial sounding I guess?? Gonna, nothin', 'em...again very distracting and out of place.
Lastly, the pace and length of novel along with the extremely wordy descriptions became mind numbing. I found myself skipping all the time to get back to the meat. That's why I stopped when I did. Over 600 pages?! I just couldn't do it. I'm bummed about it too because there was so much potential there and a possible 5 star story drowning in weird grammar and way too many pages. Ultimately I just didn't like the characters enough to stick with them through all their back and forth bullshit.
Wow. I really seem to be in the minority with this one. I tried so hard to love it. I tried so hard to finish it!! It really grabbed me from the beginning and went downhill after about the first third. At first I loved Juniper! She was different and quirky and I loved that at first she told Kyle off after his proposal. But soon she became as wishy washy as every other annoying heroine I've ever read. Her internal back and forth was exhausting, as was Kyle's!! One minute he was ass convincing her to sign a termination contract, the next he was saying nothing was off limits and planning romantic outings. Bleh. I couldn't keep up.
Also, I guess a minor thing in the long run but what was with the author's aversion to contractions??? I can not, I will not, I do not know...nobody talks like that!!! It was strange and very distracting, so much so it started ruining the story for me. Also on a bizzare grammar note, she would seemingly arbitrarily shorten words to make them more colloquial sounding I guess?? Gonna, nothin', 'em...again very distracting and out of place.
Lastly, the pace and length of novel along with the extremely wordy descriptions became mind numbing. I found myself skipping all the time to get back to the meat. That's why I stopped when I did. Over 600 pages?! I just couldn't do it. I'm bummed about it too because there was so much potential there and a possible 5 star story drowning in weird grammar and way too many pages. Ultimately I just didn't like the characters enough to stick with them through all their back and forth bullshit.
February 7, 2017
4.5 Amazing Stars!!
When a trusted author friend recommended this book to me, I immediately downloaded it and dove right in. Wait, I thought, this book is how long??! ‘Juniper Smoke’ is an odyssey, a fantastic, sexy, funny, smart and heart-stopping journey that I never wanted to end.
“I, Juniper Mills, always run away from the people I love. It is the story and sequel of my life.”
There is just so much to love about this book that I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read it! Juniper might be one of the sassiest, wittiest and smartest heroines I have read in a long time. She is simply a breath of fresh air. And Kyle Paxton, OMG KYLE!! Where do I even begin. In a sea of billionaire bachelors and dark heroes, he is a standout. I will never forget him. Poor, wealthy, lonely Kyle. Forget everything you know about reading contemporary romance novels because Sadia Ash just threw it all out the window. Her characters are fresh, damaged, strong, lonely and smart.
“Will you please leave? And stop looking up.”
“Give me a reason to stop looking up.”
Great. A Comedy Central reject. “Are you one of the waiters?”
“Hmm. Telekinesis. I think I’ve found my soul mate.”
There is so much to say about this book. The basics are that Juniper (yes, named after the tree) is a junior curator at a museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kyle Paxton is a wealthy investor who founded a tech start-up company at a very young age. He is sexy and gorgeous and geeky and does not have normal relationships with women. But Juniper is basically a goner from the minute they meet.
“He laughed and it was a pleasant deep-throated sound. He held me so close, it vibrated in my body. Wow. If I could record and harness Kyle’s remarkable laugh all the world’s babies would stop crying and maybe the adults would be moved to work for peace. I felt happiness I had never known before. Then I got sad, for very soon I would never see this hot and mysterious stranger again.”
Lonely Juniper has been raised by a single mother who has had a hard life and so taught Juniper that men and relationships were to be avoided. So she finds herself unable to connect with men at the ripe old age of 26. Friends, yes, a great job, yes, but this geeky girl runs in the other direction where men are concerned.
See, I was raised to hate men. My mother didn’t raise me to believe in fairytales. Only unfairy tales.
Kyle is as smitten with Juniper as she is with him. But this delicious, slow-burn romance takes its time with the characters and the story and by the time these two get together, I was addicted to their story.
Okay, there it was. I was outed in my mind. I want Kyle Paxton. And getting him was as easy as collecting the Pacific Ocean in a teacup. I was screwed.
Sadia Ash’s writing is sharp, biting, funny and verrrrry sexy. In fact, the only complaint I have about ‘Juniper Smoke’ is that it ended! I even liked Kyle, although at many times he came across as cold and calculating. It was part of his charm but he did frustrate me at times.
His expression grew distant again. “No. I’ve already said too much. Don’t read too much into it, Juniper. I make my decisions on human capital quickly. When I meet people, I know at once if I want to work with them and if I want to be with them.”
There is a LOT to absorb in this book but I absolutely loved the how the settings changed, from frosty Michigan to California and back again. Every chapter was richly drawn and seemed vital to the story. The connection between Juniper and Kyle was as breathtaking as it was tinged with sadness. I really felt the emotional connection between the characters here and the author made them come alive for me.
A lump formed in my throat, for despite the blank way he spoke, I felt the ache in his voice, the loneliness in his words, and the vulnerability in his eyes. I had never seen him falter from his alpha-male façade at any time, and so this fragmented man in front of me was fascinating. Intriguing. Complex. Just my type. Danger bells again.
The story was creative and unexpected and surprised me at every turn. It is filled with people, places and things that all have meaning. I was completely taken aback at the ending and cannot wait until the next part of Juniper and Kyle’s story comes out! I will read anything that Sadia Ash writes. If you are looking for a book that is far and away different from any other romance out there, then read ‘Juniper Smoke’ and prepare to fall in love with these characters!
“Real life has tears and stupid emotions and mess and dirt and filth and drama that go with every beautiful thing we do. There is beauty in everything that falls. Like this.”
When a trusted author friend recommended this book to me, I immediately downloaded it and dove right in. Wait, I thought, this book is how long??! ‘Juniper Smoke’ is an odyssey, a fantastic, sexy, funny, smart and heart-stopping journey that I never wanted to end.
“I, Juniper Mills, always run away from the people I love. It is the story and sequel of my life.”
There is just so much to love about this book that I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read it! Juniper might be one of the sassiest, wittiest and smartest heroines I have read in a long time. She is simply a breath of fresh air. And Kyle Paxton, OMG KYLE!! Where do I even begin. In a sea of billionaire bachelors and dark heroes, he is a standout. I will never forget him. Poor, wealthy, lonely Kyle. Forget everything you know about reading contemporary romance novels because Sadia Ash just threw it all out the window. Her characters are fresh, damaged, strong, lonely and smart.
“Will you please leave? And stop looking up.”
“Give me a reason to stop looking up.”
Great. A Comedy Central reject. “Are you one of the waiters?”
“Hmm. Telekinesis. I think I’ve found my soul mate.”
There is so much to say about this book. The basics are that Juniper (yes, named after the tree) is a junior curator at a museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kyle Paxton is a wealthy investor who founded a tech start-up company at a very young age. He is sexy and gorgeous and geeky and does not have normal relationships with women. But Juniper is basically a goner from the minute they meet.
“He laughed and it was a pleasant deep-throated sound. He held me so close, it vibrated in my body. Wow. If I could record and harness Kyle’s remarkable laugh all the world’s babies would stop crying and maybe the adults would be moved to work for peace. I felt happiness I had never known before. Then I got sad, for very soon I would never see this hot and mysterious stranger again.”
Lonely Juniper has been raised by a single mother who has had a hard life and so taught Juniper that men and relationships were to be avoided. So she finds herself unable to connect with men at the ripe old age of 26. Friends, yes, a great job, yes, but this geeky girl runs in the other direction where men are concerned.
See, I was raised to hate men. My mother didn’t raise me to believe in fairytales. Only unfairy tales.
Kyle is as smitten with Juniper as she is with him. But this delicious, slow-burn romance takes its time with the characters and the story and by the time these two get together, I was addicted to their story.
Okay, there it was. I was outed in my mind. I want Kyle Paxton. And getting him was as easy as collecting the Pacific Ocean in a teacup. I was screwed.
Sadia Ash’s writing is sharp, biting, funny and verrrrry sexy. In fact, the only complaint I have about ‘Juniper Smoke’ is that it ended! I even liked Kyle, although at many times he came across as cold and calculating. It was part of his charm but he did frustrate me at times.
His expression grew distant again. “No. I’ve already said too much. Don’t read too much into it, Juniper. I make my decisions on human capital quickly. When I meet people, I know at once if I want to work with them and if I want to be with them.”
There is a LOT to absorb in this book but I absolutely loved the how the settings changed, from frosty Michigan to California and back again. Every chapter was richly drawn and seemed vital to the story. The connection between Juniper and Kyle was as breathtaking as it was tinged with sadness. I really felt the emotional connection between the characters here and the author made them come alive for me.
A lump formed in my throat, for despite the blank way he spoke, I felt the ache in his voice, the loneliness in his words, and the vulnerability in his eyes. I had never seen him falter from his alpha-male façade at any time, and so this fragmented man in front of me was fascinating. Intriguing. Complex. Just my type. Danger bells again.
The story was creative and unexpected and surprised me at every turn. It is filled with people, places and things that all have meaning. I was completely taken aback at the ending and cannot wait until the next part of Juniper and Kyle’s story comes out! I will read anything that Sadia Ash writes. If you are looking for a book that is far and away different from any other romance out there, then read ‘Juniper Smoke’ and prepare to fall in love with these characters!
“Real life has tears and stupid emotions and mess and dirt and filth and drama that go with every beautiful thing we do. There is beauty in everything that falls. Like this.”
July 7, 2016
What a great story of polar opposites that attract for no rhyme or reason. Meet Juniper, quirky, cute museum curator. Meet Kyle, successful business man who is broken inside who finds Juniper and wants her to fit into his nicely timed plans. Juniper proves to be the most real person and doesn't conform to Kyle's standard taste. There are so many layers to this story. both have thier own emotional baggage and people lining up to tear them down. Can Juniper change Kyle, does he even want to change? Can Kyle change for the one thing that he wants versus needs. Can they together navigate the mine fields of their lives and move on triumphantly together. Only time will tell.
This is a beautifully written story told from both points of view. You can feel the emotions as they happen as if you are watching a movie. The highs are high and the lows are low.
This is a beautifully written story told from both points of view. You can feel the emotions as they happen as if you are watching a movie. The highs are high and the lows are low.
June 4, 2017
4.5 stars
Kate picked this for me for the Pick for Me challenge and thank goodness she did. I honestly didn't want to put this book down. Throughout most of the book, I was hooked. I loved the emotions and both characters felt real to me. The struggles felt real and even the set up made sense (even if I wanted to smack Kyle for it.) It was smart, and for the most part didn't feel pushed. There were characters I loved and characters I hated. Even some that I felt empathy for even if they were on the "wrong side".
Why not five stars then? The last two chapters. They didn't make sense. It almost felt as if it had to be ended on a CH, when just continuing without the CH would have been fine. That said, I don't think it'll be as much of an issue once the third book is released. But for now, it's contrived and honestly, I think the characters were past that.
Kate picked this for me for the Pick for Me challenge and thank goodness she did. I honestly didn't want to put this book down. Throughout most of the book, I was hooked. I loved the emotions and both characters felt real to me. The struggles felt real and even the set up made sense (even if I wanted to smack Kyle for it.) It was smart, and for the most part didn't feel pushed. There were characters I loved and characters I hated. Even some that I felt empathy for even if they were on the "wrong side".
Why not five stars then? The last two chapters. They didn't make sense. It almost felt as if it had to be ended on a CH, when just continuing without the CH would have been fine. That said, I don't think it'll be as much of an issue once the third book is released. But for now, it's contrived and honestly, I think the characters were past that.
June 29, 2016
I WOULD GIVE A HUNDRED STARS IF I COULD!!!!!!
This book. I simply just will not give this book the credit it is due. This book was slow moving, but only because of the depth of these characters and the incredible attention to detail this author has. I was intrigued with both Kyle and Juniper, but more so Kyle. He just fascinated me and I craved trying to work out what makes him tick, and why he is the way he is. Their story evolved slowly and with incredible drama. Juniper and her life was certainly not a simple one. I just adored her brother, Cypress. Her story unfolded more easily than Kyle's. Kyle, in my opinion, is an extremely complex character and the way his mind works get you thinking deep thoughts. I loved the theme of the book and the level of knowledge this author portrayed, was simply stunning. Usually I lose interest if a book is not fast paced, but the way Sadia can weave a story, I was hooked from the very beginning and reading about Kyle and Juniper became an addiction. I lived and breathed the journey, thinking about them even when not reading. Sadia Ash has the incredible talent of totally bewitching you and you will not see or feel it coming. And once she has you, there is no escape until the very end. I cannot praise her work enough and I just can't get enough. An amazing discovery and a true delight to be able to read her work.
This book. I simply just will not give this book the credit it is due. This book was slow moving, but only because of the depth of these characters and the incredible attention to detail this author has. I was intrigued with both Kyle and Juniper, but more so Kyle. He just fascinated me and I craved trying to work out what makes him tick, and why he is the way he is. Their story evolved slowly and with incredible drama. Juniper and her life was certainly not a simple one. I just adored her brother, Cypress. Her story unfolded more easily than Kyle's. Kyle, in my opinion, is an extremely complex character and the way his mind works get you thinking deep thoughts. I loved the theme of the book and the level of knowledge this author portrayed, was simply stunning. Usually I lose interest if a book is not fast paced, but the way Sadia can weave a story, I was hooked from the very beginning and reading about Kyle and Juniper became an addiction. I lived and breathed the journey, thinking about them even when not reading. Sadia Ash has the incredible talent of totally bewitching you and you will not see or feel it coming. And once she has you, there is no escape until the very end. I cannot praise her work enough and I just can't get enough. An amazing discovery and a true delight to be able to read her work.
Want to read
December 18, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (12/18/2018)!💝
Blurb:
In an age of casual hook-ups, can love survive the test of time?
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding.
Juniper Mills is a straitlaced but sassy curator at a History Museum. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.
Kyle Paxton is an intense and intimidating inventor of a successful micro camera from San Francisco. He schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. This helps him cope with the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a hateful and vindictive person from tearing them apart?
Blurb:
In an age of casual hook-ups, can love survive the test of time?
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding.
Juniper Mills is a straitlaced but sassy curator at a History Museum. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.
Kyle Paxton is an intense and intimidating inventor of a successful micro camera from San Francisco. He schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. This helps him cope with the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a hateful and vindictive person from tearing them apart?
December 6, 2018
ARC review!
Amazing debut! This is one author to lookout for! Absolutely brilliant read!
Juniper- first of all, I loved that unique name! She's devoted to her family, work and basically had no social life. At the age of 26, she has never had a boyfriend and has limited experience with men.
"Mom kept me on a slow poison diet of abstinence by fear."
But then she meets Kyle. Not aware that he is her new boss their first interaction is interesting. She has low self-esteem and that causes her to believe that she's not good enough for him. But there's attraction.
Kyle was an interesting character and tbh it was kinda hard to get into his POV but quickly caught on. He's broken and likes to control his business and personal life.
He wants Juniper. He intrigues her and he's aware that she's not like the rest. They both acknowledge their attraction but there are a lot of bumps on the road for them. You'll definitely feel a lot of anxiety! Juniper wants him forever but he wants different things. Will Kyle give in and accept that he also wants her for more than her body?
Trust me! Everyone needs to experience this book! It does end in a cliffhanger but don't let that hold you back! I can't wait for book 2!
Amazing debut! This is one author to lookout for! Absolutely brilliant read!
Juniper- first of all, I loved that unique name! She's devoted to her family, work and basically had no social life. At the age of 26, she has never had a boyfriend and has limited experience with men.
"Mom kept me on a slow poison diet of abstinence by fear."
But then she meets Kyle. Not aware that he is her new boss their first interaction is interesting. She has low self-esteem and that causes her to believe that she's not good enough for him. But there's attraction.
Kyle was an interesting character and tbh it was kinda hard to get into his POV but quickly caught on. He's broken and likes to control his business and personal life.
He wants Juniper. He intrigues her and he's aware that she's not like the rest. They both acknowledge their attraction but there are a lot of bumps on the road for them. You'll definitely feel a lot of anxiety! Juniper wants him forever but he wants different things. Will Kyle give in and accept that he also wants her for more than her body?
Trust me! Everyone needs to experience this book! It does end in a cliffhanger but don't let that hold you back! I can't wait for book 2!
July 20, 2016
I love a story where characters sound like real people, and you can really connect with them. This story did that for me. I instantly loved Juniper. She is smart, fun, and a bit sassy. She is beautiful, but not that sexy perfect supermodel stereotype. She is a curator at a History Museum, working to take care of her family. She has a twin brother that has special needs, and a mother that is not ideal.
Kyle is a rich over the top control freak, OK maybe not freak but you understand. These two are polar opposites. He has a strange way of deciding how a relationship should go. And Juniper isn’t sure this is for her. I loved this story. It had me laughing in parts, and wishing for a HEA. My guilty pleasure is a great cliffhanger, and this book has one. But don’t worry, I’m sure Sadia will deliver. This is a must read book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
Kyle is a rich over the top control freak, OK maybe not freak but you understand. These two are polar opposites. He has a strange way of deciding how a relationship should go. And Juniper isn’t sure this is for her. I loved this story. It had me laughing in parts, and wishing for a HEA. My guilty pleasure is a great cliffhanger, and this book has one. But don’t worry, I’m sure Sadia will deliver. This is a must read book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
July 1, 2016
I received an ARC from the author.
Juniper Smoke knocked my socks off from page 1. Some books start off slow and lead into action. Not Juniper Smoke. This book started with sizzling action and just kept on going from there. The plot is easy to follow and the story is set in the museum world, one that I enjoyed immensely
The characters are exceptional. Juniper is a curator at a museum, smart, successful and writing a book. She is really my kind of girl! Kyle is sizzling and handsome, a self-made millionaire. They are just perfect for each other in so many ways. But whereas some romances have cardboard secondary characters, Sadia Ash created lovely, three-dimensional secondary characters, from Juniper’s Autistic brother Cypress, to her Lebanese American best friend. Even Kyle’s housekeeper is showcased as a personality, rather than just a servant.
In all, I felt like this was not an ordinary romance, but a meaningful idea that Ash was trying to communicate to her readers. I will definitely be looking forward to more from her.
Juniper Smoke knocked my socks off from page 1. Some books start off slow and lead into action. Not Juniper Smoke. This book started with sizzling action and just kept on going from there. The plot is easy to follow and the story is set in the museum world, one that I enjoyed immensely
The characters are exceptional. Juniper is a curator at a museum, smart, successful and writing a book. She is really my kind of girl! Kyle is sizzling and handsome, a self-made millionaire. They are just perfect for each other in so many ways. But whereas some romances have cardboard secondary characters, Sadia Ash created lovely, three-dimensional secondary characters, from Juniper’s Autistic brother Cypress, to her Lebanese American best friend. Even Kyle’s housekeeper is showcased as a personality, rather than just a servant.
In all, I felt like this was not an ordinary romance, but a meaningful idea that Ash was trying to communicate to her readers. I will definitely be looking forward to more from her.
July 8, 2016
I was blown away by the book! For a debut author, she has a way of bringing the characters to life. These characters are very complexed and the author has done her homework with them. She makes a awkward, naive but brilliant Juniper shine rather then put her down. Kyle, has a brilliant mind and does things a certain way, but he's a playboy. He has set dates with women and just ends. All the women are ok with it until Juniper. Juniper makes him think differently. He's never met someone like her before. He doesn't know how to handle things. She brings out the fun that was missing in his life. She makes him want to be a better man. This book is a page turner that will keep you hooked from beginning to cliffhanger ending..I found myself loving these characters and wanting to be apart of their world.
~i was given this book for a honest review~
~i was given this book for a honest review~
July 7, 2016
I have to say I had a hard time putting this story down to do get my real life responsibilities done.
You get drawn in so fast to the complex personalities of Juniper and Kyle. They are each extremely smart in their respective careers and they both have families with major issues that have affected their personal lives greatly.
You want to give both of them smacks upside theirs heads at times and shake some sense into them. Can they work through their insecurities and the outside forces working against them???
The story and the characters are very well developed and thought out! I can't wait to see what happens next...
You get drawn in so fast to the complex personalities of Juniper and Kyle. They are each extremely smart in their respective careers and they both have families with major issues that have affected their personal lives greatly.
You want to give both of them smacks upside theirs heads at times and shake some sense into them. Can they work through their insecurities and the outside forces working against them???
The story and the characters are very well developed and thought out! I can't wait to see what happens next...
January 7, 2017
I think this story broke me a little. I didn’t know what to expect going into this book. If you’ve read my reviews before, you know I don’t read the synopsis of a book before reading it. I usually go off of reviews and author or friend recommendations. This book came to me as an advance reader copy for a promotional tour. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. But I have to say I feel as lost as Juniper does right now. I read this 700+ page book in 3 days. I’m exhausted not only from staying up till the wee hours of the morning each night but also from the emotional toll it took on me. This was a beautiful and complex journey through a world of the rich, powerful, and emotionally stilted. In the end, I was left bereft and longing for finality. How long must I wait for part 3?
There is so much to love about this book. My first draw was Kyle. He’s a bit quirky and machine-like in his interactions with the world. You quickly learn that he has an affinity for numbers and is extremely focused and analytical in all aspects of his life. And while the sections of the book where we get his point of view are short, they are just enough to help you understand Kyle’s mind and heart. They also add to the mystery behind his life. The author gives you small clues into his past and the relationships with those around him, which keeps you hooked to know more about Kyle and root for him to win over Juniper but also allow for frustration when you see them stumbling their way through this relationship. At the beginning, I wanted Juniper to walk away from Kyle and all his insanity and rules about relationships. Then I was convinced all he needed was someone to love him completely for him to relax and let go of his strict sense of what his future could hold.
Juniper was a fantastic female lead. She is brilliant at what she does, beautiful both inside and out, and just damaged enough from her childhood to give her a level of insecurity that doesn’t seem overly dramatized but realistic. I loved all of the historical and artistic references as we are immersed in her life as a museum curator and historian. The author did an exceptional job incorporating Juniper’s brilliance throughout the book as to not make her life just about her relationship with Kyle. The same goes for Kyle and his tech world. I enjoyed seeing into those aspects of their lives and the office politics.
In addition to their singular worlds, I loved reading about the family dynamics on both sides and getting glimpses into how they lived and interacted with one another. You can see how these relationships molded Juniper and Kyle into the emotional wrecks they are today. And of course, there’s the villain of the story. In this case there’s more than one, but it’s clear that only one person truly wants to destroy any happiness these two might find with one another. But I’ll leave that for you to find out.
Overall, this was an exceptionally written story. I found it a bit reminiscent of Fifty Shades of Grey at the start. However, I’m happy to say that it was quite different. The characters had depth, the plot was focused and fascinating, and the character interactions were realistic with true relationship development and emotional growth. I’m also glad that Juniper Smoke wasn’t focused on sexual need but on internal and familial struggles. This was a fabulous debut novel for Sadia Ash. I’m looking forward to part 3 of Juniper and Kyle’s story and more from her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
There is so much to love about this book. My first draw was Kyle. He’s a bit quirky and machine-like in his interactions with the world. You quickly learn that he has an affinity for numbers and is extremely focused and analytical in all aspects of his life. And while the sections of the book where we get his point of view are short, they are just enough to help you understand Kyle’s mind and heart. They also add to the mystery behind his life. The author gives you small clues into his past and the relationships with those around him, which keeps you hooked to know more about Kyle and root for him to win over Juniper but also allow for frustration when you see them stumbling their way through this relationship. At the beginning, I wanted Juniper to walk away from Kyle and all his insanity and rules about relationships. Then I was convinced all he needed was someone to love him completely for him to relax and let go of his strict sense of what his future could hold.
Juniper was a fantastic female lead. She is brilliant at what she does, beautiful both inside and out, and just damaged enough from her childhood to give her a level of insecurity that doesn’t seem overly dramatized but realistic. I loved all of the historical and artistic references as we are immersed in her life as a museum curator and historian. The author did an exceptional job incorporating Juniper’s brilliance throughout the book as to not make her life just about her relationship with Kyle. The same goes for Kyle and his tech world. I enjoyed seeing into those aspects of their lives and the office politics.
In addition to their singular worlds, I loved reading about the family dynamics on both sides and getting glimpses into how they lived and interacted with one another. You can see how these relationships molded Juniper and Kyle into the emotional wrecks they are today. And of course, there’s the villain of the story. In this case there’s more than one, but it’s clear that only one person truly wants to destroy any happiness these two might find with one another. But I’ll leave that for you to find out.
Overall, this was an exceptionally written story. I found it a bit reminiscent of Fifty Shades of Grey at the start. However, I’m happy to say that it was quite different. The characters had depth, the plot was focused and fascinating, and the character interactions were realistic with true relationship development and emotional growth. I’m also glad that Juniper Smoke wasn’t focused on sexual need but on internal and familial struggles. This was a fabulous debut novel for Sadia Ash. I’m looking forward to part 3 of Juniper and Kyle’s story and more from her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
July 7, 2016
Ash's storytelling is heartfelt and gripping. I started this book when I was reading two other novels and from the first chapter, Juniper Smoke blew me away. I couldn't, in fact I didn't, end up finishing the other novels that I was in the middle of. All I wanted to do was read about Kyle and Juniper! Their characters are palpable and so real that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn't reading, Juniper Smoke. I can't wait to read more novels from Sadia Ash!!!
July 5, 2016
Totally fell in love with these two !!I need book 2 now !! Thank you for the chance to read this amazing story
April 18, 2019
This is a whole NEW everything to me, author, books and concept. The reason I signed up for this was because the blurb caught my eye and I want to expand my reading. Not that this isn't a norm of mine, just new author and new books and new everything. So I was very glad that I signed up because it was freaking awesome!!
This was something else, i mean WOW! This story is a new meaning of fifty shades, I am dead serious. Kyle is nothing like hero's but EVERYTHING! Juniper...she is..she is head-strong, sassy- smart SO SO smart & in for a ride of her life. SUMMER. This story is so much more in depth, detail, the passion, the pain GAH!! It frustrated me at times only because I wanted to know RIGHT NOW...this is not for the weak of the heart.
Juniper is so drawn to Kyle, and Kyle is who he is, he will not change for anyone. Foreplay, slow-burning painful agony...this just has it all. Very informative and detail oriented. It is very lengthily but i enjoy longer novels.Kyle is the very bachelor rich man not boy, man is her a MAN *smirk* but is he a match for the Juniper?
I am rating this book a freaking 4.5 & RECOMMENDED!
H A P P Y R E A D I N G
This was something else, i mean WOW! This story is a new meaning of fifty shades, I am dead serious. Kyle is nothing like hero's but EVERYTHING! Juniper...she is..she is head-strong, sassy- smart SO SO smart & in for a ride of her life. SUMMER. This story is so much more in depth, detail, the passion, the pain GAH!! It frustrated me at times only because I wanted to know RIGHT NOW...this is not for the weak of the heart.
Juniper is so drawn to Kyle, and Kyle is who he is, he will not change for anyone. Foreplay, slow-burning painful agony...this just has it all. Very informative and detail oriented. It is very lengthily but i enjoy longer novels.Kyle is the very bachelor rich man not boy, man is her a MAN *smirk* but is he a match for the Juniper?
I am rating this book a freaking 4.5 & RECOMMENDED!
H A P P Y R E A D I N G
July 10, 2019
I recommend.
This is one of those books that is slow burning, it’s not insta lust or love it’s about two people, Kyle and Juniper, who’s trying to understand each other. It’s also about change too, for the reason being why Kyle is the way he is to Juniper not being another notch post.
This is one of those books that is slow burning, it’s not insta lust or love it’s about two people, Kyle and Juniper, who’s trying to understand each other. It’s also about change too, for the reason being why Kyle is the way he is to Juniper not being another notch post.
March 15, 2017
I loved this story I found it a bit slow to start with but that was to be expected as we get to know these Characters they are like real people..
I really connected with Juniper she is smart, funny, sassy. She works at a History Museum.
She has a twin brother.. who she adores and works hard to support both him and her mother.
She meets Kyle a rich man. He was a hard Character for me to connect with at first as I wasn’t sure if I would like him but as the story goes on I did.
This is my first book by this Author well 2 books as it had book 1 and 2 in it and I can’t wait for book 3, it is very well written…
I really connected with Juniper she is smart, funny, sassy. She works at a History Museum.
She has a twin brother.. who she adores and works hard to support both him and her mother.
She meets Kyle a rich man. He was a hard Character for me to connect with at first as I wasn’t sure if I would like him but as the story goes on I did.
This is my first book by this Author well 2 books as it had book 1 and 2 in it and I can’t wait for book 3, it is very well written…
July 8, 2016
Juniper Smoke is the debut novel by Sadia Ash. In it we meet Juniper Mills, a twenty-six-year-old museum curator. She was raised by a mother who was fanatical on getting Juniper to hate men. Men were not to be trusted. EVER. As a result, Juniper lived for only her work and her family. Her twin brother and mother depended on her entirely and have major issues of their own. Stuck in a rut, she never saw her life changing or how much it would change after a chance encounter.
Kyle Castillo Paxton has suffered and endured most of his life. Left on his own for most of his life, he has never known true love. As an adult, he found success as an inventor and businessman. But because he has never known what love is, as an adult, he has no time for it. He schedules his “love life” as a business deal and almost robotic motions.
Then one day these two individuals meet when Juniper is hanging from a scaffolding and terrified. And so this twisted story begins. Juniper has been so sheltered and afraid to feel. Kyle refuses to feel and schedules every moment of his life.
Kyle decides he wants Juniper, but would never guess here secrets and desires. He wants her on his terms and conditions. Juniper fights him every step of the way, until she can’t fight him anymore.
Then you have all the supporting characters. Juniper’s mother and brother. Because of them, she is afraid to branch out and live. On the other hand, Kyle has his exes, family, who are a story all onto themselves and so called friends. There is so much keeping them apart, even as they fight to be together. But can Kyle’s cold demeanor, rules and conditions and Juniper’s insecurities survive everything thrown at them?
I enjoyed this story, but had some issues at the start. I almost gave up during the first twenty percent. I was not feeling the story yet and felt so much thrown at me, however, I am so glad I did not give up. The remainder of the story picked up quickly and I could not put it down. It was a great surprise that made me glad I did not give up.
There is so much behind both of these characters and you can’t help but feel for them. Juniper has been so sheltered and a bit lost. Doing what she loves, but not being fulfilled. Tied down because of her mother and brother. Kyle comes from a big family and should have all the love and support he ever needed. Instead most of the family cannot stand each other and fight over daddy’s money. As much as he tries to distance himself, he keeps being pulled back in.
After living his life one way and being satisfied in all his needs, he meets Juniper and begins to question everything. Wanting to give Juniper and his feelings for her a chance, he struggles with all his past decisions and indecisions of his future. Juniper’s sheltered life and innocence makes her questions Kyle and their future. With so much against them, do they even have a chance?
Though it may have been a bit of a rough beginning for me, I am very much looking forward for the next book and other work by this author. I see a lot of potential and am looking forward to seeing what else she gives us.
I give Juniper Smoke 4 stars.
Kyle Castillo Paxton has suffered and endured most of his life. Left on his own for most of his life, he has never known true love. As an adult, he found success as an inventor and businessman. But because he has never known what love is, as an adult, he has no time for it. He schedules his “love life” as a business deal and almost robotic motions.
Then one day these two individuals meet when Juniper is hanging from a scaffolding and terrified. And so this twisted story begins. Juniper has been so sheltered and afraid to feel. Kyle refuses to feel and schedules every moment of his life.
Kyle decides he wants Juniper, but would never guess here secrets and desires. He wants her on his terms and conditions. Juniper fights him every step of the way, until she can’t fight him anymore.
Then you have all the supporting characters. Juniper’s mother and brother. Because of them, she is afraid to branch out and live. On the other hand, Kyle has his exes, family, who are a story all onto themselves and so called friends. There is so much keeping them apart, even as they fight to be together. But can Kyle’s cold demeanor, rules and conditions and Juniper’s insecurities survive everything thrown at them?
I enjoyed this story, but had some issues at the start. I almost gave up during the first twenty percent. I was not feeling the story yet and felt so much thrown at me, however, I am so glad I did not give up. The remainder of the story picked up quickly and I could not put it down. It was a great surprise that made me glad I did not give up.
There is so much behind both of these characters and you can’t help but feel for them. Juniper has been so sheltered and a bit lost. Doing what she loves, but not being fulfilled. Tied down because of her mother and brother. Kyle comes from a big family and should have all the love and support he ever needed. Instead most of the family cannot stand each other and fight over daddy’s money. As much as he tries to distance himself, he keeps being pulled back in.
After living his life one way and being satisfied in all his needs, he meets Juniper and begins to question everything. Wanting to give Juniper and his feelings for her a chance, he struggles with all his past decisions and indecisions of his future. Juniper’s sheltered life and innocence makes her questions Kyle and their future. With so much against them, do they even have a chance?
Though it may have been a bit of a rough beginning for me, I am very much looking forward for the next book and other work by this author. I see a lot of potential and am looking forward to seeing what else she gives us.
I give Juniper Smoke 4 stars.
July 8, 2016
I received an Arc from Sadia in exchange for an honest review.
Juniper smoke is the story of Kyle and Juniper. Juniper is ‘A straitlaced but sassy Iron Age curator at the History Museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She puts her dreams of doing Celtic research in Ireland on hold as she is the sole provider for her special needs twin and comatose mother. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.’
Kyle Paxton is a CEO of a successful San Francisco company and he schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. The scheduling helps him keep the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him, at bay. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding. When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him—figuratively this time. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings and his rigid rules drive her insane.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a cruel and hateful person from tearing them apart?
This book takes a few chapters to fully grip you in its teeth but once it did I really thought it was different to any other romance novels I have read before. I found it really refreshing that Juniper, as a 26yr old virgin didn’t go straight into nympho mode which can be so common in erotic fiction!
I really liked the slow burn of the relationship and how intriguing the characters are. They both have huge issues with relationships and I felt the writing explained this well and was fluid in developing this story further as their walls start to break down. The writing also developed and I felt that Sadia maybe started the book, put it on hold and returned to it at a later date as the writing flowed even better after 30% in. Sadia has great skill with words and is obviously an intelligent and articulate woman. I’m not ashamed to admit I had to use the dictionary quite a few times!
Juniper really develops as a character and Sadia’s writing really conveyed this well. Kyle is a wonderful mix of Alpha male with a swoon worthy adoration for Juniper. He struggles with past experiences but starts to recognise the more positive aspects of himself and his ability to love fiercely, although that scares him.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and alludes to the fact a second book concludes the story and I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship continues.
Juniper smoke is the story of Kyle and Juniper. Juniper is ‘A straitlaced but sassy Iron Age curator at the History Museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She puts her dreams of doing Celtic research in Ireland on hold as she is the sole provider for her special needs twin and comatose mother. Raised by her mother to hate men, she worries she’ll die a frigid scholar in a musty house with an army of cats and a lake of books.’
Kyle Paxton is a CEO of a successful San Francisco company and he schedules dating like his work—with robotic precision. The scheduling helps him keep the dark memories of his ex-girlfriend, who still haunts him, at bay. Not looking for love, he only hooks up with Amazonian models.
Juniper and Kyle meet when she is dangling forty feet from a museum scaffolding. When he joins the museum board, Juniper falls for him—figuratively this time. She wants him, but knows it's going to be as hard as catching the ocean in a teacup. Juniper becomes Kyle’s obsession, but the tragic secrets of his past cloud his feelings and his rigid rules drive her insane.
Juniper manages to knock Kyle’s world off its axis and their galaxies collide in this very unfairy tale. But can they overcome their differences and stop a cruel and hateful person from tearing them apart?
This book takes a few chapters to fully grip you in its teeth but once it did I really thought it was different to any other romance novels I have read before. I found it really refreshing that Juniper, as a 26yr old virgin didn’t go straight into nympho mode which can be so common in erotic fiction!
I really liked the slow burn of the relationship and how intriguing the characters are. They both have huge issues with relationships and I felt the writing explained this well and was fluid in developing this story further as their walls start to break down. The writing also developed and I felt that Sadia maybe started the book, put it on hold and returned to it at a later date as the writing flowed even better after 30% in. Sadia has great skill with words and is obviously an intelligent and articulate woman. I’m not ashamed to admit I had to use the dictionary quite a few times!
Juniper really develops as a character and Sadia’s writing really conveyed this well. Kyle is a wonderful mix of Alpha male with a swoon worthy adoration for Juniper. He struggles with past experiences but starts to recognise the more positive aspects of himself and his ability to love fiercely, although that scares him.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and alludes to the fact a second book concludes the story and I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship continues.
July 25, 2016
We get TONS of recommendations from readers….daily. It’s hard to keep up sometimes. Every now and then a book’s cover and/or synopsis will grab one of us. Well this time it grabbed two of us. Jesey and Roxie jumped in for a buddy read of Juniper Smoke, the debut novel from Sadia Ash. It’s captivating, well written and intelligent. We both agree that Sadia has put an incredible amount of research into this story. The details and the history were a fun element to read.
It’s going to be hard to write this review. There is just too much to cover and we wouldn’t want to risk giving anything away. So let’s chat about characters, starting with our leading man. Kyle is smart, self made and is set in his way of doing things. He was really hard to take at times.
“Planned to the tee, like everything in his meticulous life, there was strategic trajectory in his system. It worked. It was infallible. It was his complex systems design.”
He comes off as a real jerk in the beginning, just ask Juniper – smart and sexy Junior Curator at the Historical Museum of Ann Arbor. Even she couldn’t stand Kyle at times.
“Oh Great Spirit, give me confidence to deal with this arrogant prick.”
After awhile Kyle and Juniper’s relationship transforms into something that neither one of them are ready for. Kyle is more of a mystery where Juniper is more open about her love life, or lack there of. She was pretty strong at times but holy crap did Kyle have the ability to make her weak in the knees. Of course he wasn’t immune to he either….
Kyle gulped. What was this pesky tapping in the hollowness of his ribcage? Stop, he commanded. But it did not.
Throughout this story we are treated to some silly, geeky fun. We loved how they got conformable with each other and how silly they could be. AS things bloomed we are always reminded of the “temporary present” element of their relationship….you will have to read to understand that…
“He wanted to end it. I wanted it to never end. Could I do this?”
Juniper Smoke wil consume you, take your time with reading it because it is so worth it. You will want to absorb it all and pay close attention to everything that is happening.
It’s going to be hard to write this review. There is just too much to cover and we wouldn’t want to risk giving anything away. So let’s chat about characters, starting with our leading man. Kyle is smart, self made and is set in his way of doing things. He was really hard to take at times.
“Planned to the tee, like everything in his meticulous life, there was strategic trajectory in his system. It worked. It was infallible. It was his complex systems design.”
He comes off as a real jerk in the beginning, just ask Juniper – smart and sexy Junior Curator at the Historical Museum of Ann Arbor. Even she couldn’t stand Kyle at times.
“Oh Great Spirit, give me confidence to deal with this arrogant prick.”
After awhile Kyle and Juniper’s relationship transforms into something that neither one of them are ready for. Kyle is more of a mystery where Juniper is more open about her love life, or lack there of. She was pretty strong at times but holy crap did Kyle have the ability to make her weak in the knees. Of course he wasn’t immune to he either….
Kyle gulped. What was this pesky tapping in the hollowness of his ribcage? Stop, he commanded. But it did not.
Throughout this story we are treated to some silly, geeky fun. We loved how they got conformable with each other and how silly they could be. AS things bloomed we are always reminded of the “temporary present” element of their relationship….you will have to read to understand that…
“He wanted to end it. I wanted it to never end. Could I do this?”
Juniper Smoke wil consume you, take your time with reading it because it is so worth it. You will want to absorb it all and pay close attention to everything that is happening.
July 11, 2016
A strong headed and independent 26 year old virgin, Juniper's life is thrown upside down when Kyle Paxton, CEO of a successful company, crosses her path. Having said that, Kyle's life also pauses because time never stops with him. I mean it literally and you will understand better what I mean when you read the book.
To be honest, both leading characters were a bit reminiscent of Anastasia and Christian Grey. However, the plot is different, not graphic at all, yet very arousing to the standards of pure romance reads. And Juniper Smoke has a steady pace. Thus, I slowly savored this 600 page + book contrarily to my past reads where I all but devoured my reading list.
For the setting of the story which revolves around history, medieval elements, pop culture, museums, and Celtic arts in particular, I believe the writing style-the name dropping- is befitting. I've always believed that this type of writing will be valuable in the future as it consolidates and reflects the age in which the writer lived. It's true that technology is evolving but if no one is including the age of texting, emojis, the pop culture, etc. in their writing, there is a big chance that future generations won't have any ideas of what our lives entailed if the virtual world collapses or crushes for instance. There is a need for a paper trail as back up and I think this is the accountant part in me kicking in. To end this part, I was familiar with many references and name dropping and that made me smile because I felt like I was still culturally aware of this age I live in. That said, I had to look up a few references and I feel no shame. Just pure enlightenment.
Above all, Juniper Smoke is a very hot romance read I really enjoyed. I felt the feelings and emotions in my CORE because the narration and romance were on point. What else can I say? I'm a sucker for good romance stories. I'm looking forward to read book 3 since this version includes book 1 and book 2.
My Rating: 4.5/5 .
**I received a free ARC file in exchange for my honest review**
To be honest, both leading characters were a bit reminiscent of Anastasia and Christian Grey. However, the plot is different, not graphic at all, yet very arousing to the standards of pure romance reads. And Juniper Smoke has a steady pace. Thus, I slowly savored this 600 page + book contrarily to my past reads where I all but devoured my reading list.
For the setting of the story which revolves around history, medieval elements, pop culture, museums, and Celtic arts in particular, I believe the writing style-the name dropping- is befitting. I've always believed that this type of writing will be valuable in the future as it consolidates and reflects the age in which the writer lived. It's true that technology is evolving but if no one is including the age of texting, emojis, the pop culture, etc. in their writing, there is a big chance that future generations won't have any ideas of what our lives entailed if the virtual world collapses or crushes for instance. There is a need for a paper trail as back up and I think this is the accountant part in me kicking in. To end this part, I was familiar with many references and name dropping and that made me smile because I felt like I was still culturally aware of this age I live in. That said, I had to look up a few references and I feel no shame. Just pure enlightenment.
Above all, Juniper Smoke is a very hot romance read I really enjoyed. I felt the feelings and emotions in my CORE because the narration and romance were on point. What else can I say? I'm a sucker for good romance stories. I'm looking forward to read book 3 since this version includes book 1 and book 2.
My Rating: 4.5/5 .
**I received a free ARC file in exchange for my honest review**
July 21, 2016
5 Stars From Sammy's Book Obsession!
TITLE~ Juniper Smoke
AUTHOR~ Sadia Ash
GENRE~ Contemporary-Romance
PUBLISHED~ July 8th 2016 by Pulsar Media
PURCHASED~ ARC/Review Copy
MY RATING~ 4.5/5
Dialogue Natural/Realistic
4/5 Stars
The dialogue was realistic with the exception of a lot of contractions that could have been used to make it more believable. Otherwise, good though. These characters are remarkably intelligent and it pours out in their everyday communication. If you're lacking in the vocabulary area, I imagine you'll make great friends with your dictionary throughout this book.
Emotional Impact
5/5 Stars
Juniper Smoke is jam-packed full of emotional issues. I loved following along as the characters fought, failed, and eventually worked their way through them all.
Grammar
5/5 Stars
Story Pace
4/5 Stars
I found the first 25(ish)% of the story dragging on and on. In all honesty, it almost lost my interest entirely for a while. Then, it picked up and I was fully back on board.
Twists, Turns, & Unpredictability
4/5 Stars
This story is unlike any other I've ever read. While it has parts that are reminiscent of others, the book as a whole is unique.
Likeliness to Recommend
4/5 Stars
I will recommend Juniper Smoke, but likely not to everyone. While I enjoyed the book, I just don't think it's for everybody.
Likeliness to Finish Series
5/5
I will absolutely finish the series and as soon as possible! In fact, now that I've read it, I almost wish I had waited for the series to be complete to even start it. I was that hooked by the end. Well, "hooked" among other things at that point...but I digress. I don't want to give anything away!
Likeliness to Read More from Author
5/5
Most definitely! I won't miss the rest of this story for anything! Sadia Ash made a brilliant impression with her debut novel!
Overall
4.5/5 Stars
TITLE~ Juniper Smoke
AUTHOR~ Sadia Ash
GENRE~ Contemporary-Romance
PUBLISHED~ July 8th 2016 by Pulsar Media
PURCHASED~ ARC/Review Copy
MY RATING~ 4.5/5
Dialogue Natural/Realistic
4/5 Stars
The dialogue was realistic with the exception of a lot of contractions that could have been used to make it more believable. Otherwise, good though. These characters are remarkably intelligent and it pours out in their everyday communication. If you're lacking in the vocabulary area, I imagine you'll make great friends with your dictionary throughout this book.
Emotional Impact
5/5 Stars
Juniper Smoke is jam-packed full of emotional issues. I loved following along as the characters fought, failed, and eventually worked their way through them all.
Grammar
5/5 Stars
Story Pace
4/5 Stars
I found the first 25(ish)% of the story dragging on and on. In all honesty, it almost lost my interest entirely for a while. Then, it picked up and I was fully back on board.
Twists, Turns, & Unpredictability
4/5 Stars
This story is unlike any other I've ever read. While it has parts that are reminiscent of others, the book as a whole is unique.
Likeliness to Recommend
4/5 Stars
I will recommend Juniper Smoke, but likely not to everyone. While I enjoyed the book, I just don't think it's for everybody.
Likeliness to Finish Series
5/5
I will absolutely finish the series and as soon as possible! In fact, now that I've read it, I almost wish I had waited for the series to be complete to even start it. I was that hooked by the end. Well, "hooked" among other things at that point...but I digress. I don't want to give anything away!
Likeliness to Read More from Author
5/5
Most definitely! I won't miss the rest of this story for anything! Sadia Ash made a brilliant impression with her debut novel!
Overall
4.5/5 Stars
July 4, 2016
Wow! Wow! Wow! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review. Congratulations Ms Ash! This is by far one of the best books I have read this year! There is so much that happens in this book I don't even know where to begin. Meet Kyle Castillo (Paxton) , a sexy , mysterious , gorgeous, somewhat nerdy CEO of a tech company in San Francisco and Juniper Smoke, a Junior curator of the Paxton Museum in Ann Arbor Michigan. They meet at a gala that she is spearheading at the museum, their annual fundraiser. Unbeknownst to Juniper , it isn't until a series of events that unfold at the gala that she discovers Kyle is the son of Davis Paxton, president of the museum board. Davis is very sick and Kyle is chosen by his father to succeed him even though Kyle wants nothing to do with it. However after meeting Juniper he thinks about reconsidering the position .
I want so much to tell everything about this book because the story is truly in the details. Juniper Smoke is deeply intense, heavily worded, and so well written. The main characters Juniper and Kyle are so well developed and the supporting cast just adds more depth and character to the story. There is a lot of drama, many twists, surprises , anxiety , all the elements we love in our romance books. This is not your typical romantic story though, but it is a story about finding love in a most unorthodox way. It does end in a cliffy... But just makes me look that much more forward to the conclusion of their intense love affair.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was hooked from page 1. There were moments I was gutted and what I will say is I hope Denise (another character ) gets her just deserts. I highly recommend Juniper Smoke you will not be disappointed.
I want so much to tell everything about this book because the story is truly in the details. Juniper Smoke is deeply intense, heavily worded, and so well written. The main characters Juniper and Kyle are so well developed and the supporting cast just adds more depth and character to the story. There is a lot of drama, many twists, surprises , anxiety , all the elements we love in our romance books. This is not your typical romantic story though, but it is a story about finding love in a most unorthodox way. It does end in a cliffy... But just makes me look that much more forward to the conclusion of their intense love affair.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was hooked from page 1. There were moments I was gutted and what I will say is I hope Denise (another character ) gets her just deserts. I highly recommend Juniper Smoke you will not be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
i was given an arc in exchange for an honest review
and what can i say , i loved it , juniper meets Kyle when shes hanging off museum scaffolding preparing for an event at her job , a museum curator and Kyle a president of his own company seem an unlikely match , especially when he gives her a proposition she quickly refuses , however despite her shock she can't get him off her mind , and its no wonder , Kyle is a charming though slightly arrogant male used to getting his own way down to the last minute detail without complications at least until juniper enters his world , his whole clockwork life comes crashing down around him , in the best possible way , he has a secret that's holding him back, but juniper could be the one to unfreeze his systems hardware and his heart. if his family and junipers doubts don't get in the way
I was hooked by the first page of this book , juniper is such a down to earth girl we can all relate too , she just wants an easy life with someone to love her , but deep down will all love a guy like Kyle the sweet but bad boy who we know is bad for us but cant help but love anyway
this is an easy 5 star must read for me n i highly recommend it , it kept me laughing with Junipers sass and wit and the back and forth banter between the both it kept me on the edge of my seat all at the same time , i loved how we switched from chapters of juniper to Kyle's point of view and what he was doing during his time away from her.
i can't wait to see how their story continues and hope book 2 doesn't take too long to enter my life.
go and one-click now you wont regret it
Written on behalf of Roses & Violets Book Reviews
and what can i say , i loved it , juniper meets Kyle when shes hanging off museum scaffolding preparing for an event at her job , a museum curator and Kyle a president of his own company seem an unlikely match , especially when he gives her a proposition she quickly refuses , however despite her shock she can't get him off her mind , and its no wonder , Kyle is a charming though slightly arrogant male used to getting his own way down to the last minute detail without complications at least until juniper enters his world , his whole clockwork life comes crashing down around him , in the best possible way , he has a secret that's holding him back, but juniper could be the one to unfreeze his systems hardware and his heart. if his family and junipers doubts don't get in the way
I was hooked by the first page of this book , juniper is such a down to earth girl we can all relate too , she just wants an easy life with someone to love her , but deep down will all love a guy like Kyle the sweet but bad boy who we know is bad for us but cant help but love anyway
this is an easy 5 star must read for me n i highly recommend it , it kept me laughing with Junipers sass and wit and the back and forth banter between the both it kept me on the edge of my seat all at the same time , i loved how we switched from chapters of juniper to Kyle's point of view and what he was doing during his time away from her.
i can't wait to see how their story continues and hope book 2 doesn't take too long to enter my life.
go and one-click now you wont regret it
Written on behalf of Roses & Violets Book Reviews
July 7, 2016
I CAN NOT EVEN!!!
The "real feel" I got reading this book was unbelievable! This is one of those books that you will never forget once the characters all get into your head! Sadia did a phenomenal job with the technical aspects of the Ann Arbor Museum information and into the Tech world of photography. Not only are the characters complex and well formed, their relationships are life like in all ways. I love to see a story that has something than the originality of falling in love. Juniper and Cypress had me intrigued from meeting them, Kyle has tics that make you think there are bigger issues than he is letting on, the Paxton family is exactly as one may assume a power house family on the inside looking out, and the rest of the characters fall seamlessly well within the pages. The witty banter and sarcasm, excellent. This book has to be on the top 10 2016 reads so far, because I can not wait to see what happens to Kyle and Juniper, Sam and Lila, Cypress and Sophia, and the many more things that could come in the next book!! (AND it is always awesome to read about places you know, I am a Michigander and I am familiar with Ann Arbor, UofM, Flint, and Detroit)
The "real feel" I got reading this book was unbelievable! This is one of those books that you will never forget once the characters all get into your head! Sadia did a phenomenal job with the technical aspects of the Ann Arbor Museum information and into the Tech world of photography. Not only are the characters complex and well formed, their relationships are life like in all ways. I love to see a story that has something than the originality of falling in love. Juniper and Cypress had me intrigued from meeting them, Kyle has tics that make you think there are bigger issues than he is letting on, the Paxton family is exactly as one may assume a power house family on the inside looking out, and the rest of the characters fall seamlessly well within the pages. The witty banter and sarcasm, excellent. This book has to be on the top 10 2016 reads so far, because I can not wait to see what happens to Kyle and Juniper, Sam and Lila, Cypress and Sophia, and the many more things that could come in the next book!! (AND it is always awesome to read about places you know, I am a Michigander and I am familiar with Ann Arbor, UofM, Flint, and Detroit)
July 8, 2016
WOW! I am writing this review seconds after finishing the book and I was left gasping! I need book 2, the continuation of Kyle and Junipter's story like NOW! As an avid reader, I have come across many stories that share a similar plot/characters, but with Junipter Smoke, the characters are so alive and Sadia takes you right there alongside. She digs deep and makes you feel what each character is going through. You can feel the anxiety, the pain, the angst, and the love as you read through each page. This is a story about two smart and beautiful individuals from two worlds apart who by some miracle cross each others paths. With all odds against them, their own personal intuitions being at the TOP of those odds, they try to see past what others believe and fight for what they deserve. As with life and those who will go to the ends of the world to make sure you can't find happiness, will Kyle and Juniper find their destined path? Well, I wont spoil it but rather tell you to take a chance and ONE CLICK and buy Sadia Ash's book and read it. You won't be disappointed! Happy Reading Book Lovers!
July 5, 2016
This book was great. It started off slow, but I liked the the deep development of the characters and attention to detail.
Kyle is the playboy and Juniper is the nerdy girl, but they are so much more than that. Kyle is a control freak who schedules life like a robot. Juniper was taught by her mother to hate all men. Kyle is rich and can have anyone. Juniper lives with her mother who is useless and a hoarder. She also lives with her twin brother Cypress who suffers from Autism and other disabilities. Juniper puts her brother and his needs before her own. Kyle and Juniper are pulled to each other. They are connected like two halves that aren't whole without each other. Cypress tugged on my heart so much! I don't want to give too much away, but this book makes you feel everything. My emotions were all over the place. Can they work through how different they are? Will their baggage get in the way? Can they accept love? They are two people obsessed with each other. A cliffhanger wasn't what I wanted, but who does? A debut novel that I didn't want to put down.
Kyle is the playboy and Juniper is the nerdy girl, but they are so much more than that. Kyle is a control freak who schedules life like a robot. Juniper was taught by her mother to hate all men. Kyle is rich and can have anyone. Juniper lives with her mother who is useless and a hoarder. She also lives with her twin brother Cypress who suffers from Autism and other disabilities. Juniper puts her brother and his needs before her own. Kyle and Juniper are pulled to each other. They are connected like two halves that aren't whole without each other. Cypress tugged on my heart so much! I don't want to give too much away, but this book makes you feel everything. My emotions were all over the place. Can they work through how different they are? Will their baggage get in the way? Can they accept love? They are two people obsessed with each other. A cliffhanger wasn't what I wanted, but who does? A debut novel that I didn't want to put down.
July 2, 2016
This was such a beautiful story and I was happily surprised when I found myself turning page after page with such anticipation.... our leads are very well written and you can't help but fall in love with both. Their road to happily ever after is a difficult one; not only do they have to overcome their own personal demons, insecurities and fears, they also have to learn to fight for their right to be happy and not allow their circumstances stop them.
The world that Sadia Ash has created is wonderful and you find yourself swept away and never want to come back! Juniper and Kyle are amazingly complex and loveable at the same time. But, it doesn't stop there; our secondary characters are just as interesting and gripping.
The feels...I can't explain the rollercoaster of emotions you go through...it is just exceptional.
Highly recommended, just be warned, the book ends on a cliffhanger.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
The world that Sadia Ash has created is wonderful and you find yourself swept away and never want to come back! Juniper and Kyle are amazingly complex and loveable at the same time. But, it doesn't stop there; our secondary characters are just as interesting and gripping.
The feels...I can't explain the rollercoaster of emotions you go through...it is just exceptional.
Highly recommended, just be warned, the book ends on a cliffhanger.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
Juniper is a girl who has no clue about men or relationships she meets Kyle in a awkward position. Kyle has never loved anyone doesn't do relationships he does seasons Winter,Summer,Fall with a contract that his woman sign and then move on. Juniper at first is like seriously this man is crazy lol but Kyle gets to her and she agrees. Kyle has a horrible past and his family are sum it up jerks that I feel have never showed Kyle what love is and always make him the bad guy. Will Juniper change Kyle? Will Juniper be able to forget about Kyles past? Will Kyle finally love? Drama, suspenseful very emotional .. Reminds me of 50 shades of grey but in a different direction. The ending gutted me I'm a crying mess! I can't wait to read book 2 5/5 stars but I'd give it 10
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