BANTER BUDDIES: A Dual View of Jack L. Pyke's 'Ash'
If you’re a fan of Jack L. Pyke’s Don’t… series you have probably been anticipating this new book as long as Trio and I have. 790 days to be exact!
And if you’re like us, you might have been a little bewildered by the context of Ash’s blurb. Who’s Ash? But remember, Pyke herself has said for a long time now that the upcoming Don’t… 5: Psychopaths & Sinners is not “focusing” on our favorite boys (Jack, Jan and Gray) and her intent is to bring Gray’s son into the fold. So, Trio and I both say: do yourself a favor and read this prequel to Don’t… 5 and get to know the “new” boy’s in town. They are about to take you on a ride only the likes Jack L. Pyke’s imagination can master. Pyke is definitely weaving a web of manipulation and intrigue, with subtleties and whispers that Gray is right around the corner. If you don’t read Ash you’re gonna be missing out on where she takes this explosive series. Get a glimpse below at what, and who, Trio and I both found so appealing in this build-up to the Don’t… conclusion.
Happy Reading, Kimmers
Title: Ash
Series: Don’t… #4.5 - Prequel to Don’t… 5
Author: Jack L. Pyke
Published: March 20, 2018
Cover Artist: Siolnatine
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance; Mystery/Thriller; Suspense; New Adult
Length: 259 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Bisexual; May/December; Law Enforcement; Cliffhanger; CW: PTSD, Murder, Violence
About Ash
“You up for that, hm, Ash? A lesson from an old soul to youth? From me… to you?”
Ash Thomas and his gameplay with other men is vicious, cruel. Better to fuck someone over than be the one who’s on the floor, fucked up, right? But his latest cruelties are about to catch the eye of the Wraith, someone who’s been brought up to play professionally in the shadows. For Ash, beauty and rage aren’t the kind of sins to win him any favours anymore. Life and lessons of the heart never did come easy, especially when they’re about to walk in off the darkened streets, bringing bloodied footprints in their wake. .
Favorite Main Character
Kimmers: Oh my gosh, Ash. There’s something there just making you want to comfort him and you know he’s yearning for it, deserves it, regardless if you know why yet.
Trio: Me, I’m a sucker for the whole dark, secretive thing and Raif has it in spades. He knows exactly who he is and his confidence is so appealing. He desperately needs to take care of people and I love how drawn he is to Ash.… I can’t wait to find out more about him.
Favorite Secondary Character Kimmers: Gotta be Chase - damn that kids a tough ass, about to fall hard, and I really just want to know his backstory. Trio: Ash broke my heart with how badly he needs to give and receive love. He’s at a crossroads but he can see the possibilities of how things could change if he lets Raif in. His life is a mess and I just want him to find some peace.
Favorite Endearment
Kimmers: "Flittermouse” and “Ghost”.... Couldn’t be more fitting. Trio: Well, Ash seems to collect them. I can see why he doesn’t love “Little Ashy” but that one says a lot about the dynamics between Ash and Chase. Clearly, Red Riding has a whole story behind it and I need to know more.
Favorite Scene
Kimmers: Absolutely has to be the ending. It says so much about Ash and Raif! Trio: For me it's the scene when Ash is approaching Jim’s house for the first time. No one builds the tension quite like Jack L. Pyke. It’s chilling!
Favorite Quote
Kimmers: Gah! The emotion behind, “‘Because if you’re this intense over trust,’” Raif said quietly, “‘maybe I wondered what it would be like to see you fall in love with someone.’” I can't tell you how many times I have read this since. Trio: I love when Ash seduces Raif with, “‘Do something that makes life worth living Raif. I’m not mistaking missed moments for worth the wait.’”
Best flashback or revisit of a scene from another perspective:
Kimmers: No one builds a character like Jack L. Pyke, and all the times Ash reaches back to the good times with his father to remind himself why he “lingers” now, is quietly telling us what's to come.
Trio: I love when Ash visits the clearing, climbs the tree, and remembers all the good times growing up with Johnny and Chase.
Best Introduction of Spin-Off Character(s)
Kimmers: Ash, the book, is a total introduction of new characters to the Don’t… series and I can’t wait to see how Jack weaves the web. Trio: Well since none of the original Don’t... characters appear in Ash I’m looking forward to seeing how Jack L. Pyke weaves Ash and Raif into the story.
This book made me:
Kimmers: Have an entirely new perspective on just how far Jack L. Pyke can take the Don’t… series. Trio: Want to go back and reread the whole series again…? Hah, not like that’s a bad thing!
The type of reader I would you recommend this book to:
Kimmers: Any fan of dark suspense. If you’re not reading the Don’t… series you should be!
Trio: This is a must for fans of the Don’t... series.
For purchase links, excerpts, meet the author, and more . . . visit our review recommendation links above.
