Soaring (The Magdalene Series Book 2)

I have to admit, when I read the blurb I was not excited about this book... Holy smokes was I wrong. Kristen Ashley's writing just keeps getting better and better and her character and supporting characters shine bright as they come to live in the beautiful story she writes for them.

From the prologue I was in tears. Amelia Hathaway has been through a lot. I felt for her. Mickey Donovan has too.

These two are off the charts sexy, funny and awesome to be next to as you read about their journey in finding and giving one another what they need.

I could not breathe well in the initial chapters of the main female characters loss and pain. I could personally relate closely to this story. I think that most people will enjoy it and it is worth the cost.

She did it again. Wrote a love story that was epic. Mickey deserved a beautiful HEA and he absolutely got it. So many wonderful storylines within this book. Kids exs friends family. Really I couldn't ask for more Will not take a reread to give this a 5 star rating. Now I have to wait for June to get my next fix of this wonderful author. The hits just keep on coming. If you haven't discovered this author you are missing out. She absolutely knows how to write relationships that seem real.

I have waited this book so long and it didn't disappoint. I was so sad when it came to an end. That is the thing with Kirsten Ashley's books, you fall inlove with the characters and want to take them home and make them your own. Can not wait for the next book.

Another great story by Kristen Ashley! This book is fantastic! Amelia is so strong, as a divorced mom, I could so relate to her. Mickey was as usual hot hot hot...but compassionate, a great Dad, fun, and beyond appealing. The story is just great. HIGHLY recommend to everyone. Don't just read this book, read all her books. One of my favorite authors. I only wish she could write a book a month!

I have read all of Kristen Ashley's books. Maybe that's why this one didn't resonate for me. I felt like I was reading the same scenes with essentially the same characters all over again. It was an okay read for me.

Great Read that fits perfectly with the series or could be read as a stand alone. This is my favorite Author. I have read all of her books and she always makes me laugh out loud, sometimes cry, and want to besties with all of her characters.

So you all have probably figured out by now that I am HUGE Kristen Ashley fan. I have never read a Kristen Ashley book that I did not love. I swear, she just gets me. I love that she writes characters that are outside today's norm of the 20-22 year old new adult heroine. Kristen's characters are typically in the 28-48 range... and no matter their age, They. Kick. Ass. It's so nice for an author to recognize that not all of us are married off before we turn 25, or 35 or even 45. This is why I connect with all of her heroines. They are genuine, passionate, push all your emotional buttons, and give us over-30 gals hope that just because we haven't met our match, he is still out there somewhere waiting to claim us like the alpha male that he is. Which brings me to her men... OMG her men! Alphas of all ages. If only one would come to life and show up on my doorstep. I have my favorites but honestly I would not be choosey with any Kristen Ashley man.

In this book, Amelia is a 47 year old woman getting over a really bad divorce and trying to put her family back together. Mickey is a 48 year old Irish Fireman Boxer - need I say more? Well, he is also a good dad trying to shield his kids from his nightmare of an ex wife. There is not any suspense to this book... its just a nice love story between adults blending their families and all the drama and wonderful things that can carry with it. This series contains stories that could happen in real life... and don't we all wish we had the sex life in a Kristen Ashley book? Our secondary characters focus mostly on the kids... and Kristen writes cool kids. This is saying a lot coming from me as I am not a kid person at all. And we get a tiny sneak peak at who will be the focus of book 3: the sexy sheriff (Coert) and a fiesty redhead from Denver. Wonder if we have met her previously in one of Kristen's other series?

In sum, this is a great HEA love story with believable characters that will make you laugh, cry, smile, and hate just because you want to trade places with her.

I am a minority here, I thought the book was good but not great. I like the book, and enjoyed the story. Both Mickey and Amy are drawn well. I really enjoy that they are both out of their late twenties and we have real life experiences they are dealing with. They have believable reactions to the situations they are in. They have totally believable KA universe reactions to each other. Mickey turning down a well paying job and future because he wants to be a fireman and raise is family where he was raised is the definition of a grownup hero. Amy's story of redemption is played well. We feel her sorrow for her actions and her trying to make up to her kids for her hurting them.

However my main problem was the kids. Their reactions are totally unbelievable. They have had at least two years of their mom "acting ugly" about her divorce in front of them. She goes to school events and berates her ex and new wife in front of everyone -- this is the only incident we the readers are told about that involves the kids - everything else, going to ex and new wife workplaces are adult related. This gets so bad that a judge gives custody to the dad and he moves across the country to get away from her. The kids react to this, when they go to Any's house, by doing everything they can not to be with her. OK that is a normal reaction. However, when their uncle says they should not be mean to their mom and Pip, the daughter, finds out dad yelled at Amy it seems all is forgiven. They knew their dad cheated on their mom for months before the divorce - that had to have come out sometime in the screaming at ex and new wife in front of them. So why oh why is it a big revelation to them that Amy had a reason to off the rails? Again I liked the story of Amy and Mickey. I liked Mickey's kids, who while dealing with an alcoholic mother are good kids. I even liked Amy's kids as they are written, however their reactions are nothing that real people, even young people, would do. They have to forgive her so she can have her HEA, I know. I just wish it had been done a little more realistically.

Soaring has everything I love about Kristen Ashley books. And this hero doesn't tick me off like so many of her heroes do. Mickey gives a great apology when it is deserved and Amy is sweet and heartbreaking. Loved this book!

For me this is one of Kristen Ashley's best. Soaring is a relationship driven story where our Hero and Heroine have a cart load of crap to work through. For Scandals take on this wonderful story follow the link to Scandalicious Book Reviews!

http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.com/reviews/review-soaring-by-kristen-ashley/#comment-26334

Nothing beats a midnight delivery on releAse day to my kindle. I couldn't sleep until I devoured every word. KA is my all time fave. I'd read her grocery list! You will love the story of Mickey and Amy. You'll catch up with the Spears and crazy Alyssa. What's not to love about this book?! So worth the wait!

I loved this story. It spoke to me. I cried, I laughed, I got angry. What more can you ask a story to do for you but make you feel all the emotions the characters feel. Would have paid more even just for the ride the soaring gave me.

I really enjoyed The Will, the first book in this series, but was so disappointed in this one. It was boring, did not captivate me in the slightest as every detail was drawn out. I am not sure why my review differs so much from others but I tried and tried to get into it but in the end gave up.

Seriously love Kristen Ashley!
This book made me feel. I've been in a book slump for awhile and I was so excited when this was delivered to my kindle. I enjoyed this book and would definately recommend this book to everybody. Hell, I recommend this series to everybody. I loved MICKEY and AMELIA!!! Okay that's it the point is read the book!!!

Amelia has come to Magdalene to get a second chance. She’s picking up the pieces of her shattered family and is going to do everything possible to prove her unconditional love to her children. And the first step is making a house called “Cliff Blue” a real home.

The road to forgiveness is long and hard but she’s no longer the spiteful ex-wife looking for revenge. Everyday it gets a little better and with the help of her incredibly hot neighbour and his kids, she finds that sometimes all you need is right in front of you.

Mickey Donovan has a gentle soul and a smoking hard body. He knows exactly what it’s like to be betrayed by someone that you love and he’s kept it together for the sake of his children. So he’s a little skeptical when the new owner of “Cliff Blue” moves in next door.

But she’s so much more than meets the eye. Underneath all of that beauty and sass is a woman who knows what’s really important. Can they put aside all of the mistakes of the past and take another chance on love or are they really just too different to even try?

In Soaring, Kristen Ashley proves without a doubt that there is no one that can write contemporary romance quite like she can! Her characters get right into your heart and soul and you can’t help but fall in love right along with them and swoon deliriously on every page.

Amelia Hathaway is my favourite heroine since Lauren in Sweet Dreams! She owns her mistakes and pushes through her pain by trying to make things a little better for other people. Not only was I in awe of her strength, I admired her ability to be fragile. Her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring and Kristen delivers it flawlessly…

“All my life, I was the girl who everyone thought had everything or could get it. But the only thing I ever wanted was a man like you.”

To encapsulate all the feelings that a Kristen Ashley novel stirs up in me is always an ambitious feat in itself, her stories being an extraordinary emotional journey beginning to end, and this book did not disappoint. Mickey and Amelia’s story moved me deeply, just as I expected it would, but the sheer beauty of their romance caught me by surprise. I never expected to relate so completely to two characters representative of this particular point on the age spectrum, and while their sizzling chemistry is truly something to behold, the emotional aspect of their connection, specked with just the right amount of heart-pricking angst, took my breath away on more than one occasion. This is a story about life, about the unexpected journeys that life takes us on, about the curveballs, about the direct hits and the pain they bring, but it is first and foremost a story about second chances at finding happiness, about finding the strength to be whole again and fighting for what matters the most in life. A truly splendid example of this author’s inimitable style of storytelling—I walked in these characters’ shoes, I felt all they felt, my heart roared every time they ‘soared’, and in the end, I did not want to say goodbye to them.

“There is nothing guaranteed in life. But the only leaps worth taking are leaps of faith on love. So look where you leap, beautiful, and happy landing.”

Amelia Hathaway is a woman in her late forties, an heiress, a mother, a scorned wife. The unexpected demise of her marriage made her lose herself in her anger and pain, turning her into the kind of vindictive individual her privileged upbringing taught her she should be, but while reeling in self-pity and fury, Amelia lost herself along the way, the ultimate cost being the affections and respect of her two beloved children. In a desperate attempt to start anew, to beat back the anger and bitterness that poisoned her mind for too long, and to give her children the kind of mother they could not only love again, but also be proud of and learn from, she moves to Magdalene, the small coastal town her ex-husband and their children made their new home.

“No matter what it took, no matter how much time, no matter that it made me bleed, no matter what it cost me, no matter that it would take everything I had and force me to find more, I had to do what I’d come to Maine to do.”

But a new house, new friends, a new purpose in life mean little when one’s confidence has hit rock bottom, and Amelia’s wake-up call arrives in the form of a handsome firefighter neighbour, whose striking looks and protective demeanour make her wish he’d see her the way a man sees a woman he wants in his life. But she soon realises that before anyone can see her that way, she needs to like what she sees in the mirror.

“He didn’t need me in his life. I didn’t even like me in my life. Alas, I couldn’t escape me.”

Mickey Donovan is a single dad, a natural provider, a man who works two jobs in order to give his kids the life they deserve, even when doing what he loves means living a more modest life than the one he was born into. The slow downfall of his marriage has made him question all he can offer a woman, especially a woman like Amelia Hathaway, knowing he could never give her all that she has been accustomed to having in her life. But Amelia’s insecurities put a different spin on Mickey’s reluctant behaviour.

“He didn’t want me, plain and simple. I was just his…‘attractive’ neighbor.”

When they finally take a leap and give in to their attraction, they inevitably connect on every level, but they don’t rush—they take their time, they show consideration for the people in their lives such a union would affect the most, and they give themselves time to get to know one another. The true beauty of these characters is that they are two formed, adult individuals who know what they’d gain by taking a chance on such a love, what they risk missing out on if they don’t, and who are now prepared to work their hardest to hold onto the rare magic they found in each other. The slow evolution of their relationship is as it should be, gradual and organic, each emotional milestone sinking deeply into our hearts and making us smile in delight. And there is so much to smile about in this story!

“… there is no safer place than in my arms and when you’re here, Amy, you can give me anything.”

This is the tale of a woman who always had a lot in life, and yet all she ever wanted was a loving family and a man to stand by her and accept her for all that she is. And it is the tale of a hard-working man coming to terms with the fact that some women are not looking for glitz and gold in life, but the simple joy of loving and of being loved by a man who understands them and provides for them in ways no money could ever buy. With so many aspects of this story designed to tug at our heartstrings, this was not a book I was able to read in one sitting, taking my time to fully absorb the magnitude of some particularly emotional scenes in the story. While this might be in essence a love story, this is also a tale of broken families, of healing families, of new families. And it is a story of redemption, showing that we are not defined by the mistakes we make, but by the steps we take to correct them.

“I am who I am. I have what I have. And one of the things I got that I wanna keep is you.”

I enjoyed the plot, however we know how it will turn out. I had read the second book in the series. I am not a prude, however the detailed sex description over and over does nothing for the rating. I found I was skipping many pages of it. Guess we will have one more in the series about the sheriff and I an not all that interested in getting it.

Compared to Kristen' s previous series this one is really bland.... I hate to say it but it took me forever to get into this and the will.... It feels like she's stretching cause of the age of the characters but honestly I don't think it needs so much stretch.... and really most men have way more vocabulary than these do.... I like my alphas with more bite and fight as in her previous books..... and all that honey talk is just creepy and weird at times..... Just seems like a lot of the dialogue is forced and unnatural at times.....but her basic formula still works somewhat so I will continue to read the series.....

Oh so sweet! Like her other stories much better. It could not hold my interest. Skipped through it as it was so predictable. I don't do that with her books normally. I have read them all except for the fantasies. Will probably read her next books too. There's always hope.

Not sure why but I did not connect with the heroine or the jackass alpha male in this book. Usually in LOVE with all books Kristen Ashley and I was surprised that I didn't with Soaring. Let me start with the "Mickey" which by the way I hated his name would have preferred Michael. He was a total and complete jerk and most of K.A.'s are jerks but you usually find some reframing quality about them that you love. Nope not here. He was fine with his kids but for the most part he was a jerk to "Amy" I also hated that he called Amelia "Amy". As for Amelia well I felt that she was very one dimensional the same could be said for "Mickey" as well. The first book in this series was better but I won't read the 3rd book or reread this book. Will have to go back to Colorado Mountain series. These guys were jerks but their shells cracked and redeeming qualities that kept me reading and engaged came out. In this book I thought Mickey was a total assz

Warning: minor spoilers are likely.

Hoo-boy. Another one bites the dust.

This book can be summed up in one word: boring.

Unfortunately, I found "Soaring" to be tedious and, quite honestly, a chore to read. Long before the halfway mark, I was tempted to throw in the towel. It was a never-ending, nonsensical, rambling mess of a book.

The pacing was problematic. The book was 597 pages of mostly filler. More specifically, the book consisted of 597 pages that went into great detail of the most mundane and menial of tasks. To make it all the more frustrating, the book was rife with telling instead of showing, so much that it read more like a diary—a tween’s diary, and an exasperating one, at that. I’m sorry, but the author’s overly wordy, formulaic style of writing is getting old.

To be honest, I’m still trying to figure out what the actual plot was supposed to be. As far as I can tell, there wasn’t much of one. The book was stagnant. It just kind of chugged along, never really going anywhere. Nothing exciting happened. Certainly not anything that would require 597 pages to tell. Even if the book had been cut in half, it still would’ve been too long. I don’t mind reading a long book, but there has to be a reason for it. When the plot gets bogged down by wordy descriptions, irritating inner musings about absolutely nothing of importance, and other such nonsense, my eyes start to glaze over.

All that said, despite plenty of other issues, it was the characters themselves that I had the biggest problem with. Amelia, being an heiress, never had to work a day in her life. So, of course, that meant she spent the entire book dropping copious amounts of money on whatever her heart desired. She spent her days shopping, decorating her new McMansion, and updating her wardrobe. Fascinating stuff, I tell you. And when she wasn’t doing that, she volunteered a few days a week at a nursing home, because, heaven forbid, someone think badly of her for being so well-off. All of her other “free” time was devoted to Mickey and, by extension, his kids.

Being that the story was told from Amelia’s perspective, I found it a lesson in frustration to be inside her head. She was immature, shallow, and incredibly boring. The way she talked and behaved, one would think she belonged in high school right alongside her kids. She had about the same maturity level, if you ask me. She was all about clothes, makeup, gossip, and boys. I almost expected her to start pulling off flower petals to play the “he loves me, he loves me not” game every time she thought about Mickey.

Suffice it to say, I couldn’t relate to Amelia at all. It didn’t help that, on top of everything else, I thought she was a terrible mother. Perhaps my opinion of her would’ve been different—had she not put more effort into her relationship with Mickey’s kids than she did her own. Hell, it took her half the book to decide that a new car was probably a good idea, considering she was a mom of two and only owned a fancy two-seater Mercedes.

As for Mickey, I liked him when he was first introduced, but my fondness for him didn’t last very long. He was too hot and cold for my taste, to the point where he was sometimes downright cruel in his actions. However, I’ll give credit where it’s due. I usually start off despising KA’s heroes, but she has a way of turning it around. She writes redeemable alphas. But, in this case, I never grew to love Mickey’s character. He focused too much on the fact that Amelia was rich, and therefore, didn’t need anything from him. He’d move past it, only to turn around and throw it in her face, again and again. Rise and repeat.

I thought that "Soaring" failed miserably in the romance department. I just wasn’t feeling it, unfortunately. I mean, it seemed to me that, due to the characters’ age, they just didn’t want to be alone by the time they reached the age of retirement. I didn’t find myself rotting for them as a couple. I didn’t care whether or not they got a HEA together. Eventually, it got to the point where I actually preferred Mickey to end up with his ex-wife, Rhiannon. Due to Mickey’s demanding job(s), his kids, Amelia’s kids, and what have you, he and Amelia spent more time talking to each other over the phone than in person. And even their phone calls were boring. If I had to read one more “hey/hey back” conversation, my eyes were in danger of getting stuck mid-eye roll.

Also, I don’t care how unpopular my opinion is with what I’m about to say, I’m going to say it anyway. I happen to be a reader who prefers younger characters, but I don’t go out of my way to avoid books with older couples because, if the story is good, I can overlook their age. Having said that, however, I find it really disappointing when an author chooses to write an older character—in this case, a 47-year-old woman—only to make it clear that that same character doesn’t look her age, mainly because not only is she rich, but she has the right clothes, expensive cosmetics, and moisturizes 27 times a day (slight exaggeration). In fact, the only thing that even hinted at Amelia’s age were a few gray hairs, which were taken care of with a makeover. Why bother to write an older woman then? Mickey was just as flawless as Amelia. I know this is fiction, but a little realism would’ve been nice. I can only suspend my disbelief so far.

Overall, I thought "Soaring" missed the mark by a long shot. It was overly long, wordy, and incredibly slow paced.

Soaring is Mickey Donovan's story. A character we came to know in The Will.

Mickey's love interest in Amelia Hathaway.

Amelia and Mickey have a lot in common: They both went through a painful divorce, they both have teenage kids. But while Mickey, who divorced his wife after her destructive behavior (caused by addiction to alcohol) kept custody of his children and shielded them as much as he could, Amelia fell apart.
Her husband cheated on her and she lost it. She (and rightfully so), made him and new wife, pay for it. But what was worst, her children bore witness to it and they grew to dislike her.

Amelia has a long way to go in order to win over her children.
I loved Amelia's character. She was human and in perfect. She reacted in a believable, manner while faced with her husbands betrayal.

Amelia knew she was wrong in exposing her children to the negative emotions and actions her husbands inspired in her, but she was hurt and frankly, had a right to express her feelings.

She was looking to re-connect with her children, she never expected to find love again. She found it in Mickey.

Mickey, like Amy (that's what he calls her), married for love. They both had their partners disappoint them.

I liked the courage they portrayed in giving love a second chance. Mickey was undecided at first. He was hot and cold towards Amy, but in the end, he realized she was right for him.

I hurt with Amy whenever her children ignored her, she took it as her due, but it hurt to experience with her.
But whey opened up to her, it was amazing.

I liked the journey both families took towards an HEA.

Oh my gosh, Amelia. First off, some of her insecurities are totally in sync with my own. Getting to know her, though, was difficult for me. She did seem a bit immature, but I can absolutely understand why she wanted to do those things. Her choices, on the front of reacting to her ex husband, really disappointed me because she was a mother and should have been focusing on healing her children!

When Amelia comes to Magdalene, I do see some of that immaturity/spoiled behavior, but she does seem genuine in wanting to change and get her family back. She’s spent so much time away from that part of her life, that she is quite awkward in mothering situations, and her children already have a low opinion of her. Turning that around is HARD, especially when they’re into their teens. I am glad that she did begin to grow in that respect.

Mickey … I’ve been a bit intrigued by him since The Will. Upon meeting him in this book, I was more … conflicted. He has many admirable qualities, and appears to be a pretty good father, but there was something … just not quite as outstanding as other KA men. There were many times that he seemed not quite alpha, but more jerk. And, I know that KA men tend to be alpha jerks, but there’s always some scar buried deep down that corresponds to why they react the way they do. For Mickey, there didn’t seem to be any of those deep, deep wounds and I couldn’t really justify (in my head) a lot of his more terrible moments.

Overall did I enjoy this story? Yes. Unfortunately, it’s not necessarily one of my favorites. I love the town of Magdalene, I love the dynamic of family that flows through (most) of its residents, and the story line was intriguing and kept me guessing. But, somehow, these characters sort of fell through the cracks for me & didn’t really make me fall as deeply into love with them. That said, it would still be a recommended read from me.

Once again, Kristen Ashley has left me stunned at the profound beauty of her storytelling. Soaring is the second book in her Magdalene series, and as much as I loved the first book, The Will, I’m absolutely crazy over this one.

Amelia Hathaway is a rich heiress who has lost everything that really mattered most to her. Her husband was a serial cheater who left her for another woman and after Amelia lashed out in anger she also lost her two children. That was a wake up call so the story picks up when she follows them all the way across country from Cali to Maine to make amends. There was some heartbreaking family drama as they did not make it easy on her, but Amelia was determined to win back not just her kid’s hearts but to make a fresh start in her entire life. On her first day she meets Mickey Donovan the hot firefighter and contractor who lives right across the street. Mickey also has two kids and his own fair share of family baggage. These two were attracted to each other but for seperate personal reasons they fought getting involved with some hurt feelings along the way. A few changes and romantic rivals later they finally give in to desire and are soon burning up the sheets in an incredibly hot love affair.

As usual, the character development was great and progressed as Amelia and Mickey’s relationship evolved into something real. For me one of the singular aspects of this and every Kristen Ashley book is how she makes me feel her characters. She brings them to life with their flaws and perfections and blends them into characters who stick out in my memory. Amelia made neccessary changes in her life to grow into an even stronger woman who never tried to hide her mistakes. Mickey was a very strong character who reminded me of Tack in Motorcycle Man, who just happens to be my all time favorite book boyfriend. I loved that they both loved their children and put their happiness above all else but that they still worked hard at overcoming the obstacles in their relationship.

This is a very long book at 597 pages, but it is so worth the read. It is emotional and steamy and incredibly very well written. The characters are amazing. I loved this book so much ! Believe me when I say it is not to be missed.

originally posted at long and short reviews

3.5 Stars. Not the best KA book but still a good read. I liked Amelia and I loved that the character was in her 40's and going through some needed changes in her life. After reading the synopsis I expected for Amelia to be a bit less likable in the beginning. Turns out I liked her quite a bit from the beginning. She made some mistakes but she recognizes them and sets out to make some changes for the better. Although rich she isn't spoiled and she's very kind and compassionate. She is learning to stand up for herself and figure out what she wants for her life. I also really like Mickey but I had a couple of issues with his character. He grew up in a wealthy family and although I get that he walked away from that he would still have that background and I just found his speech and some of his mannerisms didn't fit that background. He was a typical KA hero and I wanted something a little different. He's protective and alpha and talked just like her heroes always do and for me that just didn't fit with the life that was created for him.

I enjoyed the relationship between Mickey and Amelia and understood their desire not to get involved at first. They had a nice chemistry and they worked for me. I enjoyed their children and although you wanted to throttle them at times that's pretty typical for teens so it was very believable. They added depth to the story and the progression of Amelia's relationship with her children was written beautifully.

However, this story lagged a bit for me. The pace was slow and the descriptions were a bit too in depth for me. I just didn't care all that much about all the details of the house etc. This book could have lost about a 100 pages and been much better IMO. Still it was an enjoyable read so if you're a KA fan you'll enjoy it.

Full review here => http://afterdarkbooklovers.com/2015/03/15/blog-tour-book-review-excerpt-giveaway-soaring-by-kristen-ashley/

As someone who literally gave a standing ovation to the author after finishing The Will, I was beyond excited to start Soaring. But I had to prepare. This book is not short. And it wasn’t anything I wanted to rush through. I wanted to take my time and savior it. So I planned my reading schedule (this might sound ridiculous, but as a blogger with deadlines, it’s critical to getting reviews completed on time), blocking out a full week to read this book.

Then I started to book and couldn’t put it down, reading half of it over the weekend. As a huge KA fan, this isn’t a stretch, I get caught up in her books so easily, which is why she is my go-to author when I have a book hangover. But I connected so quickly with story and Amelia’s heartache as she struggled to put her life and family back together, I couldn’t think about much else than this story.

A lot of KA books feature the drama of a killer/kidnapper on the loose. The plot of this book was less complex, making it easier to relate to. This story essentially focuses on how a person moves on, when the life they laid out, changes for reasons out of their control. Amelia is looking to reinvent herself after a divorce. She initially took the scorned, bitter route, which backfired on her. As a result, she makes the conscious decision to right her wrongs, and in doing so, became one of my favorite KA heroines.

“Until then, your life had been golden and you probably had everything you ever wanted, except what was important. So when something you wanted was taken away from you, you had no clue how to deal and no foundation to keep you solid.”

The topic of divorce isn’t glossed over in this book, as a mere mention. It is the heart of the story. The reactions one goes thru when faced with divorce, both the bad and the good. The impact it has on one’s confidence and how one builds that confidence back up and moves on, maybe to something better.

And speaking of better, enter Mickey. He is the perfect guy to get Amelia, or Amy, as he calls her, to that better place. If you read the synopsis, you may worry about the hot and cold treatment he gives her. Have no fear. When you read the story, it will all make sense why he makes a sudden switch with her. Here you have a KA Alpha male, who like those before him, likes to take care of his woman. So how can you provide for a woman who has everything, financially? And this was part of his struggle. Add to the fact that he is also divorced with kids, you can see how he might be sensitive to progressing with a relationship that may not have a future. I absolutely loved how conflicted he felt about providing for Amy and the steps he took to make what he thought she needed, right. He is definitely not the female version of a gold digger.

“Already told you I had a woman I couldn’t give what she needed, now you get how deep she scarred me. And I guess it’s eatin’ me I got one I like havin’ that needs nothing from me.”

As the two begin to build their relationship, they navigate the normal routes of building a connection and trust, with the added weight of managing the relationship with the children from each of their marriages. It wasn’t an easy process for them, but I loved how they talked it out and made sure they introduced the kids into the relationship in such a way that wasn’t selfish, but made their feelings a priority.

Other than the emotional roller coaster of a divorce, this book also touches on the sensitive subject of bullying. Interestingly enough, there were similarities into how both were discussed. Without giving anything away, it covers how someone handles the emotional toll bullying can have on the already fragile self-esteem of a teenager. And it covers why someone participates in bullying, and what steps they go to in order to stop the hate. I loved how the parents handled this situation. Punishments were laid out to the guilty party and support was given to the victim. If only more parents were as aware and responsive as these, a lot of people would be in a better place.

One thing I love about KA is not only the development of the main characters, but of the secondary characters as well. It is those secondary characters who give the main characters strength, and hope to move forward. And this book was no different.

Who I loved:
Josie and Alyssa – If you read The Will, then you can easily remember this odd pair, who play a key role in this story, as Amy come to Magdalene with zero emotional support. Thankfully these two were there for her, whether it be as a shoulder(s) to lean on, or to help her get her confidence back. They help her move on and were there for her during those moments that Amy doubts herself.

Auden and Olympia – Mickey’s kids are a ray of sunshine. I adored them from the get-go and wanted to give them everything, just like Amy.

Cillian and Aisling – Amy’s kids initially are a kick to the gut. They aren’t quick to forgive Amy’s earlier antics from the divorce, and I found sympathy for both the kids and Amy. The process in which they started to give her a second chance seemed very real and made it that much more special.

Lawr – Amy’s brother, the voice of reason for Amy. He calmed her down when she panicked and gave her guidance when needed. Plus he shared a dislike for their parents, and was willing to do anything to protect his sister. The perfect brother.

Robin – Amy’s BFF from home. Initially this woman sounded like bad news, as the one who egged on Amy during her bitter stage. But it turns out she is just a loyal friend who has her friend’s back, no matter what, so I can’t fault her for that.

The Dove House – this retirement home was a surprising element to the story. While Amy didn’t have to work, I thought it was great that she decided to volunteer, especially considering the place she choose to volunteer. I loved the connections she built with this group, even with Mrs. McMurphy, who thought Amy was a Nazi. They became her extended family and an escape when she was feeling unneeded.

As for those who I didn’t like in this story, it should be obvious who they are and why I disliked them, so I won’t waste anytime discussing them.

With two likable main characters and a great supporting cast, it was easy to be consumed by this book. The title of this book comes from the feelings Amy experiences with Mickey, with heart, body and soul soaring. It can also describe how I felt reading this story, experiencing that feeling of comfort and peace that Mickey brought to her life. Giving her everything she ever wanted, and allowing her to ascend to a higher level, a better life, and a better place. And I loved every moment of that journey.

Final note: There is one more book in this series that features Coert, the Magdalene police chief, and a mysterious woman from Denver. My brain is going into overdrive as to who this could be. Would it be too much for it to be Becca from The Gamble?

This was an ok read for me. There wasn’t a lot of drama which surprised me. This was one of those books that I would put aside, and then eventually pick back up. It never had me on the edge of my seat, or eagerly anticipating what was going to happen next. At times I contemplated even continuing this book. I hate to say it, but for the most part I found this read to be quite boring and slow. It just felt way too long. There seemed to be a lot of irrelevant details in the plot that at times made the story feel like it was dragging, and slow paced. Also I tired of the repetitious phrases. " Later babe" "Bye Honey" "Hey babe" "Okay Mickey". Speaking of repetitive, the entire plot had that feel to it. The heroine seemed to do the same thing each day. Wake up, volunteer, decorate her home, reached out to her kids, have a glass of wine and bath, then the hero would call that night, they'd talk or hook up, then sleep, and the next day seemed to be an exact replica of the day before. Over and over and over.

The one positive aspect I enjoyed that the hero and heroine were both in their 40s. That's always a nice change of pace.

Overall, it was ok, but nowhere near one of my favorite KA reads. It's not a read I'd recommend, but I will still without a doubt read more that this writer publishes, just maybe not this particular series of hers.

It’s no secret that Kristen Ashley is hands down my favorite author. When she has a new release, it doesn’t matter how busy I am with other books, with work, family, real life whatever- I read her books. There was so much I loved about Soaring. Both of the main characters were fantastic. I loved the kids. Overall, I just loved the story. It was a little on the long side (which normally I never complain about) and some of the length made it feel a little long. Which is the ONLY reason it’s not a full 5 star read for me.

Amelia Hathaway needs a fresh start. She needs a new beginning. With her kids, her life, to find herself and finally be the woman she wants to be. Her ex-husband destroyed her life. And she let him. She let him turn her into someone she never wanted to be, and worst of all, she let her kids see it. Now she is moving past all that and moving on.

Mickey Donovan lives across the street from Amelia. He’s a single dad, works construction and is a volunteer firefighter. Mickey and Amelia just click. She becomes close with his kids. She becomes close to him. Things aren’t easy, but they get each other. Both are at a stage in their life where a second chance might be just what they need.

Amelia grew up privileged and rich. Her new life, she tries to make a difference. She volunteers at an old folks home. She makes an effort to have good friends. She’s good to Mickey’s kids and she’s slowly but surely building with hers. I admired Amy and all her strength. I can’t imagine all she went through- plus the stuff with her kids. My poor heart… that would just destroy a person. She knew she made some mistakes, but she’s doing so much to correct them and to be the person she is deep down.

Mickey was your typical KA alpha in some ways. He was alpha, protective, and hot! He was also a great dad and a really great man. Did he frustrate me at times? Yes. But I got over it quickly.

This thing between Mickey and Amelia wasn’t insta love. It was slow developing and a beautiful romance between two people who just happened to find a second chance at love. Kristen Ashely has a way with words. She is the ultimate story teller. You don’t just read her books, you experience everything. I really loved Amelia’s story. Her growth and her perseverance. Moving on, forgiving and falling love again isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.

In my opinion I can't have a favorite KA book because each one I read becomes my favorite until I read another new one or re-read one of my now entire collection that she has created! (Yes I will admit I re-read her books..and quite frequently..that is how amazing I found her stories, writing styles, etc.)

I found Soaring to be funny, sweet, sad, aggravating and much more. At times I was cringing for many of the characters (hello first kiss..eckkk!! or the Thanksgiving dinner..yikes talk about a tie for most awkward but lovable moments!) I loved so many of the situations and by-plays between the characters. My favorite part though was the tie in of all of the characters from The Will. So many times I am not ready for a story to be over, so I completely enjoy how KA always has her characters return throughout the series. Additionally while Amelia and Mickey are the primary characters, I felt as though the secondary characters were just as strong and well important. I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what actually was going on with Mickey's daughter..was she pregnant, mad, depressed/cutting herself, etc. No spoilers here so find out by reading but I loved the character development where it had me racking my brains trying to figure this out. I also loved loved loved Mickey's son..I thought he was adorable! Amelia's children were just was well developed. I could read/feel and visualize the change in their dynamic as the story progressed. Many times I teared up over a conversation or interaction between them.

Now you may be reading this and thinking..wait a second..a romance story that has this many kids?? but it works and works beautifully! The relationship and the struggles the two endure on their path through the story are hilarious, poignant, eye-opening and quite endearing. To put it in "hashtag"speak one might say #relationshipgoals is a defining sentiment to Amelia and Mickey!

Now, for my closing thought for yet another fantastic KA story....will Mickey ever beat Jake?

full review at www.meghanvarner.blogspot.com

There are many authors I like, several I love, but hands down my absolute favorite is Kristen Ashley. I feel like its Christmas morning each and every time she has a new release. I have read and re-read each book and loved them all. Soaring is no exception. I devoured it, loved it and have already re-read it.

One thing that always stands out in Ms. Ashley’s stories is the direct honest dialog. The characters speak in such a real manner it pulls the readers right into their lives and they watch the story play out.

Soaring places the readers inside a current day Brady Bunch scenario. It gives us a real and at times heart wrenching view of the impact divorce plays on children and their parents as they try to rebuild. Mickey and Amelia each have their own divorce stories and each have their own way of managing the trials that come along with that. We get a very in depth picture of the ups and downs of starting over.

I love the realistic demeanor Ashley’s characters always portray. They are not perfect, they make mistakes, they make bad decisions, but they always admit their shortcomings, apologize, and move on. It’s very refreshing to read about characters that screw up, but make the best out of what they have left.

I really like the aspect of reading about more mature characters. They are in a different place in their lives and the children are a little older and bring a new lever of energy to the book.

Soaring really includes a lot of variety. We deal with alcoholic ex-wives, dip ass ex-husbands, troubled kids, bullying, crappy jobs, and controlling parents. However, we also get one hell of a sexy story that shows us there is always good that evens out the bad.

If you are a Kristen Ashley fan you won’t want to miss out on this one. It’s guaranteed to pull you in, heat you up, and leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next story in the Magdalene series.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

This was just KA at her very best, there’s nothing I like more than reading one of my favourite authors and actually being able to relate to the heroine’s story!

Amelia’s life falls apart when her husband cheats but she doesn’t max his credit cards and cut up his clothes, no she completely and utterly destroys everything good in her life trying to erase the bad! When she finally finds the strength to face head on what she needs to do, it’s like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro blindfolded, she completely uproots what’s left of her life and embarks on the mission of getting back some normality in her life & righting her wrongs.

Enter Mickey ~ alpha male next door neighbour (swoon) A single dad with broken marriage problems of his own, he fights in the ring, he fights fires, he works construction (swoon swoon swoon).
He’s like an anchor in Amelias rough seas & when she finally confesses to him what she did to end up in her situation his response reduced me to a sobbing wreck, he just got it and despite his single mindedness at times he was just perfect for Amelia at this time in her life.

Their chemistry was off the charts, even when they fought, they crackled with electricity, I loved them together, I loved how they were with each others kids, how they approached their battles collectively, I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed every single word, I struggled to put it down to sleep.

This story was just pure, undiluted KA, it was raw, emotional, heart breaking at times and Amelias strength of character was mind blowing, she could only truly deserve good things to come for her and it’s damn lucky KA is the queen of the HEA!

This is Kristen Ashley doing what she does best - bringing us fully fleshed out human beings who are drawn to one another and embark on a relationship that includes typical and atypical challenges. Ashley's style is to give us lots of detail and if you don't like that in a story that is your thing, but I personally feel this fuller than usual development gives me a deeper look into these folks lives and what makes them who they are. I also enjoy that she writes about older than typical couples. Mickey and Amelia are mature, divorced with children adults who find themselves attracted to one another. They are not perfect - both have flaws and issues they are working through. They are both parents who share custody of their teenage children with their exes. Their love story does not develop simply or quickly, but I like that in a romance. Even though her books are long and detailed I never find myself getting bored and usually feel sad when it's draws to a conclusion. This is the 2nd book in the Magadalene Maine series, but it is not necessary to have read "The Will" to understand this book, but after reading "Soaring" you'll probably want to go and read "The Will" out of pure enjoyment.

I enjoyed this book. It's most certainly a romance novel, but it has a bit more substance than your typical romance novel. It can be a bit slow moving in some spots, but enjoyable. I enjoy an alpha male character when they play off of a female that isn't a completely useless damsel. I love an alpha but I don't personally think that the women need to be completely spineless for them to exist. I listened to the audio version of this book. I don't love the narrator's portrayal of the male characters. They all have a William Shatner-esque, halting style of speech, which makes them all sound like brainless muscle-bound buffoons, and they all seem to have a sneering, condescending tone the way she reads them. The author could do with a few more pronouns and conjunctions. It doesn't ruin the story for me, but again, I think it makes the male characters (they're the only ones who speak like this) all sound like uneducated dolts. I don't know if she's aiming for a "strong and silent" or "man of few words" vibe, attempting a regional dialect (New Englanders don't speak like that), some sort of class stereotyping, or if she's actively trying to make them sound less intelligent than the women, but it's off-putting. I can get past it, but I don't like it.

4.5 stars... I love that Kristen Ashley can write gritty heroes and heroines, but she can also write the proper heroine, who is buttoned up and polite - but with passion. Soaring is the second book in the Magdalene series, the first one being The Will. The Will was one of my favorite books of 2014 and by far my favorite Kristen Ashley book. Soaring was wonderful too, although it was not as perfect as The Will for me. But I do love Mickey!

In Soaring, we meet Amelia, or "Amy" as she is nicknamed by Mickey who we met in The Will (who was interested in Josie before Jake grabbed her up). Amelia has had a tough time for the last couple of years, losing her husband (the cheat) and her kids to the cheating husband, who moved them across the country and away from Amelia. When we first meet Amelia and her kids, they are estranged. Amelia fully blames herself for their estrangement based on how she handled the divorce. And, she just wants to rescue her relationship with them, and she knows there is a hard road to climb ahead of her.

Amelia meets Mickey soon after she moves into Cliff Blue, the beautiful show home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Maine. Mickey is her neighbor across the street. And while Mickey comes to her "rescue" when Amelia's ex-husband is yelling at her on her front stoop, he turns out to not be the hero she was hoping he'd be (or does he?). They begin a contentious neighborly relationship. But then one fateful evening, in the coat closet of a restaurant, when Amelia is there for a date with another man, the sexual tension builds enough that Mickey gives in to his attraction.

What follows is pure Kristen Ashley storytelling at it's best. This book is not about "what" happens, and more about "how" it happens, and all of the feelings that surround that: love, lust, friendship, passion, betrayal,, you name it, it's in here. And, the passion between Amy and Mickey is some of the best I've seen between Ashley's hero and heroine. They had some hot, hot scenes.

I listened to this book on Audible and while I have read most of Ashley's book via audible, this was one of the first where I have liked the narrator. I think, with the exception of how slowly she talked, and the long pauses (which I quickly remedied by speeding up the audio), she perfectly inhabited Amelia "Amy" Hathaway.

Soaring is another Kristen Ashley-style masterpiece. An epic and moving tale about betrayal, forgiveness, fresh starts, love, and the journey of life.

Kristen has yet again graced this world with another breathtakingly beautiful love story and characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Amelia has made mistakes. Lots of them and repeatedly. Her husband of nearly two decades and the father of her two children betrayed her in an unforgiveable way and the only way she knows how to deal with it is to get angry, bitter, and try to get even. Her behavior costs her greatly and she’s left with what feels like nothing, trying to pick up the pieces and win her family back. One of the things that I love most about Amelia’s story is that Kristen reminds us that everyone makes mistakes and they neither define us nor determine our fate.

She moves across the country to follow her family and in across the street from handsome volunteer firefighter Mickey Donovan. Their relationship starts off a bit rocky when he steps into an altercation between Amelia and her ex-husband and stays rocky.

Their relationship is a strained and tumultuous one but sparks fly every time they’re near each other and I couldn’t keep my heart from racing every time they had even the tiniest of interactions. But Mickey and Amelia both have their own dramas happening in their personal lives and with their own children. The last thing either of them needs is more complications.

I loved Amelia’s character. She’s sweet and kind and while tremendously wealthy, not spoiled. She knows what is truly important in life and it’s the only thing she ever really craves and desires. She’s good-hearted and compassionate, but she’s not a doormat. She throws good sass and doesn’t hesitate to do it, especially in Mickey’s direction.

Mickey pushes all of Amelia’s buttons. She’s strong and confident and though he’s also kind and a very good man and father, he enjoys riling her up and getting a reaction. And boy does he ever.

Soaring is everything that I love about a Kristen Ashley novel while simultaneously being completely new and refreshing. How she continues to write these epic and unique and individual love stories baffles me. How does she continuously knock it out of the park every single time?

It’s hard for me to put into words the way her novels make me feel. They just seem so much larger than life, so much bigger, and better, and just more. When you read her books, they seem to come off of the pages and fill the room. Everything is palpable. Every story is so massive, so full of emotion, so powerful. I can’t get enough of them.

But all of her books, while being these legendary love stories, also tell all kinds of other tales. It’s always so much more. That’s the only word that comes to mind. Just more.

A huge standing ovation for another amazing tale of life, love, and redemption. Kristen Ashley has done it again. And damn does she do it well.

I listened to this book on audio and quite frankly it brightened my day. I have a tendency to listen to books I've already read but as a fan of this author and series I just went straight for audio. Soaring topped The Will for me and I really enjoyed Book One. The narrator with her posh voice still rocked the characters perfectly.

Amelia is an heiress to a considerable fortune that she already controls. In her mid 40's she's somewhat jaded by the hand life has dealt her. In her wake is a broken marriage, wounded pride, kids who hate her and a stream of bad behaviour. Amelia has had a revelation, she's pulling back her true self, righting the wrongs and reeling her kids back to her. Amelia was just the most fantastic heroine, I truly loved her. Mickey (he of the fantastic name) caught my eye in Book One and he is a perfect example of the KA man but not so that you're bored of a type. Mickey juggles multiple jobs, family and training. These two explode at one another every time they meet!

I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to live in Amelia's house, it sounded wonderful but I don't think she'd like my plans to steal Mickey. I look forward to what else the Magdelene series will bring.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

Kristen Ashley really does romance right! I read and loved The Will and revelled in the fact that these forty something characters were getting a chance to have their stories heard, well what do you know- Ms Ashley has only gone and done it again!

The ability to inject just about every word with the power of a love that was never prepared to take no for an answer is not a skill that many have but this author can wield it like a magic wand because when she sprinkled her magic over Mickey and Amelia – their story was brought to life right before my eyes. I felt as if I was watching their days unfold before me and the descriptive nature and demonstrative tone that Kristen is majestic at deploying was paramount in that experience.

Both characters had lived, they had loved and they had lost – Amelia I think it is safe to say was in many respects a victim of her own making but she had bottomed out on the self-pity scale that her husband’s infidelity had heaped upon her and the pain that she had allowed to consume her but she was finally fighting her way back to being a productive member of society again and she was absolutely giving it her best shot at being the mother that her she knew she needed to be for her kids. Although initially they were far from welcoming.

Amelia had always had everything she needed – coming from entitlement and money she wanted for nothing, she had a marriage that she considered to be strong, children she adored, friends and family that surrounded her and a husband that she trusted implicitly but what she didn’t have was a clue that her solid , trustworthy husband was in fact a handsy philandering rat who was caught with his hand in the cookie jar on more than one occasion but always managed to keep it from the woman who was raising his kids and oblivious to the fact that she was playing second fiddle to his libido.

When the truth come to light and her marriage falls apart, Amelia doesn’t deal with it well and despite the fact that she has the children to consider she loses her way and she eventually loses her kids when her ex-husband moves them to Maine.

Finally she comes to her senses and kicks her own butt, because believe me by this time if I could have I would have kicked her tush all the way to Maine myself– yelling in her ear all the way that she needs grow a pair and put the cheating bastard in his place!!!

Getting a wiggle on she ups-sticks and moves across the country in order to be close to the kids and in a bid to build a relationship with them that will be sustainable. But when her ex rocks up on her doorstep on her first day, screaming and shouting at her – both he and Amelia are quickly introduced to her new neighbour and all round good guy – Mickey Donovan.

Mickey lives by pretty simple rules and no man should ever be threatening a woman, so when he hears the rumpus coming from his new neighbours front yard, he steps straight in and puts the guy in his place – ship up or ship out and leave the lady alone!

I loved Mickey this smoulderingly hot man works his butt off in his bid to insure that his two kids (who he shares custody of with his ex-wife) have everything they need, on top of his day to day job he also works as a volunteer at the local fire department – but it is the fire department that is his true passion. Although some of that may just have set its sights on the feisty little newbie on the block!

Amelia throws herself into finding her feet in Magdalene, she really does embrace the whole “fresh start” ethos and sets about proving to herself that she can be the woman that she has always dreamt of being and someone that her children can be proud to call mum.

Amelia may have more money than she could possibly spend but when you don’t like what you see each morning, all the dollars in the world mean nothing, Mickey on the other hand has claim to almost as much money as Amelia has but he is determined to earn his living and stand on his own two feet – and as with many situations money initially is the root of their issues- he feels that she would never be interested in him because he would never be able to provide for her in a way that she is used too and she feels that he is threatened by her money and as such is staying way – honestly I could have knocked their heads together.

But they both learn fairly quickly that no matter their age and experiences- love will not be denied – they just need to get with the program!

I thought the author handled the sensitivities that go along with two experienced adults embarking on a relationship, the situation on how them being together was going to impact no only the two of them but also four children with tact and diplomacy. She eased them into a relationship and showed that somethings really do need to be taken slowly, sensitivities have to be taken into account and nothing is more sensitive than the introduction of a lover to your children, because no matter their age they still need to know that they rank as the most important thing in your parents eyes.

I loved the text chat, the sneaking around and the “your house or mine” scenario’s, the fitting in with the kids timetables and the knockbacks that you take when you realise that there is more than just the two of you in your relationship – there is life getting in the way too.

The story really touched a nerve with me and made me smile, I actually managed to get through a book without being reduced to tears and all the while feeling that I was taking a walk through the best that love has to offer – the chance to be happy and the chance for one broken woman to gather her heart up, lay it out before her and to begin to try and piece it back together – what she hadn’t realised was that her forever happiness meant that her puzzle was always one piece missing and that was because it was being held in the safe hands of Mickey and when he entered her life – her puzzle was complete – sometimes life is like that – you have what you can handle and when you need it the next piece of your life puzzle is handed over.

Amelia didn't take it very well when her husband informed her that he needed a divorce so he could marry the younger chick that he had apparently been cheating on her with. Years later, after she's lost custody of her children and her self-respect, she's decided to start over and follow them and their father (including his new wife) across the country to try to salvage her relationship with them. It's not easy (lots of suffering involved), but some new friends and her next door neighbor, a hot fireman named Mickey, help her get her groove back.

I'm not a huge Kristen Ashley fan--not because I dislike her but because I've only read about 3 books by her. Then again, of those 3 books (Rock Chick Regret, The Will, and Soaring) this is the only one that I really liked and it's the only one that didn't piss me off or annoy me.

The beginning of this story was kind of brutal and I felt terrible for this woman (seriously, i cried for her). Her ex-husband and teenage son and daughter all treat her like crap and she believes that she deserves it. Normally, I would start getting really angry if this went on for too long (i could not stand the way she just took it!) but thankfully, Amy slowly gains back her self confidence and self-respect. She is eventually vindicated and for once, the people that have treated her like crap get their comeuppance! Another thing I liked was that these characters were older than I'm used to but I could still relate to them.

The only complaint I have (and maybe it's just cause I'm too cynical?) is that while these characters dealt with real issues the actual story didn't seem like a very realistic story to me... This woman, like all the other heroines I've read in KA's books, is rich, super gorgeous, and even with all her terrible baggage seems to live a storybook-like existence. Mickey didn't seem very real to me either or I guess the idea of him didn't (working all these jobs is only asking for disaster and why is he only now coming into his inheritance when he's in his late 40's?). Then again, this story would probably be super depressing if it went like real life so it's not like i'd want to read about that either.

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good story. I liked Amy and really wanted things to work out well for her. Mickie was alright as a hero but he had his pros and cons.

Amy is an heiress and recently went through a divorce that ripped her world apart. She'd married a man that she loved and had been happily living with him and raising their 2 kids for around 20 years when he told her that he was leaving her to marry someone else. Not only that but he'd been cheating on her with this woman long enough that they were already engaged. The fact that he'd given no indications of having a problem with their marriage just made it worse and Amy went a little nuts upon hearing the news...to the point that she even drove her kids away.

Mickie is a construction worker and a volunteer firefighter. He also is a boxer in the local adult league and is friends with Jake (hero from book #1). Mickie was married to a woman that chose alcohol over him and their 2 kids. They split up and Mickie's been trying to make a good life for his kids since then.

The story begins with Amelia (soon to be known as Amy) opening the door to her new home to find her Ex on her doorstep. She hadn't been expecting him and also wasn't expecting the shouting or threatening that he decided to dump all over her for having the audacity to move to Maine to be close to her kids. She's saved by her neighbor, Mickie, who comes over to see what's up and then sends Amy's Ex on his way. Mickie seems interested in Amy at first but Amy has dealt with a lot of crap from her Ex and has been pushed into believing that she's no good and will just bring trouble to those around her. Amy is very attracted to Mickie and wishes they could have something but is convinced it wont happen. She's nice to Mickie but noncommittal when it comes to anything further. Amy feels that she needs to concentrate on working on herself and winning her kids back and so she does. Things aren't good with her kids at first and I was a bit confused about the cause because she might have gone overboard with trying to make her Ex and his new wife suffer but it didn't seem like the kids got hit by anything except knowing what was going on. Amy felt really guilty about not shielding the kids from that but considering the age of the kids I would have thought they'd have more sense. Of course it soon becomes apparent that Amy's Ex probably had something to do with poisoning their kid's opinions of Amy during the divorce. The beginning of the story mostly revolves around Amy trying to get settled in to her new life and making things good with her kids.

After his initial friendliness, Mickie seems to change towards Amy and I was rather confused about it. He started running hot and cold and this hurt Amy and made her feel some rather unwelcome feelings. Amy does manage to move on with her life and even ends up starting to date. This brings more unexplained and unpleasant behavior from Mickie and Amy is confused about what his issue is. Some others try to tell her that he's in to her but Amy doesn't think that's true because of how Mickie keeps running hot and cold. TBH, I found Mickie's behavior to be a little over the top. I mean he couldn't seem to figure out if he wanted Amy or not but he certainly didn't want anyone else to have her. But the way he treated her on his "cold" moments wasn't something I was happy with and he suffered from multiple bouts of this relationship dumbassedness, hurting Amy in the process just for him to realize moments later that he messed up big time. Considering the fact that he kept this crap up until over halfway through the story I just couldn't bring myself to love him. He did get better once he stopped taking his trust issues out on Amy but he just didn't do anything particularly great that enabled him to win me over completely. Still, once he stops dicking around he does pretty well with Amy and she's certainly happy with him. Things keep improving between Amy and Mickie and by the end they're ready to start their HEA together.

This was a pretty enjoyable story. I did really like the relationship between Amy and her kids. Amy had made some mistakes in her past and I really liked her determination to improve her life and win her kids back. Amy made a few mistakes but nothing that bothered me overly much and mostly her character was one I liked. Overall, I really liked the story and was happy with it. While I wasn't that hot on Mickie I'd still recommend it. :D

* note - I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a good job.

ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review

Soaring was an amazingly fantastic, ridiculously sexy, feel good read that proved once again why Kristen Ashley will forever remain my literary queen of romance. This love story embodied everything KA spoils me with - a unique and descriptive writing style, brilliant dialogue, an incredibly strong heroine, super hot dominant Alpha, a cast of secondary characters that stole my heart and passionate moments that set my kindle ablaze. But words sometime fail me when trying to put together my review because it’s so difficult to fully describe what I experience and how truly touching her romances are. Once stepping into Amelia and Mickey’s world, I became totally overwhelmed and consumed. My emotions were constantly ebbing and flowing as their joys thrilled me, their fears filled me with worry, and their despairs flooded my heart with sorrow. And in the end, I hated leaving this couple, their friends and family behind. I needed to savor this story over and over again before gathering my thoughts.

Amelia (Amy) is a woman who has all the money in the world, yet missing everything she needs for a happy life. A bitter divorce set her life on a downward, negative spiral - leaving her shattered, miserable, lacking self-confidence and losing custody of her children. In an effort to regain their love and respect, she decides to reinvent herself and begin a new life in Magdalene, Maine.

Her character wrecked me - I ached for all her pains and cried tears over all her sorrows. Seeing her lonely life and dealing with the children’s indifference, sliced right through the very heart of me. Starting over at the age of 47 takes courage and BALLS – I just love how brave she was. Amelia’s endless struggle to find fathomless inner strength and discovering her self worth left me awestruck. She is my new all-time favorite kick-ass heroine.

Fortunately for Amelia, along with her new life comes a very handsome neighbor. A knight in shining armor of sorts…Michael Patrick Donovan. The mere mention of his name makes me quiver in all the all the right places.

Oh, Mickey you’re so fine…and you REALLY blew my mind…I’m in love with you!

He’s the sinfully sexy, outrageously macho construction worker/volunteer fire-fighter/boxer that had my head spinning. One minute I adored his sweet and tender ways; a single dad who melted me seeing the way he loves his children. In the next, I wanted to strangle him for all his stubbornness! My feelings for Mickey yo-yoed throughout most of this read as he found difficulties dealing with Amy’s wealth. Fighting off his attraction brought out a callous side to Mickey, and boy did this couple really go toe-to-toe. The more he battled his feelings, the more sexual tensions escalated, until it deliciously exploded in some of the most sizzling sex scenes ever. It frayed my nerves to no end, but I loved every lust filled moment of it. For me, the more ‘jerk-like’ the KA hero, the deeper I fall in love with them as they struggle to find their way to redemption. It’s crazy, but absolutely true, and Mickey fights hard to win Amy’s (and my) love and trust. Mickey has a noble heart and feels deeply for his woman. He was an emotionally driven, compelling character whose gentle and protective side had me soaring, feeling all gushy inside. I now have a new Alpha-hero to obsess and drool over.

Amy and Mickey’s romance was inspiring as well as beautiful. Soaring was a powerful love story of passion, hope, mending broken hearts, bringing together of families and self-discovery. Kristen Ashley never ceases to wow me with her flawless story telling talents, which always leaves me hungry and wanting more from her imagination. Each one of her tales claims a little piece of my soul. I love that this series focuses on main characters that are more mature in age. It’s a rarity to find steamy romances evolving around older main characters that not only I can relate to, but readers of all ages can also appreciate. Ashley has that magical touch bringing such characters to life. Soaring easily became another ‘must reread’ favorite of mine.

I am completely, and utterly wrecked in a way that I’ve thoroughly learned only a Kristen Ashley book can do. There is something so phenomenal about her stories that others just simply cannot compare. They are real and multi-dimensional in a way that I’ve yet to find in others. There’s no adjustment period; from the first word you are mindlessly sucked into a tale woven so delicately and intricate, it’s impossible to eradicate yourself from her world, not that you’d ever want to. Case in point? I’ve spent the last forty eight hours doing little else but living in Magdelene, Maine and devouring every single detail. I’ve spent forty eight hours falling hopelessly in love with fictional characters that are now as real to me as anything else tangible. You see, when you delve into the pages of one of Ashley’s stories, you are greeted with characters you won’t see anywhere else but in your own actual life. Characters that are in their 30’s and 40’s. Characters that hold blue collar jobs. Characters that are broken, but not decimated. Characters filled with wonder, hope, and most of all, unbelievable romances. Because that’s what Ashley excels at; romance. Romance in its truest form, the kind that fills you with wonder, excitement, and most of all the belief that dreams do come true. Even when you are in your darkest hour, your shooting star could be right around the corner. And maybe, just maybe, all the crap you’ve had to dredge through to get there made you the person you were supposed to be, in that moment, at that exact time, because it was then you were ready for your other half. There are no coincidences, no mistakes to big, just fate. And it’s those characteristics that rang all the more true in Soaring.

*** I stared into his eyes and that got to me.

I wanted to be wrecked.

I wanted to be wrecked by Mickey.

Needed it. ***

We were introduced to Mickey in The Will, the first book in Ashley’s Magdelene series, and by the time that book was over, I was more than ready for the Irishman. He was an every man’s man, taking pride in is work, making sacrifices for his kids, and eating crow when he had to, all for those he loved. His need to provide and be enough for someone were his driving forces. As the bulk of this story was told through Amelia’s words, we see him through her eyes. He’s infuriating, bossy, stubborn, and completely alpha, exactly how I love my Ashley men. But he isn’t overbearing; he simply is Mickey, and everything that makes up Mickey is glorious. Because when he feels, he feels deep, and it cuts you to your core.

*** “If this is not the time, it’s not. But I’ll say now, this is what this feels like it might be, you gotta learn there’s no safer place than in my arms and when you’re here, Amy, you can give me anything.” ***

Amelia, from the start, just broke my heart. There were scenes throughout the book, but especially in the beginning, that had me in tears. Ashley writes and you are IN that world; it’s impossible not to feel everything her characters so. And when Amelia bled, I did as well. I found myself wanting to slay all her dragons, but knew not only was Mickey there to do that, more importantly, she could slay her own. Her growth throughout the story was astounding; it was awe-inspiring. More than that though, when she finally came to the realizations that helped her towards this growth, it warmed my heart to see her fight for herself. And let’s just take a minute to talk about the heat. One of my favorite parts of books is the build-up to that first time. The longer the author makes me wait, the more satisfying the result. Let’s just say that I was left completely sated from these two. I need a little of that Fight Night action of my own. Whew… Alpha men take charge, and they do it oh so well. Fans were needed, cold showers once or twice, and I pretty much had a continual blush/smile. These two just did it for me, in a big way.

Honestly though, the big stars of this story were the kids. Auden, Pippa, Ash, and Cillian. All products of divorce, all in the midst of being teenagers and navigating those waters as well. They were the heart and soul of this beautiful book, and witnessing the adults dealing with the fallout ripped my heart to shreds in the best possible way. The vulnerability in their souls touched me in ways that are difficult to describe. So to say that I loved this book, well, love just isn’t a strong enough word. Words just haven’t yet been invented for how much I have loved every single one of her books, and this one is no different.

By now you all know I adore Kristen Ashley's stories. It's not just the stories themselves, but also the way she tells them. She's got a unique "voice", a voice I can't help but love, making Soaring another 5 star winner!

Blurb...

American heiress Amelia Hathaway needs to start anew.

Her husband cheated on her, and when everything she wanted in life slipped through her fingers, she fell apart. When she did, she took another heart wrenching hit as she lost the respect of her children.

When her ex took her family from California to live in the small town of Magdalene in Maine, Amelia decided it was time to sort herself out. In order to do that and win her children back, she moves to Cliff Blue, an architectural masterpiece on the rocky coast of Magdalene.

Her boxes aren’t even unpacked when she meets Mickey Donovan, a man who lives across the street, a man so beautiful Amelia takes one look at Mickey and knows she wants everything from him.

The problem is, she finds out swiftly that he’s friendly, he’s kind, but he doesn’t want everything back.

Amelia struggles to right past wrongs in her life at the same time find out who she wants to be. She also struggles with her attraction to the handsome firefighter who lives across the street.

But Amelia will face a surprise when her friendly neighbor becomes not-so-friendly. As Amelia and Mickey go head to head, Amelia must focus on winning back the hearts of her children.

She soon discovers she also must focus on winning the heart of a handsome firefighter who understands down to his soul the beautiful heiress who lives across the street is used to a life he cannot provide.

My thoughts...

The Magdalene series is Contemporary Romance at it's best, and it's stories like Soaring that make it so.

Mickey is the kind of hero I adore, and I make no apologies about it. He's rough, gruff, crass (but not as crass as the Colorado Mountain men). He's caring, giving, and sexy as all get out, and yep, despite his attempt to protect his kids from further hurt so acting an ass - or maybe because of it - I adore him.

Amy is a great heroine, and my heart broke for her as she struggled to make right her wrongs. She had done things that, had I been reading her story while she did them, would have put me off big time. But she recognized those lapses in judgement for what they were - a shattered dream she was mourning the loss of. She set about making things right, and making things right, she did! She's loving, generous, compassionate... she's the perfect 'other half' that Mickey had been missing -

- And that was all either of them needed.

Everyone has problems, just different ones.
The poor, the middle class, and the rich. We all struggle in life, and life is never fair.

In this story, a wealthy heiress tries to rebuild her life after a divorce where Amelia is trying to get her kids back. And a volunteer fireman tries to make a better life after his divorce also, Mickey is trying to build a more stable life for his kids.

Reading the first chapters, I was wondering what awful thing the heroine did that made her kids hate her that much. It would also make you wonder how much of an ass the ex is, thinking he was in the right when the problems arose from his actions. And how right the author portrayed the mistress here - she was horrible.

It was a very emotional read. With just the right touch of mystery, angst, and frustration. It was also funny and touching at the same time.

You will want to hug Amelia, lecture the kids, throttle the ex, pull the hair of the mistress and swoon for Mickey.

In all, this is a very lovely book.

We loved Mickey and Amelia’s story! Soaring is classic Kristen Ashley, filled with love, family, a helluva sexy Alpha hero and lots more love. What is different about Soaring is that Amelia is far from perfect. She is a seriously flawed heroine who has made some very bad choices in her life. Those actions have had serious consequences including the loss of the custody of her children. But she is bound and determined to change her life, get her kids back and maybe, just maybe, fall in love again.

Ms. Ashley fills Amelia’s house with good friends and lots of family. Fences are mended and hearts are repaired along the way. But it is not an easy path, as Amelia has alienated most of her family and must hide her shattered heart in order to put things right again. We absolutely loved how the author really nailed what it’s like to live with teenagers, and loved the scenes with Amelia’s kids and Mickey’s kids as well.

Mickey has also had a rough past and resists falling for his gorgeous neighbor. He is a good man and might be one of our favorite KA heroes ever. Strong, sexy, low-key….yes, please!! And he accepts Amelia for who she is and doesn’t judge her based on her past behavior.

“The mistakes we make in life don’t define us, Amy. The way we handle ’em after makin’ ’em do.”

This is an EPIC love story. We “soared” right along with Amelia and Mickey. We also loved how Amelia finally, for the first time in her life, stands on her own two feet and stands up to her awful, low-life ex-husband Conrad. And she does so without harming her children along the way.
We love a strong heroine and Amelia turns out to be just that. Smart, beautiful and loving, it was a pleasure reading about a heroine who was over 40 and had LIVED a life. Soaring is a gritty, sexy, beautiful story. Don’t miss this one!!

“Life isn’t always beauty,” he returned. “Most of the time it’s s***. But you keep fightin’ to turn it around, that says it all about you. And you’re fightin’. As a fighter too, I .... love that in you.”

Reviewed by Suzanne and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Amelia has come to Magdalene for a fresh start. A fresh start with her estranged teenage children. A fresh start away from her cold, over bearing parents. And hopefully a fresh start away from the pain of her husband divorcing and leaving her for another woman. But Amelia knows her behaviour in the aftermath was her own fault, driving away her children and she is determined to make it up to them. What she never expected was to fall in love again, especially not with her delicious neighbour Mickey Donovan, a man who doesn’t think he can give her all she wants, even though he unknowingly gives her everything she has ever needed.

My Kristen Ashley addiction continues with Soaring the second book in the Magdelene trilogy. Once again, Kristen Ashley has ensnared me with her mixture of hot alpha male, cute kids and that unique blend of over emotional and melodrama that I both roll my eyes at, yet (not-so) secretly adore.

I like the Magdalene series as, unlike most romance series, it doesn’t assume that love can only be had if you are between the ages of 20-30, I enjoyed reading about a more mature hero and heroine. However, apart from the relative ages of Amelia and Mickey, this is very similar to Ashley’s other books, so if you have loved her other stories, much like I have, then you will fall in love with this one as well.

This was a great contemporary romance, Amelia and Mickey had their own demons to face, all whilst juggling a family and starting on a new relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

*ARC provided by publisher

Firstly I need to get off my chest - I so wish Boston Stone would get his own book after Coert. I would love to see the real Boston behind the public mask, I would love for my impression of him to change, some beautiful soul of a woman to make him want to be a better man for the town - perhaps a first love returns.

Soaring takes us back to the town of Magdalene and reunites us with characters I loved from The Will and introduces us to Amelia. This book was just beautiful, I loved it more than The Will and I have read The Will about three times so I will be reading this again no doubt. I believe my love for this novel is the main fact that the leading lady of Amelia is 47 years old and starting life anew trying to find peace with her children and also a new life with hopefully love and romance. It is wonderful to read a romance novel where a woman over 45 is still entitled to some passion, up against the wall sex and romance.

I just felt the romance, lust and passion that Mickey and Amelia created in this story was just amazing, beautiful and their sex scenes where hot! I loved the twists and turns and the melding of two families into one, the closure Amelia receives with her ex husband and then the second chances in this story were just heart warming for both the children and adult characters.

I loved spending time again with Josie and am very excited that Coert is having his story told in the next book of the Magdalene series.

Thank you for another beautiful romance Kristen Ashley.

I thought before I started writing this review that I would do a little experiment and count how many KA books I have read in the last few years and the number is…..33. Thirty-three books by KA have swooped in and stole my heart. Every one of them I have loved. Every one of them has been a ball of fantastic rolled up in absolute wonderfulness.

Let’s just say that Soaring fell into the category of the last thirty-three books of KA’s that I have read. It was amazing. It was actually beyond amazing because Amelia and Mickey were the best of everything together. When Amelia’s ex-husband comes and stirs up trouble within the first few days of her moving into the new house, Mickey is there and steps in…making him the best neighbor (and super sexy!) The moment they got together, they were the best lovers and this doesn’t even begin to describe them accurately. They topped every emotion and level together and went beyond.

What I loved the most about these two characters was that the relationship was a slow build. It wasn’t like those books where the instant they saw each other it become love. Amelia and Mickey’s paths crossed multiple times, and in many different emotions, before they realized what these feelings were. It was a beautiful build of a relationship and it burn of it was spellbinding.

So as my thirty-fourth KA book, I can gladly say that it was brilliant. It had all the things that I craved and didn’t know that I needed in a book. Like I always say, KA can do no wrong and this book just proves it.

I was so excited to read this book after falling for Mickey Donovan in The Will. Once again Kristen Ashley did not disappoint. It's a simple life in Magdalene. I love the simplicity of peoples lives there and the only threat being that of drama not real danger. And since KA drama is so fun to read, bring it on.

The story of Mickey and Amelia truly embodies easy love. There's a connection, you feel it between them and you feel it for them thanks to KA's unique and beautiful storytelling. KA takes through a gambit of emotions as you learn the beauty of Mickey and Amelia separately building up to an explosion of passion between the two. It takes a minute to get there but once you're there she gives it all she has.

Mickey Donovan, ladies. Mickey freaking Donovan. KA alpha extraordinaire. Trust me.

There were a lot of funny moments for me in Soaring. The banter between these two kept me laughing. The children in this book are funny and as with any KA kids they're crucial to the plot. Themes of family and overcoming your own mistakes and love with judgement are prevalent.

I've gotten in the habit of saying one line in all my reviews of Kristen Ashley's work:

Kristen Ashley makes the ordinary, extraordinary.

And that's not less true for Soaring. A KA MUST READ.

Heiress Amelia Hathaway needs a fresh start. When her husband cheated on her and left her, she lost everything. Then she completely lost it...and on the way the respect of her children. When her ex took their children from California to Magdalene Maine she followed hoping to repair all the damage she had done. Her first night in Magdalene, boxes not even unpacked her ex shows up yelling and screaming. To her rescue, Mickey Donovan gets her ex to leave and in the process Amelia is a goner. Mickey has is own baggage, two kids and an ex wife who would rather be in the bottom of a bottle. Amelia deals with winning back her children and fighting off whip lash from Mickey's mood swings.

I don't know how many times I can say this without seeming stalker-ish, but I love Kristen's work. She has out done herself this time. I think Soaring is by far my favorite. Amy and Mickey's journey has everything, tears, laughter, anger, failure, triumph, and even Holy Sh*t moments. There were moments I laughed out loud and moments my jaw was on the floor from oh my god WTF! Kristen's work just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait for the next book which is...Ride Steady of the Chaos Series! Rock On Readers!

Once again, I love Kristen Ashley's books. And this series could not be any different.
This book, as the first one, is about second chances.
Amy and Mickey are divorced. Their previous marriages were not that beautiful. But they don't give up on love. Even if it's difficult or it involves both families.
Mickey is as adorable as Jake. They are amazing alpha males.
And I love how Kristen Ashley always includes some topics in the main plot. It's not only a love story. It is also about loss, addiction and high school drama.
All this keeps the story real.

HELL YEAH! We are back to the Kristen Ashley whose books I fell in love with in the first place. I was on the verge of giving up on her, I thought that her books were becoming redundant an her male leads were starting to blend into one heaping ball of badass male but had no individual redeeming qualities. This book put all those fears to rest. I was crying in the first quarter of the book. I thought that the journey of self-discovery that Amelia went on was AMAZING. I felt her pain, her loss, her self-loathing, and then I felt her self-discovery, her love for her kids, and eventually how happy she was with herself. Now don't get me wrong Mickey is badass in the way that all of Kristen's Hero's are, and boy does she do it well, but unlike in her last few books, he's an individual that is easily defined and is not like half of her other male characters. She's had single dad's before, but he takes the cake. I love how well written both of these characters were. I think she did a brilliant job with the very real struggle of blended families. I am so amazed with this book. So Ms. Ashley PLEASE please PLEASE keep going in this vein. I loved this book!

Well I just finished another beautiful and romantic story by Kristen Ashley. There is so much I loved about this book. I think you just have to curl up with it and experience the joy and the journey.
Shout out to Prentice Cameron who is mentioned in this story as the architect that designs Cliff Blue. He is from another on of my FAVORITE KA books, Fairytale Comes Alive. That is another
epic story and there was a familiar vibe for me with Amelia (Soaring), Isabella (Fairytale Comes Alive) and Lauren (Sweet Dreams). All awesome and amazing Heroines.
I cannot add to the wonderful things others have said except they are all true. The story just kept me turning page after page, the characters are people I want to know or be like and even though it was a nice long book I just just didn't want it to end. It has everything from humor to heartache. I highly recommend reading it.

Kristen Ashley has done it again... an absolutely brilliant read!

From the moment I started this book I was totally hooked.

Mickey is the trade mark alpha male we have come to expect and love from Kristen Ashley... Absolutely smoking hot, a bit rough around the edges and there to take his woman's back.

After reading the blurb, I was a bit nervous about Amelia but I shouldn't have been... she had made mistakes, realised them and was working at rectifying them.

The chemistry between Mickey and Amelia was off the charts and there were some seriously hot sex scenes but as with all KA books, it wasn't just about how hot the sex was, or how attracted the main characters were to each other... it was about life, children, mistakes and finding that person that makes you whole.

A beautiful story, superbly written

I enjoyed this trip to KA land, where everyone speaks funny. No one is exempt. In fact as I continued to read, I started expecting truncated sentences and phrases. This detracts greatly from my enjoyment of the book because, everyone including the women seemed more masculine by their style of speech. I don't think that is what KA was going for. Other than this ongoing issue as I read the book, I enjoyed the story. It started slow but once it moved out of the chick-lit finding-myself phase and into the romance, the story moved along quite nicely and the twists and turns the story took were interesting. However, among all the rest, the romance stood out more than anything else with a not-so-perfect hero who knew how to apologize and did not wait 10 years to get to it. Great book and one I would recco.

“I had to figure out what I wanted. I had to figure out who I was. I had to create a home. I had to win back my children.”

After renewing my notes, I realized that this just wasn’t the book for me. I hate that too, because I am a huge Kristen Ashley fan. It bums me out, but most of my notes are not good. I got bored, I was disgusted with the way certain adults behaved and overall, I just wanted it to end. It took me two weeks to write this review because I just didn’t want to revisit this book and still feel the same way. But, alas, I do. So here are my notes, polished up and ready for you… sans spoilers.

I had trouble connecting with Amy. I never really understood her situation. Her behavior- I never sympathized with her. As I read the story, I found her endearing, but that made it all the more difficult to understand her past issues. I didn't like that her behavior was blamed on her upbringing and others encouraging her. As a woman in her forties, she should own her actions. I just never really connected. Mickey, on the other hand, was great. I really liked him. He was a good father and sexy as hell. There were times I felt he was a bit heavy-handed. Other than that, he was a solid hero. Who doesn't love a fireman/construction worker?

It was the kids who really stole the show in this book. I loved Auden and Cillian. I adored the girls too. As a book highlighting single parents, I loved that the story actively included the children and that they came first before the developing relationship. Obviously, the Ex's left something to be desired and I liked how the storylines behind the Ex's unfolded differently and realistically. This was part of what made the story feel complete. Like I said, the kids were great, so I liked that they found stability in their lives without the book having to spit rainbows at the reader.

The plot was fine. There were somethings in the fore story that never made sense to me. I don't want to write any spoilers, but Amy's upbringing contradicted her justifications for her bad behavior later. I also wasn't a fan with Mickey's hang-up over the money thing. It got old. I understood it at first, but then I was over it. While Mickey and Amy were courting, I was in love with the story. They had plenty of drama and lots of good times too. Not to mention the appearance of some old friends from Lavender House. ;)

I love Magdalene and the community within. I find the town and its inhabitants charming. Even the "bad guys" are entertaining and fun. This book was written in the old KA fashion and that always makes it feel welcoming to read. I enjoyed that sense of family and knowing that Amy would be backed by a great group of people when all her issues came to a head.

My biggest hang-up was with the shopping, decorating and descriptions. I was pretty sure that the author was trying to suffocate me with words at one point. Plus, it seemed odd to be starting over and not wanting to be so materialistic and then spending pages upon pages of describing how awesome all of her new name brand items were... and then mentioning them again and again throughout the book. Here are a few quotes to demonstrate the word overkill situation:
“A long, wide, carefully distressed dark wood, rectangular coffee table with drawers on the sides ran the middle of the sectional. It held a lovely globe filled burgundy-colored sand in which a fat candle was positioned that had tiers of blue, purple and forest green.”

“I threw my phone on the bed and it bounced on my duvet cover, which was subtle floral swirls in a soft gray porcelain blue, gentle taupe and mute apple green.”

“’I…okay,’ I said, not knowing what else to say and not saying what I wanted to say, which was that I didn’t know what she was going to say but I still wished she wouldn’t say it.”

The ending was great and as always, Kristen Ashley delivered a wonderful epilogue. I needed those kids to get a HEA and they did. It was important.

My favorite part of the book was when Auden stepped up and protected his sister and even his mom. As the story progressed, he become more and more mature. There was a storyline happening behind the scenes that is revealed later that makes you realize how much you respect and appreciate Auden and his character. Being a teenager is hard enough, but Auden handles it with grace.

The part that broke my heart a little was when Mickey went on his trip and his behavior on said trip. It was explained, but I just didn't agree with it. I asked my husband if it was normal for a man his age and absolutely stated that it wasn't. (Again, sorry, no spoilers.) I also had major issues with Mickey’s ex and the way he was handling that. I was uncomfortable with the whole thing. I understood that he felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, but it was not working for me.

Happiness, disappointment and surprise were among the emotions I felt as I read this book. I wanted to love it more, but not being able to connect with the main character makes that difficult. I was most invested in the storyline involving the kids and what would become of them.

I still want to read the third book. There some hints as to what the story would entail and I am curious. I will always read what KA writes. She is still a favorite.

2 stars for this one. A glass of pinot if you are an Amy fan and a cold Killian's Red for the Mickey fans out there!

Mickey his compliments are unique, "His eyes went dark. “Jesus, baby, it’s a nice effin’ dress. What’s your problem?" He has a tendency to blurt things out that gets your heart pumping, "he asked irritably, “Why is it when you’re a smarta** I wanna eff you more than I normally wanna eff you." Mickey is a fun guy when he lets his guard down, "He grinned at me. “My heiress and her perverted fantasies about guys comparing d***s." Not sure what it is about fight night maybe it's the adrenaline but hot Damon these couples sure get horny, "You leave the kids in their seats next fight. They can come back after I eff you in the locker room." I loved this book which isn't a surprise as I love all of Kristen's books

I really enjoyed this story. I find myself reading slowly so that I can savor every word. I love Mickey. He's an alpha but he cares deeply, and isn't that what every girl wants? He's an amazing father, another plus for him. I also liked Amelia. She hit her bottom but realized she needed to do something because she wanted that relationship with her kids. This book hit a lot of points for sure but it is done well.

flying…swept away…

Do these words describe your life?

Growth…fear…doubt…

Maybe those describe the mindset of one who seeks to begin again at 47 years old?

Love

Just love.

That describes Kristen Ashley’s latest book in the Magdalene series, Soaring. In that one word, all the hope that is the thread of this story is captured.

Learning to love oneself.

Learning to love the one person you gave everything to and who threw it back in your face.

Learning to love the parent who so utterly let you down and left you to face the unknown, the uncertain.

Learning to love.

To truly live and live on after we die, is to live in love in the hearts of others.

Amelia took a good long time to truly become Amy. But after one hell of a wake-up call, Amelia is starting over, starting fresh and starting to become herself. Mickey, on the other hand, has always just been Mickey: the manwho loved fiercely, loved deeply and loved wholly. These two meet in a most definitely not “meet cute” fashion. Conrad, Amelia’s ex-husband is in her face yelling and Mickey swoops in to the rescue.

While he may have appeared to be a white knight, he gets it wrong, not a lot, but enough. Amy is working on Amy. Sadly, she thought she was pretty great before Conrad left her. Now, in the absence of her family name that made her, her husband that defined her and her children that destined her to motherhood…she is nothing. She is nobody. She is no one’s. That is what we call rock bottom.

But no one is ever nothing, nobody and no one’s! We all belong to the world, we are part of humanity and mankind and society. This was the beauty of Amy. She realized that she had gifts to share, comfort to impart and friendships to grow. She moved on to be the Amy that had been stifled by her parents, her husband and her caste.

While I did have an ARC and I refuse to give any spoilers, this story was moving; a powerful journey of a woman struggling to find herself, correct her wrongs and finally be loved and accepted for who she was and who she might one day be…it was a most beautiful struggle and in her weakness she found her strength. Enjoy!

This book takes you through the ups and downs of this family. When it started, I disliked the female lead character so much I didn't know if I wanted to finish the book. I continued and was glad to see her grow and develop (much overdue). The characters work through a multitude of very believable issues that are common in life today. It was nice to read a book that didn't end abruptly and too soon. The storyline continued to where you were ready for the conclusion. A good read.

Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite authors. Her ability to tell a meaningful story through well-developed characters who make readers laugh and cry is uncanny. The dialogue between Magdalene set characters is spot on. I especially like the Jake and Josie opposites attract vibe; but each character holds his/her own. I can't wait to read the final book!

What can I say about Kristen Ashley that hasn't already been said? She writes the best characters because you can identify with them. I feel this particular story deviates from Ashley's usual plots seeing that the main character is the one who acted like a "bitch that needed to be taken down" as Ally Nightingale would say or something like that. Nonetheless, Amelia Hathaway realized what she was doing wrong and set about changing that to become a better person.

The story is definitely a hearts and romance book (in Christian Grey's words), but it's a great escapism and definitely worth the read!

I have read all of Kristen Ashleys books. All of them. Some of them multiple times. I can categorically say that Soaring is my favourite. Amy is my favourite heroine. She took her hits, licked her wounds and rose above. Amy was nothing short of inspirational.

There are things KA does well, for instance her Alpha males. Mickey was no exception. He was big. He was hot. He was beautiful. We all need a little Mickey in our lives.

Her side characters. We all want friends like Alyssa and Robin in our lives, so we love reading about them, making us laugh out loud. At least I did!

HAPPY EVER AFTER. We all live real life. That's why we love reading books about struggle, getting up dusting ourselves off. Having a man be our one and only. Our knight in shining armour. Having the guts and determination to keep going and have the upper hand. This is what KA does the best. Her HEA's rock.

Why not 5 stars? There is only one thing stopping me. It is minor but I feel like it needs to be said. Sometimes (and this is KA's style) her sentences repeated themselves. Things like, and this is not a direct quote, "I wanted it, I wanted it in a way I wanted it. Wanted it so much I wondered at my wanting," Like I said, not a direct quote, but sometimes it frustrated me and I felt like it dragged me away from this awesome story.

That being said, I hadn't expected the feels that I got from reading this book. It was heart breaking. I actually felt Amy's pain as she developed her relationships. I cheered for her as things started going her way. I loved watching her grow and learn to love herself.

Thanks for another great book KA. I really do love your work. I love your HEA's. I love your Alpha's. I am now looking forward to getting Coerts story. Keep doing what you are doing because I am in for the long haul!

The Magdalene series is beautiful and romantic and I love it. Soaring moved me to laugh, cry and dream. My heart was profoundly moved reading this lovely story. Kristen Ashley has a way of bringing beauty, humor, romance, strength, heartache and detailed characters together to tell wonderful stories that are full of life and love.

Absolutely beautiful second-chance love story! Kristen Ashley's characters are so rich and developed, her writing amazing, and her story epic!

You come to love Mickey and Amelia and their kids. The story develops very slowly and has a few twists and turns along the way. As with all of KA's books her men are strong-Alpha males, and her females feisty! I loved the interactions between all the characters and especially the children. KA is nothing but an amazing writer touching on so many different emotions and situations!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

What a fabulous book this is. I cannot say how much I loved reading it.

Loved the new characters.
Loved visiting with the prior book characters.
Looking forward to the 3rd in the series (last....say it ain't so!).

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you.

NOTE: I appreciate that Santa Barbara is mentioned because I was born and have lived most my life there. I also enjoyed the mention of Solvang, CA.....since for the past several years I've lived just a few miles from the Danish community (a very special place, indeed).

Again Kristen did not disappoint with her writing.
Soaring was an absolute fantastic read for me.

Amelia and Mickey have some serious things to try and over come.

They try and do it the best they can but sometimes it doesn't always work out.

Not when you have Exes that are uncontrollable.

Teenage kids that aren't coping well with separation.

I love that the characters are older.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites of Kristen.
Well done.

Soaring was an amazing book. I loved how different the book was from her previous books. Mickey was just swoonworthy to the max. Amy had a lot of struggles to overcome and I loved seeing how much she grows and how she starts to realize exactly what's important in life. She realizes all the mistakes she made and does everything she can to make that up to her kids and while she's doing that she finds herself in a relationship with Mickey and man they are awesome together. Must read book!

3.85 Stars

Kristen Ashley's books always make me feel like doing a happy dance :-)

This one was good, but I got a bit bored almost to the end, cause I wanted to know what was going on with Ash!

But still it's KA so I got my HOT ALPHA MALE Fix...

This book has rendered me speechless. I'm so glad I took a chance on this series and I was not disappointed. Amelia and Mickey are amazing together and couldn't have picked a more amazing couple than them. I'm excited to read the conclusion to this series!

Pure KA awesomeness! I laughed, I cried and fell hard for Mickey, Amy & their incredible kids. This book just proved once again why Kristen Ashley is my go-to Author. I couldn't get enough of their story and savored every page. KA creates these characters that are so real you want to be apart of their lives and when you're done you miss them. Mickey & Amelia's story will be with me for awhile and added to my KA favorites list. 5 Amazing Stars!

When trying to write a review for a Kristen Ashley novel I find myself
in a state of utter loss of the English dictionary.

I really need a
thesaurus so I can find every single adjective for Phenomenal and
Extraordinary. Simply put she from the first page introduces us to
characters that have you gripping the book waiting to find out more and
hours have passed and any interruptions cause havoc on your senses. I
liked Mickey in The Will but in Soaring.. I first liked him..then really
kinda didn't like him for a while at the same time wanted Amelia to
climb him like a tree. He had me mad ..amused and flustered. What this
brought me to was how ingenious a writer this author is to make me feel
like I wanted to move to a town in Maine and open up a coffee shop or
boutique just to run into these characters as if they are real. Amelia
and her past had me literally depressed and sobbing for a lot of the
beginning of this book. Kristen has a way of breaking you down to build
you back up stronger and more beautiful than ever before. That's what I
found in this breathtaking story. . change..acceptance and beauty after
pain.

Page after page of moments that I'd never be able to explain..
to experience something like this you have to read it yourself. There
just isn't enough words..she took them all.

Some spoilers throughout!!

Without a doubt one of her best! I want to be Amy when I grow up, live in Cliff Blue, and it goes without saying that I want to spend the rest of my life with Mickey. I felt every emotion in this book - when Amy was devastated after her first few weekends with her kids I teared up and sniffled through the next few pages. I laughed through all of the girl posse moments, felt betrayed at the movie theater, was furious after the birthday conversation. I was floating on cloud 9 throughout the epilogue. Just a really, really great read!

And I've got to gush over her use of secondary characters - what a cast! Each and everyone so enriched the story. I also really, really like that Amy and Mickey fight - quite a bit - throughout the book. Their arguments were very realistic and made Mickey and Amy jump off the page in my imagination, fully formed.

I have only three complaints with this book: I missed Jake and his brood (though Aisling, Cillian, Auden, and Pippa made up for it), I am now frustrated beyond words waiting for Coert's story, and this book ended way, way too soon.

Wow!! Couldn't stop reading it. Very moving and real & I loved it!!!!! Man, Amelia and Mickey & their children were flipping great , truly loved every bit of this book!!! That's what I love about this author, she grabs you in with her characters & plot , plus you can relate to them!!!! Also the supporting cast is always awesome . You won't regret reading this or any of Kristen Ashley's books!!!!

This is like diving into a warm pool, welcoming and all consuming in its comforting perfection. It feels like a throwback to Kristen Ashley’s earlier books. Long, sweeping, and enthralling. Gah! I know I’m gushing, but I just can’t help myself. The all-consuming alpha male is KA’s masterpiece. She knows how to write it and she never fails to up her game with the men she creates. Mickey has been added to my short list of book boyfriends for sure.

Soaring is all about a woman that took a ride on the crazy train and is working her way back into redemption. It was a refreshing to read a book where the heroine is flawed. Amelia Hathaway was broken by a man and decided that being petty, bitter, and using any opportunity to lash out was the way to go. Even at the expense of her kids. She has moved to this small town of Magdalene to try and restore her relationship with her kids and get herself together. Taking a good hard look in the mirror is a difficult thing to do, and taking ownership for bad decisions can be even harder. Amelia will take her hits and learn to be better.

Mickey Donovan is a single dad who makes sure his kids always come first. He is the kind of guy that will have you swooning. He’s a door opening, chivalrous, sexy, swaggering, hard working, straight-talking piece of alpha male goodness! (Is it hot in here?)

From friends, to avoidance, to kinda-sorta enemies, to ‘OMG need you now!’ is the best way to describe these two. I loved every moment Amelia and Mickey were together.

Ultimately, for me, this was Amelia’s story. I was tearing up over and over again with her. The feelings of being alone, undeserving and of embarrassment is heartbreaking. There is just something so moving about watching a person’s emotional growth and self discovery. The poignancy of Amelia’s need to create her own space is beautiful and powerful.

A Soaring 5 star read for the second installment in the Magdalene series.

I love Kristen Ashley 's writing style! She weaves her characters and stories together in such a deeply intricate way that it's quite difficult not to get emotionally involved. Her stories capture you and won't let you go!
Soaring was great! I teared up more times than I can count! If a book can make me cry, it's got my vote!

Sorry. I expected to love this audio-book. But honestly, I couldn't handle the unnecessary profanity. I returned the book to Audible. Missed the whole story. I don't think using the f-word constantly is necessary. Actually, I'm surprised so many reviewers didn't even mention it. Guess that's proof that we're getting used to and accepting vulgarity.

Story was OK, but predictable. Way too much detail..."He smiled at me, and I smiled back at him." Seriously!!
Most of all, the reckless and overuse of the F-bomb and other sickening language was distracting, distasteful and disgusting.