Asher Black: (Book 1 of The Five Syndicates) Paperback – April 18, 2017

I love this IR story and have listened to it many times since purchasing the audible in 2021. It is my go-to audio experience when I need an excellent story from beginning to end. The author is on top of her game, and the robust and exciting plot hooked me in the first chapter. The main characters are well-written and interesting. The plot has its twists and turns with sexy time and comedy relief. The only issue I had with this book was that the author didn't know how to describe the main female character and love interest, Lucy, who is black in a way that you would know until a few chapters into the book. I realize this was a problem because she had done so well with the other characters. Now to the narrator, LOVE HER! When I see books narrated by Lacy Laurel, I know I am in an enjoyable listening experience.

When I decided to work on tackling some of my backlist this year, I knew this book needed to be on my reading list. Mafia romance is probably my favorite genre right now, and I've always heard great things about Asher Black. So, I listened to the book as I read it since I have it in both ebook and audiobook. While I did enjoy it, it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. For one, it wasn't really mafia. It was more billionaire romance with some suspense and a little gunfire. I wanted it to be spicier and less predictable. I also felt the conflicts were smoothed over too easily. Most of the book seemed to be Lucy's inner monologue. Some of it was funny, but sometimes, it was too much. I found myself wishing someone would speak already so I could have some dialogue to break up her internal rambling. I also didn't feel like the narrator's voice matched that of a 20 year old.All that being said, Asher was super swoony, and I loved his character. I longed for some chapters from his pov.This was a good read, and I'm glad I finally got around to it.

This is the story of Asher Aaron Black and Lucy Ives. This is a romantic mafia novel and I just love Mafia stories. This story has a lot of romance and drama in this story. I actually like this story because it starts out with these two young people meeting at a nightclub and it goes from there. We find out that Lucy doesn't even know who her parents are, she is a product of the Foster Care system and Asher is raised by this man named Vincent Romano who is a capo with the Romano family. He is the product of a junkie mother and a pimp father and so Vincent took him in and raised him as his own because he did not have children. He helped to save Vincent's life when there was a hit put out on him. No one knew he lived with Vincent and so Asher actually took out the people who plotted to kill Vince that night. I love this type of story; it deals with mafia characters with a twist. He is the owner of a night club called Rouge and Lucy and her roommate go out to dance and have fun right before their classes started at Wilton College. Luch and Aimee are transfers from another school. Lucy is there on scholarship. So, they decided to go out and party before classes started and she runs into Asher when she is standing out the back of the club because she thought she was having a panic attack because it was crowded in the club. Their meeting that evening led to other situations, and this sets out with Asher trying to find her because he thinks she knows something that she really doesn't, and she finds out that Asher is a billionaire. I really enjoyed this story of intrigue, sex and drama, so much drama. I loved this novella, and I would recommend this book because I am definitely ready to read some more books in this the Five Syndicates series. I really loved this story and would highly recommend this Parker S. Huntington book.

This is a good book for a hospital stay (experience speaking). It is pleasant and predictable, a story line that has been told before. This is an easy read, so I would recommend it.

It’s a story full of lovely references and quotes. It’s sheds light on a hidden truth within society. The foster care system and how it can house pedophiles as foster parents unbeknownst to social workers. It’s sad that some people are so depraved that would abuse a disadvantaged child who needs unconditional love, care, and support. Despite the fact to people with horrible family beginnings find love in each other, creating their own safe haven of love and affection. There can be a HEA, if one works hard for it.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did.It was a really fun read. I was smiling the whole time. Asher (ex mafia hitman) is the CEO of a company and he has to convince his board members that he is stable enough to remain on as majority share holder. Part of doing that means showing them that he’s laying down some roots and has a stable relationship.After a series of events Lucy ends up agreeing to be his fake fiancé and to help him convince the board he deserves to keep his spot.There was action, suspense, anticipation and brewing chemistry. Of course they fall in love for real (what did you expect).I loved the characters in this story.Sometimes I feel as though the female characters are a bit weak next to the alpha males in some romances. They come out a bit like helpless damsels.But this wasn’t the case here at all. Lucy hasn’t had the easier life and yet she’s smart, witty, funny and a bit of a badass. She still has her vulnerabilities and insecurities but she’s definitely not a pushover.Asher is an alpha ex mafia badass. He’s a bit domineering sometimes but still always listens to her and values her as an equal. I loved it. He isn’t just barking orders all the time.Overall, not the most profound story, but still very entertaining and enjoyable.

Read this book within a day. Could not put it down. I just didn’t like its that it’s Lucy pov only. I wished it was both pov. That would have made this more amazing!

Asher and Lucy meet in absurd circumstances where there are 100% chances of them becoming enemies and Asher killing her but just the opposite happens. He offers her a deal. The one she can't seem to refuse and from there starts a journey of a happily ever after that was meant to be. The way she stands up for him has my heart and the way he would take a bullet to keep her safe was mind-blowing. A good one!

I love it, the boost of courage, the motivation to find courage in the small actions, …..Thank you Parker S. Huntigton

Comecei a ler esse livro sem esperar muito e simplesmente amei TUDO! Desde a escrita da autora até o desenvolvimento dos personagens. A heroína é sagaz, inteligente, carismática e muito determinada; amei o quão forte ela é. O herói é uma pessoa de palavra e com um ótimo carater, impossível não se apaixonar.

I loved this book! I loved the story and the message, which is one of bravery, courage, and empowerment. I liked it so much that I'm gonna binge on the rest of the books already published in this series, I just purchased them all.In the story, the heroine, Lucy, struggles with bravery. She feels she always runs away from all of her problems and then she meets the hero, Asher, and he becomes one of the problems she's determined not to run away from. This is her first time fighting through her problems, and by being a spectator (reader) of her struggle we get all the messages about courage and the things that are worth fighting for. Very well written. I really enjoyed this read.Also, I need to mention the marvelous printing of the book, wow, great job, the book is full of quality photography, stylish bicolor pages, wonderful quotes at the beginning of each chapter, all tied up together so nicely that it just completes the amazing experience that reading this was, no doubt this was worth every penny. I really appreciate that extra care that was put into the publishing of this book, you can tell she put a lot of effort and care into this. And guess what, this is her first released novel.I definitely recommend this author!