Title: Beat of the Heart

Series: Runaway Train #2

Author: Katie Ashley

Ratings: 5/5 Stars

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: October 16, 2013

Book Synopsis

After years of bad relationships and a cheating ex-fiancé, twenty-eight-year-old Mia Martinelli prefers healing her patients’ hearts on the Cardiac Care floor rather than risking having her heart broken again. But that all comes to a screeching halt when caring for the head roadie for Runaway Train puts her into the orbit of drummer and Latin Lover, AJ Resendiz. After a scorching weekend of steamy passion, Mia’s intention of getting out with her heart unscathed is challenged by the stud with the wicked sense of humor, especially when he wants to continue seeing her. But when the harsh reality of AJ’s hoard of female admirers sends her insecurities into overdrive, Mia bails, leaving him handcuffed to his bathroom shower.

AJ never imagined that after two weeks of the best sex and female companionship he’d ever experienced, he would need rescued by his band mates from his shower prison. Although he tries to forget the sensual brunette whose curves made his mouth water, AJ can’t get her out of his mind…or his heart. Months later when he finally seeks Mia for answers as to why she left, nothing could prepare him for their life-altering reunion.

Can AJ prove to Mia that regardless of the women after his body, his heart belongs only to her?

 Teaser

AJ and Mia’s first date:

“Tell me about yourself.”

Swirling the wine around in her glass, Mia shrugged. “Not much to tell.”

I arched my brows at her. “Yeah, right. Don’t make me start in with some lame-ass get to know you questions.”

She grinned. “And what would those be?”

Even though I knew it would probably irk a woman like Mia—one who was refined and cared about class and style, I leaned in on the table with my elbows. “What do you like do when you’re not mending hearts?” I asked, my tone serious like an interviewer.

“Hmm,” she murmured, closing her eyes to think. After a few seconds, she popped them open and replied, “I like Pina Coladas and walks in the rain.”

It was my turn to tsk at her. “Not getting off that easy, Miss Martinelli.”

“Fine then. What I enjoy doing is probably a huge bore to you, but you asked for it.”

“Yep, hit me with it.”

“I like the usual stuff like books, movies, and TV. I like traveling. And…” A little flush filled her cheeks.

“And what?”

After a hearty gulp of wine, she replied in a low voice, “I like to knit.”

I couldn’t help laughing. “You’re shitting me.”

She narrowed her black eyes. “No, I’m not. My late grandmother taught me how to knit and crotchet.”

At her still seething anger and embarrassment, I held up my hands. “I’m sorry I found it so shocking that a smoking hot woman like yourself did something so old-school and nerdy as knit.”

She shrugged. “You asked, so I was honest.”

“You’re right, I did.” Grabbing another breadstick out of the basket, I grinned at her.  “You think you would ever make me something?”

“Hmm, like a dick cozy for those cold nights when no woman wants to put up with your bullshit?” she asked with fake sweetness.

Choking on the breadstick, I fumbled for my wine before taking a long swig. When I recovered, I couldn’t help laughing at her fiery response. “I would be honored if you would make me a dick cozy. I would wear it with pride and think fondly of you.”

“Oh you would, would you?” she asked, her lips curving upward.

“Yes, I would.” With a wink, I added, “But be sure to make it extra-large because I want it to fit.”

Mia snickered. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Runaway Train Character BIO

Name: Alejando Joaquin aka “AJ” Resendiz

Age: 25

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Occupation: Drummer and Background Vocals for Runaway Train

Instrument: Drums

Favorite Food: My abuela’s tamales

Favorite Drink: Tequila

Favorite Movie: The A-Team

Name: Emiliana Sofia Martinelli aka Mia

Age: 28

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Occupation: Cardiac Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital

Favorite Food: The lasagna at my family’s restaurant

Favorite Drink:  Prosecco—dry, white wine

Favorite Movie: Moonstruck

Name: Jacob Ethan Slater

Age: 25

Hometown: Ball Ground, Georgia

Occupation: Lead singer & Songwriter of Runaway Train

Instruments: Guitar

Favorite Food: Chili dogs, mainly from Atlanta’s The Varsity

Favorite Drink: Beer

Favorite Movie: It’s kinda cheating, but I love the mini-series Band of Brothers

Name: Brayden Michael Vandenburg

Age: 26

Hometown: Macon, Georgia

Occupation: Lead Guitarist, Background Vocals, and Songwriter of Runaway Train

Instruments: Guitar & piano

Favorite Food: Chinese

Favorite Drink: My wife, Lily’s, sweet tea

Favorite Movie: The Last of the Mohicans

Name: Elliot Rhys McGowan IV

Age: 24

Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

Occupation: Bassist of Runaway Train

Instrument: Bass

Favorite Food: Lobster

Favorite Drink: Crown Royal

Favorite Movie: The Godfather

Karen’s Review 

What I love about Beat of the Heart by Katie Ashley.  Ms. Ashley has written a book that is smart, sexy, feisty, witty, and is a must read.  The book is the second novel in the Runaway Train series.

The book centers around A.J. Resendiz, the drummer from the band Runaway Train.   His character was introduced in the first book, Music of the Heart. A.J. is cocky, sexy, rich, and has a silver tongue that he uses to his advantage in and out of the bedroom.   Ashley writes him as a totally likable character, and he was very easy to fall for.  A.J. is also fiercely loyal and has a good sense of humor.  Yes, I think I am in love.

Enter the books heroine Mia Martinelli, supervisor at the Cardiac Care Unit at St. Joe’s Hospital in Atlanta.  How to describe Mia?  Mia is feisty, fiery, sexy, witty, and smart.  I absolutely adore the character of Mia.  No, Mia isn’t perfect, and she has body issues that plague her.  Life has also dumped on Mia, but this is a strong gal–who is stronger than what life throws at her.   Mia does have some major trust issues that she has to deal with, but due to her past, trusting a man will be difficult.

Mia and A.J. are a perfect match for each other.  A.J. is able to let Mia see herself through his eyes.  Mia may not always want to believe A.J.’s vision of her, but he never gives up.

The banter and dialogue was fresh and fun. I snort laughed a few times, and I had a goofy grin on my face during the entire read.

I adored the emotional depth that Ashley brings to Mia’s recollection of her grandmother Mama Sofia.  The character has passed on, but the impact that Mama Sofia has made in Mia’s life is front and center in the book.  The love that Mia has for her grandmother and the void that her passing has left is palpable, as Mia recounts stories about Mama Sophia.

Now I want to exam the juicy sexy part of the book.  HOLY HELL, who ever reads this book onto tape will have to make sure they are well hydrated and have enough PowerBars to keep them going.  As the sex scenes are scorchers.  Yes, SAFE SEX IS DISCUSSED and USED !! I tip my hat to Ms. Ashley, as Mia is a nurse and A.J. is a rocker.  Yes, I am implying the dude has slept with a lot of women.  Better safe than sorry.  I am one who doesn’t think talking about testing or birth control is a turn off.  If you get squirmy about those issues, you shouldn’t be having sex or even reading about it.   As sex is far more intimate than simple words.  Boy do these two characters have sex, raw Hummer limo sex!  Okay I need to pause…………

Okay back.. Hope you didn’t miss me; I  needed to go take a cold shower.  In this book Ms. Ashley writes some mighty fine sexy times that should satisfy any romance reader.  If they don’t, you must be dead below the belly button, as I felt tingles down to my toes.   There is the ECKFACTOR to consider, our sexiness scale name for our fellow blogger Michelle Eck.  I would place this book in the  ‘too hot to touch’ category or  ‘I almost burst into flames’.

This is one of the best books that Ms. Ashley has written.  Like I said before, I had a smile on my face the entire time that I was reading this book.  It is a wonderful feel-good romance.

I would have cut a down on the word ‘douche’, but I am not a rocker and therefore don’t swear like one.  It does fit the characters but switch up the epitaph for this reviewer.  Jackity Jackass, is a good one Ms. Ashley.

Despite it being number two in the Runaway Train series, this book could be read as a standalone book. Don’t bother putting it on your to be read list.  Just go buy it and start reading it.  You won’t be disappointed.

Buy Links

Amazon | Amazon U.K. | Amazon CA | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

About Ms. Ashley

Katie Ashley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of The Proposition. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs and one outnumbered cat. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Supernatural, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.

She spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.

She also writes Young Adult fiction under the name Krista Ashe.

Chat with Katie on during Facebook Event 

Monday Oct. 21st 2014 at 8:00 p.m. EST

 Social Media for Ms. Ashely

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Giveaway

Book 1 Runaway Train: Music of the Heart 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author or publisher. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.