An Officer and a Hero
Double RITA nominee
Winner - Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award
The sparks fly between a lovely JAG officer and the enlisted man under her command in spite of the non-fraternization regulations in AN OFFICER AND A HERO by gifted new author Elizabeth Ashtree. How long can they uphold the law and ignore their own desires? Ms. Ashtree makes an impressive debut contrasting the powerful pull of love against the rigid discipline of the military. Strong, well-defined characters, sharp dialogue and a current plot line make this edition of the In Uniform series a guaranteed page-turner. — Renae Dryer, Romantic Times
The Colonel and the Kid
Assigned to help Russian Colonel Viktor Baturnov navigate Washington, D.C., U.S. Army Captain Natalie Wentworth quickly finds herself enmeshed in his fight to save his son. As they work to forestall disaster Natalie begins to fall in love with THE COLONEL AND THE KID. But is their love enough to save her career and his life? Elizabeth Ashtree fashions a refreshing tale of love versus espionage featuring a very enticing hero, a spirited heroine and fascinating secondary players. — Pamela Cohen, Romantic Times
Elizabeth Ashtree's resolution to the conflict doesn't disappoint, making THE COLONEL AND THE KID a terrific read. Very highly recommended. — Cindy Penn, WordWeaving.com
A Marriage of Majors
RITA nominee
The tale salutes the soldiers and family members for their sacrifices. The exciting story line is filled with angst as a somewhat broken Anthony feels he is no longer suitable for the two females who desperately want him in their lives and behaves accordingly in a Pygmalion Effect way. Fans will appreciate this solid relationship drama with the terrorist serving as either a widowmaker or matchmaker depending on who triumphs. — Harriet Klausner
Most excellent story of emotional trouble – strong love – insecurity – and healing.... Definitely Recommended. — M. Hartmann
A Captain’s Honor
Highly recommended.... Author Elizabeth Ashtree pens a powerful tale of honor in the military with A CAPTAIN'S HONOR. Women who have endured sexual harassment will find themselves impressed by Ashtree's careful rendering of such a devastating crime.... Rachel's struggles to cope with such a challenging assignment will keep the pages turning. Nate's ambivalence over his role in bringing her into such a difficult situation will likewise strike a sympathetic cord with readers. A memorable military romance and highly recommended. — editor@wordweaving.com
.... Elizabeth Ashtree's A CAPTAIN'S HONOR, deals with real issues faced by women in the military ... — Pamela Cohen, Romantic Times
Into Thin Air
CID Major Julian Fordham is brother to Nathan,of A CAPTAIN'S HONOR, has commitment issues and fears losing control of his emotions.... but Captain Kelsey O'Roark pushes him unintentionally toward losing control of his feelings.... There are some tense moments, some fun moments ... a good read, recommend. — M. Hartmann
INTO THIN AIR is an intriguing military police romantic mystery ... the military murder mystery provides a fine R&R for readers. — Harriet Klausner
The Child Comes First
This entertaining romantic legal thriller works because the lead couple of this aptly titled tale focuses on defending the child over their attraction. The story line is fast-paced from the moment [Simon Montgomery] picks up the pro bono defense of Tiffany and never slows down as he struggles with issues left by the previous lawyer, his client's history and brooding reluctance to speak, and his desire for Jayda [who is Tiffany's social worker]. Her idealism matches his skepticism as fans will enjoy this fine contemporary. — Harriet Klausner
I quite liked the voice and pacing of this book.... I was surprisingly drawn into the story and these characters' lives.... I did want to know what happened next, and could not put it down. That in itself is a testament to the author's talent and style. THE CHILD COMES FIRST is a nice, short vacation, the kind where you get to worry about someone else's problems for awhile, instead of your own, and you always know that it will all come out right in the end. And everyone needs that kind of escape sometimes. — Karen Joan
Reconcilable Differences
From All About Romance
Grade: A
Sensuality:Subtle
Sometimes I pick up a book on a whim: I have never heard of the author, nor has it been recommended by anyone, but there’s something about the description or the cover that strikes my fancy. Sometimes, I discover a gem this way, which is what happened with Reconcilable Differences by Elizabeth Ashtree.
Prosecutor Gwendolyn Haverty is used to being on opposite sides with defense attorney Aaron Zimmerman, who works for a nonprofit legal aid organization. Yet she has developed a grudging respect for his cleverness and dedication, and to some extent enjoys their battles of wits. One day Aaron persuades her to have coffee with him in order to discuss an old case, and so he becomes witness to a rather disagreeable scene in which Gwen’s ex-husband Clay (also a lawyer) demands his visiting rights with their ten-year-old son, Josh, on the very night for which Gwen has got tickets for a sold-out show. Clay storms off threatening to re-open the question of custody, and a frustrated Gwen on an impulse offers the tickets to Aaron and his own nine-year-old son, Ben (Aaron’s wife died three years earlier). However Clay changes his mind again about the evening in question, and Aaron, Gwen and the two boys end up going to the show together, which is the start of a great friendship for the children.
At the same time, Aaron keeps badgering Gwen about his old case. There is a witness on her deathbed who may deliver vital testimony, if only Aaron can get someone from the State Attorney’s Office to drive out to the hospice and listen to her. With that, their sons joining the same karate class, and a short mix-up of blackberries, Gwen and Aaron are thrown together a lot. In spite of their professional differences and vastly different outlooks in several areas, they become friends and perhaps something more, although Aaron is still mourning his wife and Gwen keeps worrying any closer relationship with Aaron may weaken her position at the office and in her custody battle with Clay.
If you think this a lot of plot for a comparatively short novel, it’s only the start. There is a lot going on here, but it’s all woven together so intricately and smoothly that is never feels contrived. Gwen and Aaron live multi-layered lives, both privately and professionally, and the ways this complexity gets integrated into the plot is marvelous and gives the novel more authenticity than many other contemporary romances.
Aaron is a delight. He does not fit Gwen’s pattern of ideal masculinity, with his too-long hair and rumpled suits, and once she even accuses him of coming across as a beta male while being just as calculating underneath as any lawyer. This is quite true, if a bit harsh: Aaron is a very caring person, sometimes even to the point of not being quite strict enough with his son, but if need be he can be most determined and assertive. He also has the gift of stubborn patience, which is a great change from her former husband for Gwen.
Gwen is also very likable. She struggles with the many and sometimes irreconcilable expectations heaped on her from all sides, and while she’s no doormat from the start, she profits from the different perspective Aaron helps her to take. I especially liked her interaction with her son: loving, but also exasperated and far from sugary sweet.
What also makes this romance so special is the topic of politics. Although specific parties are never named, it is obvious from the start that Aaron and Gwen have different outlooks about society in general and about the role of justice. Yet this does not keep them from becoming friends and from realizing that in spite of their differences they both care deeply about doing the right thing, and that both are able to look beyond boundaries.
This refusal on the author’s behalf to paint her protagonists black or white extends to the minor characters. Clay is a perfect example. You think you have him pinned down after that first scene, but while he does not change his spots completely, he is capable of revealing unexpected facets. With the exception of one very minor character, no person in this book is either all good or all evil.
The book’s setting is Baltimore, with a number of charming details, and while I’ve never been there and cannot comment on the accuracy of the descriptions, I enjoyed such a fresh setting a lot.
While the sexual attraction between Gwen and Aaron is strong and they do act on it, the novel’s focus is definitely on the emotional side of their relationship. The ending is another highlight. Elizabeth Ashtree takes several stock elements and turns them around to such effect that I had tears in my eyes due to the emotional intensity as I read the last pages.
Do I recommend you read Reconcilable Differences? I sure do, especially if, like me, you are a bit overfed with small towns, sheriffs, SEALs, and billionaires. In fact I liked the book so much I immediately ordered the paper copy after finished the eBook so that I will be able to lend it to family members. I’m happy to welcome this author on my autobuy list!
-- Rike Horstmann