Sunday, November 3, 2013

REVIEW: JAGGED (COLORADO MOUNTAIN #5) by KRISTEN ASHLEY


Jagged (Colorado Mountain, #5)Series: Colorado Mountain #5
Category/Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: 11/5/13
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man



I loved Jagged. Now, I know this comes as no surprise at all to those who regularly read my reviews. My love for all of Kristen Ashley's books has been shouted from the (virtual) rooftops. This book is the fifteenth of Ashley's I've read since late-June, and luckily, I have loads more to go.

Jagged was a great addition to the Colorado Mountain series. In Zara and Ham's story, we do get a love story that, in many ways, falls into a similar pattern as the previous books in the series. Zara is the usual KA heroine: strong and loving, but also vulnerable. In her former lover Graham "Ham" Reese, we are treated to another badass Alpha man. Seriously, Kristen Ashley is The Queen of Alpha Men. And you know what, this could be a problem because I am having a hard time falling for all other book men in my life.

Awesome Points go to Jagged for Max and Nina! One of my favorite things about all of Ashley's books is that characters from previous books pop up. Since this one is set in Gnaw Bone, we get Max (swooooon) and Nina, Kami, Cotton, Mick, Arlene. Extra bonus Awesome Points for a hilarious, kickass scene at The Rooster!

So even though I did find Jagged to be similar to other books in the series, I also found it to be a departure, as well. Why? I'm not exactly sure, other than the lack of kidnappings, gun shots, and explosions in Jagged. And even though the story was less intense in regards to outside disruptions, and we don't have the crazy scenarios involving guns and deranged bad guys, it was just as bold in regards to the love story between Zara and Ham. Their story was in turns sad and frustrating, but also introspective and insightful. Ultimately, it was beautiful and powerful. In every single KA book, I  continually find myself profoundly moved and changed by the enlightening words and methods with which her characters express their love.

You might think I would be getting tired of reading the same author over and over again. You would be wrong. It doesn't matter that Ashley's books share many traits: a smart, gorgeous, sweet and loving woman who's hit a tough time in her life; a sexy, gruff, tough, but ultimately loving Alpha man, crazy hilarious friends; danger and excitement; but always, a love story. Kristen Ashley's books are the new norm for me. Complete Comfort Reads. I always have one of her books loaded on my Kindle. And when I finally get through them all, I know that I will be happy to begin again.

Jagged does the Colorado Mountain series proud.



Favorite Quote:

  "I'm here, Zara, as in, I intend to stay here. I own a TV. A bed. Bought fuckin' night stands, a dresser, and lamps. This is it. This is where I wanna be. It's where I wanna be because I like the people, I like the work, I like the bar where I work, all in God's country. But this is mostly where I wanna be because you're here."   ~eARC, 33%


  "You're unpredictable lately," I shared. 
  That got me another glance, this one surprised before he asked, "How's that?"
  "Committed. Possessive. Forthcoming. You were always awesome but you're exponentially awesome...er," I explained. 
I caught his grin before he asked, "I'm awesome...er?"
"Exponentially awesomer," I corrected."   ~eARC, 50%


  And finally, I paid attention. So I said not a word. I just let everything he was saying to me without saying it flow through me. It felt beautiful. His hand and arm relaxed and his voice was soft but jagged when he replied, "Yeah, baby, I know."    ~eARC, 76%




Colorado Mountain Series

  The Gamble (Colorado Mountain, #1) Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain, #2) Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain, #3)
 Breathe (Colorado Mountain, #4) Jagged (Colorado Mountain, #5)

(covers lead to GoodReads page)

Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountains #6) release 2/4/14

Purchase Lady Luck



About the author:
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.


Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook   |  GoodReads


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23 comments:

  1. I'm amazed how much you love this author even after reading so many her books. It means that she is a great writer and I'm so happy you enjoy it. I'll have to read one of her books someday, you've got me really curious. Great review Andrea :)

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    1. I feel pretty lucky to find an author I adore so much.

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  2. heh it's always good to find authors we love! I think it's great :) and I love reading your reviews of her books, because I have read so many good ones before, it's always nice coming from someone I follow thought. Been eyeing her books for a while!

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    1. Thank you! I always love recommendations from readers I know, too.

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  3. I am not at all surprised you enjoyed this book so much, this author has been such a hit for you. Each review I read from you for this author gets me more and more curious! One day I really am going to have to make time for one of her books. Great review!

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  4. I love how much you love this author's books, Andrea. It only makes me want to read more of her books.
    This series sounds particularly awesome because it's set in Colorado! I <3 Colorado.
    Anyways, I'm glad that all her books are working for you, Andrea. Lovely review.

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  5. I need to start this series. Love anything Kristen Ashley writes.

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    1. I'm shocked you haven't read this series! I think you would love Tate and Sweet Dreams the most. He reminds me of Brock and Tack.

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  6. Isn't it great to discover and author you love and have SO many books you can read?? I hate discovering someone and having to wait a year lol

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  7. Glad there were still things you enjoyed and appreciated

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  8. This line made me giggle snort, "other than the lack of kidnappings, gun shots, and explosions in Jagged." This series sounds so good and you can see you've become attached to the characters..I love when that happens!!

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  9. Great review. Sounds like another good addition to the series.

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  10. Great review . Sounds like I MUST pick up a KA book and read it. :D

    Mich

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    1. You should! But of course I think everyone should give KA a try.

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  11. Seriously, Andrea, you're making it very hard to pick a KA series to start with. ;) It says quite a lot about KA that you AREN'T getting tired of reading her books, one right after another. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Jagged despite its --> lack of kidnappings, gun shots, and explosions <-- because she kept you entertained without as much action. I just love reading your reviews of KA's books. :)

    And I really want to know which series you think I should start with...Rock Chick?!?

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    1. Yes, it's great that even without the crazy happenings, I was still hooked.

      I would definitely start with Rock Chick!

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  12. Okay, I love the cover on this one the best. Is my purple addiction showing? Nay, I think it's those beautiful Colorado Rockies that I'm lovin'

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    1. The other covers are being redesigned and the first two are gorgeous. This series makes me want to move out there with ya, Pal!

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  13. It definitely sounds like this is an author I have to try! I do like this cover the best too. :)

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  14. You got me excited the other day about reading these!

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  15. Awesome quotes & Review! I love when a book in a series reunites me with characters from previous books. K.A. must be one amazing author for you to love and keep devouring her books. I love a bold and profound love story. Even though this story had less action than her previous ones, I can tell that you still loved it just as much!

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  16. I totally agree with you, Andrea, KA is pure comfort reads. I love her stories even though they do follow a somewhat similar recipe. She IS the Queen of Alpha Males! I hope to read this by the end of the month. If not early December. I'm definitely doing a KA marathon over my blogging break I'm taking in December. Wonderful review! :)

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