Sunday, March 30, 2014

REVIEW: JADED (WALKERS FORD #2) by ANNE CALHOUN

Jaded (Walkers Ford, #2)Series: Walkers Ford #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: 2/4/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars

They can’t hide from desire…

After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn't supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go….

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18210692-jaded?from_search=true


Jaded is the second book in Anne Calhoun's Walkers Ford series, and yes, it can most definitely be read as a stand alone, though the couple of book one do show up and have some significant moments that were enough to have me wanting to read their story, Unforgiven.
In Jaded, we have the story of Alana and Lucas, two lovely, lonely people who think they have their lives figured out, have what they need, only to discover that every moment is better when you have someone to share it with. While it does focus more on Alana, I felt Lucas' story was just as important.

Lucas and the people of Walkers Ford show Alana that every person, every step in the community engagement/betterment process is important. You don't have to effect change on a global scale to matter. Searching for a quiet place to find herself, Alana instead finds a home, a community in which she has the power and know-how to effect change, friends, and love. Alana, through her involvement in bettering the community and mentoring Cole, reminds Lucas why his job matters. That he might not be able to save every troubled kid, but it is good enough to save any troubled kid.

Jaded is a love story, but the author gives us a socially relevant story as well. There is a strong focus on small town America, the power of a involved community, and simply caring for your neighbor. The story touches on addiction, poverty and hunger, the isolation that can come from being poor in a rural community and the power change can evoke. That even the most basic amenities we take for granted - a library, Internet access, art supplies, or simply a safe place - can make a difference.

I had an interesting experience with Jaded. I liked it, though I wasn't especially wowed at an particular point. It wasn't a book that I had to devour, but I did feel sort of compelled by the story and wanted to keep reading. Though it didn't have a huge wow factor, I did sit back at the end and realized that as a whole, Jaded was a very nice story. There's a bit of sequel bait dangled at the end, and if my suspicions are correct and the next book is about Alana's friend Nate, I'm so on board.



Favorite Quote:

  "I want to finish what we started last night."
  "Too general," he said bluntly. "Be specific."
  The blush heated her cheeks as she looked at him. His five o'clock shadow dusted his cheeks and jaw like dark sand, and as time slowed and heated between them, she found she could name one very specific longing.
  "I want to know what your beard feels like against my lips."


The Walkers Ford Series
Unforgiven (Walkers Ford, #1)  Jaded (Walkers Ford, #2)
(covers lead to GoodReads)
 



Purchase Links

 
 
About the author
Anne CalhounAfter doing time at Fortune 500 companies on both coasts, I found myself living in the suburbs of a small Midwestern city. The glamour of various cube farm jobs had worn off, so I gave up making a decent living to take Joseph Campbell’s advice and follow my bliss: writing romance.
 
 
Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads
 
 
 

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18 comments:

  1. Yay for companions :) I'm glad it focuses on both characters' growth. Plus, it does seem compelling so I'm glad you enjoyed the story even if it wasn't a perfect book in your eyes. Great review, Andrea!

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  2. Ahh! This sounds great. I haven't heard of this series but I'm interested now!
    Bethzaida @ Bookittyblog

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  3. I started this and then set it aside because I think I was reading the same story over and over and just couldn't get excited about it. I'l have to get back to it soon. Wonderful review, Andrea! :)

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  4. I like that you mention that it is a love story but there is also more to it. I love when an author can combine those. Great review!

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  5. Sorry it didn't wow you, but glad there was more to it than just the love story

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  6. This sounds good and why am I looking at the authors picture and feeling attraction to her?

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  7. It's always lovely when a romance book offers more than just romance. I like books that are set in small towns and this sound like it's a great read although it didn't exactly wow you. I haven't heard of this series before, but I'll keep it in mind when I'm looking for a small-town romance.
    Lovely review, Andrea!

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  8. Hmm, this one sounds decent. Idk if I'd pick it up and read it now since you said there wasn't anything too amazing about it, but it does sound interesting.

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  9. Both Lucas and Alana seem like a really interesting people and their story sounds much more than a love story. I really like that. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Great review, Andrea :)

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  10. Mmmmm..sounds so yummy. I just love a little 5 o'clock shadow.

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  11. The community sounds cool and the book sounds like it's a quiet and poignant. Not exactly my thing but it's great that this can be read as stand-alone.

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  12. This sounds good, despite the fact that it didn't wow you, and sometimes that is ok. Not ever book can leave you wrecked on the floor or craving the next book.

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  13. This sounds like a really nice read! I love the fact that societal issue's were addressed, as well as the fact that no matter how small of an impact we think we are making in someone's life, it is significant. Great Review Andrea :)

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  14. Ah, see I will HAVE to read the first book no matter what. Not all books have to wow me for me to really enjoy them, so that factor doesn't deter me. This sounds like a nice series.

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  15. woo! so awesome to hear you liked this one! I really liked Lucas myself.

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  16. I like books set in small town America, Andrea. Maybe since I kinda grew up that way it makes me feel nostalgic or something. Jaded sounds pretty good so I'll add this series to my tbr. :)

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  17. I've had a few reads like this lately too. Where I could put it down, but I really wanted to know how it ended up. Nice review. I liked the quote.

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  18. This sounds enjoyable and I am glad you did like it. Sounds like something I would like to check out. l like series that have a small town feel. Great review!

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