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

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

    
  

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

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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.

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