Review: Jagged by Kristen Ashley

The next novel in Kristen Ashley's sizzling Colorado Mountain series introduces a new electrifying relationship that turns Carnal, Colorado into a hotbed of action, romance, and suspense.

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.

Kathy says...

Graham (Ham) Reece is a traveler. A modern nomad of sorts.  He has no formal home and he moves from place to place with only his bike and meager belongings.  Along the way he forms several "no strings attached" relationships with women.  Zara Cinders met Ham as a young adult growing up in Gnaw Bone.  She was in a hurry to escape an unfortunate home life and Ham fit perfectly into her life giving her the attention she so desperately needed.  From the beginning Zara knew that Ham was "the one" for her.  Yet Ham's past kept him from forming any commitments so he continued on his travels leaving behind the best thing that ever happened to him.  When Ham has a life changing experience and finds out that Zara hits rock bottom he is determined to pick up the pieces and make up for lost time.  

Jagged was one of Ashley's sweeter books.  Think Fire Inside from the Chaos series.  So much sweetness that you might even get a toothache!  Ham has had bad relationships in the past and he knows that what he gets from Zara is special.  He treats her so lovingly.  I love how he patiently waits for her to come around and how he looks out for her.  Just like all of Ashley's alpha males he is wise and thoughtful beyond his years.  Zara is confused and hurt. It takes her a long time to believe that Ham is in it for the long haul.... but when she does and they come together it is a thing of beauty.  They fit together well as a couple.  Likes pieces of a puzzle they mesh perfectly.  They know each other so well they can read each other with just one glance at a facial expression.

I must admit that Kristen Ashley is probably my favorite writer.  I thought it was Christmas morning when Jagged got loaded on my Kindle!  However, I must also admit that Jagged fell a little flat for me. It wasn't my favorite Kristen Ashley book. By far. In many ways I felt like not a lot happened in the book.  Perhaps the lack of action scenes made it feel a slow to me.  The characters weren't super exciting either, but it did have plenty of heart.  Now, before I get your panties all in a bunch let me stress the fact that even your average Kristen Ashley book is better than a lot of other books out there.  It just wasn't my favorite.  Yet, Kristen Ashley always does a few things just right.... she always writes complex characters with a TON of depth.  She always gives you plenty of detail, emotion, and passion.  Those are all wins for me and make for a good book.  

Jagged is set in Gnaw bone and is book #5 in Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mountain series.  We revisit the couples from the previous books in the series as well as our hero Graham Reece (Ham) from For You (Burg Series).  Even though Jagged is connected to two series it can still be read as a standalone... although it does spoil a few of the other books... so if you plan on reading either the Colorado Mountain Man Series or Burg Series... then read them in order.

Pick up Jagged, sit back and enjoy the visit with old friends.  4 sweet stars from me!

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and 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!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing's changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with 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, it keeps getting better.