"Jagged" By: Kristen Ashley Review and Giveaway!!

Jagged

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

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

My Thoughts
      Kristen Ashley rocks my socks. Yep. I said it. I love almost every word she’s ever written and Jagged wasn’t any different for me. Taking me right back into one of my favorite series and straight into the Colorado Mountains, Ham Reece and Zara Cinders may be two of my favorite Ashley characters to date. Confident Ham (crazy character name, I know right) and insecure but strong Zara have a rocky start but quite the adventure when they finally find love with one another.     Ham and Zara have been together before, years ago and before Zara was married. Not ready to commit, Ham leaves Zara and moves away not able to see her be with someone who isn’t him. After the events involving a serial killer in the previous book, Breathe, Ham returns to Zara ready to do what it takes to reunite.
     In the time Ham was gone, Zara forced herself to move on. Marrying, then her subsequent divorce, a great business run into the ground and finally reluctantly returning to her old job of waitressing, life hasn't’ been easy nor fair to Zara in the passing years. The attraction to Ham is still there but can she trust him to stick and stay when she needs him or will he just leave again?
     Ham was an amazing hero and most definitely swoonworthy. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to do what he has to. He understands Zara has been hurt in the past and slowly tries to find his way back to her, in a way that is forever. I know I’m waxing poetic, but I loved it so stinkin’ much! Zara drove me crazy sometimes, she seemed indecisive or insecure, but it completely fits within the character. She’s had a rough past and wouldn’t move on with a skip and a wink, even if it was super hot Ham that she was skipping with.
      All in all, Jagged is yet another fantastic story from Kristen. A lovely story about two people finding one another after heartbreak and healing hurts. Super sexy, fast paced, and great characters come together to create an instant classic for Ashley fans. I will warn you though, if you haven’t read the rest of the series, certain aspects of the story may be a bit confusing. 

Colorado Mountain Series
1. The Gamble

2. Sweet Dreams
3. Lady Luck
4. Breathe
5. Jagged
6. Kaleidoscope (2014)

Book Details

Publisher: Forever

Date of Publication: November 5, 2013

ISBN: B00BEK71Q6
# of Pages: 345

Source: Netgalley - For Review

Buy links

Amazon       B&N        Bookish       iTunes

Author Social Media links

Blog: http://www.kristenashley.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristenAshley68

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Ashley/83283039199

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2958084.Kristen_Ashley?from_search=true

Author Bio

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and 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 multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Giveaway
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"Smart, Sexy and Secretive" By: Tammy Falkner Review

Smart, Sexy and Secretive

By: Tammy Falkner

Synopsis

Emily
I'm back in New York, ready to start my brand new life with Logan. Things are still up in the air between us, and it has been three months since I've even talked to him. But there's one thing I'm certain of -- I can't live without him.

Logan
I need her like I need air. But now she's back, and her dad and her ex-boyfriend are conspiring to keep us apart. We can do this, though. Can't we? We can make this work? We have to, because I can't imagine my life without her.

My Thoughts
     It’s no secret, I absofreakin’lutely loved the first book in the Reed Brothers series, Tall, Tatted and Tempting. I met Tammy at the RT Conference in Kansas City and instantly made a book friend. What makes it even better is that she’s an amazing author and has created this series that I devour like chocolate.

    Smart, Sexy and Secretive begins where the previous book ends. I’m going to be completely honest, if you are going to love this book as much as I do, you need to go read the first book in this series. Go on, I’ll wait…

    Welcome back! Now on to the fabulous review - Logan and Emily are back better than ever in this second installment of the Reed Brothers series. After the events of the previous book, the happy ever after was in doubt. A few months have went by and neither Logan nor Emily have spoken or seen one another. Emily returns to New York to attend school with her parents in tow but her love for Logan hasn’t wavered.

     Logan and Emily’s chemistry is still as hot as ever, but in this novel we see how love may not be enough. Emily’s father hates Logan, her mother wants to help but doesn’t know how, and Logan’s brother is still really ill. Add to that wild mixture an ex-boyfriend who won’t go away, a huge financial inequality, and Logan’s inability to hear Emily’s passion in life...music, and you have one of the most emotionally devastating stories I’ve read this year.

      Rest assured there is a happily ever after. It may happen after a stay in the hospital (spoiler alert!) but it is oh so good. Logan loves Emily for who she is, whether a wealthy trust fund baby or a homeless runaway guitar player. Emily loves Logan with her entire being and never loses her faith in him despite outside forces trying to pull her away.

     Gorgeously written with an emotional rawness that will leave you breathless, Smart, Sexy and Secretive isn’t to be missed. Logan and Emily leave me so happy and yet wanting, no needing more of their story that I can’t wait until the next Reed boy has his book! Utterly lovely, sexy, and smartly written, Tammy Falkner has easily given me one of my favorite book duos of the year.

Reed Brothers Series
1. Tall, Tatted and Tempting
2. Smart, Sexy and Secretive
3. Calmly, Carefully, Completely

Book Details

Publisher: Night Shift Publishing

Date of Publication: August 23, 2013

# of Pages: 317

ASIN: B00ER6XVPE

Source: Personal Purchase

Tammy Falkner and I - isn't she fabulous??? <3 her="" td="">

It's Monday! What are you reading??

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What I've Read This Week...

Dragos Takes a Holiday

By: Thea Harrison

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

Roman Holiday 1: Chained

By: Ruthie Knox

Ashley Bowman is having a bad week. Reeling from the death of her beloved grandmother, she returns to the Florida Keys only to learn that a heartless Miami developer has gotten hold of the crappy vacation rentals she calls home. Ashley has one day to clear out before Roman Díaz destroys the only place in the world that matters to her. Chaining herself to a palm tree in the bulldozers’ path seems like a good way to stop him . . . until she realizes she should’ve brought food and water. And pants. Also, it would help if the evil developer weren’t so ridiculously hot.

 

The last thing Roman Díaz needs is some sun-kissed blond protester getting her picture in the newspaper and messing up his plans. He bought the property fair and square, and the resort he wants to build on the site is the key to realizing his highest ambitions. But when a hurricane blows through, Roman has to hustle Ashley to safety if he wants to protect his reputation—and that means giving in to her unreasonable demands.

 

Roman needs to learn a little compassion, and Ashley’s decided to teach it to him . . . even if she has to drag him all over the Eastern Seaboard to do it.

So how about you? 

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: "Kinked" By: Thea Harrison

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

Kinked

By: Thea Harrison

Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.

Expected Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Thea has been very hit or miss with me lately, but I can't wait for Aryal's book!!

"Carry Me Home" By: Alexa Bourne Review

Carry Me Home

By: Alexa Bourne

Synopsis

After six months in the city, Mary MacDougall returns to the Scottish Highlands to finalize her divorce. Because of a past tragedy, she doubts her husband Jamie can possibly love her with the same unbridled passion as before and insists ending the marriage is best for both of them. But Jamie has other ideas….

Jamie MacDougall has no intention of letting his bonnie lass go. At least not without a fight. Aye, they’ve suffered heartache, and she may be ready to call it quits, but he refuses to throw away the partnership they’ve built since they were children. Instead, he’ll remind her they were meant to be together, forever.

Can this marriage survive pride and grief to allow love to carry them home?

My Thoughts
     A cute, quick novella featuring the Scottish Highlands and a fractured relationship between a couple who has been through more than imaginable pain, Bourne takes us on an incredibly sweet journey in a few short pages.
      Mary has left her husband and best friend after the loss of their child. Feeling unappreciated and deeply depressed, she doesn’t feel as if the chasm that has developed between the two can ever be crossed and leaves. Jamie, her husband, doesn’t understand how the separation has been created nor does he know how he can bring his wife back.
     When Mary returns home after six months wanting a divorce, Jamie knows he has to do something drastic to win her back. Through a series of dates, dinners, and remembrances about their time together, Jamie eventually (of course!) convinces Mary that their relationship can be saved and is worth the work.
     A sweet story that I read quickly, this story had a bit of everything. A tad naughty, with a rich emotional story about two people finding their way again after catastrophe. This is the first Alexa Bourne book I’ve read but most definitely will not be my last. The only negative I can think of was that the length was relatively short for the amount of money that was paid, so be prepared.

Book Details

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Date of Publication: June 5, 2013

# of Pages: 43

Source: Personal Purchase

It's Monday! What Are You Reading??

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The Last Hour of Gann

By: R. Lee Smith

It was her last chance:

Amber Bierce had nothing left except her sister and two tickets on Earth’s first colony-ship. She entered her Sleeper with a five-year contract and the promise of a better life, but awakened in wreckage on an unknown world. For the survivors, there is no rescue, no way home and no hope until they are found by Meoraq—a holy warrior more deadly than any hungering beast on this hostile new world…but whose eyes show a different sort of hunger when he looks at her.

It was his last year of freedom:

Uyane Meoraq is a Sword of Sheul, God’s own instrument of judgment, victor of hundreds of trials, with a conqueror’s rights over all men. Or at least he was until his father’s death. Now, without divine intervention, he will be forced to assume stewardship over House Uyane and lose the life he has always known. At the legendary temple of Xi’Matezh, Meoraq hopes to find the deliverance he seeks, but the humans he encounters on his pilgrimage may prove too great a test even for him…especially the one called Amber, behind whose monstrous appearance burns a woman’s heart unlike any he has ever known.

Neighbors

By: L.S. Murphy

Rena Woods has a great life. She recently landed the contract to decorate the home of basketball wife, Cecilia Hood, her business is growing, and this contract could make her the elite decorator in St. Louis. Rena’s sacrificed her personal life for her company without a single regret. When Staff Sergeant C.J. Riker moves in across the hall, Rena can’t stand to be around him. He may be on the volcanic side of hot, but his attitude sucks. Riker does whatever he can to get under Rena’s skin.

After a massive blow to her business sends Rena on a self-destructive binge, Riker is there to save her from doing something she might regret. Could there be more to Riker than meets the eye? And will he open up enough to Rena to tell her how he lost his leg or shut out love forever?

Fighting For You

By: Sydney Landon

Ella Webber has spent years uncomfortable around the opposite sex... 

But as soon as she meets handsome Declan Stone, she is smitten. Quickly they become friends, finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, and Ella longs for even more. So-with a little help from her friends-Ella resorts to performing a little seduction. One that Declan will never be able to resist.

Burdened by emotional baggage from his time in the army, Declan refuses to believe he's the right man for sweet Ella. Even if she makes him long for normal things, like marriage and family....But in his attempts to close off his heart from her love, could he have underestimated Ella's powers of persuasion?

What I'm Reading Now...

Unbound

By: Cara McKenna

She set out to find herself, and discovered the darker side of desire.

Merry’s lost a lot recently—first her mother, then close to a hundred pounds. Feeling adrift, she strikes out in search of perspective. A three-week hike through the Scottish Highlands was supposed to challenge her new body and refocus her priorities, but when disaster strikes, she’s forced to seek refuge in the remote home of a brooding, handsome stranger…

Rob exiled himself to the Highlands years ago, desperate to escape his own self-destruction. Haunted by regrets, he avoids human contact at all costs…but when Merry turns up injured, he can’t very well run her off. And as he nurses her back to health, Rob can’t resist his guest’s sweet demeanor—or her flirtatious advances. The igniting passion between them rouses a secret appetite Rob has long struggled to keep hidden. But Merry craves nothing more than to help Rob surrender to his desires, and the journey draws the lovers into an entirely different kind of wilderness

"100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts" By: Doogie Horner Review

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts

By: Doogie Horner

Synopsis

Cut two eyeholes into a bedsheet and BOO! You’ve got yourself a classic Halloween icon. But what happens if you tie the bedsheet in knots? What happens when you set it on fire, hang it from a clothesline, or put a llama underneath it? 100 Ghosts is a brilliantly simple artistic exploration of an icon as familiar as a grinning jack-o-lantern or an arched black cat. It’s a delightful gift for adults, kids, and anyone who enjoys spooky design.

My Thoughts

     I’m having a hard time describing this book except for simply fun. Great for anyone who loves simple, quirky books, 100 Ghosts is exactly as the title describes...a large gallery of harmless haunts. From a Harry Potter ghost complete with his iconic glasses to a shy ghost who won’t even look at you, Doogie Horner has created a creative and incredibly funny collection for children, teens, and adults to enjoy. We had a really good time passing the book around at my library with every librarian having a different favorite. Creative, funny, and captivating, 100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts is a perfect coffee table book for you to pick up when you have a free moment. I always got something a little different out of it every time I picked it up and I know you will too!

Book Details

Publisher: Quirk Books

Date of Publication: September 10, 2013

# of Pages: 208

ISBN: 978-1594746475

Source: From Publisher for Review

Waiting on Wednesday "Jagged" By: Kristin Ashley

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

Jagged

By: Kristin Ashley

Synopsis:

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

Expected Release Day: November 5, 2013 

"Dad is Fat" By: Jim Gaffigan Review

Dad is Fat

By: Jim Gaffigan

Synopsis

In Dad is Fat, stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan, who’s best known for his legendary riffs on Hot Pockets, bacon, manatees, and McDonald's, expresses all the joys and horrors of life with five young children—everything from cousins ("celebrities for little kids") to toddlers’ communication skills (“they always sound like they have traveled by horseback for hours to deliver important news”), to the eating habits of four year olds (“there is no difference between a four year old eating a taco and throwing a taco on the floor”). Reminiscent of Bill Cosby’s Fatherhood, Dad is Fat is sharply observed, explosively funny, and a cry for help from a man who has realized he and his wife are outnumbered in their own home.

My Thoughts

     I am a huge fan of Jim Gaffigan and this book only reinforces why. A fun filled romp through fatherhood, Gaffigan talks about the ins and outs of being a father living in New York City. I loved the off handed humor but you can also feel the genuine love he has for his children throughout.

     Jim Gaffigan has five children at the publication of this book. He and his wife Jeannie live in a two bedroom apartment in New York, with no car, and FIVE kids. Yep. Its hard for me to get over it but I think it bears repeating.

    Gaffigan talks about the trials of being a parent that are pretty universal. Some of my favorite parts of the book dealt with how annoying other parents are, which I can totally see. I don’t have children myself, but I enjoyed the random stories about how crazy children act and behave in different situations. Trips to the park took on a whole new meaning!

      I think all-in-all I enjoyed the book best because I could feel the love for his family as he wrote. Nothing really stood out to me as astounding but I did laugh in different places. I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book if I hadn’t known Gaffigan, but it was a pleasant, quick read that was pretty cute. Great for fans of Gaffigan’s stand up comedy and of course, for parents.

Book Details

Publisher: Crown Archetype

Date of Publication: May 7, 2013

# of Pages: 288

ISBN: 9780385349062

Source: Library Checkout

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Welcome to the 

Brunette Librarian's Blog!

I'm so happy to say -

It's Monday!! 

What are you Reading?

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What I've Read This Week...

The Nature of Cruelty

By: L.H. Cosway

Her name is Lana. She wasn’t dealt the easiest cards in life. She wasn’t dealt the hardest. She has an illness, but she doesn’t let it rule her. The first time she laid eyes on her best friend’s twin brother she fell in love at first sight. It didn’t last very long. He was a hateful boy who made her miserable. The happiest day of her life was when he moved away to London six years ago.

His name is Robert. He breaks the ones who love him. He’s always liked to play games with Lana, see how far he could push her. He once thrived on her pain, but no more. Now she’s coming to London to live with his sister for the summer and this time he plans on being her friend instead of her tormentor. But Lana is scarred by his past bullying. She doesn’t trust him, nor does she have any reason to.

When the two find themselves living under the same roof, they call a truce. This summer will change both of their lives, as they put their history aside and learn one another from scratch. When fear takes over, we use cruelty as a mask. Robert and Lana’s story will see their masks slip away as the love they felt on the inside shows its true face.

The Wrong Billionaire's Bed

By: Jessica Clare

Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy--that's Audrey. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she'll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It's a dream come true...

 

Until she meets her worst nightmare. 

Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it's time for a little revenge. It's clear that Audrey's in love with his buddy, Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs. And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she's just what he needs, too

Undeniable

By: Madeline Sheehan

Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she’s a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club—but that’s where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself—a man worthy of love—and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can’t live without. 

Unbeautifully

By: Madeline Sheehan

Danielle “Danny” West is the daughter of Deuce West, President of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. A sweet and beautiful girl, she loses her way, searching for things that are always out of her reach. Erik “Ripper” Jacobs is the Sergeant of Arms in the Hell’s Horsemen. Once a man who always had a smile on his face, his life takes a turn for the worst when a tragedy befalls him, leaving him scarred and broken. During a midsummer night, Danny and Ripper’s paths cross, forever changing their lives. Hastily, their lust turns to love until another tragedy forces them apart. On a journey that is marred with ugliness and chaos, Danny and Ripper must discover if their unforeseen connection can find the beauty in their world. 

Unattainable

By: Madeline Sheehan

Tegen Matthews is the daughter of Dorothy Kelley, a club whore in the Hell’s Horsemen. A plain little girl, Tegen falls into the gritty world of the motorcycle club. When she meets a sweet, caring boy, she embraces the warmth and affection he shows her. Cage West is the son of the president of the Hell’s Horsemen. Tall and blond with deep brown eyes, as he grows up Cage realizes the power of his dimpled smile and smooth drawl. With one chance encounter, Tegen becomes forever tied to Cage. Following is a wayward journey that is filled with regrets, mistakes, and heartache, pulling at the threads that hold them together. Cage and Tegen fight hard but love harder, and in the end, what matters is where the journey takes one girl and one boy, who have been twined with one another since the beginning. 

No idea what I'm going to read next...

how about you? 

What are you reading this week?