Review: 5 star amazing read - KA does it again!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 4, 2014
[...][...][...]I am convinced Kristen Ashley possess magical powers. When reading her tales, you are transported into an enchanted world filled with exquisitely handsome Alpha men and some extraordinarily beautiful (yet stubborn) chicks.  In Kaleidoscope, we revisit some old friends in Gnaw Bone and Chantelle as we step into the lives and the love story of Deck and Emme.Jacob “Deck” Decker and Emmanuelle Holmes are estranged friends.  It’s been nine long years since Deck laid eyes on Emme’s adorable dimple, and running into her on a chance encounter made him realize just how great a loss she was in his life. After his ex, Elsbeth, dumped him, Deck cut all ties associated with her from his life.  One of the casualties was Emme, since she was Elsbeth’s best friend.  Regardless of how hard she tried, Deck’s friendship was lost and his absence had hurt her.  But, before he vanished from her life, Emme gave Deck a special gift. A kaleidoscope – a reminder that beauty will always be within his reach.  Deck treasures Emme’s gift and it bears great meaning to his life.“You think you lost beauty, Jacob, but you didn’t… Just turn the dial.”Working as a consultant on a case brought Deck, a bad-ass private investigator, back to Gnaw Bone. This case is linked to Emme, or more so, someone who is close to her. Deck knows Emme and believes with out a doubt that she is not involved in any illegal or shady dealings. The girl he knew so long ago would never be involved in such devious activities. Deck is determined to clear any allegations against Emme as well as protect her from harms way.Seeing Emme again after all these years, Deck noticed a change.  Gone was the girl who seemed “sexless” and before him stood a ravishing woman. Regardless, he knew behind the smile that showcased her dimple, lays a sad, broken girl who has survived a horrific trauma as a child.  Deck knows the demons from her past caused Emme to build impenetrable walls so high, which prevents anyone from getting to close.  But Deck, with all his intelligence, hotness and sexiness, is determined to rip down those walls, brick by brick, to heal Emme and to claim her heart.Emme, is a lonely girly who has isolated herself from others, with good reason.  Her character is sweet, gentle, and yet obstinate. But, unlike most women in romance novels – she is not annoying or frustrating what so ever.  She truly loves Deck – they shared a special bond as friends. When his relationship ended, Emme wanted to be there for him. However, Deck was so devastated, he could not see all the beauty that was Emme.  This time, he won’t make the same mistake by letting her go. Emme does not make it easy on him.  The more she resists and tries to sabotage their relationship, the harder Deck pushes back to overcome the darkness from her past, which threatens their future.Deck’s adorably sexy. He is a strong and powerful man, yet tender and kind.  And yes, his dirty-mouth pillow talk was quite arousing.  I loved his resolve on breaking through to Emme and helping her moved past her fears.  He is with out a doubt in love with her and will fight all obstacles in order to build a future with his woman.  In one word, Deck is beautiful.The Kaleidoscope, meaning beautiful forms for the viewer, is a symbol of change and beauty. It’s a creation made from shattered, broken pieces of glass connected together to form a new work of art.  It’s true beauty is revealed when the sun radiates it’s light. The symbolism of the kaleidoscope does have an underlying meaning in this story for me. In a way, it is representative of Emme’s life. Past experiences shattered Emme. It is Deck’s fortitude and love that solidifies the scattered fragments of Emme together. He is the light, which shines and brings beauty into her world. It also holds meaning for Deck as well.  For him, represented more than beauty.  It was a way of always keeping Emme close to his heart.This story, like all others in the series, is steamy.  Deck is incredibly sensual and I fell in love with him immediately.  Without giving away any spoilers, I will say there are a few plot twists, but the drama elements and tension levels are not as high in Kaleidoscope as in the others books in this series.  It is a true “friends turn lovers” story, focused on Emme and Deck, their families and their relationship.  It was a treat seeing characters from the earlier series woven into the storyline (especially Detective Chase Keaton - the hottie from Breathe) as well as a Hot Bunch cameo. **SWOON**. Kaleidoscope was a very well told and exceptionally written tale. It has become one of my favorite reads, which I highly recommend.And now… Anticipation is making me wait for further “rocky road to second chances” love stories involving the characters Deke Hightower and Coal "Wood" Blackwood.