Review: 3 1/2 stars for Showdown
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 24, 2014
3  stars for Showdown.Showdown is the third and final book in the Aspen Eyes series by Amy Elizabeth. This is not a standalone book. You need to read Cut and Run (Book 1), then Indian Summer (Book 2) before diving into this one. I had to step away from the story and give myself a breather before I wrote my review. I am so torn and still not sure how I feel about the storyline. I felt a melancholy throughout the whole story. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy the book but in all honesty, it hurt to read. I just didn’t feel that any of the characters that I loved so much were happy even when they were resolved with the direction in their lives. Honestly, I found the story depressing. I didn’t know what direction the author was going to take and I really doubted if I would get the HEA I wanted so desperately for everyone. After finishing the story, I still can’t say that I enjoyed the conclusion even though characters all seem to be happy in the end. t was definitely bittersweet. IThe story picks up where Book 2 ended. We meet back up with Rebecca, Alec, Tommy and the rest of the gang.  Alec is lost and doesn’t know what life will be like now that he doesn’t have to take care of Walt. Rebecca tries to stand by him but is being shut out and shot down over and over. Frankly, I am amazed that she is the most mature one out of the bunch.I shouldn’t be surprised since Rebecca had experienced so many ups and downs in her life even before coming out West. We also find out more about Tommy and his life before the ranch. Tommy had my heart. I wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug. He was my favorite character bar none. No relationship is perfect and every couple has there ups and downs and we get to see this first hand. We are privy to Alec’s thoughts as he struggles to find his place in the world. I sympathize with him but I no longer embraced his character as I did in Cut and Run. The more I got to know him the less that I liked him, even in this story. The one character that never wavered was Rebecca. She should have been awarded a medal of honor for her patience. I didn’t love this story like I loved Cut and Run but I didn’t hate it. In Book 2 I wasn’t convinced of Alec and his love for Rebecca. In this book, I’m still not convinced he loves her as he should despite his proclamations or grand gestures. I guess I have to admit that I still hold how he acted in book 2 against him and some of the things he did to Rebecca in this book added fuel to the fire. This book did not capture my heart like the first 2 books did. I desperately craved for some light hearted moments to soften the harsh realities of their lives. Unfortunately, I never got it. I needed a reprieve from the depressing tone and that never really happened.  I didn’t hate this book but I didn’t love it. Despite my disappointment I will still read more of Amy Elizabeth’s future writings.