Review: Another Fabulous Kristen Ashley Read...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 5, 2013
Jagged, book #5 in Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mountain series, was simply put....amazing!  Whenever I pick up a book by Kristen Ashley I know that I'm going to get 3 things - extremely well written characters who I fall in love with almost immediately, exceptional writing that grabs me from the first page and doesn't let go and finally, a well thought out and executed plot that progresses not only the book but the series as well.  Jagged delivered all three fabulously!After several books, we are finally returning to Gnaw Bone, the town where it all started with the first book in the series,  The Gamble.  I love the atmosphere, the town and all of the people within it.  I was really excited to get the chance to "catch-up" with previously introduced characters like Arlene, Cotton, Max and Nina - and Jagged did not disappoint in delivering a fabulous secondary cast.Zara has lived her whole life in Gnaw Bone and that life hasn't always been easy.  Even through all the dysfunction and heart breaks that she has suffered through, she remains positive, upbeat, optimistic and continues to move forward with the help of her close knit circle of friends.  Graham `Ham' Reece is a nomad, moving from place to place never settling down.  He is honest, hard-working and a man who says what he means and means what he says.  He doesn't play games or sugarcoat his words, but he also gives with all of his heart.Zara and Ham met years ago when he settled in Gnaw Bone for a short while.  They worked together at a local bar and a relationship started from there.  Zara knew that Ham wasn't in it for the long term, but she hoped.  After Ham left town several months later, they continued to see each other off and on for over 5 years albeit not exclusively.  Zara always wanted more, but Ham wasn't ready to commit.  So after Zara meets someone else, they lose contact with each other.  Move forward several years, add a divorce and ax attack, and they meet again with sparks flying the entire time.  I love a good second chance romance and, even though Zara & Ham's story has a slightly different spin, Jagged is a perfect addition to that trope.Zara and Ham's relationship is real, honest, raw, sexy as hell and breathtaking.  Kristen Ashley writes some of the most amazing couples that I have ever had the pleasure to read.  Her words, through these magnificent characters, just slay you as the reader.  Your hearts bleeds, melts and fills up all at the same time.  Ham's fight for Zara's love is just beyond beautiful.  I loved every length that he was willing to go to, and every word that he uttered, in order win her back. Their story, and this series, continues to prove why Ms. Ashley is one of my favorite authors.Kristen Ashley is a master storyteller and it is my opinion that every book of hers should be devoured.  Jagged is no exception.  While this title can be read as a standalone, I do suggest reading this series in order.  Previous characters play large secondary roles to Zara & Ham's story, and it helps to understand and know their backstory.  Ending with a fabulous Epilogue, Jagged is a must read for any fan of Kristen Ashley or the contemporary romance genre.  You will not be disappointed with this installment!