Jagged

After reading some of the more negative reviews of this book, I was hesitant to buy it. Glad I did. Really enjoyed the story. Another sweet love story from Kristen. Loved the two main characters - Zara and Reece. Although not as dramatic as some of Kristen's story, the story plot was suspenseful.

Yes! Another great read from Kristen Ashley. In this book we get to feel so much from Zara and Ham (Reece). My heart broke so much throughout this book. But it also filled up with love for both Zara and Ham. God, the words that Ham uses when explaining how much he cares, god!! So damn incredible. So, so good!! An excellent read!!

This book was a bit different from other KA books. That being said, LOVED IT TOO. It's always good to mix it up a bit.
Ham. ~sigh~. Need a fan to be in the same room as him.
I love these books for so many wonderful reasons. Yes the men are BIG & SEXY and growly but underneath all that hotness are MEN who can tell their women exactly how they feel about them and what they need so that it's crystal clear. The women are strong & classy. A few small towns but one large extended family.

I absolutely loved this book and the story it told, of second chances and of taking risks. I loved that Zara and Reece were strong characters and yet had no problem sharing their dark pasts and their pains to each other in order move on and heal. There were so many places in the book where my heart broke for Reece. Another great KA book.

I loved this book. Kristen Ashley is an amazing author and she never disappoints. I loved Zara and Ham together. They both had issues to overcome which brought about challenges that allowed us to see them grow together and separately. As always another great book by an amazing writer.

Adore Kristen Ashley books. This was ok. Not my fave. I always read her books multiple times cause I love them. Most likely won't with this one. Not to say they were not great characters, it just didn't pull me in like they usually do and get me all mushy inside.

Sweet mother of pearl, this series! Breathe is still my favorite, but this one is up there. This story is shorter than what I've come to expect of KA, and Ham & Zara start out rough, so much so that I struggled a bit w/ their beginning. But the sweet, the KA magic, the story wins out. And the epilogue? Beautifully written! Kudos & kudos on this one! : )

Epic happy ending for almost-ax-murdered Graham from "For You." He is a lot rougher in this book than he seemed in Feb's book, but it worked for his whole story line. I didn't like that Zara called him "Ham" but it quickly grew on me. There was a lot of angst here over Graham's love for Zara, and I felt it right along with her. But as always with KA, when he socked it to her, I was pleased. Loved the ending.

I swear each book gets better and better. Loved the rough and tough Ham, the sassy Zara. At first I thought they wouldn't have found their way back to each other. It was sad how Ham returned and Zara was down and out. Literally had nothing, lost it all. He did what a KA alpha man does. He took care of what's HIS.

I really loved this story. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did after reading that prologue but Ham really won me over. My only complaint about this book is that I wish it was longer but I adored the epilogue. So good!!!

Kristen Ashley is and will always be my "sure thing" for books. Her characters are perfect and flawed and forgiving and memorizing. Her men offer a new level of "Alpha male" and her women are strong and capable women. I love the way her characters talk to each other - absolutely real! They cuss and yell and love like no others. Jagged was just another stop and I loved it as much as the others.

One of my favourite books. I love all Kristen Ashley's books, and she's written enough that will keep me busy for months to come. Jagged is right up there with Creed and The Will.

I adore this author's ability to tell amazing stories. They touch my heart and soul and I'll be forever grateful.

Realistic and yet absolutely wonderful story. Funny, romantic but also quite crude, it's a great story I recommend because has it all.
As usual, Ashley brings the best of life for all those who have the space in their lives for more beauty.

This is actually my second reading of Jagged, and for some reason I fell in love with the characters, storyline and outcome much more than my first read through. I am a huge KA fan and re-read her series frequently.

Jagged and Zara story was sweet, compassionate and loving. The best line I've read and has stayed with me a man is not what he says, he's a man by what he does.... Ham showed us in some many ways how he loves Zara. Sweet sweet sweet sweet loved Ham and the love he showed Zara.... He gave her strength and love and courage over and over.

Another winner for Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mountain Men Series. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking to fall in love with the entire cast of characters. Kristen doesn't just give you the H/h, she gives you an entire town that makes you want to move there and become a part of their extended family.

I enjoyed this book and the characters! As many of the reviewers stated its is shorter in length which means we don't have that wonderful flow of character development it's a shortened version. I love Ham he is a guy you want understand and make all the hurt go away

Returning to the Colorado Mountain Man series and Gnaw Bone, Colorado was like going home, after being away for far too long. The story of Zara Cinders and Graham (Ham) Reece was bittersweet - life is hard, but there can be a happy ending. I LOVED it. Once again, Kristen Ashley did not disappoint. It was AWSOME...ER (you'll understand that comment when you've read the book.) I think the thing I enjoyed the most about this book was that there was NOT a major life-altering event...such as kidnapping, knife wielding serial killers, drug deals gone bad, or the like. It was a story that could have been written about any of us who have loved, lost and loved again. This book brings forth every emotion...one moment I wanted to hit something; the next tears would be streaming at the sweetness of it. I love that about Kristen Ashley books. She has the ability to grab hold of you and not let go. I read it straight through over two days, which is unusual for me. If you're looking for a comfort read then this book isn't for you. But this book does have such a romantic side to it you will find it somewhat comforting. Zara is a survivor and knows a lot about the tough side of life. She had me laughing with her quick wit and crying with her painful admissions. I loved her no-nonsense attitude and ability to deal with whatever was thrown her way. Ham has his own demons, but when it comes to showing his tender, loving side he was 100% there. I really rooted for him because this guy needed love and Zara was exactly the woman to give him THAT. The love scenes were incredibly HOT. What a great story.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

This was easy. Low drama sweet story. I only gave it three because I wasn't stuck to the book dying to know what happened I just read along. The characters were sweet and like able as usual but just not the page turner I expect from KA. However it was still a lovely read.

Kristen Ashley is my FAVOURITE romance author, and more than that The Gamble and Sweet Dreams, also part of the Colorado Mountain series are probably my favourite Kristen Ashley books.

So I was really excited about Jagged. I loved the sample and I enjoyed the first 50% of the book, ripped through it at my usual Kristen Ashley devouring rate. Then I just … lost interest. Too predictable, the plot and the characters just weren’t interesting enough… I actually swapped and read another book which is unprecedented. I finally lagged to the end of Jagged but was bored for most of the final 50%, it just never picked up the pace and I really didn’t care what happened.

It’s just predictable. I want so badly to care because the execution is flawless. The writing is great, the characters are so very much better than any other author in the genre can do, and the KA crack is there. But there’s just something missing. Ham is an okay hero but nothing spectacular, perfectly forgettable compared to a hero like Tate who stays with you long after the final pages of the book. Zara is a good heroine but I was not emotionally invested in her the way I was, for example, with Laurie.

I wonder if the Kristen-Ashleyness has been edited out, because the last few books just haven’t been as amazing as the rambly, fabulous, descriptive tomes of Kristen Ashley of old.

I can’t wait for Apolo and Ilsa’s story and I really hope it’s cracktastic and trashy and long and fabulous. Because Jagged didn’t hit the mark for me. I usually read and reread Kristen Ashley books but this one holds little appeal.

I want to give it a better rating, but I just can’t.

*A free copy of this book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

4-4.5 stars

This was a very good book. Graham Reece first shows up in the book “For You” from KA’s The Burg series. I really liked what I saw of Reese in that book and have been looking forward to his book. Zara and Reece are really good together and I enjoyed their story.

Zara grew up in an abusive home and now has nothing to do with her family. She has made her way on her own for years and things haven’t been easy for her. She met Reece around 8 years before the current time of the book, when he happened to be working in her town for a while before he moved on. She knew he was her “one” but also knew she couldn’t keep him. For 5 years he’d visit and be there for her at some points when she needed help but he’d always leave again so she ends up being forced to break things off with him and tell him she’s moving on.

Reece is a good guy but he was screwed over early in life and it made him untrusting of women. Only 2 women have broken past his barriers at all, and that’s Zara and February (the heroine from “For You”). He cared for Feb and his involvement with her for a while earned him an attack by a stalker/serial killer that was killing off past lovers. Once he recovers from his attack he starts to examine his life. He realizes he wants to find a home and build a family, so he goes after the woman he’s always known he was a fool to walk away from, Zara.

Things didn’t go well for Zara after she ended things with Reese. She got married to a nice man but she was settling and knew it. She thought she loved him enough but once they were married she found she was losing herself to try to work things out with him. She had to end the marriage (for which she carried a lot of guilt) and around the same time the recession hit and financial issues came up which forced her in to a cheap but not very safe apartment and a low paying job. Reece did show up right after his attack and her divorce but neither of them was in the right state of mind at the time and they just ended up fighting. Reece leaves and gives her some space for a while but shows up again when she needs him and convinces her to move in with him (but only as a roommate) while also offering her a higher paying job. Zara still has feelings for Reece and knows it’s not a good idea (for her emotional well being if nothing else) but agrees because she’s in dire straits.

Zara and Reece are just roommates at first. They get used to each other again and become friends again but there are also fights at times as they’re both attracted to each other but not together so there’s tension. Eventually, in halting steps, Reece and Zara get together as more than just roommates. It’s not easy and their communication skills aren’t the best. I’ll admit there were times when Reece didn’t handle some of Zara’s issues the best but he did eventually get very good at expressing his feelings and in very sweet and meaningful ways. Zara didn’t always listen very well and made some misjudgments herself but she came around and learned to trust what Reece was showing and telling her and started bringing her own goodness to the relationship.

Soon after Reece and Zara finally come together as a couple, Reece shows his supportive side to Zara as issues with her family come to light. Reece is great about helping Zara with the heavy problems she has to deal with. He is very protective of her and does what he can to lighten her load…I have to admit to falling for him a bit myself. The family issues do get sorted out and the book ends with a satisfying HEA for Zara and Reece.

This was a very good book. I really liked Reece and Zara and was happy they got their HEA especially since it was years late. This was a good addition to the series (it reminded me of book 1, The Gamble). I’d recommend this book. Thumbs up. :D

* note - I got this as an ARC but liked it well enough that I did purchase a copy from the store as well as I intend to reread it in the future.

Jagged by Kristen Ashley

Graham Reese (Ham, Reece, Bruiser!) & Zara Cinders (Cookie)

Explosive, impulsive and peppered with so much emotion your heart will never be the same! It may not be my preferred installment in this series, but hells bells, this book is good! I wasn't entirely stunned at the conclusion, but pleasantly surprised none-the-less. I found it to run parallel to some of it's predecessors, however for me it just seemed a little flat. That being sad, it's still a good book, first-rate story, and fine characters but Ham and Zara just didn't pull me as far in as say... Tate and Lauren or by God my faves... Ty and Lexi, but they were still great!

Kristen Ashley's stories all seem to have certain components in them; Love, hate, angst, humor, violence, and suspense. This one had all of those workings but it was just not as amplified as the other books in this series. It's got everything you'd expect from her, but maybe it just leans more on the softer side. Go read it and you be the judge!

Graham Reece "Ham," well, he was definitely fitting into KA's mold of alpha males in just about every way. I was a little concerned when I found out he was a bartender. It kind of made me feel that he might not be good enough for one of KA's leading ladies. Hmmmm, well, he proved me wrong. One huge guy and everything else huge to go with him (wink wink). Seriously, he was a "Rolling Stone," however, you could tell he really wanted to be with Zara, but just couldn't bring himself to that point! I have to admit, he's not one of my favorites of all KA's alpha males, but he'd do in a pinch! Now Zara on the other hand, I'd hang with that chick! She had more love in her heart than one person should be allowed to have. Especially after all the hardships and heartaches she'd gone through over the years. One would think she'd be insensitive and cynical, but she wasn't, far from it. She approached life with open arms no matter how many times she got knocked down. Good supporting characters in all her friends and the cameos from past characters. The angst Zara's parents caused was one for the record books, so, yeah, I guess even THEY were good characters. It's always pleasant to see how things are going in the lives of characters you've visited in the past.

The writing itself flowed for the most part, but at times I felt myself feeling like I wanted to skip around (just a bit). It was 345 (Kindle Version) pages long and generally a KA book usually takes me 2 to 3 days to finish. I got through this one in 1 1/2 days. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad. At my conclusion, I'll say this, I enjoyed my trip back Gnaw Bone, The Rooster, and even The Dog. It's a trip I'll always take!

4 Stars!

As a long-time fan of everything Kristen Ashley (well, except Mathilda) I anxiously awaited this release. I was a little worried; some of her latest offerings, now that she's hooked up with a "real" publisher, have been missing that certain something that makes a KA book a KA book.

I shouldn't have worried. Jagged is a return to "vintage" KA in all respects: gruff, alpha man with a painful past - check. Sweet, feisty, needs-some-help-but-refuses-to-ask heroine - check. Slew of girlfriends who have the h's back in all things - check. Small town with dark secrets - check.

Some reviews are calling it a repeat of other KA books, and I guess in some ways that's true (see above paragraph). But honestly, that's what we love about these books, right? We read KA for those strong, relatable characters, those WTF! scenarios, that loveable setting. We cry when things get screwed up between the H and h, and we rejoice when they finally get their heads on straight and end up together. The beauty of a KA book is the range of emotions she makes you feel, all the way through from beginning to end, and Jagged definitely delivers.

There's nothing better than a KA story, and in my opinion, Jagged is right up there with the best of them.

I had built up my expectations for this book, too much maybe. KA is my go to author. I read her books over and over, especially when I am in a book slump. I got 67% into this and stopped. I am hoping to go back, but if I don't it won't break my heart. I will wait for her next book, though!!

I absolutely LOVE being able to revisit old friends. That's what these characters always feel like once I've read her books. Old friends. Ones you love checking in on and knowing more about. Kristen Ashley does pretty darn good job of this in all of her series books and I personally love that once I find a good author. Ta-Da! You will not be disappointed as this is one of those authors!
We get to revisit the two main characters that we meet briefly in prior books set in Colorado, like The Gamble, and the story begins with Sara and Graham Reece. The Gnaw Bone is a frequented bar in the foothills and is the main spot where all the goings on either begin or climax and help the stories unfold. The Bone tends to hold its own as a character in itself! This is where we have met most of the "old friends" in Chantelle and in this small town. Zara is a well liked local shop owner and former waitress and Reece a former bartender and drifter who hooked up years prior. This is their story beginning with a sudden reunion following an ax-murdering saga that just came to an end in another state.
Follow their ups and downs and ins and outs as they delve back into their past and develop their today and their future.
Jagged is at most times an overly wordy emotional spouting piece that is so familiar in writing style and character impression that the language is almost 're-hashed from prior books in the series. Sadly I found myself bored and skipping pages of this familiar syrupy language or gruff and rough "manly" speech style that Kristen so regularly uses in all of he books starting with Rock Chicks. That's why I gave a four-star review. Other than that, I can't help but to love these crazy and funny and sad and confused and loving characters and so look forward to reading into their stories. Glad Sara and Reece got theirs!!!
PS: please Kristen , give old man Cotton his due!! You may find a bigger reader audience of you grab those young seniors!! :)

I love the strong heroine, dark sexy alpha male, and the close-knit community of Gnaw Bone. This is yet another novel crafted by Kristen Ashley in her Colorado Mountain Man series. I have read and reread this series and still can't get enough of it!

If you like Kristen Ashley then definately read Jagged, if you haven't read any of her before then buy her whole catalogue you will not be disappointed I promise. That said I found this one a wee bit repetitive. Happy three stars but not a love affair that I have had with some of her other books.

As always K.A. hits another home run with Jagged. She always makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the story. You fall in love with the characters and you can't help but root for them to have their happily ever after. I wait to see what she writes about next. 5 Stars

I love Kristen Ashley. Her books are all about the Alpha Males we wish existed and the idea the love (if right) will always win. Not even remotely close to reality, but a wonderful place to go.......

5 stars for a reason people. Kristen Ashley is by far the best at writing romance about alphas and their girls. Want some good quality entertainment? Read a Kristen Ashley book. You will not be disappointed.

what else to say...if you love kristen ashley books, you will love this too! there isn't as much drama as some previous Colorado Mountain books...but a wonderful love story all the same. I still fell I'll in love with this couple and loved their story..very unique.

Does Kristen Ashley ever write anything bad? NO! I loved Jagged and the relationship between Ham and Zara. I especially loved her getting to know her nephew. This whole series has been great. Although this book had a different "suspense" angle to it, it still held my interest. The character of her Father and his treatment of his family was suspense enough for me. Thanks Kristen for another good read.

I absolutely loved this book!!!! Ham and Zara were perfect together! This may be my favorite of the series. Loved the whole series. Sweet Dreams and Breathe were my favorites but love Jagged so tough call now. I really love Ham!!!

Loved this book but thought it was the weakest(for lack of a better word) book in the series so far. It had the normal hot-alpha male and adorable female but for some reason I thought the story was lacking the depth the others had. Still a solid KA story!

My Rating: 6️⃣ out of ?

The Hero
Zara and Reece have history. They met working together at a bar and hit it off. Zara knew right away that Reece was the one for her. They became close, but as Reece always had done, he moved on. Reece is a the type of guy that doesn’t settle down anywhere or with anyone. It’s just his way. He goes from town to town, state to state, works for a while, but never gets settled. Even with all the traveling throughout the years, he’s never lost touch with Zara. They’ve kept their relationship going with many phone calls and several visits when Reece is in the area. It works for Reece, but eventually, it’s not enough for Zara. She gives Reece his shot, he doesn’t take it, so they both move on.

The Heroine
Fast forward several years later, Zara is newly divorced and happens to see Reece on the news (If you’ve read KA’s For You, book one in the Burg series, you’ll know why). She gets freaked and calls him. He comes right away. They have words and thats that. Zara still has feelings for Reece, but she can’t go there right now. After a fight, Reece takes off like he always does.

“You found a man, babe. You walked away from me.”
“You let me.”


As a little more time passes, Zara’s life goes from bad to worse. After her divorce, losing her business and home, she’s just in a bad way. Reece comes back into town. This time, he takes a job as a manager of a bar, not just bartender. He gets a condo. He’s putting down roots for the first time. He wants to be there for Zara, help her. Even if she will only let him be a friend to her, thats okay.

The Story
Zara and Reece’s relationship started a little rocky.

As Zara starts to get back on her feet again, she and Reece become closer. Much closer. Zara’s got a job she enjoys, a little money in the bank, and Reece back. Life is better than it has been for a long time. Everything is not perfect. There is a ton of family drama on Zara’s side. Lies, deceit, secrets come out of the wood work. One of the best things to come out of this mess was getting to meet a character by the name of Zander.

It's never easy but big, alpha male Colorado mountain men who are undoubtably hot make it better. If you like the series you'll enjoy this story too. It does lack some of the suspense as the others had but it comes thru solid. Entertaining read!

Sara and Reece had dark challenges from their pasts to overcome. Somehow, they managed to keep their eye on finding the love they both needed. The love came and all the other good things followed. Great story.

I started reading yesterday afternoon and just finished. I had trouble putting this one down as I do with most of Kristen's books. I loved this book and was not disappointed. Neens again was the bomb. So happy to see her and Max again. I'm glad I read "For You" so I got the February connection. For You was the one K.A. Book I was able to put down and go back to reading later, but I have found enjoyment in all the K. A. Books I have read so far. I found some of the negative comments in reviews somewhat troubling in that they seemed a little venomous. I think sometimes where we are in our own lives affects our feelings towards different stories. I felt that both Ham and Zara had a lot to overcome emotionally to be able to have loving intimacy with one another. I felt that Kristen dealt with those issues between the characters with her style and her way of writing that I happen to love. I missed the detailed descriptions she is so famous for. Some folks complain about that but this reader loves it and did miss it. I will pick this one up again and enjoy it on the second go round.

Kristen Ashley does it again. Her books are always about wonderful strong characters that grab you from the first word and never let you go. Not even when the story is over. You will continually find yourself go back to these books and reading them again and again. This is an author who writes books that are boooks with characters that you have to love because it would be impossible to do anything else. My family knows that when one of her books gets released I don't exist for them. Lol. These books make me laugh and cry and have just about every emotion in between. I have read every book that she has released and I have never been disappointed in one. I thank the book gods for turning me onto this author. Love love love her and her stories so much. I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next. Thank you Kristen Ashley for the wonderful job that you do to give us these fantastic realistic stories that allow us to escape life for awhile. I'm a fan for life!!!!!!!!