Jagged (Colorado Mountain, #5)

by Kristen Ashley

[Cocktails and Books]

I’m always excited when Kristen Ashley writes a new book and I have to admit, I’m a big fan of hers. JAGGED is her fifth installment in the Colorado Mountain series. From the first page, I was transported to Gnaw Bone, a small town in Colorado.

This story is about Zara, a woman who has lived her entire life in Gnaw Bone, Colorado. Zara’s life has never been easy. Even though Zara comes from a dysfunctional family, she has always remained sweet and optimistic. Through everything, one constant in Zara’s life has been her girlfriends, who always rally around her.

Graham Reece or Ham, is a hot, big bear of a man who always speaks his mind and is honest. Ham works in bars. He stays at one for awhile and when he gets the urge, he moves on to another town.

The story begins when Ham and Zara are in the fifth year of their relationship. Ham has never been interested in putting down roots anywhere and expects Zara to accept him for who he is. With Ham there are no promises and no expectations. They have a friend’s with benefits kind of relationship. Ham is a travelin’ man, who can’t stay in one place and their relationship consists of sporadic phone conversations and hook ups whenever he visits Gnaw Bone. Zara loves Ham and wants a commitment from him. She wants to get married and have a family, but she knows Ham has no interest. They are both good people, who have gone through some tough times, through no fault of the own. They care about each other, but are in different places in their lives.

Kristen Ashley is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters come alive on the page. When Zara and Ham are together, the air crackles with sexual tension. Some of the characters from other books in this series make an appearance. Is it possible for a travlin’man to settle down?

Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books