Series: Rook and Ronin Spin-off
Published by Self-Published on January 20th 2014
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Purchase @ AMAZON or BN
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Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps "pets" instead of girlfriends.
And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.
Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that's exactly what she's got going for her. She's broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is screwing with her head.
Big. Time.
And she plans to mess with his right back.
It's a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo--but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth.
One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence.
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Liezel’s Thoughts:
I’ve said this so many times in my previous J.A. Huss reviews … Rook and Ronin is one of my 2013 favorites! And while I adore every single one of the main characters in the series , it was Ford that stood out for me. Yup, I sure did fall madly in love with a supporting character which I thought to be so unexpected. I mean, has that ever even happened before?
When I heard that Ford was getting his own book I was freakin’ ecstatic. I could barely wait to sign up for the cover reveal let alone this tour. So what is the big deal? What is it about this guy that makes this grown woman become a totally over-excited fangirl?
He is no way perfect and has always been emotionally withdrawn – basically a recluse but that is specifically what makes him special. He never truly loved but when he finally fell deeply into Rook he did so wholeheartedly. That’s what made his situation so heartbreaking. I have to admit that I was quite unhappy with Rook for putting him through all that but there was really never a doubt that she was always Ronin’s. It was never her fault and in the end I was thankful since she was the one who cracked through Ford’s walls.
“I love you…I want you…I want this. I want to sleep with you every night and give you everything you want. I’m in…”
We witness his heartbreak at the end of Panic and also in Slack. We find out in Taut that his way of coping is to run. He decides to go up through Vail and gets stuck in a snowstorm. Here he meets an unlikely companion – Ashleigh and her newborn Kate. Both mom and daughter are in such a difficult situation and while Ford could have ignored their plight he takes them in and in so many ways saves them. Ashleigh is pretty secretive but when we find out her situation she is in fact even more broken than Ford.
Of course their relationship started out with them using each other to get over their heartache. But their emptiness and loneliness was a beacon that brought their souls together. You know that Ford could be difficult but for some reason Ashleigh got him, accepted him, challenged him and even put things in a better prespective. She was exactly what he needed and vice versa. While Rook was able to crack through Ford’s walls, Ashleigh was the one that brought them tumbling down.
Ashleigh wasn’t an easy sell, she didn’t immediately fall for Ford antics. She at one point demanded a grand gesture. Was Ford able to deliver? Oh hell yeah, a thousand times over. To get to her he single-handedly outsmarted one intimidating and powerful man without batting an eyelash. This guy is really a genius. A genius with a heart. Who wouldn’t fall in love with this guy?
I can go on and on about how much I loved this book ( or the entire series to be exact) and can not tell you enough how excited I am about Spencer’s upcoming book. I simply can not get enough of J.A. Huss’ characters. Every single one of them did this crazy number on me. I think that every die hard Rook and Ronin fans would absolutely love this one. And if you are new to the series I assure you it isn’t that hard to get into. I would definitely recommend this series and taking advantage of the sale going on now.
The Verdict:
Giselle (@XpressoReads)
Wonderful review! All the characters in this novel seem to well developed and complex! I really have to catch up, asap! I like how perfect Ashleigh seems to be for Ford!
J. A. Huss (@JAHuss)
I’m so glad FORD came through for you! 😀 One great thing about doing this tour, and the next one too, probably, is that I get to come back to the same blogs and get your thoughts. Thanks a bunch, Liezel! <3
liezel77
You’re welcome =)
Jana Aston
Ford stole Panic for me!!!! I was all, I love ya Ronin, but this bed is crowded with the three of us, can you sleep on the couch? 🙂 He did not disappoint me for a minute in Taut. Swoon. Love your blog!