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The 'Burg #3
Golden Trail
Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick fell in love young, hard and fast and both of them knew a beautiful life they thought would be forever.
Until Rocky left Layne, no explanation, no going back.
Layne escapes The ‘Burg only to come back years later because his ex-wife has hooked herself to the town jerk and Layne needs to make sure his sons get raised right. Layne manages to avoid Rocky but when Layne gets three bullets drilled into him while investigating a dirty cop, he can’t do that because Rocky stops avoiding Layne. They make a deal to work together to expose the dirty cop but they have no idea the strength of their enduring attraction or the sheer evil at work in The ‘Burg.
As Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick play their game and dance around the pull that draws them together, Layne has to discover the dark secrets buried so deep in Rocky’s heart she doesn’t even know they’re there at the same time untangle a sinister web of crime so abhorrent it has to be stopped... at all costs.
And to do it, Layne has to enlist everyone, including his ex-CIA mentor, Rocky’s detective brother, the town’s unpredictable informant and Layne’s two teenage sons all the while stopping Rocky from doing something crazy and keeping their game secret so Layne won't get himself dead.
Until Rocky left Layne, no explanation, no going back.
Layne escapes The ‘Burg only to come back years later because his ex-wife has hooked herself to the town jerk and Layne needs to make sure his sons get raised right. Layne manages to avoid Rocky but when Layne gets three bullets drilled into him while investigating a dirty cop, he can’t do that because Rocky stops avoiding Layne. They make a deal to work together to expose the dirty cop but they have no idea the strength of their enduring attraction or the sheer evil at work in The ‘Burg.
As Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick play their game and dance around the pull that draws them together, Layne has to discover the dark secrets buried so deep in Rocky’s heart she doesn’t even know they’re there at the same time untangle a sinister web of crime so abhorrent it has to be stopped... at all costs.
And to do it, Layne has to enlist everyone, including his ex-CIA mentor, Rocky’s detective brother, the town’s unpredictable informant and Layne’s two teenage sons all the while stopping Rocky from doing something crazy and keeping their game secret so Layne won't get himself dead.
664 pages, ebook
First published July 5, 2011
845 people are currently reading
4590 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
138 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,249 reviews
June 16, 2016
I think Kristen Ashley's alpha assholes are the picture of mansplaining. Reading one of her books will send feminists into homicidal rages, and would even be good propaganda material to recruit for the cause.
Here is a typical conversation in a KA book:
Girl: I really need to talk to you about your actions last night. When you grabbed me by the wrist and threw me against the wall, it really hurt. I had to go to the hospital after you finally let me leave this morning and -
Guy: Come and listen to my story about a man named Jed.
Girl: Would you please let me finish! I can't continue this abusive relationship! I am breaking -
Guy: A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Girl: Guy, listen to -
Guy: And then one day he was shootin at some food,
Girl: Guy!!!
Guy: And up through the ground come a bubblin crude.
Girl: Okay. Whatever you say. You are so much smarter than me. I will have sex with you now.
Alright, I admit that maybe the guy isn't exactly reciting the theme song from the '70's TV show, The Beverly Hillbillies, but he might as well be. Because it doesn't really matter what he says, the point is that he's right and she's wrong. In everything. In this book, our male "hero" explains to his woman why she shouldn't have her own feelings about her period. She's in her late 30's.
That's right. Our man mansplained menstruation to a woman!
Another common thread is that the male alphas typically think their female is "cute" when she's angry. So, when the woman is angry because he has done or said something extremely horrible (which is often), the man will typically laugh or decide to force sexual advances on her. He can't help himself! She's sexy when she's mad!
You know what else is cute when mad? Babies. We, as their parents see those little face bottom lips go out and it's so adorable.
See? That's cute!
Do we consider babies our intellectual equals? No. Do we think that our opinion means more than a baby's? Of course. Do we make babies do what we need them to do despite their complaints? Yes. They have to go to bed at night, allow us to change their diaper - even if we have to hold them down, and get dressed - even though it means that we have to manipulate their arms and legs into the clothing for them.
The problem is that the men typically do all of the above to their women. The woman is below the man in every way. Her opinion is unimportant compared to his. She is forced to have physical contact with him against her will. She is constantly being manipulated by him in every way.
And, the conversations between the characters is excruciating! Here is a snippet from the book. Let's see if you can get through it without wanting to kill someone:
"Why?" he asked.
"Why?" she repeated.
"yes. Why?"
"Layne, I'm not sure we should -"
"Why?"
"I really don't want to talk about - "
"Why?"
"Layne!"
He leaned in to get his face close to hers. "Why?" he repeated.
"Why do you want to know?" she shot back.
"Because I do," he answered.
I bet you find that conversation irritating, huh? Well, the book is filled with these little ditties. Pages and pages of them. Seriously, if these type of exchanges were omitted from the book, it would probably shrink it in half.
And, in this book we had a "hero" with teenage sons. God help us all! He thinks it is perfectly acceptable for his 14-yr old and 17-yr old sons to say "fuck" around him and his woman. His oldest son is a complete manwhore and he is all proud of him with a "that's my boy" attitude until the son meets "the right girl". Then, he tells his son that he has to treat her right and not step out on her. Well, of course! Those other teen girls that his son screwed are not deserving of respect or decency! Only "the right girl" deserves to be treated well. The rest of those girls deserved to be screwed and screwed over. They deserved to have their hearts broken and hopes unfulfilled. What a bunch of sluts they must have been to have allowed the most popular boy in school, the football hero of the town, sweet-talk them into sex.
Time to man-up and drink a beer, boy!
He also decides that his 14-yr old son will work undercover against a pedophile who is running a sex ring. This is the same pedophile that he refuses to allow his woman to even talk to because he is so dangerous. So, in other words, an adult woman is less capable of keeping herself safe than a 14-yr old boy? Evidently.
Of course, his ex-wife is a bitch. A dumb bitch. So, any problems she has with his style of parenting is just too bad. He is the man. He is the fathering genius. Sure, he was gone for the first 12 years of their lives while she had to do it all alone, but he's around now. That means that he is in charge. Stand back, women!! A man is here now! He'll take it from here.
So, even though I have had an awesome time reading these books with all of my reading buddies in the BBB group, I don't know if I can go on. I get way too stabby when I read these. I live in a home with two sons and a husband and I am just not sure if I can keep a male alive in my home when I read these books. Anything with a penis is in danger around me right now.
July 2, 2014
4-4.5 Golden stars!!!
I’ve never read a Kristen Ashely book I didn’t like. Golden Trail was no exception. I loved Layne and Rocky’s second chance love story!
Eighteen years. That’s how long it’s been since the love of Tanner Layne’s life up and left him. Raquel Merrick. Rocky. She was the one for him. They were happy and in love, until one day she was gone. Since then, Layne has had two boys- Jasper and Tripp, who are both teenagers. He’s been married, then divorced. He’s traveled all over for work and now he’s back and settled in the Burg to be near his sons. He tries not to think too much about Rocky, but it’s hard now. She’s infiltrated his job and his life.
Rocky is determined to help take down a dirty cop. She has her reasons for wanting to help, but Layne can’t let her do this alone. He still cares about her and he doesn’t want to see her hurt. For this operation to work, they have to ‘pretend’ to be back together. Since Layne is single and Rocky is in the middle of a divorce, it works. Layne thinks he hates Rocky. Hates her for leaving him, for what she put him through. But with time, he realizes it’s the exact opposite.
One of my favorite things about this one- it was 100% written in Layne’s pov. Love books written in the males perspective. Especially when it’s a KA male.
Layne was a wonderful hero. That is one of the best words I could use to describe the man. HERO. What a guy! He’s a stand up man, great father, kind, considerate, but still that possessive and sexy alpha male. And his sons… I fell in love with them both! Jasper, just like a mini Layne, and Tripp who was the sweetest! Couldn’t get enough of the Layne boys! I loved what Jasper said when he first started dating Kiera (Joe Cal’s step-daughter)
Rocky was one of those heroines I wasn’t sure about in the beginning of the book, but she grew on me. I didn’t understand her at first. What her reasons were for the things she did in the past, and to be honest I just didn’t like her much because she broke Layne’s heart all those years ago. But the more I got to ‘know’ her character, saw how she was with the boys, her students, and saw how much she truly did love Layne, I started to really like her. By the end of the story, she won me over.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5… I felt like there were parts in the middle that dragged. I don’t mind that most of KA’s books are long, in fact, I love that about her stories. It’s just some of the middle felt like it was unnecessary and I had a few moments that I was a little bored. Luckily, the bulk of the story captivated me so it wasn’t a big issue.
I love Kristen Ashely’s writing. That woman has a way with words. I fall in love with every book of hers I read. Most every character too. With how courageous and brave Layne was, it was difficult not to love him. Her ‘The Burg’ series is great because it’s not only romance, but it’s packed full of family, friendship, mystery and suspense. There is always so much going on, but it always comes together in the best way by the end. You will laugh, cry, swoon, and be moved when reading one of her books. This is a series I adore and I’m looking forward to jumping into the next one asap!
And my favorite quote… because it’s SO TRUE!
I’ve never read a Kristen Ashely book I didn’t like. Golden Trail was no exception. I loved Layne and Rocky’s second chance love story!
Eighteen years. That’s how long it’s been since the love of Tanner Layne’s life up and left him. Raquel Merrick. Rocky. She was the one for him. They were happy and in love, until one day she was gone. Since then, Layne has had two boys- Jasper and Tripp, who are both teenagers. He’s been married, then divorced. He’s traveled all over for work and now he’s back and settled in the Burg to be near his sons. He tries not to think too much about Rocky, but it’s hard now. She’s infiltrated his job and his life.
Rocky is determined to help take down a dirty cop. She has her reasons for wanting to help, but Layne can’t let her do this alone. He still cares about her and he doesn’t want to see her hurt. For this operation to work, they have to ‘pretend’ to be back together. Since Layne is single and Rocky is in the middle of a divorce, it works. Layne thinks he hates Rocky. Hates her for leaving him, for what she put him through. But with time, he realizes it’s the exact opposite.
Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he’d never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.Layne and Rocky aren’t just dealing with their feelings for one another, they also have so much more than they bargained for in this case they’re working. Bad things are going down in the Burg and they’re working to solve the mystery of whats going on. As they continue to work the case, Rocky grows closer to Layne and his boys. Layne comes to find the reason Rocky really left. Their ‘fake’ relationship turns more real day by day. Neither had lost the feelings they’ve always had for one another.
Fuck him.
“What am I gonna do with you, Raquel Merrick?”
“Anything you want, Layne. As long as you’re with me when you do it.”
One of my favorite things about this one- it was 100% written in Layne’s pov. Love books written in the males perspective. Especially when it’s a KA male.
Layne was a wonderful hero. That is one of the best words I could use to describe the man. HERO. What a guy! He’s a stand up man, great father, kind, considerate, but still that possessive and sexy alpha male. And his sons… I fell in love with them both! Jasper, just like a mini Layne, and Tripp who was the sweetest! Couldn’t get enough of the Layne boys! I loved what Jasper said when he first started dating Kiera (Joe Cal’s step-daughter)
“It’s good she hooked up with me, she’s such a nut, she needs a badass to take her back.”Then Tripp talking about trying to get with Giselle.
“Giselle Speakmon’s parents are totally devout. When I get in there and we hook up, there won’t be any cribs for me either, Dad, because I reckon they’ll make me wear one of those chastity belts, knowin’ Jas is my brother and all.”They made me smile and laugh out loud so many times. Ryker was also a fun character, and Rocky’s brother Merry. I’m looking forward to his book!
Rocky was one of those heroines I wasn’t sure about in the beginning of the book, but she grew on me. I didn’t understand her at first. What her reasons were for the things she did in the past, and to be honest I just didn’t like her much because she broke Layne’s heart all those years ago. But the more I got to ‘know’ her character, saw how she was with the boys, her students, and saw how much she truly did love Layne, I started to really like her. By the end of the story, she won me over.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5… I felt like there were parts in the middle that dragged. I don’t mind that most of KA’s books are long, in fact, I love that about her stories. It’s just some of the middle felt like it was unnecessary and I had a few moments that I was a little bored. Luckily, the bulk of the story captivated me so it wasn’t a big issue.
I love Kristen Ashely’s writing. That woman has a way with words. I fall in love with every book of hers I read. Most every character too. With how courageous and brave Layne was, it was difficult not to love him. Her ‘The Burg’ series is great because it’s not only romance, but it’s packed full of family, friendship, mystery and suspense. There is always so much going on, but it always comes together in the best way by the end. You will laugh, cry, swoon, and be moved when reading one of her books. This is a series I adore and I’m looking forward to jumping into the next one asap!
“Live this with me, just life it. Whatever happens, however it happens, just live it with me.”
And my favorite quote… because it’s SO TRUE!
“See, that's the beauty of books. We get to take what we want out of them and it can be different for everyone. You get a good one, you may even find what you need.”
March 6, 2014
Prevaricate...
Equivocate...
Evade...
Evade...
Evade...
I always feel defensive when I don't like a Kristen Ashley book. And I always feel as if I should be very thorough about my expectations, my history with the author, and whatever the hell happened with this particular experience.
Yeah, really...what the heck happened, Duchess?
Well, you see, I'm not really sure. Everything about this book just rubbed me wrong. Maybe it was bad timing, maybe I've read one too many alpha male stories. Maybe I grew tired of the KA formula. To defend myself a bit, the previous book in this series, At Peace, is one of my all time favorite books. So it's not that I'm growing tired of KA, I don't think. It was just these characters and this book, the intensely serious subject matter and the New Adult dramatics that inundated the pages.
-- Layne wasn't alpha. He was an overbearing, know it all jackass. I know this is typical for KA but I felt it was so overdone here. Layne can do no wrong, Layne is the best, the strongest, the hottest, the fastest.
-- Raquel (Rocky) wasn't a strong woman. She was feeble and weak willed. The only thing I liked about Rocky was her passion for literature. Other than that, she caves to Layne's pushy, obnoxious ways...but always puts up a fake fight, just enough to be annoying. I'm not even sure how many times this convo happened but I started wishing they were real just so I could smack them the next time they said this:
"I can pay for dinner, Layne."
"I know you can, you just aren't."
"Layne."
"Rocky."
"Layne."
"Roc."
"Layne!"
...and then he does what he wants to anyways. Some variation of that happens in nearly every single scene that Layne and Rocky are together...I'm not even exaggerating. And get this: she never wins!
-- The parenting portrayed here? WTF was that?!?! Bullshit, that's what.
Who not only lets, but recruits their 17 and 14 year old children to infiltrate a known pedophile's operation?
-- The ex situation: Tanner Layne's ex wife and loving mother of his children was portrayed as such a bitch. And I'm sorry, but if the father of my children encouraged profanity, utilized them in his oh-so-manly, deadly sting operations, and encouraged their promiscuity (not by offering condoms...to each his own. I'm talking about the joking and subtle pseudo high fives and the fact that Layne alludes to the way that Keira, Joe Cal's daughter, is somehow more DESERVING of respect with regards to sex and affection than the other girls he was banging...this pissed me off. No one is less deserving of respect, especially gullible teenage girls.), not to mention the fact that he basically took off for nearly their entire lives and suddenly wants to come back and tell her how to raise them. And SHE'S the bitch? Nope, not even close.
My last point of contention was the big conflict. This is a second chance love story. Twenty years or so have passed since Rocky left their happy relationship out of the blue, suddenly and with no explanation. The build up to that big revelation took nearly this entire book. Her dad and her brother were both in on it, adamant that Rocky would never speak to them again if they revealed the big secret. And after the revelation, I mean what revelation? I still don't see any reasoning behind her actions. I mean, seriously, what a lame, lazy excuse. Soooooo...what? That means she can never have a meaningful relationship? That means she should leave the love of her life, with zero explanation? Here one day, gone the next. For me, there WAS NO REASON given. None. It was sort of glossed over. All we really get is
There are a few epic quotes in these pages and I can absolutely see the appeal for fans of KA to love this. (Here I go again...evade, evade, evade...) I think for me, it was a combination of really bad timing and the fact that not only did I start to lose interest early on in the book, but that this is also one of the 500+ monsters of earlier KA. I honestly hate to rip apart this book like I did, but I'm being honest and I just couldn't find any redeeming qualities for this story.
Wait...on second thought, since Rocky was such a doormat, maybe she really and truly needed an uber bossy man to make decisions for her. That could actually be the entire point of the story, and instead of embracing it, I just now thought of it at the end of my review. Dang.
Equivocate...
Evade...
Evade...
Evade...
I always feel defensive when I don't like a Kristen Ashley book. And I always feel as if I should be very thorough about my expectations, my history with the author, and whatever the hell happened with this particular experience.
Yeah, really...what the heck happened, Duchess?
Well, you see, I'm not really sure. Everything about this book just rubbed me wrong. Maybe it was bad timing, maybe I've read one too many alpha male stories. Maybe I grew tired of the KA formula. To defend myself a bit, the previous book in this series, At Peace, is one of my all time favorite books. So it's not that I'm growing tired of KA, I don't think. It was just these characters and this book, the intensely serious subject matter and the New Adult dramatics that inundated the pages.
-- Layne wasn't alpha. He was an overbearing, know it all jackass. I know this is typical for KA but I felt it was so overdone here. Layne can do no wrong, Layne is the best, the strongest, the hottest, the fastest.
-- Raquel (Rocky) wasn't a strong woman. She was feeble and weak willed. The only thing I liked about Rocky was her passion for literature. Other than that, she caves to Layne's pushy, obnoxious ways...but always puts up a fake fight, just enough to be annoying. I'm not even sure how many times this convo happened but I started wishing they were real just so I could smack them the next time they said this:
"I can pay for dinner, Layne."
"I know you can, you just aren't."
"Layne."
"Rocky."
"Layne."
"Roc."
"Layne!"
...and then he does what he wants to anyways. Some variation of that happens in nearly every single scene that Layne and Rocky are together...I'm not even exaggerating. And get this: she never wins!
-- The parenting portrayed here? WTF was that?!?! Bullshit, that's what.
Who not only lets, but recruits their 17 and 14 year old children to infiltrate a known pedophile's operation?
-- The ex situation: Tanner Layne's ex wife and loving mother of his children was portrayed as such a bitch. And I'm sorry, but if the father of my children encouraged profanity, utilized them in his oh-so-manly, deadly sting operations, and encouraged their promiscuity (not by offering condoms...to each his own. I'm talking about the joking and subtle pseudo high fives and the fact that Layne alludes to the way that Keira, Joe Cal's daughter, is somehow more DESERVING of respect with regards to sex and affection than the other girls he was banging...this pissed me off. No one is less deserving of respect, especially gullible teenage girls.), not to mention the fact that he basically took off for nearly their entire lives and suddenly wants to come back and tell her how to raise them. And SHE'S the bitch? Nope, not even close.
My last point of contention was the big conflict. This is a second chance love story. Twenty years or so have passed since Rocky left their happy relationship out of the blue, suddenly and with no explanation. The build up to that big revelation took nearly this entire book. Her dad and her brother were both in on it, adamant that Rocky would never speak to them again if they revealed the big secret. And after the revelation, I mean what revelation? I still don't see any reasoning behind her actions. I mean, seriously, what a lame, lazy excuse. Soooooo...what? That means she can never have a meaningful relationship? That means she should leave the love of her life, with zero explanation? Here one day, gone the next. For me, there WAS NO REASON given. None. It was sort of glossed over. All we really get is
There are a few epic quotes in these pages and I can absolutely see the appeal for fans of KA to love this. (Here I go again...evade, evade, evade...) I think for me, it was a combination of really bad timing and the fact that not only did I start to lose interest early on in the book, but that this is also one of the 500+ monsters of earlier KA. I honestly hate to rip apart this book like I did, but I'm being honest and I just couldn't find any redeeming qualities for this story.
Wait...on second thought, since Rocky was such a doormat, maybe she really and truly needed an uber bossy man to make decisions for her. That could actually be the entire point of the story, and instead of embracing it, I just now thought of it at the end of my review. Dang.
September 9, 2012
"Live this with me, just live it, whatever happens, however it happens, just live it with me..."
**HAPPY DANCE** oooo how I loved this book! It literally made me tremble with joy (yes, literally... and my husband is still teasing me about my incessant squeeing :P ). But seriously, its another gorgeous, swoony, emotional beautifully written KA book that had me in happy tears and clutching my heart more times than I could count.
Tanner Layne wakes up in a hospital bed after being riddled with bullets to find Rocky at his bed side. To say their history was a mess is an understatement. 18 years ago, they had a beautiful, know-in-your-heart-this-is-meant-to-be-forever kind of romance until suddenly, with no reason, Rocky left him. Devastated and unable to find the reason why, Layne left the 'burg and moved forward with his life while leaving his heart behind. Heart broken and angry over Rocky's unexplained departure from his life, his condom breaks one very drunk night giving him a son he adores but saddling him with a bitchy wife he feels duty bound to stand by. Trapped for years in a loveless marriage, the only good thing left in his life becomes his two sons. Now, in present day, his ex-wife has hooked up with a real asshole he doesn't want around his two teenage sons, and he has come back to the 'burg in an effort to give them a better life. But when he wakes up in the hospital and sees Rocky there for him, and then they start working together to bring down the dirty cop who shot him, it reawakens his feelings for her that were buried so deep by the hurt of their past that he didn't realize how truly strong they still were.
Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he'd never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
Fuck him.
The whole vibe of this book is a little different than the last two in the series (For You and At Peace). It really snuck up on me because while it seemed a lot quieter and more subtle in its intensity, it packed quite the emotional punch. I cried several times (usually happy or just overly emotional tears), squeed, laughed, swooned and really just felt a lot while reading it. Something about it really spoke deep. Deep family connections, deep bonding, deep love and healing. Just. So. Freaking. Gorgeous.
And while there is still very much of the typical 'badass' feel that all KA books have, it has that while being very strongly family-relationship focused. It felt very real. There is a lot of family stuff that is just utterly gorgeous and because Layne has two sons (the oldest being 18), its basically a badass KA Alpha man raising KA Alpha boys - total mega swoon going on there!! I cannot possibly tell you guys how much I ADORED seeing Layne and his sons bond. Definitely led to a lot of tears and heart clutching <3
Another thing that's different is that the whole book is from Layne's POV! I loved seeing the life, thoughts and actions of a KA Alpha man so continuously. By always seeing the story from his POV, you totally sympathized with his lack of knowledge about the break up and were just as curious as he was to uncover the reason behind it, and you saw him fall back in love with Rocky and got to see the romance build through his eyes.
The romantic relationship part of this story is a slow, subtle but beautiful build. Its not like they see each other and the clothing articles go a-flyin'. The romance creeps up on them as they slowly and naturally ease back into the "forever" couple they were always intended to be while working out the issues left over by so many unanswered questions. *dreamy sigh* ... oh, and the sexy times were HOT!! "Hands to the wall." *fans self*
There IS a bad guy, but, unlike in previous books in this series, he isn't really directly targeting Layne or Rocky, but rather actually serves to being them closer to each other as they work together to bring him down.
And then there is the whole issue of Rocky's big secret - why did she leave Layne 18 years ago?? We don't find out until late in the story - the build up is subtle but intense! As the theories started piling up in my head, I was on emotional overload. Full body chills, tears, the whole shebang!
I loved watching them come together, watching Rocky open up to him again, watching him making her feel safe, and seeing them meld their lives back together.
"I remember, Rocky. I remember everything. I remember every... fucking ... thing."
Layne was such a gorgeous Alpha. But he was open, honest, fair, loyal, no bullshit, no lies, no games. Just seeing him pass on his wisdom and teaching his sons to be the best men they could be both through his words and by practicing what he was preaching and always being there for his woman, respecting her, loving her, protecting her... helping those in need, bringing his family together... absolutely beautiful, totally swoony, and heart-melting!! <3
"Seen a lot of things, done a lot of things, wounds to the flesh hurt but they heal fast. Wounds to the soul never go away. It's how we cope with a pain that never dies that makes us the people we are. Daily, people demonstrate acts of courage just so they can get through the night.. there are warriors and then there are warriors. In your Dad's bed lies a warrior. Learn from her, boy."
Rocky was a wonderful heroine. She had guts, was strong on her own, stubborn and driven. She drove Layne a little crazy sometimes with how strong she was, but that was great fun to read cuz it brought out his swoony extra protective side. But she also had a lot of buried hurt, a lot of deep understanding for love and a beautiful heart. She was the perfect match for Layne.
There were so many times in the story when I'd just be sitting there reading with tears in my eyes and my hand over my mouth... beautiful, emotional, deep. Love, love, love!
The story also ties into the previous two books in the series. We see a lot of Colt & Feb and Cal & Vi and their girls... them all living in the 'burg together and all being in the business of protecting people, their lives intersect a lot. And its totally awesome!
I know I've said this a few gazillion times before, but seriously. KA writes THE. BEST. MEN. EVER. (who am I kidding, she writes pretty much the best EVERYTHING ever, but I digress). My heart just overflows with the emotions that their stories and actions wring from me and their stories settle so deeply in my heart, I feel like I know these characters personal. Utterly BRILLIANT writing. That woman has a true gift. Her writing style is just so badass. She makes absolutely everything seem larger than life and epically cool and yet so down-to-earth, real and intimate that it feels like its just you and the world you are reading about and you can just lose yourself in the words and feel like you are right freaking there.
Oh, and there is a GORGEOUS epilogue at the end of this book featuring all the characters we've seen in this series so far... KA's epilogues leave you with the most wonderful, happy, full feelings ever. They leave you with the knowledge and deep certainty that everyone in them has the beautiful happy ending they deserve. *happy tear*
Here's how I see Layne:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
**HAPPY DANCE** oooo how I loved this book! It literally made me tremble with joy (yes, literally... and my husband is still teasing me about my incessant squeeing :P ). But seriously, its another gorgeous, swoony, emotional beautifully written KA book that had me in happy tears and clutching my heart more times than I could count.
Tanner Layne wakes up in a hospital bed after being riddled with bullets to find Rocky at his bed side. To say their history was a mess is an understatement. 18 years ago, they had a beautiful, know-in-your-heart-this-is-meant-to-be-forever kind of romance until suddenly, with no reason, Rocky left him. Devastated and unable to find the reason why, Layne left the 'burg and moved forward with his life while leaving his heart behind. Heart broken and angry over Rocky's unexplained departure from his life, his condom breaks one very drunk night giving him a son he adores but saddling him with a bitchy wife he feels duty bound to stand by. Trapped for years in a loveless marriage, the only good thing left in his life becomes his two sons. Now, in present day, his ex-wife has hooked up with a real asshole he doesn't want around his two teenage sons, and he has come back to the 'burg in an effort to give them a better life. But when he wakes up in the hospital and sees Rocky there for him, and then they start working together to bring down the dirty cop who shot him, it reawakens his feelings for her that were buried so deep by the hurt of their past that he didn't realize how truly strong they still were.
Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he'd never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
Fuck him.
The whole vibe of this book is a little different than the last two in the series (For You and At Peace). It really snuck up on me because while it seemed a lot quieter and more subtle in its intensity, it packed quite the emotional punch. I cried several times (usually happy or just overly emotional tears), squeed, laughed, swooned and really just felt a lot while reading it. Something about it really spoke deep. Deep family connections, deep bonding, deep love and healing. Just. So. Freaking. Gorgeous.
And while there is still very much of the typical 'badass' feel that all KA books have, it has that while being very strongly family-relationship focused. It felt very real. There is a lot of family stuff that is just utterly gorgeous and because Layne has two sons (the oldest being 18), its basically a badass KA Alpha man raising KA Alpha boys - total mega swoon going on there!! I cannot possibly tell you guys how much I ADORED seeing Layne and his sons bond. Definitely led to a lot of tears and heart clutching <3
Another thing that's different is that the whole book is from Layne's POV! I loved seeing the life, thoughts and actions of a KA Alpha man so continuously. By always seeing the story from his POV, you totally sympathized with his lack of knowledge about the break up and were just as curious as he was to uncover the reason behind it, and you saw him fall back in love with Rocky and got to see the romance build through his eyes.
The romantic relationship part of this story is a slow, subtle but beautiful build. Its not like they see each other and the clothing articles go a-flyin'. The romance creeps up on them as they slowly and naturally ease back into the "forever" couple they were always intended to be while working out the issues left over by so many unanswered questions. *dreamy sigh* ... oh, and the sexy times were HOT!! "Hands to the wall." *fans self*
There IS a bad guy, but, unlike in previous books in this series, he isn't really directly targeting Layne or Rocky, but rather actually serves to being them closer to each other as they work together to bring him down.
And then there is the whole issue of Rocky's big secret - why did she leave Layne 18 years ago?? We don't find out until late in the story - the build up is subtle but intense! As the theories started piling up in my head, I was on emotional overload. Full body chills, tears, the whole shebang!
I loved watching them come together, watching Rocky open up to him again, watching him making her feel safe, and seeing them meld their lives back together.
"I remember, Rocky. I remember everything. I remember every... fucking ... thing."
Layne was such a gorgeous Alpha. But he was open, honest, fair, loyal, no bullshit, no lies, no games. Just seeing him pass on his wisdom and teaching his sons to be the best men they could be both through his words and by practicing what he was preaching and always being there for his woman, respecting her, loving her, protecting her... helping those in need, bringing his family together... absolutely beautiful, totally swoony, and heart-melting!! <3
"Seen a lot of things, done a lot of things, wounds to the flesh hurt but they heal fast. Wounds to the soul never go away. It's how we cope with a pain that never dies that makes us the people we are. Daily, people demonstrate acts of courage just so they can get through the night.. there are warriors and then there are warriors. In your Dad's bed lies a warrior. Learn from her, boy."
Rocky was a wonderful heroine. She had guts, was strong on her own, stubborn and driven. She drove Layne a little crazy sometimes with how strong she was, but that was great fun to read cuz it brought out his swoony extra protective side. But she also had a lot of buried hurt, a lot of deep understanding for love and a beautiful heart. She was the perfect match for Layne.
There were so many times in the story when I'd just be sitting there reading with tears in my eyes and my hand over my mouth... beautiful, emotional, deep. Love, love, love!
The story also ties into the previous two books in the series. We see a lot of Colt & Feb and Cal & Vi and their girls... them all living in the 'burg together and all being in the business of protecting people, their lives intersect a lot. And its totally awesome!
I know I've said this a few gazillion times before, but seriously. KA writes THE. BEST. MEN. EVER. (who am I kidding, she writes pretty much the best EVERYTHING ever, but I digress). My heart just overflows with the emotions that their stories and actions wring from me and their stories settle so deeply in my heart, I feel like I know these characters personal. Utterly BRILLIANT writing. That woman has a true gift. Her writing style is just so badass. She makes absolutely everything seem larger than life and epically cool and yet so down-to-earth, real and intimate that it feels like its just you and the world you are reading about and you can just lose yourself in the words and feel like you are right freaking there.
Oh, and there is a GORGEOUS epilogue at the end of this book featuring all the characters we've seen in this series so far... KA's epilogues leave you with the most wonderful, happy, full feelings ever. They leave you with the knowledge and deep certainty that everyone in them has the beautiful happy ending they deserve. *happy tear*
Here's how I see Layne:
For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog
And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page
August 20, 2013
5 Kristen Ashley Stars! (Kristen Ashley = amazing)
Just when I thought I've seen it all and there was no way I'd enjoy a book about long separated lovers and teenaged boys, Kristen Ashley turned the tables on me, moved for the win and FRAKKING did it again!!!!!
Ladies fasten your seatbelts, and prepare yourselves... We are inside the mind of Tanner Layne, alpha male extraordinaire!!!!!!!!!!!!
Entirely told in his POV, this book surprises you, captivates you and gives you a rare glimpse at the amazing psyche of our favorite heroes, KA males!! I mean it's a new species, really...
“Any battle worth winnin’ is worth using every weapon available.”
Every time, every damn time these books make me live, love, FEEL.
“I was a child, and she was a child, in this kingdom by the sea; but we loved with a love that was more than a love – I and my Annabelle Lee.”
Layne and Rocky fell in love young.
And they had it all.
“You were my first kiss, my first everything. ”
But they also had demons. Nightmares to fight and Raquel Merrick was many things but she wasn't well. She was strong beyond your wild imaginings, but not sane.
And she left. And they were broken.
Eighteen years later. They tried. They tried to built a life.
Layne tried to built a family, but his wife wasn't Rocky. She was a bitch. He has two teenaged sons, he is a P.I and he tries to save everyone. In his line of work he is injured and laying in hospital he wakes up (in more ways than one) with Rocky by his side.
Rocky tried too. She married, but her husband wasn't Layne. He was a cheating bastard. Humiliated and lonely, her only salvation are her students and her passion in her work. She is the most popular English Lit teacher. Hell, the most beloved teacher. She once left Layne and she knows she might do it again. But his getting shot, is a wake up call and she can't resist him a second time.
Two people, scarred and miserable alone, realise that they can leave the past behind and that noone has to be perfect. They just have to be themselves.
And in the end:
“If you’re nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate and be strong because those three things are everything.”
Amazing secondary characters as always with KA novels. Tripp and Jasper are awesome. Mature, responsible, mini-Layne delights. OK, I'm not 100% sure about their involvement with the case but hell, I liked it! I wouldn't want my kids a mile within this, but for this story it totally worked! And the Jasper-Keira romance it was a treat! I LOVED it.
The whole brilliant 'Burg cast is here and they have closed ranks more than ever. Don't mess with them people!!!
The Epilogue was the cherry on top of this fantastic cake.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! A MILLION TIMES THANK YOU KRISTEN! You always deliver....
Just when I thought I've seen it all and there was no way I'd enjoy a book about long separated lovers and teenaged boys, Kristen Ashley turned the tables on me, moved for the win and FRAKKING did it again!!!!!
Ladies fasten your seatbelts, and prepare yourselves... We are inside the mind of Tanner Layne, alpha male extraordinaire!!!!!!!!!!!!
Entirely told in his POV, this book surprises you, captivates you and gives you a rare glimpse at the amazing psyche of our favorite heroes, KA males!! I mean it's a new species, really...
“Any battle worth winnin’ is worth using every weapon available.”
Every time, every damn time these books make me live, love, FEEL.
“I was a child, and she was a child, in this kingdom by the sea; but we loved with a love that was more than a love – I and my Annabelle Lee.”
Layne and Rocky fell in love young.
And they had it all.
“You were my first kiss, my first everything. ”
But they also had demons. Nightmares to fight and Raquel Merrick was many things but she wasn't well. She was strong beyond your wild imaginings, but not sane.
And she left. And they were broken.
Eighteen years later. They tried. They tried to built a life.
Layne tried to built a family, but his wife wasn't Rocky. She was a bitch. He has two teenaged sons, he is a P.I and he tries to save everyone. In his line of work he is injured and laying in hospital he wakes up (in more ways than one) with Rocky by his side.
Rocky tried too. She married, but her husband wasn't Layne. He was a cheating bastard. Humiliated and lonely, her only salvation are her students and her passion in her work. She is the most popular English Lit teacher. Hell, the most beloved teacher. She once left Layne and she knows she might do it again. But his getting shot, is a wake up call and she can't resist him a second time.
Two people, scarred and miserable alone, realise that they can leave the past behind and that noone has to be perfect. They just have to be themselves.
And in the end:
“If you’re nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate and be strong because those three things are everything.”
Amazing secondary characters as always with KA novels. Tripp and Jasper are awesome. Mature, responsible, mini-Layne delights. OK, I'm not 100% sure about their involvement with the case but hell, I liked it! I wouldn't want my kids a mile within this, but for this story it totally worked! And the Jasper-Keira romance it was a treat! I LOVED it.
The whole brilliant 'Burg cast is here and they have closed ranks more than ever. Don't mess with them people!!!
The Epilogue was the cherry on top of this fantastic cake.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! A MILLION TIMES THANK YOU KRISTEN! You always deliver....
August 16, 2015
5 excuse me while I swoon a little STARS
LADIES! We got a bad-ass alpha male DILF on our hands. I'm a believer in sharing good new first and this is the best news ever, believe me. And the whole book is written in his POV...what more do you want?
Honestly? This stuff is just perfect which ever way you look at it. Kristen Ashley books are like my safe haven. I come back to them with alarming frequency and once I start I can never stop. I said this before, but for me escaping into one of her books is like eating comfort food and just coming home.
It's wonderful.
Now I'm not going to lie, KA writes these books with an painting by numbers approach. You know what you get and I'm totally ok with that every once in a while, it's also the thing that makes it so easy to read. A bit of predictability and some heart warming cheesy fluff, mixed in with a little mystery, murder and mayhem. No regrets here. She gets me every time.
Tanner Layne was shot during an investigation into a corrupt cop and when he wakes up at the hospital he is greeted with a face he didn't expect, not in a million years. Raquel 'Rocky' Merrick.
Rocky and Layne have a very intense history, but for the last eighteen years they haven't even talked to one another. When Roc was 17 and Layne was 21 they started dating for three years until one day Rocky left....out of the blue and with no explanation whatsoever. In fact she enlisted her father and brother to keep him from her.
And Layne was forced to move on from the only woman he had ever loved. Shortly after a drunken hook up resulted in a failed marriage and two sons; Jasper, 17 and Tripp, 14. Eighteen years after the break-up that almost destroyed him he is not only a devoted father who not always makes the right decisions, but tries like no one else; but also a hard working and very successful Private Investigator.
Rocky on the other hand had moved on as well, she is a teacher now and she got married eventually. Unfortunately her ass-hole husband cheated on her and she left him. Not that she was very heartbroken about it since that relationship was just as loveless as Layne's was.
Roc is a wonderful character. I really liked her a lot. She is sweet, caring, a brilliant teacher and just through and through a good person. Which makes the fact that she left him before all the more unbelievable and the actual reason so much more painful.
After Layne got shot something within Roc shifted and she couldn't stay away any longer. Hence the wake-up call in the hospital room. And she goes even further, Rocky is out for revenge. She wants to get the SOBs who did this to Jayne, but also she has history with dirty cops and she just doesn't stand for that kind of behaviour. Ultimately things get set in motion that forces them to to work together.
And to be honest, deep down both just want an excuse to be near one another again. Of course they can't stay away for long and with a bit of strategic manoeuvring on Layne's part things get really interesting pretty darn fast.
Now you just have to throw a few more people into the mix - KA style. Layne's two teenage sons who make some pretty awesome mini-alphas in training, his grumpy old CIA friend Dev, his mother, the dog named Blondie and then there is the scary biker with the big heart named Ryker. That's just the inner circle. There is so much more going on, at times I wanted to draw a flow chart just to keep up with all the cases our hero was working on.
You see, Layne has a bit of a helper complex and he can't say no to people in need. It's adorable and pretty bad-ass as well. So on top of finding out who shot him, there are many many more riddles to solve and lives to save.
Golden Trail is one of those books you either love to pieces or you just can't deal with. It's long...and I mean looooong. Over 700 pages long. But here is the kicker, I would have read a few hundred more without thinking about it. I love Ms. Ashley's style. I love her attention to detail and I freaking adore this world she created where the protagonists from previous books in the series play big roles as well.
Over the span of now three books in this particular series (plus two more I haven't read yet) we get to explore the 'burg and all its inhabitants, the criminal proceedings and the tragedies that lie just beneath the surface. But it all leads to happy endings, lots of love and family. The sense of community and help between the people is just heart-warming.
So, we have my personal holy grail of romance tropes - a beautiful second chance love-story. I'm always ok with that. A male POV told story and let me tell you this is one testosterone filled read. Not only is our MC a no bullshit, take no prisoners hard ass, he also tells it like he means it. I don't think he even knows how to lie. His interaction with his sons it really well done. He treats them like adults and actually considers them as assets. Then you have all the other boys running around, helping out and investigating stuff. It's all manly talk and 'you got me?' shit. I freaking loved it!!!
“Men like you aren’t made, though, Tanner. Men like you just are. ”
LADIES! We got a bad-ass alpha male DILF on our hands. I'm a believer in sharing good new first and this is the best news ever, believe me. And the whole book is written in his POV...what more do you want?
Honestly? This stuff is just perfect which ever way you look at it. Kristen Ashley books are like my safe haven. I come back to them with alarming frequency and once I start I can never stop. I said this before, but for me escaping into one of her books is like eating comfort food and just coming home.
It's wonderful.
Now I'm not going to lie, KA writes these books with an painting by numbers approach. You know what you get and I'm totally ok with that every once in a while, it's also the thing that makes it so easy to read. A bit of predictability and some heart warming cheesy fluff, mixed in with a little mystery, murder and mayhem. No regrets here. She gets me every time.
“If you are nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate, and be strong because those three are everything.”
Tanner Layne was shot during an investigation into a corrupt cop and when he wakes up at the hospital he is greeted with a face he didn't expect, not in a million years. Raquel 'Rocky' Merrick.
Rocky and Layne have a very intense history, but for the last eighteen years they haven't even talked to one another. When Roc was 17 and Layne was 21 they started dating for three years until one day Rocky left....out of the blue and with no explanation whatsoever. In fact she enlisted her father and brother to keep him from her.
And Layne was forced to move on from the only woman he had ever loved. Shortly after a drunken hook up resulted in a failed marriage and two sons; Jasper, 17 and Tripp, 14. Eighteen years after the break-up that almost destroyed him he is not only a devoted father who not always makes the right decisions, but tries like no one else; but also a hard working and very successful Private Investigator.
Rocky on the other hand had moved on as well, she is a teacher now and she got married eventually. Unfortunately her ass-hole husband cheated on her and she left him. Not that she was very heartbroken about it since that relationship was just as loveless as Layne's was.
Roc is a wonderful character. I really liked her a lot. She is sweet, caring, a brilliant teacher and just through and through a good person. Which makes the fact that she left him before all the more unbelievable and the actual reason so much more painful.
“Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he’d never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
Fuck him.”
After Layne got shot something within Roc shifted and she couldn't stay away any longer. Hence the wake-up call in the hospital room. And she goes even further, Rocky is out for revenge. She wants to get the SOBs who did this to Jayne, but also she has history with dirty cops and she just doesn't stand for that kind of behaviour. Ultimately things get set in motion that forces them to to work together.
And to be honest, deep down both just want an excuse to be near one another again. Of course they can't stay away for long and with a bit of strategic manoeuvring on Layne's part things get really interesting pretty darn fast.
Now you just have to throw a few more people into the mix - KA style. Layne's two teenage sons who make some pretty awesome mini-alphas in training, his grumpy old CIA friend Dev, his mother, the dog named Blondie and then there is the scary biker with the big heart named Ryker. That's just the inner circle. There is so much more going on, at times I wanted to draw a flow chart just to keep up with all the cases our hero was working on.
You see, Layne has a bit of a helper complex and he can't say no to people in need. It's adorable and pretty bad-ass as well. So on top of finding out who shot him, there are many many more riddles to solve and lives to save.
“Wounds to the flesh hurt but they heal fast. Wounds to the soul never go away. It’s how we cope with a pain that never dies that makes us the people we are. Daily, people demonstrate acts of courage just so they can get through to the night”
Golden Trail is one of those books you either love to pieces or you just can't deal with. It's long...and I mean looooong. Over 700 pages long. But here is the kicker, I would have read a few hundred more without thinking about it. I love Ms. Ashley's style. I love her attention to detail and I freaking adore this world she created where the protagonists from previous books in the series play big roles as well.
Over the span of now three books in this particular series (plus two more I haven't read yet) we get to explore the 'burg and all its inhabitants, the criminal proceedings and the tragedies that lie just beneath the surface. But it all leads to happy endings, lots of love and family. The sense of community and help between the people is just heart-warming.
“His fingers curled around her neck and he put his forehead to hers before sharing, “I remember, Rocky. I remember everything. I remember every… fucking… thing.”
So, we have my personal holy grail of romance tropes - a beautiful second chance love-story. I'm always ok with that. A male POV told story and let me tell you this is one testosterone filled read. Not only is our MC a no bullshit, take no prisoners hard ass, he also tells it like he means it. I don't think he even knows how to lie. His interaction with his sons it really well done. He treats them like adults and actually considers them as assets. Then you have all the other boys running around, helping out and investigating stuff. It's all manly talk and 'you got me?' shit. I freaking loved it!!!
October 8, 2017
Re read - upgraded from 4-5 stars!
I loved this book the first time around!
I loved it even more the second time around.
Tanner and Rocky had been in love 18 years ago - until Rocky left with no warning and refused to talk to Tanner about it, or speak to Tanner ever again.
At the beginning of the story, Tanner who is now a divorced PI with 2 teen sons, had been shot while working a case, and Rocky could not keep away.
This story is told entirely in Tanner's POV, and here it worked!
He was going in Blind, into a relationship with Rocky again, not knowing what had driven her away, not knowing how to navigate the minefield that was getting back to them being a couple again, and we were walking that path with him.
We knew his heartbreak, we knew his love, we knew his regrets, we knew his hope and we knew his fear that it would all happen again and he would be left alone!
Tanner Layne, he is a man who made mistakes, and has paid for them, but he is a beautiful beautiful man, trying to do his best now and have his love.
It is very cleverly written, you can feel it building, knowing something is going to happen, and Rocky is beginning to feel what it was that made her leave years ago.
There is a lot going on in this book, with regards to what Tanner is working on, and on the first read, this was fine, but on the second read, I found it a lot easier to keep track of and connect all the dots.
And it goes without saying, as with every KA book, an excellent set of secondary characters, who you care about and love.
I loved this book the first time around!
I loved it even more the second time around.
Tanner and Rocky had been in love 18 years ago - until Rocky left with no warning and refused to talk to Tanner about it, or speak to Tanner ever again.
At the beginning of the story, Tanner who is now a divorced PI with 2 teen sons, had been shot while working a case, and Rocky could not keep away.
This story is told entirely in Tanner's POV, and here it worked!
He was going in Blind, into a relationship with Rocky again, not knowing what had driven her away, not knowing how to navigate the minefield that was getting back to them being a couple again, and we were walking that path with him.
We knew his heartbreak, we knew his love, we knew his regrets, we knew his hope and we knew his fear that it would all happen again and he would be left alone!
Tanner Layne, he is a man who made mistakes, and has paid for them, but he is a beautiful beautiful man, trying to do his best now and have his love.
It is very cleverly written, you can feel it building, knowing something is going to happen, and Rocky is beginning to feel what it was that made her leave years ago.
There is a lot going on in this book, with regards to what Tanner is working on, and on the first read, this was fine, but on the second read, I found it a lot easier to keep track of and connect all the dots.
And it goes without saying, as with every KA book, an excellent set of secondary characters, who you care about and love.
September 7, 2021
3.75 stars
this how it went...
at first, i was like, fake dating? hmm, that doesnt seem like something a KA alpha male hero would do. they dont do fake pretend anything. as it turned out, it only lasted for two or three chapters, i think (point is it didnt last long). so i was good.
at 40% we get to this,
two decades went by and that was all she could give him. im sorry, but i would like to smack you upside the head. real reason was revealed at 80%, and that was 80% too late. wouldnt say it was worth the wait, but at least KA gave a good play cuz chapter 25 was gold.
i wished Tanner and Rocky hadnt wasted two decades being with the wrong “the one” and ruined their respective exes’ lives because they were actually pretty decent. they just went bad bcs they loved the MCs, and it went unrequited. no one likes bein’ second best.
side characters gigs with Devin, Tanners ma, and Ryker were entertaining. not sure i’d give any credits to Tanner for his boys being amazing, and i wouldve loved to have seen more of the Jasper-Kiera and Tripp-Giselle storyline developed.
regardless, this book *almost* did me solid.
(read as an audiobook)
this how it went...
at first, i was like, fake dating? hmm, that doesnt seem like something a KA alpha male hero would do. they dont do fake pretend anything. as it turned out, it only lasted for two or three chapters, i think (point is it didnt last long). so i was good.
at 40% we get to this,
“Why’d you leave me?”
Her eyes held his, Layne held his breath and she surprised the fuck out of him when she answered.
“I did it,” she stopped and licked her lips, “and I don’t know why I did it.”
two decades went by and that was all she could give him. im sorry, but i would like to smack you upside the head. real reason was revealed at 80%, and that was 80% too late. wouldnt say it was worth the wait, but at least KA gave a good play cuz chapter 25 was gold.
i wished Tanner and Rocky hadnt wasted two decades being with the wrong “the one” and ruined their respective exes’ lives because they were actually pretty decent. they just went bad bcs they loved the MCs, and it went unrequited. no one likes bein’ second best.
side characters gigs with Devin, Tanners ma, and Ryker were entertaining. not sure i’d give any credits to Tanner for his boys being amazing, and i wouldve loved to have seen more of the Jasper-Kiera and Tripp-Giselle storyline developed.
regardless, this book *almost* did me solid.
(read as an audiobook)
September 12, 2015
3 stars!
“If you are nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate, and be strong because those three are everything."
The Burg series seems to be a hit or miss for me. I never made it through the first book, the second book was amazing, and this one I liked but didn't love.
Golden Trail is the story of Tanner Layne and Raquel 'Rocky' Merrick. The two were in love at a very young age until Rocky left Layne with no explanation and left him broken hearted. Fast forward eighteen years and Rocky wants to help Layne on a case, so the two pretend being a couple. Very soon pretend becomes real and Layne is left worrying if Rocky will leave him again.
“Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he’d never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
Fuck him.”
There's not much to say, three star reads are the hardest for me to write because while I liked it, I didn't love. It's an average book. I found the POV of Layne only to be interesting but I would have liked something from Rocky. And after 18 years apart them getting back together seemed a bit anti-climactic for me.
I would have loved this book but plot wise it was all over the damn place and it was jarring. Plus it was waaaayyyyyyy too long. Some great emotional parts, but Kristen Ashley has done better *cough cough* Play It Safe was the same story with less time gap and done better *cough cough*
I still love The Queen of Romance Miss KA! Onward!
“If you are nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate, and be strong because those three are everything."
The Burg series seems to be a hit or miss for me. I never made it through the first book, the second book was amazing, and this one I liked but didn't love.
Golden Trail is the story of Tanner Layne and Raquel 'Rocky' Merrick. The two were in love at a very young age until Rocky left Layne with no explanation and left him broken hearted. Fast forward eighteen years and Rocky wants to help Layne on a case, so the two pretend being a couple. Very soon pretend becomes real and Layne is left worrying if Rocky will leave him again.
“Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he’d never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
Fuck him.”
There's not much to say, three star reads are the hardest for me to write because while I liked it, I didn't love. It's an average book. I found the POV of Layne only to be interesting but I would have liked something from Rocky. And after 18 years apart them getting back together seemed a bit anti-climactic for me.
I would have loved this book but plot wise it was all over the damn place and it was jarring. Plus it was waaaayyyyyyy too long. Some great emotional parts, but Kristen Ashley has done better *cough cough* Play It Safe was the same story with less time gap and done better *cough cough*
I still love The Queen of Romance Miss KA! Onward!
January 18, 2015
4 ½-5 stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Another Kristen Ashley winner! Do I even need to say anything more than that? Probably not, so instead of a typical review, I’m going to do some general rambling.
What I Loved:
#1 -- It’s told entirely from the hero’s POV, which is A+wesome!
That brings me to item #2, which is the hero, Tanner Layne. He’s a badass PI, a tough alpha male, and a devoted lover and father struggling to reconcile with his past, one and only, true love and make amends with his teen boys while also trying to teach them how to be men.
And this takes me to favorite things about the book #3 and #4 -- Layne’s teen sons, Jasper and Tripp. They’re KA heartthrobs and heroes in their own right and made me feel a little bit dirty and cougar-ish for seriously crushing on teenagers. but I really hope we haven’t seen the last of them. In fact, I’d love for Jasper and Tripp to be featured as main (legal and guilt free) heroes in future KA books. LOL!
#5 -- A great secondary cast of characters, especially mysterious badass, Ryker. I’m also looking forward to Garrett Merrick’s story.
#6 -- The To Kill a Mockingbird reference and how it’s an allegory for the story.
#7 -- The sweet and gratifying epilogue that’s worthy of 10+ stars!
Wacky But Whatever, It Still Worked Somehow:
Parenting 101 -- I’m not a parent so I can’t rightfully judge someone’s child rearing skills, but that doesn’t mean I can’t shake my head a few times with a seriously?, huh?, or wtf? There were several characters (Layne, Gabby, Vera, Dave, etc.) who demonstrated questionable parenting. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about some of Layne’s parenting decisions and actions, like involving his teenage sons, ages 14 and 17, in an undercover operation of a shady youth group. I imagine he would probably raise the eyebrows of some parental experts. But raising teenagers to be compassionate, responsible adults who do the right thing isn’t easy. I liked his honesty and that he didn’t shield Jasper and Tripp from the harsh realities of life. And it seemed to all work out for the best.
Talk Show Worthy Family Drama -- I think several characters in this book needed some counseling. Seriously, Dr. Phil would have a freakin field day with these people.
Crazy Exes, Multiple Plots, and Uber Villains -- Layne’s b*tchy ex-wife Gabby and her loser, enforcer boyfriend, Rocky’s cheating doctor ex and his shady financial and business dealings, and an undercover investigation of a sinister youth minister run by a female mastermind villain who makes Cruella de Vil look like the Easter Bunny.
The Big Secret Reveal -- It was a heartbreaking scene, but also seemed very melodramatic and overly angsty.
Petty Grievances:
The Hero’s Name -- Layne is a nerdy programmer analyst with fancy pencils in his pocket and Tanner is a badass biker or cowboy (and Days of Our Lives soap opera bad boy from the early 90’s). So I would have preferred that the hero went by his first name, Tanner, instead of his last name, Layne.
The Heroine’s Name –- She has a beautiful name, Raquel, but everyone calls her Rocky?! Ugh!
Size Matters -- KA’s stories are characteristically detailed and lengthy, but this one felt looong. I think it could have used some trimming down.
But despite all the wackiness and some imperfections, I loved it! Nearly 5 stars!
Layne
Jasper (Now you can understand why I was crushing hard on a teenager!)
Tripp
Another Kristen Ashley winner! Do I even need to say anything more than that? Probably not, so instead of a typical review, I’m going to do some general rambling.
What I Loved:
#1 -- It’s told entirely from the hero’s POV, which is A+wesome!
That brings me to item #2, which is the hero, Tanner Layne. He’s a badass PI, a tough alpha male, and a devoted lover and father struggling to reconcile with his past, one and only, true love and make amends with his teen boys while also trying to teach them how to be men.
And this takes me to favorite things about the book #3 and #4 -- Layne’s teen sons, Jasper and Tripp. They’re KA heartthrobs and heroes in their own right and made me feel a little bit dirty and cougar-ish for seriously crushing on teenagers. but I really hope we haven’t seen the last of them. In fact, I’d love for Jasper and Tripp to be featured as main (legal and guilt free) heroes in future KA books. LOL!
#5 -- A great secondary cast of characters, especially mysterious badass, Ryker. I’m also looking forward to Garrett Merrick’s story.
#6 -- The To Kill a Mockingbird reference and how it’s an allegory for the story.
#7 -- The sweet and gratifying epilogue that’s worthy of 10+ stars!
Wacky But Whatever, It Still Worked Somehow:
Parenting 101 -- I’m not a parent so I can’t rightfully judge someone’s child rearing skills, but that doesn’t mean I can’t shake my head a few times with a seriously?, huh?, or wtf? There were several characters (Layne, Gabby, Vera, Dave, etc.) who demonstrated questionable parenting. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about some of Layne’s parenting decisions and actions, like involving his teenage sons, ages 14 and 17, in an undercover operation of a shady youth group. I imagine he would probably raise the eyebrows of some parental experts. But raising teenagers to be compassionate, responsible adults who do the right thing isn’t easy. I liked his honesty and that he didn’t shield Jasper and Tripp from the harsh realities of life. And it seemed to all work out for the best.
Talk Show Worthy Family Drama -- I think several characters in this book needed some counseling. Seriously, Dr. Phil would have a freakin field day with these people.
Crazy Exes, Multiple Plots, and Uber Villains -- Layne’s b*tchy ex-wife Gabby and her loser, enforcer boyfriend, Rocky’s cheating doctor ex and his shady financial and business dealings, and an undercover investigation of a sinister youth minister run by a female mastermind villain who makes Cruella de Vil look like the Easter Bunny.
The Big Secret Reveal -- It was a heartbreaking scene, but also seemed very melodramatic and overly angsty.
Petty Grievances:
The Hero’s Name -- Layne is a nerdy programmer analyst with fancy pencils in his pocket and Tanner is a badass biker or cowboy (and Days of Our Lives soap opera bad boy from the early 90’s). So I would have preferred that the hero went by his first name, Tanner, instead of his last name, Layne.
The Heroine’s Name –- She has a beautiful name, Raquel, but everyone calls her Rocky?! Ugh!
Size Matters -- KA’s stories are characteristically detailed and lengthy, but this one felt looong. I think it could have used some trimming down.
But despite all the wackiness and some imperfections, I loved it! Nearly 5 stars!
Layne
Jasper (Now you can understand why I was crushing hard on a teenager!)
Tripp
September 2, 2016
3 1/2 Stars
Golden Trail is another good book by Kristen Ashley, and though it was not my favorite, it still captured my imagination with vivid characters, a well developed plot, intriguing suspense, and passionate love scenes. That said, I felt something was missing from the story, and it took me some time to figure out what that was. For me, what was missing was the tantalizingly delicious romance between the hero and heroine, that I feel can be deliver only through the heroine the perspective. Let me explain.
I love the passionate and all-consuming romances inherent in all Kristen Ashley books, and for me, that romance is enhanced through the heroines point of view. As a woman, I'm able to identify and related with the heroine in a way that I'm not able to with the hero. By having some time in the heroine's head, so to speak, I'm allowed to see the hero through the heroine's eyes and experience on an emotional level all the thoughts, feelings, and sensations the heroine has for the hero.
Don't get me wrong, I loved being in Layne's head; after all, Kristen Ashley writes heroes like no one else. But, Layne simply could not deliver the sexy, swoonalicious hero that Rocky's voice could have achieved.
I did have one major issue with Layne—his fathering skills. I was not impressed with him as a father. He left his two young boys to be raised by his ex-wife for 12 years, finally returning home to become more active in their lives. Layne then involves the boys, ages 14 and 17, in a dangerous undercover operation. So NOT cool, Layne!
The best part of the story for me was the last few chapters of the book and the epilogue. They were simply fantastic. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face and the genuine hope for a invitation to Jasper and Keira's wedding in one of Kristen Ashley's upcoming book. *Hint, Hint*
If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
Golden Trail is another good book by Kristen Ashley, and though it was not my favorite, it still captured my imagination with vivid characters, a well developed plot, intriguing suspense, and passionate love scenes. That said, I felt something was missing from the story, and it took me some time to figure out what that was. For me, what was missing was the tantalizingly delicious romance between the hero and heroine, that I feel can be deliver only through the heroine the perspective. Let me explain.
I love the passionate and all-consuming romances inherent in all Kristen Ashley books, and for me, that romance is enhanced through the heroines point of view. As a woman, I'm able to identify and related with the heroine in a way that I'm not able to with the hero. By having some time in the heroine's head, so to speak, I'm allowed to see the hero through the heroine's eyes and experience on an emotional level all the thoughts, feelings, and sensations the heroine has for the hero.
Don't get me wrong, I loved being in Layne's head; after all, Kristen Ashley writes heroes like no one else. But, Layne simply could not deliver the sexy, swoonalicious hero that Rocky's voice could have achieved.
I did have one major issue with Layne—his fathering skills. I was not impressed with him as a father. He left his two young boys to be raised by his ex-wife for 12 years, finally returning home to become more active in their lives. Layne then involves the boys, ages 14 and 17, in a dangerous undercover operation. So NOT cool, Layne!
The best part of the story for me was the last few chapters of the book and the epilogue. They were simply fantastic. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face and the genuine hope for a invitation to Jasper and Keira's wedding in one of Kristen Ashley's upcoming book. *Hint, Hint*
If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
November 17, 2014
LOVED IT!!! of course...
My Layne
My Rocky
February 5, 2019
3.5 STARS
I loved Layne, I liked Rocky, I also enjoyed the male POV but would have liked some insight into Rocky's mind - the reason why she left Layne came to light only late in the book and the way it did...I wasn't a fan of that. I also wasn't a fan of Rocky's dad and brother, not telling Layne the reason why Rocky left and serving up attitude when Layne had to deal with the consequences.
I loved Layne with his sons but involving them into dangerous cases he worked? Uh.
I still liked the story line a lot and there were some beautifully emotional scenes that are typical for KA.
I loved Layne, I liked Rocky, I also enjoyed the male POV but would have liked some insight into Rocky's mind - the reason why she left Layne came to light only late in the book and the way it did...I wasn't a fan of that. I also wasn't a fan of Rocky's dad and brother, not telling Layne the reason why Rocky left and serving up attitude when Layne had to deal with the consequences.
I loved Layne with his sons but involving them into dangerous cases he worked? Uh.
I still liked the story line a lot and there were some beautifully emotional scenes that are typical for KA.
May 17, 2013
He felt something sweep through him, an emotion that he didn't quite get, but one he liked, and it rushed through him strong, leaving a golden trail..
**sigh**.....so flippin' sweet!!!! Absolutely LOVED IT!!! 5 Golden Shining Stars
This was yet another example of the genius that is Kristen Ashley. And the title literally says it all, because it not only left Golden Trails blazing through Tanner Layne's soul, but in mine as well. There were so many incredible moments and swoon worthy scenes that I was completely lost in the story. I actually felt like I was 'living' this story with the characters. And what a treat it was reading the story from Layne's point of view. He was such an incredible guy. I think I fell in love with him right along with our heroine!
Tanner Layne is a divorced 42 year old ex-cop turned PI, living in the 'Burg with his two teenage son's Jasper and Tripp. The story opens with him waking up in the hospital after being shot 3 times during an investigation of a suspected dirty cop in the force. He wakes after having an erotic dream of his first love, Raquel "Rocky" Merrick, who he hasn't been with for 18 years, but has never really gotten over. When he wakes after this dream, he finds her sitting in his hospital room.
Rocky, now 38, is married to someone else, and has been for the last 10 years. So why is she there? Layne is confused, not only by this dream of her he just had, but also by her presence in his room. He is still bitter about the way they left things 18 years ago, and hasn't even spoken to her in some time. And so the story begins...
Had eighteen years to learn to how to be the one who does the fucking, not the one who gets fucked."
Yep, he's bitter. She broke his heart 18 years ago and gave him NO explanation for it. And it seems she wants back in? What about her husband, Dr. Jarrod Astley? He doesn't trust her, and he still wants answers... answers that he just can't seem to get. But he can't seem to hold back his feelings for her.. Rocky, now filing for divorce herself, makes it clear she wants back in his life, and he sees an opportunity at happiness, but can he trust it?
This time, baby with my boys in the mix, you can't cut us loose and go your merry fuckin' way because I'm not gonna let you cut us loose."
And those boys!!! Jasper "Jas" and Tripp... OMG they were just pure fucking GOLD!!! I love those boys!!!!! Jas is 17, and is so cocky and cool like his dad, and Tripp, who is 14 is also very good looking but much more sweet and innocent... learnin' cool, but not quite there yet! These two completely captured my heart in the story. If only teenagers could really be this good!!!
Jasper- "You cool with Kierry bein' here when you're not?" "Just as long as I don't have to set up a crib in the corner of your bedroom, that is, if I win at hand to hand combat defendin' my son against a gonzo Joe Callahan," Layne answered. Jasper grinned and crossed his cell phone over his heart before he lifted it in the air, "Swear. Gentleman. Totally."
Layne stared at his son then looked to Tripp who was also grinning at him and who decided to add, "Giselle Speakmon's parents are totally devout. When I get in there and we hook up, there won't be any cribs for me either, Dad, because I reckon they'll make her wear one of those chastity belts, knowin' Jas is my brother and all.
Then there is Dev.. Devin Glover, Layne's best friend and mentor, and older man in his early 60's, with a fabulously dry, cantankerous personality, who practically moved in. He had me laughing NON STOP!! Such a great character!!!! His first time meeting Layne's Mom was hilarious!!!
"She escape from an asylum?".... Well Vera huffed. "Who are you?"... "Devin Glover, friend of your boy's, retired PI and good judge of character."
Then there was the action...this story had so many bad things going on in the 'Burg it was difficult to keep up with them all. Even Layne seemed to have trouble keeping them all straight in his head. At first I though that this was going to bother me.. but as the story played out, it all just worked!!!
And I can't leave this review without mentioning Ryker... Another fabulous badass character that won my heart.
Ryker to Layne..."Fuck me, bro, a badass who drinks sissy coffee and owns a yellow lab." His eyes came back to Layne, his attitude shut down and he grinned his ugly grin. "Gotta say, impressed you could pull that off."
So many incredible moments!!! I could go on for days. The story completely stole my heart, and I loved it all. The heartfelt moments and the subtle banter between the characters, and the total and complete goodness that is Tanner Layne!!
Devin shook his head.
"What old man?"
"Just thinkin', thinkin' about a man who'd walk out a door and never turn back. Thinkin' about where he went, what he did and how it could never be worth losin' what he left behind. Your father is a grade A, one hundred percent, jackass, boy, turnin' his back and never knowin' the man you would become."
And then, THAT EPILOGUE!!!! It's RAININ' MEN!!!! Yep, only the Burg's finest.. wish I could have been at that BBQ!!
No less that 5 stars!!!! Complete Kristen Ashley GOLD!!!!
Tanner Layne
Raquel Merrick
July 16, 2014
2.5 stars
Note-up to the last 10 percent this book was a 2 star read for me
I can't believe a KA book was so difficult for me to read. The problem was a combination of the drag effect, the annoying qualities of the characters and, well, other things. So, for once, a serious review of a KA book.
So my problems with...
Layne
Oh, Layne, you never did redeem yourself. The entire book was written in the first person, his POV, so it was even more pronounced. So my problems:
1) Involving your girlfriend, who's a teacher, in a mission
2)Involving your sons, ages 14 and 17, in an undercover investigation of a sex/prostitution of minors ring. What kind of a dad does that? You say they're almost adults, but geez!
3)Treating your mother in a not-so-nice fashion. I get taking a stand and defending your girlfriend, but it's your LOVING mother...
4)When your ex wife confronts you about the involvement of her sons in a case, you treat her like she's unreasonable, you know best, and you're the best dad in the world. She made mistakes, but you weren't around almost their whole lives! But of course, since this is a KA book, the ex is just jealous and a bitch(their words) who wants you for herself, not just a good mother. Of course. What else?
Rocky
Rocky left Layne 20 years ago, and almost the whole book, all we get is:
“Somethin’ means the world to you, you think one day you’ll lose it, you got two choices. You cut yourself off from it so, when you lose it, that don’t destroy you or you hold it so close, it can’t ever go away but, if it does, you got as many precious memories as you can bag. Thinkin’ about your girl, do either of those sound familiar?”
“Why’d you leave me?” Her eyes held his, Layne held his breath and she surprised the fuck out of him when she answered. “I did it,” she stopped and licked her lips, “and I don’t know why I did it.”
“She’s got somethin’ in her, Ma. Somethin’ not right and I gotta help her get it out but I don’t know what the fuck it is. I don’t even think Roc knows what it is. It made her leave me eighteen years ago and I know in my bones it’s gonna happen again, unless I sort that shit out, and all three of us are gonna lose her.
And then we get, the explanation, she's ashamed of her periods and that's a root of a deeper issue. We learn the issue, but the whole thing wasn't explained the best IMO. What set it off before? How connected was it to the situation? After all the talk about us not knowing everything, and her pain and a deeper reason I expected a better explanation.
Plus she's:
1)Saint Rocky. Perfect teacher, organizes charity, is just a victim in life. Maybe the lack of her POV made all this more annoying?
2)She struts. A lot. Every time she moves she's strutting. I don't know who struts that much or why that's attractive, but couldn't she walk once in a while?
3)Her constant involvement in the investigation. TSTL, anyone? She goes off to attack and break in and who knows what else. Layne does call her on it...
“So, help me out in a way that actually helps me out. Be there for me and be smart. Those are the only two things you gotta do, easy enough for you but they’d mean a lot to me.”
But at that point I was...whatever.
General, silly issue...
Does everyone have to drop their g's and talk like that? No matter where they're from and are they educated or not they talk the same.
I did like
1) The kids. All of them.
2) Ryker. Now that's a swoon worthy hero.:D
3)The epilogue, of course.
4)The mystery was okay.
All in all-disappointing for me for a KA book.
Note-up to the last 10 percent this book was a 2 star read for me
I can't believe a KA book was so difficult for me to read. The problem was a combination of the drag effect, the annoying qualities of the characters and, well, other things. So, for once, a serious review of a KA book.
So my problems with...
Layne
Oh, Layne, you never did redeem yourself. The entire book was written in the first person, his POV, so it was even more pronounced. So my problems:
1) Involving your girlfriend, who's a teacher, in a mission
2)Involving your sons, ages 14 and 17, in an undercover investigation of a sex/prostitution of minors ring. What kind of a dad does that? You say they're almost adults, but geez!
3)Treating your mother in a not-so-nice fashion. I get taking a stand and defending your girlfriend, but it's your LOVING mother...
4)When your ex wife confronts you about the involvement of her sons in a case, you treat her like she's unreasonable, you know best, and you're the best dad in the world. She made mistakes, but you weren't around almost their whole lives! But of course, since this is a KA book, the ex is just jealous and a bitch(their words) who wants you for herself, not just a good mother. Of course. What else?
Rocky
Rocky left Layne 20 years ago, and almost the whole book, all we get is:
“Somethin’ means the world to you, you think one day you’ll lose it, you got two choices. You cut yourself off from it so, when you lose it, that don’t destroy you or you hold it so close, it can’t ever go away but, if it does, you got as many precious memories as you can bag. Thinkin’ about your girl, do either of those sound familiar?”
“Why’d you leave me?” Her eyes held his, Layne held his breath and she surprised the fuck out of him when she answered. “I did it,” she stopped and licked her lips, “and I don’t know why I did it.”
“She’s got somethin’ in her, Ma. Somethin’ not right and I gotta help her get it out but I don’t know what the fuck it is. I don’t even think Roc knows what it is. It made her leave me eighteen years ago and I know in my bones it’s gonna happen again, unless I sort that shit out, and all three of us are gonna lose her.
And then we get, the explanation, she's ashamed of her periods and that's a root of a deeper issue. We learn the issue, but the whole thing wasn't explained the best IMO. What set it off before? How connected was it to the situation? After all the talk about us not knowing everything, and her pain and a deeper reason I expected a better explanation.
Plus she's:
1)Saint Rocky. Perfect teacher, organizes charity, is just a victim in life. Maybe the lack of her POV made all this more annoying?
2)She struts. A lot. Every time she moves she's strutting. I don't know who struts that much or why that's attractive, but couldn't she walk once in a while?
3)Her constant involvement in the investigation. TSTL, anyone? She goes off to attack and break in and who knows what else. Layne does call her on it...
“So, help me out in a way that actually helps me out. Be there for me and be smart. Those are the only two things you gotta do, easy enough for you but they’d mean a lot to me.”
But at that point I was...whatever.
General, silly issue...
Does everyone have to drop their g's and talk like that? No matter where they're from and are they educated or not they talk the same.
I did like
1) The kids. All of them.
2) Ryker. Now that's a swoon worthy hero.:D
3)The epilogue, of course.
4)The mystery was okay.
All in all-disappointing for me for a KA book.
September 17, 2013
♥♥♥ 4 STARS ♥♥♥
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“If you are nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate, and be strong because those three are everything”
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"You remembered."
His fingers curled around her neck and he put his forehead to hers before sharing, "I remembered, Rocky. I remember everything. I remember every...fucking...thing."
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This book was awesome! I very much enjoyed it. Tanner Layne and Raquel 'Rocky' Merrick were a young couple in love. Everyone knew they were meant to be. But one day, Rocky just leaves him without a word. It left him with a pain so big, that he never really got over it. But time went on, and eventually he did too. He is now a divorced father of two sons. The book starts with Layne waking up in a hospital after being shot and finding Rocky in the room with him. He wants her to leave and he doesn't want her to go. Rocky seems to want to get back together. Layne wants that too but doesn't want to get hurt. In his next case where he investigates a dirty cop, Rocky wants to be a part of that too. so they form a plan to pretend to be a couple in order to do so.
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"Live this with me, just live it, whatever happens, however it happens, just live it with me..."
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I loved Layne! He was a great man and trying his best at being a great father to his teenage boys. I absolutely LOVED that this whole book was in his POV. He was a total badass alpha and very dedicated to his work, but I loved that he also took the time to spend it with his sons, who were badasses in the making. I felt for him and the pain he went through after Rocky left him. Yes, he did move on with the mother of his sons and other women, but he never loved any other woman like he did Rocky. I loved the pace in which their relationship developed. It was slow but steady. And when the bow chika wow wow times started happening, it was so freaking hot and yet so sweet. I loved it and him!
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“Don’t let me leave you,” she whispered so quietly he almost didn’t hear her.
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Rocky was also such a great female character. She was strong yet broken from an event in her past. Which was quite a terrible event, my heart really broke for her, I can't even imagine going through that. And I couldn't believe that her family did nothing to help her get past that all these years. Despite all that, she was caring and loving towards others but I loved it when she was like that towards Layne's boys. I loved seeing them interact. She was in a loveless marriage and seeking for divorce, but her husband was not making it easy for her to get it. Never has she forgotten what she left behind with Layne, and now she wants to get it back, if he allows it. I really liked that when she let herself love, she made that person feel it. She was also quite protective and very capable in defending herself. I really liked her, and with Layne, they were perfect.
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"Okay, well...yesterday sucked and I didn't like watchin' you go through that, Rocky, and I was thinkin' last night about it and thinkin' I didn't like watchin' that but why wasn't because it sucked, you havin' to go through that but because you were hurting and I didn't like watchin' you hurt so I reckon that means I love you," Tripp announced...
"So see, stupid."
"Not stupid, baby, and thank you. That feeling is mutual... for both you guys."
"Cool," Tripp whispered.
"Yeah, cool," Jasper repeated also on a whisper.
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There were quite a bit of subplots with all the investigative work Layne was doing. But also on the relationships of his two sons. I LOVED anything to do with Jas and Tripp, his boys were so AWESOME! I feel totally weird saying this about a teenage character, but I fell in love with Jas. He is gonna grow up to be one badass man, I just hope he gets a book when he is older, then I won't feel so weird about having a crush on him. I also loved Tripp, he was very endearing as the youngest brother and so sweet. I was happy that these two got a bit of a HEA of their own.
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"Thank you, baby" she whispered.
"For what?" he whispered back.
"A beautiful life."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
What I didn't really like about this book, were the subplots on Layne's work. Not because it wasn't interesting, because it was, but because it became too much at times. I had a bit of a hard time following it all. I was like 'who's that guy again?' because there were so many characters involved. But otherwise, it was a very interesting storyline. I loved this book and loved it even more when Joe would appear *sigh*. I loved Layne and Rocky, especially when they would cuddle in bed. I loved his sons and the part they played in the story. The epilogue was so wonderful! I was very happy with it and I'm keeping my fingers crossed on Jas having his book. LOL! It was a really great read.
February 24, 2017
The book wasn't bad per se, but it wasn't good either. Though, surprisingly for the first time in a KA book I didn't feel like the book was dragging. Sure, it had its moments of boredom and was long, but it was alright. And it was kinda interesting to read a KA from the male's POV. Raquel “Rocky” Merrick (38)
Tanner Layne (42) was alright characters. Rocky was plain, cute, nice, wise and really kind. Layne was hot, knew what he wanted - went for it, honest, a great dad and had a soft spot. Btw, was I the only one who, when reading the blurb, first thought that Rocky was the male and Layne was the female? Layne isn't exactly a strong, powerful male name (even though it's his last name)...
I must say though, that I was hugely disappointed in the big 'secret' that was hanging over Rocky and Layne's relationship and past. I had expected something more, something huge, but in the end, though it was bad and sad, it still wasn't all that... Overall, it was alright, but not something I'll re-read again and definitely not a favorite. I adored Layne's sons though!
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance
Series: - Series (Standalone), Book Three
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Tanner Layne
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
“Live this with me, just live it, whatever happens, however it happens, live it with me for two days. It doesn’t go the way you like, we’ll talk Monday night. It goes the way you like, we live it real and ride it out. Will you give me that, honey?”
Tanner Layne (42) was alright characters. Rocky was plain, cute, nice, wise and really kind. Layne was hot, knew what he wanted - went for it, honest, a great dad and had a soft spot. Btw, was I the only one who, when reading the blurb, first thought that Rocky was the male and Layne was the female? Layne isn't exactly a strong, powerful male name (even though it's his last name)...
“Men like you aren’t made, though, Tanner. Men like you just are.”
I must say though, that I was hugely disappointed in the big 'secret' that was hanging over Rocky and Layne's relationship and past. I had expected something more, something huge, but in the end, though it was bad and sad, it still wasn't all that... Overall, it was alright, but not something I'll re-read again and definitely not a favorite. I adored Layne's sons though!
“If you are nothing else in this life, be wise, be compassionate, and be strong because those three are everything.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance
Series: - Series (Standalone), Book Three
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Tanner Layne
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
June 15, 2016
*** 3.44 ***
A buddy read with the KA addicts at BB&B
I love KA's ability to come up with and tell a story, as well as the talent to write some absolutely memorable characters... I love the magic she infuses in everything she writers... But this series has been dancing on my nerves!!!
In this book I didn't mind Lane being a possessive and pushy alpha jerk-off, nor that Rocky could be a total bitch with everyone but her man and the kids at school... I didn't love that, but it was OK. I didn't mind the watered down reason for the first separation of the love birds, despite it being quite underwhelming and honestly, not very convincing... I didn't mind the fact that we are supposed to completely forgive and forget the fact that he was a terrible father for the majority of his children's lives and we have to accept that at ones he has transformed into the father of the century, while we have to accept that the woman who had and raised them into the good kids they are now is a total bitch and an inadequate parent.... I even don't mind that Kira is now dating Jazz and for her he transforms himself into a literal virgin, when previously he had fucked his way through the surrounding highschools in the area...
What I had a difficult time accepting was the condescending way he would talk to his woman, but we were being told that that should be cute, the way he would wave every difference in opinion as silly, any strong opposition as adorable, but alas, so very wrong, since it is not what he thinks is best...
His blowing up on her brother and father were so over the top, it drove me to rage!!! Rocky was not the only one affected and grieving, they were all devastated... He was out of line and lost me at that moment...
Also, the constant put down of the mother of his children was just too much!!!! OK, we get the new chick is the one and only for you, but stop vilifying the woman who raised those perfect boys of yours all on her own, with no help from you, and now that you are around she is shit and you are perfect???? Bullshit!!! And making her into a villain was not enough, she has to be constantly reminded that she is fat now??? KA, love, what happened to not body-shaming women??? This really pissed me off. . ...
As in the other books in this series, this book was too long for the plot it contains. But as all KA books, there is something that is in her writing that doesn't even allow for skimming... I have never been able to walk away from any of her books, although I got close the previous book in this series... She still wields her magic and I am still a fan...
As a person who loves to recommend books, I take the same stand as my friend Robin , who is smart and wise beyond her years, and that is that I can not recommend her work, and this series in particular, because they are sooooo very love them or hate them, almost never in between. ... This series is just not as good as her others... So, if you have been thinking about starting to read KA , start with something else and read this when you run out of other of her works...
I wish all Happy Reading and continue on with the hope for more uplifting books!!!
A buddy read with the KA addicts at BB&B
I love KA's ability to come up with and tell a story, as well as the talent to write some absolutely memorable characters... I love the magic she infuses in everything she writers... But this series has been dancing on my nerves!!!
In this book I didn't mind Lane being a possessive and pushy alpha jerk-off, nor that Rocky could be a total bitch with everyone but her man and the kids at school... I didn't love that, but it was OK. I didn't mind the watered down reason for the first separation of the love birds, despite it being quite underwhelming and honestly, not very convincing... I didn't mind the fact that we are supposed to completely forgive and forget the fact that he was a terrible father for the majority of his children's lives and we have to accept that at ones he has transformed into the father of the century, while we have to accept that the woman who had and raised them into the good kids they are now is a total bitch and an inadequate parent.... I even don't mind that Kira is now dating Jazz and for her he transforms himself into a literal virgin, when previously he had fucked his way through the surrounding highschools in the area...
What I had a difficult time accepting was the condescending way he would talk to his woman, but we were being told that that should be cute, the way he would wave every difference in opinion as silly, any strong opposition as adorable, but alas, so very wrong, since it is not what he thinks is best...
His blowing up on her brother and father were so over the top, it drove me to rage!!! Rocky was not the only one affected and grieving, they were all devastated... He was out of line and lost me at that moment...
Also, the constant put down of the mother of his children was just too much!!!! OK, we get the new chick is the one and only for you, but stop vilifying the woman who raised those perfect boys of yours all on her own, with no help from you, and now that you are around she is shit and you are perfect???? Bullshit!!! And making her into a villain was not enough, she has to be constantly reminded that she is fat now??? KA, love, what happened to not body-shaming women??? This really pissed me off. . ...
As in the other books in this series, this book was too long for the plot it contains. But as all KA books, there is something that is in her writing that doesn't even allow for skimming... I have never been able to walk away from any of her books, although I got close the previous book in this series... She still wields her magic and I am still a fan...
As a person who loves to recommend books, I take the same stand as my friend Robin , who is smart and wise beyond her years, and that is that I can not recommend her work, and this series in particular, because they are sooooo very love them or hate them, almost never in between. ... This series is just not as good as her others... So, if you have been thinking about starting to read KA , start with something else and read this when you run out of other of her works...
I wish all Happy Reading and continue on with the hope for more uplifting books!!!
July 16, 2025
Not sure what number reread this is...and honestly, who even cares at this point? Golden Trail still hits. Even though this book is a lot....heavy themes, emotional baggage, and second chance romance (which usually isn’t my go-to....Kristen Ashley pulls it off in a way that just works. There’s grit, there’s heart, and there’s that classic KA magic that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all. A great reread, and still one of the better emotional rollercoasters I don’t mind signing up for again and again.
🎵 "From the Ground Up" – Dan + Shay
🎵 "Slow Dance in a Parking Lot" – Jordan Davis
🎵 "Need You Now" – Lady A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“See, that’s the beauty of books. We get to take what we want out of them and it can be different for everyone. You get a good one, you may even find what you need."
One of many reasons but very important one way I love KA books are....sidekick characters.. they are freaking awesome...
Layne and Rocky volume 2..second chance romance... I guess these two are smarter and wiser so everything works out or they are just more stubborn and determined.. It's not heartbreaking as Colt and Feb..I didn't looove hero as much as Cal ( no wonder there)..but I still enjoyed it very much..
I liked the only male pov...
This book was packed with lot of situations left and right.. guess burg is action prune and P.I.in small towns at least good ones are very busy... You would think only idk doctors or police or fire department get so many after midnight calls but nooooooo Tanner Layne- you must be very tired..
My fav couple in this one is Jasper and Keira... loved to read about these two..also Blondie- the dog...love it... enough said...
5 stars just because I can...
🎵 "From the Ground Up" – Dan + Shay
🎵 "Slow Dance in a Parking Lot" – Jordan Davis
🎵 "Need You Now" – Lady A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“See, that’s the beauty of books. We get to take what we want out of them and it can be different for everyone. You get a good one, you may even find what you need."
One of many reasons but very important one way I love KA books are....sidekick characters.. they are freaking awesome...
Layne and Rocky volume 2..second chance romance... I guess these two are smarter and wiser so everything works out or they are just more stubborn and determined.. It's not heartbreaking as Colt and Feb..I didn't looove hero as much as Cal ( no wonder there)..but I still enjoyed it very much..
I liked the only male pov...
This book was packed with lot of situations left and right.. guess burg is action prune and P.I.in small towns at least good ones are very busy... You would think only idk doctors or police or fire department get so many after midnight calls but nooooooo Tanner Layne- you must be very tired..
My fav couple in this one is Jasper and Keira... loved to read about these two..also Blondie- the dog...love it... enough said...
5 stars just because I can...
August 23, 2017
I must admit even though I love Kristen's books it took me a while to get round to reading this one, I downloaded the sample and started it a few times but something just didn't gel I think it was because after For You and At Peace I expected this book to start with known characters (personally I was hoping for Mike) I eventually got over my snit and got round to actually reading it, once I'd got going I was hooked. I loved Layne but then who doesn't, I also really liked the Jasper/Keira romance and how we're kept in touch with all our favourite characters.
Value for money the 'Burg books have to be up there you just get so much in them, an excellent read.
### re-read August 2017
I enjoyed this book even more this time than the previous times I've read it, I'd forgotten just how funny Dev is and when Vera sees Ryker for the first time.
Ryker relaxed and shoved his gun back right before Vera hit the door. She looked up at Ryker and her mouth dropped open.
"My,” she breathed, “you’re a big boy.”
Ryker has become one of my favourite characters from this series.
This book has a strong story and strong characters.
Value for money the 'Burg books have to be up there you just get so much in them, an excellent read.
### re-read August 2017
I enjoyed this book even more this time than the previous times I've read it, I'd forgotten just how funny Dev is and when Vera sees Ryker for the first time.
Ryker relaxed and shoved his gun back right before Vera hit the door. She looked up at Ryker and her mouth dropped open.
"My,” she breathed, “you’re a big boy.”
Ryker has become one of my favourite characters from this series.
This book has a strong story and strong characters.
June 13, 2020
While I hate long seperations between couples, Rocky, Layne, and the kids really made up for it. I adored this family. Even though things weren't exactly as they seem in the beginning, to see a couple working together is what I love to read. Add in two teenage mini alpha's, Layne's sons, and you've got a winner.
Drama outside of the relationship is much preferable to me as a reader. Not that they didn't have drama in the relationship because they still had to work through what happened 18 years prior. However, I still felt like they were in it together and that's what made the difference.
This one had a lot of great side characters that also added to my overall enjoyment of the book. There were a few minor things that I didn't like, but all the good outweighed the little irritations.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. This author has a knack for picking out great narrators.
Drama outside of the relationship is much preferable to me as a reader. Not that they didn't have drama in the relationship because they still had to work through what happened 18 years prior. However, I still felt like they were in it together and that's what made the difference.
This one had a lot of great side characters that also added to my overall enjoyment of the book. There were a few minor things that I didn't like, but all the good outweighed the little irritations.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. This author has a knack for picking out great narrators.
May 10, 2013
OMG,... Oh. My. GAWWWDDDD. I freakin' loved this book. Like LOVED IT!!!! I wish I could give it more stars.
"Somethin' means the world to you, you think one day you'll lose it, you got tow choices. You cut yourself off from it so, when you lose it, that don't destroy you or hold it so close, it can't ever go away but, if it does, you got as many precious memories as you can bag. Thinkin' about your girl, do either of those sound familiar?"
Tanner Layne
"How many time do I have to tell you, sweetcheeks? I remember everything."
So, I'm kinda sorta at a loss for words here. I loved this book so much that I just can't put it into words. Kristen Ashley is genius once again, that I do know.
This story starts out with Layne and Rocky having an awkward conversation after years of separation. They had been madly in love 18 years prior, but for reasons Layne doesn't know she left, without a word. Despite his efforts, he lost her and in turn and not completely on purpose, started a different life without her. Now, laying in a hospital bed with three bullet wholes, he is wondering why she has showed up of a sudden.
Rocky
"I was a child, and she was a child, in this kingdom by the sea; but we loved with a love that was more than a love~I and my Annabelle Lee."
Rocky also moved on. She's married to a wealthy doctor, teaches high school English lit, and lives in the rich part of town. Layne doesn't understand why all of a sudden she starts coming around but when invited over for a dinner and having a discussion with Rocky's brother, Layne decides he has to protect Rocky, mostly from herself, but also the trouble she has decided to put herself into. Layne and Rocky come to a deal, they pretend to be together in order to catch a dirty cop. Layne has already been on this case, but Rocky has become determined because her mother was murdered when she was fourteen, her brother and father are cops and she wants to take him down. But the longer Layne and Rocky pretend to be together, the more Layne is determined it goes from pretending to being real.
Jasper
"It's good she hooked up with me, she's such a nut, she needs a badass to take her back."
So, I loved everything about this book. Ohmigod, the characters. Layne for sure and I loved getting the whole book in his POV. His kids, Jasper and Tripp are like my favorite New book kids, LOL!!! The more Layne and his boys grew closer and closer, the more they kicked ass. And then Rocky, I really wanted to hold a grudge against her. It drove me crazy not knowing for so long why she had up and left Layne. And a few times she threw a hissy and I was like, wait you did leave him, he has the right to have up a guard, but in the end I came around and ended up letting my grudge go. And then, getting to see more into Cal and Vi, and Colt and Feb. I really just could go on and on and on, but I really won't say a whole lot more except over and over how much I loved everything about this book. Btw, this series always makes me want to go to one of their back yard BBQ's and pop the top off my Budlight and get in on all the gossip.
Tripp & Blondie
"Giselle Speakmon’s parents are totally devout. When I get in there and we hook up, there won’t be any cribs for me either, Dad, because I reckon they’ll make me wear one of those chastity belts, knowin’ Jas is my brother and all.”
I don't want to spoil ANYTHING, about this book, because I don't want to ruin the read for anyone else, but definitely go read this. There was romance, friendship, suspense that tied into a storyline that drew me in and kept me guessing at every turn, hot sexy times, awesome characters, but mostly just plain ole simple KA awesomeness!!! I can't wait for more. :)
“Any battle worth winnin’ is worth using every weapon available.”
"Somethin' means the world to you, you think one day you'll lose it, you got tow choices. You cut yourself off from it so, when you lose it, that don't destroy you or hold it so close, it can't ever go away but, if it does, you got as many precious memories as you can bag. Thinkin' about your girl, do either of those sound familiar?"
Tanner Layne
"How many time do I have to tell you, sweetcheeks? I remember everything."
So, I'm kinda sorta at a loss for words here. I loved this book so much that I just can't put it into words. Kristen Ashley is genius once again, that I do know.
This story starts out with Layne and Rocky having an awkward conversation after years of separation. They had been madly in love 18 years prior, but for reasons Layne doesn't know she left, without a word. Despite his efforts, he lost her and in turn and not completely on purpose, started a different life without her. Now, laying in a hospital bed with three bullet wholes, he is wondering why she has showed up of a sudden.
Rocky
"I was a child, and she was a child, in this kingdom by the sea; but we loved with a love that was more than a love~I and my Annabelle Lee."
Rocky also moved on. She's married to a wealthy doctor, teaches high school English lit, and lives in the rich part of town. Layne doesn't understand why all of a sudden she starts coming around but when invited over for a dinner and having a discussion with Rocky's brother, Layne decides he has to protect Rocky, mostly from herself, but also the trouble she has decided to put herself into. Layne and Rocky come to a deal, they pretend to be together in order to catch a dirty cop. Layne has already been on this case, but Rocky has become determined because her mother was murdered when she was fourteen, her brother and father are cops and she wants to take him down. But the longer Layne and Rocky pretend to be together, the more Layne is determined it goes from pretending to being real.
Jasper
"It's good she hooked up with me, she's such a nut, she needs a badass to take her back."
So, I loved everything about this book. Ohmigod, the characters. Layne for sure and I loved getting the whole book in his POV. His kids, Jasper and Tripp are like my favorite New book kids, LOL!!! The more Layne and his boys grew closer and closer, the more they kicked ass. And then Rocky, I really wanted to hold a grudge against her. It drove me crazy not knowing for so long why she had up and left Layne. And a few times she threw a hissy and I was like, wait you did leave him, he has the right to have up a guard, but in the end I came around and ended up letting my grudge go. And then, getting to see more into Cal and Vi, and Colt and Feb. I really just could go on and on and on, but I really won't say a whole lot more except over and over how much I loved everything about this book. Btw, this series always makes me want to go to one of their back yard BBQ's and pop the top off my Budlight and get in on all the gossip.
Tripp & Blondie
"Giselle Speakmon’s parents are totally devout. When I get in there and we hook up, there won’t be any cribs for me either, Dad, because I reckon they’ll make me wear one of those chastity belts, knowin’ Jas is my brother and all.”
I don't want to spoil ANYTHING, about this book, because I don't want to ruin the read for anyone else, but definitely go read this. There was romance, friendship, suspense that tied into a storyline that drew me in and kept me guessing at every turn, hot sexy times, awesome characters, but mostly just plain ole simple KA awesomeness!!! I can't wait for more. :)
“Any battle worth winnin’ is worth using every weapon available.”
September 10, 2013
Awesome!!!! Kindle Price Drop!
Gearing up for Frankie and Benny's story!!!
The first 4 books in the series are only $1.99 for a limited time!
#1 - For You - http://www.amazon.com/For-You-Burg-Se...
#2 - At Peace - http://www.amazon.com/Peace-The-Burg-...
#3 - The Golden Trail - http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Trail-Bu...
#4 - Games of the Heart - http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Trail-Bu...
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I feel soooo guilty writing such short reviews for such fabulous stories, but it's all been said so perfectly by other reviewers. And yet, I can't NOT writing something, so here goes!
Golden Trail is another wonderful, exciting story filled with all kinds of awesome, memorable moments, and it’s the kind of tale that grabs hold and doesn’t let go. There’s a great supporting cast of characters, and as with all Kristen Ashley’s books, plenty of sexual tension and burn up the pages lovin’.
Funny, poignant, fast paced and oh, so sexy… Kristen Ashley has done it again!!!
3.5/5
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If you're a Kristen Ashley addict, or just interested in checking her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
March 17, 2012
Wow.
Seems to me, when I use fewer words you guys appreciate it, so here goes my attempt at brevity (wish me luck cuz I freakin' loved this book).
A wonderful, satiating, KA experience (that's a brand now) with characters I love and a storyline that was complex but not complicated. All the good KA was here including interesting, quirky or familiar side characters and tons of active dialogue. I was laughing, grinning and enjoying every single page!
KA packed a lot of emotional stuff into this one without using much manipulation. It's usually the setup that seems hard to believe in the Burg books rather than the manipulation in the narrative and it holds true in Golden Trail as well. In this story, the things that take place prior to our meeting these characters is the part that feels more contrived. The unfolding plot and development of the characters actually felt totally authentic to me.
The bottom line is KA is a story writing mamma jamma.
The arc of this couple having been separated for years and now due to circumstances begin to deal with each other about that, is like the experience of watching a cold and hungry person step into a fire-warmed cabin and tuck into a big bowl of delicious love.
The emergence from ruins is a great place to start a story and the Burg books all start there. I was shimmering with excitement to see the bleak condition of Layne's house when the story started... all rubbing my hands together with anticipation, I was.
The characters are written with such a deft hand that every single one of them gets under your skin. The best part for me is that KA sure knows how to write men! They are absolutely to die for in this story. The mix of brawn, brain, guts, principles, possessiveness and devotion are over the top, but by no means overplayed or overwritten. They are just delightful and fun to read.
Layne (H) seems like a terrible father and rather bleak as a human being, but we discovered he is deeply wounded by a lost love and has been in survival mode for 18 years. Also, the way he fathers his boys feels wrong at times, but through the narrative, I came to believe, for them, it was beyond right. This is what KA does that no one else can, this seemingly wrong behavior being right in a unique or special way... and I admit, I have gotten to the point of craving it (sounds kinda depraved, but its true).
Rocky (h) was the best heroine. I could write paragraphs about her. She is bright and tough and yet she is quite vulnerable and needs Layne badly as he is the only one who has the stuff to help her through her unique battle.
The only issues I ever seem to have with KA books are the background plots that at times interfere with my blissful suspension of disbelief. This time it was the storyline about a black market for underage sex-shenanigans that was tough to buy into, but that's okay. The KA experience is characters, characters, characters and the dynamics that occur between them via lots of scenes and very active dialogue.
And the sexytimes in this one were off the chain. They're not drawn out or elaborate but they were frequent and they packed a punch.
I'm a little shy to try and explain one amazing scene that revealed to me just how good this author is, but feel that I must: As reader, I was totally prepped for an eventual fallout that would stem from a trauma suffered by the h when she was very young. It's foreshadowed over and over and it was just a matter of time before the wheels fell off, so to speak. So anyway, I was reading along at a pretty good clip and then suddenly I saw it begin to rear its head in some innocuous scene. I could feel it in the tone and between the lines. It felt like a snake slithering around in the text. It was subtle and organic and beast was heading right toward these characters. But the H was onto it and did a masterful job of deflecting and sparring with this thing as though he was in a fight sequence but rather than physical, its purely visceral. Gee whiz, it was good writing. So good, I got the wow face. It wasn't the end of that issue, it didn't get tied up quite that neatly, but that first scene of it and the dialogue were riveting.
Anyway, that's my attempt at brevity *snort*.
Oh, for those of you who don't like a lot of interruption in the dialogue that seems to plague KA novels, it's almost non-existent here (Ik, r?) Also the "mutter" exhaustion I suffered in the last book, At Peace (had over 100 occurrences of the word mutter- my kindle actually stopped counting beyond that) was not an issue in this one. Hey wait, that would make for a whopping drinking game! Prepare to be drunk for 3 days though...
Seems to me, when I use fewer words you guys appreciate it, so here goes my attempt at brevity (wish me luck cuz I freakin' loved this book).
A wonderful, satiating, KA experience (that's a brand now) with characters I love and a storyline that was complex but not complicated. All the good KA was here including interesting, quirky or familiar side characters and tons of active dialogue. I was laughing, grinning and enjoying every single page!
KA packed a lot of emotional stuff into this one without using much manipulation. It's usually the setup that seems hard to believe in the Burg books rather than the manipulation in the narrative and it holds true in Golden Trail as well. In this story, the things that take place prior to our meeting these characters is the part that feels more contrived. The unfolding plot and development of the characters actually felt totally authentic to me.
The bottom line is KA is a story writing mamma jamma.
The arc of this couple having been separated for years and now due to circumstances begin to deal with each other about that, is like the experience of watching a cold and hungry person step into a fire-warmed cabin and tuck into a big bowl of delicious love.
The emergence from ruins is a great place to start a story and the Burg books all start there. I was shimmering with excitement to see the bleak condition of Layne's house when the story started... all rubbing my hands together with anticipation, I was.
The characters are written with such a deft hand that every single one of them gets under your skin. The best part for me is that KA sure knows how to write men! They are absolutely to die for in this story. The mix of brawn, brain, guts, principles, possessiveness and devotion are over the top, but by no means overplayed or overwritten. They are just delightful and fun to read.
Layne (H) seems like a terrible father and rather bleak as a human being, but we discovered he is deeply wounded by a lost love and has been in survival mode for 18 years. Also, the way he fathers his boys feels wrong at times, but through the narrative, I came to believe, for them, it was beyond right. This is what KA does that no one else can, this seemingly wrong behavior being right in a unique or special way... and I admit, I have gotten to the point of craving it (sounds kinda depraved, but its true).
Rocky (h) was the best heroine. I could write paragraphs about her. She is bright and tough and yet she is quite vulnerable and needs Layne badly as he is the only one who has the stuff to help her through her unique battle.
The only issues I ever seem to have with KA books are the background plots that at times interfere with my blissful suspension of disbelief. This time it was the storyline about a black market for underage sex-shenanigans that was tough to buy into, but that's okay. The KA experience is characters, characters, characters and the dynamics that occur between them via lots of scenes and very active dialogue.
And the sexytimes in this one were off the chain. They're not drawn out or elaborate but they were frequent and they packed a punch.
I'm a little shy to try and explain one amazing scene that revealed to me just how good this author is, but feel that I must: As reader, I was totally prepped for an eventual fallout that would stem from a trauma suffered by the h when she was very young. It's foreshadowed over and over and it was just a matter of time before the wheels fell off, so to speak. So anyway, I was reading along at a pretty good clip and then suddenly I saw it begin to rear its head in some innocuous scene. I could feel it in the tone and between the lines. It felt like a snake slithering around in the text. It was subtle and organic and beast was heading right toward these characters. But the H was onto it and did a masterful job of deflecting and sparring with this thing as though he was in a fight sequence but rather than physical, its purely visceral. Gee whiz, it was good writing. So good, I got the wow face. It wasn't the end of that issue, it didn't get tied up quite that neatly, but that first scene of it and the dialogue were riveting.
Anyway, that's my attempt at brevity *snort*.
Oh, for those of you who don't like a lot of interruption in the dialogue that seems to plague KA novels, it's almost non-existent here (Ik, r?) Also the "mutter" exhaustion I suffered in the last book, At Peace (had over 100 occurrences of the word mutter- my kindle actually stopped counting beyond that) was not an issue in this one. Hey wait, that would make for a whopping drinking game! Prepare to be drunk for 3 days though...
June 17, 2016
Buddy Read with my KA loving friends at at Buddies Books & Baubles
A few of my favorite tropes in my cotton candy reading are….Lovers separated for years and then brought back together and a fake marriage that turns into love ♥♥♥ I’m a sucker for both of those. So Golden Trail didn’t even have to work very hard for me to like it because it has long lost lovers reunited and while they don’t get married they do fake a relationship until they don’t.
Okay so Tanner and Rocky aren’t perfect. I liked Tanner Layne for the most part. He is a good dad and part of the Alpha boys club. While I thought at times he was a huge jerk (This is just something KA does and I’ve accepted it) mostly to his ex-wife and in the beginning to Rocky overall he seems like a pretty good guy.
Rocky I totally liked though. She is tough and fights to be different in a world full of conformity. As an English teacher at the local high school she is excited about teaching and doing it in a way that engages the kids she has in her classes. I loved that about her.
I really enjoyed the wooing the Tanner throws down to win her back into his life. I also couldn’t wait to find out how things went so wrong in the past that they had to spend all that time apart. I was not what I thought it was and I appreciate the originality of it.
KA went a little darker in this than I expected and the bad guys that they are looking for are BAD. I loved how the kids got to have a slice of the action in this and how they played their part in the story. What was happening in that town was really heartbreaking when we find out how bad it was.
But there are also the fun moments to battle the emotional ones and as always KA is a great storyteller. She needs to sometimes tone down the details of the clothing, throw pillows and side characters but sometimes that seems like the charm of her stories too. That and all the cameos from people we love in the other books. It is great to see Colt Feb and the baby. I loved seeing Joe with Kerra as she starts dating *snickers*. And KA always has a great cast of side characters and this is no exception. If KA is your cup of tea then this books should hit all the high points.
Warning: Layne can be and alpha ass at times. I expect this in a KA book and just let it go. He isn't a KA alpha badass until he backs the heroine against the wall so they can 'talk'. If that isn't your thing then you will probably hate most of the book.
“Layne knew he was in love with her. Not only that, he’d never stopped loving her. Not once, not for a second, not for twenty-one years.
A few of my favorite tropes in my cotton candy reading are….Lovers separated for years and then brought back together and a fake marriage that turns into love ♥♥♥ I’m a sucker for both of those. So Golden Trail didn’t even have to work very hard for me to like it because it has long lost lovers reunited and while they don’t get married they do fake a relationship until they don’t.
“It’s not fake is it?” Jasper asked softly and Layne studied his son thinking he had vastly underestimated Jasper too.
“It was, Jas, it isn’t anymore.” Jasper nodded. Layne continued. “She doesn’t know that yet, though.”
Jasper stared at him then his mouth twitched before, very slowly, it spread into a smile.”
Okay so Tanner and Rocky aren’t perfect. I liked Tanner Layne for the most part. He is a good dad and part of the Alpha boys club. While I thought at times he was a huge jerk (This is just something KA does and I’ve accepted it) mostly to his ex-wife and in the beginning to Rocky overall he seems like a pretty good guy.
Rocky I totally liked though. She is tough and fights to be different in a world full of conformity. As an English teacher at the local high school she is excited about teaching and doing it in a way that engages the kids she has in her classes. I loved that about her.
“See, that's the beauty of books. We get to take what we want out of them and it can be different for everyone. You get a good one, you may even find what you need.”
I really enjoyed the wooing the Tanner throws down to win her back into his life. I also couldn’t wait to find out how things went so wrong in the past that they had to spend all that time apart. I was not what I thought it was and I appreciate the originality of it.
KA went a little darker in this than I expected and the bad guys that they are looking for are BAD. I loved how the kids got to have a slice of the action in this and how they played their part in the story. What was happening in that town was really heartbreaking when we find out how bad it was.
But there are also the fun moments to battle the emotional ones and as always KA is a great storyteller. She needs to sometimes tone down the details of the clothing, throw pillows and side characters but sometimes that seems like the charm of her stories too. That and all the cameos from people we love in the other books. It is great to see Colt Feb and the baby. I loved seeing Joe with Kerra as she starts dating *snickers*. And KA always has a great cast of side characters and this is no exception. If KA is your cup of tea then this books should hit all the high points.
Warning: Layne can be and alpha ass at times. I expect this in a KA book and just let it go. He isn't a KA alpha badass until he backs the heroine against the wall so they can 'talk'. If that isn't your thing then you will probably hate most of the book.
May 25, 2017
3.5 to 4 stars... As other reviewers have said, this was different than any KA. It was told from the male lead perspective and I think there were a lot of missed opportunities (the Jasper/Keira storyline could have been a lot more IMO) but it was still a KA and very entertaining. Sometimes I felt like there were too many "cases" going on at once, but it's that over the top action that makes her books fun.
June 9, 2019
Note to authors: TSTL is not the same as cutesy, whimsical, a handful or manic-pixie girl. Breaking and entering to do a search when you don't even know where to look while your BFF pitches a fit as a distraction falls under S-T-U-P-I-D!
And please, no more BIG EYES!
Since we're all thinking it. I mean everyone over 55 is thinking it....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEqUy...
And please, no more BIG EYES!
Since we're all thinking it. I mean everyone over 55 is thinking it....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEqUy...
August 4, 2023
This was my first book by Kristen Ashley. I know people love her and her books, but this one just didn't work for me. It wasn't really awful, but it wasn't worth my time at this moment.
Let's make it clear; it is a really well-written book, and despite its length, it is somehow easy to read. If it wasn't sooo long, I would probably finish it. But unfortunately, it is really long, and I gave up at 30% and only read the ending. So, these are my thoughts about one-third of the book. And there are also so many things I didn't actually like.
First, I know people have some problems with Layne, I didn't, and I think it is because I was constantly annoyed with Rocky. She comes to Layne's house after about twenty years, and she doesn't explain what for. Then she advises him on housekeeping and parenting. What a terrible attitude! And since she is an English literature teacher, she decides that she will investigate a case of a dirty cop. The one who killed her mother, nearly killed her father who is a policeman, and just shot one of the very best PIs. But she is sooo convinced of her capabilities to catch him. Moreover, because her brother and father are policemen and her false lover is a PI, she feels compelled to investigate another potentially dangerous case that involves breaking into a church at midnight. Go get them, girl! She is a weak heroine, and I couldn't get attached to her. Layne didn't annoy me as much, except for the fact that he finds Rocky *cute* (a grown-up woman! like a puppy or a newborn!).
Another thing that I really hated about this book is the dialogues. Three-fourths of them are Rocky talking, and Layne just repeating her name umpteen times or him talking and her repeating.
This is the master level of miscommunication. I couldn’t stand it; I was rolling my eyes time after time. More than half of the drama in this book could be avoided if only the main characters talked to each other like two adult human beings.
Also, the book is long. But it is long not because of the very developed plot, though there are many sub-plots, too many in my opinion. No, it is long because of all those drawn-out descriptions, meaningless conversations, and completely unnecessary insights into the characters' thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I like to know my characters and have them developed, but, really, I don't care if Layne likes the couch he is sitting on or the view from the window, definitely not to read the whole paragraph about his opinions. And the action is so slow that you can skip like fifty pages, and you will be in the same place. The suspense part is just not moving a jot. The thing is that we know more about the types of trees growing in front of Rocky's flat than about the scheme she and Layne are into. And then we've got umpteen other sub-plots that add up to the whole unnecessary drama. [I read some reviews, and people say that the suspense part is actually good. I can't tell about that after reading only one-third of the story.]
I didn't really dislike this book. The point is that I didn't really care. As I said, if it wasn't so long, I would probably read the whole thing. Especially since I really liked Jasper and Tripp. I will probably give this author another chance.
Let's make it clear; it is a really well-written book, and despite its length, it is somehow easy to read. If it wasn't sooo long, I would probably finish it. But unfortunately, it is really long, and I gave up at 30% and only read the ending. So, these are my thoughts about one-third of the book. And there are also so many things I didn't actually like.
First, I know people have some problems with Layne, I didn't, and I think it is because I was constantly annoyed with Rocky. She comes to Layne's house after about twenty years, and she doesn't explain what for. Then she advises him on housekeeping and parenting. What a terrible attitude! And since she is an English literature teacher, she decides that she will investigate a case of a dirty cop. The one who killed her mother, nearly killed her father who is a policeman, and just shot one of the very best PIs. But she is sooo convinced of her capabilities to catch him. Moreover, because her brother and father are policemen and her false lover is a PI, she feels compelled to investigate another potentially dangerous case that involves breaking into a church at midnight. Go get them, girl! She is a weak heroine, and I couldn't get attached to her. Layne didn't annoy me as much, except for the fact that he finds Rocky *cute* (a grown-up woman! like a puppy or a newborn!).
Another thing that I really hated about this book is the dialogues. Three-fourths of them are Rocky talking, and Layne just repeating her name umpteen times or him talking and her repeating.
But she just called and said she’s going to be late and I can’t miss this viewing because if I do someone else might snatch up the apartment –”
“Rocky –”
“And I gotta get off –”
“Roc –”
“Merry’s couch or my back is going to –”
“Sweetcheeks, shut up a second,” he cut in...
“Rocky, what’d I tell you about this shit?” he asked.
“Layne –”
“Put the file back and get your ass to your car.”
“Layne –”
This is the master level of miscommunication. I couldn’t stand it; I was rolling my eyes time after time. More than half of the drama in this book could be avoided if only the main characters talked to each other like two adult human beings.
Also, the book is long. But it is long not because of the very developed plot, though there are many sub-plots, too many in my opinion. No, it is long because of all those drawn-out descriptions, meaningless conversations, and completely unnecessary insights into the characters' thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I like to know my characters and have them developed, but, really, I don't care if Layne likes the couch he is sitting on or the view from the window, definitely not to read the whole paragraph about his opinions. And the action is so slow that you can skip like fifty pages, and you will be in the same place. The suspense part is just not moving a jot. The thing is that we know more about the types of trees growing in front of Rocky's flat than about the scheme she and Layne are into. And then we've got umpteen other sub-plots that add up to the whole unnecessary drama. [I read some reviews, and people say that the suspense part is actually good. I can't tell about that after reading only one-third of the story.]
I didn't really dislike this book. The point is that I didn't really care. As I said, if it wasn't so long, I would probably read the whole thing. Especially since I really liked Jasper and Tripp. I will probably give this author another chance.
March 1, 2012
5 stars
Still not sure about her parenting techniques (like, not AT ALL), but, again, KA managed to drag me into a fascinating story and keep me riveted to the very end. Rocky's breakdown, toward the end, is very hard to read, and, if you have any triggers for panic/PTSD/etc, be aware that scene might possibly set you off. It was a little too real, in my opinion.
Quite a story. I don't know how she keeps doing this.
*Revised to 5 stars 2/29/12 as I find myself continually thinking about this book, particularly the long scene of Rocky teaching To Kill A Mockingbird to her highschool class, as well as the scene where she has a breakdown. Kristen writes in such a way that you truly, actually, feel you're right there. So much emotion. Love it!
Still not sure about her parenting techniques (like, not AT ALL), but, again, KA managed to drag me into a fascinating story and keep me riveted to the very end. Rocky's breakdown, toward the end, is very hard to read, and, if you have any triggers for panic/PTSD/etc, be aware that scene might possibly set you off. It was a little too real, in my opinion.
Quite a story. I don't know how she keeps doing this.
*Revised to 5 stars 2/29/12 as I find myself continually thinking about this book, particularly the long scene of Rocky teaching To Kill A Mockingbird to her highschool class, as well as the scene where she has a breakdown. Kristen writes in such a way that you truly, actually, feel you're right there. So much emotion. Love it!
March 21, 2013
Another fantastic story with yet another beautiful (inside and out) male lead! And YAY for the Epilogue. I missed those in For You and At Peace & was thrilled to see it back in Golden Trail and what a wonderful epilogue too ... *sigh*
I don't have much to say without having to repeat myself when it comes to raving about KA's books. I will say this though: if you haven't read Kristen's books, you are definitely missing out!
Absolutely 4.5 stars!
I don't have much to say without having to repeat myself when it comes to raving about KA's books. I will say this though: if you haven't read Kristen's books, you are definitely missing out!
Absolutely 4.5 stars!
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