Bounty

Colorado Mountain #7

by Kristen Ashley

Justice Lonesome has enjoyed a life of bounty.

Even so, she’s inherited the curse of the Lonesome. A poet’s soul. Which means she’s still searching for something. Searching for peace. Searching for the less…that’s more.

And when the foundation of her life is pulled out from under her, grieving, she goes to the mountains to find her oasis. She hits Carnal, Colorado and decides to stay.

Deke Hightower lost everything at the age of two. He lost it again at fifteen. His life has not been about bounty. It’s been about learning to live with less, because there’s no way to get more.

Deke’s also watched all his friends go down to the women who gave them what they needed. He wants that for himself. But he knows that search isn’t going to be easy because he’s a rider. His home is the road. That’s the only place he can breathe. And the woman who takes her place at his side has to do it sitting on the back of his bike.

When Deke meets Justice, he knows she’s not that woman. She’s cute. She’s sweet. And she’s into him, but she’s got it all and Deke knows he won’t fit into that. So he holds her at arm’s length. Establishes boundaries. And Justice will take it because she wants Deke any way he’ll let her have him.

But when Justice finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game, Deke makes a decision.

When he does, he has no idea he’s just opened himself up to bounty.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Suspense, Second Chance, Audiobook

678 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2016

About the author

Kristen 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.

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DN-Fucking-F @45%

Annnnnnndddddddd, I'm tappin' out, people.



Because Oh my fucking God.

Before I get started...

***Disclaimer Time***

For those of you who haven't been friends/followers of mine for very long, or for those who are just poking their head in on this review - welcome, by the way - let me get something straight:

This is my 51st Kristen Ashley book.

Let me spell that out for you...

FIFTY ONE

I GET Kristen Ashley.

And I LOVE Kristen Ashley.

And for those who loved this book, I'm glad. TRULY.

This disclaimer isn't for you.

It's for all of those people who want to come in here and leave all those condescendingly defensive fun comments saying that I "just don't get Kristen Ashley" or that I just wasn't able to be the "better person" and "overlook" certain things.

And to those assholes folks, I say this:

*
*
*

Here's your High Road Trophy prize:



Good for you.

And, 2) ....


SHUT IT, babe/baby/gypsy/Mama/Buddy/Cherry/Button/Lady/Tigress/beauty/Butterfly/feel free to leave the missing endearments in the comments.

That said, moving on.

I pretty much had four facial expressions throughout this...experience.

And I have done you the courtesy of naming these four looks.

Because I'm nice like that.

And because FUN.

Look #1:


"The Hesitant Hope With a Side of Uh-Oh I Might Have Erred Face"



Look #2:


"The Holy Shit I Am Starting to Regret This Purchase Blank Stare"



Look #3:


"The Jesus Chris Not More Parentheses Eye Roll"




And finally, Look #4:


"The Good Golly Miss Molly Mask of Home Renovation"




Now, tangent.

My buddies at work always tell me that, if you compared a normal person's brain to a hamster on a wheel...

...MY brain is like three hamsters on a wheel.


*Yes, I realize there are only two hamsters in this picture. The three-hamster pictures I could find didn't quite have the...smushing I was looking for...lol

And they are all spastic-ally running into each other.

That said, I am going to lay this thing out the way I always do when I have too much shit talk and too little focus:

The Val created and approved "No-Go" (NG) numbering system.

Because it's easier.

And because my hamsters are OCD hamsters and they like lists.

Let's begin.


NG #1: Justice and her "Poet's Soul."

Holy FUCK, if I learned one thing from this book, I learned that I do NOT have a poet's soul.

Because just the first mention of it made my eye socket feel overly crowded from how hard I rolled those bad boys.

But after about the 10th mention of Justice and her "Poet's Soul?"





What does that even mean anyway?

That you are the type of person who would write an entire song about your eternal soul mate based on some dude you saw saw leaning against a chain link fence in passing and hadn't even spoken to yet?

That a guy who has made it plain - even if he's lying - that he's NOT into you calls you "Baby" a couple times and you lose your shit like a teenager with a "Hey, girl" text message?



I'm sorry, but if that's the case, you are an insult to poets everywhere.

And I pretty much hate your Poet's Soul to the depths of my Bitch's Soul.

I would written something catchy here in iambic pentameter...but lazy.

NG #2: Justice and her Battery Operated Boyfriends

Let's just say that there was a scene.

With Justice.

Alone.

With TWO vibrators.

A LOT of hip thrusting.

And I don't want to walk about it.

Ever.




NG #3: The Run-Ons and Nonsensical Gibberish

KA has ALWAYS had a...unique way of writing.

But in THIS book, I swear, I sometimes felt like I needed a magic decoder ring to unlock some of these paragraphs of verbal diarrhea.

Want a taste?

Of a paragraph. Not diarrhea.

Here ya go:

"'You don't gotta give me what you don't wanna give me. Got no call to own it. Don't want that call. Made that clear so you know that."

Okay. Now. I'm not a genius by any means.

But I was a straight A student, once upon a time, and I do have a college degree - in ENGLISH no less...

And I had to read that three fucking times to get what the fuck was being said - and I wasn't even drunk this time.


NG #4: Parentheses (Like A LOT of Them) Overkill (Seriously Though)

I have never seen so many ()()()()()()()()() in my life.

Honestly, I don't think you could get through a page of this bad boy without some part of at least three sentences being hugged to fucking death.

Don't believe me?

"'Fine,' I said and it came out more curt (or hurt) than I wanted it to."

"The girls didn't offer cuddles (though, all but Krys and Twyla, I was sure they would if Deke wasn't already providing that)."

"When Deke woke us (apparently having an internal alarm clock), I knew I was on the verge of being out-and-out grouchy (okay, not so verge, I was there) so I set about making that go away..."

Now this one, is my personal parentheses overkill favorite:

"He might have won it but I got the last laugh because I like that movie too so I didn't mind losing (and I knew before I even suggested it (something I didn't hesitate to do anyway) that I wouldn't get Deke to watch Ben Stiller's The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, or at least not without more energy for the fight and some buildup of bargaining power)."

Yes, that's right.

In case you missed it, that was a set of parentheses WITHIN ANOTHER set of parentheses.

We are basically at what amounts to the Olympic level of the parenthetical world here, my friends.



How does it feel to have no fucking clue what's going on be surrounded by such true athleticism?

And, drumroll please...the pièces de résistance....

We have a mating of NG #4, the parenthetical overkill phenomenon AND NG#3, the above mentioned gibberish:

"He talked on the phone frequently with his woman and the family he collected when he got her (she was a widowed mom) and the one the two of them were making (something they enjoyed doing because far as I knew, they had five kids, two hers before Cal, five hers and Cal's with Cal's seed making three of those)."

Wuuuuuuuuut?

Seriously though.

What in the actual fuck?

Between the gibberish, the parentheses, and actual use of the word SEED there, my head almost fucking exploded.



I'm not even going to get into the "Honey's," the fur baby that was Deke's tummy, the constant drywall-ing, the variety of deli sandwich-ing, and the disgusting thing that is fried bologna.

The long and the short of it here is that I was BORED FUCKING STIFF.

I mean, I didn't even get to the SEX!



And the fact that not even a scene with my LOVE Joe, my OTHER love Ty, AND my Tatey IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER could save this for me?



That was my Bounty death knell right there, folks.

I mean that was a DREAM KA-man situation.

And even then I was bored.

And had a headache from all the verbal circles.

Sadz.

That said, I still love Kristen Ashley.

I just think that we have reached a point where Kristen Ashley is just straight out-Kristen Ashleying her own damn self.,

I had doubts going into this. I said I wouldn't read it, but my hope for a rekindling of my "KA glory days" overrode my common sense.

So my bad.

But I'm still rating this bad boy 1 Star.

My personal DNF rule is that I get to rate it if I get to 50%...

And I figure that my 45% + my missing $3.99?

=

Kiss my ass.



Find me at:



XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After not loving some of KA's latest, I told myself I wouldn't read this until I saw some reviews, if at all.

And yet here we are, on release day, and I am fighting the one-click finger...

[Aestas Book Blog]

::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::

He kept looking me right in the eyes.
“My honor to be that man who’s there for you.”

Kristen Ashley is one of my all-time favorite authors, and she's also the queen of Alpha male romance. Whenever a reader comes to me for a recommendation, KA is one of the first authors I always think of. No matter what kind of romance you like, she's got you covered. All her heroes are Alpha so no matter what you read, you'll be getting a powerful, protective, and possessive guy to swoon over. Prefer bikers? She's has 'em, lots and lots of 'em. Rock stars? Check. Like your romance sprinkled with a dash of suspense? There's a more serious series or a light-hearted one. Second chance love? All of these. Want to cry? Read this or this. Want to laugh? Read these. Looking for something with some heat? Well, honestly that's all her books. Maybe you're into PNR? She's got those. How about fantasy? Yup again! Ghosts? Affirmative. Commando badasses? Oh yeah. Single parents? Yes, yes, YES! Adoption? Indeed. Ex-cons? Mmmhmm. Cops? Definitely. Strong heroines? Hell yeah! Standalones without series? This or that. You name it... Kristen Ashley has it! And ALL her books are fantastic. They're all well-written. They're all addictive. And they are exactly the reason why so many readers around the world are in LOVE with her books.

Bounty was the ultimate slow-burning romance. This is exactly how a soul-deep love that is first built on a beautiful friendship should be written. The story begins when Justice and Deke meet one night in a biker bar. Neither of them were looking for anything, but they found each other. They sparked, they connected. In those few moments, a part of her heart belonged to him forever. It being late though, they arranged for him to pick her up the next day on his bike. She waited and waited but, with no explanation, he never showed and she didn't hear from him again for the next seven years...

Seven years later is when the real story begins. Justice's whole family were rock stars but by this point, she too had become a world famous singer. Unbenounced to Deke, she even wrote a song about him on the night they met that went on to be a world-wide hit after she released it. But being in the spotlight her whole life had its drawbacks and after her father's death, she needed to step back and find a little place to call her own where she could just be Jus, not Justice Lonesome. So she bought a piece of property in Carnal, an oasis to call her own. And stepped into the bar that night to celebrate.... and there he was.

Seven years, ten minutes, and I knew him at a glance.
Seven years, ten minutes, I was right then drawn to him so deeply, it was taking physical effort to stop my body swaying his way, my feet from moving to him… But it still hurt he didn’t remember me.

But he didn't recognize her. Not at all. Looked right through her and went back to his conversation. Which hurt deep. So deep that she had no intention of going up to him to dredge up their past. But fate had another plan for them. As it turned out, the house she'd purchased needed pretty much everything (including walls) built from scratch and as luck would have it, her contractor had a man skilled in construction just arrive in town recently who he was happy to send her way to work on her house. Naturally, she jumped at the chance to be any closer to having walls so she agreed. But when he arrived, guess who it was...

YEP. Deke.

Right, this was happening.
I met a guy who asked me out and stood me up and now I met him again and he didn’t remember me.
Whatever.
It was not a big deal.
Sure, I’d written a song for him. I’d recorded it. I’d released an album with that song on it. It and the whole album had been critically acclaimed, sold relatively well and nominated for awards.
So what?
He didn’t know that.
He didn’t know me, the me he asked out or the me I turned out to be.
Now he was going to install my desk, inventory the stuff in my house, blow insulation in my walls, make my furnace work and give me a utility room.
No big deal.

He was brusque and borderline rude, efficient at his work, but still made so signs of recognizing her and no effort to be friendly. It was clear she was no more than a job to him and while that hurt deep once again, she was bound and determined to befriend him. And so began their... mmm, not quite a romance yet... but definitely a relationship of sorts that was so incredibly fun to watch develop.

I loved their strangely spare but totally awesome banter. Every time he softened a little made my heart skip a beat, and her unending positivity kept me smiling. For example, the way he refused to take food from her, but the way she wouldn't give up on feeding him...

I held the bag to him when I got close.

“Roast beef and Swiss. I had them heat it up. French roll. Regular potato chips, Big Grab. If you tell me what flavors you like, next time, I’ll get saucy. Also in there are two of Shambles’ butterscotch cookies with chocolate chips.” I then offered the water. “This needs no explanation.”

“Woman, you don’t need to buy me food,” Deke rumbled, straightening to his full height which meant I had to tip my head back to look at him.

“Dude, you pass out from dehydration or malnutrition, no way in hell I can carry your carcass to my truck to race you to emergency. I couldn’t even drag it. You need sustenance.”
I jiggled the bag.

“I’m not gonna pass out,” he clipped.

“And I’m not gonna have someone at my house who eats bologna day in, day out. Yes, it’s yummy, but you need variety. So today, roast beed.”

I jiggled the bag again.

Everything was going unconventionally well, as they danced around the line between friendship and something more, until one horrifying night gave them a wake up call that send them crashing towards each other in a way that everyone including them knew, they'd never be apart again...

He kept moving and she kept moving so when they hit, they slammed into each other. He curled his arms around her and she wrapped hers around him, pushing… no, fucking burrowing into his body.
He lifted a hand and cupped her head, pressing her cheek to his chest…
“I’m here. Right here, baby.”

Now, thankfully even though most of the story is told from Justice's POV, we do a fair number of chapters from his POV as well giving us some much needed insight into why he was so careful to keep his distance from her, whether or not he actually remembered her, and how deeply he really was falling for her.

These two were just from such different worlds. Her a famous rock star who wanted for nothing, him a down country biker mountain man who'd had to work hard for every single thing he had. But just so you know, he actually did have a legit reason for both keeping his distance from her at first and for why he stood her up seven years ago -- both reasons were pretty heart-wrenching at that. I'll let you discover that on your own when you read but I just wanted to assure you that he's not an asshole.

As I mentioned earlier, theirs was a gorgeous slow-burning romance and I totally didn't mind the languished build. But then THAT MOMENT when things crossed from friends to lovers between them oooooooohmigosh I was smiling and swooning non-stop. It was intense and BEAUTIFUL.

The hotness, the connection, the spark, the love, it was all there! But I loved how smoothly they transitioned from being friends to lovers. I mean yes, there was a specific moment that defined it, but as you read, you could just feel them gravitate towards each other in a way where when they officially became a them, it just felt right in the way where you knew there was no other way for them to be but together.

“My honor,” he told me.
I felt my brows draw together, but even so, my heart didn’t skip a beat at that. It squeezed. He kept looking me right in the eyes.
“My honor to be that man who’s there for you.”

KA writes epic romance. This is a well-known fact. But just as important as the love stories are the way she includes friends, family, and community into her stories in such a deep, heart-felt way that, I swear to you, there were tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. Just that knowledge that there are people out there -- good, kind, honest, loyal friends -- who always have your back can be so deeply meaningful.

If you're a long-time KA fan, you'll be pleased to know that this book is chock full of cameos from this full series (Max, Tate, Ty, Chase), the Rock Chick series (Mace!), the 'Burg series (Joe), the Unfinished Heroes series (Deacon) and it was so much fun to revisit all these characters. Like meeting up with old friends!

You could read this book as a standalone and be fine understanding everything. Your understanding of this book does not hinge on any previous stories. However, you will have a deeper connection to the secondary characters if you have read their books in advance. So really, the choice is yours. My usual recommendation with KA books is to pick a series and then start with the first standalone and read them through in order, but they're all structured to stand alone so, either way, you won't go wrong.

This book is quite low on drama. It's a slow-burning, smooth-flowing romance that builds in passion and intensity over the course of the book. I had so much fun reading Deke and Justice's story and this is definitely a wonderful new addition to KA's fantastic roster of books! A new favorite!

If you're a fan of Alpha male romance, you should definitely pre-order a copy!

“You know how you too me I was one of the best women you’ve ever met?”
He didn’t answer immediately, then his deep voice sounded. “Don’t.”
I did. “You’re one of the best men I’ve ever met.”

Rating: 4.5+ stars. Contemporary romance.

__________________________

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[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Deke's Gypsy Princess Stars



Going into this book I was a little worried. I put off reading it for a week. The reviews on this one are so mixed. Having OCD and knowing I would have to read and if I didn't like it, I would still have to finish it, made me a little slow to pick it up. So I am relieved to say that I really liked it. Not as much as say Max, Nina, Ty, Lexie, Chace and Faye's books but it was still a really good read!



I loved Deke and Justice. I found Deke sweet, alpha without being an asshole, protective, without being controlling and supportive. I thought Justice was cute, quirky and although sometimes cheesy she was endearing. I thought they had a sweet relationship with lots of passion thrown in there. I will say there was a few too many sex scenes in this book. I am so cool with smokin' hot sex scenes in a book but after the first 13 or so it gets a little redundant. Just sayin'! That being said some of them scenes were melt my kindle hot! Deke's a bit of a kinky boy!! I loved that for the most part their relationship was low drama and had a great build up. This book really took it's time showing you their love story. Giving such depth to their relationship and you can feel it.



I always enjoy seeing all the past couples. Getting caught up on their lives. Crystal and Bubba took the cake this book. I loved seeing good things for them and that Bubba still has his shit straight. I will say that I gave this book a 4 star instead of a 5 because I found it at times cheesy especially the whole Poet's soul thing, and because it really slowed down in the middle. If they would have cut out about 50 to 100 pages I think it would have flowed better. So you know basically if they would have cut out 2 or 5 of the sex scenes it would have taken care of that lol! Over all a good read and a nice addition to the series. I know Wood's book is next and I don't really know if I am looking forward to it to be honest. He is already with his wife so I don't really know what the book is going to tell us since we readers have been seeing him with his wife since book 2??? I guess I will find out when it comes out!!

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's taken me nearly 5 days to finish this one and to be honest, it was a struggle at times to get to the end. Even the epilogue didn't really do much for me and I usually love her epilogues.

Seriously, the book could have/should have been about 200 pages shorter. Halfway through ... absolutely nothing was happening.


This guy is a bit young looking for Deke ... but he sort of fits the picture.

Then there were trees, more trees and some more trees.

OK, how is this relevant to the storyline.


I know KA has a tried and trusted formula and it usually works for me! Maybe I have outgrown my KA phase. Not sure if I even want to read about Woods and Maggie.

"You're a little crazy, gypsy."

"Less is more," I told him.

I think in this case "less" should definitely have been more.

...

Sorry I am not able to rate it any higher. Maybe if it had been a shorter read, I might have.

[KristenReviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 60% – Ummm...



I have never, EVER, not finished a Kristen Ashley book and I'm a little shell shocked right now if I'm being honest. I adore this author but I finally had to throw in the towel–after months of picking up it, then putting it back down again–and admit to myself that a KA book just wasn't holding my attention. Oh well, it was bound to happen eventually.

I love this author. She has brought me many, many hours of pure reading bliss over the years and I have no doubt she'll continue to do so in the future. Sadly, it just didn't happen with this book.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

2023
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go. Kristen Ashley has always been my calming go to. She has this way of writing that once you get her mindset and understand how she weaves a tale, it can be addicting, especially with her "Vintage OG series. These books are always something I come back to.

2016
3 Less Could Have Been More Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
This review has taken me a bit to write as I had two trains of thought going at the same time.
Each valid. So you are getting both...from someone who will always appreciate the talent of KA and will continue to buy and read her books.
~~~~Warning~~~~
This is a long-ass review...
The Colorado Mountain Series is one of my top joys with KA. The first 4 books took me to a place with people whose hearts were as big as the surrounding mountains. The idea of men with no interest in hearing themselves talk was different; they had a code of how they nodded agreement with a tip of their chin, showed their affection for their women plainly and often, and would fight the fires of hell to protect them and those they cared for. Cool.

The women who became a bone of contention turning into their unending desire and personal confessor all had the inner strength and the ability to just handle anything. They also were awed by the men they were drawn to. There was humor, bickering, incredible sex, and suspense of some sort thrown in for good measure.

These first 4 books, I think, were self-published in 2011/2012. In many conversations with friends, I have felt these with The Burg Series were her meatier books in comparison with the Rock Chicks feel. KA continued to write other series and then continued with this series too...But for me...these first four were the standard of how I thought about this series.

Additional books have come along, allowing us to dive deeper into this community... learn more about all the players, how they are wired and who they end up with. Yet something about these books has changed... yet stayed the same.

What has stayed the same is the heart- KA's is HUGE. She has an internal compass that directs her to themes that are simple but profound. In each of her books, she brings something forward that we all know in our own lives... but she wraps up these lessons in love stories with characters who take us on their personal awakening. It will touch us because it touches her in a way to communicate it in just her way.

What else has stayed the same is the ability to throw in extras like the hard-ass woman having a moment of fear she will be a horrible mom... and the new friend showing her the fear itself is proof she will work not to be. Little things like that with the secondary characters we have loved from a distance work to easily show more about the characters and build on our insight into them.
And then there are the renowned epilogues.... always monumental and yummy.

What has changed, though for me, has been a notice of her not necessarily seeing clear to do what she was preaching in this specific entry: Less is More.

The concept of Less is More is something we all come to at different stages of our lives for whatever reason. It could be the realization that accumulating lots of things... working so hard to be able to buy all the adult goodies... 70 inch TVs, having cars that cost as much as houses... doesn't matter if your life is full of stress, empty, and numb. It could also mean having 5,000 friends on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter doesn't mean anything if you have to twist your life into a pretzel to look a certain way or be at every event whether you should be or not... just to get the likes, etc.

And in this book, our main character Justice has this epiphany while hanging out at a biker bar in Wyoming. She is a singer/songwriter of a legendary musical family. She has been gifted a life many would dream about; traveling with the musically famous on the road, seeing the world from the youngest of ages and loved by her father, grandfather, and knowing she had an old soul...It is in a moment sitting in the bar's back outdoor area by herself when all of this thinking comes to her... She is so grateful for all the bounty of goodness in her life...aware she has all of the material things and even love of family... she is understanding her feelings... this need for more...is not the need for more things, more travel, more thrills...

It is the need for more in her heart... a need to bond and have that filled...and it is while she is thinking this and recognizing how real and important all of this self-awareness is...she sees a man who embodies all of this to her.

This lone man who is laughing freely with a friend...The image, the laugh, the ease of him captures her...takes her breath away because he is what she was realizing...He approaches her. He sees her writing in her leather book...asks why is she alone doing this and a conversation happens where the words are few but strike both of them with meaning. He tells her he would like to see her the next day and arrangements are made to meet up...he touches her face... the meaning is clear to both... something more than just talking took place...She waits for him at the time agreed... stays the whole day in one place, finally admitting he isn't coming...As is her way... she writes a song about him, with all the want, desire, and recognition of what he was to her...for the bond in those brief moments would be a lifetime.

We all know Deke from the previous books; loyal, strong, traveler, and alone. His best friend is Tate. He does construction when in town for Max's company. He has a tight circle of friends and has been a rock of support whenever needed... and this group has needed a lot through all of the books.

Seven years have passed and we catch up with Justice as she is looking to land and plant roots of her own. She has come to Carnal, Colorado to create her own safe haven. The beloved father died too soon from an aneurysm months ago leaving behind a trail of fans and family mourning his passing. His life was lived hard; marriages and children... ex-wives and the last current one... all combined and left to hear his wishes in his detailed will. It is ironclad and specific. Not all are happy with the terms.

Side Note
KA did a dedication to a man who had passed; someone she admired, loved, and felt for his family. One of the themes in this book is about Justice's dad and how she loved him deeply. His passing was extremely painful for her and her finally being able to mourn him was very touching and important. I may be reading into something which isn't.... but knowing the dedication made me feel a lot of this story may have had to do with her relationship with this loss.

Justice just wants to be able to breathe easy. She has had some serious ups and downs in her career. Her music is successful; her talent is clear and wanted. She toured and bad things happened... she saw all the negative things overtake people who weren't strong enough to not partake...it became a decision she needed to make... to get to that Less is More thing.

She has found her location; a property that had the start of being a magnificent home with views, trees all around, and off the beaten track for the privacy she would need. It is almost a shell because the owners ended in divorce. Most of the materials needed to complete the build were bought...and the contractor agreed to finish the project if the property was acquired. The master and bath were complete so there was someplace for Justice to be ok...she knew additional land would be available soon from a possible sale from neighbors...So this was to be her place. The deal was done. She would plant her roots here.

Justice goes into town, decides to relax a bit with a beer at Bubba's. There she meets the locals and there in a corner is Him....the one from long ago. She does not go to him or even let herself look directly at him...she continues to introduce herself as Jus...not wanting to deal with the fame thing...at least for a while. If they didn't recognize her right away then she could have some space... some peace. Also if he heard her name...he would know it was her.

She can't believe this is happening... but there you have it. And it definitely seems he doesn't remember her at all...Though to be fair... she doesn't look anything like she did back at that bar in Wyoming...then all done up in a tight top, tight skirt, big hair...Now in "BoHo" flowy style with her hair either down or thrown back with braids... lots of bangles and earrings climbing up to the top edges...so maybe that is why...

Max was the contractor for her house and it turned out the original build date could be pushed earlier than expected. He had a guy who could handle most on his own till the rest of the crew was able to take it on. He could do overtime if she wanted to push it along and she agreed to it all. Money was not an issue. She didn't throw it around to impress or in a crazy way... just appreciated she had earned it herself as well as all that had been given to her from the family musical business. For a very wealthy 34-year-old woman, she was extremely down to earth and never flaunted it.

The story wouldn't happen if it didn't turn out Deke was the one who came to work on her house...and with a quick interrupt, Justice was able to get Max to call her Jus...so that Deke would remain clueless to their past.

We are taken through the development of this relationship between Deke and Justice. Overall it was the Meant To Be kind. It had some very sweet moments to it. It had a touch of suspense to add more depth. It was a KA relationship in that we got all of the steps they went through in detail. We learned of Deke's past life and I appreciated this man. He was true to himself. Once he was smitten with Justice, he was true to his feelings... no game playing at all. Terrific. Justice also didn't play games with him in any negative way... they both would get out what they needed to say and figured things out.

Each of KA couples has their sexy times together... with always some type of thing that was just for them... and she did that here. Deke knew his "kinks" and Justice was no little shrinking violet- they were in sync. What I loved was the open way Deke was able to show his affection for her... always having a hand somewhere on her...letting her know he was there for her.

So here is where I address the change in KA's writing for me and not following the theme of this lesson, Less is More...

This book was long. 635 pages. Now the first 4 books of the series were long as well. But this felt longer versus the others. Those flew by in the pacing and interest in what was happening. This seemed to be full of words to have them.... then they sometimes did not flow in the natural KA way. She has a very specific way of writing and after reading 39 of her books, I am good with that. This book, however, seemed more phrase in phrase to the point where I had to sit back and try to get the meaning.

The other thing which hit me was how in this book, KA got to live out her fantasy of building a home from scratch...In all of her books, she has always done over the top descriptions of locations, rooms, clothing, etc... What would be more perfect for her than being able to actually build a home practically from the start. This was where More was Just More....we got drywall, fire pits, intricate flooring and ceilings, paint spraying and insulation, lots of KA shopping, and a bit of cooking.

There were so many other things that caused me to sigh.... but not in the way you usually do when reading KA...so much repetition of Justice's hair....it was almost like another fully formed character or her poet's soul... I get she was a songwriter and felt things like an artist...and needed to let us know in the first meeting of her poet's soul....but couldn't there have been another way to reference how deep she felt things with other phrases to mix it up...

Which brings me to the conversation I had with one of my dear friends here on GR... I was explaining my frustration in having two types of reviews in my head and then mentioned I felt this book "Jumped the Shark" for this series and KA. She was not familiar with the phrase and I had to explain it. Per the Urban Dictionary:

jump the shark
a term to describe a moment when something that was once great has reached a point where it will now decline in quality and popularity. Origin of this phrase comes from a Happy Days episode where the Fonz jumped a shark on water-skis. Thus was labeled the lowest point of the show.

Now I do not believe KA will not rebound for me in her next book. I am a total fan and will continue to support and buy her books. Period.

But with this particular installment, although it did have its sweet, deep moments...I really did feel it was not the KA who did the first 4 books of the series. Again, others have not felt this way and as we all know, reviews are subjective to the reader.

Thank you for your time... I warned you... it was a long-ass review.

The Gamble (Colorado Mountain, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Dreams (Colorado Mountain, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Lady Luck (Colorado Mountain, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Breathe (Colorado Mountain, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jagged (Colorado Mountain, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bounty (Colorado Mountain, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
4/30/16
I know there have been polarizing views on this... but I am not able to turn away... and am starting this...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just when I thought I was out... KA pulls me back in.

Just when I thought the Colorado Series complete...
She teases me with the idea of Derek and Justice...

Who am I kidding...
I will never be out of the KA pull...

Keep them coming and I will keep reading...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 'Less is more' Stars!


Most of you know that Kristen Ashley is one of my favourite authors, she is my queen and I love her books and her writing style. The Colorado Mountain series introduced me to her and I was so excited to read this new addition. Well, I quite enjoyed it but I will also say this is not my favourite in the series.

Bounty is Colorado Mountain's seventh installment and it tells the story of Deke Hightower (a man who only feels free when he is on the road, who is still affected by his difficult past and who is surprised to find his woman while working on her new house) and Justice 'Jussy' Lonesome (a woman who comes from a family dedicated to music, a lost person who has just lost her father and has a messed-up brother and who find her 'less that's more' in Carnal, Colorado).

I actually had it all. And if I didn’t have it, I had the means to get it.
Having the feelings I was having, sitting at that bar, it made me feel ungrateful.
Because in coming to understand I wanted more, I was coming to understand that I actually wanted less.

Jussy and Deke actually meet in a bar in Wyoming and both feel an instant connection. They want to know more about each other but circumstances stop them from meeting again. That same night, Justice (very much affected by everything about Deke) writes one of her most famous songs: Chain Link. Seven years pass and now Jussy is new to Carnal, she just bought a house and hires Holden Maxwell's company to fix it. Well, imagine the surprise when Deke appears in her front door.

I was stuck.
Stuck with days in, days out of a man who moved me with one meeting then stood me up and didn’t remember me working in my house.

I really enjoyed the love story between Deke and Justice. It definitely continues with the same style as the other Colorado Mountain books. I love KA's alphas and the crazy chemistry between her couples. Bounty is all about this, and also, as always, with very emotional moments. KA makes me cry every freaking time! And I love it ;)

“I’m a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it’s almost embarrassing how much God likes me. But He really must like me because I have all I have and He also gave me you.”

Fuck, it was beginning to feel like Justice Lonesome had been made for him.

I really love how emotional it gets! And there is also plenty of hot and sexy times between these two! Moreover, one of the aspects I always enjoy about KA is her secondary characters. It's great to have all the other Carnal people involved. All these characters have a place in my heart and Kristen gave us amazing moments with them in Bounty!

“Babe, you’re gonna get peace. Any motherfucker fucks with your peace, they got my buckshot in their ass,” Krystal declared.
My eyes got wide.
“Not to scare you or anything,” Jim-Billy leaned toward me and stage-whispered. “But she ain’t jokin’.”

“Ladies,” I cut in and when I had two sets of eyes aimed at me, I shared, “He’s totally boning me. And it is seriously fine.”
Lauren, holding Breanne, grinned at me.
Krystal smiled huge and said, “Well, all right.”

Max, Nina, Lauren, Tate, Jonas, Ty, Lexy, Chace, Faye, Decker, Wood, Maggie.. all of them had fantastic moments and I loved it! I really cannot wait for Wood's story, which (sadly) will be the last one in the series.

However, as you can see, my rating is not really clear. Why not 3.5 or 4 stars alone? Well, as I said, I really enjoyed the love story and the secondary characters in Bounty but there was also some aspects that felt off for me. First, the book was quite slow (especially at the beginning). Second, KA tends to write long books and normally that's not a problem but this one felt even longer because I did not connect as much as other times with the main characters. And third, even though I love KA's writing style, I don't know exactly what it was but this was not her pure, amazingly good techique. Sometimes I felt lost in the writing and maybe it was because I was also ill but it has never taken me a week to finish a KA book. Never.

“You were standing by a chain link fence wearing worn jeans and a white tee the first time I saw you in a biker bar in Wyoming.”

Besides this, Bounty was an enjoyable read for me but as I said at the beginning of the review, this is not my fave by KA. I really enjoyed Deke and Jussy's moments together and especially their moments together with all the other characters. I love the familiarity between all of them! It will be hard to say goodbye to them in the next book, for sure!

I had not found my oasis. I had not found a home.
I’d stumbled into Heaven on earth where miracles could happen.

Therefore, my rating for Bounty is 3.5-4 STARS because I really enjoyed the story as a whole but it could have been even better, I know that without a doubt because I have seen KA at her best many other times! Still, it was a good read and it's always good to have more of one of my favourite writers! If you have read the other Colorado Mountain books, please check this one out if you want to catch up with KA's outstanding characters!

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[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A narrator can make all the difference

I had originally given Bounty 4.5 stars. After listening to the audio, I've given the half star back. I really enjoyed listening to this one and found it hard to turn it off. The narrator does an awesome job, I loved the characters and I think I was needing a KA fix.

I'm tempted to go on a bit of a KA marathon and Wildest Dreams & The Golden Dynasty is calling my name.

**********

Things don’t always go to plan..

Well…the plan was - champagne, chocolates and 24-48 hours non-stop KA Party Night. What I got was…Bounty downloaded…parent/teacher night, rugby league training for little one, rugby union training for the big one, kids coming home from school and THEIR WORLD IS ENDING!! Homework to be supervised, hubby’s needing to chat about something or other and plain old real life SUCKING THE LIFE OUT OF MY PARTY!!

You know what? I still made time for my party. Yes, it wasn’t an endless party like back in the olden days (12 months ago) but it was still kids sitting at the end of my bed asking what this KA was all about. Hubby is still being a sweetheart and delivering me nachos so I could eat and read. My family is smiling, smirking and then laughing at me because I laughed out loud, and cried with tears pouring out my eyes. My party is, knowing that for a little while I’m in my happy place, living in KA world and visiting my mates in Carnal, Chantelle, and Gnaw Bone.

So…we’re back in the Colorado Mountains and we’ve got a famous singer moving in. Justice Lonesome’s family are superstars in the music world. Her Grandad was a famous singer, his son was even more famous and Justice is left to carry on that legacy. To the outside world, she had it all, but sometimes looks can be deceiving. She’s bought a shell of a house to do up and live in because it was time for her to plant some roots. A few months back, Justice’s very much loved dad passed, she was going through a few family and friend issues and she really just needed a refuge. She’s not really complaining, as Justice has had an awesome life and knows not many people are given the same opportunities as she’s had.

There was one time, seven years ago that something happened that left a profound effect on her. Justice saw a man, she was attracted to that man, he inspired musical poetry and he left a mark on her. Unfortunately, at that time, the promise wasn’t realised. He set a date…that he didn’t meet…he gave her hope…that he didn’t fulfil…and he inspired a song…that he never heard.

Deke Hightower is a Colorado Mountain Man. We know him a little bit but have mostly seen him back up his friends and been the silent observer in the bumpy rides to love for his mates. In Bounty we now get his history, where’s he’s from and what made him into the man he has become. Life has thrown him some very hard lessons, but he has always stayed true to himself. His dad died when he was two and his mum struggled all of her life to make sure that Deke was looked after. From the lessons he learns, Deke is very wary of - women with money and dreaming unrealistic dreams. Deke meets a woman who catches his attention, brings brightness to his day and makes him want. But life…got in the way.

Now, seven years later and Justice and Deke are living in the same town. Justice has changed a lot since the first time she met Deke, but she didn’t think it was a change that would make her completely unforgettable. Deke is extremely attracted to Justice, but he wouldn’t dream someone as beautiful, sexy and rich would want him. When the two are forced to spend time together Justice realises that Deke is still someone she wants, but he pushes her away because of his need to avoid her type. Their journey to each other is bumpy and definitely not plain sailing.

I get sucked in every time I start a new Kristen Ashley story. Not all of them are masterpieces, but they all have the ability to make me feel. I get the blood rushing high from an instant attraction, the blood gurgling anger when someone does my hero or heroine wrong and the tingling feeling when things start falling into place. Bounty is full of the words that show love, the hugs to give strength and the actions to show loyalty and support.

For me, Bounty was nearly everything I wanted. It was a little long, but that could have been more about my real life intruding on my reading time. I also got a little distracted with terms that I’m uncertain of and names that can easily get mixed up…looking at you Deke, Deacon, and Decker. I absolutely loved the songs selected to showcase emotions and feelings. Going online and seeing the Goo Goo Dolls and Hozier’s YouTube clips made me feel even closer to the characters. Lots of description of clothing, furniture, and renovations, but none of those things annoys me. I absorb what I need to get the image KA is trying to put across.

Bounty took me back to visit some friends and meet some new ones too. I get a kick out of meeting up with the Colorado Men and their loved ones, but I also love when the Rock Chicks get mentioned and the Unfinished Heroes have a new path we hear about. Kristen Ashley is still one of my all-time favourite authors and I’m glad that I can still chuck a party every time she has a new release.

I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I'm a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it's almost embarrassing how much God likes me. But He really must like me because all I have and He also gave me you.

What is it about a Kristen Ashley book that hits the spot for me every single time? There's just something magical about her writing when even if the heroes sound the same at times, I still manage to fall head over ovaries for them; and Deke was no exception.

I've been curious about Deke Hightower for quite some time. He's been somewhat of an enigma throughout this series. A sexy, broody enigma. We knew he had a story and I for one couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

He knew from the first time he saw her in Carnal she was untouchable.
Now he knew she wasn't just untouchable, she was not even in his stratosphere.

Deke and Justice first meet at a time in their lives that just doesn't allow them anything further. The one thing that I love that the author had managed to do was build such a strong connection and chemistry with two people who just met. It's not insta lust or insta love, but it is the beginning of something more. It was a crumble that would soon lead to something greater and the one thing I loved was the journey they took to that later.

Years after their first meeting, Justice finds herself in Carnal in the hopes of finding a quiet place to rebuild her life. In a time in her life when she's grieving, the last thing she expects is a blast from her past in the shape of gorgeous and grumpy monosyllabic Deke. Deke doesn't remember her but she sure remembers him. But as much as she wants Deke, she knows it just can't be

There had to be yearning. There had to be melancholy. There had to be pain mixed with pleasure, but the pain had to come stronger than the pleasure, knowing it never would get what it really needed.
No poet could be truly happy or their soul would waste away to starvation.

Like most every other KA heroine I've ever read, I adored Justice "Jussy". She's a little quirky, a lot sweet, and can give as good as she gets. I love the way she was with everyone in the town. You can completely understand why everyone loved her because she's impossible not to like. She's a poetic soul but it wasn't ever in a cheesy way. I really loved that about her.

Symmetry.
My life had never had symmetry. It was a zigzag line that led me to there, a place I'd wanted to end the zigging and zagging.
Now I suddenly wanted that back.

What I truly loved most of all was the slow burn of romance. The chemistry is there from the beginning and it practically crackles from the pages each time these two so much as look at each other, but I appreciated that they didn't just fall into bed together. The author made it burn so good and it was oh so sweet. And when they finally do get together? Combustible!

I hoped I was made for him. Because he sure as fuck was made for me.

The first half of this book was a devour sort of pace for me. Admittedly it does slow down a bit towards the second half when the couple is together, but it was no less entertaining. There's just something about this author's books that will always be my crack.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.75 Stars~

"Only roots I want, me in you, you in me..."

Bounty is the 7th book in the Colorado Mountain Series. The characters overlap throughout the series but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Kristen Ashley is one of my go-to authors because I love her strong alpha males and complex characters!



Justice Lonesome is settling down in a mountain house in Colorado. After surviving some heartbreak and a major loss in her life, a fresh start is exactly what she needs. Justice is the daughter of a famous musician. Additionally, she has made a career for herself performing and songwriting. Her dreamhouse is unfinished and when the construction manager shows up to finish the job, Justice is shocked to see a man from her past. Not just any man, mind you, but a man that left such an impression on her that she wrote a song about him that went on to became a hit. And yet, he doesn't recognize her. Justice decides to focus on rebuilding her life and does her best to befriend him. With countless lunch deliveries and plenty of smiles, Justice does her best to break through his "shy" demeanor.

"Made for me..."

Deke is attracted to Justice. There is just something about her that is drawing him in. But Deke knows better than to get himself wrapped up with a rich woman. As he continues to grow closer to Justice, he remembers who she is. Even with that recollection he still can't move past his "issues with money and women". Suddenly a life changing event shocks Deke and it makes him realize that Justice is the woman for him. Throw in some family drama, some light action, and the band of usual suspects from the Colorado Mountain Family and you have Bounty.

"You gotta decide what you want for dinner."
"But I decided lunch."
"And I decided how I was gonna fuck you before lunch. I'm tradin' my turn on dinner on deciding how I'm gonna fuck you tonight."

"Pain and pleasure. This time it was the kind I liked."

Told in mostly dual POV, Bounty was surprisingly not a slam dunk read for me and yet, I still enjoyed it. The writing was stellar with its description. Deke and Justice were both complex characters and quite endearing. Additionally, the plot was well constructed and as always, the steam factor was off the charts HOT! The only element that caused this read to be less than stellar for me was the pacing. I was truly engaged in the read until about 60%. After the main conflict was resolved and Deke and Justice came together, it was a slow ride to the finish line. Although this wasn't my favorite KA book, I am still glad that I met Deke and Justice and there were some amazing moments that made the read well worth it!



Kristen Ashley will always keep me coming back for more. Her quirky characters, creative plot lines, and hot alpha males are entertaining and provide me hours of reading and re-reading! I think KA fans will definitely enjoy Bounty!

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread on 8/29/16 and 6/04/17 (audio book)

My mind wandered to Carnal, then to Deke and Justice, so I thought it was time for a reread. So fantastic, a couple of times I was brought to tears...I don't remember that happening while reading the book. Just goes to show the power of a great narrator!!



Originally read 2.04.16

Blog Review: http://sweptawaybyromance.com/blog-to...

☆ 4.5 “Chain Link” Stars!! ☆

I have to say I have been intrigued by Deke since his introduction into the series in “Sweet Dreams”, I was beyond excited when KA announced that he would be getting his own book!!!! We know very little about Deke, but he has always been around Carnal, he’s tight with Tate & Ty (he had a hand in keeping Lexie safe in "Lady Luck” and he was the one to rush Laurie to the hospital when she was found in the woods). He’s a loner, a nomad, and not tied down by anything, much like Reece was (Jagged), he’s a roamer.

Justice Lonesome comes from a family of musicians, her father was a well-known beloved recording artist and an icon in the music industry. She herself has an immense talent and is very well known in the music industry, and she’s very successful in her own right as a songwriter and singer. At 34-years-old she is searching….she has everything she could ever want including plenty of money, still she searches for that one thing that money can’t buy. As I said, Jussy is well known, especially for a particular song, a song she wrote and recorded after meeting Deke that first and last time.



Justice and Deke actually met 7 years earlier in a chance encounter, but their planned date for the following day never happened. Now it seems fate has placed her in Deke’s path again, when she hires a contractor (MAX!! from The Gamble) and Deke is one of the construction workers contracted to work on her house, unfortunately, Deke doesn’t remember her and want’s nothing to do with her because of her obvious wealth, this crushes her at first but she just goes with the flow…….

“God, he didn’t only not remember me, he had no interest in me.”

Deke and Jussy become good friends despite their mutual attraction, but, Deke continues to keep Jussy at arm’s length. Naturally Deke starts to care about her but because of their very obvious financial differences, he is determined to keep his distance…unfortunately, there is a danger to Jussy lurking in the background and when she is attacked, game over, Deke will stop at nothing to keep Jussy safe!!!!

“I don’t know what’s holding you back but whatever it is, got a bad feeling you’re throwing’ away the best thing that ever dropped in your lap.” – Bubba to Deke

I can’t get enough of these ALPHA mountain men! I loved being back in Carnal and seeing everyone, all of our favorites were on board here!! I loved Deke and Justice’s story, classic KA with a twist since the heroine is the one who is financially stable one, kind of different but it in no way made Deke less of alpha mountain man!! My only complaint was the epilogue. I’m completely spoiled by KA’s epilogues but this one seemed….different, part of it was great, but on a whole not as satisfying as they usually are.

Playlist:
When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt:
http://youtu.be/9iBgTqz_-vY
Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce:
http://youtu.be/dO1rMeYnOmM
Simple Man by Lynard Skynyrd:
http://youtu.be/sMmTkKz60W8
Come to Me by Goo Goo Dolls:
http://youtu.be/CfnVMc56-OM
Work Song by Hozier:
http://youtu.be/nH7bjV0Q_44

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!



We’re 7 books in with these CM books and I have to say, I think this is my favorite out of the last few. Books 2, 3, and 4 are some of Ashley’s best books written IMO. But 5 and 6 kind of missed the mark with me. I’m happy to report that Bounty gave me those feels that I love from this series! Justice and Deke were a fantastic couple!

Justice Lonesome, daughter of the famous musician Johnny Lonesome, is also a singer/songwriter. One night at a biker bar, she meets a man who inspires her. Only to never see him again. Fast forward seven years, she’s grieving over a loss and decides to find her peace by moving to the mountains. She buys a house in Carnal, Colorado and is there to settle down. The house needs a lot of work, and that’s where Deke comes in.

Deke Hightower is a man I’ve been curious about for several books. Just like Woods, I’ve been waiting for his time to come. I love that he got paired with someone like Justice. At first, he is hesitant to have anything with someone like Jussy. Deke is a man who likes to take to the road as much as he can. He doesn’t plant roots, therefore, doesn’t do relationships. But this little gypsy he’s met could be just the girl for him. Justice is used to a life of traveling. I loved the moment Deke realized that just maybe, this could work between them.

“My honor,” he told me.
I felt my brows draw together, but even so, my heart didn’t skip a beat at that. It squeezed. Deke kept looking me right in the eyes.
“My honor, Jussy, to be that man who’s there for you.”

Justice has a lot going on with her family and friends. That is where most of the drama of this story lies. I really loved this story, and the times it was on- it was ON. It was fast paced, the connection between Deke and Jus was there and they were amazing together. Then there were times that did seem to drag a bit (hence the 4.5-star rating) but by the end, it really picked up again and KA gave us another amazing epilogue!

If you’re a fan of Kristen Ashley’s and love the original Colorado Mountain books as much as me, I would give this book a go! It’s a great read. KA tells a story unlike anyone else. I can’t get enough of her books! The audio was fantastic as well!

I had not found my oasis. I had not found a home. I’d stumbled into Heaven on earth where miracles could happen.

[Natasha is a Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d go anywhere with you.”

As one of my most revisited series to date, a series that I frequently resort to whenever in need of a guaranteed ‘mood lifter’, a new story set in this world never fails to feel like a gift that will forever keep giving, and from the moment I opened this book, I knew I had found another instant favourite. We return to the Colorado Mountains with the story of Deke Hightower and Justice Lonesome, two people from very different walks of life, but whose souls are a perfect match from the start. A slow burning romance, like all its phenomenal predecessors in the series, this love story percolates our senses unhurriedly but steadily, giving us time to bond with the characters and to feel the growing connection between them. My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest on so many occasions, during so many gut-wrenching scenes, making this story one of my most emotional reads by this remarkable author.

Continue reading this review...



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[Laura Elizabeth]

I've decided, for the first time ever, I will not be reading the new Kristen Ashley book. After 51 books, I'm done after the last ten sucked. Just read the teaser chapters. The writing is so bad you can't even understand what in the fuck she's talking about. Run on sentence after run on sentence. Here's an example:

And sitting in that bar, I was coming to understand in all I’d done and seen (and don’t get me wrong, it all meant something to me, it just seemed to be meaning less and less), I only had two parents who hated each other tragically slightly more than they loved each other, but they loved me, and a brother who could be an ass more often than not...

Or try this nonsense out:

And sitting in that bar, I was coming to understand I wanted more.
I just had no idea what it was because if I wanted it, I could have anything. Not to mention, the feeling was uncomfortable. This was because I had it all.
Not like, if someone was outside looking in, they wouldn’t get what it was like to live my life and that it could be a downer. It wasn’t a downer.
I actually had it all. And if I didn’t have it, I had the means to get it.

Ok try to make any sense out of what's written above. Seriously. Let me know if you figure it out.

From what I can see from reading Kristan Ashley's Facebook posts........ She's drunk, a lot. Talking about what bars she went to, where she's drinking the next day, who with....on and on about drinking. She needs to lay off the bottle while writing if you ask me. Because she can't write coherent sentences at this point.


Updated April 19th. Not reading but reading vicariously through my friends. My foster kitten Quicksilver sums up my thoughts on my friends updates with one look.......

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books


✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮




Being the daughter of a rock super star and having it all Justice Lonesome had become a little bit weary and bored with her life. Seven years ago she'd met a man. A man who spoke to her poet's soul and inspired a song. A man who wanted to take her on a ride on the back of her bike next day. And stood her up.

Today she bought a house in the middle of the Colorado Mountains, that promises to be fantastic when the work it needs is done. It's going to be her sanctuary and Deke Hightower is supposed to help her build it.

Deke has been burned by rich girls, he knows to stay away and to not even entertain the idea of getting close to them...but the longer he works on Jussy's house the more he learns that she has nothing in common with the rich women he met. She is cute, funny AF and soon enough she gets under his skin.

But Deke needs the saddle of his bike and the road under him and Justice just started to settle down. When Justice life before the Colorado Mountains starts to bleed in and she is attacked in her oasis of peace all thoughts of walling himself up against her charm are gone. All Deke feels is an violent need to protect this beautiful woman who has stolen his heart.

“Wither to dust, crumble like rust, only by your side.”

It is no secret that I love Kristen Ashley's books and I know that her heroes sound very alike - maybe I don't get bored with them because I read them in small doses. Or maybe I just love this type of hero so much that I don't care. I binge-read many of her books a couple years ago but then I got into this blogging business and there just wasn't enough time left so now I'm catching up slowly by listening to audio books.

What we get is the signature KA alpha male and a strong, independent heroine who falls hard for the hero.
Deke has been popping in and out of this series. He is the silent, brooding type, the one everyone relies on, a hard worker and ready to help out when people need his skills. When he meets Justice he knows he has to keep his distance - rich women have been his downfall before and while she is cute and funny he can't let his dick direct his life. But when he falls he falls completely and it was lovely to see how he took care of his woman. He indulges her, gives her whatever she wants and needs because he knows that's what he gets from her in return. They balance each other out and complete one another.

I loved Jussy - she doesn't just have a poet's soul, she also has an old soul. There is something that makes her approachable despite her fame, a people's person everybody wants to please and be friends with. She is wise beyond her years but has a quirkiness that is in contrast to that wisdom - but it's that combination that made me love her so much.

“I’m a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it’s almost embarrassing how much God likes me. But He really must like me because I have all I have and He also gave me you.”

Deke and Justice's love is a slow simmer but once it fully ignites you know that there is no going back. It's what I love most about this author's books. The full commitment to each other and the relationship - there is no question that the two main characters belong together.

“No bullshit. Out there. Open. My Jussy.” He looked again into my eyes. “Made for me.

We get to hang out with the whole group of people from this series - yay Tate and Laurie - and some from other this author's other series'. The story started to drag a little after the 50% mark and we get a lot of detailed descriptions of houses and furniture and clothes people are wearing. While I love Kristen Ashley's descriptions they do get a little bit excessive. Having said that, though, her stories are like crack and you just want to read the next one - I just love them. So now I'm waiting for Wood's story but I have a lot of books to keep me occupied until then.

I had not found my oasis. I had not found a home.
I’d stumbled into Heaven on earth where miracles could happen.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 'Deke Hightower so totally liked me' Stars

In Bounty we meet Justice Lonesome, songwriter and daughter of famous musician Johnny Lonesome, and get to travel with her as she finds her way in the world. Her journey begins in a biker bar where she's hanging with her closest girlfriends. There she see's a man that inspires a new song, but also a man she knows she can never have. Sitting down in a dark corner she gets lost in her journal so she doesn't notice that the man has joined her until he pushes a drink her way and introduces himself.

"Pretty woman like you shouldn't be sittin' in a bar alone in a corner writin' in her diary."

Fast forward seven years later, past a date that never happened, and Justice is giving up her gypsy lifestyle of moving around to settle down in the Colorado mountains. Buying a house that needs a lot of work she hires Holden Maxwell to do the renovations, but he's a highly in demand contractor so he's too busy to start work right away. Instead he sends his best worker to start on what needs to be done. Enter Deke Hightower, the man from the bar, aka the one that got away.



If you know me at all then you know how much I love Kristen Ashley and bow down in awe to her unique writing style. So it saddens me to say that this book kind of lost it for me. I enjoyed it but the beginning didn't flow like her writing usually does. There was just something that felt off about it, and it made it hard to connect with the story. Which sucks because I truly did like these characters.

Justice was an unique character and I really liked her personality. She was this boho-gypsy that was so down to Earth you couldn't help but like her. I loved how she was famous but didn't boast about her greatness, instead she was a super humble person. Pretty much she was just all around a cool person, and her and Deke together were amazingly perfect. She brought out the side to Deke that he had hidden away for many years, and he helped her build roots.



Deke was your typical KA Hero, meaning he was absolutely perfect. Very set in his ways it took a night of drama for him to realize that he would be the most stupid man on the planet to let Justice get away from him. Once he decided she was his, there was no stopping him from getting what he wanted - his gypsy. That moment was when the book took a turn for the better and Deke made his way into my heart. There's no way I couldn't love his sexy ass.



I'm a huge music lover and can relate pretty much everything to a song, so I very much loved the fact that music was such a big part of this story. The lyrics that were written from Justice and Deke's first night were beautiful and went with the story really well.

"consider my life, you're all that's right
breathless to bring on the night."

As much as I'm going on and on about what I loved about this book, you would think it would be a higher rating from me. I honestly did like the story, but the fact that I was reading KA and felt disconnected from the story killed me. Maybe it was my mood at the time, or something else, but whatever the reason I didn't feel the magic this time. I re read KA a ridiculous amount of times so one day I will come back to this book and maybe I will be able to connect more with the story and rate it higher than three stars.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I've just finished a re-read of this book for the 4th time, and I gotta say that I really enjoyed it.
I'm such an emotional reader and just finishing this book today, I can guarantee you that I cried for most of the last 20% of the story.
I felt this story so much.
I'm totally down with Kristen Ashley's storyline.
Bounty.
Gratitude.
Peace.
I also love my music, so having this song at the end...undid me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH7bj...
A great read for this season of my life.


Second read: September 15-17, 2017

I've re-rated this book from a 3 star to 5-star rating with this re-read.

I loved this story the second time around, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I re-read the series from start to finish.
All the characters and their stories were fresh and the series flowed smoothly, and each book complimented the other.

I love the history and the loyalty these mountain men have for their brother's and the rough road they have to take in order to find and keep their women.

I can't wait to read Wood and Maggie's story!


First Read:
3 "Less would have been more" Stars

I enjoyed the characters and the storyline, but the book itself was soo long.
I ended up skimming a lot of it because even though I enjoy a good description of a set or scenery, I just found there was 'too much' (read: Justice's house description) in the story.
I liked Justice, and I've been waiting to read Deke's story.
They were great together (comparable to Mace Stella's story)
I think in this situation, less would have been more.

[Aisling Zena · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75-3 generous stars

Contains minor spoilers as I'm ranting.

I love Kristen Ashley. Truly I do. I've read almost all her books from Burg and Colorado to Fantastical to Ghost to the Genie ones. She is one of my most oft re-read, go-to author. I can see why some may not like her, I do. The writing style, the Alphas, the OTT descriptions of every single surface. Most of the time I brush some of it off and continue because the story grips me but lately I don't know if it's because I read all of them, her books feel so samey.



Most of the main couples can be interchanged and no one would be the wiser. And in this case as with her latest books, for me, the minute I reach 40-45% it all goes down hill. I enjoyed myself in the beginning. I could see some similarities but they started slow and small until it was so glaring I couldn't ignore them anymore.

I tend to like how she links her series and books with guest appearances but this book took the cake. Everyone and their mother is connected to Justice. Like, really? I was thrilled with a glimpse of Joe(aka everyone's favourite) I didn't need all the rest. I also didn't need Jussy "seeing" their pain thus reiterating their issues. The only ones missing were the Fantastical and Ghost crew. Though I swear I thought she'd find a way to put them in there too.

I don't usually have issues with endearments and I actually liked "gypsy" as one and I thought well at least it wasn't "baby" again. Alas, I spoke too soon. The dreaded "baby" and "honey" appeared with increasing regularity. Now normally I wouldn't mind but it's probably her 30th maybe 40th book with them? Please, please use something else. I mean the guys do some nice ones like "gypsy", why not stick to that? Hell I'd take snookums over "baby" and "honey" at this point. And usually I'm not fussy over this so you can imagine how annoying it got for me to complain. (Totally see your point now Val!)



After reaching 40-45% everything slowed down. We went back to mundane tasks and events and I found my self skimming pages. Skimming!!In a KA book! So from 45% until 90% was, I'm sad to say rather boring. There were some scenes where Justice and Deke were getting closer and confiding to each other but even those felt like I read them before.

The only thing redeeming this was the epilogue. As usual KA delivered a fabulous one just after the token danger to the heroine. At least we got spared a kidnapping. I think if she had scaled down the in between it would have been a much better book without all the lag in the middle.

Still, even after all this rant, KA will remain one of my faves and I'll keeping reading her books until I find another one to fall in love with.




P.S. Forgot to mention when I first wrote this, the name Justice, Jus or Jussy did not work much for me. Though Justice is infinitely better than Jus and Jussy. It didn't go with her image either, in my opinion anyway.

Prior to reading

29/10/15

New Colorado book?!

Kristen Ashley

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5"Bountyful" Stars!!!

"That's it Deke, I'm a lucky girl. Blessed. Given so much bounty, it's almost embarrassing how much God likes me, But He really must like me because I have all I have and He also gave me you."



There's just something about a KA story that leaves you feeling breathless. When you're done with her stories, you're not actually quite done because somehow it takes time for it to settle within you. KA ultimately is one of my fave authors simply because her stories are straight from the heart and they are magical. Are they long winded at times? Yes. Is every book a 5 star read? No. But you can't help but be immersed in the characters and their lives. We're not just reading through the heroine Justice's POV, we've essentially become Justice. Her feelings, her emotions, her hopes and dreams...you just feel her.

Justice Lonesome is jaded. She is rich, famous, she has it all, but she's world weary. One Wyoming night she meets Deke Hightower and he is one word: delicious! And let's be honest, no one can write alpha male like KA. That meeting was hot and intense with chemistry, but it would be 7 years before they laid eyes on each other again.

7 years later, Justice sets up home in Carnal, Colorado and immediately her life takes on a whole new meaning. She meets all of the previous characters in the Colorado series and these people are quirky, funny, loving bunch. With the time away from the spotlight, Justice learns how deep friendships, trusts, affections and loyalties can go...and those are the very qualities the rich and famous search the world for. Justice learns many things in Carnal especially the fact that you don't have to be family to be loved and accepted. These people become her family.

Justice and Deke's was a slow-burn relationship...which I don't mind since I'm not a fan of the insta-love. There was a push and pull but these two were made for each other and boy was I anticipating their moment if you know what I mean. This was a beautiful love story and I love the reminder that what goes around, comes around.

I've only read book one The Gamble (I plan to devour the other books in the series), so a lot of the characters like Ty, Tate, Bubba, Krys, were new to me, but if you're familiar with this series then this book will mean a lot to you because everyone shows up! At times I felt like I was reading one big happy reunion! (If you haven't read any of the books it can still be read as a standalone.) I will be most definitely be doing a re-read of this after I read the entire series. I can only imagine how fulfilling that will be!

**ARC so graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️



There are many things making me choose the KA road every now and then, the first one would probably be my complete addiction to her story-telling. It puts you right into the heroine’s shoes and that’s what I enjoy the most in romance book. To be able to immerse myself for a day or two (or three, we all know how lengthy Kristen Ashley’s books are ! ) someplace in Colorado with the assurance of spending this precious time with a caring alpha man, endearing secondary characters and a mature heroine.

That’s exactly what Bounty promised and delivered. I truly felt hooked within the first pages, realizing I was dealing with a second chances at love story and unrequited love.

First, I loved the heroine’s name. How more badass could her name have been? Justice Lonesome. How perfect for this 40 something woman, daughter of a renown musician, herself a singer / songwriter.
Freshly moved to Colorado after years of leaving the gypsy rock star life, Justice is ready to finally set her suitcases down and settle.

Kismet, destiny or just life? How much a coincidence can it be that life brings seven years later the man that inspired her most famous song right into her home? Except life is not that grateful, Deke has no recollection of who Justice is at all. That blows.

Deke Hightower is the epitome of brooding silent alpha. He keeps to himself, doesn’t share much but after years of being alone and seeing all his friends tied down with great women, he can’t help but wish the very same for himself.

Except his dream is not of the white picket fence kind. He likes the road too much to just settle down in one place. Justice sure got his interest but she’s not the right woman for him… Too high maintenance, Or so he thinks. He’s here to do his job, and will make his possible to stay clear off Justice Lonesome.

If you are fairly new to Kristen Ashley, I think you’ll really enjoy this one, it has all the elements for a great romance story : the unrequited love, the second chance at love, an empowered and strong heroine, a lonesome hero, and all of it is set in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. You’ll get to meet all the Carnal crew, Lauren, Tate, Bubba and Krystal, Shambles and Sunny, Nina and Max…

The pace was definitely slow here, there’s a gradual and almost passive build-up between these two, as both have their own reasons for staying away from each other despite the obvious pull between them.

To those who are well accustomed to KA… I’ll say that this book was not the strongest of the series, in the sense that the story has been told a few times already and it felt a little repetitive, not to say stereotyped, to me, anyway. I’ve felt this way since Kaleidoscope.

I had some real trouble reading the heroine inner ramblings at times. In french we have a say for this, “alambiqué” , which I guess would be best translated by convoluted. Her inner thoughts were overcomplicated. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the over descriptiveness KA is known for, the inner ramblings of her heroines, but Justice head was a mess! I’ve found myself re-reading some sentences twice to be sure I’ve had it right.

To conclude, as always with Kristen Ashley, I’ve enjoyed the ride, most definitely, but for having numerous re-reads of the first 4 books in this series, I can’t say that Bounty was of the same caliber and maybe I’m just biased. Not as strong in plot and character’s development but still a nice addition to a series I truly love.

(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
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[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boho chic meets a simple man. Justice Lonesome finds her own piece of mountain heaven. She has been living a gypsy rock star life for long enough and needs something concrete, sturdy, and hers alone. She is still reeling from the death of her famous father and has to come to a decision on who and what she wants to be in life.

This is one of the things I like most about a KA book. There is a mature thread that flows throughout. She writes books with characters that have life experience and an understanding of what is important, and smart women who find a purpose and along the way a man to compliment an already established life.

In a wonderful twist of fate, Justice is now face to face with a man that inspired a hit song for her. It was just a moment in time. A chance encounter that never got to take flight, a man who simply stood still and bought a girl a drink. Ironically, he doesn’t seem to remember. But honestly, it’s been seven years and it was only a fleeting moment. Yet… there is something familiar in the beautiful woman Deke Hightower can’t seem to stop looking at.

Deke isn’t a guy who wants. His needs are simple: an airstream, his bike, and the ability to go where his mood takes him. He’s a good man who works hard, doesn’t cut corners, and strives for the simple pleasures.

Deke is contracted to work on Justice’s newly purchased home. She slowly makes him see her as she is and not what he had preconceived. With what seems like a million sandwiches, lip twitches, and infrequent chuckles, everything leads to an unspoken friendship and attraction. Until an act of horror befalls Jus and both are immediately made aware of the invisible line connecting one to another.

Much more takes place as well. Friendships are formed with all of the gang that lives in Carnal and we even get some of our outer edge hot guys thrown in for good measure. The music is also very prevalent. So many times I had to stop, grab my music and sync my reading with the song. Pure magic! Tears, smiles, laughter, and oh so much heart swelling happens in the pages of Bounty.

It’s a great addition to the Colorado Mountain Man Series.
5 Bountiful STARS




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[Ang C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've missed the mighty mountain men of Colorado and so stoked to be back in Carnal to visit with some of my all-time favorite Alpha-hunks. Mostly, I couldn't wait to unravel the enigmatic character that has haunted me for so long… Deke Hightower.

Since introduced in Sweet Dreams, I was fascinated by his imposing presence and wanted to dig deep into his soul. I discovered he’s a man whose sparse words spoke volumes. It took a gypsy chick, Justice Lonesome, to peel away the layers and bring his character to life. Their journey consumed me ~ from a chance encounter to a friendship turned undeniable love ~ I was happily absorbed in Jussy and Deke's world.

I loved how fate brought this couple together...twice. First time in Wyoming, while Justice was hanging out in a biker bar contemplating her unfulfilled life, longing for simplicity. Her world changed after spending a few moments with the gorgeous guy standing by a chain link fence. The stranger named Deke connected with her ‘poet's soul'. With a promise to meet again broken, Deke became an impassioned memory, which inspired Justice to compose and record a song that defined her life altering experience. It was Deke's song. And it was a hit.

Years later, after the recent passing of her father, Jussy decided to build a home in Carnal. Lo and behold, her contractor is none other than Deke, the man who rocked her world and stood her up. Thing is, he didn't recognize her at first. YIKES!! Poor Justice, I sympathized with all the hurt she felt. Top it off, he acted downright rude. Jussy being a cool chick took all his gruffness in stride and was determined to become his friend. It took time, but Deke finally remembered Jus and explained the heart breaking reason why he never showed.


Jussy, Deke's boho gypsy princess and famous singer-songwriter, was the most down to earth heroine. I liked the strength, sincerity and compassion her character embodied. I dug how deeply she connected with everyone who touched her life, bringing out their best, especially those most guarded. She was a woman of means, who had the world at her fingertips, but took nothing for granted ~ especially Deke’s affections. But what I absolutely adored was the way she immediately understood Deke, recognized his needs, and loved him unconditionally.


After reading Bounty, I was moved to write a ballad professing all of Deke's hotness. Broody, rugged, and a beast in bed...I was totally into his intense sexiness. Deke was a headstrong man who lived a simple life. Reserved and set in his ways, it took time for me to warm up to his character. But when I saw all the pain he shouldered, I got where this “travelin’ man” was coming from. Hurt from his past gave him good reason to deny his desire for Justice. Regardless, I wanted him to let go of his hang-ups to see the real woman behind all the money and fame.

One terrifying night for Justice caused Deke to put his feelings into perspective, and everything between them shifted. He could no longer fight the attraction, Jus meant the world to him. Determined to give her peace, love, comfort… anything his gypsy princess needed. That’s the moment I saw the fiercely protective and loving side of Deke come to life, and he won me over. When he beautifully opened up his heart, and gave all of himself to Jussy, I was a goner… and fell deeply in love with the caring, overly affectionate man he became.




Both free-spirited wanderlusts, they were perfect together. I loved that their journey was a slow burn filled with discovery, love, laughter and passion. Gah! Ashley is a master when it comes to writing sizzling sex scenes that makes me all tingly inside. One of the most sensual moments, and there were several, was when Jus finally confessed the meaning behind her song ~ how meeting Deke long ago affected her. His reaction was phenomenal.


Once again, I was spoiled with the bounty KA brings to all her tales - dynamic characters, scorching passion, a very detailed and emotional plot - the gifts were endless. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend experiencing all of these hot romances. I loved that this read was reminiscent of Ashley's earlier works within the series, where secondary characters were more intimately involved in the story line. Practically all of the Colorado Series gang, and some from different series, came into play. Overjoyed that Krystal, who I adore, had a notable presence in the story. Jussy brought out a different side of Krys and she absolutely shined! There were some moments of angst, and during one particular heart palpitating scene, I was scared out of my mind! Seriously, my heart was in my mouth, tears filling my eyes! I would have liked a longer epilogue, seeing more of Jussy and Deke’s future ~ I'm a very greedy reader when it comes to KA’s tales, never wanting to let go of her characters or their stories. Nevertheless, the ending was heartwarming as well as bittersweet. Bounty was an exceptionally written, powerful story of destined love that touched my heart.

A final note ~ Bounty included an incredible playlist of songs that enhanced this couple’s journey. (Jus crooning “Time in a Bottle” brought me to tears). But, it was this tune that was playing in the background of my mind, as I was fully absorbed within Deke and Justice's world...

“Lightning strikes...Maybe once...Maybe twice”. And it did, for the Gypsy that was Justice Lonesome.

Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy





ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What else can I say about KA that I haven’t said before? Pretty much, nothing. The woman is amazing, and has proven that she can write anything, and with this book she has given us another beautiful addition to the Colorado Mountain series. It’s a gorgeously beautiful, slow burning romance that is full of intensity, sexual tension, laugh-out-loud moments, sweet and fun times, and a blisteringly passionate love story. And once again, I was completely wrapped up in her writing, and I loved every moment of Deke and Justice’s story.

Wither to dust, crumble like rust,
Only by your side.

We meet Justice when she is travelling America with her two best girlfriends. As the daughters of famous and wealthy parents, they live a privileged life, and they live it to its fullest, but Justice is starting to feel like she needs to settle her wandering and embrace a “less that’s more” lifestyle. It is while she is pondering this that she spies a man who literally takes her breath away. She shares an intense moment with the man who introduces himself as ‘Deke’, a life-changing moment where she knows deep down in her heart that this is the man for her, and he leaves with a promise to meet up the following day. But he never shows.

Seven years later and Justice’s life has changed dramatically. She has continued her family legacy by becoming a singer and releasing a hugely successful album which bought her fame, fortune and adoration, but she’s giving it all up for a simple life. And after the death of her beloved father only months before, she has escaped to the mountains of Colorado to start a new life of peace. And on her first night in Carnal, she heads to Bubba’s bar and who should she see, but Deke - the man who captivates her just as much as he did all those years ago, but who doesn’t seem to recognise her.

Justice has bought herself a secluded house that is only half-built, so contractor Max (squee) sets her up with a builder to get her building re-started until he can send a full team to her to finish the job. Of course, that builder is Deke. He appears cold, gruff, and anti-social, but Justice is all light and sunshine, and though she’s gutted that he doesn’t recognise her after he made such an impact on her life, she is her usual bright self, and Deke can’t help but be reluctantly drawn into her warmth and friendliness.

“Napkins,” she declared, waving some in the air. “No plates, dude. Sorry. And only plastic cutlery. So sorry again.”
“I look like a man who gives a shit about plastic forks?” he asked.
“Not really,” she answered.
“That’s ’cause I’m not.”
“That’s good, Deke, but I have no plates either.”
“You got some flesh-eating virus I’ll get from sharin’ a bag of chips and a tub of macaroni salad with you?” he asked.
“Not that I know of,” she answered.
“Then we’re good.” She said nothing and he didn’t look at her face because he could actually fucking feel she was smiling.
He squatted and reached into the bag. “Open a beer for me, yeah?”
“I live to serve.”
Deke wanted to test that but do it when they were both naked.
Fuck him.
Total dumbfuck.

I love that we get Deke’s POV in this book. It’s mostly written from Justice’s perspective, but he has a few chapters which allow us to see what he is thinking and feeling, and it adds a wonderful intensity to the story to know that he is feelings things for her which, for his own reasons, he is trying hard to fight. So while you’re reading, you’re revelling in the chemistry, sexual tension and the building emotion between them, knowing that they want each other and watching them inch closer to it as he slowly starts to open up to her. It’s a slow burn, and each little grin, each word spoken means SO much, because it’s been hard fought for.

But Deke is determined to keep his distance. He’s a wanderer, and is only in town long enough to make some money so that he can take off again on his bike once the cold weather is over. He knows Justice is settling in for the long term, he knows she exists in a different life to him, and he knows that she deserves more than he can offer. Until one terrifying night changes everything and forces Deke to realise exactly what is in front of him.

He kept moving and she kept moving so when they hit, they slammed into each other.
He curled his arms around her and she wrapped hers around him, pushing… no, fucking burrowing into his body.
He lifted a hand and cupped her head … when she shoved out a fractured, “Deke.”
“I’m here. Right here, baby.”

OMG, the feeeeeeeeels!!!

From that moment on, Deke claims Justice as his, and when a KA alpha claims his woman, it’s a done deal, and he’s not afraid to let the whole world know it. He is protective and possessive, beautifully caring and understanding, gentle when he needs to be but firm and determined with what he is feeling and what they are creating together.

“My honor, Jussy, to be that man who’s there for you.”

“You so totally like me,” I declared.
…“Yeah, gypsy, I like you.”

As always, KA made me fall totally in love with this couple. Justice holds nothing back from Deke, and the way he adores his gypsy princess is just gorgeous! The two of them accept each other whole-heartedly and without question, they are all in with each other, completely open about the fact they want a future together and it is sensational! And we get to see it all! The sweet moments, the funny moments, the teasing and banter, the swoon, and the emotional intensity is just beautiful! But always with Deke being Deke, with all the KA alpha-ness that we love!

“Who we are might not fit but it can still work.”
More tears filled my eyes and I didn’t clear the hoarse from my voice when I said, “I hope that keeps going too.”
“I get that, Justice. You haven’t hidden you been into me from the start. Or, if you tried, you’re shit at it.”

And did I mention the hotness? Holy hell it’s hot, and it’s all kinds of awesome!

“Always wondered, he rough or can he be gentle?” Krystal asked.
“God, Krys!” Lauren snapped…
“Check and check,” I answered Krys before they could get into it.
“Best of both worlds,” Krystal muttered. “Surprising. Always figured Deke would fuck like a freight train.”
“And check,” I said, grinning at Krystal who grinned back at me.

If you’re a KA fangirl like me, then you will be in heaven with the cameos in this book! Not only do we get to see and know Krystal better (which I really enjoyed), but all of the main characters from the Colorado series are a part of the story – significantly so. And as if having Max, Tate, Ty, Chase (aaaaah, Chase!), Ham, Deck and Wood all in the one room at the same time isn’t awesome enough, there’s also a very quick glimpse of my favourite Unfinished Hero, Deacon Gates. Heaven!

But Justice and Deke aren’t free and clear for their HEA just yet. This wouldn’t be a Colorado Mountain book without some kind of drama, and this one is full on as Justice is under threat from more than one source, and Deke is determined to protect his girl at all costs.

But it’s all about the romance, and this is SUCH a beautiful love story. Justice and Deke’s story is easy and natural, with a fantastic intensity. It’s a beautiful slow burn between two people who are destined to be together, and finished off with a gorgeous epilogue. I loved every moment of it!

4.5 stars

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5***

This was going to be a 3* for me until chapter twenty three the reason how Tate was with Jussy OMG I had tears in my eyes and made me remember how much I love Tate Jackson.

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed Bounty the story was great I liked Justice and Deke together as friends and then as a couple I liked the pace of their relationship all the banter and of course all the sex.

I felt for Justice how she was missing her Dad and how the loss would hit her at times all she wanted out of life was to find a place to call her own, make a home and she certainly did that when she arrived in Carnal and she soon became one of the locals.

Deke I liked him he was protective, caring and everything he just did nothing for me he did not get my ladies parts going (if you know what I mean) not like other KA alphas, his description did nothing for me.

I loved catching up with all the mountain men and their women especially Tate and Chace these two are my favourite for this series, bonus we get some Joe "Cal" Callahan :)

What spoiled Bounty for me was ALL the Bianca drama I understand that the story needed something extreme to get them together but after that everything about Bianca went on and on and we did not know her so I did not care what happened to her the same with Luna and Mav even though we met Mav later and he came good, also I got bored with all the sandwiches and all the building work that could have been shortened I'm sure.

I was disappointed with the final chapter as well that was random and the epilogue was okay the final part was strange as well. I would of liked more from Jus and Deke after the event I felt that I missed out on that part of their relationship.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 -- Just a little better than okay and too slow -- stars

And I've read and loved many/most KA books, but the writing/dialogue annoyed me at times in this one. I've never met anyone in my life that talks/rambles the way these people/characters do.

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Bounty Stars*****

The Colorado Mountains continuous to be one of my absolute favorite KA series, and this book secure that high spot on my top, fave shelf.

Deke and Justice story was incredibly romantic, overflowing with passion and beautiful music. Perfect chapter after perfect chapter, I was consumed by this story.

KA and her signature Alpha Male, kick ass strong heroine and unforgettable top notch secondary characters made this story impossible to forget. I loved every second of this novel. Simply amazing.

[Mitch C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A 5-star from my list of comeback reads.

There’s no denying Ms. KA can really deliver a great story. Top it off with awesome characters and hot as fuck sex scenes, then we’re good – satisfaction fulfilled. So I won’t be surprised if one of her books would turn into a movie.

I wonder if she’s up for that. *grin*

Deke Hightower is another embodiment of KA alpha male. Justice Lonesome is another version of sass. Though, I was surprised that this one is less action-packed and more concentrated on the romance side. But then again, why would I complain? It’s still The Shit.

Glad this isn’t the last book in the series. Though, I’m not that psyched to wait for the next book – Wood and Maggie’s story – still, I trust KA to deliver another great story.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whatever you do, DON’T move to either Gnaw Bone or Carnal, CO. Despite a bevy of hot-guy detectives and trackers etc that rival the hairy chested, dancing-fools Special Ops gang from Diana Palmer’s Jacobsville, malignant crime runs rampant. Even though serial killers, stalkers and corrupt police are kaput, bad things still happen to good people. For a while I thought it would just be the heroine that was going to take it on the chin, literally not figuratively of course, and would get the ever-loving squat beaten out of her. She does. In the past in the Colorado Mountain series, KA’s heroines have been sexually abused, abandoned, almost pimped out, attacked by homicidal stalker serial killers and buried alive. Have I forgotten anything? I am happy (happy?) to report that KA is very into sexual equality in this book as the H gets hit pretty hard as well. I may have even teared up a tad at the hospital bed vigil.

A better story than most and when I say most I mean recent KA. While the hero plays it a little too cool thinking the heroine is out of his league, he is not as big of a fat jerk about it as heroes have been in the past. He actually feels remorse and slightly stupid when he ponders how awesome and down to earth the awesome h is. He then jumps in with his size 15 shoes in a big way, and it’s as smooth sailing as you can get with a romance much less a KA romance. The heroine is a very talented and very hairy singer/composer from music royalty. Think Johnny Cash. The H is a big huge lug with a man bun that works a blue collar job and never had a chance in life. They actually first meet seven years before the story starts where the h falls in love with him at first sight and composes a hit song as she lusts after him as her soul mate before she's even spoken to him. He ditches her for their date for a very good reason, and they meet up in the homicidal/suicidal Colorado Triangle years later.

Fun side characters that are a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Family dynamics are messy, but I enjoyed her rocker stepdad that almost steals back the heart of her mother from Mom’s first husband, the h’s dad. Their story maybe? First husband’s dead so no cheating. Minor characters from Carnal and Gnaw Bone pop up, the “sisterhood” caca is engaged, but minimal chin lifting. I did note that some of KA’s sentences were even more incomprehensible than usual, but that may be me aging poorly. I did not copy any unfortunately.

If you like KA then a definite read. If you are on the fence and have been burned by recent Chaos and other crapola then again I recommend as you can always DNF.

[Bj · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I gave this audiobook an A- for both the story and narration at AudioGals*

Narrated by Emma Taylor
I can always count on Kristen Ashley for a feel good, touch your heart, alpha protective hero romance. Like settling into a special language that only Kristen Ashley fans have the good fortune of knowing, I always end up feeling like I have come home to a comfort listen when I tune into a one of her books. Bounty delivered this effect in strides and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling all over. Plus, the action-suspense, which is a typical secondary theme in most of Ms. Ashley’s romances, kept me on my toes. And one thing that is fantastic with her books is that you really get your money’s worth. Whereas I listen to most audiobooks in about 2-3 days, Bounty at over 21 hours (nearly 2-3 times the length of most romance audiobooks) took me almost a week to finish. Last, but definitely not least, Emma Taylor’s talented and memorable narration makes this a must listen that should definitely be experienced in audiobook format.

For those of you who are not yet caught up with this series (as Bounty is the last published book in the series), or even more unthinkable – listeners who have not yet listened to a Colorado Mountain book, no worries. Although this is the 7th book in the series, it can definitely still be read as a standalone as all of the romance and suspense arc is contained in this book. All that said, if you have already experienced the magic of the Colorado Mountain series, including the macho “mountain men” heroes and their feisty heroines featured in this series, then you will be happy to know that many of the prior couples make an appearance at various points throughout the book (and even some from other of Kristen Ashley’s series, like the Rock Chick series).

Justice “Jus” Lonesome has been especially lucky in life. As the daughter of a famous singer and a famous musical lyrics writer and singer in her own right, Justice has traveled the world and never lacked for any material needs. Moreover, she was blessed to have had a close relationship with her father who has now passed away, and certain other people in her life who have touched her life in many different special ways. However, she has never been lucky in love. In fact, she can still remember one man she met in a bar long ago (and who inspired the lyrics for her most famous song), but who ultimately stood her up the next day. All of this leaves her feeling alone, even in a life surrounded with so much bounty. Then when her father passes away, she thinks it’s finally time for a break from the constant spotlight, so she decides to settle in the small mountain town of Carnal, Colorado, where she hopes to fly under the radar for a while and just live as Jus.

See the full review at AudioGals.

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

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★Book Basics★

Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 7th in the series
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 2 stars

★Review★

Update 22/4/16

Downgraded this to a 2, as really as I said in discussions about this, for Bounty alone, the story of Deke and Justice, and Justice as a character, I probably would not have finished it, but I liked seeing all the Carnal gang - which makes me wonder if that is why they are in so much, to deflect away from all that is dire! They are the "shiny" put there to take our attention.



Original review:

Arrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

And again, just in case you missed it.

Arrgghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


I kind of do not know what to think.

You know, this is a book for die hard KA fans, of which I used to think I was one.

In saying that however, this book, I can't see drawing in new fans (although who would start a series at book 7 but still)

It felt a lot like we have been here before. A bit of conflict to start, a couple of random dramas, something happens that wakes the hero up, then the hero and heroine are TOGETHER and in luurvve, a fair few chapters of this, and them settling, everyday routine, something happens, then an obligatory scene in a hospital with the entire cast of secondary characters hanging around with the situation strongly hinting at being dire. But ofc it is not.

I really liked Deke, he was calm and almost zen like at times (although as with KA hero's can get riled up rather quick if the heroine is threatened.)

The heroine, I am still not sure about. She writes a song about someone she meets for 10 mins, then bloody releases the song. Put this down to her "poets soul" You know since she is not just normal like the rest of us. Just felt like she went on about being a "Lonesome" or having a "poets soul" a touch too much. She feels like she can see people for who they really were (Chace being "broken" or Deacon "destroyed"), while the rest of the common folk were unable to do so. But no, you see she is just oh so special. I think she might actually be my second most disliked KA heroine after the horror of whats her name in Wild and Free. But ofc all our old favourites from the series instantly enveloped her into the group and had her back, she could even break through the high walls that Krys built up around herself in mere minutes since Krys recognises the "bounty" in Jus/Jussy.





urgh.

Hey....Jussy



I loved the bits with previous couples in, Max/Nina, Tate/Laurie etc.

But that is just it that is what this book is for. A revisit to Carnal for those of us who have loved the series. It could not stand up on its own as a story without that history. And yes I love to see couples from previous books, it just felt like here, it was relied upon too heavily to the detriment of an original story or main characters. I feel like KA in recent books has done these little cameos or mentions of other characters from other series too much. We all get excited and squee "oh it is Tate" "Oh Lee has been mentioned" etc........but the bare bones of the story and main characters, it is nothing new. It is just you know - boring in the end.

3 stars because I did enjoy those appearances (see, I got dragged in) and liked Deke but the story itself - I am left a bit deflated and in all honesty sad that I got bored and felt like it was just a rehashed story.



Oh, and this is my perfect Deke!