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Restoration Ranch #1
Jackson
From celebrated author LaQuette comes a sizzling opposites attract Texas Ranger romance that will leave you breathless...
Aja Everett longs to turn her old family ranch into a place where anyone can find rest and healing. But her big heart's bound to get her in trouble if she's not careful—someone wants her gone, and they'll do whatever it takes to drive her away from the land that's her lifeblood. Whether she's willing to admit it or not, she needs help.
She needs a man like Ranger Jackson Dean.
Jackson doesn't trust love. He once made the mistake of following his heart and all he'd gotten was pain in return. But when city-slicking do-gooder Aja Everett asks for his help, he can't stay away…and as attraction sizzles and protective instincts flare, she may be the only woman able to restore the heart of this Texas Ranger.
Get out your fans for this steamy contemporary romance which features a hunky Texas Ranger with trust issues and a confident, sexy, full-figured heroine who believes in the best in people. Sometimes oil and water are meant to mix.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
42 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
LaQuette
82 books565 followersLaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.
When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 27, 2021
Jackson
by LaQuette is an excellent romantic suspense novel. The author brings together two strong personalities in a great mix of these genres. Aja Everett was a high-powered celebrity defense attorney in New York until two years ago when she returned to her family ranch in Texas. She paid off the back taxes and is working to make it into a viable business for people who want rest and healing. When petty vandalism escalates, her Uncle Ricky calls in the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jackson Dean and his team go undercover on the ranch.
Aja is spirited, dedicated, kind, stubborn, generous, confident, and always taking care of others. Jackson is strong, opinionated, determined, committed to doing the right thing, and doesn’t trust love after being burned by his first wife and abandoned by his mother. Both have troubled pasts that affect their happiness as well as their opinions of themselves and others. Their flaws add to their believability. What could possibly go wrong when these two must live and work together to determine who is trying to sabotage the ranch? The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and made this a quick read.
The author does a good job of transporting us to Texas and living the events along with the characters. They are the real stars of this story. Some are likeable, others aren’t. But which one of them is out to destroy Aja? Steamy scenes are peppered throughout the book, but will it be a happily ever after or just a momentary fling?
I loved the backstories of Aja, Jackson, and the ranch, but wanted some of the information to be divulged earlier in the book. Despite the ending being dramatic, it wasn’t a total surprise and not all threads were brought to a close. But the author led this reader there in such a way as to make it a fitting end to the book. One other thing the author does is highlight peoples’ biases and the lack of support for second chances.
This was a suspenseful and fast-paced book that was entertaining and kept my interest. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. Will this become a series? I hope so. If you enjoy steamy romantic suspense with strong charismatic characters and lots of action, then you may want to check out this novel.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and LaQuette provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Aja is spirited, dedicated, kind, stubborn, generous, confident, and always taking care of others. Jackson is strong, opinionated, determined, committed to doing the right thing, and doesn’t trust love after being burned by his first wife and abandoned by his mother. Both have troubled pasts that affect their happiness as well as their opinions of themselves and others. Their flaws add to their believability. What could possibly go wrong when these two must live and work together to determine who is trying to sabotage the ranch? The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and made this a quick read.
The author does a good job of transporting us to Texas and living the events along with the characters. They are the real stars of this story. Some are likeable, others aren’t. But which one of them is out to destroy Aja? Steamy scenes are peppered throughout the book, but will it be a happily ever after or just a momentary fling?
I loved the backstories of Aja, Jackson, and the ranch, but wanted some of the information to be divulged earlier in the book. Despite the ending being dramatic, it wasn’t a total surprise and not all threads were brought to a close. But the author led this reader there in such a way as to make it a fitting end to the book. One other thing the author does is highlight peoples’ biases and the lack of support for second chances.
This was a suspenseful and fast-paced book that was entertaining and kept my interest. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. Will this become a series? I hope so. If you enjoy steamy romantic suspense with strong charismatic characters and lots of action, then you may want to check out this novel.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and LaQuette provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
March 2, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He renamed it Restoration Ranch because the land that was once his condemnation to a brutal life became his redemption.
Aja Everett left her high powered lawyer job in New York to start Restoration Ranch, a project of her heart, on her family's land in Texas. It's supposed to be a place where people can get a second chance but as sabotage instances keep mounting, someone clearly doesn't want Aja to succeed.
When Texas Ranger Jackson Dean gets called in to work a case as a favor to a judge friend of his boss, he thinks the judge's niece is playing the spoiled princess card.
The danger turns out to be all to real though, along with the sparks between Aja and Jackson.
Jackson closed his eyes again as he tried to control his breathing. He’d hoped for short and simple. But this woman standing in the middle of his office, looking the picture of a poised, dominant professional mixed with a touch of down-home goodness, was as complicated a start to this case as Jackson could imagine.
Jackson is the first in the Restoration Ranch series and I loved the backstory the author created for the idea behind the Ranch. The backstory involves Aja's great-great-great-great-grandfather and his start as a free man, it grounded the setting for me and infused the purpose of what Aja is working to do, give parolees an opportunity for work and a second chance to succeed. We're plunged right away into the sabotage plot and I was a bit disoriented with what was happening as we don't get to see the scene that has caused Aja to be on edge, creating a feeling that I was missing some of the story. This doesn't last long however, and we soon learn that the town sheriff isn't taking Aja's concerns seriously, doesn't want convicts in his district, and in fact wanted to buy the ranch before Aja came from New York. These issues with the sheriff cause Aja's uncle to call in a favor and brings the Texas Rangers into the picture.
Why did a Texas Ranger with dusty jeans and boots make her mouth water and her mind wander to places it had no business going?
Jackson Dean (seriously, how sexy is that name?) doesn't take the case seriously until a bomb goes off in Aja's barn and she is injured. They decide to do an undercover case (only Aja knows they're TX Rangers) with Jackson and his two colleagues, Colton and Storm, with them pretending to be ranch hands while they work to uncover who wants Aja dead. After the bomb and Jackson is on the ranch, the focus shifts some from the mystery suspense and onto Aja and Jackson's attraction for one another. They have more than insta-lust but just by a smidgen, I would have liked to have more scope to their relationship. Obviously, a lot of the story takes place at the Ranch and I felt they weren't really growing beyond the just get to the bedroom depth. There were times that their sexiness did give me hints of Alisha Rai and Tessa Bailey.
Who would’ve thought Jackson Dean, the big, burly Texas Ranger, needed someone to make him feel safe?
I connected with Aja quicker as we get more of her character up front, how her relationship with her sister, family, and experiences have shaped her personality and drive to start Restoration Ranch. Jackson's story is doled out slower and if I had known about how his previous marriage and the issues that stemmed from it had went down and his mother's abandonment, I might have been more into or forgiving of his “I can't trust any women” very used hero trope. This might be another weird like of mine but I adored how Jackson said “Daddy” instead of father or dad, good father-son relationships are more in absence and this just added some love to theirs. In fact, I thought this author's strong point was in her familial relationships, added so much richness to her characters and story.
“All right, Ranger. I’m game if you are. But are you sure you can handle me?”
He pulled her into his arms, cupping her cheek, and leaning in close. “I can handle anything you’ve got.”
The pace of this was a little different, the mystery/danger plot seems to be wrapped up around the 70% mark and then Aja and Jackson start dating; when I would expect their relationship to hitting their climax of coming together, instead it feels like they're starting the build. The mystery/danger has it's obviousness and some anti-climatic as the villain is mostly off-screen and then some forced surprise as it ends in a cliffhanger to connect and lead into the next of the series. Jackson's friends and colleagues, Colton and Storm along with the two friends and parolees, Brooklyn and Seneca, Aja is helping, are obvious series set-up characters. The pacing didn't always work for me but the idea behind Restoration Ranch and the relationships behind and being built from it pulled me in and I'm curious to see where Colton's protectiveness of Seneca leads.
He renamed it Restoration Ranch because the land that was once his condemnation to a brutal life became his redemption.
Aja Everett left her high powered lawyer job in New York to start Restoration Ranch, a project of her heart, on her family's land in Texas. It's supposed to be a place where people can get a second chance but as sabotage instances keep mounting, someone clearly doesn't want Aja to succeed.
When Texas Ranger Jackson Dean gets called in to work a case as a favor to a judge friend of his boss, he thinks the judge's niece is playing the spoiled princess card.
The danger turns out to be all to real though, along with the sparks between Aja and Jackson.
Jackson closed his eyes again as he tried to control his breathing. He’d hoped for short and simple. But this woman standing in the middle of his office, looking the picture of a poised, dominant professional mixed with a touch of down-home goodness, was as complicated a start to this case as Jackson could imagine.
Jackson is the first in the Restoration Ranch series and I loved the backstory the author created for the idea behind the Ranch. The backstory involves Aja's great-great-great-great-grandfather and his start as a free man, it grounded the setting for me and infused the purpose of what Aja is working to do, give parolees an opportunity for work and a second chance to succeed. We're plunged right away into the sabotage plot and I was a bit disoriented with what was happening as we don't get to see the scene that has caused Aja to be on edge, creating a feeling that I was missing some of the story. This doesn't last long however, and we soon learn that the town sheriff isn't taking Aja's concerns seriously, doesn't want convicts in his district, and in fact wanted to buy the ranch before Aja came from New York. These issues with the sheriff cause Aja's uncle to call in a favor and brings the Texas Rangers into the picture.
Why did a Texas Ranger with dusty jeans and boots make her mouth water and her mind wander to places it had no business going?
Jackson Dean (seriously, how sexy is that name?) doesn't take the case seriously until a bomb goes off in Aja's barn and she is injured. They decide to do an undercover case (only Aja knows they're TX Rangers) with Jackson and his two colleagues, Colton and Storm, with them pretending to be ranch hands while they work to uncover who wants Aja dead. After the bomb and Jackson is on the ranch, the focus shifts some from the mystery suspense and onto Aja and Jackson's attraction for one another. They have more than insta-lust but just by a smidgen, I would have liked to have more scope to their relationship. Obviously, a lot of the story takes place at the Ranch and I felt they weren't really growing beyond the just get to the bedroom depth. There were times that their sexiness did give me hints of Alisha Rai and Tessa Bailey.
Who would’ve thought Jackson Dean, the big, burly Texas Ranger, needed someone to make him feel safe?
I connected with Aja quicker as we get more of her character up front, how her relationship with her sister, family, and experiences have shaped her personality and drive to start Restoration Ranch. Jackson's story is doled out slower and if I had known about how his previous marriage and the issues that stemmed from it had went down and his mother's abandonment, I might have been more into or forgiving of his “I can't trust any women” very used hero trope. This might be another weird like of mine but I adored how Jackson said “Daddy” instead of father or dad, good father-son relationships are more in absence and this just added some love to theirs. In fact, I thought this author's strong point was in her familial relationships, added so much richness to her characters and story.
“All right, Ranger. I’m game if you are. But are you sure you can handle me?”
He pulled her into his arms, cupping her cheek, and leaning in close. “I can handle anything you’ve got.”
The pace of this was a little different, the mystery/danger plot seems to be wrapped up around the 70% mark and then Aja and Jackson start dating; when I would expect their relationship to hitting their climax of coming together, instead it feels like they're starting the build. The mystery/danger has it's obviousness and some anti-climatic as the villain is mostly off-screen and then some forced surprise as it ends in a cliffhanger to connect and lead into the next of the series. Jackson's friends and colleagues, Colton and Storm along with the two friends and parolees, Brooklyn and Seneca, Aja is helping, are obvious series set-up characters. The pacing didn't always work for me but the idea behind Restoration Ranch and the relationships behind and being built from it pulled me in and I'm curious to see where Colton's protectiveness of Seneca leads.
July 22, 2021
Okay, here me out. I can admit when I’m wrong and I was wrong about Jackson. I gave up too quickly and it actually turned out to be a really good book. Now, it did take me a minute to get into it and actually like the characters but, when I did, I really enjoyed the book. Jackson was a sexy romance with a heavy dose of mystery and suspense. Someone wants Aja's land and they're willing to kill her to get it. After several mysterious mishaps at her ranch, Texas Ranger Jackson Dean works undercover as a foreman to figure out who wants Aja dead. There's an instant attraction between them but, they don't act on it because both of them are dealing with issues from their past. Aja and Jackson are strong, smart, stubborn characters, and their strengths mean they butt heads almost from the moment they meet. As I said before, the storyline is very much been there done that but, it was still enjoyable and held my attention. But, the book ended with more questions than answers. Matt was just the puppet so, who was the man behind the scenes pulling the strings?!!! He kept saying he was trying to protect Aja but, he never said who he was protecting her from and we still don't know who attacked her in her bedroom. If Eli Bennett is in jail, who else is gunnin' for Aja's land?!!! Ma'am, I need answers like yesterday! As someone who lives in Texas, I'm highly offended at the unnecessary thick azz accent the narrator used. I'm so over Hollywood, authors, and everyone else in the free world pushing this false narrative about us. Texans do NOT speak with a heavy Southern accent. Matter of fact, we don't have an accent at all. Please stop confusing us with people who live in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. While I initially did not like Jackson I'm glad I stuck with it because, in the end, I absolutely loved it. This was my first book by LaQuette and, as long as the rest of the books in this series feature BM and BW as the lead characters, you can definitely count me in.
February 13, 2021
Sizzling attraction, strong characters, and danger on a Texas ranch with a capable and determined Texas Ranger on the job had me jazzed with excitement over a new series from an author I have enjoyed in the past.
Review:
Jackson opens with Aja Everett nearly killed in the latest mishap to stalk her project to renovate the family ranch into a relaxing B&B. Someone doesn't want her to succeed, but they aren't scaring her into selling out. This land has been in her family for several generations right back to her freed slave grandfather who carved out a heritage that she intends to continue by giving second chances and new lives to her workers and a wonderful, relaxing environment to customers. She reluctantly lets her uncle call in a favor to a friend in the Texas Rangers when once again, the local sheriff shrugs off her complaint of sabotage. She is less impressed with the mulish take-charge Ranger who she wishes she wasn't so infernally attracted to.
Jackson has a job to do and it doesn't involve exploring that crackling chemistry he feels with the former high-powered lawyer who defends her workers and cares deeply for everyone's welfare but her own. Butting heads with Aja must be some sort of flirtatious foreplay because his resistance to her is non-existent in short order. Meanwhile, he is on the spot when the latest attempt to attack is nearly lethal and is no accident. They have a suspect, but now they need to get proof. The property is huge and he gets his dad and brother out to install security even as Aja has a new contractor and team out working on the plans for her B&B.
Jackson doesn't trust in love after his mom abandoned the family and his ex did a number on him and Aja is carrying around so much guilt about the past that it's choking her and she has to punish herself by denying that she deserves happiness. The pair must find away to help each other and survive the troubles on the ranch.
I do love my cowboy and ranch romances, but plug in some suspense and I'm in heaven. Jackson as a Texas Ranger who can also work on a ranch like a veteran hand, draw so beautifully, and leap into action against an invader had this reader swooning right along with Aja. But, I was also swooning over that strong, smart and fiery plus-sized sexy gal. She was a successful defense lawyer and she champions the underdog, but she's no dreaming idealist. She goes in where angels fear to tread for a scared teen who needs someone on his side and two women finishing up their parole who are trying to turn their lives around. And, she even fights for Jackson when he is still in pain from his past.
The suspense was a strong lead in the story and I had it figured out until that final reveal at the end showing there was a series mystery arc hiding behind the one that was resolved in this book. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes with that and hope that Jackson's fellow Texas Rangers are still on the job with him and get their own stories.
All in all, this first in series was a sensational start and left me satisfied with the first book and impatient for the next one. This has a spicy and sensual romance, deep characters and situations, and a nice action suspense running through out. Romantic Suspense fans need to jump on this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
Jackson opens with Aja Everett nearly killed in the latest mishap to stalk her project to renovate the family ranch into a relaxing B&B. Someone doesn't want her to succeed, but they aren't scaring her into selling out. This land has been in her family for several generations right back to her freed slave grandfather who carved out a heritage that she intends to continue by giving second chances and new lives to her workers and a wonderful, relaxing environment to customers. She reluctantly lets her uncle call in a favor to a friend in the Texas Rangers when once again, the local sheriff shrugs off her complaint of sabotage. She is less impressed with the mulish take-charge Ranger who she wishes she wasn't so infernally attracted to.
Jackson has a job to do and it doesn't involve exploring that crackling chemistry he feels with the former high-powered lawyer who defends her workers and cares deeply for everyone's welfare but her own. Butting heads with Aja must be some sort of flirtatious foreplay because his resistance to her is non-existent in short order. Meanwhile, he is on the spot when the latest attempt to attack is nearly lethal and is no accident. They have a suspect, but now they need to get proof. The property is huge and he gets his dad and brother out to install security even as Aja has a new contractor and team out working on the plans for her B&B.
Jackson doesn't trust in love after his mom abandoned the family and his ex did a number on him and Aja is carrying around so much guilt about the past that it's choking her and she has to punish herself by denying that she deserves happiness. The pair must find away to help each other and survive the troubles on the ranch.
I do love my cowboy and ranch romances, but plug in some suspense and I'm in heaven. Jackson as a Texas Ranger who can also work on a ranch like a veteran hand, draw so beautifully, and leap into action against an invader had this reader swooning right along with Aja. But, I was also swooning over that strong, smart and fiery plus-sized sexy gal. She was a successful defense lawyer and she champions the underdog, but she's no dreaming idealist. She goes in where angels fear to tread for a scared teen who needs someone on his side and two women finishing up their parole who are trying to turn their lives around. And, she even fights for Jackson when he is still in pain from his past.
The suspense was a strong lead in the story and I had it figured out until that final reveal at the end showing there was a series mystery arc hiding behind the one that was resolved in this book. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes with that and hope that Jackson's fellow Texas Rangers are still on the job with him and get their own stories.
All in all, this first in series was a sensational start and left me satisfied with the first book and impatient for the next one. This has a spicy and sensual romance, deep characters and situations, and a nice action suspense running through out. Romantic Suspense fans need to jump on this one.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2021
4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Jackson is the first book of the Restoration Ranch series.
Video review available in Week 20: May 16 – May 22, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Jackson is the first book of the Restoration Ranch series.
Video review available in Week 20: May 16 – May 22, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
May 10, 2021
This was a nice story....I loved Jackson's laid back "hardcore" demeanor....The dynamic between Jackson and his colleague Colton is hilarious to me. Jackson fell hard and fast for Aja but the approach to their relationship blossoming wasn't fast at all....Aja made the decision to fall back until Jackson came to the realization that she was definitely what he wanted and also a relationship is also what he wants. This was a cute story and Eboni Flowers did a really nice narration job. I'm definitely interested to see what coming next from this cute quaint town.
April 30, 2021
3.5 stars
Aja left her law firm to run Restoration Ranch in Texas which was a property that dates back to her great grandfather who was a freed man (former slave). She was no nonsense, decisive and capable but someone was determined for her ranch to fail.
Strange occurrences kept happening until Aja realized that someone was trying to hurt her in their attempt to keep her from succeeding.
Jackson Dean and his deputies came to investigate and sparks flew between Aja and Jackson.
The two slowly reconciled their growing feelings as Jackson tried to figure out who was sabotaging Aja’s ranch.
I listened to this book. It was a typical romantic suspense story but the author gave us a heroine I could and did respect. She was strong, smart and confident. She wasn’t a size 2 and she was okay with that. She loved cooking for people even though it reminded her of her fractured family situation. Jackson was a hero that was dependable, professional and sexy. The combination just worked.
The only issue I had was the pacing of the story and the villain was a stretch. But this is a foundation story as I’m sure more things will come out In the subsequent installments of this series.
A good start to a new series and I plan to read Connor’s book when it comes out.
Aja left her law firm to run Restoration Ranch in Texas which was a property that dates back to her great grandfather who was a freed man (former slave). She was no nonsense, decisive and capable but someone was determined for her ranch to fail.
Strange occurrences kept happening until Aja realized that someone was trying to hurt her in their attempt to keep her from succeeding.
Jackson Dean and his deputies came to investigate and sparks flew between Aja and Jackson.
The two slowly reconciled their growing feelings as Jackson tried to figure out who was sabotaging Aja’s ranch.
I listened to this book. It was a typical romantic suspense story but the author gave us a heroine I could and did respect. She was strong, smart and confident. She wasn’t a size 2 and she was okay with that. She loved cooking for people even though it reminded her of her fractured family situation. Jackson was a hero that was dependable, professional and sexy. The combination just worked.
The only issue I had was the pacing of the story and the villain was a stretch. But this is a foundation story as I’m sure more things will come out In the subsequent installments of this series.
A good start to a new series and I plan to read Connor’s book when it comes out.
February 19, 2021
Jackson is the first book in Restoration Ranch contemporary romance series by LaQuette. It’s set on a ranch with the same name near Austin, Texas, that’s been in the Everett family ever since their ancestor was freed after the Civil War. The current owner, Aja, a former hotshot defence lawyer from New York in her late thirties, wants to turn it into a holiday resort, but someone in her town opposes the plan. Accidents plague the construction, and when Aja is almost killed, her family intervenes and calls in Texas Rangers. Enter Jackson Dean, a ranger as protective as he is hot.
There’s instant attraction between the two, but this is a grown-up romance, where both parties bring in a lot of baggage, so neither of them intend it to last. Alongside the romance, there’s the mystery of who’s trying to harm Aja. There are some really hot scenes, but once the case is solved, they go their separate ways—only to realise they need each other after all.
I liked both Aja and Jackson, separately and together. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid of going after it, and he wasn’t afraid of letting her be who she is, provided he could be there to save the day and comfort her. The supporting cast remained a little distant and I didn’t really get a hang of them.
This wasn’t a bad book, but unfortunately it suffered from a clumsy execution. We plunge in with a brief action scene when the situation on the ranch has been going on for a while already—and then everything halts. We’re told about the troubles, but we never witness them, and the investigation takes place outside the narrative.
The narrative was on a constant holding pattern. It consisted of filler scenes between brief bursts of action when the bad guys made their moves and the characters reacted. The characters were never in charge of the plot, never proactive, and the reader was an observer. Even the romantic scenes felt emotionally distant. It made the book feel overly long, and even the twists at the end couldn’t really save it. But Aja and Jackson got their happily ever after, and it made the ending satisfying.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s instant attraction between the two, but this is a grown-up romance, where both parties bring in a lot of baggage, so neither of them intend it to last. Alongside the romance, there’s the mystery of who’s trying to harm Aja. There are some really hot scenes, but once the case is solved, they go their separate ways—only to realise they need each other after all.
I liked both Aja and Jackson, separately and together. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid of going after it, and he wasn’t afraid of letting her be who she is, provided he could be there to save the day and comfort her. The supporting cast remained a little distant and I didn’t really get a hang of them.
This wasn’t a bad book, but unfortunately it suffered from a clumsy execution. We plunge in with a brief action scene when the situation on the ranch has been going on for a while already—and then everything halts. We’re told about the troubles, but we never witness them, and the investigation takes place outside the narrative.
The narrative was on a constant holding pattern. It consisted of filler scenes between brief bursts of action when the bad guys made their moves and the characters reacted. The characters were never in charge of the plot, never proactive, and the reader was an observer. Even the romantic scenes felt emotionally distant. It made the book feel overly long, and even the twists at the end couldn’t really save it. But Aja and Jackson got their happily ever after, and it made the ending satisfying.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Really enjoyed listening to Eboni Flowers bring this story to life. This was my first book by this author but I'm looking forward to reading more. She weaves in a little comedy, a little family drama and a lot of heat into the story.
March 2, 2021
Okay, when does book two come out? I am the queen of no patience. I didn’t realize Jackson was book one in a series. I cruised through this book loving life, then the end came and I panicked – I looked for more pages to turn. I was at the end already?!! While I loved the romance between the hero, Jackson, and the heroine, Aja, and I appreciated they achieved a happily ever after, I was not tickled that a major plot thread was left open to continue in book two. Although, I do recognize that making me crave for more is what makes a thrilling series. I’m already hooked on the Restoration Ranch series.
I’ve never read a book by LaQuette nor have I read a multicultural book, but I was head over heels while reading Jackson. With all those amazing plot twists, the writing style was riveting. I didn’t see the ending coming and being able to pull that off makes me classify this story as an original, well-done, unpredictable mystery. I was on the edge of my seat a few times during the action scenes.
The romance between Aja and Jackson was sizzling to boot. Jackson’s natural instincts to protect and Aja’s desire to help others often crossed hairs, but each had the best of intentions at heart.
The other characters in the story were well developed and I look forward to meeting with them all again when the second book comes out.
In conclusion, I can with good conscience enthusiastically recommend Jackson with the warning it might leave other readers like it left me, wanting the next book to be released as soon as possible.
I’ve never read a book by LaQuette nor have I read a multicultural book, but I was head over heels while reading Jackson. With all those amazing plot twists, the writing style was riveting. I didn’t see the ending coming and being able to pull that off makes me classify this story as an original, well-done, unpredictable mystery. I was on the edge of my seat a few times during the action scenes.
The romance between Aja and Jackson was sizzling to boot. Jackson’s natural instincts to protect and Aja’s desire to help others often crossed hairs, but each had the best of intentions at heart.
The other characters in the story were well developed and I look forward to meeting with them all again when the second book comes out.
In conclusion, I can with good conscience enthusiastically recommend Jackson with the warning it might leave other readers like it left me, wanting the next book to be released as soon as possible.
April 23, 2021
Aja is trying to turn her family ranch into a resort unfortunately it appears either someone doesn’t what that to happen or they want to kill her.... maybe both. The fact that her two trusted employees are former convicts makes the local police a bit shortsighted when it comes to the goings on at the ranch. What started as small acts of vandalism and accidents has only grown to increasing danger when the barn is blown up right before Aja could walk in. Her overprotective family decide it’s time to get done serious help with the situation...
Jackson, a Texas Ranger, had been called in to investigate what’s going on at Restoration Ranch and protect its residents. Him and his small team go in undercover as ranch hands to figure out exactly what is going on and who is behind it. Is someone just after the land? Does someone not want Aja to succeed? Or is it something more personal?
From someone who grew up in New York and is a lawyer I found Aja to be rather naïve. She was also unnecessarily defensive a lot of the time. The instant attraction between her and Jackson was kind of annoying because they let it distract them from the start. I don’t mind it existing but they are two people way too old and too grown to act like that. His behavior was a bit childish at times. I’m also not a big fan of ye olde insta love and that was all over this. And Jackson had a whole lot of baggage. How he didn’t notice his father was seeing some one for soooooooooooooo long is ridiculous even if the father wasn’t initially making a big deal of it. Really though how you gonna say that your dad is seeing a new lady friend when he’s been seeing her for 25 years! A bit of a personal pet peeve of mine is people who taken the weight of unnecessary and undeserved guilt and Aja is one of those. She needed therapy like sooo much therapy.
I wanted to like this book but I just didn’t it wasn’t bad it just wasn’t great either. I did like the story of how the ranch came to be part of Aja’s family and why it was so important to her. And desire to give people second chances and her willingness to protect those she cared about. But the overcompensating for things in the past and just the behavior of the main characters... it just wasn’t great. And truth be told Aja is rather aggravating and Jackson is only a tiny bit less irritating. Honestly if I didn’t have to read it I wouldn’t have bothered sticking it out to the end. And I actually regret that because the end was so stupid and there was never an explanation for why this person did what they did or anything it was just they did it and end.
My first book by the author and it wasn’t a bad story it wasn’t great either. Until the last couple of chapters it was 3-4 but after that? 2 stars and a waste of time.
Jackson, a Texas Ranger, had been called in to investigate what’s going on at Restoration Ranch and protect its residents. Him and his small team go in undercover as ranch hands to figure out exactly what is going on and who is behind it. Is someone just after the land? Does someone not want Aja to succeed? Or is it something more personal?
From someone who grew up in New York and is a lawyer I found Aja to be rather naïve. She was also unnecessarily defensive a lot of the time. The instant attraction between her and Jackson was kind of annoying because they let it distract them from the start. I don’t mind it existing but they are two people way too old and too grown to act like that. His behavior was a bit childish at times. I’m also not a big fan of ye olde insta love and that was all over this. And Jackson had a whole lot of baggage. How he didn’t notice his father was seeing some one for soooooooooooooo long is ridiculous even if the father wasn’t initially making a big deal of it. Really though how you gonna say that your dad is seeing a new lady friend when he’s been seeing her for 25 years! A bit of a personal pet peeve of mine is people who taken the weight of unnecessary and undeserved guilt and Aja is one of those. She needed therapy like sooo much therapy.
I wanted to like this book but I just didn’t it wasn’t bad it just wasn’t great either. I did like the story of how the ranch came to be part of Aja’s family and why it was so important to her. And desire to give people second chances and her willingness to protect those she cared about. But the overcompensating for things in the past and just the behavior of the main characters... it just wasn’t great. And truth be told Aja is rather aggravating and Jackson is only a tiny bit less irritating. Honestly if I didn’t have to read it I wouldn’t have bothered sticking it out to the end. And I actually regret that because the end was so stupid and there was never an explanation for why this person did what they did or anything it was just they did it and end.
My first book by the author and it wasn’t a bad story it wasn’t great either. Until the last couple of chapters it was 3-4 but after that? 2 stars and a waste of time.
February 10, 2021
I have been dying to read LaQuette's books for a while and was so lucky to receive an arc of Jackson. This book is steamy, it's suspenseful, it's magnificent and I really enjoyed the ride!
Aja is a big time lawyer who moved back to her home in Texas to open up a resort on her family's farm. But when scaffolding falls down and her barn blows up with her almost inside, Aja realizes that someone doesn't want her to succeed. Enter Jackson, a Texas Ranger who sets up at Aja's farm to try and find the culprit. Two attractive and successful people in close quarters means sexiness abound and Aja and Jackson have to figure out if their relationship is worth fighting for.
A few things I loved: not baby hero/heroine - Aja is 39 and Jackson is 40. I loved that they were older and not 23 years old finding love. It makes their relationship so believable because they have had their own lives before they meet. I also loved the focus on consent: Jackson is a CINNAMON ROLL but also kind of an alpha? He is a gentleman and I loved that he continually asked for Aja's consent during sex - and their discussions of condom usage! Yes for sex positivity. I also love the mystery and whodunnit. It was a but obvious but the different complexities were interesting to unweave. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I need more now! Finally, I loved Seneca and Brooklyn, two women who work on Aja's farm as part of a Pathways Program due to prior convictions and parole. It was a great side story about second chances and now we are responsible for ensuring that one mistake doesn't derail a person's entire life.
This is a romance but there are so many layers, so much depth, and lots of complexity. But the STEAM! Jackson is a must read.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for an arc to review
Aja is a big time lawyer who moved back to her home in Texas to open up a resort on her family's farm. But when scaffolding falls down and her barn blows up with her almost inside, Aja realizes that someone doesn't want her to succeed. Enter Jackson, a Texas Ranger who sets up at Aja's farm to try and find the culprit. Two attractive and successful people in close quarters means sexiness abound and Aja and Jackson have to figure out if their relationship is worth fighting for.
A few things I loved: not baby hero/heroine - Aja is 39 and Jackson is 40. I loved that they were older and not 23 years old finding love. It makes their relationship so believable because they have had their own lives before they meet. I also loved the focus on consent: Jackson is a CINNAMON ROLL but also kind of an alpha? He is a gentleman and I loved that he continually asked for Aja's consent during sex - and their discussions of condom usage! Yes for sex positivity. I also love the mystery and whodunnit. It was a but obvious but the different complexities were interesting to unweave. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I need more now! Finally, I loved Seneca and Brooklyn, two women who work on Aja's farm as part of a Pathways Program due to prior convictions and parole. It was a great side story about second chances and now we are responsible for ensuring that one mistake doesn't derail a person's entire life.
This is a romance but there are so many layers, so much depth, and lots of complexity. But the STEAM! Jackson is a must read.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for an arc to review
February 11, 2021
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casa for the complimentary finished copy. All opinions are my own.
3.5 ⭐️
The older I get the more I appreciate women who say what they think & share what they want. Especially when they’re calling men out on their shit ;).
Aja Everett, a curvy, 39 year old former attorney-turned-ranch owner isn’t afraid to speak her mind in LaQuette’s Jackson & I was there for it every single time.
After losing her sister Aja relocated to Texas to take over the farm that’s been in her family since her ancestor was freed during the Civil War & bought it from the person who once enslaved him. She’s trying to turn Restoration Ranch into a soothing vacation getaway but her plans are being foiled by a series of vandalism attempts that turn dangerous.
Is someone trying to harm her & who? Jackson Dean is the hot Texas Ranger assigned to figure that out & keep her safe.
Sparks fly between Aja & Jackson immediately & this book doesn’t skimp on the steam. Their forthright convos about consent & wants are fantastic, & Aja made me want to cheer every time she’s open with Jackson about respecting the boundaries *he* set. There are no games.
Crafting a romance that’s strong from a physical & emotional perspective, LaQuette makes me feel the heat & the respect between Aja & Jackson.
I did have a couple of quibbles though, including how little time Jackson seems to debate how his relationship with Aja might conflict with his job—I feel like more needed to be done there—& how Jackson & the villain engage with each other—& how others view that dynamic after the big villain reveal—, but all things considered I really enjoyed my time on Restoration Ranch.
3.5 ⭐️
The older I get the more I appreciate women who say what they think & share what they want. Especially when they’re calling men out on their shit ;).
Aja Everett, a curvy, 39 year old former attorney-turned-ranch owner isn’t afraid to speak her mind in LaQuette’s Jackson & I was there for it every single time.
After losing her sister Aja relocated to Texas to take over the farm that’s been in her family since her ancestor was freed during the Civil War & bought it from the person who once enslaved him. She’s trying to turn Restoration Ranch into a soothing vacation getaway but her plans are being foiled by a series of vandalism attempts that turn dangerous.
Is someone trying to harm her & who? Jackson Dean is the hot Texas Ranger assigned to figure that out & keep her safe.
Sparks fly between Aja & Jackson immediately & this book doesn’t skimp on the steam. Their forthright convos about consent & wants are fantastic, & Aja made me want to cheer every time she’s open with Jackson about respecting the boundaries *he* set. There are no games.
Crafting a romance that’s strong from a physical & emotional perspective, LaQuette makes me feel the heat & the respect between Aja & Jackson.
I did have a couple of quibbles though, including how little time Jackson seems to debate how his relationship with Aja might conflict with his job—I feel like more needed to be done there—& how Jackson & the villain engage with each other—& how others view that dynamic after the big villain reveal—, but all things considered I really enjoyed my time on Restoration Ranch.
May 12, 2021
This was my first read by this author and I was very excited. It started off rough for me. Her writing style weighed heavily upon the use of metaphors and that made it really cheesy. This story was about southern black people- Texans to be exact and since I’m a southern girl and have also lived in Texas I found a lot of the nuances based on stereotypes. I’ve never met black Texans that actually spoke like that lol. I get that Jackson was a cowboy. It seemed that the author took a stereotypical white story and tweaked it with black people.
But I did like the characters after some time. Jackson though, was too soft at times. Giving in to her silly demands. And she was on my every nerve! Like I get that you are strong and a boss etc but it was overkill.
What made this story as good as it was - was Eboni Flowers. Eboni narrated this weird little Texas tale like nobody’s business.
But I did like the characters after some time. Jackson though, was too soft at times. Giving in to her silly demands. And she was on my every nerve! Like I get that you are strong and a boss etc but it was overkill.
What made this story as good as it was - was Eboni Flowers. Eboni narrated this weird little Texas tale like nobody’s business.
February 8, 2022
Strangely good
The story was strangely good. I only had a few sticking points. The guy on the cover did not match the man in my head for Jackson, nor did his swag fit his role. The heroine was kind of airsh at times to be a super dope attorney. But overall, the story was petty decent. I'm sure I will come back for Colton's story.
The story was strangely good. I only had a few sticking points. The guy on the cover did not match the man in my head for Jackson, nor did his swag fit his role. The heroine was kind of airsh at times to be a super dope attorney. But overall, the story was petty decent. I'm sure I will come back for Colton's story.
January 16, 2022
This is the first book of 2022 and my heart is so full ! This book was everything I love in a good romance book. STEAMY as well as so gushy that you just can’t help but smile at all the lovey doveyness . Can’t wait for the 2nd book in July!
March 10, 2021
New to me author! And she is brilliant! Have I already tried to preorder the next book?? Heck yes. (No date announced yet but there is a teaser at the end of this one!)
Aja is all about second chances and living her life to prove it. Jackson has a strict code of life and work. When they collide - fireworks. I was hooked from the fabulous discussions of food (don't read on an empty stomach! and that is my favorite love language I think??), grey sweatpants action!, an Ass Man (tm), not to mention hot HOT consent. I also really loved that because both protagonists were more mature and older their frenemies/ enemies to lovers action wasn't about them not communicating but about them being people with firm senses of self and then they collided with each others' values they had to readjust themselves (and even possibly go to therapy.) Top off this absolute sundae of a book with a solid mystery, fabulous banter, and some serious steam!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: enemies to lovers/ frenemies to lovers, bodyguard, rancher/ cowboy, everyone is over thirty
Subgenre: contemporary romance
CW/ TW: some gun play and violence on the page, references to alcoholism of spouse and family trauma
Aja is all about second chances and living her life to prove it. Jackson has a strict code of life and work. When they collide - fireworks. I was hooked from the fabulous discussions of food (don't read on an empty stomach! and that is my favorite love language I think??), grey sweatpants action!, an Ass Man (tm), not to mention hot HOT consent. I also really loved that because both protagonists were more mature and older their frenemies/ enemies to lovers action wasn't about them not communicating but about them being people with firm senses of self and then they collided with each others' values they had to readjust themselves (and even possibly go to therapy.) Top off this absolute sundae of a book with a solid mystery, fabulous banter, and some serious steam!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: enemies to lovers/ frenemies to lovers, bodyguard, rancher/ cowboy, everyone is over thirty
Subgenre: contemporary romance
CW/ TW: some gun play and violence on the page, references to alcoholism of spouse and family trauma
December 17, 2020
LaQuette, is a new author to me and the first book that I’ve read by her.
This was an awesome romance mystery. The characters were true to life, awesome word building, action packed, tear jerker, filled with excitement, funny situations, realistic, page turner and old so steamy hot sex scenes.
Jackson Dean and Aja Everett were both dealing with past tragedies. Aja blames herself for the death of her sister Drucilla and Jackson blames himself for not knowing that his ex-wife was an undercover alcoholic. Jackson is Texas Ranger and Aja is a very successful trial attorney in NY.
Aja decease parents left her Restoration Ranch and she left her Aunt Jo run the ranch. Bills were getting behind and taxes are due and her Aunt Jo just couldn’t keep up and finally decided to let Aja know what was going on. Aja returns to Restoration Ranch and pays the back taxes.
Aja brings two ex con females who are a part of the Pathways Program that she’s working with her to Restoration Ranch to start their lives over, Brooklyn Osborn who’s an architect and Seneca Daniels is a former IT network director. They are earning their keep and enjoying their new start on life. Mat Ryan is their parole officer but there’s something very suspicious about him.
Aja is busy making major repairs on her ranch and while doing so someone is sabotaging everything that she is doing and, in several instances, she gets hurt. Aja seems to think that she knows who is behind the mishaps, Eli Bennett a rancher who was all set to purchase her ranch for back taxes before she stepped in paid the back taxes. Aja’s uncle Judge Ricky Henry calls in his friend Major Hargrove of the Texas Rangers who in turn goes to his employee Jackson Dean to find out what’s going on at his niece’s ranch. Jackson brings in his veteran brothers and co-workers who were in the armed forces with him Colton Adams and Storm Cordero.
Jackson and Aja meet at the Texas Rangers offices and they are both feeling each and Jackson’s colleagues are noticing it. Jackson, Colton and Storm are working undercover at the ranch and they are working hard trying to figure whose wreaking havoc on the ranch and trying to kill Aja.
This book is so good. LaQuette did an excellent job and I highly recommend it.
Pick up your copy to find out about of the excitement at Restoration Ranch. I’m looking forward to reading about Colton, Seneca, Storm and Brooklyn. I hope that they get books.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am voluntarily writing a review.
Thank you Netgalley.
This was an awesome romance mystery. The characters were true to life, awesome word building, action packed, tear jerker, filled with excitement, funny situations, realistic, page turner and old so steamy hot sex scenes.
Jackson Dean and Aja Everett were both dealing with past tragedies. Aja blames herself for the death of her sister Drucilla and Jackson blames himself for not knowing that his ex-wife was an undercover alcoholic. Jackson is Texas Ranger and Aja is a very successful trial attorney in NY.
Aja decease parents left her Restoration Ranch and she left her Aunt Jo run the ranch. Bills were getting behind and taxes are due and her Aunt Jo just couldn’t keep up and finally decided to let Aja know what was going on. Aja returns to Restoration Ranch and pays the back taxes.
Aja brings two ex con females who are a part of the Pathways Program that she’s working with her to Restoration Ranch to start their lives over, Brooklyn Osborn who’s an architect and Seneca Daniels is a former IT network director. They are earning their keep and enjoying their new start on life. Mat Ryan is their parole officer but there’s something very suspicious about him.
Aja is busy making major repairs on her ranch and while doing so someone is sabotaging everything that she is doing and, in several instances, she gets hurt. Aja seems to think that she knows who is behind the mishaps, Eli Bennett a rancher who was all set to purchase her ranch for back taxes before she stepped in paid the back taxes. Aja’s uncle Judge Ricky Henry calls in his friend Major Hargrove of the Texas Rangers who in turn goes to his employee Jackson Dean to find out what’s going on at his niece’s ranch. Jackson brings in his veteran brothers and co-workers who were in the armed forces with him Colton Adams and Storm Cordero.
Jackson and Aja meet at the Texas Rangers offices and they are both feeling each and Jackson’s colleagues are noticing it. Jackson, Colton and Storm are working undercover at the ranch and they are working hard trying to figure whose wreaking havoc on the ranch and trying to kill Aja.
This book is so good. LaQuette did an excellent job and I highly recommend it.
Pick up your copy to find out about of the excitement at Restoration Ranch. I’m looking forward to reading about Colton, Seneca, Storm and Brooklyn. I hope that they get books.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am voluntarily writing a review.
Thank you Netgalley.
February 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the chance to read an early copy of this book!
JACKSON is a contemporary romance with a heavy dose of mystery and suspense - but don't worry, nothing too gory! I had a great time reading this book and letting the story carry me along. Our heroine Aja and hero Jackson are both such strong, smart, admirable characters, and their strengths mean they butt heads at first despite their instant attraction - my favorite kind of story! As we progress with the mystery, we also learn more about the tough backstories that have shaped our characters, and in a particularly touching section, we learn about Aja's ancestry and their connection to this ranch. Along the way, there's some delicious food and some fun quips -- my copy was an unfinished ARC, but I sincerely hope they keep "Is their anything sadder than a vegetarian Texan?" I also adored the way that some of the laziest tropes in romance get tossed away with the flick of the wrist--Aja doesn't eat dessert because the sugar will keep her awake, not because she's concerned about weight, and at another time she automatically criticizes Jackson's ex then apologizes and says she doesn't want to villainize another woman just for being in his life.
This romance focused pretty tightly on Aja and Jackson, and I wanted to get to know her employees Brooklyn and Seneca better, as well as his fellow rangers Colton and Storm. The way it's set up, I wouldn't be surprised if their stories have some timeline overlap to give us other perspectives. Plus, the end of the book also comes very quickly, with plenty of loose ends to the mystery still waiting--no epilogue, which I'm always a sucker for. But I hope this means that there are sequels in the works to give us some answers, and soon!
JACKSON is a contemporary romance with a heavy dose of mystery and suspense - but don't worry, nothing too gory! I had a great time reading this book and letting the story carry me along. Our heroine Aja and hero Jackson are both such strong, smart, admirable characters, and their strengths mean they butt heads at first despite their instant attraction - my favorite kind of story! As we progress with the mystery, we also learn more about the tough backstories that have shaped our characters, and in a particularly touching section, we learn about Aja's ancestry and their connection to this ranch. Along the way, there's some delicious food and some fun quips -- my copy was an unfinished ARC, but I sincerely hope they keep "Is their anything sadder than a vegetarian Texan?" I also adored the way that some of the laziest tropes in romance get tossed away with the flick of the wrist--Aja doesn't eat dessert because the sugar will keep her awake, not because she's concerned about weight, and at another time she automatically criticizes Jackson's ex then apologizes and says she doesn't want to villainize another woman just for being in his life.
This romance focused pretty tightly on Aja and Jackson, and I wanted to get to know her employees Brooklyn and Seneca better, as well as his fellow rangers Colton and Storm. The way it's set up, I wouldn't be surprised if their stories have some timeline overlap to give us other perspectives. Plus, the end of the book also comes very quickly, with plenty of loose ends to the mystery still waiting--no epilogue, which I'm always a sucker for. But I hope this means that there are sequels in the works to give us some answers, and soon!
May 14, 2021
All Aja Everett wants is to renovate the ranch that has been in her family since the Reconstruction era and turn it into a bed & breakfast. However, she is plagued by accident after accident as she tries to reach her goal. It's clear someone wants her to fail. When the local sheriff ignores her umpteenth complaint that someone is trying to hurt her and her project, her uncle contacts his friend, Ranger Jackson Dean, to find out what's going on. Aja doesn't count on the sparks that fly between her and the gruff, no-nonsense Texas Ranger.
Jackson is used to being in control. Therefore, he finds strong-willed Aja incredibly infuriating - and irresistible.
When yet another incident comes too close to being deadly and is so obviously not an accident, he is on the case, determined to find the evidence needed to put the saboteur away before the unthinkable happens.
Jackson is a complex protagonist, burned by his mother's abandonment and his ex's betrayal. Aja is plagued by guilt and unhappiness so great, she is her own worst enemy. There is so much hurt between them, but also a sizzling chemistry they can't deny. They both have to find a way to overcome their deep wounds to fulfill the promise of their attraction.
I'm not one for cowboy romances or suspense, but ever since I read LaQuette's Under His Protection, I have been eager to read more. LaQuette creates strong, independent leads full of passion and agency. Aja is capable, beautiful, and willing to take on the impossible, whether in her work as an attorney, the renovation of her ranch, or in trying to find love with the skittish Jackson. She's also plus-sized and the representation is absolutely perfect. I might have guessed the perpetrator by the end of the novel but it was a fun adventure nonetheless.
A wonderful start to a new suspense series.
My thanks to NetGalley for a review copy of the novel.
Jackson is used to being in control. Therefore, he finds strong-willed Aja incredibly infuriating - and irresistible.
When yet another incident comes too close to being deadly and is so obviously not an accident, he is on the case, determined to find the evidence needed to put the saboteur away before the unthinkable happens.
Jackson is a complex protagonist, burned by his mother's abandonment and his ex's betrayal. Aja is plagued by guilt and unhappiness so great, she is her own worst enemy. There is so much hurt between them, but also a sizzling chemistry they can't deny. They both have to find a way to overcome their deep wounds to fulfill the promise of their attraction.
I'm not one for cowboy romances or suspense, but ever since I read LaQuette's Under His Protection, I have been eager to read more. LaQuette creates strong, independent leads full of passion and agency. Aja is capable, beautiful, and willing to take on the impossible, whether in her work as an attorney, the renovation of her ranch, or in trying to find love with the skittish Jackson. She's also plus-sized and the representation is absolutely perfect. I might have guessed the perpetrator by the end of the novel but it was a fun adventure nonetheless.
A wonderful start to a new suspense series.
My thanks to NetGalley for a review copy of the novel.
March 5, 2021
Jackson appears to be the first book of the Restoration Ranch series. The author gives us a romantic suspense set in a small town in Texas. Aja Everett and Jackson Dean both have baggage they weren't ready to unpack, but as fate would have it, they are thrown together under an extreme circumstance; murder attempt/s on the owner of Restoration Ranch.
Aja has lived a life of luxury as New York's celebrity attorney. She has witnessed the good and bad of the system. Jackson, a Texas Ranger has vowed to serve and protect. But, when he's unable to save the one person he was in love with, it causes him to lose all faith in love.
It is long overdue for Aja to visit the ranch, and she doesn't hesitate when she is requested to come back. When she returns, she finds that there is a lot to be done.
Once there, she sees an opportunity to give others a redo on life by turning it into a place of all things restoration. This tribute to the land causes some unrest to some of the townsfolk. They seek to sabotage. Jackson was asked to go undercover to find out who is behind the mishaps at the ranch but, Aja and Jackson bump heads along the way.
I enjoyed getting to know this couple and seeing them get to a place of healing and putting the past experiences behind them. The supporting characters were an integral part of moving this story alone.
I am a newcomer to author LaQuette, but I plan to follow this series and other titles. The end left me with a few unanswered questions, which I hope we'll get in the next installment. If you love suspense and romance, you will want to check this out.
Aja has lived a life of luxury as New York's celebrity attorney. She has witnessed the good and bad of the system. Jackson, a Texas Ranger has vowed to serve and protect. But, when he's unable to save the one person he was in love with, it causes him to lose all faith in love.
It is long overdue for Aja to visit the ranch, and she doesn't hesitate when she is requested to come back. When she returns, she finds that there is a lot to be done.
Once there, she sees an opportunity to give others a redo on life by turning it into a place of all things restoration. This tribute to the land causes some unrest to some of the townsfolk. They seek to sabotage. Jackson was asked to go undercover to find out who is behind the mishaps at the ranch but, Aja and Jackson bump heads along the way.
I enjoyed getting to know this couple and seeing them get to a place of healing and putting the past experiences behind them. The supporting characters were an integral part of moving this story alone.
I am a newcomer to author LaQuette, but I plan to follow this series and other titles. The end left me with a few unanswered questions, which I hope we'll get in the next installment. If you love suspense and romance, you will want to check this out.
February 11, 2021
I love a romance with a bit of a mystery or suspense included, and this one fits the bill. Two sexy characters who have to figure out how to let go of the past so they can move on and love in the future. I love when both characters have a story arc like this, it's a nice switch up to have them both handling the same kind of self-doubt and learning to trust. Aja is a strong woman, a nurturer, someone who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to take it, ask for it, speak it into existence. Jackson is the perfect hero for Aja, the strong Texas Ranger. There is a lot of heat on the page, plenty of sex times with these two and their on fire chemistry. For my tastes, these scenes could be a little shorter, I wasn't always feeling like they moved the plot a lot, but I know a lot of readers will be here for it and that's just a matter of taste. It was the quieter moments that I loved more. There is a scene in the kitchen when Jackson watches Aja baking, and he basically says she's glowing. It's a sigh worthy moment of pure romance and I loved it. The side characters and family are all spot on and some have great potential for their own stories. Pacing is pretty good, I knew when Aja and Jackson were basically together at 80% that we had an additional twist coming, and that took a little longer to get to than I thought it needed to, but it all still worked. No surprises for me on the who done it/villain, but that's ok, the point is the romance. All in all an enjoyable sexy read.
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
(ARC Review) I was excited to read this book, about a former prosecutor who leaves NYC to return to her family's ranch in Texas, where she's trying to rehab it into a place where everyone is welcome, including the two former inmates she hires to help her with the transformation. Someone is criminally sabotaging their progress, so enters Texas Ranger Jackson Dean. Jackson has been hurt by a relationship before, but can't stay away from Aja. He has a need to protect her and bring her attacker to justice.
Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. Though I loved Aja and Jackson, the writing was too formal for me. It's missing the prose and flow romance should have, at least in my mind. There's a whole lot of telling and almost no showing. The book was bogged down with inane details around how characters decided what to eat or what to wear, which took away from the romantic suspense.
The book felt like it could have wrapped up around 2/3 of the way in with just a few reunion scenes, but instead stretched on another third of the way. The "suprise" of the last third didn't even end up really being explained, it was like it was tacked on at the end just to make a word count. A lot of the details around the suspenseful elements in general aren't really explained in general.
Again, I loved the characters, and I loved the history and current purposes of the ranch, it just wasn't enough to save this one for me. 2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. Though I loved Aja and Jackson, the writing was too formal for me. It's missing the prose and flow romance should have, at least in my mind. There's a whole lot of telling and almost no showing. The book was bogged down with inane details around how characters decided what to eat or what to wear, which took away from the romantic suspense.
The book felt like it could have wrapped up around 2/3 of the way in with just a few reunion scenes, but instead stretched on another third of the way. The "suprise" of the last third didn't even end up really being explained, it was like it was tacked on at the end just to make a word count. A lot of the details around the suspenseful elements in general aren't really explained in general.
Again, I loved the characters, and I loved the history and current purposes of the ranch, it just wasn't enough to save this one for me. 2.5 stars
April 1, 2021
4.5
After rereading the notes I took for this book, I realize I only wrote about the characters but I shouldn't be surprised because they were that amazing! Not to say the story wasn't great because it was so entertaining! So I'll just do a very quick resume of the blurb. Aja Everett, the owner of a second chance and rehabilitation life ranch for women, reluctantly agree to let Ranger Jackson Dean and two coworkers come to Restoration Ranch to work undercover, posing as ranch hands, to investigate the escalating vandalism threats she's been starting to get.
Aja and Jackson chemistry was evident and the attraction palpable right from the start. It was evident they didn't stand a chance to resist the temptation😉. They're both headstrong people who communicate well. I loved Jackson but for me the heroine was the real star of the show. A feisty, spirited, plus-size and confident 39 years-old woman with a heart of gold. When he meet her, Jackson thinks she's trouble for him but what it means is that she have a strength, a light, a loyalty that makes him realize quickly that she's everything he wants in a life's partner.
One detail is left unresolved at the end about the investigation. It's no cliffhanger but I guess we'll know more about it in the next book? But even without that, I'd be interested to read it because this series was a great discovery for me!
After rereading the notes I took for this book, I realize I only wrote about the characters but I shouldn't be surprised because they were that amazing! Not to say the story wasn't great because it was so entertaining! So I'll just do a very quick resume of the blurb. Aja Everett, the owner of a second chance and rehabilitation life ranch for women, reluctantly agree to let Ranger Jackson Dean and two coworkers come to Restoration Ranch to work undercover, posing as ranch hands, to investigate the escalating vandalism threats she's been starting to get.
Aja and Jackson chemistry was evident and the attraction palpable right from the start. It was evident they didn't stand a chance to resist the temptation😉. They're both headstrong people who communicate well. I loved Jackson but for me the heroine was the real star of the show. A feisty, spirited, plus-size and confident 39 years-old woman with a heart of gold. When he meet her, Jackson thinks she's trouble for him but what it means is that she have a strength, a light, a loyalty that makes him realize quickly that she's everything he wants in a life's partner.
One detail is left unresolved at the end about the investigation. It's no cliffhanger but I guess we'll know more about it in the next book? But even without that, I'd be interested to read it because this series was a great discovery for me!
Read
April 19, 2021If you’re looking for a smokin’ hot Texas Ranger who wants to take care of his lady anyway possible (**eye waggle**) then Jackson by LaQuette is definitely for you.
This romance had some suspense wrapped around it - a bonafide whodunit case that brings the Texas Rangers on an undercover mission to Aja’s Restoration Ranch, in small town Texas.
I absolutely loved Aja - who’s taken on two parolees trying to turn their life around by working at Restoration Ranch. Seneca and Brooklyn were the perfect two characters to play off of Aja, too.
I enjoyed the relationship and the budding romance of Aja and Jackson. Reading about two strong willed people butting heads and ignoring their true feelings for one another because they would rather fight than kiss had me smiling and falling in love with them.
I did figure out the culprit in the case early on, but enjoyed the twists and the investigation that went with this story. I was a little confused by the scene at the end, and wish there had been a little more explanation about that, though.
I absolutely appreciate that this was set in a small town rather than one of the bigger cities in Texas. It made the investigation and the crimes that much more believable, I think!
Thank you to Sourcebook Casablanca for the gifted copy.
This romance had some suspense wrapped around it - a bonafide whodunit case that brings the Texas Rangers on an undercover mission to Aja’s Restoration Ranch, in small town Texas.
I absolutely loved Aja - who’s taken on two parolees trying to turn their life around by working at Restoration Ranch. Seneca and Brooklyn were the perfect two characters to play off of Aja, too.
I enjoyed the relationship and the budding romance of Aja and Jackson. Reading about two strong willed people butting heads and ignoring their true feelings for one another because they would rather fight than kiss had me smiling and falling in love with them.
I did figure out the culprit in the case early on, but enjoyed the twists and the investigation that went with this story. I was a little confused by the scene at the end, and wish there had been a little more explanation about that, though.
I absolutely appreciate that this was set in a small town rather than one of the bigger cities in Texas. It made the investigation and the crimes that much more believable, I think!
Thank you to Sourcebook Casablanca for the gifted copy.
April 13, 2021
If you like Walker Texas Ranger or great western romance, you will love this book. Even if you are not a fan of Texas Ranger or Westerns you will still love this book. These Texas Rangers are hotter & sexier with great depth of character. This series begins with Texas Ranger Jackson Dean who is handsome, brooding and guarded when it comes to his heart. He is called to find out who is trying to kill Aja Everette and keep her safe. Aja Everette is a powerhouse attorney who is sugar, spice and everything nice. She decided to leave New York City and return home to her family ranch in Texas. With a heart of compassion for those who deserve a second chance in life, she is adamant about restoring & building Restoration Ranch. Jackson is trying to do his job without any personal entanglements, but Aja Everette challenges him at every turn, and he finds her irresistible and sexy as hell.
I love how this author develops the story and just when you think you have a resolution, here comes another twist in the story. The love scenes are filled with anticipation and desire. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and look forward to reading their stories in the next installment.
I love how this author develops the story and just when you think you have a resolution, here comes another twist in the story. The love scenes are filled with anticipation and desire. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and look forward to reading their stories in the next installment.
August 3, 2021
It's not Jackson's fault, necessarily, but I don't think Romantic Suspense is my jam. I like romance, but when it comes to suspense, I don't need a lot of it.
I did find the pacing of the book weird. Jackson and Aja are basically instalove, and a lot of their encounters/thoughts felt repetitive. And occasionally the writing took me out of what was supposed to be a sexy moment (lady lumps? To me that sounds like female tumors, unless the characters are legit singing Black Eyed Peas as a dare at a karaoke bar, I don't want to read that phrase). While terrible things kept happening to the ranch and to Aja, I never really felt like anything was at risk and the why of it was not as compelling as I wanted it to be.
What I did like- Aja and her employees. I loved the idea behind Restoration Ranch, and the history behind Aja's family property. I thought the women were all pretty kick ass, and Aja's lawyer past was really well done, especially when she uses it to help a young man who finds himself in trouble. I don't know if I'll continue with this series, but if I did it would be to see Restoration Ranch up and running, and to see Brooklyn and Seneca get their HEAs.
I did find the pacing of the book weird. Jackson and Aja are basically instalove, and a lot of their encounters/thoughts felt repetitive. And occasionally the writing took me out of what was supposed to be a sexy moment (lady lumps? To me that sounds like female tumors, unless the characters are legit singing Black Eyed Peas as a dare at a karaoke bar, I don't want to read that phrase). While terrible things kept happening to the ranch and to Aja, I never really felt like anything was at risk and the why of it was not as compelling as I wanted it to be.
What I did like- Aja and her employees. I loved the idea behind Restoration Ranch, and the history behind Aja's family property. I thought the women were all pretty kick ass, and Aja's lawyer past was really well done, especially when she uses it to help a young man who finds himself in trouble. I don't know if I'll continue with this series, but if I did it would be to see Restoration Ranch up and running, and to see Brooklyn and Seneca get their HEAs.
January 18, 2021
Aja Everett seeks to transform her family ranch into an oasis for those needing recuperation. She loves taking care of others but who is going to take care of her when her life is in danger? Ranger Jackson Dean is not looking for love or entanglement but when he is hired to watch out for Aja, he finds himself battling an intense physical attraction that could lead to much more.
This is my first read by this author. First, LaQuette is a strong writer. Her skills are evident in her masterful storytelling and how she sets up the scenes. I enjoyed reading about a strong, plus-sized heroine. I loved Aja's willingness to stand up for others. Jackson was also a well-written hero.
I also loved second chance stories and I would love to read more about her secondary characters. The author also laid the stage for some sizzling love scenes. I find this author incredibly talented and can't wait to read more!
Memorable quote.
"Thinking you could save people from themselves was the quick road to despair she knew."
Thank you #netgalley
This is my first read by this author. First, LaQuette is a strong writer. Her skills are evident in her masterful storytelling and how she sets up the scenes. I enjoyed reading about a strong, plus-sized heroine. I loved Aja's willingness to stand up for others. Jackson was also a well-written hero.
I also loved second chance stories and I would love to read more about her secondary characters. The author also laid the stage for some sizzling love scenes. I find this author incredibly talented and can't wait to read more!
Memorable quote.
"Thinking you could save people from themselves was the quick road to despair she knew."
Thank you #netgalley
December 7, 2020
I've had LaQuette on my list of authors to read for a while and jumped at the opportunity to read her latest book 'Jackson' before publication date.
There's so much goodness packed into this romance.
I loved the strength, determination, self-confidence, loyalty, and compassion of our heroine Aja. Jackson is quite something too - knowing that he cannot best Aja - only ever support and partner with her. I loved his devotion to Aja.
Prepare yourselves: Both Aja's & Jackson's passion is scorching.
The romance highlights many of the injustices, biases, and racist everyday-life-actions people of colour have to endure, and what it takes to battle for a chance to live a happy life. Together with the suspense story plot of finding out who tries to kill Aja, this was a wonderful read and made me dive into another LaQuette romance right away.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for making it possible for me to read this book before publication date.
There's so much goodness packed into this romance.
I loved the strength, determination, self-confidence, loyalty, and compassion of our heroine Aja. Jackson is quite something too - knowing that he cannot best Aja - only ever support and partner with her. I loved his devotion to Aja.
Prepare yourselves: Both Aja's & Jackson's passion is scorching.
The romance highlights many of the injustices, biases, and racist everyday-life-actions people of colour have to endure, and what it takes to battle for a chance to live a happy life. Together with the suspense story plot of finding out who tries to kill Aja, this was a wonderful read and made me dive into another LaQuette romance right away.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for making it possible for me to read this book before publication date.
February 23, 2021
Romance, Action, Stalker and Sabotage.
Aja Everett, Trial Lawyer for Celebrities, retires after a tragic family loss. Aja returns home to heal, and save the family ranch. Someone is stalking Aja, and isn't happy that she's hired ex cons to work on her, and begin sabotaging construction. Aja's uncle, Judge Henry calls in the Texas Rangers to investigate. Ranger Jackson Dean, feels instant attraction toward Aja. They both have trust issues, and aren't looking for a relationship. Danger increases on the ranch, and someone tries to kill Aja. The fear of losing Aja makes Jackson deal with his trust issues, and guilt, as an unexpected villain is revealed, and thinking everything is ok, there's another attempt on Aja's life. I loved the plot twist at the end. Will Jackson give love a try again, and will Aja share her quilt and pain of family heartache, and let Jackson in? I look forward to reading the next book in the Restoration Ranch series.
Aja Everett, Trial Lawyer for Celebrities, retires after a tragic family loss. Aja returns home to heal, and save the family ranch. Someone is stalking Aja, and isn't happy that she's hired ex cons to work on her, and begin sabotaging construction. Aja's uncle, Judge Henry calls in the Texas Rangers to investigate. Ranger Jackson Dean, feels instant attraction toward Aja. They both have trust issues, and aren't looking for a relationship. Danger increases on the ranch, and someone tries to kill Aja. The fear of losing Aja makes Jackson deal with his trust issues, and guilt, as an unexpected villain is revealed, and thinking everything is ok, there's another attempt on Aja's life. I loved the plot twist at the end. Will Jackson give love a try again, and will Aja share her quilt and pain of family heartache, and let Jackson in? I look forward to reading the next book in the Restoration Ranch series.
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