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River Rain #3
Taking the Leap
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes the new book in her River Rain series, Taking the Leap.
Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.
She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.
Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame. This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.
However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…
As a fake couple.
Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.
She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.
Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame. This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.
However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…
As a fake couple.
Audible Audio
First published February 15, 2022
611 people are currently reading
4947 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
155 books39.6k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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dnf
March 4, 2022DNF @ 18%
Well...at least I tried...lol
I (like many) have a long history with Kristen Ashley. You can go read THIS review if you are interested in more details on that...saga...
Anyway. All I can say is:
I knew better.
But hope is a bitch, ya know? And what can I say?
And I now remember what I had apparently forgotten.
Outside of the parenthetical ramble-fest that is KA's writing, I mostly just can't take KA's style of heroine anymore. Grown adult women acting like blushing twelve year-olds when the H gives calls them "babe" and/or gives them the slightest bit of attention.
In this one she had to leave the dinner table to go hyperventilate in the bathroom because he was actually flirting with her and OMG, you guys.
Now I get that some characters (and people IRL) may be shy or have anxiety, what have you. It's not the characterization itself that I don't love. I’m not an asshole. It's the fact that EVERY KA heroine seems to be this way. And I'm over it.
Regardless, it's all good. I still have 55+ past KA's on my kindle (45 of which I really do love) that I can re-read when the mood strikes me. And I will remind myself of this moment when, another three years from now, I start to think a KA sounds good to me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It's been a serious minute since I was tempted by a KA new release...but this one might have me. A fake relationship is Val catnip.
I must contemplate further...
Well...at least I tried...lol
I (like many) have a long history with Kristen Ashley. You can go read THIS review if you are interested in more details on that...saga...
Anyway. All I can say is:
I knew better.
But hope is a bitch, ya know? And what can I say?
And I now remember what I had apparently forgotten.
Outside of the parenthetical ramble-fest that is KA's writing, I mostly just can't take KA's style of heroine anymore. Grown adult women acting like blushing twelve year-olds when the H gives calls them "babe" and/or gives them the slightest bit of attention.
In this one she had to leave the dinner table to go hyperventilate in the bathroom because he was actually flirting with her and OMG, you guys.
Now I get that some characters (and people IRL) may be shy or have anxiety, what have you. It's not the characterization itself that I don't love. I’m not an asshole. It's the fact that EVERY KA heroine seems to be this way. And I'm over it.
Regardless, it's all good. I still have 55+ past KA's on my kindle (45 of which I really do love) that I can re-read when the mood strikes me. And I will remind myself of this moment when, another three years from now, I start to think a KA sounds good to me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It's been a serious minute since I was tempted by a KA new release...but this one might have me. A fake relationship is Val catnip.
I must contemplate further...
July 10, 2022
4 stars
I was looking forward to Rix and Alex's story, and I'm happy to say it was so much better for me than the first two books in this series. I had so much trouble connecting with the romances in those, but this one I didn't have that issue at all.
Alex has had it bad for John Hendrix (Rix) for such a long time, but he's never noticed her like that. Alex is a bit shy, somewhat of a wallflower, and Rix has been through a lot the last few years and he's been spreading the love. This one is a friends to lovers, but also fake dating which is a troupe I absolutely adore.
Obviously these fake feelings become real for Rix pretty quick. They've always been real for Alex. I think these two complimented each other so well. Also, I loved the way KA handled Rix and his amputation. The families on both sides were great and I loved seeing Chloe and Judge as a couple. The ending left a smile on my face and I liked this one a lot!
I was looking forward to Rix and Alex's story, and I'm happy to say it was so much better for me than the first two books in this series. I had so much trouble connecting with the romances in those, but this one I didn't have that issue at all.
Alex has had it bad for John Hendrix (Rix) for such a long time, but he's never noticed her like that. Alex is a bit shy, somewhat of a wallflower, and Rix has been through a lot the last few years and he's been spreading the love. This one is a friends to lovers, but also fake dating which is a troupe I absolutely adore.
Obviously these fake feelings become real for Rix pretty quick. They've always been real for Alex. I think these two complimented each other so well. Also, I loved the way KA handled Rix and his amputation. The families on both sides were great and I loved seeing Chloe and Judge as a couple. The ending left a smile on my face and I liked this one a lot!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Wesley Paul & Jennifer Mack
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length:14h 12m
March 9, 2022
Pre-read Review:
UHM I’m pissed… I want, no I need Sully, Gage, Chloe, Sasha and Hale’s stories. I do not want the story of whoever the fuck Rix and Alex are. This just means I have to wait longer for Sully, Gage, Sasha and Hale’s story! So yeah I’m sorry Rix and Alex I know once I read you I’ll probably love you, but I’m p i s s e d! 😭😤
Edit: I just finished reading Chasing Serenity, and I have to apologise to Rix and Alex… because I definitely do want to read about them!! Just like I knew I would when they would be introduced. Seriously, shy and socially awkward girls are my kryptonite. Add in a lil misunderstanding where Alex is so painfully awkward Rix “actively dislikes” her because he mistakes her awkward crush for her being weird about his disability! Talk about the angst hehe. Oh and disability rep in a KA hero? I am so intrigued to read about Rix and how KA will navigate giving us a hero in a wheelchair/without his lower legs! So yeah, I am so very excited for Rix and Alex. I cannot wait for Rix to realise, Alex doesn’t have a weird hang up about his disability, she just has a massive massive crush on you, you big doofus 😩😂
Note to Author: Rix and Alex are the ONLY exceptions I will take for you straying away from Sully, Gage, Sasha and Hale’s story! If you introduce anymore new characters before giving me the OG offspring’s stories I will absolutely *respectfully* riot. PLEASE I need their stories!! Okay? 😭🙏🏼
Edit: I realised I forgot to include Matt in the original offsprings line up. But honestly… Matt is my least favourite right now. I like Chloe’s stepbrother’s more than I like him… oops 😂🙈
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
📚REVIEW:📚 3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ (Spoilers below:)
So, I finally finished the book and I don’t know what it is maybe I’ve read too many KA books (which has been a lot, over 50 lol). But that has never been an issue for me in the past (case in point I LOVED Chasing Serenity).
Don’t get me wrong it’s just I feel like I’ve already read this book. It was your typical KA story arc. But… I just thought with a hero who has a disability and the fake dating trope (something KA has never done before it’d be more unique/intriguing). Also I would hardly consider this fake dating, it lasted a week, one measly week. The so called trope of this book lasted for like 5 seconds.
And the second trope that I was DYING for (as you could tell in my pre-review) was the whole hate/love in the office. BUT that lasted again for like 5 seconds. Like Rix found out WAY too early that Alex had a secret crush on him and didn’t have an issue with his disability. It was slightly underwhelming, I wished that particular plot was dragged out more.
And also Rix dealing with his demons… I felt like I’d read that 100 times already in KA men. Again, it didn’t really feel like anything new. And after breaking up with Alex, I really wished Alex made him grovel a bit more to get her back. I know that wasn’t her personality and she loved Rix too much to not have an amicable break-up with him. But I just wished that had more drama… that there was more of a push and pull between Alex and Rix. Like the push and pull between every heroine and hero in KA’s Rock Chick series lol.
Also, at one point I felt like Rix kept talking about his ex too much, but then KA quickly squashed that, so it didn’t bother me too much.
This book was also too long and slow and I grew a bit bored.
Honestly, I know I complain a lot, but I actually did really enjoy this lol. It was your typical KA hot, sexy and sweet romance.
And just when I was getting bored, it FINALLY picked up when we got into the whole drama that was Alex’s family. It was such a shame her family drama only covered about 20% of the book, towards the end. Because I was LIVING for it. So good. The actual wedding? Felt like I needed popcorn 🍿😂 And it was just so endearing and sweet watching Alex mend her relationship with her family (except the bitch mum). Broken father/daughter relationships are my kryptonite…
SO FOR THE NEXT BOOKS:
After Tom’s book, we BETTER get Dru’s story. I’m so intrigued to read about Dru. How she and her stepfather have an unhealthily attached relationship after bonding over her mother’s death breaks my heart. Especially because her stepfather loved her mother beyond anything. That’s truly tragic and I cannot wait to dwell into her story.
Also it’s so Dru and Sully right, KA… right?! The way Sully looked at Dru in Chasing Serenity basically confirms in my brain they are a pair. So, @Kristen Ashley do NOT make me wrong about them being a pair.
UHM I’m pissed… I want, no I need Sully, Gage, Chloe, Sasha and Hale’s stories. I do not want the story of whoever the fuck Rix and Alex are. This just means I have to wait longer for Sully, Gage, Sasha and Hale’s story! So yeah I’m sorry Rix and Alex I know once I read you I’ll probably love you, but I’m p i s s e d! 😭😤
Edit: I just finished reading Chasing Serenity, and I have to apologise to Rix and Alex… because I definitely do want to read about them!! Just like I knew I would when they would be introduced. Seriously, shy and socially awkward girls are my kryptonite. Add in a lil misunderstanding where Alex is so painfully awkward Rix “actively dislikes” her because he mistakes her awkward crush for her being weird about his disability! Talk about the angst hehe. Oh and disability rep in a KA hero? I am so intrigued to read about Rix and how KA will navigate giving us a hero in a wheelchair/without his lower legs! So yeah, I am so very excited for Rix and Alex. I cannot wait for Rix to realise, Alex doesn’t have a weird hang up about his disability, she just has a massive massive crush on you, you big doofus 😩😂
Note to Author: Rix and Alex are the ONLY exceptions I will take for you straying away from Sully, Gage, Sasha and Hale’s story! If you introduce anymore new characters before giving me the OG offspring’s stories I will absolutely *respectfully* riot. PLEASE I need their stories!! Okay? 😭🙏🏼
Edit: I realised I forgot to include Matt in the original offsprings line up. But honestly… Matt is my least favourite right now. I like Chloe’s stepbrother’s more than I like him… oops 😂🙈
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
📚REVIEW:📚 3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ (Spoilers below:)
So, I finally finished the book and I don’t know what it is maybe I’ve read too many KA books (which has been a lot, over 50 lol). But that has never been an issue for me in the past (case in point I LOVED Chasing Serenity).
Don’t get me wrong it’s just I feel like I’ve already read this book. It was your typical KA story arc. But… I just thought with a hero who has a disability and the fake dating trope (something KA has never done before it’d be more unique/intriguing). Also I would hardly consider this fake dating, it lasted a week, one measly week. The so called trope of this book lasted for like 5 seconds.
And the second trope that I was DYING for (as you could tell in my pre-review) was the whole hate/love in the office. BUT that lasted again for like 5 seconds. Like Rix found out WAY too early that Alex had a secret crush on him and didn’t have an issue with his disability. It was slightly underwhelming, I wished that particular plot was dragged out more.
And also Rix dealing with his demons… I felt like I’d read that 100 times already in KA men. Again, it didn’t really feel like anything new. And after breaking up with Alex, I really wished Alex made him grovel a bit more to get her back. I know that wasn’t her personality and she loved Rix too much to not have an amicable break-up with him. But I just wished that had more drama… that there was more of a push and pull between Alex and Rix. Like the push and pull between every heroine and hero in KA’s Rock Chick series lol.
Also, at one point I felt like Rix kept talking about his ex too much, but then KA quickly squashed that, so it didn’t bother me too much.
This book was also too long and slow and I grew a bit bored.
Honestly, I know I complain a lot, but I actually did really enjoy this lol. It was your typical KA hot, sexy and sweet romance.
And just when I was getting bored, it FINALLY picked up when we got into the whole drama that was Alex’s family. It was such a shame her family drama only covered about 20% of the book, towards the end. Because I was LIVING for it. So good. The actual wedding? Felt like I needed popcorn 🍿😂 And it was just so endearing and sweet watching Alex mend her relationship with her family (except the bitch mum). Broken father/daughter relationships are my kryptonite…
SO FOR THE NEXT BOOKS:
After Tom’s book, we BETTER get Dru’s story. I’m so intrigued to read about Dru. How she and her stepfather have an unhealthily attached relationship after bonding over her mother’s death breaks my heart. Especially because her stepfather loved her mother beyond anything. That’s truly tragic and I cannot wait to dwell into her story.
Also it’s so Dru and Sully right, KA… right?! The way Sully looked at Dru in Chasing Serenity basically confirms in my brain they are a pair. So, @Kristen Ashley do NOT make me wrong about them being a pair.
March 5, 2022
3.5 stars**
February 16, 2022
Hmmm.
I'm a mixed bag over this one.
I liked that the Hero, although disabled was written in a 'what he can do' not what he can't style.
The heroine is super, super shy. She has a crush on the Hero, so she isn't able to interact very well with him.
I liked that the heroine has a gal friend group, outside the series posse, she settled in her life and her interests and has pursued her hobbies despite it not being popular with other women.
There is a scene at the start, which I believe was in the end of the last book, where it appears that the Hero is flirting with the heroine and she has a super shy moment which the Hero misinterpretes and he has a ONS with a random woman at the bar.
The heroine has popped to the loo and when she returns he's making moves on the other woman.
I didn't like the way the Hero treated the heroine at times.
He becomes aware of her crush so wants to make her comfortable with him, as they work closely together, which is reasonable.
But he is described by Judge as flirting with her, texting, buying her coffee, although he buys for the others he works for he makes a special effort with her, even calls her 'babe'.
Mixed signals?
Unwise if you know someone has a crush and you've decided you aren't going there?
They end up in a fake relationship, then 'a relationship with an end date, cos it will end' he's not offering more.
He knows he's being unfair but grrrr.
In so many books a woman agrees to sex with a man-whore in the hopes of changing him, being his 'one'.
'The man has been ******** everything that moves for a while now, and he wants to be a couple with you. Okay, it’s a couple with limits, but he got nowhere near that with anyone else, so that’s pretty freaking huge.'
In actual fact the Hero is thinking he wants her til he gets her out of his system.
It's such an unrealistic message.
The heroine then thinks he is a total man-whore, he has his reasons but still why would a sweet, shy girl go for him, for anything permanent.
I think what I struggled with is he's in control of if they change their relationship from fake to real, he gets to say there is a time limit.
He does say if she needs to call it off no problem, but grrrrr.
He has ex drama, his ex fiancé who left when he lost his legs.
She has loads of family drama.
The couple from the previous book appear as Chloe is matchmaking.
So it's dual POV with an odd chapter by her or Judge and the reporter.
Money again is no object but I think it's a bit easier to swallow as the heroine doesn't care about material things.
HEA.
Epilogue.
I'm a mixed bag over this one.
I liked that the Hero, although disabled was written in a 'what he can do' not what he can't style.
The heroine is super, super shy. She has a crush on the Hero, so she isn't able to interact very well with him.
I liked that the heroine has a gal friend group, outside the series posse, she settled in her life and her interests and has pursued her hobbies despite it not being popular with other women.
There is a scene at the start, which I believe was in the end of the last book, where it appears that the Hero is flirting with the heroine and she has a super shy moment which the Hero misinterpretes and he has a ONS with a random woman at the bar.
The heroine has popped to the loo and when she returns he's making moves on the other woman.
I didn't like the way the Hero treated the heroine at times.
He becomes aware of her crush so wants to make her comfortable with him, as they work closely together, which is reasonable.
But he is described by Judge as flirting with her, texting, buying her coffee, although he buys for the others he works for he makes a special effort with her, even calls her 'babe'.
Mixed signals?
Unwise if you know someone has a crush and you've decided you aren't going there?
They end up in a fake relationship, then 'a relationship with an end date, cos it will end' he's not offering more.
He knows he's being unfair but grrrr.
In so many books a woman agrees to sex with a man-whore in the hopes of changing him, being his 'one'.
'The man has been ******** everything that moves for a while now, and he wants to be a couple with you. Okay, it’s a couple with limits, but he got nowhere near that with anyone else, so that’s pretty freaking huge.'
In actual fact the Hero is thinking he wants her til he gets her out of his system.
It's such an unrealistic message.
The heroine then thinks he is a total man-whore, he has his reasons but still why would a sweet, shy girl go for him, for anything permanent.
I think what I struggled with is he's in control of if they change their relationship from fake to real, he gets to say there is a time limit.
He does say if she needs to call it off no problem, but grrrrr.
He has ex drama, his ex fiancé who left when he lost his legs.
She has loads of family drama.
The couple from the previous book appear as Chloe is matchmaking.
So it's dual POV with an odd chapter by her or Judge and the reporter.
Money again is no object but I think it's a bit easier to swallow as the heroine doesn't care about material things.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Taking The Leap was such an artfully crafted romance that won my heart so completely, and I was worried about this one because the second book in the series “Chasing Serenity” just wasn’t my favorite of the series and I really had issues with it. But from the moment that I read this one I just knew that this would be a top read. One the heroine definitely worked for me in every way. I just related with her so well, which isn’t super common with Kristen Ashley heroines. And for those who have read this author know exactly what is her typical heroine and I was so thrilled that we got a heroine that was outside the realm of the norm of what KA normally writes. I also was intrigued by the set up of the series and curious to see what would be the circumstances by which this story would be developed. Taking The Leap is exactly what the title conveys and I couldn’t put this one down here. KA fans everywhere will be delighted by this one here.
Summary
The story begins with our heroine, Alexandra, who has had a crush on our hero, Rix, for the longest time and hasn’t remained seen by him until one evening when they are with friends. There is chemistry that is off the charts or at least that is what Alexandra thinks. But what really happens is that her assumption was incorrect and she finds out he wasn’t that interested and now there is a distance between them that wasn’t present before now. But nothing is as simple as it seems and when Rix learns that Alexandra has had a crush on him when he had assumed she had an issue with his disability, he is determined to show her he is not the man she assumes him to be. But Alexandra is in a bind because she is going to have to go to her sister’s wedding, and already claimed Rix as the “plus one”, Rix discovers this and realizes this is the perfect opportunity to make things up to her in this way. so they act as if they are boyfriend and girlfriend, while at the same time exploring the hidden desires they both have for each other, and what becomes a fake relationship turns into something deeper.
What I Loved
Taking The Leap was such an interesting story and one that I was completely drawn into. I really adored Rix and Alexandra together. Rix has a disability, as he used to be a firefighter, and lost his legs and his wife at the time abandoned him and he has issues with that and what women really see in him. Then we have Alexandra, who may come from a rich high society family, but has always felt at home helping others and living in the mountains. She is a introverted and very shy and struggled to speak with men she is attracted to just like she feels for Rix. It was quite neat to see Alexandra slowly come out of her shell, and really push herself in being in a relationship with Rix and learning to brave her natural inclination to hide. You see much of her personality stems from how she was raised and felt more comfortable being alone. Seeing Rix and Alexandra really come together in their relationship, adjust to their preconceptions of each other, and see how good they are for each other really showed the beauty in opposites attract. You will see a beautiful romance blossom in this story as we delve into each of our character’s individual personalities and intricate natures to find a bond that builds a strong relationship. Definitely a story that will sweep you off your fee.t
What I Struggled With
So this is a trend I have been seeing in some of this author’s newer books and I am learning to adapt to it. I do miss her classic KA style. What I have seen is some of her writing and it will be one or two moments in the story that just doesn’t fit the tone of the rest of the story in which she gets political and the phrasing of the text in the story will be very “preachy” and it’s just enough to turn me off a bit. So this story won’t be as fully five-star as I would have liked to give it. And just for clarification, I don’t care for politics in my romance. I want to escape reality which is packed with politics in every aspect of my life, I want to get away from it when I read fiction. It’s just not for me and will turn me off from a story.
Overall View
I found Taking The Leap to be a superb tale that captures my heart with all the feels and deep riveting emotions that Kristen Ashley is famous for. Its a story that connected me so deeply with the characters and left me wanting more from this world.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Taking The Leap was such an artfully crafted romance that won my heart so completely, and I was worried about this one because the second book in the series “Chasing Serenity” just wasn’t my favorite of the series and I really had issues with it. But from the moment that I read this one I just knew that this would be a top read. One the heroine definitely worked for me in every way. I just related with her so well, which isn’t super common with Kristen Ashley heroines. And for those who have read this author know exactly what is her typical heroine and I was so thrilled that we got a heroine that was outside the realm of the norm of what KA normally writes. I also was intrigued by the set up of the series and curious to see what would be the circumstances by which this story would be developed. Taking The Leap is exactly what the title conveys and I couldn’t put this one down here. KA fans everywhere will be delighted by this one here.
Summary
The story begins with our heroine, Alexandra, who has had a crush on our hero, Rix, for the longest time and hasn’t remained seen by him until one evening when they are with friends. There is chemistry that is off the charts or at least that is what Alexandra thinks. But what really happens is that her assumption was incorrect and she finds out he wasn’t that interested and now there is a distance between them that wasn’t present before now. But nothing is as simple as it seems and when Rix learns that Alexandra has had a crush on him when he had assumed she had an issue with his disability, he is determined to show her he is not the man she assumes him to be. But Alexandra is in a bind because she is going to have to go to her sister’s wedding, and already claimed Rix as the “plus one”, Rix discovers this and realizes this is the perfect opportunity to make things up to her in this way. so they act as if they are boyfriend and girlfriend, while at the same time exploring the hidden desires they both have for each other, and what becomes a fake relationship turns into something deeper.
What I Loved
Taking The Leap was such an interesting story and one that I was completely drawn into. I really adored Rix and Alexandra together. Rix has a disability, as he used to be a firefighter, and lost his legs and his wife at the time abandoned him and he has issues with that and what women really see in him. Then we have Alexandra, who may come from a rich high society family, but has always felt at home helping others and living in the mountains. She is a introverted and very shy and struggled to speak with men she is attracted to just like she feels for Rix. It was quite neat to see Alexandra slowly come out of her shell, and really push herself in being in a relationship with Rix and learning to brave her natural inclination to hide. You see much of her personality stems from how she was raised and felt more comfortable being alone. Seeing Rix and Alexandra really come together in their relationship, adjust to their preconceptions of each other, and see how good they are for each other really showed the beauty in opposites attract. You will see a beautiful romance blossom in this story as we delve into each of our character’s individual personalities and intricate natures to find a bond that builds a strong relationship. Definitely a story that will sweep you off your fee.t
What I Struggled With
So this is a trend I have been seeing in some of this author’s newer books and I am learning to adapt to it. I do miss her classic KA style. What I have seen is some of her writing and it will be one or two moments in the story that just doesn’t fit the tone of the rest of the story in which she gets political and the phrasing of the text in the story will be very “preachy” and it’s just enough to turn me off a bit. So this story won’t be as fully five-star as I would have liked to give it. And just for clarification, I don’t care for politics in my romance. I want to escape reality which is packed with politics in every aspect of my life, I want to get away from it when I read fiction. It’s just not for me and will turn me off from a story.
Overall View
I found Taking The Leap to be a superb tale that captures my heart with all the feels and deep riveting emotions that Kristen Ashley is famous for. Its a story that connected me so deeply with the characters and left me wanting more from this world.
February 21, 2022
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was the best so far in this series for me. I liked these two in previous books and I couldn’t help but jump right in when I saw that this was out. And a fake relationship turned real from KA?! I would’ve been sold even quicker if I realized that was the case! I liked both characters and I really like how KA handled the H’s disability. My main gripe is that the end was nowhere near up to par with a KA ending I come to expect. But! Overall, I liked this one.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alex and Rix’s story. Alex has been crushing on her coworker, Rix, for a while and now that their jobs are going to have to work together more closely, she is nervous. When they’re out one night with other coworkers, Rix is talking with her and even flirting and she has no idea how to respond. When Rix behaves badly and gets set straight, he finally starts to see Alex in a different light. When Rix finds out that Alex needs his help with her crazy family, he steps in to pose as her fake fiancé. Lines get crossed, old baggage gets dealt with, there is some family drama, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Alex’s POV and focusing on Rix in 3rd person narrative. A few sections were focusing on side characters (from previous books) in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Rix. I liked him. He was damaged but I liked how he was patient with the h and admitted his mistakes.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Alex. I liked her. I appreciated her quiet strength and how she always did the right thing for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place, but not with the typical level of closure I expect from KA. It was also as close to a HEA that I could probably get when calling it a HFN ending and some might be fine calling it a HEA . I think a part of my own issue with the closure was that they
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was the best so far in this series for me. I liked these two in previous books and I couldn’t help but jump right in when I saw that this was out. And a fake relationship turned real from KA?! I would’ve been sold even quicker if I realized that was the case! I liked both characters and I really like how KA handled the H’s disability. My main gripe is that the end was nowhere near up to par with a KA ending I come to expect. But! Overall, I liked this one.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alex and Rix’s story. Alex has been crushing on her coworker, Rix, for a while and now that their jobs are going to have to work together more closely, she is nervous. When they’re out one night with other coworkers, Rix is talking with her and even flirting and she has no idea how to respond. When Rix behaves badly and gets set straight, he finally starts to see Alex in a different light. When Rix finds out that Alex needs his help with her crazy family, he steps in to pose as her fake fiancé. Lines get crossed, old baggage gets dealt with, there is some family drama, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Alex’s POV and focusing on Rix in 3rd person narrative. A few sections were focusing on side characters (from previous books) in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Rix. I liked him. He was damaged but I liked how he was patient with the h and admitted his mistakes.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Alex. I liked her. I appreciated her quiet strength and how she always did the right thing for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place, but not with the typical level of closure I expect from KA. It was also as close to a HEA that I could probably get when calling it a HFN ending and some might be fine calling it a HEA . I think a part of my own issue with the closure was that they
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
February 27, 2022
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================
Same formula as usual, description of clothes and hair style, close friends, horrible family and sister from hell, but at least she is rich and not financially dependent on the hero. I liked the heroine who is full of insecurities and makes a new life away from her toxic family. Our hero is full of issues and even comes with an ex from hell who looks like a horror movie character that keeps coming back.
In the end it all worked out... I even worried that he would give her the same ring as his ex, but he was thoughtful.
=======================
Same formula as usual, description of clothes and hair style, close friends, horrible family and sister from hell, but at least she is rich and not financially dependent on the hero. I liked the heroine who is full of insecurities and makes a new life away from her toxic family. Our hero is full of issues and even comes with an ex from hell who looks like a horror movie character that keeps coming back.
In the end it all worked out... I even worried that he would give her the same ring as his ex, but he was thoughtful.
He had a type. Tall. Slender. Leggy. Athletic. I was not tall.
Rix. He was at the bar with a blonde, mountain-fresh, tanned goddess. He was also in her space, listening to her with rapt attention.
That entire morning, he’d not once thought about the woman he fucked the night before,
Peri. His ex.
Smiling and waving like she hadn’t completely gutted him when he was at his absolute lowest.
Jesus. He’d gotten laid last night, what was his deal with this shit about Alex?
But like I told you, and that night at the Raven proved, Alex is not his type.”
“I mean, for heaven’s sake,” she continued, “he had a quickie with the flight attendant on your dad’s plane when we were flying to Texas for your mother’s funeral.
“I sense your approval of her, and I get that, she’s great. But I’m not ready to go there again with another woman.”
April 16, 2022
3.5 Glass Half Full Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-Maybe A Quick Review?
So when it comes to Kristen Ashley, I am kinda addicted. She routinely gives me more good than not in every book I read by her. It has already been a stated fact I Love Her Vintage Series like Colorado Mountain, The Burgs, and others. So when she created River Rain, I jumped in full throttle from the start.
Taking The Leap really starts with characters we met in the last book, Chasing Serenity. It opens up with the newly promoted friends/co-workers celebrating the creation of a stronger and fully funded non-profit where all will become top executives. They are at the local bar and something unusual is happening.
Rix is flirting with Alex. Like, seriously flirting, and she has no idea how to handle it. You see she has had a major crush on him, him blind to it and her until this very moment.
Overwhelmed by all that is happening, Alex excuses herself from the table, goes to the ladies' room to do self-talk, meets a gal who encourages her to go for it, and then when Alex comes back to the table, Rix is over at the bar...flirting someone else.
Alex should have known better, what was she thinking. Rix has never had any issues getting a woman, and even after the traumatic loss of his lower legs due to his time as a firefighter, he was known to be a bit of a player.
Alex is so not. She comes from a life that she hated, wealth, society, cold people, and no feeling of family, except her father's grandmother. So when she was old enough to leave, she ran to the place where the air was open, the land welcoming, and used her talents to help those kids who needed a chance. She left all those responsibilities, let her trust fund accrue interest, and lived her life away from the drama.
What Rix and Alex have in common, though, besides the love of the outdoors and wanting better for others, are their mutual friends. These people know Rix and Alex are perfect for each other and think there just needs a little push to get them to see it.
It is Alex's sister's society NYC wedding that becomes the push. In a moment of frustration, Alex tells her sister she has a date and it is Rix. This news takes on a life of its own due to the "small world of Society/Money" people. Now her friends have a way to push a few buttons, and soon Rix is on board to do the fake engagement for the wedding.
That is the premise but boy, oh boy, there is so much more.
We have an in-depth look at what happens when a firefighter loses the lower part of both legs, how he fights to regain a new life, and what he had to deal with in the beginning and then...on a continuing basis.
I liked Alex, someone who was happy, well adjusted when she knew what was happening around her. Smart, more than capable, just shy, and not assertive with men. Rix was macho, alpha, smart, and mentally dealing with a lot. This causes him to make some decisions that are not the coolest but also has a way with Alex that has swoon-worthy moments.
This book gives a lot about personal challenges of all kinds, humanizes disabilities, and talks about families. Yes, there were parts that seemed a bit slow or drawn out, and yes, I had an inkling as to what the big climax was going to be...
But I also got some KA special moments, too. So for me, I was glad to have had the experience.
After The Climb (River Rain, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Chasing Serenity (River Rain, (# 2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Taking the Leap (River Rain #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Making the Match (River Rain #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-Maybe A Quick Review?
So when it comes to Kristen Ashley, I am kinda addicted. She routinely gives me more good than not in every book I read by her. It has already been a stated fact I Love Her Vintage Series like Colorado Mountain, The Burgs, and others. So when she created River Rain, I jumped in full throttle from the start.
Taking The Leap really starts with characters we met in the last book, Chasing Serenity. It opens up with the newly promoted friends/co-workers celebrating the creation of a stronger and fully funded non-profit where all will become top executives. They are at the local bar and something unusual is happening.
Rix is flirting with Alex. Like, seriously flirting, and she has no idea how to handle it. You see she has had a major crush on him, him blind to it and her until this very moment.
Overwhelmed by all that is happening, Alex excuses herself from the table, goes to the ladies' room to do self-talk, meets a gal who encourages her to go for it, and then when Alex comes back to the table, Rix is over at the bar...flirting someone else.
Alex should have known better, what was she thinking. Rix has never had any issues getting a woman, and even after the traumatic loss of his lower legs due to his time as a firefighter, he was known to be a bit of a player.
Alex is so not. She comes from a life that she hated, wealth, society, cold people, and no feeling of family, except her father's grandmother. So when she was old enough to leave, she ran to the place where the air was open, the land welcoming, and used her talents to help those kids who needed a chance. She left all those responsibilities, let her trust fund accrue interest, and lived her life away from the drama.
What Rix and Alex have in common, though, besides the love of the outdoors and wanting better for others, are their mutual friends. These people know Rix and Alex are perfect for each other and think there just needs a little push to get them to see it.
It is Alex's sister's society NYC wedding that becomes the push. In a moment of frustration, Alex tells her sister she has a date and it is Rix. This news takes on a life of its own due to the "small world of Society/Money" people. Now her friends have a way to push a few buttons, and soon Rix is on board to do the fake engagement for the wedding.
That is the premise but boy, oh boy, there is so much more.
We have an in-depth look at what happens when a firefighter loses the lower part of both legs, how he fights to regain a new life, and what he had to deal with in the beginning and then...on a continuing basis.
I liked Alex, someone who was happy, well adjusted when she knew what was happening around her. Smart, more than capable, just shy, and not assertive with men. Rix was macho, alpha, smart, and mentally dealing with a lot. This causes him to make some decisions that are not the coolest but also has a way with Alex that has swoon-worthy moments.
This book gives a lot about personal challenges of all kinds, humanizes disabilities, and talks about families. Yes, there were parts that seemed a bit slow or drawn out, and yes, I had an inkling as to what the big climax was going to be...
But I also got some KA special moments, too. So for me, I was glad to have had the experience.
After The Climb (River Rain, #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Chasing Serenity (River Rain, (# 2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Taking the Leap (River Rain #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Making the Match (River Rain #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 13, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Even if it was pretend, nothing could dampen that moment for me, standing there with Rix."
What You'll Find:
✔️Workplace Romance
✔️Fake Relationship
✔️Disability Rep
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Multiple POV
What happens when a secret crush is no longer a secret? Well for Alex, it starts with some flirting from Rix and ends in a crash and burn. But these two, with the help of some plotting friends, and a bit of a forced proximity situation... soon find themselves entering a fake relationship when drama starts to unfold.
Taking The Leap was a beautiful story about unconditional love and healing.
"He's marvelous."
Rix was the typical KA hero. A bit broken. A bit of a jerk. But totally swoon worthy in the end. He just happens to have a disability, that other KA heroes don't. And I thought the author did a pretty good job of representing this type of disability. Alex though. She may be painfully shy. A bit socially awkward. Which reminded me a little of Jet from the Rock Chick series initially. But once she opens up there is so much more to her than meets the eye. For the both of them really.
"Are you a different man?" she asked softly.
"I don't fight fires."
"You're fighting one for me."
Their relationship is a bit of a rollercoaster. But fake? Was it really? Definitely a slow burn but they had chemistry for days to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for it to ignite. And that it does. They just fit so well. Miscommunication was a thing. But the natural acceptance and tender care... perfection.
I felt it was a bit long and had a lot going on, losing my attention at times. And I struggled with the switch of first to third person POV. But there were so many moments that made me feel. Many, tender and emotional, that brought tears to my eyes. I loved catching up with previous characters. Such a family (often found family) feel I've come to enjoy from this author. Overall another enjoyable addition to this series, and I do hope there's much more to come!
TW: Workplace Accident, Trauma, Limb Loss
*Thank you to the author and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What You'll Find:
✔️Workplace Romance
✔️Fake Relationship
✔️Disability Rep
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Multiple POV
What happens when a secret crush is no longer a secret? Well for Alex, it starts with some flirting from Rix and ends in a crash and burn. But these two, with the help of some plotting friends, and a bit of a forced proximity situation... soon find themselves entering a fake relationship when drama starts to unfold.
Taking The Leap was a beautiful story about unconditional love and healing.
"He's marvelous."
Rix was the typical KA hero. A bit broken. A bit of a jerk. But totally swoon worthy in the end. He just happens to have a disability, that other KA heroes don't. And I thought the author did a pretty good job of representing this type of disability. Alex though. She may be painfully shy. A bit socially awkward. Which reminded me a little of Jet from the Rock Chick series initially. But once she opens up there is so much more to her than meets the eye. For the both of them really.
"Are you a different man?" she asked softly.
"I don't fight fires."
"You're fighting one for me."
Their relationship is a bit of a rollercoaster. But fake? Was it really? Definitely a slow burn but they had chemistry for days to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for it to ignite. And that it does. They just fit so well. Miscommunication was a thing. But the natural acceptance and tender care... perfection.
I felt it was a bit long and had a lot going on, losing my attention at times. And I struggled with the switch of first to third person POV. But there were so many moments that made me feel. Many, tender and emotional, that brought tears to my eyes. I loved catching up with previous characters. Such a family (often found family) feel I've come to enjoy from this author. Overall another enjoyable addition to this series, and I do hope there's much more to come!
TW: Workplace Accident, Trauma, Limb Loss
*Thank you to the author and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2022
Love me some KA!!!
In Taking the Leap you'll find
🔷Slow Burn Romance
🔷Fake Relationship
🔷Forced Proximity
🔷Workplace Romance
🔷Hero with Disability
🔷Dual POV
I devoured this book, it took me a little more than a day to read it only because I couldn't keep my eyes opened any longer, but, if I had started it earlier in the day it would have been completed in a day...and that's saying something since this book is just under 500 pages.
Alexandra "Alex" Sharp is what some may think of as a shy kind of socially awkward girl but she is that way for a reason, and that reason is her family. OMG her family leaves a lot to be desired because they are a total freak show...and we have a front row seat to some of their craziness.
John “Rix” Hendrix has been working with Alex for a few years now and during that time she's been crushing hard on him but he doesn't get that read off of her, in fact he reads her all wrong...he thinks she's hung up on his disability. Until one night a few people from work are out for drinks celebrating and he gets a chance to really talk to her and WOW, what a difference one night can make.
I really enjoyed watching Alex's crush for Rix go from a a fantasy to reality with the help of a Fake Relationship. They have great chemistry together and so much in common it has you wondering why they didn't get together before now.
I only had one small problem while reading this story and it was the way it was told. It was told in first person Dual POV's and then also Third Person POV which at times was confusing. I don't know if this was because it was a readers copy and changes were still being made or what but for me it did take a bit to get use to it.
If you enjoy the Fake Relationship Trope, Steamy Contemporary Romances, or Workplace Romances I would highly recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an #excerpt here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewTtL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
In Taking the Leap you'll find
🔷Slow Burn Romance
🔷Fake Relationship
🔷Forced Proximity
🔷Workplace Romance
🔷Hero with Disability
🔷Dual POV
I devoured this book, it took me a little more than a day to read it only because I couldn't keep my eyes opened any longer, but, if I had started it earlier in the day it would have been completed in a day...and that's saying something since this book is just under 500 pages.
Alexandra "Alex" Sharp is what some may think of as a shy kind of socially awkward girl but she is that way for a reason, and that reason is her family. OMG her family leaves a lot to be desired because they are a total freak show...and we have a front row seat to some of their craziness.
John “Rix” Hendrix has been working with Alex for a few years now and during that time she's been crushing hard on him but he doesn't get that read off of her, in fact he reads her all wrong...he thinks she's hung up on his disability. Until one night a few people from work are out for drinks celebrating and he gets a chance to really talk to her and WOW, what a difference one night can make.
I really enjoyed watching Alex's crush for Rix go from a a fantasy to reality with the help of a Fake Relationship. They have great chemistry together and so much in common it has you wondering why they didn't get together before now.
I only had one small problem while reading this story and it was the way it was told. It was told in first person Dual POV's and then also Third Person POV which at times was confusing. I don't know if this was because it was a readers copy and changes were still being made or what but for me it did take a bit to get use to it.
If you enjoy the Fake Relationship Trope, Steamy Contemporary Romances, or Workplace Romances I would highly recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an #excerpt here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewTtL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
February 20, 2022
Review - Taking the Leap (River Rain #3)
Welp. I really liked this. Full stop. I know, I know. Let me tell you for why though....
Rix's disability was handled with care and respect. It wasn't ignored, it wasn't minimized, it was part of his character and even the things he did that drove me a little crazy, made sense for this character and the things he'd gone through.
Alex isn't a typically sassy and outgoing heroine, but actually more shy and introspective. She's much more comfortable out in nature and alone than she is in a crowd. She's also suffering from her unrequited longing for Rix, which can I tell you how much I enjoy that? I don't know what it is, but unrequited longing pain is a sweet kind of torture that I adore. Anyway, Rix doesn't get exactly how much she wants him, he just thinks she's uncomfortable with his disability. That makes sense for Rix, but it did lead me to the one moment that I wanted to erase completely from this book, because it's OW action. I will preface this by saying I understand the misunderstanding lead to it, and I get that it was in character for both, the way this played out, it was all off page, yada yada yada. I will also say that I didn't care, I hated it with the heat of a thousand suns and I would have happily burned that part of the book, never to be seen again.
But back to what I liked - the romance doesn't wrap up all nice and neat at the halfway mark, which I appreciated. Yes, the last 30% or so involves her family drama, but it was entertaining and kept me turning pages instead of sighing in boredom.
I also think that even the typical KA quirks (HGTV-length descriptions of settings, anachronistic characteristics for characters that are supposed to play as younger than boomer/Gen Z) were softened and not as overabundant.
So, in conclusion, I have loved and not loved so much of KA's writing, that I wasn't sure how this would play out but it's easily my favorite entry in this series. Yeah, I was surprised too. I would recommend it, if you're in the mood to dip your toes back in the KA pool again.
Welp. I really liked this. Full stop. I know, I know. Let me tell you for why though....
Rix's disability was handled with care and respect. It wasn't ignored, it wasn't minimized, it was part of his character and even the things he did that drove me a little crazy, made sense for this character and the things he'd gone through.
Alex isn't a typically sassy and outgoing heroine, but actually more shy and introspective. She's much more comfortable out in nature and alone than she is in a crowd. She's also suffering from her unrequited longing for Rix, which can I tell you how much I enjoy that? I don't know what it is, but unrequited longing pain is a sweet kind of torture that I adore. Anyway, Rix doesn't get exactly how much she wants him, he just thinks she's uncomfortable with his disability. That makes sense for Rix, but it did lead me to the one moment that I wanted to erase completely from this book, because it's OW action. I will preface this by saying I understand the misunderstanding lead to it, and I get that it was in character for both, the way this played out, it was all off page, yada yada yada. I will also say that I didn't care, I hated it with the heat of a thousand suns and I would have happily burned that part of the book, never to be seen again.
But back to what I liked - the romance doesn't wrap up all nice and neat at the halfway mark, which I appreciated. Yes, the last 30% or so involves her family drama, but it was entertaining and kept me turning pages instead of sighing in boredom.
I also think that even the typical KA quirks (HGTV-length descriptions of settings, anachronistic characteristics for characters that are supposed to play as younger than boomer/Gen Z) were softened and not as overabundant.
So, in conclusion, I have loved and not loved so much of KA's writing, that I wasn't sure how this would play out but it's easily my favorite entry in this series. Yeah, I was surprised too. I would recommend it, if you're in the mood to dip your toes back in the KA pool again.
March 11, 2024
Won the Giveaway!
Purch Amz Feb 5, 2022
Finished Reading September 11, 2022
3.75 stars
Which rounds up to 4.
This one was better than #2.
Neither #2 nor this one was as good as #1.
I'd like it better if there was suspense and action but this series is straight up New Adult romance.
Alexandra and Rix were great mc's.
Best scene in the book was Blake's wedding. Trust me, it was an Awesome scene!
Catching up on the buddy read for
TPAM BR 2/15/22
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Purch Amz Feb 5, 2022
Finished Reading September 11, 2022
3.75 stars
Which rounds up to 4.
This one was better than #2.
Neither #2 nor this one was as good as #1.
I'd like it better if there was suspense and action but this series is straight up New Adult romance.
Alexandra and Rix were great mc's.
Best scene in the book was Blake's wedding. Trust me, it was an Awesome scene!
Catching up on the buddy read for
TPAM BR 2/15/22
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
February 17, 2022
I don't know but I think KA should take a break from writing for a bit...ALL her books are exactly the same. Give it a rest already!
February 20, 2022
I have more or less given up on KA so haven't read her last 5 or so releases but I was intrigued by this one seeing as the alpha male hero has a disability. He lost both legs below the knee.
I had read the first book in this series but didn't like it so I never read the second. This book is far too long. It drags on and everything is resolved around 70% and I felt the last 30% wasn't needed at all. It was just boring stuff about Alex's family
I normally love the arguments between the couples in KA books but there were none in this one. Alex is like Faye from Breathe and is described as shy but she didn't seem that shy. I laughed that her mother is in line to the British throne and that Alex has met Prince Harry and he was nice and is 'sweet' (in KA's opinion!!).
Rix had overlooked Alex because he thought she had a problem with his disability so once he realises she doesn't he starts to 'see' her and then she's just described as every other KA heroine 'great hair, thick, great eyes, great ass' blah blah blah. Why must every KA heroine have great, thick hair just because KA does?!
I don't think KA wrote Rix's disability that well. He seemed to be able to do anything and everything and although he was wary of Alex first seeing his stumps I wasn't sure why when before Alex he had been a manwhore after his accident and having sex with loads of women so he obviously wasn't bothered about them seeing his stumps? Alex of course is unfazed but there is no description of his stumps or her looking at them. The sex scenes in this book were quite tame compared to KA's other books.
As usual we have the hero's ex who of course is a bitch. In this case his ex left him after he came out of rehab after his accident. They were engaged. Then she reappears 2 years later and wants them to get back together. She wasn't in the story much and I didn't particularly think of her as a bitch but at the end of the book she was humiliated by one of the characters and although it was for Rix's eyes only, I still thought it was a bit harsh.
The part in the book where the couple break up just came out of the blue and was resolved within a day. Rix got angry about stuff but Alex just stood there letting him vent. She really didn't have the personality of most KA heroines.
For me the book could have ended there but then there is another 30% of boring filler with Alex's family (who I had no interest in) and I skimmed most of it. I won't read more in this series as I don't like the characters that much. Even Alex's 'girlfriends' were irritating!
I can see I made the right decision to give up on KA! She's definitely had her day. Shame she can never try something different or write different characters. In the end it was still the same old, same old.
I had read the first book in this series but didn't like it so I never read the second. This book is far too long. It drags on and everything is resolved around 70% and I felt the last 30% wasn't needed at all. It was just boring stuff about Alex's family
I normally love the arguments between the couples in KA books but there were none in this one. Alex is like Faye from Breathe and is described as shy but she didn't seem that shy. I laughed that her mother is in line to the British throne and that Alex has met Prince Harry and he was nice and is 'sweet' (in KA's opinion!!).
Rix had overlooked Alex because he thought she had a problem with his disability so once he realises she doesn't he starts to 'see' her and then she's just described as every other KA heroine 'great hair, thick, great eyes, great ass' blah blah blah. Why must every KA heroine have great, thick hair just because KA does?!
I don't think KA wrote Rix's disability that well. He seemed to be able to do anything and everything and although he was wary of Alex first seeing his stumps I wasn't sure why when before Alex he had been a manwhore after his accident and having sex with loads of women so he obviously wasn't bothered about them seeing his stumps? Alex of course is unfazed but there is no description of his stumps or her looking at them. The sex scenes in this book were quite tame compared to KA's other books.
As usual we have the hero's ex who of course is a bitch. In this case his ex left him after he came out of rehab after his accident. They were engaged. Then she reappears 2 years later and wants them to get back together. She wasn't in the story much and I didn't particularly think of her as a bitch but at the end of the book she was humiliated by one of the characters and although it was for Rix's eyes only, I still thought it was a bit harsh.
The part in the book where the couple break up just came out of the blue and was resolved within a day. Rix got angry about stuff but Alex just stood there letting him vent. She really didn't have the personality of most KA heroines.
For me the book could have ended there but then there is another 30% of boring filler with Alex's family (who I had no interest in) and I skimmed most of it. I won't read more in this series as I don't like the characters that much. Even Alex's 'girlfriends' were irritating!
I can see I made the right decision to give up on KA! She's definitely had her day. Shame she can never try something different or write different characters. In the end it was still the same old, same old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
3.75 stars rounded up
Headlines:
Wounded hero
Introverted heroine
The first KA I've enjoyed in an age
I've not read all of this series but the wounded hero (ex-firefighter) and plain Jane introvert pulled me into the blurb and caused a dipping of toe-in that ended up 25% later. I can say that things that irritate me about KAs writing were less obvious, not too many cliche caveman nods and babes, but some. Both characters had depth and development.
The plot had some British aristocracy as a side plot which had me less invested but I suspect this will appeal more to non-Brit readers. I'm never enthralled by the toff-lifestyle and even though Alex had shaken off that whole world, we ended up spending some time in it.
I really liked Rix, his journey through his feelings post-injury and how he and Alex bonded. I also appreciated that the ultimate hump in the road plot-wise wasn't over-emphasised. The epilogue was a bit extra, but really, what was I expecting.
You could read this just as a standalone as I did, without knowledge of the previous couple, even though they're in it. It can be taken at face value without the previous books on board. Overall a fun and mostly absorbing read.
Headlines:
Wounded hero
Introverted heroine
The first KA I've enjoyed in an age
I've not read all of this series but the wounded hero (ex-firefighter) and plain Jane introvert pulled me into the blurb and caused a dipping of toe-in that ended up 25% later. I can say that things that irritate me about KAs writing were less obvious, not too many cliche caveman nods and babes, but some. Both characters had depth and development.
The plot had some British aristocracy as a side plot which had me less invested but I suspect this will appeal more to non-Brit readers. I'm never enthralled by the toff-lifestyle and even though Alex had shaken off that whole world, we ended up spending some time in it.
I really liked Rix, his journey through his feelings post-injury and how he and Alex bonded. I also appreciated that the ultimate hump in the road plot-wise wasn't over-emphasised. The epilogue was a bit extra, but really, what was I expecting.
You could read this just as a standalone as I did, without knowledge of the previous couple, even though they're in it. It can be taken at face value without the previous books on board. Overall a fun and mostly absorbing read.
February 18, 2022
This is me giving up on KA. Sadly I have to say no more. Once she was my go to author however her last - more than a couple - books feel the same.
This one had so much potential, storyline and the characters were all very interesting but… the writing style…
If I read the words “he is the man he is” or “you’re the woman you are” ever again it will be too soon. I’ve read this specific KA phrase just too many times. Though I’m tempted to go and do a word search, I won’t but instead quietly say goodbye.
This one had so much potential, storyline and the characters were all very interesting but… the writing style…
If I read the words “he is the man he is” or “you’re the woman you are” ever again it will be too soon. I’ve read this specific KA phrase just too many times. Though I’m tempted to go and do a word search, I won’t but instead quietly say goodbye.
July 10, 2022
TWO POINT FIVE STARS
The book was too long for me and I lost interest in the story as it went along.
TAKING THE LEAP
● Alex (28) & Rix
● millionare trust fund baby / former firefighters
● fake dating
● slow burn
● hero with disability
The book was too long for me and I lost interest in the story as it went along.
TAKING THE LEAP
● Alex (28) & Rix
● millionare trust fund baby / former firefighters
● fake dating
● slow burn
● hero with disability
Audiobook source:
Narrator: Wesley Paul & Jennifer Mack
Length: 14H 12M
November 11, 2024
hmmm well I didn't love this one. KA walks a fine line when she opens a door to another world and we are immediately in that world. in this book, we were so in that world that we got descriptions of absolutely every single little thing. I got fed up with reading about various pieces of furniture, decor, and people's outfits that went on for a page or more. usually, I can tolerate this, but there was less drama/conflict here compared to her other books so it's more noticeable and the book felt very drawn out. alas, a lot of this story I skim read. it was still a nice read but I'm hoping KA stops with the over-detailed descriptions for the next one.✌🏻
February 9, 2022
This hit just right for me. I could not put it down. Rix and Alex were just wonderful. He was loving and protective and just alpha enough without being a jerk. While Alex was shy and awkward at the beginning, she blossomed as she and Rix got closer. I really liked this 😀
February 19, 2022
I loved this book, to be honest I was a bit ambivalent about this couple, but they won me over almost immediately. A fake relationship between co-workers that starts as a friendship and slowly moves to more, this book is everything I love about Kristen Ashley’s work. A protective hero with a heart of gold, an introverted heroine who is strong, smart, and giving, great secondary characters, a full plot with twists and turns, and a relationship that develops when two people discover not only do they have a lot in common, but the unconditional support and love they offer one other is exactly what they need.
John “Rix” Hendrix is no doubt a hero. A double amputee who lost both his lower legs saving another hot shot fireman, he’s worked hard to get back his mobility and to be able to be as active as he was before the accident. He’s also a player “one and done” type of guy since his fiancée broke his heart right after his accident. He’s a bit alpha, super protective of those he cares about, and just started a job he knows will not only challenge him, but has him working with a fantastic team of people including his best friend.
Alexandra “Alex” Sharp is shy, and introverted (or as Rix calls her “bashful”) until you get her out in her outdoors and in her element and she blossoms. Alex loves her job and being offered a promotion as they grow the program even more is everything she could want except that means she’ll be working closer with Rix, the man she’s had a bit of a crush on for over a year. Just because she’s quiet and unassuming doesn’t mean she doesn’t become a rabid honey badger when someone comes after a person she cares about. She may be demure, but she is not timid. And when she is with Rix, she feels free enough to be herself in every facet of her life.
Rix and Alex have a couple of misunderstandings at the beginning of this book so it was interesting watching them move on from that and form a solid friendship that turned into a fake relationship when Alex tells her sister she’s bringing her boyfriend Rix to her wedding. Oh the tangle webs we weave in order to save face, but soon they are the subject of celebrity gossip and things really get interesting.
I loved these two together because they challenged each other. Rix didn’t let Alex shy away from speaking her mind to him but he also protected her when it came to things that made her uncomfortable like groups and parties. Alex refused to let Rix hide his prosthetic legs from her and figured out quickly that he needed someone to be straight with him, not handle him with kid gloves. They complemented each other well and I loved the way the chemistry built between them throughout this book.
I do love a slow burn romance especially when the payoff is sizzling hot as it was with Rix and Alex. Seeing characters from the previous books as they gave support and guidance was a bonus and I’m really looking forward to see where Ms. Ashley takes these characters.
Emotional, fun, sexy and completely enjoyable, I loved Taking The Leap and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
John “Rix” Hendrix is no doubt a hero. A double amputee who lost both his lower legs saving another hot shot fireman, he’s worked hard to get back his mobility and to be able to be as active as he was before the accident. He’s also a player “one and done” type of guy since his fiancée broke his heart right after his accident. He’s a bit alpha, super protective of those he cares about, and just started a job he knows will not only challenge him, but has him working with a fantastic team of people including his best friend.
Alexandra “Alex” Sharp is shy, and introverted (or as Rix calls her “bashful”) until you get her out in her outdoors and in her element and she blossoms. Alex loves her job and being offered a promotion as they grow the program even more is everything she could want except that means she’ll be working closer with Rix, the man she’s had a bit of a crush on for over a year. Just because she’s quiet and unassuming doesn’t mean she doesn’t become a rabid honey badger when someone comes after a person she cares about. She may be demure, but she is not timid. And when she is with Rix, she feels free enough to be herself in every facet of her life.
Rix and Alex have a couple of misunderstandings at the beginning of this book so it was interesting watching them move on from that and form a solid friendship that turned into a fake relationship when Alex tells her sister she’s bringing her boyfriend Rix to her wedding. Oh the tangle webs we weave in order to save face, but soon they are the subject of celebrity gossip and things really get interesting.
I loved these two together because they challenged each other. Rix didn’t let Alex shy away from speaking her mind to him but he also protected her when it came to things that made her uncomfortable like groups and parties. Alex refused to let Rix hide his prosthetic legs from her and figured out quickly that he needed someone to be straight with him, not handle him with kid gloves. They complemented each other well and I loved the way the chemistry built between them throughout this book.
I do love a slow burn romance especially when the payoff is sizzling hot as it was with Rix and Alex. Seeing characters from the previous books as they gave support and guidance was a bonus and I’m really looking forward to see where Ms. Ashley takes these characters.
Emotional, fun, sexy and completely enjoyable, I loved Taking The Leap and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 10, 2022
I had not read any of the prior books in this series. That said, like a lot of Kristen Ashley books, she gives you enough context that you can jump into books in any of her series quiet easily. I also won this as a GR giveaway, so thank you for that!
Things I loved:
1) The setting was perfect.
2) Rix and Alex’s relationship was super sweet and had a great progression to it.
3) How Rix’s disability was portrayed.
Things I disliked
1) To me the climax of the book happened around 70% so everything after that felt long, slow and surplus. Had the book stopped around that time, I would have probably rated it higher.
2) Rix is not my favorite KA hero to say the least. He has moments where he treated Alex super poorly. I felt Alex, in spite of his disability, should have stood her ground a little more.
All in all a solid KA read, so ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things I loved:
1) The setting was perfect.
2) Rix and Alex’s relationship was super sweet and had a great progression to it.
3) How Rix’s disability was portrayed.
Things I disliked
1) To me the climax of the book happened around 70% so everything after that felt long, slow and surplus. Had the book stopped around that time, I would have probably rated it higher.
2) Rix is not my favorite KA hero to say the least. He has moments where he treated Alex super poorly. I felt Alex, in spite of his disability, should have stood her ground a little more.
All in all a solid KA read, so ⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 15, 2022
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play / Amazon Paperback
Alex has had a crush on her coworker Rix for ages now. Then one night he gives her hope that he might feel the same way when he starts flirting with her. One trip to the restroom for a self pep talk, though, and her hopes are down the drain when Rix is all up in some other woman's personal space on Alex's way back to their table. Now she's doing her best to avoid him even though for some reason he seems intent on talking to her again. She knew she wasn't his type, and his dashing of her hopes meant she can let go of all hope. Until her obnoxious sister badgers her into making up a plus one for her upcoming wedding. Guess who pops into Alex's mind first? Yep...
Rix once upon a time had it all. Then he lost his legs in a self sacrificing move, lost his fiancée two days later, and now he's admittedly got a distorted view of people. He knows his weird coworker Alex has no tolerance for his disability, and it's colored his behavior toward her. But, is he wrong about her? His boss Judge certainly thinks so, and wastes no time in letting him know. Now the ball's in his court - he needs to figure out a way to talk to Alex and fix things with her so they can work together. When a golden opportunity presents itself, they can both grab it and just may discover something wonderful together.
I always cheer when the awkward heroine or hero finds love with the so called desirable one. I absolutely loved Alex, wanted to give her a big hug when I found out how horrible her family was, and in the beginning when Rix hurt her so badly. The way she grew but stayed true to her nature with a big, beautiful, non-judgy heart was just perfect. She and Rix had a true slow burn relationship, had a lot to overcome, a lot of baggage to get past, but they did it with so much heart, beautifully emotional moments, and great chemistry. I can't wait for the next River Rain couple to find love now.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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September 9, 2022
Highlights:
• “Heartbreak. Or pain. Or fear.”
“Once you get that everything comes and then it goes, you learn to take the leap.”
•Mom taught me, the thing that makes a good person is not that they treat people like they deserve. It’s that, no matter how hard it might be, you treat people right.”
•‘Never forget, when you’re amongst the enemy, be sure you’re wearing brilliant camouflage.’
•‘The key, my girl, is not what they think it is. They try to hide they’re watching, but you know they are. Foolish waste of energy. It never fails to take someone off guard when they know you’re watching.’
•“Shit happens. Bad shit happens. Seriously bad shit happens. Life goes on. We gotta do our best to do no harm and live it,”
•You have some issue, you rein it in.
• “Heartbreak. Or pain. Or fear.”
“Once you get that everything comes and then it goes, you learn to take the leap.”
•Mom taught me, the thing that makes a good person is not that they treat people like they deserve. It’s that, no matter how hard it might be, you treat people right.”
•‘Never forget, when you’re amongst the enemy, be sure you’re wearing brilliant camouflage.’
•‘The key, my girl, is not what they think it is. They try to hide they’re watching, but you know they are. Foolish waste of energy. It never fails to take someone off guard when they know you’re watching.’
•“Shit happens. Bad shit happens. Seriously bad shit happens. Life goes on. We gotta do our best to do no harm and live it,”
•You have some issue, you rein it in.
December 15, 2021
I honestly just want to go back and reread it again. And again. Because I love Alex and Rix’s characters so much. I never want them to end. The spice in this is OFF THE CHARTS. 🥵 Rix is my new favorite alpha. And now I really want to go to the mountains in Arizona. 🤣 Don’t worry! This book will take you there! This is one of my top favorite KA books I think!
Watch my interview with Kristen and she has a new secret book to announce: https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast...
Watch my interview with Kristen and she has a new secret book to announce: https://www.amazon.com/live/broadcast...
March 14, 2022
3.5
Despite the fact that some of KA’s recent releases were disappointments, surprisingly, I somewhat enjoyed Taking the Leap and liked Alexandra's character. She reminded me of Faye from Breathe - shy, cute, and sincere; she was the soft-spoken yet strong type of heroine. Rix, however, pissed me off big-time. So infuriating how callous and heartless he treated Alex for most of this read. I eventually warmed up to his character as he became a somewhat decent hero towards the end. Regardless, Rix was far from the classic KA Alpha male heroes that I loved.
Despite the fact that some of KA’s recent releases were disappointments, surprisingly, I somewhat enjoyed Taking the Leap and liked Alexandra's character. She reminded me of Faye from Breathe - shy, cute, and sincere; she was the soft-spoken yet strong type of heroine. Rix, however, pissed me off big-time. So infuriating how callous and heartless he treated Alex for most of this read. I eventually warmed up to his character as he became a somewhat decent hero towards the end. Regardless, Rix was far from the classic KA Alpha male heroes that I loved.
February 19, 2022
Even though I’ve disliked some of KA’s recent works more than this one, Taking the Leap took me the longest time to read out of anything she’s ever written.
It’s a cute, almost no conflict, easy read. Nothing special or memorable about it.
Overall a three star, good, read.
It’s a cute, almost no conflict, easy read. Nothing special or memorable about it.
Overall a three star, good, read.
February 23, 2022
This was so good. Man, I did not want to put it down and I couldn’t get through it fast enough which of course, once I did, I was sad it was over.
I loved how there was a touch of angst but each time it was dealt with swiftly. I loved how this quickly became real and it was real and not glossed over. I loved these two for each other and really just found the whole thing lovely. It packed a punch from both sides but also made me feel all floaty and happy.
I am surprised by just how much I am enjoying this series so far and am super happy to see so many side characters are going to get their story told.
Next up, Tom.
Maybe not so excited about his though, curious yes, definitely curious.
Great installment and for sure a reminder why she is my favorite.
I loved how there was a touch of angst but each time it was dealt with swiftly. I loved how this quickly became real and it was real and not glossed over. I loved these two for each other and really just found the whole thing lovely. It packed a punch from both sides but also made me feel all floaty and happy.
I am surprised by just how much I am enjoying this series so far and am super happy to see so many side characters are going to get their story told.
Next up, Tom.
Maybe not so excited about his though, curious yes, definitely curious.
Great installment and for sure a reminder why she is my favorite.
Read
February 21, 2022DNF
Maybe I can’t read Kristen Ashley anymore I’m not sure because I loved the previous book in The River Rain Series with Chloe & Judge and I also loved the previous book with Chloe’s mom. The problem is, I was extremely bored.
I couldn’t keep my eyes open reading this. I was literally zoning out with the overly descriptive home settings and so and so. I also found the story line to be just okay. I wanted to love this I really did and I was so excited for this story but after 35% I couldn’t subject myself to that anymore. I was bored the entire time aside from angry when the hero told the heroine to get over herself. That’s typical KA. This felt very copy paste as well.
Sigh. I used to love her but i think after this it’s officially over for me and KA.
Maybe I can’t read Kristen Ashley anymore I’m not sure because I loved the previous book in The River Rain Series with Chloe & Judge and I also loved the previous book with Chloe’s mom. The problem is, I was extremely bored.
I couldn’t keep my eyes open reading this. I was literally zoning out with the overly descriptive home settings and so and so. I also found the story line to be just okay. I wanted to love this I really did and I was so excited for this story but after 35% I couldn’t subject myself to that anymore. I was bored the entire time aside from angry when the hero told the heroine to get over herself. That’s typical KA. This felt very copy paste as well.
Sigh. I used to love her but i think after this it’s officially over for me and KA.
February 24, 2022
I liked Rix (once he stopped being a clueless dick) and Alex. I enjoyed reading along as they navigated their "fake" to real relationship. There's some drama in regards to Alex's family and Rix's ex but it isn't overwhelming. The bulk of the story was dedicated to Rix's and Alex's relationship and Rix overcoming some hangups he has that are preventing him from seeing a future with Alex.
Overall I quite enjoyed this one.
Overall I quite enjoyed this one.
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