Review ~ Kaleidoscope ~ Kristen Ashley

Kaleidoscope by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain Series #6
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
When old friend become new lovers...anything can happen.

Sexy, gifted, and loyal, PI Jacob Decker is a tall, cool drink of perfection who had Emmanuelle Holmes at "hello." His relationship with Emme's best friend kept them apart for years, but things have changed. Now that a case has brought him to Gnaw Bone, Colorado, the road is wide open for Emme and Deck to explore something hotter and deeper than Emme dreamed possible. So why is she sabotaging the best thing that's ever happened to her?

It isn't easy to catch Deck off guard, but Emme does just that when she walks back into this life after nine long years. The curvy brunette had her charms back in the day, but now she's a bona fide knockout...and she wants to rekindle their friendship. Deck, however, wants more. Emme's always been the one; she excited Decks' body and mind like no other woman can. But a dark chapter from Emme's past overshadows their future together. Now only Deck can help her turn the page-if she'll let him...

KA knows how to spin a yarn...a beautiful yarn. She hasn't let me down yet and she certainly didn't with Emme and Jacob's (Deck's) story.

It's been nine years since Emme and Jacob have seen one another so it's shocking to them both when they run into each other on the street in Gnaw Bone. Emme and Jacob were the best of friends back when Jacob was dating Emme's best friend. When they broke up, Emme broke up with them both, saying goodbye to Jacob. Now that they know they're essentially neighbors, neither waste any time in reconnecting. And in doing so, they realize how much they meant to one another. Plus, they have sparking chemistry. They just need to get past some from Emme's past - and present.

Kaleidoscope returned the series back to a romantic suspense - even if it is romantic suspense-lite. And although I didn't miss it in Jagged, I delighted in having the suspense element back. Jacob's profession involves seeking out the bad guys and seeing as Emme is somewhat connected to his current case, he's determined to solve the case and protect Emme. But the story primarily revolves around Emme and Jacob rekindling what was once between them. There are some pretty big obstacles in their way, but it's worth the fight.

Both these characters will have you rooting for them. Emme is sweet, loyal, smart - but a bit damaged because of something in her childhood. Jacob is an alpha male but one who's bossy without overkill. He's loyal, brilliant (literally, he's a genius) and he knows now what he couldn't see back them - Emme's the one.

Kaleidoscope gave me everything I expect from KA. Complex characters - even getting time with favorite characters from previous books - a stunning setting, a romance to melt my heart and others things *wink*, and in this case, a touch of suspense. It all combines for a book hangover - one I'll always sign on for!