Review ~ Bounty ~ Kristen Ashley #COYER #ShelfLove

Bounty by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain Series #7
Release Date: April 18, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Gifted paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Justice Lonesome has enjoyed a life of bounty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As per usual with anything from KA, I have myriad reasons to love it. Here are a few of the myriad as pertains to Bounty.

• Deke had certain preconceived notions of what people with money were like and he had solid reasons for these notions but I love how KA gave him Justice and therefore reason to change those preconceived notions...to realize not all people fit under one definition. And then gave him the bounty for being willing to change.
• I loved that despite the fact Justice had everything and the money to buy what she didn't, she was always looking for the less that was more. That's what she needed - less - and with Deke that's what she found... a less that was so much more.
• Justice and Deke were truly made for one another. They fit, even if Deke took a little convincing, and i was so completely natural. They were just together, even before they were, and it was easy.
• KA always but always makes the most important things in life important for her characters: family and friends. With family, it's not always smooth sailing, there are bumps in the road and both Justice and Deke had and were experiencing those bumps. But they both understood loss and that family - even when you might wish they weren't your family - comes first. As for friends - with KA, female solidarity is always a focal point and in Bounty, we got that when the women of Carnal, Gnaw Bone, and Chantalle, rallied around Justice - became her posse and enfolded her into the tribe. And Justice made that easy. But I think the even stronger expression of friendship came with the camaraderie among the mountain men. We've seen them all have each others' backs but this time there was a little something stronger in the dynamics which illustrated just how tight these guys are.
• Bounty - as a title punches you with what this story is all about. KA typically shares life lessons as a thread in her stories - at least it's one thing I always get out of one of her stories - and Bounty was no different...except it was. I loved that in changing Deke's perceptions, Justice's were altered and it all equaled a shift in perspective. At least in mine...how they looked at life - how I look at life - what it means to be happy. What do we really need to achieve it?

"Best anyone can hope for. Either the contentment of knowin' they're right where they need to be, doin' what they should be doin' among the fold they should be with or takin' a path that, least it could be is interesting, best it's a god-damned kick in the ass." -Deke

"I was grateful for thermostats and a new deck and creamy foam in my walls. I was grateful for Jim-Billy. I was grateful for fate setting my feet on that sidewalk so I could be there for a woman I barely knew, but she was a woman that needed me. I was just grateful that the life I'd been born into already giving me so much, continued to offer me bounty." -Justice

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

• KA wove in some suspense as well and she gives good suspense. I actually feared she was going to take us somewhere I didn't want to go. I shouldn't have feared but I did.

All these things combined for a deep, powerful, and compelling story with all the complexities in the characters that draw me to KA. Y'all know I love her and she's not let me down yet. Hopefully, if I talk about her enough, y'all will eventually cave - if only to see what all my gushing is about!

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!

Review ~ Jagged ~ Kristen Ashley

Jagged by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain Series #5
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased in Paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
An old flame rekindled...

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time that absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

Kristen Ashley never disappoints and even though Jagged was slightly different from its predecessors in the series - the suspense element was muted - it was every bit the fantastic read I expected.

Graham "Ham" Reece was introduced in For You, the first book in KA's The 'Burg series. After what he experiences in that book, he takes a long, hard look at this life and realizes he made a mistake. He let his one get away. And knowing what he knows about Zara, he sets about getting her back into his life.

Zara hasn't had the easiest life but she's definitely made lemonade out of the lemons. Having Ham in her life was always the sweet - until she had to let him go. When her life has once again gone off path, she's surprised to find him back in town - to say. But for how long?

These two - oh my goodness! They're something. They're both stubborn and hard-headed. And they know when to fight for something. Luckily, they determined they needed to fight for one another. Being witness to all the layers peeling back, vulnerabilities exposed, pasts laid bare - it was a wonder these two were as well-adjusted as they were. It also made the dance between them all the more special.

I've mentioned before (just a time or two! ;) that one of the things that makes KA so amazing is her cast of characters. This series revolves around three little mountain towns and the people that inhabit them. It's always a treat to spend time with them, see what they're up to...they my people.

One final thing - I adore that KA used jagged to describe Ham's voice. It'd never used the word in this context but it was perfect. As was Ham and Zara's story. Now always pretty but perfect...for them.

That's What HE Said #71 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #52

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Kaleidoscope by Kristen Ashley

***

"Emme, I'm lying in bed lookin' at your kaleidoscope sittin' on my nightstand, knowin' you've been with me every day for nine years. Which means I wanted you with me every day even when I didn't realize it. Which means you mean something to me and not a little something. You think I'd make that play tonight if I thought makin' it would fuck us up?"

...

"So, I made a decision and carried it out but I know what's at stake here and I'm gonna bust my ass to lead this careful, gentle so it doesn't get fucked up. I know this is fast, but from here we don't have to go fast. We just gotta go forward. And we gotta do it honest. So talk to me."

*~*~*~*~*~*

In this scene, Emme is making dinner for Jacob after not having seen him for quite a few years. I know there's no actual food eaten here but the scene is funny and swoony. :)

"I need to know if you don't eat anything," I lied.
Actually, it wasn't a lie. Although I remembered a lot about Jacob (most everything, in all honesty), I couldn't recall if there was something specific he didn't like to eat.
I could recall how beautiful he was, how tall he was, how strong he was. I could recall how smart he was and how funny he was. I could recall how cool he was with me. I could also recall how much I missed him. But I couldn't recall if he didn't like chicken.
But that wasn't the only think I needed to know. I needed to know something else too.
Much like last night, when he didn't make me feel like a psycho, in face, the opposite and sounded like he was happy to hear from me and would be willing to talk all night, he again sounded like my psychotically calling him yet again in a precursor to stalker way was no big deal.
"I don't eat it, I'll pick it off."
"You can't pick it off if I cook with it in it or if the mainstay of dinner on the whole is what you don't eat," I informed him.
"You makin' Indian food?" he asked.
"No. Don't you like Indian food?" I asked back.
"Love it," he answered.
'Then why'd you ask if I was making Indian food?"
"Cause I hoped you were."
I burst out laughing.
No, Jacob definitely didn't make me feel like I was being a psycho.
When I quit laughing, I told him, "Sorry, honey, I don't know how to make Indian food."
"Shame," he muttered, a smile in his deep, attractive voice, and if I was on an infrared scanner, specific parts of me would have shown up better.
...
"You haven't actually answered the question."
"I'll eat what you cook, Emme. Cook what you like."

Review ~ Breathe ~ Kristen Ashley

Breathe by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain #4
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
There's nothing like the first time...

In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town's quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal's last remaining virgin. For years, Fay has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She's resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company-until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods...

Chace doesn't think he's the good guy everyone believes him to be. He's made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he's come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace's dark past...

Breathe - ah, Breathe. I have to admit that I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Chace. There are some things he did in his recent past that made me leery of him. Then again, he'd done some things that made me warm to him - so I was confused...at first. But he won me over. In a big way. He really was a kind and compassionate man even if he was gruff at times. He got caught in a situation *not* of his own making and he did what he thought was right. The fallout over some of it haunted him. And it broke my heart that these events - this set of circumstances he was trapped in - made him lose hope he'd ever get what he really wanted...a happy life with Faye.

Now Faye - she was always certain of Chace. She understood, to the degree she could, the situation Chace was living. And when the fallout affected him so greatly, she set out to free him of that. Faye was awesome. I adored her - her fierce protectiveness of someone she didn't even know if he knew she existed. Her goodness. Her kindness and intelligence. Her humor. Her love of books and nerdy t.v. She's my kind of gal!

I reveled in watching Chace and Faye come together - find hope, trust, and love. I cried over Faye's ability to change Chace's perspective on so many things. These two were literally the yin and yang to the other - perfect complements.

I also reveled in the double dose of suspense. It's scary to think of all the bad that can go on in a small mountain town where it would seem everyone knows everyone's business and everyone's friendly. But nope. Bad can take root anywhere. Thankfully, good tends to weed out the bad.

Breathe served as the perfect read at the exact time I needed it. It was a comforting escape even if it was suspenseful. I got to meet a few more residents of Carnal as well as visiting old friends. And I got to fall in love with Faye and Chace right alongside them. As always - a captivating story with enchanting characters - Breathe is another treasure from KA! 

Review ~ Lady Luck ~ Kristen Ashley

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain #3
Release Date: October 22, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Is love in the cards?

Since birth, Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. Orphaned at an early age, she had a rough childhood and a boyfriend who was murdered. Now the beautiful, stylish Lexie is determined to change her luck and her life. But first she's got to make good on a promise: to pick up Ty Walker from prison. One look at the gorgeous ex-convict and Lexie knows she's in trouble - and already thinking about taking a walk on the wild side...

For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Yet when the high-stakes poker player sees the leggy Lexie, he suddenly has other desires on his mind. Realizing Ty is innocent, Lexie tries to stop his plan for vengeance and help him become a better man. But as Ty battles his inner demons, dirty cops and criminals plot to take him out. Can he and Lexie find a way to escape the past?

There aren't words to adequately express my adoration for all things KA. I don't know how she continues to create characters I can't help but love in stories that wring every emotion from me. But I'm grateful. So freakin' grateful.

With Lady Luck, we return to Carnal, Colorado, via LA and Vegas, to take a journey with Lexie and Ty. These two are people very familiar with the bad side of Lady Luck - completely acquainted with her and all that her frowning implies. But, as y'all know, I'm a believer in things happening the way they're meant to and despite all the shit Lexie and Ty had to wade through in their lives - particularly recently - and I'm talking some deep shit - it brought them to each other. And that means the path they traveled got them to exactly where they were meant to be.

KA has never shied away from diversity in her stories but I was thrilled to have a bi-racial character in Ty. Woot! KA also didn't shy away from broaching difficult subjects and serving up massive amounts of tension and suspense alongside. Mixed in with not only two strong MC's but also a robust cast including a few familiar faces, Lady Luck is a brilliant read. Seems she (Lady Luck) smiled on me when she had me stumble upon KA. *wink*

That's What HE Said #67 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #48

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

***

"But we got a rocky road ahead of us and I don't know where it's gonna lead before we get to the other side. The only think I can give you is, that shit comes outta my mouth and cuts you, you gotta understand that shit was planted in me and I gotta get it out. I'll try to do it in a way that doesn't harm you but I obviously am not battin' a thousand with that so I can make no promises except I'll try. What you need to give me is to know it is not about you, it's about me. You gotta suck it up and stand by me. You gotta know, in the end, I'll work my ass off to make it all worth it to you, and you gotta always remember I love you and I have never, not once, said those words to any breathing soul so you also gotta know what that means."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Ty Walker, having just been released from 5 years in prison, understandably is hungry for real food. It must be said he wasn't ordering for himself and Lexie...only himself. *hehe*

"Coffee," Walker said over me. "Now." She nodded quickly. He kept speaking. "Bacon, crispy, double order. Sausage links, double order. Four pancakes. Four eggs, over medium. Four slices of bread. Hash browns, double order. After the coffee."

Review ~ Sweet Dreams ~ Kristen Ashley

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley
Colorado Mountain #2
Release Date: April 23, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Source: Purchased on kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
She's ready for the ride of her life...

Lauren Grahame is looking to reinvent herself. After leaving her cheating husband, Lauren moves to Carnal, Colorado, and gets a job as a waitress in a biker bar called Bubba's. It's a nothing job in a nowhere joint...until Tatum Jackson walks in. Lauren has never seen a man with such good looks, muscles, and attitude. But when he insults her, Lauren doesn't want anything to do with him. Too bad for Lauren he's also the bar's part owner and bartender.

When the rough-around-the-edges Tate meets the high-class Lauren, he thinks she won't fit in at Bubba's. Yet there's more to Lauren than meets the eye, and Tate soon sets his mind on claiming her as his own. Before long, the desire burning between them is heating up the cold mountain air. But when violence strikes the town, Tate must reveal a dark secret to Lauren-one that may put an end to their sweet dreams.

I have to confess that I didn't instantly fall for ate. *gasp* I know! While I adore KA's particular brand of alpha, Tate rubbed me the wrong way to begin with. He did, of course, eventually win me over. Which was good because Lauren - I loved Lauren and I would have hated for her to end up with another jerk! LOL

Lauren is a divorcee - her husband cheated on her - for FIVE years!! - with her best friend. She's since been wandering the country in her car - searching for 'home'. She finds it in Carnal, Colorado. In Carnal, she finds *real* friends, a fulfilling job, and Tate - all reasons to show her particular brand of special. Because Lauren - everyone needs a friend like her and should aspire to be a friend like her. She's one of those people who just glows. You know what I'm talking about? Everyone loves her and she loves everyone.

Tate - well, I first thought he was a grade-A jerk. But KA slowly revealed more and more about him and I realized he was a good guy. He cared about people - showed it in unconventional ways. I liked seeing that even at 44 (YES! a seasoned hero), Tate, could grow and I enjoyed what Lauren brought out in him.

The suspense factor in Sweet Dreams was upped quite a bit when violence strikes this small town. Tate, being a bounty hunter and former cop, played a role in the investigation. The crimes were gruesome and the reveal shocking. But the thriller element added to the complexity of the story and I appreciated that.

As with any KA story, a robust secondary cast was present. From hippies to grumpy bartenders to a sweet, older couple of motel owners, I felt close to them all by the end. The Colorado Mountain series is a tad different than KA's Rock Chick or Chaos series in that we don't see the same group of chracters in each installment. There was mention of Nina, from The Gamble, but no sightings. It didn't take away from the story though.

This was my first KA read of 2016 that wasn't a re-read. And while I've been greatly enjoying revisiting everyone, getting to meet a new cast of characters was an incredible experience. I'm anxious to meet the next group and fall in love with a new set of characters. As soon as I'm over my book hangover. ;)

That's What HE Said #63 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #44

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is once again from:

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

***

"I'm gonna piss you off 'cause I can be a dick. That's who I am. And you're gonna piss me off 'cause, babe, you got attitude. That's who you are. And that's who we're comin' out to be together. And I'm all right with because, with what I had before, even when you're a bitch, I like it. But when you're not, it's a sweetness the like I've never tasted."

*~*~*~*~*~*

I spied the coffee ship and fairly shouted, "La-La Land!"
Tate's head turned to me. "Come again?"
"Stop. Park. Coffee. Orgasmic bread. Now," I demanded.
"Orgasmic bread?" Tate asked.
"Tate, you're passing it!" I cried desperately as we went past, my head turning to watch the shop through the window. "Park!"
Tate braked and swing into a parking spot three doors down from La-La Land. He barely had the ignition switched off before I had the door open, hopped down, slammed the door shut, and was motoring.
...
I ignored this, focused on processing my disappointment that Shambles had yet to hit on a chocolate theme at the same time surveying the case seeing lemon drizzle cake, lemon squares, and lemon curd-filled cupcakes and wondering what I was going to order.
I looked at Shambles. "What do you recommend?"
"Um...," Shambles mumbled, still eyeing Tate, still not quite certain how his judgment would come down.
"That's hard," Sunny put in. "Shambles is a master with lemon."
After she imparted this knowledge, I stared at her. Then, knowing what it meant, I ordered, "I'll take one of anything with lemon in it."

That's What HE Said #62 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #43

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

FYI, I loved this one y'all. So you may see quotes from it for a few weeks. ;)

***

"Two kinds of women get under your skin. The ones who do damage, they don't feel good there but once you're fuckin' stupid enough to let them in you got no choice but to take the time it takes to work them out. Then there are the ones who don't do damage, who feel good there, feed the muscle, the bone, the soul, not rip it or break it or burn it. The ones you don't wanna work out."

Can you guess which kind Lauren is?!?

*~*~*~*~*~*

This scene made me laugh. Lauren had been explaining her fondness for grape Kool-Aid to Tate and how her ex-husband didn't want her drinking it for fear of ruining furniture...

"What's funny?" I asked.
"I ain't a grape Kool-Aid type of guy either," he answered.
"That's funny?" I asked.
"But you want it, you shouldn't stop yourself from havin' it just because I ain't."
"Okay," I said softly.
"You spill it on my couch, babe, just sayin'..." He stopped.
"What?"
His neck bent and his face got close to mine. "I really don't give a fuck. My couch is shit."

That's What HE Said #60 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #41

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

Yep, a repeat performance of The Gamble because Max...he's just that good with words. ;)

***

"It kills me to say this, babe, the guilt burns so bad, but this week I couldn't help but think about what life would be like with you and the ways it would be better than what I had with Anna. And knowin' you throw beer bottles and give back as good as you get, I like it, Duchess, that passion. It's in everything you do and, swear to Christ, I don't think I've ever seen anything that beautiful. Anna loved life but, honey, when you forget to let those little fears you got cobble you, fuck, you devour it. It's unbelievably amazing, awesome to witness."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Nina, despite living in England for a lot of her life, *knows* how to whip up awesome American fare!

...I'd just slid into the oven my world-famous nachos (this wasn't strictly true; I hadn't won a competition or anything, but I called them that anyway because they were really good). They were smothered in kidney beans and hamburger meat spiced with taco seasoning and a mixture of three cheeses (cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack, the latter two they didn't have in England). After the desired cheese melting, I would load salsa, sour cream, and fresh jalepenos with tomatoes for Max, which he told me he loved but I hated.