Kaleidoscope
Written by Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Emma Taylor
4/5
()
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
When old friends 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 his 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 excites Deck's 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 . . .
Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley 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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Reviews for Kaleidoscope
93 ratings11 reviews
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Kaleidoscope
2 Stars
Kristen Ashley is a remarkable storyteller. Her plots are intense and heart-wrenching and her characters are down-to-earth and engaging (although her heroes can be excessively alpha).
As with most of her books, Kaleidescope is an eminently readable tale. Nevertheless, there are certain elements that irritated me no end.
To begin with, it is my practice to listen to the audiobook versions of Ashley's works as they are usually written in 1st person. This time, however, much of the book is 3rd person from the hero's POV. As a result, I read the ebook edition and noticed, for the first time, the numerous grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure errors in the text. These are simply not apparent when one listens, but glaringly obvious when one reads. The book is in serious need of a professional editor.
English errors aside, the romance in this book is very disappointing mainly due to the hero, Jacob Decker, who is an arrogant and controlling arse (even more so than most of KA's heroes). He treats the heroine, Emme, as if she were an incompetent infant incapable of caring for herself. He constantly goes behind her back to discuss aspects of her life with others before speaking to her about them, and when she protests, puts the blame on her shoulders. He is also convinced that she is "broken", and that he is the one to "fix" her because he knows what's best for her life. This is classic emotional abuse! Argh!
To make matters worse, Emme has no backbone and fails to stand up for herself. She is portrayed as damaged due to intense PTSD and constantly accepts Deck's arguments that she is at fault, and needs to be taken care of. Really?! Have we gone back in time to the 19th century?
In sum, Kristen Ashley has some fantastic books, but this is NOT one of them. If I had begun my KA addiction with Kaleidoscope, I may never have picked up another. So, do yourself a favor, and choose one of her other stories to start with such as Mystery Man or The Gamble. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the sixth novel in The Colorado Mountain Series and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first. As a staunch fan of Ms. Ashley's stories, it's always exciting when a new book is released. We have our usual Alpha Male, his name is Jacob Decker, known as Deck. He is an Alpha and a whole lot more. He is walking in Gnaw Bone, Colorado when he hears a female voice calling his name. He turns and sees a beautiful woman walking eagerly his way, and is confused, remembering only one person ever called him Jacob; and then she smiles. Emmanuelle Holmes approaches him with a sweet kiss on the cheek. Her male companion is not very pleased with her friendliness. Emma and Deck have not seen each other in nine years, since Deck's girlfriend and Emme's best friend, Elspeth, had broken his heart. His only thoughts at the time were to leave town and try and forget the whole disaster of a relationship. That meant putting his friendship with Emme aside, and over the years that seemed the hardest to forget. Emme Holmes was a quiet, shy, very sweet girl, who was in love with her best friends boyfriend. When Elspeth had run off with a rich man willing to give her all she desired, Emme approached Jacob, to offer comfort and more if he wanted. She also understood when he turned away, but she gave him a gift he still takes wherever he goes. "A long triangular tube of exquisite stained glass leading to five disks also made of stained glass. A kaleidescope." The last thing she said as he shut the door was that when he thought he had lost all beauty, turn the dial. Jacob and Emme's reunion is a wonderful story. There's an old grand mansion being restored, friends from other Colorado Mountain stories, danger and intrigue, and a sweet and beautiful love story. It has it's challenges, but Emme and Jacob have been through so much already their ties are too hard to break. I highly recommend this novel to Kristen Ashley fans new and old, and anyone who loves small town stories with big hulking guys who love their women above all else. I received this novel from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review. Pat Fordyce
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/54-4.5 Stars...
I know first time for everything. I LOVE KA's writing style. I have since the first book I read by her, but this one something was missing.... There was not alot of drama. This was so different from the first 4 books. The suspense was not there. It was very tame if you ask me.
More review to come when I can get all my thoughts together about what I'm feeling about this book.
Merry Christmas to me Just got my ARC woo hooo !!!!!!!
Copy provided by (Grand Central Publishing) from NetGalley - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5For some reason I just couldn't get into this book. I can usually read a KA book in a day or two, but this one I kept setting down and even picked up another book to read. I don't know if I'm just getting tired of all the guys sounding the same or what, but this definitely wasn't one of my favorites. I'll keep reading KA but I might take a break from her books for awhile.Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5More like 3.5 stars but I'll round up because I love the series so much and getting to visit with some of my old favorites was nice. That said Emme and Deck never really got me there and here's why:
There were lots of we were always meant to be/I loved you but didn't even know it/that kaleidoscope means I shut you out kind of conversations but he never made me believe he loved Emme MORE than any other woman just different. I wanted a big true love moment kind of speech that would let her know he only ever really loved her. That big declaration that all the other guys in the series gave so good.
The whole child kidnapped storyline had me angry for her wealthy parents to not provide her with therapy and PTSD treatment. As close as they claimed to be, how could they not know she was suffering.
The sick for year with no one. See above where were her parents/siblings that love her so much and can't stay away from Colorado no matter how far away they live.
I love how their story is resolved and the epilogue had me at restored mansion. But these little things bugged me enough to keep me from falling into the story. This one was a surface read and while it was still KA wonderful it just isn't as good as the earlier books. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I have read many of Kristen Ashley's books in her different series and each time I read a new book she has written, it has gotten harder and harder to choose which one is my favorite. She is truly something special and this book has a HOT hero in Jacob "Beck" Becker and a beautiful heroine named Emme. They were friends long ago and meet again by chance. This book has everything: a gripping mystery, hot romance(and I mean HOT) and just a general easy to read, easy to follow and enjoyable read. You will not be disappointed.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Really, really liked it, but then again, it is a KA book. That said, I think there was something missing for me and I think it was the fact that nobody really got kidnapped. LOL
Seriously though, I think the 'crime' part of the book was a little lacking if compared to the other five, but the relationship part was dead on. Deck and Emme were incredible together, their chemistry in any given moment was stunning to read and imagine, the way Emme's problem was treated was very impressive too. Halfway through the book I had convinced myself she was bipolar. HAHAHAHA. And, of course I have to talk about it, the epilogue. One of my very favorite parts while reading a KA book, is getting to the epilogue, because then you'll get to see how everything turned out and just how beautiful this author's writing and imagination are. Amazing! - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Usually I love the authors books. This one I did not. I strongly disliked both Deck and Emme. Potential spoilers ahead. Deck goes behind Emme's back several times. Emme forgives him within like 5 minutes. These are serious issues he's going behind her back with. No one forgives that quickly. Then at one point, the author pointed out that all her previous heroine's in her Colorado Series were kidnapped. Thanks for pointing that out that you've basically repeated the same story over and over and over. Thankfully you didn't have Emme kidnapped but you made it seem like that for a few pages. Again not impressed with this book at all. And Deck, he's suppose to be an alpha male. Oh he was definitely that but he seemed lacking. And why couldn't he give Emme a general description of his job like "I investigate stuff". He could have told her that. Ugh, again this was not a good read. Also forgot to mention that the first few chapters were in 3rd person. Then all of sudden with no warning it switches to first person Emme. I didn't like that either.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Emme and Jacob (Deck)
A good book (Ms. Ashley's books are always good) and interesting story. I didn't find the romance between Emme and Jacob as compelling and intense as most of the other Colorado Mountain Books. I'd still recommend it if for no other reason than to briefly visit and catch-up with some of the previous Colorado Mountain Series' characters. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5My Rating: Five stars!Release Date: February 4, 2014Genre: Romantic SuspenseABOUT THE BOOK: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 his 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 excites Deck's 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 . . .MY REVIEW:This was an interesting twist into the world that is Ms. Ashley’s series. I have to admit, I’m just catching up with all the past stories, so some of the characters I got a bit confused with. But overall, I love how she’s made all of her series link up. It’s fantastic to see, and it’s a great way to catch up with past character’s we’ve all fell in love with.So coming off of the Dream Man series and walking into the Colorado series, I was thrust into a different world, but with very similar traits among men—all of which are so damn lovable it isn’t even funny. The drama and action behind this one keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for when that other shoe is going to drop. I loved to see a lot more of the insight into what drove the characters with this story, and although there were times I wanted to strangle Emme, Ms. Ashley came through with her trademark epilogue and brought everything back to a fit in a pretty (not to rain on Deck’s parade) circle. It was a fabulous story that as with Ms. Ashley, manages to grip you and refuses to let go.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain Series)By: Kristen AshleyGrand Central Publishing Pages 416Copy Courtesy of: The Reading Room Advance Reading CopyReviewed By: tkJacob Decker is called to help out the Gnaw Bone Police Department to solve a case involving minors, and break ins. Arriving in town, Decker visit’s the local watering hole and sees a beautiful woman who reminds him of someone he once knew years ago. She looks like Emmanuelle Holmes, his “Emme”, his friend. This lovely woman walks directly to him, and hugs are exchanged. It is Emme! They have not seen each other in years. Their friendship takes off right where they left off. Together again, they become involved in a journey of suspense, intrigue, and the unknown.I admit defeat. I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish this book when I started it. After the first few pages, I was hooked. The story is based more on the relationship of Jacob and Emme, then on the mystery. They have an extraordinary relationship. Sleek, moving, erotic, and new discovery are just a few tidbits of the incredible journey of this couple.I must say it became a real page turner. If you enjoy a mystery, with a lot of romance and spicy moments…this is for you. 4/5