Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
FORD: Slack / Taut by J. A. Huss Narrator: Troy Duran
Series: Rook and Ronin Spinoff #1
Published by Selfpublished on 20 November 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: 12 h, 35 m
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible Purchase
SLACK
Ford Aston is not too picky about what he wants out of Christmas. He's not into this holiday--like at all. He doesn't do presents, or family dinners, or parties, or church.
He does pets. And he's got one lined up for Christmas Eve. In fact, it's the highlight of his day. And if he can get through drop-in visits, nosy twelve year olds, an inappropriate conversation with his best friend's girlfriend, dinner with a family that's not his, and a party at his mother's house--well, he might just get home in time to enjoy himself with a stranger and make it all OK.
TAUT
Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps "pets" instead of girlfriends.
And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.
Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that's exactly what she's got going for her. She's broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is screwing with her head.
Big. Time.
And she plans to mess with his right back.
It's a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo--but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth.
One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence.
Rutherford Aston is an ass, a creep, a freak… And he knows it! It’s just that he might not be as bad as he thinks when it comes down to it.
I had forgotten what an ass Ford could be! Fucking Ford. He’s still my favorite guy in this series, though, and the narration made it even more so. The emotions were stronger, and hearing Duran’s voice being Ford was awesome! The pacing was well done, and I have to say I loved getting to know more about Ford, and meeting Sasha, Ashleigh and Kate was something I appreciated just as much the second time around. Seeing the lengths he would go to for his friends, while still thinking he wasn’t a good person made me fall in love with him all over again! He has such a capacity for love and caring, and when he gives into his feelings, he goes all the way.
Huss definitely knows how to tell a story that makes me feel things, I went through all the emotions listening to this, and I found the narrator to be the perfect one for this particular instalment in the Rook and Ronin series. While this is a spinoff, it can be read or listened to on its own. It felt very intimate to listen to this one, even more so than reading it, because for most of the story the two protagonists were alone, and it felt like I was hidden somewhere with them.
If you want a more detailed review, you can check Slack and Taut reviews by clicking on the links. I truly hope the rest of this series and Julie’s other books will all be made into audiobooks as well so I have a good excuse to enter this amazing world once more.
Why does Ronin get the girls, and I get the pets? Fucking pets!
I hated him. I might still hate him a little. Probably more than a little.
The only woman I want to move on with is the only woman I can’t have.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
it’s always nice to have a spin off for the books we loved! I hope it will continue like that
I have already read all the spin-offs, I’m listening to the audios for those that are out in that format now, Melliane 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I think I’m going to have to break down and get Ford in audio, Lexxie. You know he’s my favorite guy in this series and I like the sound of the intimacy created in listening to his story. I know Ford can be an ass but I forgive him. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed your revisit with him!
**BIG HUGS**
I know, he’s my fave as well. And the intimacy through the amazing narration made me fall in love with both him and Ashleigh all over again, Brandee 🙂 *BIG HUGS*
I’ve heard really good things about this series. It definitely makes me want to check it out but your description of Ford as an ass has me even more intrigued!! 🙂
I love it when a book can make me feel all the things. I’ll make sure to pick up one of J.A Huss’ books one of these days!
Great review, Lexxie. 🙂
He is an ass, but not to everybody… And Huss definitely always makes me feel all the feels, Nick. Her books can be both sexy and very dark at the same time, but character driven as well.
Twitter: kbaby81
I have the first book for the other series, which I plan to read this year. I’m glad that this worked so well on audio. Huss is one of the many authors that I plan to pop cherries with this year. Great review!
Oh, I can’t wait to see what you think of Huss, Lekeisha! She’s one of my favorite contemporary authors! I always wait for her new releases with much impatience.
Your love of her writing is contagious 🙂 🙂
😉 I’m always happy when she has a new release, Felicia, but I also love her stories enough to listen to them even after I’ve read them!
Twitter: talksupeblog
What a treat to keep on giving you fans books in this world. And it looks like this one is as good as R&R
I know – it’s so nice to be able to keep up with these characters, even when they were side characters in the R&R series, I think I got a very good feel for them, and getting to know them eve better is awesome.
I was very hesitant to read your review considering Ford’s books are my plan for my Reading Assignment next month! But really glad you enjoyed it, if I listened to audiobooks more then I would totally cave and get it!
I have also read this, Laura, and I really think you’ll enjoy Ford telling his own story!
Seriously, Huss can do no wrong!
I agree, her writing is so, so good!