Blog Tour: TAUT (A Rook & Ronin Spinoff) by J.A. Huss

Rating:

Synopsis:

TAUT IS A STANDALONE NOVEL – you do NOT have to read any of the Rook and Ronin books first.

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.

******
Since A LOT of people have been asking here is the scoop on how this book fits in with my Rook & Ronin series:

Ford first appears in Rook and Ronin #2, Manic. He has a bigger role in Panic, R&R #3, and then he has a novella, called SLACK. This TAUT book is only FORD. It’s not really part of the R&R series, as that plot has all been sidelined for this one romance book.

 Taut: Amazon

Grab the Rook & Ronin books (only $0.99 each at time of posting): Tragic ♥ Manic ♥ Panic ♥ Slack (Ford Novella)

♦♦♦

Dawn’s Review 4.5 Stars

Freaking Ford! I found myself left with a heart filled with pain and torture and a desire for Ford to have his happily-ever-after when I finished Panic (Rook & Ronin #3) so I was beyond thrilled to hear that J.A. Huss decided to write a story for Ford. Just for Ford. And Taut delivered. *sigh*

This is a standalone novel, however, I liked knowing more of the story behind why Ford leaves his friends behind, particularly Rook. It added more pain to his experience for me and deeper desire for him to find peace, and I’d recommend reading the Rook & Ronin series before this if possible.

Taut is an emotionally charged, sexy, soul-finding journey for Ford and for Ashleigh, the girl he meets along a snowy road after running from his friends and home in Denver. Ford’s mysterious history, desires, and sexual preferences were something I couldn’t wait to delve into. In Ashleigh, he discovers someone strong but with secrets of her own. She presents a challenge for Ford, and all the while, Ford is trying to come to grips with the way he and Rook left off. I found myself fascinated with the inner workings of Ford’s mind. And learning what made him the man he is now…holy smokes, I think he stole my heart even more! Ashleigh’s story slowly bleeds out on the page and I could feel all of her pain and sorrow, mixed with her own blend of sensuality and fierceness. She pushes Ford in so many ways, which I found fascinating.

Overall, I loved Ford’s story, seeing his growth and change, his humanity, his darker desires explored deeper than anything in the Rook and Ronin series. My only wish would be to have just a bit more of the Shrike Bikes team, but I’ll be waiting with grabby hands for Spencer Shrike’s story next!

ARC provided for honest review

♦♦♦