KYLE is the sixth book in Jennifer Ashley's Riding Hard series. I have been eager to read a
story about Kyle Malory since he was initially introduced
early in this Riding Hard series. Jennifer Ashley
has a way of creating some of my favorite heroes --
whether they are cowboys, shapeshifters, or aristocrats
from another time period. At the opening of this book,
Kyle injures himself and needs a little TLC while he
recuperates. Unfortunately for him, the attractive Dr.
Anna Lawler is more interested in looking after the
animals on his ranch than tending to his fevered brow. The
relationship between Kyle and Anna evolves as they gain a
better understanding of each other.
At the start of this book, I wasn't sure I would like
Anna. Anna initially did a full-blown "Elizabeth Bennet"
and made some assumptions about Kyle and pre-judged him
without really knowing him. The reader, getting the
benefit of reading from Kyle's perspective, knows that
Anna's snark is unwarranted. I like that Jennifer Ashley
tells this story from alternating perspectives, which
reveals the true feelings of both main characters.
Eventually, Anna gets over her annoyance at being
attracted to Kyle, and a mutual respect develops. I love
how this couple work together toward the end of this story
in order to solve a problem and thwart some villains.
KYLE is a good book for romance fans who enjoy great
storytelling, a realistically flawed yet strong heroine,
and a delectable cowboy hero. The element of danger in
KYLE sneaks up on you and increases over the course of the
book. I like the honest and realistic portrayal, in KYLE
as well as the other books in the Riding Hard series, of women and their everyday
trials and triumphs. The focus remains of the romance and
the complex relationships between all the characters, but
I found the part of the plot involving the bad guys to be
compelling as well. I eagerly await Ray's book next, and
I hope Jennifer Ashley writes a story for Karen because
she's a hoot.
Anna Lawler never knows quite how to talk to Kyle Malory,
bull rider with warm green eyes. She’s not like the
beautiful women who throw themselves at Kyle–she’s a vet,
far more comfortable with animals than people. But when
he’s hurt in the ring, Anna starts to discover the real
Kyle behind the macho cowboy. When Kyle challenges her to
a wager, Anna can’t resist taking the bet, even if the
price is a night out with him, doing whatever he chooses
...