Review: Jaded – Anne Calhoun

They can’t hide from desire…

After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn’t supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go…

Series: Walkers Ford #2
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Berkley
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Karen
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

JADED is a captivating, emotional story that drew me in from the first page. Alana and Lucas both come to small town, Walkers Ford at different times, but for similar reasons, they are unhappy with their lives. They are two mature adults who have faced disappointment and long for things they don’t think they will ever have.

Alana Wentworth takes a job as the temporary librarian in Walkers Ford, South Dakota against her family’s wishes. She takes the job in Walkers Ford because she needs a break from everything including her family. She is renting the house next door to Police Chief, Lucas Ridgeway. Alana decides to throw caution to the wind and do something totally out of character, she seduces Lucas. She is returning to Chicago in two weeks and decides to have a fling with him before she leaves. That is okay with Lucas, because he doesn’t want to get involved with anyone.

Lucas stole my heart. He is a broken man, living day to day with no expectations. Alana is taken with him from the first moment she sees him. Lucas is dedicated to his retired police dog and that is the only time he shows his emotions, which are always hidden behind a stony façade.

Walkers Ford is a small town with small town values, where everyone knows you and it’s impossible to have any secrets. Alana slowly, before she even realizes it, finds her life intertwined with the townspeople.

Anne Calhoun transports the reader to small town Walkers Ford. She is a wonderful storyteller and I love the way she draws you into the story and the characters. Her characters are strong and real and her writing is natural. I loved the sexual tension between Lucas and Alana. This is the second book in the Walkers Ford series. Each book is a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting with the first book, because it all takes place in Walkers Ford and the characters from the first book are included in this story.