REVIEW: THE WILL BY KRISTEN ASHLEY

Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.

While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.

But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.

Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

Published April 8th 2014
Source: Purchased
Purchase this book: Goodreads | Amazon

Our Review:

First, I must lament my sadness and wonder at why it has been so freaking long that we read a Kristen Ashley book. You're probably in as much shock as me, because it usually is a weekly basis...we're slacking, we know. Yes..it's been waaaaay too long and I'm so glad we put everything on pause to jump back in to Kristen Ashley's world.

Anyways, here we are with a NEW series from KA. Our hearts exploded with joy when we heard this, and when it was just as amazing as I thought...and even more so...oh my cow. Josephine is awesome. Jake is awesome. Lydie, even though she is not in the story, her spirit is throughout the story as well...and the best book grandma ever is almost better than one of the best alpha males ever...almost! I'm not sure I have much to add here, except that I very much enjoyed these characters.

Josephine. I love how she talks. That is a great theme of the story, and I felt like (could be totally wrong) that this is a little bit of a taste of KA's history of being an Englander. She uses such strong words, and isn't afraid of confrontation when she feels like you are being a tart. I just LOVE her! She has so much baggage and has spent a lifetime trying to avoid it...but gah, what a damn good life she has had. 

Yes, Josie gave us a taste of something different. Her way of speaking was more stilted than your usual KA heroine and her vocabulary was amazing and refreshing. It definitely made her stand out--not only within the characters of the book, but also with other characters I've read. I loved it. I loved that KA committed to writing Josie the way she did and kept her quirks to the very end. I, of course, loved Josie's strength of character and her generous heart and her willingness to admit flaws, forgive others, and move forward.

Jake. Oh my cow. Jake Spear. Is. The. Bomb. He was a little bit of a departure from some of our other KA alpha men...or it could be how long it's been (I know. I suck) since I read one of them...thought, really it hasn't been that long. He is seriously an amazing dad in how he guides his children, lets them free enough to fly, but isn't afraid to use the butterfly net if need be. Sorry, that was quite the analogy wasn't it. Or is it an alliteration. Shel? Lol. 

Ummm. Haha. Jake. He's a lovely mix of strength and tenderness and is so very observant of everything that's going on around him. I can see why Lydie would want Jake for her Josie. He's just such an incredibly good guy. So good. 

Anyways, another powerhouse Kristen Ashley novel...and even though I bet it was close to 500 pages, I would've been perfectly fine with it being longer. This series opener has introduced rich characters, a new state for us Rock Chicks are heart to fall in love with, and a town that I know we are going to have some righteous adventures in. Can't wait. 

Yes, a great start to a new series. I am already thinking about the potential stories and characters and all of the shenanigans Kristen Ashley will put us through. I love sinking myself into her world and I hate it when it's time to leave it.

Shelley: 5 stars

Courtney: 5 Stars

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and 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 multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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