Badass Bloggettes: *** MORE THAN 5 STARS AUDIO REVIEW *** FORD SLACK/TAUT by JA Huss

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.

I love to read a good story about interesting characters and, for me, JA Huss never disappoints. If I really love a book, chances are I will buy the audio when it is available. Once I have an audio version I tend to listen to it over and over again. One book that will be on repeat is Ford by Julie A. Huss. This audio book is a double feature so to speak. It includes the novella, Slack and the full length novel Taut.

Ford is introduced in the Rook and Ronin series. He is a very interesting and unique character. At first he isn’t that easy to love because he has the persona of a man who doesn’t care about much, especially people, specifically women. He is extremely smart and, even though women are interested in him, (well who wouldn’t he’s hot as hell) he doesn’t reciprocate.

Ford is a dominant, alpha man who treats women as “pets”. Don’t talk, stay put, don’t touch me. He doesn’t take time to know their name and he definitely doesn’t form any relationships with them. In other words, he is a jerk. However, before long, we learn there is more to Ford. Ford is a man who must be in control. It makes him successful in business and it is a need in the bedroom.

“Literally in the middle of nowhere. Which means I have all this time to sit and stew on why Ronin gets the girls and I get the pets. Fucking pets.”

Slack takes the reader through a day with Ford. This isn’t any day it is Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve, a holiday that isn’t on Ford’s list of fun days with fun things to do. His mother wants Ford to go to mass with her. Strike one!

“As a Jesuit student I was required to attend mass and take theology, but that was the very first change I made in my adult life. No more church.”

Slack shows the reader clues about the man behind the curtain. Ford has a heart but you have to look for it. He is a true friend. He is genuinely sweet to a young girl, Sasha, who he meets while helping his friend Merc. Sasha is special and gets Ford to buy some presents. There scenes together are very touching scenes and revealing.

If you read the Rook and Ronin series (not a requirement to enjoy this book) Slack takes place right before events that happen at the end of Rook and Ronin’s book Panic. There are moments that make you wonder about Ford and his behavior as he contemplates his decisions. Sometimes his actions will put you off and then he takes you to that place in his head where he is suffering and he will pull you in. For every action that makes you question his behavior there are one or two that make you want to hug him. The Ford conundrum. Slack makes the reader want more Ford.

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.

Taut is the full length novel featuring Ford. In this book the reader sees the real Ford—conflicted and emotional—that Ford tries hard to hide. Taut takes place right after the New Year’s Eve party at the end of Panic. He is upset because Ronin wins the girl, again. Rook wants Ford as a friend. Ford wants more than friendship with Rook even though she doesn’t fit in his lifestyle of “pets”. He wants to fight for Rook but Ronin is his best friend and as much as he wants her he can’t betray his friend. Friend or not Ford is jealous of Ronin for a lot of reason but especially what he sees as Ronin’s blessed life.

“Ronin might have a penchant for gambling, but I have a penchant for holding grudges. Even as an infant, apparently.”

Ford has to get away from his friends and deal with his feelings. He has a new project but instead of flying to California he leaves Denver and drives to Vail. On his way he runs into a snow storm, car trouble, and Ashleigh.

Ashleigh is a single mom with an infant, Kate. She is running too because life hit her hard. Ford reaches out to Ashleigh with a helping hand and their adventure together begins. Ashleigh isn’t “pet” material she is strong and sees through Ford.

“So you’re punishing her. Because she loves you in a way that doesn’t satisfy you?” Ashleigh shakes her head. “That’s fucked up.”

Troy Duran, the narrator, is perfect telling Ford’s story. The book is written from Ford’s point of view and Mr. Duran, as Ford’s voice takes us into this messed up head of his. We suffer with Ford as he faces his demons. The whole story is very intense and all of Ford’s reactions come through in this very intense telling of his story. We feel the loss, pain, and resolve that Ford experiences in his travel across country.

There are two very emotional scenes, in my opinion, that read well and stir the emotions but listening to them takes the story to the next level.

“I came to the conclusion a long time ago that I don’t have tears. I’m deformed. This is not logical reasoning and I realize this If I had no tears I’d need eye drops. I’d have all kinds of eye problems, and my vision is perfect. So of course, I make tears, I just don’t cry tears.”

Julie A Huss is an excellent writer. Every one of her books are on my “read again” list. In the audio edition of Ford, Troy Duran brings this captivating man to life and makes his story not only readable but a very enjoyable listening experience. If you like audio books (they are great for long commutes) you will love Ford. Ford is a beautiful story with a beautiful and unique character that you must listen to and read. I’m not a gambler but I’ll bet you will love Ford too.

6 STAMPS