Review of Smooth Sailing (Wild West MC, #3) by Kristen Ashley
Diving into Smooth Sailing felt like being wrapped in a familiar blanket—warm, comfortable, and full of nostalgia. Kristen Ashley is a master storyteller, and as one of her die-hard fans, I couldn’t wait to see how she’d weave together the threads of love, family, and the rough-and-tumble world of motorcycle clubs. With this installment being part of the Wild West MC series, I knew I was in for a treat, but what I found was something unexpectedly beautiful.
At the heart of this tale is Harlan, affectionately dubbed “Hugger,” with a past that deserves its own soap opera. Growing up with a tumultuous childhood shaped him into someone who feels more like a misfit than a brother in the motorcycle community. His journey toward acceptance and love is layered with heartache and self-discovery. Enter Diana, a fierce and tenacious woman who disrupts Hugger’s guarded existence. The chemistry between them is palpable, as she dismantles the walls he built over years of disappointment and loss. Their evolving relationship was a glorious exploration of vulnerability, reminding me that even the toughest bikers have a soft side waiting to emerge.
Kristen Ashley’s writing in Smooth Sailing carries her signature emotional depth, effortlessly drawing you into the characters’ lives. The pacing felt measured, allowing for heartfelt moments to breathe, even if it meant sacrificing some of the high-octane action typical of MC romances. One standout aspect was the beautiful epilogue that left me in tears, showcasing Ashley’s ability to tie up loose ends in a way that feels both satisfying and poignant. "Wind. Ride. Fire. Free," encapsulates the spirit of this series, and I couldn’t help but smile at the nostalgia of all the characters I’d grown to love throughout Ashley’s various series.
While I adored the emotional richness of the narrative, I did find myself longing for a touch more grit. The stakes felt somewhat low, especially considering the serious background involving crime lords and a threatened young girl. I wished for a bit more danger to heighten the tension and add complexity to an otherwise sweet narrative. Additionally, the third-person perspective for Hugger occasionally felt a touch distant, which might have been intentional given his character’s arc but still left me wanting more immediacy in his thoughts.
The narration by Stella Bloom was perfection, encapsulating the essence of Ashley’s world. However, Joseph Discher’s voice, while skilled, didn’t quite evoke the gruff charisma I expect from a biker romance. I felt more connected to Hugger’s journey when reading than when listening, but that personal sentiment is the essence of how Kristen Ashley’s stories resonate with me.
In conclusion, Smooth Sailing is a heartwarming ride meant for Ashley’s long-time fans. Its themes of family—both blood-related and chosen—along with its emotional core, make it a delightful addition to the Wild West MC series. If you’ve been on this journey with Ashley for years, you’ll find this story a fitting chapter in the saga. Newcomers might find it sweet, perhaps too tidy for their tastes, but for those who have felt the pull of the Chaos MC, this book is a love letter worth reading.
Ultimately, Smooth Sailing left me with a heart full of hope and deep affection for characters that feel like family. So grab a cozy blanket and let Hugger and Diana’s story swoop you into a world where love conquers all—even the toughest of hearts.
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