Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cole Mouzon #2

When Aspens Quake

Rate this book
There is no escape...

Still trying to recover from the bloody events in Charleston, Cole Mouzon has retreated to Denver to attempt to build a new life with his nephew. But, he can’t let go what he learned about his childhood in the Holy City. Frustrated by the FBI’s silence over a suspicious link between recent murders in Georgia and his own experience, Cole moves to undercover the truth. His secret obsession threatens his friends’ lives and his complicated relationship with Cash Calhoun as, unknown to him, his attacker in Charleston succeeded in her true goal: to awaken a killer. Things turn dire as events in Atlanta leave Cole alone with this new threat. Struggling to find his bearings and pull himself together in time to save his family before his hunter finally finishes what he started thirty years earlier, Cole moves against the killer in hopes his sacrifice ends the game once and for all.

Set between the blue-sky vistas of the Rockies and the iconic venues of Atlanta, WHEN ASPENS QUAKE is the thrilling suspense-romance continuation of THE TREES BEYOND THE GRASS. In this second installment, Cole must focus as his attention is pulled between love interests, his young nephew and killers. Let the last man standing win.

Look for the third installment of the series, BLOOD PINES, coming Fall 2014.

347 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2014

1 person is currently reading
534 people want to read

About the author

Robert Reeves

107 books38 followers
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, I currently live in Denver where I practice law and am a single parent to my 8-year-old adopted son. Life in the Rockies provides ample road trips, fly-fishing excursions, and other adventures usually shared with my son, along with our silver labs, Cooper and Cassie.

Away from the courtroom or the pen, I can usually be found traveling rustic foreign locations (Africa, Amazon, Australia), camping/hiking, cooking or just enjoying a new book find with a drink.

Some of my favorite cities I frequent include:

Atlanta
Cape Town
Charleston
Chicago
Denver
JoBerg
LA
London
Melbourne
New York
Portland
Sydney

Have an event, club or just a request to hang? Let me know, I love to travel and if I don't have plans already, I will attempt to lock something in. As Uncle Jessie once said, "A stranger is just a friend you never met."

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
17 (44%)
4 stars
10 (26%)
3 stars
6 (15%)
2 stars
4 (10%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 10, 2014
4.5 StArS



Birds represent many things, and Cole Mouzon knows they could hold the key to his survival


'Aspens' is a fantastic follow up to The Trees Beyond the Grass. The story kicks off right on the tail of 'The Trees'.




Cole still was unable to shake the childhood nightmare that hunted his sleep






Cole is back in Denver and attempting to build a new life for himself and his nephew Billy.

But recent events have come to light of more murders connected with Charleston.

Cole concerned for his family & friends safety, continues to delve and tries to uncover the identity of the man that kidnapped him and tortured his mother 30 year's ago.

It seems the bloody events in Charleston has awakened a killer 'The Taker'



Murder was art and bodies were his canvas







The budding romance between Cole and Cash was very subdued in 'The Tree's' but it really heats up in 'Aspens'......also with another love interest in Zander the hot flirtatious cowboy who seem's set on seducing Cole.

Cash Colhoun



Zander - T.R.O.U.B.L.E.



My favourite character's in this novella I would have to say are Zander, Billy and Granny.

Zander is so flirtatious and hot.... I'm interested to see what happens with his character in 'The Blood Pines'. I adored Billy, Cole's nephew he is so adorable and of course Granny. Reeves really bought all of these characters to life.



Life must still be pumping through their veins..... when he took the final picture of them



O.M.G. the ending I loved it, again Reeves flirt's with some teasing future story building for what could possibly happen in 'The Blood Pines'.





Robert Reeves delivers a truly riveting read, I love all the detail he put's into his novel's and the graphics in 'Aspens' are a beautiful addition.

If you are in the mood for a gripping suspenseful roller coaster this is definitely the read for you.



*ARC courtesy of Robert Reeves in exchange for an honest review**


Profile Image for Giulio.
263 reviews50 followers
May 3, 2014

When Aspens Quake is a perfect follow up to The Trees Beyond the Grass

Attention, plot spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read the previous book.



The improvement in this book is undeniable: more romance, a lot of action, awesome side characters, less “travel guide” moments and even a few funny flashes. Loved it.

This is “my” Cole

Cole

And here I am, once again..

description

I'm looking forward to book three, Blood Pines. Can’t wait………!!
Profile Image for Tim Flemming.
7 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2014
I LOVED "Trees Beyond the Grass" (the first book in the series) -- "When Aspens Quake" takes you even further into Cole's world. "Aspens" continues Cole's journey of self-discovery and struggle to understand the horrific events of his past.

In this leg of Cole's journey, we learn about love interests and even get some steamy action. Beyond the bedroom, there is constant drama and suspense as Cole tracks down a killer with unknown motives and bizarre fascinations with how each kill is displayed. Dark and twisted!

Aspens is SUCH and amazing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way til the end. Now I'm on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series! Love me some Reeves!
Profile Image for T.M. Smith.
Author 28 books316 followers
May 14, 2014
Cole has retreated back to Denver with his nephew in the wake of his sister’s murder by the calculated killer, Poinsette. Trying to build a safe and happy home for himself and Billy, Cole settles into a routine, but he is still haunted by the same nightmare. And he misses Cash.

After the two discuss a visit several times, and they always fall through, Cash simply buys a ticket and gets on a plane to Denver. Cole is wary of being in another relationship after his last one that was a disaster, but Cash makes him feel safe, and that is exactly what he needs right now. They take their relationship to the next level, but Cole is still anxious and holding back.

Bodies are turning up again as well, eerily similar to the previous murders just months before. The investigators tell Cole there is no link, but he’s not so sure. Cole is determined to find out the truth about his past, why Poinsette targeted him and why more people are being killed even now. His relationship with Cash is turned upside down and the stress put on the two men is compounded by the introduction of a new love interest. Zander is sexy, confident and snarky... and he is pursuing Cole. In a moment of weakness, Cole makes a mistake that just may cost him Cash. Not to mention that pesky killer(s) that wants him dead.

This story is full of drama, suspense, love and determination. While I enjoyed the first book, I loved this one! The story flowed strong and steady throughout giving more insight into Cole’s past and the machinations behind ‘The Taker’. Who is he and why is he so set on killing Cole? There is a lot of personal growth for our indecisive and uncertain male lead as well as Cole makes a few more mistakes, but grows from them and ultimately makes the right decision.

The character of Cole Mouzon has quickly become one of my favorite male leads. As I said he is indecisive and uncertain at times but he has so much courage and inner strength coupled with his awkward attitude that you can’t help but fall in love with him, and root for him. And as much as I liked the introduction of this new snazzy sexy character, Zander, I am team Cash all the way!

I do love a good murder mystery that is choked full of twists, turns and suspense. I was a good two thirds through before I had a solid idea of exactly who ‘The Taker’ was. If you’re looking for a book that will grab you, suck you in, and not let you go until you reach the sneak peak at book 3... this is perfection, I promise!

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
Profile Image for Michelle.
28 reviews10 followers
April 9, 2014
I have to start off by stating that I'm 100% team Cole . This character will get under your skin and have you cheering for him all the way through this book.

When aspens quake jumps right back into Coles story where the Trees Beyond The Grass ended. It's a few months after the horrific ordeal that changed Coles life forever, and he is trying to move forward with as much normality as possible. Trying to move on from that night, but still haunted by his childhood dream and now those memories of the events that transpired.

He has no choice now but to be strong, he's not alone anymore and has to step up and take responsibility for his 4 year old nephew, Billy, who by the way is just the most amazing child. He has become a parent overnight and has to put his issues aside and put Billy first.

Cole and Cash decide to pursue their relationship. Even though Cole is very nervous, especially considering what he went through with Jeremy, which is all revealed in this book. He's willing to explore and go on this journey with Cash. He makes Cole feel like he's finally safe, and that is just what Cole needs.

As Coles life starts to fall into place, his relationship with Cash and Billy moving forward, a serial killer starts causing panic and mayhem turning their lives upside down once again.

There were moments for me that had me laughing out loud and grinning from ear to ear, especially where Zander is concerned. I really enjoyed his character, with his humor, confidence and that quick mouth.

This book is most definitely my favorite book of the series. The story is filled with love, drama and suspense and will leave you wanting more of Coles story. I really enjoyed the mystery and thriller aspects that had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down.

Robert Reeves has truly outdone himself with book two in the Cole Mouzon Thriller series and I'm looking forward to continuing Coles story in book three, Blood Pines, coming soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Silke.
12 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2014
And done!

First things first, I totally adore this Book (also the First one). The first one was very focused on the murders and Coles and Cash Relationship was really only a small spark at the end. The second Part is different. We finally find out more about Coles last Relationship and his Trust Problems (totally understandable). There is also a new Character who brings some Thunder into Paradise ( Zander! I love him ;-) ).

I really started to like Cash, he really tries to be there for Cole and god I wanted to punsh this two guys speacially in the second half of the Book..........

The crime Part of the Novel was as always really amazing written and I really love the historic Details (for me as a non US citizen its always interesting to read Parts like that!)

Also we read more about the relationship between Billy and Cole.

All in all a great Book and like the Last Books it's first a Crime/Thriller Novel and then a m/m Romance (even if Part 2 has a lot more Romance ;-) but it never get boring like I sadly read in many other Books)


I really can't wait for Part 3 and for "Good People"!

(please excuse typos.........and grammar mistakes....)
Profile Image for John.
451 reviews68 followers
May 28, 2014
I'm sincerely pleading with the author to please hire a proofreader and editor for his next book. I have never spent money on a book with so many glaring grammatical issues. Perhaps they aren't as noticeable to every reader, but I've taught composition, so I notice these things. I don't think a page went by without an unnecessary comma, a misspelled word, a word missing, a misplaced apostrophe, a tense disagreement, or a confusion of words. For example, "exhume" means to dig something out of the ground, usually a grave. "Exude" means to display strongly, particularly some kind of quality or emotion. So when Cole "exhumed composure" in chapter 65, that's just not right. Mistakes like these would be caught by an editor; the comma abuse would be caught by a proofreader. These things are necessary to publishing a book. These problems made When Aspens Quake look slapdash and unprofessional, which is a shame because I did still like the story. I like Cole, and I like the mystery surrounding The Taker. But the constant grammatical and structural issues just took me right out of the story, and they became all I could think about.
Profile Image for R.L. Griffin.
Author 14 books470 followers
April 8, 2014
So this book was fantastic. It picks up where the Trees Beyond the Grass left off, with a new mystery to solve. Now, the mystery is great and I do love a good thriller, but what I liked most about this book was Cole and Cash...and Cole and Cash...and Cole and Cash.

Get it. This book allows a closer look inside of Cole. I loved it. I was reading some of it at my kid's swimming lesson and I wanted to jump up and down and cheer and yell, but I didn't I just sat with a big grin on my face.

Also, I loved the interactions between Cole and his nephew who is dealing with the loss of his mother. It is such a tenuous situation and handled well.

Reeves second book is a quick paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Randy.
31 reviews
October 6, 2014
a wonderful 2nd book to the series. Couldn't hardly stop reading and so looking forward to #3!
Profile Image for Charmain.
96 reviews
December 27, 2014
I regret paying for a book that the author didn't value enough to have professionally proofed. Too many errors to have to pay for this book. Very distracting
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.