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jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. I wasn’t a real big fan of the direction it took at one point in the last 1/4 of the story. I felt it was unnecessary to the plot and perhaps just added for some extra drama but I do appreciate how it was handled. I totally fell for Jase and I adored Brook Lyn and her casseroles. I loved the instant connection they shared but the slow burn of their relationship developing into more. I can’t wait to read about Beck and West. I’m actually super stoked to read more about West.
I really enjoyed this story. I wasn’t a real big fan of the direction it took at one point in the last 1/4 of the story. I felt it was unnecessary to the plot and perhaps just added for some extra drama but I do appreciate how it was handled. I totally fell for Jase and I adored Brook Lyn and her casseroles. I loved the instant connection they shared but the slow burn of their relationship developing into more. I can’t wait to read about Beck and West. I’m actually super stoked to read more about West.
joyousreads132's review against another edition
3.0
My first foray into Showalter’s writing went swimmingly well. I’ve always wanted to read her supe series, but I don’t have the time to invest in them nowadays. I saw these books in my recent blog hopping and decided to check them out. Thankfully, they’re easy and fast reads, so I’m caught up to the series.
So this story was surprisingly not all fun and games. Jase is an ex-con looking to spend the rest of his life in peaceful existence. It’s how he convinced his best friends to move to Strawberry Valley. There, he meets Brook Lynn (hate this name, by the way); the girl he threw in the pool on the night she barged in his bedroom. Oh and this, while he was having a carnal meet and greet with BL’s older sister. Needless to say, their meeting didn’t get off to a good start.
BL and her sister were orphans at a young age. Since then, they look out for each other. BL more than Jessie, because between the two sisters, she’s the responsible one. BL is an admirable character; there’s not one evil bone in her body. She gives everybody the benefit of the doubt, even their uncle who taught them how to hustle and who only stuck around to take advantage of them. Which is why I was surprised when she couldn’t give the same to Jase when he finally told her about his past.
I have always been a fan of stories that feature a character with some sort of physical disability. BL wears a hearing aid because of a disorder she was born with. Growing up, she’s taken a whole slew of insults from kids their age due to the wirings visible on her ears. Because of that, she’d learn to hide them with her hair. She’s worked hard to keep her sister out of trouble, but Jessie courts trouble any chance she gets.
This novel had a bit more depth than your run of the mill Harlequin romance. I supposed it follows the same formula as most New Adult romances out there: girl and boy overcoming their own difficult pasts to find happiness and love. But in this case, replace girl and boy with woman and man. The most important component in a romance novel is the chemistry between characters. Showalter knows how to make them believable and convincing without breaking a sweat. Overall, I’m off to a great start with these books, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest.
So this story was surprisingly not all fun and games. Jase is an ex-con looking to spend the rest of his life in peaceful existence. It’s how he convinced his best friends to move to Strawberry Valley. There, he meets Brook Lynn (hate this name, by the way); the girl he threw in the pool on the night she barged in his bedroom. Oh and this, while he was having a carnal meet and greet with BL’s older sister. Needless to say, their meeting didn’t get off to a good start.
BL and her sister were orphans at a young age. Since then, they look out for each other. BL more than Jessie, because between the two sisters, she’s the responsible one. BL is an admirable character; there’s not one evil bone in her body. She gives everybody the benefit of the doubt, even their uncle who taught them how to hustle and who only stuck around to take advantage of them. Which is why I was surprised when she couldn’t give the same to Jase when he finally told her about his past.
I have always been a fan of stories that feature a character with some sort of physical disability. BL wears a hearing aid because of a disorder she was born with. Growing up, she’s taken a whole slew of insults from kids their age due to the wirings visible on her ears. Because of that, she’d learn to hide them with her hair. She’s worked hard to keep her sister out of trouble, but Jessie courts trouble any chance she gets.
This novel had a bit more depth than your run of the mill Harlequin romance. I supposed it follows the same formula as most New Adult romances out there: girl and boy overcoming their own difficult pasts to find happiness and love. But in this case, replace girl and boy with woman and man. The most important component in a romance novel is the chemistry between characters. Showalter knows how to make them believable and convincing without breaking a sweat. Overall, I’m off to a great start with these books, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest.
naomilane's review against another edition
3.0
THE CLOSER YOU COME by Gena Showalter is the first full novel in her ORIGINAL HEARTBREAKERS series, and while I really liked the prequel novella, this one was a bit more disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but the main characters weren't my favorites and I found the plot not that intriguing.
"You are pleasure to my pain, hope to my fear. You are everything I've ever needed but didn't think I'd be lucky enough to have."Jase Hollister was just released from a nine years sentence. He isn't looking for any kind of attachment, he has his two best friends, Beck and West, with him and that's enough. Brook Lynn Dillon has two full jobs, tons of bills to pay and a (big) sister to take care of, she does not have time for a man in her life. But, one night, while looking to rescue her sister for the gazillion times, she finds herself at Jase's house. In his bedroom to be exact. With his sister in his bed. Naked.
She doesn't know Jase at the time but still, she's attracted to him in a big way and it's all kinds of awkward since the guy just slept with her sis. Anyway, a fight ensues with her sister, Jessie Kay, because the latter does not want to leave Jase's bed and Brook Lynn wants her home and ready for work the next morning. Anyway, long story short, Brook Lynn ends up working for Jase as his assistant and things start to get complicated...
I did not like Brooke Lynn that much. She had her good moments but I found her annoying and naive for the most part. She's a nice girl, who loves her sister deeply and who works her butt off to care for both of them but her attitude at times was so frustrating and childish.
Jase was better, I enjoyed reading about him. Mostly because he has tattoos everywhere. Just kidding. Or not. Heh. He's a good guy, who's trying to fix himself but it's not easy. And I understood that part of him, he spent the last nine years in prison, he was assaulted (in every way) and trying to keep the darkness at bay isn't always easy.
But, there is a but, he was so frustrating as well. Oh my god, hot and cold, hot and cold. Just stop and make a freaking decision, I beg of you! He was attracted to her but then no because he was bad for her but then yes because she made him want to be better but then no because what if she didn't want him once he told her the whole truth about himself...
This book was trying for me but I made it. Both of them were frustrating and I was very happy when they finally decided to be together and be done with the what ifs. They actually worked together, they balanced each other out.
The secondary characters were in between. I loved Beck and West and I cannot wait to read their books, that's for sure. It was also great to see more of Kenna and Dane from THE ONE YOU WANT. But, I didn't really like Jessie Kay. She redeemed herself toward the end but still, what a selfish brat. Seriously, the woman was so freaking selfish, childish and annoying, I was so pissed when I learned that she was going to have her own book...but then it's Gena and she worked her magic, and I'm actually curious to see how things are going to play out with her and West.
The plot now, well, it could have been better. I'm not saying it completely sucked but my heart didn't race, I wasn't shocked at what I discovered, it was just meh. I was still surprised by a few things even if I thought they were a bit rushed.
I'm still very excited to read the next installment because I'm not done with these bad boys.
dolcezzina21's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Just what I needed right now to ease my mind from all my troubles...Some steamy fun romance.
1_romance_reader's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it
I love everything Gena showalter has written and now have added this to my list
She had me falling in love with the characters and wanting me to move to Strawberry Valley
This book had it all heartache love laughter and of course a happy ending
I can't wait for the next one
I love everything Gena showalter has written and now have added this to my list
She had me falling in love with the characters and wanting me to move to Strawberry Valley
This book had it all heartache love laughter and of course a happy ending
I can't wait for the next one
gasoline_allie's review against another edition
3.0
Showalter is hit-or-miss for me...more miss than hit, these days. This book was bloated, had some unnecessary characters and subplots, and sometimes had more pithy one-liners than substance, but I still liked it enough for it to be a solid 3-star read for me. I liked the representation of having a character with aural implants, for one.
lisabooksit's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars! Loved this! Liked the characters so much I'm considering reading her other books and I'm not a fan of the genre. Oh, and this was H-O-T! Super sexy scenes, really sexy so if you don't like that, stay away. I would have given it 5 stars but just couldn't give Jase as many stars as James Malory.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
1.0
Gena Showalter's romance books are hit or miss for me and this one missed me completely. The only thing I enjoyed about this book is a recipe for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti at the end. (They were delicious - yum).
Why I didn't like this book?
- Unrealistic. Hero is a guy who is hard to crack but with her his protective shell starts to crack immediately.
- Eeeew factor. He slept with her sister. (It was before their relationship but still...)
- It's another of those books where they mix up sex with true closeness and deep meaningful relationship.
Why I didn't like this book?
- Unrealistic. Hero is a guy who is hard to crack but with her his protective shell starts to crack immediately.
- Eeeew factor. He slept with her sister. (It was before their relationship but still...)
- It's another of those books where they mix up sex with true closeness and deep meaningful relationship.
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to the author for a copy to read and review.
Loved it. Fun and flirty read. Brook Lynn has a wholesome outlook on life. Hard worker, and an even bigger dreamer she coasts through life by the skin of her teeth. She meets Jase Hollister and planets collide. Jase is a baddy turned goody with a soft spot for Brook. He knows he should stay away but fortunately for him he can't do it. She tempts him until it's all he can do to pull her in to steal a kiss. At first he royally pissed me off when he kept bedding women but not kissing them. Feels like a prostitute area.... Ladies never bed a man who won't kiss you...ugh. But he's a redeemer, and I slowly warmed up for him. Now I'd like another brother....preferably West! Five stars of entertainment!
Loved it. Fun and flirty read. Brook Lynn has a wholesome outlook on life. Hard worker, and an even bigger dreamer she coasts through life by the skin of her teeth. She meets Jase Hollister and planets collide. Jase is a baddy turned goody with a soft spot for Brook. He knows he should stay away but fortunately for him he can't do it. She tempts him until it's all he can do to pull her in to steal a kiss. At first he royally pissed me off when he kept bedding women but not kissing them. Feels like a prostitute area.... Ladies never bed a man who won't kiss you...ugh. But he's a redeemer, and I slowly warmed up for him. Now I'd like another brother....preferably West! Five stars of entertainment!