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angels_gp17's review against another edition
1.0
This series is one that I've loved and adored. I’ve been devouring the audio books one after another falling in love with the town, the characters, and the stories. But this one was disappointing. The only reason I finished this book was; because of the narrator Savannah Richards. Her voice is like a lure and she captured me even though I was so perturbed with everything that happened. If I had had the actual book in my hand I would’ve thrown it into the sea.
I feel like I read something totally different then everyone else and so with that, I’m going to be ranting. You have been warned.
We have Ryanne who is an independent strong women. She knows what she wants and yet she lets Jude into her life even after he emotionally hurts her over and over again. One time I can see forgiving, but multiple times no way.
Then we have Jude a former Army Ranger who is suffering from PTSD and the death of his family, wife and twin daughters.
I wanted to like both characters, but I ended up yelling at them and rolling my eyes. Jude comes off as a prick and Ryanne well she is kinda cool, so I didn’t dislike her, but was upset with how she had goals, new her mind, yet she changed them and accepted Jude. She did try to get him to live again, she gave her all into getting him out of his funk, but he gave nothing or as little as possible. It was sad to see this type of relationship.
Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was teenage hormonal lust. My god they sleep together, only because they can’t resit the attraction anymore. Jude doesn’t like her as a person or what she represents. The author tried to label their romance and she mentioned it as friends with benefits, but it wasn’t even that. It’s teenage lust... They didn’t even date. Didn’t do the little get to know you things people do. It was sexual tension and sex. Nothing more. As for the sex well it’s scorching hot and the sexual tension was of the charts, but you can’t have a relationship based on that alone.
I was also so upset with how Jude treated Ryanne. I was upset that she kept letting him back into her life. Why did she give her verginity to this man? Ya, he’s sexy as sin, but he doesn’t respect her as a person. As for their first time and her first time having sex, she goes on and on as to how it was the best sex of her life. Well duh, you haven’t been with anyone else.
Another thing that upset me was when Jude got a vasectomy, it’s a big life altering decision that would affect his future. He did this at the begging of the book all so he could sleep with Ryanne without fear of having kids anymore. He want’s to get her out of his system. He’s afraid and doesn’t battle his fears. He lets them rule his decisions. Well the joke was on him in the end. Their little get-together even though they still used a condom and she’s on the pill; which it should have been imposable, made the imposable.
Last. Marriage. He didn’t ask; because he loves her, not for the company, not because he cares about her in anyway, only because of the baby does he ask. He can’t even talk or say the word baby. Neither one has said I LOVE YOU. Such a frustrating moment. Ahhh….
These two shouldn’t have been together. I rolled my eyes so much. I got frustrated a lot. I just can’t rave about this book, because it had to many button pushing issues for me.
The only thing I liked was the little bit of conflict with the mob boss who causes trouble at Ryanne’s bar.
Unfortunately, Can’t Let Go was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Audio: Savannah Richards continues to amaze me. Even though I disliked this book I adored the audio. Her voice is a lure and enchanting. She brings the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobooks for The Original Heartbreakers series.
Audio Narration: 4 Stars
Book Rated: 1 Star
I feel like I read something totally different then everyone else and so with that, I’m going to be ranting. You have been warned.
We have Ryanne who is an independent strong women. She knows what she wants and yet she lets Jude into her life even after he emotionally hurts her over and over again. One time I can see forgiving, but multiple times no way.
Then we have Jude a former Army Ranger who is suffering from PTSD and the death of his family, wife and twin daughters.
I wanted to like both characters, but I ended up yelling at them and rolling my eyes. Jude comes off as a prick and Ryanne well she is kinda cool, so I didn’t dislike her, but was upset with how she had goals, new her mind, yet she changed them and accepted Jude. She did try to get him to live again, she gave her all into getting him out of his funk, but he gave nothing or as little as possible. It was sad to see this type of relationship.
Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was teenage hormonal lust. My god they sleep together, only because they can’t resit the attraction anymore. Jude doesn’t like her as a person or what she represents. The author tried to label their romance and she mentioned it as friends with benefits, but it wasn’t even that. It’s teenage lust... They didn’t even date. Didn’t do the little get to know you things people do. It was sexual tension and sex. Nothing more. As for the sex well it’s scorching hot and the sexual tension was of the charts, but you can’t have a relationship based on that alone.
I was also so upset with how Jude treated Ryanne. I was upset that she kept letting him back into her life. Why did she give her verginity to this man? Ya, he’s sexy as sin, but he doesn’t respect her as a person. As for their first time and her first time having sex, she goes on and on as to how it was the best sex of her life. Well duh, you haven’t been with anyone else.
Another thing that upset me was when Jude got a vasectomy, it’s a big life altering decision that would affect his future. He did this at the begging of the book all so he could sleep with Ryanne without fear of having kids anymore. He want’s to get her out of his system. He’s afraid and doesn’t battle his fears. He lets them rule his decisions. Well the joke was on him in the end. Their little get-together even though they still used a condom and she’s on the pill; which it should have been imposable, made the imposable.
Last. Marriage.
These two shouldn’t have been together. I rolled my eyes so much. I got frustrated a lot. I just can’t rave about this book, because it had to many button pushing issues for me.
The only thing I liked was the little bit of conflict with the mob boss who causes trouble at Ryanne’s bar.
Unfortunately, Can’t Let Go was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Audio: Savannah Richards continues to amaze me. Even though I disliked this book I adored the audio. Her voice is a lure and enchanting. She brings the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobooks for The Original Heartbreakers series.
Audio Narration: 4 Stars
Book Rated: 1 Star
erinremen's review against another edition
5.0
Five star greatness
Another wonderful love story from the magnificent Gena Showalter! Tragic past full of heartbreak meets funny and suspenseful present leads to as usual a HEA! Love the name dropping of The Lord's too! Forgot that one!
Another wonderful love story from the magnificent Gena Showalter! Tragic past full of heartbreak meets funny and suspenseful present leads to as usual a HEA! Love the name dropping of The Lord's too! Forgot that one!
bliss_books's review against another edition
2.0
This was just not my cup of tea. There was a lot of expository writing around grief and what do feelings mean. I think it just wasn't the book I was looking for at the time I read it.
naomilane's review against another edition
5.0
Can't Let Go might be my favorite book of the series. It's such a fun, sexy, entertaining and emotional read, I loved it.
The story is about Ryanne, a feisty twenty-five year old woman, owner of a bar called the Scratching Post, who dreams of traveling the world and Jude, co-owner of a security firm called LPH Protection, a man who's still mourning the loss of his family, a born protector, sexy as hell and stubborn to a fault. I absolutely loved them together and individually. The first time Gena described Jude, I was done for. Sold. I wanted more.
Tonight, he was a bona fide brawler, ready to throw down and heat women up. He wore a black T-shirt, ripped jeans and combat boots. Leather cuffs circled his wrists, and three silver rings glinted on his fingers.Hmmmm, yes! Give him to me! Jude isn't a man who's ready to love again or to be with a woman period. Ryanne decides to put a stop to her ban on romantic relationships and she wants him. I thought the way she went about flirting with him was hilarious. She had no filter and no shame, I loved that. It was actually refreshing to see a heroine so bold and confident without being overly annoying. Ryanne is in need of protection after a very bad man threatens her bar, her home. So, obviously, Jude steps in and offers to protect her...
Gena didn't make us wait too long for them to act on their needs but it wasn't an easy relationship. I think she did a great job. It wasn't too slow for my taste, I got what I wanted throughout the book, but it wasn't too fast either. She didn't rush them together, Gena took her time exploring their relationship, their feelings, their fears.
Jude broke my heart more than once, his situation is heartbreaking, I can't even imagine. Losing your wife and twin daughters all in one night. Gena handled that very smoothly as well, it's always a delicate situation in a book and she did a great job.
Overall, this was a great read, super steamy, it made me genuinely laugh and left me wanting more.
1_romance_reader's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing
I loved it. A great romance with all the feels. I can't say enough about this book and series for that matter. I loved the storyline and fell in love with the characters. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to seeing more books in this series.
I loved it. A great romance with all the feels. I can't say enough about this book and series for that matter. I loved the storyline and fell in love with the characters. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to seeing more books in this series.
whitney0498's review against another edition
5.0
I have been provided with a copy of Can’t Let Go through NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the fifth book in the Original Heartbreakers series and I just absolutely loved getting to go back into this wonderful world with it’s amazing characters. This book features Ryanne Wade and Jude Laurent and I just absolutely fell in love with them. These characters just have a way of drawing you in and you just can’t help but root for them. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.
melissasfandomworld's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so this review is a bit overdue but my blog slump got a bit in the way of finishing and publishing it, yikes. I already read and reviewed the previous book in the series, #4 Can't hardly breathe, and now I was also able to read an e-arc of the fifth book, Can't Let go, which I was so excited about! I was finally able to read the story of Jude and Ryanne, one I've been craving ever since I met them in Can't Hardly Breathe.
Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
Let me tell you more about Jude. Jude is this broody, intense and damaged ex-military man who's suffered immensely and as a reader, you connect with him - at least, I did. It was so hard to see him struggle with his memories and all the pain in the wake of his accident overseas and especially in the wake of the accident with his wife and twin daughters - Accidents like these are just so so terrible and I always become really emotional when reading about stuff like this. It was clear from the first moment we met Jude and knew he would have his own book; Jude was going to have to fight a lot of demons before he could start facing a possibility of having a brighter future. It was excruciatingly painful sometimes to see/feel him struggle with everything and it's amazing how Gena wrote this character. How she was able to make me feel so much for and with him. It was really sad, tragic and beautiful to read about Jude and to see him develop throughout this story and fight against his demons. At the same time, he's very good at making your panties soak buwhahaha. Damn, this guy is sexy, intense and interesting! So yeah, there's a lot of emotion, heartache and such but the sexy stuff is definitely 'ON SPOT' as well - although I don't think Gena could ever disappoint me regarding writing sexy romances because she's amazing at writing these kinds of books.
❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞
And then there's Ryanne. Her dreams of traveling the world and getting out of Strawberry Valley are still very much alive and she has her first trip planned and ready to go. But that is all in jeopardy when a rival bar opens up across the street and wants to buy her out. When she refuses, the owner starts putting some nasty pressure on her of the not so legal or safe variety. That's where Jude comes in when Ryanne hires him to protect both her and her business. Ryanne is determined when it comes to Jude. She has this feeling that he could be 'the one' and she makes it almost a life mission to make sure his walls come down and he opens up again - preferably to her of course haha. She's a strong female lead. With all of the sh*t thrown her way in the past and now also in the present, she remains steadfast and I really admire that about her.
Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the sexual tension flying off the pages. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say; when the time came.. it was INSANELY HOT and it may be even had me drooling a bit, lol! I was not in the least bit disappointed! And of course, there's so much more than the obvious sexual tension between these two. This romance is a perfect balance of physical attraction, chemistry and developing feelings that turn into a soul-deep love that could shatter the world.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
When the story develops, Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety. Even though these two open up to each other more and more, they also keep clashing with one another and I love how well balanced out everything is. The character development and the romance development goes side by side and is just extremely well done. The story-line is written at a nice and steady pace, which makes it a page-turner right from the start. It contains angst, excitement, romance, humor and amazing characters. What more could you want in a contemporary romance? Exactly!
And as always, Gena's writing is enthralling, addictive and excellent. From the very first page until the last; I was hooked. This is that kind of book that you start reading and just want to finish in one sitting. Can Jude overcome his demons and his fears? Or is hoping for a future in which he isn't living in constant pain not too much to wish for? Will Ryanne be able to tether him down a bit and can Jude keep her safe from the threats coming her way? So many questions going round and round in my head while reading, aaahhh... But I thankfully got all my answers and you'll get all the answers too when you read it hehe, so go read the book for yourself and find out ;) You won't regret it!
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.
Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
The characters are - as always when it comes to a Gena Showalter book - so realistically written and interesting right from the start. They are the beating heart of this wonderful story!
Let me tell you more about Jude. Jude is this broody, intense and damaged ex-military man who's suffered immensely and as a reader, you connect with him - at least, I did. It was so hard to see him struggle with his memories and all the pain in the wake of his accident overseas and especially in the wake of the accident with his wife and twin daughters - Accidents like these are just so so terrible and I always become really emotional when reading about stuff like this. It was clear from the first moment we met Jude and knew he would have his own book; Jude was going to have to fight a lot of demons before he could start facing a possibility of having a brighter future. It was excruciatingly painful sometimes to see/feel him struggle with everything and it's amazing how Gena wrote this character. How she was able to make me feel so much for and with him. It was really sad, tragic and beautiful to read about Jude and to see him develop throughout this story and fight against his demons. At the same time, he's very good at making your panties soak buwhahaha. Damn, this guy is sexy, intense and interesting! So yeah, there's a lot of emotion, heartache and such but the sexy stuff is definitely 'ON SPOT' as well - although I don't think Gena could ever disappoint me regarding writing sexy romances because she's amazing at writing these kinds of books.
❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞
And then there's Ryanne. Her dreams of traveling the world and getting out of Strawberry Valley are still very much alive and she has her first trip planned and ready to go. But that is all in jeopardy when a rival bar opens up across the street and wants to buy her out. When she refuses, the owner starts putting some nasty pressure on her of the not so legal or safe variety. That's where Jude comes in when Ryanne hires him to protect both her and her business. Ryanne is determined when it comes to Jude. She has this feeling that he could be 'the one' and she makes it almost a life mission to make sure his walls come down and he opens up again - preferably to her of course haha. She's a strong female lead. With all of the sh*t thrown her way in the past and now also in the present, she remains steadfast and I really admire that about her.
Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the sexual tension flying off the pages. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say; when the time came.. it was INSANELY HOT and it may be even had me drooling a bit, lol! I was not in the least bit disappointed! And of course, there's so much more than the obvious sexual tension between these two. This romance is a perfect balance of physical attraction, chemistry and developing feelings that turn into a soul-deep love that could shatter the world.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
When the story develops, Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety. Even though these two open up to each other more and more, they also keep clashing with one another and I love how well balanced out everything is. The character development and the romance development goes side by side and is just extremely well done. The story-line is written at a nice and steady pace, which makes it a page-turner right from the start. It contains angst, excitement, romance, humor and amazing characters. What more could you want in a contemporary romance? Exactly!
And as always, Gena's writing is enthralling, addictive and excellent. From the very first page until the last; I was hooked. This is that kind of book that you start reading and just want to finish in one sitting. Can Jude overcome his demons and his fears? Or is hoping for a future in which he isn't living in constant pain not too much to wish for? Will Ryanne be able to tether him down a bit and can Jude keep her safe from the threats coming her way? So many questions going round and round in my head while reading, aaahhh... But I thankfully got all my answers and you'll get all the answers too when you read it hehe, so go read the book for yourself and find out ;) You won't regret it!
Once again Gena Showalter proves that she is an experimented, steadfast and talented writer, as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With great storyline, character and romance developments and some twists, this 5th installment of the original heartbreakers series is a great read to pick up when you're in need of a contemporary romance!
About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
3.0
3 Can’t Let Go Stars
I was looking forward to this book, and for the most part, I enjoyed the story and the characters.
I just didn’t connect well with Ryanne, at times I thought she was a little whinny and dramaish. But I loved how she was with Jude and with her friends.
Jude broke my heart his sorrow and loss is so much a part of him I can totally understand why he was pushing Ryanne away like he was. I do think she could have been a little more supportive she pushed when she needed to and he pushed back. I am glad we got to know his before and could feel his story.
Again it isn’t like I didn’t like the story I just liked the book and didn’t omg love it like the others in this series an that’s ok. :)
I am really looking forward to the last book soo freaking hard I am holding out for audio though because the narrator is AMAZING!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I was looking forward to this book, and for the most part, I enjoyed the story and the characters.
I just didn’t connect well with Ryanne, at times I thought she was a little whinny and dramaish. But I loved how she was with Jude and with her friends.
Jude broke my heart his sorrow and loss is so much a part of him I can totally understand why he was pushing Ryanne away like he was. I do think she could have been a little more supportive she pushed when she needed to and he pushed back. I am glad we got to know his before and could feel his story.
Again it isn’t like I didn’t like the story I just liked the book and didn’t omg love it like the others in this series an that’s ok. :)
I am really looking forward to the last book soo freaking hard I am holding out for audio though because the narrator is AMAZING!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome read! I really liked all the ups and downs between Jude and Ryanne as everything develops. I loved the tension, animosity, and drama as well as the playfulness and sweetness. I was hooked the entire time. And Jude, oh my! This man with all his gruffness, watching him open up was amazing!
I thought Jude and Ryanne had a fantastic story. Jude had a heartbreaking history and I enjoyed getting inside his head, he had serious demons to battle and I could feel his pain. It was emotional but every time he opened up, another layer peeled back and he opened his heart even more and it made me melt. Ryanne was so full of life and outgoing but also guarding her heart because of how she was raised, so watching their relationship evolve and grow was wonderful. They had so many playful and flirtatious moments mixed in with his grumpiness and I thought there was a nice balance between them. There’s really good chemistry and animosity, and a really nice amount of heat as well.
I love how the author dealt with Jude's battle, he was just in so much pain and moving on could be hard and I really like how that was portrayed. I also really liked how Ryanne was there for him and understanding, though sometimes I think she forgave a bit to easily. The back and forth, push and pull between Jude and Ryanne was off the charts. It happened a lot and often but it helped make for a great build. They both frustrated me at times, said some things they shouldn't have, and fought their feelings but getting to that moment when everything clicks was so worth it.
I really enjoyed the secondary story that's happening as well with Ryanne. It made for some really nice drama and I liked that extra bit of suspense. I was excited about the updates on other characters from previous stories in the Original Heartbreakers series and liked getting to see more of Brock. He and Lyndie's stories is next and I’m definitely looking forward to it.
I think this is such an awesome series, the build is fantastic while everyone figures themselves out. There's a really nice cast of characters as well with a great mix of drama, emotion, and heat. It's just a well rounded, full story that had me cheering for the Jude and Ryanne to get their happily ever after. This was a winner!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I thought Jude and Ryanne had a fantastic story. Jude had a heartbreaking history and I enjoyed getting inside his head, he had serious demons to battle and I could feel his pain. It was emotional but every time he opened up, another layer peeled back and he opened his heart even more and it made me melt. Ryanne was so full of life and outgoing but also guarding her heart because of how she was raised, so watching their relationship evolve and grow was wonderful. They had so many playful and flirtatious moments mixed in with his grumpiness and I thought there was a nice balance between them. There’s really good chemistry and animosity, and a really nice amount of heat as well.
I love how the author dealt with Jude's battle, he was just in so much pain and moving on could be hard and I really like how that was portrayed. I also really liked how Ryanne was there for him and understanding, though sometimes I think she forgave a bit to easily. The back and forth, push and pull between Jude and Ryanne was off the charts. It happened a lot and often but it helped make for a great build. They both frustrated me at times, said some things they shouldn't have, and fought their feelings but getting to that moment when everything clicks was so worth it.
I really enjoyed the secondary story that's happening as well with Ryanne. It made for some really nice drama and I liked that extra bit of suspense. I was excited about the updates on other characters from previous stories in the Original Heartbreakers series and liked getting to see more of Brock. He and Lyndie's stories is next and I’m definitely looking forward to it.
I think this is such an awesome series, the build is fantastic while everyone figures themselves out. There's a really nice cast of characters as well with a great mix of drama, emotion, and heat. It's just a well rounded, full story that had me cheering for the Jude and Ryanne to get their happily ever after. This was a winner!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
suziereads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5