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A review by bookbruin
Hold You Close by Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels
3.0
Audiobook Review
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 2 stars
I am a huge fan of both Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels. I have read/listened to many of their individual books and loved them. Perhaps that set my expectations too high, because this book was a big miss for me. The narration by Andi Arndt and Tor Thom is the only thing that kept me going. Both did superb jobs voicing both male and female characters and I especially enjoyed Andi Arndt's performance as London. She delivered London's barbs and taunts to Ian perfectly, but also showed such emotion and vulnerability during the more difficult scenes.
Honestly, my biggest problem with the book was Ian. I kept waiting and hoping that he would be redeemed, but sadly it never really happened. He was incredibly frustrating and acted like a huge jerk for the majority of the book. Throw in the fact that he's completely an unapologetic manwhore and I was pretty much done. We're supposed to feel sympathy for him because he sacrificed his happiness and broke his own heart so that London could follow her dreams, but all I felt for him was rage and annoyance. He lived his life, enjoying it to the fullest, even married (and divorced), but you want me to believe that he did all that and treated her so poorly over the years because of his love for her? That if he couldn't have her the way he wanted, then hate was the only solution? Come on.
All the back and forth got old quick and for people who are in their mid to late 30's, they were often very immature. I wish I could say that I loved London, but sadly her willingness to be a doormat and accept any scraps of affection Ian threw her way made me lose a lot of respect for her. Every time it seemed like she was going to grow a spine or when she actually stood up to Ian, the very next scene would have her saying sorry, forgiving him, or enabling his selfish behavior. On top of all this, of course she was also essentially celibate for the 17-18 YEARS her and Ian were separated. The only time her sexual history comes up is when Ian is making a crude comment or joke about it (or rather the lack of it).
The best part of the book was probably Chris, Morgan, and Ruby, even though the circumstances that brought them together as a family was tragic. The epilogue was sweet, but overall the ending felt rushed and forced. The impromptu detour was very cliche for a story set in Vegas and had me rolling my eyes (again) at Ian's complete 180. Unfortunately, it was all just too little, too late for this second chance/enemies to lovers romance.
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 2 stars
I am a huge fan of both Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels. I have read/listened to many of their individual books and loved them. Perhaps that set my expectations too high, because this book was a big miss for me. The narration by Andi Arndt and Tor Thom is the only thing that kept me going. Both did superb jobs voicing both male and female characters and I especially enjoyed Andi Arndt's performance as London. She delivered London's barbs and taunts to Ian perfectly, but also showed such emotion and vulnerability during the more difficult scenes.
Honestly, my biggest problem with the book was Ian. I kept waiting and hoping that he would be redeemed, but sadly it never really happened. He was incredibly frustrating and acted like a huge jerk for the majority of the book. Throw in the fact that he's completely an unapologetic manwhore and I was pretty much done. We're supposed to feel sympathy for him because he sacrificed his happiness and broke his own heart so that London could follow her dreams, but all I felt for him was rage and annoyance. He lived his life, enjoying it to the fullest, even married (and divorced), but you want me to believe that he did all that and treated her so poorly over the years because of his love for her? That if he couldn't have her the way he wanted, then hate was the only solution? Come on.
All the back and forth got old quick and for people who are in their mid to late 30's, they were often very immature. I wish I could say that I loved London, but sadly her willingness to be a doormat and accept any scraps of affection Ian threw her way made me lose a lot of respect for her. Every time it seemed like she was going to grow a spine or when she actually stood up to Ian, the very next scene would have her saying sorry, forgiving him, or enabling his selfish behavior. On top of all this, of course she was also essentially celibate for the 17-18 YEARS her and Ian were separated. The only time her sexual history comes up is when Ian is making a crude comment or joke about it (or rather the lack of it).
The best part of the book was probably Chris, Morgan, and Ruby, even though the circumstances that brought them together as a family was tragic. The epilogue was sweet, but overall the ending felt rushed and forced. The impromptu detour was very cliche for a story set in Vegas and had me rolling my eyes (again) at Ian's complete 180. Unfortunately, it was all just too little, too late for this second chance/enemies to lovers romance.