The Closer You Come (Original Heartbreakers)

I was really looking forward to this new series by GS. The novella "The One You Want" was ok and I was interested in Jase & Brook Lynn story. I was so let down...

***spoilers****

First for me was our hero sleeps with our heroines sister! Brook Lynn walks in on him dressing from just having sex with her sister. This is how our h/h meet. Jase soon realizes it was a mistake but Jase and Brook Lynn never talk about it before they hook up. She says she'll never sleep with a guy who slept with her sister but she still kisses him before any closure of this comes. I couldn't get past it. You saw him dressing right after he was with your sister and your not going to talk about it before you sleep with him ? Kiss him?Want him? Really ?? Its not like a year or two ago. It was just a couple of days ago. Just not working for me at all! Especially with no dialogue between these two. Jase starts bossing Brook Lynn around, her sister is awful to her, she loses her job because of sister, she loses her other job because of three missed days in a year ( really?) and Brook Lynn just takes it? She was such a doormat through this entire book I couldn't get into this book at all. Brook Lynn was so feeble she never stood up for herself. She never cussed her sister out for all the trouble she caused.

And then for some God awful reason Gena Showalter brings back the old girlfriend and come to find out she had Jases kid the whole time ( not expected and so wrong). Why would you do that? It didn't add to the story at all! And then Jase wants them to move to town so he can be close to his daughter. Brook Lynn is so great with this she hangs out with the daughter right away, invites the ex to a party and all is well in her world again. I almost threw my kindle at this point. I could not get this over with quick enough. This is not the type of romance I like at all. It was choppy, juvenile and has too much ick factor. And looks like the sister will be hooking up with West, the only bachelor she hasn't slept with yet. Really, you really want the girl that has already slept with your two best friends and everyone else?

Preview to the next release is Beck's story.Beck has slept with the whole town already. The preview has him hitting on the heroine while another girl is still in his bed.

No thanks. I'll pass on this series.

Reviewed by Phoenix Andrews, 2.5 out of 5

Let me start by saying I love Gena Showalter. I had never found a GS book I didn't devour then remember fondly...until The Closer You Come.

As I was slogging my way through this book, numbly flipping pages on my kindle with my thumb, I felt as though I was reading an author's first attempt at writing. I'm wondering now if this trilogy of books wasn't exactly that. Perhaps these were Showalter's first attempt, written long ago then shoved into a desk drawer to while away the years. Was The Closer You Come gathering dust in the dark, waiting while she cultivated her writing skills and grew her brand into a substantial base that would support and elevate these particular books? Sheesh, I sincerely hope so. This explanation is the only acceptable reason for the quality of style and plotting in this book.

Despite the hero's tragic background I never felt fully engaged with his character like the heroes in Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series. I knew I'd immediately forget this hero upon finishing the book, and that's never a good thing.

The heroine...I wanted to like the heroine. She was a bit damaged but still strong in the beginning. Then she ruined it by overreacting to everything with the shallowness like that of a teenager.

Next, what is with this new trend in romance novels focusing on baking and/or cooking skills? The heroine had sorceress level abilities in the kitchen and of course it was sooo simple for her to turn this into a moneymaking venture. Too much of the book was spent describing her siren sandwiches and strange casseroles ensnaring unsuspecting males.

The plot was juvenile to the point I think if the sex scenes were removed the book would be perfectly at home in a middle school library. Of course the hero and his buddies are so handsome it hurts to look at them. And of course the boys are rich beyond belief, literally, despite being in their 20's and having grownup destitute. The identity of the villain was obvious from his first appearance and I found it frustrating none of the characters figured this out until the end.

There's a point in the book where the heroine is allowed to spontaneously take charge of the young child belonging to the heroine's rival. I have a hard time believing the kid's mother would be fine with her romantic rival absconding with her child without any plans laid out in advance. The heroine keeps the child out for something stupid like ten hours without ever contacting the child's parents. The heroine and the child traipse in at nearly midnight, carting two dogs the heroine saw fit to add to an already weird situation. Her only explanation for not contacting the parents was she had turned off her cell phone. Umm...NO.

It doesn't take ten hours to visit the town dog shelter.
Taking a stranger's child out for an extended adventure lasting way past the child's bedtime? No.
Turning off your phone while caring for someone's child? No.
I was stunned not a single character had anything negative to say about this extreme lack of common sense.

I'm giving this book 2.5 out of 5, mostly because it was well edited for grammar and spelling. I appreciate a professionally edited book in a marketplace that's flooded with unedited first drafts riddled with errors.

Will this book turn me off of Gena Showalter's future books? Hell, no. I love her other series. My feelings toward The Closer You Come can best be described as...befuddled.

Reviewer, Phoenix Andrews

4.5 Stars... We first encounter Brooke Lynn and Jase in the novella "The One You Want"... Brooke Lynn is a small town sweetheart with a big personality while Jase is the "Bad Boy" from the city that simply wants to be alone... Together they confront past demons, challenge one another's sanity, exchange a witty and smart banter (That had me in stitches!!), and ultimately realize they are made for one another... The chemistry sizzles for the majority of the read only to ignite in a passionate frenzy then to transform into a genuine love... I enjoyed the build up of this story; a slow burn that evolved not only from the physical attraction but the unveiling of each characters' inner conflict and fears which allowed the connection to feel more real and relatable... I felt for each of these characters and their journey to overcome life's obstacles both with their own coping mechanisms and determination... Both characters were likable, raw, honest, and endearing; I was held captive by their story and truly enjoyed the journey to the very end... My only complaint was that there were two moments that the characters had the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and personal growth, but both were betrayed in a negative light... I would have liked to see them at their very best and still be raw and honest in their choices... Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to the stories of the secondary characters as the series progresses:)

Brook Lynn Dillon wishes she could relax and have some fun. Instead she is always working and when she isn't, she's following her sister Jessie and trying to keep her out of trouble.

When she finishes her work shift, she gets a call from her best friend telling her to come and get her sister who's trashed again. When she gets there despite an uncomfortable situation, she does what needs to be done. This sets her on a path directly in front of Jase. Brook is confused about her feelings towards him especially when he offered her a job she desperately needs. Spending time with him could be more than what she bargained for.

Jase moved with his two best friends, Beck and West to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. They bought a property and he's restoring it. He spent the last nine years in prison and now having a place to feel safe is all he wants. He seeks a quiet life but Brook changes his plans in just a couple of encounters. He doesn't want to admit he's attracted to her but offering her a job and spending days together is destroying his resolution. Once Jason realized the inevitable, revealing his darkest secrets to Brook may make him loose her.

I'm happy to report that I loved this book. I thought the story had unique characters. Being in Brook's head was funny especially with her obsession with Zombies. She was a great sister, a hard worker, she was a good friend and she deserved happiness. She had insecurities but she never let them interfere with her life to the point of becoming a crutch.

Jase, he won me over after a few minutes in his head. He had so much baggage. His last nine years were awful. He thought he didn't deserve to be happy. My heart broke every time he talked about his experience in prison.

I couldn't put this book down and when the twist comes (which you know is coming) it was more than what I expected. I was like, no way. How do we go around it? In the end Gena Showalter settles everything in the best way possible.
I can't wait for the rest of the crowd to get their own stories. I can already tell I'm going to enjoy them.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

Gena Shaowlater is well know for her paranormal romances. I love her Lords of the Underworld series, but I’m also glad I picked up her contemporary romance to try. I feel in love with Strawberry Valley and it's characters.

Jase Hollister has been out of prison for six months and is now trying to make a life for himself. His two best friends or bothers, have all come to Strawberry Valley to start fresh. All Jase wants is peace, quiet, and solitude. He bears some major scars from his time in prison and his past; before prison. He dons’t show this on the outside, but inside you see he’s scared and scarred.

Brook Lynn Dillon has lived in Strawberry Valley her entire life. Brook Lynn and her sister, Jessie Kay, have struggled to survive. Their past was wonderful until tragidy struck their family. Brook Lynn has and is working herself hard to support herself and her sister ,who is a loose party girl and besides all that she was treated unkind as a kid for her hearing ads.

To say Jase and Brook Lynn don’t have a good first meeting is an understatement and to make it worse he’s bedded her sister. As time moves on and they get to know each other, the chemistry between them sizzles. They both have issues and Jase doesn’t make it easy for anyone to get close.

These two where a lot of fun. The slow build in their romance was enduring and the sexual tension was off the charts. When these two finally get together, oh my, do the sparks fly. They had to work through their issues and fight for each other. Jase and Brook Lynn have some good exchanges which where funny and enjoyable to hear and that “to do” list was a great addition to the story. I had a taste of this “to do” list concept in the novella and loved it so much, I was hopping it would show up in the other books and it did.

I really like the small town feel of Strawberry Valley and the characters were so reminiscent of what people go through in life. All the different trials, issues, and tribulations. Life is not easy. It has it’s good moments and it’s bad. We must learn to deal, move on, and fight for those we love.

Audio Narration: Savannah Richards was wonderful. Her narration was enjoyable and she brought out each character, handling the different voices and genders splendidly. She also brought the slow burning romance alive and the emotional issues to life.

I’m hooked! I had a lot of fun with The Closer You Come. It’s sweet, emotional, fun, and sexy with a little bit of suspense. I plan on picking up the next book in audiobook for this series.

Rated: 4 Stars

I never write a review this short but I honestly feel like, considering how much time has already been wasted on this book, I simply cannot allow it to consume any more of my time.

Long story short: ***SPOILER ALERT*** The "hero" (and I use that term in the loosest of senses) and heroine meet as he's getting dressed after sleeping with said heroine's SISTER. To say it goes downhill after that would be an understatement of epic proportions.

I'm a Lori Foster fan and after reading a book that contained stories of both hers and Showalter's I thought I'd try Showalter out. I'll probably never read anything of Showslter's again. Maybe it's just this series - I won't investigate further - but the whole flippin' town seems to be sleeping with each other. It's way too nasty. I'd say they all come off like backwater trailer trash but I simply can't. I grew up in South Georgia and, though I've known some colorful folks in my life, never have I known anyone that would sleep around so indiscriminately as the people in this town do. Even those that I know will be permanently labeled "white trash" probably for the rest of their lives have greater integrity than this clan of Showslter's creation.

Oh Gena Showalter, how I love thee…haha.

When I first heard that Gena was going back to a contemporary romance series, I was a little nervous. I thought there could be a chance she could lose her niche without the paranormal factors playing out in her books. That she might fall into that pit of redundant conrom storylines and blasé characters.

I was soooooooooo wrong. So so wrong that I should smack myself for even thinking it.

I freaking LOVE this series already, like lovvvvvvveeeeeee.

Gena transports us to a small town called Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. It’s quiet and quaint but hidden inside this remote and peaceful town are some of the most amazing, hilarious, sexy and compassionate characters you will meet in your reading life.

Jase is an ex-con, just released from prison who moves to Strawberry Valley with his best and longtime friends West and Beck. This trio of hotties are nothing but finger licking good. Seriously you will want to eat these guys up. The bond they share and express in this book is utterly swoonworthy and will melt your heart. They are thick as thieves and will do anything for each other. But what is a trio of hotties without a little danger. Jase, West, and Beck all share something else as well. A dark past that not only cemented their bond but has set them on a journey of redemption, love and forgiveness. In Closer you Come we get Jase’s part of this journey, a journey that puts him right in the cross hairs of a one feisty Strawberry Valley native, Brook Lynn Dillon.

Brook Lynn is the hard-working, no nonsense, determined and loyal half of the duo that makes up the Dillon sisters. Jessie Kay is her other half and completely opposite, a wild child; always out partying it up and finding her way into some hot guy’s bed. These two couldn’t be more different. Brook Lynn has spent most of her life looking out for her sister and taking care of their monetary needs by working her butt off. When a quintessential wild Jessie Kay night brings Brook Lynn face to face with the hot, mysterious and brooding Jase, all bets are off.

Brook Lynn and Jase begin a friendship/relationship that is unlike any either of them have experienced. One that will push them both past the boundaries of their heart and the desire that burns within. I love Brook Lynn and Jase’s relationship, it is a rocky road filled with hiccups, bumps, undeniable lust and bittersweet tenderness that will leave you both laughing out loud and weak in the knees.

I love what Gena did with these two, their love was not predictable it was true, realistic and relatable. I loved how both Jase and Brook Lynn played off each other in the book. For every action or word out of Jase, Brook Lynn had an equally snarky comeback or reaction and it was fantastic. I love seeing a heroine that is just as strong as her hero. This story was overflowing with emotion, every turn of the page had me completely consumed and I enjoyed every minute reading this story and becoming invested in these new characters that Gena has brought to life.

This book has all the special ingredients that make up Showalter gold. It’s witty, comical, deliciously sexy, exciting, genuine, romantic and possesses a storyline that will have you itching to see which one of the original heartbreaker boys we will get to enjoy next!!

3.5 stars

I’m so used to Gena Showalter’s paranormal romances, I nearly forgotten she also writes great contemporary romances. The Closer You Come gives us the story of Jase and Brook Lynn (which I always just read as one word). He and his two best friends recently moved to town, to somewhat get away from their past. Jase was only a boy when he got sent to prison and that experience has truly changed him. Out came a jaded, colder man. Now he just wants to live his life, free of trouble or drama and Strawberry Valley seemed to be the best place for that.

Brook Lynn has lived her whole life in this small town. She and her sister lost their parents at an early age and ever since they've been struggling. Her focus is very much on surviving and trying to keep her sister out of trouble. Love has always seemed like an afterthought for her. When on one of her trips to save her sister’s butt, she meets Jase and things change.

The last thing Jase expected was meeting someone like Brook Lynn, or more especially the way he feels around her. Jase doesn’t do romantic feelings, he’s too afraid to get hurt or hurt someone. Still the way Brook Lynn drives him nuts, is impossible to deny. The attraction between these two is of course of the charts. Letting people get close is very difficult for Jase, and understandable. He’s been through a lot in prison and Brook Lynn’s rejection might break him completely.

Brook Lynn and Jase’s story was great. Both are interesting and multiple layered characters. They each have some clear flaws, their emotions are intense and the drama is fun to read about. As I am used to, Gena Showalter has added plenty of fun and humor into the story. Brook Lynn is an awesome heroine. She’s strong, optimistic, and it’s so clear to see how much she cares about the people she loves, even though she can have quite the temper.

Jase was interesting in his own way. He’s a pretty dark character to be the hero in a contemporary romance, but I liked it. I was afraid of why he was in prison exactly and what he’d been through. It’s clearly not been easy for him. Still I believe he deserves his happy ending. There was one moment involving Brook Lynn’s sister that I had a bit of a problem with, but by the end of the book I just denied it ever happened, focusing on the love between him and Brook Lynn instead.

A great beginning of a new series for Gena Showalter. I’ll definitely be reading the next books. These three guys fascinate me, as it’s clear they are a bit broken, but nothing the love of a good woman can not help make better. Beck and West both also deserve their happily ever after.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

The Closer You Come is kind of an everything story but it doesn’t feel thrown together even as it hits on a bunch of favorite themes. There’s even a dog or two to round this out. That might sounds flippant, but while it’s true, this is also a powerful, emotional story about two scarred people who have to learn to trust and open up when everything they know tells them it’s not smart or even possible.

Strawberry Valley is the kind of small town people dream about but then discover isn’t free of gossip, bullying, or pettiness any more than anywhere. Bad things happen here to good people. Brook Lynn has suffered more than most through a combination of tragedy, physical disability, and an older sister who never grew beyond the acting out phase. Brook Lynn Dillon is fiercely loyal and will defend her sister against the world even when sometimes it looks like her sister is doing her best to destroy their every chance.

Brook Lynn is in full protective mode the first time she meets the love of her life…as she extracts her sister from his bed. And that’s just the start of the tumultuous relationship between Brook Lynn and Jase Hollister, a man with a past he keeps hidden because he’s sure the town will reject him for it.

He is recently out of prison, and while horrific, his crime had solid reasons. But the prison system and his inmates didn’t care about the why. He still jumps at shadows and suffers from PTSD, but Brook Lynn starts to change all that long before he’s ready to accept he can change.

Two good people bearing up under deep wounds struggle to find balance in what is not an easy path but certainly a compelling one. There are aspects of both histories I was able to identify with and could understand the rest. This isn’t a rescue story exactly because neither are stable as much as Brook Lynn wants to pretend, but at the same time it is a rescue story because they rescue each other.

And their histories are not the only twists that crop up in this novel.

It could have felt artificially extended if not for how the later events wind through the earlier parts so organically. Only one of the twists surprised me, and that in a good way because it enhanced what had been seeded rather than contradicting it. Even more, there was the potential for cliche at several points and yet the story avoided pretty much every one despite (as I said in the beginning) touching on familiar themes.

Speaking of themes, this book might carry a serious social point or two between prison PTSD and people with visible disabilities, but it doesn’t fall down on the sex either with spicy encounters that border on erotic without slipping over the BDSM line as so many seem to do these days.

In case it somehow escaped you, I really enjoyed this book. I like romances for how they show us ways to overcome obstacles to love. The trials these two faced were real world and often dark, but ultimately they overcame them. I loved the people, enjoyed the story, and didn’t want the book to end.

P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

When the book first came out, I rushed to get a paperback copy as I have everything Showalter has written in the library. Though it took me several months to read it, I wasn't disappointed. Flipping through the worn pages remembering passages to write this review has been a great trip down memory lane.

The small town of Strawberry Valley could be any small town in mid-west America. It could be my own small town before the most recent recession. Tight knit people, quick to judge and quick to stand for one of their own. The relationship between Jase and Brook Lynn is for the best of therapists to decipher. Perfect candidates for Jerry Springer's show.

Whether I liked the story itself, or the eww factor of the triangle between Jase, Brook Lynn and her sister, I have to say Showalter did not disappoint in the heat factor. Unfortunately, I know of a woman who went through brothers and cousins of a family so my eww factor is a roll of the eyes, but I digress.

Now that Showalter has mastered the paranormal and YA fields, she is taking the contemporary genre head-on and coming out a winner.

4.5 Feathers

The Closer You Come is a romance that revolves around an ex-con and the town sweetheart. I was really excited to read this story because I’m a fan of the authors paranormal romance series. However, I had some issues with this story. You see, Brook Lynn walks in on her sister and Jase post-coitus. What’s Brook Lynn’s first thought? It’s about how utterly sexy Jase is and how bad she wants to do him. I kid you not. It was really hard to get over the fact that these two were lusting after each other right after the fact that he slept with her sister. Not to mention that while things were happening between them, she would be thinking about how he slept with her sister and picturing the scene that she’d originally walked in on. Then she’s wonder if he was comparing her to her sister, and it was just too much.

Aside from the constant reminder of Jase’s previous conquest, the story was pretty good. The characters were great. Brook Lynn was a strong character who had pretty much took care of her older sister. She is loyal to a fault, and when she is knocked down she bounces right back. Then you had Jase who was an interesting character. He spent 9 years in prison. He was only 18 years old when he went in and he had to learn to survive while in there. He kind of has PTSD from his time in there. Let’s just say that he endured a lot of awful things while in there. These two made for great reading.

Regardless of my immediate hang-up, I did enjoy this story. It was light, sweet, and had its steamy moments. However, I think I will stick with her paranormal stuff instead.

I wanted to like this book more. I have liked author Showalter's books in the past. But there were some things I just couldn't get past as I tried to sit back and enjoy this story.

SPOILER ALERT:

First thing in the book, Brook Lynn, the heroine of the story, walks in on Jase, the hero, right after he's had sex with her sister. There's such a thing as close families but sharing lovers has too much of an ick factor to me.

And Brook Lynn's sister treats her like crap - repeatedly - and Brook Lynn just takes it.

There's Jase's overuse of the pet name "angel" for Brook Lynn. Pet names are okay occasionally but they always make me wonder if the user forgot the other person's name. Using a person's name - their personal identifier - is very sexy.

Also, Jase is very domineering and obsessive with Brook Lynn - and she is just a doormat and allows it.

Plus the other main men in the story are real horn dogs, sleeping with any female within sight.

There was some things that I did like about the book. The sex scenes were sizzling (other than the domineering ones). The cooking sequences I liked - the food sounded fabulous. And I like that the story takes place in a small town, Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, where everyone knows your business but also has your back when needed. There were some funny scenes and some sad scenes. I liked the backstory of Jade, Beck, and West especially the story of where Jase has been for the last nine years and Beck's and West's parts in that.

Romances are very personal. Some people won't be bothered by what I was bothered by. But for me, there were just too MANY negative happenings in the story for me to fully enjoy it.

NOTE: I received this book from HQN Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I have to say Gena knows how to write one heck of a story. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I needed to know how things ended. This story will have you on your toes and also trying to figure things out on your own but you also get to see two strangers connect on such a high level that you want what's best for them. You will feel the connection between the characters and the emotions will run high. A book about healing, finding love and never letting go.

Brook Lynn is your spunky fun girl and works to damn hard. She is trying to make sure she keeps a roof over her & her sister's head along with money that they need. Even though she is the younger sister, she looks out for her older sister. When she meets Jase, she doesn't like him at first but the more she gets to know Jase, the more her feelings start changing. She can't help but be around him and she'll do whatever she can to change Jase's view on relationships. As her and Jase grow closer, she must now learn Jase's dark secret. Will it scare her away or will she remain with Jase.

Jase is your hot, alpha, domineering guy who has had a hard life and he lives with guilt every day for what he did when he was younger. He doesn't believe he deserves a good life nor a woman by his side. He has his two best friends but are more like his brothers who also share guilt with him, only for different reasons. When Jase meets Brook Lynn, he can't help but want to see more of her. When he starts seeing Brook Lynn more, he wants to know more about her and when she loses her jobs, he knows that he will do anything for her. The more time he spends with her, he starts having feelings that he never had before but he must first come clean about his past. He can only hope that after he tells her that she will still be with him.

Great job to the author on an amazing book. I highly recommend.

Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

This is my first story by this author and while I thought this was a good read there're a couple things that threw me off. I don't like from this or any story – sisters (or brothers) who have sex with the same man (woman) and any character(s) who uses an excessive amount of snark.

The first story in Showalter’s ‘The Original Heartbreakers’ series introduces three friends who recently moved to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. Jase Hollister has been out of prison for 6 months after doing a 9-year sentence. I was surprised how relatively easy it was for Jase to adapt to life on the outside. Considering the timeline (Jase was 19 when he went behind bars) I expected him to have more of a routine suggestive of spending those formative years locked away but then again he did stay close to home a lot so maybe that’s good enough.

Jase is lucky in that when he was released from prison Beck and West were waiting for him and they’d also made him a business partner with all the perks, but not the work, so he didn’t have to worry about money or where he would be sleeping. By the time the trio moved to Strawberry Valley, they’re all millionaires but you couldn’t tell because the guys have moved into a ramshackle house; it’s Jase’s job to make the structural fixes while Beck and West are running the business.

During a part at the Jase/Beck/West home, Brook Lynn Dillon comes looking for her older sister, Jessie Kay. Jessie Kay has a habit of finding where the party’s at and sleeping with some random man – supposedly looking for love. Anywho, Brook Lynn going to Jase’s room and finds her sister in Jase’s bed and yes, Jase is in the room putting his shirt back on. Somewhere during that time, Brook Lynn becomes taken with Jase’s tattoos and overall manliness. I know I have some issues in stories but there is no story teller who can ever convince me that this is a good basis for a plot and had I know that going in I might not have made the leap.

Brook Lynn’s fascination continues knowing that Jase recently slept with her sister. Even when she brought it up while they were having sex about being compared – there is no way on God’s green earth that Jase wasn’t mentally comparing them. Even if he chose Brook Lynn, he had to have compared. But I digress.

Brook Lynn had a very strong personality, almost unbearably strong for this reader. She had a temper, which was fine. She had a violent streak, which was fine. She had a loving sister to Jessie Kay and a good best friend Kenna, which were fine. But what wasn’t fine for me was the ridiculous amount of snark coming out of her mouth. There were moments I really wanted her to just shut up. I know she’s supposed to really smart but if she were so smart she would have figured out a way to earn money and not have to work 3 jobs while running behind her sister and her wild nights.

I wanted to enjoy the romance and the chemistry between Jase and Brook Lynn but my well intentions were constantly interrupted by the fact that Jase slept with Brook Lynn’s sister. I just couldn’t get past that.

West and Beck were so messed up. They each have their vices but nothing really impressed me about either of them. They were either angry and/or flirting all the time and interestingly they spent a lot of time together and I was hoping to get to know their demons more but not this go around.

The friendship between the three guys was a little off putting. Maybe it was the circumstances under which Jase went to jail that explained their unusually affectionate (for guys) camaraderie. I don’t know but I wish I did.

I’ll leave you with this – there was a lot of sex between Jase and Brook Lynn once they decided to do that but again the ick factor because of the sister thing.

Happy Reading Folks!

Rating: C

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley for review

Also posted on www.redhotbooks(dot)com

Gena Showalter's books are an automatic purchase for me - especially her Lords of the Underworld Series - really anything she writes that's paranormal romance is going home with me or being downloaded by me (except for the Nymph King - that was just too stupid); but in other genres her writing is hit or miss. This book is definitely a miss.

It's just plain, boring, unexciting - like a Saturday TV movie from the 80s. It attempts to be moving and emotional but just skims over everything that could have given the characters and story any real depth. It has great potential but it's unrealized. There are so many plot points that she could have played up and made this an excellent read, but she didn't. Everything from Jace's past and emotional trauma to Brook's handicap and insecurities - even the fact that he slept with her slutty sister before he met her could have given this story some meat - something for them to really work through but NO Ms. Showalter went with the Saturday afternoon special plot of bringing in an unknown child and having everything and everyone be one big happy family - cop out writing. Too bad.

While she's an excellent paranormal romance writer, Ms Showalter doesn't seem to do contemporary romance well. (The same is true for her pirate historicals.) I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

I have enjoyed Gena Showalter's series White Rabbit Chronicles, so when I saw The Closer You Come on Netgalley I knew I wanted to read it. I'm so glad I did!

Jase Hollister is the ultimate bad boy who is trying to get a fresh start after his recent release from prison. Jase and his two friends, West and Beck, have made Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma their new home. They are hoping that the small town will help them escape their troubled pasts. Is it possible to make a new life when you are tortured by the mistakes from your past? Guilt and hate can consume a soul. Can they find the strength and desire to put it all behind them? Jase is looking for a quiet, uncomplicated life, which is totally out the window as soon as Brooke Lynn walked through his door. Brook Lynn Dillon has her own share of troubles. She is too busy working two jobs and trying to keep her older sister out of trouble to have any fun. Brook Lynn is too young to be so serious. Can Jase add a little fun to her life? Can Brook Lynn ease Jase's troubled soul?

Jase is one dark, brooding, sexy man. He is very loyal and protective, but he can take that to the extreme. Brook Lynn is a hard worker...sometimes too hard. She loves her sister who is the only family she has left. Can Brook Lynn tear down the walls Jase has built up around his heart? The chemistry is off the charts for Jase and Brook Lynn. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It was a sweet, complicated, steamy romance. What an enjoyable read! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers) by Gena Showalter http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2gX
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

REVIEW:
I loved this book! The Closer You Come is book one in Gena Showalter's new contemporary romance series, The Original Heartbreakers. There is a novella that released before this one, but it doesn't have to be read before this book. If you're a fan of Gena Showalter's PNR books you'll love her contemporary romances too. I love Gena Showalter's writing style in both genres. The Closer You Come has a great plot and characters that draw you into their story. I love the banter between Jase and Brook Lynn as well as the couple's friends. The story starts off with a scene that made me think I wasn't going to like the book. I won't get into what that was because I don't want to spoil any of the story, but do keep reading past the first time the characters meet. I think Jase and Brook Lynn really belonged together. I loved their interactions and their chemistry burned up the pages. I highly recommend this series for readers looking for a fun and sexy romance series. Gena Showalter's books are addicting and I can't wait for the next release.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

Closer You Come by Gena Showalter *4 Stars

This book is the first in the Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter and I am excited for the other two. This book focuses on Jase Hollister, six months fresh out of prison and he is one of the hot bachelors that have moved into Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. He and his friends Beck and West (whom I’m hoping the other two books will be about) live in a house on the edge of town, and met as they were boys in the growing up in the same foster home. (Bless their sexy hearts!) Beck is the town playboy, sleeping with every girl, West is the calm business minded friend still mourning the loss of loved one years after, and Jase is the stoic,quiet one that no one knows anything about. Jase is the bad boy that you just can’t stay away from. Yes, he served 9 years in prison, and yes he sometimes blacks out with rage due to form of PTSD that he got from being in prison, but you also just want to make sure he will be okay, especially since you find out why he went to prison.

The leading lady of this story is Miss Brook Lynn Dillon, whose name I could not get over. She is all sass and I love it. She is not the stereotypical leading lady, forlorn and longing and desperately looking for a man, but she isn’t man eater either. She is strong independent and hard working. She’s a woman in her mid 20’s with a sister she feels overly protective about and two jobs just to scrape by. the beginning of the book has Brook Lynn’s narration state “ When a girls reached a certain level of exhaustion, every time of day sucked. Story of my life! Brook Lynn’s rare ear disorder that results in her wearing implants, that seems to be her only source of vulnerability (which will play a small part int eh story) , beyond her sister, Jessie Kay. The sisters have endured a crazy and difficult childhood, and have stuck together through everything. Brook Lynn's a respectable girl with a reputation of being a bada**, and she believes and prepares for the “inevitable” zombie apocalypse. What’s not to like about her?

So, Brook Lynn and Jase meet in the worst way, as in she is looking for Jessie Kay and finds her naked in Jase’s room, but even from their horrible beginning, there’s something there. Things escalate as they spend more time together and they a contract is made for one night only, but at this point does she just want one night? Does he? The sexual tension will have you yelling at your book for them to get it on already! Once they do (of course they would), Brook Lynn, decides she’s all in, but is Jase? She’s looking for an actual relationship and not just bed buddies, and Jase could be it. Jase wants it too, but there’s that pesky thing about him needing to tell her he was in prison. Can she accept the dark secrets of his past to be with him? Is he even capable of making himself that vulnerable and confessing, when vulnerability is a weakness Jase had to hide and harden in order to survive in prison? Also, curveball, there’s a random guy following Brook Lynn! No one knows who he is, where he came from, nor why he is following her, but he seems like he’s trying to kill her.

I am not the hugest of romance novels, but I really enjoyed this one. If Brook Lynn were real, I feel like as he and I could have some drinks together. If Jase were real, then I may have to make life decisions about my current boyfriend. I like that the tension grew and I loved the sarcastic banter that everyone had. The shameless cheesy flirting of Beck, the quips from Jessie Kay, and the snark and with from Brook Lynn, are exactly how my friends and I talk to each other. I had read the YA novel Alice in Zombieland, but Gena Showalter, but after this, I am definitely interested in her other romance books! Love, loss, secrets, sex, mystery, food and sarcasm, what’s not to love about this?

Gena Showalter's books are an automatic purchase for me - especially her Lords of the Underworld Series - really anything she writes that's paranormal romance is going home with me or being downloaded by me (except for the Nymph King - that was just too stupid); but in other genres her writing is hit or miss. This book is definitely a miss.

It's just plain, boring, unexciting - like a Saturday TV movie from the 80s. It attempts to be moving and emotional but just skims over everything that could have given the characters and story any real depth. It has great potential but it's unrealized. There are so many plot points that she could have played up and made this an excellent read, but she didn't. Everything from Jace's past and emotional trauma to Brook's handicap and insecurities - even the fact that he slept with her slutty sister before he met her could have given this story some meat - something for them to really work through but NO Ms. Showalter went with the Saturday afternoon special plot of bringing in an unknown child and having everything and everyone be one big happy family - cop out writing. Too bad.

While she's an excellent paranormal romance writer, Ms Showalter doesn't seem to do contemporary romance well. (The same is true for her pirate historicals.) I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

I have enjoyed Gena Showalter's series White Rabbit Chronicles, so when I saw The Closer You Come on Netgalley I knew I wanted to read it. I'm so glad I did!

Jase Hollister is the ultimate bad boy who is trying to get a fresh start after his recent release from prison. Jase and his two friends, West and Beck, have made Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma their new home. They are hoping that the small town will help them escape their troubled pasts. Is it possible to make a new life when you are tortured by the mistakes from your past? Guilt and hate can consume a soul. Can they find the strength and desire to put it all behind them? Jase is looking for a quiet, uncomplicated life, which is totally out the window as soon as Brooke Lynn walked through his door. Brook Lynn Dillon has her own share of troubles. She is too busy working two jobs and trying to keep her older sister out of trouble to have any fun. Brook Lynn is too young to be so serious. Can Jase add a little fun to her life? Can Brook Lynn ease Jase's troubled soul?

Jase is one dark, brooding, sexy man. He is very loyal and protective, but he can take that to the extreme. Brook Lynn is a hard worker...sometimes too hard. She loves her sister who is the only family she has left. Can Brook Lynn tear down the walls Jase has built up around his heart? The chemistry is off the charts for Jase and Brook Lynn. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It was a sweet, complicated, steamy romance. What an enjoyable read! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers) by Gena Showalter http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2gX
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

REVIEW:
I loved this book! The Closer You Come is book one in Gena Showalter's new contemporary romance series, The Original Heartbreakers. There is a novella that released before this one, but it doesn't have to be read before this book. If you're a fan of Gena Showalter's PNR books you'll love her contemporary romances too. I love Gena Showalter's writing style in both genres. The Closer You Come has a great plot and characters that draw you into their story. I love the banter between Jase and Brook Lynn as well as the couple's friends. The story starts off with a scene that made me think I wasn't going to like the book. I won't get into what that was because I don't want to spoil any of the story, but do keep reading past the first time the characters meet. I think Jase and Brook Lynn really belonged together. I loved their interactions and their chemistry burned up the pages. I highly recommend this series for readers looking for a fun and sexy romance series. Gena Showalter's books are addicting and I can't wait for the next release.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

Closer You Come by Gena Showalter *4 Stars

This book is the first in the Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter and I am excited for the other two. This book focuses on Jase Hollister, six months fresh out of prison and he is one of the hot bachelors that have moved into Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. He and his friends Beck and West (whom I’m hoping the other two books will be about) live in a house on the edge of town, and met as they were boys in the growing up in the same foster home. (Bless their sexy hearts!) Beck is the town playboy, sleeping with every girl, West is the calm business minded friend still mourning the loss of loved one years after, and Jase is the stoic,quiet one that no one knows anything about. Jase is the bad boy that you just can’t stay away from. Yes, he served 9 years in prison, and yes he sometimes blacks out with rage due to form of PTSD that he got from being in prison, but you also just want to make sure he will be okay, especially since you find out why he went to prison.

The leading lady of this story is Miss Brook Lynn Dillon, whose name I could not get over. She is all sass and I love it. She is not the stereotypical leading lady, forlorn and longing and desperately looking for a man, but she isn’t man eater either. She is strong independent and hard working. She’s a woman in her mid 20’s with a sister she feels overly protective about and two jobs just to scrape by. the beginning of the book has Brook Lynn’s narration state “ When a girls reached a certain level of exhaustion, every time of day sucked. Story of my life! Brook Lynn’s rare ear disorder that results in her wearing implants, that seems to be her only source of vulnerability (which will play a small part int eh story) , beyond her sister, Jessie Kay. The sisters have endured a crazy and difficult childhood, and have stuck together through everything. Brook Lynn's a respectable girl with a reputation of being a bada**, and she believes and prepares for the “inevitable” zombie apocalypse. What’s not to like about her?

So, Brook Lynn and Jase meet in the worst way, as in she is looking for Jessie Kay and finds her naked in Jase’s room, but even from their horrible beginning, there’s something there. Things escalate as they spend more time together and they a contract is made for one night only, but at this point does she just want one night? Does he? The sexual tension will have you yelling at your book for them to get it on already! Once they do (of course they would), Brook Lynn, decides she’s all in, but is Jase? She’s looking for an actual relationship and not just bed buddies, and Jase could be it. Jase wants it too, but there’s that pesky thing about him needing to tell her he was in prison. Can she accept the dark secrets of his past to be with him? Is he even capable of making himself that vulnerable and confessing, when vulnerability is a weakness Jase had to hide and harden in order to survive in prison? Also, curveball, there’s a random guy following Brook Lynn! No one knows who he is, where he came from, nor why he is following her, but he seems like he’s trying to kill her.

I am not the hugest of romance novels, but I really enjoyed this one. If Brook Lynn were real, I feel like as he and I could have some drinks together. If Jase were real, then I may have to make life decisions about my current boyfriend. I like that the tension grew and I loved the sarcastic banter that everyone had. The shameless cheesy flirting of Beck, the quips from Jessie Kay, and the snark and with from Brook Lynn, are exactly how my friends and I talk to each other. I had read the YA novel Alice in Zombieland, but Gena Showalter, but after this, I am definitely interested in her other romance books! Love, loss, secrets, sex, mystery, food and sarcasm, what’s not to love about this?

"He looks as tough as iron, but he's actually as fragile as glass."

I loved this book! This is my first book from Gena Showalter and I can't wait to read the rest of the Heartbreaker series!

Blurb
Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. Model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty—but he's determined to play by the rules.

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been the responsible type. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and wouldn’t know fun if it bit her. Or so she thinks. Jase makes bad look oh, so good. Dangerous, sexy and tempting as sin, he is everything she never knew she wanted. Passion sizzles between them, but is it enough to melt his resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what he needs…

I love how both Brook Lynn & Jase are so different but they seem to both have a temper. I love how Brook Lynn fights her attraction to him right off the bat. Which I totally agreed with her especially after knowing that he hooked up with her sister Jessie Kay.

After Brook Lynn declares she is finished with "fixer upper guys" .. then theres Jase

""The guy was clearly more of a fixer-upper than she'd ever realized, and she'd sworn off fixer-uppers for all of eternity. The end result might make all the work worth the effort. Not just a fixer-upper. He'll have to be torn down and put back together if we have any hope of lasting long-term."

Gradually Brook chips away at Jase's armour and I have to say that I loved seeing him getting close to her and being open. I love the banter between them. They are a funny couple. I love that she cooks! I can't wait to try out the Cheesy chicken spaghetti recipe! I wish there were more in the book! I love foodie type books!

The Closer You Come is a great book! I can't wait to read the next book!

*I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I think with this new series, "The Original Heartbreakers", Gena Showalter wanted a little change, leaving aside the world of paranormal romance, in which she usually likes to set her stories.
"The Closer You Come", first installment in the series, is a contemporary romance that has all the numbers to win new readers, perhaps even among younger people, and certainly Gena's fans will not be disappointed. Ms Showalter hasn't lost her magic touch, giving life to a story and characters that, in my opinion, leave their mark.
I loved the beginning of the book, the encounter/clash between the two protagonists, Jase and Brook Lynn, puts them in an awkward situation and their reactions are unpredictable to say the least.
You can read the point of views of both of them in the story and it makes everything amazing, addictive and it is impossible not to be impressed and fascinated by Jase or not to love Brook Lynn, who is irresistible right away and a lot of fun to read. She is young, but always used to be that reliable and responsible one in the family and she really struggles to keep tabs on her sister who is her exact opposite. Brook Lynn is sensitive but tough and throughout the town is well aware of her temperament. When she's close to lose her temper she starts to count to three, as warning for the people that she's going to unleash the "beast in her", well ... everyone run like hell and it's too, too funny to see her having this effect on others. Everyone except him, Jase, who has faced in his past so many demons, and isn't a bit intimidated from her.
After a terrible childhood and making a big mistake that has ruined his life, his motto became: Feel Nothing. Want Nothing. Need Nothing..
He builts around himself an armature of apparent coldness and indifference, to try to hold off his worst nightmares and keep away the others and he became very good at it, but Brook Lynn nicks this armor without realizing it and after that, instead, with full knowledge of the facts, she decides to pull out the nails and fight her way to get him, why he's worth fighting.
He is a complex and troubled character, full of secrets and dark sides, but I have a real soft spot for this kind of male protagonists.
Actually, I love him, but also his two friends, Wess and Beck, and the bond they share. Having lived a difficult childhood joined them, they become for each other the family they never had, and nothing seems to be able to divide them. Their relationship is unique, special and solid. Brook Lynn manages to sneak into their lives and earn little by little her space, creating a truly entertaining interludes in their company and transmitting that warmth missing in their home.
It was very particular the author's choice to pick us for protagonist a young girl with a disability that creates problems, and not the classic beautiful and perfect one, a problem that doesn't make it any less burning the passion between Brook Lynn and Jase.
The attraction and tension that lingers between the two is so palpable that it is difficult to not being trapped in it and when I arrived to their first kiss ... let's say I could breathe again, and what a kiss ... Yes, it was worth waiting a little.
Well done Gena! It was so good! I was a bit hesitant before starting to read the book, but now I have high expectations for this series, because the stories of Wess and Beck are very promising. Their "curriculum" in one-night stand could embarrass Casanova and for taming two subjects such them, the female protagonists of the books will certainly be extraordinary.

Gena Showalter does a great job not only depicting characters most wouldn’t give the time of day but showing who they are inside and while individuals most would dismiss are worth so much more. She makes you understand them, why they may have made some of the choices they did, why there was no good option to the horrible situation they had not control over.

When Showalter is done, her readers not only like the characters, but are cheering for them, crying with them, enraged on their behalf and wanting only the best for people thrust into a life of hardships with the deck more than stacked against them.

Who else could write a story about a man recently released from prison, where he served a nine year sentence for murdering someone, and have you railing at the injustice he faced not only in his young life, but while “paying his debt to society?”

Your heart will hurt for the young Jase Holister, whose lifetime of abandonment and mistreatment culminated in the unstoppable rage he unleashed on the man who raped one his best friends as she was trying to leave a party, then because his family had money and power wasn’t punished by the law for his action.
Aside from her and his girlfriend, there were only two other people Jase let in, Beck and West. They too went after the man who raped the young girl. Only Jase did time; he never ratted out his buddies because he wanted them to take advantage of the opportunities life offered them. And even when they came regularly to see him in prison, he never let the atrocities he endured while incarcerated. But, they carried the guilt, especially, when one lost the scholarship Jase sacrificed himself for so he could have.

So, when he gets out of prison, it’s to these two men he goes. The girlfriend split when he was sentenced, and he understood her not waiting, even if it hurt. They’ve become successful and gave Jase an equal share of the business. So, when Jase decides he has to get out of the city, West buys an old ramshackle farm/plantation and they move. Despite the debauchery that occurs at their parties, Jase still isn’t settled in the lifestyle.

But, it’s one of those interminable parties that Beck and West host that introduces Jase to Brook Lynn Dillon, the woman who will change his world, showing him the light at the top of the ocean of darkness he’s drowning in.

They don’t instantly start out in like, although sparks do fly. Brook Lynn goes in search of her errant sister, Jessie Kay, only to find her in bed with Jase in Jase’s room, after having picked the lock on his door to get in. No stranger to Jessie Kay and her wild ways, or having to track down the party girl home from bars, parties or other places she’s ended up after several rounds of beverage, Brook Lynn exchanges words with Jase then launches into Jessie Kay. The sister fight and Jase break them up, tossing her in their pool. However, not before a night stand and lamp in Jase’s room are damaged.
And, Jase manages to mess up Brook Lynn’s experimental pieces, designed to attach inside her ear to help mute sound, as her ears naturally are so keen, that every noise is magnified to levels that cause severe pain.

She cools off, offers to pay for damages she’s caused, even though neither she nor her sister, who shows up to work at the diner only when she’s not hungover, forcing Brook Lynn to work numerous doubles.

Jase is already regretting having sex with Jessie Kay, but there’s no going back. He’s Instantly drawn to Brook Lynn’s love for her messed up older sister is apparent even when they’re fighting and her honesty and character in offering to pay for items, even if it means doing without basics are apparent. And, the sparks zinging between them aren’t just Brook Lynn being pissed at her sister’s behavior. So he spies on her at the cafe and plans to offer money to pay for her ear device, which insurance won’t pay to replace because its experimental and the nature in which it was damaged. But, she has to have more put in; trying to tough it out is only compromising her health. So she has to miss work due to another surgery, which puts her and her sister even further in debt.

While Brook Lynn has been working two jobs, trying not only to pay the bills but to put a little back so she can put down on a little business to invest in the future, Jessie Kay can’t be bother to call much less come home from her nights of partying. That more often than not means an exhausted Brook Lynn covers her shifts at the diner too, and worries like crazy about her sister, who kept food on the table until she was out of high school and could work. Their con man uncle stuck around after their parents’ died only long enough to claim the insurance money and drag them into a few scams.

The next time Jessie Kay fails to call or come home, Brook Lynn in desperation ends up back at Jase’s place. But, Jase hasn’t had anything to do with Jessie Kay since last Brook Lynn saw him. When he sees how tired, worried and determined Brook Lynn is to find her sister, even if it means trawling through numerous bars at night, he insists on going with her, taking Beck and West to cover more ground, and using one of their vehicles since her clunker looks like its rolled its last mile. When she falls asleep in the car, they keep looking until they round up Jessie Kay and take them both to the men’s abode. Jase carries Brook Lynn in to his bed and tenderly puts the “angel” down on his pillow. Jessie Kay is brought in to sleep off her night of booze and men. They wake up late and Brook Lynn rushes to work. Both sisters end up fired.

That’s when Jase steps in. He offers her a job as his assistant and money for the damaged earpieces. She doesn’t have a lot of choice but to take it. While he wants to help this great gal and can’t seem to stay away from her, he puts her through her paces too, making her clean, clean, clean their pad. But she does and then some. he can’t stay way from her, but pushes her away each step closer she gets. And Brook Lynn, unlike many, isn’t afraid to tell him just what she thinks. Unlike most, Jase isn’t afraid of Brook Lynn’s gruff attitude either.

She also seems him, the Jase he’d buried, then stoned off years ago. Brook Lynn doesn’t want to like Jase, but she does — even if at first she has trouble getting past the image of him going at it with her sister. But, she did get a good gander and his physique. Nice!

And, after a while Jase decides he’s not good for her, and tries to push her away. Nothing he tries either to get her to quit her job or him work. But, past experience taught him to be wary, that he won’t be enough, good enough for her. So, he holds off telling her about his prison record and past until both are tripping over themselves.

Brook Lynn meanwhile was determined she isn’t going to become involved with Jase, especially because Jessie Kay suddenly thinks she and Jase are meant to be together and she did see Jase him first. She Brook Lynn tries to swallow her budding attraction and growing feelings for Jase because of her sister.

But,when she ends up back in the hospital because her earpiece has to be fixed again, Jase sees the bond between the two sisters. Though the circumstances are beyond her control, she loves her second job too. She’s missed too much time. Not only does that mean her dream of owning the little jewelry shop she’d worked at won’t come to fruition. She ends now she has a mountain of new doctor bills and they’re already struggling to hold on with bills piling up.

Jase lets finally makes a move on her and has offered her full time employment. Things progress from there. He finally tells her about prison, and she has to think on it. Of course, that’s proof she can’t handle it, more rejection, so he shuts down again.

They eventually have to each decide if the other is worth the risk.

I really loved this:

“Why couldn’t she be like the women in books and movies and just trust him?
“Easy. Because she was real, with real reactions.
“Being real sucked.”

Just when it seems things might work out, there’s a new threat to Jase and by association Brook Lynn and anyone connected to him, and the woman from Jase’s past returns... with some life altering news of her own.

I really enjoyed this book. Showalter does a fabulous job delving in to both main characters’ pasts, showing how they shaped who they are, and giving them the choice of who they become.

And, by the end of the book, like Jase, you learn to appreciate Jessie Kay for the good in her she hides behind the good times and flightiness and are left wondering what’s the deal with Jessie Kay and West, the only one of the three men she hasn’t had sex with. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. These heartbreakers were created in hell and came through it better for it.

RATING: 4.5 STARS

The Closer You Come is book one in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and Gena Showalter for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gena Showalter is well known for her paranormal romances. Although I have some of them on my reading wish list, I have not read anything by her yet. I am glad, now, though, so that I wasn’t tempted to compare. I went into this book with an open mind as to what to expect, and I loved it. I really liked the book for the first half and I can’t tell you what happened, something just clicked, and I fell in love with it from there on out.

Jase Hollister was just released from prison six months ago. He served nine years and is now trying to make a life for himself. His two best friends or brothers as he thinks of them, have bought a farm in Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma. It seems like the perfect place for him to start over. He just wants peace and quiet and solitude. The scars he bares from his time in prison don’t all show on the outside. He is scarred on the inside as well.

“Feel nothing. Want nothing. Need nothing.”

Brook Lynn Dillon has lived in Strawberry Valley all her life. There was a time when she and her sister were part of a loving family, until they lost their parents when they were younger. Then an uncle stole their inheritance so from there on out, Brook Lynn and her sister, Jessie Kay, have struggled to survive. Even though Brook Lynn is the younger sister, she is often forced to be the parent to her sister who prefers to spend all of her free time partying and in bars, frequently forgetting to show up for work. Brook Lynn is holding down two jobs and trying to cover for her sister but it’s just too much to handle and it was only a matter of time before everything fell apart.

It’s on one of her searches for her sister at a party at the farmhouse of Strawberry Valley’s three newest residents that she first meets the hunkalicious Jase Hollister. But this first meeting did not go well, at all! In fact, he’s whose bed she found her sister in! But as time went on and they got to know each other, chemistry began to sizzle and bonds began to form. Jase, though, knows that he is not relationship material. He’s too empty, his soul is too dark. Brook Lynn is a good girl and she deserves better, a forever type of guy and he is far from that. So he fights against everything he is feeling. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting to help her, and protect her. What would Brook Lynn do if she knew what he had done, that he was an ex-con? He’s sure that she would run away, which is what would probably be best.

“He was as far from perfect as she was close to it; his scars might appall her…or lead to questions he wasn’t prepared to answer.”

Jase keeps his walls up but his actions contradict his words. He says no but his actions show that he cares, that he’s a good man.

“Actions mean more than words…but she would be lying if she claimed she wasn’t looking forward to their next interaction.”

These two were so much fun to get to know. I think part of my own slow build with my feelings towards this book was I just had to get used to the author’s writing style. She has a snarky sense of humor and it definitely showed with the exchanges between Jase and Brook Lynn. They had me laughing out loud with their texts and Jase’s “to do” lists for Brook Lynn. The slow build of their relationship and the sexual tension was killing me and I was relieved when they finally gave in to each other. And it was definitely worth the wait.

I really did love this book. It was fun, sweet, sexy, and also a bit suspenseful. I plan to go back and read the prequel, #0.5, The One You Want, and then the soon to be released book #2, The Hotter You Burn, which will be Beck’s story.

“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.”

Hot guys, a small town called Strawberry Valley, and a dark secret all roll into one sweet and sexy romance. You can even use all of the reading clichés to describe this book. It’s a page-turner. It’s too good to put down. It’s a compelling read. Believe me, I could go on.

The Closer You Come follows small-town girl Brook Lynn and the new mysterious guy in town, Jase. Brook Lynn isn’t the average female protagonist. She has her own fair share of problems and she won’t let a man tell her what to do without a fight. And Jase has an original and heart-wrenching past that had me fascinated throughout the story. I actually wish there was more information about his past, just because it was so captivating. Once again, Gena Showalter is the master of creating unique character backgrounds that have me flipping pages as fast as my desperate eyes can read. However, the side characters of the book—who will be the main characters in future sequels—didn’t have as much appeal. Perhaps this was simply because the reader isn’t given as much information about these characters and without that look inside the side characters’ heads, they just seem a little too familiar. Hopefully book #2 really delves into the main and the side characters’ backgrounds and creates an even better read.

While the characters of the book were fun, unique, and fantastic in their own right, the plot of the book was just a tad bit predictable. The ending was obvious from the start, not just because this book is a romance novel, but because the climax was easy to distinguish about 20% into the book. The story was entertaining to read regardless of its predictability.

All in all, The Closer You Come is another good addition to Showalter’s long list of good romance books. Picking up the sequel to her new contemporary romance will definitely not be a hardship.

3/5 stars

*Note: I received a copy of this book to review via Netgalley. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

This book was fantastic! What a great start to a new contemporary romance series you will definitely fall in love with! Get ready for a book hangover for sure as you meet and fall in love with Brook Lynn, Jase and the rest of the colorful characters in Strawberry Valley.

In this book we meet Brook Lynn, the responsible younger sister of Strawberry Valley's wild child, Jessie Kay. She is doing everything she can to make ends meet her sister's devil may care attitude is not helping matters, especially when they both end up unemployed. Mutual friend, Jase Hollister, steps in to help despite their less than stellar first meeting.

From the there the action really begins as Jase & Brook Lynn must not only come to terms with their own individual issues but also their inability to quench their undeniable thirst for each other. The last thing Brook Lynn needs is to get involved with Jase. For a lot of reasons but that doesn't stop their insane sexual chemistry that sparks off the page at every interaction!

What I loved most (in addition to their smokin' interactions) was their compelling back stories, and how Ms. Showalter weaved the story in such a way that had me flipping the pages to see what would happen next!

I really liked the juxtaposition of the two sisters and their vastly different lives, yet at the same time stayed true to each other. Though Jessie Kay left much to be desired in this book, there were enough hints at more for me to be really intrigued when it's time for her to settle down.

I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a really great contemporary romance, loves brooding bad boys and sweet, strong heroines who know how to make them (and us) smile.

This is the first book by Gena Showalter that I have read. I’ll definitely be reading more. I did like her writing style and my reading buddies have recommended her paranormal series to me a bunch of times. So thought I would give this one a shot. I received a copy from Netgalley. This is the first full length novel in the Original Heartbreakers series. I have not read the novella. I only learned about the novella after I had already started this book. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from this read by not reading the novella first. This was a good read. Some parts did feel like they were dragging for me though.

Brook Lynn Dillon busts her ass working and basically babysitting her older sister. She doesn’t have time for anything else. She has a problem with her ears, sounds are way too loud for her. So she has implants that help keep the noise level down for her. She has been made fun of for it and is very self-conscious about her implants. She had a great childhood, until she was fifteen and her mom died. Then things got rough.

Things change for her when she has to pick a drunk Jessie Kay, her older sister, up and she walks in on her just finishing some naked time.

Jason “Jase” Hollister is new to town. He and his two friends live together. He was in prison for nine years and has been out for about six months. He doesn’t feel, or show, emotions. He’s very hot and cold to Brook Lynn. Until later in the book. Brook Lynn makes him feel and he gives her confidence.

“I want to keep you at a distance, yet hold you close. I want to give you everything and yet nothing. I want a right to scare every other man away from you. I want to tell you my secrets. I want another night with you.”

And boy are there some secrets that he has to share with her. I’m not going to post because I hate posting spoilers, even with a spoiler warning.

I will be reading the other books in this series and her other books, when I get a chance to.

This was fan-freaking-tactic! Loved it and couldn't put it down. A totally addicting read.

I loved Jase and Brook Lynn. Wonderful characters that had great depth. Loved all the detail and the ends and outs of their secrets, excellent development and pace. They each had such sad histories, some of it tragic, and I love how they persevered because of it. Both so kind and caring despite their hardships. I loved Jase and Brook Lynn’s pull towards one another as well as their animosity and flirtatiousness. It created this electric heat and chemistry between the two. They were fun and playful together but there were some emotional and tense moments as well and I could feel it all. I love how it all played out and how it was all revealed (because there were a ton of secrets to be learned!). I seriously couldn't stopped reading and cursed getting tired because I had to know what was next for them.

There were so many great characters in this and I thought they were detailed and rich, making me want to know more about them. West, Beck, and Jase have history together and I love the bond they share. I am fascinated by both West and Beck and can't wait for their stories. Brook Lynn's sister Jessie Kay was a trip, I really liked her but I know there is so much more than she shows everyone. Loved the tension and bickering between her and West and can't wait to see what happens with them in The Harder You Fall, which is book three. All the different dynamics that came into play were so awesome.

I am officially addicted! This was my first Gena Showalter book and it won't be my last. Excellent writing that captivated me. A full story with great details, I was hooked from beginning to end while I I learned all the secrets. It was sweet and entertaining and hot! The end had me totally stressing out, there was some drama and a bit of mystery. I was worried how it was going to end but I LOVE how all the details came together. So freaking good! Couldn't get enough!

A definite must read!

Loved this book. I felt for Jase especially at the end when he finds out Daphne was keeping something from him and how soft he got. the book draws you in with the emotions and situations. You see so much guilt and self confidence issues.

Brook Lynn’s sister for example. Beautiful girl but feels she isn’t good enough to be loved and so she has one night stands to hide the insecurities even though she hopes someone will pick her. which one does but it’s too late because they kept barbing each other one during a bad dark time for him went to far so now he must gain her friendship and trust again.

West has guilt over the women he loved death and Jase. Jase helped him and Beck out and both are drowning in the guilt of that. Jase can’t move on until they do. He feels he isn’t worth anyone’s time because of his anger issue and what all in his life have always done except beck and West and that is leave.

Beck’s guilt has him do continual one night stands. And Brook Lynn became the good girl who judges others when she thinks she doesn’t. When her and Jase meet the first time it‘s great. You cheer her on. From then on out the tension between them is palpable but her sense of duty to her sister and her denial keep anything from happening. They fight it and fight it until it goes kaboom. That kaboom is a intimate moment that changes Jase and begins to have his walls crumble.

This is their story. A sexy story of second chances, moving on and accepting who you are. IT’s a story of finding love that makes you better and whole. A wonderful read that has you invested in the characters and rooting them on.

Excited to see West’s and Beck’s stories next

The tone of the story is an interesting mix of YA angst and dippy humor. Lots of lust filled inner thoughts, and banter between the friends, to lighten up the uneasiness of the everyday life.
There's so much pain, sorrow, and regrets in the past of the friends. Their experiences in the foster care, and after, have broken their souls. The way there are there for each other, support each other, and love each other, is commendable. Because deep down, under all the destructive behavior, they are good men. They just have too much guilt to really live.
Brook Lynn's relationship with her sister is odd, she is acting as it is her responsibility to take care of her older sister. They live in a codependent symbiosis, unstable at the most of the times.
Jase and Brook Lynn's relationship starts off on an awkward way, as she busts into his bedroom right after he slept with her sister. Yes, just wanted to put it out there.
But soon their thoughts are filled only of each other. The play the pull-push dance for a long time, wanting but not acting on it. When they finally take the step, it is the first step for Jase for healing and accepting his past. And for Brook Lynn letting go of her role as a warden to her sister. And when Jase finally let go of his inner guard, and confesses his love to Brook Lynn, it is true poetry.
I admit something about the story was rather addictive. The connection between the friends, the protective strike the males had, the fun way the tragic story was told. There are issues the characters have, and some events, that were not easy to accept. Certainly made me think, and that is always a plus. Fascinating group of characters, interesting set up for the series
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

"Once wasn't going to be enough. He realized that now. He wanted her countless times in countless ways. Underneath him. On top of him. Beside him..."

When I saw that Gena was coming out with a brand new contemporary romance series, I was thrilled! I loved Catch a Mate and I've been dying for her to write more in this genre. Having read both of her PNR series, I already knew I love the snarky and humor characters she creates and the synopsis sounded right up my alley. Three bad boys, one small town, a guaranteed recipe for enjoyment, right? Well...kind of.

Unfortunately the book managed to start off on the wrong foot with me. See I'm one of those ridiculously picky readers that when something bothers me enough in the very beginning, it will set the tone for the entire book. It's terrible really, but something I can't change. And the fact that when Brook Lynn first meets Jase is when she walks in on him as he's getting dressed after sleeping with her sister?

Yeah, not exactly the best way to start. Now it's very clear that he's not interested in Brook Lynn's sister from the beginning and their night together was anything but spellbinding, but still. I just kept thinking in my head, 'her sister? really?'. Suffice to say that I had a tough time moving on from that.

I'm a big fan of the small town settings in books, and this was definitely no exception. Strawberry Valley had this really endearing quality to it that I really loved. Brook Lynn was also a fantastic heroine. She grew up in the small souther town, and it's all she's ever known. Having lost her parents at a young age and then a conman uncle leaving them broke and alone, she's come to rely on herself. With a dream of one day owning the town's small jewelry store, Brook Lynn works her butt off on two jobs, trying to support herself and her party loving sister. This brings me to another thing that didn't quire work for me; Jessie Kay. I'm pretty sure I spent the majority of the book wanting to hit her in both ovaries. Her constant irresponsible behavior constantly leaves Brook Lynn paying the price, while she's off either partying or sleeping with another man. It does give the reader a little insight later on about the why's of her behavior, but it just wasn't enough for me. That, along with her penchant for the word "dude" pretty much made me want to throttle her. The girl straight up drove me batty.

Now Jase was a character I was equal intrigued with and slightly put off (see my sleeping with the sister comment above). Intrigued, because this is clearly a tortured man. Having spent the last 9 years in prison because he also covered for his 2 best friends has left him with plenty of scars; externally and even more internal. He's no longer the young boy that he went to prison as. He's harder, more jaded, but he's trying to move on. A gorgeous and bubbly blonde that tempts him beyond reason is the very last thing he needs.

As much as I loved Jase and Brook Lynn together, there was always something that nagged me about them too. There was the ghost of sister's past. Then there was the annoying overuse of the "angel" endearment. But that aside I was really enjoying this book still. It had a little of Gena's signature snark and humor, or what I've come to refer to as Gena-isms. Though at times you can definitely see a little of a mix between her contemporary and PNR voice. I doubt this is something most would spot unless you've read her other work. Or maybe I was just nitpicking since I was already starting on the wrong foot? I'm not sure. But I can't say that it still wasn't good.

What ultimately ruined it for me was the last 30%. Until then, I found the book to be moving at a fairly slow pace. It wasn't boring by any means, but just slow. Then the last 30% you get one drama after another. First with (Spoiler alert!) Jase's ex girlfriend showing up together with a surprise. Say what? Maybe it was just me, but I really felt the book could have done without that. It added nothing to the story for me. Then there was a whole different drama that actually fit the story. But the combination of the two in the last 30%? Meh. It just felt too much.

I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it was just OK.

On a positive note, I absolutely loved Jase's two best friends; West and Beck. Beck with his manw--rish ways and hilarious come-ons completely sucked me in. I can't wait for his book, especially after getting that small peak into the heroine that will be bringing him to his knees. The polar opposites definitely have all the ingredients for an amazing read. I also really loved the broken and tortured West. As much as I want to read his book, I am a little afraid since it looks like he's going to be with Jessie Kay. Hopefully the girl will do a 180 in the next book and manage to endear me to her, because that certainly didn't happen in this book.

This was a light contemporary romance with quite a bit of steam, and quite a bit of cheese. While I could have done with less cheese and the last 30%, I'm definitely hooked on the series and can't wait to see what the next book brings.

Brook Lynn is always on the perpetual chase of keeping up with her sister. After pulling a double shift thanks to the no-show of her sister she finds herself at a party searching for her sister. She finally finds her in a bedroom with a guy that Brook Lynn can’t take her eyes off. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have time to admire the fine specimen that is Jase. Jase immediately sees the trouble that he got himself into. He never planned on falling for anyone because of his background. Who could possibly want to be with an ex-con? When he meets Brook Lynn he realizes he both wants and needs to stay away from her. Easier said than done for both of them. Though they pretend to hate each other it is just their ways of trying to push themselves apart. The more they pull apart the hotter things get. But, when secrets are finally revealed can their walls be torn down or will it just be another brick in the wall?

I am totally in love with these guys. Jase is definitely a heartbreaker even when he doesn’t want to be. Brook Lynn was the perfect girl for him. She didn’t take any of his crap and she was sassy to boot. Their love story practically burns through the book. Steamy scenes abound alongside emotionally charged events. The more you learn about Jase the more any woman would fall for him. Though he is tough he has a big heart that burns only for Brook Lynn. I really liked the little bit of intrigue also. It really propelled the story is a unique direction that made you love the characters even more. Overall, I loved this book and this heartbreaker just as much as the introducing novella I have reviewed earlier. I would recommend this for all the romance lovers out there. I know I can’t wait for the next book. Bring on Beck!

*This was provided by the author for an unbiased review*

The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1)The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: The Closer You Come
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: The Original Heartbreakers, #1
Pages: 434
Publisher: HQN Books
Date: March 31, 2015

Review:

Read the prequel, The One You Want, first. It’s not really, really necessary, but it will help you understand some relationships.

I am not sure what to say about this book. I enjoyed it and read it in less than two days. The characters are likable, but the situations they came from can be heartbreaking. These people have real problems, both emotional and physical.
Having said that, it is not a dark book. Brook Lynn brings new levels to the word snarky. One of my favorite scenes is when she gives Jase a tube of Preparation H because he told her she was a pain in his a**.

I loved her . . . and she loves Jase. Now that is a man with problems. Fortunately, Brook Lynn loves him enough to fight for him.

Do we get a happily ever after? Of course. It is a romance after all. What we don’t get is butterflies and moonbeams. Brook Lynn will always have a physical problem and Jase will always have problems with his temper. However, both of them love the other and are willing to fight for the relationship.

Jase’s best friends, Beck and West, are integral to the story as is Brook Lynn’s sister Jessie Kay. They get their own books too. The Hotter You Burn and The Harder You Fall come out in 2015. I can’t wait to read them both.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest reviw.

This is my first book by Gena Showalter and that surprises me somewhat, especially as my introduction into adult reading was in the Paranormal genre and that is the genre I associate Gena with.

My first thoughts about this book were the cover was a little old fashioned and reminded me of a Mills & Boon novel, but as the saying goes, 'Never Judge a Book by its Cover' and this has never been more true with this book.

I had a few minor issues with this book to begin with, but as this series seems to be very character driven, its hard not to get into the story, even if it is a little too wholesome for my usual taste.

Brook Lynn, a small town girl, who seems to spend more time reigning in her sister and has little time for herself, especially romance, meets Jase in a rather compromising position and it was at this point I began to wonder what Brook Lynn's attraction to him was, but let me tell you that soon changed.

Let me just take a moment to swoon over Jase Hollister. In typical romance genre fashion, Jase has a dark past that prevents him from settling down with a girl and although there isn't anything in this book that particularly WOW'd me, there is something addictive about it.

The sex scenes were pretty hot and I did get that little heart fluttering feeling I so often get when reading books like this.

I can't wait for Beck and Wests book and may have to start reading some of Ms Showalters paranormal books as I've heard some very good things about those.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW:
Ms. Showalter is a great story teller.
As The Closer you Come started I was not a Jase fan. Why you ask? Well, he was a bit of a dirt bag. That is all I am giving you. You will have to read to find out. But as the story went on and we got to see the real Jase. The Jase that doesn’t hold back and that loves fully I totally fell for him.
Brook Lynn is great. She puts up with so much and almost always stands tall (she is human and sometimes humans react stupidly). I love that when she counts people move. I loved how Brook Lynn handled all the boys (Jase, Beck and West). She is a master of all things. :)
There were times that the story was just a tad slow for me. But I think I blame my crazy life at the moment for making me take longer than I normally would to read this story. I really can’t wait for the next two books in this series. I can’t wait to see how Ms. Showalter wrangles Beck & West.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

REVIEWED BY LIZ (originally posted on Kindles and Wine Book Blog)

My feelings about Brook Lynn, the heroine, are a little all over the place. For most of the book, I liked her. The author gave Brook Lynn a hearing problem with a twist - instead of being unable to hear things, her ears are extremely sensitive to all sounds so she wears these implants that can reduce the noise level for her. I thought that made her so unique and interesting, and she felt very real to me because her hearing problem affected her self-image, as it would anyone. Brook Lynn was also really freaking funny in a lot of ways. She has a "fun list" - things she's never done but wants to do. It was funny because the things on her fun list are pretty tame and not that big of a deal, like drinking liquor straight from the bottle. But it's cute because she treats them as if they're big things. Another thing that hit my funny bone was when she called herself a "mouth-slut" for kissing a man who had previously kissed her sister, and then she referred to kissing as "mouth-banging." LOL! But later, I found myself really disappointed in Brook Lynn because she expected the hero to chase her. She says it over and over and over, like fighting for her or for her love is her touchstone. But it didn't feel like she wanted him to fight for her; it felt like she wanted him to chase her...and chase her and chase her, like some game. Except, she runs away whenever they hit a bump in the road. Huh? This drove me nuts and caused me to like Brook Lynn a lot less because it made her look annoying and immature.

Jase was a pretty great guy, but Brook Lynn nailed it when she said he was hard to read. Jase hides his feelings and his emotions, always. In fact, he tried to not have any feelings or emotions. As maddening as this was, I couldn't fault him for it. I mean, he spent almost 10 years in prison and he had a difficult childhood. So even though it was frustrating, I understood why he seemed so unaffected by everything. Still, I found it a bit tedious that Jase constantly pushed Brook Lynn away and denied he had any feelings or interest in her. Of course, eventually, Brook Lynn works through some of his defenses, and as his true feelings became more obvious, it made him more and more likable as the book progressed. I also liked how protective Jase was of his friends and people he considered his family. He would do anything for them to make them happy, which I thought made him more relatable and was important since he could be a bit taciturn. I especially loved how he started helping Brook Lynn with her fun list.

Brook Lynn and Jase had lots of chemistry, but their relationship was a super slow burn. With Jase denying any feelings for Brook Lynn, there were times it was tough to maintain my interest in the story. But once he started acknowledging that something was happening between them, the story got a lot better and the Sexy Time really amped up in the amount and in the heat level! Wow!

I was a little wishy-washy on how I felt about the characters at different times throughout the story, but I don't think that's a bad thing. The characters changed and evolved as relationship drama and general life drama entered and exited their lives. I would almost classify this as a dark romance due to Jase's past, his general broodiness, and the scarcity of laughter from him, but there was enough humor in other areas that only some parts of this book felt that way. Even though I was disappointed in the heroine at certain points, I enjoyed this book and I'll probably continue on with the series.

BOTTOM LINE:
I think fans of contemporary romance who want a grittier hero might like THE CLOSER YOU COME. Plenty of drama and lots of humor smoothed over any issues I had with the characters, especially the heroine, and I ended up enjoying this book the further I got through it.

RATING: B- (3½ stars)

NOTE: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher.

I was really excited to get my hands on this one and Gena Showalter put together a solid story with a great cast of character, some heat, some snark, and some small-town color. I love these small town stories, and the Strawberry Valley residents did not disappoint – from the meddling and gossip, to the drama and manipulation, this town had all the color that you would expect.

The start of the book, specifically the first time Jase and Brook Lynn meet, put me off a bit, so things got off to a rocky start. As the plot developed and I got to learn more about Brook Lynn and her sister, Jessie Kay, and Jase and his friends, West and Beck, the story started to pick up. Jase is such a damaged bad boy – fresh out of prison, trying to get his life on track, and determined not to ever let himself feel too much. Brook Lynn has worked hard to provide for herself and her sister, always being the responsible one, working two and three jobs, and never having time to enjoy life and have fun. When Brook Lynn meets Jase, he throws her whole world off-kilter, but there are so many different issues and obstacles that they have to deal with. It was fun watching them dance around their attraction, and seeing them come to terms with the issues from their pasts.

I did find that the book tended to drag at some points and although we got some of the trademark Gena Showalter snark, there wasn’t enough at times to keep a nice flow to the story. The two twists at the end dealing with Jase’s past didn't seem to really flow well with the story for me. Jase’s previous relationship almost seemed out of place in the story, something to add just a bit more drama – I think the intent was to show how it impacted Jase’s outlook on his future, but there was a bit of a disconnect for me with this. And although I did like the suspense/drama aspect that dealt with Jase's prison sentence, I would have liked to have seen a bit more build up throughout the book – there were some moments, but it seemed like a rush at the end to fit it in to the story to create that drama-filled, action packed moment near the end of the book.

All in all, I did enjoy this book and will definitely be checking out the next books in the series. As I said, I loved the small town setting and the entire cast of characters and can’t wait to see how Beck and West find their HEAs. Any opportunity to immerse myself in a Gena Showalter story is one I’m going to take – and I highly recommend checking out all of her other books as well, especially her LOTUS (Lords of the Underworld) series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about this series. I absolutely adored the prequel, and I fell in love with the whole town and all the characters that Ms. Showalter introduced us to then. THE CLOSER YOU COME seals that love. The woman knows how to write alpha males! I guarantee you will fall for this bad boy. And with this series!

And Jase is a bad boy, no questions about it. He recently came out of jail. For a crime he did commit. There’s a story to it, but if you are looking for cupcakes and rainbows he’s not that man. He’s haunted by many demons and many guilts. And fights his conscience in wanting a sweet woman he thinks he would be all bad for. You see my heart melting? He’s that bad boy you want to see get an HEA because of all he’s been through.

As much as I loved the hero, the heroine is so amazing and unique. Brook Lynn is a lot of fun. She kicks ass and takes names. She’s had to deal with a no good sister that is always more interested in partying than helping with the bills. She’s had dreams of cooking as a profession, but never thought she could achieve that. Always fighting to survive, and fighting a disability. I think Brook Lynn will be one my favorite heroines in this series. She’s the perfect mix of fun, strong, sassy and independent. No wilting flower here.

Jase hires Brook Lynn to be his “assistant”, mainly because he wants to help her and wants her around. As much as having her around is bad for his peace of mind. While she thinks she may give in to her desires of the bad boy she works with, she’s also grounded enough to say she should date a nice guy. All around, I think they make such a great couple. They challenge each other, their chemistry is hot and they complement each other well. A perfect opposites attract story.

Fair warning, try and not let the beginning of the book get to you. I let it cloud my judgement for a while, and then I got over it. When it involves Brook Lynn’s sister, I just have to say I’m so concerned but interested to see how Ms. Showalter will make me like her book (which is next!). Tough call, but I trust her!

*ARC provided by author

Reviewed by Molly
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

I loved Gena Showalter’s paranormal books. She’s a highly talented author that knows the combinations of a story that her fans will love. I love that in an author. She’s been a long time favorite paranormal author of mine, and now, after reading the Original Heartbreakers books, I love her contemporary romance novels too! She is superb in her work.

Jase. Oh my how I loved Jase. I fell in love with instantly. I have a thing for bad boys with soft hearts and Jase was definitely that! My heart went out to him so many times as his story unfolded. And when he was with Brook Lynn…..lord have mercy! Those two together…..well, my tablet definitely stayed “hot” the whole time!

Brook Lynn is a wonderfully created character, too. She quickly stole my heart with her timid ways. When she was around Jase, I really loved the interaction between them. Following Brook Lynn, becoming Brook Lynn for the story, was a wonderful feeling!

Ms. Showalter has created a phenomenal love story with this book. From start to finish, she had me captured completely, leaving me feeling breathless and ready for more by the time I reached the final page. If you love bad boys, good girls, and a whole lot of page turning hotness, then yes! Grab up this for 4 star read today! Well done, Ms. Showalter!

Brook Lynn may not act like it at times but the girl is sensitive, "he’d left. He’d really left. Without telling her about his plans for the evening. Without tasting the food she’d slaved over. Without commenting on all her hard work." Jesse he knows how to give compliments, "he relaxed. “Honey, if you flash someone in public, you’re likely to start a riot.” It's totally apparent that he would do anything for his girl, "Come back,” she begged, reaching for him. She heard a soft curse before he shucked his shirt and pants and climbed in beside her, surrounding her with his heat once again. She snuggled close..." I enjoyed seeing the more caring side of Jase because the boy gave me whiplash at times with his hot and Cole act, "why are you tossing and turning, honey?” he asked. “If anyone should have trouble sleeping, it’s me.” True. The bed was only a full, and Jase’s feet hung over the edge." This is totally not about the book but the guy on the cover reminds me of Stephen Moyer from Trueblood. I loved this book and I can't wait for more in the series

All the characters are damaged or tortured by their past, which I don’t mind. But I was tired of so much of that angst being the basis for conflicts. I think it was overused. The couple is hot for each other but they frequently leave or stay away from each other. Here’s an example: They’re kissing and hot for each other. Then all of a sudden she says she should go because her sister needs her. He says I don’t want you to go. She says it’s for the best. He says Why? She says Because. When she returns the next morning, he leaves and is gone all day because “she makes him feel things he’s never felt before.” I’m wondering: Are their actions fitting their motivations? She could have returned right away after helping her sister. And what was so important about helping her sister? Apparently the sister was arguing or fighting with someone.

Story brief: Brook is 25 and works two jobs to support herself and her older sister Jessie. Their parents died years ago. Jessie is promiscuous, frequently drunk, and can’t hold a job. Brook gets fired from both of her jobs because she missed work while in the hospital. Jase wants to help out so he offers Brook a job as housekeeper and cook and pays her well. Jase assumes that Brook could never love him and acts accordingly.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 428 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 11 or more. Setting: current day Oklahoma. Copyright: 2015. Genre: contemporary romance.

My heart absolutely breaks for these people – none of them have had it easy. Luckily they have found each other and with a lot of love & understanding, they may finally be able to find the family and HEA that they need.

Brook Lynn has spent a lot of years mothering her sister and trying to keep it all together. Unfortunately, she’s not had a lot of help. Meeting Jase (with her sister naked in his bed … yeah, that’s going to be uncomfortable) has them butting heads and creating sparks. But Brook Lynn isn’t looking for a fixer-upper in a man and there is no doubt that Jase needs some help.

Jase is dealing with A LOT of issues. He’s spent almost a decade in prison and that leaves many scars, both inside and out. Fresh to Strawberry Valley, he’s looking to keep his head down and find some peace. Falling into bed with Jessie Kay early on brings a lot of complications he doesn’t need … especially an attraction to her sassy sister. But more time spent with Brook Lynn tempts him with things that he didn’t think he could have. He just has to decide if he’s willing to try for them.

With The Closer You Come, Showalter delivers complex characters and an emotional storyline guaranteed to bring you laughter and tears. And with two more guys needing to come to peace with their past, the next books are guaranteed to be doozies as well.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

I have loved all of the books written by Gena Showalter that I have read and this book is no exception. The author knows how to tell a story that draws the reader in deep and has them reading it in one sitting. She has the ability to tell stories about people with real life hurts and fractures in their life without depressing the reader but showing hope for all things to turn out well.

Jase is the bad boy that you just want to know because his hard outer shell cracks slowly and the reader gets to see the hidden parts that he doesn't want to let out. His character is very well written and I love his vulnerability and the love his two friends have for him.

Every bad boy needs a good woman and Brook's character is perfect for him. She is someone who doesn't give up on a loved one while remaining sweet and lovable but determined.

This book surely hints at what happened to form these three men to be who they are today and makes you want to get to know their back story. It also clearly shows how Brook and her sisters relationship became so dysfunctional but loving.

I can't wait to read the next books to this series and I am going to go back to read the prequel for Dane and Kenna's story.

I give this 5 STARS.

AN ARC COPY WAS GIFTED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST OPINION VIA NETGALLEY.

This is my first book by Gena Showater, not being a big PNR reader. I truly enjoyed her ability to tell a good story with great characters who are a little bit different to the average. There was a real fun element to the dialogue which I enjoyed. This was quite a longish read and I appreciated the gradual build of a relationship that wasn't rushed.

Jase is one of three friends bonded by a friendship formed in foster care but solidified by very difficult times. Jase has spent the last 10 years doing something he didn't choose and now the three friends have moved to Strawberry Valley for a new start. Brook Lynn is a woman in her 20s trying to make ends meet with multiple jobs, a hopeless sister she loves and profound hearing loss. Brook Lynn is feisty and defensive with barriers that no one penetrates. Jase and Brook Lynn have an unusual start to their relationship involving her sister which was somewhat unsavory, thankfully they and I as reader, we're able to move past this. There were some good twists and turns in this story and various elements of Jase's past are problematic. A good read and I definitely want to read the others in the series.

The publisher provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

Brook Lynn Dillon has her hands full with her sister, who just can't seem to settle down and get to work on time, and with her boss, who fires her when she also misses work. But it wasn't her fault. If only she hadn't had to find her sister and bring him home from yet another casual hook-up.

Jason Hollister has only been out of prison for six months, but he's eager to settle down into at least a semblence of quiet in little Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, with his two foster brothers. They are about the only people he's really close to. Has been since they were 8 yrs old. Then he meets Brook Lynn when she hauls her sister out of his bed. Bad, bad Jase.

That said, Brook, who's always been the good sister, is unaccountably attracted to this epitome of a bad boy and he doesn't dare tell her about his background, knowing she'll write him off. But honesty has always been HER best policy and when Jase takes the big step, all kinds of trouble results. Jase wants to keep her safe, but how can he, especially if she insists on dating another man in town, and a stranger from his past threatens Jase as well as Brook?

I've liked Brook Lynn from the prequel novella and I fell for Jase there too.

Their first encounter kinda made me grimace but once the story went on, I got over it.

Thing is, these two are perfect together and, although Brook Lynn was putting up with way too many things from her sister, that changed too. Which is good. And we also got a glimpse of the story that would be with her sister and one of the bad-boy trio. That story will be one hell of a ride, I'm sure of it!

But back to this story. Jase was infuriatingly frustrating, at times, and stubborn but once he pulled his head out of his behind, all was well and progressing. He's protective and alpha, swoon-worthy and, ex-con or not, I'd gladly take him and keep him at my bosom, never letting him go. Because the reason he spent almost a decade in jail? Not many would have done that and he was wrongfully convicted.

We know nada, zilch, zip about the next book, other than who are the main characters and I am so curious about it, since the playboy will find his match!

4 1/2 stars.

**audio version review** Wow! This was great. I am a huge Gena Showalter paranormal romance fan, but this is the first of her contemporary romances I've read (listened to), and I admit to being a little hesitant.

The characters are not only interesting but genuine. OMG! My new book boyfriend is an ex-con! Who would've thought it? Oh yeah, he's got some baggage, but he's just wow! Okay I'll stop gushing now.

This is a fast paced, sexy story of three very damaged brothers (of the heart) and the woman who tames one of them while the another is going through women like water by a thirsty man and the third is trying to drown his past in anything and everything alcoholic.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other two men be tamed by the women of Strawberry Valley.
Gena Showalter is on my "must read" authors list now for both contemporary and paranormal romance.

**I borrowed this audio version from the library**

I thought I was going to hate this book from the beginning but quickly changed my mind. I thought, "How in the world will this hero ever redeem himself?" but actions speak louder than words and he kept proving himself. Not only did he prove himself to Brook Lynn but also his best friends, Beck and West, and the entire town. Jase is an ex-con with PTSD who spent 9 years in prison before moving to Strawberry Valley. Brook Lynn is an overworked younger sister who seems to be trying to catch up with herself while keeping her sister out of trouble. One of my favorite lines - "An angel walks into a den of iniquity..." I recommend this to EVERYONE and cannot wait for Beck and West to find their happiness. Oh, and I really think Brook Lynn needs to put out a cookbook :)

**Received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

There's a lot of anger toward these two characters meeting up under the circumstances they did. Honestly, that was something that made this a four star book for me. I mean, one, women who sleep with lots of dudes aren't slutty. (I don't recall anyone calling Beck slutty.) Two, people DO meet under all sorts of different circumstances. That this one started the way it did was kind of refreshing.

There were things here that I think could have been developed more. West and Beck both seemed fairly similar. Of course the situation was too fantastic to be realistic, but really, I read romance for fantasy, not realism, so that's not a huge drawback.

This book did its job, which was to give me a few hours of entertainment and to let me enjoy the play between two fictional characters who have the hots for one another.

Gena Showalter is known for her paranormal romances, but I think in “The Closer You Come” she shows perfectly that she can really handle a romance in every kind of setting. I am not sure if it is necessary to mention that her writing style is flawless and the storyline is fluent. What might be really worth a mention is the humor and the dialogues between our leads in this book.Although I must admit that I do not like how they meet and maybe due to this “start” I was struggling a little to connect to them in the way I should. Because the actual plot is really good and with another way for them to meet it would have been a 5 star book (I only add this for better understanding) So go ahead and enjoy this great piece :- )

I'm surprised at all the negative reviews on this new series. It's actually quite good! I enjoy greatly that GS does a fantastic job of giving us jaded people, it's not just a rich dude with slight shadows of his past coming into town and whisking the pristine lady off her feet. Nearly all the characters have a visual cause and effect, each with a past and each molded by the trials of it. I love reading how they fight their own demons while trying to desperately find salvation in each other and I'm also thrilled that GS is moving into a new territory away from her paranormal stories (which I love as well). Go into these stories with an open mind, the characters are all very interesting and the journey they take makes for a very enjoyable read.

Wow this story had so many emotional ups and downs for several of the characters. I don't know if I like the sister going boldly before the heroine of this story. I felt Jase could have been worthy if the opening had not been with the other sister. But it is an adult story and these things happen. It's all in the way the author weaves her tale for the series. I liked the solidarity brought on by the hard won friendship between the male characters. They still leave a lot to be desired and are far shots from being heroes. Sexy yes but the extracurricular activities with every available female resident of the town would be hard for me to overcome and thus I have a hard time relating to the heroines.

A good read! I enjoyed the first Novella in this series, but this was much better. I really enjoy Showalter's LOTU series, so I gave this a try. I'm not a big contemporary romance reader. OK--hardly ever--but this was pretty good. The characters were well developed and I really found myself getting attached to them. The story had a few twists I wasn't expecting and I really enjoyed how she started setting up the next few books in the series. There are a few things that get on my nerves: the town is called Strawberry Valley and all the girls smell of strawberries all the time. It gets old. Now and then is fine but whatever. The other thing is there are some small contradictions in the story. Nothing big, but little things like that irk me. But none of it was enough to say I didn't like it. I really liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I really liked Brook Lynn. She's had a hard life but she is tough and a hard worker and takes things as they come. Jase has a past and thinks he's not good enough to get involved with anyone. They get to know each other when Jase hires her to be his assistant. He's attracted to her but tries not to get too close. I think I would have liked this book better, but I had a problem with the way they met and that sort of colored the rest of it for me. I would recommend it, though. As long as you can get past their first meeting. Jase's friends are interesting and I'll have to check out their stories as well.
*I received a copy from Netgalley for my honest review.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review. Let me start out saying I love Gena Showalter books but this one had so much potential but lacked the flushing out of the drama. One was BL never put her sister in her place for all the trouble she caused and the storyline with Jase and his past it was rushed so we didn't get a realistic reactions. I also was a little upset with BL trying to make Jase angry and so see can see his rage level. You should never play games like this because it can cause people to get hurt. I did like the storyline but I do think it could have been much more and I will read the other books in this series.

I was on board with giving this work a five star rating for the majority of the book. And somehow in the end (final 1/8th) of the book, it lost me.

I loved and forgave all of the things I thought were a little over the top in the book (like Brook Lynn's one-two-three shpiel, which just felt shmaltzy and hollow) because it was such a good love story with lots of conflict..and chemistry.

I felt like the ending was a little too rainbow and unicorns, despite the last minute conflict. The end also was a little too drawn out.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book and the characters, and will read both Beck and West's books.

I received this book in a Giveaway contest, otherwise I probably would not have bought it. Showalter could have written as a good romantic novel, but she spoiled it for me with all her graphic sex. Perhaps if I were younger I might accept it, but it just was not needed. She has two strong characters; a man new to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma,with a dark hidden past that he would like keep that way, and a local girl with many problems of her own. Passion soon takes over. There are several other characters with problems.

Anyone who follows me online knows I am a HUGE Gena Showalter fan. So, when I say this is her best book, feel confident it's fantastic.

Brook Lynn Dillion is a character you will cheer for from page one. She hasn't had an easy ride in life, but she manages to still get by-even taking care of her sister. Jace Hollister is a complicated hero I wanted to marry by the end of the book.

Seriously, this book is impossible to put down once you get started. I literally read it in one day. I stayed up until 2PM because I had to know how it ended. Anyone with working eyeballs will love this book. Go buy it immediately! ;-)

This is certainly a talented author who wrote this book, thoroughly enjoyed this book, it had so many wonderful aspects in, love, laughter, family, showed that sometimes family is not blood relations but can be as close as blood thru the trials they go thru. I am in the process of listening to The Harder you burn, and am looking forward to hearing jessiekays story, Gena crafted a wonderful story with real characters, and love for one another. my thanks goes out to Gena, keep them coming like this series. i so love a happily ever after book..

I received this book for free from First Reads on the Good Reads site in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book as much as the novella that introduced the characters. It is a sexy love story about people who need to learn to trust. The three sexy males who have been friends since they met in foster care all have trust and loss issues. This is Jase's story. Once he meets Brook Lynn he has a reason to learn to control his temper and trust and love. Since the friends move to Strawberry Valley, they learn what family means. It is not only biologic but also friends and community. I am anxious to read Beck's story next.

I think I'm giving up on this series. Didn't like the free book, and hated this one even more. All visceral "oh he's so sexy, but I can't have him" and the men talked like women. Totally pointless plot, unless you like the entire book to be sexy looks until they finally do the deed. Snooze. I was actually looking forward to these books because the men were interesting in the first one, but it really was just stupid. Not sure what's up with the author. Her previous stuff is way better.

My review:

I am little ashamed, that this is the first book written by Gena Showalter what I have read. I am well aware of her successful carrier and I know that she has written tons of brilliant books, but... here it is - The Closer You Come is the first one for me.

It was well-written and engrossing book! I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down before the last page was turned. I was hooked within few pages, I truly liked her writing style.

The characters grew on me quite quickly. Jase was adorable!!! Out of prison, he is doing his best to stay out of trouble, but boy, didn't he know what was coming - a beauty called Brook Lynn! Their chemistry was great, the tension between them was visible and the author made my heart beat twice quicker than usually. Besides two great main characters, the supportive characters can't be underestimated. Hopefully we'll hear more about them.

I also enjoyed the surroundings where the story takes place and it plays an important role in the book in my opinion. It gives a pleasurable background for the plot.

All in all, definitely one on of my favorites in 2015! Read it and you will not be sorry!

Jase & Brook Lynn burrowed their way into my heart. I found myself being drawn into their story in such a vivid way, the author did a great job with the setting as well as the emotions portrayed by the characters. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.

The Closer You Come
Gena Showalter
Harlequin HQN, Mar 31 2015, $7.99
ISBN 9780373779628

In Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, Brook Lynn Dillon has spent a lifetime getting her older sister Jessie Kay out of one trouble after another. So she is not surprised to learn that intoxicated Jessie Kay is at the flat shared by three roommates (Jase Hollister, Lincoln West and Beck Ockley). Without causing further problems, Brook Lynn extracts her drunken sister from the bachelors’ pad though to her astonishment she is attracted to Jase.

An ex-con who spent years behind bars for manslaughter, starting over Jase is even more amazed that he wants seemingly straight-laced Brook Lynn. He weighs asking her out against staying single; as he begins his new life without commitments except for his vow of no criminal activity. Rationalizing she will reject him the moment she learns of his deadly past, Jase tries but fails to ignore his feelings.

This Original Heartbreakers Sooner romance (see e-novella: The One You Want) is an appealing contemporary as the audience meets the prime series cast and the small-town when Brook Lynn crashes Jase’s residence like infantry charging the enemy with a rescue in mind. The key to this superb second chance at life is the depth of the intermingled and somewhat mangled relationships between the protagonists, her sister and his roommates; especially to the delight of fans how love befuddles Brook Lynn and Jase.

Harriet Klausner

I love this new series by Gena!

She always surprises me with the different types of characters she writes and the experiences they have , present and past. The different genres don't seem to get in the way of the journey she is creating and it shows with this book ! The emotions you feel for these characters are compelling. I can't wait to follow the other characters and experience their ups and downs and really get to know them. Thanks Gena !!

Brook Lynn and Jase. What a story. Like wowza, what some sexual tension, check. Want some great dialogue, check. Want your HEA, check. You'll fall in love with Brook Lynn and Jase, you'll get frustrated too. You will not, not ever, get bored. Buy the book.

I read the novella that opened this series, "The One You Want (Original Heartbreakers)" and was slightly disappointed -- I was hoping the full length novels were more flushed out -- and was not disappointed. This first full length installment was well written and I look forward to the next two -- they look to be fun and interesting stories.

Jace (Jason) is my kind of tortured soul. He is the type of guy you just want to help make whole again. Alpha male written all over him. Big, sexy, tattoos, tall, dark, and handsome. Yes, please! Brook Lynn is the type of heroine you can look up too. Her strength knows no bounds. Her heart Issa big as the solar system. She's a mama bear. We could totally be friends. This was an amazing story from start to finish.

This first novel in the Original Heartbreakers series did exactly what it was supposed to do. It caught me hook, line, and sinker. The characters are very likable and you end up feeling very empathetic for them as the plot progresses. Gena did another wonderful job.

I received this book in my monthly shipment from Harlequin. I should have put it in the "To Trade" pile after reading the description on the back, but in my quest for new authors, I decided to give it a try.

I couldn't make it through the first 10 chapters. The characters were beyond trashy. The hero had slept with the heroine's sister and on top of that, the heroine walks in on them not long after the deed is done.

How is that romantic? How do you build a relationship with that person? I couldn't get past it, and didn't even try.

3.5 stars

The story was sweet. It had a good mix of suspense towards the end. I think I would have liked it better if Jase and Brooke Lynn had met under different circumstances. I think that put a damper on things for me and made it hard to get into. Overall, I liked the book and will read the next one when it comes out.

This was a sweet read. It did take me bit to get going. I think it was more of a it's not you its me type of thing. I'm not sure exactly what it was but when Brooke Lynn and Jase finally acted on their feelings, the book really picked up and held my interest. It'll be interesting to see Jase's two friends finally find love too.

jase is a big softy...once you crack his armor! And he doesn't hold back, whether it be PDA or his feelings for Brook Lynn. And I wish that Brook Lynn's counting-to-three strategy worked for me on every one in real life. Man, that girl's got skills.

This book is something new and different for Gena and I absolutely loved it!

I couldn't put this one away and seriously enjoyed it until nearly the end. A situation became a little unbelievable, given BrookLynn showed jealousy with another character when it came to Jase. It also seemed very rushed at the end.

I loved everything about this book! Seriously I can't think of one thing that I didn't like! She writes beautifully! The story was amazing and well plotted. A definite read and re-read for that matter.