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The O'Neils #2
Close To You
Close to You tells the story of Secret Service Agent CJ Ludzecky, who is assigned to the coveted Vice Presidential Protection Division, guarding the Second Lady of the United States and her two children. After overcoming a rocky start in the Service, CJ is out to prove herself big-time. There's no room for men in her life, especially not the Second Lady's charming, sexy, sensitive brother, Aidan O'Neil.
In this Secret Service romance, back-dropped by the hustle of New York City, the political world of Washington, D.C. and the pastoral scenery of the Finger Lakes, CJ tries to protect her charges, while Aidan tries to persuade her to let him into her life. The invasion of the press, a hostage situation involving the Vice President, a former gang member and a kidnapping attempt all move the story—and CJ and Aidan's relationship—to a stunning conclusion.
In this Secret Service romance, back-dropped by the hustle of New York City, the political world of Washington, D.C. and the pastoral scenery of the Finger Lakes, CJ tries to protect her charges, while Aidan tries to persuade her to let him into her life. The invasion of the press, a hostage situation involving the Vice President, a former gang member and a kidnapping attempt all move the story—and CJ and Aidan's relationship—to a stunning conclusion.
336 pages, ebook
First published February 6, 2007
370 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
172 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 27, 2016
Being a female in the Secret Service isn't easy, but C.J. Ludzecky has worked her way to the top. Her latest assignment is protecting the Vice President's wife, Bailey O'Neil. When Bailey's father suffers a heart attack, her protection detail stays with her at the hospital. That is where C.J. meets Bailey's brother, Aidan O'Neil. Aidan blames himself for his father's heart attack. C.J. is drawn to Aidan, but knows there can never be a relationship between them. She has already been accused of sleeping her way to the top. The accusation was untrue, but she will not risk the career she has worked so hard for.
This was a slow-moving contemporary romance. C.J. and Aidan are immediately attracted to each other, but she won't let down her guard for a minute. She loves her job and wants to continue with the Secret Service, but she knows Aidan would never be able to handle her being in danger all of the time. There was a lot of discussions about the danger in this book, but there weren't a whole lot of dangerous situations, even when threats to the Vice President's family are received. My rating: 3 Stars.
This was a slow-moving contemporary romance. C.J. and Aidan are immediately attracted to each other, but she won't let down her guard for a minute. She loves her job and wants to continue with the Secret Service, but she knows Aidan would never be able to handle her being in danger all of the time. There was a lot of discussions about the danger in this book, but there weren't a whole lot of dangerous situations, even when threats to the Vice President's family are received. My rating: 3 Stars.
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October 3, 2013
More like 2.5 stars
I had not read the 1st book in the series.
I really liked the fact that Kathryn Shay has obviously done some serious research about what and how President / VP protective services work; this shows and make the story seem very real and professional.
The writing was just OK, though I noticed regular mistakes, missing words, words that should not be there. Maybe it just lacked editing. But that was surprising especially for a printed book.
I had trouble in the first part to understand all characters and all that was implied in reference to the previous book. Honestly I did not like it that much, as at the end of the book, I still have not understood if Rory is really the VP's son or his wife's son from a previous husband/lover.
I also did not fully believe in the characters :
1. Aidan, the "hero", has still done nothing with his life except pleasing his family and dabbing on the side in photography. Maybe he'd like to give it a chance but maybe not cos' his Dad would not be happy. Maybe someday he would like to have a wife and family; but he actually has done nothing for that. He gave me a bad impression. And then I realized that he was not around 30, as I thought, but turning 40 and that really irked me.
2. CJ could have been a good character, if she had seemed more real : female, reasonably ambitious and passionate about her job, leaving aside her personal life as a result from previous bad experiences (a bit underdeveloped to my opinion to make that statement strong enough). I did not like her playing tough with the big guys and I did not believe in her capacity to put completely aside all personal feelings and wants.
I had not read the 1st book in the series.
I really liked the fact that Kathryn Shay has obviously done some serious research about what and how President / VP protective services work; this shows and make the story seem very real and professional.
The writing was just OK, though I noticed regular mistakes, missing words, words that should not be there. Maybe it just lacked editing. But that was surprising especially for a printed book.
I had trouble in the first part to understand all characters and all that was implied in reference to the previous book. Honestly I did not like it that much, as at the end of the book, I still have not understood if Rory is really the VP's son or his wife's son from a previous husband/lover.
I also did not fully believe in the characters :
1. Aidan, the "hero", has still done nothing with his life except pleasing his family and dabbing on the side in photography. Maybe he'd like to give it a chance but maybe not cos' his Dad would not be happy. Maybe someday he would like to have a wife and family; but he actually has done nothing for that. He gave me a bad impression. And then I realized that he was not around 30, as I thought, but turning 40 and that really irked me.
2. CJ could have been a good character, if she had seemed more real : female, reasonably ambitious and passionate about her job, leaving aside her personal life as a result from previous bad experiences (a bit underdeveloped to my opinion to make that statement strong enough). I did not like her playing tough with the big guys and I did not believe in her capacity to put completely aside all personal feelings and wants.
January 23, 2019
More a 3.6
This story has many good elements, some I liked how were dealt with, others I'd change.
The end was quite abrupt, it certainly could have gained from a more detailed process.
This story has many good elements, some I liked how were dealt with, others I'd change.
The end was quite abrupt, it certainly could have gained from a more detailed process.
November 5, 2012
I abolutely love Kathryn Shay's complex plots. As the book that comes after Someone to Believe in, I'm going to try not to give any spoilers or real plot stuff. This book does offer an interesting perspective into the Secret Service and how they might handle relationships, especially with the election around the corner.
suffice it to say, her hero and heroines act like real people. They make the mistakes that you go-- Don't do it dude; you are soooo going to screw up! Same goes for the heroines. Sometimes they're pig-headed, or do the unexpected.
A definite must read!
suffice it to say, her hero and heroines act like real people. They make the mistakes that you go-- Don't do it dude; you are soooo going to screw up! Same goes for the heroines. Sometimes they're pig-headed, or do the unexpected.
A definite must read!
July 17, 2013
One of the worst books I've read in a while. The heroine was horrible. Horrible character development. Messy, confusing, pointless plot. For some reason I feel compelled to finish this series. I hope #3 is better than this mess of a book.
August 3, 2022
3.5*
:) doce e fofo, como não poderia deixar de ser.
Kathryn Shay, continua a saga da familia O'Neil, sendo que Aidan é o grande protagonista de historia.
gostei muito.
p.s. que pena de nao haver meias estrelas!!!!
acabo por dar sempre a cotação por baixo.
:) doce e fofo, como não poderia deixar de ser.
Kathryn Shay, continua a saga da familia O'Neil, sendo que Aidan é o grande protagonista de historia.
gostei muito.
p.s. que pena de nao haver meias estrelas!!!!
acabo por dar sempre a cotação por baixo.
February 18, 2019
I think I’ve just found a new favorite book family. I definitely know I’m gonna want to know all about the rest of the O’Neil family, that’s for sure! Bailey O’Neil is now the second lady of the United States, is living in DC and has her own security guard. One of those Secret Service agents is CJ Ludzecky. CJ has had to fight hard for her position. In a field that is mainly male, she hasn’t had it easy. Many rumors have been spread about how she’s gotten such a plum assignment. None of them are true. She’s bound and determined to protect her reputation and her career above all else.
Aiden O’Neil is almost 40, he’s never been serious about a woman. He’s wondering if there will ever be a woman he can get serious about. Then he meets CJ. There are so many obstacles to a relationship with her. Heck, he’s not even sure he wants one. She certainly doesn’t. Then strange things start to happen to Bailey and Clay and relationships are forgotten….
This story is filled with wonderful characters that you’ll wish you could hang out with at Bailey’s Irish Pub. Aiden was one of my immediate faves from the first book. Close to You is fast-paced and entertaining. It isn’t a book that you absolutely can’t put down, but it is one you wish you didn’t have to put down.
Aiden O’Neil is almost 40, he’s never been serious about a woman. He’s wondering if there will ever be a woman he can get serious about. Then he meets CJ. There are so many obstacles to a relationship with her. Heck, he’s not even sure he wants one. She certainly doesn’t. Then strange things start to happen to Bailey and Clay and relationships are forgotten….
This story is filled with wonderful characters that you’ll wish you could hang out with at Bailey’s Irish Pub. Aiden was one of my immediate faves from the first book. Close to You is fast-paced and entertaining. It isn’t a book that you absolutely can’t put down, but it is one you wish you didn’t have to put down.
September 26, 2022
A good blend of excitement and romance
Love the O'Neil brothers and everything that goes along with a story involving a big, close Irish family.
The chemistry between Aiden and C.J. is palpable, but C.J.'s job as the Secret Service Agent assigned to protecting the Second Lady, who also happens to be Aiden's sister, is a major complication and stumbling block to a relationship between the protagonists. However, as much as they try, this couple's chemistry just can't be denied. Will Aiden and C.J. find a path to their HEA?
Close to You has the right blend of excitement that would surround protecting the Second Family, along with a complicated, romantic love story.
Love the O'Neil brothers and everything that goes along with a story involving a big, close Irish family.
The chemistry between Aiden and C.J. is palpable, but C.J.'s job as the Secret Service Agent assigned to protecting the Second Lady, who also happens to be Aiden's sister, is a major complication and stumbling block to a relationship between the protagonists. However, as much as they try, this couple's chemistry just can't be denied. Will Aiden and C.J. find a path to their HEA?
Close to You has the right blend of excitement that would surround protecting the Second Family, along with a complicated, romantic love story.
January 4, 2022
This is probably my fourth time reading this book and this series and I still love it as much this time as I did the first time. I absolutely love Aidan and CJ. I have been looking forward to hearing more about Aidan after we were introduced to him in the first book and how close he was to Bailey. I loved his connection with his sister and his family. Not only did we get Aidan and CJ, but I loved that we got all of the Bailey's still with the extra storylines going on. What a great book!
January 26, 2019
Secret agent and a photographer....
Me Shay definitely has a talent for writing exceptional stories.....filled with mystery...who is after Bailey and her family? --- how will the secret service agent deal with Aiden? Can she be happy, can she hang onto love? So many questions, so much pulling on my heart.....give me more.
Me Shay definitely has a talent for writing exceptional stories.....filled with mystery...who is after Bailey and her family? --- how will the secret service agent deal with Aiden? Can she be happy, can she hang onto love? So many questions, so much pulling on my heart.....give me more.
August 6, 2022
VPPD or Marriage
That's what CJ was facing. She loved her job protecting the Vice President 's wife and children. When she lept from a Ferris wheel ride to protect the son, her duty was defined in full color to Aiden and he wasn't sure he could handle it. Would she never have a real life?
That's what CJ was facing. She loved her job protecting the Vice President 's wife and children. When she lept from a Ferris wheel ride to protect the son, her duty was defined in full color to Aiden and he wasn't sure he could handle it. Would she never have a real life?
August 6, 2022
A big sigh
This is a forget to get your chores done book. The characters were strong . The action kept you engrossed. The love grew . So don't try to stop reading. See if you don't sigh a time or two.
This is a forget to get your chores done book. The characters were strong . The action kept you engrossed. The love grew . So don't try to stop reading. See if you don't sigh a time or two.
November 15, 2022
Another Hit
I loved reading about Aiden and CJ. I can imagine how difficult it could be to love someone who regularly prepares to put herself/himself in danger. The O’Neils are a wonderful family and I can’t wait to read more about them.
I loved reading about Aiden and CJ. I can imagine how difficult it could be to love someone who regularly prepares to put herself/himself in danger. The O’Neils are a wonderful family and I can’t wait to read more about them.
September 12, 2017
Loved that there was more to story
January 13, 2019
Wow
Loved Aidens story. This writer wraps you up and plants you right in the family. The highs and lows. And everything in between. Narration was awesome too.
Loved Aidens story. This writer wraps you up and plants you right in the family. The highs and lows. And everything in between. Narration was awesome too.
August 5, 2022
Very entertaining and an interesting story. The sexual details were superfluous and added noting of value.
August 8, 2022
A great book, the characters draw you in to their story.
September 4, 2022
I loved this book. It was so interesting and very informative about the Secret Service. Well written.
September 11, 2022
Great
This book had me on the first page! Kathryn brought the characters to life and kept them moving from page to page! A great read!!
This book had me on the first page! Kathryn brought the characters to life and kept them moving from page to page! A great read!!
April 17, 2023
Caterina and Aiden
Caterina is a secret server agent protecting Bailey the wife of the Vice President and brother of Aiden. A very good story with enjoyable characters
Caterina is a secret server agent protecting Bailey the wife of the Vice President and brother of Aiden. A very good story with enjoyable characters
May 2, 2023
Great Read!
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series. I will definitely recommend this series to friends and family.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series. I will definitely recommend this series to friends and family.
May 8, 2023
Great book!
I loved this book! The characters really came to life and it had just the right combination of romance & intrigue. I didn’t want to put it down.
I loved this book! The characters really came to life and it had just the right combination of romance & intrigue. I didn’t want to put it down.
August 21, 2023
Good story
Ms. Shay has delivered another enjoyable story with romance, some drama and mystery. You always get a good story line that keeps your interest from this author.
Ms. Shay has delivered another enjoyable story with romance, some drama and mystery. You always get a good story line that keeps your interest from this author.
September 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this book.
Will be reading the entire series Kathryn Shay is definitely my new go to author.
Beautifully written and storyline authentic touching and romantic.
Will be reading the entire series Kathryn Shay is definitely my new go to author.
Beautifully written and storyline authentic touching and romantic.
July 5, 2025
Very enjoyable. Great to see how much is involved to secure safety for people in powerful positions like this! Wonderful to see the human side of things as well!
January 27, 2020
How I love this family and their love for each member of their family. Kathryn knows how to draw you in to the plot lines and in some cases keeps you guessing on the bad guy, can't wait to book# 3
December 6, 2023
The accomplished Agent Ludzecky is admittedly pleased with her position to defend the Second Lady and her children. She has come quite a long way from her previous position she held in New York, that she was coerced to leave. She warms to the Second family because they willingly accept her and ask for her, very atypical to the firm constraints she was trained to keep. The family joins the Second Lady’s family because the patriarch had a heart attack, and the vigil brings the families closer together. Mr. O’Neil, the brother of the Second Lady is emotionally attentive to the situation and notices Agent Ludzecky is a stickler for protocol and gets annoyed at his few attempts of informality toward her.
The families go to a location together to bring some ease to the Dad’s recuperation process and for leisure. Amidst family fun, an additional scare tells them all to be on guard—their family resillience still leads to cherishable moments.
Eventually, the attractions between the agent and the brother get covertly addressed. The two have to realize whether denial is the best defense for their positions.
The families go to a location together to bring some ease to the Dad’s recuperation process and for leisure. Amidst family fun, an additional scare tells them all to be on guard—their family resillience still leads to cherishable moments.
Eventually, the attractions between the agent and the brother get covertly addressed. The two have to realize whether denial is the best defense for their positions.
April 10, 2015
Another O'Neil story and the added attraction of a Ludzecky story. The beautiful sisters make an appearance when Caterina (CJ) Ludzecky goes home to visit her mother, brother Luke and all the sisters. But I am anticipating. CJ is a field agent in VPPD (Vice-Presidential Protection Division) and is working for Vice-President Clay Wainwright, Second Lady Bailey O'Neil, and their children.
Bailey's brother Aidan meets CJ at the hospital where the family has rushed due to their father's illness. She is by-the-book and a full-time 24-7 agent. He is attracted to her and she to him, but she is afraid of getting involved with a man due to some painful incidents in her past.
Aidan notices the difference right away between Agent Ludzecky and Caterina. They have a lot of ground to cover if they want to be together. Aidan does want; Caterina will not allow herself anything more than a fling (or so she thinks).
The protection part of her job is another sticking point for them, and it is brought to the forefront throughout this book. It takes quite a while for them to reach their HEA. Another good job by Shay.
Bailey's brother Aidan meets CJ at the hospital where the family has rushed due to their father's illness. She is by-the-book and a full-time 24-7 agent. He is attracted to her and she to him, but she is afraid of getting involved with a man due to some painful incidents in her past.
Aidan notices the difference right away between Agent Ludzecky and Caterina. They have a lot of ground to cover if they want to be together. Aidan does want; Caterina will not allow herself anything more than a fling (or so she thinks).
The protection part of her job is another sticking point for them, and it is brought to the forefront throughout this book. It takes quite a while for them to reach their HEA. Another good job by Shay.
September 9, 2013
this is the next book about the O'Neil family
Bailey and Clay are now VP and second lady with 2 children and another on the way
Bailey has a Secret Service Agent C.J. Ludzecky who she and the children love
Pa O'Neil has a heart attack and Bailey brother Aidan blames him self,
there are all at the hospital when Aidan who loves taking photos meets CJ
Pa need to get better so there go to the house by the lake and Aidan falls in love with CJ
Things happen to Clay and one of the children and CJ tell Aidan that she could never go out with him because of her job
so there have a fling
it had me in tears in some places but i loved reading the book
Cant wait to read the next one
i have read all of the hidden cove ones about the firemen and loved them as well
Bailey and Clay are now VP and second lady with 2 children and another on the way
Bailey has a Secret Service Agent C.J. Ludzecky who she and the children love
Pa O'Neil has a heart attack and Bailey brother Aidan blames him self,
there are all at the hospital when Aidan who loves taking photos meets CJ
Pa need to get better so there go to the house by the lake and Aidan falls in love with CJ
Things happen to Clay and one of the children and CJ tell Aidan that she could never go out with him because of her job
so there have a fling
it had me in tears in some places but i loved reading the book
Cant wait to read the next one
i have read all of the hidden cove ones about the firemen and loved them as well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews