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One & Only #2
Make Me Lose Control
USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway returns to Blue Arrow Lake with the dazzling story of opposites attracting in the rustic mountains of California.
As live-in tutor to a headstrong teen, Shay Walker has her hands full—and the girl's absentee father doesn't help matters, either. All Shay wants is to let loose and indulge in a birthday fling with the hottest stranger who's ever caught her eye. But her one-night stand turns out to be Jace Jennings, her student's long-distance dad…and now he's taking up residence—at his lakeside estate and in Shay's most secret fantasies.
Jace isn't exactly a family man, but he's determined to do his best by his daughter—and the first step is forgetting how hot he is for her teacher. But close proximity and their heated connection keeps Shay at the forefront of his mind—even as it's obvious she holds her heart in check. So does Jace. Until they both realize that losing control just might mean finding forever.
As live-in tutor to a headstrong teen, Shay Walker has her hands full—and the girl's absentee father doesn't help matters, either. All Shay wants is to let loose and indulge in a birthday fling with the hottest stranger who's ever caught her eye. But her one-night stand turns out to be Jace Jennings, her student's long-distance dad…and now he's taking up residence—at his lakeside estate and in Shay's most secret fantasies.
Jace isn't exactly a family man, but he's determined to do his best by his daughter—and the first step is forgetting how hot he is for her teacher. But close proximity and their heated connection keeps Shay at the forefront of his mind—even as it's obvious she holds her heart in check. So does Jace. Until they both realize that losing control just might mean finding forever.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 30, 2014
51 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 6, 2015
DNF at 52%
Nothing wrong with it except that I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing ever did. But more than that, I kept waiting and waiting to connect with the two main characters but it never happened either. I just couldn't connect with Shay and Jace. They were perfect on paper but I just didn't feel the chemistry between. Their connection felt forced and their conflict felt contrived.
By 52%, I decided to call it quits. It doesn't make sense to keep reading something that does nothing for you. I'm not going to discourage anyone from reading this though because although I didn't feel anything for this book, it might work for others.
ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing wrong with it except that I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing ever did. But more than that, I kept waiting and waiting to connect with the two main characters but it never happened either. I just couldn't connect with Shay and Jace. They were perfect on paper but I just didn't feel the chemistry between. Their connection felt forced and their conflict felt contrived.
By 52%, I decided to call it quits. It doesn't make sense to keep reading something that does nothing for you. I'm not going to discourage anyone from reading this though because although I didn't feel anything for this book, it might work for others.
ARC provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2015
Very good book. It opens with Shay trying to celebrate her birthday, though her plans with a friend get stopped by a wildfire in the area. Instead, she finds herself quite attracted to another refugee from the fire and takes the opportunity for a one night fling with him, never expecting to see him again. Instead, he turns out to be the father of the teen she has been caring for over the summer. Awkward!
Jace is surprised to find the woman who has been occupying his mind living in his house. The chemistry that was there the night before is still burning hot and he tries to make things easier on himself by firing Shay. She calls him on it, and retains her job, but the pull between them is a major distraction for both of them.
Jace is there because he suddenly has custody of his fifteen year old daughter London. He hasn't seen her since she was five because her mother kept them apart. Now his ex-wife is dead and Jace has to find a way to connect with his daughter. He has zero confidence in his ability to be a good father, as his own was a cold, distant man. He wants to do what is best for her, and believes that to be getting her into a good boarding school and not taking the risk of screwing up her life. He has a great deal of trouble believing Shay's assertions that he will do fine if he'll just give himself the chance. I really hurt for him, because he wanted to be a father for London, he was just afraid to take the chance. It was fun to see him build a relationship with her. He has good instincts, even though he doesn't believe it, and I loved seeing those come out.
Jace has to depend on Shay to help him get to know London. His attraction to her is intense and he often has trouble thinking of anything but her when she's around. Thanks to his childhood and then the disaster that was his marriage, Jace believes that any kind of long term relationship is impossible for him. He doesn't think he's capable of love. He's confused about what is developing between him and Shay. The hot physical attraction he gets, but he discovers that he's thinking about more than sex when he's around her. Once he realizes that what he feels is love, he has to decide if he can open himself up to the risks.
Shay is the youngest of the Walker siblings and has always felt like an outsider in her own family. She is the product of an affair that her mom had while married and that has caused Shay to feel that she doesn't really belong. It doesn't matter that her siblings have never felt that way. She loves her family and will do anything for them. But she also protects her heart, fearful of losing those she may come to care for. In previous jobs she has always been able to maintain an emotional distance, but something about London has worked its way into her heart. She's horrified by Jace's plans to send London to school. I loved watching her try to help the two of them connect. In the meantime, her own relationship with Jace is changing. She tried to keep it just physical, but instead she fell hard for him. She also has to decide if she can open herself up to taking a chance with him.
I loved London. She has the fifteen year old attitudes, along with an amazing intelligence and a huge store of self reliance. Her life with her mom hadn't been easy. Mom was quite self centered and tended to go off on her own plans, leaving London in the care of the housekeeper. Along with never seeing her dad, it leaves her feeling unloved. At the beginning of the book she has a tough shell that she uses to hide her vulnerability. A crush on a boy, the steady caring by Shay, and her dad's arrival start a slow transformation. She's cautious and prickly around Jace at the beginning, but she really wants to believe he's there to stay. His plans create a crisis between them, but I loved seeing the way that they ended up working it out.
In the end, all three had to allow themselves to trust their own feelings and those of the others. I loved seeing that happen and the epilogue was fantastic.
Jace is surprised to find the woman who has been occupying his mind living in his house. The chemistry that was there the night before is still burning hot and he tries to make things easier on himself by firing Shay. She calls him on it, and retains her job, but the pull between them is a major distraction for both of them.
Jace is there because he suddenly has custody of his fifteen year old daughter London. He hasn't seen her since she was five because her mother kept them apart. Now his ex-wife is dead and Jace has to find a way to connect with his daughter. He has zero confidence in his ability to be a good father, as his own was a cold, distant man. He wants to do what is best for her, and believes that to be getting her into a good boarding school and not taking the risk of screwing up her life. He has a great deal of trouble believing Shay's assertions that he will do fine if he'll just give himself the chance. I really hurt for him, because he wanted to be a father for London, he was just afraid to take the chance. It was fun to see him build a relationship with her. He has good instincts, even though he doesn't believe it, and I loved seeing those come out.
Jace has to depend on Shay to help him get to know London. His attraction to her is intense and he often has trouble thinking of anything but her when she's around. Thanks to his childhood and then the disaster that was his marriage, Jace believes that any kind of long term relationship is impossible for him. He doesn't think he's capable of love. He's confused about what is developing between him and Shay. The hot physical attraction he gets, but he discovers that he's thinking about more than sex when he's around her. Once he realizes that what he feels is love, he has to decide if he can open himself up to the risks.
Shay is the youngest of the Walker siblings and has always felt like an outsider in her own family. She is the product of an affair that her mom had while married and that has caused Shay to feel that she doesn't really belong. It doesn't matter that her siblings have never felt that way. She loves her family and will do anything for them. But she also protects her heart, fearful of losing those she may come to care for. In previous jobs she has always been able to maintain an emotional distance, but something about London has worked its way into her heart. She's horrified by Jace's plans to send London to school. I loved watching her try to help the two of them connect. In the meantime, her own relationship with Jace is changing. She tried to keep it just physical, but instead she fell hard for him. She also has to decide if she can open herself up to taking a chance with him.
I loved London. She has the fifteen year old attitudes, along with an amazing intelligence and a huge store of self reliance. Her life with her mom hadn't been easy. Mom was quite self centered and tended to go off on her own plans, leaving London in the care of the housekeeper. Along with never seeing her dad, it leaves her feeling unloved. At the beginning of the book she has a tough shell that she uses to hide her vulnerability. A crush on a boy, the steady caring by Shay, and her dad's arrival start a slow transformation. She's cautious and prickly around Jace at the beginning, but she really wants to believe he's there to stay. His plans create a crisis between them, but I loved seeing the way that they ended up working it out.
In the end, all three had to allow themselves to trust their own feelings and those of the others. I loved seeing that happen and the epilogue was fantastic.
September 17, 2018
Thinking of reading this book? Well, consider following my advice then. Prior to reading it, go to your kitchen and grab a grater out of the cabinet. Open the book while holding the grater at arms length. I guarantee you, you'll need the grater for all the cheese Christie Ridgway throws at you page after page after page (and not the good kind of cheese!!!)
I don't understand how this book has such a high rating. It reads like a summary of the worst chick flick you've ever seen. Cliché after cliché, the book is predictable from the very beginning. The characters are irritating and one dimensional. They all have the exact same personalities.
And they all live happily ever after (SHOCKER) as you would expect in only the very worst romantic comedy. Except this book isn't romantic, nor is it comedic. It's just an enormous ball of cheese. Bad cheese.
I don't understand how this book has such a high rating. It reads like a summary of the worst chick flick you've ever seen. Cliché after cliché, the book is predictable from the very beginning. The characters are irritating and one dimensional. They all have the exact same personalities.
And they all live happily ever after (SHOCKER) as you would expect in only the very worst romantic comedy. Except this book isn't romantic, nor is it comedic. It's just an enormous ball of cheese. Bad cheese.
November 19, 2015
Original Post:
MAKE ME LOSE CONTROL: Adults, Adoption, Autonomy
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I have to say that I don’t believe, as the blurb says, that Jace is determined to do his best for his daughter. He waited way too long to see her after years of absence, and though he is determined she’ll get a decent education it’s in a way that the inconvenience to him is minimized.
And, because his own father was a tightwad with affection he seems to believe he would be as well. But, I don’t get or believe in the my-parent(s)-sucked-at-parenting-so-I-would-too trope . It echoes the other book in this series I listened to in which the male love interest blames himself for not protecting his son from something that could not possibly have been his fault.
So, I have issues with the story, but also with the premise. I just don’t believe the premise. Some people have crappy parents but that spurs them to be better parents. On the other hand, I believe that Jace is being a crappy parent; there’s not much he could do outside of incest and being a deadbeat dad that would make him a crappier father.
The story is also a little bit about a woman reaching out of her class/societal position into a higher income bracket. Both novels, I have listened to in the series also feature a child who desperately needs a father figure. In TAKE MY BREATH AWAY the child has a great mom, but the speed at which he gloms onto his Mom’s new love interest, makes his need for a guy in his life apparent. In this book, Jace’s daughter, whose mother had her mostly to gain access to her trust fund, has pretty much been on her own while her flighty mother led her trust-funded life. And, her father allowed that to happen, abdicating full custody to London’s mother.
Shay suffers from guilt feelings and not belonging, in much the same way her sister, Poppy suffers from feelings of inadequacy. At least Shay doesn’t feel like the poor townie who falls for the rich visitor. As a half-sibling in a tight family group, she has pushed herself into a feeling of not quite belonging; to not being one of the family. It all centers on whether she was officially adopted by the family’s dad. It wasn’t clear whether the parents would have been divorced or simply estranged when she was born. I have to assume they were divorced since in most states a child born within a marriage is considered a product of the marriage and therefore adoption is not necessary.
I basically thought both adults needed to grow up a bit and see that the true issue here was that London is searching for boundaries and struggling to be part of a community. But, I didn’t really believe the turnaround in feelings the ambivalence had too much gravity or momentum for the way the turnaround came about.
It just didn’t really work for me plot wise, nor did I like the hook ups all that much as they seemed to mostly be angry sex. And, when I see an author repeating a theme in a series I start to think they are working something out.
I really liked Jace’s daughter, London. She is a well-written teen-aged girl; a character of contradictions, capable, but seeking boundaries, autonomy and direction. She gets more of what she needs from Shay, her governess, than she does from her father. Shay is patient and understanding with London, and grows attached to her student. But her family issues would make Ann Landers roll over in her grave.
As a whole, I like CSE Cooney’s narration of the various characters and I think she got London’s persona absolutely perfectly. Her narration and London’s character, made the book an enjoyable listen.
MAKE ME LOSE CONTROL: Adults, Adoption, Autonomy
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I have to say that I don’t believe, as the blurb says, that Jace is determined to do his best for his daughter. He waited way too long to see her after years of absence, and though he is determined she’ll get a decent education it’s in a way that the inconvenience to him is minimized.
And, because his own father was a tightwad with affection he seems to believe he would be as well. But, I don’t get or believe in the my-parent(s)-sucked-at-parenting-so-I-would-too trope . It echoes the other book in this series I listened to in which the male love interest blames himself for not protecting his son from something that could not possibly have been his fault.
So, I have issues with the story, but also with the premise. I just don’t believe the premise. Some people have crappy parents but that spurs them to be better parents. On the other hand, I believe that Jace is being a crappy parent; there’s not much he could do outside of incest and being a deadbeat dad that would make him a crappier father.
The story is also a little bit about a woman reaching out of her class/societal position into a higher income bracket. Both novels, I have listened to in the series also feature a child who desperately needs a father figure. In TAKE MY BREATH AWAY the child has a great mom, but the speed at which he gloms onto his Mom’s new love interest, makes his need for a guy in his life apparent. In this book, Jace’s daughter, whose mother had her mostly to gain access to her trust fund, has pretty much been on her own while her flighty mother led her trust-funded life. And, her father allowed that to happen, abdicating full custody to London’s mother.
Shay suffers from guilt feelings and not belonging, in much the same way her sister, Poppy suffers from feelings of inadequacy. At least Shay doesn’t feel like the poor townie who falls for the rich visitor. As a half-sibling in a tight family group, she has pushed herself into a feeling of not quite belonging; to not being one of the family. It all centers on whether she was officially adopted by the family’s dad. It wasn’t clear whether the parents would have been divorced or simply estranged when she was born. I have to assume they were divorced since in most states a child born within a marriage is considered a product of the marriage and therefore adoption is not necessary.
I basically thought both adults needed to grow up a bit and see that the true issue here was that London is searching for boundaries and struggling to be part of a community. But, I didn’t really believe the turnaround in feelings the ambivalence had too much gravity or momentum for the way the turnaround came about.
It just didn’t really work for me plot wise, nor did I like the hook ups all that much as they seemed to mostly be angry sex. And, when I see an author repeating a theme in a series I start to think they are working something out.
I really liked Jace’s daughter, London. She is a well-written teen-aged girl; a character of contradictions, capable, but seeking boundaries, autonomy and direction. She gets more of what she needs from Shay, her governess, than she does from her father. Shay is patient and understanding with London, and grows attached to her student. But her family issues would make Ann Landers roll over in her grave.
As a whole, I like CSE Cooney’s narration of the various characters and I think she got London’s persona absolutely perfectly. Her narration and London’s character, made the book an enjoyable listen.
April 11, 2015
Make Me Lose Control
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Shay Walker is between jobs at the moment and takes a temporary position as a live in tutor for a fifteen year old girl. During a birthday celebration she encounters a handsome man in the local bar and they have the best sex of her life. She partakes in a random pick-up, something she has never done before, but feels confident that she will never see the man again, which is really too bad.
Fortunately or unfortunately a few days later her new lover makes an appearance in her life once again, this time as the father of her summer charge. Oops. When I originally read the synopsis of the story I found myself thinking that this story line had been done before, and it has but I felt the author did a great job of pulling it off.
Shay is dealing with some familial baggage but she provides a safe haven for London as well as tutorial skills.
Jace Jennings has not spent a lot of time with his daughter over the years, her mother has connived to keep them apart. Now that he is needed, he is not sure how to step up to the plate and be the father that she needs.
London was denied her father growing up and her mother was only concerned with herself. She finds herself unsure of exactly who she is and as such randomly changes her name to suit her mood of the day.
The author does a great job of bringing these characters to life and make the story about the relationship between all of them and not simply about the awesome sex. They all fight to find themselves and how they can connect to each other. I was eagerly turning the pages to see how it would progress and it they could find their happy ever after together. I felt both anger and sorrow at various parts of the story as I became more attached to all of them. I found myself drawn to the secondary characters of Shay's family and hope the author has some follow up stories. I would rate this story a 4/5.
January 5, 2015
Check out this review and more at On the Wings of Books
What I Thought...
• Make Me Lose Control wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but that's ok. Shay and Jace meet and have a one night stand before realizing that Jace is Shay's employer. This led to quite a bit of awkwardness, which I enjoyed, and some funny moments too.
• London's mother passed away and that is what brought Jace home to take care of her, though his plan is to send her to school so he can go back to work. Most of this is because he has no idea how to be a father (because he hasn't been one) to a 15 year old girl. Jace regrets not being in his daughters life and I enjoyed seeing him work around to becoming a father.
• Shay has issues of her own, as a half sibling she never quite feels like a Walker, though they have no doubt that she is part of their family. I had a hard time caring about Shay and her issues as much as I did for Jace and London. Mostly I just wanted to tell her to get over it.
• What really sold me on Make Me Lose Control was London. We get a few chapters from her point of view and I absolutely love them. She was going through an identity crisis of her own and seeing it from her pov rather than Jace or Shay's made the story better. I absolutely loved the epilogue that included her!
Overall Make Me Lose Control is a feel good at the end contemporary romance recommended for anyone one loves that genre!
What I Thought...
• Make Me Lose Control wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but that's ok. Shay and Jace meet and have a one night stand before realizing that Jace is Shay's employer. This led to quite a bit of awkwardness, which I enjoyed, and some funny moments too.
• London's mother passed away and that is what brought Jace home to take care of her, though his plan is to send her to school so he can go back to work. Most of this is because he has no idea how to be a father (because he hasn't been one) to a 15 year old girl. Jace regrets not being in his daughters life and I enjoyed seeing him work around to becoming a father.
• Shay has issues of her own, as a half sibling she never quite feels like a Walker, though they have no doubt that she is part of their family. I had a hard time caring about Shay and her issues as much as I did for Jace and London. Mostly I just wanted to tell her to get over it.
• What really sold me on Make Me Lose Control was London. We get a few chapters from her point of view and I absolutely love them. She was going through an identity crisis of her own and seeing it from her pov rather than Jace or Shay's made the story better. I absolutely loved the epilogue that included her!
Overall Make Me Lose Control is a feel good at the end contemporary romance recommended for anyone one loves that genre!
December 7, 2014
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
4.25 Hearts So many romances have the broken hero/heroine who has dealt with so much in their past and they are working at moving beyond. Well this has the heroine doing the same but the difference is most of this is in her own mind. Shay sees herself as an outsider in her own family because her mom had an affair and she does not share the same father as the others but the family doesn’t see her this way at all but Shay can’t get past it. She also blames herself for her dad’s death but again no one else does. These are both in her own mind and heart. So how does she get past something that no one else can understand?
Jace had a bad childhood himself. Mostly his dad never taught him how to love. So when he spends 10 years away from his daughter and then needs to come back into her life he doesn’t know how. And really doesn’t know how to understand Shay and his feeling for her. And then there is London who is dealing with her own issues as a 15 year old girl and her first crush.
I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the way the characters were written. I enjoyed the family in the background. Seeing Ryan and Poppy from the first book in the series was great too. I really enjoyed the epilogue. You do not need to have read the first in the series but you will know you missed their story but it will not take away from this one. I have read all of Ridgway’s books and this one ranks really high for me. You will enjoy it if you give it a try.
4.25 Hearts So many romances have the broken hero/heroine who has dealt with so much in their past and they are working at moving beyond. Well this has the heroine doing the same but the difference is most of this is in her own mind. Shay sees herself as an outsider in her own family because her mom had an affair and she does not share the same father as the others but the family doesn’t see her this way at all but Shay can’t get past it. She also blames herself for her dad’s death but again no one else does. These are both in her own mind and heart. So how does she get past something that no one else can understand?
Jace had a bad childhood himself. Mostly his dad never taught him how to love. So when he spends 10 years away from his daughter and then needs to come back into her life he doesn’t know how. And really doesn’t know how to understand Shay and his feeling for her. And then there is London who is dealing with her own issues as a 15 year old girl and her first crush.
I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the way the characters were written. I enjoyed the family in the background. Seeing Ryan and Poppy from the first book in the series was great too. I really enjoyed the epilogue. You do not need to have read the first in the series but you will know you missed their story but it will not take away from this one. I have read all of Ridgway’s books and this one ranks really high for me. You will enjoy it if you give it a try.
July 8, 2015
I've been a fan of Christie Ridgway for years and all I have to do is see her name on the cover of a book and know nothing about the story and pick it up because I know it will be a mighty fine read....
This is the 2nd book in her Cabin Fever Series and this book is addictive as Sunshine! This story is about Shay Walker and Jace Jennings in the small town of Blue Arrow Lake.
Shay Walker, the youngest of the Walker Clan, is insecure with her position in the family and has issues with her birthday. On that dreadful day she decides to meet up with her friend for a drink and instead she indulges in a few drinks, an appetizer, cake and a round of burning up the sheets with a hunky stranger who she thinks she will never see again.
Jace Jennings is in town to take custody of his 15 year old estranged daughter. He isn't exactly a family man but is determined to do right by her. Jace shows up at the door of his lakeside estate and comes face to face with Shay, his one night stand/daughters tutor.
Jace and Shay circle one another and try to resist the heated attraction but living in close quarters is causing Jace to lose control of what he thought he wanted and Shay to shed those ties that hold her heart in check. Can these two rebel from their issues and face the fact that they are meant to be together?
This is the 2nd book in her Cabin Fever Series and this book is addictive as Sunshine! This story is about Shay Walker and Jace Jennings in the small town of Blue Arrow Lake.
Shay Walker, the youngest of the Walker Clan, is insecure with her position in the family and has issues with her birthday. On that dreadful day she decides to meet up with her friend for a drink and instead she indulges in a few drinks, an appetizer, cake and a round of burning up the sheets with a hunky stranger who she thinks she will never see again.
Jace Jennings is in town to take custody of his 15 year old estranged daughter. He isn't exactly a family man but is determined to do right by her. Jace shows up at the door of his lakeside estate and comes face to face with Shay, his one night stand/daughters tutor.
Jace and Shay circle one another and try to resist the heated attraction but living in close quarters is causing Jace to lose control of what he thought he wanted and Shay to shed those ties that hold her heart in check. Can these two rebel from their issues and face the fact that they are meant to be together?
December 15, 2014
One of the Cabin Fever titles, Shay Walker, half-sister to her Walker sibs, is working as a live-in tutor for a teen who's never really been cared for by her late mother, or her absent father. Shay is depressed that another birthday is approaching, so she ends up picking up a man at a bar, thinking she'll have a one-night fling to forget her troubles.
Turns out her troubles are just beginning when she discovers that her one-night man is London's father! Ack! Jason Jennings (called Jace) doesn't consider himself a family man, having had no role model in his own father, and having stopped seeing London when she was an enchanting five-year-old. He concludes his best move is to find a boarding school for her, thereby cutting short her summer vacation, and run off to Qatar, where he's in charge of construction.
Shay is appalled at his plan and is convinced if he'd just get to know London, it would do both of them good. Maybe her, too, although she has to protect her own heart from being broken, given that she longs for permanence and he's allergic to it.
How can this almost-family become one for real? Turn the pages and find out.
Turns out her troubles are just beginning when she discovers that her one-night man is London's father! Ack! Jason Jennings (called Jace) doesn't consider himself a family man, having had no role model in his own father, and having stopped seeing London when she was an enchanting five-year-old. He concludes his best move is to find a boarding school for her, thereby cutting short her summer vacation, and run off to Qatar, where he's in charge of construction.
Shay is appalled at his plan and is convinced if he'd just get to know London, it would do both of them good. Maybe her, too, although she has to protect her own heart from being broken, given that she longs for permanence and he's allergic to it.
How can this almost-family become one for real? Turn the pages and find out.
January 14, 2015
Make Me Lose Control was a smile and a happy sigh kind of story. I really, really liked it. The Walker clan, Jace and London, and the Colton angle made this book unforgettable.
My Thoughts...
- Shay: Confident in abilities yet unsure in relationships; cared deeply for those she loved; fearful of being vulnerable; haunted by past
- Jace: Strong and handsome, with a playful charm; unsure of how to love; driven about what he wanted, honorable
- London: Lost; searching for acceptance; desirous of connection
- Colton: Good guy; tried to do the right thing; loved his final scene with London
- The Walkers: United; aware and accepting of each other; supportive
I loved how the author presented three points of view in this story. I was easily drawn into each. I also liked how she gave just enough hints at other story lines; those kept me interested enough to continue on with this series.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M, A, R
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
HEA: Yes
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: NetGalley
Purpose: Honest critique in exchange for complimentary review copy
My Thoughts...
- Shay: Confident in abilities yet unsure in relationships; cared deeply for those she loved; fearful of being vulnerable; haunted by past
- Jace: Strong and handsome, with a playful charm; unsure of how to love; driven about what he wanted, honorable
- London: Lost; searching for acceptance; desirous of connection
- Colton: Good guy; tried to do the right thing; loved his final scene with London
- The Walkers: United; aware and accepting of each other; supportive
I loved how the author presented three points of view in this story. I was easily drawn into each. I also liked how she gave just enough hints at other story lines; those kept me interested enough to continue on with this series.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M, A, R
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
HEA: Yes
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: NetGalley
Purpose: Honest critique in exchange for complimentary review copy
February 1, 2015
What a great book this was for Christie Ridgway second book in her Cabin Fever series. This one tugs at the heart as three people try to find their way to love and family and belonging. I had to use a few Kleenex's reading this one..
December 10, 2014
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
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August 26, 2017
There isn’t a book yet from this author that I haven’t enjoyed. She writes fun stories but always with a serious side and message. This book was no exception. The series itself is an interesting view of small town life lived on a mountain with sprinklings of sporadic visits by the wealthy vacation property owners.
This revolves around the Walker family who once owned a thriving winter ski area. Bad decisions by their father and an untimely fire took away most of their business. When their father abandoned the family, their mother turned to another man for comfort. Although their father returned, Shay learned later in life that she was the result of that affair and didn’t feel that she was really a Walker at all.
Wallowing in her sorrow and celebrating her birthday alone due to road closure caused by another fire, Shay ends up having a one night stand. And then finds out the next day that he’s the father of the girl that she has been caring for. Jace Jennings didn’t know what to do with his daughter when he gained custody so he hired a nanny. He had no idea that the sad woman he met at the Inn was who he had hired.
They pretend it didn’t happen and forge ahead with everyday life. Wealthy Jace doesn’t know how to be a father any more than Shay knows how to accept her own family. Together they learn to love each other and those around them.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
This revolves around the Walker family who once owned a thriving winter ski area. Bad decisions by their father and an untimely fire took away most of their business. When their father abandoned the family, their mother turned to another man for comfort. Although their father returned, Shay learned later in life that she was the result of that affair and didn’t feel that she was really a Walker at all.
Wallowing in her sorrow and celebrating her birthday alone due to road closure caused by another fire, Shay ends up having a one night stand. And then finds out the next day that he’s the father of the girl that she has been caring for. Jace Jennings didn’t know what to do with his daughter when he gained custody so he hired a nanny. He had no idea that the sad woman he met at the Inn was who he had hired.
They pretend it didn’t happen and forge ahead with everyday life. Wealthy Jace doesn’t know how to be a father any more than Shay knows how to accept her own family. Together they learn to love each other and those around them.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
June 20, 2017
Loved this book. Shay is the half sister to the Walker siblings, their mother's child. They always accepted her as their sister and their Dad always considered her his daughter, but she still felt an outsider and when her birthday came around, due to a forest fire, she was alone in the restaurant of an inn where she had a room until a handsome stranger sat down next to her. They spent one night together and thought that was it, little did she know, he was the father of London, the fifteen year old, who she was the live in tutor, until he showed up at the front door. This was a great story. Jace didn't think he had what it took to be a full time Dad to London. London was at that awkward age, where she was just trying to fit in and getting to know her Dad. Shay was the buffer in between but was dealing with her on insecurities. You will have to read this book to see how it all turns out, I promise you will not be disappointed. You will laugh and even shed a few tears and you will fall in love with Jace, Shay and London. I highly recommend this book and anything by this author. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my voluntary review.
June 17, 2023
OMG !!! This is my favorite one in this series (so far). I love Christie Ridgway books and writing style.
Shay and Jace met during bad weather and expected it to be a one night stand. Neither of them knew who the other was so imagine their surprise to find out she was his daughter's tutor and he was her dad. London's mom died and she had no other family so Jace became her family despite being strangers since he had missed out on her life due to his ex wife Elsa.
Along the way London and Shay became close and Shay's family loved London. Shay and Jace finally admitted their feelings for each other and became a real family and got married. They are having twins which London is over the moon about.
Shay and Jace met during bad weather and expected it to be a one night stand. Neither of them knew who the other was so imagine their surprise to find out she was his daughter's tutor and he was her dad. London's mom died and she had no other family so Jace became her family despite being strangers since he had missed out on her life due to his ex wife Elsa.
Along the way London and Shay became close and Shay's family loved London. Shay and Jace finally admitted their feelings for each other and became a real family and got married. They are having twins which London is over the moon about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2017
One Kiss is the second book in the One & Only series. It was previously published as Make Me Lose Control. Shay is London’s live-in tutor, Jace is London’s father. Neither have met since he hasn’t been active in London's life for the last ten years. When they both happen to be at the same lodge for the weekend, they give in to the desire, not knowing who the other is. When the weekend is over and Jace finds Shay answering the door when he arrives to see London, shocked is one way of describing his reaction. What will happen next? I enjoyed this story, and I recommend this book.
June 17, 2018
Shay Walker is working as a live-in tutor for a 15 year old girl whose mother died recently. The girl’s father is working half a world away and can’t return to the states right away. On her birthday, Shay takes a couple of nights off while her sister, Poppy has the girl stay at her house. Shay is supposed to meet a girlfriend at the restaurant/hotel, but the girlfriend can’t get there because roads are closed due to wildfires. Instead, Shay meets and flirts with a gorgeous man. When Shay returns, she finds out that the man she met at the resort is her charge’s father. Oops!
January 12, 2019
This was a fun book about families and trust. Shay Walker never really felt she belonged to her family of one brother and two sisters since her mother had had an affair during her marriage and Shay was the outcome. She always wanted that family feeling but could not find it until she met the father of the young lady's that she was tutoring. She did not know in the beginning who he was and he certainly did not know who she was and with that plot, the story really begins. Great story and wonderful read.
July 5, 2017
Liked the characters in this novel. Enjoyed hearing from many viewpoints while reading. Nice balance of romance, family, drama, and mystery. Would recommend!
May 15, 2019
Kindle
April 30, 2025
very good story
June 22, 2015
Shay work as a live in tutor and she found herself to be alone on her birthday after her friend was caught up with some urgent job. Being alone in a restaurant, she make an impromptu decision to have a one night fling with a stranger that she met in the restaurant that was stranded due to the wildfire nearby. But things got complicated when she met Jace, the absentee father of the teen under her care. Imagine the awkward situation that she is into. Jace was equally surprised to find her in his house caring for his daughter. The chemistry that they have still remain strong and to undo the complication and awkwardness, he tries to fired Shay but she convinced him to retained her at least for the summer before he breaks the news to his daughter that he is sending her to a boarding school.
This book is about rebuilding of family units and learning to trust and love again between Jace and Shay. Jace is a reluctant father but he did not forget his responsibility. Being absent in his daughter’s life all this while and now finding that he is the main carer for her, he doesn’t know what is to do. London wants the attention of her father but she doesn’t know how to express her feeling to her father and she is convince that Jace doesn’t want anything to do with her. Shay on the other hand, has always feel as an outsider in her family and is trying hard to avoid family gathering. Overall, it is a good read for me although I find it a tad slow in the story development but it did capture my attention as it progress.
This book is about rebuilding of family units and learning to trust and love again between Jace and Shay. Jace is a reluctant father but he did not forget his responsibility. Being absent in his daughter’s life all this while and now finding that he is the main carer for her, he doesn’t know what is to do. London wants the attention of her father but she doesn’t know how to express her feeling to her father and she is convince that Jace doesn’t want anything to do with her. Shay on the other hand, has always feel as an outsider in her family and is trying hard to avoid family gathering. Overall, it is a good read for me although I find it a tad slow in the story development but it did capture my attention as it progress.
August 8, 2016
The second Cabin Fever story tackled another woman in the Walker family. Shay Walker was an enjoyable heroine and she had many qualities that had me rooting for her. The care she provided her teenage student went so much further than that of a teacher/student. She had to work hard to reach her because her pupil didn’t make it easy for her. But the work she put into that part of her life paid off and I loved the relationship between these two women in Make Me Lose Control.
I also thoroughly the journey Shay and Jace experienced in their relationship. Jace is a fish out of water with his daughter and he doesn’t know which end is up with Shay. I loved his uncertainly because it was obvious in so many ways that he typically exudes confidence in his work and life. His attempts to get more confident as a dad and as a suitor was endearing and he grew more than any character in the story!
I enjoyed Jace and Shay’s hot adventures when they did find themselves enjoying some privacy and I loved the contributions the Walker family made to Shay’s chance at love.
Listening to C.S.E. Cooney was a treat again as well. She has a great voice for narration and I hope she continues to narrate future books in this series.
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
I also thoroughly the journey Shay and Jace experienced in their relationship. Jace is a fish out of water with his daughter and he doesn’t know which end is up with Shay. I loved his uncertainly because it was obvious in so many ways that he typically exudes confidence in his work and life. His attempts to get more confident as a dad and as a suitor was endearing and he grew more than any character in the story!
I enjoyed Jace and Shay’s hot adventures when they did find themselves enjoying some privacy and I loved the contributions the Walker family made to Shay’s chance at love.
Listening to C.S.E. Cooney was a treat again as well. She has a great voice for narration and I hope she continues to narrate future books in this series.
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the audiobook publisher, Tantor.
December 25, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.
I am on the fence about this book. On one had, it beyond silly and the fact the male character admits he is "half hard" since the moment he saw the female character on page 28 is really rushed. Of course, she propositions him for sex on page 25 so he is not the only one rushing. Then the sex encounter leaves out the middle part...just a quick lead up and aftermath.It does add to the confusion the characters carry throughout the whole book, well that and the fact she finds out her one night stand is her employer. Oh, and he tries to fire her for sleeping with him. Even though they did not know one another at the time. *eye roll*
The book was entertaining but the sex and intimate time scenes were rather clunkily written. I actually ended up laughing at some of the descriptions of the feelings their bodies were having and the sex. They just were not "ohhh hot!" inducing but damn funny.
So the book was entertaining and I breezed through it. It just seemed to entertain me in how silly it was instead of the story and the budding relationship between the characters. A solid 3 star book.
I am on the fence about this book. On one had, it beyond silly and the fact the male character admits he is "half hard" since the moment he saw the female character on page 28 is really rushed. Of course, she propositions him for sex on page 25 so he is not the only one rushing. Then the sex encounter leaves out the middle part...just a quick lead up and aftermath.It does add to the confusion the characters carry throughout the whole book, well that and the fact she finds out her one night stand is her employer. Oh, and he tries to fire her for sleeping with him. Even though they did not know one another at the time. *eye roll*
The book was entertaining but the sex and intimate time scenes were rather clunkily written. I actually ended up laughing at some of the descriptions of the feelings their bodies were having and the sex. They just were not "ohhh hot!" inducing but damn funny.
So the book was entertaining and I breezed through it. It just seemed to entertain me in how silly it was instead of the story and the budding relationship between the characters. A solid 3 star book.
June 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. I listened to it whenever I was in my car and I greatly enjoyed it. The narrator did a great job with all the different characters and making the story come alive. Christie did a great job writing this story and creating these characters. I was hooked very early on and had to know what was going to happen next and how everything was going to work out. The sex is mildly explicit, it's fairly glossed over but you do get bits and pieces of it. I loved how everything blended and how the relationship was built. I would love to read/listen to the next one and find out where things go and get to catch up with these characters again. I would really love to find out what happens with London's love life (we get teased at the end and I want to know more!) Definitely worth checking out.
January 21, 2015
Make Me Lose Control is a pleasant fluffy story if readers ignore Jace's emotionally ego-centric total slackerism as a parent. (Sorry, sending books doesn't cut it.) He's wealthy, and he's been wealthy for awhile so his ten-year absence from London's life just didn't work for me. The dead mom is presented as the villain, but Jace could have fought for visitation, shared custody or something.
His excuses ring hollow because his wealth gives him access to resources and options; experts to advise him, but he's too lazy to make that effort. Lame.
And don't get me started on how London's grief over the death of her sole custodial parent gets totally marginalized.
Shay's character is fun.
His excuses ring hollow because his wealth gives him access to resources and options; experts to advise him, but he's too lazy to make that effort. Lame.
And don't get me started on how London's grief over the death of her sole custodial parent gets totally marginalized.
Shay's character is fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2015
Fun read from Christie Ridgway in the Cabin Fever series. The youngest in her family Shay has never really felt like she fit in. Spending her birthday alone is not how she wanted to celebrate but when wildfires keep her from leaving celebrating with a few martinis sounds better and better. When a handsome stranger sits down next to her she knows that a chance at one night would make her day a little bit better. Plans change when that handsome stranger turns out to be Jace, father to the young girl that Shay is tutoring. With their explosive chemistry living under the same roof is a recipe for disaster. I loved how vulnerable Shay was and how clueless Jace was to being a father. A really fun, funny, sexy story and I’m very eager to continue enjoying the series. Good read!
December 28, 2014
This is the second book in Christie's Blue Arrow Lake series. The first book was about Poppy Walker and this book is about her sister Shay Walker. Because the characters appear extensively in both books, I would suggest they be read in order.
Shay is a live-in tutor for 15 year old London, who's mother has died and she hasn't seen her father in 10 years. I enjoyed London's character and her interaction with Shay, and then the evolving relationship with her father.
On Shay's birthday she is to meet a girlfriend for dinner. When the girlfriend can't make it, guess who she meets instead?!
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series when they come out!
Shay is a live-in tutor for 15 year old London, who's mother has died and she hasn't seen her father in 10 years. I enjoyed London's character and her interaction with Shay, and then the evolving relationship with her father.
On Shay's birthday she is to meet a girlfriend for dinner. When the girlfriend can't make it, guess who she meets instead?!
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series when they come out!
February 24, 2015
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this cute little romance although very chick-lit and predictable, it kept me invested in the blossoming romance between Jace and Shay. Shay and Jace have a one-night stand that turns into an "oh crap," when she realizes that he is the long lost father of her charge and her employer. Shay is the live-in tutor to London, Jace's daughter. When they meet again, it's awkward and although they both try to resist, will they be able to keep their hands off each other or will they give into temptation and memories of their one night together? Both Shay and Jace have personal issues to overcome.
I enjoyed and recommend it to fans of contemporary romance.
I really enjoyed this cute little romance although very chick-lit and predictable, it kept me invested in the blossoming romance between Jace and Shay. Shay and Jace have a one-night stand that turns into an "oh crap," when she realizes that he is the long lost father of her charge and her employer. Shay is the live-in tutor to London, Jace's daughter. When they meet again, it's awkward and although they both try to resist, will they be able to keep their hands off each other or will they give into temptation and memories of their one night together? Both Shay and Jace have personal issues to overcome.
I enjoyed and recommend it to fans of contemporary romance.
June 4, 2015
I think this would have benefited from a little more actual romance. I liked the family unit that was being built and I really liked that the dad had to work to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, but the romance seemed sort of secondary to the rest. And maybe that was the point! But it felt off in a romance novel.
I also wasn't entirely a fan of the way that the rest of the Walker siblings kept trying to force their sister to see things from their POV. I get that the point was that she was one of them, that there was no difference, but when someone feels that way, beating them over the head with how wrong they are isn't usually the best solution in my experience.
I also wasn't entirely a fan of the way that the rest of the Walker siblings kept trying to force their sister to see things from their POV. I get that the point was that she was one of them, that there was no difference, but when someone feels that way, beating them over the head with how wrong they are isn't usually the best solution in my experience.
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