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Mended Hearts #2
Holding Her Close
She's everything he detests about Hollywood.
After spending my entire acting career being cast as the airhead, I finally have the serious role I've been dying for, and I screw it all up during a four martini dinner with my ex. Now, thanks to the morality clause in my contract, I might lose the role of a lifetime. My only hope is to convince the media (and my eccentrically conservative director) that I've entered a committed relationship. But when I use my brother's costume party to launch Operation Fake Fiancé, I end up in front of the camera with the wrong guy, leaving my reputation—and the fate of my career—at his mercy. Any other guy I could sweet talk into playing the supporting role I need, but not Officer Cade Watts. Not the man who hates everything about me. Not the man who would most revel in seeing me fail.
He's everything she needs.
I don't care how good it felt to have her in my arms. I don't care that I can't close my eyes without remembering the way she tastes or the sound of her moan. I want nothing to do with Janelle Crane. Her scheme to fake an engagement to save her own career is exactly the kind of manipulative Hollywood crap I left LA to escape. But when her fan mail turns threatening and the tragedies befalling her former co-stars seem to be anything but coincidence, everything changes. Now I don't just want to play the part of Janelle's fake fiancé, I demand it. I won't let my jaded heart cost me another case. I may not trust Janelle but I do care, and the only way I know she's safe is if I'm holding her close.
After spending my entire acting career being cast as the airhead, I finally have the serious role I've been dying for, and I screw it all up during a four martini dinner with my ex. Now, thanks to the morality clause in my contract, I might lose the role of a lifetime. My only hope is to convince the media (and my eccentrically conservative director) that I've entered a committed relationship. But when I use my brother's costume party to launch Operation Fake Fiancé, I end up in front of the camera with the wrong guy, leaving my reputation—and the fate of my career—at his mercy. Any other guy I could sweet talk into playing the supporting role I need, but not Officer Cade Watts. Not the man who hates everything about me. Not the man who would most revel in seeing me fail.
He's everything she needs.
I don't care how good it felt to have her in my arms. I don't care that I can't close my eyes without remembering the way she tastes or the sound of her moan. I want nothing to do with Janelle Crane. Her scheme to fake an engagement to save her own career is exactly the kind of manipulative Hollywood crap I left LA to escape. But when her fan mail turns threatening and the tragedies befalling her former co-stars seem to be anything but coincidence, everything changes. Now I don't just want to play the part of Janelle's fake fiancé, I demand it. I won't let my jaded heart cost me another case. I may not trust Janelle but I do care, and the only way I know she's safe is if I'm holding her close.
Unknown Binding
First published January 19, 2016
62 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ryan
64 books8,425 followersAward-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 27, 2016
Review: Surj 4.5 stars
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"Holding her Close" was such brilliant addition to the "Mended Hearts" series, taking me on another trip to New Hope (the town I've grown to know and love through the course of reading many a Lexi Ryan book). This time it was Janelle and Cade who got their story told and boy, what a cluster fuck of a story it was. These two really were car crash reading when it came to a relationships but I couldn't help but feel they belonged together right from that first kiss, despite so much going against them. The couple's journey to finding their fairytale ending really was something else and I absolutely loved it. This wasn't just a romance (or none romance as the case was on so many occasions... lol). There was also a huge thriller aspect to their book which gave me a mystery, suspense and "who done it" element that had me hooked. I was desperate to know who the stalker was but where Hollywood was involved, it really could have been anyone. It was quite the game of guess who... was it the ex husband or maybe the publicist or how about the ex best friends or maybe even the ex's new wife.... everyone had motive and so my mind worked overtime to sift through the red herrings and clues to try and work it out. Nope.. I didn't guess but it didn't matter but I had the whole "no way" thing going on when all was finally revealed.
Janelle's character was one I couldn't help but feel sorry for. Her life just seemed to be made up of mistake after mistake which had unfortunately lead to her demise in the world of fame. Even the roles were drying up as mishap after mishap cast her in a bad light. I truly felt for her because although Janelle cocked up, her heart was in the right place. She didn't deserve being treated like an outcast. There was others who deserved that so much more than her. However there was one mistake that did put a big cheesy grin on my face and that was the way she met Cade Watts... the sexy as hell cop who seemed to come in and quite literally sweep this lady off her feet. One night where Janelle managed to stay anonymous courtesy of her cat woman mask and just be herself and let go of all her inhibitions and it really was the best night of her life ... until her identity was revealed. Well let's just say that didn't go down too well. Cade had been left broken hearted by Hollywood once before and he was damned if was going to let a Hollywood princess destroy him all over again. Yup, out came big, bad Cade who happened to have a heart of gold and who (unfortunately) couldn't manage to keep his mitts of his starlet. And so began that push and pull between the couple who weren't a couple but had to pretend to be a couple for the sake of saving a dying career and finding a stalker.
I loved Cade's character and completely understood his inner conflict. He really had been burned in the past and so I got why he was so reluctant to get into anything with Janelle. He saw Janelle the way he saw every other Hollywood actress and unfortunately that was not in a favourable light but the heart wants what the heart wants. Actually scratch that. His nether regions wanted what his nether regions wanted and so he struggled to keep his hands of the woman he was trying to protect. Despite his denial that Janelle could be anything but your stereotypical heart breaking actress, I loved how slowly but surely he warmed to her character. The more he got to know her, the more he softened and the more that wall he'd built around his heart started to crumble. Cade's character had a real strength to him and despite everything, he was hell bent on keeping Janelle safe and protected, even if that meant keeping her at arms length until the perpetrator had been caught. But how long would he sacrifice his feelings that seemed to be growing stronger daily?
I loved the merry little dance these two played. The whole "Will they? Won't they?" absolutely kept me reading because when they did, it was soooo HOT!!! But when they didn't, my heart yearned for them to just give it a go.
"Holding her close" was a quick, light hearted (ish) read with enough juicy bits to keep me captivated and the thriller aspect that gave my brain cells a healthy workout. I also loved catching up with old friends with Hannah, Nate and their girls featuring quite a bit in this book.
"Holding her Close" was a brilliant addition to the "Mended Hearts" series and I rated it ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
TSU: http://www.tsu.co/HopelessRomantics
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
"Holding her Close" was such brilliant addition to the "Mended Hearts" series, taking me on another trip to New Hope (the town I've grown to know and love through the course of reading many a Lexi Ryan book). This time it was Janelle and Cade who got their story told and boy, what a cluster fuck of a story it was. These two really were car crash reading when it came to a relationships but I couldn't help but feel they belonged together right from that first kiss, despite so much going against them. The couple's journey to finding their fairytale ending really was something else and I absolutely loved it. This wasn't just a romance (or none romance as the case was on so many occasions... lol). There was also a huge thriller aspect to their book which gave me a mystery, suspense and "who done it" element that had me hooked. I was desperate to know who the stalker was but where Hollywood was involved, it really could have been anyone. It was quite the game of guess who... was it the ex husband or maybe the publicist or how about the ex best friends or maybe even the ex's new wife.... everyone had motive and so my mind worked overtime to sift through the red herrings and clues to try and work it out. Nope.. I didn't guess but it didn't matter but I had the whole "no way" thing going on when all was finally revealed.
Janelle's character was one I couldn't help but feel sorry for. Her life just seemed to be made up of mistake after mistake which had unfortunately lead to her demise in the world of fame. Even the roles were drying up as mishap after mishap cast her in a bad light. I truly felt for her because although Janelle cocked up, her heart was in the right place. She didn't deserve being treated like an outcast. There was others who deserved that so much more than her. However there was one mistake that did put a big cheesy grin on my face and that was the way she met Cade Watts... the sexy as hell cop who seemed to come in and quite literally sweep this lady off her feet. One night where Janelle managed to stay anonymous courtesy of her cat woman mask and just be herself and let go of all her inhibitions and it really was the best night of her life ... until her identity was revealed. Well let's just say that didn't go down too well. Cade had been left broken hearted by Hollywood once before and he was damned if was going to let a Hollywood princess destroy him all over again. Yup, out came big, bad Cade who happened to have a heart of gold and who (unfortunately) couldn't manage to keep his mitts of his starlet. And so began that push and pull between the couple who weren't a couple but had to pretend to be a couple for the sake of saving a dying career and finding a stalker.
I loved Cade's character and completely understood his inner conflict. He really had been burned in the past and so I got why he was so reluctant to get into anything with Janelle. He saw Janelle the way he saw every other Hollywood actress and unfortunately that was not in a favourable light but the heart wants what the heart wants. Actually scratch that. His nether regions wanted what his nether regions wanted and so he struggled to keep his hands of the woman he was trying to protect. Despite his denial that Janelle could be anything but your stereotypical heart breaking actress, I loved how slowly but surely he warmed to her character. The more he got to know her, the more he softened and the more that wall he'd built around his heart started to crumble. Cade's character had a real strength to him and despite everything, he was hell bent on keeping Janelle safe and protected, even if that meant keeping her at arms length until the perpetrator had been caught. But how long would he sacrifice his feelings that seemed to be growing stronger daily?
I loved the merry little dance these two played. The whole "Will they? Won't they?" absolutely kept me reading because when they did, it was soooo HOT!!! But when they didn't, my heart yearned for them to just give it a go.
"Holding her close" was a quick, light hearted (ish) read with enough juicy bits to keep me captivated and the thriller aspect that gave my brain cells a healthy workout. I also loved catching up with old friends with Hannah, Nate and their girls featuring quite a bit in this book.
"Holding her Close" was a brilliant addition to the "Mended Hearts" series and I rated it ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
February 16, 2016
Hope has always been a heartless tease.
At this point, I would read anything that Lexi Ryan writes. She always manages to pull off a story with the perfect amount of depth, sexiness and tension. I just can’t get enough.
This book is part of a spin-off series, but still focuses around the characters from New Hope that I have come to adore. This is Janelle’s story, Nate’s (you might remember him from Here and Now: Complete Series) twin sister. Elle is an actress that's been thrust into a media frenzy after she gets caught kissing her ex-husband. She's laying low in New Hope until she finds a way to save the role that's going to change her career. But things don't always go according to plan.
It’s a party, a batman costume and a case of mistaken identity that lands her in the arms of Cade Watts. Holy smokes batman, Cade is HOT! He’s protective and bossy and I loved every minute of it. The tension between Cade and Elle is unrelenting and the payoff is so worth it. The suspenseful aspect of the storyline is pretty great, too.
A kiss from a stranger shouldn’t make you imagine the end of your loneliness is a breath away. But Cade’s kiss did.
My only complaint - I wish it was a little longer. I wanted more Cade and Elle. Hopefully we'll get to see them in upcoming books.
At this point, I would read anything that Lexi Ryan writes. She always manages to pull off a story with the perfect amount of depth, sexiness and tension. I just can’t get enough.
This book is part of a spin-off series, but still focuses around the characters from New Hope that I have come to adore. This is Janelle’s story, Nate’s (you might remember him from Here and Now: Complete Series) twin sister. Elle is an actress that's been thrust into a media frenzy after she gets caught kissing her ex-husband. She's laying low in New Hope until she finds a way to save the role that's going to change her career. But things don't always go according to plan.
It’s a party, a batman costume and a case of mistaken identity that lands her in the arms of Cade Watts. Holy smokes batman, Cade is HOT! He’s protective and bossy and I loved every minute of it. The tension between Cade and Elle is unrelenting and the payoff is so worth it. The suspenseful aspect of the storyline is pretty great, too.
A kiss from a stranger shouldn’t make you imagine the end of your loneliness is a breath away. But Cade’s kiss did.
My only complaint - I wish it was a little longer. I wanted more Cade and Elle. Hopefully we'll get to see them in upcoming books.
January 23, 2016
I was lucky to read this as a newsletter subscriber and looked forward to receiving the chapter updates each week!!!!! :)))). Lexi Ryan's dual point of view writing gets you inside the character's heads and let's you experience their emotions! Cade and Janelle were perfect for each other!!!!! Loved it!!! :)))
January 20, 2016
Janelle’s made mistakes, which forces her to lie and play a role she doesn’t want to, which is further complicated by a case of mistaken identity. But when fiction starts to become reality and her pretend boyfriend becomes everything she’s ever craved, how does she mesh the two worlds she wants to be a part of and what happens when there’s more than just the push and pull between her and Cade to worry about, resulting in greater risks to more than just her heart?
I absolutely loved Janelle and Cade's story. Ever since Janelle was introduced in Hanna and Nate's series, I've loved her spunk and genuineness. I love how close she is with Nate and her ability to weather anything that comes her way and those qualities speak to her true nature despite her Hollywood profession.
Cade is such a strong and protective man; the safety of those he cares for is extremely important to him, and he’s starting to realize that Janelle fits into that category, but he doesn’t think he belongs in her Hollywood world because he’s already been burned before by a Hollywood princess, and he still has the scars to show for it. Because readers are privy to Cade’s backstory with his ex, I understand the wall he's built around his heart and his inability to see Janelle for who she really is, but I also think the fact that he lumps Janelle into the same category as his ex without truly knowing who Janelle is isn’t fair to her or to what they could possibly have if he was able to separate her from the other Hollywood types that he knows.
Cade frustrated the hell out of me on numerous occasions with how he handled certain situations – reality can be completely distorted when a negative mind frame overshadows everything else, which is clearly the case when it comes to Janelle and Cade. But, despite my difficulties with him, he's definitely a stellar book boyfriend because, in the end, he owns up to his mistakes. It’s now up to Janelle what she’s willing to do with his honesty as well as the fact that their worlds are really nothing alike.
It’s a good thing Cade knows a thing or two about superhero powers because he’s definitely going to need them in Holding Her Close.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
I absolutely loved Janelle and Cade's story. Ever since Janelle was introduced in Hanna and Nate's series, I've loved her spunk and genuineness. I love how close she is with Nate and her ability to weather anything that comes her way and those qualities speak to her true nature despite her Hollywood profession.
Cade is such a strong and protective man; the safety of those he cares for is extremely important to him, and he’s starting to realize that Janelle fits into that category, but he doesn’t think he belongs in her Hollywood world because he’s already been burned before by a Hollywood princess, and he still has the scars to show for it. Because readers are privy to Cade’s backstory with his ex, I understand the wall he's built around his heart and his inability to see Janelle for who she really is, but I also think the fact that he lumps Janelle into the same category as his ex without truly knowing who Janelle is isn’t fair to her or to what they could possibly have if he was able to separate her from the other Hollywood types that he knows.
Cade frustrated the hell out of me on numerous occasions with how he handled certain situations – reality can be completely distorted when a negative mind frame overshadows everything else, which is clearly the case when it comes to Janelle and Cade. But, despite my difficulties with him, he's definitely a stellar book boyfriend because, in the end, he owns up to his mistakes. It’s now up to Janelle what she’s willing to do with his honesty as well as the fact that their worlds are really nothing alike.
It’s a good thing Cade knows a thing or two about superhero powers because he’s definitely going to need them in Holding Her Close.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
January 24, 2016
These interconnected series are hit or miss with me. There's always characters to include since the list of them included in past books is so lengthy. I can't seem to keep them all straight, yet I remember my favorites. Of course Hanna tops that list (since we spent three books falling for her), and it was very nice seeing her reemergence in this one.
It seems as though with the last few books, all the personalities seem to have amalgamated so that it's rather difficult to tell one from the next. Not that I mind that much since the males and females are pretty likable. The author did take a bit of a rest between the last book and this one, so the distance helped to break the monotony of the characters.
While the characters seem similar, the storylines are different, so at least that's a bit of a bonus. However, this story was a predictable one. I don't always mind predictable, but this was too far in the see-it-coming category. The ending felt slightly rushed, almost like an afterthought.
I did like reading the book. I like this author's style, but I hope the next books contain characters that have a little more unique qualities.
It seems as though with the last few books, all the personalities seem to have amalgamated so that it's rather difficult to tell one from the next. Not that I mind that much since the males and females are pretty likable. The author did take a bit of a rest between the last book and this one, so the distance helped to break the monotony of the characters.
While the characters seem similar, the storylines are different, so at least that's a bit of a bonus. However, this story was a predictable one. I don't always mind predictable, but this was too far in the see-it-coming category. The ending felt slightly rushed, almost like an afterthought.
I did like reading the book. I like this author's style, but I hope the next books contain characters that have a little more unique qualities.
November 30, 2017
Janelle, an actress, has been humiliated by her ex husband and is now being dragged through the mud by his new wife after compromising pictures of Janelle and her ex kissing are leaked to the press. Her PR agent devises a scheme which includes a fake fiancee, tells her to find Batman at her brother's Halloween costume party and make everyone believe they are together.
Janelle finds Batman, but it's not the hired fiancee, it's New Hope's hot new cop, Cade Watts. Deciding to go with the undeniable attraction between the two of them, she settles for one night with her mask intact and anonymity guaranteed. Well the pesky press intervenes once again, pictures are leaked and instead of happy about his chance encounter, Cade is pissed.
He doesn't do actresses, ever!
Burned and heart pummeled by an A-list actress before, Cade has no intention of revisiting that again. After all he left L.A. and moved across the country to put that pain behind him. When Janelle's apartment break-in is connected to some mysterious letters she's received, Cade, a natural born protector, can't turn his back on her now.
The chemistry between Janelle and Cade is hot and the great plot twist is why I really liked this one.
Janelle finds Batman, but it's not the hired fiancee, it's New Hope's hot new cop, Cade Watts. Deciding to go with the undeniable attraction between the two of them, she settles for one night with her mask intact and anonymity guaranteed. Well the pesky press intervenes once again, pictures are leaked and instead of happy about his chance encounter, Cade is pissed.
He doesn't do actresses, ever!
Burned and heart pummeled by an A-list actress before, Cade has no intention of revisiting that again. After all he left L.A. and moved across the country to put that pain behind him. When Janelle's apartment break-in is connected to some mysterious letters she's received, Cade, a natural born protector, can't turn his back on her now.
The chemistry between Janelle and Cade is hot and the great plot twist is why I really liked this one.
January 25, 2016
4 Stars
Review by Jen Skewes
Janelle is a Hollywood actress known for her role on Roommates, a popular sitcom. But she has recently made some bad decisions that may cost her the next big role that she wanted. She has a plan and that plan includes a fake boyfriend to prove that she is over her ex and moving on. But the night she was supposed to meet her new “boyfriend”, she mistakes another man for him, but sparks begin to fly between the two of them. They have one night of passion. While Janelle knows exactly who this man is, she is a complete mystery to him. Until their passionate kiss ends up being plastered all over the media, the next morning. The word is out. Actress Janelle Crane has kissed police detective Cade Watts.
Cade had an amazing night with his mystery woman. But when he finds out the truth the next morning he is pissed. That may actually be an understatement. He confronts Janelle which makes him even angrier when he finds out more info. But once Janelle is back in California and he finds out that she is in danger, those harsh feelings he had towards her are put aside. He is a very protective person when it comes to the people he cares about. And despite the wall he has up and how mad he was at her, he does care for Janelle. Maybe more than he would like to admit.
Cade and Janelle have a very interesting relationship. There is no doubt that these two are certainly attracted to each other. But Cade does not belong in her world at all. He’s been there, done that and had been crushed as a result. He has a huge wall around his heart that is very understandable. But Janelle is different and he just needs to see that for himself, and in many ways he does, but then he also wonders if maybe he is wrong abut her. Is Janelle really that genuine of a person of is she just like every other Hollywood actress, doing whatever it takes to further her career?
I really enjoyed Cade and Janelle together. They were hot and sexy and despite their differences we so good together. Cade is a very protective person but he is also a very loving man, even if you don’t see that side of him oftern. At times he is a complete ass to Janelle and acts in a way that you just want to punch him. But knowing his back story you understand where it is all coming from.
I have always loved Janelle. She is spunky and genuinely a good person. She is Nate’s sister from the Here and Now series and I have always loved her relationship with her brother. And because of how close they are we get to see more of Nate and Hanna, which I loved. These two are my favorite couple from this series. And I loved how close Hanna and Janelle have become.
Holding Her Close was a sexy and enjoyable read with the right amount of drama and suspense. I tried to figure out who was behind all of the drama and at times I thought I had it figured out only to find out that I was wrong. I wasn’t sure who to trust and who truly cared for Janelle. When the truth comes out I was a bit surprised for one reason that I cannot say. But for me I felt like a paprt of that storyline did not get wrapped up as I had hoped. I felt that once the truth was over certain parts or characters of that storyline were glanced over. But overall I loved this one. Cade and Janelle are hot and sexy and I loved them both. I do not know if this is the end of this series or not, but no matter what I look forward to what Lexi Ryan has planned.
Review by Jen Skewes
Janelle is a Hollywood actress known for her role on Roommates, a popular sitcom. But she has recently made some bad decisions that may cost her the next big role that she wanted. She has a plan and that plan includes a fake boyfriend to prove that she is over her ex and moving on. But the night she was supposed to meet her new “boyfriend”, she mistakes another man for him, but sparks begin to fly between the two of them. They have one night of passion. While Janelle knows exactly who this man is, she is a complete mystery to him. Until their passionate kiss ends up being plastered all over the media, the next morning. The word is out. Actress Janelle Crane has kissed police detective Cade Watts.
Cade had an amazing night with his mystery woman. But when he finds out the truth the next morning he is pissed. That may actually be an understatement. He confronts Janelle which makes him even angrier when he finds out more info. But once Janelle is back in California and he finds out that she is in danger, those harsh feelings he had towards her are put aside. He is a very protective person when it comes to the people he cares about. And despite the wall he has up and how mad he was at her, he does care for Janelle. Maybe more than he would like to admit.
Cade and Janelle have a very interesting relationship. There is no doubt that these two are certainly attracted to each other. But Cade does not belong in her world at all. He’s been there, done that and had been crushed as a result. He has a huge wall around his heart that is very understandable. But Janelle is different and he just needs to see that for himself, and in many ways he does, but then he also wonders if maybe he is wrong abut her. Is Janelle really that genuine of a person of is she just like every other Hollywood actress, doing whatever it takes to further her career?
I really enjoyed Cade and Janelle together. They were hot and sexy and despite their differences we so good together. Cade is a very protective person but he is also a very loving man, even if you don’t see that side of him oftern. At times he is a complete ass to Janelle and acts in a way that you just want to punch him. But knowing his back story you understand where it is all coming from.
I have always loved Janelle. She is spunky and genuinely a good person. She is Nate’s sister from the Here and Now series and I have always loved her relationship with her brother. And because of how close they are we get to see more of Nate and Hanna, which I loved. These two are my favorite couple from this series. And I loved how close Hanna and Janelle have become.
Holding Her Close was a sexy and enjoyable read with the right amount of drama and suspense. I tried to figure out who was behind all of the drama and at times I thought I had it figured out only to find out that I was wrong. I wasn’t sure who to trust and who truly cared for Janelle. When the truth comes out I was a bit surprised for one reason that I cannot say. But for me I felt like a paprt of that storyline did not get wrapped up as I had hoped. I felt that once the truth was over certain parts or characters of that storyline were glanced over. But overall I loved this one. Cade and Janelle are hot and sexy and I loved them both. I do not know if this is the end of this series or not, but no matter what I look forward to what Lexi Ryan has planned.
January 26, 2016
Lexi Ryan has a way of drawing you into her books and refuses to let go of you until you’ve reached the end. Holding Her Close just continues to prove that Lexi Ryan is an amazing story teller.
If you’ve read any of Lexi Ryan’s previous books you know who Janelle and Cade are, but we never really got to really get to know them. This is their story, and it is one hell of a ride! With the two of them brought together by a mistake and some bad circumstances, you can only hope things get better for them, but it takes a LONG time for these two to get on the same page.
With Janelle about to lose the role of a lifetime due to her ex-husband his wife, she’s forced to fake a relationship and a case of mistaken identity drops Cade right into her lap. She’s always had a crush on him, but he’s always been stand-offish towards her. When she forgets what she’s supposed to be doing, and lets one amazing night of him not knowing who she is interfere with her goal, things get even more complicated.
Cade has a history with Hollywood, and despises everything that comes out of it. He’s attracted to Janelle, but knows who she is and where she comes from. As the story progresses we get the full reason as to why Cade is so against Hollywood actresses and everything they represent, and it breaks my heart for him. He’s closed off and he fights what he’s felling for Janelle tooth and nail.
The chemistry between these characters is out of this world. They bicker, they fight, they have some extremely steamy moments, and then repeat everything over again. When Janelle ends up receiving threats, the first thing Cade thinks of is to fly off and help her. Even with Janelle being as confused as she is with the back and forth with Cade, she’s grateful that he’s there for her. At times she doesn’t think, and it makes things even more difficult for them, but their back and forth is pretty awesome to watch play out.
There are so many twists and turns in this story, the ex-husband, the threats, the stalker, the friends who haven’t talked to Janelle in forever, the back and forth feelings of Cade and Janelle. Everything about this story had me gripped from beginning to end. I loved the guessing of who was behind everything, and the will they or won’t they of Cade and Janelle’s relationship.
This book was beautifully written and the story was hot and suspenseful all at once. I adored Janelle as well as Cade, and getting to read both of their POV’s helped clarify some things going on between them. I only wish we would have had more of a closure for their story, but I hope we get to see more of them in future books by Lexi Ryan. I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for a hot and sexy, suspenseful read.
If you’ve read any of Lexi Ryan’s previous books you know who Janelle and Cade are, but we never really got to really get to know them. This is their story, and it is one hell of a ride! With the two of them brought together by a mistake and some bad circumstances, you can only hope things get better for them, but it takes a LONG time for these two to get on the same page.
With Janelle about to lose the role of a lifetime due to her ex-husband his wife, she’s forced to fake a relationship and a case of mistaken identity drops Cade right into her lap. She’s always had a crush on him, but he’s always been stand-offish towards her. When she forgets what she’s supposed to be doing, and lets one amazing night of him not knowing who she is interfere with her goal, things get even more complicated.
Cade has a history with Hollywood, and despises everything that comes out of it. He’s attracted to Janelle, but knows who she is and where she comes from. As the story progresses we get the full reason as to why Cade is so against Hollywood actresses and everything they represent, and it breaks my heart for him. He’s closed off and he fights what he’s felling for Janelle tooth and nail.
The chemistry between these characters is out of this world. They bicker, they fight, they have some extremely steamy moments, and then repeat everything over again. When Janelle ends up receiving threats, the first thing Cade thinks of is to fly off and help her. Even with Janelle being as confused as she is with the back and forth with Cade, she’s grateful that he’s there for her. At times she doesn’t think, and it makes things even more difficult for them, but their back and forth is pretty awesome to watch play out.
There are so many twists and turns in this story, the ex-husband, the threats, the stalker, the friends who haven’t talked to Janelle in forever, the back and forth feelings of Cade and Janelle. Everything about this story had me gripped from beginning to end. I loved the guessing of who was behind everything, and the will they or won’t they of Cade and Janelle’s relationship.
This book was beautifully written and the story was hot and suspenseful all at once. I adored Janelle as well as Cade, and getting to read both of their POV’s helped clarify some things going on between them. I only wish we would have had more of a closure for their story, but I hope we get to see more of them in future books by Lexi Ryan. I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for a hot and sexy, suspenseful read.
January 26, 2016
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that HOLDING HER CLOSE was the love story of Nate Crane (from the Here and Now series)'s little sister, Janelle. I eagerly jumped into the story.
Janelle, beaten down by a cheating ex-husband and all the nonsense of Hollywood, finds herself at her brother's house dressed for a costume party in an attempt to try and salvage what was left of her acting career. A case of mistaken identity has Janelle locking lips with Cade, a hot cop in New Hope, who has a grudge against anything Hollywood. But when Janelle finds herself and her old TV show roommates in the middle of a police investigation, Cade swoops in to save her despite his misgivings.
Lexi Ryan knows how to write a story, where the characters suck you in immediately. Janelle and Cade had me from the moment of their first kiss. Their chemistry was almost a secondary character, making me forgive every dumb act each of these characters did because I knew they would figure it out. This author is one of the few where I will forgive boneheaded acts and ill thought out declarations because I know it's the character fighting against the inexplicable chemistry with the other.
This was a faster read than some of the other New Hope related stories and there were times when I felt the storyline was rushed a bit, but that didn't ultimately take away from the essence of the story or the characters. This was another solid entry into the New Hope line of characters. I can't wait to see what the author has planned next
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that HOLDING HER CLOSE was the love story of Nate Crane (from the Here and Now series)'s little sister, Janelle. I eagerly jumped into the story.
Janelle, beaten down by a cheating ex-husband and all the nonsense of Hollywood, finds herself at her brother's house dressed for a costume party in an attempt to try and salvage what was left of her acting career. A case of mistaken identity has Janelle locking lips with Cade, a hot cop in New Hope, who has a grudge against anything Hollywood. But when Janelle finds herself and her old TV show roommates in the middle of a police investigation, Cade swoops in to save her despite his misgivings.
Lexi Ryan knows how to write a story, where the characters suck you in immediately. Janelle and Cade had me from the moment of their first kiss. Their chemistry was almost a secondary character, making me forgive every dumb act each of these characters did because I knew they would figure it out. This author is one of the few where I will forgive boneheaded acts and ill thought out declarations because I know it's the character fighting against the inexplicable chemistry with the other.
This was a faster read than some of the other New Hope related stories and there were times when I felt the storyline was rushed a bit, but that didn't ultimately take away from the essence of the story or the characters. This was another solid entry into the New Hope line of characters. I can't wait to see what the author has planned next
January 9, 2016
4 Hollywood love stars! review to come
January 18, 2016
Holding her Close Book #2 in the Mended Hearts series by Lexi Ryan was a great 5 star read.
Romance, Mystery, Mind Games, Hot Alpha Cop
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Hold your friends close….And your enemies closer.
What a suspenseful mind game of a read with a little romance thrown in. Loved it.
Janelle is an actress who has found herself in a scandal that could lose a role for her. She makes arrangements to have a “fake fiance” to dispel the scandal. While at her brothers Halloween party she finds her mark and moves in, to her surprise it is Officer Cade Watts in the Batman costume.
Cade and Janelle end up having a hot and steamy night, when Cade finds out that Janelle is an actress and that he has gotten caught up in her scheme he is furious and lets Janelle have it. Why does he react so coldly to Janelle?
She’s everything he detests about Hollywood.
Janelle returns to LA hurt and finding it very hard to get Cade out of her mind. She returns to her apartment where another creepy letter is waiting and her bedroom has a message that sends chills down her spine.
“It’s fair to say that I’m freaked way the f@@k out."
Cade gets a call from an old friend at the LA precinct, telling him that his girlfriend needs help. What girlfriend? Cade being the man that he is flies to LA to protect Janelle and to find out who is sending these letters to not only Janelle but her friends also.
“I know you didn’t ask me to come here or to stay with you, but I need to. And I need you to promise me you’ll take this seriously.”
Will Cade and Janelle be able to fight the attraction? Will Cade be able to find the stalker before he gets to Janelle?
“I sold my soul for my career a long time ago.”
There is so much more to this great read. There are a couple of twists that I didn't see coming and quite the nail biter. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started on Holding her Close today. Thank you Lexi Ryan for a great read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Romance, Mystery, Mind Games, Hot Alpha Cop
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Hold your friends close….And your enemies closer.
What a suspenseful mind game of a read with a little romance thrown in. Loved it.
Janelle is an actress who has found herself in a scandal that could lose a role for her. She makes arrangements to have a “fake fiance” to dispel the scandal. While at her brothers Halloween party she finds her mark and moves in, to her surprise it is Officer Cade Watts in the Batman costume.
Cade and Janelle end up having a hot and steamy night, when Cade finds out that Janelle is an actress and that he has gotten caught up in her scheme he is furious and lets Janelle have it. Why does he react so coldly to Janelle?
She’s everything he detests about Hollywood.
Janelle returns to LA hurt and finding it very hard to get Cade out of her mind. She returns to her apartment where another creepy letter is waiting and her bedroom has a message that sends chills down her spine.
“It’s fair to say that I’m freaked way the f@@k out."
Cade gets a call from an old friend at the LA precinct, telling him that his girlfriend needs help. What girlfriend? Cade being the man that he is flies to LA to protect Janelle and to find out who is sending these letters to not only Janelle but her friends also.
“I know you didn’t ask me to come here or to stay with you, but I need to. And I need you to promise me you’ll take this seriously.”
Will Cade and Janelle be able to fight the attraction? Will Cade be able to find the stalker before he gets to Janelle?
“I sold my soul for my career a long time ago.”
There is so much more to this great read. There are a couple of twists that I didn't see coming and quite the nail biter. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. I highly recommend you 1-click and get started on Holding her Close today. Thank you Lexi Ryan for a great read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
January 22, 2016
Janelle and Cade meet when she mistakes him for an actor being paid to pretend to be her boyfriend. Janelle is pretty much an air-head in this book and is CLUELESS most of the time. Her former castmates and friends have not had much to do with her since her divorce. She starts receiving threatening fan letters and thinks nothing of it. When she gets set up by her ex and his new wife, she hides. It was just crazy how far in denial and stupidity she was. Cade has been burned by an actress before and has no intentions of getting involved with one again. Janelle doesn't know of his past and, even though she did really make a mistake when she kissed him, she still doesn't understand why he is protecting her. Cade is a stand-up guy and does his best to keep her safe, even though she has no idea what is really going on. Her blindness in how her former friends and ex-husband are acting was a bit much to believe. Cade was able to see through their indifference toward her and was surprised that she didn't. When the whole deceit comes to light, Cade does find out what really transpired but Janelle is too stubborn to even call and tell him she's sorry and thank him for helping her. It took an unexpected gift of help from Matthew to get her to finally admit to Cade what she should have said well over a month before. The ending was nice but Janelle really was hard to like in this book and her being a doormat to her former friends and ex-husband was just too much at times.
January 22, 2016
Reading this one was interesting. I subscribe to the authors newsletter and she sent out a chapter every week. It was fun and frustrating to read it that way.
I really liked how Janelle and Cade met, but hated how Cade ruined things with his reaction. Janelle deserved to not be judged by how others treated him. It seemed like so many times Cade would be able to get over things, but then something would happen and Cade would go back to being all judging.
The whole drama with what was happening to her co-stars was crazy. What was worse was the truth behind things. I was glad that the truth came out, Janelle deserved more.
I really liked how Janelle and Cade met, but hated how Cade ruined things with his reaction. Janelle deserved to not be judged by how others treated him. It seemed like so many times Cade would be able to get over things, but then something would happen and Cade would go back to being all judging.
The whole drama with what was happening to her co-stars was crazy. What was worse was the truth behind things. I was glad that the truth came out, Janelle deserved more.
February 3, 2016
Elle and Cade are sooooooooooo intense ! If they are not fighting/arguing they are making out with each other. I liked to see two persons with their flaws.
It's a light book with little to no drama. Really fast read.
You should read it
It's a light book with little to no drama. Really fast read.
You should read it
January 28, 2016
This book was better than the last. The main characters had crazy chemistry. I really enjoyed the part where he hated her and wanted her at the same time.
January 31, 2016
Loved it
Omg I've fallen hard in love with cade. I loved this story another great book from Lexi Ryan.
Omg I've fallen hard in love with cade. I loved this story another great book from Lexi Ryan.
September 27, 2020
Another great one by Lexi Ryan! She is becoming another one of my go-to authors! Holding Her Close is the second book in another series which is part of the New Hope saga. I have read the other series in the saga as well and have enjoyed them all. This book could be read as a stand alone book, although i have enjoyed reading all of the books in the saga.
Janelle is first introduced in Lost in Me which is the story about how her brother Nate and his wife Hanna meet. She then periodically comes up in other books. Cade is first introduced in the first book of this series. I absolutely love how Cade and Janelle got together and the chemistry they had as a couple. How different their lives are and yet how they will make it work to be together. The stalker story line was interesting. I figured part of it out pretty quickly but there were parts I was wrong about too. Unfortunately, i have no finished all of the books about the gang in New Hope. Off to find something else to read!
#LexiRyan #NewHope #Relationships #Family #FriendsToLovers #GraphicSexScenes #AdultFiction #Stalkers #Actress #Police #ExHusbands
Janelle is first introduced in Lost in Me which is the story about how her brother Nate and his wife Hanna meet. She then periodically comes up in other books. Cade is first introduced in the first book of this series. I absolutely love how Cade and Janelle got together and the chemistry they had as a couple. How different their lives are and yet how they will make it work to be together. The stalker story line was interesting. I figured part of it out pretty quickly but there were parts I was wrong about too. Unfortunately, i have no finished all of the books about the gang in New Hope. Off to find something else to read!
#LexiRyan #NewHope #Relationships #Family #FriendsToLovers #GraphicSexScenes #AdultFiction #Stalkers #Actress #Police #ExHusbands
January 18, 2016
We all know image means everything in LA, right? Since we all agree on that, we can sort of understand the pressure that Janelle must always feel. We can definitely understand her heartbreak upon discovering her husband, Tom, was cheating on her, then divorced her and married the other woman, Bella. Then said other woman is basically living your life...including your friendships with your so called best friends, Courtney and Jo.
Even with everything her husband put her through Janelle still loved him and when faced with the chance to have her supposedly soon to be single ex-husband, a happy and drunk Janelle, kisses him. Of course, things are never that easy, especially in LA. Now Janelle is labeled the home wrecker, even though as Janelle says "he was her husband first." You can feel how much pain she's still in and how much she wishes it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, it's not and now the role she worked so hard for is being threatened because her "scandal" is too much for the film.
Tada, Matthew Hailey, the image repairman that Janelle vowed to never use, to the rescue. His plan? Janelle needs a boyfriend, a pretty serious one, and to make everyone believe that kiss the world witnessed was all a mistake in a drunken moment. So Matt has cameras at the ready when Janelle meets her "boyfriend," who'll be dressed as Batman to her Catwoman, at a party and they lay one heck of a kiss on each other. Phew, image saved, hot kiss shared, it's been a productive night, happy endings will abound...until Janelle sees another Batman, the one she was supposed to be with. What's a girl to do? Well if you're Janelle, you make a hasty retreat and hope it can be salvaged, even though you can't stop thinking about that kiss.
Cade, aka the mistaken Batman and local police officer Janelle has lusted over a few times, is reeling from the chemistry filled kiss he just experienced and refuses to let his Catwoman get away. A hot night ensues and Cade leaves his number, hoping to get to know her better. Well, that is until morning when he learns about Janelle and her serious boyfriend, him. Uh oh, this is not going to go well. Cade is very jaded regarding Janelle's career and honestly, he has a very good reason. Unbeknownst to him, Cara, his live-in girlfriend, the woman he was all set to propose to, was using him to rebuild her image, and guess who's idea it was? Yeah, Matt, the same one Janelle is working with now. Plot twist! Granted this happened a little while ago, but Cade still feels the pain of being used and automatically assumes all actresses are that way. (*side note - Cade and Cara were never going to work. Their names both start with C. You can't merge them into anything cutesy sounding. LOL)
The difference here is that Janelle didn't know any of that, innocently kissed Cade thinking he was her date and aware of everything, and seems to have acquired a stalker. Wait, that last part isn't so different from Cara's situation. (You'll see what I mean.) Cade, upon learning Janelle is in trouble, quickly follows her to LA and happens upon her ex-husband, Tom, trying to convince Janelle how much she means to him and that he truly is leaving Bella. Janelle is tired of having him mess with her heart though and Cade can see her genuine pain and understands it. So being the hero he is, he steps in as her serious boyfriend, saving the day, and all the while he'll be able to stay close by to keep her safe. Now they need to figure out who's harassing her, assaulting women she was once best friends with, keep her safe, figure out where she stands with Tom, and figure out exactly what their relationship to each other is. Yes, that's a lot, but we all know they'll learn everything before the end of the book, right? Well, now it's time for the seriously epic plot twist, see Janelle has an epiphany regarding her feelings for Tom and the depth of her feelings for Cade, and Cade believes Janelle used him.
If only Cade would believe in her and their love, instead of blindly following the evidence that makes it seem like Janelle set everything up and was never actually in danger. Unfortunately, Cade is still looking through those jaded glasses and assumes Janelle played him and is guilty. *Darn you Cara for causing that.*
Will Cade realize the truth before he loses Janelle forever? How will Janelle prove her innocence? Will she forgive Cade? Even if all that works out, where will they live? Cade hates everything LA related. Does he love Janelle enough to live in that world again, especially knowing their love is true and nothing like anything either of them have experienced before? Will Matt's form of help actually save the day for once?
I highly recommend this book. I loved the premise of this story and the fact that Cade had an instant distrust of Janelle, not her as an individual per se, however his distrust for her profession casts a shadow over everything Janelle related, but he still couldn't fight his attraction to her. The plot was well thought out and kept the reader guessing. I did figure out one part of that puzzle, but didn't piece everything together until closer to the end. Considering how much I read, that says a lot. On a side note, Janelle's brother, Nate, and his wife, Hanna, do have their own separate story, in parts, that was released prior to this one, which I have not read and I honestly had no problem following this story without it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Even with everything her husband put her through Janelle still loved him and when faced with the chance to have her supposedly soon to be single ex-husband, a happy and drunk Janelle, kisses him. Of course, things are never that easy, especially in LA. Now Janelle is labeled the home wrecker, even though as Janelle says "he was her husband first." You can feel how much pain she's still in and how much she wishes it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, it's not and now the role she worked so hard for is being threatened because her "scandal" is too much for the film.
Tada, Matthew Hailey, the image repairman that Janelle vowed to never use, to the rescue. His plan? Janelle needs a boyfriend, a pretty serious one, and to make everyone believe that kiss the world witnessed was all a mistake in a drunken moment. So Matt has cameras at the ready when Janelle meets her "boyfriend," who'll be dressed as Batman to her Catwoman, at a party and they lay one heck of a kiss on each other. Phew, image saved, hot kiss shared, it's been a productive night, happy endings will abound...until Janelle sees another Batman, the one she was supposed to be with. What's a girl to do? Well if you're Janelle, you make a hasty retreat and hope it can be salvaged, even though you can't stop thinking about that kiss.
Cade, aka the mistaken Batman and local police officer Janelle has lusted over a few times, is reeling from the chemistry filled kiss he just experienced and refuses to let his Catwoman get away. A hot night ensues and Cade leaves his number, hoping to get to know her better. Well, that is until morning when he learns about Janelle and her serious boyfriend, him. Uh oh, this is not going to go well. Cade is very jaded regarding Janelle's career and honestly, he has a very good reason. Unbeknownst to him, Cara, his live-in girlfriend, the woman he was all set to propose to, was using him to rebuild her image, and guess who's idea it was? Yeah, Matt, the same one Janelle is working with now. Plot twist! Granted this happened a little while ago, but Cade still feels the pain of being used and automatically assumes all actresses are that way. (*side note - Cade and Cara were never going to work. Their names both start with C. You can't merge them into anything cutesy sounding. LOL)
The difference here is that Janelle didn't know any of that, innocently kissed Cade thinking he was her date and aware of everything, and seems to have acquired a stalker. Wait, that last part isn't so different from Cara's situation. (You'll see what I mean.) Cade, upon learning Janelle is in trouble, quickly follows her to LA and happens upon her ex-husband, Tom, trying to convince Janelle how much she means to him and that he truly is leaving Bella. Janelle is tired of having him mess with her heart though and Cade can see her genuine pain and understands it. So being the hero he is, he steps in as her serious boyfriend, saving the day, and all the while he'll be able to stay close by to keep her safe. Now they need to figure out who's harassing her, assaulting women she was once best friends with, keep her safe, figure out where she stands with Tom, and figure out exactly what their relationship to each other is. Yes, that's a lot, but we all know they'll learn everything before the end of the book, right? Well, now it's time for the seriously epic plot twist, see Janelle has an epiphany regarding her feelings for Tom and the depth of her feelings for Cade, and Cade believes Janelle used him.
If only Cade would believe in her and their love, instead of blindly following the evidence that makes it seem like Janelle set everything up and was never actually in danger. Unfortunately, Cade is still looking through those jaded glasses and assumes Janelle played him and is guilty. *Darn you Cara for causing that.*
Will Cade realize the truth before he loses Janelle forever? How will Janelle prove her innocence? Will she forgive Cade? Even if all that works out, where will they live? Cade hates everything LA related. Does he love Janelle enough to live in that world again, especially knowing their love is true and nothing like anything either of them have experienced before? Will Matt's form of help actually save the day for once?
I highly recommend this book. I loved the premise of this story and the fact that Cade had an instant distrust of Janelle, not her as an individual per se, however his distrust for her profession casts a shadow over everything Janelle related, but he still couldn't fight his attraction to her. The plot was well thought out and kept the reader guessing. I did figure out one part of that puzzle, but didn't piece everything together until closer to the end. Considering how much I read, that says a lot. On a side note, Janelle's brother, Nate, and his wife, Hanna, do have their own separate story, in parts, that was released prior to this one, which I have not read and I honestly had no problem following this story without it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
January 19, 2016
We all know image means everything in LA, right? Since we all agree on that, we can sort of understand the pressure that Janelle must always feel. We can definitely understand her heartbreak upon discovering her husband, Tom, was cheating on her, then divorced her and married the other woman, Bella. Then said other woman is basically living your life...including your friendships with your so called best friends, Courtney and Jo.
Even with everything her husband put her through Janelle still loved him and when faced with the chance to have her supposedly soon to be single ex-husband, a happy and drunk Janelle, kisses him. Of course, things are never that easy, especially in LA. Now Janelle is labeled the home wrecker, even though as Janelle says "he was her husband first." You can feel how much pain she's still in and how much she wishes it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, it's not and now the role she worked so hard for is being threatened because her "scandal" is too much for the film.
Tada, Matthew Hailey, the image repairman that Janelle vowed to never use, to the rescue. His plan? Janelle needs a boyfriend, a pretty serious one, and to make everyone believe that kiss the world witnessed was all a mistake in a drunken moment. So Matt has cameras at the ready when Janelle meets her "boyfriend," who'll be dressed as Batman to her Catwoman, at a party and they lay one heck of a kiss on each other. Phew, image saved, hot kiss shared, it's been a productive night, happy endings will abound...until Janelle sees another Batman, the one she was supposed to be with. What's a girl to do? Well if you're Janelle, you make a hasty retreat and hope it can be salvaged, even though you can't stop thinking about that kiss.
Cade, aka the mistaken Batman and local police officer Janelle has lusted over a few times, is reeling from the chemistry filled kiss he just experienced and refuses to let his Catwoman get away. A hot night ensues and Cade leaves his number, hoping to get to know her better. Well, that is until morning when he learns about Janelle and her serious boyfriend, him. Uh oh, this is not going to go well. Cade is very jaded regarding Janelle's career and honestly, he has a very good reason. Unbeknownst to him, Cara, his live-in girlfriend, the woman he was all set to propose to, was using him to rebuild her image, and guess who's idea it was? Yeah, Matt, the same one Janelle is working with now. Plot twist! Granted this happened a little while ago, but Cade still feels the pain of being used and automatically assumes all actresses are that way. (*side note - Cade and Cara were never going to work. Their names both start with C. You can't merge them into anything cutesy sounding. LOL)
The difference here is that Janelle didn't know any of that, innocently kissed Cade thinking he was her date and aware of everything, and seems to have acquired a stalker. Wait, that last part isn't so different from Cara's situation. (You'll see what I mean.) Cade, upon learning Janelle is in trouble, quickly follows her to LA and happens upon her ex-husband, Tom, trying to convince Janelle how much she means to him and that he truly is leaving Bella. Janelle is tired of having him mess with her heart though and Cade can see her genuine pain and understands it. So being the hero he is, he steps in as her serious boyfriend, saving the day, and all the while he'll be able to stay close by to keep her safe. Now they need to figure out who's harassing her, assaulting women she was once best friends with, keep her safe, figure out where she stands with Tom, and figure out exactly what their relationship to each other is. Yes, that's a lot, but we all know they'll learn everything before the end of the book, right? Well, now it's time for the seriously epic plot twist, see Janelle has an epiphany regarding her feelings for Tom and the depth of her feelings for Cade, and Cade believes Janelle used him.
If only Cade would believe in her and their love, instead of blindly following the evidence that makes it seem like Janelle set everything up and was never actually in danger. Unfortunately, Cade is still looking through those jaded glasses and assumes Janelle played him and is guilty. *Darn you Cara for causing that.*
Will Cade realize the truth before he loses Janelle forever? How will Janelle prove her innocence? Will she forgive Cade? Even if all that works out, where will they live? Cade hates everything LA related. Does he love Janelle enough to live in that world again, especially knowing their love is true and nothing like anything either of them have experienced before? Will Matt's form of help actually save the day for once?
I highly recommend this book. I loved the premise of this story and the fact that Cade had an instant distrust of Janelle, not her as an individual per se, however his distrust for her profession casts a shadow over everything Janelle related, but he still couldn't fight his attraction to her. The plot was well thought out and kept the reader guessing. I did figure out one part of that puzzle, but didn't piece everything together until closer to the end. Considering how much I read, that says a lot. On a side note, Janelle's brother, Nate, and his wife, Hanna, do have their own separate story, in parts, that was released prior to this one, which I have not read and I honestly had no problem following this story without it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Even with everything her husband put her through Janelle still loved him and when faced with the chance to have her supposedly soon to be single ex-husband, a happy and drunk Janelle, kisses him. Of course, things are never that easy, especially in LA. Now Janelle is labeled the home wrecker, even though as Janelle says "he was her husband first." You can feel how much pain she's still in and how much she wishes it was all a bad dream. Unfortunately, it's not and now the role she worked so hard for is being threatened because her "scandal" is too much for the film.
Tada, Matthew Hailey, the image repairman that Janelle vowed to never use, to the rescue. His plan? Janelle needs a boyfriend, a pretty serious one, and to make everyone believe that kiss the world witnessed was all a mistake in a drunken moment. So Matt has cameras at the ready when Janelle meets her "boyfriend," who'll be dressed as Batman to her Catwoman, at a party and they lay one heck of a kiss on each other. Phew, image saved, hot kiss shared, it's been a productive night, happy endings will abound...until Janelle sees another Batman, the one she was supposed to be with. What's a girl to do? Well if you're Janelle, you make a hasty retreat and hope it can be salvaged, even though you can't stop thinking about that kiss.
Cade, aka the mistaken Batman and local police officer Janelle has lusted over a few times, is reeling from the chemistry filled kiss he just experienced and refuses to let his Catwoman get away. A hot night ensues and Cade leaves his number, hoping to get to know her better. Well, that is until morning when he learns about Janelle and her serious boyfriend, him. Uh oh, this is not going to go well. Cade is very jaded regarding Janelle's career and honestly, he has a very good reason. Unbeknownst to him, Cara, his live-in girlfriend, the woman he was all set to propose to, was using him to rebuild her image, and guess who's idea it was? Yeah, Matt, the same one Janelle is working with now. Plot twist! Granted this happened a little while ago, but Cade still feels the pain of being used and automatically assumes all actresses are that way. (*side note - Cade and Cara were never going to work. Their names both start with C. You can't merge them into anything cutesy sounding. LOL)
The difference here is that Janelle didn't know any of that, innocently kissed Cade thinking he was her date and aware of everything, and seems to have acquired a stalker. Wait, that last part isn't so different from Cara's situation. (You'll see what I mean.) Cade, upon learning Janelle is in trouble, quickly follows her to LA and happens upon her ex-husband, Tom, trying to convince Janelle how much she means to him and that he truly is leaving Bella. Janelle is tired of having him mess with her heart though and Cade can see her genuine pain and understands it. So being the hero he is, he steps in as her serious boyfriend, saving the day, and all the while he'll be able to stay close by to keep her safe. Now they need to figure out who's harassing her, assaulting women she was once best friends with, keep her safe, figure out where she stands with Tom, and figure out exactly what their relationship to each other is. Yes, that's a lot, but we all know they'll learn everything before the end of the book, right? Well, now it's time for the seriously epic plot twist, see Janelle has an epiphany regarding her feelings for Tom and the depth of her feelings for Cade, and Cade believes Janelle used him.
If only Cade would believe in her and their love, instead of blindly following the evidence that makes it seem like Janelle set everything up and was never actually in danger. Unfortunately, Cade is still looking through those jaded glasses and assumes Janelle played him and is guilty. *Darn you Cara for causing that.*
Will Cade realize the truth before he loses Janelle forever? How will Janelle prove her innocence? Will she forgive Cade? Even if all that works out, where will they live? Cade hates everything LA related. Does he love Janelle enough to live in that world again, especially knowing their love is true and nothing like anything either of them have experienced before? Will Matt's form of help actually save the day for once?
I highly recommend this book. I loved the premise of this story and the fact that Cade had an instant distrust of Janelle, not her as an individual per se, however his distrust for her profession casts a shadow over everything Janelle related, but he still couldn't fight his attraction to her. The plot was well thought out and kept the reader guessing. I did figure out one part of that puzzle, but didn't piece everything together until closer to the end. Considering how much I read, that says a lot. On a side note, Janelle's brother, Nate, and his wife, Hanna, do have their own separate story, in parts, that was released prior to this one, which I have not read and I honestly had no problem following this story without it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
October 17, 2023
Now I think I have read the complete series
I have enjoyed the writings of Ms Ryan so much that I have now read the entire series. ( I think) I have a suggestion though… could you make a timeline of how the books should be read? While I think I have read them all I’m still not sure. I know I read some out of order and it confused me for a minute. But I figured out they were all related. Don’t laugh, and no I’m not a dummy, I am just slow! 😂 But seriously… thank you for this great read!
I have enjoyed the writings of Ms Ryan so much that I have now read the entire series. ( I think) I have a suggestion though… could you make a timeline of how the books should be read? While I think I have read them all I’m still not sure. I know I read some out of order and it confused me for a minute. But I figured out they were all related. Don’t laugh, and no I’m not a dummy, I am just slow! 😂 But seriously… thank you for this great read!
May 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book as well as getting to read about Hannah and Nate from the first set of books set in New Hope. It’s a good storyline and I liked both Janelle and Cade. I would recommend not only this book but the whole series written by Lexi, set around these group of friends.
September 9, 2020
3.5 stars.
April 5, 2021
Good read can't say anything else. I keep comparing to the best books of course - Sam and Liz story then Hanna and Nate.
June 5, 2021
How close is too close?
Another great romantic story of second chances with some intrigue thrown in. The ups and downs, the ins and outs keep you guessing.
Another great romantic story of second chances with some intrigue thrown in. The ups and downs, the ins and outs keep you guessing.
August 30, 2021
I loved how this one along with the other in this series has the little Suspense twist to it! But is still a full romance like all of her others I've read! I would recommend any of her book! ❤
January 10, 2022
Oh Cade.....I just love him!
I'm so sad this is my last New Hope series book :(
I'm so sad this is my last New Hope series book :(
December 14, 2016
Holdin her close by Lexi Ryan - 5 starsAbout the book:
Janelle is a rising Hollywood actress that is trying to do some damage control after being caught kissing her ex-husband while he is still married to a woman he left her for.
It was an innocent kiss from Janelle's side while Tom fed her lies about wanting her back.
A kiss that is threatening to ruin her career if she doesn't do something about it.
The only way to make things right in publics eyes seemed to be to get a fake fiancée so that it would look like Janelle has moved on and isn't looking to ruin someone else's marriage even if that someone broke hers.
At a party she is all over the guy she believes is supposed to play her "fiancée" and making a show for everyone to see and fall for.
Only one problem to that scenario, it's the wrong dude people.
It's none other than hottest ex military turned small town cop Cade Watts that can make any woman melt her panties to the ground within seconds.
Cade refuses to play the game, because he has been played and burned before and no history repeating itself with this guy.
But when Janelle and her co-stars starts to receive dead threats and have a crazy stalker after them, Cade can't keep away and watch what happens next.
His protective nature kicks in and he will do whatever it takes to keep Janelle safe.
But will their hearts be safe along the ride?
Or is this doomed to fail from the get go?
My review:
OMFG!!!! Cade Watts ladies......*sighing*Drooling* Ogling*
Call it whatever you want but that is one sweet mother of God sexy man sent to the female race to lust after and I don't deny being one of them ;)
The story is pretty sweet and maybe predictable but still just adorable.
This is like Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner remake and it's a bit more sexier and hotter than the original plot with this sexy protective detective and a girl that is a true sweetheart.
The first thing that this book starts and ends with is arousing you and melt away any panties you might or might not wear ;)
There is so much sexual tension and chemistry between the main characters it's impossible to ignore.
It sort of reminds me of agents Mulder and Scully from the X-files .
We know it...they know....so why fight it? Get on with it and give us some magic love birds :)
It was very beautifully and tastefully written with so much attention to details that really did justice to the story's quality and character.
It is also showing how some situations in our lives can mark us and prevent from being able to moving forward and lose ability to trust people and re-open our hearts to someone new and allow a new love to move in and erase all past failures that caused us heartache.
I love when a book awakens my emotions and make me feeling ache in my heart and possible in some other parts of my body HAHA ;)
I really enjoyed this book maybe even more than the first book of this series Playing with fire.
The characters had made a cameo in the first book too but both books can also be read as standalones but just to get to know all the characters better and understand their actions it is recommended to read the series as it is.
If you want to read something sweet, sexy with a slight touch of mystery this is definitely worth your while....and take my word for it....Cade ALONE is worth it :)
April 12, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
If you have read any of the New Hope books from Lexi Ryan, you will recognize Janelle Crane as Nate Crane's twin sister. If you are new to Lexi Ryan or haven't read most of those books, Holding Her Close can be read as a complete Standalone. While I have loved all the books I have read from Lexi, her Here and Now books are my favorites as I love Hanna and Nate. So I have been anxiously awaiting Janelle's story since she played a bigger part in their books. This book definitely didn't disappoint, and I am so glad that we got to know Janelle better here.
Janelle Crane has finally landed her dream role as an actress, in which she will be taken serious rather than just be known as the actress that always plays an airhead. But her ex screws everything up when he asks her to dinner and the incident winds up all over the tabloids. Determined not to lose the part, Janelle hires a fixer to help get her reputation back on track. But when Janelle goes to her brother's Halloween party and makes out with the guy in the Batman suit she believes is to play her fake fiance, she quickly discovers that there was more than one Batman at the party and the one she made out with is none other than New Hope local cop Cade Watts. Cade hates actresses after his ex led him on for publicity and he has no interest in being Janelle's fake fiance to help fix her reputation. But when Janelle finds herself in danger from a stalker, Cade is determined to keep her safe and help her in a way he didn't in the past.
I loved Cade and Janelle. These two both had issues from their past that affected the way that they handled things here. Cade had been hurt and betrayed, and unfortunately that tainted the way he saw all actresses. While he was drawn to Janelle and wanted her, he didn't trust her and was easy to assume the worst. Yet he also couldn't help but want to look out for her and protect her, and I really liked seeing him get to know her and soften a bit when he saw that she was different. Janelle had been hurt and lost everything that she thought she had except for her career. She was insecure because of things her ex had done and said, and I really liked seeing her gain confidence here and discover that she wasn't the problem. I really felt like Cade was perfect for her, and it was good to see these two help each other grow and heal after all they had been through. The chemistry was smoking hot between these two, and I enjoyed seeing the slow build that their relationship took. They had some super steamy moments, but it was good to see them get to know one another and it all felt very natural to me.
Overall, this was a really good story and I liked the characters a lot. There was a lot of great moments between Janelle and Cade, but I also loved seeing some familiar faces. I had been wanting more of Janelle's story, and I really liked seeing beneath her facade. She was so much more than the world knew or had seen, and I really loved who she was. These two were great together, and I enjoyed this story a lot. If you are a fan of Ryan's, you will definitely want to check this book out! If you are new to her though, this is a great place to start and will make you want to go back and read all of the New Hope books! I can't wait to see what Lexi Ryan writes next.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
If you have read any of the New Hope books from Lexi Ryan, you will recognize Janelle Crane as Nate Crane's twin sister. If you are new to Lexi Ryan or haven't read most of those books, Holding Her Close can be read as a complete Standalone. While I have loved all the books I have read from Lexi, her Here and Now books are my favorites as I love Hanna and Nate. So I have been anxiously awaiting Janelle's story since she played a bigger part in their books. This book definitely didn't disappoint, and I am so glad that we got to know Janelle better here.
Janelle Crane has finally landed her dream role as an actress, in which she will be taken serious rather than just be known as the actress that always plays an airhead. But her ex screws everything up when he asks her to dinner and the incident winds up all over the tabloids. Determined not to lose the part, Janelle hires a fixer to help get her reputation back on track. But when Janelle goes to her brother's Halloween party and makes out with the guy in the Batman suit she believes is to play her fake fiance, she quickly discovers that there was more than one Batman at the party and the one she made out with is none other than New Hope local cop Cade Watts. Cade hates actresses after his ex led him on for publicity and he has no interest in being Janelle's fake fiance to help fix her reputation. But when Janelle finds herself in danger from a stalker, Cade is determined to keep her safe and help her in a way he didn't in the past.
I loved Cade and Janelle. These two both had issues from their past that affected the way that they handled things here. Cade had been hurt and betrayed, and unfortunately that tainted the way he saw all actresses. While he was drawn to Janelle and wanted her, he didn't trust her and was easy to assume the worst. Yet he also couldn't help but want to look out for her and protect her, and I really liked seeing him get to know her and soften a bit when he saw that she was different. Janelle had been hurt and lost everything that she thought she had except for her career. She was insecure because of things her ex had done and said, and I really liked seeing her gain confidence here and discover that she wasn't the problem. I really felt like Cade was perfect for her, and it was good to see these two help each other grow and heal after all they had been through. The chemistry was smoking hot between these two, and I enjoyed seeing the slow build that their relationship took. They had some super steamy moments, but it was good to see them get to know one another and it all felt very natural to me.
Overall, this was a really good story and I liked the characters a lot. There was a lot of great moments between Janelle and Cade, but I also loved seeing some familiar faces. I had been wanting more of Janelle's story, and I really liked seeing beneath her facade. She was so much more than the world knew or had seen, and I really loved who she was. These two were great together, and I enjoyed this story a lot. If you are a fan of Ryan's, you will definitely want to check this book out! If you are new to her though, this is a great place to start and will make you want to go back and read all of the New Hope books! I can't wait to see what Lexi Ryan writes next.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
December 31, 2016
Life in L.A. is not for the faint of heart, and Janelle Crane is facing a scandal that could potentially destroy her career. Having been spotted at dinner kissing her ex-husband, the tabloids have taken to spreading rumors that Janelle is a home wrecker, that she is trying to move in and take her ex back from his new wife. Not only is the pain she is feeling about the loss of her marriage and the life she once lived still raw, but Janelle faces another crisis--her career. Suddenly the serious role she has been determined to land in order to change the stereotype casting Janelle has faced as a airhead is threatened by the scandal that has taken over.
In an effort to avoid the fallout from the scandal, Janelle does something she swore she would never do--she hires Matthew Hailey, a man with plan to repair her image problem. The solution? Janelle needs a very serious boyfriend turned fiancé pronto. In fact, Matthew plans to have her break the news to her family first at her brother's Halloween costume party. What could go wrong? How about falling for the wrong guy?
Cade Watts is the local police officer and a man who has been so hurt by the ugliness of fame found in L.A that he is hell bent on NEVER letting himself fall for another starlet again. However, when Cade finds himself on the receiving end of a very passionate kiss by a women in cat suit that hugs all the right places and a mask, the sparks the ignite are more than he can lead to a passionate night that he can't seem to forget. Having honored cat woman's request to leave the mask in place and simply allow for one night of wreckless abandon, Cade can't get the sounds and taste out of his mouth. So when Cade discovers the woman he can't seem to forget is none other than the famous Janelle Crane-- a woman who has already lied to the press about his relationship with her less than 12 hours later--Cade is hell bent of forgetting her any way her can.
However, due to his protective and honorable character, Cade can't help but find himself immediately beside Janelle when she returns home and finds herself threatened and former co-stars missing. Regardless of Janelle's secrets and lies about their relationship, Cade vows to stand by her side in order to protect her. He won't sell her out, and this time he will make sure he solves the case.
Lexi Ryan has created an amazing group of friends from New Hope, and Janelle Crane and Cade Watts are wonderful additions with their own heated chemistry. I loved the twist on Janelle's character. She is not another jaded and self-centered star; she is a compassionate and driven woman who is working hard to hold her life together after suffering the loss of her husband to another woman and a career that is cutthroat--a career that seems to currently be riding on one potential offer. She is a woman who simply wants to be loved! And Cade... well this alpha male had me all sorts of excited. He has this strong integrity and character; a man who works to protect those around him. But the truth is, Cade still struggles with trust, and therefore is cautiously guarding his broken heart. He is a cop, after all, and simply focusing on the evidence seems to be his safest bet.
This was a wonderful story that I read in one sitting. It is fast-paced, well-planned, and weaves together a beautiful love story within a suspenseful plot that offers a few twists. Although it is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.
In an effort to avoid the fallout from the scandal, Janelle does something she swore she would never do--she hires Matthew Hailey, a man with plan to repair her image problem. The solution? Janelle needs a very serious boyfriend turned fiancé pronto. In fact, Matthew plans to have her break the news to her family first at her brother's Halloween costume party. What could go wrong? How about falling for the wrong guy?
Cade Watts is the local police officer and a man who has been so hurt by the ugliness of fame found in L.A that he is hell bent on NEVER letting himself fall for another starlet again. However, when Cade finds himself on the receiving end of a very passionate kiss by a women in cat suit that hugs all the right places and a mask, the sparks the ignite are more than he can lead to a passionate night that he can't seem to forget. Having honored cat woman's request to leave the mask in place and simply allow for one night of wreckless abandon, Cade can't get the sounds and taste out of his mouth. So when Cade discovers the woman he can't seem to forget is none other than the famous Janelle Crane-- a woman who has already lied to the press about his relationship with her less than 12 hours later--Cade is hell bent of forgetting her any way her can.
However, due to his protective and honorable character, Cade can't help but find himself immediately beside Janelle when she returns home and finds herself threatened and former co-stars missing. Regardless of Janelle's secrets and lies about their relationship, Cade vows to stand by her side in order to protect her. He won't sell her out, and this time he will make sure he solves the case.
Lexi Ryan has created an amazing group of friends from New Hope, and Janelle Crane and Cade Watts are wonderful additions with their own heated chemistry. I loved the twist on Janelle's character. She is not another jaded and self-centered star; she is a compassionate and driven woman who is working hard to hold her life together after suffering the loss of her husband to another woman and a career that is cutthroat--a career that seems to currently be riding on one potential offer. She is a woman who simply wants to be loved! And Cade... well this alpha male had me all sorts of excited. He has this strong integrity and character; a man who works to protect those around him. But the truth is, Cade still struggles with trust, and therefore is cautiously guarding his broken heart. He is a cop, after all, and simply focusing on the evidence seems to be his safest bet.
This was a wonderful story that I read in one sitting. It is fast-paced, well-planned, and weaves together a beautiful love story within a suspenseful plot that offers a few twists. Although it is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.
January 26, 2016
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads
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You know those books you pick up with the intention of reading a couple chapters before bed, but then you find yourself so wrapped up in the story that you can't possibly think of putting it down until you've read it from cover to cover? Holding Her Close was one of those books for me.
I love a lot of things about Lexi's writing and one of the biggest ones is how her stories and series enter twine and how a secondary character doesn't stay that way for long. In Holding Her Close, it's Janelle Crane's time to be in the spotlight. Janelle's an actress who, after getting some bad press with her ex recently, needs a fake relationship to help clean up her image. It was supposed to be with a hired actor, but thanks to a case of mistaken identity, the press thinks she's involved with Cade Watts, the New Hope police officer she's been lusting after from afar for awhile now.
I'm a big fan of the famous person/regular person trope, so it's no wonder I liked Janelle and Cade so much together. They were well-matched, despite the misunderstanding and Cade's feelings about actresses after being burned in the past. This book has a bit of suspense/mystery too, as Janelle learns she and two of her fellow actresses have a stalker. It's that bit that brings out the protector in Cade, who can't leave Janelle alone after learning she is in danger. Of course, their scorching hot chemistry didn't hurt matters either. This book gives a slow burn and it hurts oh so good. (And Cade's dirty mouth? Yes, please.)
Holding Her Close was a great read. I literally couldn't put it down once I started. I had to know who the stalker was. I had to see if Janelle could get over her issues with her ex and move on to something real. I needed to know if Cade could look beyond his past and see what was right in front of him. There wasn't any over the top suspense, but I was kept turning pages as quickly as possible to see everything resolved. And when it was? I was one happy camper. I really enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite Quotes:
You know those books you pick up with the intention of reading a couple chapters before bed, but then you find yourself so wrapped up in the story that you can't possibly think of putting it down until you've read it from cover to cover? Holding Her Close was one of those books for me.
I love a lot of things about Lexi's writing and one of the biggest ones is how her stories and series enter twine and how a secondary character doesn't stay that way for long. In Holding Her Close, it's Janelle Crane's time to be in the spotlight. Janelle's an actress who, after getting some bad press with her ex recently, needs a fake relationship to help clean up her image. It was supposed to be with a hired actor, but thanks to a case of mistaken identity, the press thinks she's involved with Cade Watts, the New Hope police officer she's been lusting after from afar for awhile now.
I'm a big fan of the famous person/regular person trope, so it's no wonder I liked Janelle and Cade so much together. They were well-matched, despite the misunderstanding and Cade's feelings about actresses after being burned in the past. This book has a bit of suspense/mystery too, as Janelle learns she and two of her fellow actresses have a stalker. It's that bit that brings out the protector in Cade, who can't leave Janelle alone after learning she is in danger. Of course, their scorching hot chemistry didn't hurt matters either. This book gives a slow burn and it hurts oh so good. (And Cade's dirty mouth? Yes, please.)
Holding Her Close was a great read. I literally couldn't put it down once I started. I had to know who the stalker was. I had to see if Janelle could get over her issues with her ex and move on to something real. I needed to know if Cade could look beyond his past and see what was right in front of him. There wasn't any over the top suspense, but I was kept turning pages as quickly as possible to see everything resolved. And when it was? I was one happy camper. I really enjoyed this one!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite Quotes:
The broken parts of me recognize the broken parts of her, and it's so tempting to imagine our ragged edges fitting together., making us each whole where we haven't been for years.
"Touching you was only a mistake because it makes not touching you that much harder."
"When I kiss your mouth, I like it. Then I remember how much I like kissing you in other places."
"You're a catch, Officer Watts. Even the coldest heart could find herself falling for you."
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