Relatively Close

Easter's Lilly #3

by Judy Serrano

Recovering from the latest family trauma has made the Montiago family wake up to the fact that their priorities have definitely been misplaced. With Max throwing himself into the depths of his work as an FBI operative, he inadvertently sends the wrong message to his wife and brothers. In Relatively Close, the third book of the series, Lilly fights for the attention of her husband, until it becomes painfully clear that she is up against a mistress way more powerful than the ones she has fought before. Keeping it relatively close is something with which Lilly is way too familiar. She turns her attentions to another, only to find out that the reality of the business, which has kept her dripping in diamonds and living in mansions, is nothing more than an ugly reminder of El Diablo anda suelto: The devil running loose.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2016

About the author

Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series,The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able.

Reviews

[Carole Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment to the Lilly series by Judy Serrano and I'm afraid...it will not be the last. I believe there is one more book on the way. I'm really looking forward to it! Just as a warning: do not read this book unless you read the others. You will be confused, because a lot of the past events have a LARGE play in this one.


The drama continues and there are more twists and turns and WTF factors at play here. Some old characters glide into the plot and I was surprised at some of the reunions. I didn't expect to see some of these characters again, however, it was pretty interesting how Judy Serrano tied past events into this one. Everything is coming together nicely and I was slightly upset that there will be another book. Personally, I would have ended with this one, but since there will be another one I will have to read it, because I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS! This series is highly addicting.


My heart broke in this one...I lost my love for Hector. I hate to give this little spoiler, but I'm upset at Judy Serrano for doing this, but some unpleasant characterizations of Hector was brought on stage and it ruined him for me. I'm now on the Max-Lilly team. I'm still not a huge fan of Max, but he's "proved" to be the best of all three brothers for Lilly. I must be honest though...I have a slight resentment towards everyone in this book, because I feel like the are horrid role-models for their kids. Those poor kids are going to have serious complexes when they get older! Especially Junior, because he is the eldest and as been there since day uno. It makes me feel bad for them. I can't imagine seeing my mom flip-flop between my dad and my uncle. I would be have to find me a good therapist!


Anyways, I found the drama in this a little cheesy at points and I would find myself rolling my eyes, but I love it. I love every minute! I still don't understand why these men fawn all over Lilly, but I am slightly envious of all these extremely hot men being in love with her. I wouldn't want to live such a crazy life-style of gangs and drugs and etc, however it would make me big-headed if hot men like these three fawned all over me....


Besides for some cheesy points and a few grammar issues, I can not complain much this book. I finished it in just a couple days and I can't wait for the next one. Out of all the others in the series, I believe this one is my favorite so far. Well, I would recommend this to those that love a good book stuffed with drama, gun-play, gangs, hot men, and a good suspense/thriller. I've been fighting with myself on what rating to give this one...so I'll give it 5 stars. It's more like 4.5 stars, but like you know I always round my ratings. ^.^


Favorite Characters: Hector (at the beginning), Diego (he redeems himself at every page), Julia and Junior
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Juan, Victor, Max, Lilly (uuuuuggggghhhh), and Hector (at the end)

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Relatively Close by Judy Serrano (Book #45)
by heathercim


Title: Relatively Close

Author: Judy Serrano

Genre: Romance, Suspense

Format: E-book

Pages: 294 pages

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Release Date: February 3, 2012

Series or Stand-Alone: Book #3

Source: Ever After PR

To purchase your copy: Amazon

For more info: Goodreads Author Page; Author's Website

Goodreads Summary:

Recovering from the latest family trauma has made the Montiago family wake up to the fact that their priorities have definitely been misplaced. With Max throwing himself into the depths of his work as an FBI operative, he inadvertently sends the wrong message to his wife and brothers. In Relatively Close, the third book of the series, Lilly fights for the attention of her husband, until it becomes painfully clear that she is up against a mistress way more powerful than the ones she has fought before. Keeping it relatively close is something with which Lilly is way too familiar. She turns her attentions to another, only to find out that the reality of the business, which has kept her dripping in diamonds and living in mansions, is nothing more than an ugly reminder of El Diablo and a suelto: The devil running loose.



Let me start of by saying that I signed up to read the first 3 books in this series without having read the first one. That is something that no one should do and I've now learned my lesson.

While I thought the idea for the story is really interesting and suspenseful, I could not get past the dialogue in this book - it was corny and it felt like the same conversations happening over and over again that happened in the last one - particularly between Lilly and Hector and Lilly and Max. I think the only characters I liked were Julia and maybe Diego (until he became more obsessed with Lilly). Lilly is supposed to be this beautiful person but I just could not understand how she was so captivating to all the men around her. Lilly just jumps around a lot. When one guy is indisposed, she goes to the other guy. This seems to be a recurring thing with her. If I can't like a main character, then I find it hard to like the entire book.

Also, there were several spelling errors as well - carats not carrots when referring to diamonds; discreet not discrete; catty not caddy.

Again, this book wasn't for me. I did enjoy this one more than the others but not enough that I would recommend it.

[Shayna Gier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the beginning and the end of this book! I can't go into details for desire to not spoil you, but the beginning (like the first 6 chapters) and the end (last 4 chapters) were just amazing. Serrano, true to the transition from Easter's Lilly to Brother Number Three, begins Relatively Close just seconds after Brother Number Three ends. Within the first five paragraphs I was easily hooked into the story and sucked back into the world of Lilly Montiago. While the middle of the book slowed down a bit, the very ending picked right back up and left me dumbfounded, despite the fact that seconds ago I looked down and saw that I was at 97% through the book.

Despite a slower-paced and not all-enthralling, middle, Relatively Close still earns five shiny stars in my opinion. There's everything in it that you've come to love about Lilly Montiago and the gang: captures, close calls with death, babies, and the never-ending Lilly-tradeoff between the brothers; as well as original plot twists and events that keeps the story moving on and interesting.

This book had me utterly confused for a while (which may have effected my view of the middle of the book) over which brother I thought should end up with Lilly. I'll not give spoilers and say how it ends, but I will say that each one of the three brothers have all screwed up with Lilly in ways that makes me think they are jerks. Max says it best, I think, when he says "Always remember, Lilly (and reader), there is no good one." And, like Lilly, even with that knowledge I keep wanting her to end up with "the good one." But I think that's one of the things that is so brilliant about Serrano's writing. It makes me want to keep reading and to root for at least one of the characters, even though it is plainly obvious that they all make dumb decisions.

All in all, Relatively Close is the best book in the series so far, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.



Disclaimer:

I was given this book for my honest opinion, no other compensation was received. This review only reflects my personal opinion.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one series that I just adore! Heart pounding, blood pumping, it just screams sexiness. It has everything from passion, romance, love, danger, and excitement. Judy Serrano really knows how to keep a reader on their toes throughout the entire story! Not one dull moment in the Montiago family, let me tell you!
Picking up where Brother Number 3 left off, both Max and Hector have been seriously injured, trying to protect Lilly. Luckily, the doctor says they should both be ok after surgery. Nobody seems to worry right away when Hector is the only one to wake up from surgery. Max is a fighter. He just needs more rest, so the family just shrugs it off. I have to say that I was a little worried right alongside Lilly on this one here, and rightly so. After a year passes, and Max still hasn't woke, Lilly overhears the doctor talking about how she should move on. So is it her fault that she runs back into the warm and comforting arms of Hector? I gave up hope on Max myself. Would Max? Why must everyone love Lilly so much?
Being in Max's room and having Hector and his brother Diego talking about Lilly and what happened in between them the night before just so happens to make Max move. This is what finally gets a rise out of him. And now that he is back, he wants it like before. I can't blame him for that either, yet I totally feel for Lilly. It's when Max decides to be forceful with Lilly and once again, put his job first that makes me hate him with a passion of fury. This is the final straw with Lilly. This is what finally pushes her into the arms of Hector. Unfortunately, Max refuses to give her a divorce.
So why is it that in the end, Lilly's life is put at stake yet again, Hector does the ultimate wrong, breaking my heart just as much as Lilly's, and is on the run? Hector is supposed to be a good guy. How can he do this to Lilly? He has now made her a target.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatively Close by Judy Serrano is the latest installment of the series that started with Easter’s Lily. In this book Lily’s life and the lives of those she loves becomes more complicated. Here is a brief summary of the story.

Recovering from the latest family trauma has made the Montiago family wake up to the fact that their priorities have definitely been misplaced. With Max throwing himself into the depths of his work as an FBI operative, he inadvertently sends the wrong message to his wife and brothers. In Relatively Close, the third book of the series, Lilly fights for the attention of her husband, until it becomes painfully clear that she is up against a mistress way more powerful than the ones she has fought before. Keeping it relatively close is something with which Lilly is way too familiar. She turns her attentions to another, only to find out that the reality of the business, which has kept her dripping in diamonds and living in mansions, is nothing more than an ugly reminder of El Diablo anda suelto: The devil running loose.




What will Lily do in this installment? Will she stay with Max and forgive him? Will she run off with Hector- Brother Number 3 or will she turn to Diego (the oldest brother) for comfort. My heart is torn for Lily. I know that deep down all she wants is be loved and have her family and be happy. As I was reading this I can see parts of myself in this character. It is amazing that how much we really were alike. Granted I never have cheated on my husband and NO!!!! He is not a FBI agent LOL. But lately I feel unwanted and unloved. (We all go through this stage at some time Don’t we??) So with that said I definitely say that I could identify with Lily. I loved this series and I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seriously had mixed feelings for this series. Before I had even finished Easter's Lilly, I groaned to myself as I could see where this sequel was headed by the title. I tried, but I could not like Lilly, which is not a good thing when the book is written in a first person narrative from her point of view. I thought she was flighty, fickle, shallow, and an emotional basket case. Reading these books reminded me of the Twilight Series in the fact that two hot guys are fighting over an ugly chick with no personality. While Lilly is supposed to be known for her beauty, I had a hard time understanding what all these guys saw in her. Maybe I have become a prude in my old age, or I read too many classic stories, but I just had no sympathy or respect for Lilly at all.

However, the book is not without merit. I loved the brothers' bantering which had me chuckling several times. Though I'm not entirely sure that their good humor and teasing was entirely believable given the circumstances, but from their attitudes this wasn't the first time they had been in similar situations. The storyline itself was very compelling. Even though I found myself rolling my eyes a time or two, I would compare it to a good soap opera that you just cannot tear yourself away from.

Poorly edited books are one of my pet peeves that I complain about the most, but there were very few proofreading errors. Not perfect, but nothing too frequent or overly annoying. My biggest pet peeve, that I hate even more than editing errors, is cliffhanger endings. I feel gypped and cheated out of a real ending when books leave me hanging.

[Shy The WidowMaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into reading this book book with a resolve to overlook the issues I had with the previous books in this series. Once I did that I enjoyed this book. This book is the part three in the series and I had to read it to see what happened after the last cliffhanger ending. In this book we again get to see the family dynamics and the love they all have for Lily and her kids. I loved seeing Max and Lily together as I always felt they should be together out of any of the brothers. This book let you see all the dirty parts of being in a drug family lifestyle. Lily really learned what all comes with that. I liked Lily a little more in this book as she stood up for herself more. I liked her more when she finally got a backbone and started to fit back. I really wanted her to step into the role of the drug kingpins wife though. I can't say I liked the turn that Hector took though and I give it to the author that I didn't see that coming. She tossed me a nice curveball there. I was so used to the big teddy bear.This book has something for everyone though from the violence, the action, the romances and the famiily comraderie. Overall I liked this book and from the way it ended I hope there is a book four in this series.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for Ever After PR.

When I started this book I thought it was the end of Lilly's story. Oh but I was wrong there will obviously be at least 1 more book. I'm glad. I loved these books.

This book as always picks up where the last one (Brother Number 3) lets off.

I think this series would make for a great movie series. There is something for both men and women. The men can have the violence and shooting. The women get love and romance.

Of course Lilly is back and forth between her 2 men. So what else is new on that aspect? Lilly has been through a lot in her life.

Everyone is connected to everyone it seems. The find out the name of an enemy and it turns out its a relative somehow to another enemy.

You also get dirty cops and FBI agents. You never really know who you can trust.

Love love love this series. The author really sucks you in and makes you feel the story come to life. This was another edge of your seat book. I read it in a day again.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Judy Serrano so expected nothing less than a well written book with lots going on again. The story started off exactly where the second book had left off. Where Junior had shot Max.

Lilly was a vigilant wife who sat reading to Max everyday for almost a year while he lay in a coma.

But then she needed a companion and the person she asked for that companionship was the already taken Hector AGAIN!

When Max finally does come out of the coma he and Hector compete for Lilly’s affection.

With attempted rape, kidnap, shootings, abuse, bed hopping , highs and lows it made another gripping book and I read it so quickly as I could not put it down.

I totally loved the book as I did the other two in the series and with another HUGE cliffhanger at the ending of Relatively Close I am left waiting eagerly for the next book to be released.

[Trista · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who want to read this, please read #1-2! I was quite confused because I did not know who some of the characters were, how some of them knew one another, and why certain things were mentioned. The book is based around betrayal, lies, and many affairs! Who does she stay with? Who was she with before, because I never read the previous two? Ah! The author lets so many questions float around in my brain that it feels like I am watching an ABC TV show! The end of the books sneaks right up on you - I hardly believed I was finished reading. I think this book is one that makes you want to read it in 1 day and then begin the next! Obviously, read them in order unlike what I did! :) If you want your own personal copy just enter below!

[D.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatively close is the third and final book in the series 'Easter Lilly.' Judy Serrano does it again, as she did with the other books. You cannot set this book down, and it is even better than the other two.
The emotions churning in this one are deeper than the other two books, and it is hard to decide if Lilly has made the right decision or not.
It is easy to see why Lilly has such a tough time choosing between the brothers - all three have gentle, loving qualities as well as their darker sides.

I greatly recommend this series to anyone 18 and older. It has been a roller coaster ride through all three books, and the ending will not let you down.