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Haven, Montana #1

Closer to You

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New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2017

1237 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read

About the author

Jill Sanders

196 books2,098 followers
Jill Sanders is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Sweet Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, and Paranormal Romance novels. With 100 books in eleven series, translations into several different languages, and audiobooks there’s plenty to choose from. Look for Jill’s bestselling stories wherever romance books are sold or visit her at jillsanders.com


Jill comes from a large family with six siblings, including an identical twin. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest and later relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career before discovering her talent for writing sweet and sexy page-turners. After Colorado, she decided to move south, living in Texas and now making her home along the Emerald Coast of Florida. You will find that the settings of several of her series are inspired by her time spent living in these areas. She has two sons and off-set the testosterone in her house by adopting three furry little ladies that provide her company while she’s locked in her writing cave. She enjoys heading to the beach, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, and pickleball with her husband, and of course writing. If you have read any of her books, you may also notice that there is a love of food, especially sweets! She has been blamed for a few added pounds by her assistant, editor, and fans… donuts or pie anyone?

https://www.tiktok.com/@jillsandersau...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,287 followers
September 20, 2017
3.5 Seeing What is Before Your Eyes Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Sometimes you have to step away from your home and experience something different to see what is really important to you. Jill Sanders' new series about the McGowan Family of Haven, Montana examines this idea.


The set up is simple; The McGowan family consists of 3 grown sons and the mother. Their father recently passed a few months ago and all of them are adjusting to life without him. It is important to know this was a solid family with happy childhoods. The father was a gentle yet very strong man who invented a way to drill for oil/gas that was safer, cleaner and faster than the traditional way. Now with his passing, the sons have come back from where they were...all around the country... and have stepped into their fathers boots to keep the company rolling.

In this entry, the main focus is on the eldest, Tyler. He worked with his dad growing up... seeing how the dad negotiated with protesters or strikes over the years. The father would not be combative; instead he would listen, share food and drinks, talk about common goals and then work things out.

The loss of the dad made all of the sons re-evaluate and the answer became clear... they were going to keep the company going, settle in, look out for mom and appreciate the land and life they had.

After a few months of adjustment, the sons started to do well in their new positions. Tyler, who never thought he was the one who would head up the company, became the solid rock of the team. He took care of the day to day meetings and the acquiring of new business. Each brother had their own expertise; it all fell together and worked.

Their success started other companies wanting to buy them out. Each time they turned the offers down.

Kristen Howell has worked hard to scale the corporate good ole' boys ladder of her company. She has put her head down and focused on each project to completion. It has allowed her to grow and prosper. Her lifestyle has reflected all of her success. She owned her apartment, decorated it with all the pieces that meant something to her. Her wardrobe is made up of all the designers many dream about. She has worked hard for her position and enjoyed the perks that filled her life.

But right now...Kristen wished her designer clothes and boots were as warn as they were stylish...because she may look fantastic...but her poofy, white fur trimmed boots did not keep her feet from going numb while she waited for the expected ride to pick her up from her flight.

She looked all around and didn't see a town car in sight...

All she saw was a man lumbering towards her in the flannel shirt and flack jacket uniform of Montana. He was tall and ruggedly good looking...and called out to her. He directed her to his beat up old truck and had the nerve to throw her precious luggage in the back of the open truck bed!

Kristen didn't know what to make of this man... she was there in Haven to meet the owner or head of McGowan. Her company, JB Holdings, had a fail proof offer and if....no when, she closed the deal, she should be further up the career ladder.

Tyler watched this woman in his truck as he drove. She was striking and beautiful. He also thought all of her fancy clothes were useless against this Montana weather. Tyler had an internal chuckle when Kristen mentioned she needed him to make sure she got to the McGowan office on time and not take the long way around.

When Tyler got Kristen to the only hotel in Haven, he got out of the truck and brought her luggage to her room's door. She asked his name in order to thank him for driving her. Tyler tipped his hat and introduced himself as Tyler McGowan with a smile. As he walked to the truck, he told her he was not interested in any offer, would never be and she really should just turn around and go back.

Well, that went well, Not.
No matter... Kristen wasn't a quitter.

Later that day, Kristen showed up at the office trailer the current work site. She met the long time secretary, parked herself in a chair and waited for Tyler to return. When he does, her perfume let him know who was waiting for him. As he walks into his office, Kristen follows him in.

Tyler knows she is determined but so is he. The family is not going to sell but that doesn't stop the mother from inviting Kristen to dinner that night, much to Tyler's dismay. Dinner is friendly and turns out to be a huge turning point. The mother asks point blank what Kristen's company wants with their company? Kristen cannot answer and tells them as much.... That is telling not only for the family but also for Kristen...

It becomes the focus of her time in Haven...besides the attraction both Tyler and her fight.

This story had many different threads running through it. There was the idea of figuring out where you feel is home and where you belong. There was some insight of how hard it can be a woman in a company that didn't appreciate her talent. There was also the romance between the both of them and giving into what felt right all along.

This was a solid read with most of it coming together by the end. There were a few pieces that were left hanging but over all full complete story. We have two other sons... so more books to come.


An advanced arc was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,249 reviews39 followers
October 10, 2017
Action packed, emotionally thrilling, sweetly sexy romantic adventure filled with mystery, danger and lots of "I so can not put this book down or I might explode" twists.

Tyler McGowan is sexy, charming and so determined to buckle down and keep his family business alive in the wake of losing his father. Kristen Howell is sassy, sexy and determined to get McGowan Enterprises to sell so she can continue her climb up the corporate ladder. Sparks fly, emotions run deep and family bounds are tested, loved every heart pounding turn. Looking forward to more visits to Haven, Montana.
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,275 reviews924 followers
September 20, 2023
Kristen is in Haven, Montana to convince the McGowan’s to sell their oil business. She’s worked tirelessly for JB Holdings and this deal should be the advance she’s been striving for. However, as she stays and works with Tyler and his family, Kristen starts to wonder why her company is so dead set on acquiring the McGowan’s business. As Kristen digs deeper into the puzzle, she and Tyler get closer and she starts to yearn for a more meaningful life, in this small, beautiful town.

Tyler McGowan never expected to be running his family’s business, but the tragic death of his father has him stepping into the role. He’s proud of the business and has no intention of selling out, but JB Holdings is persistent. Kristen should be the enemy, but at every turn she helps them out. Yes, she’s gorgeous, but there’s a good person underneath the designer clothes and business drive.

I enjoy a good fish-out-of-water kind of story and city-girl, Kristen was definitely out of her element in the small town of Haven, Montana. I loved seeing her priorities shift from corporate ladder climber/fashionista to appreciating the more important things in life as she stayed in Haven.

Kristen and Tyler are immediately attracted physically with lots of chemistry. I do wish they would’ve admitted the depth of their true feelings earlier, but I get that insecurities held them back.

The whole mystery surrounding the sabotage, destruction and then threat to Kristen added an extra layer of excitement to the story. One that kept me turning the pages! Some of it was resolved, but some aspects were not. I’m guessing it will be an ongoing story arc in the series.

I’m looking forward to the next one!

A copy was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,692 reviews145 followers
October 20, 2017
The three McGowan brothers, Tyler, Trent and Trey inherited equal shares in their father's business, McGowan Enterprises in Haven, Montana. Tyler, as the oldest was named head of the company and with reluctance he returned home from the city.

Kristen Howell works for JB Holdings and she has been sent to Montana by her boss to persuade the McGowan brothers to sell their company to JB Holdings. A city girl with Gucci luggage and Jimmy Choo shoes, she is like a fish out of water in small town Montana. But there is an attraction between her and Tyler which only grows as her boss insists she stays in Haven until she gets the brothers to sign, even if it means digging up dirt.

There's bad blood between the McGowan brothers and their Uncle Carl, between the McGowan brothers and their secretary Rea's son Brian and between McGowan Enterprises and the protesters who have set up camp protesting the oil fields and the oil pipelines owned by McGowan Enterprises.

Writing this review there are a lot of things going on in this book: the mystery of why JB Holdings wants to buy McGowan Enterprises so desperately; the mystery of who is behind the sabotage on site; the mystery of who trashes Kristen's room at the hotel; the mystery behind the unpaid invoices; even the mystery of who is behind the kidnapping. And yet, the overwhelming impression I was left with was of a book which sagged in the middle with scene after scene of fairly greige sex, I just skipped pages and pages of same-same looking for a story. In fact I don't believe that some of these plots were ever tied up properly, as if the author just threw them in for a bit of mystery but couldn't be bothered to make up a real motive. Frankly the 'baddies' were such cardboard cutouts that I couldn't really tell them apart.

I felt that this book suffered from a genre crisis, it had too many plots for a small town romance but not enough plot development for a mystery romance.

Overall, it was okay, I didn't hate it and I would probably read Trent and Tyler's books (I expect Trent will have been in love with Addy, one of the protesters, since they were at school) but it didn't make me want to go and look up Jill Sanders' previous books.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,128 reviews
September 23, 2023
This was my first book by this author and definitely won't be my last! I can't wait to read more in this series!

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,277 reviews57 followers
June 12, 2019
The whole premise of this book is that NYC girl, Kristen, travels to Montana to submit an offer to buy the family-owned oil drilling company that Tyler just inherited from his father. He doesn't want to sell and it is her job to convince him. The thing is, that no one can quite figure out why Kristen's company wants Tyler's so badly, including Kristen.....oooo mystery! And when odd things start popping up that make Tyler's business suffer, it becomes clear that someone is willing to try to intimidate Tyler's family into selling using nefarious methods.

Meh, not my favorite romance. I really hated Kristen's character. She bugged me from the moment she stepped foot in Montana and I had a hard time getting excited about her and Tyler getting together. Kristen redeemed herself a little toward the end, but I still didn't like her much. Tyler was alright. I liked him better. And the whole mystery of who was behind the offers - meh - it made it lamer that I couldn't even give it an average rating.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,759 reviews174 followers
November 4, 2017
It took me a little while to get into this one and connect to the characters but once I did, it was worth the wait! The whole people from different worlds trope is always interesting and I think this one was done particularly well. I loved how the book explored Kristen’s journey into finding herself and what she really wants. That is such a huge part of anyone’s life and it was nice to see it play out in this book. I liked the mystery aspect of this book and how that played out. It didn’t interfere with the romance and it added a nice vibe. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for this series. I’m assuming it’s going to explore the rest of the McGowan brothers and their own love stories! Definitely recommend this one!

NOTE: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,157 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2017
Rock My World!!!

Tyler McGowan, a former playboy who gave up his wandering ways when his father suddenly passed away. Now he ran the family's oil bussiness (McGowan Entreprises) with his two brothers (Trent & Trey)

He lived in a small town named Haven, Montana. He wanted to be close to his mom (Gail) and his brothers. Tyler would do anything to keep his father's legacy alive. So there's no way he would ever sell their company, no matter what.

Kristen Howell has spent years working her way up the corporate ladder. Now her latest case as taking her out in the country side where she had to convince the gorgeous and sexy as sin owner to sell. What she didn't expect was for him to be so darn stubborn.

Sparks flew between Tyler and Kristen the first time they met. She knew it wouldn't be easy to break him down but she was willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wanted.

Tyler was furious that he had such a strong reaction to being so close with "Sexy in Heels" as he nicknamed Kristen. While the ladder too found herself enjoying his company.

After discovering a piece of tidbit that took the blinders off her eyes. Kristen, Tyler and the rest of the McGowan clan worked together to keep any corporate companies from getting their hands on the family's company.

Kristen taking a stand didn't sit well with her boss but she didn't care cause shewas finally sticking to her principles. When she found herself in danger, the McGowans moved heaven and earth to save her.

Loved the bond between the siblings and their mother. The family is growing, can't wait for what comes next.

CLOSER TO YOU is the first book in Jill Sanders' newest series, HAVEN, MONTANA . It was sizzling, breathtakingly alluring and intoxicating. Jill Sanders has another astonishing series on her hands. 5 irresistible stars!
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,345 reviews119 followers
October 10, 2017
Closer to You by Jill Sanders
Haven Montana #1

Wonderful beginning to what should prove to be an excellent series if this book is anything to go by. I am sure that brothers Trent and Trey will have books of their own BUT since the series is named after the location and not the brothers this could also include others who live in Haven.

The McGowan brothers are HOT and all the women in town seem to know it. However, when Kristen Howell shows up in her designer clothes and is “swept off her feet” it is not because she is immediately filled with lust by Tyler, the eldest McGowan. Nope…she assumes he is “the help” and not “the owner” she was sent to negotiate a deal with. Over time the two do become closer to one another and things heat up but with her living and working so far away there is little chance of a long term relationship, right?

This was a complex story with jealousy, kidnapping, embezzling, threats, fisticuffs, a taste of oil rigging rigors including life in an oil town, protestors and more. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Tyler and Kristen and rooted for them to end up with a happily ever after ending – they were perfect for one another. The family dynamics of the McGowans were warm and loving and everything a close family of brothers should be.

Words that came strongly to mind while reading and as I finished were: priorities, values, family and community…and how important they are in making lifelong decisions.

This was my first book by Jill Sanders but I enjoyed it so much that I want to read more of her work whenever I find it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
September 25, 2017
LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED

OMG the opening scene when Tyler first meets Kristen just had me dying! I could 100% picture how the entire conversation went down. At about half way through the book, I was convinced I knew exactly who had done "it" and the reason why. I thought the rest of the book was just going to drag out the story and that the end wouldn't surprise me.

Little did I know!

The person I thought who did it, didn't. I even had a back up person...yeah they didn't do it either. I appreciated the realistic response from the police department and the reality of our judicial system including it's faults.

Loved the slow burn of things between Kristen and Tyler; how they fought the attraction and their own feelings straight until the end.

Hoping for another book about one of the other brothers!
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,808 reviews124 followers
February 10, 2020
This was ok. Tyler and his family are making a go of it since his father’s passing and people want to buy their company. They do not want to sell.

Kristen comes into town representing her boss and his company thinking she can change Tyler’s mind but nope he won’t sell. But they do find love in each others arms.

It’s an ok story nothing to write home about. I enjoyed the characters and the story was just ok.

The narration is what kept me listening I really like Joe Arden’s voice.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,968 reviews173 followers
October 8, 2017
Closer to You (Havana, Montana) by Jill Sanders  
How can anyone not enjoy Closer to You? A little sexual tension, a bit of small town gossip and the wisdom of the heart that Ms. Sanders is known to deliver, makes for habit forming entertainment. Tyler and Kristin are as cunning as they are clueless. Before I even realized what was happening they had laid a claim to my heart. Sizzling sweetness never hurt anyone.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,957 reviews128 followers
October 3, 2017
Book Info
Paperback, 284 pages
Expected publication: October 10th 2017 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 1542047382 (ISBN13: 9781542047388)
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

My Thoughts


Not sure which brother will turn out to be my favorite McGowan but right now Tyler is first in the running over younger brothers Trent and Trey, although they are pretty close behind him and hope to read their stories some day too.

Tyler McGowan could not wait to shake the snow of Haven Montana off his boots, now however he cannot fathom living anywhere in the city as his love for the clear air and slower pace of life has been rekindled now that he is head of his father's oil business.

Kristen Howell on the other hand is sure that city living is what she wants forever, coming to Haven Montana for her job was just another step on the way to fulfilling her desire for advancement.

The pair strike sparks from their first meeting but are both determined to keep the relationship strictly business as Kristen will only be in town for two weeks.

Somehow those good intentions are thrown out the window when the explosive chemistry that Tyler and Kristen share becomes too hard to ignore.

Do they stand a chance together or will Tyler and Kristen’s personal choices, both private and professional, keep them apart for good?

It is a good idea to read Closer To You and find out for yourself how it all works out for the small town man and the city girl.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
Profile Image for Marybeth.
1,756 reviews
October 7, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Well, now after having read this, book 1 in this new series, all I can say is bring on more of the McGowan brothers. I really enjoyed this book, both the storyline and the growing romance between Tyler McGowan, the home town country boy and Kristen Howell the city slicker in the designer clothes.
I just love Tyler. He had me at hello. He works so hard and has so much responsibility on his shoulders he deserves to find love and happiness. After the death of his father, he now finds himself running the family oil business with his brothers in their small town of Haven, Montana and taking care of their mom.
Kristen is sent by the company she works for in NYC to try and get The McGowan's to sell their business.
She doesn't know why her company wants this, she is just doing her job. At first she and Tyler kind of clash but that tension turns to sexual tension and then all bets are off. Some pretty hot and sexy times ensue between them. I didn't really like her too much at first but then I was very happy to see the change in Kristen throughout the story as she falls in love with both Tyler and Haven, Montana.
Besides the romance aspect of the story, there is lots going on in this book with regards to The McGowan's company that also effects Tyler and Kristen personally and it kept me interested and invested throughout.
I really like all the brothers and their mom so I look forward to future books about them.
Profile Image for Cindy.
74 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2017
Closer To You by Jill Sanders was given to me for free by NetGalley for an honest review. This is book one in Jill Sanders new series, Haven Montana. After the sudden death of his father, Tyler McGowan takes on the main reigns of running the McGowan Enterprises along with his brothers Trent and Trey. Tyler runs McGowan Enterprises in the office and in the field, so to speak and more than satisfied with companies current direction. Kristen Howell is tasked to go to Montana to get the McGowan brothers, especially Tyler to sell their company. The moment Kristen steps off the plane from New York, she knows the five working up the company ladder will hopefully pay off. However, the moment Tyler and Kristen eyes lock neither of them could deny the sparks between them.
Kristen hands Tyler the newest proposal and with each time, he replies no. After the latest proposal and the response to Kristen, she wants to find why her company is so bound and determined to acquire McGowan Enterprises. As she digs, she finds herself not wanting to go back to New York but falling for one of the McGowan brothers.
I thoroughly enjoyed Closer To You by Jill Sanders. The novel is a great romance novel mixed with action, suspense, and enough heat between the characters to satisfy me. The novel moved at a great pace, and did not see a few things coming and how they were resolved which is great. I love books that make me say, "I did not see that coming".
Profile Image for Amber Hughes.
825 reviews129 followers
October 3, 2017
**3.5 stars** Closer to You is the first book in the Haven, Montana series about 3 brothers who take over their late father’s oil business. This book focuses on the oldest brother, Tyler. As the brothers start to get the business going in the right direction again, offers start coming in from big businesses to buy them out, but these brothers aren’t selling. They want to keep their father’s dream alive.

Enter Kristen Howell, who has been sent to Haven by her boss to try and convince the brothers to sell. Kristen is a city woman and isn’t prepared for a place like Haven when she arrives. You could tell from the first meeting between Tyler and Kristen though, that sparks were going to fly between these two!

As Kristen spends more time with Tyler and trying to figure out why her boss and the company want to buy out the brothers’ business so badly, the two grow closer. She’s only in Haven for a short time and the feelings between them are growing stronger every day. Will they both be able to put their true feelings out on the line for something that could be a forever kind of love?

There are also people out to hurt them and the company’s reputation. Tyler, Kristen and his family, along with law enforcement try and find out who’s behind these bad things happening to them and the company.

I liked the slower build to Tyler & Kristen‘s relationship, the mystery and suspense in the storyline and the family bond between the brothers and their mother. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2017
Tyler thought he'd left the small town in the dust. The three brothers all left home & spread out to make their mark on the world. After their father's sudden passing, they are back & trying to run their father's company. Tyler is surprised when it turns out he has a knack for running the company.

Kristen works for a conglomerate that loves to buy up small companies that are doing well. She's been sent to make sure Tyler & his brothers sell out. Warning bells are starting to ring though. First, the chemistry between Tyler & Kristen was intense! If she gave in, would it go anywhere? Second, this job is beginning to seem like more than it was represented. The company she represents isn't taking no for an answer & is expecting her to use questionable tactics to get them to sell. Then the accidents start. What is going on?

Ms. Sanders has given her readers a good story with excellent well-developed characters. Several had motive & timing to perform the sabotage & the ending was a wonderful twist. Her descriptive prose makes it easy to envision the scenes in your mind as you are reading & gave me several chuckles.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,503 reviews
October 7, 2017
Tyler and his younger brothers Trent and Trey came home to run their father's oil drilling business in Montana, after he suddenly died. After months of hard work they were finally getting back In the black. That was when Kristen fell into Tyler's life ... trouble in high heels and fancy clothes. Kristen was send to Montana to make the McGowan brothers an offer they couldn't refuse. Her company wanted to buy their business and would stop at nothing to get it. The only thing that wasn't counted in the equation was the heated attraction Tyler and Kristen would have for each other.

This book has it all ... humour, romance, steamy love scenes and suspense. The twists and turns will have you turning the pages to find the answers. I sure hope that the other McGowan brothers will get their own books ... as their stories were hinted at in this book. Trey with Addy, the environmentalist and Trent with Crystal, a mother of two.

I received an ARC copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
263 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2017
CLOSER TO YOU ( A Haven, Montana Series)
Author: Jill Sanders

FIVE STARS*****

WOW! Jill Sanders has completely won me over with her new A Haven, Montana Series! The first book in the series, CLOSER TO YOU, perfectly sets the stage for this magnificent story about the extremely wealthy, super sexy, hard working, McGowan brothers. Jill has pulled out all the stops by creating a beautiful setting, unforgettable characters, and a romantic love story.

When the McGowan boys father passed away, they moved home to run the family business and take care of their mother. Although they all have a huge part in this first book, CLOSER TO YOU is mainly Tyler’s story. Each brother has his own special talent in running the McGowan Enterprises, but Tyler discovers that he has a knack for running the business end.

Several companies tried and failed to buy McGowan Enterprises. It wasn't for sell. That didn't stop drop dead gorgeous Kristen Howell from giving it her best shot. She was determined to close the deal. She was moving fast up the corporate ladder and if she could land McGowan Enterprises, her career would take a huge jump.

It didn't take long for the sparks to fly between them. They tried very hard to stick to business, but the passion was too strong.

I highly recommend this new Montana series! You will fall in love with Tyler and Kristen and enjoy their sweet, sexy, romance.
228 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2017
I so enjoyed this story!. Ms. Sanders has an excellent way of writing that just grabs you in the begining and keeps you reading to find out the ending. When Kristen first meets Tyler at the airport I just laughed at their interaction. Tyler and his brothers have inherited his families oil company. Kristen is their to propose them to sell it. There was mystety and suspense in this story, plus some passionaye scenes. I loved how Tyler grew up and changed for the better. I really thought there was more people involved in all the problems that happened to Tyler & Kristen. I really had another person picked for "it". Was pleasantly surprised. I hope this story continues in the next book. I look forward to Trent & Trey's story. What a great way to start a new series.
I received a ARC of this story.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,502 reviews26 followers
September 25, 2017
Kristen steps off the plane in Montana and she isn't ready for the weather or man who literally picks her up. Tyler sees a fancy woman dressed in the most inappropriate clothes for Montana and knows she is trouble. Kristen is there to get his family to sell their business and they will not sell it under any circumstances. Kristen's boss is insistent that she get them to sell at any cost. She is wondering why and questions why she is still working for her company. She is a city girl and the country has never seemed appealing to her, but there is something about Haven, Montana. Tyler realizes that Kristen is the one for him, but would she be able to live in the middle of nowhere Montana?
1,639 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2017
This is the first book of Jill Sander's series Haven, Montana. In a nutshell, I want the next book out now.
Tyler was one of three brothers who were running their late father's oil business. All three of the brothers had left town to experience life in big cities, but came back when their father died. Tyler found he had a knack for running the business and after a few months, it started to turn a profit. Kristen came to town for her boss trying to buy the company. They refused to sell and the offer kept going up. Kristen was trying to find out why her boss wanted the company and she and Tyler fell in love.
The story had some mystery and conflict (protesters of oil drilling), vandalism, and kidnapping. Who did it? In the story, we found out one part, but not all of it. I could not put the book down. I kept saying one more chapter, but then finally finished it Very good read. I got this book through NetGalley for an honest review
Profile Image for Sarah.
582 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2017
Closer to You kicks off Jill Sanders new Haven, Montana series involving the McGowan brothers. Tyler McGowan takes over as the head of the family business after their beloved father passes away. Kristin is 100% city girl and is sent to the small country town of Haven, Montana by her boss to convince the McGowans to sell out.

This book drew me in from the start and kept me guessing until the very end. There was a definite spark between Tyler and Kristin from the time they first met but they were determined to keep it professional. Once they finally gave in however, the heat rolled off the pages.

Overall this was a nice start to a new series and I cannot wait to read more about the McGowan brothers.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,203 reviews10 followers
October 8, 2017
This book looks to me to be the start of a new series. There are three McGowan brothers who own McGowan Enterprise which works with oil rigs, and finding new oil in Haven, Montana. Tyler is the oldest and when their father dies, he takes over as CEO. He meets Kristen when she works for a company that wants to buy McGowan Enterprise. She is from NYC and is a city girl through and through, that is until small town life and Tyler come into her life. An enjoyable read that actually had more of a plot that I expected. There is a bit of suspense, and although a couple parts of the mystery were never resolved, I did enjoy the plot. Tyler and Kristen were obviously attracted to each other, and there were the obligatory sex scenes, but this was really just a good story with an enjoyable couple.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,051 reviews21 followers
November 20, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I enjoyed this book, although I couldn't get a feel for the ages of the major players. Either I missed it, or the ages were glossed over.

I empathized with Tyler, losing his father and being thrust into a role he didn't want to play, ever. As CEO of the company his father founded, he has more headaches - literally - than the law should allow. I kept wondering if there was a medical issue behind the headaches but it was never mentioned.

Kristen is a workaholic from New York sent to the wilds of Montana to purchase the business the McGowan brothers inherited. Despite being told "no" in multiple ways and times, her boss thought a 'personal' approach might be the key to their agreement. Along the way, Kristen realizes that her boss is not as stand up as she believed him to be and there is no doubt that she would continue to work for such a man who insinuated that she use her looks to seal the deal.

The sparks between Tyler and Kristen are there from the start although Tyler is hesitant to start anything as he knows that Kristen's life is back in New York. When she leaves abruptly, his fears are realized that he's just not good enough for her. Until she returns and all bets are off.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

Profile Image for LJT.
1,258 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
The city mouse meets the country mouse in this delightful and intriguing new romance from Jill Sanders. Closer to You is set in Montana, and the winter weather in the small town of Haven, plays a huge part in the narrative. This story is about the brothers McGowan, and they are all gorgeous, smart, and down-to-earth.

After his father's death, Tyler McGowan, along with his two brothers, are running the family business. Tyler is shocked to be in charge, but he is doing a good job and business is booming. Then the smart and beautiful Kristen Howell pops into his life. Kristen is from New York City and the firm that she works for wants to purchase McGowan Enterprises, which is not for sale. Kristen believes she is next in line for a high-level corporate position if she is able to get the brothers to sell.

Right off the bat, Tyler and Kristen share a sizzling chemistry, and overtime they explore their feelings for each other. Mixing business with pleasure ends up working out for the two of them. However, a few barriers and unwelcome surprises along the way keep them on their toes.

This is a nicely written romance with a bit of suspense, that twists and turns in all the right places.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
818 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2017
What a fabulous book! The McGowan family are close knit, especially now that their father passed away and left them to run the family business. Tyler wasn't happy with that at first, but the three brothers are settling into their different roles. It hadn't been easy picking up the reins of the company, and it hadn't been doing too well, but that was beginning to change.

Kristen Howell had been working for JB Holding for a few years, and was quite happily climbing the corporate ladder with all her hard work. She couldn't believe it that she was being sent to the back of beyond with the instruction that she must get McGowan Enterprises to sell - and she had to stay there until she did, her progression within JB depended on it. How hard could it be? This is what she was good at.

What Kristen hadn't bargained for was a family as determined not to sell, as she was determined to try. It was not even a consideration in the eyes of the McGowans, no matter how hard she tried and no amount of money JB offered. There had to be more to this than meets the eye.

Two fabulous strong characters, in different ways to each other. A good mystery running through the story which keeps you guessing to nearly the very end.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,368 reviews52 followers
October 8, 2017
This is the third book I've read by Jill Sanders and it is the best by far! This gripped me by the heart and by the throat from the opening scene. Tyler pulls a caveman style move on Kristen in the first couple of minutes after meeting her. That could be a turn-off, but it definitely wasn't in this case. Tyler is just too busy to mess around with the pretty city girl who doesn't have a clue how to dress for the Montana weather. Kristen's indignity is soon replaced by practicality--points for her! Kristen just continued to prove to herself and to Tyler that she wasn't all fluff. She was a very easy character to like. The attraction between Tyler and Kristen was sizzling from the beginning and things just got hotter and hotter.
When trouble comes, you can't be sure if it's aimed at Tyler or at Kristen. Try as you might (or at least try as I might), who the bad guy is just isn't easily apparent. Sanders keeps changing the script in order to keep you on the edge of your seat as you quickly flip through the pages. This book has small town, family issues, romance and sexy time, mystery and danger. What more could you want? Please tell me the next one in the series comes out soon!
I received this book through Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
2,073 reviews25 followers
October 11, 2017
Tyler McGowan has taken over the family oil company. After missing a big meeting and almost losing a big deal he realizes he has to buckle down if he wants to keep the company alive. Kristen Howell is sent to town by a holding company with the job of convincing Tyler and his family to seek their company. The family is not interested in selling but the company Kristen works for is willing to use any means to convince them. When Kristen tries to get answers why they want the company so badly she is told she knows what she needs to do the job.

I liked the McGowan family. The interaction between the brothers was fun to watch. Their Mother was treated with respect and was no pushover, she definitely knew what she wanted. I was rooting for Tyler and Kristen to get together. They came from very different worlds but there are definitely sparks there. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.


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