Synopsis for Close (from Goodreads):
Everyone wants to get close to a rock star.The bright lights.
The music.
Those talented fingers strumming… a guitar.
Everyone wants to bang a rock star.So why do I keep running from the one who wants me?
I’m America’s Sweetheart.
I have a reputation.
He’s a boy-band icon turned rock god.
I’m vanilla.
He’s every flavor of bad.
And he’s much, much too young for me.If I end up in Nick Ryder’s bed, my career and I will both be screwed.
…but that’s only if I’m caught.
Other books in the series:
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Ryder Brothers
Author: Laurelin Paige, Kayti McGee, JD Hawkins
# of Books: 3 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Celebrity
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: October 10, 2018 – December 22, 2018
Source & Format: Candi Kane PR–eARC
**This post was originally published as a Blog Tour Stop review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I’m a huge Laurelin Paige fan. She writes fantastic contemporary romances and I always have a great time reading her novels. So I was SUPER DUPER excited about the concept of this novel (and subsequent series). I love musician romances and I’m a sucker for stories involving the rich and the famous so this was right up my alley.
The Plot:
It just has the right amount of everything. The romance is passionate yet well developed; the characters are charming and layered; and there is just the right amount of drama to make this entire story plausible. The lack of over-dramatics is what really made this book a winner for me. There is plenty of drama to be had but I felt like everything did a really great job circling back to this sweet and heated romance.
The Characters:
I really liked both of our leads. If you’ve read One More Time by Laurelin Paige, you might remember Natalia so I was excited to get a deeper understanding of her character. She’s a sweet woman who feels a little trapped in her famous persona. She’s struggling with who she is as a person and who the world views her as and I found that dynamic to be interesting to watch.
And Nick is an absolute sweetheart! He’s confident and charming. I like what he brings out in Natalia and vice versa.
The Romance:
“‘My family was never big on libraries. I guess I’d say that I’m kind of out of my element on the subject.’
It’s the only unsexy thing he’s ever said.”
~Natalia from Close @LaurelinPaige
That line cracked me up 😂
But so much truth 😍— Lauren (@SERIESousBooks) October 1, 2018
Another thing I loved was the relationship between Natalia and Nick. They actually talked to each other! They make a fabulous pair together and I definitely saw why they worked in every way. There is nothing I enjoy more in a romance than two people who are oblivious to the obvious feelings between them so the tension is great throughout. Plus, there is plenty of steam in between those great character moments to pack in the heat.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
Gah! I can’t wait to learn more about Nick’s brothers!
–November 9, 2018– Book #2: Want
I loved that these two had already established a friendship before the book started. They are great friends who support each other and just have a really solid relationship. And that translates well in the first few chapters of the book. I was able to see their great connection–not simply be told it existed–and that set up a great foundation for the rest of the story; especially when the romance begins to develop.
I don’t want to give too much away but I think it’s fairly obvious early on what type of situation Marlee finds herself in and why she needs Jake’s help. Regardless, I just wish the ramifications of her situation was elaborated on a little more; especially in the current climate we are in socially. Marlee gives a somewhat valid reason for her decision but it just gave me a bad taste in my mouth and one that stayed throughout the novel.
Full review found here!
–January 6, 2019– Book #3: More
While there are plenty of steamy moments between these two, there wasn’t only those moments. Both our leads have their flaws and seem to be in ruts when it comes to their lives. So it was great to see both of them work on their individual selves throughout the novel and grow. These two talk a lot and about a variety of things so I felt like a had a great grasp on who they are as people and why they’ve been holding back in their lives.
I don’t know how to describe what was missing from this book for me (ie why it isn’t a 5 star read). Perhaps it was the pacing? Something was just not there for me but I can’t place what that was exactly.
Full review found here!
My Rating: 5/5
Close 5/5 | Want 4/5 | More 4/5
Simply put, this is just a really great contemporary romance series.
Read if You Like: contemporary romances, celebrities
Avoid if You: dislike sexy times
- The Feeling of Forever by Jamie Howard (Love Unplugged Series #2)
- Before We Fall by Courtney Cole (Beautifully Broken Series #3)
Read an Excerpt Here!
Laurelin Paige
With over 1 million books sold, Laurelin Paige is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.
Kayti McGee
Livin’ deliciously in beautiful Kansas City Missouri, where everyone else loves the Royals as much as I do. I like wine and murder shows and mountains and art.
I’m represented by Rebecca Friedman at Friedman Literary because I am a lucky, lucky girl. Call her if you want me to do Iron Chef, otherwise just hit me up on FB at http://www.facebook.com/kaytimcgeeauthor on Insta @KaytiMcGeeWrites, and stay sexy.
Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram
J D Hawkins
JD Hawkins writes erotic romance with modern-classic alpha males and strong, independent women. He currently lives with his wife in Austin, TX. He loves to travel and has lived in many places, including LA, New York City, India and Thailand. When he isn’t writing, JD enjoys surfing, training in Mixed Martial Arts, reading and taking naps. He once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. He’s always loved making up stories, especially ones inspired by real life.
Author Links: Facebook | Readers Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Twitter
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