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The Original Heartbreakers #5
Can't Let Go
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale about an icy war vet and the only woman capable of melting him…
With trust issues a mile long, Ryanne Wade has sworn off men. Then Jude Laurent walks into her bar and all bets are off. The former Army Ranger has suffered unimaginably, first being maimed in battle then losing his wife and daughters to a drunk driver. Making the brooding widower smile is priority one. Resisting him? Impossible.
To Jude, Ryanne is off limits. And yet the beautiful bartender who serves alcohol to potential motorists tempts him like no other. When a rival bar threatens her livelihood, and her life, he can’t turn away. She triggers something in him he thought long buried, and he’s determined to protect her, whatever the cost.
As their already scorching attraction continues to heat, the damaged soldier knows he must let go of his past to hold on to his future...or risk losing the second chance he desperately needs.
With trust issues a mile long, Ryanne Wade has sworn off men. Then Jude Laurent walks into her bar and all bets are off. The former Army Ranger has suffered unimaginably, first being maimed in battle then losing his wife and daughters to a drunk driver. Making the brooding widower smile is priority one. Resisting him? Impossible.
To Jude, Ryanne is off limits. And yet the beautiful bartender who serves alcohol to potential motorists tempts him like no other. When a rival bar threatens her livelihood, and her life, he can’t turn away. She triggers something in him he thought long buried, and he’s determined to protect her, whatever the cost.
As their already scorching attraction continues to heat, the damaged soldier knows he must let go of his past to hold on to his future...or risk losing the second chance he desperately needs.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 2017
203 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
256 books27.7k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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October 23, 2017
Can’t Let Go is book five in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. I have loved this series from the first book and have even managed to keep up with the new releases. This is one of those books where you just want to highlight every other sentence. Now I have the daunting task of choosing just a couple of those quotes to entice you to read this book.
Ryanne Wade is the owner of the bar, The Hitching Post. She inherited the bar from her former step father and she tries to honor his memory by running the bar as best she can. Ryanne lives life with a smile on her face and an attitude to match. You wouldn’t know it that her growing up wasn’t the best. Her mother paraded one husband or boyfriend after another through her life. Ryanne has promised herself she would never be like her mother which is why she is still a virgin. She may act like she is flirting but in reality, she is just trying to make every customer feel good about themselves.
But then Ryanne met Jude Laurent, the brooding man whose life was filled with pain, most of which was on the inside. Somehow Jude became the biggest focus of her life. She simply couldn’t get him off her mind. And then she realized that Jude was going to be the one, whether he knew it or not.
“Jude was the one, she decided. The man who would break her amorous fast. He was the only guy her body craved. The only male her mind trusted.”
Jude, along with his two best friends, Brock and Daniel, was a former army ranger and still suffered from PTSD. He and his two friends owned LPH Protection, which was a security firm. Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Right across from Ryanne’s bar, a mob boss, Martin Dushku, was building a strip joint, and wanted to buy Ryanne’s bar. Every other town that Dushku had businesses in, if people didn’t sell to him, accidents started to happen and people got hurt or were killed. Now he wants Ryanne’s bar. There is no way she is giving in to him. It isn’t long before things start to happen. Jude is right there to amp up security in the bar and to protect her, even if it will put him closer to her and make the temptation worse.
Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
The danger from Dushku increases and the pressure on Jude to keep her safe. He is driving Ryanne crazy and he could possibly lose her from being too over protective.
“Every day, in a thousand different ways, you undo me, love. You’re my world. You are the key to my shackles. You set me free.”
This book made me sigh, swoon, smile, and gasp. I loved every single page of it. Jude was so broken and Ryanne only saw the beauty of him. Together they were perfection. As they fought the evil of Dushku, Ryanne fought to help Jude to heal.
I so hope you’ll give this book a try. Or start at the beginning of the series. Every book has been amazing. I can’t wait for the next book, Can’t Get Enough, which will be Brock and Lyndie’s story.
Ryanne Wade is the owner of the bar, The Hitching Post. She inherited the bar from her former step father and she tries to honor his memory by running the bar as best she can. Ryanne lives life with a smile on her face and an attitude to match. You wouldn’t know it that her growing up wasn’t the best. Her mother paraded one husband or boyfriend after another through her life. Ryanne has promised herself she would never be like her mother which is why she is still a virgin. She may act like she is flirting but in reality, she is just trying to make every customer feel good about themselves.
But then Ryanne met Jude Laurent, the brooding man whose life was filled with pain, most of which was on the inside. Somehow Jude became the biggest focus of her life. She simply couldn’t get him off her mind. And then she realized that Jude was going to be the one, whether he knew it or not.
“Jude was the one, she decided. The man who would break her amorous fast. He was the only guy her body craved. The only male her mind trusted.”
Jude, along with his two best friends, Brock and Daniel, was a former army ranger and still suffered from PTSD. He and his two friends owned LPH Protection, which was a security firm. Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Right across from Ryanne’s bar, a mob boss, Martin Dushku, was building a strip joint, and wanted to buy Ryanne’s bar. Every other town that Dushku had businesses in, if people didn’t sell to him, accidents started to happen and people got hurt or were killed. Now he wants Ryanne’s bar. There is no way she is giving in to him. It isn’t long before things start to happen. Jude is right there to amp up security in the bar and to protect her, even if it will put him closer to her and make the temptation worse.
Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
The danger from Dushku increases and the pressure on Jude to keep her safe. He is driving Ryanne crazy and he could possibly lose her from being too over protective.
“Every day, in a thousand different ways, you undo me, love. You’re my world. You are the key to my shackles. You set me free.”
This book made me sigh, swoon, smile, and gasp. I loved every single page of it. Jude was so broken and Ryanne only saw the beauty of him. Together they were perfection. As they fought the evil of Dushku, Ryanne fought to help Jude to heal.
I so hope you’ll give this book a try. Or start at the beginning of the series. Every book has been amazing. I can’t wait for the next book, Can’t Get Enough, which will be Brock and Lyndie’s story.
October 29, 2017
*****FOUR STARS*****
{Netgalley ARC}
”Being without you has been the worst kind of hell. With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
CAN’T LET GO is an enemies to lovers romance between a broken Hero and a feisty Heroine. I was intrigued by the couple while reading the previous book and I knew that their story was going to be one I could not pass up. Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the tension building. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say it was INSANELY HOT! I was not in the least bit disappointed!
Ryanne Wade owns the local bar in Strawberry Valley. She has had to deal with a lot of judgment and harsh criticism from some of the town folk throughout her years because of her mother’s tarnished reputation. Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
Jude has suffered loss that would have obliterated most. A drunk driver destroyed his life one stormy night when he decided he was ok to get behind the wheel and ended up killing his wife and little twin daughters. Jude is but a mere shell of the man he used to be. He is plagued by his grief and unimaginable guilt he still feels over the deaths of his family. It’s been two and a half years since they passed and he has never had the desire to move on or to get romantically involved with another woman, but Ryanne has stirred something inside of him and he’s overwhelmed by his feelings that he’s not at all ready to face.
When a shady businessman decides to open up a nightclub across from Ryanne’s bar and he soon wreaks havoc on her life and livelihood, Jude jumps in to handle the security of her bar and also designates himself her personal bodyguard. This delights Ryanne since she can’t help but admit that she is extremely attracted to Jude but he’s as cold as ice and seems almost impervious to her charms. With each passing day, Jude is finding it hard to fight his attraction towards Ryanne and when they finally let go of their fears and give in to their feelings, they both agree that it will be a one-time thing. Once they’ve had a taste, neither of them are satisfied with the one and done scenario.
Ryanne has dreamed of traveling abroad almost her entire life and has a month long trip to Italy already paid for. So the two agree to continue their heated affair until she leaves for Italy in a few months.
Will they be able to let each other go when their temporary relationship has met its expiration date? Can Ryanne break through all of Jude’s defense mechanisms and ultimately own a piece of his heart?
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 4
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
CAN’T LET GO releases on October 31st!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xD3RI1
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2ym7aXR
Barnes: http://tinyurl.com/ycht2t2k
BAM: http://tinyurl.com/y848w3ae
{Netgalley ARC}
”Being without you has been the worst kind of hell. With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
CAN’T LET GO is an enemies to lovers romance between a broken Hero and a feisty Heroine. I was intrigued by the couple while reading the previous book and I knew that their story was going to be one I could not pass up. Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the tension building. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say it was INSANELY HOT! I was not in the least bit disappointed!
Ryanne Wade owns the local bar in Strawberry Valley. She has had to deal with a lot of judgment and harsh criticism from some of the town folk throughout her years because of her mother’s tarnished reputation. Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
Jude has suffered loss that would have obliterated most. A drunk driver destroyed his life one stormy night when he decided he was ok to get behind the wheel and ended up killing his wife and little twin daughters. Jude is but a mere shell of the man he used to be. He is plagued by his grief and unimaginable guilt he still feels over the deaths of his family. It’s been two and a half years since they passed and he has never had the desire to move on or to get romantically involved with another woman, but Ryanne has stirred something inside of him and he’s overwhelmed by his feelings that he’s not at all ready to face.
When a shady businessman decides to open up a nightclub across from Ryanne’s bar and he soon wreaks havoc on her life and livelihood, Jude jumps in to handle the security of her bar and also designates himself her personal bodyguard. This delights Ryanne since she can’t help but admit that she is extremely attracted to Jude but he’s as cold as ice and seems almost impervious to her charms. With each passing day, Jude is finding it hard to fight his attraction towards Ryanne and when they finally let go of their fears and give in to their feelings, they both agree that it will be a one-time thing. Once they’ve had a taste, neither of them are satisfied with the one and done scenario.
Ryanne has dreamed of traveling abroad almost her entire life and has a month long trip to Italy already paid for. So the two agree to continue their heated affair until she leaves for Italy in a few months.
Will they be able to let each other go when their temporary relationship has met its expiration date? Can Ryanne break through all of Jude’s defense mechanisms and ultimately own a piece of his heart?
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 4
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
CAN’T LET GO releases on October 31st!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xD3RI1
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2ym7aXR
Barnes: http://tinyurl.com/ycht2t2k
BAM: http://tinyurl.com/y848w3ae
July 28, 2017
3.5~4 stars
Jude was a complex character who had emotionally given up after losing his wife and daughters to a drunk driver. Ryanne was the woman that could save him when no one else could. The relationship between Jude and Ryanne was one unlike any I have read so far.
This was a great read! A good mix of suspense, humor and emotions. Hero and heroine both with a
fair share of physical and/or emotional imperfections. Well written and a solid read.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
Jude was a complex character who had emotionally given up after losing his wife and daughters to a drunk driver. Ryanne was the woman that could save him when no one else could. The relationship between Jude and Ryanne was one unlike any I have read so far.
This was a great read! A good mix of suspense, humor and emotions. Hero and heroine both with a
fair share of physical and/or emotional imperfections. Well written and a solid read.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
October 28, 2017
3,5 stars
An ARC has been kindly provided by the Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion.
I adored “Can't Hardly Breathe” and was really thrilled when the Harlequin contacted me to review Can't Let Go.
So basically that day this was me
Once again Gena Showalters proves that she is an experimented writer as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With the right pace and some twists readers should be happy campers.
Sadly this book did not wowed me like Can't Hardly Breathe.
Maybe because my expectations diving in were very high or maybe because I just had finished one of my best reads of 2017 or maybe...
If Ryanne is a great female character with spunk, sass and a big heart she did not moved me like Daisy did. It is unfair to compare both women but my head constantly came back to Daisy…
Daisy's evolution and empowerment were fabulous elements in Can't Hardly Breathe. Ryanne certainly evolved in this story but she had not a long way to go like Daisy had.
What I really liked about Ryanne was her independence and confidence. She is sexy, caring and very determined.
Jude on the other hand shot down their relationship repeatedly and made mistakes upon mistakes. To the point that I wanted to be done with him. Truly he grated on my nerves.
Objectively I knew he had a traumatic past and reasons to grieve but reading about someone wallowing in grief is never pleasant.
I knew he was a gifted soldier. I read that he was handsome etc. But all these qualities were lost on me when I saw him repeatedly sabotaging his future.
That being said the plot was built carefully with a villain wanting to take Ryanne's bar with force and violence if necessary. Reading about Daisy and Danielle, Brock and Lyndi as well as Ryanne's mother Selma warmed my heart.
So all in all it was an enjoyable read mainly thanks to Ryanne but not an exceptional read for me.
My taste is no universal law so what prevented me from truly loving my read might be what you are looking for in a story. So I would say make your own opinion as the author sure knows how to write a story.
Thanks for reading!
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook besties: Best Reading Blogs Ever
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
An ARC has been kindly provided by the Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion.
I adored “Can't Hardly Breathe” and was really thrilled when the Harlequin contacted me to review Can't Let Go.
So basically that day this was me
Once again Gena Showalters proves that she is an experimented writer as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With the right pace and some twists readers should be happy campers.
Sadly this book did not wowed me like Can't Hardly Breathe.
Maybe because my expectations diving in were very high or maybe because I just had finished one of my best reads of 2017 or maybe...
If Ryanne is a great female character with spunk, sass and a big heart she did not moved me like Daisy did. It is unfair to compare both women but my head constantly came back to Daisy…
Daisy's evolution and empowerment were fabulous elements in Can't Hardly Breathe. Ryanne certainly evolved in this story but she had not a long way to go like Daisy had.
What I really liked about Ryanne was her independence and confidence. She is sexy, caring and very determined.
Jude on the other hand shot down their relationship repeatedly and made mistakes upon mistakes. To the point that I wanted to be done with him. Truly he grated on my nerves.
Objectively I knew he had a traumatic past and reasons to grieve but reading about someone wallowing in grief is never pleasant.
I knew he was a gifted soldier. I read that he was handsome etc. But all these qualities were lost on me when I saw him repeatedly sabotaging his future.
That being said the plot was built carefully with a villain wanting to take Ryanne's bar with force and violence if necessary. Reading about Daisy and Danielle, Brock and Lyndi as well as Ryanne's mother Selma warmed my heart.
So all in all it was an enjoyable read mainly thanks to Ryanne but not an exceptional read for me.
My taste is no universal law so what prevented me from truly loving my read might be what you are looking for in a story. So I would say make your own opinion as the author sure knows how to write a story.
Thanks for reading!
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook besties: Best Reading Blogs Ever
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
August 10, 2020
Another "sizzling romance" that fizzled for me unfortunately.
Pretty much all the same grievances I had in the other Heartbreakers books happened here. Top to bottom. Links to my reviews are below:
The Closer You Come
The Hotter You Burn
The Harder You Fall
Can't Hardly Breathe
The writing once again is incoherent rambling gibberish mess that makes no sense.
Ryanne and Jude were ok. But the writing did not serve any purpose towards fleshing these two out beyond comical caricatures.
I don’t know, I like my alpha heroes to be a little less Wreck it Ralph and a tad more substantial. If this was a Paranormal story I would let this kind of ‘macho fists makes plaster fly’ thing go. But in a Contemporary book? Get real. I literally kept picturing Jude as some character from a video game. Doesn't work for me. Neither is “let me shadow your every step to protect you” moves. I needed more substance. For Jude especially. For a still grieving widower he had no business acting the way he did in here and so quickly. This guy is a far cry and poor imitation of Lucien from LOTU. And Ryanne is another heroine who fell victim to this author's extremely hamfisted wacky attempts at contrived angst in the form of irrational dramatic bunny-boiling adolescent behavior. To have a full grown woman screaming and crying the house down over someimaginary "betrayal" about a simple smile when all these two did--up till this point--was bump uglies 2 times in the span of a few days is fucking nuts. Not a good look Ryanne. (And PS Gena: This is not normal or rootable behavior of any kind, angst or no angst, knock it off with this obnoxious nonsense.)
And of course, the cheese factor. The layers of cheese in this book is so thick you can gag on it.
Who the hell talks this way?
I'd really like to know cause this is on a new level of Unicorn unrealness.
Everything about this book, this whole series in fact, felt very labored. As if Gena is shoving everything that pops into her head on paper and crams it all together not caring if nothing makes sense or adds anything to the story or characters.
That feeling of frustration and complete dissatisfaction has become a recurring theme with all of Showalter’s work for me, no matter the genre. At this point yes I still want to read Brock & Lyndie's story but I’m not expecting anything worthwhile or amazing. Only reason I read this one besides the Lucien comparison was to get to Brock's story. Call me a masochist, whatever, I just still want to get to his story and to see payoff of some kind considering the word "payoff" is not in Mrs. Showalter's vocabulary. Ask William the Ever Randy.
Buuuut that's another rant for another review. Brock's book will also be a borrow as well, if I can get it from a library that is. If not, cé la vie. I’m just beyond ready to wash my hands completely of Gena Showalter.
Pretty much all the same grievances I had in the other Heartbreakers books happened here. Top to bottom. Links to my reviews are below:
The Closer You Come
The Hotter You Burn
The Harder You Fall
Can't Hardly Breathe
The writing once again is incoherent rambling gibberish mess that makes no sense.
Why had he stopped fighting for her? Because winning her would be hard, if not impossible? So the hell what. Because they wanted different things? Did he even know what he wanted?
Stop trying and start failing.
Actually, stop doing and start failing. Trying never did shit for anyone, except give the trier a thousand excuses to do a piss poor job. If Jude continued doing--fighting-he risked getting hurt again. So. The hell. What. He was hurting regardless. What did he have to lose?
Ryanne and Jude were ok. But the writing did not serve any purpose towards fleshing these two out beyond comical caricatures.
One second Jude stood in place, perhaps the picture of calm, the next he erupted, punching the wall again and again, his fist pummeling at rapid fire.
Wood crushed beneath the force. Splinters rained. A thick cloud of plaster formed around him. He didn't care. Today he'd stalked Ryanne, a predator tormented by his past. Of course she wanted to take a break from him. He wanted to take a break from himself!
I don’t know, I like my alpha heroes to be a little less Wreck it Ralph and a tad more substantial. If this was a Paranormal story I would let this kind of ‘macho fists makes plaster fly’ thing go. But in a Contemporary book? Get real. I literally kept picturing Jude as some character from a video game. Doesn't work for me. Neither is “let me shadow your every step to protect you” moves. I needed more substance. For Jude especially. For a still grieving widower he had no business acting the way he did in here and so quickly. This guy is a far cry and poor imitation of Lucien from LOTU. And Ryanne is another heroine who fell victim to this author's extremely hamfisted wacky attempts at contrived angst in the form of irrational dramatic bunny-boiling adolescent behavior. To have a full grown woman screaming and crying the house down over some
And of course, the cheese factor. The layers of cheese in this book is so thick you can gag on it.
"Do you still feel like you're broken?" she asked, petting his chest.
"After you picked up my pieces and put me back together again? Not even a little."
Darling, romantic man....
"Are you happy?"
"Ecstatically so. And you?"
"Magnificently so." She wasn't just happy, she was gloriously satisfied. Amazingly content.....
"You won me, body and soul."
"As you've won me. You shattered my resistance, frayed my control and flooded light into my darkness. You are the key to my shackles. You set me free."
Who the hell talks this way?
I'd really like to know cause this is on a new level of Unicorn unrealness.
Everything about this book, this whole series in fact, felt very labored. As if Gena is shoving everything that pops into her head on paper and crams it all together not caring if nothing makes sense or adds anything to the story or characters.
That feeling of frustration and complete dissatisfaction has become a recurring theme with all of Showalter’s work for me, no matter the genre. At this point yes I still want to read Brock & Lyndie's story but I’m not expecting anything worthwhile or amazing. Only reason I read this one besides the Lucien comparison was to get to Brock's story. Call me a masochist, whatever, I just still want to get to his story and to see payoff of some kind considering the word "payoff" is not in Mrs. Showalter's vocabulary. Ask William the Ever Randy.
Buuuut that's another rant for another review. Brock's book will also be a borrow as well, if I can get it from a library that is. If not, cé la vie. I’m just beyond ready to wash my hands completely of Gena Showalter.
December 2, 2020
Meh, I lost interest in the story and romance. I liked the first part, it had promise, but after a while it just became plane and insipid.
I feel the need to mention that there is a scene in here that bothered me. I understand that it is perfectly natural, happens everyday and I don’t see any reason to dwell on that, it is self-explanatory. However, the way the topic was treated here felt like anti-abortion rhetoric to me, and I didn’t like it one bit. It seemed preachy and I am not ok with it.
The Hotter You Burn (The Original Heartbreakers, #2) - 2.5 stars
I feel the need to mention that there is a scene in here that bothered me. I understand that it is perfectly natural, happens everyday and I don’t see any reason to dwell on that, it is self-explanatory. However, the way the topic was treated here felt like anti-abortion rhetoric to me, and I didn’t like it one bit. It seemed preachy and I am not ok with it.
The Hotter You Burn (The Original Heartbreakers, #2) - 2.5 stars
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December 31, 2017DNF @26%
Do real people really talk like this? Am I the only one bored with the narrative? Sometimes it feels the author jolted down funny sentences on a notepad and thought it would be fun to include them in this book. The result feels so labored to me I can't connect with the characters or care about the main plot. The seemingly push and pull dynamic between Jude and Ryanne isn't enough to get me interested, sadly.
Arc received in exchange for a review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Do real people really talk like this? Am I the only one bored with the narrative? Sometimes it feels the author jolted down funny sentences on a notepad and thought it would be fun to include them in this book. The result feels so labored to me I can't connect with the characters or care about the main plot. The seemingly push and pull dynamic between Jude and Ryanne isn't enough to get me interested, sadly.
Arc received in exchange for a review.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 24, 2017
❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞
Heartwarming, funny and light-hearted, 'Can't Let Go' is a win-win for chick-lit lovers!
Desire Ryanne Wade is a single female and owner of the local saloon, the Scratching Post. She lures tips and business from men by using her beauty and a bit of southern charm thrown in. Ryanne is an independent woman who doesn't need a man to take care of her. Which is good, because she doesn't trust them. Between bad experiences, being propositioned by married men, and watching married men pick up women at the Scratching Post, she was fine alone.
Jude Laurent is an injured, former army ranger. He is one of three owners of LPH Protection, a security firm, and is always on the lookout for trouble. Jude's past is riddled with strife. His only family is his army buddies, and while he's attracted to Ryanne, he's afraid to get close to anyone again. But with trouble knocking at her door, what is an alpha male, ex-army ranger to do?
❝I think we both know you don't want a nice man, Wade. You want me.❞
There were some campy moments, which at times gave the feeling that this story took place in the deep south during mid-1900's, rather than a modern-day love story set in a small town in Oklahoma.
But the story had many great feel-good moments as Ryanne helped to knock down the walls that encased Jude's heart. In doing so, Ryanne helped Jude love again and Jude helped Ryanne learn to trust. I enjoyed Ryanne's sass and Jude's heart, I couldn't help but root for this couple!
**I was voluntarily provided this free review copy by the publisher. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
August 27, 2024
This series is one that I've loved and adored. I’ve been devouring the audio books one after another falling in love with the town, the characters, and the stories. But this one was disappointing. The only reason I finished this book was; because of the narrator Savannah Richards. Her voice is like a lure and she captured me even though I was so perturbed with everything that happened. If I had had the actual book in my hand I would’ve thrown it into the sea.
I feel like I read something totally different then everyone else and so with that, I’m going to be ranting. You have been warned.
We have Ryanne who is an independent strong women. She knows what she wants and yet she lets Jude into her life even after he emotionally hurts her over and over again. One time I can see forgiving, but multiple times no way.
Then we have Jude a former Army Ranger who is suffering from PTSD and the death of his family, wife and twin daughters.
I wanted to like both characters, but I ended up yelling at them and rolling my eyes. Jude comes off as a prick and Ryanne well she is kinda cool, so I didn’t dislike her, but was upset with how she had goals, new her mind, yet she changed them and accepted Jude. She did try to get him to live again, she gave her all into getting him out of his funk, but he gave nothing or as little as possible. It was sad to see this type of relationship.
Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was teenage hormonal lust. My god they sleep together, only because they can’t resit the attraction anymore. Jude doesn’t like her as a person or what she represents. The author tried to label their romance and she mentioned it as friends with benefits, but it wasn’t even that. It’s teenage lust... They didn’t even date. Didn’t do the little get to know you things people do. It was sexual tension and sex. Nothing more. As for the sex well it’s scorching hot and the sexual tension was of the charts, but you can’t have a relationship based on that alone.
I was also so upset with how Jude treated Ryanne. I was upset that she kept letting him back into her life. Why did she give her verginity to this man? Ya, he’s sexy as sin, but he doesn’t respect her as a person. As for their first time and her first time having sex, she goes on and on as to how it was the best sex of her life. Well duh, you haven’t been with anyone else.
Another thing that upset me was when Jude got a vasectomy, it’s a big life altering decision that would affect his future. He did this at the begging of the book all so he could sleep with Ryanne without fear of having kids anymore. He want’s to get her out of his system. He’s afraid and doesn’t battle his fears. He lets them rule his decisions. Well the joke was on him in the end. Their little get-together even though they still used a condom and she’s on the pill; which it should have been imposable, made the imposable.
Last. Marriage. He didn’t ask; because he loves her, not for the company, not because he cares about her in anyway, only because of the baby does he ask. He can’t even talk or say the word baby. Neither one has said I LOVE YOU. Such a frustrating moment. Ahhh….
These two shouldn’t have been together. I rolled my eyes so much. I got frustrated a lot. I just can’t rave about this book, because it had to many button pushing issues for me.
The only thing I liked was the little bit of conflict with the mob boss who causes trouble at Ryanne’s bar.
Unfortunately, Can’t Let Go was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Audio: Savannah Richards continues to amaze me. Even though I disliked this book I adored the audio. Her voice is a lure and enchanting. She brings the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobooks for The Original Heartbreakers series.
Audio Narration: 4 Stars
Book Rated: 1 Star
I feel like I read something totally different then everyone else and so with that, I’m going to be ranting. You have been warned.
We have Ryanne who is an independent strong women. She knows what she wants and yet she lets Jude into her life even after he emotionally hurts her over and over again. One time I can see forgiving, but multiple times no way.
Then we have Jude a former Army Ranger who is suffering from PTSD and the death of his family, wife and twin daughters.
I wanted to like both characters, but I ended up yelling at them and rolling my eyes. Jude comes off as a prick and Ryanne well she is kinda cool, so I didn’t dislike her, but was upset with how she had goals, new her mind, yet she changed them and accepted Jude. She did try to get him to live again, she gave her all into getting him out of his funk, but he gave nothing or as little as possible. It was sad to see this type of relationship.
Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was teenage hormonal lust. My god they sleep together, only because they can’t resit the attraction anymore. Jude doesn’t like her as a person or what she represents. The author tried to label their romance and she mentioned it as friends with benefits, but it wasn’t even that. It’s teenage lust... They didn’t even date. Didn’t do the little get to know you things people do. It was sexual tension and sex. Nothing more. As for the sex well it’s scorching hot and the sexual tension was of the charts, but you can’t have a relationship based on that alone.
I was also so upset with how Jude treated Ryanne. I was upset that she kept letting him back into her life. Why did she give her verginity to this man? Ya, he’s sexy as sin, but he doesn’t respect her as a person. As for their first time and her first time having sex, she goes on and on as to how it was the best sex of her life. Well duh, you haven’t been with anyone else.
Another thing that upset me was when Jude got a vasectomy, it’s a big life altering decision that would affect his future. He did this at the begging of the book all so he could sleep with Ryanne without fear of having kids anymore. He want’s to get her out of his system. He’s afraid and doesn’t battle his fears. He lets them rule his decisions. Well the joke was on him in the end. Their little get-together even though they still used a condom and she’s on the pill; which it should have been imposable, made the imposable.
Last. Marriage. He didn’t ask; because he loves her, not for the company, not because he cares about her in anyway, only because of the baby does he ask. He can’t even talk or say the word baby. Neither one has said I LOVE YOU. Such a frustrating moment. Ahhh….
These two shouldn’t have been together. I rolled my eyes so much. I got frustrated a lot. I just can’t rave about this book, because it had to many button pushing issues for me.
The only thing I liked was the little bit of conflict with the mob boss who causes trouble at Ryanne’s bar.
Unfortunately, Can’t Let Go was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Audio: Savannah Richards continues to amaze me. Even though I disliked this book I adored the audio. Her voice is a lure and enchanting. She brings the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobooks for The Original Heartbreakers series.
Audio Narration: 4 Stars
Book Rated: 1 Star
November 28, 2017
Utterly swoon-worthy putting a smile on your face, Can’t Let Go is a story about two emotionally damaged people who manage to see the best in each other and the beauty they could make together.
Ryanne grew up with a mother who was looking for the next man in her life. Which made Ryanne keep men at arms distance until she was sure of who would be the one. Ryanne inherits a bar from a stepfather and does her best
Jude Laurent, retired Army Ranger, was happy with the business him and his two buddies have created LPH Protection. He wasn’t looking for a serious relationship after losing his family, wife, and twins, to a drunk driver. But when a mob boss sets his sites Ryanne’s bar, Jude, whose life is all about the pain and loss, finds Ryanne getting under his skin and on his nerves…But, he quickly discovers there nothing he won’t do to protect her from Dushku, the mob boss.
Showalter perfectly balances suspense, romantic tension, heartache and healing. Can’t Let Go is one of those reads that sticks with you long after you close the cover.
I received this ARC copy of Can't Let Go from HQN Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Can't Let Go is set for publication October 31, 2017.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Gena Showalter
Series: Original Heartbreakers
Sequence in Series: Book 5
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: October 31, 2017
ISBN-10: 0373803672
ISBN-13: 978-0373803675
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Military | Contemporary
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cant...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Let-Go-Or...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cant...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Ryanne grew up with a mother who was looking for the next man in her life. Which made Ryanne keep men at arms distance until she was sure of who would be the one. Ryanne inherits a bar from a stepfather and does her best
Jude Laurent, retired Army Ranger, was happy with the business him and his two buddies have created LPH Protection. He wasn’t looking for a serious relationship after losing his family, wife, and twins, to a drunk driver. But when a mob boss sets his sites Ryanne’s bar, Jude, whose life is all about the pain and loss, finds Ryanne getting under his skin and on his nerves…But, he quickly discovers there nothing he won’t do to protect her from Dushku, the mob boss.
Showalter perfectly balances suspense, romantic tension, heartache and healing. Can’t Let Go is one of those reads that sticks with you long after you close the cover.
I received this ARC copy of Can't Let Go from HQN Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Can't Let Go is set for publication October 31, 2017.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Gena Showalter
Series: Original Heartbreakers
Sequence in Series: Book 5
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: October 31, 2017
ISBN-10: 0373803672
ISBN-13: 978-0373803675
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Military | Contemporary
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cant...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Let-Go-Or...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cant...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 17, 2017
Hands up I'm not the biggest fan of contemporary romance around but I've loved this authors paranormal stories ( particularly her earlier work ) so couldn't resist downloading this. Yes it's part of a series but that didn't prevent me understanding and enjoying this book. Essentially it's a story of two people who have given up on love and yet both feel a powerful attraction to each other.
Ryanne has no place in her life for a man and truthfully has yet to meet one who she can really trust. Feeling let down by her mother she's now running her late step fathers bar but Ryanne dreams of traveling the world and experiencing all it has to offer. Meantime though she's determined to seduce the grumpy widower Jude as he might scowl at her but his disapproval seems to be just skin deep.
Jude has lost so much, his wife, his children and even a limb and yet somehow he keeps going on. What he doesn't want is Ryanne giving him her come hither innuendos . Yet this fiesty female is waking up all kind of feelings in Jude, feelings he is determined to tamp down and ignore. Trouble is knock knock knocking on Ryannes door though and there's no way Jude will look the other way but darn it Ryanne just might have woken up the sleeping tiger!
This is seemingly a relationship full of pitfalls. Ryanne runs a bar selling alcohol and Jude has so much anger as he lost his family due to a drunk driver. His disapproval and grief see him firmly dismissing Ryannes advances but as a reader I couldn't help but smile. Actually I even laughed a few times as Ryanne sure does have a very firm grasp on flirting with danger!
This isn't a quick happy ever after no, it's a relationship that slowly builds as the couple push each other's buttons and their dialogue and banter really made this a fun, engaging read. Expect sexy times but for me it was the unexpected that truly kept me turning the pages. Yes there's an element of suspense, yes there are problems to overcome but most of all it's a romance that made me smile.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Ryanne has no place in her life for a man and truthfully has yet to meet one who she can really trust. Feeling let down by her mother she's now running her late step fathers bar but Ryanne dreams of traveling the world and experiencing all it has to offer. Meantime though she's determined to seduce the grumpy widower Jude as he might scowl at her but his disapproval seems to be just skin deep.
Jude has lost so much, his wife, his children and even a limb and yet somehow he keeps going on. What he doesn't want is Ryanne giving him her come hither innuendos . Yet this fiesty female is waking up all kind of feelings in Jude, feelings he is determined to tamp down and ignore. Trouble is knock knock knocking on Ryannes door though and there's no way Jude will look the other way but darn it Ryanne just might have woken up the sleeping tiger!
This is seemingly a relationship full of pitfalls. Ryanne runs a bar selling alcohol and Jude has so much anger as he lost his family due to a drunk driver. His disapproval and grief see him firmly dismissing Ryannes advances but as a reader I couldn't help but smile. Actually I even laughed a few times as Ryanne sure does have a very firm grasp on flirting with danger!
This isn't a quick happy ever after no, it's a relationship that slowly builds as the couple push each other's buttons and their dialogue and banter really made this a fun, engaging read. Expect sexy times but for me it was the unexpected that truly kept me turning the pages. Yes there's an element of suspense, yes there are problems to overcome but most of all it's a romance that made me smile.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
November 9, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Can't Let Go by Gena Showalter, is the fifth book in this series, and boy what a book. I honestly loved the previous books so much so I was curious to see how this book would match up with the rest of the books in the series. And I would say FABULOUS!!! There was something so endearing about this book that felt different from the previous books. I think what made the biggest impression was their chemistry. Because its like off the charts but there are other factors involved that keep them from just entering into a relationship smoothly.
So our hero, Jude Laurent, is suffering some emotional trauma. His wife and two daughters were killed in a car accident while he was injured and lost his leg. So its been a couple of years later and it still haunts him.
Loved ones left marks on your soul, and when they died, those marks became scars.
He is full on against anyone drinking alcohol and so he so doesn't approve of Ryanne running a bar. He is this haunted brooding male that doesn't approve of anything Ryanne does and always looks for the bad before the good. Our heroine isn't ashamed of what she does and she is so careful in making sure no one goes home drunk and she is sassy, independent and strong. I love how she pushes Jude's boundaries.
If you didn't take time to enjoy your life, to make others happy rather miserable, did you have a life worth living?
There is a big obstacle though, Jude's fear. His fear of the past and not wanting it to effect what he has with Ryanne causes some not so good tension. So we see our hero really deal with some real hard fears that he has to learn to overcome if he doesn't want to lose Ryanne. There is so many various feels that Gena Showalter implements in this story and worked me more than I thought it would. This story did crack me up though, Showalter is one of those authors that makes you laugh and grin when you don't expect it to.
Can't Let Go is a story that delves into in depth emotion, rollercoaster of laughs and tears and a sexy small town tale any romance reader will be bound to love.
[foogallery id="18238"]
Can't Let Go by Gena Showalter, is the fifth book in this series, and boy what a book. I honestly loved the previous books so much so I was curious to see how this book would match up with the rest of the books in the series. And I would say FABULOUS!!! There was something so endearing about this book that felt different from the previous books. I think what made the biggest impression was their chemistry. Because its like off the charts but there are other factors involved that keep them from just entering into a relationship smoothly.
So our hero, Jude Laurent, is suffering some emotional trauma. His wife and two daughters were killed in a car accident while he was injured and lost his leg. So its been a couple of years later and it still haunts him.
Loved ones left marks on your soul, and when they died, those marks became scars.
He is full on against anyone drinking alcohol and so he so doesn't approve of Ryanne running a bar. He is this haunted brooding male that doesn't approve of anything Ryanne does and always looks for the bad before the good. Our heroine isn't ashamed of what she does and she is so careful in making sure no one goes home drunk and she is sassy, independent and strong. I love how she pushes Jude's boundaries.
If you didn't take time to enjoy your life, to make others happy rather miserable, did you have a life worth living?
There is a big obstacle though, Jude's fear. His fear of the past and not wanting it to effect what he has with Ryanne causes some not so good tension. So we see our hero really deal with some real hard fears that he has to learn to overcome if he doesn't want to lose Ryanne. There is so many various feels that Gena Showalter implements in this story and worked me more than I thought it would. This story did crack me up though, Showalter is one of those authors that makes you laugh and grin when you don't expect it to.
Can't Let Go is a story that delves into in depth emotion, rollercoaster of laughs and tears and a sexy small town tale any romance reader will be bound to love.
[foogallery id="18238"]
October 24, 2017
Hilarious. Review to come
November 27, 2017
Can't Let Go might be my favorite book of the series. It's such a fun, sexy, entertaining and emotional read, I loved it.
The story is about Ryanne, a feisty twenty-five year old woman, owner of a bar called the Scratching Post, who dreams of traveling the world and Jude, co-owner of a security firm called LPH Protection, a man who's still mourning the loss of his family, a born protector, sexy as hell and stubborn to a fault. I absolutely loved them together and individually. The first time Gena described Jude, I was done for. Sold. I wanted more.
Tonight, he was a bona fide brawler, ready to throw down and heat women up. He wore a black T-shirt, ripped jeans and combat boots. Leather cuffs circled his wrists, and three silver rings glinted on his fingers.Hmmmm, yes! Give him to me! Jude isn't a man who's ready to love again or to be with a woman period. Ryanne decides to put a stop to her ban on romantic relationships and she wants him. I thought the way she went about flirting with him was hilarious. She had no filter and no shame, I loved that. It was actually refreshing to see a heroine so bold and confident without being overly annoying. Ryanne is in need of protection after a very bad man threatens her bar, her home. So, obviously, Jude steps in and offers to protect her...
Gena didn't make us wait too long for them to act on their needs but it wasn't an easy relationship. I think she did a great job. It wasn't too slow for my taste, I got what I wanted throughout the book, but it wasn't too fast either. She didn't rush them together, Gena took her time exploring their relationship, their feelings, their fears.
Jude broke my heart more than once, his situation is heartbreaking, I can't even imagine. Losing your wife and twin daughters all in one night. Gena handled that very smoothly as well, it's always a delicate situation in a book and she did a great job.
Overall, this was a great read, super steamy, it made me genuinely laugh and left me wanting more.
November 18, 2017
During my entire read of this book, I had Gilliam raged goggles on so I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have previously. Especially, with the constant reminder of the LOTU since they're brought up in this book several times.
Honestly, I'm kind of ambivalent about Gena's other works now. The story line was good but so predictable. The hero was grieving his wife and twins throughout the majority of the book so that takes away from the story. Then after he gives into his feelings for Ryanne (which I kept pronouncing as "Rain" in my head. No idea why) he still lets fear override his feelings for her.
It was a decent enough read but with such ridiculous writing. All of the sexual euphemisms using car analogy's for sex and stuff was eye roll inducing. It was just hard to take those scenes seriously or think them sexy.
Really, I don't have much to say for this review. Not gonna gush on the story just because it was ok for me. I'm just kind of over Gena now so....
Oh and for anyone who hasn't read it yet, can you count for me the number of times the word "testicles" is mentioned because it seemed like an awful lot of times.
Honestly, I'm kind of ambivalent about Gena's other works now. The story line was good but so predictable. The hero was grieving his wife and twins throughout the majority of the book so that takes away from the story. Then after he gives into his feelings for Ryanne (which I kept pronouncing as "Rain" in my head. No idea why) he still lets fear override his feelings for her.
It was a decent enough read but with such ridiculous writing. All of the sexual euphemisms using car analogy's for sex and stuff was eye roll inducing. It was just hard to take those scenes seriously or think them sexy.
Really, I don't have much to say for this review. Not gonna gush on the story just because it was ok for me. I'm just kind of over Gena now so....
Oh and for anyone who hasn't read it yet, can you count for me the number of times the word "testicles" is mentioned because it seemed like an awful lot of times.
December 9, 2017
Can’t Let Go was Gena Showalter’s fifth book in the Original Heartbreakers series.
Jude Laurent and Ryanne Wade were introduced in the previous book, Can’t Hardly Breathe, with Daniel and Dorothea. They have chemistry but to this point, it was primarily angry tension.
Jude was one of the surly and gorgeous, former military co-owners of LPH Protection, a company that specialized in security protection. We had learned previously that tragedy struck in the form of a drunk driver killing his wife and twin daughters. Jude was now the ghost of a man he used to be, like the walking dead, and was a self appointed drink police for not letting drunks get behind the wheel.
Ryanne was the owner of the local bar, The Scratching Post. She had a tough childhood and now embraced life to the fullest. She was beautiful, flirty and sexy but kept men at bay, never wanting to rely on one. She was strong and independent and welcomed living life solo, trying in no one but herself and her besties.
Can’t Let Go was a journey of healing, trust, hope and moving on mixed with a plot of mystery and corruption. Lastly, Showalter sprinkled in bonds of loyalty. It was emotional but was also well written, well developed and complex.
As always, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The next book, Can’t Get Enough, focuses on the last of the former military buddies, Brock. Showalter has included enough details to know it won’t be an easy road, but it will be another entertaining one!
Jude Laurent and Ryanne Wade were introduced in the previous book, Can’t Hardly Breathe, with Daniel and Dorothea. They have chemistry but to this point, it was primarily angry tension.
Jude was one of the surly and gorgeous, former military co-owners of LPH Protection, a company that specialized in security protection. We had learned previously that tragedy struck in the form of a drunk driver killing his wife and twin daughters. Jude was now the ghost of a man he used to be, like the walking dead, and was a self appointed drink police for not letting drunks get behind the wheel.
Ryanne was the owner of the local bar, The Scratching Post. She had a tough childhood and now embraced life to the fullest. She was beautiful, flirty and sexy but kept men at bay, never wanting to rely on one. She was strong and independent and welcomed living life solo, trying in no one but herself and her besties.
Can’t Let Go was a journey of healing, trust, hope and moving on mixed with a plot of mystery and corruption. Lastly, Showalter sprinkled in bonds of loyalty. It was emotional but was also well written, well developed and complex.
As always, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The next book, Can’t Get Enough, focuses on the last of the former military buddies, Brock. Showalter has included enough details to know it won’t be an easy road, but it will be another entertaining one!
October 27, 2017
|Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!|
Is Gena Showalter back?
I think so and it was so much fun reading this story about two very different people finding something they never expected to find and I really liked it.
I wasn’t so sure about how this book was going to be for me –given the fact that I hated the previous one but boy, Ryanne and Jude were really good together. Chemistry? Yes. Fun? Yes. Love? Yes.
And it was such ride from not wanting to be around to hopelessly in love, not only I liked the couple but I also liked the individuals a lot. Ryanne is a sweetheart with a heart of pure gold and one hell of a personality who just wants to go travel the world and learn about different cultures… she was a blast to read.
I found myself really caring for her and it was great to read about her –until everything went south for me.
Halfway through the book, it was going to be a 4 or maybe a 4.5 stars but then there were two things that happened that were rushed and wrong af.
And even though I enjoyed the book a lot those two things and the fact that I didn’t feel that much of a connection between Ryanne, Dorothea and Lyndie and Brock, Jude and Daniel’s group. We were told those trios were really tight and cared about each other like brothers and sisters but I didn’t see that –they all cared, yes but it wasn’t like in the three original trilogy. It didn’t have that feeling.
Besides that, I truly liked the story and the love between Ryanne and Jude who were perfect for each other and helped each other in so many ways. In the end it’s a nice written love story that made me fall in love with this series again because it’s not a secret I didn’t like the previous book so my expectations for the following one are the highest.
Is Gena Showalter back?
I think so and it was so much fun reading this story about two very different people finding something they never expected to find and I really liked it.
I wasn’t so sure about how this book was going to be for me –given the fact that I hated the previous one but boy, Ryanne and Jude were really good together. Chemistry? Yes. Fun? Yes. Love? Yes.
And it was such ride from not wanting to be around to hopelessly in love, not only I liked the couple but I also liked the individuals a lot. Ryanne is a sweetheart with a heart of pure gold and one hell of a personality who just wants to go travel the world and learn about different cultures… she was a blast to read.
I found myself really caring for her and it was great to read about her –until everything went south for me.
Halfway through the book, it was going to be a 4 or maybe a 4.5 stars but then there were two things that happened that were rushed and wrong af.
And even though I enjoyed the book a lot those two things and the fact that I didn’t feel that much of a connection between Ryanne, Dorothea and Lyndie and Brock, Jude and Daniel’s group. We were told those trios were really tight and cared about each other like brothers and sisters but I didn’t see that –they all cared, yes but it wasn’t like in the three original trilogy. It didn’t have that feeling.
Besides that, I truly liked the story and the love between Ryanne and Jude who were perfect for each other and helped each other in so many ways. In the end it’s a nice written love story that made me fall in love with this series again because it’s not a secret I didn’t like the previous book so my expectations for the following one are the highest.
November 1, 2017
It's no secret that I love Gena's writing style. It's fun and sexy, whether it's contemporary or paranormal, and always brings a smile to my face in the end. The Original Heartbreakers series is packed full of alpha males and I've been waiting for this one in particular!CAN'T LET GO finally gives us Jude's story. Jude was injured during battle and lost part of his leg. But that wasn't the only devastating loss he's had to endure. He also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. So much heartache that he's found it impossible to consider moving on with someone else. His life has been all about his security work, his friends, and some good ol' brooding. I've been dying to see him get some happiness and pairing him with the sparkly Ryanne is just the perfect choice and just what he needed to bring back some light to his life.
Ryanne is a bartender and owner. She hasn't had much luck in life starting with her mother. Her dreams of traveling the world and getting out of Strawberry Valley are still very much alive and she has her first trip planned and ready to go. But that is all in jeopardy when a rival bar opens up across the street and wants to buy her out. When she refuses, the owner starts putting some nasty pressure on her of the not so legal or safe variety. That's where Jude comes in when Ryanne hires him to protect both her and her business.
This book had everything I wanted and I expect from this series. It's sweet and light-hearted but also has a bit of underlying danger that keeps the couple on their toes. The chemistry is on point and I couldn't have loved them together more. There's great banter, a natural build up to their relationship that crumbles Jude's defenses, and there's even a little surprise about half-way through.
CAN'T LET GO has the classic Showalter stamp on it and it's probably one of my favorites in this series.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 31, 2017
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
September 17, 2017
Gena Showalter knocked it out of the emotional ballpark with Can't Let Go! It has been, by far, my favorite of the Original Heartbreakers Series. Jude is the most addictive male role to date in the series (at least for me he was!) and I adored Ryanne's spunk, independent, take no crap attitude. It's hard to find lead female characters that do not annoy me at least once throughout a novel. Ryanne's constant sexual banter back and forth with Jude was absolute perfection. She was the one flame that was able to melt the ice surrounding his tattered heart. They had amazing chemistry that basically slid right off of the pages.
The plot is fast paced with never a dull-moment. The entire cast in this series are so well-crafted that I feel like I could jump in my car, drive to this Strawberry lovin' small town, and pop in Ryanne's bar for a drink with these folks. I live in a small town but this world that Gena Showalter has crafted makes me green with envy! Everyone is so close but not of the nosey variety (mostly anyways ha).
One of my favorite Jude moments: "Every day, in a thousand different ways, you undo me, love. You're my world." Take a moment... swoon.... Who knew Jude, the ice-cold, stone hearted, bitter soldier could rock my literary world with words? He's amazing.
Overall, huge 5 Star read for me. Loved it! I can't wait for Brock & Lyndie's story!!!!!
The plot is fast paced with never a dull-moment. The entire cast in this series are so well-crafted that I feel like I could jump in my car, drive to this Strawberry lovin' small town, and pop in Ryanne's bar for a drink with these folks. I live in a small town but this world that Gena Showalter has crafted makes me green with envy! Everyone is so close but not of the nosey variety (mostly anyways ha).
One of my favorite Jude moments: "Every day, in a thousand different ways, you undo me, love. You're my world." Take a moment... swoon.... Who knew Jude, the ice-cold, stone hearted, bitter soldier could rock my literary world with words? He's amazing.
Overall, huge 5 Star read for me. Loved it! I can't wait for Brock & Lyndie's story!!!!!
August 28, 2017
WOW! I read this last week on vacation and it was the PERFECT book to get lost in. The Original Heartbreakers series is one of my favorite contemporary romance series and The Hotter You Burn has held the spot as my favorite in the series but Can't Let Go has me questioning that decision.
Ryanne runs the local bar and Jude's family was killed when someone drove drunk after leaving a bar. So you can imagine how hard it is when these two are attracted to each other. Jude is at times mean and difficult but still I couldn't dislike him. Ryanne is hilarious and an indiscriminate flirt. I adored every second she was in.
Add in a rival bar owner willing to go to any length to drive Ryanne out of business and you have a book full of everything I could want. Angst, sex, humor, action, and my absolute favorite cast of characters. This is a must read for me.
~miranda
Ryanne runs the local bar and Jude's family was killed when someone drove drunk after leaving a bar. So you can imagine how hard it is when these two are attracted to each other. Jude is at times mean and difficult but still I couldn't dislike him. Ryanne is hilarious and an indiscriminate flirt. I adored every second she was in.
Add in a rival bar owner willing to go to any length to drive Ryanne out of business and you have a book full of everything I could want. Angst, sex, humor, action, and my absolute favorite cast of characters. This is a must read for me.
~miranda
September 7, 2017
Ryanne and Jude had a lot of issues to work through, but I loved this couple. Well I love everyone in this series... their tension was fighting against their attraction with each other and managing to get through some tough gangs trying to steal Ryanne's bar... looking forward to the next book..
August 7, 2017
First off... Love the setting. All the character of a small town with all the typical antics. We also get a bit of suspense in this one. Most important is the frenemies relationship with our h/H. Ryanne and Jude seem miles apart except that they keep being drawn to each other. And when they do finally get together?? Whew! Too bad Jude was still an ass at that point.
Lots going on in the story. Some heavy work with PTSD and healing hearts. Great group of friends to support these two through life as time goes by. All of the secondary characters add a lot to the story. I would love to catch up with them again just to see how they are managing everything.
*Complimentary copy received via Netgalley for an honest review.
Lots going on in the story. Some heavy work with PTSD and healing hearts. Great group of friends to support these two through life as time goes by. All of the secondary characters add a lot to the story. I would love to catch up with them again just to see how they are managing everything.
*Complimentary copy received via Netgalley for an honest review.
February 13, 2018
3 Can’t Let Go Stars
I was looking forward to this book, and for the most part, I enjoyed the story and the characters.
I just didn’t connect well with Ryanne, at times I thought she was a little whinny and dramaish. But I loved how she was with Jude and with her friends.
Jude broke my heart his sorrow and loss is so much a part of him I can totally understand why he was pushing Ryanne away like he was. I do think she could have been a little more supportive she pushed when she needed to and he pushed back. I am glad we got to know his before and could feel his story.
Again it isn’t like I didn’t like the story I just liked the book and didn’t omg love it like the others in this series an that’s ok. :)
I am really looking forward to the last book soo freaking hard I am holding out for audio though because the narrator is AMAZING!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I was looking forward to this book, and for the most part, I enjoyed the story and the characters.
I just didn’t connect well with Ryanne, at times I thought she was a little whinny and dramaish. But I loved how she was with Jude and with her friends.
Jude broke my heart his sorrow and loss is so much a part of him I can totally understand why he was pushing Ryanne away like he was. I do think she could have been a little more supportive she pushed when she needed to and he pushed back. I am glad we got to know his before and could feel his story.
Again it isn’t like I didn’t like the story I just liked the book and didn’t omg love it like the others in this series an that’s ok. :)
I am really looking forward to the last book soo freaking hard I am holding out for audio though because the narrator is AMAZING!!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
October 31, 2017
Ryanne was dealt some pretty difficult cards from the start. Her father wishing she were never born and her mother jumping from one man to another, including Ryannes’ boyfriends. Running a bar is hard when you have a grumpy solider breathing down her neck. Learning to trust him and allow him to provide the protection she needs when her competition moves in just across the street.
Jude has made it his mission to guard the city from any demons. His life was turned upside down in such a tragic way; he hasn’t been living for quite some time now. Watching Ryannes’ customers and regular is second nature to him. When he notices a new business start up shop next to Ryanne’s, his head begins to spin, something bad to going to happen. Unable to watch it happen he provides protect for her, losing his heart in the process.
Jude and Ryanne have a very tumultuous relationship, neither one wanting to give an inch. Intense in every way from fighting to loving, Jude and Ryanne were intense. Together they spend so much time fighting each other; it sometimes felt as if they were going in circles, fighting over the same things. As a couple I found them exhausting to keep up with. I did enjoy seeing how the close friends were able to help clear up some blurred lines between the couple and keep everyone grounded. The secondary characters were the ones that kept peaking my interest. The trouble that brewed between the competitor and Ryanne added a suspense twist to the story that kept the pages turning. The emotions were all over the place, from wanting to shake Jude and Ryanne, worried they wouldn’t figure it out, and relief they finally did. This is my first time reading Gena Showalters’ work, I can say this was not a couple I would read again, but I would not pass up a chance to read more of her work.
Oh, wow. Was Can’t Let Go a wonderful story! I truly loved the storyline and how everything progressed between Ryanne and Jude.
Ryanne was hysterical. She knew just what to say to keep the gloomy Jude. Yes, he has a right to feel the way he feels about his life but there is no reason why she can’t try to put a smile on his face and maybe a little happy in his life. She lived with her own issues growing up and it take a lot for her to trust a man. But, Jude has her trust and she is doing whatever it takes to get him to accept it and her in his life.
Jude was distraught. He’s lived with the misery of losing his wife and twin daughters for two and a half years and can’t stand the feelings he’s starting to have for the flirty, vivacious Ryanne. All he can think about is Strawberry Shortcake when he’s around her and, of course, protecting her from Dushku. He can understand the protection part, he can’t get past his wanting her the way he does. He can’t tarnish the memory of Caroline and will never have children again. He could never live through losing someone he loves again.
Once Jude has a taste of Ryanne, he can’t stop. Unfortunately, he’s running hot and cold and Ryanne will not stand for that. It’s time for him to put his past to bed and look forward to the future. But, can he get over his fears? Can he allow himself to love again? Can he accept Ryanne and everything that she has to offer? It takes his in-laws and the support from his friends to get him to see what is staring him in the face.
I love Gena Showalter. I love how she can lighten up a tense and serious scene. I love how she weaves a story. I love how she brings out the true feelings of her characters. Ryanne was written beautifully and she was the star of the show. Jude was intense and, in his own way, loving – even when he didn’t think he was showing love. I giggled as Ms. Showalter brought the Lords of the Underworld into the story and how she did it.
It was wonderful being back in Strawberry Hill … visiting with Daniel and Dorthea … waiting for Brock and Lyndie’s story.
September 19, 2017
Finally, I am able to finish Jude and Ryanne's story tonight! So far Can't Let Go is my favorite in The Original Heartbreakers series.
She's off limits....
But all bets are off.
He will have her.
. . . . . . . . .
Gena Showalter knows just how to hit you in the feels. She grips your heart like a vice, shatters it, and slowly picks up the pieces. Can't Let Go is the fifth installment in the Original Heartbreakers series. This is Jude and Ryanne's story.
Jude is a broken man, he once had it all. A perfect life, married and had two beautiful children. Until one night changed everything. He is dead inside, breathing but not living. Until he meets Ryanne.
Ryanne makes it her life's mission to make Jude happy again, but doesn't expect to fall in love with him. She pushes and he pulls, and the end result....... INTENSE, PASSIONATE, CHEMISTRY. The tension between these two were damn near combustible.
Gena Showalter reminds us the readers, that love is a fragile little thing. Built from pain, loss, but most of all hope. It's emotional, extraordinary, and simply unforgettable! Everyone with a heartbeat should read this novel.
*Special thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy*
July 28, 2017
Oh, this was another amazing book in this series, with such a deserving couple! I loved reading about them and their story! So sweet and yet, heartbreaking! Such a great read!
December 28, 2017
Okay, so this review is a bit overdue but my blog slump got a bit in the way of finishing and publishing it, yikes. I already read and reviewed the previous book in the series,
#4 Can't hardly breathe
, and now I was also able to read an e-arc of the fifth book, Can't Let go, which I was so excited about! I was finally able to read the story of Jude and Ryanne, one I've been craving ever since I met them in Can't Hardly Breathe.
Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
The characters are - as always when it comes to a Gena Showalter book - so realistically written and interesting right from the start. They are the beating heart of this wonderful story!
Let me tell you more about Jude . Jude is this broody, intense and damaged ex-military man who's suffered immensely and as a reader, you connect with him - at least, I did. It was so hard to see him struggle with his memories and all the pain in the wake of his accident overseas and especially in the wake of the accident with his wife and twin daughters - Accidents like these are just so so terrible and I always become really emotional when reading about stuff like this. It was clear from the first moment we met Jude and knew he would have his own book; Jude was going to have to fight a lot of demons before he could start facing a possibility of having a brighter future. It was excruciatingly painful sometimes to see/feel him struggle with everything and it's amazing how Gena wrote this character. How she was able to make me feel so much for and with him. It was really sad, tragic and beautiful to read about Jude and to see him develop throughout this story and fight against his demons. At the same time, he's very good at making your panties soak buwhahaha. Damn, this guy is sexy, intense and interesting! So yeah, there's a lot of emotion, heartache and such but the sexy stuff is definitely 'ON SPOT' as well - although I don't think Gena could ever disappoint me regarding writing sexy romances because she's amazing at writing these kinds of books.
❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞
And then there's Ryanne . Her dreams of traveling the world and getting out of Strawberry Valley are still very much alive and she has her first trip planned and ready to go. But that is all in jeopardy when a rival bar opens up across the street and wants to buy her out. When she refuses, the owner starts putting some nasty pressure on her of the not so legal or safe variety. That's where Jude comes in when Ryanne hires him to protect both her and her business. Ryanne is determined when it comes to Jude. She has this feeling that he could be 'the one' and she makes it almost a life mission to make sure his walls come down and he opens up again - preferably to her of course haha. She's a strong female lead. With all of the sh*t thrown her way in the past and now also in the present, she remains steadfast and I really admire that about her.
Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the sexual tension flying off the pages. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say; when the time came.. it was INSANELY HOT and it may be even had me drooling a bit, lol! I was not in the least bit disappointed! And of course, there's so much more than the obvious sexual tension between these two. This romance is a perfect balance of physical attraction, chemistry and developing feelings that turn into a soul-deep love that could shatter the world.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
When the story develops, Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety. Even though these two open up to each other more and more, they also keep clashing with one another and I love how well balanced out everything is. The character development and the romance development goes side by side and is just extremely well done. The story-line is written at a nice and steady pace, which makes it a page-turner right from the start. It contains angst, excitement, romance, humor and amazing characters. What more could you want in a contemporary romance? Exactly!
And as always, Gena's writing is enthralling, addictive and excellent. From the very first page until the last; I was hooked. This is that kind of book that you start reading and just want to finish in one sitting. Can Jude overcome his demons and his fears? Or is hoping for a future in which he isn't living in constant pain not too much to wish for? Will Ryanne be able to tether him down a bit and can Jude keep her safe from the threats coming her way? So many questions going round and round in my head while reading, aaahhh... But I thankfully got all my answers and you'll get all the answers too when you read it hehe, so go read the book for yourself and find out ;) You won't regret it!
Once again Gena Showalter proves that she is an experimented, steadfast and talented writer, as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With great storyline, character and romance developments and some twists, this 5th installment of the original heartbreakers series is a great read to pick up when you're in need of a contemporary romance!
About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.
Jude lost half of his leg while he was deployed but after returning home to heal, he also lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver. Now his life was all about pain. It had been two and a half years since he lost his family. He still grieved every day. So what was it about the bartender, Ryanne, that got on his nerves so much? Why did he let her get under his skin? It was disloyal to the memory of his wife to let his thoughts stray the way they have been, wasn’t it?
Ryanne has made it her life’s purpose to be nothing like her mother and that ended up with her love life being non-existent. But there’s one man who gets her insides burning and also ignites her temper, and that’s the sexy as hell, ex-army ranger, Jude Laurent, who spends most of his time scowling and throwing insults at her.
The characters are - as always when it comes to a Gena Showalter book - so realistically written and interesting right from the start. They are the beating heart of this wonderful story!
Let me tell you more about Jude . Jude is this broody, intense and damaged ex-military man who's suffered immensely and as a reader, you connect with him - at least, I did. It was so hard to see him struggle with his memories and all the pain in the wake of his accident overseas and especially in the wake of the accident with his wife and twin daughters - Accidents like these are just so so terrible and I always become really emotional when reading about stuff like this. It was clear from the first moment we met Jude and knew he would have his own book; Jude was going to have to fight a lot of demons before he could start facing a possibility of having a brighter future. It was excruciatingly painful sometimes to see/feel him struggle with everything and it's amazing how Gena wrote this character. How she was able to make me feel so much for and with him. It was really sad, tragic and beautiful to read about Jude and to see him develop throughout this story and fight against his demons. At the same time, he's very good at making your panties soak buwhahaha. Damn, this guy is sexy, intense and interesting! So yeah, there's a lot of emotion, heartache and such but the sexy stuff is definitely 'ON SPOT' as well - although I don't think Gena could ever disappoint me regarding writing sexy romances because she's amazing at writing these kinds of books.
❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞
And then there's Ryanne . Her dreams of traveling the world and getting out of Strawberry Valley are still very much alive and she has her first trip planned and ready to go. But that is all in jeopardy when a rival bar opens up across the street and wants to buy her out. When she refuses, the owner starts putting some nasty pressure on her of the not so legal or safe variety. That's where Jude comes in when Ryanne hires him to protect both her and her business. Ryanne is determined when it comes to Jude. She has this feeling that he could be 'the one' and she makes it almost a life mission to make sure his walls come down and he opens up again - preferably to her of course haha. She's a strong female lead. With all of the sh*t thrown her way in the past and now also in the present, she remains steadfast and I really admire that about her.
Jude and Ryanne have incredible chemistry and whenever they’re in each other’s presence, you can feel the sexual tension flying off the pages. It was inevitable that they’d be giving into their passion and let me just say; when the time came.. it was INSANELY HOT and it may be even had me drooling a bit, lol! I was not in the least bit disappointed! And of course, there's so much more than the obvious sexual tension between these two. This romance is a perfect balance of physical attraction, chemistry and developing feelings that turn into a soul-deep love that could shatter the world.
“With you, I don’t feel like a man defeated by his past. I feel like a man with a future.”
When the story develops, Ryanne continues to break down Jude’s defenses. One night leads to more and then more isn’t even enough. Jude craves Ryanne like he craves his next breath. But what if something were to happen to her, what if he loses her too? Jude fights the overwhelming need to lock Ryanne up to keep her safe, so he won’t have to worry about her safety. Even though these two open up to each other more and more, they also keep clashing with one another and I love how well balanced out everything is. The character development and the romance development goes side by side and is just extremely well done. The story-line is written at a nice and steady pace, which makes it a page-turner right from the start. It contains angst, excitement, romance, humor and amazing characters. What more could you want in a contemporary romance? Exactly!
And as always, Gena's writing is enthralling, addictive and excellent. From the very first page until the last; I was hooked. This is that kind of book that you start reading and just want to finish in one sitting. Can Jude overcome his demons and his fears? Or is hoping for a future in which he isn't living in constant pain not too much to wish for? Will Ryanne be able to tether him down a bit and can Jude keep her safe from the threats coming her way? So many questions going round and round in my head while reading, aaahhh... But I thankfully got all my answers and you'll get all the answers too when you read it hehe, so go read the book for yourself and find out ;) You won't regret it!
Once again Gena Showalter proves that she is an experimented, steadfast and talented writer, as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With great storyline, character and romance developments and some twists, this 5th installment of the original heartbreakers series is a great read to pick up when you're in need of a contemporary romance!
About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.
November 9, 2017
3.5 or 4 stars - I'm waffling here. I liked this, I think I loved it? I'm not sure yet. I'll figure it out by the time my review comes out, though...
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