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Hold You Close
From NYT Bestseller Corinne Michaels & USA Today Bestseller Melanie Harlow, comes a second chance standalone romance.
Ian Chase broke my heart at seventeen, and I’ve spent the last eighteen years hating him for it.
He makes it easy, with his smart mouth and playboy lifestyle—which I unfortunately have to observe since he lives behind me. Every time I see him climbing out of his pool, practically naked and unreasonably sexy, my blood boils.
I’ve always loved to loathe him.
I never planned to need him.
***
London Parish is my little sister’s best friend, not that it stopped me from falling for her.
Our history is complicated. The only thing we have in common is being godparents to my sister’s three adorable kids—until our lives are changed in one tragic moment.
Now we’re trying to raise the children we love, mourn an unthinkable loss, and fight an undeniable attraction.
My life is already upside-down, and the last thing I need is for old feelings to resurface.
Because I’ll never be able to keep her, no matter how hard I try to hold her close.
Ian Chase broke my heart at seventeen, and I’ve spent the last eighteen years hating him for it.
He makes it easy, with his smart mouth and playboy lifestyle—which I unfortunately have to observe since he lives behind me. Every time I see him climbing out of his pool, practically naked and unreasonably sexy, my blood boils.
I’ve always loved to loathe him.
I never planned to need him.
***
London Parish is my little sister’s best friend, not that it stopped me from falling for her.
Our history is complicated. The only thing we have in common is being godparents to my sister’s three adorable kids—until our lives are changed in one tragic moment.
Now we’re trying to raise the children we love, mourn an unthinkable loss, and fight an undeniable attraction.
My life is already upside-down, and the last thing I need is for old feelings to resurface.
Because I’ll never be able to keep her, no matter how hard I try to hold her close.
270 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2018
About the author
Melanie Harlow
69 books18.9k followersUSA Today bestselling author of sweet and sexy romance. Lover of cocktails, high heels, and history with the naughty bits left in. Michigan girl. INTJ. Always seeking ginspiration...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,104 reviews
August 20, 2018
Duo...You can refer to two people together as a duo, especially when they have something in common (Collins English Dictionary). Yes, I googled this!
Lucy and Ethel
Thelma and Louise
The impeccable writing team of Lennon and McCartney
And now....HARLOW and MICHAELS
Hold You Close written by this duo, Melanie and Corinne, is a match made in heaven.
This duo’s choice of covers is your first glimpse that no detail is left behind.
As you start the first page the writing just flows and you really can’t tell who wrote what parts.
This second chance story is exceptional.
You can feel the love, the hate, and the emotions that Ian and London struggle with.
A tragedy occurs that gives the characters absolutely no choice to change their life styles or to put their differences aside to make the circumstances better for those involved.
I loved every word and every chapter. Hold You Close is a book that makes your heart pound, makes you laugh and just makes you feel every emotion!
This is a must read, especially if you're a fan of Melanie Harlow or Corinne Michaels!
Lucy and Ethel
Thelma and Louise
The impeccable writing team of Lennon and McCartney
And now....HARLOW and MICHAELS
Hold You Close written by this duo, Melanie and Corinne, is a match made in heaven.
This duo’s choice of covers is your first glimpse that no detail is left behind.
As you start the first page the writing just flows and you really can’t tell who wrote what parts.
This second chance story is exceptional.
You can feel the love, the hate, and the emotions that Ian and London struggle with.
A tragedy occurs that gives the characters absolutely no choice to change their life styles or to put their differences aside to make the circumstances better for those involved.
I loved every word and every chapter. Hold You Close is a book that makes your heart pound, makes you laugh and just makes you feel every emotion!
This is a must read, especially if you're a fan of Melanie Harlow or Corinne Michaels!
August 23, 2018
***Edited to add. It's actually 18 freaking years (not 17). Christ Almighty.***
Well, that was an excruciating read. I am going to rant a bit. Actually a longggg bit. Because quite frankly, this book pissed me off. I have no clue what the rave reviews are about. Because I felt I totally read something different. Seriously. I. AM. PUZZLED. AS. FUCK. Not because the separation is ridiculously long. 18 years! But because this book was just a disaster. A horrible second chance romance with a dick of a hero. Who never really redeemed himself, show much remorse, or grovel enough IMO. And even worse than that? We are once again subjected to an unrealistic celibate heroine. Really? I mean, is that still something we gush and "awww" over. When the H is sowing his wild oats in between the years. And h remains chaste. Pining--but not really pining. I, reiterate, 18 GODAMN years!!?? I mean, c'mon. Is being revirginized supposed to endeared these pitiful creatures to us?
Ian. GRRRR. I'm going to be viciously, brutally honest. I DESPISED him. Truly. Even to the end. He never grew on me. I hate his juvenile and blasé attitude on how he hurt London in the past. I'm not convince of his "LOVE". Certainly didn't feel much devotion or see any loyalty. What I see is him mocking London's pathetic non-existent sex life. Calling her a bitch, all the "Fuck yous" he throw at her. (Because he's a childish prick). Knowing full well she was guarded and angry because of him. And how he devastated her with his betrayal when they were younger. But to Ian, it's like get the hell over it already. He has no regard, consideration for her feelings. Nothing is his fault, no explanations was ever given (At least to London). His thoughts/words below are some examples that made me want tothroat-punch him kick him in the crotch with a steel-toe boot.
"You need to get over yourself and what happened between us."
"Calling me selfish, accusing me of being a bully, bringing up Jolene. London's hatred of me has nothing to do with Jolene and she knows it. She's just bitter about the past, as if there's anything I can about it now".
"My sister would text me to please quit being a jerk and consider other people's feelings, by which she'd mean London's feelings, and I'd say it wasn't my fault London was a crusty old maid with only her cat for company, and maybe if she wasn't such a bitter, puritanical goody-goody".
"Like I need to deal with my sister's uptight, irritating best friend right now. London would be incredibly hot if she wasn't such a raging bitch".
"I wonder why she never got married and had her own kids since she love these three so much. Is it because of her career? That has to be it. How could she possibly have thought she would have been happy giving up her full ride to Northwestern just to stay here and fuck around with me?"
Ugh, Ian. You dense asshole. Just say you were a dumb teenager who didn't value or care about her enough to fight for her. And pretty much gave up at the first resistance. Went on with your life and married someone else. As for London. I really wanted to respect her somewhat but it was difficult. I would never let a man treat me this way. It was just unfathomable. Homegirl wasted YEARS on an unworthy male. I'm just so embarrassed by her character. Some of her thoughts/feelings below
"I waited my entire life to feel the way I did when I was with him. I never married or had anyone serious because no one could measure up to Ian".
"He was the first boy I loved. And if I'm honest, he's the only man I've ever wanted to love me back. My heart would ache when I saw him with anyone else. The day he married Jolene, I cried. He was mine".
And I'm done. This book was an absolute disappointment. And that just sucks as I like one of the authors. But I don't recall in her books having a hero like Ian. No, those men cherish their heroines to the depth of their soul.
Well, that was an excruciating read. I am going to rant a bit. Actually a longggg bit. Because quite frankly, this book pissed me off. I have no clue what the rave reviews are about. Because I felt I totally read something different. Seriously. I. AM. PUZZLED. AS. FUCK. Not because the separation is ridiculously long. 18 years! But because this book was just a disaster. A horrible second chance romance with a dick of a hero. Who never really redeemed himself, show much remorse, or grovel enough IMO. And even worse than that? We are once again subjected to an unrealistic celibate heroine. Really? I mean, is that still something we gush and "awww" over. When the H is sowing his wild oats in between the years. And h remains chaste. Pining--but not really pining. I, reiterate, 18 GODAMN years!!?? I mean, c'mon. Is being revirginized supposed to endeared these pitiful creatures to us?
Ian. GRRRR. I'm going to be viciously, brutally honest. I DESPISED him. Truly. Even to the end. He never grew on me. I hate his juvenile and blasé attitude on how he hurt London in the past. I'm not convince of his "LOVE". Certainly didn't feel much devotion or see any loyalty. What I see is him mocking London's pathetic non-existent sex life. Calling her a bitch, all the "Fuck yous" he throw at her. (Because he's a childish prick). Knowing full well she was guarded and angry because of him. And how he devastated her with his betrayal when they were younger. But to Ian, it's like get the hell over it already. He has no regard, consideration for her feelings. Nothing is his fault, no explanations was ever given (At least to London). His thoughts/words below are some examples that made me want to
"You need to get over yourself and what happened between us."
"Calling me selfish, accusing me of being a bully, bringing up Jolene. London's hatred of me has nothing to do with Jolene and she knows it. She's just bitter about the past, as if there's anything I can about it now".
"My sister would text me to please quit being a jerk and consider other people's feelings, by which she'd mean London's feelings, and I'd say it wasn't my fault London was a crusty old maid with only her cat for company, and maybe if she wasn't such a bitter, puritanical goody-goody".
"Like I need to deal with my sister's uptight, irritating best friend right now. London would be incredibly hot if she wasn't such a raging bitch".
"I wonder why she never got married and had her own kids since she love these three so much. Is it because of her career? That has to be it. How could she possibly have thought she would have been happy giving up her full ride to Northwestern just to stay here and fuck around with me?"
Ugh, Ian. You dense asshole. Just say you were a dumb teenager who didn't value or care about her enough to fight for her. And pretty much gave up at the first resistance. Went on with your life and married someone else. As for London. I really wanted to respect her somewhat but it was difficult. I would never let a man treat me this way. It was just unfathomable. Homegirl wasted YEARS on an unworthy male. I'm just so embarrassed by her character. Some of her thoughts/feelings below
"I waited my entire life to feel the way I did when I was with him. I never married or had anyone serious because no one could measure up to Ian".
"He was the first boy I loved. And if I'm honest, he's the only man I've ever wanted to love me back. My heart would ache when I saw him with anyone else. The day he married Jolene, I cried. He was mine".
And I'm done. This book was an absolute disappointment. And that just sucks as I like one of the authors. But I don't recall in her books having a hero like Ian. No, those men cherish their heroines to the depth of their soul.
August 13, 2018
4 stars!!!
I am a huge fan of Corinne Michaels and the few books I've read of Melanie Harlow's I've enjoyed, so I was excited to see they were co-writing a book. And that cover... I was in love from the moment I saw it. I love second chance love stories/enemies to lovers books so this one really hit the spot for me. It had the perfect amount of emotion, steam, and even some laughs.
London Parish has been in love with her best friends older brother for as long as she can remember. She equally loves and hates Ian Chase. After her broke her heart when they were teens, that love changed into the love/hate relationship they have now. Because of London's best friend and Ian's sister, they've been involved in each others lives. They share godchildren and all. Then something happens that rocks them both and changes their lives and relationship forever.
In a typical Corinne fashion, this book had me crying early on. I wouldn't call it a huge tear jerker, but it definitely had it's moments that brought me to tears/made me emotional. London is a heroine I loved. She's smart, driven, and strong. Ian... I could see why London loved to hate him and hated to love him. There are moments that I adored him, and moments I wanted to slap him silly, but I understood him and why he did the things he did, even though I didn't always agree with them. He was sweet when he wanted to be, funny, and selfless.
I loved the banter between Ian and London, and even more than that, I loved the interactions between them and the kids. That was my favorite part of the story. Hold You Close is a book that got my attention and kept it throughout the entire read. If you love a good romance and a second chance love story, pick this one up!
I am a huge fan of Corinne Michaels and the few books I've read of Melanie Harlow's I've enjoyed, so I was excited to see they were co-writing a book. And that cover... I was in love from the moment I saw it. I love second chance love stories/enemies to lovers books so this one really hit the spot for me. It had the perfect amount of emotion, steam, and even some laughs.
London Parish has been in love with her best friends older brother for as long as she can remember. She equally loves and hates Ian Chase. After her broke her heart when they were teens, that love changed into the love/hate relationship they have now. Because of London's best friend and Ian's sister, they've been involved in each others lives. They share godchildren and all. Then something happens that rocks them both and changes their lives and relationship forever.
In a typical Corinne fashion, this book had me crying early on. I wouldn't call it a huge tear jerker, but it definitely had it's moments that brought me to tears/made me emotional. London is a heroine I loved. She's smart, driven, and strong. Ian... I could see why London loved to hate him and hated to love him. There are moments that I adored him, and moments I wanted to slap him silly, but I understood him and why he did the things he did, even though I didn't always agree with them. He was sweet when he wanted to be, funny, and selfless.
I loved the banter between Ian and London, and even more than that, I loved the interactions between them and the kids. That was my favorite part of the story. Hold You Close is a book that got my attention and kept it throughout the entire read. If you love a good romance and a second chance love story, pick this one up!
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August 10, 2018RELEASE DATE: 8/20/2018
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October 21, 2021
✓ second chance romance? second hand embarrassment.
✓ adults acting like kids, kids acting like adults.
✓ plot? what's that????
– I read this exclusively for the kids, i thought they would be cute but no 🙂 i mean, these kids are supposed to have just lost their parents and all I'm reading is about two idiots fighting over who is better to take care of them.
✓ doormat heroine.
✓ a lovely H,
i hated him. not because of what he did but his "I'm doing this for you, you're better off without me" personality. 🤡
✓ The 18 years of separation made this book so mediocre.
The heroine spent almost TWO fucking decades hating him and FOR WHAT, one kiss and she's horny like a teen.
also he fucked anything with pulse and i must believe that....he always—and still— loved her ???? 👻
ps: sorry for this but this is definitely one of the worst books i read in my life.
✓ adults acting like kids, kids acting like adults.
✓ plot? what's that????
– I read this exclusively for the kids, i thought they would be cute but no 🙂 i mean, these kids are supposed to have just lost their parents and all I'm reading is about two idiots fighting over who is better to take care of them.
✓ doormat heroine.
✓ a lovely H,
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, just that I thought I already had that. But seems the women I fuck aren’t able to hold up their end of the bargain. Or maybe it’s just the one I fucked last night.”
i hated him. not because of what he did but his "I'm doing this for you, you're better off without me" personality. 🤡
✓ The 18 years of separation made this book so mediocre.
The heroine spent almost TWO fucking decades hating him and FOR WHAT, one kiss and she's horny like a teen.
also he fucked anything with pulse and i must believe that....he always—and still— loved her ???? 👻
ps: sorry for this but this is definitely one of the worst books i read in my life.
August 22, 2018
★ 1 star! ★
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
Eu não sei nem por onde começar porque foram tantos pontos que me incomodaram e até mesmo me revoltaram que foi impossível gostar dessa história.
Não gostei dos personagens Ian e London, achei ambos mal construídos, superficiais, imaturos e principalmente infantis. As briguinhas foram tão forçadas e desnecessárias que mais pareciam duas crianças do jardim de infância brigando do que dois adultos de 37 e 35 anos. Totalmente irritante!
Outro ponto que eu achei meio irreal... 17 anos se passaram... 17 anos!!!!!! E as diferenças de como cada um passou/viveu esses anos é gritante... O que sinceramente não surpreende muito, até porque é o que geralmente lemos em histórias sobre segunda chance. E eu acho isso completamente errado!
Ainda me pergunto por que os autores inserem elementos/assuntos importantes em um enredo sendo que isso não é abordado de forma apropriada, por que tudo tem que girar em torno do romance e o casal? Isso me revolta de uma tal forma, especialmente o elemento usado aqui para a “aproximação” do casal. É uma situação extremamente delicada e não teve devida atenção e cuidado ou desenvolvimento em relação aos envolvidos.
Sei que estou no grupo da minoria, mas definitivamente esse livro não foi para mim. Tinha tudo para ter sido uma história bonita e emotiva... uma pena porque tinha grandes esperanças de que ia gostar, o que não aconteceu pois terminei essa leitura 100% decepcionada!
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
Eu não sei nem por onde começar porque foram tantos pontos que me incomodaram e até mesmo me revoltaram que foi impossível gostar dessa história.
Não gostei dos personagens Ian e London, achei ambos mal construídos, superficiais, imaturos e principalmente infantis. As briguinhas foram tão forçadas e desnecessárias que mais pareciam duas crianças do jardim de infância brigando do que dois adultos de 37 e 35 anos. Totalmente irritante!
Outro ponto que eu achei meio irreal... 17 anos se passaram... 17 anos!!!!!! E as diferenças de como cada um passou/viveu esses anos é gritante... O que sinceramente não surpreende muito, até porque é o que geralmente lemos em histórias sobre segunda chance. E eu acho isso completamente errado!
Ainda me pergunto por que os autores inserem elementos/assuntos importantes em um enredo sendo que isso não é abordado de forma apropriada, por que tudo tem que girar em torno do romance e o casal? Isso me revolta de uma tal forma, especialmente o elemento usado aqui para a “aproximação” do casal. É uma situação extremamente delicada e não teve devida atenção e cuidado ou desenvolvimento em relação aos envolvidos.
Sei que estou no grupo da minoria, mas definitivamente esse livro não foi para mim. Tinha tudo para ter sido uma história bonita e emotiva... uma pena porque tinha grandes esperanças de que ia gostar, o que não aconteceu pois terminei essa leitura 100% decepcionada!
August 20, 2018
4,5 stars
What a wonderful story,Hold You Close is a heartwarming story that make my heart ach!I was super excited to read it since Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels are both favorite authors!I was hooked in this story and I couldn't put it down!
I didn't like Ian at the beginning but while I continue reading I find myself falling in love with him slowly.London is a strong heroine and one I could easily relate with.I loved them even though sometimes they drove me crazy.
I want to read more books from these two!It was a fantastic read.
What a wonderful story,Hold You Close is a heartwarming story that make my heart ach!I was super excited to read it since Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels are both favorite authors!I was hooked in this story and I couldn't put it down!
I didn't like Ian at the beginning but while I continue reading I find myself falling in love with him slowly.London is a strong heroine and one I could easily relate with.I loved them even though sometimes they drove me crazy.
I want to read more books from these two!It was a fantastic read.
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August 16, 2018RELEASE DATE: 8/20/2018
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Shelved as 'hell-fucking-no'
August 29, 2018The hero fucks other women and enjoys his life during their 18 fucking year separation. The heroine? She stays celibate while he fucks whoever he wants. FOR 18 GOD DAMN YEARS.
Who writes this garbage? These authors are just pitiful with what they consider to be romantic. What kind of weak pathetic loser of a heroine are you trying to sell to us? Who the fuck are you writing for?
Who writes this garbage? These authors are just pitiful with what they consider to be romantic. What kind of weak pathetic loser of a heroine are you trying to sell to us? Who the fuck are you writing for?
August 25, 2018
Sexist claptrap....yawn.
Another spineless stupid doormat celibate woman.
Another piece of shit dickhead who prefers to be a piece of shit loser screwing other women and rubbing it in his heroine's face. He deserves his ex-wife, he's no better.
This goes on for 18 years. Yep EIGHTEEN YEARS.
Recommended to all doormats and sexist morons.
Another spineless stupid doormat celibate woman.
Another piece of shit dickhead who prefers to be a piece of shit loser screwing other women and rubbing it in his heroine's face. He deserves his ex-wife, he's no better.
This goes on for 18 years. Yep EIGHTEEN YEARS.
Recommended to all doormats and sexist morons.
July 13, 2022
I always a fan of these 2 authors. But in Hold You Close, I am disappointed. The story is promising. Something swoony romantic read. But... the characters kill all the feeling. Especially London. See she is a bitch. A selfish bitch who throws out all of her angry to the world and self pitying herself.
She thinks she is the smartest, most caring person in the world. That even Ian can not live to her expectation. Ian is a dumb hero. I do not know what is his attraction towards London. For someone who has an ex wife who is similar to London,he is gluten for punishment.
I know that the authors try to bring these ugly side of the character to heighten the frustration aspect, and dozing the story with so much romance galore. Well, it does not work.
Overall it does not work for me.
2 stars
She thinks she is the smartest, most caring person in the world. That even Ian can not live to her expectation. Ian is a dumb hero. I do not know what is his attraction towards London. For someone who has an ex wife who is similar to London,he is gluten for punishment.
I know that the authors try to bring these ugly side of the character to heighten the frustration aspect, and dozing the story with so much romance galore. Well, it does not work.
Overall it does not work for me.
2 stars
August 17, 2018
Title: Hold You Close
Author: Melanie Harlow & Corinnne Michaels
Genre: Contemporary Romance
~An ARC was Kindly Provided In Exchange For An Honest Review~
You know... you know it with every inch of your soul that when two of your favourite contemporary romance authors write a book together that it is going to be the BOMB!
Hold You Close is beautifully written. Somehow Melanie and Corinne were able to write a book that breaks your heart one moment and brings you tears of joy in the next. I'll admit I shed a tear or two while I read this book. Ok, since we are at the path of honesty, I'll also admit that I started this book in the back of a cab, I couldn't stop reading so...what you think I did? I made the cabbie turn the car around cause I HAD to finish the book.
I do not regret one minute of my impulsive decision... Hold You Close is freaking amazing!
Ian and London are simply put ... meant to be... soul males. Even when Ian breaks London's heart at seventeen, they have always always always loved each other. Granted, the last eighteen years have been spent bickering with each other. hahaha
When tragedy strikes, they can't help but put aside their 'differences' for the sake of their three Godchildren.
I loved each and every moment of this book: from the heartbreaking loss of loved ones to the challenges and struggles of everyday life. I cried, I laughed, I got really irritated with the characters for their 'stupid' decisions (I mean, come on! they should realise that they are meant to be. right? right? hahahaha), I felt hopeful but mostly I felt the love.
Cheesy..I know hahahaha
But I did! There is no denying that the moments between the children and their Uncle Ian and Aunt London are so precious... and also the moments between Ian and London are super hot!
Hold You Close is a rollercoaster of sadness,angst, love and hope.
I loved this books to bits! You should definitely read this book as soon as it is available.. you won't regret it!
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
August 17, 2018
Hold you close you was the book that fans of Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels were waiting for. This dynamic duo were powerful with their words, and made their writing feel effortless. I felt as though I was reading a book from one author instead of two and I have to say that these ladies were masters in their right.
London Parish and Ian Chase just had their world completely obliterated with a shocking loss. With no choice but to put their past feelings aside and do what’s right for the sake of family, these two are now a part of each others lives in a big way. But with their new reality and a past that did not go too well, London and Chase have a long way to go before they can ever be truly civilized to each other without someone getting hurt. Will these two finally bury their long hate feud and come together in the name of family? Or will they forever keep their distance?
I really loved the premise of this story and I think the authors did one hell of a job with making us feel everything for these characters. My poor heart was in pain for these guys and I empathized with them and mourned their loss as if it was my own. London along with everyone else had their own voice and I liked the fact that we got to see the involvement and the family united front. I did not agree with everything that Ian did and I really wanted to smack the heck out of him at certain times, but I give him credit for working his butt off and trying his hardest because that was the most important thing in that situation.
As for everything else, I loved feeling the emotions and seeing the evolution of some of these characters. They became more confident, more at peace, and the life that they thought was always in the cards and the best plan for them, turned out to be something else which was better in the making and I loved that it was unexpected.
If you’re looking for an emotional low angst heartwarming read, then this one is most definitely for you.
*Teaser used is from the author's site
February 22, 2020
4 Rising to the Occasion Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-Limited Time 99Cents!!!!
Life throws us many curves, some of them easy to adjust to... others can be heartbreaking. Some can take us so far out of our comfort zones, it may take a while for us to adapt. We may think we have things handled...but once we realize our days will never be the same, we either rise to the occasion or hide and pretend nothing has changed.
In Hold You Close, Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels focus on all of these challenges and the reader is taken on a full journey. We also are there when a second chance is explored between a first love gone wrong by an older boy when our gal was only seventeen. He was a best friend's older brother and now all these years later... that love turned to loathing.
Then life hands both of these two "enemies" responsibilities which will force them to work together for the better good. They will be challenged, have to deal with the feelings and each other that are still there. Love will be the main need for everyone involved.
These two authors have their strong suits, both having humor, light-hearted moments, handling angst and always care. All of this is part of this tale.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, Love/Hate, Forced Togetherness...Yum!
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
June 18, 2018
When you think about it
Only Corinne Michaels & Melanie Harlow could do this...
Take a story of years of want, years of push/pull and lots of heart...
Bring in life's hard experiences and wrap it up into a love story to...
Hold You Close- August 20th 2018
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-Limited Time 99Cents!!!!
Life throws us many curves, some of them easy to adjust to... others can be heartbreaking. Some can take us so far out of our comfort zones, it may take a while for us to adapt. We may think we have things handled...but once we realize our days will never be the same, we either rise to the occasion or hide and pretend nothing has changed.
In Hold You Close, Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels focus on all of these challenges and the reader is taken on a full journey. We also are there when a second chance is explored between a first love gone wrong by an older boy when our gal was only seventeen. He was a best friend's older brother and now all these years later... that love turned to loathing.
Then life hands both of these two "enemies" responsibilities which will force them to work together for the better good. They will be challenged, have to deal with the feelings and each other that are still there. Love will be the main need for everyone involved.
These two authors have their strong suits, both having humor, light-hearted moments, handling angst and always care. All of this is part of this tale.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, Love/Hate, Forced Togetherness...Yum!
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
June 18, 2018
When you think about it
Only Corinne Michaels & Melanie Harlow could do this...
Take a story of years of want, years of push/pull and lots of heart...
Bring in life's hard experiences and wrap it up into a love story to...
Hold You Close- August 20th 2018
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 20, 2018
17 years ago 18 year old London was madly in love with her best friend's older brother Ian. And then finally on her prom night - to which her date stood her up - Ian declared his feelings for her. London was over the moon happy after their one night. She made plans for the future. She wanted to give up her dream college to go to Ian's school. And poor Ian sacrificed his happiness and pretended to be an ass so that London would hate him and leave for Northwestern. Which worked. And she never knew what he did for her. But now - all those years later - they still hate each other and they constantly fight. They also live in two houses with connecting back yards.
But now they have to pull on their grown-up underwear because they just inherited three kids.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LONDON, IAN & THE KIDS???
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
═══════════════��═════
OY!
That was a great story. So heartbreaking in the beginning though. First because of the way Ian 'breaks up' with London and then later when his sister dies. And all through the book with the kids. Ugh. So sad.
But life has to go on and they have to work together to not screw up those kids anymore than the death of their parents already did.
But it's hard. They're still kind of in love with each other - even after all these years and all those other relationships and ex-wives and all the hate and fighting.
I just adored watching them angry-flirt-fight-foreplaying their way through the book ... it might take them a while to get to that happily ever after - but we'll get there! And the reader has an amazing time watching them! Very sexy and adorable and sparky and sweet and sad and frustrating! I loved reading it!!!
HOLD YOU CLOSE was a heartbreaking & adorable & funny & sexy second-chance-romance! Run to your nearest amazon asap for your own Ian - he'll be sold out in NO TIME!
The only tiny little things I didn't love about the book. The massive amount of wasted time! 17 years! Jeeeez. That's such a long time. How could they be so stupid? Just a little talk back then and everything would've been ok. But they didn't really try. I hate that. And now, it still takes them all through the book to grow up and really talk ... BUT - it all turned out perfect in the end - even if it took them almost two decades and the death of their favorite person and the whole book to get together.☺
♡
♡
♡
♡
August 7, 2018
Harlow and Michaels are a match made in writer heaven.
This story should be on every romance reader's list. The push and pull is delicious, the angst building into a glorious crescendo. It's most definitely an up-all-night'er.
When it comes to fun banter and tug-in-your-chest angst, Hold You Close takes the cake. This one will top lots of Best Of 2018 lists!
This story should be on every romance reader's list. The push and pull is delicious, the angst building into a glorious crescendo. It's most definitely an up-all-night'er.
When it comes to fun banter and tug-in-your-chest angst, Hold You Close takes the cake. This one will top lots of Best Of 2018 lists!
Shelved as 'will-pass'
February 18, 2021Definitely no. I would never, and I mean NEVER enjoy a second chance romance with an insensitive manwhore jerk and the pathetic girl pining after him.
August 20, 2018
4.5 'Never letting go' Stars!
ARC provided by the authors via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
There is this moment when you know a co-authored novel will work. And I knew from the second these two women announced their collaboration that I would enjoy the heck out of this piece of writing. I mean, Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels writing together? Oh yes, it totally works for me! I do feel their works are very similar when it comes to romances with lots of emotions. And, as you can imagine, Hold You Close is no exception to that. This book was amazing: heartbreaking, adorable, emotional and, of course, sexy.
Hold You Close is Melanie and Corinne’s first collaboration and it is a second chance contemporary standalone romance. This story starts in the past when we meet the main characters: London and Ian. So, London Parish has loved Sabrina’s brother for the longest time (Sabrina is her BFF). Ian Chase felt the same but circumstances made him break London’s heart when they were very young. Seventeen years pass and now these two have this “hate to love you” relationship. Sabrina is a huge part of both their lives and they must stand each other. Especially because they adore their godchildren. Well, besides that “hate”, not everything is happy moments around them. A devastating event happens and their lives have changed drastically. Will they be able to hold each other close?
I don’t want to want her like that. How many more fucking years will I have to fight it?
I love second chance love stories. It’s one of my favorite themes in contemporary romance and I just knew this collaboration would not disappoint me. I am a fan of both these authors and their styles together is just pure magic and so beautiful to read. As I said, both Melanie and Corinne are known for the emotions they portray in their stories and Hold You Close had me crying very early on. So as you can imagine, the emotions are all over the place. The main event at the start is so heartbreaking for all the characters and it’s just stunning to see them fight against the pain, to see London and Ian falling in love all over again and to see how they create a lovely family.
Ian is the gasoline and I’m the match—when we connect, we could start a forest fire.
Is this the same Ian I’ve spent my entire adult life hating, yet somehow knowing it was just because in the depths of my heart I still loved him?
Of course, related to all those emotional moments with all the other characters, I do have to mention how much I loved the relationship between Ian and London. I love second chances! And I loved finally discovering all the reasons behind Ian’s decision to break London’s heart (and his) all those years ago. And I loved how they find themselves again unable to stop what they feel for each other and that amazing chemistry they have. Boy! Their scenes are off-the-charts! But, obviously, the best part about this couple is when their scenes get extremely moving. I am so happy Ian and London got their HEA!
London is the person who makes my life make sense.
Therefore, my rating for Hold You Close is 4.5 STARS because it was a great second chance romance. I loved everything about it: the story, the characters, the emotions, the relationships and the chemistry between the couple. Ian and London are so great together and you’ll fall in love with their story if you enjoy contemporary romances with lots of feels and sexiness! I do hope this is not the last collaboration between Melanie and Corinne because they did great with this one. Highly recommend!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the authors via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
There is this moment when you know a co-authored novel will work. And I knew from the second these two women announced their collaboration that I would enjoy the heck out of this piece of writing. I mean, Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels writing together? Oh yes, it totally works for me! I do feel their works are very similar when it comes to romances with lots of emotions. And, as you can imagine, Hold You Close is no exception to that. This book was amazing: heartbreaking, adorable, emotional and, of course, sexy.
Hold You Close is Melanie and Corinne’s first collaboration and it is a second chance contemporary standalone romance. This story starts in the past when we meet the main characters: London and Ian. So, London Parish has loved Sabrina’s brother for the longest time (Sabrina is her BFF). Ian Chase felt the same but circumstances made him break London’s heart when they were very young. Seventeen years pass and now these two have this “hate to love you” relationship. Sabrina is a huge part of both their lives and they must stand each other. Especially because they adore their godchildren. Well, besides that “hate”, not everything is happy moments around them. A devastating event happens and their lives have changed drastically. Will they be able to hold each other close?
I don’t want to want her like that. How many more fucking years will I have to fight it?
I love second chance love stories. It’s one of my favorite themes in contemporary romance and I just knew this collaboration would not disappoint me. I am a fan of both these authors and their styles together is just pure magic and so beautiful to read. As I said, both Melanie and Corinne are known for the emotions they portray in their stories and Hold You Close had me crying very early on. So as you can imagine, the emotions are all over the place. The main event at the start is so heartbreaking for all the characters and it’s just stunning to see them fight against the pain, to see London and Ian falling in love all over again and to see how they create a lovely family.
Ian is the gasoline and I’m the match—when we connect, we could start a forest fire.
Is this the same Ian I’ve spent my entire adult life hating, yet somehow knowing it was just because in the depths of my heart I still loved him?
Of course, related to all those emotional moments with all the other characters, I do have to mention how much I loved the relationship between Ian and London. I love second chances! And I loved finally discovering all the reasons behind Ian’s decision to break London’s heart (and his) all those years ago. And I loved how they find themselves again unable to stop what they feel for each other and that amazing chemistry they have. Boy! Their scenes are off-the-charts! But, obviously, the best part about this couple is when their scenes get extremely moving. I am so happy Ian and London got their HEA!
London is the person who makes my life make sense.
Therefore, my rating for Hold You Close is 4.5 STARS because it was a great second chance romance. I loved everything about it: the story, the characters, the emotions, the relationships and the chemistry between the couple. Ian and London are so great together and you’ll fall in love with their story if you enjoy contemporary romances with lots of feels and sexiness! I do hope this is not the last collaboration between Melanie and Corinne because they did great with this one. Highly recommend!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
August 19, 2018
“I loved her once and let her go because she needed to fly.”
When I saw Corinne Michaels and Melanie Harlow were collaborating, I knew instantly that this book was going to be one I was going to love. I actually couldn’t read this one fast enough; the faster I read, the more I had to tell myself to slow down, take a breath, enjoy the moment and make it last for as long as possible. Hold You Close is one of those stories you actually want to last a lifetime. I loved it so much that I am actually jealous of everyone who gets to experience this piece of artistry for the first time. Second chance love stories are my favorite trope. I thrive on the heart racing moments, the anticipation, the angst and the outpouring of emotion. This story had it all and so much more.
London Parish loves to hate Ian Chase and hates to love him. Ian is London’s best friend’s older brother and she has loved him forever. Ian shattered London’s heart when she was seventeen and she has never forgiven him for that. Her love soon turned to blind hatred.
Unfortunately for London, the fact that Ian is her best friend’s older brother means that they will always be constantly in each-other’s lives and London just has to deal with that fact. I loved London as she was strong, determined and resilient. With Ian however, I was initially on the fence. He kind of got on my nerves early on, but I think that was the whole point and as I read on, I decided it was all part of his charm. He soon redeemed himself in my eyes and rather than wanting to shake him, I wanted to hug him. A tragic turn of events occurs that shakes them to their very core and is set to change the course of their whole lives forever.
I loved the whole dynamic between London and Ian. They had some serious chemistry going on and I just could not get enough of the witty banter that was exchanged, it was hilarious and beyond entertaining. They butt heads at every opportunity and that just made for the most awesome angst filled read. But, I knew they were meant to be… they were soul mates and everything happens for a reason.
Hold You Close was such a heart-warming, emotional, yet fun second chance love story that I just couldn’t get enough of. If you are looking for your next romance story to be written with the impeccable writing prowess you expect from these two fantastic authors (their back catalogues literally speak for themselves), then you do not want to miss this one.
August 15, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
HOLD YOU CLOSE: By Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels is a full length, standalone romance novel. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’
➽ Ian is the gasoline and I'm the match...when we connect, we could start a forest fire...
Ian was the prince of my dreams... London Parish has been in love with Ian Chase her best friends older brother since she was seventeen years old, and when her prom date stood her up he stood in, as most prom nights go he also became her first, after he declares he has feelings for her too, she fantasised of what their life together would be like, even to the point of putting her dreams aside of accepting a scholarship offer from Northwestern, and going to the same school he attends..But the very next day he broke her heart and she’s despised him ever since.
Fast forward..
Life has been good for both of them, Ian has a divorce under his belt which he's happy about, he's a successful business owner of a thriving club, and enjoys his playboy life style.
London at thirty-five is doing what she loves the most crunching numbers as a revenue analyst, in a high powered job where she's had to claw her way to the top in a male dominated world. She's destined to remain a spinster with her cat named after a favourite singer and is happy to stay that way.
We can't stand each other most of the time... And being neighbours hasn't helped either of them move on, he makes it too easy for her to dislike him with his playboy lifestyle and the parties he throws around his pool which he rubs in her face every time they cross paths.
➽ We fight. Claw, scratch, and tear each other apart. He's an asshole and I'm a bitch. We bring out the worst in each other.
When tragedy strikes their lives will never be the same again, because they have been entrusted as godparents to three children that are going to need Ian and London to work together to help these children get through life without their parents.
➽ London represents everything I've ever wanted but didn't deserve. She's a pain in the ass, but she's also brilliant, funny, kind, and loving. I loved her once and let her go because she needed to fly.
These two were a hot mess!! In some cases it was the kids that had to be the adults because these two were at loggerheads constantly tearing the other down, but that just upped the angst levels in this which one would expect with a second chance romance, throw in the children and you've got yourself a gem. The perfect blend of angst, hope, love, and emotional turmoil made for a rollercoaster of a unique read.
* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page *
August 30, 2018
I always find it difficult to write a 3-star review for an author I admire. ‘Hold You Close,’ is a favourite among romance readers, with likable characters, a playboy hero and a girl who had her heart broken. A second chance love and enemies-to-lovers all roll into the melting pot of sweet romance, written by two talented authors. I expected to fall head over heals for the story but for some reason I just did not feel invested. For my reading taste there was something amiss in terms of the character motivation and the impetus for the initial conflict between the hero and heroine and I believe it is these two aspects that affected my personal enjoyment.
‘Hold You Close,’ has all the traditional ingredients that will make readers swoon over this sweet romance and the hero at its heart. It didn't work for me as I had hoped but I am a lone voice in a sea of love for this story so I’d certainly recommend to lovers of the reading tropes I have noted above.
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August 19, 20184.5 "OMG. LOVE" Stars!!
I admit to having HUGE expectations going into this novel! I mean, it’s CORINNE MICHAELS (Queen of angst) and MELANIE HARLOW (Queen of sweet) coming together to write an explosively epic romance novel. It should be all the things, a match made in bookish heaven, right?! Well, let me tell you, it was that and so so so much more! The angst, the sexy times, the banter, the funny, the sweet, Hold You Close had it all. It’s a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that brought BIG TIME feels. What could have been a heavy storyline was tempered by two characters who had you on the edge of your seat, dying to see what they’d do next. Ian and London’s loathing for one another created the most delicious dynamic and the most spectacular dialogue. I laughed, I swooned, I got teary eyed, and most importantly, I couldn’t put this standalone down. It was a spellbinding romance from front to back.
What’s the story about?!
Ian and London have a past! Ian crushed London’s heart when she was a teenager. Fast forward years and years later, they’re still connected because London is BFF’s with Ian’s sister, and they’re also neighbors, lol. To say that these two hate each other would be putting it mildly. London and Ian have a fierce back and forth, and they get off on being vile to one other. The bitterness between them is an entity of its own. Unfortunately that comes to a head when Ian’s sister and her husband die in a plane crash and suddenly, Ian—bachelor, playboy, and night club owner—is a father to her 3 kids. And ohhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyy feellssss... this story sizzles.
Ian and London are simply impossible to look away from. The chemistry that churns and burns between them, the dialogue and sharp comebacks, the viciously sexy taunting and desperate longing they have for one another makes for one hell of a juicy story. I was riveted as each page forced these two to confront their issues. And man, is Ian an asshole. THAT MAN IS AHHHHHHH... He had me loving to hate him in the very best way.
Overall, I loved this sweet story. It’s a heartfelt read with amazing characters, great writing, and a compelling storyline that made it impossible to put down. Sexy and funny, sweet and sassy, fiery and hot, Hold You Close is all the things and more. I had big expectations but I’m happy to report that they were certainly fulfilled by the end. Melanie Harlow and Corinne Micheals are an electric combination and they nailed this. I can’t wait to see what next from this marvelous duo.
I admit to having HUGE expectations going into this novel! I mean, it’s CORINNE MICHAELS (Queen of angst) and MELANIE HARLOW (Queen of sweet) coming together to write an explosively epic romance novel. It should be all the things, a match made in bookish heaven, right?! Well, let me tell you, it was that and so so so much more! The angst, the sexy times, the banter, the funny, the sweet, Hold You Close had it all. It’s a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that brought BIG TIME feels. What could have been a heavy storyline was tempered by two characters who had you on the edge of your seat, dying to see what they’d do next. Ian and London’s loathing for one another created the most delicious dynamic and the most spectacular dialogue. I laughed, I swooned, I got teary eyed, and most importantly, I couldn’t put this standalone down. It was a spellbinding romance from front to back.
What’s the story about?!
Ian and London have a past! Ian crushed London’s heart when she was a teenager. Fast forward years and years later, they’re still connected because London is BFF’s with Ian’s sister, and they’re also neighbors, lol. To say that these two hate each other would be putting it mildly. London and Ian have a fierce back and forth, and they get off on being vile to one other. The bitterness between them is an entity of its own. Unfortunately that comes to a head when Ian’s sister and her husband die in a plane crash and suddenly, Ian—bachelor, playboy, and night club owner—is a father to her 3 kids. And ohhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyy feellssss... this story sizzles.
Ian and London are simply impossible to look away from. The chemistry that churns and burns between them, the dialogue and sharp comebacks, the viciously sexy taunting and desperate longing they have for one another makes for one hell of a juicy story. I was riveted as each page forced these two to confront their issues. And man, is Ian an asshole. THAT MAN IS AHHHHHHH... He had me loving to hate him in the very best way.
Overall, I loved this sweet story. It’s a heartfelt read with amazing characters, great writing, and a compelling storyline that made it impossible to put down. Sexy and funny, sweet and sassy, fiery and hot, Hold You Close is all the things and more. I had big expectations but I’m happy to report that they were certainly fulfilled by the end. Melanie Harlow and Corinne Micheals are an electric combination and they nailed this. I can’t wait to see what next from this marvelous duo.
August 13, 2018
Such a gorgeous story, I loved it! 4 stars!
When I heard that two of my favourite authors were teaming up to co-write, I was beyond excited. Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels have individually written some of my all-time favourite books, and together they have created a beautiful story that is heartfelt yet fun, romantic and sizzling with chemistry with a sexy and swoony second-chance love story. Combining some of my favourite tropes (young love, best friend’s brother, second-chance and enemies-to-lovers), I was sucked right into the emotional ride that is this book, and I loved every moment, unable to put it down. Such a great read, I loved it!
London and Ian met as kids, he was the older brother of her best friend and she pined over him for years before he finally reciprocated, and they confessed their love for each other as teenagers and had one magical night together before it all fell apart. For years they have kept their feelings at bay by ignoring and/or arguing with each other, turning their feelings for each other into what they call ‘hatred’. But when Ian’s sister and her husband are tragically killed, they are forced together to come together to care for their three orphaned children, putting them into an emotionally intense situation and making them finally address their past and deal with the feelings that are still very much present between them.
London is a great heroine – smart, sensible and relatable. She is mostly content with her quiet, single life and is devoted to her career, but she loves the children as if they were her own, and despite her difficulties with Ian, she throws herself into the situation to care for and support them. And Ian! OMG, I love him! He is sexy, arrogant, and a complete playboy. Bold and irreverent with a delightfully playful edge, he doesn’t hold anything back, and his antics and outbursts had me laughing out loud more than once. And the animosity between them brings a fantastically fun dynamic.
And OMG I love the set up for this story! Of course it’s tragic, but it means that emotions are running high from the very beginning, and Ian and London are immediately all up in each other’s faces as they battle with each other. It’s hot and feisty and full of feeling, and it’s only a matter of time before years’ worth of pent-up emotion comes out.
There is so much emotion between these two. Ian had his reasons for breaking London’s heart, thinking he was doing the right thing, even though she has no idea, but they both know that they’ve never really moved on from each other. There are years of animosity that they need to overcome, and it takes some time for both of them to accept everything that’s happening between them, but every step of it is sizzling with chemistry.
The sexual tension is absolutely fantastic! And once they give in to it, it’s not only really freaking hot, but the romance unfolds easily and naturally, and I loved watching it happen for them.
But when the time comes for life choices to be made, priorities shift and hearts are put on the line as they are forced to figure out what it is they truly want. The drama is high, and the conflict is slightly eye-rolling but it’s resolved quickly and in sensational style, fitting well as part of their journey and I loved watching it all play out.
Oh swoon!!!!!
It’s such a gorgeous story, and I loved every stage of London and Ian’s story as they battled hard, and loved even harder. Though I would have liked to have seen a bit more interaction with the kids. Of course they are involved, and they are each well-developed characters, but at times it felt like London and Ian were more interested in what was going on between them then with the welfare of the kids which, given their circumstances, seemed a bit unrealistic. But it ensures some great development in the love story, and the way that the kids played into it was really sweetly done.
This is a great read. Fun and sexy with lots of heart and a beautiful romance (and an epilogue that is just perfection!), and I was easily swept up in the story. It’s a great beginning to what I hope is a writing duo that we get to see more of (and bonus points for the Jack Valentini and Eli Walsh references!).
I loved it - 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I heard that two of my favourite authors were teaming up to co-write, I was beyond excited. Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels have individually written some of my all-time favourite books, and together they have created a beautiful story that is heartfelt yet fun, romantic and sizzling with chemistry with a sexy and swoony second-chance love story. Combining some of my favourite tropes (young love, best friend’s brother, second-chance and enemies-to-lovers), I was sucked right into the emotional ride that is this book, and I loved every moment, unable to put it down. Such a great read, I loved it!
London and Ian met as kids, he was the older brother of her best friend and she pined over him for years before he finally reciprocated, and they confessed their love for each other as teenagers and had one magical night together before it all fell apart. For years they have kept their feelings at bay by ignoring and/or arguing with each other, turning their feelings for each other into what they call ‘hatred’. But when Ian’s sister and her husband are tragically killed, they are forced together to come together to care for their three orphaned children, putting them into an emotionally intense situation and making them finally address their past and deal with the feelings that are still very much present between them.
London represents everything I’ve ever wanted but didn’t deserve.
She’s a pain in the ass, but she’s also brilliant, funny, kind and loving. I loved her once and let her go because she needed to fly.
If I couldn’t have her, I had to hate her. It was the only way I could get over her.
But as I sit here and watch her leave my house, I know that deep down, I never did.
London is a great heroine – smart, sensible and relatable. She is mostly content with her quiet, single life and is devoted to her career, but she loves the children as if they were her own, and despite her difficulties with Ian, she throws herself into the situation to care for and support them. And Ian! OMG, I love him! He is sexy, arrogant, and a complete playboy. Bold and irreverent with a delightfully playful edge, he doesn’t hold anything back, and his antics and outbursts had me laughing out loud more than once. And the animosity between them brings a fantastically fun dynamic.
The thing about love is that it’s irrational and stupid. I work with statistics and analyse hard data – I weigh probabilities and risks, and think in truths and facts.
Truth – Ian broke my heart.
Truth – Ian is the man I’ve never gotten over.
Fact – Ian is a selfish player who doesn’t give a shit about me.
Fact – I want to rip his clothes off and fuck his brains out.
And OMG I love the set up for this story! Of course it’s tragic, but it means that emotions are running high from the very beginning, and Ian and London are immediately all up in each other’s faces as they battle with each other. It’s hot and feisty and full of feeling, and it’s only a matter of time before years’ worth of pent-up emotion comes out.
“I don’t hate you. I wish I hated you. It would make things easier, it would mean I don’t care.”
There is so much emotion between these two. Ian had his reasons for breaking London’s heart, thinking he was doing the right thing, even though she has no idea, but they both know that they’ve never really moved on from each other. There are years of animosity that they need to overcome, and it takes some time for both of them to accept everything that’s happening between them, but every step of it is sizzling with chemistry.
“Are you thinking about when I kissed you?”
Her lips part. “No.”
I keep walking toward her, waiting for her to stop me. “No? You don’t want me to hold you in my arms, press my lips to yours, and remind you how good we fit?” She doesn’t move and now we’re just a breath apart.
I could kiss her right now.
I could do everything I’ve wanted to.
But I won’t make a fool of myself again.
“No, I don’t.”
She’s lying, but I’ll let her have it.
“The next time I kiss you, London Parish, it’ll be because you beg me to,” I promise her.
The sexual tension is absolutely fantastic! And once they give in to it, it’s not only really freaking hot, but the romance unfolds easily and naturally, and I loved watching it happen for them.
His hand cups my cheek. “I meant what I said before you left. You might think I’ve charmed you before, but you haven’t seen anything yet. I hope you’re ready.”
My throat goes dry at his promise. “What if I’m not?”
He smiles down at me. “Then you better find a way – and fast.”
But when the time comes for life choices to be made, priorities shift and hearts are put on the line as they are forced to figure out what it is they truly want. The drama is high, and the conflict is slightly eye-rolling but it’s resolved quickly and in sensational style, fitting well as part of their journey and I loved watching it all play out.
“I never stopped loving you. Ever. Even when we fought, even when I pretended to hate you, even when I tried to forget you, you’ve always been the one.”
Oh swoon!!!!!
It’s such a gorgeous story, and I loved every stage of London and Ian’s story as they battled hard, and loved even harder. Though I would have liked to have seen a bit more interaction with the kids. Of course they are involved, and they are each well-developed characters, but at times it felt like London and Ian were more interested in what was going on between them then with the welfare of the kids which, given their circumstances, seemed a bit unrealistic. But it ensures some great development in the love story, and the way that the kids played into it was really sweetly done.
This is a great read. Fun and sexy with lots of heart and a beautiful romance (and an epilogue that is just perfection!), and I was easily swept up in the story. It’s a great beginning to what I hope is a writing duo that we get to see more of (and bonus points for the Jack Valentini and Eli Walsh references!).
I loved it - 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'no-way-jose'
September 25, 2018This title.. tsk tsk.. it doesn’t fit here IMO.
This “romance book “ (trying hard no to laugh at this. LMAO) was recommended to me. TO ME? HAHAHAHAHAHA. Thanks to heaven for honest reviews and the spoilers that come with them. And over a 2000 readers read this and 400 something went to the trouble to actually review it, hence my appreciation for those reviewers. Lol
Both (z)hero and (z)heroine are despising. For him, I have no words to say. There’s not a word demeaning enough to describe the scumbag. But for her: spineless, doormat, weak, stupid, idiot, punch bag, etc.
Read this review
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This “romance book “ (trying hard no to laugh at this. LMAO) was recommended to me. TO ME? HAHAHAHAHAHA. Thanks to heaven for honest reviews and the spoilers that come with them. And over a 2000 readers read this and 400 something went to the trouble to actually review it, hence my appreciation for those reviewers. Lol
Both (z)hero and (z)heroine are despising. For him, I have no words to say. There’s not a word demeaning enough to describe the scumbag. But for her: spineless, doormat, weak, stupid, idiot, punch bag, etc.
Read this review
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read
October 4, 2018This one wasn't for me, unfortunately :|
Shelved as 'avoid'
November 1, 2021Self note;
When two doormat authors get together to write a romance novel ….
- he breaks her heart.
18 yr separation, he fucks left and right is a huge manwhore, even getting married to another woman.
The h pines and remains celibate..for 18 fucking years. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Why isn’t there an option on Goodread to ignore authors…. ??
When two doormat authors get together to write a romance novel ….
- he breaks her heart.
18 yr separation, he fucks left and right is a huge manwhore, even getting married to another woman.
The h pines and remains celibate..for 18 fucking years. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Why isn’t there an option on Goodread to ignore authors…. ??
January 8, 2019
1 ⭐- Ugh! Didn't like it or triggers or pet peeve!
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SHE IS A BIG LOSER/DOORMAT/DUMB AND HE IS A BIG MANWHORE/ASSHOLE!
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SHE IS A BIG LOSER/DOORMAT/DUMB AND HE IS A BIG MANWHORE/ASSHOLE!
August 21, 2018
Hold You Close is a collaboration between two bestselling authors, Melanie Harlow and Corinne Michaels. They did a fantastic job working together to give you a solid romance that flowed well and writing that complemented each other. An emotional, gripping second chance romance that shined a light into the darkest of situations.
London Parish had a slight crush on her best friend’s older brother, she never would have thought he’d return the same feelings – until the morning after where confessions were whispered. But London had big dreams and Ian refused to be the reason why she lost sight of them.
Years later, London and Ian are having to face tragedy and put aside their history to focus on the three little people who just lost their entire world. But old feelings resurface quickly and what began as a love to hate story is magically turning into a love to hate to love story.
Harlow & Michaels gave good romance in this one, folks. Ian was cocky, bullheaded and a bit of a jerk – I think I loved and hated him through most of this book. And to give you an idea of how much you fall for these characters – my hate all stemmed from things that he *must have done* during the parts of the story we don’t get to see. Yeah, not rational at all – but you just can’t help but fall into this story and these characters.
I fell hard for this unconventional family. My heart broke for the kids and for both London and Ian who were having to navigate this new world without their rock to lean on.
I am fan of both of these authors and I’m going to blame all the tears on Corinne Michaels. And although this story had it’s heartbreaking moments, there was such hope given watching them bond and find a new normal.
If you love a good second chance romance and don’t mind a bit of angst and emotion – this is your book.
London Parish had a slight crush on her best friend’s older brother, she never would have thought he’d return the same feelings – until the morning after where confessions were whispered. But London had big dreams and Ian refused to be the reason why she lost sight of them.
Years later, London and Ian are having to face tragedy and put aside their history to focus on the three little people who just lost their entire world. But old feelings resurface quickly and what began as a love to hate story is magically turning into a love to hate to love story.
Harlow & Michaels gave good romance in this one, folks. Ian was cocky, bullheaded and a bit of a jerk – I think I loved and hated him through most of this book. And to give you an idea of how much you fall for these characters – my hate all stemmed from things that he *must have done* during the parts of the story we don’t get to see. Yeah, not rational at all – but you just can’t help but fall into this story and these characters.
I fell hard for this unconventional family. My heart broke for the kids and for both London and Ian who were having to navigate this new world without their rock to lean on.
I am fan of both of these authors and I’m going to blame all the tears on Corinne Michaels. And although this story had it’s heartbreaking moments, there was such hope given watching them bond and find a new normal.
If you love a good second chance romance and don’t mind a bit of angst and emotion – this is your book.
August 20, 2018
I savored every word of this beautiful story because I never wanted it to end. I adored these characters and never wanted to let them go. It was beautiful, the writing superb, and the flow was amazing. I can’t wait for more from this duo!
August 19, 2019
Hero was just disgusting, no redeeming him, he did not love the heroine, and she was beyond spineless! What is wrong with these authors?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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