The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of publication: March 2015

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

The Closer You Come is a new non-paranormal romance series by Gena Showalter featuring three rich bad boys who have moved to Strawberry Valley for a new life.  The first book, focuses on Jase and Brook Lynn. For the most part, I liked this story.  Jase and Brook Lynn both carry some heavy baggage.  They are really good for each other.  Having been in prison, Jase has some major PTSD as a result of his experience.  He is reluctant to tell Brook Lynn the truth about where he was for 9 years.  Brook Lynn has her hands full trying to make ends meet and keeping her sister in check.  Not and easy task.  Watching them fall for each other was really fun.

The one thing that really kind of skeeved me out and made me almost make it a DNF, was the way the two of them met.  It was a very awkward and kind of icky scenario that had me questioning what the author was thinking with that.  But, if I ignored that first scene, the rest of the book was great.

I did also love the relationship between Jase and his two friends.  Having grown up in the system together, their bond is strong and they are as close as brothers.  I look forward to reading their stories in the upcoming books!