Hold Me Close

Paradise, Idaho, Book 2

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Phil Gigante, Natalie Ross

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Kayla Chambers knows what love is - and what it isn't. When her boyfriend turns abusive, she and her son escape to a new life in a place where he'll never find them. The idyllic town of Paradise, Idaho, has everything she needs to get back on her feet. Survival is her only goal, and the last thing she wants is another man in her life.

But Kayla's new neighbor, high school principal Luke Jackson, is determined to change her mind. Luke usually takes the fast lane with women, but he can see that Kayla and her son need help, and he wants to earn her trust - even if that means taking things slow. He strikes up a friendship that soon simmers into something passionate and real. But when Kayla's past catches up with her, Luke knows he has to find a way to keep her safe...or risk losing her forever.

©2015 Rosalind James (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Just too much!!

Where does Hold Me Close rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Way too much of the repeating sex scenes - didn't add to the story at all after awhile!

If you’ve listened to books by Rosalind James before, how does this one compare?

Not as good. Would have been rated much better if it was not so repetative.

What does Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Both are great!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, the paper written about thankfulness...

Any additional comments?

Great job of describing abuse and very clear about abuse not being acceptable at all...

Nice story

I enjoyed this audiobook very much. The story deals with domestic abuse and its aftermath in the victims ability to trust again. The characters were likeable and the narration was excellent.

Luv this series

Great book and narration. Not too deep, but enough to hold your attention.I wAnt to go to the town of Paradise.

Romantic suspense at its finest

Warning, this story has some serious themes and could negatively trigger some people who have suffered from DV situations. This is very respectful and there is a happy ending. This is a beautiful love story, suspense and realism, as well as a little spice.

Check out this amazing story by one of my favorite romance authors, Rosalind James. This story is so touching and sweet, but it is not your typical -light afternoon romance read. It has some serious chops and I felt it deserved some recognition. This story touches on some very serious themes, domestic violence, survival against serious odds, and finding the courage and help to escape a dangerous situation in a time of personal crisis. Kayla is so brave and overcomes a dangerous relationship. She finds an escape to small college town in Idaho. She meets Luke, her hot neighbor and local high school principal. They quickly discover the have serious chemistry and are so perfect for each other in so many ways. You just want to see Kayla beat her demons once and for all. She has gone through so much turmoil and Luke really comes through for her with tenderness, honor and love as the hero in this book.The characters are so well-drawn and realistic, and the romance isn't bad, either! Just wanted to share this lovely story with everyone I know. It is so well written and if you like your romantic fiction with some suspense and realism, as well as a little spice, this is for you

I loved the dual narration in this series!

I was not sure what to.think with 2 narrators, but I loved it. it really brought the story more to life.

Hold me close. yes!

Enjoyed the character development not only the main characters but the extended family as well. My favorite the 2 people --read like a play. Fantastic !!

A beautifuly told story

Hold Me Close is a story of a woman who had fallen on hard times, finds a man whom she believes to be good to her and her son only to have him abuse her. Ms. James did a wonderful job with this book about domestic abuse, the effects it has on all who are effected.

Listening to two narrators was a first for me, I never realized how "country" Idaho is. Phil and Natalie did an excellent job with the characters, although I did feel as though Kayla's son Eli sounded a bit "off" Both Phil and Nathalie conveyed the fear and love well. Luke is nearly perfect, I loved his quick wit and charm. Kayla was hard on herself, but was able to move on and better her life and her sons. The love scenes were not at as many as Ms. James other books, but with this storyline it was understandable. However, those love scenes were HOT and steamy!

This book made me laugh and cry. It was suspenseful, thought provoking, and loving.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own

Will Luke Protect Me Too

Wow did Kayla luck out when she comes to town and catches the eye of her childhood crush who doesn't remember her. Now that sets this up for a story within the story which Rosalind James is very good at pulling off. I love that this strong woman found herself in a bad situation, put her kid first and planned a smart and safe way to remove them from the situation. Smart, strong and pretty, Kayla is the perfect heroine for hot, sexy and protective Luke. This book has everything -- sweet romance, cute kid, family dynamics, psycho stalker ex boyfriend. I like this book even better than the first one even if Cal is funnier than Luke.

The duet style narration is the absolute best, especially with these two narrators. Phil Gigante has the most swoon-worthy voice that makes this a must listen.

Absolutely worth the price I paid -- I was less than a credit so I would gladly pay it again.

Rosalind At Her Best!

Any additional comments?

This is the first time a Rosalind James book has had two narrators. It was different and I really enjoyed it! LIstening to a male narrate the male characters and a female narrate the female characters made the story and dialogue flow very well. They emotions they brought to the story felt real and the characters came to life. An excellent listen!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own


I also read the book and I've included my Amazon review below:

This is a sometimes difficult book to read because it deals with abuse. Yet it shows how a strong woman and a loving man can overcome something so horrible. I truly applaud Rosalind James for tackling such a tough subject with sensitivity and getting into the mindset of the victim.

As usual, Rosalind's characters are rich, vibrant and so wonderful to be part of. The interplay between Luke and Eli is heartwarming. And it wouldn't be a Rosalind James book without a hot, hot, hot love scene.

Do yourself a favor and take the time to visit Paradise, Idaho and meet three people who were made for each other!

Sweet romance with a dash of suspense

Any additional comments?

The love that blossoms between Kayla and Luke is so sweet. He is so patient with her as she learns to trust in men again following an abusive relationship. Everyone needs a Luke in their life. Not only does Luke understand Kayla's needs but he also takes into consideration Kayla's son and his needs.I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.