I can’t get enough of the wonderful characters that Gena Showalter has created in her Original Heartbreakers series. Jude and Ryanne were fantastic and I loved their story!
Can’t Let Go (The Original Heartbreakers #5) by Gena Showalter
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Awesome read! I really liked all the ups and downs between Jude and Ryanne as everything develops. I loved the tension, animosity, and drama as well as the playfulness and sweetness. I was hooked the entire time. And Jude, oh my! This man with all his gruffness, watching him open up was amazing!
I thought Jude and Ryanne had a fantastic story. Jude had a heartbreaking history and I enjoyed getting inside his head, he had serious demons to battle and I could feel his pain. It was emotional but every time he opened up, another layer peeled back and he opened his heart even more and it made me melt. Ryanne was so full of life and outgoing but also guarding her heart because of how she was raised, so watching their relationship evolve and grow was wonderful. They had so many playful and flirtatious moments mixed in with his grumpiness and I thought there was a nice balance between them. There’s really good chemistry and animosity, and a really nice amount of heat as well.
I love how the author dealt with Jude's battle, he was just in so much pain and moving on could be hard and I really like how that was portrayed. I also really liked how Ryanne was there for him and understanding, though sometimes I think she forgave a bit to easily. The back and forth, push and pull between Jude and Ryanne was off the charts. It happened a lot and often but it helped make for a great build. They both frustrated me at times, said some things they shouldn't have, and fought their feelings but getting to that moment when everything clicks was so worth it.
I really enjoyed the secondary story that's happening as well with Ryanne. It made for some really nice drama and I liked that extra bit of suspense. I was excited about the updates on other characters from previous stories in the Original Heartbreakers series and liked getting to see more of Brock. He and Lyndie's stories is next and I’m definitely looking forward to it.
I think this is such an awesome series, the build is fantastic while everyone figures themselves out. There's a really nice cast of characters as well with a great mix of drama, emotion, and heat. It's just a well rounded, full story that had me cheering for the Jude and Ryanne to get their happily ever after. This was a winner!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Purchase your copy of Can’t Let Go
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes
Connect with Gena Showalter
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Author on Amazon
The One You Want (#0.5) – Amazon
The Closer You Come (#1) – Amazon | My Review
The Hotter You Burn (#2) - Amazon | My Review
The Harder You Fall (#3) – Amazon | My Review
Can’t Hardly Breathe (#4) – Amazon | My Review
Can’t Get Enough (#6) – Amazon | Releases December 5, 2017
All of the stories in The Original Heartbreakers series are standalones. I personally am a big fan of reading in order. What about you? Do you read in order or can you jump in anywhere? Let Me Know!
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