In Paradise, Idaho's small, charming town, Rosalind James introduces us to a heartwarming and captivating tale of love and second chances. "Hold Me Close" is a beautifully crafted romance novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you yearning for more.

Our protagonists, Kaylie Fletcher and Jake Mitchell are two complex and beautifully flawed characters. Kaylie, a strong, independent woman, is trying to build a new life after a tumultuous past. Jake, a former military man turned rancher, struggles with his demons and the scars left from his time in the service. When their paths cross, the chemistry is undeniable, yet the road to true love is far from smooth.

Rosalind James does a fantastic job of intertwining Kaylie and Jake's individual stories, creating an intricate tapestry of emotion and desire. The book delves into the challenges faced by both characters, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the power of love in healing old wounds. The author's deep understanding of human emotions is evident throughout the novel, as she masterfully captures the essence of each character and their respective journeys.

The vivid descriptions of the idyllic town of Paradise, Idaho, provide the perfect backdrop for Kaylie and Jake's blossoming romance. James's writing style is descriptive and engaging, easily pulling readers into the picturesque setting. The secondary characters, including the residents of Paradise, add depth and richness to the story, creating a sense of community that perfectly complements the novel's themes.

"Hold Me Close" is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. With relatable characters and an engaging storyline, this novel is a delightful addition to the romance genre. Rosalind James's ability to evoke emotions with her words will captivate readers from beginning to end. So, if you're searching for a heartwarming story filled with love, healing, and the enchanting town of Paradise, Idaho, look no further than "Hold Me Close."

Let me say I loved the fact that domestic violence was taken on directly. I understand the need for trigger warnings, however, I dislike that the topic is so often avoided or that a reader is left to "read between the lines" to see what is going on. Of course, since this book's release, DV has become less in the shadows -- but this was one of the first!

I have not read the entre series, but I will be checking them out. Fantastic character development along with well-aced elements of romance and suspense.

Hold Me Close takes us back to Paradise, Idaho where we first meet Luke Jackson, the brother of Cal in Carry Me Home. Ms James does not disappoint with book number 2 in the Paradise series (I am really looking forward to book number 3, but first things first!!) as we are introduced to Kayla Chambers and her son Eli.
Kayla is escaping from her abusive boyfriend, taking literally the clothes on her back and her son as they leave this violent relationship far behind. Still grieving from the death of her beloved husband, Kayla met Alan when her self esteem was low and was soon embroiled in a horrible situation of which she had to escape, for herself and most importantly for her son. Memories of an idyllic summer spent in Paradise many years ago, takes Kayla there to start her new life. Enter Luke Jackson, high school principal, local nice guy, and completely gorgeous to boot!, who the idea of a steady, committed relationship does not appeal to one iota! Little does Luke know how meeting Kayla and Eli will change his mind and life completely.
Hold Me Close is a story of romance, hope, new beginnings and small-town appeal. We meet the Jackson family again, and are once more reminded how much we like Zoe and Cal and the Jackson parents, how much fun Rochelle is (with a story or two hidden behind her outgoing persona!) and how small-town Paradise is a a real-life paradise.
And Eli! Oh Eli ... He will steal your heart from the get-go with his love and loyalty to his mum and desire for a better life for them both. So if a love story, written with some suspense, set in idyllic countryside, with a story that keeps you on the edge is what you are after, then Rosalind James' Hold Me Close is the book for you. I just love it and can not wait for more to come!

As always, Rosalind James pulls you into the story line from the first pages. This book has to do with domestic abuse.

The way it is written, you are able to understand not only Kayla's physical pain, but Kayla and Eli's emotional distress. You get a good sense of Luke's hesitation. His difficulty with moving slowly and cautiously, while taking Kayla and Eli's fears into consideration. All the while there is the underlying tension and suspense of her abusive ex, Alan, being on the hunt for her.

Luke and Kayla's romance was slow, sweet, and sensual. The way he took care of Kayla and Eli was heart warming. This was truly a good book that was difficult to put down. I would highly recommend this book.

This is the second book in the Paradise Idaho series by Rosalind James. It is not necessary to read the first one, however there are returning characters so it does help to see how they all intertwine.

Kayla was a young widower when she met Alan. Facing some terrifyingly hard times with her son, Alan seemed like the perfect knight in shining armor sent to rescue her and her son Eli. Alan showered her in attention and fine things, but that all quickly changed when he turned controlling and abusive. Kayla knew if she stayed, Eli would be his next target, or she would be dead. She devised a plan to leave and ended up in Paradise Idaho, a small town she once visited as a young child, and hoped she could blend in with the gorgeous scenery and remain undetected. She was not counting on Luke, though. Luke, the boy she knew at 8 was now a child no longer. As a High School principal, he worked with many abused children and mothers, and knew the signs all too easy. Like dealing with a skiddish animal, he knew when to come closer and when to retreat for the next day. His constant support and strength that he offers, while not boxing her in and making her feel obligated, finally teaches Kayla and Eli to trust again.

Rosalind James gets the tone of the characters just right. Eli has the voice of a 9 year old that has seen too much and shouldered much responsibility. Kayla reacts the way one would expect a victimized person to act. It is obvious much research went into getting this right. I have read all of Rosalind James' novels, and I have loved her New Zealand series for their light hearted appeal. However, this was by far my favorite book by her. I liked it even so much more that Cal and Zoe's story. The suspense isn't too much, and you know a happy ending will be forthcoming, so you read through and can't wait to get to the final show down when you know Alan will get what's coming to him. Without giving anything away, the ending was very satisfying and the HEA was exactly what one would expect from these characters. Job well done to Mrs. James.

I love how the book is written. The characters are well written each character personality fits them. Great book!

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. Main characters Kayla and Luke were likable and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I thought the balance between their romance and the suspense storyline was good. I thought that Kayla was a strong, resilient character, and I loved Luke's protectiveness. Eli was a great character as well, and added to the story. This was a good 2nd book in the Idaho series.

Kayla moves away from her abusive boyfriend with her son and goes to a little town in Idaho that she used to visit as a young girl. Luke Jackson is Kayla’s neighbor and sees that she needs help. It is then that she recognizes a boy from her past that is now a man. He does not remember her until later in the story. She fights wanting to be attracted to him because of her last boyfriend. Plus she is still thinking about her husband the father of her son who died a few years ago. Wanting to make a better life for her son and for herself she is allowing everything to go at a slow pace. She still needs to be on the lookout for her ex. A good story of a women taking back her life and showing her son that what her ex was doing was not the way to treat a women. The author also provides information at the end of the book for battered women which I thought was good as well. Overall a good book. With very good characters and a nice twist at the end.