Books & Spoons Review: THE CLOSER YOU COME by Gena Showalter

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

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.

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The tone of the story is an interesting mix of YA angst and dippy humor. Lots of lust filled inner thoughts, and banter between the friends, to lighten up the uneasiness of the everyday life.
There's so much pain, sorrow, and regrets in the past of the friends. Their experiences in the foster care, and after, have broken their souls. The way there are there for each other, support each other, and love each other, is commendable. Because deep down, under all the destructive behavior, they are good men. They just have too much guilt to really live.
Brook Lynn's relationship with her sister is odd, she is acting as it is her responsibility to take care of her older sister. They live in a codependent symbiosis, unstable at the most of the  times.
Jase and Brook Lynn's relationship starts off on an awkward way, as she busts into his bedroom right after he slept with her sister. Yes, just wanted to put it out there.
But soon their thoughts are filled only of each other. The play the pull-push dance for a long time, wanting but not acting on it. When they finally take the step, it is the first step for Jase for healing and accepting his past. And for Brook Lynn letting go of her role as a warden to her sister. And when Jase finally let go of his inner guard, and confesses his love to Brook Lynn, it is true poetry.
I admit something about the story was rather addictive. The connection between the friends, the protective strike the males had, the fun way the tragic story was told. There are issues the characters have, and some events, that were not easy to accept. Certainly made me think, and that is always a plus. Fascinating group of characters, interesting set up for the series
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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