Everyone wants to get close to a rock star.The bright lights.The music.Those talented fingers strumming… a guitar.Everyone wants to bang a rock star. So why do I keep running from the one who wants me? I’m America’s Sweetheart.I have a reputation.He’s a boy-band icon turned rock god.I’m vanilla.He’s every flavor of bad.And he’s much, much too young for me.If I end up in Nick Ryder’s bed, my … too young for me.
If I end up in Nick Ryder’s bed, my career and I will both be screwed.
…but that’s only if I’m caught.
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Sexy hot older woman/younger man read. Loved this book so much!
WOW! This one really was good and I listened to it on audio and it had me blushing at parts, me blushing! and looking over my shoulder and hoping no one was coming down the hall behind me while I was listening. *big smile* Okay, really, this was great. First off, I usually bypass Hollywood stories any more, they don’t do anything for me but this one tweaked my interest since it was this author and, yea, it was this author, and the age difference with the heroine being older and the hero being a rocker. So much of this one was fabulous! From the sometimes slow burn the to the deflowering of the so-called good girl reputation and figuring out it was okay. LOVED IT! Now I wish the other two in the series were in audio but they don’t appear to so will have to find time to actually read them.
Laurelin Paige this is an amazingly beautiful and addictive romance!!! Audible brought this hot and heavy romance to life to for me, Jacob Morgan and Carly Robins were perfect narrators.
This my favorite Contemporary Romance so far! I’ve been reading since I was 17 and this book is #1.
Natalia is a beautiful 36 year old successful actress, and Nick Ryder is a famous and successful 23 year old rock star!
Once night Natalia and her best friends go dancing to an exclusive club with VIP seats. On the dance floor Natalia finds herself dancing in tune with a sexy man , then for some reason she leaves him on the dance floor. Her friends tell her who she was dancing with, and even though she felt the chemistry between them, she ignores it.
Nick has had a crush on Natalia for a long time, and couldn’t believe the attraction he felt for her.
This was such sexy, emotional and exciting romance. I didn’t want it to end. Age is only a number when it comes to unconditional love.
Listening to their love story unfold was so much fun. I plan on buying th book and if available the audibook!
DREAMY’S REVIEW
Laurelin Paige’s writes the most captivating, swoon-worthy, lovable, enjoyable heroes and heroines ever! It’s why she’s my unicorn!
Nick Ryder and Natalia Lowen are one of my favorite couples written by Paige! Their fast-paced, steamy, and sweet romance is absolute perfection! I can’t say enough good things!!!
“When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
Nick Ryder is the type of gorgeous rockstar hero that you just can’t help but fall in love with! He’s deliciously sexy, sweet, and romantic with a dirty mouth… and twenty-three years old! 😉
“I am completely would up in this guy, and I can’t ever remember feeling this way about someone before.”
Natalia Lowen is America’s sweet heart. She’s the type of woman who embraces who she is, forgets what the public has to say or even thinks about her, and goes after what her heart wants. Even at the age of thirty-six! 😉
“She fits against me so perfectly. Like she was made to always be there. Like she’s a part of the puzzle that makes up Nick Ryder, and I haven’t been complete until now.”
Nick and Natalia’s chemistry is explosive, sweet, flirty, and fun! I loved and adored the younger man/older woman aspect, the age-gap, and that they’re both in the public eye no matter how vastly different they are seen!
This May to December romance has my Kindle sizzling hot!
Paige captures everything you need in an amazing romance read! After reading how many of her, I’ve come to expect nothing less from her books! They are always favorites of mine! She always brings it!
Paige always writes my most favorite, addictive heroes and heroines with utterly fantastic storylines, flawless writing, and just the perfect amount of heat and sexiness!
I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her and always, always, always cannot wait for more! I always look forward to what she has in store!
Five rockstar dreamy stars:
Close is so hot I thought the pages were going to burn to me!!!
Natalia Lowens has had her fair share of trouble in the last few years and being a famous actress doesn’t help when it’s plastered all over the gossip news and tabloids. So when a night out with her favourite girlfriends and a silent rule of no paparazzi come around she just goes for it, because what’s better than a night full of dancing and drinking.
Nick Ryder, is the a first Ryder brother in this series and is absolutely scorching hot young rock star who takes a shine to Natalia while getting all hot and sexy dancing on the dance floor, but is doesn’t end there.
A brilliant page turner and start to a new series from Laurelin Paige.
I absolutely Love this book. It was really good from start to finish. I want my very own Nick. I think this book gave me all the emotions and Loved it. Thank you Laurelin for another amazing Book. Oh and I want more of Nick and Natalia.
Such an awesome age gap story!!! Hollywood sweetheart and Rock and Roll god! This combo was so fantastic! I went into this story blind. I read nothing but the title, so I had no clue what I was getting into. I loved it! I felt like there were some role reversals in this story. Nick was such a wonderful man! I wanted to jump in the story and just kiss the heck out of him… And maybe throw my panties on his stage! Absolutely One-click worthy!!!
“You were jealous?”
“That’s not the point of what I was saying.”
“I know, I know. The point is….you were jealous.”
“Yeah, I was jealous. What are you going to do about it?”
“All sorts of things.”
I adored this couple! I love it when plans go nuts, all in the best ways!! And the steam between these two is enough to fog up your reading glasses!
Natalia Lowen has fought hard to rebrand her image. Ever since the scandal with Tanner and the break up with Garner, she’s been on the straight and narrow. She’s “America’s Sweetheart”, the Good Girl of Hollywood. But is that who she really is, or who she thinks she should be? At the urging of her BFFs, she takes the opportunity to break out of her mold and have a fling with heartthrob rocker Nick Ryder. All sex. No strings. No way. No way she can stop herself from falling for him. But, it’s all wrong. She’s not what he needs. She’d be an anchor, holding him back. If only she could have it all, but she can’t. Or can she?
Nick Ryder has fantasized about Natalia for years. Sure, there’s an age difference between them, but he’s not passing up the chance to have her in his bed. But, there’s one problem. He’s falling and falling hard. He could tell her, but if he does, he could lose her forever. Can he accept her boundaries, or should he push past them and convince her they were meant to be?
What a great story!! I loved the cougar aspect! So refreshing to have the lead female be older than her man!! Go get him girl!!
What’s better than the new series? The fact that the new series is created by three amazing authors! As soon as I found out about the Ryder Brothers series, I knew right away that I had to read it!
The first part is behind me and I am charmed by the story Laurelin Paige wrote!
Laurelin Paige
Close
Natalia Lowen. Golden Hollywood girl. A beautiful and respected actress.
She came to Hollywood at the age of 19. Unfortunately, at the very beginning of her career she became entangled in two scandals, which almost ended her career. From that moment Natalia worked hard as an actress and took care of the image of a good girl to be in the place where she is currently – at the top of fame. And she’d probably still live in this safe bubble, if fate didn’t put Nick Ryder in her way.
Nick is a former member of the famous boy band The Ryder Brothers, which he created together with two brothers. He leads currently a solo career. A rich and unearthly handsome 26-year-old singer enjoys life and is constantly surrounded by groupies.
Each of us has some celebrity-crush. For Nick, this celebrity is 36-year-old Natalia Lowen, who played a major role in his teenage fantasies. So he could not miss the opportunity when, by coincidence, the beautiful actress appears at the same party, right? Especially when the chemistry between the two would be able to set the whole club on fire 😉
Despite several unsuccessful attempts, Nick’s dream finally comes true and the couple begins a casual affair with no strings attached. For several months, they meet in secret from the media to vent their fantasies. After such a time, it’s hard to control the feelings, but Natalia’s stubbornness and the desire to maintain the reputation of a good girl block her from completely opening to a younger man.
Close was a very pleasant reading. Discovering our heroes took place gradually, which I consider a plus. Every now and then we found out about something new. Due to the beginnings of Natalia in the industry, we can understand why she was full of fear of involvement in the relationship with Nick. And Nick … His character was a total surprise to me! Despite the fact that the dominant alpha woke up in the right moments, he is also a very sensitive and caring man. And fortunately, he is also stubborn and he chases his desires – otherwise a happy ending would be a big question mark.
The story of Nick and Natalia warmed my heart. I can’t wait for books about the other Ryder brothers!
Close is a sensational start to the Ryder Brothers trilogy, and if it’s an indication of the books to come, I literally cannot wait! What’s more intriguing than tales of a boy band all grown up?
With Close, Laurelin Paige has written a story full of passion and heartfelt emotion, with that touch of humor that she incorporates so well.
Nick Ryder is only 23, but having his childhood dominated by the pressures of being a child pop star, he’s far more mature and self assured than men a decade older. When an unexpected meeting with his childhood crush turns into something more, it’s a dream come true. Natalia, a successful movie star, has paid her dues and kept her good girl image intact, so at 36, the last thing she needs is a hot young pop star tarnishing her reputation.
I loved the vulnerability of both characters. Ms Paige made my heart ache several times throughout the book. Their feelings and fears were realistic, and a few times I was tearing up right along with them.
And, can we talk about the heat and intensity between this couple?! Nick is the confidant man Natalia never knew she needed…wow! This is a sexy gem of a book you don’t want to pass by.
4.5 Stars!
Natalia Lowen is a successful movie star who lives in the Hollywood Hills. The blonde bombshell actress has developed an incredible image over the years as America’s sweetheart. She’s viewed as the good girl/ girl next door. She’s newly single after a break up and her friends decide a girls night is needed. While at a hot spot popular with the celebrities she crosses paths with Nick Ryder. He’s a swoon worthy, gorgeous singer that millions of girls want. He’s recently made the transition from boy band to solo rock star. Sparks fly and the way he looks at her sets her on fire.
Natalia has been Nick’s celebrity crush for as long as he can remember. She’s utterly captivating, and he decides he has to have her before he leaves on tour. He feels a strong connection with her, and wants to explore the amazing chemistry between them. He pursues her and isn’t used to rejection or having to chase a woman this hard. He finally gets her to give him a chance and finds he really enjoys her company, and wants more of her in every way.
Natalia is flattered and shocked Nick Ryder wants her. How could she ever go there with the age difference between them. What would people think? He’s too young for her, but that doesn’t mean she’s not intrigued. She can’t stop thinking and fantasizing about him. She’s worked too hard for her career to now ruin her reputation with a scandalous fling. The paparazzi would have a field day. There’s no escape from fame or image in her world, and the gossip mill is always spinning. After her break up she could use some fun and adventure in her life. They do both live in the public eye, and probably have more in common than she realizes. Maybe he could be her secret indulgence if nobody knew. Suddenly she’s jet setting around the country with the hottest eligible bachelor, behaving like nothing matters but her desires. She’s completely consumed by Nick, but they are in two different places in life, with different futures. When real feelings and attachments form will they call it quits or try to make it work in their crazy world in the spotlight?
I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, flirty, taboo, and hot as hell! Laurelin delivers a sexy story that sizzles. I loved the whole older woman/ younger man thing. It was absolutely yummy! ;))
Fun, sweet & oh so sexy! And don’t forget swoony! Nick Ryder is such a great “never give up on his girl” kind of guy despite Natalia’s constant reservations. It’s been a bit since I read a Laurelin Paige book, but I don’t know why because she never fails me. And that swoon factor I mentioned? In the audiobook Nick is voiced by Jacob Morgan. Wowza!!
This was my first listen by Laurelin Paige. It’s the story of Natalia & Nick. Both are entertainers and have to deal with the paparazzi meddling in their lives. They start seeing each other under the guise of it being a one night stand that turns into friends with benefits. Natalia struggles with the fact that there is a big age gap between them (Natalia is 36 & Nick is 23) Before they know it, it’s turned into a relationship. But Natalia struggles with her feelings & the pressures of society. This read is the perfect rock star/actress story! It’s hot & steamy. And I totally felt the magnetism between them. Total swoon! You must read this book. I will definitely be listening to it again in the future.
Very hot, enjoyable read.
This was a great sexy older-woman/younger-man read. Another great story, with awesome characters, from Laurelin Paige. You should read it! This author always delivers!
I normally love Laurelin Paige and I tried with this one, I really did. Jacob Morgan’s narration was the one bright spot here. Sadly I found by self bored and skipping. Not enough story to pull me in.
It seems like a typical star-themed steamy romance, which should be enjoyable but not engrossing. Strangely this story was fairly addictive and was read in one seating. Lots of steam and yet sweet love story between unlikely but destined couple.
Sweet, romantic and passionate story of falling in love. It’s a taboo romance with a man 13 years younger. It can’t be more than a one night stand…or a fling. But it’s definitely more.
Nick is absolutely swoon-worthy. The man knows how to be dirty and tender and sweet and thoughtful. He knows who he is and what he wants. Natalia Lowen.
Close was hard to put down. I needed more Nick so I read it straight through. It’s now 2a and I have to work in the morning. Worth it? Most definitely!
5 Star Review of Close (Ryder Brothers #1) by Laurelin Paige
It has been ages since I read a Laurelin Paige book and I cannot help but wonder why. Having read and loved previous books, way before I started reviewing, I was anxious to catch up on some of her stories.
It is refreshing to read a story where the woman is older than the man. Nick Ryder has had a crush on Natalia Lowen for years and once he meets her, it only escalates. The chemistry between them is intense and Nick decides against his better judgement to pursue Natalia. He is shocked when she leaves but as he “never chases a woman” he lets her go.
Over the next few weeks they keep bumping into each, co-incidence or not? Nick finally convinces Natalia that they need to explore the attraction that is sizzling between them although keeping it under the radar will be difficult.
What starts as a fling morphs in to so much more and I have to say I was glued to the pages as I read this story. Close is a sweet, romantic, love story which totally brought a smile to my face.
There were so many swoon worthy moments throughout Close and I loved the camaraderie between Natalia and her girlfriends which had me in stitches at times. I also loved the playfulness between Nick and Natalia as they spent time together.
Close was one of those books that once I started I couldn’t put down. I absolutely adored Nick and Natalia both as individuals and also as a couple. Although Nick and Natalia are so different they really do make an amazing couple. Ms. Paige had me hook, line and sinker and I just adored the story line.
4.5 Stars!