Working with my ex-boyfriend is no easy task—especially when he looks good enough to eat. Flirting with the past is like playing with fire, and I’m bound to get burned.
I should ignore my feelings for him, but I can’t when our happily ever after is finally so close. Threats and ultimatums are made, and revelations nearly bring me to my knees. Since we can’t stay away from each other, he’s … he’s determined to fight to be with me until the end.
Tyler will be mine—no matter who stands in my way.
NEEDING YOU CLOSE is book 2 in the Tyler & Gemma duet and must be read in order.
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We’ve all been anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this duet- we all have been rooting for Tyler to have his HEA, to finally get the love and peace he deserves, and Kennedy Fox delivers in Needing You Close. This story has so much heart, a heavy dollop of angst and drama, and a surprising and twisting plot that kept me on my toes. All, of course, complimented by the engaging characters and flirty banter that Kennedy Fox does so well.
We already know the path for Gemma and Tyler isn’t going to be easy- not only because of the obstructive people who threaten to destroy them, but because both have yet to really find their footing. Gemma is still trying to figure out how to break free from the muted version of herself she’s been as the result of her horrible fiance Robert- she’s lost herself, and she needs to figure out what she wants and have the bravery to pursue it. Problem is that Robert is not having it- repressed, compliant Gemme fit his plans and needs, but a liberated and full Gemma is inconvenient. When she’s not pliable and starts to find her happiness elsewhere, he will force her to bend. Tyler, too, is trying to find his path, only recently out of prison thanks to his enemy Victoria. Not only is he lost when he came back to find out Gemma was engaged to a jerk, but Victoria is not done with him. How can Tyler combat these two enemies knowing he’s got to be on good behavior- oh, KF has me so worried Tyler would find himself locked up again. With such ruthless enemies and a solid, but tentative bond between them, can these two find their way to be together- after years of obstacles and challenges?
The plot in this is pretty well paced, and I appreciated the balance of light moments with intensely dramatic moments. This story has been a SLOOOOW burn, so I was so ready for these two to get together, and for us to really explore their emotional bond now that they are done fighting their connection. Kennedy Fox found smarts ways to help build their chemistry- the letters, the flirty texts, and the tender moments really made this book more emotionally riveting. What I loved most was getting to see these two operate as partners, solidify as a team to try to combat the foes they have trying to take them down. Just how it all plays out was totally surprising to me- but so clever and so satisfying. Tyler continued to be so swoon-worthy, but I loved Gemma even more in this second half- watching her find her strength and reclaiming herself fully really connected me to her as a reader.
The final leg of this book in particular was such a delight, and if you are a fan of Kennedy Fox we get a delightful scene with some favorites finally meeting Gemma. Not only do these beloved characters get their second chance at love, but both really get a second chance to LIVE- escaping the prisons (figurative and metaphorical) that have kept them for being where, and who, they wanted to be in life. So happy that Tyler has finally found his peace and his heart in Gemma.
Needing You Close gave us the perfect ending for Tyler & Gemma!
I had no idea what to expect going into this, I know KF likes to through in some twists to their stories so I tried my hardest not to predict anything.
Not that it would have mattered because the twist they did throw in I sure as hell didn’t think about!
My thought process went from:
“Oh no, OMG WTF, please don’t, to hell yeah!!”
I’m so happy Tyler & Gemma got every bit of happiness they deserved, and I’m so glad certain characters got exactly what was coming to them.
KF never disappoints when it comes to their romances. Their combo of suspense and intense chemistry knocks my socks off every time!
*arc provided for a voluntary honest review*
4.5/5 stars
Tyler & Gemma’s conclusion!
Loved this duet!
Second chance romance
Small town, controlling fiancé, psycho Victoria…
What more could we want!
I loved this book and cannot wait for Katie & Noah’s dust!
Highly recommend
Kennedy Fox
I did not see that ending coming! What a fantastic finish to the duet! I LOVED Tyler. His devotion to Gemma was so swoon worthy. He is just such a good guy and is always looking out for the ones he loves. Lots of intrigue in this second half that kept me up late into the night to see what happens and who gets what they deserve. Kennedy Fox has a easy and smooth way of writing and the pages just fly by. I was both trying to read fast to see what happens and trying to go slow and savor the story. I like the ex-con aspect of the story and I’m glad they picked that angle. I really liked Everleigh and can’t wait for her story. If you like slow burn, sexy romances then you will love this book. Highly recommend!
Voluntary review of an ARC
“I tried staying away, but I’m not wasting this second chance to be with her.”
Holy Mother of angst! Kennedy Fox killed it with this conclusion to Tyler and Gemma’s story! After the ending of the previous book I knew that I can expect a good amount of drama, but Needing You Close is filled with so many unexpected twists and turns that my head is still spinning. This part of the duet is angsty, steamy, emotional and completely captivating!
Tyler is totally swoon-worthy, loyal and protective. He perfectly balances being alpha and kind-hearted. Gemma on the other hand is caring and loving. I just adore how they complement each other and how they care for one another. Their chemistry is off the charts and though they had many obstacles to overcome, their bond is so palpable that you as a reader just KNOW that they’ll fight for each other. The support they have for one another is so admirable! I love them together.
This book shed also more light on secondary characters. I love Gemma’s friendship with her girls and I cannot wait to see more of them in another books! And Maddie and Liam cameo almost made me cry. Gosh, I missed them!
The conclusion to Tyler & Gemma duet is a perfectly crafted slow burn that’s filled with angst, suspense and all the feels. Despite many ups and downs and even danger, these two finally got a happy ending and Kennedy Fox delivered it beautifully!
Needing You Close by Kennedy Fox was an incredible way to end the Tyler and Gemma duet!
Gemma and Tyler have not had an easy road to get to the point where they are at in life. They have had many struggles, issues, and pain they must experience, and find a way to move past. Although they drifted apart at certain times in their lives, this book will serve to show you that no matter how much time passes, a true connection, and strong emotional, and physical chemistry will always remain.
I loved that these two characters got a second chance at being together. They are each truly amazing individuals, who deserve the world and everything in it. Kennedy Fox has a way of drawing you into these characters lives, and not only rooting for them and their relationship, but also becoming invested in who they are as true people, and the qualities that not only make up a great relationship, but also true respect, and dedication to another person.
Kennedy Fox could write absolutely anything, and I would automatically read it, and fall head over heels in love with it.
5/5 Stars!
A roller coaster of emotions! I couldn’t put it down! great conclusion to this duet!
Gemma grows a back bone!
This review is hard to write because I don’t want to give anything that happens away. There are quite a few twists and turns that are awesome!
You do have to read Keeping You Away first as this is the second book in the duet.
When everything was going down, I was thinking “why don’t they do this..” Not expecting them to actually do it.
And then that big twist happened. I was so happy. Sorry that this is vague, but it would be a huge, major, spoiler.
This is a great read!
Get ready for a roller coaster ride!! The ladies of Kennedy Fox more than delivered on the conclusion of Tyler and Gemma’s Duet. Have you ever felt like your heart is going to pop out of your chest while you’re reading a book?? Like suspense and anticipation is so much you can’t contain yourself?? That is how I felt reading this book. I was trying to go slow cause I didn’t want the book to end but I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, they blew my theory out of the water and blew me away with what was really going on. This book was heartfelt, emotional, just the perfect amount of suspense, and a whole lot of “Woah I didn’t see that coming!”
This book was EVERYTHING Tyler & Gemma deserved in a Happily Ever After.Kennedy Fox
I loved this second chance romance!!! I couldn’t stop reading this book. I had to know what happened!! I love these characters!! I can’t wait for more… This book is an amazing read!!!
We finally get the conclusion to Tyler and Gemma’s story and I was here for it! It’s intense, angsty, and sexy! I usually have to be in the right frame of mind to read an angsty romance but I was already invested in their story and this just continued the goodness. I devoured it!
Kennedy Fox is going to keep you right at edge of your seat all the time and make your heart beat faster and faster in Needing You Close, the sexy and fast paced ending of Tyler and Gemma’s story. This was a fascinating mix of swoon, suspense and heartwarming feels.
Tyler is back to his hometown after serving jail time due to his enemy Victoria’s conspiracy. He is more than ready to win back his love Gemma who is engaged to a worthless guy. But it won’t be easy. Specially when his past is chasing him and Gemma’s fiance will not let her go without playing dirty.
This story is a slow burn. Tyler is a perfect man..alpha, protective, possessive, caring, honest, hard working , loyal and everything. Life has not been kind to him. But I needed him to have a great love and the author duo did exactly that. Gemma is a fierce girl with incredible kindness and love in her heart. She is willing to sacrifice herself for love and family. They have this beautiful chemistry that has crossed boundaries of time and space. This is their second chance and they fought so hard for it! The twists and turns kept me on my guard. And it was simply amazing to read how the authors made it happen! There will be lots of highs and lows. An angsty, heartfelt and action packed ride is guranteed!
Needing You Close by Kennedy Fox was a beautiful and entertaining love story all the way. They balanced the contrasting elements brilliantly to create this perfect romance. You get feels. You get intense chemistry. You get ups and downs. Just too good.
Received ARC for honest review
Needing You Close the second half of the duet that began with Keeping You Away was everything I hoped it would be. The reunion between Tyler and Gemma finally started to happen with such a slow burn; it made the book that more enjoyable. Tyler is a gentleman, and he repeatedly revealed this all through the text in the way he adored Gemma. Gemma is sweet, but in this book, we discover steel inside Gemma that makes her tougher than you initially thought.
I enjoyed the surprise in the second half of this book so much I nearly jumped up and cheered when I came to it. The authors pulled off something unexpected and fantastic. This duet was such a joy to read. Now I am looking forward to the next stories in this series; some people need to find their HEAs after serving time, and there are some girls I know about in Alabama who would be just right.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second part of Tyler and Gemma’s duet especially after that revelation at the end.
Victoria is back on the scene and when she appears you know things are about to get dangerous. Even a blind man can see that Tyler and Gemma belong together, I really wanted them to make it so badly. I enjoyed watching their story develop from those tentative beginnings to a full on passionate affair. The other characters bring some lighter moments which was need to balance out the heavier aspects of the book. I felt that the first part of the story was quite slow but when the pace picked up I couldn’t put it down. This was a satisfying ending that tied up all the loose ends.
Finally, we get the real Gemma and she confronts the crazy manipulator Robert. I love that she works to take back her life and doesn’t let Tyler hide from her. Tyler still has Victoria looming in the wings, will she come after him again? I love experiencing Tyler as he embraces life after prison and living back in his hometown. He really never wanted to stay in Lawton Ridge but he has grown up and is shows in his choices. It’s even better as he fights to have Gemma in his life. These two are an amazing couple but the have a huge obstacle to tackle named Robert. He definitely knows how to manipulate to get whatever he wants. Has he met his match in Gemma? Buckle up for a wild ride to find out. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
A huge thank you to Wildfire Marketing and the authors for the advance copy. My opinions are my own.
Man this duet really took me on an adventure. I love this duo’s writing style so much and I get totally immersed in any world they give me. This book picks up right where Keeping You Away left off and there is still many a threat to the happiness and the lives of Tyler and Gemma. I just love how Tyler and Gemma leaned on each other and their friend groups were top tier.
I cannot wait for the next duet. It’s gonna be ANGSTY.
The chemistry that Tyler and Gemma had in Keeping You Away was only a taste of their explosive connection in Needing You Close.
As they spent more time together the undeniable physical and emotional connection they shared became much more intense which made their slow burn all the hotter. I adored the way Tyler continuously showed Gemma he cared sometimes the smallest gesture has the biggest effect.
Twists and turns, so many feels. Gemma and Tyler had an absolutely insane road to take to get their happily ever after.
I loved Tyler’s relationship with Everleigh and Gemma’s relationship with her dad and Noah. I’m excited to see what’s to come for them.
This book had me on the edge of my lazy boy for the entire ride. I loved the way Tyler just knows Gemma. He just gets her, he can read her like a book and he knows what to do when even she doesn’t. That’s what Love has always meant to me and it’s nice to see it written in a book! I love how adult they were with everything, there were no games and just the love not only they had for each other but the friends and family in their lives. This book has some great heat to it as well, and the set up for the next duet is top notch. Kennedy Fox can do no wrong with writing books!
I received and ARC in return for my honest review.
This book was amazing! So many surprises I didn’t see coming! So many emotions! One moment I was giddy and happy and the next I was like WTF! I wasn’t sure what I was reading! Kennedy Fox hit it out of the park with this one. I couldn’t put it down. It was perfect!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
I never expected to see my first love again after he left me twelve years ago. Though I’ve moved on, working with Tyler is no easy task-especially when he focuses his bedroom yes on me. Flirting with the past is like playing with fire, and considering I’m engaged, I’m bound to get burned.
When the man I promised to marry reveals he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I run to the safety of Tyler’s arms. As we grow closer, so do our feelings. Threats and ultimatums are made, and the revelation of the truth is enough to bring me to my knees. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means shredding my heart. Too dangerous, too unpredictable, too risky to handle alone-we need each other now more than ever. After our world nearly collapses, there is nothing left to do but take it back. Tyler and I team up to destroy the people who are determined to ruin our second chance at a happily ever after. though our love is undeniable, I just hope it’s enough.We’ll fight until the end to be together-regardless of who tires to get in our way.
This is the second book in the Ex-Con Duet. You need to read Keeping You Away before you attempt to read Needing You Close. This is the first book in the series and you will fall in love with Tyler and Gemma there. I could not wait to get this second book in my hands and it was so worth the wait. This is a slow burn of a love story about two people who have been in love in the past and things have happened that have kept them apart. Now though they are working together and Gemma is about to have her entire world implode and the first person she is going to run to is Tyler. However this would make you think that they would fall right back to what they use to be but they don’t and this is the entire slow burn of the book. I loved that they didn’t just become that couple again and took their time to get to know the people they are now. This book will keep you one your toes. Shocking secrets will have you one the edge of your seat and the lives of these two turning upside down. Some are trying their very best to destroy the second chance these two so deserve and they are not going to let that happen. This book was so worth the wait and does not disappoint.