Close to You

Aidan feels guilty that his decision to tell his dad he's leaving the family pub to pursue a career as a photographer coincided with dad's untimely heart attack. At the hospital, he finds himself attracted to CJ, a member of his sister's security detail, and soon has the opportunity to get to now her better when sister Bailey (and wife of the VP) decides to have the family stay at the VP retreat in the country. CJ would rather eat lead than succumb to the charms of Aidan. Despite proving her ability, many jealous colleagues question how she got such a plumb assignment, between an alleged affair and her brother being a hot shot secret service agent too, the odds are stacked against her. But never underestimate the charms of one of the O'Neil clan, as Aidan has her singing a different tune. But CJ knows that ultimately, a man like Aidan will have a problem with a woman who took an oath to safeguard her charge. Will the two be able to find middle ground? When the safety of the second family is suddenly thrust into the forefront, they just might get their answer. Fans of Shay's O'Neil series (as well as "Promises to Keep" which features CJ's brother Luke) will find that this is not only an old fashioned romance (and a little uneven at times), but more a heartwarming story about the bonds of friendship and family. No one writes family better than Shay. Featuring an extended cast of the O'Neil and Ludzecky clans, additional intrigue with VP Clay and Bailey, great dialogue including Irish and Polish terms of endearment that you can actually imagine the families uttering, it's a good continuation of the series. Next on Shay's agenda is a story for widowed brother Liam... I hope we don't have to wait long!

This book had a great premise, but it felt as if it was about 50 or 75 pages too long; too much waffling between the Secret Service Agent Cat and Second Lady's brother Aidan. Yes, it's tough to love someone in such a dangerous profession, but if you let them go then you worry and have no relationship with them at all. AND you have to imagine them with someone else, having kids with that person and so on. Few writers would earn 4 stars from me with these criticisms, but Ms. Shay is such an excellent writer. No one can create families with sibling relationships so true-to-life: funny, sweet, petty spats, taking criticism from them that you wouldn't take from anyone else. I liked the Second Lady and Vice President so much I plan to go back and read that book. Aidan's indecision and moping around about Cat had me impatient with him, just as his brothers were. As Liam said, "My mate DIED. If I could get back just one hour with Kitty I would" or words to that effect. Life is short, so go for it already, Aidan! Cat's and brother Luke's Polish heritage and use of that language for endearments was charming. It reminded me of Nora Roberts' Stanislavski siblings. By the way, those were Intimate Moments: Luring a Lady, Convincing Alex, and so on, in case you're interested. I look forward to books about Aidan and Bailey's siblings as well as Cat's sisters. The sexual tension between Cat and Aidan is well done, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much as previous Shay stories. And because Cat was bound to her duty as a Secret Service agent and protecting her reputation, there weren't as many love scenes as Shay usually includes. Understandable, but just a warning for those who long for that connection between the lead characters. Her fire fighter books, "Nothing More To Lose" and "After the Fire" are both, excuse the pun, HOT. Buy "Close to You" used. I'll trade mine in for Clay and Bailey's story, or Cat's brother Luke's story.

Secret Service Agent C.J. Ludzecky is assigned to protect the wife and children of the Vice President. When the father of the Second Lady has a heart attack, she heads to the family lake house to be there for him. C.J. is one of the agents sent to escort and protect Bailey O'Neil whose spouse VP Clay Wainwright accompanies his wife and children to see his in-laws. C.J. finds s three of Bailey's brothers and their mom friendly and nice. The fourth sibling Aidan is another story altogether as C.J. is attracted to him and believes he wants her too. However, as the father of the Second lady recovers from Myocardial infarction as best he can, C.J. knows she must not let her heart get in the way of her mission, as terrorist groups would love to kill Bailey or any family member for that matter; whereas Aidan wants her as much and is not concerned about ruthless killers at first. CLOSE TO YOU, the sequel to SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN (Clay and Bailey's romance when he was a senator) is a delightful contemporary romance with a late suspense caused by a kidnapping attempt. The story line is character driven as the O'Neil clan comes home to insure Pop is okay with the siblings all having differing personalities (Bailey's nicknames of her brothers seem so apropos). The lead couple is a delightful pairing as she takes her job seriously while he takes her seriously. Readers will enjoy Kathryn Shay's appealing tale wondering whether C.J. will call in that marker she earned. Harriet Klausner