Can’t Let Go might be my favorite book in Gena Showalter’s amazing The Original Heartbreakers series. There is so much emotion in this epic love story that your heart will squeezed to the point of bursting, and you’ll be left a satisfied mess. Jude has been through so much and his story is heartbreaking, but it also breathtakingly inspirational when he falls for the sassy and feisty Ryanne. He has deep emotional wounds that it will test their burgeoning relationship, but the best things in life are worth the fight. These two feel destined for each other, and Can’t Let Go is a memorable, passionate and epic romance.

A bit too angsty for me, but otherwise a wonderful story. I loved Ryanne's snark and persistence! And I liked seeing Jude transform into a romantic protector from the mournful jerk he was.

I'm sorry but this was a DNF. I enjoyed the previous book but this was a bit too dreary for me. I still love Gena's books but this one isn't for me.

I enjoyed this one very much, closer to the 4.5 scale than 4. Jude's character is so deliciously broken, and I love them broken and vulnerable that way - Ryanne is a burst of bright light...even when everything has her down - I loved it!

3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Can’t Let Go is book five in The Original Heartbreakers series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Some secondary characters are from the previous books, but I never felt as though I was missing something big having not read every book in the series. It was a pleasant read, heart-warming and sexy with a bit of suspense.

Ryanne is a sassy and feisty heroine. She’s independent, has dreams of traveling the world and has no intentions of looking for love or settling down with a man. Her attraction to Jude begins as just that, an attraction- and a desire to seduce him- but eventually that desire grows, and she finds herself wanting more.

Jude has suffered great loss and has no intentions of moving on. He doesn’t want to feel anything for Ryanne, or any woman ever again, but he just can’t seem to help it. Even though I felt for him, I didn’t entirely like Jude for a while, but that changed for the better by the end of the story. The banter between the two characters and their push and pull relationship was entertaining and fun. They had nice chemistry, and their relationship built slowly, but not without some bumps along the way.

Quick, sweet and worth the read if you enjoy this series. I’ll be checking out the next book once it’s released!

When I picked up this book, I knew it was going to be a tough read. A woman with trust issues and a man who lost not only his wife in an accident, but his baby as well. It's a very tough subject matter to tackle as a writer, but it is also a tough subject as a reader as well.

Gina has done a really great job at portraying a broken man and an independent woman! Please don't take a 3.5 star rating as me not liking the book. This book was one I enjoyed. I would also recommend this book to those who like broken men and angst.

I had a hard time connecting with the heroine. That is not to mean you won't. I actually really liked her! She was a BAMF through and through. I want to BE her when I grow up! I just didn't connect with her as a romance heroine.

I love the A-hole alphas, and Jude is a top contender for A-hole of the year. But under that, there is a man hurting. I liked that he could be vulnerable at times, but he kept a lot of it close to the vest.

There is a lot of danger and excitement in this series, so if you're a fan of drama and action, you will love this one! I got a vibe similar to those from the Corps Security series, but this definitely was not a knock off, this book has it's own two legs to stand on!

Can't Let Go (The Original Heartbreakers, #5) by Gena Showalter is a great book and a wonderful addition to this series. This emotional romance is powerful and will surely touch your heart. Jude is a former Army Ranger that was wounded in action and has suffered the loss of his wife and children to a drunk driver. This has injured him inside and out and he carries the scars that prove it. Ryanne is a bartender . She's funny and upbeat. These two are attracted to each other and that attraction really sizzles. Can Jude move past his pain, make peace with his past and move forward with Ryanne? When danger begins to surround Ryanne can Jude protect her? Read this amazing book to see. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. I read it all in less than one day and I just couldn't put it down.

I do highly recommend.

I knew Jude would be a tough nut to crack, he has been through more heartbreak then most people could deal with. He found the strength to keep going but he was barely living. Until Ryanne came along and started messing with his plans to stay disconnected from the world. At first I didn't really connect with Jude, like Ryanne it took me awhile to crack his hard shell and see the soft underneath. He definitely made mistakes when trying to deal with his relationship with Ryanne but in the end he manged to conquer his fears which was really impressive considering what he'd been through. I really liked how Ryanne refused to change her dreams for a man but still found a way to compromise so that she still followed her dreams and found her HEA. Really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to the next in the series, can't wait for Brock and Lydia!

ARC Provided By NetGalley For An Honest Review

Awesome read! I really liked all the ups and downs between Jude and Ryanne as everything develops. I loved the tension, animosity, and drama as well as the playfulness and sweetness. I was hooked the entire time. And Jude, oh my! This man with all his gruffness, watching him open up was amazing!

I thought Jude and Ryanne had a fantastic story. Jude had a heartbreaking history and I enjoyed getting inside his head, he had serious demons to battle and I could feel his pain. It was emotional but every time he opened up, another layer peeled back and he opened his heart even more and it made me melt. Ryanne was so full of life and outgoing but also guarding her heart because of how she was raised, so watching their relationship evolve and grow was wonderful. They had so many playful and flirtatious moments mixed in with his grumpiness and I thought there was a nice balance between them. There’s really good chemistry and animosity, and a really nice amount of heat as well.

I love how the author dealt with Jude's battle, he was just in so much pain and moving on could be hard and I really like how that was portrayed. I also really liked how Ryanne was there for him and understanding, though sometimes I think she forgave a bit to easily. The back and forth, push and pull between Jude and Ryanne was off the charts. It happened a lot and often but it helped make for a great build. They both frustrated me at times, said some things they shouldn't have, and fought their feelings but getting to that moment when everything clicks was so worth it.

I really enjoyed the secondary story that's happening as well with Ryanne. It made for some really nice drama and I liked that extra bit of suspense. I was excited about the updates on other characters from previous stories in the Original Heartbreakers series and liked getting to see more of Brock. He and Lyndie's stories is next and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

I think this is such an awesome series, the build is fantastic while everyone figures themselves out. There's a really nice cast of characters as well with a great mix of drama, emotion, and heat. It's just a well rounded, full story that had me cheering for the Jude and Ryanne to get their happily ever after. This was a winner!

Sadly, this is a case of I-liked-them-more-in-the-previous-book.

Ryanne is - or she used to be - pretty badass. She owns a bar and she has this dream of traveling, seeing the world. I applaud that. You go, girl!

Enter Jude - I liked him in the previous book, at all in this one - and Ryanne's neurons start dying. They just throw in the towel.

And I hate, hate when that happens. I really don't understand why the author feels the need to dumb the heroine down. Oh and she's one to accept any crumbs thrown her way.

Ms. Showalter compared Jude to Lucien. I find that insulting to Lucien, a badass Lord of the Underworld.

Whereas Lucien was a grumpy one, Jude's just a plain a-hole.

I wanted to like the book, I even wanted to finish it, despite not liking the characters all that much. But then Jude goes and screws it up big time and that's when things started going downhill for me and I decided it was time to throw in the towel.

I'm pretty much throwing in the towel for this series. I won't be reading the next one.

So, it's a DNF and standard 2 star rating. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book through Netgalley.

This is the second book in the series and I have not been able to finish either book. I am sure the fault lies with me since I have been in a book reading and enjoying slump lately. Even failsafe authors don't seem to offer the same escape they used to.

Favorite Quote:
“How did I resist you?”

“I don’t know. It’s one of life’s greatest mysteries.”

Jude Laurent survived a negligent childhood and a war-torn battlefield only to lose it all when his family was killed in a car accident. After his discharge from the military, his best friend Daniel Porter convinces Jude and their buddy Brock to come home with him to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma and to start their security business. Jude is a walking time bomb-barely living as he can’t get past the guilt and anger over his losses. Only one woman tempts him to rise from the depths of his despair and that is the one woman whose choice of employment offends him.

Ryanne Wade is just trying to make an honest living. Having inherited her bar from her stepfather, she just wants to preserve his memory while saving up for her trip around the world. Having sworn off men, Ryanne finds herself willing to break her vow of celibacy with the sexy and oh so emotionally unavailable Judd.

When Ryanne and her business is threatened by a local mob boss, Judd snaps to attention vowing to protect her at all costs. But when their hearts get involved, he’ll have to learn to let her go if he wants to keep her.

I am a sucker for antagonistic romances and this one certainly delivers on that note even if only one ½ of this couple is antagonistic and the other half is just plain determined. Can’t Let Go is the fifth in Showalter’s contemporary romance series-The Original Heartbreakers. Set in the neighboring town of Blueberry Hill (I always get hungry reading this series), Showalter once again gifts readers with an emotional, humorous, and sensual romance built on love, loss, hope, and second chances when a damaged war veteran and widower reluctantly falls for a beautiful bartender. Delightful antagonistic chemistry spits and sparks as Showalter slowly builds this couple’s relationship. A dash of suspense adds some zing to the story.

Jude and Ryanne’s journey is an emotional one as their growing attraction to one another forces them to face their fears head-on and exorcise the ghosts around them. Both are stuck in the past though Ryanne is able to compartmentalize her feelings far better than Jude. An external force provides a bit of suspense and pushes them together. I enjoyed their interactions once they call a truce. Ryanne loves to poke the tiger and you can’t help but laugh as she flirts and teases Jude to distraction.

Day one was all about the hair flip. Slow, sensual and just like a shampoo commercial.
Day two, she practiced her shimmy. Any time she had an opportunity to shake her butt, she shook her freaking butt.
Day three, she focused on her cleavage. Or rather, she made certain Jude focused on her cleavage. She wore a low-cut top, her breasts pushed up until she was pretty sure she’d asphyxiate.
Day four, she put her finger to her mouth at every opportunity. A lick here, a nibble there.
Day five, she forgot to wear a bra. Oops! […]
For day six, she decided to up her game, and wore a short skirt but no panties. Walking to her office, when no one else stood in the hallway, she accidentally dropped a pen and bent down to pick it up. Her phone buzzed, but she didn’t check the text until she sat behind her desk, no cameras nearby.

Cowboy: I think you dropped something else.

A laugh bubbled from her. Grumpy Jude Laurent had just teased her sexually!

Showalter takes her time with their romance, moving slowly but with a purpose, though they engage in a sexual relationship rather easily on. Readers need to remember their foreplay started a book or two ago. The chemistry between them is hot and heavy with lust and tension-made more so by Jude’s reluctance. The witty banter between these two contrasts perfectly with the serious subject matter and thick emotional undertones.

‘Had anyone loved life with such abandon? Part of him hated her for that.’

A strong and personable cast of secondary characters (some new and some very familiar faces) provide Jude and Ryanne with a strong support system at their back with humor and compassion. From their besties to family, to the local bar patrons, Jude and Ryanne are blessed or cursed with a number of people who want them both to be happy. They aren’t offered instant solutions but rather plenty of advice, opinions, a few metaphorical shakes, and a shoulder or two to cry on.

“Very subtle, Mr. Porter […] but I’m on to your tricks.”

“I told you to call me Virgil, son. And FYI, I have no tricks. I just wish you’d use your outside voice so we could hear your conversations better.”

We learn more about Jude’s deceased wife and Judd’s life with her. I liked that Showalter doesn’t make her a villain or a saint in order to create even more conflict.

I did have some issues with the romance. Some obviously manufactured conflicts and miscommunication litters storyline as did the HUGE MASSIVE foreshadowing that pretty much told you what would happen-just not how. The two steps forward and 5 steps back dance because of Jude’s internal struggles becomes a wee bit monotonous as time passes while Ryanne’s occasional emotional grandstanding annoys. I also took issue with Ryanne’s description of Jude’s penis.

Hide «

Apparently, it is the width of Ryanne’s wrist and so long that when erect, it pops out the waistband of his jeans. Really? Now, in erotica and erotic romance, this isn’t all that rare. Penis’ are large, in charge, and practically sentient. But in rom com, I expect a bit more realism. The average rise on men’s jeans is 8.5-9 inches. The average woman’s wrist is 7 inches. So Jude’s penis, in theory, is around 10-11 inches in length and 7 inches in circumstance.
WHAT? NO. *crossing legs tightly*

The ending comes as no surprise with our couple jumping their relationship hurdles, defeating the bad guys, and looking positively towards their future.The resolution of the main conflict wraps up the story nicely and helps to pave the way for book six-Can’t Get Enough-set to release December 5, 2017.

GRADE-C+

3,5 stars



An ARC has been kindly provided by the Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion.

I adored “Can't Hardly Breathe” and was really thrilled when the Harlequin contacted me to review Can't Let Go.

So basically that day this was me all giddy!!!


Once again Gena Showalters proves that she is an experimented writer as she delivers a romance story built around a relatable heroine and a broken hero. With the right pace and some twists readers should be happy campers.

Sadly this book did not wowed me like Can't Hardly Breathe.

Maybe because my expectations diving in were very high or maybe because I just had finished one of my best reads of 2017 or maybe...

If Ryanne is a great female character with spunk, sass and a big heart she did not moved me like Daisy did. It is unfair to compare both women but my head constantly came back to Daisy…
Daisy's evolution and empowerment were fabulous elements in Can't Hardly Breathe. Ryanne certainly evolved in this story but she had not a long way to go like Daisy had.
What I really liked about Ryanne was her independence and confidence. She is sexy, caring and very determined.

Jude on the other hand shot down their relationship repeatedly and made mistakes upon mistakes. To the point that I wanted to be done with him. Truly he grated on my nerves.

Objectively I knew he had a traumatic past and reasons to grieve but reading about someone wallowing in grief is never pleasant.
I knew he was a gifted soldier. I read that he was handsome etc. But all these qualities were lost on me when I saw him repeatedly sabotaging his future.

That being said the plot was built carefully with a villain wanting to take Ryanne's bar with force and violence if necessary. Reading about Daisy and Danielle, Brock and Lyndi as well as Ryanne's mother Selma warmed my heart.

So all in all it was an enjoyable read mainly thanks to Ryanne but not an exceptional read for me.

My taste is no universal law so what prevented me from truly loving my read might be what you are looking for in a story. So I would say make your own opinion as the author sure knows how to write a story.

s Gena Showalter back?

I think so and it was so much fun reading this story about two very different people finding something they never expected to find and I really liked it.

I wasn’t so sure about how this book was going to be for me –given the fact that I hated the previous one but boy, Ryanne and Jude were really good together. Chemistry? Yes. Fun? Yes. Love? Yes.

And it was such ride from not wanting to be around to hopelessly in love, not only I liked the couple but I also liked the individuals a lot. Ryanne is a sweetheart with a heart of pure gold and one hell of a personality who just wants to go travel the world and learn about different cultures… she was a blast to read.

I found myself really caring for her and it was great to read about her –until everything went south for me.

Halfway through the book, it was going to be a 4 or maybe a 4.5 stars but then there were two things that happened that were rushed and wrong af.

And even though I enjoyed the book a lot those two things and the fact that I didn’t feel that much of a connection between Ryanne, Dorothea and Lyndie and Brock, Jude and Daniel’s group. We were told those trios were really tight and cared about each other like brothers and sisters but I didn’t see that –they all cared, yes but it wasn’t like in the three original trilogy. It didn’t have that feeling.

Besides that, I truly liked the story and the love between Ryanne and Jude who were perfect for each other and helped each other in so many ways. In the end it’s a nice written love story that made me fall in love with this series again because it’s not a secret I didn’t like the previous book so my expectations for the following one are the highest.

This was a fabulous contemporary romance from a great author.

❝I don't mean to stare,❞ she said, ❝but my hormones are busy giving you a standing ovation. Gold star for today's wardrobe selection, Mr. Laurent.❞

Heartwarming, funny and light-hearted, 'Can't Let Go' is a win-win for chick-lit lovers!

Desire Ryanne Wade is a single female and owner of the local saloon, the Scratching Post. She lures tips and business from men by using her beauty and a bit of southern charm thrown in. Ryanne is an independent woman who doesn't need a man to take care of her. Which is good, because she doesn't trust them. Between bad experiences, being propositioned by married men, and watching married men pick up women at the Scratching Post, she was fine alone.

Jude Laurent is an injured, former army ranger. He is one of three owners of LPH Protection, a security firm, and is always on the lookout for trouble. Jude's past is riddled with strife. His only family is his army buddies, and while he's attracted to Ryanne, he's afraid to get close to anyone again. But with trouble knocking at her door, what is an alpha male, ex-army ranger to do?

❝I think we both know you don't want a nice man, Wade. You want me.❞

There were some campy moments, which at times gave the feeling that this story took place in the deep south during mid-1900's, rather than a modern-day love story set in a small town in Oklahoma.

But the story had many great feel-good moments as Ryanne helped to knock down the walls that encased Jude's heart. In doing so, Ryanne helped Jude love again and Jude helped Ryanne learn to trust. I enjoyed Ryanne's sass and Jude's heart, I couldn't help but root for this couple!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love all of the Original Heartbreakers books, but I have to say Jude Laurent is now my favorite hero of the series.
Jude is fierce! He is fiercely loyal, protective and passionate. His obvious physical scars have got nothing on the emotional scars on his heart and soul that he have driven his life for the last 2 1/2 years. He lost his leg in the service and he has been mourning the death of his wife and daughters all this time and has been closed off from contact with any other women. Until Ryanne. He can't quite put his finger on why he can't take his mind off her but she manages to work her way under his skin. He doesn't want to want her because she is a bartender/owner now at the same place that served the drunk driver who killed his family. He hates all things alcohol related. He does not like what she does for a living at all. But he finds that he likes her, and wants her in his bed. He does not know how to have a relationship anymore though so he screws this up pretty badly more than once. He also wants to protect her from the dangerous man who is now trying to ruin her business. He decides he must protect Ryanne at all costs even if she resists.
Ryanne is beautiful,sassy, fiesty and flirty especially with Jude once she decides she wants him. At 25, she has never found a man she has been willing to trust until Jude, trust with all of her, body, soul and heart. After the way her mother was, she vowed never to be like that. Still a virgin, she relentlessly pursues the stoic widower until he gives her what they both need. They have such great chemistry and I loved their funny, witty banter as much as their heat; and they have some seriously hot and steamy scenes! Ryanne heals Jude, and it is a beautiful thing for this beautiful man.
A great cast of characters, some suspense, some heat, some romance and a plethora of emotions make this a wonderful addition to the series. Oh and by the way, I love the kittens' names **wink, wink** and the nicknames they have for each other and the tattoo! Ms. Showalter, sure can write!

I was thankful to get into another one of these in this series. The author uses the characters to reel you in with the story line being the glue. I was already curious about Jude with now he gets his own reveal on more about him and his fall to love. Ryanne is quite the character with her being the one that has the real balls in this story. You go along with these two as the drama unfolds with the relationship growing too. They both have their issues going in but time also has a way of dealing with them. Some of the other characters catch your attention with one team member in particular. The romance part of this heats up bit by bit with the drama pulling you to the edge. You may as well be resigned to being on edge hot and bothered. Through all the ups and downs of this by the time you come to the last you still want more.

Can't Let Go centres on Scratching Post, a small town pub which is popular for its regional moonshine.

Ryanne is the pub's owner and bartender. She is witty, loving and independent . She doesn’t trust men and would rather travel the world. On her own! A dream that she intends to realise.

Jude is ex army and has suffered some terrible loss. He lives with guilt and a constant fear of loss. He is close to his best friends Daniel and Brock and doesn't allow anyone else to get close to him.

Jude has been attracted to Ryanne from the word go, but does his best to antagonise her to keep her at arms lengths. Ryanne likes nothing better than teasing him to the point of embarrassment. She would do anything to make him smile and take notice of her. She likes him. A lot! They are complete opposite and yet the attraction between them intensifies with each interaction. It's an ongoing tug of war.

When the owner of the rival club starts to intimidate and threaten Ryanne, Jude's protective instinct kicks in. He would do anything to keep her safe even though, she insists that she is capable of looking after herself. She isn't wrong, but everyone needs a little help sometimes.

This installment is about a second chance at happiness, true friendship and loyalty. There is also an element of suspense and danger. It's humourous, but there is anguish, fuelled by fear and threats. Jude and Ryanne show their strength of character and unconditional love when it really matters. It's an emotive romance which shows that love can prevail. A valuable addition to this series.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.