Love interest was such an asshole. He got over his bullshit but it didn't redeem him for me. ( )

This is an amazing story. It is well written and such an emotional ride, I felt so much for Katherine, at times it brought tears to my eyes, especially some of the things Nick says at the beginning. It's understandable but still because you know how hard it is for her to be doing the things she's doing, your heart goes out to her.
She has the obvious problems but Nick in his own may is messed up too, his past haunts him.
I thought the events that caused the anxiety for Katherine were a brave subject to cover. It is revealed slowly and I didn't see it coming, I don't want to spoil it so I won't mention it.
Nick's brother Matt is hilarious but also with a lot of people with his personality they can hide great pain under their happy go lucky exterior. His book seems to be next and you get a hint during this story and the epilogue prepared you for it. ( )

Link to full review below! I have so, so much love for this book!!! Seriously, its heartbreakingly real and beautiful! See full review on The Book Disciple ( )

wow - this was an intense ride. I really liked how specific the details were on the experience of having PTSD, and how the symptoms, and what others see, are similar to those of someone who is under the influence. it is so easy to judge the actions of others, and maybe this will make people more open to understanding someone with PTSD or even believing them when it looks like it is a drug-induced behavior rather than a panic issue. at first, I had a hard time understanding why Katherine would even care what Nico thought, since he was being such a jerk (for his own good reasons), but her attraction to him explained this, as well as his concern for her, which was obvious in his actions even as he continued to judge her as a user. finally, yes, the sex was hot and they couldn't keep their hands off each other once they started, but the love was there and it wasn't just a roll in the sack for either of them - both of these characters deserved to find love. ( )

Pull Me Close by Sidney Halston
Book #1: The Panic Series
Source: Author and Purchase
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

I don’t even know what to do with this one . . . .

Sidney Halston knows exactly how to stab a reader in the heart, twist the blade, and then leave you lying there wondering what the hell just happened. Pull Me Close is no exception to this rule.

Nick and his twin brother, Matt have been through hell and back. Their father is a criminal who is now serving time, they are under constant surveillance by all the alphabet government agencies, and there’s very little time for anything outside of the shared club, Panic. Panic is finally back on the right side of the law and Nick intends for the club to stay there. One thing that will get he, his brother, and Panic in trouble is a woman overdosing on site. Which is precisely how Nick finds himself in the position he is in, carrying a passed out woman home rather than taking her to the hospital. Nick is certain the woman has damn-near overdosed and if there is one thing he has no patience for, it’s a drug user.

Technically, Katherine does take drugs, but it isn’t what Nick thinks. When she finally comes to, and in the days that follow, Katherine finds she needs Nick to understand her situation. She needs him to know she isn’t an addict but there are very real issues in play that require medication from time to time. In fact, it takes Katherine taking medication and an incredible amount of courage to be able to leave her home in order to explain herself to Nick. Though it takes a few attempts and more than a bit of awkwardness, Katherine is finally able to convince Nick she isn’t an addict.

Once Nick fully understands Katherine’s situation, he is able to settle in and really get to know Katherine. What Nick finds is an intelligent, funny and sexy woman who has a tragic past that has led to her current situation. Furthermore, he find a woman who wants to overcome her situation and is willing to do the hard work. Nick finds himself, for the first time in a very long time, actually caring about a woman beyond having sex with her. In fact, Nick finds himself doing research and asking questions that will allow him to help Katherine in her endeavors. With work, time, effort, caring, comfort, and concern progress is made and Katherine and Nick are both happier than either has been in a very long time. Unfortunately, the universe needs balance and Katherine and Nick’s happiness is eventually overshadowed by tragedy and an intense sadness that will leave you reeling.

The Bottom Line: This book gutted me!! Katharine is such a contradiction in the best way possible and Nick is the strong, sexy, demanding man who helps right her world. Their relationship reads as so very authentic. It isn’t all roses and rainbows, but a relationship that has really beautiful moments tempered by arguments and disagreements that are then balanced by more truly beautiful moments. It’s a vicious cycle that had me, from page to page, on edge wondering when the next round of awful was going to rip through Nick and Katherine. Generally, I didn’t have to wait to long for those moments and I welcomed them knowing those moments would be balanced by something so very good. As always, Halston’s book is woven together rather than simply written, her characters are solid, real people with real issues, and the dialogue is on point and more than able to carry every aspect of the story. Another strongly and enthusiastically recommended read!! ( )