Grahame Claire is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance.
A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result...Grahame Claire.
Soulmates.
Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.
If you are a lover of the roommate/forced proximity troupe, this is the book for you! I love all things Grahame Claire and this book was no exception. Baker and Holt's story was sweet, steamy, and had a lot of heart. I couldn't get enough.
Baker and Holt are roommates forced to share a bathroom and common living space. There is SO much chemistry between them, even though Baker especially is hesitant for them to go any farther than roommates and friends. But dang, these two needed to get together asap. It was obvious to everyone in their lives.
Baker's life hasn't been easy and she has a past that makes it hard for her to trust. Holt is determined to break down those walls. And little by little, he does. I loved these two together. I especially adored Holt and his family (well, not his sister and mom- but Holt's dad is the MVP of all these books. I adore him). And of course it was great to get little glimpses of some of the Path's to Love characters.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend checking out Free Me first, as it's Holt's brother's story and gives some insight to this one. Actually, do yourself a favorite and read ALL of Grahame Claire's books. You can't go wrong with any of them!
If you're looking for a book that will give you the feels, keep a smile on your face, and has the perfect amount of sweet and sexy, check out Trust Me!
OMG I don't know how Grahame Claire does it but again I found myself unable to put down Trust Me until I was finished. It was so good! From the first chapter with the shower sense I found myself laughing at the play between Holt and Baker. I loved reading of these two hurt people being brave and giving love a chance. I did take a star off because I got a bit annoyed with Baker and her fears, but I still really liked her. Holt was my favorite he really made the book for me. Their sexual tenson was off the chain. They made a great couple.
Can I just say that I love Holt's dad. I kinda hope he gets a story or maybe a novella. I loved seeing Trish and Andrew again and the kids are so cute. Holy crap that ending I wanted to beat the shit out of Holt's mom. I can't stand her. My heart bled for Holt and his whole family for the crap their pos mother put them all through. Overall I loved this book. It had angst, romance, sexy time, and made me laugh. I can't wait for Patrick and Marlow's book.....
Trust Me is the second book in the Free series from Grahame Claire and it brought all the sweetness. Holt and Baker had a super fun and cute romance and it captivated me right from the start. I loved that they had such an easy connection, nothing felt forced or out of place and instead it was evident from the first scene that these characters were perfect for each other.
There was a lot of character growth though and I really liked seeing how Holt and Baker both were able to move forward with each other. Baker had a lot to work through but she took a chance with Holt which I thought was admirable. Holt had a lot of hurt from his past too and it made me feel so strongly for him and love him even more to see that vulnerable side to his character.
Bottom line, this is a great book and I definitely recommend it. These characters are first introduced in the previous book Free Me and I think to better understand them that book should be read first.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book started off fairly well. I thought I was going to get a book with angsty roommate romance but soon found it extremely difficult to relate with the characters. The heroine annoyed me at times and I was beyond exasperated when she gets all bitchy with the guy for not opening up to her whereas she herself does not trust the guy and open up to him. Like how can she expect the guy to tell her about his past when she is not willing to do so herself?
Secondly, the past of the main characters is made out to be something very life-changing and dramatic but I felt that a few paragraphs describing what happened did not do justice to all the hype and suspense that the author creates. If there was more thought given to writing about the past and if it was better described, the reader would be more riveted and consumed.
My parting words would be that this book was not bad but it fell short on my expectations and just a few changes would make it a lot more engaging for the reader.
Prepare yourself for some sexy swoons! Grahame Claire created a story that is full of fiery chemistry and heartfelt healing. This roommates-to-lovers romance will sweep you away and have you hoping for a Holt of your very own.
This book! Where do I start?! My review can't adequately express how much I adore the words these women write-each book keeps getting better and better and I don't know how they do it when their first book, It's Not Over, was pure perfection. The first chapter of Trust Me starts out differently than their others -- fun, flirty and really gives you an idea of the direction this book is going. Holt and Baker are such wonderful, likeable characters with secrets that neither of them want to discuss. They want so much to get on with their lives despite their pasts and as a reader you want them to get their HEA so badly. Add in the secondary storyline (which is another aspect of their books that I absolutely love) and you're got yourself not just a romance, but some romantic suspense as well! I wish I could give it 10+ stars and even that's not enough. The character development is outstanding -- you feel their emotions, their desires, their fears, their insecurities. These characters are real, imperfect and broken. There's always an underlying message that love and family make life worth living, make life more beautiful; that family comes in all forms. This was another highly emotional read for me, but I as always, I feel inspired, grateful and thankful after reading anything written by Grahame Claire.
A roommate to lovers romance that is a story about finding trust and love again when both characters have been broken by past relationships.
There may be trigger scenes in this book, as there are interconnecting characters that all share experiences from the same shelter. Baker was in a toxic relationship prior to moving in with Holt and she questions her actions with him a lot. Holt also left a relationship to move back closer to his family, but he isn't one to settle long term mainly all stemming from his mother leaving when he was a child.
I did find times that I couldn’t connect with either character and I wasn't sure if it was because this was my first time entering this world or if it was because there was little to no backstory. Either way I'm sorry to say my mind did question several plot points.
Holt and Baker may not have triggered my super happy must read it now button, but that doesn't mean it wasn't still a HEA story. It is still a story that gives hope, especially one after overcoming difficult odds.
This book was well worth the wait. We got to see Holt and Baker in Trish and Andrews books it was obvious from the start that the chemistry was there. Baker took a huge risk in leaving Paths and becoming roommates with Holt. It took a while to finally find out what had landed Baker in Paths and what she had to overcome. She continues to grow throughout the book and become even stronger. Both Holt and Baker had to learn to let go of past experiences to really be able to trust and grow their relationship. Their story is full of ups and downs. Throughout their story we see a lot more of Holts family as well. This book is full of family and forgiveness. You see what family is really all about. This book is definitely a must read!!
Room-mates to lovers, never thought about reading a story along these lines, but I really enjoyed how the two came together and both with a lot of hurt from their past to overcome. Holt is a good man at heart, and Baker is still trying to trust men again. I really liked this book and hope you do as well.
You know the authors have a good thing going when you want to slap a side character. I wanted to slap Marlow so bad when the story came out and we learned about everything about the Dixon Family’s past. As Trust plays a huge part in this story. It’s something that Holt , the hero wants Baker to do. Put her Trust in a man , that she hardly knows. It’s easier said than done given her past. This story is built around two pasts, that have had destroyed the leads in question and left them very vulnerable. Both at different stages of healing, Trust Me opens up at just the right moment. When these two are twisting and turning about their attraction. Playing the dangerous game of cat and mouse of pushing the buttons without falling . Baker isn’t ready she thinks that her issues mean she can’t have a man in her life romantically. Until Hot pushes her button just once too many times and the wall start to break. However it isn’t smooth sailing with them. The obstacles from their past start to pop up and you have to wonder will they be able to break through and forge a future together. As much these two belong together, there is an air of despair around them. They are both constantly watching their own backs , hoping that they don’t have to deal with the pain that has had them running for so long. I rooted for them as they went through the weeks and we saw them at their high and low working to discover the precious gift of Trust. This book started off as fun but by the end, I was love with their story to redemption . The path to that wasn’t easy and it was hampered by guilt that they had been forced on them. It’s a sweet confronting romance that I was happy to see got their HEA This duo is a delight and definitely will be following this series as I want to know what happens with the Dixon family next.
After seeing his life implode Holt has returned to his hometown to be close to his family. He is working as a mechanic with dreams of opening his own shop but having Baker as his roommate is a curveball he wasn’t prepared for.
With the help of a great support system Baker is trying to heal from the emotional scars of her past. She is working at a magazine but her true love is the makeup line she is creating.
They start out as roommates however the chemistry between them is too strong to deny. The only thing standing between them is their trust not only in each other but themselves as well. This is an emotional story about love, family and beginnings that will have you captivated from beginning to end.
I’ve just recently stumbled across Grahame Claire’s books and I’m so glad I did! Trust Me is Holt and Baker’s story which was full of amazing chemistry and swoony moments! I loved both of the characters immediately and was immersed in their story! I loved every moment and highly recommend the book!!
Both Baker and Holt had issues from the past that seemed like a huge obstacles in the way towards happiness. I honestly thought they would never find a way for HEA. The story kept me rooted to my seat and cheering for them to open up and let the feelings heal them.ike said it was a close call.
All in all it was a good read and I'll definitely be picking up Grahame Claire books in the future.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
You don’t need many words when describing a Grahame Claire book. How about captivating, sexy and amazing. I was totally invested in the characters. There was emotions in every word.
Holt and Baker each had a past that they were running away from while they were running toward each other which is at the heart of the story.
Whew! Holt Dixon has intrigued me since I first read about him in Free Me (Andrew and Trish). I knew there was more to his character and I was so excited to read his story.
We first met Baker Holland in Free Me as well when she helped Trish out with her food truck. I’m so intrigued by the Paths of Purpose world and I love that these women are finding their rightful places after horrible experiences. Baker is no exception and her story is harrowing.
I really loved Holt’s response when he learned about Baker’s past, but it felt a little too perfect. Maybe his own experiences helped him navigate it easier than others might. Regardless, I’m happy with how their story turned out.
I can’t wait to read Marlow and Patrick’s story, I know there’s going to be some gut punches in there.
Simply wonderful. I adore Grahame Claire’s books and I was privileged to get an arc and wow this book is my favourite one now. I laughed, cried and waited with baited breath to see what would happen next. Five stars is not enough for this book, I want to give it all the stars. I couldn’t put it down. Oh my Holt and Baker are just so perfect for each other even when they are not so perfect in their own eyes. You are doing yourself a disservice by not reading this book. Grahame Claire just get better and better. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion but seriously you need to read this book.
This is book 2 in the Free series. Baker and Holt are roommates. Both have a big amount of emotional baggage. Baker is so afraid of falling into the same trap as before that she actually drove me crazy. I found Her to be a little immature. Baker knew what he wanted and he needed to knock down her walls. I enjoyed reading this book the story was definitely layered. I would definitely read another book by this author.
I loved Holt and Baker as a couple. Their chemistry and along with the trust they had with each other that helped them heal added to their journey as a couple. Trust Me by Grahame Claire is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Swoon worthy, angsty road to love with ALL of the feels from the lowest of lows to a beautiful crescendo. I loved it!!❤❤❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book
[1.5 star] i was contemplating whether do i wanna read this second book due i did not give a high rating for the first book. and i totally regretted my choice to give the author a second chance and read it to be honest.
firstly, like the first book, it was fucking long-winded. let me tell you why do i feel that way. when the hero push the heroine, the heroine will either run or avoid. when the heroine push the hero, he will flipped or run as well. so this chase and run game was kind of ongoing thru'out the book which makes me feel like i'm watching the "tom and jerry" cartoon which is totally an insult to the cartoon since it's my favourite during childhood.
secondly, there is a lot of drama going on with the hero's family which is annoying because there isn't a good resolution in the end. so the hero confronted her mother asking her to leave them alone when she appeared in his brother's wedding and claim his father wasn't his biological father. the mother then said she left them because of him, and then wat?? like what's the whole point of it? in the end, i still don't know what the mother wants from them nor why she keep yapping about her leaving is the hero's fault.
lastly, because the story keep dragging on... i was wondering when will the past of the heroine's be revealed. tadah!!! it was only revealed at 91% of the book, "wow, isn't it exciting??" the reason only came out when the book is coming to an end. pff~
overall, the book was dragged out too long, the characters are childish as shit and too much drama mama. i can forgo the third book since i feel that the author's writing style isn't my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The second in the series is just as good as the first! There are a few storylines that continue which would be better if you read the first book but can definitely be read on their own! Holt and Baker's story is definitely one of triumph and determination. They both had to make the hard choices to trust in each other so that they won't be hurt like they were from their previous partners. I loved reading their story and seeing if they worked out their problems or not! Highly recommend!
Eeek!! All the feels rolled up into one. When one of Graham Claire’s books shows up in my kindle I drop whatever I’m reading and start theirs. Just when I don’t think she can top her precious book, she always proves me wrong.
Hold on to your coveralls things are about to get messy!!!
Honey flavored lips and a grease monkey man should never work, but be ready to have your emotions worked over cause this one's coming in hot!!
When everyone who was important in your life lets you down it's very hard to trust anyone regardless of their words or actions. Baker is trying hard to change this and the first big step is leaving Paths of Purpose and becoming room mates with Holt Dixon.
Baker isn't the only one who has been let down by the ones they love. Holt was burned by two important people in his life as well as a very tragic event that's better left buried.
Both are not ready to share their stories and definitely not ready to move on, but what if they can't stop what's happening and they're both in way over their heads before they know it. Will their pasts be the end of something good or will it help build the future neither knew they wanted.
I loved Baker and Holt so much. They both were dealt a crappy hand but maybe they found in each other the reason to let go and move on.
This is a standalone but I suggest you read Trish and Andrew's story first, Free Me
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I'm done with love. That's whey I'm back in the city I ran away from in the first place. I swear the decision to stay has nothing to do with my new roommate and everything with what I left behind. So what if I am attracted to her? She's easy on the eyes. Smart. Driven. And we are on the same page when it comes to relationships. We don't do them. But our lives have quickly fallen in sync. Too easily. Too seamlessly. I'm laying down roots and making plans for the future I can't see without her in it. Sometimes I think I can't live with her...But what if I can't live without her.
Holy smoking hot Baker and Holt. You are going to fall so in love with them from the get go. These two have some of the most amazing chemistry and they will have you laughing from the very first chapter to the last. I will say too though that once I got further into the book that Baker got on my nerves a little bit and she about drove me crazy. If she does that to you too thought, don't lay the book down. You will miss something absolutely amazing if you do.
Amazing read! I love Baker and Holt so much, though Holt made it hard sometimes! They have both been hurt and betrayed multiple times. They both just want to love and be loved. Baker wants a family to call her own. She was involved in a tumultuous relationship at a very young age and that shaped her, but she never lost sight of what was right. Holt has a horrible mother and her leaving at a young age shaped him. They developed a connection as roommates that quickly becomes more, but they have to let go of so many ingrained beliefs. They have to work for it. The journey is heartbreaking and frustrating, but I loved the highs and the lows. Awesome writing, wonderful characters! So happy to get another glimpse of Daniel! Oh and the babies characterizations were so funny and true! Another wonderful read by the awesome duo of Grahame Claire! I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
I love this world Grahame Claire has created. I can’t get enough.
Book 2 in the Free Series, we get Andrew's brother Holt and Baker’s story.
Holt has come back to NY to spend time with his family that he didn’t realize how much he missed.
Holt has run away from his life in Wyoming and is seeking new grounds with his family. Keeping his secrets to himself and developing a relationship with Baker. Baker has had her own trauma in life seeking refuge at The Paths, now finally strong enough to be independent takes on Holt's offer and becomes roommates.
Two people running away from their secrets and finding solace in each other, seeking truth, seeking real love!
** Definitely read Book 1 in the Free Series Free Me it's where we meet Baker for the first time and understand the family dynamics.**
I haven't read the first book in the Free series - but I can definitely say Trust Me reads as a standalone. Holt & Baker's story had my heart hurting throughout the whole book. Little snippets were given as to what has happened in both their pasts, more so for Holt - but when Baker's past was totally revealed I really enjoyed how Holt reacted to that. There was a whole lot of going backwards and forwards for the pair, and this at times was frustrating to read for me. But the story has to be written this way until all their secrets were revealed - then it more than makes sense at the end. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
This was a really good story with a lot of angst and a lot of baggage for both Holt and Baker. I would have liked more of a reminder early in the book of how Holt and Baker became roommates; I have read a few book since Free Me and had a hard time situating myself in the first chapter. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one in the series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This roommates to lovers romance packed a lot of punch in to one story line. Baker and Holt are both fighting a lot of issues from the past when they find each other living together. The chemistry is smoldery and the storyline is packed full of emotion and feeling. This book gives you a real feeling about what having a family (and sometimes making your own family), trust, and moving on from your past is all about.
Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Book Seller, and a Bibliophile Blog.