REVIEW: Can’t Let Go by Barbara Freethy

In Can’t Let Go (The Callaways #13) by Barbara Freethy, If there was ever an expression that could accurately describe Annie Callaway, it would be “curiosity killed the cat.” As a graphic artist she uses her inquisitiveness to figure out what makes people tick. But her creativity has hit a wall recently. After being rescued by a local surfer, Griffin Hale, though, Annie is filled with ideas. And not just of the artistic variety. Nope, she finds out her rescuer also owns a really cool local bar and from there she’s hooked. Hooked on his funky staff, the cool ambiance of the train-station-turned-bar, and Griffin himself. Unfortunately he’s not so keen on Annie peppering him with questions and butting into his life. Good thing she doesn’t give up easily. Because it’s obvious that Griffin could use some happiness in his life. And with the powerful connection between them, how could it be anything but wonderful?

“What kind of tree are you looking for?”
“Something big and green.”
“Well, that narrows it down. I think you need me, Griffin.”
His blue eyes darkened as he looked at her. “I think I do, too.”
And suddenly, she didn’t think they were talking about Christmas trees anymore.

Griffin isn’t sure if it’s hero worship or basic attraction that has beautiful but nosy Annie hanging around his bar, but he knows it’s going to cause trouble. He’s put everything into making his business a success. And there’s a lot more than just his career at stake. The Depot is a safe place for people in trouble to use as a pit stop on their way to finding a better future. And with some dark secrets of his own hiding in his past, Griffin wants to keep Annie from getting into the middle of it all. But just as he feared, his past is catching up with him and he finds himself and everyone around him in danger. It’s too late to push Annie away. There’s too much between them to put a complete stop to it. So Griffin tells himself to keep her close, protect her, and prove to her–and himself–that they really have what it takes to make a relationship work.

“Someone is coming for me, and I need to get you out of harm’s way.” He drew in a quick breath. “I never should have gotten involved with you, Annie. I’ve avoided relationships because I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. But I couldn’t stay away from you. I’m sorry.”

A few surprising plot twists. Some sweet romance. A bit of a Christmas theme. One curious heroine and a grumbly, brave hero. Can’t Let Go was filled with lots of the charm and flowing dialogue I’ve come to expect from Barbara Freethy over the years.

“My life is complicated,” he continued.
“Everyone’s life is complicated.”
“That might be true, but I like things simple, and you are not simple, Annie Callaway.”

While I’ve read several of Barbara Freethy’s books before, this is my first experience with any of the Callaway clan. (I know!!) And I can see why there are diehard fans out there clamoring for more. Annie Callaway was pretty unique. She was an artist and a people person, kind of a do-gooder. It was her nosiness that made me both laugh and shake my head because you could just see it getting her in trouble somehow. And it definitely did when it came to Griffin. Now he was one of my favorite types of heroes: brooding, kindhearted, rather tortured, but yet courageous. He had a few secrets that Annie was just itching to figure out. That’s where the suspense portion of the story kicked in. It was based on Griffin’s hidden past and his involvement with Annie. And boy did I love unraveling that part of the plot.

My only small quibble with this was the book cover. The model portraying Griffin has blondish hair and looks too, dare I say, preppy. Griffin was described basically as tall, dark, brooding and handsome: dark haired and with long, lean muscles like the surfer he was. Not a deal breaker by any means but every time I saw it on my kindle, I’ll admit I cringed. (lol)

To say Griffin and Annie’s relationship was complicated was putting it mildly. He resisted her inquisitive nature but couldn’t get past their chemistry and how alive he finally felt when he was with her. And she thought of it as her mission to make Griffin smile and open up. Of course they both made some blunders, all related to not being totally forthcoming about everything. But Annie and Griffin just felt *right* together to me. They each showed a lot of personal growth and dealt with some of their own issues while learning how to be a couple–neither one had a good track record when it came to romance. I loved their bantering and how it tickled Griffin (even though he didn’t let on) that Annie babbled on and on when she was nervous, tired, stressed… Okay, so she babbled pretty much all the time. *giggle*

In Can’t Let Go, Barbara Freethy created an eclectic community with solid secondary characters and two interesting main characters who kept me intrigued. Fans will be happy to find out that up next in the series will be Annie’s brother Hunter’s story: Secrets That We Keep, in 2018.
 

Book Info:

Publication: Published December 26th 2017 | Fog City Publishing, LLC | The Callaways #13

Find out why millions of readers are loving the Callaways! From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy comes another stunning blend of heart-warming romance and spine-tingling suspense…

Talented graphic artist and animator Annie Callaway has been commissioned by a Hollywood studio to create the next superhero blockbuster movie, but a bout of creative block has Annie searching the Southern California beach scene for inspiration. A local Irish bar in an old train depot, run by the ruggedly attractive and somewhat mysterious Griffin Hale, piques her interest, and she finds herself weaving fantasies about not only Griffin but also the quirky characters who work there.

The last thing Griffin Hale needs at his bar is a nosy artist looking for personal stories to turn into movie plots. He has carefully cultivated a scene of complete normalcy for people who need it more than Annie could possibly imagine, and it’s his job to protect them. But the beautiful redhead with the compelling green eyes is difficult to turn away. Annie’s fantasy world where good always conquers evil is not the life that Griffin has lived, and he can’t help but think she’ll never be satisfied with anyone less than a superhero.

After a string of bad relationships, Annie willingly admits that most real men don’t live up to her muscle-bound, cape-wearing protectors of the world, but when her stubborn curiosity propels her into a danger she never expected, she begins to realize that some heroes work in the dark…and a man who fights for you is a man worth fighting for.

While Griffin is determined to keep Annie alive, he’s not at all convinced he can give her the happily-ever-after she’s looking for. But then some stories take an unexpected turn…