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Huddling for Warmth #2
Close to the Edge
He’s my brother’s best friend. They served together; bled together.
So I probably shouldn’t daydream about crawling into his lap…
My big brother Rowan was lost to us for so long, hiding away from his demons in the Starlight Ridge mountains. Now he’s back, settled with his new wife, and that means a visit from his old army best friend.
His hot best friend. This gentle giant smoke show. Lord, why didn’t anyone warn me?!
Because Ash is impossibly tall and broad, with kind eyes and a steady presence. After so long on my own, the sweet way he takes care of me frazzles my brain.
But I just got my brother back. I can’t do anything that might jeopardize that.
Even if his burly best friend feels like home…
Close to the Edge is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a strong protector and the lonely bartender he’ll never let go.
So I probably shouldn’t daydream about crawling into his lap…
My big brother Rowan was lost to us for so long, hiding away from his demons in the Starlight Ridge mountains. Now he’s back, settled with his new wife, and that means a visit from his old army best friend.
His hot best friend. This gentle giant smoke show. Lord, why didn’t anyone warn me?!
Because Ash is impossibly tall and broad, with kind eyes and a steady presence. After so long on my own, the sweet way he takes care of me frazzles my brain.
But I just got my brother back. I can’t do anything that might jeopardize that.
Even if his burly best friend feels like home…
Close to the Edge is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a strong protector and the lonely bartender he’ll never let go.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
235 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
150 books1,347 followersCassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 24, 2024
4 stars
I do love me a friendly giant for a hero who has eyes only for the heroine.
The forbidden aspect was a nice touch, too, although a simple convo between them and the brother would solve all the issues and revolve all the doubts.
Also, I need to add this but if you're so afraid to get caught by the mentioned brother, maybe, just maybe don't fuck on his porch while he's on a walk with his wife.
Just a loose idea.
Because if my brother caught me shagging my hub in front of his house, I'd never look into his eyes again.
But it was still a great read.
And I can't wait for book 3 in the series.
Although I was hoping it would be connected with these characters, i don't think that's the case.
Anywho, I will read it for sure.
I still recommend it.
I do love me a friendly giant for a hero who has eyes only for the heroine.
The forbidden aspect was a nice touch, too, although a simple convo between them and the brother would solve all the issues and revolve all the doubts.
Also, I need to add this but if you're so afraid to get caught by the mentioned brother, maybe, just maybe don't fuck on his porch while he's on a walk with his wife.
Just a loose idea.
Because if my brother caught me shagging my hub in front of his house, I'd never look into his eyes again.
But it was still a great read.
And I can't wait for book 3 in the series.
Although I was hoping it would be connected with these characters, i don't think that's the case.
Anywho, I will read it for sure.
I still recommend it.
July 19, 2024
2.75✨
1🌶️
This was all around boring. First book was more engaging and with a better hook. Both characters in this felt bland and underdeveloped.
While I knew going in that instalust and instalove were obviously on the menu here, Cassie can make this work better times than others with a fun premise and short but worthwhile spice. It didn’t happen here. Everything felt basic.
1🌶️
This was all around boring. First book was more engaging and with a better hook. Both characters in this felt bland and underdeveloped.
While I knew going in that instalust and instalove were obviously on the menu here, Cassie can make this work better times than others with a fun premise and short but worthwhile spice. It didn’t happen here. Everything felt basic.
June 21, 2024
Dual virgins
June 14, 2024
Close to the Edge is book 2 in the Huddling for Warmth Series by Cassie Mint.
If you have read book 1 in this series. You will remember Tess, Rowan's younger sister. Although their relationship has improved, Tess is still concerned over Rowan and his mental state. She also harbors some issues of her own. When she first sees Ash, she feels instantly attracted to him, an unusual thing for her. Unfortunately, he disappeared before they had a chance to meet. She gets another opportunity when she arrives at her brother's house and finds out that Ash is his best friend and former military buddy. Things get complicated as they both decide they are off limits to one another because they think Rowan is too fragile to handle them being in a relationship.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. Although Ash is sweet and dubbed the “gentle giant.” I don't appreciate any guy who is a pushover, and he was. He was so insecure about his height and size that he let her decide their relationship based on her brother, instead of either of them talking to Rowan like adults. I also wasn't a fan of Tess. I did not like the way she treated Ash. The way she threw him away only to later declare it was time to decide things for herself.. um, no, you didn't. You only changed your tune because your brother accepted your relationship.
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series. this one, not so much. Hopefully, book 3 will be better.
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
If you have read book 1 in this series. You will remember Tess, Rowan's younger sister. Although their relationship has improved, Tess is still concerned over Rowan and his mental state. She also harbors some issues of her own. When she first sees Ash, she feels instantly attracted to him, an unusual thing for her. Unfortunately, he disappeared before they had a chance to meet. She gets another opportunity when she arrives at her brother's house and finds out that Ash is his best friend and former military buddy. Things get complicated as they both decide they are off limits to one another because they think Rowan is too fragile to handle them being in a relationship.
Overall, this was just an okay read for me. Although Ash is sweet and dubbed the “gentle giant.” I don't appreciate any guy who is a pushover, and he was. He was so insecure about his height and size that he let her decide their relationship based on her brother, instead of either of them talking to Rowan like adults. I also wasn't a fan of Tess. I did not like the way she treated Ash. The way she threw him away only to later declare it was time to decide things for herself.. um, no, you didn't. You only changed your tune because your brother accepted your relationship.
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series. this one, not so much. Hopefully, book 3 will be better.
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
June 20, 2024
This was a cute brother's best friend romance. It was a short, fast paced story with a good flow. The storyline was quite closely related to the first book in the series but it could still be read on its own. Ash and Tess had an instant connection and I liked them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2024
Big, burly and delicious
5 stars
Close to the Edge is the second book in the deliciously titled Huddling for Warmth series taking place after Lost in the Wild. This book features Tess, little sister of the hero from the first book, Rowan, and Ash, Rowan’s best friend. While both characters obviously have a connection to that first book, and Tess did appear briefly, you do not have to have read that book to understand and enjoy this one. It has its own happily ever after much like the first book did.
Tess has always felt a little bit alone. Staying in her small town to be close to her brother while he healed, he’s back but now has a wife and baby on the way as his priority. She’s just never felt that connection, that belonging, that attachment. And lord if that wasn’t relatable to me. She was still a trooper and I liked her immensely - even if I couldn’t relate to her tallness!
I’m not sure why it was a surprise to me but Ash was absolute catnip for me. A big, hulking man that’s as gentle as a giant and also feels like he’s not the catch that he obviously is. He’s a loner but for his one friend in the world, Rowan - but he too wishes for someone to put him first. He’s loyal, sweet, gruff and sexy. Yes, give me more Ash!
It’s lust at first sight when Ash and Tess lay eyes on each other - not knowing who the other is and not realising the other feels the same connection. When they realise the connection, they agree they cannot act on it. And to be fair to them, they do try - for like an hour or so. And then we get the fun stuff with lots of grabbing, kissing and touching. Mmm-hmmm.
Tess and Ash as a pairing have a great chemistry and it’s clear that they’re made for each other. I loved that they were trying to be a good friend and sister to Rowan but just couldn’t help the pull that they felt with each other. The ease that they felt when with the other, the sense of peace and belonging - it gave me the shivers. Gosh darnit - that’s what I want.
For those that have read the first book (and let me reiterate that you definitely don’t have to have done so) - I did feel this book gave a rounder view of Rowan’s PTSD and all he had done to overcome it. Not that it’s a major part of the story, but it was something I noted in the first book and was glad to see it was addressed in this book. But back to Ash and Tess…
Cassie Mint is definitely one of the best of the short and sweet stories that I like to devour. She’s so easy to read and yet still manages to make her characters likeable, relatable and oh so easy to root for. She always always nails (no pun intended) the sexy times both in terms of the yearning and tension and in the sex itself. I enjoyed the first book in this series but I just loved this book. If you’re looking for a quick and steamy read with a lonely girl and the big, beefy soldier that just wants to cuddle - then this is the story for you. 5 stars.
June 23, 2024
good read
This book was a good read but a bit of a let down. I’m usually a huge fan of Cassie Mint and have read everything she has put out, but this is the first book where I have not enjoyed the plot.
Tess is worried about her brother, having only just recently got him back from PTSD induced seclusion however she also says she has never been interested in men, none have peaked her interest. Then her brother’s friend Ash comes along and it’s instant attraction like she has never known, but it’s the same for Ash too.
Yet somehow neither of them have a strong ‘AHA’ moment and realise, ‘this is my person and I won’t give them up, even if the brother gets his feelings hurt’.
They only end up together because the brother says it’s ok and I find that really frustrating to read, that somehow 2 fully grown adults only decide they can be together because her brother said ok and then they are all in.
There was a part where Ash thinks he won’t stay away from her but the second she worries, he is ready to leave instead of fight for her. For me the whole back and forth of ‘I want you but we can’t do this’ which plays out until the very end, got to be a very tired read this time.
This book was a good read but a bit of a let down. I’m usually a huge fan of Cassie Mint and have read everything she has put out, but this is the first book where I have not enjoyed the plot.
Tess is worried about her brother, having only just recently got him back from PTSD induced seclusion however she also says she has never been interested in men, none have peaked her interest. Then her brother’s friend Ash comes along and it’s instant attraction like she has never known, but it’s the same for Ash too.
Yet somehow neither of them have a strong ‘AHA’ moment and realise, ‘this is my person and I won’t give them up, even if the brother gets his feelings hurt’.
They only end up together because the brother says it’s ok and I find that really frustrating to read, that somehow 2 fully grown adults only decide they can be together because her brother said ok and then they are all in.
There was a part where Ash thinks he won’t stay away from her but the second she worries, he is ready to leave instead of fight for her. For me the whole back and forth of ‘I want you but we can’t do this’ which plays out until the very end, got to be a very tired read this time.
June 20, 2024
In the small mountain town of Starlight Ridge, Tess (h) juggles her responsibilities at Flint’s bar while worrying about her brother Rowan ("Lost in the Wild"), who has spent years living in isolation in a cave until he recently found love with Evie. When Ash (H), Rowan's best friend and fellow military veteran, visits, Tess finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him. Despite their immediate mutual attraction, both Tess and Ash are wary of pursuing a relationship that could upset Rowan, perhaps sending him back to his former remote life. As Tess and Ash spend more time together, their connection deepens, forcing them to confront their fears and the traumas of their pasts, even as things heat up between the two. Navigating their growing feelings while remaining loyal to Rowan and the challenges of small-town life, they must decide if their love is worth the risk. Hot and steamy instalove, forbidden, small town romance with a plenty of angst.
June 17, 2024
Tess and Rowan were absolutely ADORABLE together. I loved Rowan with all my heart. Big, burly men are my kryptonite in books. It’s always so good reading about a big man falling head over heels in love with his woman. The way he was written was so good. I couldn’t get enough of him in this story. I also loved how connected they were with each other’s feelings. They both felt the loss of Tess’s brother when he went to live in a cave and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the fact that he came back. I love and hated that part of them because they almost didn’t get their HEA because of it. Ugh! They are adorable and I can’t get enough. Loved them. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
Ash has come to see his best friend, Rowan and his wife Evie (Lost in the Wild). He never expects to see a gorgeous woman that makes his heart race, he finds out later she is Rowan's younger sister Tess.
Tess never had any interest in any guy, until the night the large man came by Flint's, she never felt so flustered. She finds out the next morning he is her brother's best friend, Ash. She does not want jeopardize he brother's well being but staying away from him is becoming so hard.
This is a steamy read, with two sweet individuals.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tess never had any interest in any guy, until the night the large man came by Flint's, she never felt so flustered. She finds out the next morning he is her brother's best friend, Ash. She does not want jeopardize he brother's well being but staying away from him is becoming so hard.
This is a steamy read, with two sweet individuals.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
Close to the Edge is a magical love story full of sexual tension, beautiful caring, a plethora of emotions, and delightful characters. Ash and Tess have an intense connection that is palpable, the chemistry bursting off the pages and taking on a life of its own. I love how the author builds and builds and builds, while integrating Evie and Rowan into the plot. This novella is a must read; it is well-written with all the feels, sucking you in and keeping you fully engaged from start to finish. I just love Cassie Mint’s work, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2024
This was a real slow burn. Too much pushing away from both sides because they didn't want to upset the brother/BFF. For ME, it was too angsty. I didn't like that it took over half of the story for them to kiss but then they still pushed each other away. They finally got together around 90%, that's way too long. I love Cassie's books but this was a total miss for me.
H- age?
h- 25
Both virgins
No condom use
No OW/OM drama
Safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
H- age?
h- 25
Both virgins
No condom use
No OW/OM drama
Safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2024
I loved Close to the Edge Book 2 of Huddling for Warmth. Ash just saw his future but when he finds out it’s his best friends sister, Tess, he knows she’s off limits. Unfortunately, they have a pull that they can’t resist but they won’t put a burden on their friend/brother. I loved the storyline and the characters. It’s hard to resist the pull of fate but they are trying so hard. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2024
s h e l v e s :
burly
cameos (Evie & Rowan!)
instalove
marshmallow softie
mutual pining
ott
virgin
wife her up
e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ angel
k i n k s :
fucked outside
no condom
e n d i n g :
r e v i e w :
Characters were sweet…but the chemistry and spice overall fell flat for me idk. SUPER rare for a Cassie Mint! But still enjoyed the story, especially the glimpses of Evie and Rowan
burly
cameos (Evie & Rowan!)
instalove
marshmallow softie
mutual pining
ott
virgin
wife her up
e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ angel
k i n k s :
fucked outside
no condom
e n d i n g :
r e v i e w :
Characters were sweet…but the chemistry and spice overall fell flat for me idk. SUPER rare for a Cassie Mint! But still enjoyed the story, especially the glimpses of Evie and Rowan
July 28, 2024
Ash went to visit his best friend from the military and met the love of his life. The only issue was she was his best friends sister! Tess is in love with Ash but is worried about her brother’s well being if she starts a relationship with him so tries to stay away. Their feelings are too strong to avoid each other for long. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a loving, caring hero and a wonderful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2024
After reading Lost in the Wild by Cassie Mint, I couldn't wait to get Tess's story. She's Rowan's younger sister and now its her turn. Ash has come to Starlight Ridge to see his buddy Rowan when he sees the most beautiful girl he has ever seen and they both feel an instant and very intense attraction. Unfortunately Ash soon learns she is Rowan's little sister and therefore off limits. Will Ash and Tess ignore their connection or will they risk hurting Rowan? Loved their story.
June 21, 2024
This was a short, cute instalove story. Everything I enjoy when I read a Cassie Mint book.
Ash and Tess had an instant connection from the moment they saw one another. It was so sweet as they got to know each other-but they were both hesitant as Ash is Tess’ brothers best friend; and neither want him to be upset.
This is a good read if your looking for face paced, small town romance with slight forbidden vibes.
Ash and Tess had an instant connection from the moment they saw one another. It was so sweet as they got to know each other-but they were both hesitant as Ash is Tess’ brothers best friend; and neither want him to be upset.
This is a good read if your looking for face paced, small town romance with slight forbidden vibes.
July 13, 2024
Quickie Review: I have really enjoyed this series by Mint. We are only 2 books in so far, but I hope there is more to come. The romance is the insta kind and I am all about it. I love that they just had to look at each other and knew they wanted them to be their person. There is the forbidden element being that she is the best friend’s little sister. Which is also a favorite of mine. Great story & even better romance. 5 Stars.
July 25, 2024
2.6/5
Too much push and pull. It felt like she would have really let him leave if her brother wasn’t cool with them and therefore its ended up feeling like the love isn’t strong or special. And with instalove you need that.
Plus I hated that her brother saw her losing her virginity. Gross.
Huge brute of a former military man. Tall brothers little sister. Double virgins. No OMD/OWD. No cheating. Kinda breakup? But very brief. 1 year epilogue with her 5 months pregnant.
Too much push and pull. It felt like she would have really let him leave if her brother wasn’t cool with them and therefore its ended up feeling like the love isn’t strong or special. And with instalove you need that.
Plus I hated that her brother saw her losing her virginity. Gross.
Huge brute of a former military man. Tall brothers little sister. Double virgins. No OMD/OWD. No cheating. Kinda breakup? But very brief. 1 year epilogue with her 5 months pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
Tess had only just got her brother back from his reclusive life thanks tp his new wife, andnnow Ash his nest friend and serving buddy is back in town, as sparks fly can they really give into temptations? Well written steamy desires, off limits, sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2024
Tess has finally gotten her brother back thanks to his wife. His best friend Ash is back in town and sparks ignited between him and Tess. Tess is afraid of the fallout between her and her brother if she and Ash gets together. Will she and Ash get the chance to pursue a relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2024
This book tugged on my heart strings a little. I haven't read the first book, but I will definitely go back now. Ash is a good friend and Tess is a great sister. But they've both been hurt by Rowan and are worried about him now. Their connection is instant and strong so it's a bit of a pickle to decide who matters more to each of them.
June 19, 2024
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Tess, Ash and her brother/his best friend, Rowan. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, forbidden desire, insecurities and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
These characters have all been through life's ups and downs and they care deeply for each other. When Ash sees the most beautiful woman he's ever seen he has to know who she is, until he realises she's his best friends little sister and off limits!
The chemistry between Ash and Tess is off the charts, they're drawn to each other in the most intense way and they both deserve the connection, if they can be honest with her brother about their feelings.
A beautiful romance, quick read and I absolutely loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The chemistry between Ash and Tess is off the charts, they're drawn to each other in the most intense way and they both deserve the connection, if they can be honest with her brother about their feelings.
A beautiful romance, quick read and I absolutely loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2024
I absolutely love this series!
The chemistry between the characters are outstanding and their story is just so sweet and you can’t help but fall in love with both of them!
I can’t wait for the next book! ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The chemistry between the characters are outstanding and their story is just so sweet and you can’t help but fall in love with both of them!
I can’t wait for the next book! ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2025
Ughhh
It was ok . I was disappointed in the characters. They worried too much about the brother/ best friend... the back n forth got on my nerves. . N the brother made his sister feel alone n sad. Haven't read his book. Read this one first. Felt rowan owed hos sister a major apology. He only got better bc of his woman. I was sad for tess . Not my fav.
It was ok . I was disappointed in the characters. They worried too much about the brother/ best friend... the back n forth got on my nerves. . N the brother made his sister feel alone n sad. Haven't read his book. Read this one first. Felt rowan owed hos sister a major apology. He only got better bc of his woman. I was sad for tess . Not my fav.
June 17, 2024
Love at first sight with a giant of a man. Yes please! This steamy story was so good! Stayed up late to finish this short story and it was worth it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2024
That was, I don't even know what to call it.
It's supposed to be a breezy OTT short romance, but it felt so drawn out for a final chapter and epilogue where they're together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's supposed to be a breezy OTT short romance, but it felt so drawn out for a final chapter and epilogue where they're together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
*spoilers*
Two previously asexual virgins make eye contact and fall in love. They manage to have a third act break up in a one act play and then have athletic and satisfying makeup sex. Maybe that’s your thing. If so, this one is for you. It wasn’t for me.
Two previously asexual virgins make eye contact and fall in love. They manage to have a third act break up in a one act play and then have athletic and satisfying makeup sex. Maybe that’s your thing. If so, this one is for you. It wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews