Catch Me

Me #1

by Julia Crosswood

Twenty-year-old Lauren Miller is a devoted sister, a rebellious daughter, and an outgoing student. Life has made her hard, forced her to create a thick wall around her. A perfect way to keep everyone at bay while it hides the broken pieces inside.

One party. One fatal disaster. And Lauren's wall threatens to crumble to the ground.
The mafia is out to get her. The urge to run has never been stronger. Only this time, she’s got one huge problem.

He is six feet two inches of handsomeness, has a moody temperament and an overbearing attitude, and goes by the name Liam Ressler.
The guy is on a mission. And the fact is, he never fails.

Genres: Romance

ebook

First published November 11, 2018

About the author

Julia Crosswood is a teacher and a mom of two by day.
An author and avid reader by night—or when the kids are napping.

Although writing and self-publishing her books take a lot of time, she makes sure there’s enough left to make sweet memories with her family, including lots of vacations—yet it’s never without her laptop or Kindle.

Under the influence of a serious dose of caffeine and after a long, hard, and sweaty run—and of course a refreshing shower—Julia writes romance stories spiced with a touch of drama and a pinch of suspense.

Reviews

[Rebecca Hawkins-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the Next Step PR and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book was a suspenseful, heartbreaking, and steamy romance you need to read!

This read was a thrill ride from start to finish and I CANNOT wait to read more from this fabulous writer! The book starts with an air of mystery with a prologue only meant to shock and confuse and takes off from there. There are so many twists and turns and enough sexual tension to make any poor human explode. This book was a fast paced thrill ride and although I enjoyed the ride, I just wish there had been so much more to the plot and to the development of characters.

The plot was so fast paced and there were so many different things going on that I kind of missed the details of it all. The story was so good that I wanted more out of it darn it! I didn’t really understand everything that was going on to get a complete picture of the dynamics of the plot. I wish the author had just taken just a little bit of time to give us more background on the sisters and their life before the dramatic and heartbreaking beginning because I wasn’t able to bond with them as much as I wanted to. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the nonstop action and the intrigue of a suspenseful plot, but how can I be completely absorbed into the story, if I didn’t get a proper introduction? That was just a little pet peeve of mine about the writing, but everything else was definitely a reason to read!

I loved the characters so much. Lauren is such a dynamic and addicting character to follow. I love her don’t care attitude and I also was in love with her sass. Her antics against Liam were funny and his responses were even funnier. I also loved getting multiple perspectives from Mason, Matthew, Liam, but again, I am like a selfish monster and wish there had been more chapters containing their perspectives. They would have definitely shed more light on the conflicts between the characters and the conflict of the overall plot.

I LOVED the sexual tension between Lauren and Liam sooooo much. It was fun to read and it kept me VERY entertained throughout the whole book, BUT I wanted more. I also wanted more lead up to their relationship. This book almost felt like a sequel to a book rather than a first book of a series. I just felt that a lot of information was missing.

Overall, this book was a quick, suspenseful, action-packed and steamy read, BUT I WANT MORE PLEASE!

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

After a romance that I did not manage to finish, I started this novel without knowing what to expect. This is Julia Crosswood’s first novel and I was curious to discover the author’s ideas.

Lauren and her twin sister Kate were inseparable. Until this incident. Until someone shoots Kate and leaves Lauren alone more than ever. Yet without having the time to manage the death of her half, Lauren will find herself propelled into a story that is totally beyond her. She learns that the mafia wants to kill her because of her father that she does not even know but in addition to that, she is kidnapped by a team of bodyguards who is determined to keep her alive in spite of her desire. And he is there, the one who catches her eye and yet he has never spoken to her. But now that he is here, he is determined that she will not take any chances, and he will be there even if she tries to escape. Especially if she tries to escape.

I loved the story and really had a great time with the novel. The author presents a lively and well-paced story and I must say that I had a hard time letting go of it. I was always eager to see what was going to happen and I’m thrilled with the whole thing. The novel is cut between the present and scenes at different times in the past, all following various characters in the story. While it’s difficult to pin down some characters like Vance, I loved discovering them all, be it Lauren, Liam, Matthew and everyone else. How to resist Sarah or Mason? Impossible ! And I admit that I’m really looking forward to discover more, but now it will take a little patience and that is sadder!

In any case I fell in love with Lauren the rebel and Liam with hot blood! They are both great!

[Lauren Sapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from beginning to end. The first few pages immediately caught me and pulled me into the plot and then I literally couldn’t stop turning pages. It was one of those books where you keep telling yourself that you’re going to read “just one more chapter” and then five chapters later you’re still reading and you still can’t stop.

The premise of the story is simple—yet very suspenseful. Lauren is a headstrong, independent, and whip-smart college student who is yanked out of her normal life and into a life on the run after she becomes the target of a mob boss who has a score to settle with her mysterious and shadowy father (who we get to know later and who is super intriguing himself). Liam Ressler is the man hired to protect her, and he’s professional and discreet in every way, until he accidentally falls in love with her. There’s a lot more to the story, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Long story short—it’s a HOT and steamy romance that unfolds between Lauren and Liam and I loved every second. Seriously, as I was reading I kept saying out loud, “Ooooh YEAH!” (The people around me totally thought I was crazy.) because the chemistry between Lauren and Liam was ON FIRE. The sexual tension was so well written I was in just in awe of how well it came across. SIZZLING.

I would highly recommend Catch Me to anyone who loves romance, spicy romance, sexy suspense, and suspense/thriller. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Tejomai (bible_and_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular !! Well deserved 5 star book.
Oh my goshh- this might be the BEST.. LIKE -THE BEST- Romantic suspense I've ever read. ( Mind you I read a lot of romance)

Okay so story , where do I even start.. there was never a dull moment for me after I started reading it, like literally never.. I just wanted to read it on & on

Liam is the epitome of broody, protective hero and Icy - Stubborn heroine
I'm a goner for it.

I love their relationship, the total SPSIe ( protection force) every single person was nailed in character and depth
The writting was awesome and very intriguing, had to wait every second to know what's gonna happen

In this story, we have Lauren who never doesn't do relationships & is an protective sister, she's broken when something unchangeable happens and Liam is determined to not to let her go!
He fought their sparks as much as he can- the moment she was about to kiss another man, He looses it!!
Such a loving protective hero, He truly loved her in all her mess and wanted to protect her from the danger lurking around her .

Guyss - I highly recommend reading this book.


Content warning: There is one closed door sex scene but nothing was graphic just s lil 🔥

[Amelia Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I was given the opportunity to review a romantic suspense (something I adore) which is set for release on November 11.

CATCH ME by Julia Crosswood is the story of Lauren Miller and her twin Kate who, unwittingly, become the target of a villainous criminal bent on revenge against someone who is closer to the girls than they realize.

What was meant to be a harmless frat party descends into chaos as the girls are caught in a hitman’s crossfires. Boys they once viewed as a good friend and an intriguing mystery man are revealed as their hired protectors.

Headstrong and determined, Lauren makes this a nearly impossible task for Mason and Liam, trying to find freedom from the gilded cage imprisonment designed to keep her safe and then later in a desperate attempt to bring down the dark force lurking in the background. The one who has one goal in mind, erasing Lauren and Kate from the planet to bring about their promised revenge.

There are a million roller coaster highs and lows in CATCH ME that keep you flipping the pages and salivating for more. Especially when the tense, but undeniable, attraction that Liam and Lauren fight culminates into the girl who once thought she was an ice princess melting in her bodyguard’s arms… and bed.

I’m personally shipping Mason and… someone together super hard and can’t wait for the next installment of SPISe series. Sorry, can’t give out spoilers this early! You need to run out and read for yourself!
Add to your TBR today!

[Lijs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling romance between stubborn, icey-appearing Lauren and protective, headstrong Liam.
You get to know and care for Lauren during the story (she’s a loving sister, she has a strong will, she had a troubled youthhood).
Liam on the other hand never loses his mystery entirely. He’s always there, but in the shadows. Heavenly mysterious, leaving me (and Lauren eventually lol) wanting for more.

Somethimes I was laughing out loud, Lauren can be, despite her hard shell, quite funny, in conversation and in her thoughts, loved it!

I found the book well written. The language is young, to the point, and keeps a nice pace.
I loved the suspense, it builds nicely and keeps you turning the pages. When all the pieces fall together you find yourself in the middle of a gripping movie scene. I read those chapters so fast I had to read them again, I found them so thrilling!

I also liked the cover a lot! Set in the big city - which can be hard and dismissive just like Lauren her outer shell - with a fragile looking girl. Deep inside Lauren is also fragile, craving for love and understanding. We do not see her face, she does not look us in the eye, so we can not see the pain within. It could only take a guy like Liam to unrelentingly try to win her heart.

Can't wait to read volume 2!

[Jennifer Felderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you’re the care taker? The one who holds up your world, takes care of your sister, and sacrifices everything for her ? Lauren is that girl. She’s said no to relationships, has her walls up high, and takes care of the only living family member that she has.

So what happens when she has nothing? What happens when family is gone, and she’s ripped away from that she knows ? Lauren spirals. Catch me is about a girl who is impatient, stubborn, and independent. She does the things that she needs to to get what she needs, even when it’s not the best for her. Poor Liam. I enjoyed watching her put Liam Thru it. The fights, the sexual tension…yes please ! Love is staying regardless of how far you pull away though. Something that Lauren soon figured out!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This was a fast paced, intense, steamy ride! Lauren is thrust into a world she had no idea she was even a part of one fateful evening at a party. She’s forced on the run with a team of men who are trying to protect her, including the broody and infuriating Liam. She’d seem Liam around campus, always seemingly watching her, scowling and intimidating. Turns out, he was hired to watch her, to protect her, but not contact her - much to his chagrin, as he seems to be falling for her, even from afar. Lauren is so infuriated by Liam, she refuses to call him by his name, even in her own head, for most of the book. But their chemistry is undeniable, and as they spend more time together running for their lives, and more secrets are revealed, they aren’t able to resist the pull. It’s a steamy, high octane, romantic suspense.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

CATCH ME is the first installment in the romantic suspense series written by Julia Crosswood, a promising newbie author .

Full of angst and plot twists, this thrilling story will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you ask for seconds. "This isn't the movies, Lauren. Not. At. All." but it does feel like one with all the action and suspense.

Lauren is a twenty-year-old young woman whose main purpose in life has always been to protect her twin sister Kate. Deceived by her mother, an absentee father and later on her step-father, she could only rely on herself. Therefore, she erected ramparts around her heart, in order to raise and take care of her sister, the single valuable person in her life.

For a decade, the two women had managed to cope with what life threw at them, until one night at a rather common college party when it all turned into a nightmare. Watching the only loved one she had die in front of her eyes changed Lauren drastically. Yet, as if this wasn't enough, there was still more to come for Lauren.

As lies are uncovered, truths are revealed and Lauren discovers that her biological father who is still alive put her in danger by messing with the mafia. Hunted from every corner, she had to accept the help of strangers and more specifically one handsome controlling brooding one who would to anything to keep her safe even if it means caging her and making her feel trapped.

Stubborn and courageous, Lauren will do her best to not let Liam's overbearing behavior get in her way, but sometimes the heart doesn't listen to the mind and as times passes and she begins to learn what's beneath that rock hard shell, her resistance fades little by little.

Lauren may have a fair share of surprises, but not all of them are bad. Some unexpected things are worth it. Despite her terrible journey, Lauren will find not only love, but a family and people to whom she can count on. She sure is in a jumble, but for once in her life, she isn't alone to handle things.

Eventually, I'd give CATCH ME 3,5 stars. Although I liked the plot and the female characters, I had a hard time with Liam's persona. He has his reasons for acting like he does, but sometimes his reactions seem disproportionate. Yet, I was convinced by some secondary characters such as Mason and Matthew and I cannot wait to read more about their adventures.

[Marta Bukowska · Rating 1 out of 5]

She’s a brat and rude. If a guy acted like her everyone would say that he’s foul, rude, and downright mentally abusing. But because she’s a girl it’s all fine and dandy. Just because You had an awful life it doesn’t give you the right to torture others with your behavior.
Heroine acts like a spoiled child in a shop wanting everything but not really sure what, so she throws tantrum laying on the floor and screaming making everyone’s day horrendous.
Awful woman

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series by Julia Crosswood. Twenty year old twins Kate and Lauren grew up without a father and a mother who was killed in a drunken car crash when they were ten. They were raised by their step father, but they were each other's only family and a constant in each others lives. Kate is quiet, sweet, kind, even temperated and the total opposite to her sister Lauren who is outgoing, stubborn, bullhead and strong willed. The sisters are at a party with friends when Kate is shot and killed by an unknown person. Scotts' Private Investigation and Security sweeps in and rescues Lauren to keep her safe from individuals that have a grudge against her father. Liam is good looking, well built, strong, bullheaded with a degree in law enforcement and working for the Scotts' is one of the personnel hired to protect Lauren. In constant closeness with Lauren he makes the mistake of falling in love with her. From the beginning the two of them are in a constant battle of wits, and a continuous rollercoaster ride from the moment she is in his charge. This book is full of unexpected twist and turns, an enjoyable read.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first story by Crosswood. It’s also book one in her Me Series. I want to say I finished this book but I can’t. I want to say I loved this book, but I can’t. Here’s why; Lauren, the heroine, completely turned me off. Over and over she said she’s an adult yet would throw tantrums like a toddler. I get she’s a runner, but at twenty years old and supposedly being the one to hold up your twin sister, then one would expect her to act more grown-up. The way she acted and how little action there was is why I DNF this book. I made it 59% and just couldn’t keep going. If the rest of the book kept up with the prologue, it would have been a really great book. For a Romantic Suspense, there was very little suspense happening. I’m sorry I couldn’t give a favorable review, but this is what happens when requesting reviews. If this author decides to try a different romance genre, I would give her another shot. Romantic Suspense is not for everyone.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a series and what an intriguing tale this is. Lauren and her twin Kate are inseparable, until they become targets of a criminal who is seeking revenge against someone who is close to the girls. With the mafia having Lauren in their sights, she has the urge to run, but gets kidnapped by Liam and Mason, who are hired protection, and will do whatever they must to keep her safe and protected. This is a well-paced story which is filled with mystery, revenge, action, intrigue, suspense, heartbreak, and is a steamy and thrilling addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author, and I recommend this story.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia is a new author to me . But I cannot express how much I absolutely loved Catch Me . I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading . I literally just finished it last night , I honestly think I devoured it in under 4 hours , it was that good . The story and the characters are so well developed and written , this really is not a book that should be missed .there is so much mystery and intrigue. It’s intense , it’s steamy . From the moment you meet Lauren and Liam you will be completely hooked .