What do you think?
Rate this book
Alabama Secrets #2
Just Close Enough
Revenge. Betrayal. Retribution. That’s the Russian way.
Seattle businessman Alexander Volkow arrives in Crossroads, Alabama and buys up half of Broad Street. Local residents think he’s there to buy low and sell high, but he’s really after information pointing to a hometown hero who’s MIA. Alex is determined to get his vengeance, leading him to the missing man’s fiancée. Although Polly Anna swears she doesn’t know where Billy is, she might offer Alex the payback he’s looking for with her sweet Southern charm and hot little body. The problem is her sexy snort might lure him back for more. He’ll do anything to get his revenge ... even pretend to fall in love.
Polly Anna Coots is searching for a way out.
Escaping Crossroads is the only way to survive Billy. Everyone thinks he’s MIA, and no one wishes it’s true more than Polly Anna’s battered body, but someone’s been stalking her. All she needs to make her getaway are the profits from her organic cotton crop, but Alexander Volkow is the only man who’ll buy it and he wants more than a business deal. She’s been with a possessive, domineering man before—there’s no way she’s getting in bed with a secretive Russian playboy ... especially one who’s after something more than another notch in his bed post.
In a small Southern town filled with secrets that fuel the smoldering fire burning between them, can either one of them get Just Close Enough?
Alabama Secret Series
Each book is a stand alone novel with crossover characters, they are numbered in the order they were written, not in chronological order.
Just in Case Book 1
Just Close Enough Book 2
Seattle businessman Alexander Volkow arrives in Crossroads, Alabama and buys up half of Broad Street. Local residents think he’s there to buy low and sell high, but he’s really after information pointing to a hometown hero who’s MIA. Alex is determined to get his vengeance, leading him to the missing man’s fiancée. Although Polly Anna swears she doesn’t know where Billy is, she might offer Alex the payback he’s looking for with her sweet Southern charm and hot little body. The problem is her sexy snort might lure him back for more. He’ll do anything to get his revenge ... even pretend to fall in love.
Polly Anna Coots is searching for a way out.
Escaping Crossroads is the only way to survive Billy. Everyone thinks he’s MIA, and no one wishes it’s true more than Polly Anna’s battered body, but someone’s been stalking her. All she needs to make her getaway are the profits from her organic cotton crop, but Alexander Volkow is the only man who’ll buy it and he wants more than a business deal. She’s been with a possessive, domineering man before—there’s no way she’s getting in bed with a secretive Russian playboy ... especially one who’s after something more than another notch in his bed post.
In a small Southern town filled with secrets that fuel the smoldering fire burning between them, can either one of them get Just Close Enough?
Alabama Secret Series
Each book is a stand alone novel with crossover characters, they are numbered in the order they were written, not in chronological order.
Just in Case Book 1
Just Close Enough Book 2
- GenresContemporary Romance
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Marx
19 books499 followersWindy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.
Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.
Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 4, 2015
Whew! My emotions were on a roller coaster! That is putting it mildly. From the first paragraph until The End, I was drawn in and could not put this book down. Elizabeth Marx has a way of doing that. This is the second book of hers that I have read and the same thing has happened. I’m sensing a pattern here, and I LOVE IT!
This book is a complete 180 from the last book that I read from Ms. Marx. Just Close Enough was way More than Enough for me!! To say that it deserves 5 stars is not enough, 7 or 9, heck I want to give it 10! Yes, people it is that good. I’m pretty stingy with my stars, so you know it was good. I literally could not stop reading; I was so engulfed in this story. I needed to know what was going to happen.
Alex, the hot, sexy as sin Russian business man with so much more going on than wanting to run the old mill in Crossroads. What are his deep secrets? The Yankee come to the South and is shunned by the town, until the princess takes him under her wing, unwillingly of course.
Poly Anna, can we get anymore Southern Belle than that, nope! She is the town do gooder, princess and healer of all wounded things. Until she meets the Russian Yankee that is determined to make her, his! She is not interested in any sense or form, until he promises to buy her first crop! Then it is ON!!
This love story had me in tears and giggles, anger and angst! The who done it was keeping me on the edge of my seat, and yes I was so wrong… I admit it! I cannot wait to see what is next for Elizabeth Marx she is amazing!
This book is a complete 180 from the last book that I read from Ms. Marx. Just Close Enough was way More than Enough for me!! To say that it deserves 5 stars is not enough, 7 or 9, heck I want to give it 10! Yes, people it is that good. I’m pretty stingy with my stars, so you know it was good. I literally could not stop reading; I was so engulfed in this story. I needed to know what was going to happen.
Alex, the hot, sexy as sin Russian business man with so much more going on than wanting to run the old mill in Crossroads. What are his deep secrets? The Yankee come to the South and is shunned by the town, until the princess takes him under her wing, unwillingly of course.
Poly Anna, can we get anymore Southern Belle than that, nope! She is the town do gooder, princess and healer of all wounded things. Until she meets the Russian Yankee that is determined to make her, his! She is not interested in any sense or form, until he promises to buy her first crop! Then it is ON!!
This love story had me in tears and giggles, anger and angst! The who done it was keeping me on the edge of my seat, and yes I was so wrong… I admit it! I cannot wait to see what is next for Elizabeth Marx she is amazing!
November 13, 2015
I just love the South stories....snake charmers....cival war references.....hot Russians....rescues...and babies....loved it!!!!
December 1, 2015
4.5 stars!
I've been eagerly looking forward to this book from the moment I met Alex and Polly Anna in Just in Case, the first book in the Alabama Secrets series. Those two had a fiery chemistry and I knew if given the opportunity, their story would be incredible and hard to forget. Thankfully, Elizabeth Marx also saw the possibilities and wrote their story.
Alex is a man on a mission. He's trying to find his brother and that means finding the man he thinks is responsible for his disappearance by any means necessary, even if that means keeping tabs on the man's fiancee. Alex isn't counting on his attraction to Polly Anna or how his feelings for his mission will change. I loved how determined Alex was to not only save his brother but get Polly Anna too. He was persistent, but never never obnoxious. For someone who was seen as an outsider, Alex was the savior and hated too. I loved how he did whatever he could to make those around him comfortable. Alex truly lived up to his last name Volkow; he really was a wolf. Don't get me wrong, Alex was noble, honorable, and an alpha but he also had a softer side. It was hard not to swoon seeing how deeply and fiercely he loved.
Polly Anna is the perfect foil for Alex. While he's all hard glares, highly educated, and driven, she's smiles and sunshine, intelligent, and also focused. Their goals are as different as their personalities, but they compliment each other so well. Polly Ana may not have gone to Ivy League schools, but she's no simple country girl. She's resourceful and a hard worker with a plan. There's no way she's going to stick around and wait for her fiancee to show up. I hated how terrified of him she was and why she stuck with him for so long. I loved seeing her light up around Alex. I kept hoping everything would work out between them, because after all they'd been through, both Polly Anna and Alex deserved all the happiness they could get. I also loved seeing Polly Anna with her family. I loved the way her father and brothers protected and looked out for her, while also allowing her to have her freedom and make her own choices.
Just Close Enough started off slow for me. I found that the flow was rough and I wasn't sure what direction the book was going in. A little ways into the book that changed when everything clicked into place. The story became clearer and picked up pace. After that there was no turning back and I didn't stop reading until the book was finished. I was also a little astounded by the number of Southern phrases in the book. It wasn't that they were there because the book is set in Crossroads, Alabama. However as someone who was born and raised in the South and has lived here for most of my life, many of these phrases were foreign and seemed over the top, almost as if they were being used to stereotype the people who live here. As the story picked up, the phrases fell by the wayside, and that's understandable based on what was happening in the book. I also have to mention that at no time was I ever able to predict what was going to happen next. Alex and Polly Ana are an unconventional couple and so is their story. It was really entertaining watching Alex pursue Polly Anna while she tried her hardest not to admit or act on how he made her feel.
Elizabeth Marx is known for writing stories that engage readers mentally and emotionally. Just Close Enough is certainly an intense and emotional read. I enjoyed how all the story arcs came together at the end. I also loved seeing Revell and Scarlett again, Mandy, J.T., and others from Crossroads Alabama. I'm really hoping the next book in the Alabama Secrets series will feature Mandy and J.T. I have a feeling Mandy isn't going to make things easy for him.
I've been eagerly looking forward to this book from the moment I met Alex and Polly Anna in Just in Case, the first book in the Alabama Secrets series. Those two had a fiery chemistry and I knew if given the opportunity, their story would be incredible and hard to forget. Thankfully, Elizabeth Marx also saw the possibilities and wrote their story.
Alex is a man on a mission. He's trying to find his brother and that means finding the man he thinks is responsible for his disappearance by any means necessary, even if that means keeping tabs on the man's fiancee. Alex isn't counting on his attraction to Polly Anna or how his feelings for his mission will change. I loved how determined Alex was to not only save his brother but get Polly Anna too. He was persistent, but never never obnoxious. For someone who was seen as an outsider, Alex was the savior and hated too. I loved how he did whatever he could to make those around him comfortable. Alex truly lived up to his last name Volkow; he really was a wolf. Don't get me wrong, Alex was noble, honorable, and an alpha but he also had a softer side. It was hard not to swoon seeing how deeply and fiercely he loved.
Polly Anna is the perfect foil for Alex. While he's all hard glares, highly educated, and driven, she's smiles and sunshine, intelligent, and also focused. Their goals are as different as their personalities, but they compliment each other so well. Polly Ana may not have gone to Ivy League schools, but she's no simple country girl. She's resourceful and a hard worker with a plan. There's no way she's going to stick around and wait for her fiancee to show up. I hated how terrified of him she was and why she stuck with him for so long. I loved seeing her light up around Alex. I kept hoping everything would work out between them, because after all they'd been through, both Polly Anna and Alex deserved all the happiness they could get. I also loved seeing Polly Anna with her family. I loved the way her father and brothers protected and looked out for her, while also allowing her to have her freedom and make her own choices.
Just Close Enough started off slow for me. I found that the flow was rough and I wasn't sure what direction the book was going in. A little ways into the book that changed when everything clicked into place. The story became clearer and picked up pace. After that there was no turning back and I didn't stop reading until the book was finished. I was also a little astounded by the number of Southern phrases in the book. It wasn't that they were there because the book is set in Crossroads, Alabama. However as someone who was born and raised in the South and has lived here for most of my life, many of these phrases were foreign and seemed over the top, almost as if they were being used to stereotype the people who live here. As the story picked up, the phrases fell by the wayside, and that's understandable based on what was happening in the book. I also have to mention that at no time was I ever able to predict what was going to happen next. Alex and Polly Ana are an unconventional couple and so is their story. It was really entertaining watching Alex pursue Polly Anna while she tried her hardest not to admit or act on how he made her feel.
Elizabeth Marx is known for writing stories that engage readers mentally and emotionally. Just Close Enough is certainly an intense and emotional read. I enjoyed how all the story arcs came together at the end. I also loved seeing Revell and Scarlett again, Mandy, J.T., and others from Crossroads Alabama. I'm really hoping the next book in the Alabama Secrets series will feature Mandy and J.T. I have a feeling Mandy isn't going to make things easy for him.
November 9, 2015
Often times when one starts it on a journey there intended destination isn't where the end up. As they move along the path events occur and truths unfold that alter the way the river of life flows. If one is lucky they may find that special something out someone who can pull them from their reverie and change their life forever.
Alex had lived his life with great pain and great regret in his heart, though on the outside he presents as a well educated and determined businessman who is as solid as a steady hand. He is on a mission to discover the truth and the whereabouts of his brother, Kon. His journey has led him to the small town of Crossroads, AL. Kon was serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan when he and one of his comrades, Billy, went missing. Alex, having followed the trial, is left to locate Billy's fiancee and find out what information she knows. Hoping she will have what he seeks that will allow him to continue on his journey and let him move on with his life.
When Polly Anna's future husband goes missing in action she is left to wonder if he will ever return and worry what will happen if he does. Being the youngest child and only daughter she has grown up a tomboy in the traditional southern town of Crossroads. She has experienced many struggles along the way, yet still she finds herself to be one that everyone in the town respects and loves. Since she was a child she's dreamed of that deep love one can get from another when they are just close enough, the love that is everlasting and always enduring, the love she fears she may never find.
The events that occur once the paths of Alex and Polly Anna cross are simply life altering. The two must somehow find a way to come together and find a way to put out the fire of disaster while maintaining the flames that swell within their hearts. Will the two be able to overcome their pasts and themselves? Can they take on the darkness that threatens their lives? Or will they forever be one step away from just close enough?
Alex had lived his life with great pain and great regret in his heart, though on the outside he presents as a well educated and determined businessman who is as solid as a steady hand. He is on a mission to discover the truth and the whereabouts of his brother, Kon. His journey has led him to the small town of Crossroads, AL. Kon was serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan when he and one of his comrades, Billy, went missing. Alex, having followed the trial, is left to locate Billy's fiancee and find out what information she knows. Hoping she will have what he seeks that will allow him to continue on his journey and let him move on with his life.
When Polly Anna's future husband goes missing in action she is left to wonder if he will ever return and worry what will happen if he does. Being the youngest child and only daughter she has grown up a tomboy in the traditional southern town of Crossroads. She has experienced many struggles along the way, yet still she finds herself to be one that everyone in the town respects and loves. Since she was a child she's dreamed of that deep love one can get from another when they are just close enough, the love that is everlasting and always enduring, the love she fears she may never find.
The events that occur once the paths of Alex and Polly Anna cross are simply life altering. The two must somehow find a way to come together and find a way to put out the fire of disaster while maintaining the flames that swell within their hearts. Will the two be able to overcome their pasts and themselves? Can they take on the darkness that threatens their lives? Or will they forever be one step away from just close enough?
December 5, 2015
5 stars
Alexander arrived in Crossroads looking for Billy Buford. He knew if he found Billy he would be able to find his missing brother Kon. What he found instead was Polly Anna. Polly Anna was Billy's fiancé. She was waiting for him to come home. A promise was a promise and she was determined to wait. Sparks start to fly
I love this story line. Polly Anna, I guess you can call her a southern bell. Yet she was a tom boy. had no problem getting down and dirty. Being forced to help him out. Then when he offers to buy her first crop, she becomes a little more willing. They slowly become friends. The attraction between them is felt from the first. Both are hard headed enough not to give in to it. Polly is determined to make her own way with her crop and Alex isn't going to stop until he finds his brother and learns the truth. The book is filled with humor, passion and some very funny conversations between Alex and Polly. This is the second book in the Alabama Secrets series and it takes place before the first one. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alexander arrived in Crossroads looking for Billy Buford. He knew if he found Billy he would be able to find his missing brother Kon. What he found instead was Polly Anna. Polly Anna was Billy's fiancé. She was waiting for him to come home. A promise was a promise and she was determined to wait. Sparks start to fly
I love this story line. Polly Anna, I guess you can call her a southern bell. Yet she was a tom boy. had no problem getting down and dirty. Being forced to help him out. Then when he offers to buy her first crop, she becomes a little more willing. They slowly become friends. The attraction between them is felt from the first. Both are hard headed enough not to give in to it. Polly is determined to make her own way with her crop and Alex isn't going to stop until he finds his brother and learns the truth. The book is filled with humor, passion and some very funny conversations between Alex and Polly. This is the second book in the Alabama Secrets series and it takes place before the first one. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
Another amazing book by Elizabeth Marx.
I decided not to read the first one in the series but after reading this one I'm a little curious about Revell and Scarlett.
But this is about Alex and Polly Anna.
Alex wants revenge, his brother has been missing a while now. He went missing with another guy in his unit: Billy. The only way to get to Billy is his fiance: Polly Anna.
So Alex starts watching her. But one day they get in to an accident together, and Alex can't leave her alone anymore. So starts their journey. Polly Anna is a stubborn southern woman. So Alex has to convince her that together they are an epic love story.
But then Polly Anna is more and more in danger and strange things start happening.
But still Alex doesn't give up on his sooka.
This book broke my heart at times, but also put it back together. I cried and I laughed. I yelled and screamed, but in the end it was totally worth it to go trough all the bad stuff.
I decided not to read the first one in the series but after reading this one I'm a little curious about Revell and Scarlett.
But this is about Alex and Polly Anna.
Alex wants revenge, his brother has been missing a while now. He went missing with another guy in his unit: Billy. The only way to get to Billy is his fiance: Polly Anna.
So Alex starts watching her. But one day they get in to an accident together, and Alex can't leave her alone anymore. So starts their journey. Polly Anna is a stubborn southern woman. So Alex has to convince her that together they are an epic love story.
But then Polly Anna is more and more in danger and strange things start happening.
But still Alex doesn't give up on his sooka.
This book broke my heart at times, but also put it back together. I cried and I laughed. I yelled and screamed, but in the end it was totally worth it to go trough all the bad stuff.
June 8, 2016
Love, suspense and revenge are all in this great novel. Alex travels to Alabama in search of his brother who disappeared with his friend Billy Buford while serving in the military. He has been keeping a watch on Polly Anna Coots, Billy's fiancé, hoping he will show to see her. While out driving Alex almost crashes into Polly Anna who is out riding her horse. Their love story takes off from there intertwined with the mystery of his brother's disappearance.
I really loved this very well written story which kept me turning the pages (tapping my Kindle). I thought I knew what was going on with this story then BAM! my theory was blown out of the water. I loved and hated Alex at different times during the book but in the end Alex was the perfect man for Polly Anna.
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
I really loved this very well written story which kept me turning the pages (tapping my Kindle). I thought I knew what was going on with this story then BAM! my theory was blown out of the water. I loved and hated Alex at different times during the book but in the end Alex was the perfect man for Polly Anna.
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
November 15, 2015
I loved this book and took my time and savored it! While it is a stand alone the characters were in the first book of the series so before starting Just Close Enough, I went back and reread Just in Case so I could get reacquainted with Alex and Polly Anna. Just Close Enough actually starts before Just in Case which gave me more history on how the two heroes from each book-Alex and Revell became friends which I really enjoyed. My favorite part of the book is the banter between Alex and Polly Anna and how he was embraced into her southern family. This book is a must read as well this author's writing is so good she swept me into this fun southern world she created and I will impatiently wait the next book in the series!
July 27, 2016
You did it again! Another book that I could not put down. I absolutely love the characters, especially Polly Anna. Her hard headedness reminded me of myself. This book blends romance and realism. One minuite you love the characters and the next minute you hate them. Elizabeth Marx brings them to life. You feel as if you know them, they are your family, or at least that couple down the block. The plot twists keep you reading. Will Alex really get the girl or not. You know he will, but times you wonder how, or whether it will really work. I highly recommend the book. Both of the books in this series are must reads. I'm personally hoping that there are more of them to come!
June 16, 2016
I enjoyed this story. It has suspense and steamy romance. This story will have you feeling all kinds of emotions. Alex is hot and sexy and looking for his brother. Polly Anna is feisty, tomboy and town's favorite daughter. When Alex and Polly Anna meet the attraction is strong and the sparks fly. The only problem is Polly Anna is engaged to the man Alex is looking for. Will Alex found the answers he's looking for? Can Alex and Polly Anna fight the attraction? This is a great read and won't disappoint. Revived copy for honest review
November 14, 2015
**SPOILER FREE**
Completely found myself lost in this book! Better yet the series so far! The writing abilities this author has is remarkable! The characters and the story will keep you on your toes, no questions asked! Fill full of a little of everything, you will differently find yourself lost from reality in this book!
*Received for an honest review*
Completely found myself lost in this book! Better yet the series so far! The writing abilities this author has is remarkable! The characters and the story will keep you on your toes, no questions asked! Fill full of a little of everything, you will differently find yourself lost from reality in this book!
*Received for an honest review*
November 22, 2015
ARC received for an honest review...
Full Review to Follow Shortly
Full Review to Follow Shortly
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews