What I Read 2 Weeks Ago

Hi. 

This post was supposed to be up on April 10, but a reading slump, as well as writers block hit. So that put a damper on things.

Thankfully the reading slump has been broken, and I'm hopeful that the writer's block will resolve itself soon.

The week of April 3, I only read three books. Only isn't the word I should use, and I know that. However when you're used to reading 6+ books a week, three just doesn't seem like a lot.

So what had the reading slump happen? It was two things. First I came off of a 5 star read that caused post book depression. The book was so fantastic, I loved the characters, and I did not want it to end. Yet it did, and I find myself wanting to read it again. I don't re-read books, but this one has me wanting to. You better believe a physical copy is coming to my house. The second thing was a slow moving book. I forced myself through it when I know better. It's not that I wanted to DNF the book, because I didn't. This was a book that I was looking forward to, but I didn't bond with the characters. Add in the slow burn aspect, and yeah. Those two things combined lead to the reading issues. I'm thankful that it only lasted a week.

The tropes I read this week include: Poly Romance, Sports Romance, Workplace, Why Choose, Friends to Lovers, Royal, Brother's Best Friend, Small Town Romance, Suspense, and Billionaire. There are more that I'm forgetting, but those are the basics.

What books did you read April 3-9? Also, have you read a book that TikTok has recommended? Because I did this week, and I freaking LOVED IT. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

TikTok made me do it. Seriously this book kept appearing on my For You Page, as did the author, and I couldn't not read it. The premise intrigued me. The why choose aspect intrigued me. Just everything that Emily Rath was sharing, had me curious, and then running to Amazon to download. This book is 700+ pages. That length seemed daunting, and it scared me a bit. HOWEVER once I was reading the story, I had met the characters, and everything was going on, it did not feel like a 700+ page book. I actually found myself wanting more. Ilmari is my favorite, and Caleb is a very close second. Jake is great too, but those other two men just speak to me. There were times that Rachel annoyed me, but those were few and far between. I am #TeamPrice. I am going to buy a physical copy of this book, and I just might read it again. You better believe that I have the next book on preorder already. Also did you see my favorite quotes from this book?

Ravishing Reign by Aleatha Romig

This freaking series....ugh! I didn't know when I started it that it was going to be a quartet. I was thinking trilogy, but obviously didn't know the author's intention. So when I got to the end of this book, and all that shit was going down, I wanted to throw my kindle. I thought I was going to get answers. I thought Roman and Lucille were going to get their happily ever after. But no. I have to wait for one more book. Aleatha Romig is torturing me. I am so invested. Yes this book moves a bit slow, but Roman and Lucille have a hold on me. I need to know what happens next, and how everything ends. 

Make You Mine by JH Croix

I have enjoyed JH Croix's writing and storytelling for a while now. Yes, I've had my ups and downs with some of the books, but I always get pulled back in and find myself remembering what I love. I went into Make You Mine with the best of intentions. I was excited about the book. I was curious about the setting and the characters. After reading their prequel, I needed to know how their happily ever after was going to happen. The story was decent. I loved the setting. I feel like there was room for improvement. The characters were just okay, but I didn't have a strong bond with either of them. I found myself more curious about side characters than the two that I was supposed to be focusing on. I don't know if this is just a first book in the series type issue, or if it something else. Time will tell. Yes I will be returning to Fireweed Harbor for at least the second book, maybe more. My curiosity is still there for the town, and the characters, so that's a good thing. Yeah. 

Thank you Aleatha Romig and JH Croix for providing me with advanced copies of your books.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

What I Read Last Week

I read 9 fabulous books this week! From paranormal to small town to bully to sports romance, it was a phenomenal reading week. Plus I squeezed in a couple short stories that I found on Prime Reading. I love browsing through Prime Reading to see if anything catches my eye.

How did I manage to read 9 books? Well it definitely helped that 3 of them were under 60 pages! Plus there was one novella that was only 94 pages. So having those added in helped me out a lot.

Did you see my anticipated reads post that went up last week? If so, then you'll notice that four of these books were listed there. If you're curious about the tropes for these books, they are mentioned in that post.

What did you read last week? Any favorites? Any misses? What's on tap for this week?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Promised to the Night by Meg Anne and K Loraine

All We Are by JH Croix {a review}

Thea was a drug, the very best kind for my body, the forbidden fruit.

The time has come for the final book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix. That means it's time for All We Are which is Thea's story! As we learned in All We Have, Thea and Joe were high school sweethearts who were heartbroken when their relationship ended. After all it wasn't their choice, but rather that of a parent. Now here we are years later, and their meet cute involves a snowstorm. I love a good second chance romance!

My rating for All We Are:

If you've read my reviews for All I Want, All We Have, and All I Need you'll know that I have mixed feelings about this series. When I first heard of the Haven's Bay Holiday series, my mind immediately went to Hallmark and Lifetime movies. I fully expected that quintessential holiday romance. You know what I'm talking about, the instalove, small town, major holiday vibes romance. That's what I wanted. That was what I built up in my head. How could I not when this is marketed as a holiday romance series set in a small town. Maybe I've just watched too many of those movies over the years. (and I'll continue to watch them.)

That being said, I enjoyed Thea and Joe’s story. Their meet cute was adorable, and I love their history together. First loves reuniting will always tug at my heartstrings. 

Then there's the fact that Joe is a dad! He has a little boy who he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with, but when they are together, you can feel the love. This storyline hit those mama feelings. No it wasn't perfect, but there is nothing perfect about being a parent. Plus Joey has been through a lot in his little life, so I fully expected things to not be smooth sailing. I will say I wasn't expecting the twist that came into play. I'm still not in favor of that twist. I feel it was unnecessary. But that's just me.

Thea's reason for returning to Maine makes sense as she was looking for an escape. The news she received back in Boston wasn't something she had expected. Plus the person she had been dating didn't handle that news all the best. So she was nursing heartache on top of that news. I have mixed feelings about how her and Joe reestablished their relationship. Plus that storyline regarding Thea's news was never really closed with other individuals. I don't like to say "closed", but that storyline made it seem as though it would be a discussion with others, but those discussions never happened. It was essentially swept under the rug. I will say that I was happy that JH Croix didn't take that storyline another route with a "Christmas miracle" type situation.

While this reunion started in December, it didn't all happen that month. So would I consider it a holiday romance? No I would not. See my above expectations for this series. Was Thea and Joe's reunion still a good story? Yes it was. Was it my favorite of the series? No it wasn't. I would say that it was my second favorite. Noah and Sasha's story was my favorite. Did I enjoy the second chance romance for Thea and Joe? OH absolutely! Second chance romance is a weakness of mine.

Final thoughts...The stories in the Haven's Bay Holiday series were enjoyable. I just had higher expectations for the storytelling after reading a couple of JH's series that are set in Alaska. At times it felt like the Haven Bay stories jumped forward too much, and it just didn't flow how I'm accustomed to. I also can't help but come back to the "holiday" moniker. These are not holiday romances, not by any means. They are the standard contemporary romance, and they just begin in the month of December.

Do I recommend the series? Yes, but no. As with any book, it's all about the reader. If the descriptions of the books sound interesting, go for it. I just suggest going in with an open mind. Only you can determine if the book is right for you. Don't let my thoughts deter you from reading. If you do decide to read the series, please let me know your thoughts.  Also, which couple is your favorite?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ Two broken hearts
✔️ One holiday week
✔️ Swoony second chance
✔️ Holiday hotness
✔️ Small town shenanigans


The forbidden bad boy. The rich good girl. High school sweethearts.

The last person I expect to see when my car breaks down is Joe Martinelli. I broke my own heart when I moved away after high school. Joe is my first and only love, and my father refused to let us see each other.

That was all before my father blew our family up and landed in jail for fraud. I meant to escape to Maine for the week before Christmas, except it turns out my brother is holed up at the house with my friend. I have a broken down car and nowhere to go.

Of course, it’s also snowing so heavily I can only see a few feet in front of me. When Joe offers to let me stay at his place, it seems like the smart plan. It has nothing to do with how hot he is, absolutely nothing to do with how much I missed him, and definitely nothing to do with my latest bad luck in romance.

One night turns into two, one kiss turns into three and even more.

Joe & Thea’s story is perfect for readers who love: swoony second chances, broken hearts mended, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’ll do anything to win back the only girl he ever loved.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All We Are.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

All We Have by JH Croix {a review}

I'd never believed my breath could be stolen by nothing more than a look. Ian could do that effortlessly.

The time has come to return to Haven's Bay once again! This time we get to find out how Ian Tate and Jane Matthews find their happily ever after. Once again the family home is front and center, and of course Thea is involved.

My rating for All We Have:

I have mixed feelings about All We Have. On one hand it was a relatively cute romance. On the other it wasn't holiday related, nor was it what I was expecting. The blurb and the story don't really match up in my mind. Or at least not in my mind. Plus it says Jane is a librarian, and she's not, she's a science professor. So....

Having read the other books in the series, I wasn't 100% certain what to expect when it came to Ian's story. I will admit that I had some ideas in my head, but turns out I was completely off the mark. Part of me was expecting Ian to use his billionaire status in some over the top way. Maybe by purchasing Jane's family home or something like that. Or it having to do with Jane's career.

I did enjoy their meet cute at the family home. It seems to be a common theme for the Tate family. You'd think Thea would have given her brother a heads up that one of her good friends was staying there. Maybe it was Thea's way of playing matchmaker.

What Ian was going through was intense, and I can see how that stressed him out. Jane seemed excited about her new job in Boston, but we never really knew much about it, other than her being a professor. It was as though her job was second fiddle to everything Ian was dealing with.

The v-card aspect of the story...I don't know. The way that entire conversation came about was a bit odd in my mind. Even the setting for that conversation. I just can't wrap my head around it.

Also, I wanted more out of the situation Ian was dealing with. I feel that the suspense element could have really been played up and added something to the story. So I was a bit let down with that part. Plus I don't feel like that storyline is complete.

At the end of this third book, I still don't have a feeling for all that Haven's Bay has to offer. I try to picture the town, and it just isn't happening. That frustrates me a bit, as I'd like to have this visual in my mind. Plus honestly there wasn't enough time spent in that community.

When I started reading the Haven's Bay Holiday series, I seriously thought the stories were going to take place in that town, and the romances would be surrounded in the magic of the holidays. Instead it's as though both were after thoughts. I wanted a Hallmark or Lifetime type movie but in book form. If you've watched those movies, you know what I'm talking about. 

Now there is one book left in this series. Am I going to read it? ABSOLUTELY.  I am very curious to read All We Are! I cannot wait to read Thea's story, and see how this second chance romance plays out. I am crossing my fingers for that Hallmark-esque story that I've been craving.

Have you read the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix? What are your thoughts? At this point All I Need is my favorite.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ A broody billionaire
✔️ A whipsmart librarian
✔️ V-card request
✔️ Opposites attract in a big way
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans


She makes the rules. I break them.

I need a vacation more than I need air. A week by myself at my family’s vacation home in Maine is perfect.

Except Jane Matthews is there. I don’t recognize her at first because the smokin’ hot woman with a smexy librarian vibe is nothing like the Jane I remember. She’s one of my little sister’s friends, and I barely noticed her back in high school.

Now, it’s nigh impossible to ignore her. Sparks fly between us every time we’re near each other. When we get snowed in and Jane asks me a favor—a big favor—I don’t know if I can say no.

She says we just have the week. That we can’t tell anyone. That we’ll forget each other after it’s over. She’s wrong about everything.

Ian & Jane’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody billionaires, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who never expects to fall.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All We Have.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

All I Need by JH Croix {a review}

If anyone had told me I would go up to Haven's Bay for a week and fall in love, I would've scoffed.

All I Need is the second book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix, and it just released on November 1, 2022. This best friends sibling, single mom story was just what I wanted. Actually it was everything I wanted All I Want to have been, but you can't have everything. Right? Right. Plus All I Want wasn't a single mom story, but more of a second chance romance. STILL THOUGH!

My rating for All I Need:

I fully admit that I went into All I Need fresh off of All I Want. If you read my review for Dallas and Audrey's story, then you'll know I struggled a bit. So I was a bit apprehensive, yet I tried to remain positive and open. I'm glad that I did. As this book was vastly different than the first. 

I will say I wasn't expecting Noah to fall for one of Thea's friends! I mean Dallas had just done that, so I wasn't expecting that trope again. I'm not complaining one bit either. It was a pleasant surprise, and now I wonder if Ian will fall for another one of Thea's friends. Only time will tell.

As I said above, All I Need had a much different feel than All I Want. All I Need has that bit of suspense built into it, and I was LOVING that. Absolutely loved it. I actually would have liked that part of the storyline to have delved a bit deeper.

I really liked how the meet cute occurred. Obviously if you've read the description, you have a general idea. But it still stood out, and then there was that recognition and familiarity of two people who used to know each other. I also really enjoyed our duo exploring Haven's Bay. While they both spent a lot of time there when they were younger, it was nice to see them out and about.

When the time came for Noah to meet Quinn, I think I was as nervous as Sasha. That be a "mom" thing. I don't know. Quinn really tested Noah, and he had to earn her trust. She wasn't giving that for free by any means. Quinn had me smiling frequently, and that teenage attitude had me laughing. The bond these two established came into play later in the story, and how that all played out tugged on the mom heart strings a bit.

Can I just say...Sasha's neighbor is a hoot! Loved the scenes that she was in. She definitely was a scene stealer. And I appreciated those light hearted additions to the story.

Honestly, there was very little about this book that I didn't enjoy. It was the JH Croix writing that I have come to enjoy. I fell hard for the characters, and I was drawn into their world. All I Need gives me high hopes for the next two books in this series.

What will you find in All I Need? Well according to JH Croix you'll get:
✔️ A broody FBI agent
✔️ A smart, sassy heroine
✔️ Off limits no more
✔️ An accidental break in
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans

I agree with 5 of those. While this story originates in Haven's Bay (the small town), we also spend a lot of time in Boston. So to call this an outright small town romance, I don't agree. Had the entire book taken place in Haven's Bay, then yeah, small town romance. You can decide for yourself though.

Have you read any wintertime holiday series? Any recommendations that I should check out? Are you going to give the Haven's Bay Holiday series a try? I think you should.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Break in for benefits?

When a friend offers me a week at her family’s home in Maine for the holidays, I say ‘yes’ so fast I forget to say please. As a single mom, time to myself is impossible to come by.

I’m barely in the house when I’m mistaken for a burglar. When the lights come on, I discover the broody FBI agent who found me is Noah Tate, the off-limits older brother of my best friend from high school.

Noah was tall, dark, handsome, flirty, and popular back in high school. I kept my secret crush on him under wraps. I was above all that now. Except the chemistry burns so hot between us the air crackles with it.

We’re snowed in, so maybe we can make the best of it.

Noah & Sasha’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody FBI agents, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’s more than ready to prove a sassy heroine wrong.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All I Need.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

All I Want by JH Croix {a review}

Haven’s Bay was the place I went when I needed to get away, although I hadn’t been here in almost four years. It was home in a way that nowhere else was.

All I Want is a 2017 release from author JH Croix. It is also the first book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series. The tropes in this book include best friend's sibling, age gap (10 years), second chance romance, and it is set in a small town. I went into this book expecting it to be similar pacing, and writing, to that of the various series set in Alaska. That isn't the case. Yes, the setting intrigued me. Something about Haven's Bay called to me, and I looked forward to exploring that little village.

My rating for All I Want:

Dallas and Audrey also grabbed my attention as this book features one of my favorite tropes (best friend's sibling). I was waiting to see how that would affect the storyline. When would Thea's friendship with Audrey come into play? Having read many of JH Croix's books that are set in Alaska, I thought I knew what to expect. After all JH has a way with those Alaska stories that just appeal to me.

All I Want had so much potential. SO MUCH! I mean we have an FBI Agent, we have his sister's best friend who just caught her fiancee in bed with another, it's holiday time, and we're in a small town. What could go wrong? It has all the makings of a Hallmark movie or even a Lifetime movie! That being said, All I Want was extremely slow. Not slow burn slow, just slow. There was almost too much detail and a lot of that detail wasn't necessarily pertinent to the storyline. Or at least not from my perspective. Even the time that Audrey and Dallas spent together wasn't anything that memorable. Honestly, the majority of their time together seemed to be of the intimate variety.  

With the recent break-ins in the Haven's Bay community, I thought that Dallas would be involved in the manhunt. Why? No clue, it's just where my brain went. I wasn't expecting a workaholic who couldn't even enjoy a vacation. My heart broke for Audrey and the situation she found herself in with her ex. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Yet she didn't seem as heartbroken about it, and it was almost more of a relief. In my mind I had expected that she and Dallas would get out and get reacquainted with this community that they grew up in. Especially since it was supposedly Christmas time.  

When it's all said and done, All I Want left me a bit disappointed.

Am I still going to read All I Need, All We Have, and All We Are? Oh absolutely. I'm not letting this one slow paced book deter me. I'm curious about Dallas's siblings, and what brings them back to Haven's Bay.

Have you read All I Want? What were your thoughts on it? Did I just go in with too high of expectations?

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Dallas

One kiss that burned so hot, I never forgot. Five years later. Audrey… so beautiful she takes my breath away and my sister’s best friend. I was half in love with her for years.

I moved on, and so did she. The universe rolled the dice. A dark, snowy night—no joke—I find her walking through the darkness. Christmas is right around the corner.

She’s so tempting, I can hardly think. Maybe rules are meant to be broken. Maybe second chances are real.

Audrey

I’ve fantasized about Dallas for years. One wild kiss. Five years ago. I’ve never forgotten it.

He’s tall, dark and dangerous…for real. FBI Agent, broody, handsome and distant. He couldn’t be bothered with me. Maybe because he thought I was too young. I’m not anymore.

*A full-length standalone romance.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

With Every Breath by JH Croix {a review}

The world is filled with people learning to live with the scars in their hearts.

With Every Breath is the sixth book in the Light My Fire series from author JH Croix. This entire series is set in the town of Willow Brook, Alaska. Each book focuses on a different hot shot firefighter, and each book is absolutely wonderful.

With Every Breath is a small town romance where Jonah and Alice are neighbors. This proximity leads perfectly into a relationship, especially with Jonah's Grandma pushing things along. Gotta love those little nudges.

My rating for With Every Breath:

The Light My Fire series has been one that I have fully enjoyed. From the setting, to the storylines, to the characters, it's all been so good. Some have hit harder than others, and had me tearing up a time or two. But that's what happens when a story tugs on those heartstrings.

With Every Breath was no different. I was immediately drawn in. Alice made quite the first impression on Jonah, and all those attending Grandma Bea's wedding. Also, what a way to start a story. I definitely chuckled when I read that.

Jonah and Alice were both very likable characters, and I loved how quickly they were enveloped by the community. Yes Alice was raised in this community, but she moved away for college. It wasn't until this opportunity arose that she made the decision to come home. Jonah may not have grown up here in Willow Brook, but he has connections to the town. Now that he's had a change in professions, and is a hot shot firefighter, he's finding his footing. Jonah's Grandma Bea is a hoot, and clearly loved by everyone. That woman is a scene stealer, and I am absolutely here for it.

The relationship between Alice and Jonah started as friendship, but slowly that began to shift. Feelings were being felt, kisses were shared, and soon our couple was navigating this new found relationship. It definitely wasn't without it's rollercoaster moments that is for certain. 

The situation with Alice's former place of employment had me on edge waiting to see what would happen. How would that situation affect Alice's current employment? Would it cause an issue between her and Jonah? Then there's Jonah's trauma that he is still healing from, and I was worried that the situation** he experienced would take place in our little Alaskan town. Honestly I was preparing myself for it, all while crossing my fingers that it wouldn't happen. 

Jonah and Alice are delightful characters, and I enjoyed so much of their story. From their relationship, to the friendships they built outside of that, to just their community it self, all of that has me smiling. 

I also enjoyed getting to see the setup for the next book. All It Takes will be the seventh book in the series, and we will get to see how Tiffany and Wes find their happily ever after. I'm sure it will not be drama free, and chances are high that there will be emotional moments.

If you're like me, and enjoy small town romances that feature a firefighter, then run and download this one immediately (or any others in the series)! Jonah and Alice are a couple of great characters, and I think you'll enjoy their story.

Happy Reading,
Laura

**Trigger warning for discussion of tragic events at a school.

With Every Breath by JH Croix {cover reveal}

With Every Breath is coming October 11, 2022! This is the sixth book in the Light My Fire series from JH Croix.

With Every Breath is a swoony, firefighter romance set in small town Alaska! You are not going to want to miss this one. What will you get in With Every Breath?

 

A nosy, matchmaking grandmother.

Meet cute in birthday suit.

A broody, smokin’ H-O-T hero.

A brilliant, tomboy heroine.

A three-legged sweet rescue dog.

Plenty of small town shenanigans. 

Jonah & Alice’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, smart & sassy heroines, nosy friends and relatives, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oozing with swoon, and one smokin’ hot broody hero.

Cover design by Najla Qamber

 

Alice

I didn’t mean for the whole wedding party to see me skinny dipping.

That’s how I met Jonah, my new, way too hot for my sanity neighbor.

 

Jonah

I came to Alaska to escape. I prefer to leave tragedy behind and don’t need anyone reminding me I’m a hero. I’m not. I’m damaged goods and not in the market for romance.

Alice is beyond distracting, and I can’t avoid her. My grandmother thinks we’re fated for each other. While I’m busy trying to ignore my grandmother’s matchmaking, I make the mistake of kissing Alice. My willpower burns to the ground in a matter of seconds.

Pre-order now through one of these retailers!

Apple Books | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR and/or your BookBub Wishlist!

 Meet J.H. Croix

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 

Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 

Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

Connect with J.H. Croix

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook Reader Group | TikTok

Take Me There by JH Croix {a review}

Take Me There is a swoon-worthy romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! This is the fifth book in the Dare With Me series, and if you love small town romances, you need to read this one!

Skylar's plan was to move to Alaska with her best friend, find a job she enjoys, and just live her best life. Her plan didn't as she wished. Instead she's in Alaska without her best friend, and she's working on healing her broken heart. Thankfully she has a job she loves, and is working with fabulous people. She's found her routine here, and slowly but surely she's finding community. Enter Tucker. Tucker is a pilot, and the company he works with is based on the same lot as the company Skylar works for.  So they see each other frequently. All it takes is him offering a helping hand to open the lines of communication, and to start forming a friendship. That friendship though is about to change. Well that is if they can both open up their hearts. Both of them are grieving a loss, and working through their pain. Tucker has no interest in a relationship, not after he lost his first love. What will it take for these two to jump head first into a relationship? Can they get out of their own way so a future can be built?

I adored this book. From the characters to the small town setting, I absolutely adored it. Returning to this remote Alaskan town felt like coming home and reconnecting with friends. I love the way JH Croix brought this area to life, and her characters truly give off that friend vibe. (as in they'd be you're friends)

Tucker has been through a lot, and so I could understand his reservations a bit. Yet at the same time, he was so young when everything happened that it felt like he was cheating himself out of a possibility of something great. He shut himself off for so long, and it was great to see Skylar affect him. 

As for Skylar...Oh my heart went out to her. Skylar did not have an easy life growing up, and then to lose her only friend shortly before moving to Alaska? UGH! Watching her build friendships in this new environment was so good. Yes she was cautious. Yes she was on edge. But she pushed through. She persevered.

Together these two were pretty amazing. I loved the chemistry. I could feel the attraction. Sometimes that is missing, but not this time. The passion was there. The love was there. It just all built so wonderfully.

I cannot wait to see what comes next for these characters. Friendships have been formed, and a found family has been built. 

You need to read this latest installment in the Dare With Me series from JH Croix. I think you'll fall for the characters, and the setting. Still not sure if it's for you? Take a look at this little tidbit from the author:

Tucker & Skylar’s story is perfect for readers who love: broody military heroes, friends to lovers, slow burn, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, tons of swoon, and one smokin’ hot protective hero.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Happy reading!
Laura

I’m not planning to fall for the hot, broody military hero, thank you very much.

Skylar’s all but wearing a Stay Away sign. She might be tempting, but I can take a hint. Until a single moment leads to one kiss and then another. Before I know it, I’m in deep.

After tragically losing my first love, I never planned to fall in love again. But Skylar gets to me. She doesn’t even believe in love. I want her to believe. I want to slay her dragons. All of them.

I can handle it. My heart won’t get involved. Until Skylar walks away.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Apple | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet J.H. Croix

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 

Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 

Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

Connect with J.H. Croix

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook Reader Group 

Hosted By:

Thank you to JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Take Me There.