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

Fall for Me by JH Croix {a review}

JH Croix has just released Fall for Me. Fall for Me is the latest addition to the Light My Fire series that is set in a small Alaskan town, and features a swoon-worthy romance with a firefighter. Archer & Phoebe’s story is perfect for readers who love: Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, slow burn, broody secret billionaire, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a hero with a protective streak a mile wide.

I have read all of the books in this series, and have enjoyed them all. So I had high expectations with Fall for Me. This book, while good, hit different than the others. It was almost as though JH Croix was playing it too safe. Fall for Me had the potential to hit a lot harder, and be an emotionally intense story. Especially given the secret that Archer is holding on to.

Before I jump into my thoughts, I do want to add that there is a content warning for this book. It has to do with Archer's childhood, as well as something that happened to his cousin. So while I will not specifically name that action, I do want you to know that information is mentioned within the book.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. From the two friends being reunited, to the marriage of convenience, to it being a small town romance, that was all wonderful. I was here for it. Then there is the secret that Archer has been holding for about 20 years. When that was revealed, my jaw dropped. It wasn't what I was expecting. At least not based on the flashbacks we had witnessed. Then everything else unfolded, and I was all in. I wanted more details about all of it.

The relationship between Archer and Phoebe was so good. I felt the spark, the chemistry, the attraction. So while their relationship may have started as fake, it quickly morphed into reality. These two have a foundation of friendship, and now that they have been reunited, this relationship can blossom. Phoebe did irritate me every time she mentioned the money that Archer (and his family) have. You could tell she was uncomfortable, but it also came off as a bit envious. In a way she was judging Archer for something that is out of his control. He can't help it that his family is well to do, just like Phoebe cannot control her family's financials. I do wish that we would have been able to see Phoebe out in the field, and witness Archer's reaction to that. We know she's a badass female character who loves her job, so it would have been nice to witness that.

I went back in forth in my head about the rating. Part of me was thinking 3.5, the other said 4, so as of right now it's a 4. The main thing that had me wanting to rate this book as a 3.5 was the ending. It just didn't feel finished. It felt rushed. It left me with questions. (The biggest one was what happened with Clint?) But I decided to stay with my original thoughts (4⭐️) because the story is pretty darn good. I just wish the ending wasn't what it was.

I have absolutely enjoyed this series, and I know we for certain have one more book to come in Keep Me Close. I'm excited to see what happens with Chase and Hallie. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Fall for Me. I hope that you'll take time to read this story, and fall for the characters and the community.

Laura

Problem: My ex is marrying my ex-bestie.

Plan A: Burn the church down?

Plan B: Fake marry my friend.

I haven’t seen Archer since fifth grade. When he shows up in our small hometown and offers to marry me, I don’t ask many questions. I get to salvage my shredded pride and do him a favor.

I only need one thing from him—sell the deal when my ex comes back to town to marry my ex-bestie. Now I’m fake-married to a totally hot guy who needs a wife for *reasons*.

I’m way too cynical to fall for anyone, but Archer’s hard to resist. He keeps telling me we’re just faking it, but trust me when I tell you, there are some things we are not faking.

This was never supposed to be real. Until he whispers, fall for me.

Grab Your Copy Here: 

Apple | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

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 Fall for Me.

Only Ever Us by JH Croix {a review}

Only Ever Us is a smokin’ hot second chance holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! Rowan & Mae’s story is perfect for readers who love small town holiday romance, hotshot firefighters, sassy heroines, second chances, friends to lovers, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a broody, protective hero who has to fight to win back the only girl he ever loved.

Only Ever Us is the third book in the Light My Fire series that is set in the small town of Willow Brook, Alaska. In this book we have Mae and Rowan. Mae has recently returned to her hometown of Willow Brook due to the death of her Grandma. While preparing to make the burial plans, a fire breaks out which traps Mae in the office. Rowan is on scene, and he is able to rescue Mae before anything major happens to her. This is the first time Mae has seen Rowan in about 7 years, and she is immediately transported back to their time together in North Carolina. Of course Rowan being close by also brings back memories* of that night she'd rather forget. After all it's why she pushed Rowan away, but she can't tell him that. Can these two overcome the pain of the past, and find their way back to each other? Rowan knows Mae is the one for him, now he just needs to convince her of it. *please check for content/trigger warnings warnings.

The Light My Fire series has grabbed ahold of my attention, and it isn't letting go. I am absolutely loving this small town and it's people who live there. The fact that Only Ever Us is a second chance romance had me enjoying it all the more. Second chance romances almost always make me happy. Mae pulled at my heartstrings. What she experienced in North Carolina was horrible, and the fact that it affected her friendship (and relationship) with Rowan just made it all the worse. I love that Rowan remembered the small town that Mae lived in, and that he took the job opportunity when it was presented. It was the perfect setup for a bit of forced proximity. Their relationship definitely took time, communication, and trust to get it back to a place where they could even look toward the future. Then the big dramatic moment happened, and you could feel the pain, frustration, and heartache just pouring off the pages. Our characters were in for a fight to get their happily ever after. I can understand why Mae was feeling the way she was regarding Rowan's interference in the situation. Yet at the same time I can understand why Rowan wanted to do what he wanted to do. He was trying to protect Mae, and make sure that he could take this issue/threat away. It all comes down to a lack of communication between our characters. Yet the reunion was that much sweeter because of that dramatic moment. They learned a bit more about each other because of that experience.

I gave Only Ever Us 4 stars. This book was pretty darn good, and there was so much I enjoyed about it. Definitely looking forward to returning to Willow Brook when Fall for Me releases in February.

If you like second chance romances, firefighters, small town settings, and friends who become lovers, then go read this book. Or at least add it to your TBR!

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Only Ever Us.

Laura

That guy. You know the one? He just walked back into my world. 

It all started when the curtains caught on fire at a funeral. Actually, it all started seven years ago in college. Rowan Cole was that guy—the one I couldn’t forget. We’d once been best friends. Maybe more. We almost had it all.

I’ve spent years trying to forget him and the tragic night that tore us apart. As bad luck would have it, he’s the firefighter who shows up to rescue me from the church I almost set on fire.

Speaking of flames and melting, Rowan still has the ability to set me on fire. Just by existing. He’s downright delectable, all rugged man wrapped in a body of pure muscle. I do not want to want him again.

This small town is making it awful hard to avoid him. Especially when he’s determined to prove he’s worth it.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play 

Add Only Ever Us 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 copy of Only Ever Us.

Hold Me Now by JH Croix {a review}

 

A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! Hold Me Now is Paisley and Russell's story, and if you enjoy a workplace romance featuring the frenemies to lovers trope, then this is a must read for you! Or if you enjoy a good slow burn, then go for it.

If you read Wild With You, then you may recall Paisley and Russell. Russell has been a hot shot for a while now, and Paisley is just starting with the crew. Not to say she doesn't have experience, because she does, it's just back in Washington state. You may also recall that Russell isn't too keen on having Paisley on the crew. He can't explain it, it just isn't something he wants. Paisley isn't his biggest fan either. Paisley recently found out that she needs to find a new place to live, and vacancies in the town are hard to come by. So when she hears of a great place, she jumps on it. All she knows is that she'll have the upstairs, her housemate will have their area, and they'll share the kitchen. It isn't until she moves in that Paisley finds out that she's living with Russell. One thing leads to another, and these two come to realize they don't actually dislike each other. Oh no. It's all passion. But a person from Paisley's past may change their chance for romance.

I knew, I just KNEW, that Paisley and Russell's story was going to be intense. I also knew it was going to be one heck of a slow burn. And Hold Me Now did NOT disappoint. Between the forced proximity, the denial, the hate to love, I was just a sucker for this story. Add in that little bit of romantic suspense, and I was all in. Paisley and Russell created some major sparks, and oh the steamy moments that occurred. Aside from the romance, there was also family stuff that both characters had to deal with. For Russell it was about his dad, and how he died. (That pulled on my heartstrings big time.) Then for Paisley, that was just a wild ride. I can't even really talk about it because spoilers. But just know, how that storyline played out, was so good. SO GOOD. I loved the hate to love. I loved the frenemies to lovers. I loved the slow burn. I fell hard for these characters (main and side). And that setting? FREAKING GORGEOUS! Also, that setup for the third book in the series? It sounds so good! Second chance romance is a favorite of mine, so bring it on J.H. Croix. BRING IT ON!

It's a firefighter romance, set in Alaska. Do I need to say more? Go read it. Go fall for the setting, and the characters. Just trust me on this.

Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura

He’s my new roommate.

I can’t stand him, and he can’t stand me.

Russell Dane thinks he’s all that. Maybe’s he’s so hot he should come with a too-hot-to-handle sign, but he drives me crazy. Not the good kind of crazy either.

He thinks women shouldn’t be firefighters, he’s obnoxiously overprotective, and I can’t stand him. Unfortunately, my body is not getting the memo, but I’m stronger than a few confused hormones. Right?

It wouldn’t be so bad if we didn’t have to work together, and if he wasn’t my boss. It definitely wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t gone and kissed me.

Russell & Paisley’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, sassy tomboy heroines, roommate romance, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a broody, protective hero.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | 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 J.H. Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Hold Me Now.

Wild With You {a review}

 

Did you see that J.H. Croix released a new book yesterday? It's true! Wild With You is the first book in a brand new firefighter series!

In Wild With You, we meet Graham and Madison. Graham is a firefighter who is also a single dad to a teenager, and he lives in a small Alaskan town. On his way back to town, Graham stops at the gas station, and it is there that he meets Madison for the first time. Madison is currently driving from Houston Texas to a small town in Alaska. Her life has been flipped upside down, and her parents are pressuring her to do something she won't. Now it is just her and her dog, and they are about to start fresh at her Grandpa's house. He left it to her when he died, and it just seems like a sign for the next chapter. At the gas station, she is trying to get her dog back in the car when he runs toward a moose. Thankfully someone stops and helps her out, and her dog is unharmed. While talking to Graham, Madison feels that spark. That spark that tells you something good is about to happen, and that there is something about this man standing aside her, that is going to change everything. Madison returns to her car, and begins the drive to the hotel. Who is her neighbor at the hotel? Graham. Who does she share a smoking hot kiss with? Graham. Thinking she'll never see him again, Madison heads on her way to her new house. When there's a knock at the door, Madison is in for a shock!

I loved this book. I know I say that a lot about the books I read, but it's just true. From the moment the book started, and we started to get to know Madison, I was intrigued. Then with that meet cute at the gas station, I was sold. When that kiss happened at the hotel? I knew I would not be able to put my kindle down until the story was over! Every single step along the way just had me falling harder for these two. Then there is the setting of the book, and oh my word does this town sounds adorable. I love small town romances, and so I shouldn't be surprised that I fell for this location. From Graham's profession, to the way he cares for his daughter, to the people he surrounds himself with, even to his ex, all of that formed who he is. And quite frankly he's an amazing man. Strong, protective, supportive, caring, passionate, all describes who he is. Madison is a strong woman, who is capable of doing hard things, and also wears her heart on her sleeve. She is caring, compassionate, intelligent, and is willing to put her foot down when necessary. I loved the connection that Allie and Madison had. I loved how Madison acclimated to town easily, and found herself a group of friends who will care about her. The only thing I wish had been different was the point of conflict for Madison and Graham. I wish that it hadn't been the situation with Allie that drove the wedge. Part of me thinks it would have been more powerful if it had been Alison or Madison's parents at the center of it all. I guess I just don't like it when kids are the reason behind the conflict. But that's just me. I will say that I am anticipating the next book, Hold Me Now, as I feel that is being set up nicely between Paisley and Russell.

If you are looking for a romance featuring a single dad who happens to be a firefighter and lives in a small town where his love interest is his new neighbor, then you know what to do. Go grab Wild With You!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts, Laura

All bets are off when a hotshot firefighter and a homecoming queen whose crown slipped off meet in the wilds of Alaska.

I don’t have time for romance, much less for prissy Madison Glen. The first time I meet her, I kiss her. The second time I meet her, she's breaking into my neighbor's house. She swears up and down she’s not a criminal. Maybe not, but she is definitely a distraction I don’t need. 

I’ve got my hands full with my mouthy daughter and an insanely busy life as a hotshot firefighter. It doesn’t surprise me at all to learn Madison was homecoming queen in high school. 

She’s stubborn, impractical, and she’d win the contest for least-likely to survive in small town Alaska. She’s also sultry and sassy. She’s everything I don’t need. It doesn’t matter what I tell myself though. I can’t keep my hands to myself when she’s around, and she kisses like a dream.

Graham & Madison’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, alpha heroes, sassy heroines, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, opposites attract, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a deeply protective grumpy hero.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add Wild With You to your TBR on Goodreads!

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 J.H. Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Wild With You.