Light and sweet romance with a small town feel and an itty bitty touch of angst. This appears to be a start to a new series, but in a town where a priLight and sweet romance with a small town feel and an itty bitty touch of angst. This appears to be a start to a new series, but in a town where a prior series took place, so some past character cameos, but reads fine as a standalone.
The book starts with Boone (H) getting forced to take time off from his park ranger job after a run in with a bear (he had 60 stitches and even though it's mentioned that his leg bothers him a couple times, I'm pretty sure if *I* had 60 stitches up my inner leg, I wouldn't move for a week and definitely wouldn't be getting up to the shenanigans he does). Jem (h) is the manager of their small town cafe and she's coming back from another town when she's caught up in a snow storm, runs out of gas, and hikes out, landing at the front door of *gasp* Boone's cabin! Some forced proximity and a couple accidental sexy moments later, these two are gettin something going physically and romantically. Character-driven with a focus on the start of their relationship so no big bad or craziness happening. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it had been a while for both).
I appreciated that neither Jem nor Boone had looked at each other romantically before, despite being peripherally connected through mutual acquaintances and their town. I like a good pining moment at times, but it's so rarely done well. However, the flip from generally knowing who the other was to being boyfriend/girlfriend was mighty quick, with no other catalyst besides being stuck together. It would have felt more natural for me personally if the timeline of events in the book took place over a bit longer period and maybe included some sweet dating post-cabin time. I did like them as a couple though and they were very cute, as well as steamy. This shorter book has a few spicy times and Boone's a dirty talker.
In addition to the physical intimacy, some nice emotional depth is built with them being open with each other about their past family struggles and, in Jem's case, future plans and dreams. My heart broke for Boone, who let his grief over a loss overtake him and then didn't know how to bridge the gap with his loved ones. I loved when the two of them went to visit Boone's family and the whole energy that his brothers and father brought. Also, how supportive and caring Jem was, even though she was new to the girlfriend role.
I did feel that when a question arose about how they were going to handle a certain situation that the solution was kind of a no-brainer and was surprised that it took time to get there and that it was an outside person who suggested it. But all's well that ends well and Jem again stepped up to be extra awesome, as did Boone's family. The epilogue is a few months into their relationship and ends with some extra sweetness (that I started to get a bit nitpicky on too but just went with it). I enjoyed this book and I'd read more in this new series. The next one is Boone's grumpy oldest brother and he's definitely got some stern energy but with a bit of a hidden softness. ...more
I liked this lower stakes story from Pamela Clare, the only other ones I've read from her have been significantly more action and danger and tempting I liked this lower stakes story from Pamela Clare, the only other ones I've read from her have been significantly more action and danger and tempting death. This story is Victoria (h) and Eric's (H) quick fall into love despite Vic coming off of a terrible betrayal by a man and Eric being known for being a bit of a playboy because he doesn't think a woman would be able to handle his many absences due to being fire chief and part of search and rescue. Eric's in a small Colorado town and Vic is in marketing in Chicago. These two meet briefly at the start of the book when Vic is coming to see her best friend, who's getting a second chance romance with Eric's best friend. They don't get off on the best foot and then a year later, Vic returns to be the maid of honor in the wedding to Eric's best man and their chemistry goes a lot more smoothly, although still with some slight bumps.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (some casual references to H's experience but nothing on page and no run-ins with past hookups; some mentions of past experiences for h as well, like that she doesn't orgasm easily, I know, and that her last relationship ended because of blackmail involving non-consensual video taping). It's mentioned that H has been celibate for an unspecified number of months and then same for h.
Vic and Eric start out with a hefty dose of lust-based attraction, but they find a lot to admire in each other. Both are good people and they have a nice, easiness to their chemistry when they relax around each other and start getting to know the other, which they have lots of time to do. Both are committed to doing a week long list of pre-wedding activities so there are plenty of opportunities for Eric to introduce city girl Vic to outdoorsy fun. They also work on an adorable surprise together for the wedding. It doesn't take long for the attraction to turn physical and there are several spicy times on page. They don't talk about what happens after the week until late into their developing relationship so that does create a touch of angst. Love happens quickly here, though it doesn't feel quite insta.
Victoria is not happy at her job and has a boss who's giving her no down time. She also lacks a support system, other than the best friend she's visiting, since her father and brother were not supportive following the issues with her ex (who's in jail). The group in Colorado warmly embraces and encourages her however. Other small members of the small also find admirable qualities to appreciate. Lots of side characters, some of whom seem to have other books in some of this author's other series. Even with the large supporting cast, it doesn't get confusing.
I loved the search and rescue, EMT, and firefighting elements. A couple emotional or scary moments do occur that got my pulse pounding. But there are way more fun scenes in this book than anything else, including learning how to rock climb and a Chicago style pizza tutorial. Of course, a reckoning comes and the couple have to figure out where they stand and what it means. There is a brief separation, physically not romantically, before everything is resolved. And then, we get a few more chapters showing transition and a small future jump ahead that solidified their HEA in an excellent way. Even though the romance happens very quickly, it felt very solidly grounded and the epilogue underpins that. I would recommend this, with a note of caution that some of my playboy-disliking friends may find moments that Eric's characterization is irritating, but he's a great guy who's perfect for Victoria. ...more
This had some intensity and events that hit harder than I was in the mood to read right now I think. The book I finished before this was a s3.5 stars
This had some intensity and events that hit harder than I was in the mood to read right now I think. The book I finished before this was a sweet, slightly suspenseful read, and this was jarring in comparison with whistleblowing, death threats leading to danger, and political machinations. Other friends rated this more highly and my enjoyment was definitely affected by my mood.
The writing is high quality and there are multiple complex plot lines woven around a spicy romance. The H is an idealistic politician who fights for the environment and treats the h and her son so well. The h was a badass journalist, unafraid to go toe to toe with anyone professionally, but she was frustrating when it came to her personal life. They have an interesting (and revealingly mortifying) moment when the h has too much to drink at a bar and the H helps her home. A quickly deepening romance develops, including several steamy scenes. Despite the wonderfulness that was the H, the h self-sabotaged at times and made me want to shake her a bit. But she also had a lot of baggage and a lot going on what with the danger and turmoil and trying to break a huge story.
Written in third person, mostly dual POV (a couple POVs of side characters). No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (h had been celibate for years and H not a manwhore, brief mention of a casual relationship he had with someone previously in the past).
Some older style writing inclusions that might bother some of my friends, for example the h’s editor who crosses major HR boundaries with how he treats staff. Other than him though, the side characters were excellent. Her other coworkers were equally intelligent and driven, while being supportive. The h’s mother was hilariously forthright and New Age. Plus the h’s son was adorably precious and his scenes with the H were lovely.
The climax had me white-knuckling my kindle honestly, even knowing it had to have a HEA. And it definitely does. The epilogue wraps up what happened to all the bad guys and shows the H and h happily married 18 months later and them living their best lives. The final page is esp sweet and moving.
Trigger warnings: (view spoiler)[ death threats due to investigation, attempted SA (some description of attempt before stopped but with description that a rape kit was used after), violence, and attempted murder (hide spoiler)]...more
I finished this book and went off to find more Pamela Clare books to add to my TBR because this was such an engaging suspense read that actually strucI finished this book and went off to find more Pamela Clare books to add to my TBR because this was such an engaging suspense read that actually struck a decent balance between the romance and the thrills. Some moments were cheesy and there was some repetition in places (the H's thoughts about her breasts constantly irked me by the end, I'm sorry), but I thought this book did a lot very well.
Thor (H) is a mercenary/security expert who's former Danish military now working with an American company. He's not just a strong, capable dude, Thor's intelligent, compassionate, uses reason, and keeps his cool (sometimes literally cause he's a beast when it comes to working in the cold). Plus, in his first POV chapter, he thinks about how his fist works just fine for him instead of hooking up randomly with women *applauds*. He's called to go on a mission to retrieve a downed satellite with sensitive military equipment on it. Samantha (h) is an astronomer doing research at the Antarctica station who's the introvertiest introvert to introvert. She knows her science, but has significant peopling hang-ups from past negative bullying and relationship experiences. I liked her, but I did feel like she was immature at times. Unfortunately, she's not only just lost her best friend and research partner unexpectedly, but she's also been tapped to assist Thor and his team to retrieve those satellite components...on the ice...right before a storm hits...and that's not even the worst coming their way.
Written in third person, multi-POV (including the villain's POV once they're revealed). No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H was experienced but clearly not a manwhore and h had very little experience, plus it wasn't good).
Thor and Samantha pretty much instantly connect and I actually was here for it in this book since they were so likable together. He's caring and protective of her. He also loves her intelligence and the passion she has for her work. She was prepared to dislike the military-like men all up in the science community's space, but then she's willing to adjust to who they actually are, esp who Thor is. Samantha listened to the experts (thank you!) and was fascinated with Thor as a person, not his big gun…though there’s that too, she absolutely checks him out on a naked fun run (but man, if scientists really do that, they’re crazy). There's insta-attraction but they also connect and form a sense of intimacy with each other. Thor's not supposed to be hooking up with anyone he’s working with, very frowned upon, but he also can’t resist Samantha. They have some very steamy scenes, I was honestly surprised how much spice this book had given the danger around them, Samantha losing her best friend, and that this was a suspense read.
Samantha did have a hard time believing the perfection that is Thor would be interested in her for those that are sensitive to negative body image. He’s only ever about Samantha thankfully and appreciative of her body (see the earlier comment about all the mentions of her breasts). He does have a moment where he mentally lists the attributes of another female scientist there after the naked cold run, but it's not in a sexual way, more of a mentally trying to work out why Samantha would think the other lady was more attractive than her.
For the thriller plot portion, there are many suspects and shady characters. It’s when the villain reveal occurs that the suspense ramps up and the intensity truly takes off. This is a life and death struggle on a couple of fronts and had me clinging to the edge of my seat. I liked the explanation of how everything tied together and the ultimate resolution. One part was a little contrived for me, but I still enjoyed it because I’d been hoping it would go that way.
The ending is HEA and super sweet. Both Thor and Samantha are unsure at the end of the investigation how a relationship possibly would work for them so they discuss it, like adults. And the conclusion of the book has them continuing to bond and then being reunited and cementing their status. The start of everything for them is fast and within a tight timeline so the additional months of communication and then once the epilogue gets there made me feel more solid about where they were. I was very satisfied with the ending and just the book as a whole. It has some unbelievable moments but I thought those balanced out with the rest and I’d recommend this....more
3.5 stars rounded up because this is the first book I was able to finish for a whole freaking week (not for lack of trying)! Plus, adorable kids, a my3.5 stars rounded up because this is the first book I was able to finish for a whole freaking week (not for lack of trying)! Plus, adorable kids, a mystery, and two good people who’d dealt with loss and trauma finding love with each other. This book is part of a series but worked well as a standalone (I personally haven't read the others).
This was my first book by AL Jackson and I loved the characters! Ezra (H) was a giant, overprotective, kind, and genuine man who adored his kids and cared for his town. He's the sheriff and it's while he's checking out a report of trespassing that he meets Savannah (h). His nickname for her is Little Trespasser and hers for him is Hot Cop. Savannah first impressions. Savannah was a tough nut to crack at first because she's full of secrets and has barriers that she's built to protect herself from others. However, she's also naturally a softer person who wants to feel those connections that she denies herself. When her background is shared, it's also clear that she was resilient and just as protective as Ezra.
Savannah's in town looking for information on her sister, who she believes was there, but she's certain that her sister's in trouble so her investigation is covert. Ezra immediately wants to give Savannah a helping hand (not just because of an immediate attraction between them) and Savannah tries to do things on her own while also being enticed by Ezra. She doesn't immediately share her reason for being in town and it was completely understandable, even as I wished that she'd brought Ezra in earlier. There's a mystery involving what happened to Savannah's sister and Ezra's ongoing quest for justice regarding his wife (he's a widower).
Written in first person, dual POV (though there are flashbacks of H and his former wife showing their challenges that are written in third person). There are also journal entries included from a book that h is using to try and find her sister. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (both appeared to have been celibate for a while, H had been since right at the time his wife was killed and h's history was sparse). Regarding the widower element, H's marriage was headed for divorce at the time of her death. It was rough to read though how everyone thought that H had been grieving his wife because they were so in love, when in actuality their marriage had fallen apart and he was torn up by his inability to save her from what was haunting her.
I did have a hard time in places with the author's word choices and flowery language. For example, some words that were used fairly often were used in a way that didn't feel natural and would make me pause. This is also a pretty long contemporary, which fit the fact that both main characters had trauma they were still processing and felt intense guilt over, along with the slow resolving of the mysteries of what happened to the two women each were trying to find resolutions over. But I did skim some closer to the end because of the length. Thankfully chapters are shorter so the flow there worked. Despite what didn't work as well for me, I really enjoyed this story and how Ezra and Savannah slowly opened up, exposed their vulnerabilities and secrets to each other, and built a strong, loving relationship. The steamy times are also slowly built to but man were they hot. Ezra might have been a caretaker, but he had a dirty mouth, he's a behemoth of a dude, and he likes it rough. Respectful in the streets and dirty in the sheets if you will.
There were many side characters in this book, some that were in earlier books in the series and some with books to come apparently. Plus important members of the town and possible suspects. Then there were Ezra's three kids (his daughter and twin boys) who were absolutely adorable. They adored their father and embraced Savannah immediately. His daughter was a little matchmaker too. Ezra was surrounded by love and support and Savannah also found her place quickly with friends of her own.
While moments do cause the main characters to have to sort themselves out at times, once they're together, Savannah and Ezra worked as a unit and there's no third act breakup. The climax of the book and the reveal of what had been happening in this small town was suspenseful with some darkness (triggers are below). All of the plot lines are tied up and resolved by the end of the book and Savannah and Ezra get their HEA in a lovely way. The epilogue is six months down the road and it was so precious. I was very happy that these two beautiful characters found where they belonged with each other.
Triggers: (view spoiler)[ small moments of violence, recollections of interacting with a person with mental health difficulties and guilt over being unable to help them, recollections of discovering a significant other was cheating, mentions of past abuse, side character briefly recalling confinement and sexual abuse, death of side characters (hide spoiler)]...more
Winslow (h) and Griffin (H) had some intense chemistry that kicks off with a ONS at the start of the book. Winslow is the new police chief in this smaWinslow (h) and Griffin (H) had some intense chemistry that kicks off with a ONS at the start of the book. Winslow is the new police chief in this small town and Griffin is a son of the most influential family. They both think the other is just passing through and are shocked when they discover who the other is. Despite each wanting to focus on the overwhelming responsibilities happening in their lives, they can't stay away from each other or keep their physical attraction from sparking up. So begins a physical-only relationship with boundaries that slowly melt away until they're just in a regular ole relationship and falling in love. Of course, there's a wrench in the mix with an investigation that Winslow is heading into a questionable suicide (one of several) that could bring angst and even some danger. Written in first person, dual POV. Small amounts of ow and om drama (ow drama from an ex ONS of H's that he has no interest in but h misreads the situation; om drama from h's ex-fiance who wants her back) and neither are virgins.
I did that thing I sometimes do where I read book 2 before I read book 1 and while I enjoyed Indigo Ridge, I preferred Juniper Hill. I felt the relationship between Winslow and Griffin had its sweetness and maturity, but the lack of emotional depth early on, with the focus only on their physical connection, bugged me. I did like that the author chose to not have the detailed explicit scenes until that emotional intimacy had begun to coalesce. There are references to them hooking up, but it takes a bit for the several steamy scenes to be on page. I also liked that Griffin is clear when his wants shift, he tells Winslow that he's in it with her, he states he wants to take her out, and he's the one to bring up having her stay over and eventually move in. Though one review I read did mention that it felt like she kind of went along with how he was driving the relationship and I can see that.
Both of their professions were well integrated into the story. Griffin is a successful rancher and you could feel his love for the land and his family's legacy. Winslow's a dedicated police officer and I loved how she found that calling and that there was a connection with her mentor to another series by this author and a past hero I'd loved too. It was hard to read how the town and her police department didn't give Winslow a chance immediately though. Esp as she was investigating a case that was meaningful to everyone, yet they insisted she was poking around unnecessarily (I don't think it's a spoiler to say she's not).
Griffin has a big family that were caring and funny and wonderful. Winslow's grandfather (and the mayor of the town) was loving and supportive. The background of the loss of her parents broke my heart though. Plenty of other residents of the town pop up regularly, with some being antagonistic. I did wish that Winslow's mentor and his family had visited on page because I'm greedy like that.
One complaint I had about this book was that some scenes or moments were glossed over or skipped. There are some minor time jumps of a few days here or a couple weeks there and sometimes I wanted to see those details that occurred in that time. Not the whole time, but I think some of my sense of their relationship depth earlier on might have been built with more fleshing out between those tiny time jumps.
I was honestly shocked with the climax and the big reveal. I had partially suspected something but didn't anticipate the whole of the danger. This part of the story is intense and dramatic and had my heart pumping. I wasn't sure how exactly it was going to be resolved (other than knowing there'd be a HEA for our mains). When it switched to Griffin's POV, I felt so many emotions right there with him. And then we jump forward a bit awkwardly (imo) and hear the culmination of the situation, get a meaningful closure moment, and some sweetness. The epilogue is a year later with them happily married and already starting a family (which honestly seemed sudden to me but cute). I loved seeing these two in the second book and I do love where they ended up so this was satisfying. There were just some moments, if expanded, could have made this a five star read for me and had me loving it as much as I loved book 2. Still super glad that I went back and read this!...more
Solid, escapist, and fast-paced read. Nothing groundbreaking plot-wise, but I liked both the H and h and that each had developed 3.5 stars rounded up
Solid, escapist, and fast-paced read. Nothing groundbreaking plot-wise, but I liked both the H and h and that each had developed backgrounds and personalities. Even though the H was rescuing the h, she wasn't just cowering in a corner waiting for saving, which was awesome. This isn't quite insta-love, but the forced proximity and constant danger definitely aid a quick fall into love for them both since the story takes place over a matter of days. Both are on board with a casual relationship given their situation and personal hang-ups, however both also want more quickly. Also, despite the buckets of danger and suspense, quite a bit of steamy times happen. Written in third person, dual POV (with one part written in a side character's POV). No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (h had been in a serious relationship that ended with being cheated on so doesn't trust men and the H engaged in casual hookups sometimes).
I did side-eye how often they had to shift plans for rescue and I found myself yelling at them a couple times to take out the bad guys a bit more permanently rather than some of the incapacitation that occurred. It was funny to me that times when I'd wonder why their thoughts drifted to lustiness in the midst of chaos, the characters would then also internally question why they were going there. A bit of repetition happened, but overall the story read smoothly and quickly. There's also a brief separation that's technically not instigated by either one, but also requires them to commit to choosing each other. The epilogue is a short jump ahead with them happily together so felt satisfying. I'm glad that friends read and recommended this. ...more
I didn't realize until I reached the end that I'd read a sci-fi by this author before (titled Metal Wolf so I must have a thing a3.5 stars rounded up
I didn't realize until I reached the end that I'd read a sci-fi by this author before (titled Metal Wolf so I must have a thing about ______ Wolf books by her lol) and I felt that both books shared some strengths and weaknesses. This can be read as a standalone and the couple from the first book have cameos in this one.
Guard Wolf was a sweet romance between a shifter federal agent and a shifter social worker who are drawn together when four shifter wolf pups mysteriously pop up in a public place. The shifter world set-up, with shifters still in hiding but some being in the know, was interesting and I loved that there was a variety of different shifters (hello a spider!). Also that the dynamic between different shifter types and the social element of them was so detailed and thought out. All the puppy piles and interactions with the kids in shifter form (and even in toddler form) were adorable! I'm fascinated with criminal tv shows so the procedural aspect of the investigation was intriguing, though it took more time for this part to build due to a lack of leads.
The H and h were kind and dedicated to their work. Yay for disability rep and mental health rep with these two also! Both were sweethearts who'd been through a personal wringer and yet came out the other side still with so much heart for the world. The romance has instant attraction and an ease to their interactions and pursuit of their interest. They have a couple date moments and the ways they find to connect in the midst of what's going on made my heart gooey. However the story was slow in parts and the latter part of the book had some developments I don’t personally prefer in my reading (see trigger warnings at the end). Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it had been a long time for each).
Steam-wise, there are a couple of detailed spicy scenes. Shifter nudity is also widely accepted so the characters regularly toss aside their clothes and get an eyeful of each other. Side characters were supportive of the main characters and helped move the plot along, while also continuing to round out the H and h. The H has active co-workers and the h has her own staff and immediate family. Plus, the wolf pups are present on page for a large part of the book in their fluffy cuteness.
Some moments of possible danger occur earlier in the investigation, but the true action times hit later. I thought the connection between the villains and shifters was a little too convenient, but the set-up for why the villains were doing what they were doing was appropriately chilling and scary for the H and h. The climax has some violence and the main characters in severe peril. My heart hurt for the H especially given his triggers and past. But they do survive and there's closure all around. The ending is HFN and kind of abrupt. Even though it does appear that prior books' mains will be in later books as side characters, an epilogue showing the H and h living in their HEA would have been wonderful. Overall I enjoyed the book, I just didn't love it like one of my friends did.
Trigger warnings: (view spoiler)[ child abandonment (in shifted form), recollections of childhood abuse, mentions of poverty and homelessness, brief recollections of war and injury, brief recollections of mental health struggles including past institutionalizing, abduction, medical experimentation on page without consent, coercion of side characters, violence, death of bad guys (hide spoiler)]...more
3.5 stars rounded down (the start was stronger than the finish for me)
This had several positives going for it, including a hilarious opening scene in3.5 stars rounded down (the start was stronger than the finish for me)
This had several positives going for it, including a hilarious opening scene involving a man shifting into an animal to dine and dash. Overall the book had a fresh take on small town shifter romance feel with a police officer H, who’s unaware of the paranormal, and a single mom widow who’s a shifter. Some Native American mythology woven in, small town politics, cute kids, large friend group, and different shifter dynamics all built up the story well. On the negative side, some of the events were convoluted and I don't know if this writer is a good fit for my personal taste as the progression of the plot and the writing style didn't gel for me totally. I did like the humorous moments, as well as the sweeter ones. The suspenseful parts fell the flattest for me. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (h had only been with her husband; H was divorced but not a manwhore).
The attraction between the main characters was instant and held some nice charm, but the pacing for the romance was off imo. The H did the pursuing and the h pumped the brakes for reasonable reasons (him not knowing about the paranormal and her fears of losing someone else she loved to name a couple). While her reasons made sense given her backstory, she gave the H whiplash at times, which he absolutely did not deserve. I definitely liked the H more than the h, but they were both sympathetic characters. The H had a bit of swagger and competency with a protective streak and a hidden vulnerable side due to darkness in his past. The h was an excellent mom, as well as being loyal and also protective. She also had some big fears. They did fit each other well and I would have preferred that they were a solid couple earlier so that there wasn't friction over the relationship status in addition to some of the dangerous moments. Some steam that’s only somewhat explicit was kind of a bummer given the sparks flying between these two.
Supporting characters were critical for the book as many will likely be getting their own books or at least featuring in the rest of the series. The h's friend group were supportive and caring and also able to lay down tough truths at times. Not that they had their lives all together either of course. The other townsfolk were fun characters or suspects or a combo of both. The h's children were at times funny and other times emotional. The H had several outstanding scenes with the kids, mostly funny ones.
The investigation for the murder mystery was sadly more frustrating than intriguing for me. Though a twist involving the H did add some of that intrigue back in, then promptly deflated it slightly with the reaction of other characters. There were multiple suspenseful scenes where there was danger from other shifters and I ended up more confused by these scenes than anything else. The climax was dramatic and also a bit messy. But the ending is HEA and the epilogue is several months in the future with some cuteness injected. I felt very much like this was a mixed bag where what I liked, I liked a whole lot, but what didn't work for me is still bugging me....more
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