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Lake Howling #4
It Only Took You
His best friend’s sister should be off-limits.
Sheriff Cubby Hawker loves his job, his mother, and his friends… but the woman side of things is not going so well. He’s had his chances, take his best bud’s sister, sexy Katie McBride. She’d thrown her heart at him and he’d been to slow to catch it. She left him the next day, and now years later, she’s a detective. A sexy, hard assed one who turns him inside out. Finding her halfway down a bourbon bottle, broken and scared, makes him want to protect her, he’s just not sure she’ll let him.
He’s got a second chance but is he brave enough to take it?
Katie McBride’s confidence is rocked when she’s shot in the line of duty. It takes another hit when Cubby Hawker finds her two days into a pity party for one.
She refuses to acknowledge that he’s still the only man she’s every wanted.
The sexy lawman had his chance… there won’t be another one. But when she returns to her hometown of Lake Howling, they are thrown together when a dead body is found. Is Katie strong enough to walk away again… does she want to?
Two lawmen who have vowed to serve and protect. Can they fight drug lords, solve a murder, and make sure Militant Lawrence pays her parking violations? Join the Howlers in the Hot Foot Run and watch as Cubby and Katie overcome everything to find love.
Escape to Lake Howling today for sizzling romance and a side of crazy. Brave the real authority in town - the local book club - and remember to check out the Redwood trails! Plenty of feels and LOL’s, that you don’t want to miss out on. Go hit that buy button now because Sheriff Hawker is waiting for you!
BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
A Promise Of Home
The Texan Meets His Match
How Sweet It Is
It Only Took You
Don't Look Back
A Long Way Home
Then Came You
301 pages, ebook
First published May 8, 2016
447 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
100 books832 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 28, 2023
Awesome read
Thank you Lani Blake for the awesome book! I started it today and finished it one day. Loved it from the first chapter to the ending. I figured out the one person was a rat but, was totally surprised about the second person. This will definitely be added to my favorite list and will definitely be reading it again. Going to go back and read about the other characters in this series.
Thank you Lani Blake for the awesome book! I started it today and finished it one day. Loved it from the first chapter to the ending. I figured out the one person was a rat but, was totally surprised about the second person. This will definitely be added to my favorite list and will definitely be reading it again. Going to go back and read about the other characters in this series.
March 3, 2022
Meant to be
She had always loved him, but he was having none of that. Year's later, asked to check on Katie while in LA was just the start of all Cubby's problems. But realising that he is not like his father could be the bigger challenge.
She had always loved him, but he was having none of that. Year's later, asked to check on Katie while in LA was just the start of all Cubby's problems. But realising that he is not like his father could be the bigger challenge.
August 14, 2023
5/5 ⭐️ I loved this book!!
August 13, 2023
4.5 STARS
Love this quirky little town where everyone, not only knows your name, but all your business!
Crossover characters from previous stories. Of course if you read from the beginning the stories will be richer. But, the friendships will come through if you start with just this one, but you will want to go back and start with book 1 when you get to know this town.
Our H/h have known each other for years and when the h confesses her love for the H, he says cruel things to her. She leaves the next day for the police academy. You understand the reasons the H is putting up roadblocks because of his deceased father. But, his thick headedness went on too long.
Nasty villains, suspense, great main and secondary characters, HEA, romance and plenty of steam. Heat level 5 out of 5. Lord's name used in vain and a some crude words.
The ending with the main villains was wrapped up off page. How were they so easily caught?
Can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story and series. Giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)
Love this quirky little town where everyone, not only knows your name, but all your business!
Crossover characters from previous stories. Of course if you read from the beginning the stories will be richer. But, the friendships will come through if you start with just this one, but you will want to go back and start with book 1 when you get to know this town.
Our H/h have known each other for years and when the h confesses her love for the H, he says cruel things to her. She leaves the next day for the police academy. You understand the reasons the H is putting up roadblocks because of his deceased father. But, his thick headedness went on too long.
Nasty villains, suspense, great main and secondary characters, HEA, romance and plenty of steam. Heat level 5 out of 5. Lord's name used in vain and a some crude words.
The ending with the main villains was wrapped up off page. How were they so easily caught?
Can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story and series. Giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)
November 26, 2023
free ebook
she was a cop in la. during a shoot out fellow officers were killed and some in hospital. she hurt her wrist
she started drinking
her brothers friend, who she always loved, the sheriff in howling lake, came to LA and saw the condition she was in
her boss said the men were after the person that shot the person in the shoot out, it was her. the sheriff took her back to lake howling even though she didnt want to go as the brothers of the man she killed put a bounty on her head
back in town she is living on the houseboat of her friends dad who is dying. she had sex with the sheriff but they both say they dont want to get involved with each other even though they both love each other and wont admit it
a girl in town was strangled and shot in the forehead, then her friend was found dead too
seems a cop had contacted the brothers after her for the money and got them to come get her
her sheriff friend got everyone to help him save her
and the brothers were arrested
he asked to marry her and she said yes
they were going to build a house and raise a family there
she was a cop in la. during a shoot out fellow officers were killed and some in hospital. she hurt her wrist
she started drinking
her brothers friend, who she always loved, the sheriff in howling lake, came to LA and saw the condition she was in
her boss said the men were after the person that shot the person in the shoot out, it was her. the sheriff took her back to lake howling even though she didnt want to go as the brothers of the man she killed put a bounty on her head
back in town she is living on the houseboat of her friends dad who is dying. she had sex with the sheriff but they both say they dont want to get involved with each other even though they both love each other and wont admit it
a girl in town was strangled and shot in the forehead, then her friend was found dead too
seems a cop had contacted the brothers after her for the money and got them to come get her
her sheriff friend got everyone to help him save her
and the brothers were arrested
he asked to marry her and she said yes
they were going to build a house and raise a family there
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2021
Katie’s had a thing for her brother’s friend for as long as she can remember, and even having him refuse her declaration of love hadn’t cured her of it. From the moment he figured out what kind of jerk his dad was, Cubby swore he’d never drag a woman into the same kind of hell he’d grown up in. If that meant he stayed single and alone his whole life, so be it. There’s something a little bit second chance about this story and that gives me all kinds of warm, happy feels. Though, I admit that I spent a lot of this book wanting to smack some sense into both of them. Their apparent blindness to the villain in their midst also left me wanting to tear my hair out. I would have greatly enjoyed seeing more about how Katie’s situation was finally resolved, but for how much I loved the way this book ends, I’m willing to overlook it.
July 27, 2025
I’ve returned to Lake Howling after a few months’ hiatus. I missed these characters! I’m happy to be back. Cubby and Katie finally get their second chance. The one they never knew they needed. Katie left Lake Howling six years ago, and Cubby never got his chance to apologize or realize he needed to. When Cubby has a conference in LA, he is determined to check in on Katie and finds her well into a bottle of bourbon. A mission gone wrong put her there. It’s her return to Lake Howling that brings everything into perspective. While she is healing, can Cubby heal his wounds? Their story, like all the rest in this series, is filled with heart and humor. I’ll be staying in Lake Howling for a while!
July 19, 2025
Love
Chubby was going to the big city his friend had asked him to check on his sister as he hadn't heard from her in a while but damn they had had a fight before she left she had told him she loved him and he had pretty much spat her out when he went into the pub he looked then seen her he sat down next to her and called her she turned around at first he saw the sparkle then it disappeared what are u doing here chubby your brother asked me to check on you well I'm fine as you can see so bye
Chubby was going to the big city his friend had asked him to check on his sister as he hadn't heard from her in a while but damn they had had a fight before she left she had told him she loved him and he had pretty much spat her out when he went into the pub he looked then seen her he sat down next to her and called her she turned around at first he saw the sparkle then it disappeared what are u doing here chubby your brother asked me to check on you well I'm fine as you can see so bye
May 24, 2018
Lake Howling is my kind of town!
What can I say I love going back to Lake Howling! I love getting to everyone. This time was no different. I loved that Cubby got his own book! I loved that Katie was the girl he had feeling for. They were there for one another and it was perfect. I loved everything about Katie and Cubby 's story. It was perfect! 💙
What can I say I love going back to Lake Howling! I love getting to everyone. This time was no different. I loved that Cubby got his own book! I loved that Katie was the girl he had feeling for. They were there for one another and it was perfect. I loved everything about Katie and Cubby 's story. It was perfect! 💙
February 18, 2018
I heart Jake and Katie
Somehow it’s easier to love a flawed character, and poor Jake and Katie are just brimming with troubles. But their story is all the more beautiful for the trials they overcome and the way the find their way. Nice twist at the end!
Somehow it’s easier to love a flawed character, and poor Jake and Katie are just brimming with troubles. But their story is all the more beautiful for the trials they overcome and the way the find their way. Nice twist at the end!
December 23, 2019
Another good read in the series
Although, I think wrapping up Katie's problem was not as well done as it should be. Didn't Ethan see the helicopter he thought he had heard? And how is it that they could suddenly arrest the two brothers?
Although, I think wrapping up Katie's problem was not as well done as it should be. Didn't Ethan see the helicopter he thought he had heard? And how is it that they could suddenly arrest the two brothers?
February 17, 2021
Thrilling story of betrayal
Follow Cubby and Katie on their way to finding a killer and discovering that they truly love each other. Two police officers are responsible for the loss of two young women in Katie’s hometown.
Follow Cubby and Katie on their way to finding a killer and discovering that they truly love each other. Two police officers are responsible for the loss of two young women in Katie’s hometown.
December 18, 2024
I'm addicted to the Lake Howling series!! This was the fourth I've read in a row, and I've got the fifth downloaded and ready to read next.
I have enjoyed every book of this series so far. I highly recommend them all!
I have enjoyed every book of this series so far. I highly recommend them all!
October 21, 2017
Lake Howling!
If only it were real. It's where I'd Be! Truly genuine people, real honest men. Only in my dreams... Fantastic books!
If only it were real. It's where I'd Be! Truly genuine people, real honest men. Only in my dreams... Fantastic books!
January 5, 2020
It only took you
Another great story. I couldn't put it down. Liked that you were kept up to date with everyone in series.
Another great story. I couldn't put it down. Liked that you were kept up to date with everyone in series.
August 19, 2023
It was nice and cute, though lacked a bit in world-building. Everything happened so so fast so there were a bit of things that should've taken weeks or months, but have taken a few days or hours.
October 1, 2023
❤️love those 2
Want to read
November 17, 2023Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 15, 2024
Good story
Overall it was a good story but parts of it dragged out too long. The middle of the book got into too much detail in my opinion
Overall it was a good story but parts of it dragged out too long. The middle of the book got into too much detail in my opinion
January 21, 2024
This was a fabulous read!!!:)
January 22, 2024
Katy and Cubby
This was a thriller! It was also a love for the ages, and it held me in suspense between Katie and Cubby!
This was a thriller! It was also a love for the ages, and it held me in suspense between Katie and Cubby!
April 12, 2025
I feel like these keep getting worse🤣 cringed at how ridiculous the last 2 chapters were but I’m still hooked 😂 the first two are 100% the best ones so far.
May 14, 2016
4.5 stars - I love friends to lovers romances. They're my very favorite kind! It Only Took You is great for a lot of reasons, but especially because Ms. Vella has a gift for creating characters who personify family and community. You sense their genuine bond in every interaction. Reading the previous stories in the series isn't a requirement, however if you have, it will enrich your understanding of the different relationship dynamics.
This is Katie and Cubby's story. They've known each other since forever. Six years before the story begins, Katie confessed her love for Cubby and was rejected. Cubby had a terrible father growing up and long ago decided to never fall in love or get married. The two reconnect after Katie, an LA detective, is the sole police survivor in a drug bust gone wrong. She becomes a target and Cubby, the Sheriff in their hometown, goes to LA and drags her back home to heal and stay off the radar. So much happens to stretch and shape their relationship, not the least of which are some bad guys. I knew almost from the beginning who the villain(s) was, but knowing didn't dampen my enjoyment. Discovering the why and how, and watching the relationship unfold were plenty enough to keep me interested.
It's a great read with some action, sexy times and a lot of heart. I recommend it.
I received a copy of the ebook, free of charge, from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinion given here is entirely my own.
This is Katie and Cubby's story. They've known each other since forever. Six years before the story begins, Katie confessed her love for Cubby and was rejected. Cubby had a terrible father growing up and long ago decided to never fall in love or get married. The two reconnect after Katie, an LA detective, is the sole police survivor in a drug bust gone wrong. She becomes a target and Cubby, the Sheriff in their hometown, goes to LA and drags her back home to heal and stay off the radar. So much happens to stretch and shape their relationship, not the least of which are some bad guys. I knew almost from the beginning who the villain(s) was, but knowing didn't dampen my enjoyment. Discovering the why and how, and watching the relationship unfold were plenty enough to keep me interested.
It's a great read with some action, sexy times and a lot of heart. I recommend it.
I received a copy of the ebook, free of charge, from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinion given here is entirely my own.
June 6, 2016
Awesome story by Wendy Vella! I'm loving this series!
Katie McBride almost died in a shooting that took the lives of her partner and friends that served on the LA police department with her. She has been struggling physically and emotionally since the incident and now her life is in danger because she was the cop that shot one of the bad guys at the scene who later died and his family is retaliating.
Sheriff Cubby Hawker is in town for some meetings and classes and happens to walk into the very bar that Katie has taken up residence since the shooting. He notices that she looks and smells awful and knows that she needs to come home to recover with those who love her surrounding her.
Cubby is the last person Katie wants to see after he broke her heart when she left town six years ago, but her boss agrees with Cubby about getting her out of town and back on her feet physically and emotionally and then she could come back to work.
Going back home brings back so many memories and it also makes Katie realize that being home with all of her family and friends is just what she needs to heal especially Cubby.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Katie McBride almost died in a shooting that took the lives of her partner and friends that served on the LA police department with her. She has been struggling physically and emotionally since the incident and now her life is in danger because she was the cop that shot one of the bad guys at the scene who later died and his family is retaliating.
Sheriff Cubby Hawker is in town for some meetings and classes and happens to walk into the very bar that Katie has taken up residence since the shooting. He notices that she looks and smells awful and knows that she needs to come home to recover with those who love her surrounding her.
Cubby is the last person Katie wants to see after he broke her heart when she left town six years ago, but her boss agrees with Cubby about getting her out of town and back on her feet physically and emotionally and then she could come back to work.
Going back home brings back so many memories and it also makes Katie realize that being home with all of her family and friends is just what she needs to heal especially Cubby.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
October 31, 2016
I can't seem too get enough of these people from this little town. Great job. Makes you want to be part of the story. Hope for a lot more to come.
I never get this review thing right. Love the series and would like it to go on for as long as possible. Got the first one free and just had to buy the rest which I seldom do.
I never get this review thing right. Love the series and would like it to go on for as long as possible. Got the first one free and just had to buy the rest which I seldom do.
October 21, 2016
Great series!
I am loving this series and can't wait until the next book is out. If you get a chance, read these!
I am loving this series and can't wait until the next book is out. If you get a chance, read these!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews