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McKenna #3
Where I Need To Be
When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher.
After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic.
What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths?
James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.
After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic.
What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths?
James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2017
6 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Hollins
3 books229 followersJamie Hollins was born and raised in rural Northeast Ohio. After graduate school, she embarked on a perilous career in Human Resources where she met plenty of real life characters. When she’s not writing or chasing after her toddler, she enjoys reading and golfing. Jamie lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and their dog, Winston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 8, 2017
Sweet romance, some angst and an enjoyable read.
The Hero, James Foley is a blue collar worker and an all-round good guy. Dealt with a tough blow in life he has been concentrating on his job and bringing up his son Cade. He caters to the rich and their cars. The wives of their clientele are called ice princesses and one day one of them walks in and needs help.
Meghan Dempsey now Meghan McKenna lost everything. As the perfect daughter and always having the pressure of being the best. Meghan is starting over from scratch. New life, new job, new flat with a roommate and a new car that is a pile of junk. The only car place she knows is Foley Auto Repair.
They never thought that something more could develop and then Meghan becomes Cade’s second grade teacher. It started as something uncomplicated a bit of fun. They got under each other’s skin. James unfortunately pushed Meghan away and once treated her with little respect. Meghan was clear in what she wanted when it came to James. The drama could have been avoided if Meghan would have gotten her act together.
They are complete opposites on the surface but the further they dig the more they see that they have things in common. Looks can be deceiving and never judge a book by its cover.
I find it hard to rate. It is a strong read and for some reason I still didn’t like it. I think it was that their relationship was mainly chemistry based and I wanted to see more depth to it and I feel as if I didn’t get that. The sex scenes are really hot and not the same old same old scenes I have read in the last couple of books.
Can be read as a standalone although it is part of a series and the last book in the series.
June 30, 2017
♥♥ 3.5 Fresh-Start Stars ♥♥
This was a fun read, but for some reason, I just didn’t click with it that much. It was cute, and I liked the characters, but it was just a little hard for me to connect to the hero/heroine. Overall, the story was still really cute and worth the read if you’re in the mood for something light and sweet.
Megan is starting her life over after finding her real estate mogul husband cheating on her, and she’s starting over with basically no money to her name. She meets James Foley after buying a clunker car that needs some serious work. And let me tell you, James is a hot mechanic. He’s tall, ripped, and a single dad. I’m all for the whole hot single dad, so this was a bonus for me. 😉
James is so much more than just a hot mechanic, though. He’s trying to raise his son by himself and run his car shop after his wife became addicted to heroin and destroyed their marriage. Megan is James’s son’s teacher, and to be honest, this part of the plot made me nervous. I’ve never been a fan of the teacher-gets-with-parent-of-the-student romance but Ms. Hollins played (wrote?) the part very well. I really liked Megan’s character; she’s independent, committed, and strong.
She’s a second-grade teacher who really hasn’t struggled in life at all until her divorce. She’s nervous to tell her family about her relationship issues, and this is one of the main things that bothered me in the book. It just seemed like this was something that turned out to be a major issue in the book and it really didn’t have to be.
Megan and James were super cute together, though. They’re both not in their twenties, which I don’t see that much, but I really liked it and you can really see their maturity. Their relationship takes some time to develop into something serious, but the timeline is believable and authentic. Oh, and the sexual tension was great and the sex scenes were smokin’ hot.
This was a fun read, but for some reason, I just didn’t click with it that much. It was cute, and I liked the characters, but it was just a little hard for me to connect to the hero/heroine. Overall, the story was still really cute and worth the read if you’re in the mood for something light and sweet.
Megan is starting her life over after finding her real estate mogul husband cheating on her, and she’s starting over with basically no money to her name. She meets James Foley after buying a clunker car that needs some serious work. And let me tell you, James is a hot mechanic. He’s tall, ripped, and a single dad. I’m all for the whole hot single dad, so this was a bonus for me. 😉
James is so much more than just a hot mechanic, though. He’s trying to raise his son by himself and run his car shop after his wife became addicted to heroin and destroyed their marriage. Megan is James’s son’s teacher, and to be honest, this part of the plot made me nervous. I’ve never been a fan of the teacher-gets-with-parent-of-the-student romance but Ms. Hollins played (wrote?) the part very well. I really liked Megan’s character; she’s independent, committed, and strong.
She’s a second-grade teacher who really hasn’t struggled in life at all until her divorce. She’s nervous to tell her family about her relationship issues, and this is one of the main things that bothered me in the book. It just seemed like this was something that turned out to be a major issue in the book and it really didn’t have to be.
Megan and James were super cute together, though. They’re both not in their twenties, which I don’t see that much, but I really liked it and you can really see their maturity. Their relationship takes some time to develop into something serious, but the timeline is believable and authentic. Oh, and the sexual tension was great and the sex scenes were smokin’ hot.
October 14, 2024
This is my first time diving into the McKenna series and reading author Jamie Hollins. I usually don’t go for Contemporary reads unless it’s Romantic Suspense, but the blurb peeked my interest. I liked the idea of two adults, both divorced, with pasts and issues to deal with ending up coming together and finding strength, love, and a true partnership.
James. I loved him. He’s perfect yet not, has issues to deal with, always has grease on him, overworks himself, and is doing the best he can in raising his son with the help of his father. We see several different sides to him and so you can not help but fall in love with him. His dedication to his work and how he put his kid’s feelings above his own. Perfect. Sweet.
Megan. I found her to be smart and sweet, but also a little week and her issue of not confiding in her family about her divorce and dating James really upset me. She was doing great, turning her life around, found a job she loves, and a man who was exactly what she needed, but she disappointed me in making excuses and not ripping that banded off with her family.
The story was good and I liked it. I enjoyed the characters and found the romance to be sweet, adorable, and satisfying. I liked that they took their time getting to know each other and that they also communicated, where open, and upfront from the start. It made the romance and relationship seem so real.
The epilogue wrapped everything up marvelously and I loved seeing the whole family be together.
Where I Need To Be is a charming and heartfelt romance, with a few laugh out loud moments, and some hot sexy scenes. I had a delightful time and will be check out previous books in the series.
Rated: 4 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Jamie Hollins via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
James. I loved him. He’s perfect yet not, has issues to deal with, always has grease on him, overworks himself, and is doing the best he can in raising his son with the help of his father. We see several different sides to him and so you can not help but fall in love with him. His dedication to his work and how he put his kid’s feelings above his own. Perfect. Sweet.
Megan. I found her to be smart and sweet, but also a little week and her issue of not confiding in her family about her divorce and dating James really upset me. She was doing great, turning her life around, found a job she loves, and a man who was exactly what she needed, but she disappointed me in making excuses and not ripping that banded off with her family.
The story was good and I liked it. I enjoyed the characters and found the romance to be sweet, adorable, and satisfying. I liked that they took their time getting to know each other and that they also communicated, where open, and upfront from the start. It made the romance and relationship seem so real.
The epilogue wrapped everything up marvelously and I loved seeing the whole family be together.
Where I Need To Be is a charming and heartfelt romance, with a few laugh out loud moments, and some hot sexy scenes. I had a delightful time and will be check out previous books in the series.
Rated: 4 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Jamie Hollins via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
July 18, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a fantastic conclusion to a great series. In the first two books, Megan was this sister/cousin who moved away, built a perfect life for herself and did everything right. In this book, Megan is still living away from her family but she finds herself rebuilding her life after a nasty divorce - a divorce she can’t quite bring herself to tell her family about. And no one is more surprised than Megan when the former ice princess finds herself falling for James, a single dad and local mechanic.
This is possibly a more reflective story than the first two. The author has captured the relief, fear, and self-loathing that anyone who has been through a divorce will immediately recognise. Both James and Megan bring baggage to a new relationship but there is also joy in this story as Megan discovers her inner strength and creates a new and independent life for herself. I loved watching Megan go a little wild as she explored her freedom - Megan on the back of James’ bike, Megan at a rock concert, Megan hosting Thanksgiving for the staff at a tattoo shop - she’s an inspiring female lead and I really loved her.
Both James and Megan are wary of relationships. James’ priority is his son and Megan is focused on building a life for herself. But these two are brilliant together. There are a couple of seriously sexy scenes in this story but it is probably lower heat than the first two. I enjoyed the believable hook-up to HEA storyline and I really enjoyed the slow, sweet romance between Megan and James.
Readers need to read Megan’s brother Sean’s story in book 2 before starting this one. I was only able to understand Megan’s overwhelming fear of disappointing her parents because I’d seen Sean’s interactions with their parents in the first book. Sean’s perception of Megan’s life and Megan’s reality are miles apart and I really enjoyed the way the author explores sibling and parent/child relationships across these two books.
For me, the only thing that let this story down was the sickly sweet series epilogue at the end. These ‘few years later’ scenes are now expected at the end of any m/f romance series but I hated seeing such interesting characters (especially Darcy from the second book) forced into a bland, suburban and domestic HEA.
This is a fantastic conclusion to a great series. In the first two books, Megan was this sister/cousin who moved away, built a perfect life for herself and did everything right. In this book, Megan is still living away from her family but she finds herself rebuilding her life after a nasty divorce - a divorce she can’t quite bring herself to tell her family about. And no one is more surprised than Megan when the former ice princess finds herself falling for James, a single dad and local mechanic.
This is possibly a more reflective story than the first two. The author has captured the relief, fear, and self-loathing that anyone who has been through a divorce will immediately recognise. Both James and Megan bring baggage to a new relationship but there is also joy in this story as Megan discovers her inner strength and creates a new and independent life for herself. I loved watching Megan go a little wild as she explored her freedom - Megan on the back of James’ bike, Megan at a rock concert, Megan hosting Thanksgiving for the staff at a tattoo shop - she’s an inspiring female lead and I really loved her.
Both James and Megan are wary of relationships. James’ priority is his son and Megan is focused on building a life for herself. But these two are brilliant together. There are a couple of seriously sexy scenes in this story but it is probably lower heat than the first two. I enjoyed the believable hook-up to HEA storyline and I really enjoyed the slow, sweet romance between Megan and James.
Readers need to read Megan’s brother Sean’s story in book 2 before starting this one. I was only able to understand Megan’s overwhelming fear of disappointing her parents because I’d seen Sean’s interactions with their parents in the first book. Sean’s perception of Megan’s life and Megan’s reality are miles apart and I really enjoyed the way the author explores sibling and parent/child relationships across these two books.
For me, the only thing that let this story down was the sickly sweet series epilogue at the end. These ‘few years later’ scenes are now expected at the end of any m/f romance series but I hated seeing such interesting characters (especially Darcy from the second book) forced into a bland, suburban and domestic HEA.
June 27, 2017
Great end to a fun series.
James Foley owns his own auto garage and lives with his six year old son and father ever since his ex-wife decided she liked drugs more than her family.
Megan McKenna lost her whole life when she found her husband cheating. Due to a brutal prenup she walked away from her marriage with absolutely nothing other than the clothes on her back and an impressive collection of handbags, her husband's connections lost her her job at a prestigious prep school and he kept all their friends. When the old beater she bought with the last of her cash starts making terrible noises she takes the car to the only mechanic she knows.
James knows Megan's type, all BMWs, dripping gold jewellery and fancy clothes, so he is surprised when the trophy wife walks into his garage with a rusty old maroon Honda Accord on the lot. Then he finds out that Megan is his son's new teacher.
Somehow, two souls that have been hurt by love before find a relationship together but the demons of the past and their own insecurities threaten to derail them before they even start.
James is a great guy, solid, dependable, caring for his son and running his own business. A welcome antidote to Megan's sleazy ex-husband. Megan is the woman who does everything right, by the book. And what has that got her? Nothing. Maybe a no-strings fling with a hot mechanic is just what the doctor ordered. She has always been the perfect daughter and put enormous pressure on herself never to disappoint her parents, telling them she's divorced will devastate them. But as things with James get serious keeping something that big a secret can have big repercussions.
This is most definitely the wrap up of the series. We see the characters planning towards Quinn and Ewan's wedding (from the first book in the series) and catch up with Sean and Darcy.
Loved this sweet romance and the lovable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
James Foley owns his own auto garage and lives with his six year old son and father ever since his ex-wife decided she liked drugs more than her family.
Megan McKenna lost her whole life when she found her husband cheating. Due to a brutal prenup she walked away from her marriage with absolutely nothing other than the clothes on her back and an impressive collection of handbags, her husband's connections lost her her job at a prestigious prep school and he kept all their friends. When the old beater she bought with the last of her cash starts making terrible noises she takes the car to the only mechanic she knows.
James knows Megan's type, all BMWs, dripping gold jewellery and fancy clothes, so he is surprised when the trophy wife walks into his garage with a rusty old maroon Honda Accord on the lot. Then he finds out that Megan is his son's new teacher.
Somehow, two souls that have been hurt by love before find a relationship together but the demons of the past and their own insecurities threaten to derail them before they even start.
James is a great guy, solid, dependable, caring for his son and running his own business. A welcome antidote to Megan's sleazy ex-husband. Megan is the woman who does everything right, by the book. And what has that got her? Nothing. Maybe a no-strings fling with a hot mechanic is just what the doctor ordered. She has always been the perfect daughter and put enormous pressure on herself never to disappoint her parents, telling them she's divorced will devastate them. But as things with James get serious keeping something that big a secret can have big repercussions.
This is most definitely the wrap up of the series. We see the characters planning towards Quinn and Ewan's wedding (from the first book in the series) and catch up with Sean and Darcy.
Loved this sweet romance and the lovable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 22, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third in the series, and whilst you could read it as a stand alone (in my opinion) there are references to the previous couples, particularly towards the end of the book.
In this installment the focus is on Megan McKenna, who we met very briefly before, and who is married to a hot shot in Chicago. However, we very soon learn that is no longer the case, and she has fallen on hard times. She is inevitably struggling with her new normal, in as much as it was unexpected, but she is clearly a well educated and self sufficient woman.
James owns his own garage, and has worked on Megan's car before, so he is a little surprised to find her driving a beaten up old car. Until he finds out about the divorce ... thanks to her ex husband coming into the garage at the same time. She is however completely out of his league.
Fate has other ideas , and we get to experience a budding relationship, from both sides, as both struggle to deny the attraction, and remain casual. It is at times funny, but mostly rather sad, that two lovely people have been so damaged by spouses in the past that they are so reserved. As in many situations communication would have saved a lot of heart ache, but that is what romance readers thrive on ... and a good dose of hot and steamy passion - which these two are not shy of either!
The epilogue is both satisfying and leads one to think of what comes next too - which is both perfect and infuriating (in a good way!).
A satisfying, and chemistry laden romance, with some great side characters such as Abel and Callie, and a brilliantly named guy called Poe!
This is the third in the series, and whilst you could read it as a stand alone (in my opinion) there are references to the previous couples, particularly towards the end of the book.
In this installment the focus is on Megan McKenna, who we met very briefly before, and who is married to a hot shot in Chicago. However, we very soon learn that is no longer the case, and she has fallen on hard times. She is inevitably struggling with her new normal, in as much as it was unexpected, but she is clearly a well educated and self sufficient woman.
James owns his own garage, and has worked on Megan's car before, so he is a little surprised to find her driving a beaten up old car. Until he finds out about the divorce ... thanks to her ex husband coming into the garage at the same time. She is however completely out of his league.
Fate has other ideas , and we get to experience a budding relationship, from both sides, as both struggle to deny the attraction, and remain casual. It is at times funny, but mostly rather sad, that two lovely people have been so damaged by spouses in the past that they are so reserved. As in many situations communication would have saved a lot of heart ache, but that is what romance readers thrive on ... and a good dose of hot and steamy passion - which these two are not shy of either!
The epilogue is both satisfying and leads one to think of what comes next too - which is both perfect and infuriating (in a good way!).
A satisfying, and chemistry laden romance, with some great side characters such as Abel and Callie, and a brilliantly named guy called Poe!
July 25, 2017
This fast and fun read will have two torn souls come together in a beautiful story. When one door closes, another one opens. And for Megan and James, it's for the better.
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Megan McKenna had it made. Living the life of luxury and in the blink of an eye, she's scrapping pennies to get by in life. But raising her head held high, she won't succumb to her short comings, or so she thought.
Finding her husband in a compromising position, she doesn't sit back and take it. With no home, job, car or income, Megan takes the cup is half full and makes the best of it. Teacher by trade, she finds a job, roommate and beat up car that's seen it's better day. But when she lands up in auto repair, she's brought back to James Foley. And what's repaired, is not just her car.
James Foley is his own boss. Being a single father and owning his own auto business is no easy task. He put his child first rather than dealing with his sons mother's drug addiction. He put his child first. While putting long hours into his auto shop, he comes face to face with a former customer, Megan McKenna. For once thinking she was like every other customer who was privileged, she was caringdown to earth and wholesome.
James and Megan find love again. With both being burned in the past. They learn to love, respect, care and honesty. With each love story, communication and honesty is key. But when two souls connect, nothing will stop them being torn away.
3.5 stars
Received arc through Netgalley
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Megan McKenna had it made. Living the life of luxury and in the blink of an eye, she's scrapping pennies to get by in life. But raising her head held high, she won't succumb to her short comings, or so she thought.
Finding her husband in a compromising position, she doesn't sit back and take it. With no home, job, car or income, Megan takes the cup is half full and makes the best of it. Teacher by trade, she finds a job, roommate and beat up car that's seen it's better day. But when she lands up in auto repair, she's brought back to James Foley. And what's repaired, is not just her car.
James Foley is his own boss. Being a single father and owning his own auto business is no easy task. He put his child first rather than dealing with his sons mother's drug addiction. He put his child first. While putting long hours into his auto shop, he comes face to face with a former customer, Megan McKenna. For once thinking she was like every other customer who was privileged, she was caringdown to earth and wholesome.
James and Megan find love again. With both being burned in the past. They learn to love, respect, care and honesty. With each love story, communication and honesty is key. But when two souls connect, nothing will stop them being torn away.
3.5 stars
Received arc through Netgalley
July 10, 2017
Where I Need To Be (McKenna Series #3) by Jamie Hollins
• Trusting
What a great story to sit back and read on a not so nice summer weather day. There is so much within this story that Megan and James have to work through. Not only about themselves but together. Both of them have pasts that they've had to buck up and move beyond, their ex's did a number on each of them, but in the end can they trust each other enough to do it together or will they end up going their separate ways? To find out you'll have to read Where I Need To Be, but I hope you enjoy the series much as I have so far. While each of these stories coincide within the McKenna family, each one can be read as a standalone story. However I like to read them all so that I can get to know each characters personality so I can see the big picture in the end. I have enjoyed reading both Not In My Wildest Dreams book 2 & Where I Need To Be book 3, I still have to go back and read The Best Part of Me book 1. Which I definitely plan to do before reading what comes next from Jamie. Due to sexual content this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
Favorite Passage ~
• “You know what they say about having girls, don’t you?” Sean rolled his eyes. “What?” “When you have a boy,” James explained, “you only have to worry about one penis. When you have a girl, you have to worry about all penises.”
• Trusting
What a great story to sit back and read on a not so nice summer weather day. There is so much within this story that Megan and James have to work through. Not only about themselves but together. Both of them have pasts that they've had to buck up and move beyond, their ex's did a number on each of them, but in the end can they trust each other enough to do it together or will they end up going their separate ways? To find out you'll have to read Where I Need To Be, but I hope you enjoy the series much as I have so far. While each of these stories coincide within the McKenna family, each one can be read as a standalone story. However I like to read them all so that I can get to know each characters personality so I can see the big picture in the end. I have enjoyed reading both Not In My Wildest Dreams book 2 & Where I Need To Be book 3, I still have to go back and read The Best Part of Me book 1. Which I definitely plan to do before reading what comes next from Jamie. Due to sexual content this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
Favorite Passage ~
• “You know what they say about having girls, don’t you?” Sean rolled his eyes. “What?” “When you have a boy,” James explained, “you only have to worry about one penis. When you have a girl, you have to worry about all penises.”
August 12, 2017
James Foley owns a garage and is also a father of a young son who keeps him busy. His ex is dealing with a heroin addiction which adds to the story. His day changes one day when a beautiful women comes in with a car that needs to be totally redone but he only does what she can afford at the time. Megan McKenna has lost most of everything in an ugly divorce and the day she is in the shop her ex happens to show up and lo and behold the mechanic sends him away. She latter finds out that he owns the garage and that his son is in her class. Now being attracted to each other is there any way to actually act on the attraction. Her roommate says yes since she needs to have a fling since she is divorced. The problem is that she is actually in like with James, and the more time she spends with him and then his family she realizes she is in trouble. James feels the same way and after talking to his father he decides to tell her. The problem is that she still has not told her family that she is divorced or that she is dating as he says a “mechanic” because it is not up to her standards. Now what she thought she had has now left and she must come up with a way to fix it. She wants to be with James and be a family with him. A very good book with good characters. I liked her roommate a tattoo artist. The epilogue is very good. Over all a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 24, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Megan McKenna thought she had the perfect life, that is until she walks in on her husband with another woman. Now that the divorce is over, she is putting her life back together, has a job teaching second grade starting the coming school year and she just got accepted as a roommate. And hopefully the guy at Foley's Garage can fix the car she bought since it has a lot of problems.
James Foley has worked as a mechanic for as long as he can remember. He bought the garage from his Dad when he was ready to retire and business is good. When Megan Dempsey shows up with a deadbeat car, he can't believe her rich husband would let her drive anything like that. So he will fix what needs fixing on her car and tell her what can wait and maybe he can learn her story.
As James and Megan get to know each other better and the attraction grows, they try the casual dating but both want more without pushing the other.
Can Megan make James see that she wants him and she is not trying to hide him from her family? Will James be ready for more of a relationship with Megan? Will they tell Cade, James' son, about then dating? Can they make a second time for them both work out?
I have loved this series and I thought "The Best Part of Me" (book 1) with Ewan and Quinn was my favorite but after reading this one, I think Megan and James is now my top favorite.
So if you are looking for a great series with love, heartbreak, laughter, and family, then this series is for you, so sit back and enjoy!
Megan McKenna thought she had the perfect life, that is until she walks in on her husband with another woman. Now that the divorce is over, she is putting her life back together, has a job teaching second grade starting the coming school year and she just got accepted as a roommate. And hopefully the guy at Foley's Garage can fix the car she bought since it has a lot of problems.
James Foley has worked as a mechanic for as long as he can remember. He bought the garage from his Dad when he was ready to retire and business is good. When Megan Dempsey shows up with a deadbeat car, he can't believe her rich husband would let her drive anything like that. So he will fix what needs fixing on her car and tell her what can wait and maybe he can learn her story.
As James and Megan get to know each other better and the attraction grows, they try the casual dating but both want more without pushing the other.
Can Megan make James see that she wants him and she is not trying to hide him from her family? Will James be ready for more of a relationship with Megan? Will they tell Cade, James' son, about then dating? Can they make a second time for them both work out?
I have loved this series and I thought "The Best Part of Me" (book 1) with Ewan and Quinn was my favorite but after reading this one, I think Megan and James is now my top favorite.
So if you are looking for a great series with love, heartbreak, laughter, and family, then this series is for you, so sit back and enjoy!
July 12, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. Again, we get another fantastic book from Ms. Hollin's. I went back an forth with this book, not on how good it was, because it definitely was, but on how I felt about the heroine. We meet Megan in the second book of the series, and she is described as being perfect. The problem that I at times have with her, is that while at times, I find her to be a sweet smart woman, I also found her to be a little weak, and when she needed to speak up, is when she didn't and she was a little too worried about the perception of being found perfect. Then we have James, I have to say that I love him, not that he was perfect, because he had to deal with issues also, but he was exactly what she needed. And the way he dealt with Niall, god I loved him!!! He fit perfectly with her family. Now you do not have to read all the books in series, to understand what is going on, but it would be a travesty to you, if you don't.. So go grab them. I will not steer you wrong.
July 16, 2017
Where I Need to Be is a lovely yet heartbreaking read. James and Megan have been to hell and back. Each being on their own path, they re-meet one day and from there, begin traveling a new paths.
James is a mechanic, a single dad, and swoon-worthy. He owns the shop, but never shies away from getting his hands dirty. Megan is a teacher, James' son's teacher. Megan I had a bit of an issue with. While I felt so bad for her, I had trouble understanding her.
Where I Need To Be is a great read. It breaches onto heavier topics, but the overall flow of the story isn't very heavy. It's paced well and the writing style grips you tightly. Where I Need to Be is a standalone, but third in a series. I read it perfectly, but can't wait to read the prior books!
*4.5 Star review*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
James is a mechanic, a single dad, and swoon-worthy. He owns the shop, but never shies away from getting his hands dirty. Megan is a teacher, James' son's teacher. Megan I had a bit of an issue with. While I felt so bad for her, I had trouble understanding her.
Where I Need To Be is a great read. It breaches onto heavier topics, but the overall flow of the story isn't very heavy. It's paced well and the writing style grips you tightly. Where I Need to Be is a standalone, but third in a series. I read it perfectly, but can't wait to read the prior books!
*4.5 Star review*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
July 1, 2017
This was the first book I read by Jaime Hollins. As with any series you worry about missing key details from a book before but I was able to quickly learn the dynamics of the McKenna family. Megan's life has drastically changed from the spoiled princess to worrying about her money pit of a car. Taking her garage to Foley's garage changed her life. James Foley takes one look at Megan and knows he is drawn to her. After a disastrous marriage he is hesitant to enter into another relationship due to his busy work schedule and spending time with his son Cade. He enters into a non strings attached relationship with Megan. The only problem with strings is they become tangled and draw you in.
June 28, 2017
I love a good love story when 2 people are broken and find love again that makes them whole! That is the story between James and Megan (I also love when people have normal everyday names too!).
James is a single dad, raiding his son. He is divorced from his wife, who has a drug problem. Then there is Megan. She is recently divorced from her cheating loser husband. Neither is looking for love, but they find it.
Both Megan and James rise from their past, to essentially be happy again, with each other!
James is a single dad, raiding his son. He is divorced from his wife, who has a drug problem. Then there is Megan. She is recently divorced from her cheating loser husband. Neither is looking for love, but they find it.
Both Megan and James rise from their past, to essentially be happy again, with each other!
July 20, 2017
*4.5 stars*
July 18, 2017
Where I Need to Be (McKenna #3) by Jamie Hollins
3 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Drug Addiction
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
James and Megan are both starting over in a way. James had a rough start to his family. Despite having an amazing child, a son, he is still hurting over the fact that his wife turned to drugs and wasn't able to kick the habit.
Megan is a teacher who has never really struggled for anything. However, now that she finds herself on her own, without money, without a husband and seeing what truly makes her happy, she is a little gun shy when it comes to relationships.
This was just an OK story for me. I liked that the characters weren't super young. I also liked that the characters had baggage and knew how to have adult conversations.
Overall, this was a sweet story and it was a quick read.
3 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Drug Addiction
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
James and Megan are both starting over in a way. James had a rough start to his family. Despite having an amazing child, a son, he is still hurting over the fact that his wife turned to drugs and wasn't able to kick the habit.
Megan is a teacher who has never really struggled for anything. However, now that she finds herself on her own, without money, without a husband and seeing what truly makes her happy, she is a little gun shy when it comes to relationships.
This was just an OK story for me. I liked that the characters weren't super young. I also liked that the characters had baggage and knew how to have adult conversations.
Overall, this was a sweet story and it was a quick read.
October 27, 2017
Where I Need to Be by Jamie Hollins
Book #3: McKenna Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
James Foley has had enough of women! His ex-wife is a drug addict who has only ever brought pain and chaos to his life. What’s more, every time she shows up, she upsets their young son and James has had enough. His life and heart just don’t have the time or energy for the pain and disruptions so it’s simply best to fly solo.
Megan McKenna may no longer have the high-rise apartment, top of the line everything, and social standing, but she has her freedom. For nearly a decade, Megan had every material thing a girl could want, but she didn’t have a true partner. What she did have was a cold, unfeeling, a$$hole of a husband who was far more concerned with appearances than an actual loving and committed marriage. Yeah, Megan absolutely came out on top in the end and though she has far less than she used to, she wouldn’t trade it for the world!
A part of Megan’s new life is a super crappy car that needs an incredible number of repairs to keep it moderately safe and drivable. As she pulls into the repair shop, Megan’s only intention is getting her car fixed. Fresh off her ugly divorce, she has no interest in a relationship, but the hot repair man might be worth considering for a little no-strings dalliance. Trouble is, Megan has never been a no-strings kind of girl. But, James . . . . . Oh, is that man every lickably fine!
For James, Megan is a wake-up call to all he has been missing as a part of his self-imposed isolation. She’s smart, funny, sexy as hell, and, thanks to her super crappy car has ample reason to keep returning to his world. James definitely wants to have sex with Megan, but every time he thinks about something beyond the physical, he damn-near breaks out into hives. To say James is skittish doesn’t even come close and rather than explain his hesitance toward becoming truly involved to Megan, he often simply behaves badly or inexplicably which only causes more confusion for everyone.
In the times they are together, Megan adores James and his attention. Under the skittish exterior is a good man who wants a long-term committed relationship. Breaking through his crusty exterior takes some serious effort, but the payoff is so worth the work. Once Megan understands James better and the situation he and his son have survived, she’s better able to understand his behavior and work with it. All she has to do now is drum up the courage to tell her family about James and the life they are building together. If she can overcome her own fears and reveal her monumental secret, there may just be a future for the princess and the mechanic 😊
The Bottom Line: I LOVED this book!! It’s the print version of Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl!! What’s not to love?? Megan is an easy character to root for and the more of her story that comes out, the more likeable she really is. James is a bit harder to like (because of his somewhat rude behavior) but his backstory and experiences certainly help explain his surliness. It’s clear from the beginning how perfect Megan and James are for one another and quite funny how each refuses to see the perfection of their union until there is nothing left to do, but accept the obvious. While I generally enjoyed the whole story, the epilogue was my absolute favorite part of the book. I love a good epilogue and this one had a little bit of everything including updates on all three couples from the McKenna series. If the series is over, and I think it is, the epilogue in this book is a pretty perfect ending!
Book #3: McKenna Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:
James Foley has had enough of women! His ex-wife is a drug addict who has only ever brought pain and chaos to his life. What’s more, every time she shows up, she upsets their young son and James has had enough. His life and heart just don’t have the time or energy for the pain and disruptions so it’s simply best to fly solo.
Megan McKenna may no longer have the high-rise apartment, top of the line everything, and social standing, but she has her freedom. For nearly a decade, Megan had every material thing a girl could want, but she didn’t have a true partner. What she did have was a cold, unfeeling, a$$hole of a husband who was far more concerned with appearances than an actual loving and committed marriage. Yeah, Megan absolutely came out on top in the end and though she has far less than she used to, she wouldn’t trade it for the world!
A part of Megan’s new life is a super crappy car that needs an incredible number of repairs to keep it moderately safe and drivable. As she pulls into the repair shop, Megan’s only intention is getting her car fixed. Fresh off her ugly divorce, she has no interest in a relationship, but the hot repair man might be worth considering for a little no-strings dalliance. Trouble is, Megan has never been a no-strings kind of girl. But, James . . . . . Oh, is that man every lickably fine!
For James, Megan is a wake-up call to all he has been missing as a part of his self-imposed isolation. She’s smart, funny, sexy as hell, and, thanks to her super crappy car has ample reason to keep returning to his world. James definitely wants to have sex with Megan, but every time he thinks about something beyond the physical, he damn-near breaks out into hives. To say James is skittish doesn’t even come close and rather than explain his hesitance toward becoming truly involved to Megan, he often simply behaves badly or inexplicably which only causes more confusion for everyone.
In the times they are together, Megan adores James and his attention. Under the skittish exterior is a good man who wants a long-term committed relationship. Breaking through his crusty exterior takes some serious effort, but the payoff is so worth the work. Once Megan understands James better and the situation he and his son have survived, she’s better able to understand his behavior and work with it. All she has to do now is drum up the courage to tell her family about James and the life they are building together. If she can overcome her own fears and reveal her monumental secret, there may just be a future for the princess and the mechanic 😊
The Bottom Line: I LOVED this book!! It’s the print version of Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl!! What’s not to love?? Megan is an easy character to root for and the more of her story that comes out, the more likeable she really is. James is a bit harder to like (because of his somewhat rude behavior) but his backstory and experiences certainly help explain his surliness. It’s clear from the beginning how perfect Megan and James are for one another and quite funny how each refuses to see the perfection of their union until there is nothing left to do, but accept the obvious. While I generally enjoyed the whole story, the epilogue was my absolute favorite part of the book. I love a good epilogue and this one had a little bit of everything including updates on all three couples from the McKenna series. If the series is over, and I think it is, the epilogue in this book is a pretty perfect ending!
July 4, 2017
Where I Need to Be is the third book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins. It is currently scheduled for release on July 18 2017. While I have read the previous books and enjoyed them greatly, you can read them each as a stand alone and still enjoy the read.
When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher. After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic. What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths? James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.
Where I Need to Be is a great contemporary romance of people initially unwilling to take another chance at love given no choice once their hearts are involved. James is doing the best he can for his son with the help of his father, but suffers with self doubt and guilt about time spent away from his son at work or socially. Megan is just trying to get her life back in gear after her ex-husband cheated and then took all the money and friends in the divorce. She is just happy to still be teaching and that the marriage is over- however still feels like she failed to make it work. When the pair meet- and their marital statuses and attraction are discovered to be mutual a relationship is formed. I like that they talked things through, like their expectations of the relationship, like adults. However, I was a little annoyed with Megan's reluctance to talk to her family, I honestly expected her to talk to her brother at least (mostly because of the previous books) even if she was not ready to deal with the rest of the family. I thought the situations and realism of the story was engaging and had me turning pages well past my bedtime. I liked the characters, and was glade to see the epilogue which offered a nice glimpse into the future for all three books in this series.
Where I Need to Be is another winner from Hollins, and I cannot wait to see what they write next. A special thanks to the author, who helped me out why my NetGalley request was initially denied, helping me get the instant gratification I was craving.
When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher. After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic. What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths? James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.
Where I Need to Be is a great contemporary romance of people initially unwilling to take another chance at love given no choice once their hearts are involved. James is doing the best he can for his son with the help of his father, but suffers with self doubt and guilt about time spent away from his son at work or socially. Megan is just trying to get her life back in gear after her ex-husband cheated and then took all the money and friends in the divorce. She is just happy to still be teaching and that the marriage is over- however still feels like she failed to make it work. When the pair meet- and their marital statuses and attraction are discovered to be mutual a relationship is formed. I like that they talked things through, like their expectations of the relationship, like adults. However, I was a little annoyed with Megan's reluctance to talk to her family, I honestly expected her to talk to her brother at least (mostly because of the previous books) even if she was not ready to deal with the rest of the family. I thought the situations and realism of the story was engaging and had me turning pages well past my bedtime. I liked the characters, and was glade to see the epilogue which offered a nice glimpse into the future for all three books in this series.
Where I Need to Be is another winner from Hollins, and I cannot wait to see what they write next. A special thanks to the author, who helped me out why my NetGalley request was initially denied, helping me get the instant gratification I was craving.
July 18, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the story of sister Megan Dempsey/McKenna, she is the sister of Sean and Ewan's cousin and we meet her in Chicago which is where she is now living. We meet her as she brings a clunker car to James' car shop.
James knows her as the wife of the hoity toity Niall Dempsey and so he doesn't treat her that great as well. Megan is now the pennyless exwife or her cheatng ex husband who has taken everything she had except her dignity. Megan is starting over from scratch, she has a new care, new job and is in the process of getting a new apartment.
I beyond LOVED Megan. Not many people would have what happened to her and never tell anyone namely her family. In fact for most of the book her parents don't know she is divorced. She is a tough cookie but also a sweetheart and she stole this entire book. Which is funny because the only thing she fears is letting down her family, which is why they don't know that she is divorced.
James is a single father with lots of guilt and the second time he sees Megan he finds out just what a jerk her ex is. I loved how he treated her ex. Then the next time he meets Megan it is at a parent teacher conference and that is when he really starts to see who Megan is and learn she is now single.
James is a really terrific character. He doesn't just charm Megan, he charms me too. He has not had an easy life but he has a super cute son and a really wonderful dad and he is not afraid to lean on his family.
He is the opposite of anyone Megan has met before and the two together work really well. At first glance they don't seem a lot alike but they have been majorly burned before by exes and James really helps Megan learn to deal with her new life and he is really there for her.
Together they have lots of HOT scenes and adventures and together they have to decide on what relationship they want. This is a story of two mature and strong people learning how to let the other one in and it was a really special story.
It is extremely well written and I really loved the entire story. It is the final story in the series and I am very sad because it was such a great series. This story is definitely my favorite of the 3 stories and it easily stands alone. Though if you read the other books some scenes will have more meaning to you as we get to see the characters from the other books future.
This is the story of sister Megan Dempsey/McKenna, she is the sister of Sean and Ewan's cousin and we meet her in Chicago which is where she is now living. We meet her as she brings a clunker car to James' car shop.
James knows her as the wife of the hoity toity Niall Dempsey and so he doesn't treat her that great as well. Megan is now the pennyless exwife or her cheatng ex husband who has taken everything she had except her dignity. Megan is starting over from scratch, she has a new care, new job and is in the process of getting a new apartment.
I beyond LOVED Megan. Not many people would have what happened to her and never tell anyone namely her family. In fact for most of the book her parents don't know she is divorced. She is a tough cookie but also a sweetheart and she stole this entire book. Which is funny because the only thing she fears is letting down her family, which is why they don't know that she is divorced.
James is a single father with lots of guilt and the second time he sees Megan he finds out just what a jerk her ex is. I loved how he treated her ex. Then the next time he meets Megan it is at a parent teacher conference and that is when he really starts to see who Megan is and learn she is now single.
James is a really terrific character. He doesn't just charm Megan, he charms me too. He has not had an easy life but he has a super cute son and a really wonderful dad and he is not afraid to lean on his family.
He is the opposite of anyone Megan has met before and the two together work really well. At first glance they don't seem a lot alike but they have been majorly burned before by exes and James really helps Megan learn to deal with her new life and he is really there for her.
Together they have lots of HOT scenes and adventures and together they have to decide on what relationship they want. This is a story of two mature and strong people learning how to let the other one in and it was a really special story.
It is extremely well written and I really loved the entire story. It is the final story in the series and I am very sad because it was such a great series. This story is definitely my favorite of the 3 stories and it easily stands alone. Though if you read the other books some scenes will have more meaning to you as we get to see the characters from the other books future.
July 26, 2017
The author is looking for an honest review.
4 stars.
Starting over from a broken marriage has to be one of the most difficult things that you have to do. It would be one thing if you just drifted apart, but when there is more than that, I think it is hard to ever trust again. For these two people, with two different stories to tell, that is what happened. Love was not enough to hold them together. I think falling out of love would be devastating, but being cheated on and having to deal with addictions, these two had their work cut out for them. Megan and James have to a lot to work through during this book, and how the deal with everything is surprisingly adult like. I know it sounds silly, but you usually read a book and they do all the wrong things and the don't communicate and they fall into the same patterns. Not in this book. They seemed to learn from their mistakes and this book was breath of fresh air.
Megan is starting over. This is the first time she has to be independent. With that being said, she buys a car that has seen better days. Her first stop to the mechanics to see what is wrong. What she doesn't expect is to feel something for the mechanic that is behind the counter. I loved Megan from the beginning. She was broken, but she wanted to prove that she wasn't. She wanted to be independent and figure things out on her own. That is what I loved about this story. It wasn't all about her romantic life it was about her finding herself again. This story didn't happen in one week, a month, it took time and I loved seeing the little changes throughout her. James never messes with the wives of the clients that come in the garage, but he looks at Megan and sees a beautiful woman. When she brings in this beaten down Honda, he wanders why. James never asks,, but the next visit from this woman he knows why. What I liked about James is that it was his story too. He needed to move on also but hasn't. He was at a point that he needed to decide what to do. I think Megan and James helped each other become the people that they wanted to be.
There are going to be obstacles, good times, hard times, but in the end they have to see if they can be together, or even if they want to be. They will struggle with independence, they will want more than they say at times. In all they will have to find their way either together or apart. It is said the time heals all wounds, will that be the case for Megan and James?
4 stars.
Starting over from a broken marriage has to be one of the most difficult things that you have to do. It would be one thing if you just drifted apart, but when there is more than that, I think it is hard to ever trust again. For these two people, with two different stories to tell, that is what happened. Love was not enough to hold them together. I think falling out of love would be devastating, but being cheated on and having to deal with addictions, these two had their work cut out for them. Megan and James have to a lot to work through during this book, and how the deal with everything is surprisingly adult like. I know it sounds silly, but you usually read a book and they do all the wrong things and the don't communicate and they fall into the same patterns. Not in this book. They seemed to learn from their mistakes and this book was breath of fresh air.
Megan is starting over. This is the first time she has to be independent. With that being said, she buys a car that has seen better days. Her first stop to the mechanics to see what is wrong. What she doesn't expect is to feel something for the mechanic that is behind the counter. I loved Megan from the beginning. She was broken, but she wanted to prove that she wasn't. She wanted to be independent and figure things out on her own. That is what I loved about this story. It wasn't all about her romantic life it was about her finding herself again. This story didn't happen in one week, a month, it took time and I loved seeing the little changes throughout her. James never messes with the wives of the clients that come in the garage, but he looks at Megan and sees a beautiful woman. When she brings in this beaten down Honda, he wanders why. James never asks,, but the next visit from this woman he knows why. What I liked about James is that it was his story too. He needed to move on also but hasn't. He was at a point that he needed to decide what to do. I think Megan and James helped each other become the people that they wanted to be.
There are going to be obstacles, good times, hard times, but in the end they have to see if they can be together, or even if they want to be. They will struggle with independence, they will want more than they say at times. In all they will have to find their way either together or apart. It is said the time heals all wounds, will that be the case for Megan and James?
July 20, 2017
I loved everything about this book-the characters, the world, the uncertainty, the love. Megan and James were an unlikely pair on the surface, but it was quickly revealed that their was more to their connection than they ever could have imagined. The author did a wonderful job of building their story. It was realistic and raw. The progression of their relationship was natural and heartbreaking at times. It's always difficult to find the characters in a position where they want to move beyond the casual to something more committed but struggle with verbalizing and accepting their feelings. Megan and James were no different. It was evident that they were falling for each other but not ready to move beyond the hurt they had endured with their exes. I loved witnessing their growth and acquiescence. Their story was quite beautiful.
Megan was classy, sweet, beautiful both inside and out, and strong. She was forced into a life so different from what she was accustomed after her divorce and struggled to remain independent through it all. I hated her need for perfection when it came to her family, who I know without a doubt would have been there to support her both physically and mentally. It was great that she had Callie, her new roommate, and James in her corner.
James was a fabulous character. He was gruff but sweet, a wonderful father and son, and the best possible person for Megan. James helped her come out of her shell and remember the person she was before Niall, her ex. Likewise, she did the same for him, forcing him to face life again and trust and love someone outside of his family. I loved his patience and giving heart, his strength of character, and the way he cherished Megan. At the same time, I wanted to knock him over the head for some of his actions and the callousness he showed towards Megan when he was fighting his feelings.
This was my first book by Jamie Hollins, and I can't wait to go back to the beginning of the series to read about the rest of the McKennas. This is especially true after reading about them in the epilogue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Megan was classy, sweet, beautiful both inside and out, and strong. She was forced into a life so different from what she was accustomed after her divorce and struggled to remain independent through it all. I hated her need for perfection when it came to her family, who I know without a doubt would have been there to support her both physically and mentally. It was great that she had Callie, her new roommate, and James in her corner.
James was a fabulous character. He was gruff but sweet, a wonderful father and son, and the best possible person for Megan. James helped her come out of her shell and remember the person she was before Niall, her ex. Likewise, she did the same for him, forcing him to face life again and trust and love someone outside of his family. I loved his patience and giving heart, his strength of character, and the way he cherished Megan. At the same time, I wanted to knock him over the head for some of his actions and the callousness he showed towards Megan when he was fighting his feelings.
This was my first book by Jamie Hollins, and I can't wait to go back to the beginning of the series to read about the rest of the McKennas. This is especially true after reading about them in the epilogue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
June 17, 2017
WOW ... I couldn't put this book down! It grabs you in the heart and squeezes.
Megan's privileged life came to a screaming halt when she caught her husband in bed with another woman. She walked away with nothing ... her ex-husband saw to that. She got a job teaching 2nd grade in a public school, moved in with a girl that is as opposite of her as you can get, and bought a broken down car that would hopefully get her from home to work and back again ... but that doesn't quite happen.
James worked at his Dad's garage just out of high school so he could support his new wife while she went to college and eventually he takes the garage over from his father. After she finished college, she became pregnant and they had a little boy named Cade. But James' wife couldn't handle being a mother and started drinking and going out ... eventually turning to drugs. James tried everything to help her, but she just didn't want to give up her next fix ... so they got divorced and James had sole custody of Cade.
Megan and James met when she brought her car in to be fixed and then again at a teacher/parent conference ... she just so happened to be Cade's teacher. They keep running into each other and because of the mutual attraction and neither one of them wanting a relationship, they decide to enter a "friend with benefits" situation. And their story goes on from there ... I don't want to say too much and ruin the book for others.
This book had me from the start because it seemed so real. It wasn't "love at first sight" ... it took time for their relationship to develop because of the circumstances of life. This book checks all the boxes ... a sweet heartfelt romance, laugh out loud moments, realism and hot sex scenes! I highly recommend this book ... Megan and James are characters that you won't soon forget.
I received an ARC copy courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Megan's privileged life came to a screaming halt when she caught her husband in bed with another woman. She walked away with nothing ... her ex-husband saw to that. She got a job teaching 2nd grade in a public school, moved in with a girl that is as opposite of her as you can get, and bought a broken down car that would hopefully get her from home to work and back again ... but that doesn't quite happen.
James worked at his Dad's garage just out of high school so he could support his new wife while she went to college and eventually he takes the garage over from his father. After she finished college, she became pregnant and they had a little boy named Cade. But James' wife couldn't handle being a mother and started drinking and going out ... eventually turning to drugs. James tried everything to help her, but she just didn't want to give up her next fix ... so they got divorced and James had sole custody of Cade.
Megan and James met when she brought her car in to be fixed and then again at a teacher/parent conference ... she just so happened to be Cade's teacher. They keep running into each other and because of the mutual attraction and neither one of them wanting a relationship, they decide to enter a "friend with benefits" situation. And their story goes on from there ... I don't want to say too much and ruin the book for others.
This book had me from the start because it seemed so real. It wasn't "love at first sight" ... it took time for their relationship to develop because of the circumstances of life. This book checks all the boxes ... a sweet heartfelt romance, laugh out loud moments, realism and hot sex scenes! I highly recommend this book ... Megan and James are characters that you won't soon forget.
I received an ARC copy courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
July 17, 2017
Where I Need to Be is the third, standalone book in Hollins’s McKenna series, and I have loved this sexy and heartfelt series. If you haven’t read the prior two books, you’ll be fine, but you should definitely add them to your to-be-read list.
Megan McKenna is newly divorced from her jerk of a husband, and she was left with nothing after her although ex is very wealthy. She’s struggling financially but doesn't whine or complain about her new situation. She’s resilient and finding herself again and starting a new chapter in her life. She has a new teaching job, a new, less-than-posh apartment with a hilarious roommate, and a really crappy car.
Megan takes her car to James Foley’s garage and finds herself attracted to the hunky mechanic. He’s not to sure about her—assuming she’s still rich and possibly snobby—and he also doesn’t have time for relations, because he devotes all of his free time to his son. He also had his heart broken when his wife spiraled into addiction forcing him to divorce her, leaving him and his son behind.
Both James and Megan are surprised when they see each other again, because James’s son is a student in her class. They slowly and hesitantly acknowledge their attraction and agree to a fling; neither wants a relationship. Both develop unwanted feelings as they get to know each other, and they eventually have to decide if being together in a relationship is worth the risk of opening up their hearts to someone again.
Readers will fall in love with James and Megan. They both have wounded hearts, and it is very endearing to see them take the scary steps to love again. They have great chemistry, hot interludes, and a sweet dynamic, and you cannot help but cheer them on to their happy-ever-after. Where I Need to Be is a sexy and swoon-worthy romance that will leave the reader smiling. Jamie Hollins has delivered another winner.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Megan McKenna is newly divorced from her jerk of a husband, and she was left with nothing after her although ex is very wealthy. She’s struggling financially but doesn't whine or complain about her new situation. She’s resilient and finding herself again and starting a new chapter in her life. She has a new teaching job, a new, less-than-posh apartment with a hilarious roommate, and a really crappy car.
Megan takes her car to James Foley’s garage and finds herself attracted to the hunky mechanic. He’s not to sure about her—assuming she’s still rich and possibly snobby—and he also doesn’t have time for relations, because he devotes all of his free time to his son. He also had his heart broken when his wife spiraled into addiction forcing him to divorce her, leaving him and his son behind.
Both James and Megan are surprised when they see each other again, because James’s son is a student in her class. They slowly and hesitantly acknowledge their attraction and agree to a fling; neither wants a relationship. Both develop unwanted feelings as they get to know each other, and they eventually have to decide if being together in a relationship is worth the risk of opening up their hearts to someone again.
Readers will fall in love with James and Megan. They both have wounded hearts, and it is very endearing to see them take the scary steps to love again. They have great chemistry, hot interludes, and a sweet dynamic, and you cannot help but cheer them on to their happy-ever-after. Where I Need to Be is a sexy and swoon-worthy romance that will leave the reader smiling. Jamie Hollins has delivered another winner.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
July 18, 2017
This was my first read by Jamie Hollins; so that being said I do not think you have to read the first two books in this series in order to follow the third. I have a slight issue with reading book #3 before #1 & #2 but that's just my personal, somewhat OCD preference. If you had read the first two books you would be able to reconnect with the McKennas from the previous reads.
This book follows Megan McKenna who just recently went through a divorce and had to start over in life. She meets James Foley, who is also divorced and just trying to do what is best for his son. They continually get thrown together in different situations and each time they do their connection deepens. Once their relationship begins, it quickly turns serious. James tells her upfront that trust & honesty are important to him - that without them he cannot be with her; she must decide if she's ready to divulge all her secrets to her family, or if James is just a passing fling.
These characters are relatable & realistic to the point where I kept having to remind myself that I was reading a book. The chemistry between James & Megan is intense and it's amazing that they withstand the temptation of being together as long as they did. The pacing of the story is a bit fast - but that might have been just because once I started reading I couldn't put the book down. I managed to finish it in one day and I enjoyed every minute of it. The story mainly focused on the relationship building between these two so we don't spend too much time with the other McKennas but we do briefly spend some time with Megan's family, so this can definitely be read as a standalone. If you haven't read one of Jamie Hollins' books, then I would suggest you check out this series. The romance is definitely dirty, but then again most good romances are. And there's some serious moments to offset the dirty scenes; whether you're a lover of dirty romances or not, I think you will enjoy this book.
This book follows Megan McKenna who just recently went through a divorce and had to start over in life. She meets James Foley, who is also divorced and just trying to do what is best for his son. They continually get thrown together in different situations and each time they do their connection deepens. Once their relationship begins, it quickly turns serious. James tells her upfront that trust & honesty are important to him - that without them he cannot be with her; she must decide if she's ready to divulge all her secrets to her family, or if James is just a passing fling.
These characters are relatable & realistic to the point where I kept having to remind myself that I was reading a book. The chemistry between James & Megan is intense and it's amazing that they withstand the temptation of being together as long as they did. The pacing of the story is a bit fast - but that might have been just because once I started reading I couldn't put the book down. I managed to finish it in one day and I enjoyed every minute of it. The story mainly focused on the relationship building between these two so we don't spend too much time with the other McKennas but we do briefly spend some time with Megan's family, so this can definitely be read as a standalone. If you haven't read one of Jamie Hollins' books, then I would suggest you check out this series. The romance is definitely dirty, but then again most good romances are. And there's some serious moments to offset the dirty scenes; whether you're a lover of dirty romances or not, I think you will enjoy this book.
July 17, 2017
Megan McKenna has always been the perfect one; perfect grades, behavior, activities, job, and husband, but that's destroyed in a blink of an eye when she catches her husband sleeping with another woman. Now an ugly divorce later that left her with nothing, she's having to start all over again. Her new roommate encourages her to have a fling to get back on the horse, and Megan decides to have a fling with her hot mechanic. James Foley is a single father, after his wife let heroin take over her life. He runs a successful garage, on top of raising a young boy, so there's no room in his life for anything else. Until Megan walks into his garage with the beater car that was all she could afford after her divorce. Not to mention she's his son's new school teacher. He decides to give in to their strong attraction, thinking only it's a fling, but it doesn't take long for it to turn into something more, however, can it survive on half truths? I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough with Where I Need To Be, so I devoured it in one sitting. Megan was an interesting woman, as she was much different when I met her in the book before, but the way she evolved was fantastic to watch. While James, even though he made some questionable decisions with his back and forth, was totally yummy. And the colorful cast of secondaries just round out the story, and make it fun. The angst levels were high, as both had their own baggage to get rid of, the sexy time definitely tried to set my kindle on fire with the FIERY FLAMES OF HOTNESS, and an added in f-bomb dropping twist or two, well, this story becomes more than just fun, it's AWESOME! Jamie Hollins talented writing style is one that I'm deeply addicted at this point, so I cannot wait to see what she writes about next! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 19, 2017
CAUTION Jamie Hollins third book in the McKenna series promotes lack of sleep, extreme tiredness, and book hangover. I love a book that will make me stay awake until 5:30 am because I can't stand to put down. What I don't love is the look my husband gives me the next day when I explain why I didn't sleep. He just don't get it!
Where I Need To Be immediately evokes compassion for Megan who has went through a nasty divorce that left with her with absolutely nothing. Buying a cheap and crappy car leads her to Foley's garage where she encounters owner James. James has had his own troubles in life and now raises his young son with the help of his father who lives with him. James knows Megan as the ice queen wife of the local real estate mogul yet he still can't take his eyes of her.
James soon realizes three things: 1) Megan's car is junk and she is a repeat customer; 2) Megan is no longer married to her jerk ex and thus is broke; and 3) she is her son's teacher- the one he adores and has taken a great interest in school over.
When Megan and James can no longer fight their attraction and give in a casual fling ensues. With him constantly busy with work and a son, Megan finds lots of alone time yet still doesn't find the time to tell her family that she and her ex divorced last year. Fear of being seen as a failure keeps her quiet, but when James finds out he is her secret he thinks it's because Megan is ashamed of him. Can Megan salvage what she soon realizes is not a casual relationship with James, tell her family about her divorce and get James to give her another chance?
This was very hot and sexy with James and Megan yet very sweet and loving with James's son. The ending and epilogue were fabulous and gave us a huge, happy ending for the McKenna gang!
Loved it!
Where I Need To Be immediately evokes compassion for Megan who has went through a nasty divorce that left with her with absolutely nothing. Buying a cheap and crappy car leads her to Foley's garage where she encounters owner James. James has had his own troubles in life and now raises his young son with the help of his father who lives with him. James knows Megan as the ice queen wife of the local real estate mogul yet he still can't take his eyes of her.
James soon realizes three things: 1) Megan's car is junk and she is a repeat customer; 2) Megan is no longer married to her jerk ex and thus is broke; and 3) she is her son's teacher- the one he adores and has taken a great interest in school over.
When Megan and James can no longer fight their attraction and give in a casual fling ensues. With him constantly busy with work and a son, Megan finds lots of alone time yet still doesn't find the time to tell her family that she and her ex divorced last year. Fear of being seen as a failure keeps her quiet, but when James finds out he is her secret he thinks it's because Megan is ashamed of him. Can Megan salvage what she soon realizes is not a casual relationship with James, tell her family about her divorce and get James to give her another chance?
This was very hot and sexy with James and Megan yet very sweet and loving with James's son. The ending and epilogue were fabulous and gave us a huge, happy ending for the McKenna gang!
Loved it!
July 20, 2017
James Foley knows his way around a car but people are a totally different matter. Megan McKenna is at a sad point in her life. James has things going on in his life too. It will make you feel sad but hope isn’t far behind. You hope that now’s the time that things will turn around for both of them.
Calli is Megan’s roommate. I was a little skeptical of her at first – my bad for jumping to conclusions. As I got to know her I took the attitude that she’s just what Megan needs to pull her out of her depression. There’s a saying that comes to mind, “Things happen for a reason” and I sense that in this story.
James has a son, Cade. Even though I haven’t met him, I know he’s adorable and I’m sure you will think so too. He’s another character that you will find yourself feeling sorry for. Our author shows that even though we may be adults, sometimes we forget that there are others that rely on us to show them love and our choices can sometimes hurt those we care about the most. But none of that will stop you from falling in love with him either.
This is the third and final book in the McKenna series but there never came a time where I felt as if anything was missing just because I didn’t read the first two books. However, that’s not to say that at some point that will change. It’s a story that is relatable especially where we have two characters that are finally ready to put their past behind them and take a second chance at love. Even though this book has those two famous last words, “The End”, you could actually say that it’s just the beginning.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Calli is Megan’s roommate. I was a little skeptical of her at first – my bad for jumping to conclusions. As I got to know her I took the attitude that she’s just what Megan needs to pull her out of her depression. There’s a saying that comes to mind, “Things happen for a reason” and I sense that in this story.
James has a son, Cade. Even though I haven’t met him, I know he’s adorable and I’m sure you will think so too. He’s another character that you will find yourself feeling sorry for. Our author shows that even though we may be adults, sometimes we forget that there are others that rely on us to show them love and our choices can sometimes hurt those we care about the most. But none of that will stop you from falling in love with him either.
This is the third and final book in the McKenna series but there never came a time where I felt as if anything was missing just because I didn’t read the first two books. However, that’s not to say that at some point that will change. It’s a story that is relatable especially where we have two characters that are finally ready to put their past behind them and take a second chance at love. Even though this book has those two famous last words, “The End”, you could actually say that it’s just the beginning.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 20, 2017
I wish there would be more from the McKennas…
I was so tired but I couldn’t resist starting to read. So what if it was midnight and I had to work early. I got to 10% and I had to force myself to close my kindle. That meant I wouldn’t get back to it until tomorrow night. Oh yes, I was going to be cranky… Megan and James were flirting, and skirting, around love and commitment with a no-emotions-involved relationship. Yeah, let’s see how long that lasts…
Opposites attract? Blue collar meets high society? An emotional minefield disguised as a second chance? Call it what you will, I was hooked from the first page of their seemingly low-key romance. Well, hooked even earlier probably as this series quietly snuck under my radar but quickly became a favourite.
“What if she was a bad judge of character when it came to other guys as well? Maybe not being in a committed relationship was a good thing.”
Megan is just starting over and is struggling to find her footing as an independent woman again. James has spent years devoted to his small family and putting their financial and emotional needs first. They both seem to take a respite from those responsibilities as they indulge in their ‘no commitment’ relationship’. It is hot and carnal and satisfying. Even as emotions start to trickle in…
While I was a bit disappointed in some of the plot twists at the end (which added some tried, yet true, story choices) I loved how James and Megan came to be… With a satisfying epilogue, I still couldn’t help wishing the story was longer, the series had more to come and the McKennas had many more relatives….
June 26, 2017
Ok, totally didn't put this down until completely finished. James and Megan have met before but it was when she was married, now she's driving her beater, used car into his garage to have it repaired. He's shocked when he finds out the car is hers. He's even more surprised to find out that she is Cade's new teacher and school has not been easy for either of them.
James owns Foley's and has since he was nineteen and bought from his dad. He's a single dad.
Megan is recently divorced from her very wealthy husband and has been left almost penniless, even though it was his fault. How did that happen? She's lost her so called friends, her job at the prep school and her home. She has a new job at a public school and a new to her old Honda that has seen better days.
She's living on credit and she has to have her car repaired. When she does she takes it to the only garage she knows and James the mechanic helps her. She had lived her life doing the things she should do, being all but the perfect daughter and look what it's gotten her.
James and Megan are attracted to one another and a ride home turns into more, much more. Pizza, beer, music and lust all ingredients for a hot and sexy encounter for the proper Megan in the not so proper place.
This turns into much more. But will it be just a casual relationship or nothing? That's something they are going to have to work through. But surprises happen and some are good and some are bad.
Watch how this relationship plays out for these two and the sweet relationships they have with their friends and family.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
James owns Foley's and has since he was nineteen and bought from his dad. He's a single dad.
Megan is recently divorced from her very wealthy husband and has been left almost penniless, even though it was his fault. How did that happen? She's lost her so called friends, her job at the prep school and her home. She has a new job at a public school and a new to her old Honda that has seen better days.
She's living on credit and she has to have her car repaired. When she does she takes it to the only garage she knows and James the mechanic helps her. She had lived her life doing the things she should do, being all but the perfect daughter and look what it's gotten her.
James and Megan are attracted to one another and a ride home turns into more, much more. Pizza, beer, music and lust all ingredients for a hot and sexy encounter for the proper Megan in the not so proper place.
This turns into much more. But will it be just a casual relationship or nothing? That's something they are going to have to work through. But surprises happen and some are good and some are bad.
Watch how this relationship plays out for these two and the sweet relationships they have with their friends and family.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by Netgalley.
https://thesecretworldofbooklovers.bl...
Book three in the McKenna Series and it’s another hit!
James and Megan story was amazing from the start; I couldn’t put the book down.
Not only we get a glimpse of how life is going for the other McKenna brothers and their significant others, we also finally get to know about Megan’s life.
Her story has a bitter beginning; her ex-husband did a number on her, not only he betrayed her trust he also blamed her for everything; and that sort of thing leaves a mark.
She is starting over, and we can see she is strong and almost ready to move on, but her fears to disappoint her family are holding her back and hiding her secret could ruin her second chance for happiness.
Theirs was not love at first sight for sure, they were from different worlds and let first impressions and misconceptions cloud their opinions of each other. It’s not until later on, when they really give each other a chance to see their personalities, that they realise they might be perfect for each other.
And I’m not even talking about the crazy sexual chemistry they’ve got going on.
James is scared, he has been burned before and he has stopped taking chances a long time ago. The thing is, by doing just that he has stayed stuck in this unhappy place where he is only surviving day after day but not really living.
They both get a second chance at love which shows us that sometimes the most amazing things happen when you least expect.
https://thesecretworldofbooklovers.bl...
Book three in the McKenna Series and it’s another hit!
James and Megan story was amazing from the start; I couldn’t put the book down.
Not only we get a glimpse of how life is going for the other McKenna brothers and their significant others, we also finally get to know about Megan’s life.
Her story has a bitter beginning; her ex-husband did a number on her, not only he betrayed her trust he also blamed her for everything; and that sort of thing leaves a mark.
She is starting over, and we can see she is strong and almost ready to move on, but her fears to disappoint her family are holding her back and hiding her secret could ruin her second chance for happiness.
Theirs was not love at first sight for sure, they were from different worlds and let first impressions and misconceptions cloud their opinions of each other. It’s not until later on, when they really give each other a chance to see their personalities, that they realise they might be perfect for each other.
And I’m not even talking about the crazy sexual chemistry they’ve got going on.
James is scared, he has been burned before and he has stopped taking chances a long time ago. The thing is, by doing just that he has stayed stuck in this unhappy place where he is only surviving day after day but not really living.
They both get a second chance at love which shows us that sometimes the most amazing things happen when you least expect.
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