What do you think?
Citrus Pines #2
Color of Love
Justine Rodriguez – Hamilton is sick of waiting for her fairy-tale ending, why won’t Prince Charming hurry the hell up? She’s a successful psychologist, has great friends and she owns her own home. She’s been waiting for the perfect man forever but she's missed out on some life experiences in the process.
When Blake Miller roars into town on his motorcycle, all broody and broken, suddenly Mr. Right doesn’t seem nearly as appealing as the deliciously muscled, gruff, bad boy who avoids emotional attachments. To top it off, he’s her new client. The one man she can’t have and shouldn’t want, because she cannot cross that line professionally. Until he makes her an offer her body can’t refuse...will her heart overrule her head?
Deputy Sheriff Blake Miller has to do the one thing he hates. Open up and let someone inside his tortured mind. Unfortunately, he’s required by the terms of his employment to work with a psychologist to overcome his issues. And to make matters worse, his new psychologist is none other than the sexy as sin mystery woman he's spotted around town.
As she gets under his skin with her prying questions and sassy attitude, he finds himself wanting to open up for the first time ever, and it terrifies him. But if he’s going to be completely vulnerable with her, then he wants something in return. Can he get her to agree to a deal that will save them both and give them everything they’ve always wanted?
Themes checklist: Forbidden Romance. Virgin heroine. Broken hero. Eighties tunes. Hot tension. Muscles. Beards. A sexy deal.
Trigger warning: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, war flashbacks, violence and suicide.
Content warning: Coarse language, adult themes, violence and sex.
When Blake Miller roars into town on his motorcycle, all broody and broken, suddenly Mr. Right doesn’t seem nearly as appealing as the deliciously muscled, gruff, bad boy who avoids emotional attachments. To top it off, he’s her new client. The one man she can’t have and shouldn’t want, because she cannot cross that line professionally. Until he makes her an offer her body can’t refuse...will her heart overrule her head?
Deputy Sheriff Blake Miller has to do the one thing he hates. Open up and let someone inside his tortured mind. Unfortunately, he’s required by the terms of his employment to work with a psychologist to overcome his issues. And to make matters worse, his new psychologist is none other than the sexy as sin mystery woman he's spotted around town.
As she gets under his skin with her prying questions and sassy attitude, he finds himself wanting to open up for the first time ever, and it terrifies him. But if he’s going to be completely vulnerable with her, then he wants something in return. Can he get her to agree to a deal that will save them both and give them everything they’ve always wanted?
Themes checklist: Forbidden Romance. Virgin heroine. Broken hero. Eighties tunes. Hot tension. Muscles. Beards. A sexy deal.
Trigger warning: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, war flashbacks, violence and suicide.
Content warning: Coarse language, adult themes, violence and sex.
ebook
First published November 5, 2021
About the author
Lila Dawes
9 books216 followersLila is a thirtysomething writer living in Derbyshire, England with her *cough* parents *cough*, elderly tortoiseshell cat and perpetually dying bonsai tree, Benny.
She has been writing since she was a teenager but the penny didn't drop until last year, she's a little slow sometimes...
It’s Only Love is her debut novel and the first in the Citrus Pines series.
Lila is a huge fan of the romance reading and writing community so why not say hello, she can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and website: www.liladawesauthor.com
She has been writing since she was a teenager but the penny didn't drop until last year, she's a little slow sometimes...
It’s Only Love is her debut novel and the first in the Citrus Pines series.
Lila is a huge fan of the romance reading and writing community so why not say hello, she can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and website: www.liladawesauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 5, 2021
I have so many thoughts and feeling about Justine and Blake that I haven't even begun to sort out. I loved this story from Lila Dawes.
She has such an amazing way of addressing the complexities of a forbidden romance where here, Justine had to decide between her feelings for Blake and professional ethics.
Great portrayal of the challenges they faced as a couple but that they both faced as individuals as well. It was simply incredible and empowering watching them individually address their own demons but also how they sought and found comfort in one another.
Another great love story by my new favorite author, Lila Dawes.
She has such an amazing way of addressing the complexities of a forbidden romance where here, Justine had to decide between her feelings for Blake and professional ethics.
Great portrayal of the challenges they faced as a couple but that they both faced as individuals as well. It was simply incredible and empowering watching them individually address their own demons but also how they sought and found comfort in one another.
Another great love story by my new favorite author, Lila Dawes.
September 17, 2021
The day is FINALLY HERE! You are NOT ready for Justine and Blakey… A forbidden, grumpy/sunshine romance with so much tension and chemistry that will leave you craving for more!
The hottest of the hot! My friend Lila, isn’t only a talented and beautiful writer, she is a hilarious, heartfelt storyteller! The way she brought these two characters together blew my mind and made my heart race!
My beautiful, lonely amd broken Blake! 😍 He had such a tender heart behind all of those wounds and Alpha facade!
Justine was everything good in this world! She was a badass Latina who had so many hopes and dreams, she was so passionate about everything she did and deserved to be loved and desired as much as she was craving to be!
When these two words collided, the entire mix was absolute FIRE. My girl, Lila knows the exact recipe to write the PERFECT sexual tension. These two? OMG! I was dying! They had so mcuh chemistry and true connection even with all the differences and the big walls they had built around their hearts. The way they smashed them and got to fill the each other’s voids was PERFECTION! Couldn’t stop swooning!
Loved the friendships around Justine and Blake, the small town vibes and the intrigue for the side characters that made me fall in love with this series since book 1.
Did I also mention a cute fur friend 🦊?
Justin and Blake were everything and more! I had the honor of beta reading for this awesome work of art and re-read it in an advance review copy!
My beautiful friend, Lila, you are an awesome author and a loving, funny as hell and caring friend. I love you and I am so proud of what you’ve done with this series!
𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚🧡is out now. Do you have your copy?
October 27, 2021
The follow up to Lila Dawes's It's Only Love, this book focuses on psychologist Justine Rodriguez Hamilton and her search for love. She has a great career, a loving family and a loving found family in the form of her long-time friends Christy, Taylor & receptionist Hilda. But she doesn't seem to have any luck meeting Mr. Right.
Enter in Deputy Sheriff Blake Miller, who roars into town on the back of his motorcycle. He's running for sheriff and unfortunately, needs to be evaluated by a psychologist in order to be deemed fit for duty.
Haunted by his time in the armed forces, his tours overseas and other tragedies at home, Blake & Justine are thrown together in a professional capacity that quickly gets blurry because of their magnetic attraction to each other.
Beyond the spicy scenes, I really appreciate how Lila focuses on how Justine helps Blake work through his complex PTSD, grief & guilt using positive techniques to manage trauma and mindset. I also love the focus on the found family that each character builds individually, Blake making connections with Beau & Dean as well as Hilda & Jim and Justine strengthening her bonds with Christy and Taylor. Seeing the support systems that both of them are able to build with each other and others makes the book a rich experience.
The animal magnetism between Justine and Blake is also extremely hot, be warned. You'll probably need a glass of water (or 3 or 4) while reading those sections but even in the spicy steam, there's key valuable communication between the two of them on what they consent to, which is so key to making any physical intimacy healthy.
I loved the second book in the series and can't wait to read what Lila writes next!
Enter in Deputy Sheriff Blake Miller, who roars into town on the back of his motorcycle. He's running for sheriff and unfortunately, needs to be evaluated by a psychologist in order to be deemed fit for duty.
Haunted by his time in the armed forces, his tours overseas and other tragedies at home, Blake & Justine are thrown together in a professional capacity that quickly gets blurry because of their magnetic attraction to each other.
Beyond the spicy scenes, I really appreciate how Lila focuses on how Justine helps Blake work through his complex PTSD, grief & guilt using positive techniques to manage trauma and mindset. I also love the focus on the found family that each character builds individually, Blake making connections with Beau & Dean as well as Hilda & Jim and Justine strengthening her bonds with Christy and Taylor. Seeing the support systems that both of them are able to build with each other and others makes the book a rich experience.
The animal magnetism between Justine and Blake is also extremely hot, be warned. You'll probably need a glass of water (or 3 or 4) while reading those sections but even in the spicy steam, there's key valuable communication between the two of them on what they consent to, which is so key to making any physical intimacy healthy.
I loved the second book in the series and can't wait to read what Lila writes next!
December 13, 2021
Title: Color of Love
Author: Lila Dawes
Hero/Heroine: Blake & Justine
Trope: Small Town/Forbidden Romance
THE GOOD 😀
Blake. Blakey. Deputy Hotness. Whatever you want to call him, he was just *sighs dreamily*. After getting glimpses of him in It’s Only Love, I knew that he and Justine would be one hell of a pairing.
When he’s sent to Citrus Pines to take up the position of Deputy Sheriff, Blake is determined to keep his distance from everyone, which as you can imagine in a small town, is pretty damn difficult. Experiences from his past have left him closed off and cold, so when he’s made to see a therapist, he’s not exactly happy about it. When he finds out that Justine is his therapist, well, let’s just say things get… interesting to say the least.
Justine was, in my opinion, the best kind of heroine. Strong, fierce and took no crap, she was the perfect match for Blake. I loved how traditional she was, and that she wasn’t happy with settling down with just anyone. She wanted the kind of relationship her parents had, so finding herself attracted to the dark and broody sheriff threw that all into disarray.
With an intense emotional and physical connection, it was incredible to see their relationship grow, and the trust that eventually developed between them. And Blake taking care of Penny the Fox? Yeah, that rumble you heard were my ovaries imploding.
Sexy, sweet and heartbreaking at times, Color of Love was a perfect continuation of the Citrus Pines series. The focus throughout the book on mental health and the importance of talking about it was what made this story next level incredible for me. Ms Dawes, I applaud you.
THE BAD ☹️
That there are no hot sheriffs where I live.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Absolutely incredible
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lila Dawes
Hero/Heroine: Blake & Justine
Trope: Small Town/Forbidden Romance
THE GOOD 😀
Blake. Blakey. Deputy Hotness. Whatever you want to call him, he was just *sighs dreamily*. After getting glimpses of him in It’s Only Love, I knew that he and Justine would be one hell of a pairing.
When he’s sent to Citrus Pines to take up the position of Deputy Sheriff, Blake is determined to keep his distance from everyone, which as you can imagine in a small town, is pretty damn difficult. Experiences from his past have left him closed off and cold, so when he’s made to see a therapist, he’s not exactly happy about it. When he finds out that Justine is his therapist, well, let’s just say things get… interesting to say the least.
Justine was, in my opinion, the best kind of heroine. Strong, fierce and took no crap, she was the perfect match for Blake. I loved how traditional she was, and that she wasn’t happy with settling down with just anyone. She wanted the kind of relationship her parents had, so finding herself attracted to the dark and broody sheriff threw that all into disarray.
With an intense emotional and physical connection, it was incredible to see their relationship grow, and the trust that eventually developed between them. And Blake taking care of Penny the Fox? Yeah, that rumble you heard were my ovaries imploding.
Sexy, sweet and heartbreaking at times, Color of Love was a perfect continuation of the Citrus Pines series. The focus throughout the book on mental health and the importance of talking about it was what made this story next level incredible for me. Ms Dawes, I applaud you.
THE BAD ☹️
That there are no hot sheriffs where I live.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Absolutely incredible
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 8, 2023
Color of Love - Lila Dawes
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the second book I read of Lila Dawes, and with each book there is a different concept.
An absolute fabulous read that will warm your heart.
Against all the odds these two wonderful characters from different sides of the tracks, connect.
These two were complete opposites. A sunshiney therapist falls for the grumpy deputy sheriff AKA her patient. But get these two in close quarters and the air they breathed turned magnetic. You could feel it sizzling off the pages. These two made perfect sense and I was so glad I was along for the ride as I devoured all the words, all the feels.
This was such a sweet, swoony slow burn kind of book which got its hooks into me from the very first page. I literally couldn't put it down and I didn't want to. Justine and Blake were awesome. They were so different and so perfect for each other I couldn't get enough of them. They each had their own issues, but who doesn't? And they dealt with it all so beautifully.
Lila Dawes does it again, writing a love story that makes you believe that everyone deserves a chance at love.
Three words:
Emotional, heartfelt, and captivating.
If you have not read this book, you truly must. This one you won’t forget.
I cannot recommend this enough.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the second book I read of Lila Dawes, and with each book there is a different concept.
An absolute fabulous read that will warm your heart.
Against all the odds these two wonderful characters from different sides of the tracks, connect.
These two were complete opposites. A sunshiney therapist falls for the grumpy deputy sheriff AKA her patient. But get these two in close quarters and the air they breathed turned magnetic. You could feel it sizzling off the pages. These two made perfect sense and I was so glad I was along for the ride as I devoured all the words, all the feels.
This was such a sweet, swoony slow burn kind of book which got its hooks into me from the very first page. I literally couldn't put it down and I didn't want to. Justine and Blake were awesome. They were so different and so perfect for each other I couldn't get enough of them. They each had their own issues, but who doesn't? And they dealt with it all so beautifully.
Lila Dawes does it again, writing a love story that makes you believe that everyone deserves a chance at love.
Three words:
Emotional, heartfelt, and captivating.
If you have not read this book, you truly must. This one you won’t forget.
I cannot recommend this enough.
November 4, 2021
This story is simply terrific! It flows flawlessly between the two POVs, and the characters are incredibly well-developed.
Justine and Blake are fire incarnate! The heat between them is palatable on each page of sensual teasing and will-they-won't-they... Blake is broody, messed-up, but charming. Justine is smart, a boss-babe and has an enormous heart. Their chemistry and constant tension builds to the most intense sex scenes I've read in a long time!!! I can only wish for a dark and handsome Sheriff to pull me over one day ;)
Lila's writing is excellent, beautiful and engaging. I cannot wait to read more from this indie! Highly recommend!
Justine and Blake are fire incarnate! The heat between them is palatable on each page of sensual teasing and will-they-won't-they... Blake is broody, messed-up, but charming. Justine is smart, a boss-babe and has an enormous heart. Their chemistry and constant tension builds to the most intense sex scenes I've read in a long time!!! I can only wish for a dark and handsome Sheriff to pull me over one day ;)
Lila's writing is excellent, beautiful and engaging. I cannot wait to read more from this indie! Highly recommend!
November 7, 2021
Justine and Blake are so freakin sweet together, I loved every bit of this book! Especially adored the fur friend in the story and the solid group of friends! Cant wait for more from Citrus Pines!
January 8, 2026
Justine is tired of waiting for her happily ever after. As well as being a successful psychologist, she has many other achievements under her belt. The only thing she doesn't have or know is true love.
Blake is the new Deputy Sheriff in town. He's handsome, broody and has a problem opening up, but he knows that if he wants to stick around town, that has to change. Due to his messy past, he's been told he must see a psychologist to help him deal with his personal issues. Unfortunately, his new shrink is none other than Justine, the beautiful girl he saw in the bar. Whilst at first he is not willing to share or open up, he finds himself wanting.
Justine is not oblivious to Blake's looks but she knows she can't have him and she shouldn't want him either, her ethics say it's all wrong, but she can't help herself, especially when the bad boy Sheriff offers her a deal she is unable to turn town.
An unexpected story of trust, mental health and a new beginnings. Blake and Justine are an unexpected couple but their chemistry is wild and I loved that they secretly both knew the deal they made with each other was never going to be just a one time thing. The love, trust and respect they have for one another is perfectly matched and it is very clear that they both need each other and bring out the very best in one another.
Blake is the new Deputy Sheriff in town. He's handsome, broody and has a problem opening up, but he knows that if he wants to stick around town, that has to change. Due to his messy past, he's been told he must see a psychologist to help him deal with his personal issues. Unfortunately, his new shrink is none other than Justine, the beautiful girl he saw in the bar. Whilst at first he is not willing to share or open up, he finds himself wanting.
Justine is not oblivious to Blake's looks but she knows she can't have him and she shouldn't want him either, her ethics say it's all wrong, but she can't help herself, especially when the bad boy Sheriff offers her a deal she is unable to turn town.
An unexpected story of trust, mental health and a new beginnings. Blake and Justine are an unexpected couple but their chemistry is wild and I loved that they secretly both knew the deal they made with each other was never going to be just a one time thing. The love, trust and respect they have for one another is perfectly matched and it is very clear that they both need each other and bring out the very best in one another.
November 6, 2021
Justine and Blake’s story: Color of Love
This is a steamy romance that is so fresh and innovative in its subject matter, I loved the way the two main characters challenged and supported one another. I was completely absorbed into their story, and cheering them on all the way. I also loved the way loner sheriff with issues Blake ended up being so central to the townspeople and so involved in the life of the town, it felt so real and so warm and fuzzy. There are so many great characters, and I felt like I was getting to know them all alongside Blake. And then watching as Justine showed Blake how to tackle his issues and seeing him gradually relaxing and getting himself together, then finally acknowledging his feelings felt like a genuine breakthrough. I had read the first book, and now the second and I really just can't wait for the next in this fantastic series.
I highly recommend this book!!!
This is a steamy romance that is so fresh and innovative in its subject matter, I loved the way the two main characters challenged and supported one another. I was completely absorbed into their story, and cheering them on all the way. I also loved the way loner sheriff with issues Blake ended up being so central to the townspeople and so involved in the life of the town, it felt so real and so warm and fuzzy. There are so many great characters, and I felt like I was getting to know them all alongside Blake. And then watching as Justine showed Blake how to tackle his issues and seeing him gradually relaxing and getting himself together, then finally acknowledging his feelings felt like a genuine breakthrough. I had read the first book, and now the second and I really just can't wait for the next in this fantastic series.
I highly recommend this book!!!
November 14, 2021
What's your love color?
Justine is searching for Mr. Right. 30+ year old, virgin, successful, and can't seem to find a man that fits into her "boxes." Blake, deputy sheriff, suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and blaming himself for deaths he couldn't have prevented. She is his department appointed therapist and these two become moths drawn to each others flame. Justine didn't want to compromise her ethics to satiate her physical needs, but Blake felt compelled to pursue her no matter what. Afterall, she was determined to trade in her V-card.
Lila, this book was an amazing follow up to Christy and Dean's story. The mental health aspect was done exceptionally well. Justine showed Blake that he could overcome his demons and no matter what happened in the past, he did have the capacity to love and be loved.
Justine is searching for Mr. Right. 30+ year old, virgin, successful, and can't seem to find a man that fits into her "boxes." Blake, deputy sheriff, suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and blaming himself for deaths he couldn't have prevented. She is his department appointed therapist and these two become moths drawn to each others flame. Justine didn't want to compromise her ethics to satiate her physical needs, but Blake felt compelled to pursue her no matter what. Afterall, she was determined to trade in her V-card.
Lila, this book was an amazing follow up to Christy and Dean's story. The mental health aspect was done exceptionally well. Justine showed Blake that he could overcome his demons and no matter what happened in the past, he did have the capacity to love and be loved.
November 25, 2022
4.5 stars
Another great visit to citrus Pines. A much heavier subject matter with this one as we get to know deputy sheriff Blake Miller. A man who has seen the worst that life can bring and survived the torment…but he’s only just hanging on. He’s struggling with his PTSD and a multitude of traumas from his experiences.
Justine is his assigned psychologist. Can she help Blake get back to anything near the man he was? Can she support and lead him through his pain? Or will this be a whole different scenario!
Loved both of these characters, Justine has a huge and caring heart also an impressive side of sass and fire from her Latino mother! She gives Blake a run for his money and I loved her for it!!
Blake is all broody, biker bad boy….swoony hot and he is perfect for Justine!
Great to catch up with the other friends and make some new ones at the same time!
Another great visit to citrus Pines. A much heavier subject matter with this one as we get to know deputy sheriff Blake Miller. A man who has seen the worst that life can bring and survived the torment…but he’s only just hanging on. He’s struggling with his PTSD and a multitude of traumas from his experiences.
Justine is his assigned psychologist. Can she help Blake get back to anything near the man he was? Can she support and lead him through his pain? Or will this be a whole different scenario!
Loved both of these characters, Justine has a huge and caring heart also an impressive side of sass and fire from her Latino mother! She gives Blake a run for his money and I loved her for it!!
Blake is all broody, biker bad boy….swoony hot and he is perfect for Justine!
Great to catch up with the other friends and make some new ones at the same time!
June 18, 2025
I loved this book. Book 2 of Citrus Pines.
Justine a strong independent woman, hard working psychologist. She’s just missing finding her person, her love, and she refuses to settle for less than she deserves.
Blake, a troubled ex marine turned police officer has moved to a new town to escape the world and his troubles.
This is such a slow burn, but not too slow that you get annoyed about it. It has so much pining and angst between the 2 MCs. It’s just beautiful to see how they grow and trust each other and then finally give in to that tension.
I love how Lila focuses on each of their backgrounds, but yet, still brings them together to cope and grow.
I loved all the advice that Justine gave Blake with his panic attacks and how to deal with them. It really helped me with my son, which I’ll be forever grateful for.
Loved this story, can’t wait for Taylor’s!!
Justine a strong independent woman, hard working psychologist. She’s just missing finding her person, her love, and she refuses to settle for less than she deserves.
Blake, a troubled ex marine turned police officer has moved to a new town to escape the world and his troubles.
This is such a slow burn, but not too slow that you get annoyed about it. It has so much pining and angst between the 2 MCs. It’s just beautiful to see how they grow and trust each other and then finally give in to that tension.
I love how Lila focuses on each of their backgrounds, but yet, still brings them together to cope and grow.
I loved all the advice that Justine gave Blake with his panic attacks and how to deal with them. It really helped me with my son, which I’ll be forever grateful for.
Loved this story, can’t wait for Taylor’s!!
September 10, 2025
Ok - so we have more therapy in this book but...I don't love Justine as a therapist. I really HATE her basically classifying Blake a dream psychologist case. Dude. He's a patient with issues to work through, not some pet project. Also, hated the description Blake gave about Justine's mouth - she has a mole by her mouth just waiting to be licked - EWWWWW
I do appreciate Blake's growth and journey through his issues. Though all that we learn about them is somewhat superficial. AND the 3rd act breakup is basically lack of communication. How did Justine think Blake was going to react to her shifting him to another therapist??? Like, did she think he was going to be happy with that???
Really this is a 2.5 but I'll give it 3. It's an ok read.
I do appreciate Blake's growth and journey through his issues. Though all that we learn about them is somewhat superficial. AND the 3rd act breakup is basically lack of communication. How did Justine think Blake was going to react to her shifting him to another therapist??? Like, did she think he was going to be happy with that???
Really this is a 2.5 but I'll give it 3. It's an ok read.
November 4, 2021
I was eagerly awaiting Justine's story and Color of Love did not disappoint!! I absolutely loved the forbidden romance between Justine and Blake. And once those two got past the forbidden part, oh my look out for the steam!
Blake is former military, currently a police deputy and Justine is his psychologist who is helping to treat his anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD. Reading about the connection these two characters had and the way they truly helped one another grow was amazing.
Thank you to the author, Lila Dawes, for sending me an e-ARC for to read and review.
Blake is former military, currently a police deputy and Justine is his psychologist who is helping to treat his anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD. Reading about the connection these two characters had and the way they truly helped one another grow was amazing.
Thank you to the author, Lila Dawes, for sending me an e-ARC for to read and review.
April 14, 2022
First book intrigued and this one sucked me in.
Justine and Blake may have what one call a forbidden romance but that’s what makes this book so good. You overlook that she’s his doctor because the chemistry is so off the charts. Super hot.
Blake has trauma from being in the military and at times you just want to hug him. I think the author does a good job addressing this.
Expect some heavy steam ahead and a cast of secondary characters that you wish were your friends. Hoping rhar Taylor and Beau get a book soon.
Justine and Blake may have what one call a forbidden romance but that’s what makes this book so good. You overlook that she’s his doctor because the chemistry is so off the charts. Super hot.
Blake has trauma from being in the military and at times you just want to hug him. I think the author does a good job addressing this.
Expect some heavy steam ahead and a cast of secondary characters that you wish were your friends. Hoping rhar Taylor and Beau get a book soon.
July 20, 2023
My favourite book, I just loved these two in this forbidden grumpy/sunshine book. Justine
Is waiting for Mr Right and she is getting fed up of waiting. She wants a love like her parents and brothers have. Blake comes to town and is the brooding deputy Sheriff. As part of his role he has to start seeing a psychologist which is none other than Justine! It doesn't take long for feelings to form and lines to blur in a proposition that Blake offers Justine and makes her question everything. We have drama, angst and steammmmm 🔥🔥 I want my own Blake please Lila!!
Is waiting for Mr Right and she is getting fed up of waiting. She wants a love like her parents and brothers have. Blake comes to town and is the brooding deputy Sheriff. As part of his role he has to start seeing a psychologist which is none other than Justine! It doesn't take long for feelings to form and lines to blur in a proposition that Blake offers Justine and makes her question everything. We have drama, angst and steammmmm 🔥🔥 I want my own Blake please Lila!!
March 31, 2022
So good!
This was such a beautiful and emotional story! Justine and Blake had so much chemistry and such a wonderful connection right from the beginning. In addition to the steamy romance, this book has amazing friendships. I loved all of the scenes with Justine and her best friends, as well as seeing Blake become friends with Dean and Beau. Citrus Pines is a wonderful series and I can’t wait to learn more about Taylor and Beau.
This was such a beautiful and emotional story! Justine and Blake had so much chemistry and such a wonderful connection right from the beginning. In addition to the steamy romance, this book has amazing friendships. I loved all of the scenes with Justine and her best friends, as well as seeing Blake become friends with Dean and Beau. Citrus Pines is a wonderful series and I can’t wait to learn more about Taylor and Beau.
November 17, 2022
A wonderful surprise
I can’t believe I put this book off after reading book 1. I absolutely loved Justine and Blake. The heat that radiates off these two had me hooked. My favorite stories are those that push the characters out of their comfort zone. This book does that and so much more. Well done, it was perfect in every way.
I can’t believe I put this book off after reading book 1. I absolutely loved Justine and Blake. The heat that radiates off these two had me hooked. My favorite stories are those that push the characters out of their comfort zone. This book does that and so much more. Well done, it was perfect in every way.
May 10, 2024
📕BOOK RECOMMENDATION📕
This is the second book in the Citrus Pines’ series by @liladawesauthor
I read this so darn quick because it was 🔥🥵
You can feel the tension between the two characters in the first book (It’s Only Love), so I had high hopes and boy did it deliver.
Justine and Blake 💕
Both are just too much. Justine is a psychologist who ends up supporting the ex-soldier who is suffering with PTSD. Blakey doesn’t do feelings, and he certainly doesn’t open up to psychologists, but if he wants to be Sheriff, he has to work on his trauma.
I loved Justine’s power and how she owned her sexual desires and it was 🥰❤️🔥🥵
Blake is just well, perfect in every sense and I thought the mental health rep through him was delivered extremely well, and with sensitivity.
Oh and don’t get started on the bromance between Dean, Beau and Blake; they are super cute and funny.
I cannot wait to continue to the series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This is the second book in the Citrus Pines’ series by @liladawesauthor
I read this so darn quick because it was 🔥🥵
You can feel the tension between the two characters in the first book (It’s Only Love), so I had high hopes and boy did it deliver.
Justine and Blake 💕
Both are just too much. Justine is a psychologist who ends up supporting the ex-soldier who is suffering with PTSD. Blakey doesn’t do feelings, and he certainly doesn’t open up to psychologists, but if he wants to be Sheriff, he has to work on his trauma.
I loved Justine’s power and how she owned her sexual desires and it was 🥰❤️🔥🥵
Blake is just well, perfect in every sense and I thought the mental health rep through him was delivered extremely well, and with sensitivity.
Oh and don’t get started on the bromance between Dean, Beau and Blake; they are super cute and funny.
I cannot wait to continue to the series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
March 29, 2026
Well, aren't Blake and Justine a little bit hot! I loved these two together, I loved the spice and the back and fourth. There was also a really good depiction of PTSD in this story which added to Blake's background, and I enjoyed the little side plot with Rebelle.
All round great story that had me tearing up at points. Now I need to get onto the next one!
All round great story that had me tearing up at points. Now I need to get onto the next one!
August 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, continuing with Justine and Blake this time.
I just couldn’t put it down and was hooked until I’d finished the final page!
I can’t wait to start the 3rd in the series next.
I just couldn’t put it down and was hooked until I’d finished the final page!
I can’t wait to start the 3rd in the series next.
July 17, 2022
Justine & Blake
January 12, 2026
En realidad me gustó más que el primero, pero está básico igual
November 27, 2021
Justine is independent, fierce, and compassionate. She's accomplished amazing things in her career and she's got a fantastic group of friends. But now she's looking for something else in life, love. She wants Mr. Right, the marriage, the kids, the whole picture.
There is no better match for her than broody deputy Blake Miller.
I love the way Lila showed how deep their connection ran despite being forbidden. They were both incredibly gentle with each other while also pushing each other to break through the barriers holding them back.
It's an incredible story and you definitely need this on your shelves!
There is no better match for her than broody deputy Blake Miller.
I love the way Lila showed how deep their connection ran despite being forbidden. They were both incredibly gentle with each other while also pushing each other to break through the barriers holding them back.
It's an incredible story and you definitely need this on your shelves!
February 8, 2023
Review Colour of Love by Lila Dawes
In this second book in the Citrus Pine series, Justine Rodriguez, the hopeful romantic has everything but a boyfriend. She's been waiting forever for her prince charming but apparently he's lost.
When a new officer arrives in town, all broody, grumpy, muscled and a bad boy that avoids emotional attachments a prince doesn't sound as interesting anymore. But he is also her new patient, it would be highly unethical to pursue a relationship with, right?
CW: PTSD (military), Anxiety and on-page panic attack, virgin (some issues, but not bad).
My love with grumps continues in this second instalment. This book was full of very swoony moments, old meddling couples are now definitely my favourite, but this one was a little more serious than the first one. Blake's PTSD being front and center, his journey with Justine as his psychiatrist is emotional and his healing is phenomenal. As always with Lila Dawes, this spicy scenes were beautiful and the perfect steaminess level.
In this second book in the Citrus Pine series, Justine Rodriguez, the hopeful romantic has everything but a boyfriend. She's been waiting forever for her prince charming but apparently he's lost.
When a new officer arrives in town, all broody, grumpy, muscled and a bad boy that avoids emotional attachments a prince doesn't sound as interesting anymore. But he is also her new patient, it would be highly unethical to pursue a relationship with, right?
CW: PTSD (military), Anxiety and on-page panic attack, virgin (some issues, but not bad).
My love with grumps continues in this second instalment. This book was full of very swoony moments, old meddling couples are now definitely my favourite, but this one was a little more serious than the first one. Blake's PTSD being front and center, his journey with Justine as his psychiatrist is emotional and his healing is phenomenal. As always with Lila Dawes, this spicy scenes were beautiful and the perfect steaminess level.
July 20, 2022
Lila Dawes became my favorite new author in 2022! I can’t wait to read the third book in this fabulous series. A hot hero and sexy intelligent heroine each holding the key to each others heart.
Romance at it’s finest!
Romance at it’s finest!
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