Keep Me Close

Light My Fire #5

by J.H. Croix

A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

No last names. No phone numbers. Never see each other again.

It was supposed to be simple. One night with no strings. I had just gotten the worst news of my life and wanted to forget everything.

The broody firefighter was perfect. Our night together was so hot, I forgot everything but the rules.

I never expected to get pregnant. It was supposed to be impossible.

All I knew was his name and the small town where I found him.

Chase & Hallie’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, sassy heroines, surprise/accidental pregnancy, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oozing with swoon, and protective heroes who’ll do anything for the woman they love.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author J. H. Croix writes emotionally charged, steamy small town Alaska romance featuring protective firefighter and first responder heroes with big hearts and smart, strong heroines. Best known for her interconnected series set in Willow Brook, Alaska, Croix creates immersive fictional communities where the town itself becomes a character and found family is at the heart of every love story.

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Reviews

[Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have to say, this was a cute and enjoyable story, a slow burn one. We have to say we really liked Chase and Hallie characters, they seemed to be wonderful people that everyone loved and were both easy to get along with and easy to love.

This story was a tab bit emotional, especially when it came to Hallie's character, she was facing some tough life-changing decisions that would change her life forever but, she took one night to let all those worries go and let a man name Chase knock her off her feet. The universe works in mysterious ways and gave Hallie and miracle she could only hope to dream of.

Chase was struggling with his own emotional baggage, but, we loved how he stepped up to the plate when it came to Hallie and their unexpected surprise. We loved the way this couple chose to get to know one another it was really cute and something I think both needed as their chemistry was like fire but, would it be the lasting kind or the kind that fizzles out?

Overall, love a story that fate grants one's heart's desire. We loved Chase and Hallie as a couple, and we were rooting for them, hoping both of them could work through their insecurities but, with the support of both Chase and Hallie's loving and supporting families, they are destined to create a happily ever after together for sure.

[Paula (in & out) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must have read a different story then everyone else because this was one big snoozefest and the worst ending I ever read! The characters definitely have their own lives and personal struggles, but they were extremely wishy washy and lacked any chemistry. I couldn’t find anything to hook me on this story and it bounced back and forth and dragged on.

In a nut shell, H & h meet in a bar, have a ONS, she becomes pregnant, goes to tell him and then they spend the entire rest of the story going back & forth between their homes to have dinner & sex.

Then in the end, there is no big talk how they are going to merge their lives and raise their kid or a light bulb moment for either one that they fell for one another. Basically, H was building a home and heroine just moved in without me remembering him asking her to do so. No marriage proposal in the end. Not even when the baby came out! Just a quick ILY and The End.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young couple who discover they are having a baby after a one night stand. It's a small town romance that really proves that you can find your forever when you are least expecting it. Hallie doesn't even know Chase's last night when she discovers she needs to find him to tell him that she's expecting. It's a blessing for her, but she doesn't know how he's going to react.

Chase is one of those good guys that steps up emotionally as well in actions. He and Hallie have a lot to work out, but the fire between them isn't one of those things. This is a journey of them learning about each other to see if there's a possibility of love and a real family. A feel good read for the heart!

Thanks to Wildfire Marketing for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Light My Fire Series but could easily be read as a standalone novel. A beautiful small town, slow burn unexpected love story with a cosy feel. A sassy and witty heroine, a swoonworthy hero, I mean what more can you ask for?

Hallie is having a tough time adjusting the the news she has received from her doctor but has come to a decision. It's time to deal with this and move on. Looking to feel good for a night she heads to a nearby town in search for a one night stand. Something she has never done before.

Chase was drawn to the beauty at the bar when he first saw her sitting there. One chance meeting turned into a wonderful night of passion with rules. Rules he wished he hadn't agreed to because he would have liked the chance to get to know her.

Fate had it's own plan. Now the question is how will they deal with this surprise news? Will Hallie be able to find her hunky firefighter and tell him the news? How will Chase react? Could this little bundle be the start of a budding relationship?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 Stars

This one was an okay story to read. Nothing actually stood out for me. I understood what Hallie was going through as I have endometriosis as well. So I know exactly how this whole thing happened 😊

Hallie thought that her chances of getting pregnant was zero due to her endometriosis. But one, one night stand later and she was proven wrong. A guy she had spent one night with, no names, no phone numbers nothing. All she knew was he was a fire fighter and he lived in Willow Brook.

Chase tried to get Hallie’s last name after spending one unforgettable night with her, but to no avail. So he had to move on. Surprise, surprise when she shows up again, but only to tell him she’s pregnant. Is this his chance to get to know her better, to see where their attraction for each other will end…

Yah I enjoyed the story, love a surprise pregnancy, but nothing stood out for me. The characters were good, the storyline was great. Both characters had their own baggage that they needed to work through. So all in all just a nice afternoon read 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallie has gotten some news that threw her into a tailspin, which was understandable but she needed to make a tough decision, and while trying to deal with it, she ends up having a hook up for the first time in her life with a sexy firefighter named Chase. They had made the rule no strings, no last names, and no phone numbers which was enough until Hallie got a miracle in her life, and she's going to have a baby, so she has to go about finding Chase to give him the news. She finds him, and despite the baggage Chase had, he didn't act like a tool about it despite his trust issues so they start out on a new journey that will link them for life, and maybe just maybe, they'll get a chance at a future together. Keep Me Close was a sweet story with two adults who knew how to use their words which was refreshing but despite the hot night they spent together, it was still a slow burn since they didn't really know each other from Adam so yeah, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Keep Me Close (Light My Fire #5) by J H Croix

All I takes is one night to chance the course of ones life. For Chase and Hallie their lives are about to change in ways neither of them planned or imagined. It was great to be back in Willow Brook, Alaska. Having read the other books in this series, I couldn’t wait to dive in to Keep Me Close

I really liked both Chase and Hallie, he is totally swoon worthy and I liked how feisty and sassy Hallie was. This is a slow burn, well written story and was a good addition to the series. There was some angst, plenty of heat and a relationship just waiting to blossom.

The connection between Chase and Hallie was strong and their love built which was heart warming. The characters were easy to relate to and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie has just received some devastating new which will affect how she thought her life would unfold. All she wants is to put her painful reality on hold and a sexy firefighter does just that. The one thing she hadn’t expected was to find herself pregnant and searching for the father of her baby.

Chase is a firefighter who is going through a difficult time in his life. When he meets Hallie the sparks fly but since he had no way to contact her he didn’t expect to see her again. Fate had other ideas when he finds out he is about to be a father and they must decide if they are meant to be co-parents or a family?

I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship as there was no doubt they shared an intense physical chemistry but seeing them forge the emotional connection is why they are meant to be together.

[Annabelle (annabelles.shelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

This was painfully slow and I disliked how long it was.

Hallie has a one night stand with Chase and spoiler alert she gets pregnant even though they used protection. 3 months in to being pregnant she decides she’s going to find him and tell him this news. Hallie is actually surprised she got pregnant because she has stage 4 endometriosis. She’s also had a few surgeries because of this. They end up trying to get to know each other and date.

I wish I enjoyed this more since it’s one of my favourite tropes. This was long and was a slow burn for no reason…? Like the conversations they had just felt boring, bland and sometimes repetitive. Like both of these main characters felt kinda flat to me. To me it felt like they didn’t have any personality.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Light My Fire series by J.H. Croix, Keep Me Close is an emotion-filled, small-town, slow-burn romanc story with great characters, off-the-charts chemistry, secrets, swoon-worthy moments, family issues, an unexpected surprise, and a HEA.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Chase and Hallie's story. I loved how sweet and easy of a read their story is. I loved that there's minimal drama in it but they come to realise it quickly and resolve it immediately. I loved that they're very mature about things. I loved their connection and I can't help but think they're so sweet together.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Willow Brook, Alaska, in a story, I read way too quickly, as I was hooked on page one. However, I did not want the story to end, as I love a great small-town romance.

After a lousy day, Hallie ends up at The Lodge for a night to escape. It only takes one night for Hallie and Chase to connect, but no last names complicates the future. There are a swoon-worthy moment or two and lots of chemistry. But will their one night become more? After Hallie returns to Willow Brook to try and find Chase, we learn more about their lives, I then finished the book in that sitting. I love them together and still want more.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where you are hit with the unexpected but both characters are mature and go with the flow and work toward a common goal. Chase and Hallie were that and more. I loved them getting to know each other and the chemistry and this small town that gives us so much more.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spice of life meets the heartache of love and seduces you into romance. Chase and Hallie come on strong. From temptation to forever takes the scenic route. Littered with surprising twists and a connection as electric as it is emotional, Keep Me Close is a heat up the senses, don't lose sight of the heart kind of read. Nobody does enchanting like. J. H. Croix.

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet addition to this series! Keep Me Close was the fifth book in the Light My Fire Series. It was fun, sassy, and full of love!

Hallie needed an escape for just a little bit. She decided to get away and ended up having one amazing night with Chase. They were never supposed to see each other again until she found out she was pregnant. She knew she needed to find him but what would he do when she told him the news?

So swoony!! Loved these two! It was fun watching them figure out their new journey. I love how all of her series are just so much fun to read!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful romance in the Light My Fire series! This is Hallie and Chase's story. After a one night stand comes a miracle baby. Can they make this work? Can they beat the odds? A really sweet story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me Close by JH Croix is her best, yet. Of course, I say that with every book she writes. This was to be a one-night-stand, something she’d never done before. She had driven out of Anchorage and to Willow Brook just to get away from the dreadful decision she had had to make: the only way to deal with her endometriosis was a hysterectomy. She had thought there would be children in the future but now that would never be, and, there was this hot, hot guy smiling at her. No last names, no phone numbers. Just this one night. He was gone when she awoke. Chase had tried to get her last name from Delilah, the bartender, but she told him no. It was weeks later when Hallie was getting checked over before her surgery that the doctor told her she was pregnant. No question, she would keep the baby, but she had to see if she could find Chase and tell him. It was his right to know. Delilah wouldn’t tell her, either, but she did point her to the fire station. That’s where he worked, duh! She saw him and blurted it right out. This man was a stranger. What was going to happen?

Both of these people had some baggage. Chase’s mom had been in and out of his life, until she was gone. On her way, she’d had affairs, many of them here in Willow Brook. Then, he discovered that his dad was not his biological dad. He just couldn’t forgive her or trust a woman. Were they all like her? He wasn’t going to take the chance. Hallie had this endometriosis thing. She shouldn’t even have been able to get pregnant. They had used a condom, too. She didn’t know what to do. They agreed to get to know one another, but that didn’t change any of the problems. They started a text message relationship. Three things a night, I.e. favorite foods, music, movies, etc. It was fun. Their chemistry was good, that was no problem. This was an engaging and entertaining story, as always with Croix. The characters were good. The plot was not complicated but revolved around contemporary problems. Her books are romances and bibliotherapy. I drop everything to read the new one and I never regret it. As usual, I loved it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of Keep Me Close by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #jhcroix #keepmeclose

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Hallie received some devastating news and, in an effort to step away from her real life and forget everything, she headed out of town and indulged in a one night stand. There was no denying the attraction and connection between she and Chase, but she was firm about the rules: no last names, no phone numbers, and the next morning they said goodbye. But that one night had some long-lasting consequences, namely an unplanned pregnancy. That meant returning to the small town of Willow Brook and finding Chase - and breaking the news that he was going to be a father.

Keep Me Close is the fifth entry in Croix's Light My Fire series, but it was easy to step into this world and appreciate Hallie and Chase's story as a stand-alone. There was an ease to their relationship, despite the circumstances they were dealing with, and although neither planned to be where they were at, they both acted like mature adults and talked things through. Chase stepped up immediately and made sure Hallie knew he wanted to be involved in every aspect. I loved the level of support he offered Hallie. He was dealing with his own issues, having recently learned of the half-siblings he'd never knew he had, but he was still present and supportive and wanted a future with Hallie.

While the story felt a bit repetitive at times - Hallie and Chase would have the same conversations over and over, as well as certain words/phrases being overused - Keep Me Close was a sweet and sexy romance that wasn't marred by an abundance of drama. I appreciated the lack of angst and melodrama and instead sat back and enjoyed this story of two people who came together with no expectations, but instead found their forever.

Note: I received a complimentary advance copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Light My Fire series and it is Chase and Hallie's story and omg it is definitely a must read. When Hallie gets some really devastatingly news to go to a bar and after spending time with Chase she decides to have a one night stand and block out everything just for the night only things became even more complicated when she finds out that she is pregnant which is something that she was told that it was impossible and couldn't happen and now she needed to find Chase and tell him that he was going to be a father as it was the right thing to do but not knowing what his reaction would be to the news. Chase doesn't do relationships or commitments as he has a lot of baggage and trust issue's because of his mother and her constant affairs and also finding out the man he thought was his dad actually wasn't leaving him with even more discouraged so when Hallie finds him and tells him that she is pregnant it makes things even more complicated and complicated. Wow this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that has you turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive that I couldn't put it down. I really loved how Hallie and Chase took the slow road of getting to know each other and not just jumping into a relationship showing maturity and it was beautiful to watch them grow closer and the outcome of there story and it was just what I was hoping for as they definitely deserved this ending. I definitely recommend you read this book and other's by JH Croix who is an amazing author and writer and her book's are definitely worth reading.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book in the Light My Fire series by J.H. Croix that takes place in Willow Brook, Alaska.   Hallie Brown and Chase Mills are the main characters in this book.  Hallie is a professional photographer while Chase is a hot shot firefighter. 

Hallie has had a bad day, she doesn't feel like grocery shopping.  She decides to head to Willow Brook for the night.  It is an easy forty-five minute drive from Anchorage which is home for her.  She gets a room at The Lodge and after freshing up she heads down to the bar to grab some dinner.  While eating her dinner she makes eye contact with a tall, dark and handsome man who smiles and makes his way over.  He says hello introduces himself as Chase.  He then asks if she will be at the bar for a while since he needs to go say hello to some friends.  She tells him she will be there just for the night.

She decides maybe a one night stand is just what she needs.  One night, no last names that's the deal.  Three months later Hallie gets a suprise while prepping for surgery, she is pregnant just about threes months along.  The night she spent with Chase.  She wants to find him and let him know he is going to be a father.

Chase accepts the news and says he wants to be a part of the childs life.  He also admits that he wanted to find her after the one night together.  She feels the same way.  They decide to try the relationship. 

They both have things they need to work through but maybe it can be easier having someone there supporting them.  These two, along with their families and friends supporting them will be just fine.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me Close by J.H. Croix, book five in her Light My Fire series, is an enjoyable story of two strangers, a one-night stand, and an unexpected consequence of that amazing evening. All I takes is one night to change the course of one’s life. For Chase and Hallie their lives are about to change in ways neither of them planned or imagined. What was supposed to be a one night stand, quickly becomes more. After all, Hallie wasn't looking for a relationship. She just needed that connection after receiving devastating news. So when she finds out that her surgery has to be postponed for roughly 9 months, she is overjoyed. And scared. As well as not certain how to find the guy to let him know the news. Somehow, Hallie does track Chase down, and is able to share everything. To say Chase steps up to the plate is putting it mildly. In the meantime, while that relationship is coming together, Chase is dealing with secrets from his mom's past that continue to appear. The most recent one involves him, and he needs to decide how to move forward. In the meantime, Chase is also working on healing from the pain that all of these secrets have created. These two have quite the story. It is emotion filled, passionate, and supportive. There is a strong chemistry between Hallie and Chase who are wonderful and perfect together. Spending time together and getting to know each other, love does blossom. Their three questions texts were quite helpful. Chase and Hallie shared a strong connection. Their love was heart-warming as they shared off-the-charts chemistry, magnetic attraction, as a promising relationship between strangers builds and they are forever connected.

Ms. Croix wrote a wonderful lovely, thought-provoking romance that is a must read. She provided a tale filled with sizzling chemistry, strong attraction, family dynamics, clever banter, and caring secondary characters, as Hallie and Chase find love and a future together. I highly recommend Keep Me Close to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me Close is a perfect quick read that is low on angst and relationship drama. I started Chase and Hallie's story thinking that I was just going to get a few chapters in but their story drew me in and I didn't stop until after I got their bonus epilogue!

Keep Me Close is part of the Light My Fire series but for the most part I think that it holds pretty well as a stand alone. Previous couples and characters from the other books are featured in this story but not in a way that you HAVE to have read their books to enjoy or understand their presence.

4.5 Stars

Chase and Hallie's story was such a sweet read. If you are looking for a book that isn't too long, is fairly quick paced and not a lot of drama then this is a good book for you. Chase and Hallie had that instant attraction and connection and I loved how cutely they built their relationship and got to know each other once they reconnected. An accidental pregnancy after a one-night stand had the potential to be riddled with drama but I loved how accepting and just sweet the storyline went. The bulk of the drama and insecurities came from forces outside of the budding relationship so it was kind of nice to get a story that is a little bubble gum but not bland or uninteresting.

I totally would have loved a couple more chapters for Chase and Hallie- the bonus epilogue definitely helped- but I really did breeze through this story so easily and quickly because it was so well written and entertaining. I cannot wait for what I hope will be another spin-off series for Fireweed Harbor!

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase is a hotshot firefighter in Willow Brook. After watching his mother ruined many people’s life, he doesn’t ever want a relationship or have kids. His life is unexpectedly changed after he met Hallie in the local bar and agreed to have a one-night stand without last name and phone number. The sex was so great that they both think about each other afterwards. A few months later, Hallie is scheduled to have a surgery. Instead, her doctor finds s her pregnant. Halie reaches out to Chase for the news. They are both thrilled with the surprise and agree to get to know each other before the baby arrives. It is an emotional road for both of them, because of their respective past. As they get to know each other, they fall in love and need each other more and more. Chase sees Hallie is the center of his world. Hallie loves how warm and safe she feels in Chase’s arms. They meet each other’s family. Chase visits his unexpected group of half siblings and Hallie is by his side to support him emotionally. His new siblings readily accept him and include him in the family. The friends at the firehouse, Hallie’s brother, his new siblings, all pitch in to help him to build the house. And babies, lots of babies! The family seems to extend exponentially. The story centers around the family concept. It is a great idea but not easy in practice. It is a cozy story with beautiful Alaska as back drop.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

In Keep Me Close, it felt like J.H. Croix was right to the point with Chase and Hallie's story. It wasn't missing a thing, it felt...efficient if that makes any sense.

I'll have to be honest and say I don't remember a whole lot about Chase from the previous books in the series. Which is good and bad I suppose. That said, he was written beautifully broken. This man had a bombshell dropped on him, well two with the pregnancy and his family issues. While he was a good guy, this family stuff was tearing him up on the insides and I kept hoping he would get a little clarity before the baby was born. Hallie was written pretty no-nonsense herself. She's got her own issues to deal with on top of the fact that she's pregnant by a stranger. A handsome stranger, but a stranger nonetheless.

The story of Hallie and Chase, while heavy, read light. It was nice to follow along as they got to know one another and the small towns they are each from. While I like a little more angst in my reads, it was still enjoyable getting to know this cute couple.

The book is well written and along with Chase and Hallie both families are heavily involved with thier relationship, especially Chase's dad. He was the perfect yin to Chase's yang, talking his kid of the ledge more than once. Keep Me Close is a great addition to the series and can be read as a standalone.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Me Close is an emotional story that touched my heart. Chase and Hallie had me in their corner cheering for them to find happiness. Hallie has received devastating news and had some tough decisions to make. With that in mind she went for a drive and found herself in a bar where she connected with Chase. They had a one night stand or so Hallie thought because that one night will change the outcome of their lives. When Hallie went back to her doctor she was informed that she was pregnant! She couldn’t believe what she was hearing because she was told with her condition she had to have a hysterectomy therefore ending her chances for conceiving.
Hallie went back to Willow Brook in search of Chase. Chase has commitment issues because of his upbringing by his mother who was in and out of his life therefore trust of women was way down on his list. Chase had a lot of questions because he thought she couldn’t have children because of endometriosis and they had used a condom. They were at odds with each other. They decided to get to know each other and by doing so brought them together. Ms. Croix has woven a story with a setting that is rich in imagery, prose and drama that is conveyed in brilliantly written dialogues which is a testament to her mastery of her craft. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie wanted one night to be free, to escape everything that was haunting her, to just block it all out and have a little fun. So she found herself a handsome firefighter, shared some light conversation and flirting, and had herself a night she'd never forget. It was a simple, a no strings night of nothing but fun... that is until two pink little lines show up a few months later!

Keep Me Close is a sweet and swoon-filled little page-turner that is bound to leave your heart happy. The connection these two had was undeniable, it was that spark that drew them to one another the night they met, and it's the one that kept them circling back to one another throughout the story. With neither looking for love or a relationship they tried to keep their attraction to one another at bay and just focus on friendship and matters involving raising their child, but those feelings didn't abide by the rules. And they quickly found out they didn't stand a chance in the fight! This was such a beautiful story of healing, finding love, and making the impossible possible. I loved what I found between the pages here, it made me smile, swoon, and gave my heartstrings a good workout!! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love...

Friends and drinks time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Listening to various conversations Chase observes the room and finds an enchanting set of eyes that sends heat to his extremities... his lower extremities. Staring at her for a couple of minutes her eyes pull at him.

One of the most devastating days of Hallie's life and no matter how hard she tried and no matter what she did the outcome is something that sits like rock in her belly and is tattooed in her mind. No one can help her and being treated with pity would only make her feel worse. Wildlands is familiar to her to feel comfortable on her own but also new enough that no one recognizes her and tries to intrude on her one chance to gain some peace of mind.

Two people who have reached the end of their ropes and needing to connect to make life makes sense will embark on a journey of discovery of not only who they are but who they want to be as individuals and what they want for their future. No one was ever promised an easy life but it's the curves, breaks, bridges, mountains and valleys that tests us to our limits that shows us just how strong we really are. This is another strong novel to be added to a great series that affirms the power of love! I loved it well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie receives medical news that leaves her devastated. She wants to forget her troubles and just be. Chase is a hot shot firefighter in Willow Brook who spots Hallie across the bar. Hallie and Chase agree to one night with no last names or personal information. Chase wakes up the next morning wanting more from Hallie but finds her gone. When Hallie finds out she is pregnant, she must track down the man she couldn't stop thinking about and tell him he is going to be a father. Chase is surprised to find Hallie at the fire station looking for him and even more surprised when she tells him she is pregnant. Hallie and Chase agree to get to know each other. Hallie and Chase have great chemistry and have a hard time keeping their hands off each other. Hallie and Chase each have baggage they need to work through that stands in the way of their happiness. Can Chase and Hallie learn to trust each other completely with their pasts? Will Hallie move to Willow Brook to be with Chase? Will Hallie and Chase confess their feelings to each other and find their happily ever after? I really enjoyed Keep Me Close by J.H. Croix. Chase and Hallie are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I would definitely recommend getting Keep Me Close and the other books in the Light My Fire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Bookaddict100 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the “Light My Fire” series.
JH Croix stories always bring a smile and a good time in small town Alaska.

Hallie Thomas is a freelance photographer from Anchorage, Alaska and in desperate need of an escape. After reaching a difficult decision regarding her ongoing and painful health problems with endometriosis she takes a drive and ends up at the Wildlands Lodge and Restaurant in Willow Brook, Alaska.

At the bar and restaurant she meets an extremely handsome Hotshot firefighter named Chase Mills. They decide against divulging last names to each other and have an amazing night.

Their night together was extremely memorable and they both wish they had given each other more information. But an unexpected pregnancy and Hallie needing to find Chase changes everything.

Now their playing catch up to get to know each other better. They may have started their relationship backwards but their giving it a good chance. Everything is going well with them until some jealousy and lingering insecurities from past family baggage gets in the way.

Romance, surprise pregnancy, one-night stand, family issues, trust problems, incredible characters in small town Alaska. I received an ARC from Wildfire Marketing Solutions and this is my review.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If books had a theme song I’d have to choose “ All I wanna do is make love to you “ by Heat 🥰


So Hallie received what she thinks and feels is the worst news ever and I get it I really do and I feel for her 🤗 so she drives to clear her head and finds herself in front of Wildlands Lodge and Restaurant , the little town of Willow Brook is going to become very appealing to me as well as to our darling Hallie ….


Chase , our local firefighter , a really nice guy and oh so very nice to look at and he’s just what Hallie needs ….
Chase actually hit the nail on the head when he thinks “ I didn’t know how I knew but , but I knew this woman needed to forget something as much as I did .”

Both Chase and Hallie agreed , one night and no last names but when the situation changes and a “ reunion” is called for I told my family each to himself or herself I’m now to invested in 2 people destined for each other 😂❣️📕


Oh man I just love these 2 people and Chase just won my heart from the get go and Hallie is just the girl you want your son to bring home and pop out precious little grand babies 😂

Love you Hallie and Chase and thank you for letting me part of your journey