If We Dare

Swoon #6

by J.H. Croix

Have you ever gone on a fake date? With your brother's best friend?
It all started when he rescued me from a dumpster. Not my best moment.
Grumpy, broody, too hot to handle Walker needs a date for a wedding. Let the complications begin.
***
It's not even a real date. I'm not even supposed to notice smokin' hot Jade. I don't believe in love, and weddings give me hives. Jade is smart and feisty, and she claims she's man-proof. She's perfect.
Perfect until we're stuck together for the weekend, and I can hardly keep my eyes, or my hands, off her. Perfect until I kiss her, and one kiss turns into so many more. And more.
She stole the covers, and then she stole my heart.
One wedding. One weekend. Two hearts. It's all for show, right?
*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

350 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2020

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

[Wendy'sThoughts]

So What Have We Here...
First Responder Walker...
And the Spitfire Jade...

It Seems Walker Keeps Saving Jade...
And Now He Knows Just How to Collect...

A Fake Wedding Date...
Perfect...
But The Only Problem is...

The Chemistry Between Them...
Is Something FIERCE...
Like On FIRE, FIERCE...

So Now The Only Issue Is...
She's His Friend's Sister...
And She Claims She Is Off Men...

But Things Are So Good...
It Is Only A Question Of...

If We Dare (Swoon #6)-June 16, 2020

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Tamara]

Why doesn't she date?

I have enjoyed all the books from this author, and this one is no exception.

I love J.H. Croix writes with various issue for the characters and that most of those issues can be relatable. In this one Jade has trust issues and has sworn off dating. Walker has been burned by a girl and doesn't believe in or want love.

Jade gets rescued by Walker when trying to kick a guy out of the bar for harassing a girl and from getting stuck in the dumpster; she insists she owes him. Walker asks Jade to be his fake date for a wedding so his ex won't bother him during the event. Jade is on board especially when she finds out why he has an ex.

Walker is hoping that during the weekend of the wedding he can finally get over his attraction to Jade. Instead he finds her playing the part of girlfriend to be very convincing and after the weekend can't get her off his mind.

That is just the beginning, so if you like girls with a feisty spirit and guys who are blunt you should like this one.

[Jo Reads Romance]

Short, sweet and sexy
3 stars

I enjoy J.H. Croix and her writing - you can always count on her to give you a sweet yet sexy story filled with the perfect amount of family, heat and heart.

This story contains a few of my favourite tropes - fake relationship, best friend’s little sister and forced proximity. And yet, it also really wasn’t any of those three in the end.

Our couple, Jade and Walker, going to the wedding of Walker’s best friend, Dave, actually takes up very little time in the book. So their fake relationship really only lasts a few chapters at most. In fact, the story fairly rattles through time with lots of stuff happening across days, weeks and months of Jade and Walker’s relationship. This is mirrored in the size of the chapters. Some are barely even a couple of pages long - and even the longest are relatively short. In some respects, that’s a great thing; it’s easy to keep reading just one more chapter. On the flip side, it also works against the book as it’s simple to pick it up and put it down without really spending enough time at each sitting to really become emotionally invested in the characters.

Speaking of the wedding - I was a bit annoyed at first about the Dave storyline. He has a heart attack on his wedding night. It felt like it was a cheap plot device in order to postpone the physical relationship between Jade and Walker - especially since it was never mentioned again…. Until it was. Yes, the Dave storyline was brought up again towards the end, at which point I wished that it had remained a cheap plot device, as it was too much for me. After cardiac surgery, Dave has a stroke and subsequently dies. Sure, shitty things happen in real life. I do want characters in books to feel real - and do want them to have challenges on their way to happily ever after - but I’m really not up for reading about upsetting and heartbreaking situations, especially when I’m looking for something light, bright and uplifting.

I enjoyed both Jade and Walker as characters even if, like they didn’t really fit with how I’d anticipated they’d be (totally on me, I know!). Walker was quiet and reserved - and yet he wasn’t really. He seemed perfectly amiable and chatty with everyone - Jade, his friends, people he didn’t know. And Jade was a bit of a badass - except when she continually seemed to bemoan the fact that her brother would get all in her business. I like an over-protective brother storyline but the way Jade dealt with it - always furiously stating that she was in charge of her love/sex life - made it seem very bratty and that she did indeed need someone to look out for her. She was a tad insecure and probably about 2% badass at most. But I liked her for the most part. She certainly wasn’t offensive or divisive in any way. And she matched her nail varnish to her outfits at the wedding - so I knew we would be friends in real life!

There’s also the storyline about Jade’s prior experience with men that has caused her to swear of dating and sex for good. Her former friend had slipped her a date rape drug then presumably attempted, but did not complete, sexual assault. I felt this was only briefly dealt with and not with any huge depth that made me feel overly uncomfortable - but I can only imagine that it would be triggering for those with experience of similar circumstances. As it was, in Jade’s case, it wasn’t ever an insurmountable barrier to being with Walker.

This was a bit of confusing book for me to review. It was short, sweet and sexy - it even had a few moments that gave me butterflies in the tum - but I didn’t feel that the story arc was strong enough to inspire me all that much. I kept reading, and I didn’t forget about the book at any point, but all the barriers to getting together and having a relationship were… well… they weren’t really barriers at all. It was more the story of how two people got to know each other and fell in love. That’s fine, but give them a few truly difficult roadblocks along the way that jeopardise their relationship/future together - and NOT in the form of external factors that don’t add to the story in some way.

Overall an enjoyable book and definitely one that will be snapped up by those who’ve read the previous Swoon series books. (This books stands alone but many couples presumably from the previous books in the series either pop up in this one or are at least name checked) It didn’t set my world on fire, and had a few issues from my personal perspective, but a decent 3 stars for a good read.

[RateTheRomance]

I read so many romances with the same sort of main characters. The feisty female with the heart of gold and the overly cocky hotshot male. J.H. Croix wrote characters we don't see often and that is what makes this book so good.

Jade is strong and feisty, but also sweet and extremely sensitive. She doesn't take crap from anybody, but also has real fears and anxieties that affected her daily life. I loved her story and how she grew and changed during the course of this book. Walker was also well-written. A mostly quiet and solid male who is fiercely protective, but not overly flashy and cocky. I love a cocky alpha male, but Walker was a wonderful new offering in leading men.

This story has the same cast of characters from previous books in the SWOON series, but J.H. Croix never makes the appearance of those repeat character feel forced. She is fantastic at making the continuing stories of series characters seamless.

I only wish we had seen a bit more of Jade's ambition. If you haven't read the rest of this series, Jade would seem very directionless in this book. We only know she used to babysit her niece full time and now is a bartender. Then, suddenly, in the epilogue she has a career in a field we never hear mention of in this book. I would have loved some moments in this book that explored her passion and her goals to make it a career.

This is another FANTASTIC book in the SWOON series!

I received and ARC of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[The Romantic Rush Blog]

3.5 Stars Overall: This installment of the Swoon series features Jade, little sister of Lucas (from Book 2), and Walker (Lucas’s friend) in a best friend’s little sister, fake dating charmer. Swoony indeed.

Our characters' paths have crossed a bit, and they both have some lingering attraction. Neither, however are interested in anything more given their romantic baggage. In one of my favorite JH Croix moments ever, Walker sweetly saves Jade from a dumpster (among some other help he provides). Jade wants to repay Walker, and he even surprises himself by suggesting she go to a wedding with him as a fake date, as a buffer against a cheating ex. And, so begins their romantic path.

I loved Jade- she’s tough, determined, and honest- she says what she thinks and asks for what she wants- no coyness or pretense. She has a big heart, even though it’s guarded, and I really appreciated that she could also be vulnerable- with her friends and her brother, and eventually Walker. She has some past hurt but she’s not overly complicated- the kind of heroine you want to be friends with. And Walker is a CHARMER- the blurb says he’s broody, but he’s really not. He’s just a bit more laid back and reserved- not in your face, a quietly amiable and reliable guy. I really liked both of them as characters- both were subtle and sweet.

The relationship REALLY shines here. Definitely SWOON-worthy. The chemistry is really sweet - they just click, like two old friends even though they barely know each other. The angst is pretty low, which I really appreciated. Sure, they each had some baggage, but they were both quick to admit their attraction to each other was worth exploring- and when stuff got in their way (personal business, family, just life) neither went off the deep end- I liked that it was more sweet and calm, very gentle and charming overall. Plus, the sexy scenes were amazing- I love how JH is the perfect amount of titillating steam without going too far raunchy.

What I didn’t love were some of the extraneous plot devices used to create obstacles in the relational progression- two VERY serious subject matters were utilized (I won’t say because of spoilers). I feel torn because I didn’t want this book to go full drama, but I also feel like these topics were both emotionally under-explored (esp the latter one and its impact on Walker) and brought a very sad element to the story that I wasn’t expecting- I’m used to just feel good swooning with JH. This was also a slow start for me- the exposition felt a bit longer than I prefer, and while I loved catching in with the other Swoon characters, the friend scenes felt more of a diversion than actually driving plots or characterization- its fun to see them, but it didn’t progress the story and was too much recapping at places. Again, though, fun to check in!

Overall, an enjoyable read, just not my fav in the series. When it is just our couple, I could NOT put it down- and that's what you're reading for! JH can always be counted upon to bring you sweet, yummy drama-light stories with a good heap of heat on top. Straight forward romance- just two people getting to know each other and connecting. The cute relationship here sold me- definitely far outweighed the parts that were unexpected. If you need a sweet story with a hysterical meet-cute, this one is for you. Overall, 3.5 stars.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews]]

J.H. Croix is a new to me author and after finishing up this book I am definitely going to be reading more in the future. If We Dare is the sixth book in the series, however, it can be read as a standalone.

Jade is feisty, she is strong but she also has a sensitive and caring side. She doesn’t date, she has trust issues. Walker is fairly new to town, he is insanely protective and loyal. Walker’s ex is going to be at his best friends wedding, so he needs a date and after just helping Jade out at the bar he uses that opportunity to ask her. It was just suppose to just be a fake relationship to keep his ex away, but the feelings between them are real.

I love the chemistry these two have from the start. They both help each other out, however, they can only deny their connection for so long before sparks begin to fly. There are some emotional parts of this story, but they also brought Jade and Walker closer together. They learned to lean on each other and support each other.

If We Dare brings the romance, the heat, and the emotions from the very beginning. This book is a MUST READ!

[KeelyReadsRomance]

Jade and Walker have know each other for a while. When Walker come to Jade’s rescue with an angry bar patron and then again that same night, she owes him. It just so happens he needs a date to his best friend’s wedding where he is the best man. Jade agrees and so begins the friends to lovers journey. Fake relationship tropes are one of my favorite romance tropes so I was all in! I loved the sizzling chemistry between Jade and Walker and their hesitancy to dive right in to a relationship. There were a few very emotional events in this book (no spoilers) that had them pausing to assess their life choices and whether they should acknowledge their true feelings or not. Overall, this was a solid fake relationship, friends to lovers story and I enjoyed it very much! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review. This was my first JH Croix book and I will definitely be reading more!

[BP34]

Another great addition to the Swoon Series. You'll love Jade and Walker's story as it goes from fake to real. Neither has any interest in a relationship, or so they tell themselves. They have an amazing attraction to each other that they fight and deny. It doesn't take long for chemistry to take over. She's feisty but has trust issues and he doesn't want to gamble with his heart. Lots of drama, some turmoil, plenty of angst to keep you page turning.. The characters are strong and well developed. This is a book you don't want to miss. I read an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review. Get your copy today.

[Staci]

Books 1-5 of JH Croix Swoon Series were all awesome reads but Book 6 is an exceedingly higher level of amazing. If We Dare is, by far, the best book in this series, this book is nothing short of astounding. I have read several series by this authors & personally think the Swoon Series is one of the best, if not the best, series ever penned by JH Croix.
In the remainder of my review I attempted to not include specifics one would consider a spoiler, and rather tried to use wording in more 'broad terms' as to not ruin the storyline for potential readers. *Although there is the potential that I failed in my attempt to not include 'spoilers'; if you have not read If We Dare and do not want to potentially ruin the story with spoilers, then do not continue reading the next paragraph, just know this is one awesome read that you won't want to put down until the very last, swoon-worthy page, a satisfying & entertaining, yet steamy, must read!!

Jade had encountered several unlucky / unfortunate situations & unfortunately Walker, her brothers good friend, had been witness to & 'saved' her from each of them. Since Walker was Jade's brothers good friend she didn't think there would be any issue by agreeing to 'pay Walker back for his help' by being Walker's fake date at an upcoming, out of town wedding. A wedding Walker had been dreading since both he & his ex-girlfriend would both be attending, added to the fact his ex-girlfriend seemed to recently call him frequently suggesting they could hook-up at the wedding & hinting at them getting back together; both ideas Walker had no interest in. Walker's plan....by bringing Jade as his fake date, they could share a room for his ex-girlfriend sake but Jake definitely requested two beds, after all, Jade is Walker's good friends sister which made her a definite no-go but Walker didnt think there would be issues with Jade & himself since they both both wanted to be 'forever single's. That is until Walker & Jade find numerous things throughout the weekend could go wrong..... Miscommunication with the hotel has Walker & Jade not only sharing a hotel room but also sharing the rooms one & only bed + proving they are a couple equaled their lips meeting for a once in a lifetime panty melting kiss + all the mind blowing, steamy situations these two find themselves in... fate with their combustible heat can only lead to.......guess you'll have to one-click & read to find out if Walker & Jade succumb to what fate had in store. The book is guaranteed to take you on a steamy, sexy ride to a HEA! A definite must read by JH Croix, If We Dare!
While I did receive an advance review copy, ARC, of this book from the author via Savvy @ Bad Boy Update, I am voluntarily leaving my opinion with my voluntary, unsolicited review.

[Kara Quade]

Walker is a first responder who also helps build new cabins for the Stolen Heart Lodge. Walker has been in town for 6 months and lives in the house his grandmother left him. Jade is Lucas' younger sister and a bartender at a local bar. Jade vows never to date after a close friend got caught spiking her drink. Jade tells Walker she owes him after he steps in to help her a couple times in one night while at the bar. Walker knows he should stay away from Jade because how she gets to him, but he asks her to be his fake date to his best friend, Dave's wedding. When Jade learns Walker's ex, who cheated on him with Dave's brother, has been texted and calling him, she agrees to be his fake date to the wedding wanting to show his ex that she made a mistake by cheating on Walker. Jade is very convincing as Walker's fake girlfriend. Walker and Jade decide to give into their attraction, but Walker and Jade end up in the hospital when Dave suffers a heart attack on his wedding night. What happens when Walker and Jade can't keep their hands off each other? What happens when feelings become real? How will Jade and Walker react when a man from Jade's past shows up? Will Walker take Dave's advice when it comes to his feelings for Jade? I love JH Croix and is a must read author for this reader. I LOVED If We Dare! The chemistry between Walker and Jade is explosive and hot. If We Dare will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. Walker and Jade are an amazing couple. I also love getting to see the other couples from previous books interact with Walker and Jade. I would highly recommend getting If We Dare and all the other books in the Swoon Series by JH Croix.

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

[Andrea]

Jade Cole and Walker Hudson's story begins in a bar and ends in a chapel! Their journey is part sweet, part sad, and a whole lot satisfying. Jade is a bartender at Stolen Hearts Lodge and Walker is a first responder who also helps with the construction around the lodge. He and Jade are aware of one another, but that's as far as it's ever gone. Walker isn't interested in pursuing a relationship after he caught his ex cheating with his best friend's brother, and Jade learned how treacherous friends can be after one of hers slipped something into her drink one night. The walls around her heart went up that very night. Tonight, Jade was working the bar and being hassled because she wouldn't serve a drunken man another drink, so he started to get a little rough with her. Walker was right there, pulling her away from him and, in that moment, she became completely aware of Walker's strength and tenderness. She told him she'd pay him back for saving her, and it's not too long before he collects. His best friend, Dave, is marrying his Jenny and asked Walker to be the best man. Will Jade go with him as his "fake" date? His ex is there and he wants her to know that he's no longer interested, since this is his girlfriend now. The "fake" title is lost almost right away and the happiness of the wedding lends to the feeling of togetherness. Jade and Walker are both almost there...to the point of being able to say I Love You. Out of the blue, a tragedy occurs that will change their lives forever. It's not easy and it takes some time, but this story that started in a bar, ends in a beautiful chapel. 

[B-Books Review]

I was whipped with this book. The author’s writing is so easy, engaging and romantic, that you can’t help but love this book. The story literally made me swoon, as both characters were so lovable, fierce, their banter and chemistry was off charts.

Walker was dark, mysterious, good friend and a gentleman. He wasn’t a broken guy, but he never thought he would fall in love as he was afraid to lose the ones the love, like his father. Jade is a super strong woman, fierce, loyal, give as good as she gets, but a former “friend” tried to do so horrible harm to her, making her sworn of men and having a trust issue.

When Walker helps Jade three times in one night, she agrees to be his fake date at his best friend Dave wedding, to help him get rid of his cheating ex. As they get to know each other and their attraction and sizzling chemistry growing, their fake date turned to real in a snap of the fingers. I really like how they took care, respect and protect each other.

I felt a lot of butterflies with their romance. I loved how even if it was clear that they love each other they were still worried about their insecurities and issues. Which made their connection even bigger.

Their friends and family were super into gossip and were super intrusive in their lives, it wasn’t with me but if it was I would feel super suffocated, even if they meant well. I was super sad with little twist toward the ending, “Don’t waste time.”. The epilogue was everything I wanted and it was a little bittersweet but also super romantic. Love!

[Di]

This series is perfectly named the Swoon series and this read does not disappoint in that department. Walker has been eyeing Jade, a bartender at the bar he frequents and the younger sister of one of his friends who he also works with. Jade is a spitfire and has no problems putting others in their place. When Walker helps out Jade, twice, she gives him an IOU, which he collects on....be his fake date to his best friend’s wedding to thwart his cheating ex who has been calling and texting him. Jade has no problem doing the favor, she hates cheaters and can’t wait to put his ex in her place. During their weekend away, Walker has a hard time keeping his mind and hands off of Jade and Jade succumbs to his charms after vowing to never date after a betrayal that left her not being able to trust....will Walker bring down her walls and will Jade finally trust again.
Oh my my my my my...sigh...swoon...sigh and swoon once again. This read had me cheering for these two, swooning over Walker and wanting to be like Jade and her kick but personality. The characters were amazing and I couldn’t help but fall for both of them during the read. The steamy and sensual scenes...oh boy...and the heart break near the end had me reaching for my tissues.
This author does it once again and tops off another swoon worthy read, with little to no drama between the characters which is sooooooo refreshing and with an epilogue that had me wanting MORE MORE MORE of these two....SIGH...SWOON...SIGH !!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Terri Eaches]

A Fake Wedding Date and Real Kiss ....Hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Thank You J. H. Croix for bringing us another stellar Swoon worthy story!!! In this eventful story we have steadfast single Jade and Walker. Jade is Luke's sister and a bartender that definitely gives as good as she gets if not better. Luke is a transplant to Stolen Hearts and works at the lodge helping to build the new cabins, he's also a first responder and otherwise keeps a low profile. That is until he rescues the brazen spitfire twice in one night. Jade agrees to a fake weekend date with Walker for the simple fact his ex cheated on him and now won't leave him alone, and yes she will be at the wedding. A mix up with the room that has one bed instead of two and a kiss that would light the sky begins a "what happens at the wedding, stays at the wedding". How on earth is that going to work??? It doesn't. An unexpected near tragedy brings them closer than was foreseen and starts an unbreakable bond. How can these independent, sworn forever singles navigate the emotions bombarding them. Throw in their lively and fun back and forth comments, an opossum, a big brother and their all knowing friends and you have another MUST READ hit from J. H. Croix. I'm so looking forward to the next book that brings two wayward Stolen Hearts hometown individuals together...Ash and Mack. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily purchased a copy for my favorites collection.

[Carol | tilthelastpage]

If we dare is a light-hearted kind of romance. Set in a small fictional town of Stolen Hearts Valley, Jade and Walker's whirlwind relationship started with a fake wedding date. The raunchy, sweet, and quick tale these two went through has its ups and downs but nonetheless entertaining. Jade is a no-nonsense sort of girl and a perfect match for Walker who is perfectly capable to handle a feisty woman in his own right

Jade has sworn off men and is well known for not dating, Walker has his eyes on her since he saved her from a terrible faith at a bar. They have an instant and undeniable connection. Personally, I felt the pacing is pretty rushed, I read several romances with somewhat similar pacing and I got bored with reading the same thing over and over again. There was a lot of filler in between chapters, and if only the story added a bit of tension or conflict throughout, I would have felt more enlightened. Although personal thoughts aside, I'm sure other readers who enjoyed light swoony romance would appreciate it better.

Other than that, I like writing. It's especially easy to read through, the set of characters are very likeable. They had their own shares of personal issues that were talked about and properly resolved by the end and a twist that I really don't see coming. So all in all, this is a well done romance. I would read more from this author!

[Marlene Davis]

Jade is the younger sister of Lucas, who works as a first responder and for the Lodge, the same as his best friend Walker. While working as a bartender, Jade was trying to eject a man who was hitting on a young woman who clearly didn't want the attention...once the drunk picked her up, Walker stepped in since she wasn't seen by the other bartender or bouncers...they knew each other, but were never friendly...so when Walker stepped in, electricity seemed to charge her body where Walker touched her...and later when she was stuck on protrusion at the dumpster when putting trash in, and Walker rescued her lost bracelet, she said she owed him...and since he needed a date for an upcoming wedding, to make his ex-girlfriend believe he truly moved on after catching her cheating on him...Jade agrees to go as his date...Lucas once told Walker she never dated, since a supposed friend of hers tried putting a roofie in her drink, but was stopped by attentive bartender...turned her off of men...but Walker was different, big, broody and sex on a stick....but you will need to read the story to see what happens when these two are in a resort for a three day weekend destination wedding...I voluntarily read this story through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Jennifer]

J.H. Croix, I have nothing but admiration for you. This release in The Swoon Series shows all reader's your impeccable writing style as well as your ability to create not only relatable characters, but an extremely wonderful storyline.

In this installment, If We Dare, reader's are introduced to Walker and Jade. Both characters are very hard headed, straight shooters, who are extremely loyal to those they love. Jade as well as Walker guard their hearts because of their past experiences, however, they each secretly find the other attractive. Lust is not love, but as their emotional connection gets stronger, so do their feelings for each other. Follow along as a fake date leads to a happily ever after like none other. Stolen Hearts Lodge has yet another beautiful couple in it now.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of If We Dare in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion. I strongly believe that all fans of superbly crafted romance will adore this Author/publication. I sure did, and now I am impatiently awaiting the next installment in The Swoon Series.

[Reva Parks]

I really like this series and each new one touches back on the characters we already know and love. Walker is relatively new working at the Stolen Hearts Lodge (veterinary clinic, restaurant, Lost Deer Bar, and Emergency Response Crew). He is quiet, therefore considered broody but very handsome, therefore considered hot! He has been taken by his attraction to Jade, Lucas' sister, since he took her home one snowy night when her tire was flat. It will never come to anything because 'Jade does not date' and Walker does not see a relationship in his future either. They both have reasons not to trust. But when Walker is the only one to rush to her assistance as she bartends and gets in over her head protecting a female from an overly aggressive drunk and she says she owes him, he mentions he could use a 'fake date' for an out-of-town wedding. Circumstances force them closer together than they planned and they get to know each other better than they expected. When they return home they remain in each other's thoughts. RECOMMENDED!

One circumstance was the heart attack with open-heart surgery suffered by the groom immediately after the reception. It is true that strokes are a common result of this surgery. My own son suffered the same thing this year. Though it did not result in death, he lost his ability to read a page at a glance. His eyes are so bad he still does not drive.

I volunteered this review and recommend this book after receiving an ARC.

[Maria]

Walker Hudson is new to Stolen Hearts Valley. He is a first responder and also works at Stolen Hearts Lodge. He’s been attracted to Jade Cole since he came to the valley, but she is his friend’s sister and is off limits.

Jade Cole has sworn off men after a traumatic experience. She just wants to pay off her student loans and to decide what she wants to do with her life. Until one night, Hudson saves her from a rowdy customer. She repays him by being his fake date for his best friend’s wedding because his ex is trying to get him back. They have a great time and the sexual tension is so thick between them. Jade decides that in order to get over her fear, she takes control and offers Walker the weekend to get over their attraction.

Hudson knew after that weekend that there was no getting over Jade. The story has all the feels and their relationship has some ups and downs, but they overcome their issues. I loved their story and it was exactly what I hoped from Ms. Croix.

I received an advance copy for my honest review.

[Rhonda]

Wedding Fake Date

Jade is Luke's sister who we met in a previous book. She's sworn off dating. Walker is a first responder and also helps build cabins at the lodge. He's also sworn off dating.Walker saves Jade twice in one night at the bar and she says she owes him. Walker decides to cash in on the favor she owes by having her go with him to a wedding pretending to be in love with him to show his ex that he's not interested in her anymore. Jade agrees and then the weekend turns real for them. When they get back home, their friends notice that they can't keep their eyes off of each other. They try to deny their attraction but it doesn't work. There are tears and laughs in this wonderful book. We get to catch up with the other could from previous books, too. I love the epilogues. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. J.H. Croix always writes such wonderful books. I received a free ARC from Booksprout to read early and leave my honest review. I have my own copy now.

[Emily Pennington]

This is such a good story, I really enjoyed it. Walker is a first responder who saves Jade twice in one night at the bar. In return for his good deeds to her, she agrees to be Walker’s date at a wedding. He needs her to pretend she is in love with him to prove to his cheating ex that he is over her and not interested in her getting back with him. It sounded simple at the time. But when they get stuck spending the weekend with each other, things get carried away, one kiss leading to another and so forth until she’s stealing the blankets off him and he’s falling in love. Will the two of them come to their senses? Or is this the start of something that just won’t stop getting better and better?

The story line is great, as are the characters who will amuse the reader with their antics. Jade is the feisty one who will win the heart of the grumpy Walker. But will she make him want more than that date that wasn’t real anyway? How long will he resist? When will they notice that it’s become real?

[Schellie]

Swearing Off Love

Awe Hell, I think Walker and Jade May be my favorites from this series, and that’s saying a lot! I love these swoony, heartwarming stories so much.
However Jade, with her attitude and determination to never fall in love, pulled me in! It made me root even more for her to fall to Walker. Having sworn off men forever, she fought the good fight after a “friend” tried to drug her, but somehow Walker got through.
Walker spent time as pilot in the Air Force and had recently moved to town. Jade was the only woman to peak his interest after his girlfriend cheated on him while he was overseas with his best friends brother!
Walker asks Jade to be his “fake date” for his best friends wedding, since his ex will be there, she accepts immediately. Once there however, the chemistry between them is crazy, a bit life altering for both, and down right hot as hell.
I enjoyed watching two people, who thought they couldn’t handle nor want love, find each other! Check this book out today!

[Anakalia]

Jade and Walker...a dream team in this series you' re gonna want to root for.
After promising herself never to trust a man again, or even fall in love with one, Jade finds it hard to ignore Walker and the attraction she feels when they are close...
Walker, who was cheated on by his ex-girlfriend, always believed that he could never fall in love with a woman...
The chemistry between the two is so strong that I felt like I was living in a thundercloud because I could feel the electrical power and the sparks between the two.

There are scenes that will almost make you combust ...
There are other scenes that will make you melt into a puddle ...
Other scenes will break your heart ...
And still other scenes will just warm your heart and make you feel all fuzzy ...

Well, that's precisely what this book did to me. It's intense and emotional, captivating from the first page and a real page-turner! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series, that's for sure!

[Deborah]

Jade has sworn off all men, after a bad situation in a bar when she was younger. She was able to keep that promise until Walker stepped in and helped her with a drunk customer. Then he asked her to be his "fake" date for his best friends wedding. Walker has sworn off woman after his girlfriend cheated on him while he was on deployment. Now he needed a date for his best friends wedding. Well a "fake" date anyway. After convincing Jade to help him out, sparks begin to fly. When they return home after the wedding, they both expect things to go back to normal. But neither one of them can get the other one out of their mind. Jade is fighting her feelings because she has trust issues. Walker knows Jade never wanted to date, let alone have a relationship. How could he tell her he was falling for her. He thought he’d never fall for anyone, and he’d tripped and stumbled right into love with Jade. When tragedy strikes, will it bring them together or push them apart for good.

[K. Smock]

This is the sixth book of this series and it does not disappoint! There is Walker who moved into town a few months back and works for the emergency responders and also as a handyman/carpenter at the lodge. He has a wedding to go to for his best friend and needs to bring a date as his ex is bugging him and there is no way he will get back together with her. Then there is Jade, who is the sister of Walker's buddy. Walker helps her out at the bar with an issue and she agrees to help him as she can't stand cheaters in relationships. This is why Walker broke up with his ex. It's a bit complicated but a very heart warming story with a really good HEA. Good primary and secondary characters. A good story line with good dialogue that will keep you reading to the end. Even if you don't want a relationship, sometimes it just falls in your lap.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Pat Laughner]

An all abiding love

Tough as nails Jade doesn’t take any crap from a man. Trust isn’t a thing for her where men are concerned. And then, there’s Walker…
This was such a good book. I had to read and find out why Jade had such trust issues. I hated finding out that it was a male “friend” that caused her issues. So disgusting that said friend thought it was ok to try to drug her with the intent to rape her. Walker wasn’t looking for love, or anything close to it. He helped Jade out in the bar where she was bartending. Later on, he had to attend his best buddy’s wedding. Jade went as his fake date to keep his cheating ex from pestering him to try to get back together with her. We follow them as they become a couple. They have to decide to trust in each other, and the love they have together. There is some deep sadness toward the end of the book. But it made them realize how important their love was and that it was well worth the risk. So good!

[Gwen Smith-leak]

Walker saved Jade on night at the bar also got in a dumpster to retrieving a bracelet so she owes hi a favor. His best friend is getting married and he needed a date So off to the wedding as a fake date they went. Jade said she would never date again and Walker didn’t thank it was in the cards for him so they are going as not a couple which is fake. Jade really looked at Walker and she saw Handsome masculine sexy and strong. We he locked eyes with her eyes there’s such a intense moment. The second day at the wedding Jade kissed him and boy was that a kiss for the history book. He was such a great kisser.Things lit up like a Christmas tree. So they return home a don’t see each for two week .Jade has trust issues and it take a lot to work though that kind of issue. Walker tell her he want her but she has to work through her issue in order to commit .

[djc-]

Jade and Walker are friends who live in the same town. Jade does not hesitate to help Walker when he needs a favor especially since she owes him a one. Once she agrees to be his 'fake date' for an out of town wedding things start to happen and really get complicated. It was funny at times how these two tried so hard to ignore the sizzling chemistry going on between them. They each had a painful experience in the past and it would take them both some time to work out their issues.
Two chapters in and I am seriously hooked and can not put this book down. Jade was a stronge character and Walker had his work cut out for him trying to getting a real date. I love the epilogue-it was such a terrific conclusion to this book. This story was a fun romantic read and a great fit in the Swoon Series.
I received a gift copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean]

Jade was trying to get a man who was harassing Megan and getting handsy, when he suddenly grabbed her Walker came forward to help and protect her. Walker had always had the hots for Jade but never acted on it because she gave off a leave me alone vibe. Jade and Walker's chemistry was off the charts right from the start but will either of them act on it. Then Walker asked Jade if she would be his date at his best friends wedding she said yes. What will happen next with them, will they scratch that itch and then carry on with there life or will things become complicated with them. I love this book so much with all its twists and turns that made it a real page turner and i could not put it down. JH Croix is an amazing author and writer and i definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc copy of this book.

[Jacqueline Ellison]

Jade works as an occasional bartender at Lost Deer Bar. She got a degree in horticulture and wanted to start her own landscaping business. She put it off when her brother Lucas needed her to help watch his daughter Riley. She swore off dating men and has trust issues due to a friend doing the unthinkable. Walker is a First Responder who works with Jade's brother at Stolen Hearts Lodge. He was a pilot in the Air Force. His ex cheated on him while he was overseas with his best friends brother. He needs a date for his best friends wedding since his ex will be there. This was well written, has wonderful characters that you can't help to love and the storyline was everything you would expect from J.H. Croix. Jade and Walker have explosive chemistry but he has to earn her trust. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.