A fake relationship, friends to lovers romance from USA Today Bestselling author J.H. Croix! WalkerI’m definitely not looking for love, but I need a date. A fake date for a wedding. Jade owes me a favor. Because I rescued her from a dumpster—don’t ask. Jade might turn my crank, but she’s hands off when it comes to men. She’s perfect. Well, perfect until we’re stuck together for the weekend, and I … we’re stuck together for the weekend, and I can hardly keep my eyes, or my hands, off her. I can’t go falling for my friend’s sister. What’s supposed to be fake starts to feel as real as the fire burning up the sheets between us.
Jade is feisty and a master at keeping me at a distance. Funny thing though. I don’t mind a challenge, and I’m not about to back down.
*A full-length, standalone romance.
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Walker’s a sworn bachelor and Jade’s written off all men & refuses to date! When Walker comes to Jade’s rescue twice in 1 night, she tells him she owes him a favor! Walker immediately takes her up on her offer and gets her to “fake date” him for his BFF’s upcoming wedding…all to avoid his cheating ex who will also be there! Jade agrees, after all, how difficult can it be to fake date a hot guy? Apparently, for Walker and Jade, it can be very difficult to fake date each other…as neither of them expected to fall for one another! However, Jade’s painful past threatens any hope that they may have at a relationship. Great read, wonderful characters and storyline!
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.
If We Dare did not disappoint! I have really enjoyed each of the books in the Swoon series. The characters are fun and I love keeping up with them in each subsequent story. Dawson used to be my favorite character but he has been replaced by Walker. Walker is most definitely swoon worthy and I loved reading from his point of view and what he was thinking as his relationship with Jade progressed. I also enjoyed his friendship with Dave. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy for a honest review.
Seriously…I am sure I have said this with each book but it has to be said again. This series absolutely lives up to its name, it was the swooniest series ever!! If We Dare was the 6th book in J.H. Croix’s Swoon Series. All the books can be read as stand-alones but you would be missing out! If We Dare was a sexy slow burn with all the swoon!
Walker needed a date to a friends wedding and Jade owed him a favor. What should have been a “fake” relationship slowly started turning into something real. But would they be able to keep it up or would it end the way it started?
I loved how Jade was such a strong independent woman!! The way that their love grew was perfect! Walker was the perfect man – sweet and hot! Can’t wait to see what‘s next!
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!
This series definitely lives up to its name with each book! As always with this author, the story and characters are guaranteed to make you swoon!
This book focuses on Walker and Jade and their story is mix of best friend’s little sister and fake relationship trope. It was well written and will keep you engaged from the first page. Still, the storyline had a couple of emotional situations that I feel were just too quickly glossed over.
Jade and Walker had seriously amazing and sizzling hot chemistry. They were both strong and well developed characters. I liked Jade’s feistiness and Walker’s protectiveness. And I enjoyed seeing their love grow as the story progressed.
I can’t wait to read more!
I received an advanced copy of this book from author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
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
Jade feels 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 her that she could also be vulnerable- with her friends and her brother, and eventually Walker. She has some painful history 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 and steam without going too far raunchy.
What I didn’ 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 underexplored 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 that 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. 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. If you need a sweet story with a hysterical meet-cute, this one is for you. Overall, 3.5 stars.
A Terrific, Fun Read!!
A favor offered. A date for a wedding. She has sworn off men, and he knows her big brother. And, go….
Pure entertainment, with sizzle and humor. The backstory helps us to understand where each character is coming from.
Sparks fly: “By the time we came up for air, I was positive that particular kiss needed to be documented in some history book. If there was a history book of kisses, a chapter should be dedicated to Walker’s kisses. Hot, wet, teasing and sensual, his kisses overpowered all of my senses and left me in a puddle of want.”
Whew, read this one for sure – you will not be sorry!!
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!
Walker and Jade both have said that they are going to stay single forever. Jade has sworn off men and relationships because of her ex. Walker just never thought he would ever fall in love with anyone. Now they are fighting their feelings for each other. The go through a lot together as they try to work out the lust but will Jade be able to trust him when he finally tells her how he really feels and then disappears the next day? When Walker gets back will she forgive him and will he be able to tell her the complete truth to his feeling for her? Will she be able to admit her feelings for him or will she not trust herself enough to open up?
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 fiesty 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.
Jade and Walker
Trust is a must in any relationship. Once it is broken it is hard to believe that it will be repaired.
Jade and Walker are great characters that come alive from the pages in this book. You will cheer and cry for them.
I read the story in two hours because I could not stop.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first J.H. Croix book and I can’t help but think that excellent writing is what I can expect from her. I LOVED this book. I loved the beautifully complex main characters she created. Both Jade and Walker have so many layers to them that the author slowly and skillfully reveals to her readers. The large group of friends that surround Jade and Walker set up how these two meet and “click” when neither one is looking for a relationship and then watching them realize how perfect they are for each other is just magical. The supporting characters are all well drawn and important to the story. This story has humor, explores the pain of great loss, lots of incredible heat, honesty, romance, and a lovely HEA. This is one of the better books this voracious reader has read in the past year and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series that came before. HIGHLY recommend. 🙂
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Another great read, I had to stop myself from reading it in one go, so that I get to spend more time with my book buddies.
If we dare is about Jade and Walker, both coming from solid backgrounds but both going through times in their lives that make them wary of the future.
It was nice to see them take chance and go for it. They both deserve one another.
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!
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.
Jade is Luke’s sister who we meet 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 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 other couples from previous books, too. I loved the epilogues. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. J.H. Croix always writes such wonderful books. I received a free ARC from Booksprout in exchange for my honest review which I’m leaving. I do have my own copy ordered.
What a total Heartthrob…
You can just FEEL the love between Walker and Jade. But neither want a relationship or do they?
Walker needs a date for his best friends wedding. Jade feels like she has a debt to pay. Walker did save her twice and he is smoking hot. Who cares if he’s off limits and my brothers good friend. But neither could imagine the scorching heat they feel for each other.
I loved the chemistry, the laugh out loud moments and the opossum Everette what a fun twist to this heartwarming story.
“I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Can they really do this? Take a risk
Oh my word! If We Dare is one HOT, SEXY, INCREDIBLE story! Walker and Jade are absolutely perfect for each other. Both have sworn off dating. Neither really knows how to trust. Love is not in either of their vocabularies. But one fake date to a wedding just might get them to change their minds – eventually.
There were times when I laughed out loud and times where the tears flowed. Such a wonderful book which is just another winner in the Swoon Series. They’re just getting better and better! Please keep them coming, J. H.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, I enjoyed the first part of this book but it got a little slow for me so I started kind of skipping through…..