Previously published; newly refreshed by author–including bonus chapters! Welcome back to Petal, Georgia in this spin-off of the Chase Brothers series by Lauren Dane. Getting lost in the arms of a bad boy never felt so good Time–and the military– have made Joe Harris a better man than he was when he left Petal, GA ten years ago. Now that he’s back, all is wants is to take care of his dad, … to take care of his dad, get his garage up and running and spend time with his dog. He has no plans for a relationship, especially one with his best friend’s kid sister, no matter how much she tempts him. And boy does she ever.
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Ten years ago Joe Harris left Petal, Georgia for the military and now he’s a better man that he was when he left. All he wants is to get his garage up and running, take care of his dad and spend time with his dog. But even though he has no plans for a relationship, Joe finds himself being tempted by his best friend’s little sister.
This emotionally gripping story grabs readers by the heart and refuses to let go. The romance is full of electrical chemistry and wonderful passionate moments full of depth so that readers really get to know these strong, convincing characters and the emotional turmoil that takes place through this story gets ensures that readers really get the nitty gritty details of everything that Joe is going through with his father and his feelings about entering into a relationship.
The small town and the closeness of the families as they come together are really inspiring and make this romance a heartwarming story that readers can really sink their teeth into. This author has a knack for filling her stories with all the emotions of life so that her stories are realistic and comes to life. This romance also has a bonus story at the end that gives readers a fun and happy experience as the couples of Petal, Georgia experience a celebratory night out.
Joe has just returned to Petal after being in the military. He has his own garage and tries to help out with his father. Beth is one of the many Murphy siblings and her brother is best friends with Joe. When he hits town, she decides to be the welcoming committee. She wants Joe but he comes up with the best friends little sister excuse. But she is determined to win him over. After an incident with his father, Joe tries pushing her away but she’s determined and so is he. Will he realize how much Beth means to him before he loses her for good?
Pretty good story. I thought Beth was a little aggressive but could have been just me. Joe is sort of the tall, silent type motorcycle riding bad boy.
Sex and a dancing dog.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
This story centers around Joe Harris and Beth Murphy.
Joe has returned home after 10 years determined to right some wrongs from his youth as well as starting a new life in Petal, GA. He also has come home to help his Mom who is dealing with his father’s mental health.
Beth is now grown up and though the attraction is there, she is his friend’s kid sister. Beth is determined to pursue him, but he doesn’t want to cross the line. Besides , he feels he’s not good enough for her , nor does he want to burden her with his family’s problems.
As much as I enjoyed Joe’s character, Beth just didn’t do it for me. The plot was a tad slow and I felt it was repetitive.
I suspect that since I had not read the Chase Brothers series, I was also at a disadvantage.
All that said, I appreciated the fact that the author brought to our attention issues that affect not only our society, but the children in the homes of parents suffering from mental health , and alcoholism. A reality that later in life , will affect these children when they become adults.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Carina Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Lost in You in the second book in Lauren Dane’s Petal, Georgia series, but it’s the first book in the series I’ve read, and as I read the Netgalley blurb, which mentioned the Chase Brothers, and having read one or two of novels in that series, I wrongly assumed that this was an additional Chase Brothers novel rather than what it actually is, the second novel in a spinoff series, featuring a slew of characters and extended families that I knew virtually nothing about. These secondary characters were far more than just walk-on characters, they are integral to the story, and because I felt lost among this crowd, and spent a great deal of time trying to figure out who was who, who was married to whom, and which children belonged to which couple, it hampered my enjoyment of this novel, which, although it had many good points, didn’t quite work as a standalone novel for me, which is why I am giving it a 3.5-star rating.
The two featured characters in this novel are Joe Harris and Beth Murphy. As the novel opens, Joe is just returning to Petal, Georgia after a 10-year absence during which he was in the military, serving 4 tours of duty, and getting trained as a mechanic. His reason for returning to town is rather tragic. Back in the day, he was a wild one, but now his father, who was never an easy man to deal with on a good day, has become increasingly unstable, having fits of rage, breaking things, yelling at the neighbors, wandering off in the middle of the night wearing nothing but his pajama bottoms and starting fights with local merchants for no reason. Joe’s mother really hasn’t done anything to get him help, appears to be in denial, and fears even mentioning it. Joe has seen his father get angry when he’s had a few too many drinks, but nothing as disturbing as his father’s recent behavior, and he’s undecided about how to handle the situation.
Beth Murphy is thrilled that Joe is back in town. She had a crush on him during her high school years, and since he’s best friends with one of her brothers, she wants to break through the “sister of my best friend” taboo and get Joe to notice her. What I absolutely loved about Beth was that she was a brash, pretty, funny, smart, open, confident, and independent woman, and not at all afraid of pursuing the man she wanted. With her sisters and brothers all married or about to be married, and all her nieces and nephews running around, Beth wants in on those happily ever afters of strong marriages, built on love, loyalty and honesty, and she’s wants that with Joe–but does he want that with her?.
The Murphy family was as dysfunctional as it gets, with a violent and abusive alcoholic father and mother, who cheated on her husband and disappeared for days at a time without notice, leaving her children to fend for themselves. The oldest Murphy daughter, Tate, took over the mothering role for her younger siblings, and bore the brunt of her father’s violent rages while trying to protect them.
It was impossible not to enjoy Beth’s aggressive pursuit of a relationship with Joe and to root for her to succeed. While Joe initially appears as a big, strong, tough, biker type, he really has become a good man over the years, and although he initially tries to dissuade Beth’s advances, their sexual chemistry is off the charts sizzling, and that part of their relationship works just fine. But Joe isn’t one to share his family secrets or his own history with Beth, and it takes a good part of this novel before Beth, in an attempt to make Joe understand that’s she’s been there, done that with her own dysfunctional parents, he still won’t open up to her. After his father in one of his rages goes berserk at the local watering hole with every one of the main and secondary characters present (minus the children), Joe is so humiliated by what Beth and the other other townspeople saw happening at the bar that night, that he breaks off his relationship with Beth–only she’s not the kind of gal who’ll take no for an answer.
I found this to be an easy, sexy and emotional read, especially with triggers like alcoholism, child and spousal abuse, as well as mental illness playing a major role in this novel. Aside from my confusion with the many secondary characters, this was a well-written (if slightly redundant) heartfelt, and steamy read, but I recommend reading this series in the order in which is was written.
As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
This was such a fun read and I had a sense I had read it before but wasn’t sure until I went to post my review. One thing for certain, this stood the test of time and refresh! Joe Harris has come back to town and his top priority is his family and he doesn’t have time for a relationship but that does not stop Beth Murphy from setting her sights on him. Beth has decided she wants Joe and goes about welcoming him with all her good Southern sweetness and determined she is to get his attention. It was fun watching these two find their way. Joe did not stand a chance! This was full of family, Southern, heat, and heartache but it was definitely one great story. I definitely recommend this one!
From falling in love to heartbreak to family drama and dealing with aging parents with issues and how it affects your life, I was immersed in this tale and at times I felt the pain of the protagonists in my heart like it was my own.
Joe Harris just spoke to me, it was so easy for me to understand his struggles and the way he felt about his parents and everything he tried to do, to hold the family above the waterline and not drown into the sea of mental illness and dementia, issues within the family, PTSD, and everything else life was throwing at him.
Beth Murphy was a notoriously strong woman. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t shy about going after it. There was that daring recklessness in her spirit when it came to Joe, and I loved it. I also loved the tight hold the Murphy siblings have, and how they were there for each other. The things they have survived and still were thriving, successful, healthy human beings was nothing sort of amazing and admirable.
The spark between Joe and Beth took off fast, setting out hot flames. What I really enjoy about this series – that is a bit different than what I often read in the romance genre – is that there is more to the story than just falling in love. The author tells a story that is spread over time, and she shows the difficulties to balance life, business, responsibility, family drama, and a new, budding relationship. Life is not always easy, and we do not always get what we want, and sometimes love and desire alone is not enough, you have to find the guts to dare to share, trust, and open up to build something lasting.
Beth showed that even in heartbreak and during the stormy weathers of life, you do not abandon your loved ones. Those scenes were not easy, the pain is palpable, the angst is high, and there are so many directions the story could take, and my gosh, the ache was real and raw, tangible in the air.
Petal, Georgia is well represented in the story, the meddling townfolks, and the extended family brings a lot of characters into the play. It helps to keep a track of everyone if you have read all the books, it is not necessary, but like said, it helps.
I loved the remakes of the original series with the Chase brothers, and this spinoff remake is proving to be just as potent, passionate, and entertaining.
So much emotion, life, drama, and triumph, fitted into a smoothly flowing, heartfelt tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Awesome read. This is a reissue of a previously published book and the author did a nice job of updating it while maintaining the original story. It’s full of humor, fun, and lots of hot sexy times. Beth is strong, sassy, and determined. Once she makes up her mind that she wants Joe he doesn’t stand a chance. She doesn’t care how many this is a bad idea excuses he has or how much he protests. I love these characters and the quirky town of Petal. Can’t wait for more and I definitely recommend this one.
The return to Petal, Ga with Lost in You is an incredible read. Lauren Dane is an incredible read. Joe Harris is back in town to care for his parents since his Dads health isn’t so great. Beth Murphy is a happy no-nonsense girl despite the way she grew up. Joe is also Beth’s older brothers best friend – she is trying to convince him the best friend code need not be applied because she wants him. It just seems the baggage he has may get in the way.
3 1/2 stars. This was a light and airy read that was enjoyable. I’ve always enjoyed this series. The added content was nice having read the original. Fun characters. Joe is charming, Beth is a Hurricane force wind but lovable. I was rooting for them all the way! Lots going on in Petal, gossip and family stuff it’s a pretty fun and quirky place.
Lost In You by Lauren Dane is book 2 in the Petal, Georgia. This is the story of Joe Harris and Beth Murphy. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Joe is back from the military trying to reconnect with his old life help his family and hopefully move forward from past mistakes. Beth is at the for-front of wanting to welcome Joe home. Joe has some issue with feeling like he deserved the love and attention he was getting I thought, especially feelings Beth wanted to give him.
This is a re-release with updated story line and some added chapters.