Rule #1: Do not fall for your brother’s best friend.Rule # 2: Absolutely do not fall for your brother’s best friend.Rule # 3: Don’t break the rules. ShayJackson Stone is hot—like burn-down-buildings kind of hot. He’s also my brother’s best friend, and the memory of one kiss with him years ago still might get to me. Maybe. But, I am not looking for a second chance.When I return to the small town … looking for a second chance.
When I return to the small town of Stolen Hearts Valley, my life is a hot mess. I’m a few bucks shy of broke with nowhere else to go. My heart’s battered and bruised, and when it comes to romance, the door is nailed shut.
But Jackson’s the kind of man women ruin panties over. Oh, and he’s my roommate. Talk about too close for comfort.
When I’m at my most vulnerable, he pulls that whole knight-in-shining-armor thing. What can I say? He’s near impossible to resist.
Jackson
Shay Martin is my best friend’s little sister. And she’s so hot she nearly sets me on fire.
She’s a walking complication, and I don’t do complications. But I can’t seem to stay away from her. It doesn’t help that her bedroom is across the hall from mine.
Every look, every kiss, every touch nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t keep my balance, much less think. Before I know it, I’ll do anything for her.
*This is a full-length standalone romance with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
more
This author never fails to deliver seriously hot and swoon-worthy story! It was a great start for the new series and I can’t wait for more!
Shay and Jackson’s story was field with emotions, personal growth and healing, and of course some steamy hot chemistry! They were both easily lovable characters that you can connect with and can’t help but root for their HEA. It was a truly enjoyable read and I gladly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from “Bad Boy Update” and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
ONE SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!!!
Wow! Croix rocks this baby to its core with its jaw dropping theme. Her eye and mind for detail just blows me away. This little gem grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. Just when you think it can’t get any deeper. Think again. This little gem will keep you in a tail spin and on a razors edge throughout its entirety. Croix’s no turning back attitude really set the stage for this striking storyline and gripping plot. This non-stop, action packed, fast paced, page turning bombshell brings this bad boy bursting to life beautifully. Throw in all the drama, angst, danger and suspense and you have the making for one thrilling experience. The characters are authentic, relatable and so realistic you feel like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Amazing job Croix, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Wonderful start to a new series! This is classic Croix in that it touches you on all levels. It’s sweet, hot, sexy, funny, sad and oh so good! This deals with an extremely heavy subject, abuse, but it still manages to make you feel good. Can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love that we finally get Shay’s story!! You first read about her in Remy’s book. She has left her abusive ex and needs to start over. She hasn’t clued anyone in on exactly what happened, but she feels safe at Jackson’s ranch. She had one kiss with him years ago and their chemistry is still there. He tries to stay away because of her brother, and her fragile state. He is a confirmed bachelor, until he can’t resist anymore. Shay finally feels at peace, and feels an attraction she never thought she was capable of again. This is raw and gritty at times, but also so sweet and smoking hot!! I loved this!!!
Jackson and Shay’s story just stole my heart. Their chemistry and raw need for each other is so powerful that neither of them know what to do with the feelings that develop between them.
Shay came to Jackson running from her past. She needed a safe place to land.
Jackson doesn’t think love is ever in the cards for him. His demons from the military haunt him daily.
The unexpected new relationship is everything they never thought they could have Love, Peace, Family and a future of happiness.
I voluntarily received this arc from Bad Boy Update for an honest review.
A fantastic debut to the Swoon Series by one of my favorite authors, J.H. Croix, with captivating characters and a smartly written story that had me completely immersed in all that was happening from beginning to end. I really liked the small town vibe of Stolen Hearts Valley in the beautiful North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. I loved the undeniable chemistry and steamy romance between Jackson Stone and Shay Martin.
This Crazy Love is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a swoon-worthy, emotionally-charged romance. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
YES!
I have just finished the first in another moving, electrifying, beautifully painted world created by Ms. Croix!
Realistic, swoony along with that turn you into a puddle of -woo- from the heat Oh My * Fans Self*, Jackson and Shay’s story of second chances, moving forward, insta emotions, and the taboo’s of it engaged all my senses right from the very start wrapping me up in their emotionally distraught sensually driven tug of war.
“….she was-sunshine and steel, light and darkness, boldness and vulnerability.”
A compelling storyline that deals with heavy subjects respectfully, leaving the reader feeling the emotions of the characters but not in an over drama’fide way, or on the other hand brushing it off as if it didn’t matter.
Humorous, sweet and everything in between creatively weaved throughout the well-paced, smooth sailing storyline giving us a perfect escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I am hooked already! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
What an amazing story by the talented Ms. Croix!
Shay and Jackson grew up together. Jackson and her brother, Remy, are best friends and Shay and Jackson’s sister, Ash, are best friends. When Shay comes home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, broke and with no place to stay, Jackson and Ash offer their home. Jackson and his sister run an animal rescue, veterinary practice, and travel lodge. Jackson is swoon worthy in every sense of the word: he rescues and treats animals, and he’s a first responder!
Shay recently got out of an abusive relationship and needs a fresh start, so even though Jackson is hot, romance is not on her list. Ms. Croix wrote about a very emotionally hard topic, but she did it with a lot of respect and a lot of heart.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Jackson an Shay grew up together and he was her brother’s best friend. When Shay found herself in a place in her life that wasn’t good for her, Jackson welcomed her to his family farm with open arms. They are both dealing with trauma in their lives. Jackson has always had a soft spot for Shay and now she is living with him. Can their relationship be the balm that soothes life experience and make them whole? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
My first read by this author and I’m seriously fangirling!
This is book 1 in The Swoon Series and it’s off to a great start!!
Charming, bittersweet and passionate, this romance also comes with a bit of Western charm give it extra kick!
The author provided a thoughtful look at heart wrenching circumstances affecting Shay and Jackson. They are victims of painful pasts and how they come out on the other side.
The story flowed well and the main characters Shay and Jackson were likable and relatable.
Can 2 broken people overcome their past and find happiness?
Their chemistry was combustible their banter was funny and sexy and well…so worth discovering and swoonworthy!!
Theirs is a crazy love!!
4.5 stars!
This Crazy Love is the first book in the Swoon series by J H Croix set on a ranch in the North Carolina mountains. This book is an excellent start with well written character development that you really enjoy reading and getting to know them.
Shay comes to the ranch of her brothers best friend Jackson to heal after a well publicized abusive relationship. Jackson also has demons of his own from being in the military but they are both instantly attracted to each other. This book is swoon worthy and definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shay Martin is back in her small hometown of Stolen Hearts Valley when she left a terribly abusive, damaging relationship. All she wants is a new beginning, a chance to start over and heal. Arrangements are made for her to work and stay with her brothers best friend, Jackson Stone. Many years ago, Shay and Jackson had shared a very special, unbelievable kiss. But both have been through painful, difficult times since then and have no expectations of any kind of relationship.
Jackson had a picture in his mind of the annoying little sister of his best friend. Seeing the woman she has become brings an instant attraction and he feels unworthy of her because of his own damaging pain from the military. He was aware of some of the experiences she had endured, even though he knew that probably wasn’t the whole story. Shay likewise fights the feelings that she has for this man. Jackson is so different from her horrible ex. Maybe taking a chance with him can bring back the trust that her ex beat out of her. Maybe it’s time to make some new and better memories – for both of them?
This was such a good story! The characters were wonderfully described and the chemistry between the two felt so natural. The story line was well paced, steadily moving through the experiences and pain the two have suffered toward hope of something better. The author has a real talent with bringing believable events into the story to touch the heart and bring hope and healing to worthy individuals who need it most. Grab your copy and experience their journey.
Sjoe, a hectic & fantastic story of trying to conquer their respective past versions of hell, he faced devastating sorrow in Iraq, she faced mental & physical abuse in a relationship so traumatic, even though politically connected, he went to jail. She had less than nothing but she reached out to a friend & found more than sanctuary & healing in the arms of her friend’s brother who happened to be her elder brother’s best friend & seemingly off limits. The heart knows what it wants & luckily there was no stopping their reconnection to a healing, off the charts sexy hea. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
First off, I have loved every book by J.H. Croix that I’ve read. She does an excellent job of making you fall in love with her characters and feel so invested in them getting their HEA. This Crazy Love was no exception.
Jackson and Shay’s story was so sweet and had that slow burn feel. They couldn’t get enough of each other but neither would admit their feelings. Both felt too broken to find love and I just love when people like that find their true love.
She also introduces us to several side characters that work at the farm and I really hope we get their stories as well. This is going to be a great series!
An Outstanding Story .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of This Crazy Love . I really enjoyed reading this story . It’s beautifully written . Jackson is best friends with Shay’s brother he was in the military and experienced terrible things he doesn’t think he’s worthy of a loving relationship . Shay escaped a terrible abusive relationship she had horrible things happen to her . She doesn’t plan on having a meaningful relationship Ever
after what she’s been through . She finds herself at Jackson her one time crush . They both feel the attraction . Jackson fights the feelings that grow fast due to his fears . Shay struggles with her trama she went through with her ex boyfriend . The story is emotional and steamy and all out Fantastic . I cannot recommend it enough . 5 star
Caught up in rain clouds, Jackson and Shay stumble upon their rainbow. At the worst possible time. Love and heartache go hand in hand in this emotional roller coaster ride. This Crazy Love fights it’s way through some serious drama to find the way into love. Heartbreak haunts her, danger stalks her and attraction fuels the fire. Jackson is no hero, but he wants to be her avenging angel. Croix knows how to break a heart. I left a piece my heart behind.
Perfect For Each Other
What a great romance with lots of depth. Shay and Jackson have chemistry that’s explosive. They both have a lot of baggage and hurt from the past and their hearts are wounded. They were so perfect for each other and they helped heal each other. Told from a dual POV so it was nice to know what each was thinking. Likable characters and an entertaining story with a HEA. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review.
This is a great new series for JH Croix. It is off to a great start with Jackson and Shay. Both are wounded and have issues to overcome before committing to a relationship. But sparks between them are flying hot and furious. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Even though this is a serious subject matter and no one wants to talk about it, this book shows how the effects of mental, emotional, and physical/sexual abuse last for a long time even though you go through therapy. Sometimes trusting people that were very close to you at one time is hard because of this abuse but sometime once you get out that is the thing you have are family and the very close friends who wouldn’t leave no matter what the abuser tried.
What Shay has gone through is so traumatic and she has not told anyone not even the police the whole truth. Luckily there were witness for part of it and they got pictures and a little video to help convict her ex. Everyone knows what happened because her ex is the son of a high profile political figure in the state. Her ex also has alienated most of her friends and her only family, her brother Remy, lives in Alaska. Now she has nowhere to go so when her best friend calls and tells her to come stay with them for as long as she needs she jumps at the chance. She just never thought the crush she had on her best friends older brother to come back full force. Jackson also happens to be her brothers best friend so anything happening between them is off limits.
Jackson remembers Shay as the annoying little sister of his best friend but when she shows up at the lodge he is blown away at how beautiful she is and finds and instant attraction that he knows he needs to fight. He knows what she has been through by what has been in the news and what Remy has told him but also knows that there is more to it. They fight their attraction for a bit but then Shay decides she needs to get rid of the bad memories of sex and Jackson is just the person to give her good ones because he is the only one that she can trust. Can they keep it as just that or will they both get feelings involved? What will happen when Shay moves out of the main house into one of the cabins and avoids Jackson? What will Remy say when Jackson calls him and then Remy calls Shay?
It was so much fun getting to know these new characters. I loved the ranch setting, settled in a valley surrounded by mountains with a friendly staff that slowly become family. As for Shay and Jackson, there is nothing slow about their relationship! They start on their wild ride pretty much from the beginning and crash into love, totally unwillingly, at the first bend. Their chemistry was undeniable and their love story inevitable, yet neither was ready for this in their lives. It was delightful to see their characters evolve as being with each other actually seemed to bring out the best in both of them, as well as their inner battles fail time after time! I loved this first book, and can’t wait to find out more about Ash (complete mystery) and the other characters who we’ve just begun to warm up to!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.