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Sam’s used to keeping secrets.
From hiding who she and her sisters really are, to downplaying how much she’s still struggling to move forward, there’s plenty she’s holding close.
And plenty she pushes away.
Tate should fall into the latter category. He’s at least partially responsible for the incident she can’t quite manage to put behind her, and there’s no denying he’s one-hundred percent male.
That’s two strikes against him.
The third comes when he shows up in Shadow Pine and parks his fifth wheel right next to her house. Again. Ready to serve as her round-the-clock bodyguard.
Only having him hover at her side, glaring at any man who comes too close, isn’t nearly as awful as she wants it to be. Because Tate makes her feel a way she hasn’t in forever.
Safe.
But Tate is hiding a secret of his own. One that brings something dangerous to Shadow Pine.
Something determined to steal this new happiness right out from under her.
Sam is book 4 in the BIG Northwest series and is best read in order. It
✔Growly, Protective Hero
✔V-Card Sporting, Thirty-something Heroine
✔Single-Dad(ish)
✔Someone’s Got a Secret
✔Paranormal Suspense
✔No 3rd Act Breakup
✔Low Angst
From hiding who she and her sisters really are, to downplaying how much she’s still struggling to move forward, there’s plenty she’s holding close.
And plenty she pushes away.
Tate should fall into the latter category. He’s at least partially responsible for the incident she can’t quite manage to put behind her, and there’s no denying he’s one-hundred percent male.
That’s two strikes against him.
The third comes when he shows up in Shadow Pine and parks his fifth wheel right next to her house. Again. Ready to serve as her round-the-clock bodyguard.
Only having him hover at her side, glaring at any man who comes too close, isn’t nearly as awful as she wants it to be. Because Tate makes her feel a way she hasn’t in forever.
Safe.
But Tate is hiding a secret of his own. One that brings something dangerous to Shadow Pine.
Something determined to steal this new happiness right out from under her.
Sam is book 4 in the BIG Northwest series and is best read in order. It
✔Growly, Protective Hero
✔V-Card Sporting, Thirty-something Heroine
✔Single-Dad(ish)
✔Someone’s Got a Secret
✔Paranormal Suspense
✔No 3rd Act Breakup
✔Low Angst
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
138 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 10, 2025
Sam finds her HEA
Like the author hinted, this book feels long. Which is good, but also rough. There's a lot going on with Sam and her emotions, based on the arrival of, and assertion of, Lily into her life.
I was pretty upset with Tate for that, even if Lily is exactly where she needs to be. The attention Tate has to Sam has been a given since the beginning, and their steamy chemistry never questioned, but I felt like he moved quickly, once able to... but again, Sam is/was dealing with her PTSD from before, so I guess I can't be too mad at him. 😉
This series is so easy to connect with and enjoy. The pages turn themselves, and between the dangerous situations and the sizzling connections in the storyline, it's easy to lose yourself to this world.
Obviously reading in order is your best experience, as it helps you avoid spoilers.
Dig into this author's numerous other works when you are done here. Worth your time, IMO.
Like the author hinted, this book feels long. Which is good, but also rough. There's a lot going on with Sam and her emotions, based on the arrival of, and assertion of, Lily into her life.
I was pretty upset with Tate for that, even if Lily is exactly where she needs to be. The attention Tate has to Sam has been a given since the beginning, and their steamy chemistry never questioned, but I felt like he moved quickly, once able to... but again, Sam is/was dealing with her PTSD from before, so I guess I can't be too mad at him. 😉
This series is so easy to connect with and enjoy. The pages turn themselves, and between the dangerous situations and the sizzling connections in the storyline, it's easy to lose yourself to this world.
Obviously reading in order is your best experience, as it helps you avoid spoilers.
Dig into this author's numerous other works when you are done here. Worth your time, IMO.
Read
September 20, 2025Don’t think this is a standalone…
April 5, 2024
Sam & Tate by Janice Whiteaker
For those who've been following along, Janice Whitaker takes her paranormal shifter series to a whole other level. And, it's freaking great!!!
Let's get right to it. This is book #4 in the Big Northwest series. Tate & Sam's romance is encompassed in this book, but they actually met back in the first book of this series. This story could be read as a stand-alone. But, I highly recommend that you consider starting back at Danny's book and reading Alex's & Charlie's books too. There are relevant details in the back story that, I believe, will make Sam's book even more enjoyable.
I thought I knew where this story was going, but then Janice took a hard left turn right into awesome town. There were definitely a few times that my jaw dropped, and I shouted, "Holy Crap! - What the fluff just happened?!!!"
Bonus - If you are familiar with any of Janice's other books (ie: Jemma Westbrook), there are a few Easter Eggs here that give you an idea of where she might take us readers later. I'll just say, "YAY!"
No spoilers here - but a few honorable mentions......
The scenes between Charlie and Sam are hysterical. 😆 When your little sister has to give you the sex talk? Awkward. 😅
Tate's parents are hilarious, especially when they show up and give Tate a very different kind of talk. 🤣🤣🤣
Tate's niece, Lily, who he is the guardian of, is adorably precocious. She is also the catalyst for bringing Sam & Tate together to make this love connection. ❤️
Last but most certainly not least - the scenes between Sam & Tate are 🌶🔥.
However, the connection they have is so much more. You've got to love a hero who knows what his shero needs and does whatever it takes to keep her safe and protected. Physically and emotionally. The growth of Sam's character from the beginning of this series to the end of this book left me stunned and a little book hungover. In the best way possible. That poor woman had so much time to make up for. I think she became one of my favorite Sheros of all time. 🏆
If you haven't done the math, there are 2 more sisters to go. Frankie will be out later this year. Then, the elusive youngest sister, James, will be, I think, later this year or early 2025. Janice dropped a couple more of those fluffing Easter eggs in the epilogue about both Frankie & James. Needless to say, I will be right there taking all of those sharp turns. When Janice Whiteaker (JW) is driving, I just hold on for the ride. 🎢
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
If you want even more of the back story, you will love visiting Greenlea, WV for Big Secrets of Mountain Men.
For those who've been following along, Janice Whitaker takes her paranormal shifter series to a whole other level. And, it's freaking great!!!
Let's get right to it. This is book #4 in the Big Northwest series. Tate & Sam's romance is encompassed in this book, but they actually met back in the first book of this series. This story could be read as a stand-alone. But, I highly recommend that you consider starting back at Danny's book and reading Alex's & Charlie's books too. There are relevant details in the back story that, I believe, will make Sam's book even more enjoyable.
I thought I knew where this story was going, but then Janice took a hard left turn right into awesome town. There were definitely a few times that my jaw dropped, and I shouted, "Holy Crap! - What the fluff just happened?!!!"
Bonus - If you are familiar with any of Janice's other books (ie: Jemma Westbrook), there are a few Easter Eggs here that give you an idea of where she might take us readers later. I'll just say, "YAY!"
No spoilers here - but a few honorable mentions......
The scenes between Charlie and Sam are hysterical. 😆 When your little sister has to give you the sex talk? Awkward. 😅
Tate's parents are hilarious, especially when they show up and give Tate a very different kind of talk. 🤣🤣🤣
Tate's niece, Lily, who he is the guardian of, is adorably precocious. She is also the catalyst for bringing Sam & Tate together to make this love connection. ❤️
Last but most certainly not least - the scenes between Sam & Tate are 🌶🔥.
However, the connection they have is so much more. You've got to love a hero who knows what his shero needs and does whatever it takes to keep her safe and protected. Physically and emotionally. The growth of Sam's character from the beginning of this series to the end of this book left me stunned and a little book hungover. In the best way possible. That poor woman had so much time to make up for. I think she became one of my favorite Sheros of all time. 🏆
If you haven't done the math, there are 2 more sisters to go. Frankie will be out later this year. Then, the elusive youngest sister, James, will be, I think, later this year or early 2025. Janice dropped a couple more of those fluffing Easter eggs in the epilogue about both Frankie & James. Needless to say, I will be right there taking all of those sharp turns. When Janice Whiteaker (JW) is driving, I just hold on for the ride. 🎢
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
If you want even more of the back story, you will love visiting Greenlea, WV for Big Secrets of Mountain Men.
February 21, 2024
Suspense, Intrigue, Steam, and Some Serious Twists!
Big NW takes on a whole new meaning in Janice Whiteaker’s latest series installment. Sam is everything I wanted in the book, and so much more. Because, wow! Just when I thought Whiteaker had blown my mind with the series itself, she throws Tate into the mix, and all bets are off.
You know that feeling when you become super attached to a side character in a novel and you can’t wait for their book and then they get their book and it’s soooo much more than you ever anticipated? That’s me with this book. Not only does Whiteaker bring Sam to beautiful life, complete with a heartwarming and tissue-grabbing HEA, she does it with all the humor and intrigue, passion and intensity I look forward to in her books. Plus, I think this may be her steamiest book yet.
I won’t give anything away, but I will tell you to expect a twist. And then another twist. Aaaannndd….maybe one more.
And you are going to love these characters. Sam is smart and snarky, determined and independent, and also beautifully vulnerable and understandably sheltered. Tate is, well… Unf! Tate is book boyfriend legend material. And in the interest of not giving things away, I’ll just say you have got to meet him for yourself. He’s absolutely incredible. On so many levels. Oh, and there’s another pretty important character Tate brings into the mix. And the host of family and friends already surrounding the Shadow Pine sisters you’ll love to catch up with. Seeing them all come together again is amazing. Watching Sam find her joy, purpose, and place in life is incredible.
Sam is part of Whiteaker’s Big NW series, which is a spin-off series of her Secrets of Mountain Men series. And while you can read Sam as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. For one, all of the books are amazing. And you’ll also have a deeper understanding of why the things that happen in Sam are so pivotal. But, that being said, go ahead and read Sam first if you want to, then dive into that glorious binge. Because once you start, you’re going to need them all.
Big NW takes on a whole new meaning in Janice Whiteaker’s latest series installment. Sam is everything I wanted in the book, and so much more. Because, wow! Just when I thought Whiteaker had blown my mind with the series itself, she throws Tate into the mix, and all bets are off.
You know that feeling when you become super attached to a side character in a novel and you can’t wait for their book and then they get their book and it’s soooo much more than you ever anticipated? That’s me with this book. Not only does Whiteaker bring Sam to beautiful life, complete with a heartwarming and tissue-grabbing HEA, she does it with all the humor and intrigue, passion and intensity I look forward to in her books. Plus, I think this may be her steamiest book yet.
I won’t give anything away, but I will tell you to expect a twist. And then another twist. Aaaannndd….maybe one more.
And you are going to love these characters. Sam is smart and snarky, determined and independent, and also beautifully vulnerable and understandably sheltered. Tate is, well… Unf! Tate is book boyfriend legend material. And in the interest of not giving things away, I’ll just say you have got to meet him for yourself. He’s absolutely incredible. On so many levels. Oh, and there’s another pretty important character Tate brings into the mix. And the host of family and friends already surrounding the Shadow Pine sisters you’ll love to catch up with. Seeing them all come together again is amazing. Watching Sam find her joy, purpose, and place in life is incredible.
Sam is part of Whiteaker’s Big NW series, which is a spin-off series of her Secrets of Mountain Men series. And while you can read Sam as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. For one, all of the books are amazing. And you’ll also have a deeper understanding of why the things that happen in Sam are so pivotal. But, that being said, go ahead and read Sam first if you want to, then dive into that glorious binge. Because once you start, you’re going to need them all.
February 28, 2024
A book definitely has my attention when I have to remind myself to breathe during chapter 1! Reactions like this are why I read Janice Whiteaker’s books. She is a master at using words to evoke emotions and pull readers in. A hint of fated mates early on drew me in. The feeling of protection, found family and suspense kept me engaged and wanting more.
Sam is a mix of tough and tender. The story begins with her appearing to be the opposite of the no-nonsense, protective young woman she has had to be to survive. She has become a sideshow attraction as her life has been absolutely turned upside down, struggling to regain the confidence and strength she has always possessed. I felt for her as she had to deal with her life being invaded by strangers.
And then there’s Tate. He’s tall, growly, and hyper-focused on Sam. His support and belief in her are so appealing. How can you not love his inner struggle because of his innate draw towards Sam? Growling mine and sweet girl was absolutely primal and claiming. Her tentative draw towards him is a complete surprise and awakening for her, particularly since Sam hasn’t been around decent men. The secret they share and a game of tag in the woods made this one of the steamiest books I’ve read!
I adore Tate’s niece. Lily wasn’t a character just to be a cute addition thrown in. She gave Lily a purpose at a time when it was desperately needed. The connection between Lily and Sam is one of my favorite parts.
This story was more than a romance with elements of suspense. It is about family and learning to deal with who we are. If you know the truth about Shadow Pine, you’ll eat up every single detail.
I read this as a standalone because I’m not at this point in the series. I chose to read this out of order, but it was worth it because now I’m curious to go back and put it all together.
Sam is a mix of tough and tender. The story begins with her appearing to be the opposite of the no-nonsense, protective young woman she has had to be to survive. She has become a sideshow attraction as her life has been absolutely turned upside down, struggling to regain the confidence and strength she has always possessed. I felt for her as she had to deal with her life being invaded by strangers.
And then there’s Tate. He’s tall, growly, and hyper-focused on Sam. His support and belief in her are so appealing. How can you not love his inner struggle because of his innate draw towards Sam? Growling mine and sweet girl was absolutely primal and claiming. Her tentative draw towards him is a complete surprise and awakening for her, particularly since Sam hasn’t been around decent men. The secret they share and a game of tag in the woods made this one of the steamiest books I’ve read!
I adore Tate’s niece. Lily wasn’t a character just to be a cute addition thrown in. She gave Lily a purpose at a time when it was desperately needed. The connection between Lily and Sam is one of my favorite parts.
This story was more than a romance with elements of suspense. It is about family and learning to deal with who we are. If you know the truth about Shadow Pine, you’ll eat up every single detail.
I read this as a standalone because I’m not at this point in the series. I chose to read this out of order, but it was worth it because now I’m curious to go back and put it all together.
February 23, 2024
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Big Northwest #4
Troupes- Growly, Protective Hero, V Card heroine, single guardian, urban suspense, low angst
Representation- PTSD
CW- Mentions of kidnapping, bear attack
This is first book in this series for me, I love to read a good urban fantasy with Bigfoot creatures! And this Series from Janice hits the spot nicely!
So I knew nothing about this book going in I don’t think I even read the synopsis, and while I think it would be better to read this one with the others it is not necessary to understand the setting and background of the family centered in it.
Sam is the eldest sister of a group of beastly girls that grew up rough, she raised the others and now with them all grown and finding love she can now deal with her own life. After a kidnapping by her biological father she is left with some PTSD resulting in panic attacks and the need to feel super secure.
Enter Tate, security expert and also a beast. And along with him a sweet child named Lily that is his niece. Sam and Lily instantly connect and Tate instantly falls for Sam and after some sweet and spicy times and drama from some baddies these three get there HFN.
I enjoyed this one enough to want to read the rest of the series! I always enjoy Janice’s writing and her over protective, growly hero's and this one serves it up!
Thank you Janice for the advanced copy all opinions are my own!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Big Northwest #4
Troupes- Growly, Protective Hero, V Card heroine, single guardian, urban suspense, low angst
Representation- PTSD
CW- Mentions of kidnapping, bear attack
This is first book in this series for me, I love to read a good urban fantasy with Bigfoot creatures! And this Series from Janice hits the spot nicely!
So I knew nothing about this book going in I don’t think I even read the synopsis, and while I think it would be better to read this one with the others it is not necessary to understand the setting and background of the family centered in it.
Sam is the eldest sister of a group of beastly girls that grew up rough, she raised the others and now with them all grown and finding love she can now deal with her own life. After a kidnapping by her biological father she is left with some PTSD resulting in panic attacks and the need to feel super secure.
Enter Tate, security expert and also a beast. And along with him a sweet child named Lily that is his niece. Sam and Lily instantly connect and Tate instantly falls for Sam and after some sweet and spicy times and drama from some baddies these three get there HFN.
I enjoyed this one enough to want to read the rest of the series! I always enjoy Janice’s writing and her over protective, growly hero's and this one serves it up!
Thank you Janice for the advanced copy all opinions are my own!
March 7, 2024
Book four in the series is written in third person and ends with a HEA. Though this book fully contains the love story of Sam and Tate, this series is best read in order.
Tate is a fantastic hero. With a soft spot a mile wide for his precious niece, and close familial relationships with his parents, he is a little bit of a conundrum to Sam and her sisters. Sam, being the oldest, has carried so much responsibility for her sisters. She has been strong, and brave, and is now just a little bit broken. The attraction between Tate and Sam is undeniable. They tried to avoid a relationship, but it was truly unavoidable. I adore the immediate bond between Sam and Lily. I love that with Tate, she considers having a family of her own and a romantic relationship for the first time. Tate is uber-protective and can’t imagine his life without Sam. He is my favorite hero of the series. I love that he has internal struggles and a little loss of control when it comes to his feelings for Sam. Some of his struggles even made me giggle.
This was the steamiest book in the series so far. These two are HOT. I love the continued emphasis on blood and found family and the roles they play in the characters’ healing and growth. The suspense element I expect from this author is well crafted and even came with a surprise or two along the way.
I loved this and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Tate is a fantastic hero. With a soft spot a mile wide for his precious niece, and close familial relationships with his parents, he is a little bit of a conundrum to Sam and her sisters. Sam, being the oldest, has carried so much responsibility for her sisters. She has been strong, and brave, and is now just a little bit broken. The attraction between Tate and Sam is undeniable. They tried to avoid a relationship, but it was truly unavoidable. I adore the immediate bond between Sam and Lily. I love that with Tate, she considers having a family of her own and a romantic relationship for the first time. Tate is uber-protective and can’t imagine his life without Sam. He is my favorite hero of the series. I love that he has internal struggles and a little loss of control when it comes to his feelings for Sam. Some of his struggles even made me giggle.
This was the steamiest book in the series so far. These two are HOT. I love the continued emphasis on blood and found family and the roles they play in the characters’ healing and growth. The suspense element I expect from this author is well crafted and even came with a surprise or two along the way.
I loved this and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
February 25, 2024
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
TITLE: Sam
AUTHOR: Janice Whiteaker
SERIES: Pacific Northwest
SERIES ORDER: 4 of 6
PUBLISHED DATE: 2/23/2024
GENRE: Small Town Romance, Shifter Romance
RATING: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
------------------
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book! Janice Whiteaker has really grown as an author with this book! Ever since Mountain Calling (Secrets of Mountain Men, #1), Janice has ventured into the paranormal with her Bigfoot shifters. Unfortunately they weren’t as paranormal as some people would like. I feel like this book she finally breaks through and explores the shifter dynamic a bit more than in her previous books.
I loved Sam and Tate in this story! I loved how they challenged each other, and how they looked after each other. I loved their banter and playfulness!
One of the things Janice excels at in her storytelling is writing kids. She brings such life to her young characters! Lily was so fun to watch! I loved her relationship with Tate. I loved how she bonded with Sam.
Thank you Janice and Julie for the advance copy!
TITLE: Sam
AUTHOR: Janice Whiteaker
SERIES: Pacific Northwest
SERIES ORDER: 4 of 6
PUBLISHED DATE: 2/23/2024
GENRE: Small Town Romance, Shifter Romance
RATING: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
------------------
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book! Janice Whiteaker has really grown as an author with this book! Ever since Mountain Calling (Secrets of Mountain Men, #1), Janice has ventured into the paranormal with her Bigfoot shifters. Unfortunately they weren’t as paranormal as some people would like. I feel like this book she finally breaks through and explores the shifter dynamic a bit more than in her previous books.
I loved Sam and Tate in this story! I loved how they challenged each other, and how they looked after each other. I loved their banter and playfulness!
One of the things Janice excels at in her storytelling is writing kids. She brings such life to her young characters! Lily was so fun to watch! I loved her relationship with Tate. I loved how she bonded with Sam.
Thank you Janice and Julie for the advance copy!
April 23, 2024
This series is amazing, I have binged the first 3 books to get ready for Sam!
Everything about this little town and the community and connections that are building grabs you and pulls you in!
Sam the stoic older sister whom lets nothing get by in her town, the protector of her family!!
Tate the man who was to protect the sisters but had failed , he had a chip on his shoulder and past regrets! Add to
This the secrets he owns … to his core he is a good man!
A special little girl whom wrapped her arms around each person in her life with her beautiful spirit and became the ultimate protector.
The relationship between these three was enthralling and you felt the emotions to your soul!
It’s a story of selflessness, self forgiveness, learning to learn on others and most of all living life fully!
Throw in some, humor, angst and danger and new side characters we get to love. It’s whimsical, enchanting and allows us to use our imagination.
Loved this from beginning to end and can’t wait for the next book!
February 23, 2024
The first think you might need to know before reading this book is it just might be the spiciest and most feral of the BIG Northwest series so far. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you've read the previous books of BIG Northwest you've already met Tate when he was hired to provide security for Shadow Pine, but this time he's back to provide personal protection for Sam and he's on a mission to atone for his mistake and show her that he can be trusted with more than just her safety. He will also learn that he needs her to protect him just as much as she needs him.
I love how their primal instincts keep drawing them together and they are both figuring out what is going on. The chemistry and sparks between them is so foreign to either one of them.
Summarized thought from Tate that I love: Every fiber of his being needed everyone to know who Sam belonged to. And how completely she owned him. 🔥💗
And I absolutely love the epilogue!!!! Can't wait for Frankie's story!
If you've read the previous books of BIG Northwest you've already met Tate when he was hired to provide security for Shadow Pine, but this time he's back to provide personal protection for Sam and he's on a mission to atone for his mistake and show her that he can be trusted with more than just her safety. He will also learn that he needs her to protect him just as much as she needs him.
I love how their primal instincts keep drawing them together and they are both figuring out what is going on. The chemistry and sparks between them is so foreign to either one of them.
Summarized thought from Tate that I love: Every fiber of his being needed everyone to know who Sam belonged to. And how completely she owned him. 🔥💗
And I absolutely love the epilogue!!!! Can't wait for Frankie's story!
February 23, 2024
Sam is book 4 in the Big NW Series.
She is suffering in silence, keeping up an image of being strong for her sisters. She has always been the strongest, most independent sister, who stepped up to take care of her sisters.
Tate is partially responsible for the incident that has Sam struggling. So he packs up his niece Lily and temporarily moves them to town to keep Sam safe.
But that isn't the only reason. Tate says he needs Sam's help with his niece. A niece Sam feels an instant connection to and a strong need to protect her.
Tate & Sam both feel drawn to one another, they have some intense chemistry and awesome banter.
They grow closer as Tate helps her feel secure and gain more of her independence back.
Lily is an adorable character, who has some interesting furry friends.
This book was full of twists and turns, and I could not put it down.
She is suffering in silence, keeping up an image of being strong for her sisters. She has always been the strongest, most independent sister, who stepped up to take care of her sisters.
Tate is partially responsible for the incident that has Sam struggling. So he packs up his niece Lily and temporarily moves them to town to keep Sam safe.
But that isn't the only reason. Tate says he needs Sam's help with his niece. A niece Sam feels an instant connection to and a strong need to protect her.
Tate & Sam both feel drawn to one another, they have some intense chemistry and awesome banter.
They grow closer as Tate helps her feel secure and gain more of her independence back.
Lily is an adorable character, who has some interesting furry friends.
This book was full of twists and turns, and I could not put it down.
February 25, 2024
Gah, I've been impatiently waiting for Sam's book and it did not disappoint.
Tate was everything Sam didn't know she needed. After the incident with the Bellamy boys, Sam's fierce confidence is in ruins. Not only did it ruin her confidence, but the crippling anxiety it left her was making it unbearable to move on.
Tate's pull to return to Shadow Pines seemed to grow by the day along with his need to provide for Lily, his niece, in a way he was sure only Sam and her sisters could. When given the chance to come back and provide protection for Sam, he jumped at the opportunity.
His unwavering support for Sam in all things was the balm that she needed. I loved how they both provided something the other needed which let their relationship flourish.
I can't wait to see what happens with Frankie, next!
Tate was everything Sam didn't know she needed. After the incident with the Bellamy boys, Sam's fierce confidence is in ruins. Not only did it ruin her confidence, but the crippling anxiety it left her was making it unbearable to move on.
Tate's pull to return to Shadow Pines seemed to grow by the day along with his need to provide for Lily, his niece, in a way he was sure only Sam and her sisters could. When given the chance to come back and provide protection for Sam, he jumped at the opportunity.
His unwavering support for Sam in all things was the balm that she needed. I loved how they both provided something the other needed which let their relationship flourish.
I can't wait to see what happens with Frankie, next!
February 22, 2024
Even though Sam went through trauma, she needed the interaction between her and Tate to get some normality back in her life. Knowing Tate had her back and will protect her gave her, her inner strength back in more ways than one. Tate's love for his niece, his Lily-Bug was absolutely sweet. And the mere fact that Lily kept him on his toes was just great (playing with her bear friend, lol). Tate asking Sam for help with Lily seems to be just what Sam needed. Sam had an all-encompassing need to protect Lily, yet in the end it was Lily that did the protecting. What a great book, cannot wait for the next one!
February 23, 2024
Poor Sam has been through a lot of hell over the recent times, and is now relearning how to feel brave and use the strength she still has but has been buried behind her trauma. Tate is looking for her help with his beloved niece, and only Sam can help him.....(wonder why). This story is beautifully written as always, what starts as a mutual beneficial relationship of protection, becomes the melding of two souls and creation of their forever family. This story delves into PTSD, the feeling of never being safe, learning to love yourself, opening yourself up to love, making friends with some cute fur babies and of course kicking 'ass' and taking no prisoners. Another great story from Janice.
February 28, 2024
I have to admit I haven’t read a book in this series but had no trouble enjoying this as a standalone. I have this series added to my TBR list and will definitely be rereading this one. I loved Tate and his beast! His beast is a dirty talker and ready to claim Sam yesterday. The two argue and fight for control. Sam is quiet, scared and broken but there is something about Tate and his 4 year old niece Lily that makes her feel safe and needed and other things too. Lilly is sweet, precocious and knows every forest animal in a 2 mile radius. When her criminal sperm donor comes to tow he brings trouble and the possibility of a custody battle. This is one you don’t want to miss out on!
February 23, 2024
Sam she owns the bakery in town.
Tate owns a security company.
Lily is Tate’s niece.
Tate and Sam et previously, when he was her security.
Their attraction and chemistry are a slow burn to explosive fireworks.
Tate helps Sam to gain her confidence , security and independence she needs
to be herself after the trauma she has endured.
Sam helps Tat with his niece, Lily, who has Sam taking an all encompassing job to help him.
Can Sam, Tate and Lily have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense , intrigue, twists, turns, romance and soulmates.
Great Job Janice Whittaker !!!
Tate owns a security company.
Lily is Tate’s niece.
Tate and Sam et previously, when he was her security.
Their attraction and chemistry are a slow burn to explosive fireworks.
Tate helps Sam to gain her confidence , security and independence she needs
to be herself after the trauma she has endured.
Sam helps Tat with his niece, Lily, who has Sam taking an all encompassing job to help him.
Can Sam, Tate and Lily have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense , intrigue, twists, turns, romance and soulmates.
Great Job Janice Whittaker !!!
February 23, 2024
Sam and Tate 🔥! Sam’s story was so beautifully done. Janice gave her the story she deserved! We learned more about her while we watch Tate encourage her to be herself and take what she wants. I loved to see how each of them built the other one up while not diminishing who they both were as individuals. And let’s not pass over their chemistry – wow! This story gave us some unexpected twists and turns right from the start. Lily-bug also added so much to this story that I don’t think it would have been the same without her! This was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next!
February 24, 2024
What do you do when a new book by Janice Whiteaker drops
Why you drop everything else of course, including the book you were currently halfway through. I felt like Sam was one of the sisters whose story I was most looking forward to, and this didn't disappoint. Lily absolutely stole the entire show as well as my heart. Omg, her and those animals, loved everything about that pint sized Dr Doolittle dynamo. Even her inability to understand why she couldn't play with her bears. I can't wait for Frankie's story.
Why you drop everything else of course, including the book you were currently halfway through. I felt like Sam was one of the sisters whose story I was most looking forward to, and this didn't disappoint. Lily absolutely stole the entire show as well as my heart. Omg, her and those animals, loved everything about that pint sized Dr Doolittle dynamo. Even her inability to understand why she couldn't play with her bears. I can't wait for Frankie's story.
March 7, 2024
Sam – Big Northwest Series by Janice Whiteaker
I absolutely love this series by Ms. Whiteaker and this book did not disappoint. Sam is a strong vulnerable heroine and Tate is the protective hero that feels like all of her problems in the past were his fault. They clash in the beginning but realize that they are fated and soon the book takes a spicy turn. Add in Tate’s niece, Lily, and you have a mixture of humor, angst, spiciness and love. If you haven’t read this series, you definitely need to! Can’t wait for Frankie’s book!
I absolutely love this series by Ms. Whiteaker and this book did not disappoint. Sam is a strong vulnerable heroine and Tate is the protective hero that feels like all of her problems in the past were his fault. They clash in the beginning but realize that they are fated and soon the book takes a spicy turn. Add in Tate’s niece, Lily, and you have a mixture of humor, angst, spiciness and love. If you haven’t read this series, you definitely need to! Can’t wait for Frankie’s book!
March 29, 2024
Tate and Sam
Ms. Whiteaker thought this was long but it did not seem that way to me. I love getting into a book that keeps my attention all the way through it. Just that it was so long between the last two books. I would definitely recommend this book. Some love scenes but not so many that it pulls you away from the story.
Sam is harassed by tourists and Tate is again called in as personal security. Little does she realize that Tate would like it to be more. He brings his niece to Shadow Pines to see if Sam can help her.
Ms. Whiteaker thought this was long but it did not seem that way to me. I love getting into a book that keeps my attention all the way through it. Just that it was so long between the last two books. I would definitely recommend this book. Some love scenes but not so many that it pulls you away from the story.
Sam is harassed by tourists and Tate is again called in as personal security. Little does she realize that Tate would like it to be more. He brings his niece to Shadow Pines to see if Sam can help her.
February 19, 2024
Sam and Tate were FIRE. The tension and chemistry between them was wafting from the pages and when they finally came together… whoa. I love how Tate propped Sam up until she was confident enough in herself, showing unwavering support and protection, even from her own thoughts. And Sam showed equal support of Tate, giving him the freedom to be himself.
The author has once again given us a fantastic story that I was completely lost in, and I’m dying for more.
The author has once again given us a fantastic story that I was completely lost in, and I’m dying for more.
February 24, 2024
Sam and Tate
This story was a great balance of romance and suspense, with the perfect amount of supernatural thrown in.
I loved how Tate fit right into Sam's life and how their relationship seemed to click into place. I loved Lily and seeing her thrive in the town.
It was the first book I read in this series and while I really enjoyed the book as a standalone, I definitely need to go back and read the other books to get a little more of the backstory.
This story was a great balance of romance and suspense, with the perfect amount of supernatural thrown in.
I loved how Tate fit right into Sam's life and how their relationship seemed to click into place. I loved Lily and seeing her thrive in the town.
It was the first book I read in this series and while I really enjoyed the book as a standalone, I definitely need to go back and read the other books to get a little more of the backstory.
February 27, 2024
Sam & Tate!
Sam is my favorite sister and couldn't wait for her book. It did not disappoint. This the 4th book in the Big Northwest series. Sam and Tate had great chemistry and loved the way their relationship developed. Lily was adorable and added a lot to the story with way she kept everyone on their toes and her ability to communicate with animals. Cannot wait for Frankie's story!!!
Sam is my favorite sister and couldn't wait for her book. It did not disappoint. This the 4th book in the Big Northwest series. Sam and Tate had great chemistry and loved the way their relationship developed. Lily was adorable and added a lot to the story with way she kept everyone on their toes and her ability to communicate with animals. Cannot wait for Frankie's story!!!
March 1, 2024
loved it!
Just loved Sam and Tates story.
Janice did Sam justice, it’s the story she needed with everything she’s been through, I don’t think it could have been done any other way for her. It had to be angsty she had a lot to work through before she accepted everything.
Tate was just the right person to help Sam back after the trauma in so many way. As was Lily!
Loved being back in Shadow Pine with the girls.
Now I’m really looking forward to Frankie’s story
Just loved Sam and Tates story.
Janice did Sam justice, it’s the story she needed with everything she’s been through, I don’t think it could have been done any other way for her. It had to be angsty she had a lot to work through before she accepted everything.
Tate was just the right person to help Sam back after the trauma in so many way. As was Lily!
Loved being back in Shadow Pine with the girls.
Now I’m really looking forward to Frankie’s story
March 2, 2024
Sam
Shadow Pine is one of my favourite worlds in all of Booklandia. The series grabbed me in book one and never let go. I have high expectations for these women. Sam blew those expectations out of the water. Janice Whiteaker writes incredibly strong women who you want to be best friends with and all of her characters have so much depth and personality… even the animals. You just want to live in the pages with them for the rest of your life.
Shadow Pine is one of my favourite worlds in all of Booklandia. The series grabbed me in book one and never let go. I have high expectations for these women. Sam blew those expectations out of the water. Janice Whiteaker writes incredibly strong women who you want to be best friends with and all of her characters have so much depth and personality… even the animals. You just want to live in the pages with them for the rest of your life.
October 15, 2024
Sam & Tate
Okay best book of the series!!!!!!!!
All the ones before have been great don’t get me wrong. BUT seeing Sam and all of her struggles this whole time and then having Tate come for her, with his beast??? Sweet baby Jesus. It was all so freaking hot. All the other girls getting their hea’s with human men who felt the need to protect the girls but ending up having the girls protecting them? have been great but Sam getting her HEA with a beast? It was EVERYTHING.
Okay best book of the series!!!!!!!!
All the ones before have been great don’t get me wrong. BUT seeing Sam and all of her struggles this whole time and then having Tate come for her, with his beast??? Sweet baby Jesus. It was all so freaking hot. All the other girls getting their hea’s with human men who felt the need to protect the girls but ending up having the girls protecting them? have been great but Sam getting her HEA with a beast? It was EVERYTHING.
February 18, 2025
Written in the stars
Sam and Tate were fated for each other. Sam experienced a great deal of trauma and needed to heal and Tate needed to deal with his own shortcomings. They realized they are stronger together and I know during future tag games Tate will have to work much harder to catch Sam. Sam's growth and Tate's love make for a beautiful story, Lily is adorable, and the spice is just right. Enjoy!
Sam and Tate were fated for each other. Sam experienced a great deal of trauma and needed to heal and Tate needed to deal with his own shortcomings. They realized they are stronger together and I know during future tag games Tate will have to work much harder to catch Sam. Sam's growth and Tate's love make for a beautiful story, Lily is adorable, and the spice is just right. Enjoy!
February 26, 2024
All the books in this series have been great but Sam’s story is my favorite. After all her struggles and years of being the head of her family, Sam has found her peace in Tate. Loved the chemistry between these two. Tate was the perfect match to appreciate Sam’s strength. Highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read Frankie’s story.
February 28, 2024
heartwarming addition to the series
This was heartwarming, emotional, and a journey that made the reader feel every emotion the characters were experiencing. This is an exciting series that you won’t regret reading. Romance, suspense, and a touch of paranormal makes this series a binge worthy read.
This was heartwarming, emotional, and a journey that made the reader feel every emotion the characters were experiencing. This is an exciting series that you won’t regret reading. Romance, suspense, and a touch of paranormal makes this series a binge worthy read.
March 1, 2024
BIG Sigh!
Oh how I've hoped for Sam to find her HEA, and boy howdy, did she!
Tate is such a great match for Mother Hen Sam, I couldn't imagine anyone better. There is just a strong satisfaction in seeing this romance work out. A good visit to a lovely place and a heart warming love story that really leaves the reader smiling, that's what I found in this book.
Oh how I've hoped for Sam to find her HEA, and boy howdy, did she!
Tate is such a great match for Mother Hen Sam, I couldn't imagine anyone better. There is just a strong satisfaction in seeing this romance work out. A good visit to a lovely place and a heart warming love story that really leaves the reader smiling, that's what I found in this book.
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