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Wishing for a Hero #1
Make You Feel My Love
Will danger catapult these lifelong friends to lovers?
Autumn Buchanan has loved Judd all her life. Best friends since they were children, he’s been fulfilling her rescue fantasies for years. But years ago, her dreams of more ended in blood and a nightmare that nearly cost them both their lives.
Now she’s ready to take the leap and profess all to the friend who’s stood by her through thick and thin. But before she can make her confession, their nightmare returns and secrets are revealed that threaten the very fabric of their lifelong friendship.
*Please note, an earlier edition of this book was published as If I Didn't Care. The book has been rewritten and significantly changed.*
Autumn Buchanan has loved Judd all her life. Best friends since they were children, he’s been fulfilling her rescue fantasies for years. But years ago, her dreams of more ended in blood and a nightmare that nearly cost them both their lives.
Now she’s ready to take the leap and profess all to the friend who’s stood by her through thick and thin. But before she can make her confession, their nightmare returns and secrets are revealed that threaten the very fabric of their lifelong friendship.
*Please note, an earlier edition of this book was published as If I Didn't Care. The book has been rewritten and significantly changed.*
Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2016
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About the author
Kait Nolan
154 books1,363 followersKait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
August 27, 2020
SPOILERS.......
I want to say that this one may be one of the top 100 worst books I ever read but there are so many these days that really it is a race & a competition to see which one sucked more. Is that a thing btw with these authors? ‘cause I think they should get medals, don’t you? Which begs the question, why are we calling them “romances” when they are anything but?
This heroine was a pathetic doormat of the worst kind, and Hero? Well, I have no words for him…
Heroine & Hero have known each other since they were kids. She even lived with Hero’s family because she had a monster of a Father who abused her regularly and was too vile for words. When they were teens, Hero was just about to kiss her and expressed how he wanted to be more then BFFs when her Father saw them and shot Hero in the chest. Obviously he survived and her Father went to jail but after he recovered, he decided to not pursue anything with heroine because he wanted to keep her safe!
Yeah, that lame excuse had me rolling my eyes. So years (16, I believe) go by and they are still BFFs and while heroine continues to love him and not move on, he on the other hand has no problem having relationships with other women.
Through most of the story of about 75-80% or more, he has a GF of 2 years and while he doesn’t say he loves her or wants to marry her, he still won’t break up with her even when his family try to steer him to heroine! There is one or two lustful thoughts for heroine throughout the story, but he easily dismisses it. So this, along the fact that it was the heroine who pursued HIM and not the other way, makes me think he is “Just-not-that-in-to-you” and therefore can’t call it a romance! No way, no how!
Then we have his feelings towards the OW whom he is very affectionate with & heroine herself who knows he is in a committed relationship but that doesn’t stop her from trying to break it up by attempting to tell him that she loves him and wants him! Uhmm…hello? He never expressed any interest in pursuing anything with you or breaking up with GF, so why would you attempt to steal some other woman’s man, you ho? Then to add salt to injury, after the OW breaks up with him, she feels bad that she was the reason why the OW dumped him and tries to get her to change her mind and take him back! Huh?
“Oh, I’ve just got to run in and pick up something for Mary Alice.”
Autumn’s mind ground to a screeching halt, as everything she’d been about to say simply blanked. Judd Hamilton did not buy jewelry. At no point in their twenty-five years of friendship had he ever given something sparkly to one of his girlfriends. He’d never even gotten any cheesetastic jewelry for his mom on Mother’s Day. And he had something on order for Mary Alice.
-------
“Because as much as we love her, Autumn isn’t your sister. Nobody else can possibly understand the closeness you two share. That’s hard to compete with.”
He and Autumn were bound by blood in ways so much thicker than family. The truth was, he’d never had a girlfriend who wasn’t threatened by their relationship. But there was no reason for it. Things weren’t romantic between him and Autumn. They never had been and never could be.
“Mary Alice gets along with Autumn just fine.”
“Or she’s too hung up on you to say otherwise for fear you’ll dump her.”
Judd scowled. “I wouldn’t do that.”
She looked askance at him. “Really? If she put her foot down and gave you an ultimatum, her or Autumn, you’d be okay with that?”
“You know I don’t do ultimatums. But I could certainly have a discussion about it like a rational guy to explain how things are.”
The truth of it was that he had a responsibility to protect Autumn, so she’d always be a big part of his life. Any woman he was with had to be okay with that. And why shouldn’t she be? Autumn always went out of her way to be friendly and inclusive when he dated somebody. Well, except for one or two girls in college, but they’d been all wrong for him, so Judd wasn’t about to complain.
----
Hero to OW:
“Well, that’s part of what tonight’s about. It’s true that I’ve got a lot more responsibility with the job, and you know well enough that it’s not an eight-to-five kind of thing. But I really want to make our relationship a priority.”
“I’d really like that, too.”
Over appetizers, Judd made an effort to prove that he could still be charming. By the entree, he remembered all the reasons he’d stayed with Mary Alice. She was sweet and funny and genuinely good. He spent so much time facing the darker side of society, being with her was like a breath of fresh air, reminding him that there were still good people in the world. By the time the waiter cleared their entrees, Judd was feeling more mellow than he had in weeks. As they waited on their shared dessert—the caramel cake The Spring House was famous for—Judd decided it was a good time to give her the gift he’d picked up.
“You’re one of the best parts of my life, you know that?”
Arching one brow, she gave a sassy smile. “Am I now?
He reached across the table to twine his fingers with hers. “You’re really special to me.”
“You’re special to me, too, Judd.”
------
They warned me you’d never actually commit. That no one else would ever come first for you.”
“Who? What are you talking about?”
“You’re a serial monogamist, Judd. But you’re a commitmentphobe.”
Embarrassment slid into defensiveness. He knew how to commit. “How is that even a thing?”
“You’ll go so far. No further. Because there’s always Autumn.”
“She’s my best friend. That’s it.”
“Is it? Is it really? Is it normal to drop everything for your best friend, no matter what’s going on or who you’re with?”
---
"Is Autumn okay? I heard about the fire".
He’d walked out on her, all but thrown her ultimatum in her face, and she was still checking up on the woman she saw as competition. Because Mary Alice Reed was, down to the bone, a good woman. And he’d been an asshole. Not that he wouldn’t do it again under the circumstances, but he owed her an apology. He owed her a lot more than that.
Mary Alice sighed. “Your friend was in trouble. You kind of rock the white knight routine, Judd. It’s part of the appeal. If you’d stayed, you wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with.”
“Look, you weren’t wrong about anything you said. I’ve been a shitty boyfriend, especially the last several months. There were reasons, but none of them were fair to you. I’m sorry for that. I honestly never intended to hurt you.”
“I know. And I get it. Autumn will always come first for you. I guess I’ve known it for a while now. After what the two of you went through together, that’s really not surprising. You are such a good man, Judd, and I wanted you to be the right one for me. But I deserve more than good intentions, and at the end of the day, that’s all you really have to give.”
The accusation, delivered in her soft, kind voice, hit him low in the gut, like a punch slipping under his guard. Had all his girlfriends felt like this? Had he really done this to all of them?
----
BTW, in case anyone is interested, he told the OW that she was very special too him and turned around and said the same to heroine a few chapters later. So I’m guessing that’s his pickup line? Lol
I want to say that this one may be one of the top 100 worst books I ever read but there are so many these days that really it is a race & a competition to see which one sucked more. Is that a thing btw with these authors? ‘cause I think they should get medals, don’t you? Which begs the question, why are we calling them “romances” when they are anything but?
This heroine was a pathetic doormat of the worst kind, and Hero? Well, I have no words for him…
Heroine & Hero have known each other since they were kids. She even lived with Hero’s family because she had a monster of a Father who abused her regularly and was too vile for words. When they were teens, Hero was just about to kiss her and expressed how he wanted to be more then BFFs when her Father saw them and shot Hero in the chest. Obviously he survived and her Father went to jail but after he recovered, he decided to not pursue anything with heroine because he wanted to keep her safe!
Yeah, that lame excuse had me rolling my eyes. So years (16, I believe) go by and they are still BFFs and while heroine continues to love him and not move on, he on the other hand has no problem having relationships with other women.
Through most of the story of about 75-80% or more, he has a GF of 2 years and while he doesn’t say he loves her or wants to marry her, he still won’t break up with her even when his family try to steer him to heroine! There is one or two lustful thoughts for heroine throughout the story, but he easily dismisses it. So this, along the fact that it was the heroine who pursued HIM and not the other way, makes me think he is “Just-not-that-in-to-you” and therefore can’t call it a romance! No way, no how!
Then we have his feelings towards the OW whom he is very affectionate with & heroine herself who knows he is in a committed relationship but that doesn’t stop her from trying to break it up by attempting to tell him that she loves him and wants him! Uhmm…hello? He never expressed any interest in pursuing anything with you or breaking up with GF, so why would you attempt to steal some other woman’s man, you ho? Then to add salt to injury, after the OW breaks up with him, she feels bad that she was the reason why the OW dumped him and tries to get her to change her mind and take him back! Huh?
“Oh, I’ve just got to run in and pick up something for Mary Alice.”
Autumn’s mind ground to a screeching halt, as everything she’d been about to say simply blanked. Judd Hamilton did not buy jewelry. At no point in their twenty-five years of friendship had he ever given something sparkly to one of his girlfriends. He’d never even gotten any cheesetastic jewelry for his mom on Mother’s Day. And he had something on order for Mary Alice.
-------
“Because as much as we love her, Autumn isn’t your sister. Nobody else can possibly understand the closeness you two share. That’s hard to compete with.”
He and Autumn were bound by blood in ways so much thicker than family. The truth was, he’d never had a girlfriend who wasn’t threatened by their relationship. But there was no reason for it. Things weren’t romantic between him and Autumn. They never had been and never could be.
“Mary Alice gets along with Autumn just fine.”
“Or she’s too hung up on you to say otherwise for fear you’ll dump her.”
Judd scowled. “I wouldn’t do that.”
She looked askance at him. “Really? If she put her foot down and gave you an ultimatum, her or Autumn, you’d be okay with that?”
“You know I don’t do ultimatums. But I could certainly have a discussion about it like a rational guy to explain how things are.”
The truth of it was that he had a responsibility to protect Autumn, so she’d always be a big part of his life. Any woman he was with had to be okay with that. And why shouldn’t she be? Autumn always went out of her way to be friendly and inclusive when he dated somebody. Well, except for one or two girls in college, but they’d been all wrong for him, so Judd wasn’t about to complain.
----
Hero to OW:
“Well, that’s part of what tonight’s about. It’s true that I’ve got a lot more responsibility with the job, and you know well enough that it’s not an eight-to-five kind of thing. But I really want to make our relationship a priority.”
“I’d really like that, too.”
Over appetizers, Judd made an effort to prove that he could still be charming. By the entree, he remembered all the reasons he’d stayed with Mary Alice. She was sweet and funny and genuinely good. He spent so much time facing the darker side of society, being with her was like a breath of fresh air, reminding him that there were still good people in the world. By the time the waiter cleared their entrees, Judd was feeling more mellow than he had in weeks. As they waited on their shared dessert—the caramel cake The Spring House was famous for—Judd decided it was a good time to give her the gift he’d picked up.
“You’re one of the best parts of my life, you know that?”
Arching one brow, she gave a sassy smile. “Am I now?
He reached across the table to twine his fingers with hers. “You’re really special to me.”
“You’re special to me, too, Judd.”
------
They warned me you’d never actually commit. That no one else would ever come first for you.”
“Who? What are you talking about?”
“You’re a serial monogamist, Judd. But you’re a commitmentphobe.”
Embarrassment slid into defensiveness. He knew how to commit. “How is that even a thing?”
“You’ll go so far. No further. Because there’s always Autumn.”
“She’s my best friend. That’s it.”
“Is it? Is it really? Is it normal to drop everything for your best friend, no matter what’s going on or who you’re with?”
---
"Is Autumn okay? I heard about the fire".
He’d walked out on her, all but thrown her ultimatum in her face, and she was still checking up on the woman she saw as competition. Because Mary Alice Reed was, down to the bone, a good woman. And he’d been an asshole. Not that he wouldn’t do it again under the circumstances, but he owed her an apology. He owed her a lot more than that.
Mary Alice sighed. “Your friend was in trouble. You kind of rock the white knight routine, Judd. It’s part of the appeal. If you’d stayed, you wouldn’t be the man I fell in love with.”
“Look, you weren’t wrong about anything you said. I’ve been a shitty boyfriend, especially the last several months. There were reasons, but none of them were fair to you. I’m sorry for that. I honestly never intended to hurt you.”
“I know. And I get it. Autumn will always come first for you. I guess I’ve known it for a while now. After what the two of you went through together, that’s really not surprising. You are such a good man, Judd, and I wanted you to be the right one for me. But I deserve more than good intentions, and at the end of the day, that’s all you really have to give.”
The accusation, delivered in her soft, kind voice, hit him low in the gut, like a punch slipping under his guard. Had all his girlfriends felt like this? Had he really done this to all of them?
----
BTW, in case anyone is interested, he told the OW that she was very special too him and turned around and said the same to heroine a few chapters later. So I’m guessing that’s his pickup line? Lol
Read
July 11, 2018DNF:
Maybe it's me, but when the heroine finally decides to admit her unrequited love to the H WHEN he has a girlfriend that's a big ole nope for me.
I hope Mary Alice gets a good happy ending! Apparently it is in The Christmas Fountain.
Maybe it's me, but when the heroine finally decides to admit her unrequited love to the H WHEN he has a girlfriend that's a big ole nope for me.
I hope Mary Alice gets a good happy ending! Apparently it is in The Christmas Fountain.
June 27, 2018
I love best friends to lovers stories, and this was well written and plotted. The suspense plot didn't overshadow the romance, but rather played well into advancing it. While that part of the book was pretty easy to figure out, it was paced well and did a good job of filling in the backstory for the characters without ever feeling like an information dump.
Editing was good, the characters were likeable, the brief bits with the OW were handled like adults without the bitchy aspects so commonly used in other books, and the set up for future books with other characters in the series fit naturally into the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it for anyone who likes the friends to lovers trope.
Editing was good, the characters were likeable, the brief bits with the OW were handled like adults without the bitchy aspects so commonly used in other books, and the set up for future books with other characters in the series fit naturally into the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it for anyone who likes the friends to lovers trope.
September 27, 2020
3.5⭐️
”I’ve loved you since I was six years old. I’ll love you until I’m a hundred and six.”
“All that I am, all that I have, is yours. Always.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-abuse. Autumn’s father physically abused her and would also lock her in a shed when she was a kid
- Setting: Wishful, Mississippi, USA
Characters:
- Judd: (early 30's, cop-interim chief of police): Judd comes from a great family and has been in love with Autumn since he was a kid. He’s always been her protector and even took a bullet for her when her father went off the deep end and tried to kill them for kissing when they were in high school.
- Autumn (aka Firefly): (early 30's, librarian and author): Her father was a crazy religious fanatic that often abused Autumn for her “sins”. In her late teens her mother escaped and Autumn chose to stay with Judd’s family rather than leave the state with her mother. Dear old dad is in prison for attempted murder, so the only thing Autumn has to manage now is her feelings for her best friend. She has some great best friends who always have her back.
- Together:
- Although Judd and Autumn have been best been friends for years, they have both wanted more but neither were willing to be truthful with each other about that. Therefore, about 30% of the book is Judd with a girlfriend and Autumn secretly pining for him from the sidelines.
- Autumn and Judd have 25 years of history together and have an incredibly strong connection. It’s clear they belong together.
”when we were twelve and you brought me here that first time, I didn’t believe in wishes. Didn’t see the point. But you gave me a quarter and told me to make a wish anyway. For anything I wanted. Do you know what I wished for?” “What?” She lifted her gaze to his face. “I wished for a new family. And you gave me yours. I can never repay you for that.”
The story:
Overall, the writing was good and the story was enjoyable. The story held my attention and I didn’t skip any pages.
Somewhere along the line I got this book free, so I didn’t bother to read the book blurb (no surprise there). Based on the cover I was expecting a cutesy, sugar sweet, low angst story, so the mystery aspect was unexpected but certainly added to the story.
There was a lot of predictability so I wasn’t surprised by the way anything unfolded.
Other:
- The “I’m not willing to risk our friendship” coupled with “I’m staying away because it’s best for you” is not a favorite trope of mine. It’s an overused conflict tactic and it actually quite frustrates me. Points off for lack of originality.
- The “who done it” was obvious. They “why” was a stretch. I didn’t buy into it
- Autumn had a heart condition and it was mentioned as something to be concerned about but no context was provided around what it was. I felt that was a missed opportunity to bring about awareness of heart conditions.
Overview:
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: No. i believe there are characters from other books that pop up in this one, but you can read this as a standalone.
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: best friends to lovers
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? no
- First time they kiss: 38% Autumn initiated the kiss, and in front of his family 👏👏
- First time they sleep together: 43%
- First time they say I Love You 41%
- steamy? Yes
- OW/OM drama? a little. Judd has a girlfriend when the story starts.
- H/h cheat? once they commit to exploring their feelings, there is no one else.
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Autumn had a secret that she shared with Judd around 34%
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? a few weeks
- Recommend? I guess. It passed the time well
Quotes
“We need a plan of attack.” Autumn looked with affectionate forbearance across the table at her best friend.
It’s shopping for birthday presents, Judd, not a war.”
Same difference.”
“For twenty-five years, he’d been her strength, her shield, her confidant. And she was about to see if he’d be more.”
“Trying to stop Nanna from doing anything she wants to do is like trying to lasso a runaway train.”
“You’ve been fulfilling my rescue fantasies since I was six years old. Time after time, you’ve put yourself on the line to protect me. You took a bullet for me.”
“She was his compass. He’d do anything for her.”
“She felt like she was back in high school and someone had stolen her clothes and shoved her naked into the gym in the middle of a pep rally with the entire school. Exposed, with nowhere to hide.”
”I’ve loved you since I was six years old. I’ll love you until I’m a hundred and six.”
“All that I am, all that I have, is yours. Always.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-abuse. Autumn’s father physically abused her and would also lock her in a shed when she was a kid
- Setting: Wishful, Mississippi, USA
Characters:
- Judd: (early 30's, cop-interim chief of police): Judd comes from a great family and has been in love with Autumn since he was a kid. He’s always been her protector and even took a bullet for her when her father went off the deep end and tried to kill them for kissing when they were in high school.
- Autumn (aka Firefly): (early 30's, librarian and author): Her father was a crazy religious fanatic that often abused Autumn for her “sins”. In her late teens her mother escaped and Autumn chose to stay with Judd’s family rather than leave the state with her mother. Dear old dad is in prison for attempted murder, so the only thing Autumn has to manage now is her feelings for her best friend. She has some great best friends who always have her back.
- Together:
- Although Judd and Autumn have been best been friends for years, they have both wanted more but neither were willing to be truthful with each other about that. Therefore, about 30% of the book is Judd with a girlfriend and Autumn secretly pining for him from the sidelines.
- Autumn and Judd have 25 years of history together and have an incredibly strong connection. It’s clear they belong together.
”when we were twelve and you brought me here that first time, I didn’t believe in wishes. Didn’t see the point. But you gave me a quarter and told me to make a wish anyway. For anything I wanted. Do you know what I wished for?” “What?” She lifted her gaze to his face. “I wished for a new family. And you gave me yours. I can never repay you for that.”
The story:
Overall, the writing was good and the story was enjoyable. The story held my attention and I didn’t skip any pages.
Somewhere along the line I got this book free, so I didn’t bother to read the book blurb (no surprise there). Based on the cover I was expecting a cutesy, sugar sweet, low angst story, so the mystery aspect was unexpected but certainly added to the story.
There was a lot of predictability so I wasn’t surprised by the way anything unfolded.
Other:
- The “I’m not willing to risk our friendship” coupled with “I’m staying away because it’s best for you” is not a favorite trope of mine. It’s an overused conflict tactic and it actually quite frustrates me. Points off for lack of originality.
- The “who done it” was obvious. They “why” was a stretch. I didn’t buy into it
- Autumn had a heart condition and it was mentioned as something to be concerned about but no context was provided around what it was. I felt that was a missed opportunity to bring about awareness of heart conditions.
Overview:
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: No. i believe there are characters from other books that pop up in this one, but you can read this as a standalone.
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: best friends to lovers
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? no
- First time they kiss: 38% Autumn initiated the kiss, and in front of his family 👏👏
- First time they sleep together: 43%
- First time they say I Love You 41%
- steamy? Yes
- OW/OM drama? a little. Judd has a girlfriend when the story starts.
- H/h cheat? once they commit to exploring their feelings, there is no one else.
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Autumn had a secret that she shared with Judd around 34%
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? a few weeks
- Recommend? I guess. It passed the time well
Quotes
“We need a plan of attack.” Autumn looked with affectionate forbearance across the table at her best friend.
It’s shopping for birthday presents, Judd, not a war.”
Same difference.”
“For twenty-five years, he’d been her strength, her shield, her confidant. And she was about to see if he’d be more.”
“Trying to stop Nanna from doing anything she wants to do is like trying to lasso a runaway train.”
“You’ve been fulfilling my rescue fantasies since I was six years old. Time after time, you’ve put yourself on the line to protect me. You took a bullet for me.”
“She was his compass. He’d do anything for her.”
“She felt like she was back in high school and someone had stolen her clothes and shoved her naked into the gym in the middle of a pep rally with the entire school. Exposed, with nowhere to hide.”
June 18, 2018
Okay.. This was gong fairly well - a rather predictable romance/suspense with a familiar trope until this:
The elderly man jolted. Oh my God. She totally pinched his butt.
WHY?? Why is it acceptable for a woman to pinch a man's butt? What makes it any less obnoxious to a man pinching a woman's butt?
I lost a lot of respect for the author at that point, and then that was followed by the cringlingly awful scene where the 'h' (who is a newly published author of erotica - DUH!!!! ) reads aloud from one of her novels - a sex scene of course- and then stands by meekly while the 'butt-pinching' women in the book club discuss her sex life
Give me a break. Do people like this exist?? Really? I am sick to death off small town america books with utterly repulsive characters who act as if they are sex-mad and have absolutely no respect whatsoever for anyone else.
DNF at 55%
The elderly man jolted. Oh my God. She totally pinched his butt.
WHY?? Why is it acceptable for a woman to pinch a man's butt? What makes it any less obnoxious to a man pinching a woman's butt?
I lost a lot of respect for the author at that point, and then that was followed by the cringlingly awful scene where the 'h' (who is a newly published author of erotica - DUH!!!! ) reads aloud from one of her novels - a sex scene of course- and then stands by meekly while the 'butt-pinching' women in the book club discuss her sex life
Give me a break. Do people like this exist?? Really? I am sick to death off small town america books with utterly repulsive characters who act as if they are sex-mad and have absolutely no respect whatsoever for anyone else.
DNF at 55%
July 15, 2020
Loved this book. It always amazes me how two people can know each other since they were children and their love grow into a romantic love. Well at least when they admit it. I can’t imagine what Autumn went through as a child when her father beat her, locked her in a dark closet and talked so bad to her. I was glad that Judd’s family took her in and treated her like their own daughter. Luckily her father went to prison. But he is scheduled to get out now. Since Judd has always said he would protect Autumn, he is making sure he is there for her. Of course this doesn’t go over too well with his girlfriend! Will Judd open his eyes to how he feels for Autumn! Once her father is released from prison, horrible things start happening to Autumn. Of course the first person they look at is her father. Is he the one doing everything to her? This is exciting and I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
July 6, 2017
I spent the first half of the book fairly angry at Judd. He did that thing where he decided what was best for both of them without consulting Autumn and inflicted 15 years of misery on both of them for a seriously stupid reason. I HATE THAT TROPE. Not sure how she was able to forgive him, honestly. The second half of the book was better, but I could tell who the bad guy was from the time we got the clue after the fire in her duplex. As soon as Autumn described the plot of her books I could see it coming.
February 11, 2021
Note: I’m binging the Wishful series and started The Christmas Fountain and quickly realized I missed a book somehow. I’m pretty set on experiencing books in chronological order – so I hopped over to Kait Nolan’s website to find that her Wishful and Wishing For A Hero series start to intertwine about here. (Technically, Make You Feel My Love is before See You Again, but I didn’t notice in that one.) Anywhoo… Nolan has this nifty spreadsheet on her website showing the order if you’re obsessive like me. Also of note is that this book was originally released in 2016 and titled If I Didn’t Care. I haven’t read that version, but she notes in the forward to Make You Feel My Love that she rewrote more than half the book.
Whew! OK. Judd, you silly loveable man. The first third of this book was necessary for background and plot, but infuriating. Judd has pretty much loved Autumn all his life – but after a horrible attack got it into his crazy 17yo brain that he could best support her by being just a friend. More than a decade later and he still hasn’t moved on from his teenage thinking. Much to the consternation of Autumn and the entire town of Wishful.
It’s hard to share without giving away spoilers, but I enjoyed the way Nolan mixed small town, friends to lovers, and romantic suspense. Judd’s current girlfriend can’t take the competition for Judd’s priorities any more (there’s no cheating), he’s named interim police chief, Autumn’s father is released from prison, and Judd’s left trying keep all the plates spinning before they crash down around him. Readers might want to know that with the mystery/suspense aspects this covers some darker subjects than the Wishful series: a history of abuse, a stalker, a kidnapping, and attempted murder. Despite having guessed the plot twist – the second half gripped me and wouldn’t let go.
I loved the HEA and the epilogue. I’m also happy that Nolan is giving poor Mary Alice (Judd’s ex) her own love story in The Christmas Fountain (Wishful #9). While I’m looking forward to Rowan & Nash’s book, Watch Over Me (Wishing for a Hero #2), I have to be honest that I’m particularly interested in Ethan, the US Marshal in his book, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. (I also may have decided Ethan looks like Timothy Olyphant from Justified – so there’s that.)
Another note: If you keep scrolling in the ebook after finishing the story – you’ll find a teaser that Nolan is going to be launching a Romantic Suspense line of books under the pen name Harper Jackson. Sometime in 2021 – after reading this, I can’t wait.
Whew! OK. Judd, you silly loveable man. The first third of this book was necessary for background and plot, but infuriating. Judd has pretty much loved Autumn all his life – but after a horrible attack got it into his crazy 17yo brain that he could best support her by being just a friend. More than a decade later and he still hasn’t moved on from his teenage thinking. Much to the consternation of Autumn and the entire town of Wishful.
It’s hard to share without giving away spoilers, but I enjoyed the way Nolan mixed small town, friends to lovers, and romantic suspense. Judd’s current girlfriend can’t take the competition for Judd’s priorities any more (there’s no cheating), he’s named interim police chief, Autumn’s father is released from prison, and Judd’s left trying keep all the plates spinning before they crash down around him. Readers might want to know that with the mystery/suspense aspects this covers some darker subjects than the Wishful series: a history of abuse, a stalker, a kidnapping, and attempted murder. Despite having guessed the plot twist – the second half gripped me and wouldn’t let go.
I loved the HEA and the epilogue. I’m also happy that Nolan is giving poor Mary Alice (Judd’s ex) her own love story in The Christmas Fountain (Wishful #9). While I’m looking forward to Rowan & Nash’s book, Watch Over Me (Wishing for a Hero #2), I have to be honest that I’m particularly interested in Ethan, the US Marshal in his book, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. (I also may have decided Ethan looks like Timothy Olyphant from Justified – so there’s that.)
Another note: If you keep scrolling in the ebook after finishing the story – you’ll find a teaser that Nolan is going to be launching a Romantic Suspense line of books under the pen name Harper Jackson. Sometime in 2021 – after reading this, I can’t wait.
May 30, 2018
4.5 stars
I REALLY LOVED this book, it's been a while since the last time my heart fluttered for a guy in a book, god Judd was just perfect, he and autumn are the ultimate couple, loved it so so much and I will be reading the second book soon :D
I REALLY LOVED this book, it's been a while since the last time my heart fluttered for a guy in a book, god Judd was just perfect, he and autumn are the ultimate couple, loved it so so much and I will be reading the second book soon :D
October 27, 2016
rcvd ARC for a honest review. W-O-W. what a wild ride. we meet judd, a small town police officer and his bff since age 6, Autumn. they have been thru alot together and gone thru hell....literally...when her abusive father had aimed at gun at her 17 yr old self and judd jumped in and took the bullet. 14 years judd has been protecting autumn from anything and everything in hope of keeping her safe. what he doesnt know is that she is in love with him. a day of shopping leads to panic and a lie when judd stops at a jewelry store which autumn presumes he is buying a ring for his girlfriend. Autumn is devastated. judd is named interim chief of police and finds out at the same time that autumn's monster of a father is being released in a few days. he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and sound. judd suggests autumn move in with him and she says shes going to move away. now judd is devastated. autumn is keeping a secret...a big secret....what will happen when judd finds out? will it alter their relationship? will he understand? or will he finally see the "light." also autumn is scared her secret will make the townfolk see her differently. when threats to autumn start to happen, judd vows to protect her but will he be able to keep her safe? a Twist of events lead to unfortunate accidents, facing ones past and coming to terms with the cat being let outta the bag. drama, intrigue, delusions, hope and love will be the themes of this great book
October 21, 2016
Kait Nolan hits it out of the ballpark with the first book in a new Wishful spinoff series. Wishing for a Hero? Then you will want to snag this book right now. Obviously, that means five stars for this romantic suspense novel.
As always, Nolan's shero is well-rounded, dynamic, relatable and so realistic that you want to hug her when she has a bad day. And boy does she have a string of those. Autumn had a rough childhood but has built a pretty good life with her family-of-choice. When her father gets released from prison, things start to go down the drain.
Judd is over-protective, and I have to say the most irritating hero Nolan has ever written. I guess his hovering came across as possessiveness or something. It just rubbed me the wrong way. But he's tough...except on the inside when it comes to Autumn.
This is a great story that I could hardly put down. If you've avoided Wishful because you need a little more meat in your romances, this dandy is a four-course steak dinner. Read it. You won't regret it.
Warning: there is always ONE explicit sex scene in a Nolan romance. Scroll on by. Don't be like the goody-two-shoes who go after Autumn's job. (Was that spoiler-ish?)
Yes, I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but you know by now that doesn't buy stars from me :)
As always, Nolan's shero is well-rounded, dynamic, relatable and so realistic that you want to hug her when she has a bad day. And boy does she have a string of those. Autumn had a rough childhood but has built a pretty good life with her family-of-choice. When her father gets released from prison, things start to go down the drain.
Judd is over-protective, and I have to say the most irritating hero Nolan has ever written. I guess his hovering came across as possessiveness or something. It just rubbed me the wrong way. But he's tough...except on the inside when it comes to Autumn.
This is a great story that I could hardly put down. If you've avoided Wishful because you need a little more meat in your romances, this dandy is a four-course steak dinner. Read it. You won't regret it.
Warning: there is always ONE explicit sex scene in a Nolan romance. Scroll on by. Don't be like the goody-two-shoes who go after Autumn's job. (Was that spoiler-ish?)
Yes, I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but you know by now that doesn't buy stars from me :)
April 24, 2023
Audible listen narrated by Jason Clarke and Amy McFadden.
Being from Mississippi, I wasn’t sure what to prepare for. Bad accents weren’t overly exaggerated, Jason didn’t change and I appreciated that 100%. Amy McFadden on the other hand…she did go over the top.
Her guessing and assuming how or what he was going to do or say was obvious within chapter 3 of the very first book. Why, why, why is this a reoccurring issue in a majority of romance books? I mean come on 🤦🏼♀️
I don’t know if these books mix with other series to help set the scene but this is the series I started with. I hope this series gets hot 🤞🏼
Book 1 little things:
We don’t go around talking about lassoing runaway trains.
A few narration mispronunciations.
It definitely showed some of the small mindedness of the Mississippi small town life.
I appreciated the effort and mentions of actual places and things in Mississippi.
The only unbelievable part was a southern woman not having a say or planning her entire wedding her whole damn life. 😂😂😂
Being from Mississippi, I wasn’t sure what to prepare for. Bad accents weren’t overly exaggerated, Jason didn’t change and I appreciated that 100%. Amy McFadden on the other hand…she did go over the top.
Her guessing and assuming how or what he was going to do or say was obvious within chapter 3 of the very first book. Why, why, why is this a reoccurring issue in a majority of romance books? I mean come on 🤦🏼♀️
I don’t know if these books mix with other series to help set the scene but this is the series I started with. I hope this series gets hot 🤞🏼
Book 1 little things:
We don’t go around talking about lassoing runaway trains.
A few narration mispronunciations.
It definitely showed some of the small mindedness of the Mississippi small town life.
I appreciated the effort and mentions of actual places and things in Mississippi.
The only unbelievable part was a southern woman not having a say or planning her entire wedding her whole damn life. 😂😂😂
April 30, 2021
This review has spoilers.
Having read and enjoyed a few of the early books in the Wishful series, I was excited to see this pop up in my book deal email as a freebie. Judd and Autumn were meant to be, so their story had to be better than some of the later books in that series, right? Unfortunately, not so much. This book was actually worse than the books toward the end of the first series and I wish I hadn't wasted my time, but I'm glad it was free. If this is a re-write to improve the story, I am really glad I missed the first version.
To be fair to Ms. Nolan, the mystery part of this story was fairly interesting, but I figured out who the bad guy was before the fire in her duplex was put out – I don't even need to read the end to know who it was because of the way the bad guy was treated by both Autumn and Judd. I really wish that this story had focused on the mystery stuff rather than going the weird rabbit hole of the people of Wishful being puritanically horrified that she writes sexy romance/erotica. Seriously? I live in a teeny-tiny, conservative town (much smaller than Wishful - we don't have stores, restaurants, stoplights, or even a police force but we have four very active churches) and the idea that people would *picket the local library because a part-time librarian writes romantic suspense* (I kid you not) is so silly it's actually embarrassing. Is this the 1920s? Is Wistful actually an Amish town and we were never told? You would think Autumn was walking up and down main street naked, gyrating and handing out copies of her book to toddlers rather than writing sexy books. Under a pen name. As a grown adult. Such an over-the-top and ludicrous reaction to finding out someone is *clutches pearls in horror* an author (oh the humanity!) literally makes zero sense. And even if we discard reality and pretend this could actually happen, why would anyone want to live in (or read about) a hateful little town where people protest over something so utterly silly? For some baffling reason, Ms. Nolan dedicated this entire book to making “conservative” and religious people all hateful, puritanical prudes, but instead of doing it in a believable manner, she went to such extremes that instead of being a readable story line, it's just laughable. If it had just been people talking in the diner, whispering behind her back, or even writing bad reviews would have been believable, but sign-carrying protests saying she “contributes to moral decay” and “pedals sin”? I laughed out loud just typing those out. That kind of crap is why some people won't ever take the romance genre seriously.
The lunacy above wasn't the worst part, believe it or not. Autumn being a pathetically weak character not related to her childhood issues (she was leaving town rather than tell Judd she loved him because she didn't want to lose the friendship....that she would have been leaving behind when she moved away...makes total sense /sarcasm) was infuriating. She was going to confess her love to a man who had a long term girlfriend, then decided to leave town rather than confess when she thought he was going to commit to his girlfriend, then she tried to get long-suffering ex-girlfriend to take Jerkface Judd back despite the fact that she wanted him...she is a textbook example of someone who is mentally unstable. Autumn doesn't need a man in her life to solve her problems for her, she needs serious psychiatric help. But Judd? He was worse. He wasn't even really likable, despite of (or because of?) his devotion to Autumn. He was a total self-absorbed jerk, making decisions for Doormat Autumn and treating poor, sweet Mary Alice – his long-suffering girlfriend - like she was disposable rather than someone who mattered. Then when Autumn pushed him, he confessed his undying love to Autumn and made love to her. A day or two after being broken up with by Mary Alice. These two dysfunctional characters wouldn't know a healthy relationship if it shot at them. And Autumn's “heart condition” is a throw-away device to make her seem more interesting. The author hardly touches on it unless Judd is lording it over Autumn to tell her what to do, so if you think that'll be a part of the story, you'll be disappointed. It's just an excuse to make her look weak and to allow Judd to feel justified in making decisions for poor, broken Autumn. Gross. Add all this together with the too-ridiculous-for-a-Lifetime-movie protesters, and you have a book that just doesn't work.
I will add this author to my Do Not Read list, and move on. I'm not sure if she's just rushing to get books written or what, but the quality of the first few Wishful books is just not there with her newer books. If you're looking for a good read, I do recommend the first three or four original Wishful books, I very much enjoyed those.
Having read and enjoyed a few of the early books in the Wishful series, I was excited to see this pop up in my book deal email as a freebie. Judd and Autumn were meant to be, so their story had to be better than some of the later books in that series, right? Unfortunately, not so much. This book was actually worse than the books toward the end of the first series and I wish I hadn't wasted my time, but I'm glad it was free. If this is a re-write to improve the story, I am really glad I missed the first version.
To be fair to Ms. Nolan, the mystery part of this story was fairly interesting, but I figured out who the bad guy was before the fire in her duplex was put out – I don't even need to read the end to know who it was because of the way the bad guy was treated by both Autumn and Judd. I really wish that this story had focused on the mystery stuff rather than going the weird rabbit hole of the people of Wishful being puritanically horrified that she writes sexy romance/erotica. Seriously? I live in a teeny-tiny, conservative town (much smaller than Wishful - we don't have stores, restaurants, stoplights, or even a police force but we have four very active churches) and the idea that people would *picket the local library because a part-time librarian writes romantic suspense* (I kid you not) is so silly it's actually embarrassing. Is this the 1920s? Is Wistful actually an Amish town and we were never told? You would think Autumn was walking up and down main street naked, gyrating and handing out copies of her book to toddlers rather than writing sexy books. Under a pen name. As a grown adult. Such an over-the-top and ludicrous reaction to finding out someone is *clutches pearls in horror* an author (oh the humanity!) literally makes zero sense. And even if we discard reality and pretend this could actually happen, why would anyone want to live in (or read about) a hateful little town where people protest over something so utterly silly? For some baffling reason, Ms. Nolan dedicated this entire book to making “conservative” and religious people all hateful, puritanical prudes, but instead of doing it in a believable manner, she went to such extremes that instead of being a readable story line, it's just laughable. If it had just been people talking in the diner, whispering behind her back, or even writing bad reviews would have been believable, but sign-carrying protests saying she “contributes to moral decay” and “pedals sin”? I laughed out loud just typing those out. That kind of crap is why some people won't ever take the romance genre seriously.
The lunacy above wasn't the worst part, believe it or not. Autumn being a pathetically weak character not related to her childhood issues (she was leaving town rather than tell Judd she loved him because she didn't want to lose the friendship....that she would have been leaving behind when she moved away...makes total sense /sarcasm) was infuriating. She was going to confess her love to a man who had a long term girlfriend, then decided to leave town rather than confess when she thought he was going to commit to his girlfriend, then she tried to get long-suffering ex-girlfriend to take Jerkface Judd back despite the fact that she wanted him...she is a textbook example of someone who is mentally unstable. Autumn doesn't need a man in her life to solve her problems for her, she needs serious psychiatric help. But Judd? He was worse. He wasn't even really likable, despite of (or because of?) his devotion to Autumn. He was a total self-absorbed jerk, making decisions for Doormat Autumn and treating poor, sweet Mary Alice – his long-suffering girlfriend - like she was disposable rather than someone who mattered. Then when Autumn pushed him, he confessed his undying love to Autumn and made love to her. A day or two after being broken up with by Mary Alice. These two dysfunctional characters wouldn't know a healthy relationship if it shot at them. And Autumn's “heart condition” is a throw-away device to make her seem more interesting. The author hardly touches on it unless Judd is lording it over Autumn to tell her what to do, so if you think that'll be a part of the story, you'll be disappointed. It's just an excuse to make her look weak and to allow Judd to feel justified in making decisions for poor, broken Autumn. Gross. Add all this together with the too-ridiculous-for-a-Lifetime-movie protesters, and you have a book that just doesn't work.
I will add this author to my Do Not Read list, and move on. I'm not sure if she's just rushing to get books written or what, but the quality of the first few Wishful books is just not there with her newer books. If you're looking for a good read, I do recommend the first three or four original Wishful books, I very much enjoyed those.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2020
This is a rewrite of previous shorter versions “If I Didn't Care” which I loved and was so excited to learn that Kait Nolan had taken another go-around with this book. I am not normally a person that can reread a book but this story was so good the first time I wanted to read it again, so during my read, I was so engrossed that it was like I had never read it before. I believe this version is even better than the 5-star read of “If I Didn't Care”.
Judd Hamilton and Autumn Bruckanan are the perfect couple and in this story, you will travel the ups and downs of there small country life with them. I still stand by everything I have written about this book, its a highly recommended read by me by an author that just keeps giving us entertaining characters and stories. Even if you have read the first book give this version a go there is not too many big changes and I am sure like myself you will find it even better.
My original review of the first book “If I Didn't Care”.
I am a great fan of Kait Nolan and have read many of her books and like most, I do not always read them in order. “Wishing for a Hero” is a series with a bit more suspense but is still set in Wishful with all the characters that we have fallen in love with. If you have not read Kait Nolan I would recommend you start with this one, as it has a bit of everything you are looking for in a great small town romance with mystery and suspense all rolled in together.
Judd Hamilton Officer of the Law in Wishful has lived in this small town all his life and that life is good at the moment with his girlfriend Mary Alice. Autumn Bruckanan is his oldest and dearest friend, they have known each other for the past 25 years and he has always been her protector. He has protected her many times and has had to put his real feelings for her aside to protect her to save them both. But when she needs protection from her past again, can he keep those feeling at bay?
Autumn is living with a heart condition and has overcome a childhood of emotional and physical abuse with only one person she could ever trust - Judd. Autumn is keeping a big secret from her friends and the town, she is not just the friendly librarian they all love and know. She also Rumors Fairchild a very successful erotic romantic suspense author. She has kept the secret of herself and the fact that the very sexy and swoon-worthy male character of her books is based on her very best friend Judd.
Judd has been her character Hero and also her real-life Hero as well, but she has hidden her feeling as his friendship and protection are the most important thing to her. Can she keep all her secrets when her history comes knocking at her door again?
Will Judd do everything in his power to protect Autumn or all will his have to go against all his beliefs to save her this time?
Judd Hamilton and Autumn Bruckanan are the perfect couple and in this story, you will travel the ups and downs of there small country life with them. I still stand by everything I have written about this book, its a highly recommended read by me by an author that just keeps giving us entertaining characters and stories. Even if you have read the first book give this version a go there is not too many big changes and I am sure like myself you will find it even better.
My original review of the first book “If I Didn't Care”.
I am a great fan of Kait Nolan and have read many of her books and like most, I do not always read them in order. “Wishing for a Hero” is a series with a bit more suspense but is still set in Wishful with all the characters that we have fallen in love with. If you have not read Kait Nolan I would recommend you start with this one, as it has a bit of everything you are looking for in a great small town romance with mystery and suspense all rolled in together.
Judd Hamilton Officer of the Law in Wishful has lived in this small town all his life and that life is good at the moment with his girlfriend Mary Alice. Autumn Bruckanan is his oldest and dearest friend, they have known each other for the past 25 years and he has always been her protector. He has protected her many times and has had to put his real feelings for her aside to protect her to save them both. But when she needs protection from her past again, can he keep those feeling at bay?
Autumn is living with a heart condition and has overcome a childhood of emotional and physical abuse with only one person she could ever trust - Judd. Autumn is keeping a big secret from her friends and the town, she is not just the friendly librarian they all love and know. She also Rumors Fairchild a very successful erotic romantic suspense author. She has kept the secret of herself and the fact that the very sexy and swoon-worthy male character of her books is based on her very best friend Judd.
Judd has been her character Hero and also her real-life Hero as well, but she has hidden her feeling as his friendship and protection are the most important thing to her. Can she keep all her secrets when her history comes knocking at her door again?
Will Judd do everything in his power to protect Autumn or all will his have to go against all his beliefs to save her this time?
October 20, 2019
I thought I had caught up with all the Wishful novels I owned, I missed this one, so here I go.
It's not great, but it's not terrible.
As far as the romance is concerned, I feel the emotion, I feel the weight of the history between our lovebirds, but I'm thoroughly pissed off that everything about them is based on assumptions, misunderstandings, and miscommunication. Autumn opens the book by deciding to confess her feelings despite Judd being in a relationship, but backs down when she realizes (mistakenly) that he's about to propose to his girlfriend. She lies about what she meant to say (twice! when the first excuse doesn't hold up anymore she makes up a new lie!) and decides to leave town even though she doesn't actually want to, because it's better for both of them that way. Judd, on the other hand, has been hiding his feelings as well, telling himself it's for Autumn's good all these years, yet doesn't even tell her when his girlfriend (rightly) dumps him, just letting her assume he's still in a relationship.
So they're both stubborn idiots who would rather martyr themselves for the other than actually talk about anything until events force them to. Which means they're awful people in some ways, yet oddly perfect for each other.
As for the suspense plot, it starts out easy enough to follow, though it was obvious to me from the very beginning that Autumn's ex-con father was a red herring. I didn't catch on to the real culprit until he'd shown up a few times, but it wasn't because there were clues I saw to help me figure it out, it was simply because the cast of characters wasn't large enough to support multiple possible villains. Once I was sure it wasn't daddy dearest, there was only one other character it could be who didn't have a clear role to play elsewhere in the story--especially because a lot of the minor characters we already know from other Wishful books and are clearly not going to be sacrificed on the altar of being a villain in this one.
What bothered me, though, was just how little sense the ending made. It's easy to write off a stalker's behavior as delusional, and it's not always wrong, but his delusions didn't really gel with his demeanor earlier in the story, and basing those delusions on the plot of a novel the heroine has written, that we the readers don't have full access to and have to figure out via explanation by the heroine and third-party interpretation from other characters--honestly, it's a giant mess I couldn't untangle.
And the very, very ending, the "will you marry me?" that becomes "well let's get married literally right now because I organized the whole thing behind your back and everyone's already here"--way too rushed for me. A proposal would have been enough, thanks.
It's not great, but it's not terrible.
As far as the romance is concerned, I feel the emotion, I feel the weight of the history between our lovebirds, but I'm thoroughly pissed off that everything about them is based on assumptions, misunderstandings, and miscommunication. Autumn opens the book by deciding to confess her feelings despite Judd being in a relationship, but backs down when she realizes (mistakenly) that he's about to propose to his girlfriend. She lies about what she meant to say (twice! when the first excuse doesn't hold up anymore she makes up a new lie!) and decides to leave town even though she doesn't actually want to, because it's better for both of them that way. Judd, on the other hand, has been hiding his feelings as well, telling himself it's for Autumn's good all these years, yet doesn't even tell her when his girlfriend (rightly) dumps him, just letting her assume he's still in a relationship.
So they're both stubborn idiots who would rather martyr themselves for the other than actually talk about anything until events force them to. Which means they're awful people in some ways, yet oddly perfect for each other.
As for the suspense plot, it starts out easy enough to follow, though it was obvious to me from the very beginning that Autumn's ex-con father was a red herring. I didn't catch on to the real culprit until he'd shown up a few times, but it wasn't because there were clues I saw to help me figure it out, it was simply because the cast of characters wasn't large enough to support multiple possible villains. Once I was sure it wasn't daddy dearest, there was only one other character it could be who didn't have a clear role to play elsewhere in the story--especially because a lot of the minor characters we already know from other Wishful books and are clearly not going to be sacrificed on the altar of being a villain in this one.
What bothered me, though, was just how little sense the ending made. It's easy to write off a stalker's behavior as delusional, and it's not always wrong, but his delusions didn't really gel with his demeanor earlier in the story, and basing those delusions on the plot of a novel the heroine has written, that we the readers don't have full access to and have to figure out via explanation by the heroine and third-party interpretation from other characters--honestly, it's a giant mess I couldn't untangle.
And the very, very ending, the "will you marry me?" that becomes "well let's get married literally right now because I organized the whole thing behind your back and everyone's already here"--way too rushed for me. A proposal would have been enough, thanks.
December 29, 2018
(Review not edited because I'm lazy)
Meh. 1.5 stars.
The plot was basic and predictable, but ultimately, I can't say I was disappointed for having wasted three hours reading it. I was just *mildly* annoyed because it didn't meet my expectations.
And can we talk about how annoying the whole 'I did it to protect you' trope is? The whole dating others when so obviously in love with the BFFL thing also wasn't nice. I liked Mary Alice. She 100% did not deserve to be strung along for two years. Knowing that she eventually gets a happy ending makes me feel a bit better about it all, but the fact that his name is Chad makes me a little sad. I would not have paired her with a Chad.
Now one thing that I really wanted an expansion on was Autumn's heart condition. As someone who has one herself, it is super rare for me to identify with a character on that level. AND I GOT NOTHING. Zilch. Just some vague moments from her past, and one moment of her being worried about her pills. DUDE. I mean, had I, someone with a heart condition been through what she went though, I probably would have suffered a heart attack. Her whole condition just didn't make sense to me. Like the author wanted to 'make her different' just for the sake of....well, making her different. But she isn't. She is just like every other able-bodied character. She just occasionally remembers that she has this thing she needs to worry about at random moments during the plot.
Now onto the 'juicy bit'. It was boring. I skipped every 'steamy' scene after the first one. They were boring, and did absolutely nothing. Pure vanilla. I'm not wishing for a hero. I'm simply wishing for something that will keep my attention.
I still don't quite understand what the title has to do with the story though....
If I (Judd) didn't care about your job
If I (Autumn) didn't care about you dating other people even though I'm so obviously in love with you
If I (her stalker) didn't care about respecting the bounds of reality
....Like...what does it even apply to??
Meh. 1.5 stars.
The plot was basic and predictable, but ultimately, I can't say I was disappointed for having wasted three hours reading it. I was just *mildly* annoyed because it didn't meet my expectations.
And can we talk about how annoying the whole 'I did it to protect you' trope is? The whole dating others when so obviously in love with the BFFL thing also wasn't nice. I liked Mary Alice. She 100% did not deserve to be strung along for two years. Knowing that she eventually gets a happy ending makes me feel a bit better about it all, but the fact that his name is Chad makes me a little sad. I would not have paired her with a Chad.
Now one thing that I really wanted an expansion on was Autumn's heart condition. As someone who has one herself, it is super rare for me to identify with a character on that level. AND I GOT NOTHING. Zilch. Just some vague moments from her past, and one moment of her being worried about her pills. DUDE. I mean, had I, someone with a heart condition been through what she went though, I probably would have suffered a heart attack. Her whole condition just didn't make sense to me. Like the author wanted to 'make her different' just for the sake of....well, making her different. But she isn't. She is just like every other able-bodied character. She just occasionally remembers that she has this thing she needs to worry about at random moments during the plot.
Now onto the 'juicy bit'. It was boring. I skipped every 'steamy' scene after the first one. They were boring, and did absolutely nothing. Pure vanilla. I'm not wishing for a hero. I'm simply wishing for something that will keep my attention.
I still don't quite understand what the title has to do with the story though....
If I (Judd) didn't care about your job
If I (Autumn) didn't care about you dating other people even though I'm so obviously in love with you
If I (her stalker) didn't care about respecting the bounds of reality
....Like...what does it even apply to??
July 30, 2020
I read this book in its earlier form, If I Didn’t Care, and loved it. Now, the book has been revised and expanded, and I love it even more. I loved the setting; I loved the couple it’s about; and I loved the ending. It’s no surprise. This author always draws her readers in and holds them This book is no exception.
Judd and Autumn have been best friends since they were six. After her mother fled a horrible marriage, her father, a religious zealot, attempted to teach Autumn a horrible lesson. As a result, both she and Judd suffered. Her father spent time in prison atoning for his sin, but he’s now been released. Suddenly, horrible things start happening to Autumn. Is her father behind them? Will Judd, now chief of police, be able to catch him? Or is something else happening that neither Judd nor Autumn realizes?
As I said, I read the earlier version of this book, so there were no big surprises for me, but I still loved reading and watching the action and the reveal. And the Hamilton family, Judd’s parents, grandmother, brothers, is remarkable in their love, acceptance, and support of Autumn.
If you enjoy southern romance and a good mystery, then I highly recommend this book to you. The writing is wonderful, the story well-crafted, and the characters are ones you’d want as your own friends.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Judd and Autumn have been best friends since they were six. After her mother fled a horrible marriage, her father, a religious zealot, attempted to teach Autumn a horrible lesson. As a result, both she and Judd suffered. Her father spent time in prison atoning for his sin, but he’s now been released. Suddenly, horrible things start happening to Autumn. Is her father behind them? Will Judd, now chief of police, be able to catch him? Or is something else happening that neither Judd nor Autumn realizes?
As I said, I read the earlier version of this book, so there were no big surprises for me, but I still loved reading and watching the action and the reveal. And the Hamilton family, Judd’s parents, grandmother, brothers, is remarkable in their love, acceptance, and support of Autumn.
If you enjoy southern romance and a good mystery, then I highly recommend this book to you. The writing is wonderful, the story well-crafted, and the characters are ones you’d want as your own friends.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
February 3, 2019
A friends-to-lovers-romance is one of my favorite types of contemporary romance read so Autumn and Judd's story was a nice addition to the ones I have already enjoyed over the years.
There are several areas that were glossed over leaving questions unanswered but not detracting from how things worked out though.
The couple was a nice fit and their story was fairly solid from start to finish so easy to follow along with and actually quite a lot of fun to see play out.
The one thing it shared in common with others that I have enjoyed in the author's works was the strong part that family relationships and supportive friendships played. Both Autumn and Judd benefitted from the people who know them best but especially so when it came to their own lifelong bond. A bond forged when Judd was six and the first time he came to Autumn's rescue but totally not the last one as for 25 years her welfare has been his first priority and concern.
The one most important point that I have to share is the fact there is a definite HEA and no cliffhanger ending to this book so readers can be assured that even though this is the first in a series it can stand alone on it's own merits.
However since Wishful is such an interesting small town to visit and it's inhabitants never fail to disappoint the next book should be worth following up on once this one ends, at least in my opinion anyway.
There are several areas that were glossed over leaving questions unanswered but not detracting from how things worked out though.
The couple was a nice fit and their story was fairly solid from start to finish so easy to follow along with and actually quite a lot of fun to see play out.
The one thing it shared in common with others that I have enjoyed in the author's works was the strong part that family relationships and supportive friendships played. Both Autumn and Judd benefitted from the people who know them best but especially so when it came to their own lifelong bond. A bond forged when Judd was six and the first time he came to Autumn's rescue but totally not the last one as for 25 years her welfare has been his first priority and concern.
The one most important point that I have to share is the fact there is a definite HEA and no cliffhanger ending to this book so readers can be assured that even though this is the first in a series it can stand alone on it's own merits.
However since Wishful is such an interesting small town to visit and it's inhabitants never fail to disappoint the next book should be worth following up on once this one ends, at least in my opinion anyway.
October 19, 2016
There are absolutely no words to express the BIG LOVE I feel for this book!!! I have enjoyed the entire Wishful series and this certainly is no exception!!! Judd and Autumn had me from beginning to end, laughing, crying, smiling and cheering (with a bit of frustration) to the point that I did not want the book to end!!! This has to be one of my all time favorite books and these two characters are on the top of the list of my favorites. This book is well worth the read and if you haven't read the rest of the Wishful books, please read them, they are well worth it. I would also like to become a Southerner!!!
October 20, 2016
I am a fan of the Wishful series, I feel like the characters are my family and friends.
This book has a slight change to it compared to the others, a good change........there's a bit of a darker side that includes a bit of mystery, intrigue and suspense. LOVED it and can't wait for the next one. This kept me involved the whole time and I struggled to put the book down. I love Autumn and Judd, even though I wanted to reach into the book and slap Judd a few times! I must not forget that this also includes a bit of hot and steamy love scenes too.....phwoar!!!
This book has a slight change to it compared to the others, a good change........there's a bit of a darker side that includes a bit of mystery, intrigue and suspense. LOVED it and can't wait for the next one. This kept me involved the whole time and I struggled to put the book down. I love Autumn and Judd, even though I wanted to reach into the book and slap Judd a few times! I must not forget that this also includes a bit of hot and steamy love scenes too.....phwoar!!!
January 3, 2018
I received this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Livia and Judd are best friends and have been since she was six years old and he rescued her on the play ground. Twenty five years later and they are still best friends much to her dismay. She is one of the town's librarians and she secretly writes and publishes erotic romantic suspense novels based on her and Judd's history. Judd is the town's interim Sheriff and Livia has a stalker that has gone so far as to set fire to the duplex she lives in.
August 1, 2020
Best friends to lover's story I have read in a while, I would recommend this book for mature readers that enjoy reading stories that are at times laugh out loud funny, steamy, suspenseful, and oh so romantic, with a happily ever after, and strong characters both male and female. It's not hard to imagine each character with their own story in the small town of Wishful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2019
The first book in the Wishing for a Hero series by Kait Nolan. Judd Hamilton and Autumn Buchanan have been best friends since they were children. Then Autumn's father tried to kill them. Now years later, Autumn's father is getting out of prison and someone is targeting Autumn. It's Judd's job to protect her but some think his protection is too much.
Judd has treated Autumn as just a friend for many years but Autumn is in love with him and feels she needs to move on. As in leave town. It's a good idea because her father wouldn't know where to find her. But Judd is against her leaving.
One of those "I love you but I can never tell you because I can't accept the rejection" stories. I did like it and I think I will try this author again. There just wasn't any real WOW moments for me.
Judd has treated Autumn as just a friend for many years but Autumn is in love with him and feels she needs to move on. As in leave town. It's a good idea because her father wouldn't know where to find her. But Judd is against her leaving.
One of those "I love you but I can never tell you because I can't accept the rejection" stories. I did like it and I think I will try this author again. There just wasn't any real WOW moments for me.
March 22, 2020
I wanted a story like a kdrama ,, and that exactly what happend:))
July 10, 2018
I skim read this book, wasn’t even worth that.
June 30, 2018
Couldn’t let go
The author pulled me in with Judd and Autumn from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen. Take my word. Read this book
The author pulled me in with Judd and Autumn from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen. Take my word. Read this book
July 5, 2018
It took me a while to get into this book. I would rate the first half 2 stars and the last half 4 stars, hence the 3 star rating. I AM interested in reading more by this author based on the 2nd half of the book.
March 26, 2019
A frustrating read.
It just as if the author wanted to make the book as long as possible. The beginning of the book was dragging. It was frustrating knowing the H & h would be together some time before the book ends but they just couldn’t get there because of some silly excuses, excuses that the author fabricated just to keep them apart. The conflict didn’t feel realistic, it took away the enjoyment of the read.
Then they got together and the story progressed. It could’ve been a better experience had I not been completely annoyed by both H & h because of the first part of the book. I just couldn’t take them seriously, couldn’t relate to them. I didn’t care at all what happened to them. I just wanted the book to finish because my OCD cannot easily let me leave a book unfinished.
Then the final act unfolded. Again, it didn’t feel original. It felt like reading a fanfic, or reading something written by a fan of crime books who happened to be pretty good in writing herself. Sorry for the harsh words, but this book was a drag and the mildly exciting final act couldn’t save it.
Spoiler alert!
Yes Autumn’s father was abusive to her when she was growing up, but for the man to have died taking a bullet for her boyfriend and for her not to shed a tear and not mention his name past the aftermath of the final act was uncomprehensible. That made her seem cold hearted and it just didn’t suit her character. After all, she denied him all the chances he had to make amends with her. The least she could do was regretting her unwillingness to even have one conversation with him. I had had a sliver of hope that at least her reunion with her dad would’ve been an emotional one, but again, I was disappointed.
It just as if the author wanted to make the book as long as possible. The beginning of the book was dragging. It was frustrating knowing the H & h would be together some time before the book ends but they just couldn’t get there because of some silly excuses, excuses that the author fabricated just to keep them apart. The conflict didn’t feel realistic, it took away the enjoyment of the read.
Then they got together and the story progressed. It could’ve been a better experience had I not been completely annoyed by both H & h because of the first part of the book. I just couldn’t take them seriously, couldn’t relate to them. I didn’t care at all what happened to them. I just wanted the book to finish because my OCD cannot easily let me leave a book unfinished.
Then the final act unfolded. Again, it didn’t feel original. It felt like reading a fanfic, or reading something written by a fan of crime books who happened to be pretty good in writing herself. Sorry for the harsh words, but this book was a drag and the mildly exciting final act couldn’t save it.
Spoiler alert!
Yes Autumn’s father was abusive to her when she was growing up, but for the man to have died taking a bullet for her boyfriend and for her not to shed a tear and not mention his name past the aftermath of the final act was uncomprehensible. That made her seem cold hearted and it just didn’t suit her character. After all, she denied him all the chances he had to make amends with her. The least she could do was regretting her unwillingness to even have one conversation with him. I had had a sliver of hope that at least her reunion with her dad would’ve been an emotional one, but again, I was disappointed.
August 1, 2020
Make You Feel My Love is the first book in the Wishing for a Hero series, a rewrite of the original book featuring Autumn and Judd, and set within the Wishful Romance world. Autumn and Judd have been best friends since they were six years old, united by blood and nightmares, and Autumn can’t help but want more. On the day that the monster from her past is released from prison, Autumn’s life begins to be rocked upside down, but will Judd be her rescuer again, or will they lose more than just a chance at love?
Oh my goodness, this book is so fantastic! I felt my heart pumping due to both the suspense and danger aspects of the book, as well as the sweet friends to lovers romance. Autumn and Judd are definitely my favorite characters of Ms. Nolan, and I loved reading this reboot! Autumn has had so much thrown at her, both in her childhood and in these pages, but I loved her courage, her ability to speak up for herself, and her drive to go after what she wanted. Judd was so central to her life, just as Autumn was pivotal to his. Protector, hero, honest, brave, and honest are all words you could use to describe Judd, but my favorite part about him was how he realized he could actually love his best friend the way he’s always wanted to. He’s driven, but I loved how all of his focus was on Autumn and her safety. I loved some of the twists in this book, the way characters were redeemed, and just how much love and support were the focus in this book. I reread this book often, love the new way the second half is rewritten, and know this book will always hold a special place in my heart!
Oh my goodness, this book is so fantastic! I felt my heart pumping due to both the suspense and danger aspects of the book, as well as the sweet friends to lovers romance. Autumn and Judd are definitely my favorite characters of Ms. Nolan, and I loved reading this reboot! Autumn has had so much thrown at her, both in her childhood and in these pages, but I loved her courage, her ability to speak up for herself, and her drive to go after what she wanted. Judd was so central to her life, just as Autumn was pivotal to his. Protector, hero, honest, brave, and honest are all words you could use to describe Judd, but my favorite part about him was how he realized he could actually love his best friend the way he’s always wanted to. He’s driven, but I loved how all of his focus was on Autumn and her safety. I loved some of the twists in this book, the way characters were redeemed, and just how much love and support were the focus in this book. I reread this book often, love the new way the second half is rewritten, and know this book will always hold a special place in my heart!
July 25, 2020
Kait Nolan hits it out of the ballpark with this update of the first book in a Wishful suspense series. Wishing for a Hero? Then you will want to snag this book right now. Obviously, that means five stars for this romantic suspense novel.
As always, Nolan's shero is well-rounded, dynamic, relatable and so realistic that you want to hug her when she has a bad day. And boy does she have a string of those. Autumn had a rough childhood but has built a pretty good life with her family-of-choice. When her father gets released from prison, things start to go down the drain.
Judd is over-protective, and I have to say the most irritating hero Nolan has ever written. I guess his hovering came across as possessiveness or something. It just rubbed me the wrong way. But he's tough...except on the inside when it comes to Autumn.
This is a great story that I could hardly put down. I read the original and this one has the flavor of a true romantic suspense in league with Julie Garwood. If you love a little meat in your romances, this dandy is a four-course steak dinner. Read it. You won't regret it.
Warning: there is always ONE explicit sex scene in a Nolan romance. Scroll on by. Don't be like the goody-two-shoes who go after Autumn's job. (Was that spoiler-ish?)
Yes, I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but you know by now that doesn't buy stars from me :)
As always, Nolan's shero is well-rounded, dynamic, relatable and so realistic that you want to hug her when she has a bad day. And boy does she have a string of those. Autumn had a rough childhood but has built a pretty good life with her family-of-choice. When her father gets released from prison, things start to go down the drain.
Judd is over-protective, and I have to say the most irritating hero Nolan has ever written. I guess his hovering came across as possessiveness or something. It just rubbed me the wrong way. But he's tough...except on the inside when it comes to Autumn.
This is a great story that I could hardly put down. I read the original and this one has the flavor of a true romantic suspense in league with Julie Garwood. If you love a little meat in your romances, this dandy is a four-course steak dinner. Read it. You won't regret it.
Warning: there is always ONE explicit sex scene in a Nolan romance. Scroll on by. Don't be like the goody-two-shoes who go after Autumn's job. (Was that spoiler-ish?)
Yes, I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but you know by now that doesn't buy stars from me :)
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