When We Dare

Wild Fire #2

by J.H. Croix

A brand new, swoony small town firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

What could go wrong when my brother’s best friend becomes my roommate?
I’m about to find out.

When I met Hudson Fox, I drove over his crutches. Way to go, girl. My hormones think this hotshot firefighter is all that and then some.

My hormones have a terrible track record. They are cheering for Hudson, but my brain knows better. I’m a smart woman with plans and none of them involve romance.

Until I move into my new place and Hudson is my roommate. Complete with Butter, his cat.

Hudson isn’t just easy on the eyes, he’s everything I didn’t know I wanted, including a little grumpy with a protective streak bigger than Alaska. We both have our reasons for avoiding romance, but when he proposes a with benefits arrangement, I can’t even think over the sound of my hormones screaming for joy.

When my messy past catches up to me and I discover Hudson is my brother’s best friend, well, things get even messier. Hudson is keeping his own secrets. I tell myself it doesn’t matter. Until my heart wants more.

Hudson & Stella’s story is perfect for readers who protective firefighters, slow burn, roommates, brother’s best friend, messy secrets, chemistry on the rampage, small town shenanigans, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oodles of swoon, and a cinnamon roll hero who will protect the woman he loves with everything he has.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


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Reviews

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

JH Croix delivers yet another heartwarming, slow-burn romance in When We Dare, the second installment in the Wild Fire Series. Picking up seamlessly from the first book, Ms Croix invites us back to the charming small town of Willow Brook, Alaska, where passion smolders and love builds slowly but surely.

This time, the spotlight is on Hudson, a firefighter with a firm no-relationships policy. Haunted by his past, Hudson keeps his heart locked up tight behind walls that seem impenetrable—until Stella moves to town. Stella, a soon-to-be lawyer with her own vulnerabilities, becomes not only Hudson’s neighbor but also part of his close-knit friend group. Sharing an apartment with an adjoining space, the two are thrown together, and the sparks are immediate, though they try to deny the undeniable chemistry between them.

As secrets are revealed and family connections come to light, Hudson’s carefully guarded walls begin to crumble. Stella’s insecurities and Hudson’s stubborn resolve create a perfect yin-yang dynamic, making their journey to love both tender and deeply satisfying. Add in Hudson’s swoon-worthy moments and the delightful antics of two adorable cats, Butter and Biscuit, and you have a recipe for the perfect romance.

With its blend of slow-building passion, emotional depth, and small-town charm, When We Dare is a worthy follow-up in an exceptional series. If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances with a touch of humor and plenty of heat, this one is a must-read!

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally absolutely love J.H. Croix books. This one? Not so much. It just seemed to go on and on and on—with little relief in sight. I wanted to like this book. I wanted to be swept away by the romance of Alaska…but it just didn’t work out that way. The storyline was pretty good; the characters seemed a little flat to me; the plot twists and turns weren’t anything special—in my opinion; and even the HEA didn’t really do that much for me. I’m hoping that I just didn’t ‘feel the love’ due to the holiday overload. I plan to give this book another read in a few weeks to see if it doesn’t come alive for me. Until then, I want other readers to give this book a fair shot. You need to decide for yourself. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and plan to read it again to make sure I gave it a fair review.) Please grab your copy today!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Dare

Great story! Two people having grown up in disfunctional homes, not knowing what a loving family home life is like. Sadly they both have decided that forever after is not in their future. As sharing a duplex kitchen, they find themselves in an awkward situation, an attraction per se, so deciding that they will just have a friend with benefits, no commitment. Read on, and see how that works out? Can it? Or will they crash and burn? Awesome story.

[Lisa Hambridge (lisamareebooks1109) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that had me hooked. Stella and Hudson's story was addictive and I loved them so much. The plot was so fun, and I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hudson and Stella, especially when they both realised their feelings about relationships had changed, but they just needed to take the first step to their HEA.

Thank you for the ARC.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Stella and Hudson's story. Both had not the best upbringing and convinced themselves they didn't deserve love. Fate put them into each other's paths and soon roomies merged to lovers. This was a quick satisfying read.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, I have read some emotional books this week and then getting Stella and Hudson’s slow burn made my day. The second book in the series, and we did meet them in book one, but reading that one is not necessary for book two. But I do recommend you read it someday! While we are at previous books/series, we do get to catch up with friends from the past, so look into this author’s past series as well.

Back to this book, sharing a duplex with a common kitchen, mutual attraction, she is studying for the bar, he has a past he is ashamed of. Found family, friends with benefits, and all the firefighters. It's an interesting storyline; I found When We Dare to be a quick read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Wildfire series and it is Hudson and Stella’s story. Stella had finally finished law school and had moved to Willow Brook Alaska and works for the law practice in Firewood Harbor and after helping a friend with a custody case Stella had now settled in and made a few friends who she spent time with but while at her friends place her jacket and hair caught on fire and it was Hudson who came to help and take her to the hospital. Hudson is a hotshot firefighter, protective and a little bit grumpy and really likes Stella so when he jumped in to help her when she was in danger hopefully gave him the chance to get to know her which has now brought it’s own type of complications into his life. Stella and Hudson had a strong attraction and chemistry right from the start but neither want a relationship because of there past but then they realise that they are roommates with a chemistry that is fast becoming to strong to ignore so they end up having a friends with benefits arrangement and now can’t seem to keep there hands off each other only for Hudson to find out that Stella is his best friends half sister so now everything is even more complicated than ever and even though they tried not to deepen there connection sometimes it is taken out of your hands and you end up going along for the ride hoping eventually everything will work out for the better. Stella and Hudson are so perfect together and for each other but with all the baggage that they both have will they ever be able to sort everything out and realise that what they have is special and they also deserve a future together or will they realise too late and lose everything. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished When We Dare, the second book in J.H. Croix's Wild Fire series, and I found it to be an enjoyable read that perfectly balances romance and small-town charm. This installment focuses on Hudson and Stella, whose chemistry is palpable from the start.

The story revolves around Hudson, a dedicated firefighter, and Stella, who returns to her hometown only to find herself drawn to him. Their instant attraction leads to a slow burn that kept me turning the pages. The tension between their professional lives and personal feelings adds depth to the plot, making it more than just a typical romance. I appreciated how Croix wove in elements of community and family, which enriched the narrative.

Both Hudson and Stella are well-developed characters with relatable struggles. Hudson’s protective nature and dedication to his job make him a swoon-worthy hero, while Stella’s journey of self-discovery resonates deeply. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments, showcasing their growth as individuals and as a couple.

J.H. Croix’s writing is engaging and easy to read, with a nice flow that kept me hooked throughout. The descriptive passages bring the small-town setting to life, allowing me to feel immersed in Willow Brook. The balance between sweet moments and steamy scenes is well-executed, making for a satisfying romantic experience.

Overall, When We Dare is a delightful addition to the series that captures the essence of small-town romance with a touch of adventure. J.H. Croix has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and entertaining. I’m giving this book a solid 4-star rating for its engaging plot and well-rounded characters, and I look forward to seeing what comes next in the Wild Fire series!

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment that Hudson Fox came to save her day Stella has had a little crush on him, there's just something about him that draws her in. But her and relationships don't mix, the thought of one has her ready to run most days. She decides she'll just have to admire the handsome firefighter from afar. Which sounds like a heck of an idea, until she learns that are about to become roommates!

When We Dare is a beautifully written story of love, friendship, healing, family, and taking chances. Stella has lead a complicated life and always felt she was like her mother and just not meant to experience true love. Right now her focus is on her career, she's got a bar exam to pass she doesn't have time for love.

But then she moves into her new place and even closer to her crush and things start to take an unexpected turn. Hudson is adamant that he also isn't meant for love so he proposes a friends with benefits arrangement that suits them both... but before long just being "friends" isn't enough for either of them. Is what they share worth taking a chance on or is it time to put an end to their arrangement and go their separate ways?

This wonderfully penned slow burn romance checked all the boxes for me, it had sweeter moments to make me swoon, heartfelt ones to stir up the feels, and of course some steamier ones to make me blush. It was such a entertaining escape, so much so, that I finished it one sitting! Highly recommend you meet these two, their story will warm your heart and make you smile!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When We Dare by JH Croix is an enticing romance, but what makes it even better is the both the characters are flawed and embarrassed by their flaws. They have both determined that they will never fall in love because of them. Stella, because she has seen her mother go from one man to another looking for love and security and never finding it. Hudson, because he made a mistake when he was a teenager and he thinks no one would want him because of it, especially a young lawyer, Stella. Of course, Hudson is a firefighter, and Stella is about to take the bar exam. She is becoming a lawyer so she can always take care of herself and never rely on anyone else: a man. Their attraction is strong and they are surrounded by in-love people. An additional monkey-wrench thrown in is that Stella has a half brother. She didn’t know it, nor did he until he ran commercial DNA test. It complicates things.

Croix is good at writing strong characters. She has done it again in this story. Sometimes strength than be misused and become stubbornness. Both of these characters display this trait until their friends convince them they are hurting themselves. It didn’t hurt that Stella got into a bit of a bind and Hudson had to rescue her; he is a firefighter, after all. Not a ton of plot, but enough. Plenty of heat and lots of good friends. What more could one want in a romance? Good series. Good book.

I was invited to read When We Dare by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #JHCroix #WhenWeDare

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Their first meeting ended up with Stella running over Hudson’s crutches in book 1. Not a great first impression. But no worries because the attraction is still there. Stella ends up renting an apartment in the same duplex that Hudson lives in. They share a kitchen and somehow agree to a secret friends with benefits arrangement. They break ground rule number one the first night. Oh boy! As we get to know these characters, it’s evident why Stella needs stability. Her mom moved them around a lot chasing love with all the wrong people. Hudson’s childhood wasn’t the greatest, which lands him in juvy. They’re not looking for forever but somehow still catch feelings. In the midst of figuring out just what they’re doing, Stella discovers an older half brother. It’s awkward at first but they seem to get the hang of being related. Stella just doesn’t need the big brother protectiveness, especially when he warns Hudson not to hurt her. Hudson and Stella are so fiercely independent. Neither knows what relationships should be like or how to navigate the love stuff. I like how they were able to find their forever after while not having to sacrifice parts of themselves that make them who they are.

I can’t describe just how much I love this small town and its people. No one is a stranger. Newcomers are quickly welcomed into the fold. There’s great banter among the characters and they’ve managed to cobble together a family of kind and supportive people.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars-Romance and More!

This is the second book in The Wildfire series, and it’s all about Hudson and Stella. Stella has just finished law school and moved to Willow Brook, Alaska. Although she’s met Hudson before, she really gets to know him when she moves upstairs from him.

I liked both Hudson and Stella, they’re a cautious couple, each with a few secrets from their past. Nothing life-shattering, but enough to make them hesitant about jumping into anything serious. I totally get where Stella’s coming from in wanting to make it on her own, relying only on herself (and her hormones—just kidding!). The one thing that did irritate me about Stella, though, was how often the "hormone" comment was used. It got a little repetitive. To keep things casual, they decide to try a friends-with-benefits situation, which, as we all know, never ends well.

Along with all of the relationship stuff, there's the fact that Stella is Hudson's friends half-sister to throw in the mix. And of course Butter and Biscuit! Makes Hudson a bit more in my eyes. Nothing like a proud cat dad.

The book is well-written and packed with characters—sometimes a little too many to keep track of. That said, I really appreciate how much J.H. Croix manages to accomplish in such a short read. It was the perfect fit for my weekend reading. When We Dare can definitely be read as a standalone, but it’s even more enjoyable when you read the books in order.

Review for Renee Entress's Blog

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is impossible not to become invested in Stella and Hudson’s story. Both are just so likeable and they deserve something wonderful after the pain and disappointment in their pasts. There is an instant attraction and sparks between them that both do their best to deny and hide. Sharing a duplex and a kitchen makes that difficult though. Hudson comes up with a friends with benefits plan that they seem to contemplate and obsess about for days before finally going ahead with it. Passion overrides any doubts they might have and it doesn’t take long for deeper feelings to develop. That’s when doubts, fears and trust issues as a result of their pasts start to cause trouble.

There are some funny moments that made me laugh, (the turkey mishap for one), some emotional moments that made me a bit teary-eyed, and some very steamy moments that raised the temperature of the room. Stella is very earnest, a tad clumsy, and very chatty when nervous. Her anxieties sometimes overwhelm her but she fights her way through it. I find her rather endearing. Hudson has very similar anxieties and a past he is not proud of, even though he has become a good man that everyone relies on and likes. His fear brings turmoil to their relationship, but thankfully they both have a great set of friends who advise, support and encourage them to find a way forward together.

I am happy to recommend this very engaging book.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella has been in Willow Brook Alaska for a few months. She is checking out an apartment in a duplex when the guy whose crutches she ran over is also living in the duplex. Hudson is a hot shot firefighter in Willow Brook. He had some trouble when he was a teenager and ended up in juvie. Stella’s mom has been trying to find stability since Stella was young. Stella has never met her father. Stella finds out that she has a half brother who is a firefighter in Willow Brook. Hudson has a best friend from juvie who just moved to Willow Brook to be on the hot shot firefighter squad. Hudson and Stella end up having sex after she moves in. Hudson starts to catch feelings for Stella but he hasn’t told her about his past. Stella meets Parker her half brother and he tells her about his time in juvie and about his best friend he made there. Stella has always said that she would never fall in love because of the way she grew up but she is starting to realize that she has feelings for Hudson. Will Hudson tell Stella about his past and how he knows Parker? Will Hudson and Stella take a chance on each other? Will Hudson and Stella find love and happiness in Willow Brook?

Fantastic Willow Brook romance!

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention the entire time. I loved getting to know Hudson and Stella better and this one was fun with the roommates and brother's best friend tropes involved. It also has some Alaskan town and protective firefighter as well. It was well written and flowed easily. Both Stella and Hudson have a past and childhood that makes them think love isn't for them and not something they are looking for. It sets them up to have a with benefits arrangement when they become roommates. As they spend time together and get to know each other, feelings start to develop and grow and it takes them a little bit to figure out exactly what to do with that and how to handle it. I enjoyed watching them build the relationship, even though they didn't know that's what they were doing the entire time. Their chemistry to fantastic and well written and it definitely has them gravitating towards each other, even when they would otherwise not have acted on it. I had a lot of fun with this one and loved getting to see past characters from this and other series by JH Croix. It's a bonus if you've read them but not a big deal if you haven't. Excited for more in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love small town romance with protector type firefighter and a strong independent woman who has crazy things happen to her, this story is for you! Loved the story between Hudson and Stella as both were adamant that they couldn’t do relationships. Hudson because he feared people would judge him for his past and Stella who wanted to be independent fate seeing her mom be very dependent on the men in her life. Hudson and Stella have now been thrown together in crazy situations and are now renting a duplex in which they share a kitchen. Stella has the upstairs and Hudson has the lower level. As they feel sparks for one another, the decide to be exclusive in their non relationship. Their friends and people in town can see what is suddenly becoming more to Stella and Hudson. As families and friends join in with help, these two will realize that they can both do relationships. Loved this story and I could identify with the main characters in being concerned about relationships and being dependent on another person. I loved that love won in this situation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this coverart doesn’t get you excited I don’t know what will especially if you’ve been to Willow Brook , Alaska before , it’s a place you can easily call home and it’s people will become friends and family ❣️

The dedication hits you right in the heart 💓

So Stella moves to Willie Brook and ends up being Hudson’s roommate and the chemistry is tangible from the get go and despite trying to fight it they can’t , look both have issues and baggage but together they can and do work through it(such a fun journey ) but there’s a catch that neither know of when they start out and that’s Parker , he’s Hudson’s friend and Stella’s half brother she’s only found out about so that’s going to add a little tension 😉

Hudson and Parker share history that tugged at my heartstring but people grow up and they made the decision to be better and they are good men 🥰

You’ll just fall in love with Butter the day 🐾❣️🤗he obviously also has his on Stella , like his master if you judge by his purring 🤣

If ever 2 people deserved a HEA it’s these 2 🥰 I can’t wait to come back to Willow Brook and it’s people 💓

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and Hudson meet when Stella runs over Hudson's crutches. Stella is studying for the bar exam, and Hudson is a hot shot firefighter. Stella and Hudson end up roommates in a duplex that shares a kitchen area. Hudson and Stella try to ignore their attraction to no avail and come to a friends with benefits agreement with no desire for a serious relationship. Hudson and Stella set up rules for their friends with benefits but break the rules the first night they spend together. How does Stella react when she learns her half brother, Parker, is Hudson's best friend? Will Stella and Hudson overcome their baggage and confess their feelings for each other? I loved When We Dare by J.H. Croix. Stella and Hudson are a great couple with amazing chemistry and two fun loving cats, Butter and Biscuits. I love how their happily coupled friends are there with relationship advice. I especially loved how Parker took on the big brother role towards Stella. I highly recommend getting When We Dare and the other book in the Wild Fire series by J.H. Croix. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When it comes to writing stories featuring hotshot firefighters in Alaska, nobody does it better than this author. I have read so many from her and alot of them crossover which I just love.
This book features Hudson and Stella. Both have not had the best childhoods, but for completely different reasons. But in a shock twist of fate, there is something that does connect them. I thought this was very cleverly added to the overall storyline.
I enjoyed reading these two navigate their budding relationship but both of them held a part of themselves back because of their pasts. The way they worked through this was mainly due to the help of their friends which in this case was what they needed.
Usually I tend to prefer one main character over the other, but with this book to both characters were equally amazing. Looking forward to more hotshot books in the future." ~Sharon




I enjoyed Stella and Hudson's story. Both had not the best upbringing and convinced themselves they didn't deserve love. Fate put them into each other's paths and soon roomies merged to lovers. This was a quick satisfying read. ~Cindy

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love returning to the world of Fireweed Harbor and Willow Brook; there’s a good feeling to these books even though some of the themes can be a little “heavy”. This is the second book in the Wild Fire series and follows the developing relationship between Hudson and Stella, who the reader met in the previous book “All The Afters”.
Circumstances throw Hudson and Stella together but both have issues from their past that they need to deal with and that act as stumbling blocks to them believing they can form a relationship. There’s also the added and unexpected complication of the friend and half brother and two cats that almost steal the show!
This book includes emotion, angst, humour (especially the banter between characters), and steam and, of course, the ending that Stella and Hudson deserve. “When We Dare” can be read as a standalone but I would advise reading the first book in the series prior to this as previous events and characters are mentioned.
Thank you for the early copy and I have chosen to leave a review.

[ReadaholicDeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This can be read as a standalone, but I love returning to Willow Brook, a town full of 🔥hotshot firefighters. The acceptance and close friendships feel like a warm embrace.

Hudson and Stella first run into each other in the previous book, which they mention. Their second run is just as bumpy and ends with an ER trip. I love how protective Hudson is 😍.

Stella is settling into Willow Brook and finds herself sharing a duplex with Hudson - and his cat Butter 🐈. Neither want a relationship but give in to their attraction and set rules they quickly break. While the two fight their feelings, Stella finds out she has a half-brother who lives in town.

I loved the balance of romance and family. Hudson and Stella’s attraction was quick, but their feelings and the two admitting them to each other (and themselves) evolve.

There are so many things I love…honestly, I would say too much and spoil the story.

This was the perfect feel-good, swoony small-town romance—with an Alaska setting. This quick read had the perfect mixture of spice, plot, and character development.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second installment of the Wild Fire Series and couldn't put it down! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't wait to find out what was in store for Hudson and Stella.

If it feels right with someone, it's worth the risk.

Stella met Hudson when she ran over his crutches. (Check out the first book in the series, ‘All the Afters’, to find out how that came about!) Now circumstances bring them together and they need to come to terms with their past in order to see a future and find their HEA.

The way J.H. Croix writes these amazing tales pulls you right in and you feel like you are a part of this wonderful small town and never want to leave!

If you love wonderful characters, intrigue, and steamy scenes you will love this! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this small town!

Remember, you miss one hundred percent of the chances you don't take. So don't miss out on this one!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.H. Croix has given us a sweet, slow-burn, and enjoyable love story that sees Hudson and Strella sharing a duplex and sparks start to fly when a secret is revealed. This story is full of laughs, friendship, found family, awkward moments and a passion that sees Hudson and Stella break the rules on the first night. Right from the start I was hooked and needed to see where "deal" they made was going to take them. Were feelings and hearts going to get involved or were they able to keep things easy going?
Stella and Hudson have not had the best of lives growing up but they both turned their lives around. She is on her way to becoming a lawyer and he is a hotshot firefighter who has a no-relationship rule, especially with a woman who is going into law. Stella has not had good luck with men but there is something about Hudson that sees her hormones taking over and betraying her. The two of them were perfect for one another.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 stars*
The second story in this series and I purely enjoyed the chemistry between Hudson & Stella with how they intereacted and how their relationship progressed. I definitely loved how the author made you feel the written words and get close to the characters. It was a fun, romantic story that definitely pulled on your heartstrings. A great enjoyable read!

Stella has a crush on Hudson but never really acted on it but as they're in the same friend group, it's hard to keep a distance. She's working hard to finish her Bar exam but she keeps getting some distraction. As they live in the same building, it's hard to ignore each other but there seems to be something between them. As they get to know each other, the spark ignites the flame and they grow closer but Hudson has his walls up but Stella might be the one person to break them down. Feelings between them grow stronger but will he find his way back to her in the end?...

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson, a newer addition to the fire house team has had a couple of run ins with Stella, a paralegal. Stella running over his crutches, Hudson putting out a fire that catches her hair and now, she’s the new tenant in a house where Hudson is also staying. The attraction is there but Stella is wary, she doesn’t do well with relationships and seems to get tongue tied around Hudson. But the close proximity gives them a chance to become more than just roommates, with ground rules, that seem to be broken from the beginning. When their feelings grow from friends with more, it becomes hard for one of them to keep quiet…which has the other running…can they find their way back to their HEA.
A good read with steam and good characters, who each have their own hang ups that need to be worked through. I liked these two, little to no drama, secrets revealed and new family.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book by J.H. Croix. I love her books because they are straightforward romance stories without all kinds of weird complications and side adventures, and the story flow is great. This story is related to several related series of books by the author, most taking place in Alaska, so most of the characters are quite familiar, almost like a continuation of their stories, giving you the feeling that you're coming home. I don't really get the whole "I don't want to be in a relationship" thing, but I guess it's a real issue, making me glad I'm married and no longer in the dating scene. Croix's books tend to be pretty steamy, which is one of the things I love about them, and this story is no exception, earning it a 4/5 on my spice scale. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would encourage you to read all of her stories, since it's more fun that way.

I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna L · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.H. Croix continues her Wild Fire series with the love story between hotshot firefighter Hudson and his new roommate Stella. Their instant attraction is undeniable despite both Hudson’s and Stella’s reluctance to sustain a serious relationship.
Both characters have a childhood history that doesn’t lend itself to believe that love is attainable. There were lots of characters mentioned from Croix’s previous series about Alaskan firefighters. In fact, I had to start taking notes to keep track of the 36 plus characters that were mentioned.
I don’t give a synopsis or reveal spoilers when I review a book. This is a low angst story that is told in dual points of view. It was an interesting book with no cheating, a very predictable conclusion, and a happy ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson & Stella's story about two roommates who are attracted to each other. They decide to make it a friends with benefits arrangement, promising no feelings. Well, we all know how that goes, right? On top of everything, Stella finds out she has a half brother, living in Willow Brook, turning this into a best friends younger sister story & there is definitely the offer to kick Hudson's butt if he hurts her. Oh, I can't forget Butter & Biscuit, their cats, so cute!
Both main characters have baggage, neither with a proper role model for falling in love, let alone having a relationship! Enter ALL of their friends, who love to give their opinions & advice! There is nothing better than the banter of the residents of Willow Brook, AK. This story was sexy, steamy, spicy & just the right amount of funny, I can't wait for the next story! Enjoy!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story by J.H. Croix! She never disappoints with her characters, Stella and Hudson! You will love this one! 5 stars!
Stella is studying for the bar, and moves into a new duplex, with a common kitchen, and guess who her neighbor is...Yup, Hudson! These two have their own insecurities, she watched her mother rely on other men to take care of them, and that's not what she wants in life, she wants to be able to take care of herself, so she's becoming a lawyer. Hudson, he's got his own insecurities, he doesn't have the best past, even though he's a hot shot firefighter now, it still haunts him. And with Stella becoming a lawyer, he feels he'd never be good enough for her.
Read along and enjoy their story as it unfolds! Two damaged hearts, afraid to let their hearts take control, it's one amazing story! Don't miss out, grab it asap!

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to writing stories featuring hotshot firefighters in Alaska, nobody does it better than this author. I have read so many from her and alot of them crossover which I just love.
This book features Hudson and Stella. Both have not had the best childhoods, but for completely different reasons. But in a shock twist of fate, there is something that does connect them. I thought this was very cleverly added to the overall storyline.
I enjoyed reading these two navigate their budding relationship but both of them held a part of themselves back because of their pasts. The way they worked through this was mainly due to the help of their friends which in this case was what they needed.
Usually I tend to prefer one main character over the other, but with this book to both characters were equally amazing. Looking forward to more hotshot books in the future.