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King Family #4
Just Like That
He’s my sister’s ex, a stubborn jerk, and completely off-limits.
Getting a man to give up custody of a son he didn’t know existed should have been easy. Trouble is, nothing with JP King is ever easy.
Suave, grumpy billionaires aren’t supposed to have strong hands or filthy mouths, and I never expected our snippy banter to be so much fun.
JP regards me as something he scraped off the bottom of his dress shoe, but when this reluctant single dad looks at my nephew, there’s a softness there he struggles to keep hidden.
He may be gruff and uptight, but something simmers beneath his controlled, polished exterior. Sure, I’m wild and reckless, but when we’re forced together as guardians, everything changes.
His cold and calculated exterior melts into hushed conversations and lingering stares. The more we fight, the harder we fall.
I’m scatterbrained, unconventional, and everything he’s been missing. The closer we get, the less we understand why we were ever at odds.
. . . until just like that our lives are turned upside down.
Getting a man to give up custody of a son he didn’t know existed should have been easy. Trouble is, nothing with JP King is ever easy.
Suave, grumpy billionaires aren’t supposed to have strong hands or filthy mouths, and I never expected our snippy banter to be so much fun.
JP regards me as something he scraped off the bottom of his dress shoe, but when this reluctant single dad looks at my nephew, there’s a softness there he struggles to keep hidden.
He may be gruff and uptight, but something simmers beneath his controlled, polished exterior. Sure, I’m wild and reckless, but when we’re forced together as guardians, everything changes.
His cold and calculated exterior melts into hushed conversations and lingering stares. The more we fight, the harder we fall.
I’m scatterbrained, unconventional, and everything he’s been missing. The closer we get, the less we understand why we were ever at odds.
. . . until just like that our lives are turned upside down.
470 pages, ebook
First published January 18, 2025
1651 people are currently reading
4624 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hendrix
34 books3,454 followersLena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
January 6, 2025
Yelp, my favorite Lena Hendrix book ever. This was IMMACULATE. Probably one of my top reads this year and it's only January..
The way I was so emotional reading this story. I was blown away!!! I didn't know how I was going to feel about grumpy JP but omg there is just something about a man who keeps all his feelings in and finally let's it all out... I legit could not handle the character growth 😭😭😭
Teddy... cutest fictional 7 year old boy ever. And then Hazel, ugh I love her quirky weird little self.
Literally no notes. This was simply ✨perfection✨
What to expect:
🖤 Small Town
🖤 Grumpy Sunshine
🖤 Single Parent
🖤 Opposites Attract
🖤 Age Gap (25:32)
🖤 Forbidden
🖤 A Touch of Suspense
🖤 Quirky FMC
🖤 "Fuck It" Moment
🖤 An Emotional Read
"After tonight, you're mine, and what's mine, I keep."
"With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away."
The way I was so emotional reading this story. I was blown away!!! I didn't know how I was going to feel about grumpy JP but omg there is just something about a man who keeps all his feelings in and finally let's it all out... I legit could not handle the character growth 😭😭😭
Teddy... cutest fictional 7 year old boy ever. And then Hazel, ugh I love her quirky weird little self.
Literally no notes. This was simply ✨perfection✨
What to expect:
🖤 Small Town
🖤 Grumpy Sunshine
🖤 Single Parent
🖤 Opposites Attract
🖤 Age Gap (25:32)
🖤 Forbidden
🖤 A Touch of Suspense
🖤 Quirky FMC
🖤 "Fuck It" Moment
🖤 An Emotional Read
"After tonight, you're mine, and what's mine, I keep."
"With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away."
January 14, 2025
This series has been such a ride. I have been really impressed how each book has been a standalone romance yet kept me sucked into the King family drama. I truly wanted them to solve the mystery of their mother and get justice for her.
In this book, we finally get to sink our teeth into JP and learn what makes him tick. For not being the oldest King, he still has taken the lead in keeping the family business going and successful. Though that all may be futile because of the crimes of their father. We get to the heart of it all in this story.
At the start we introduce a potential child for JP. When a young boy named Teddy arrives and proclaims JP to be his father. Along with Teddy, comes his young aunt, Hazel. Who has taken it upon herself to search out JP and inform him of his son. She is very distrusting of him and believes he wanted nothing to do with Teddy. His grumpy, no nonsense attitude sure doesn't help that assumption.
JP is completely overwhelmed by this claim and doesn't remember who Teddy's mother might be. So we send off a DNA sample and now we wait. But of course, in that waiting time, JP can't help buy fall for both Teddy AND Hazel. And the Whole clan of King siblings are not far behind.
So with a whole mess of lies and half truths to unravel, it's gonna be a wild summer in this small town. But of course, I was charmed and I swooned. Even if, it felt a little too horny right off the bat. Lena Hentrix does make that feel sweet too.
This was narrated in dual style by Stephen Dexter and Samantha Brentmoor, who brought these characters to life and kept me listening long into the night.
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: death of a parent, abusive parent, mention of loss of a pet, violence
*Thank you to the author for an ALC of this title.*
In this book, we finally get to sink our teeth into JP and learn what makes him tick. For not being the oldest King, he still has taken the lead in keeping the family business going and successful. Though that all may be futile because of the crimes of their father. We get to the heart of it all in this story.
At the start we introduce a potential child for JP. When a young boy named Teddy arrives and proclaims JP to be his father. Along with Teddy, comes his young aunt, Hazel. Who has taken it upon herself to search out JP and inform him of his son. She is very distrusting of him and believes he wanted nothing to do with Teddy. His grumpy, no nonsense attitude sure doesn't help that assumption.
JP is completely overwhelmed by this claim and doesn't remember who Teddy's mother might be. So we send off a DNA sample and now we wait. But of course, in that waiting time, JP can't help buy fall for both Teddy AND Hazel. And the Whole clan of King siblings are not far behind.
So with a whole mess of lies and half truths to unravel, it's gonna be a wild summer in this small town. But of course, I was charmed and I swooned. Even if, it felt a little too horny right off the bat. Lena Hentrix does make that feel sweet too.
This was narrated in dual style by Stephen Dexter and Samantha Brentmoor, who brought these characters to life and kept me listening long into the night.
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: death of a parent, abusive parent, mention of loss of a pet, violence
*Thank you to the author for an ALC of this title.*
January 27, 2025
Unfortunately I didn’t get the vibe for this story.
January 20, 2025
Star Rating: 4 🌟
Spice Rating: 2.75 🥵🔥
Thank you to Lena Hendrix and her team for providing me with this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ugh, Lena NEVER disappoints for me 😫 for those who don’t know, I discovered Lena mid-year last year with ‘Just This Once’ and she has QUICKLY become a go-to author for me. And this story did not disappoint my high expectations I have both for her and for the world/family she has created in Outtatowner.
Coming back into the world of Outtatowner is like entering into a warm hug for me. I am always so excited for the opportunity to come back (and early no less)! Going into this story I was a little hesitant on how I would truly enjoy this story due to two specific tropes that I am not the biggest fan of (single parent and sisters ex). However, I feel like both were done so well?! I ended up absolutely adoring little Teddy… he is actually, by far, one of my favorite kid characters I have read in a romance story. I found him so cute and endearing, and just wanted him to get the family he deserved after the heartbreak he went through with the death of his mom.
I loved the romance between JP and Hazel. We have seen JP throughout the rest of the stories as this low-key bad guy who is sort of absent and a carbon copy of his father (a high-key BAD guy). However, getting into his POV allowed you to see his human side. His hurts, his trauma’s, and his walls he has had up this whole time. And to see Hazel break through those things and show the good guy beneath…. Ugh loved.
I think this whole series (and the Sullivan series that chronologically takes places before this series) is such a winner and I would highly recommend you read it if you haven’t. I wish I myself found this town and all its cast of characters it contains earlier than I did 🫶🏻 I also cannot wait for the next book… MJ with a hot as fuck rugby player?!?! Okayyyyy Lena, I see you feeding us and all our fantasies 👀
For more bookish content and reviews, please follow my bookstagram💕
www.instagram.com/lovinmyshelf
Spice Rating: 2.75 🥵🔥
Thank you to Lena Hendrix and her team for providing me with this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ugh, Lena NEVER disappoints for me 😫 for those who don’t know, I discovered Lena mid-year last year with ‘Just This Once’ and she has QUICKLY become a go-to author for me. And this story did not disappoint my high expectations I have both for her and for the world/family she has created in Outtatowner.
Coming back into the world of Outtatowner is like entering into a warm hug for me. I am always so excited for the opportunity to come back (and early no less)! Going into this story I was a little hesitant on how I would truly enjoy this story due to two specific tropes that I am not the biggest fan of (single parent and sisters ex). However, I feel like both were done so well?! I ended up absolutely adoring little Teddy… he is actually, by far, one of my favorite kid characters I have read in a romance story. I found him so cute and endearing, and just wanted him to get the family he deserved after the heartbreak he went through with the death of his mom.
I loved the romance between JP and Hazel. We have seen JP throughout the rest of the stories as this low-key bad guy who is sort of absent and a carbon copy of his father (a high-key BAD guy). However, getting into his POV allowed you to see his human side. His hurts, his trauma’s, and his walls he has had up this whole time. And to see Hazel break through those things and show the good guy beneath…. Ugh loved.
I think this whole series (and the Sullivan series that chronologically takes places before this series) is such a winner and I would highly recommend you read it if you haven’t. I wish I myself found this town and all its cast of characters it contains earlier than I did 🫶🏻 I also cannot wait for the next book… MJ with a hot as fuck rugby player?!?! Okayyyyy Lena, I see you feeding us and all our fantasies 👀
For more bookish content and reviews, please follow my bookstagram💕
www.instagram.com/lovinmyshelf
January 31, 2025
Beta read ⭐️
Ugh I love JP & Hazel & Teddy so much 😭😭😭 THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE TO GO AROUND AND THIS WAS MORE THAN I COULD'VE HOPED FOR WHEN IT COMES TO JP!! its something so special when we finally get to see a character behind the mask he wears.
Full review to come but my goodness I’m a giddy, emotional, heart filled to the brim with love mess after finishing this!!
Tropes:
Accidental single dad
Grumpy x sunshine
Forbidden Romance
Sisters ex
Forced proximity
Small town
Enemies to lovers
Ugh I love JP & Hazel & Teddy so much 😭😭😭 THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE TO GO AROUND AND THIS WAS MORE THAN I COULD'VE HOPED FOR WHEN IT COMES TO JP!! its something so special when we finally get to see a character behind the mask he wears.
Full review to come but my goodness I’m a giddy, emotional, heart filled to the brim with love mess after finishing this!!
Tropes:
Accidental single dad
Grumpy x sunshine
Forbidden Romance
Sisters ex
Forced proximity
Small town
Enemies to lovers
January 20, 2025
Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"For a man who'd spent his entire life treading water, all I wanted to do was drown in her."
I read the Sullivan Family series last year, and I fell in love with Lena's writing! I've been so excited to dive into the King Family series, and I finally kicked things off with JP's book—and I loved it!
The story begins with Hazel, who is heartbroken after losing her sister. Before her sister passed, she wrote a letter revealing who Teddy's father was and expressed a wish for him to get to know Teddy. So, Hazel takes Teddy to Outtatowner to find JP, the man who is supposed to be Teddy's dad. JP is in for a surprise since he had no idea he had a child, and he’s a bit skeptical about whether Teddy is truly his son. While they wait for the paternity test results, the three of them spend some quality time together, and you can just feel the connections forming as they get to know each other better.
Hazel is a social media influencer with a free spirit and a love for adventure. She travels in her skoolie, which is super cool! Even though raising a child is a whole new world for her and can get a bit overwhelming, she’s determined to give Teddy all her love and support. She’s fiercely protective of him and just wants him to be happy. At first, she isn’t too fond of JP, but as they spend time together, she discovers the layers of his character that he usually keeps hidden.
"With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away."
JP may not be the oldest sibling, but he’s the fixer of the family, always stepping up to handle problems and make decisions. He might come across as grumpy and a bit standoffish at first, but deep down, he has a kind heart. I loved getting to peel back those layers and learn more about him throughout the story. Hazel’s bubbly and positive personality is such a great match for him, and it was so heartwarming to see JP slowly open up to her.
It felt amazing to return to Outtatowner and reconnect with familiar faces. This book truly shines as another incredible addition from Lena, and I loved every bit of it. JP, Hazel, and Teddy completely stole my heart! I found myself swooning throughout the story, and some plot twists took me by surprise! Most importantly, I appreciated the themes of friendship and found family woven throughout the story. A huge thank you to Lena for providing me with the eARC! I'm excited to read the previous books in the series!
"When I met you everything changed. You and Teddy....you make me want to be better. You've shown me what it means to love someone with everything I have."
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
"For a man who'd spent his entire life treading water, all I wanted to do was drown in her."
I read the Sullivan Family series last year, and I fell in love with Lena's writing! I've been so excited to dive into the King Family series, and I finally kicked things off with JP's book—and I loved it!
The story begins with Hazel, who is heartbroken after losing her sister. Before her sister passed, she wrote a letter revealing who Teddy's father was and expressed a wish for him to get to know Teddy. So, Hazel takes Teddy to Outtatowner to find JP, the man who is supposed to be Teddy's dad. JP is in for a surprise since he had no idea he had a child, and he’s a bit skeptical about whether Teddy is truly his son. While they wait for the paternity test results, the three of them spend some quality time together, and you can just feel the connections forming as they get to know each other better.
Hazel is a social media influencer with a free spirit and a love for adventure. She travels in her skoolie, which is super cool! Even though raising a child is a whole new world for her and can get a bit overwhelming, she’s determined to give Teddy all her love and support. She’s fiercely protective of him and just wants him to be happy. At first, she isn’t too fond of JP, but as they spend time together, she discovers the layers of his character that he usually keeps hidden.
"With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away."
JP may not be the oldest sibling, but he’s the fixer of the family, always stepping up to handle problems and make decisions. He might come across as grumpy and a bit standoffish at first, but deep down, he has a kind heart. I loved getting to peel back those layers and learn more about him throughout the story. Hazel’s bubbly and positive personality is such a great match for him, and it was so heartwarming to see JP slowly open up to her.
It felt amazing to return to Outtatowner and reconnect with familiar faces. This book truly shines as another incredible addition from Lena, and I loved every bit of it. JP, Hazel, and Teddy completely stole my heart! I found myself swooning throughout the story, and some plot twists took me by surprise! Most importantly, I appreciated the themes of friendship and found family woven throughout the story. A huge thank you to Lena for providing me with the eARC! I'm excited to read the previous books in the series!
"When I met you everything changed. You and Teddy....you make me want to be better. You've shown me what it means to love someone with everything I have."
January 20, 2025
Meh JP mooning over hazel when he just found out he's a father kinda ruined the book. I mean you just found out you have a seven year old kid and the mother of said kid is dead and all you can think about is your dead baby mama's sisters legs
January 24, 2025
It always amazes me how cute 7years old are in books 😍
March 5, 2025
This series has been a bit up and down for me. I enjoyed this one though. The mmc is one that always seemed very cold and standoffish in the past books so it was nice seeing him soften and fall in love. Seeing him so easily step in to be a dad for a kid he didn’t know existed was sweet. I liked the fmc but also felt like I didn’t get to really know her. She was dealing the with grief of her sister and figuring how to take care of her kid, which is a lot, but that’s almost all it seemed like she was. There wasn’t much additional build up of her character.
There’s been a storyline that’s been running across all the books in the series that reaches a climax in this book. I’m not sure how I feel about it but it’s definitely entertaining.
😊 strangers to lovers
🧲 opposites attract
🏡 small town
👦 unexpected single dad
👥 close proximity
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
There’s been a storyline that’s been running across all the books in the series that reaches a climax in this book. I’m not sure how I feel about it but it’s definitely entertaining.
😊 strangers to lovers
🧲 opposites attract
🏡 small town
👦 unexpected single dad
👥 close proximity
👏🏻 no third act breakup
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
January 3, 2025
I had my doubts Lena Hendrix…
I didn’t think I would ever like JP.
But I loved him!!
I also absolutely love the sisters baby daddy type tropes.
It was done so good here.
The twists and turns and ends tied up 🔥
Hazel. I really enjoyed her, strong and a bit quirky.
The grumpy x sunshine was so good.
Teddy, have to love a cute kid.
This may be my favorite Lena Hendrix book to date.
Arc review ✨
I didn’t think I would ever like JP.
But I loved him!!
I also absolutely love the sisters baby daddy type tropes.
It was done so good here.
The twists and turns and ends tied up 🔥
Hazel. I really enjoyed her, strong and a bit quirky.
The grumpy x sunshine was so good.
Teddy, have to love a cute kid.
This may be my favorite Lena Hendrix book to date.
Arc review ✨
March 5, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Okay, who knew that JP KING was going to be my favorite, cause that was a surprise to me too .😂 But dang I loved this man so freaking much.
I will fall time and time again for the grumpy, prickly one that gets totally upended by an inconvenient sunshine, and this book was the PERFECT example of that! This man fell and fell hard, and honestly loved that journey for him.
✨ quirky small town
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ surprise/secret child
✨ ex’s sister
✨ he falls hard
Hazel. Omg I loved her just as much and I just want to be her friend. I loved how she stepped up for her nephew and how she fell for JP despite how differ t they were. She is just a sassy witch queen and I love that for her.
This book also surprised the heck out of me with a plot twist I didn’t see coming (don’t worry no kindles were harmed) and made me scream. This book is going to stay with me and I have to say JP getting his redemption was the character arc I didn’t know I needed.
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Okay, who knew that JP KING was going to be my favorite, cause that was a surprise to me too .😂 But dang I loved this man so freaking much.
I will fall time and time again for the grumpy, prickly one that gets totally upended by an inconvenient sunshine, and this book was the PERFECT example of that! This man fell and fell hard, and honestly loved that journey for him.
✨ quirky small town
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ surprise/secret child
✨ ex’s sister
✨ he falls hard
Hazel. Omg I loved her just as much and I just want to be her friend. I loved how she stepped up for her nephew and how she fell for JP despite how differ t they were. She is just a sassy witch queen and I love that for her.
This book also surprised the heck out of me with a plot twist I didn’t see coming (don’t worry no kindles were harmed) and made me scream. This book is going to stay with me and I have to say JP getting his redemption was the character arc I didn’t know I needed.
January 17, 2025
5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
💛 Small town
💛 Grumpy X Sunshine
💛 Single Guardian
💛 Age Gap (25/32)
💛 Opposites attract
💛 Forbidden (sibling’s ex)
💛 Billionaire
JP!!!! Wow talk about a character with an incredible redemption arc 👏🏼. I was not expecting to fall in love with this closed-off, grumpy man, but once again Lena Hendrix wrote a swoony MMC I couldn’t help but fall in love with.
Hazel was perfection. A witchy woman with a patient & kind heart, she was the perfect woman to get under JP’s skin and flip his world upside down. I love how vivacious and unapologetically herself she was, and the way she encouraged JP to do the same just by being herself.
Teddy was the most adorable fictional 7 year old ever. Just the cutest little bow-tie wearing man child that sees everything and so desperately needs love. The way he healed JP’s inner child makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it. The relationship these two shared was so special.
All the Sullivan & King cameos made me so happy. I love these series so much and I cannot WAIT for MJ’s story 😍.
Thank you so much to Lena Hendrix and her team for the arc of Just Like That in exchange for my honest opinion! 🖤
💛 Small town
💛 Grumpy X Sunshine
💛 Single Guardian
💛 Age Gap (25/32)
💛 Opposites attract
💛 Forbidden (sibling’s ex)
💛 Billionaire
JP!!!! Wow talk about a character with an incredible redemption arc 👏🏼. I was not expecting to fall in love with this closed-off, grumpy man, but once again Lena Hendrix wrote a swoony MMC I couldn’t help but fall in love with.
Hazel was perfection. A witchy woman with a patient & kind heart, she was the perfect woman to get under JP’s skin and flip his world upside down. I love how vivacious and unapologetically herself she was, and the way she encouraged JP to do the same just by being herself.
Teddy was the most adorable fictional 7 year old ever. Just the cutest little bow-tie wearing man child that sees everything and so desperately needs love. The way he healed JP’s inner child makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it. The relationship these two shared was so special.
All the Sullivan & King cameos made me so happy. I love these series so much and I cannot WAIT for MJ’s story 😍.
Thank you so much to Lena Hendrix and her team for the arc of Just Like That in exchange for my honest opinion! 🖤
January 17, 2025
“𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥.”
♾️🌟
___________________________
JP King is the cold, buttoned up baby King brother, and likes his life just fine the way it is.
He has a routine, and a clean house, and enjoys the structured monotony of knowing what comes next.
But really…what he needs is for a redheaded ✨witchy✨free spirited woman to throttle his whole life, and bring in a little chaos…and a WHOLE LIT of love.
•
Hazel Adams is the embodiment of Chaotic Good.
She lives in a Skoolie, travels for work, has NO SET SCHEDULE, and flys by the seat of her pants.
She is basically everything JP ISNT. And when she blows into town in her skoolie, with a 7 year old secret, she upends His life in ways he had NO IDEA he needed.
•
Listen, I’ve been asking for a JP book all the way since One Look.
Originally Lena didn’t want to write him. “He’s just supposed to be an asshole” she said to me but over the course of a year and a half even she couldn’t deny the potential for a redemption. And let’s be honest, WHO DOESNT LOVE A REDEMPTION ARC AMIRIGHT?!
This book was just perfection, wrapped up in ooey gooey happiness!
The way JP and Hazel mirror each other is captivating and spellbinding ;)
And I’m pretty sure Lena put a ✨hex✨ on me with this one
Beta Read!!
Just when you thought Lena peaked with Royal…
JP comes along and STEALS THE SHOW, and your heart!
This story was wholesome, nerve wracking, heart warming, sinful and beautiful and the epitome of what it means when folks say love shows up when you least expect it, and when you need it most.
H was everything JP thought he loathed but had NO IDEA it was what he needed to be saved.
This plot line! YALL! God!
Romantic suspense at its finest!
If you love a bit of a mystery with your romance, The Kings are what you need and if Just Between Us was the culmination of the underlying plot, then Just Like That is the conclusion we all needed.
And before anyone tries to swoop in and claim my man, I licked JP when he showed up in One Look.
He was mine first ;)
♾️🌟
___________________________
JP King is the cold, buttoned up baby King brother, and likes his life just fine the way it is.
He has a routine, and a clean house, and enjoys the structured monotony of knowing what comes next.
But really…what he needs is for a redheaded ✨witchy✨free spirited woman to throttle his whole life, and bring in a little chaos…and a WHOLE LIT of love.
•
Hazel Adams is the embodiment of Chaotic Good.
She lives in a Skoolie, travels for work, has NO SET SCHEDULE, and flys by the seat of her pants.
She is basically everything JP ISNT. And when she blows into town in her skoolie, with a 7 year old secret, she upends His life in ways he had NO IDEA he needed.
•
Listen, I’ve been asking for a JP book all the way since One Look.
Originally Lena didn’t want to write him. “He’s just supposed to be an asshole” she said to me but over the course of a year and a half even she couldn’t deny the potential for a redemption. And let’s be honest, WHO DOESNT LOVE A REDEMPTION ARC AMIRIGHT?!
This book was just perfection, wrapped up in ooey gooey happiness!
The way JP and Hazel mirror each other is captivating and spellbinding ;)
And I’m pretty sure Lena put a ✨hex✨ on me with this one
Beta Read!!
Just when you thought Lena peaked with Royal…
JP comes along and STEALS THE SHOW, and your heart!
This story was wholesome, nerve wracking, heart warming, sinful and beautiful and the epitome of what it means when folks say love shows up when you least expect it, and when you need it most.
H was everything JP thought he loathed but had NO IDEA it was what he needed to be saved.
This plot line! YALL! God!
Romantic suspense at its finest!
If you love a bit of a mystery with your romance, The Kings are what you need and if Just Between Us was the culmination of the underlying plot, then Just Like That is the conclusion we all needed.
And before anyone tries to swoop in and claim my man, I licked JP when he showed up in One Look.
He was mine first ;)
March 7, 2025
This was so good! The King Family has firmly taken the lead in this small town family rivalry, but that is probably because I love tortured and broken heroes who find love and happiness. It is my kryptonite.
JP, who I knew I would love, had that most influence from the King patriarchy, and, therefore, carried the most guilt from what happened with their dad. My heart broke for him getting to see his thoughts and how he felt like an outsider.
I loved that the heroine brought him in, made him feel worthy of love and family. She allowed him to see the good parts, and I loved that they formed this little family! The sone was the CUTEST!
The narrators were great for this! Good pacing, and the narrators gelled well together!
I am truly going to be sad when this world ends!
***ALC review***
JP, who I knew I would love, had that most influence from the King patriarchy, and, therefore, carried the most guilt from what happened with their dad. My heart broke for him getting to see his thoughts and how he felt like an outsider.
I loved that the heroine brought him in, made him feel worthy of love and family. She allowed him to see the good parts, and I loved that they formed this little family! The sone was the CUTEST!
The narrators were great for this! Good pacing, and the narrators gelled well together!
I am truly going to be sad when this world ends!
***ALC review***
July 25, 2025
2.5/5⭐️
El nivel de ridículo de este libro me supera.
El más flojo de la serie por lejos.
No me resultó coherente que
una información tan importante tarde meses, y menos teniendo dinero.
La protagonista me cayó mal, él un poco mejor pero como le sigue el juego a ella... mehhhh.
La onda parapsicologia... nahh.
El viaje no pega con nada, es el tipo de escenas entre millonario y pobretona qué ODIO leer.
Todo el romance no me convenció, esperaba una gran historia para JP y en cambio fue una más, sin nada interesante.
Ni voy a hablar del final, dos sagas para esto??. una resolución muy pobre del conflicto principal. Me defraudó.
El nivel de ridículo de este libro me supera.
El más flojo de la serie por lejos.
No me resultó coherente que
una información tan importante tarde meses, y menos teniendo dinero.
La protagonista me cayó mal, él un poco mejor pero como le sigue el juego a ella... mehhhh.
La onda parapsicologia... nahh.
El viaje no pega con nada, es el tipo de escenas entre millonario y pobretona qué ODIO leer.
Todo el romance no me convenció, esperaba una gran historia para JP y en cambio fue una más, sin nada interesante.
Ni voy a hablar del final, dos sagas para esto??. una resolución muy pobre del conflicto principal. Me defraudó.
January 5, 2025
I just love returning to the small town of Outtatowner Michigan!
Buckle up for this one, I hope you’re ready to meet the real JP King! He is absolutely fantastic and so much more than what we thought.
This book was opposites attract at its finest. But also the fact that these two were just perfect for one another had my heart melting. The attraction was instant, the chemistry and tension high all while
JP and Hazel struggle with what is right and if they should even act on what they are feeling and how to make sense of it.
I enjoyed Hazel! Loved her personality-so strong and a little quirky in the best way. She cared so much about her nephew, Teddy, and wanted to do right by him and her sister since her passing. She has such a big heart.
JP, you need to read this one to fully appreciate his journey. He is a good man under the stoic, emotionally cold exterior mask he puts forth. He just puts so much pressure on himself. But he too has a big heart, I swooned seeing his interactions with Teddy and the way he let his guard down with Hazel.
Hazel is so good for him, had him all twisted up, the way she keeps him on his toes, banters and brings out the best side of him. He needed this woman and boy to come crashing into his life. Teddy was the most adorable 7-year old, smart and a welcome addition to page!
The way JP become closer with all of his siblings was a shining moment! I loved seeing it, they are a team and care so much for one another-despite their upbringing. Watching JP open up and relax was amazing.
The addition of the King’s and Sullivan’s is always wonderful, this crew has the best dynamic!
There were definitely a good amount of questions that needed answers throughout this read! No spoilers: just that I was hooked and couldn’t read fast enough. The twists and turns this one took were so good-I couldn’t believe how everything unfolded!
I laughed, got a bit emotional at times but it ended with a perfect HEA in more ways than one!
I love this series so much and am excited to see MJ to get her HEA.
4.75⭐️
**thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
Buckle up for this one, I hope you’re ready to meet the real JP King! He is absolutely fantastic and so much more than what we thought.
This book was opposites attract at its finest. But also the fact that these two were just perfect for one another had my heart melting. The attraction was instant, the chemistry and tension high all while
JP and Hazel struggle with what is right and if they should even act on what they are feeling and how to make sense of it.
I enjoyed Hazel! Loved her personality-so strong and a little quirky in the best way. She cared so much about her nephew, Teddy, and wanted to do right by him and her sister since her passing. She has such a big heart.
JP, you need to read this one to fully appreciate his journey. He is a good man under the stoic, emotionally cold exterior mask he puts forth. He just puts so much pressure on himself. But he too has a big heart, I swooned seeing his interactions with Teddy and the way he let his guard down with Hazel.
Hazel is so good for him, had him all twisted up, the way she keeps him on his toes, banters and brings out the best side of him. He needed this woman and boy to come crashing into his life. Teddy was the most adorable 7-year old, smart and a welcome addition to page!
The way JP become closer with all of his siblings was a shining moment! I loved seeing it, they are a team and care so much for one another-despite their upbringing. Watching JP open up and relax was amazing.
The addition of the King’s and Sullivan’s is always wonderful, this crew has the best dynamic!
There were definitely a good amount of questions that needed answers throughout this read! No spoilers: just that I was hooked and couldn’t read fast enough. The twists and turns this one took were so good-I couldn’t believe how everything unfolded!
I laughed, got a bit emotional at times but it ended with a perfect HEA in more ways than one!
I love this series so much and am excited to see MJ to get her HEA.
4.75⭐️
**thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
January 21, 2025
Lena Hendrix has a way with small town character series that makes me just eat them up. I'm always looking forward to the next one - and I've been waiting for JP's book since day 1 of the Kings series.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Kings character series. Book 4.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Opposites attract, grief journey, forced proximity, is he the father?, found family.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: JP has always lived in the likeness of his father - and now with his father behind bars and his business empire failing, he's not sure what the future holds. He's even more unsure of what to do with the smart seven-year-old that showed up to say JP is his father - or Hazel, his witchy aunt who is just along for the ride.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: A good character series has to have some eclectic main characters to keep my attention. I want people I CAN'T WAIT to read about - and JP King was that guy. He's the ruthless business man, the buttoned up suit in a small town, the one who you were never sure how he would react to family drama. And oh, how the might JP falls.
The Kings series has been excellent from the jump. I knew I would like JP, but was pleasantly surprised at Hazel, who was just a ball of fun. I loved her out-of-the-box personality. There's a séance in this book! And for someone who has a witchy mother, I was loving the alternative earth momma vibes Hazel gave off.
And Lena Hendrix made the two MCs the absolutely perfect opposites attract couple, with banter to match.
Small note on this series - there's an underlying plot in these that, if you can pick up on context, means you can read these as standalones. But to me, they're best read from the start and in order.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Kings character series. Book 4.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Opposites attract, grief journey, forced proximity, is he the father?, found family.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: JP has always lived in the likeness of his father - and now with his father behind bars and his business empire failing, he's not sure what the future holds. He's even more unsure of what to do with the smart seven-year-old that showed up to say JP is his father - or Hazel, his witchy aunt who is just along for the ride.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: A good character series has to have some eclectic main characters to keep my attention. I want people I CAN'T WAIT to read about - and JP King was that guy. He's the ruthless business man, the buttoned up suit in a small town, the one who you were never sure how he would react to family drama. And oh, how the might JP falls.
The Kings series has been excellent from the jump. I knew I would like JP, but was pleasantly surprised at Hazel, who was just a ball of fun. I loved her out-of-the-box personality. There's a séance in this book! And for someone who has a witchy mother, I was loving the alternative earth momma vibes Hazel gave off.
And Lena Hendrix made the two MCs the absolutely perfect opposites attract couple, with banter to match.
Small note on this series - there's an underlying plot in these that, if you can pick up on context, means you can read these as standalones. But to me, they're best read from the start and in order.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
January 28, 2025
⭐ 4.8 I don’t think I will ever read a Lena Hendrix book that I don’t fall head over heels in love with.
This was exactly what my heart needed though I fear my slump is back in full force 🥹
Just yes to all! I shall be thinking about them until further notice. Seeing so many of my favourites pop in and out, the way they connected ahh too good. This is one of my favourite places to get lost in and I can for sure see myself returning back time and time again.
This was also such an emotional read, in a way I didn’t expect it to be.
JP and Hazel were nothing short of a delicious treat. And Teddy okay he is actually adorable and I need more of his energy.
Now what do I do? I simply will be in my feels until further notice 🥹💛
- Small town romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Unexpected single parent
- Age gap
- Sisters ex
- Suspense vibes
- Found family
- ALL THE EMOTIONS
- Forbidden love
- Opposites attract
- He falls HARD
~~~~~~
“For a man who’d spent his entire life treading water, all I wanted was drown in her.”
“With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away.”
“After tonight, you’re mine, and what’s mine, I keep.”
This was exactly what my heart needed though I fear my slump is back in full force 🥹
Just yes to all! I shall be thinking about them until further notice. Seeing so many of my favourites pop in and out, the way they connected ahh too good. This is one of my favourite places to get lost in and I can for sure see myself returning back time and time again.
This was also such an emotional read, in a way I didn’t expect it to be.
JP and Hazel were nothing short of a delicious treat. And Teddy okay he is actually adorable and I need more of his energy.
Now what do I do? I simply will be in my feels until further notice 🥹💛
- Small town romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Unexpected single parent
- Age gap
- Sisters ex
- Suspense vibes
- Found family
- ALL THE EMOTIONS
- Forbidden love
- Opposites attract
- He falls HARD
~~~~~~
“For a man who’d spent his entire life treading water, all I wanted was drown in her.”
“With you I feel whole for the first time in my life. You make the emptiness go away.”
“After tonight, you’re mine, and what’s mine, I keep.”
February 18, 2025
This story had alot of depth, feelings and love! The story seems a little slow but a great end makes it worth the read.
The mystery of the family kept going, but when JP found out the truth I liked that he didn’t push Hazel away, they were just there for each other!
The mystery of the family kept going, but when JP found out the truth I liked that he didn’t push Hazel away, they were just there for each other!
January 17, 2025
I must admit I had the time of my life reading this, at this point I’ve gotten so attached to all the characters and the town that I’ll eat up any and every book set in this universe but this one has become one of my favorites so far, I loved JP more than I thought I would and I’m a sucker for books with cute and funny kids.
(no spoilers but I’m SO happy that * finally * 😭😭🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉)
Thanks so much for the arc 🩷
(no spoilers but I’m SO happy that * finally * 😭😭🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉)
Thanks so much for the arc 🩷
January 27, 2025
Part of this story bordered on the absurd. No emotional connection or depth between the mc and fc. Just sex (explicit) and crude language. Found the repetition of how complicated their situation was intensely boring. Too many characters (part of a Series). Although I'd worked it out early, did like the twist at the end about the sister and father.
February 24, 2025
DNF. I’m not having much book luck lately!
With how much JP was denying meeting Hazel’s sister, I was really hoping it was a case of mistaken identity.
But no. Apparently they did have a ONS and he just completely forgot her. (Which you find out mid way through the book)
From then on it was hard to root for her to get her sister’s sloppy seconds.
With how much JP was denying meeting Hazel’s sister, I was really hoping it was a case of mistaken identity.
But no. Apparently they did have a ONS and he just completely forgot her. (Which you find out mid way through the book)
From then on it was hard to root for her to get her sister’s sloppy seconds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
This was the distraction I needed today of all days.
Though, what does it say about me that I didn’t find his mouth that filthy?
Though, what does it say about me that I didn’t find his mouth that filthy?
Read
February 20, 2025DNF. Because I’m sad and grieving and everything is getting shut down rn.
January 19, 2025
Lena has a way of making you feel all the emotions. I was crying one second and laughing the next. These three took my heart. I loved every second of this book and could not put it down!
Hazel and Teddy were everything JP needed. Their personalities were so different but Hazel brought out a different side to JP.
Teddy had me cracking up and the heart this kid has. 🥹 so many special moments between him, Hazel & JP.
My heart broke for the Kings family and boy do I hate Russell for all the harm he caused. I wanted to just hug JP with how he felt everything was his burden to carry.
I am so excited for MJs book! This series has been incredible!!!
- grumpy x sunshine
- age gap
- single dad
- small town
- forced proximity
Highlights:
“After tonight, you’re mine, and what’s mine, I keep.”
“Did you ever think this would be your life?” “Did I think a wild, cheerful woman and a cute, quirky kid would fall into my life and make me realize just how stuck I had been?” “No. I can’t say that I saw that one coming.”
“‘My Hex.”
“You don’t have to think so much, you know.” The universe already knows what’s supposed to happen.” - Teddy
“I know exactly who you are, and I love you for it.”
Hazel and Teddy were everything JP needed. Their personalities were so different but Hazel brought out a different side to JP.
Teddy had me cracking up and the heart this kid has. 🥹 so many special moments between him, Hazel & JP.
My heart broke for the Kings family and boy do I hate Russell for all the harm he caused. I wanted to just hug JP with how he felt everything was his burden to carry.
I am so excited for MJs book! This series has been incredible!!!
- grumpy x sunshine
- age gap
- single dad
- small town
- forced proximity
Highlights:
“After tonight, you’re mine, and what’s mine, I keep.”
“Did you ever think this would be your life?” “Did I think a wild, cheerful woman and a cute, quirky kid would fall into my life and make me realize just how stuck I had been?” “No. I can’t say that I saw that one coming.”
“‘My Hex.”
“You don’t have to think so much, you know.” The universe already knows what’s supposed to happen.” - Teddy
“I know exactly who you are, and I love you for it.”
August 25, 2025
4.5 stars. The mystery behind the King kids mom only gets sadder it seems. And Russel King continues to show everyone how awful he is. I loved seeing a softer side of JP. Teddy and Hazel were such a great addition to the town and King gang.
January 3, 2025
♾️⭐️ | 3🌶️
My FAVORITE book by Lena. Hands down, perfection.
JP King, this mannnn I am in love!!!! I’ve always loved the grumpy men in a series and I was so excited for his story. His life flips completely upside down and strays away from his precise routine when he finds out he is the father of a 7 yr old boy. A little boy who melted my freaking heart!!🥹🥹
Hazel is such a bright, free spirit who also has her life upturned when her sister passes away, leaving her to be the sole care take of her nephew.
These two couldn’t have made a better couple. They were total opposites that completed each other so perfectly.
This book was honestly one of Lena’s more emotional reads, and it seriously made me into an absolute puddle. But also, JP has a filthy mouth that I freaking am obsessed with 😮💨🙌
The tension was thick, their banter and chemistry was amazing.
I loved everything about this story. All of the past characters from the other King books & the Sullivan books make me so giddy. I love diving back into Outtatowner.
I’m moreeee than ready for MJ’s book. The glimpse we got to see towards the end has me so excited 😍
My FAVORITE book by Lena. Hands down, perfection.
JP King, this mannnn I am in love!!!! I’ve always loved the grumpy men in a series and I was so excited for his story. His life flips completely upside down and strays away from his precise routine when he finds out he is the father of a 7 yr old boy. A little boy who melted my freaking heart!!🥹🥹
Hazel is such a bright, free spirit who also has her life upturned when her sister passes away, leaving her to be the sole care take of her nephew.
These two couldn’t have made a better couple. They were total opposites that completed each other so perfectly.
This book was honestly one of Lena’s more emotional reads, and it seriously made me into an absolute puddle. But also, JP has a filthy mouth that I freaking am obsessed with 😮💨🙌
The tension was thick, their banter and chemistry was amazing.
I loved everything about this story. All of the past characters from the other King books & the Sullivan books make me so giddy. I love diving back into Outtatowner.
I’m moreeee than ready for MJ’s book. The glimpse we got to see towards the end has me so excited 😍
January 24, 2025
** Audio Read ** I am always happy to return to Outtatowner because I know I'm in for a treat but damn was this was great!
I love me a broody, closed off MMC and I looked forward to JP for a while now. Lena delivered. She blew it out of the ball park actually.
Hazel was perfect for JP. Total opposite from beliefs to the way they live life but I love how she brought him to his knees.
Hazel arrives in Outtatowner with her newphew Teddy searching for his father. She finds JP. JP's world gets turned upside down by this duo but then more secrets start to unfold and then BAM!
Lena hits you where you didn't expect it. Multiple times.
The narrators were PEEERFECTION! I rarely feel like the male voice fits the character but Stephen Dexter enbodied JP to the tee and Savannah, she could do no wrong in my eyes.
TROPES
* Small Town
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Age Gap
* Surprise Dad
* Suspense
* Quirky FMC
Thank you Lena for this ALC opportunity!!
I love me a broody, closed off MMC and I looked forward to JP for a while now. Lena delivered. She blew it out of the ball park actually.
Hazel was perfect for JP. Total opposite from beliefs to the way they live life but I love how she brought him to his knees.
Hazel arrives in Outtatowner with her newphew Teddy searching for his father. She finds JP. JP's world gets turned upside down by this duo but then more secrets start to unfold and then BAM!
Lena hits you where you didn't expect it. Multiple times.
The narrators were PEEERFECTION! I rarely feel like the male voice fits the character but Stephen Dexter enbodied JP to the tee and Savannah, she could do no wrong in my eyes.
TROPES
* Small Town
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Age Gap
* Surprise Dad
* Suspense
* Quirky FMC
Thank you Lena for this ALC opportunity!!
March 25, 2025
JP King was someone I did NOT anticipate falling in love with but here we are???? Lena??? How????
I truly didn’t expect to love JP’s book, but at the end of the last book my jaw was on the floor and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for him. The story did not disappoint and the twists and turns were SHOCKING!
I truly cannot wait for the next book based on Everything that happened in this book…
You’ll like this if you like
✨ single guardian
✨ small town
✨ age gap
✨ forced proximity
✨ no third act breakup
4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
I truly didn’t expect to love JP’s book, but at the end of the last book my jaw was on the floor and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for him. The story did not disappoint and the twists and turns were SHOCKING!
I truly cannot wait for the next book based on Everything that happened in this book…
You’ll like this if you like
✨ single guardian
✨ small town
✨ age gap
✨ forced proximity
✨ no third act breakup
4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
January 23, 2025
4.5 stars
I was waiting for JP’s book; I needed to meet the character who would soften his corners. I was not expecting Hazel and her nephew. However, they are perfect.
JP is our suit wearing, number crunching, all business, grumpy, King brother. It is going to be hard to change him, but Ms. Hendrix has done it. Hazel is not fond of JP, she stands up to him and does not back down. Her carefree ways set JP off kilter and he has never felt this way. He even takes a day off! But it is Teddy who stole the book; he took my heart and has not given it back!
This generation of the King family is growing on me! I cannot wait to come back to Outtatowner, MI.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I was waiting for JP’s book; I needed to meet the character who would soften his corners. I was not expecting Hazel and her nephew. However, they are perfect.
JP is our suit wearing, number crunching, all business, grumpy, King brother. It is going to be hard to change him, but Ms. Hendrix has done it. Hazel is not fond of JP, she stands up to him and does not back down. Her carefree ways set JP off kilter and he has never felt this way. He even takes a day off! But it is Teddy who stole the book; he took my heart and has not given it back!
This generation of the King family is growing on me! I cannot wait to come back to Outtatowner, MI.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
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