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James is in trouble.
After spending a little too much time in once place, a few of her secrets started to rear their ugly little heads in front of the wrong people. People who don’t bat an eye at doing very bad things.
Now she’s on the run with nowhere to go and no one to help.
Until he shows up.
Phillip Foster is not the savior she would have picked. He’s too clean-cut. Too uptight. Too strait-laced. No way could a man like him handle the ruthless criminals hunting her like an animal.
But Phillip turns out to be so much more than he seems. He’s focused. Intense. Deadly. A man who stops at nothing to get what he wants.
And he might just want her.
The feeling is pretty darn mutual.
As long as he can keep her alive.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

75 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

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Janice Whiteaker

67 books151 followers

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5 stars
195 (72%)
4 stars
54 (20%)
3 stars
17 (6%)
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1 (<1%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for LadyJane.
76 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
Dang, I did not expect James to start off like it did! Right from the beginning, she is a roller coaster ride, and Phillip willingly jumped on. These two are definitely a perfect match. Janice Whiteaker was on a roll with this couple, and I enjoyed every single moment!

James is direct with her words and attitude. You know exactly where you stand with her. She has a sweet side for those who are kind and a deep love for her sisters. Her family is everything. I felt her sadness when she missed her sisters. She goes through a range of emotions that can be under control one minute but then raw and out there the next. Watch out when James gets angry!

Phillip put himself front and center in James’s messy life, and he couldn’t be happier. The harder he tries to emotionally run away, the harder he falls. She is everything he didn’t think he wanted, but her excitement pulls him in, and she becomes everything he needs.

The connection between these two is combustible. I’m surprised they didn’t set beds on fire. The snark is fantastic! Even between the sheets, there’s so much banter that it’s clear how much James has met her match!

It may be the end of the series, but the Karlson sisters will be revisited often when I reread the books. They are too good to let go!
Profile Image for Becky.
110 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2025
This was a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. We came to know and love the other sisters throughout the previous books and other than Danny, knew a bit about them before their individual book. I kept wondering how James would fit and feel like someone I already knew since we really knew nothing about her, but from chapter 1, she was an instant favorite. We learned why James felt the need to stay away and essentially disappear from her family. She’s a nuanced and very likable character. Her personality was similar to her sisters and yet she was very much her own person who wanted more, which wasn’t a good or bad thing. It just was, and it fit her perfectly.

It was also nice to learn more about Phillip. He was first introduced in the “Big-Secrets of Mountain Men” series (which is also really good) and always seemed to be a bit pompous. In this book though, everything about Phillip’s previous mentions just worked. I loved how the Big-Secrets, Big Northwest, and the Alaskan Security series seamlessly intertwined -especially since I’ve read all three series numerous times now (they’re so good). I hope we get a series spinoff of Phillip’s company because I’d love to see Theo get his HEA and learn more about Nathan and the others who work for Phillip.

I really enjoyed this book and hope that we see James again in another book. She’s an amazing character that I didn’t get nearly enough of.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,059 reviews41 followers
December 11, 2025
What a fantastic finish to this series!

I absolutely loved watching James and Philip navigate her out of Vegas, and find out what she's missed by not being home.

The tie in with Pierce's Alaskan Security operations is great, as I have already consumed all in that world, so the mentioned threads of those stories made my heart happy!

I ADORED this series, and I highly recommend reading this author's works. They are Incredibly entertaining and addictive.
Profile Image for Jessica Lynne.
267 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2025
TITLE: James
AUTHOR: Janice Whiteaker
SERIES: BIG Northwest
SERIES ORDER: 6 of 6
RELEASE DATE: 03/28/2025
GENRE: Small Town Romance
RATING: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
SPICE LEVEL: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
------
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this story! James was the perfect conclusion to the BIG Northwest series!

James and Philip F Foster stole my heart in this story! I loved that we knew next to nothing about James, even though long-time readers of this series knew of her existence, and yet she didn’t feel like a stranger when I started reading this book!

Philip F Foster has been around for a while, first appearing in Janice’s BIG series in the book Joel and the wait for his story was totally worth it! Their banter, their chemistry, it all came together so beautifully!

I loved the peek we got of the other sisters, and Charlie’s untimely questions lol. Both that have been kind of consistent in all of the BIG Northwest books. I absolutely loved the Easter eggs in this story, and I loved that Janice left some breadcrumbs for future stories/series should they ever take flight.

I believe James can be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t read the previous books in the BIG Northwest series, you will probably want to by the end of the book.

Thank you Janice and Julie for the advance copy!
Profile Image for Destany.
458 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This book really hit all the right emotional notes for me! It’s always bittersweet when a series comes to an end, especially when the final chapter wraps up so perfectly. All the feels, all the steam, all the longing. The dynamic between James and Phillip is hilarious, though—I love how it’s clear from the start that there’s no way Phillip’s getting out of this one unscathed! The build-up to their relationship was such a rollercoaster, and James definitely brought her A-game when it came to keeping Phillip on his toes.

James' sisters hired Phillip to find her, but of course she's not gonna follow all that easily, right? I loved how James was ready to jump all in with Phillip, but he held back - and he thought he was just gonna walk away hahaha! The trademark mix of tension and humor that makes this series so enjoyable is here in full force. That emotional reunion with the sisters was so satisfying, especially after following their journey for so long. It’s awesome that Shadow Pine always manages to bring the chaos right alongside the heartwarming moments.

Could we, maybe, I dunno, get a spinoff series of Phillip's company? The chance to dive deeper into the lives of the supporting characters would be a fun next step. And a way to keep connected to Shadow Pine!
Profile Image for Zoë Braycotton.
743 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2025
Finally the end has arrived and I am not ready. I have absolutely loved the journey this series has taken us on, lived every step the Karlson Sisters have taken and now we have the last chapter….the elusive James.

Janice gave us an absolute banger when we realised it would be Phillip-effin-Foster (no swearing as Zon won’t post it 🙄) that would be in line for James, he’s ruffled more than a few feathers throughout the series getting himself a bad rep, and now it’s time for redemption!

James is not going to go down easily, which poor Phillip finds out straight from the off.

Philip doesn’t stand a chance, he’s a gonna from day one, and it doesn’t take long for James to follow suit.

Only problem is, Phillip wasn’t the only person looking for James.

Chaos and destruction ensues.

This was an amazing final story for the series, I knew it would be bitter sweet, not wanting it to end.

The final reunion with her sisters and their families was emotional, but then we get the giggles with the chaos that follows….but that’s the norm for Shadow Pine and I love it 😜

I’m not crying, you’re crying!!!!!

We need more from Enzo that’s for sure, great opener for a story for him there 👏🏼👏🏼
Profile Image for Erica.
44 reviews
April 1, 2025
Wow! What an amazing ending to an amazing series! And while it’s sad to know that this is the end of the Big Northwest series this was a brilliant wrap up and an absolutely engaging and engrossing story on its own. James is the last of the sisters we get to meet in this series and she’s been largely absent while we got to know each other sister. All the other books left little breadcrumbs leading to the personality of the youngest sister. And here we get to know her and understand why she’s been staying away from her sisters all these years. Philip who we’ve meet previously in both “Big” series is now here for James and we learn so much more about him. I feel like in this story as he lets James in we get to know him beyond the pompous exterior we’ve seen previously. The story starts off fast and doesn’t stop! Suspense and romance is a hallmark of this series and this last installment does not disappoint! And then getting to read about James reconnecting with her sisters and meeting their families was just perfection. The connection to Alaskan Security was also an amazing surprise and I absolutely loved it! I’m really hoping that we see more of James and Phillip in Chicago with more found family. I’m not ready to let all these amazing characters go!
Profile Image for Celtic Chic Books.
242 reviews14 followers
March 31, 2025
Who was the brilliant person that came up with 5 stars as the limit to how "good" a book was??

Janice Whiteaker gave us the perfect ending to this series with James. I’ve been waiting for her story—guarded, sharp-edged James—and it delivered everything I hoped for and more. She’s not easy. She’s layered, emotionally locked down, and hiding hurts she doesn’t want anyone to see. But watching her journey unfold, watching her finally let someone in, was gut-wrenching and so worth it. She’s a character who challenges you—and ultimately earns every ounce of love she’s given.

Her connection with Phillip is electric. Their dynamic is a beautiful tangle of tension, restraint, and the kind of intimacy that grows not just from attraction, but understanding. This story is more than a romance—it’s an unraveling. Of grief, fear, control. It had me holding my breath one moment and blinking away emotion the next. James is a finale that doesn’t just wrap things up—it elevates everything that came before it.
Profile Image for Shannon Fissel.
143 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2025
I love this vicious little sweetheart so much it practically brings a tear to my eye! What. A. Story.
Chock full of hilarity, suspense, a little murder and some truly inspiring spice, it is practically perfect in every way!! It really, really is!!! If you don't think you like strong women in your books, allow James to show you just how wrong you are - you will enjoy every giggle enducing second!!
Having jumped into this series with Frankie (my girl!!!) I can tell you, these stories stand on their own just fine. But I am left with a hearty appreciation for the Karlson sisters and a burning desire to go back and start with Danny and work my way to James again, and you know what? I think I will add doing just that to my list. This is a series that might technically have ended with James, but it has most certainly earned a spot as a forever favorite of mine!
Profile Image for Marie.
5,171 reviews52 followers
March 29, 2025
He's unlike any other penis possesser she'd ever met!

James and her sisters are hilarious, their views on men may stem back to their upbringing, but they own them and take no prisoners.....I love all the sisters.
James is the opposite of everything Phillip thought he wanted and needed, she's a holy terror, like a hurricane combined with a tornado she has ripped through turning his life upside down...but he loves it and is eager for more, even though he knows it's wrong, her crazy turns him on in a way nobody else ever has!
I am guessing this is the last book in the series, all the sisters are back and loved up, leading lives they never thought they would.
I am sad that the series has finished but it has been a wild and crazy ride, one that I have loved every page of. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
70 reviews
March 26, 2025
A fitting end to a great series. From book 1 I was hooked. As much as the other 4 books in the series revolve around the sisters as a unit, James’ book is more about her being the baby and finding her way in the world. She loves her sisters but I get the feeling she wants to be more than one of the Karlson sisters. Don’t get me wrong she will kill anyone who hurts her sisters or family but she needs to do it on her terms. I don’t see her having the patience to do meet and greets with people at all. Then we have Phillip. He didn’t want to continue pursuing James but something about her just called to him…so him saving her and then her saving him leads to a journey neither one of them wants to end.
1,198 reviews
April 6, 2025
James Karlson works at The Secret Garden. She is the youngest Karlson sister but not docile and meek.
Phillip is a private Investigator.
Jerry owner of The Secret Garden.
Sierra is James friend and co-worker.
Lynne is a self proclaimed stage Mom.

James and Phillip meet at the club and the attraction and chemistry is their and the relationship is a roller coaster of ups and downs.
James is stubborn and independent and has a snarky attitude .
Phillip does not stay away from James and he does not shy away from James but jumps in with both feet.can he can he help her and get her back to her sisters.Can they have a Happily Ever After.

This book has suspense, danger , interviews, some drama twists and turns.

Great Job Janice Whittaker !!!
Profile Image for Christina Astorga.
1,057 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2025
I received an ARC, and I'm freely reviewing.

Bahaha!!! That last sentence had me chuckling!!! Ok, so this is unfortunately the last book of these sisters. James is a woman that life dealt a crap hand, but she is determined to hurt anything that gets in her way of protecting her family. Phillip is a nonsense workaholic guy who gets knocked out with all that is James. And I love that!! The antics and situations these 2 face are wonderful and kind of terrifying. Hehe. This book was a great ending. These 2 are definitely in the running for my 2nd favorite couple. Frankie and JD are my number 1, lol. If you're a fan of the series then you will love this book.
Profile Image for Lynne.
448 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2025
Don’t you just love a couple that are complete contrasts? Well meet James who is on the run, and who knows how to handle herself, but finds a few of her secrets have caught some people’s attention and is trying to escape. James and her sisters are all strong, intense, don’t always get on, argue, all have secrets but James seems to blame herself for mistakes she thinks she’s made… or has she?

Then we meet Philip, a clean-cut, straight-laced guy, who at first glance always seems to irritate and annoy her but turns out to be deadly. There’s plenty of sarcasm and banter, intensity, spice and admiration, but also a determination to win her love. Of course after many misunderstandings, and finally meeting up with the sisters to bring this series to a HEA, we look forward to some new books from this fabulous author.
18 reviews
March 29, 2025
A great series and read every book. James was just released today and read as soon as could and finished it. With everything the sisters have been through, James being the wilder one was interesting. With Phillip beside her made it sort of fight of wills. But i really enjoyed the connection to the Alaska security series that i read a while back. Getting see Pierce again brings back that series. If you read it this reference in the book will not confuse you if it does, please go read the series.
Profile Image for Raven James.
61 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2025
I've just finished the whole series. 10+ stars 🌟
I'm at that sad stage that I'm going to miss the Sisters, their overcoming of the patriarchal bs they were born into, the men who love and protect them and the families they are building.
I love James story the best!
I'm also hopeful Janice Whiteaker changes her mind and creates stories that continue to mention the sisters and some of the new characters introduced in James' journey. I really want to see the Team find love, go on those team building moments and most especially more about Morris
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
753 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2025
I loved this conclusion to a fun series.

James was the perfect sister to finish off this series. I loved her sass, intelligence, and confidence. Of course, I have loved Phillip for a while and was looking forward to reading his story. Their sense of adventure, inability to sit still, and intense attraction, make them the perfect fit.

The Karlson sisters come from a mysterious and painful past that begins to heal as each one finds their HEA. If you enjoy strong women who have a large vulnerable spot, and the men who fall head over heels for them, this is the perfect adventure for you.
71 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
James and Phillip are explosive, and their story is non-stop. James feels like she needs to stay away from Shadow Pine to protect her sisters, and Phillip has been tasked with bringing her home by those same sisters. Phillip thinks he wants a nice, calm girl to settle down with, but James knows he needs a wild firecracker like her to be happy. As always, the writing is engaging, the banter is fire, and the spice is oh so nice. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,436 reviews19 followers
March 31, 2025
What a great ending!I loved finally getting to know James. and I laughed out loud so many times reading this story. Phillip &James make the perfect couple....scaling buildings, getting chased by multiple men, road trips and rental cars. And finally coming back home so the sisters can finally be reunited all together.

I hope to see them again... I'm hoping this isn't goodbye. Its all just too good for it to be the end.
91 reviews
March 31, 2025
What a great story to end the series and the one we’ve all be waiting for, James! Phillip was great for the story and her character. This was a thrilling story that took us away from Shadow Pine to find James and who else should be the one to find her by Phillip. They both think what the other is, is not what they need or want, but they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The growth of their connection and individual characters throughout the story was really well done!
Profile Image for Lise Nanette.
560 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2025
Once more for the Sisters!

Shadow Pine has been such a great series, and I'm so glad that James finally was able to find her place in the world. Phillip was the perfect mate for her, and they just (to be a bit cliche'd) completed each other. I loved how Alaskan Security was melded into the story, which opened up the possibility of a real crossover! 😉 A gal can hope! Kudos again to JW for her creativity!
213 reviews
July 23, 2025
The last girl

James is kind of in the background of the other stories but she is a blast. She will keep Phillip on his toes and him loving it. Read the whole series and you get more of an idea of who these women are. I liked that the other family has been introduced in this series. I like that these women have more family in the world.
Profile Image for Brandi Oakes.
146 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2025
SO GOOD!!! Picture Rip rocking a tailored suit and tie and Beth shooting daggers of death from her eyes and you've got Phillip and James. Lol

Legs pinned between bumpers making a sickening sound as bones and cartilage collapsed.
She winced. "That was way crunchier than I expected it to be."
24 reviews
March 29, 2025
Such a fun read!

James and Phillip never stop and they are destined for each other at the very beginning. Never a dull moment because it never slows down! The last few chapters was like visiting old friends!
12 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
Yes

It was a good series. I really enjoyed reading all the characters fit well except maybe Craig, having issues with blood and dead people was funny considering what his girl did for a living.
Would love to see more of this family.
35 reviews
April 6, 2025
This series goes out with a bang!
James was a great ending to a fantastic series. James and Phillip’s dynamic was perfect. He enjoys every part of her strong, eccentric personality. Each book in this series has it all suspense, powerful characters and steamy, heartfelt romances.
110 reviews
March 29, 2025
Great ending to the series. Hate to see it end. Big (now Mountain Calling) was the first JW book i read and got me hooked and reading all her series. Great characters and plot line
250 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2025
So good

Absolutely loved it. It was everything I wanted from James and Philip. They fit so perfectly together. I'm sad this series is over. I enjoyed all the characters so much.
4,872 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2025
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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