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Heroes of St. Helena #1
Need You for Keeps
When it comes to caring for the furry residents of St. Helena, California, groomer and pet rescuer Shay Michaels can handle anything. Humans are another story, though especially Deputy Jonah Baudouin. He's the town's resident superhero: upright, uptight, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, even when he's investigating complaints about Shay's beloved foster animals. And that spells danger for Shay, a free spirit who can't risk trusting the wrong person again.
Jonah and Shay have been circling each other ever since she came to town, and he's running out of reasons to "not" kiss her senseless. But this deputy is a straight shooter with his eye on the sheriff's badge. He can't afford to get involved with Shay, a chaos magnet with luscious curves who's liable to turn his career and his life upside down. He enforces laws. She breaks them repeatedly. Keeping her out of trouble is becoming a full-time job and it's one he hopes is never going to end.
Jonah and Shay have been circling each other ever since she came to town, and he's running out of reasons to "not" kiss her senseless. But this deputy is a straight shooter with his eye on the sheriff's badge. He can't afford to get involved with Shay, a chaos magnet with luscious curves who's liable to turn his career and his life upside down. He enforces laws. She breaks them repeatedly. Keeping her out of trouble is becoming a full-time job and it's one he hopes is never going to end.
279 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
367 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
39 books1,938 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
March 16, 2016
Hmmm...I didn't feel the connection with this H/h as much as I have some of Adair's other books. I'm kind of big into animal rescue, so I thought this was a shoe-in five star read for me. But I hate when ass holes in books get to act like ass holes with no consequence. In real life, I live and let live, but I think that's because I can live vicariously through my fictional book lives. The old lady neighbor needed some tough love or something. At least apologize. I think I just couldn't get over how Shay keeps getting knocked down, again and again. Kind of sad :( And as much as I loved Jonah, he just couldn't quite make up for how sad it was.
I enjoyed the book. Adair writes surprisingly steamy scenes without getting too explicit. I love how quirky her heroines are, and I'm a big lover of small town continuation series.
I enjoyed the book. Adair writes surprisingly steamy scenes without getting too explicit. I love how quirky her heroines are, and I'm a big lover of small town continuation series.
May 15, 2015
What a sweet story!
Need You for Keeps is about Shay, animal lover and activist, and Jonah, St. Helena's deputy running for sheriff, a mean fluffy kitten and shy three-legged dog as their sidekicks, and how they found their happy ending amidst small town craziness, petty neighbors, flashy competitors and highly spirited seniors.
Stories with animals are my favorite and this one is no exception. I liked how caring Shay was of her little pack of mistreated and abandoned animals, I liked how she put all of herself in her job and she never gave up, no matter what obstacles she encountered. Shay is just my kind of heroine. With Jonah I liked how he never let anyone or anything deter him from doing what's right, how he never once judged anyone before having heard both sides of the story, I liked how considerate he was and how he took care of Kitty Fantastic. A man who likes cats and knows how to deal with them is a man after my own heart.
The book's got the whole package, you'll swoon, you'll laugh, you'll tear up and you'll end up with a huge grin afterwards. Need You for Keeps is a perfect read for relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee, when you just want to forget about the outside world. I highly recommend.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
Need You for Keeps is about Shay, animal lover and activist, and Jonah, St. Helena's deputy running for sheriff, a mean fluffy kitten and shy three-legged dog as their sidekicks, and how they found their happy ending amidst small town craziness, petty neighbors, flashy competitors and highly spirited seniors.
Stories with animals are my favorite and this one is no exception. I liked how caring Shay was of her little pack of mistreated and abandoned animals, I liked how she put all of herself in her job and she never gave up, no matter what obstacles she encountered. Shay is just my kind of heroine. With Jonah I liked how he never let anyone or anything deter him from doing what's right, how he never once judged anyone before having heard both sides of the story, I liked how considerate he was and how he took care of Kitty Fantastic. A man who likes cats and knows how to deal with them is a man after my own heart.
The book's got the whole package, you'll swoon, you'll laugh, you'll tear up and you'll end up with a huge grin afterwards. Need You for Keeps is a perfect read for relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee, when you just want to forget about the outside world. I highly recommend.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
October 20, 2017
Emotional story with furry friends and a tall, muscular police officer as the hero. I'd have enjoyed it more if the body-shaming phrases aimed at elderly women had been omitted. Phrases like saggy breasts and aging cleavage weren't necessary. Most of us already know hot guys prefer hot women with flat stomachs, firm butts and perky breasts. Humor me in my fictional reads, and let's pretend these guys are mature enough to see past an aging body and still value the inner beauty of every woman.
October 28, 2018
Contemporary romance. The heroine fosters animals and has neighbors reporting her for having too many. A handsome deputy becomes involved and sparks fly between the two of them. Lots of cute animals to enjoy. Lots of love scenes and adult language.
March 3, 2015
**4.5 stars** Need You for Keeps (Heroes of St. Helena) is the first book in the spin-off series of Marina Adair's wonderful St. Helena Vineyard Series. Marina is an auto-buy author for me and I immediately devour her books when they come out. This book was another winner (of course)! I fall in love with her characters and love the journey they go through to get to their HEA. Shay & Jonah had so much chemistry and I could tell right from the beginning they were going to be one of my favorites from her books. Shay's personality and the way she cares for the animals, wanting to find them forever families and her love for these fur babies, not to mention her relationship with Jonah was such a joy to read. You really felt for her and everything she went through and had to overcome. And Jonah...well can I just say *swoon*. Oh boy, he is one hot deputy! He's got his own skeletons in the closet to work through, but together they can help each other heal. You will love these two together. Marina's books have it all. Sexiness, sweetness, humor, tension, and the "awww" moments I love. Don't miss this wonderful new book from Marina Adair!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 4, 2015
As a huge fan of the St. Helena Vineyard Series Romances from Adair, I was so excited to see that she was continuing on with the series by giving us the Baudouin Brothers (Frankie's Brothers, who you meet in AUTUMN IN THE VINEYARD), as the Heroes of St.Helena... Sheriff, Military Man and Bad-Boy Firefighter...can we say...Yes Please!
NEED YOU FOR KEEPS was a fantastic start to the series, with a heroine you'd be proud to call a friend, a hero who looks good in a uniform and a story line that keeps you smiling, and tearing us, as I did a few times throughout!
From a beginning that will have you cracking up (Silly Domino), to an end that will have your heart soaring (I still want to see this calendar they speak of), and all the in between, especially the slow and sexy kisses between Shay and Jonah, and the heartache with having to see these two dance around each other just hoping that Shay will finally find her own "Forever Home", well let's just say that Adair brings a lot of heart into NEED YOU FOR KEEPS. Definitely a must read of 2015!
I love the idea of Shay, Harper and Emerson...I can't wait to see what Adair has in store for Shay's friends. Fans of Jill Shalvis and Kristan Higgins will have a ball with this fantastic romance.
NEED YOU FOR KEEPS was a fantastic start to the series, with a heroine you'd be proud to call a friend, a hero who looks good in a uniform and a story line that keeps you smiling, and tearing us, as I did a few times throughout!
From a beginning that will have you cracking up (Silly Domino), to an end that will have your heart soaring (I still want to see this calendar they speak of), and all the in between, especially the slow and sexy kisses between Shay and Jonah, and the heartache with having to see these two dance around each other just hoping that Shay will finally find her own "Forever Home", well let's just say that Adair brings a lot of heart into NEED YOU FOR KEEPS. Definitely a must read of 2015!
I love the idea of Shay, Harper and Emerson...I can't wait to see what Adair has in store for Shay's friends. Fans of Jill Shalvis and Kristan Higgins will have a ball with this fantastic romance.
March 11, 2015
Review also posted at My Book Snack
I have adored getting to know the DeLuca family from Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard series. I was pretty excited about the Heroes of St. Helena series, which concentrate on the Baudouin brothers. Their stepsister is Frankie Baudouin from Autumn in the Vineyard. In that book we got a very brief introduction of Deputy Jonah Baudouin, and I’m so glad that he got his very own story!
In Need You for Keeps, Jonah is paired with Shay Michaels. What a pairing it is! Both are broken in the inside and display pretty tough shells. Shay, bless her heart, spends her days rescuing pets and helping them find their forever homes. She’s been severely disappointed in the past, but providing love to her furry friends gives her reason to keep moving on, so much so, that she tends to toe the line when it comes to following the law. Jonah seems to be the first to respond to any complaints thrown at Shay, but who knew he’s a softy when it comes to all things Shay!
Awww! Need You for Keeps warmed my heart so much! Ms. Adair did not disappoint in providing another enticing story with a fun plot and irresistible characters. The story will make you want to hug your furry friends! There are three Baudouin brothers, and I can’t wait to read more about Dax and Adam.
I both read and listened to the audiobook. It was my first time listening to Renee Raudman. I know she’s a favorite narrator to many, and now me included. There are a lot of funny and lovable moments in Need You for Keeps. Ms. Raudman’s narration helped bring those moments to light and kept my rapt attention. A very positive listening experience!
I have adored getting to know the DeLuca family from Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard series. I was pretty excited about the Heroes of St. Helena series, which concentrate on the Baudouin brothers. Their stepsister is Frankie Baudouin from Autumn in the Vineyard. In that book we got a very brief introduction of Deputy Jonah Baudouin, and I’m so glad that he got his very own story!
In Need You for Keeps, Jonah is paired with Shay Michaels. What a pairing it is! Both are broken in the inside and display pretty tough shells. Shay, bless her heart, spends her days rescuing pets and helping them find their forever homes. She’s been severely disappointed in the past, but providing love to her furry friends gives her reason to keep moving on, so much so, that she tends to toe the line when it comes to following the law. Jonah seems to be the first to respond to any complaints thrown at Shay, but who knew he’s a softy when it comes to all things Shay!
Awww! Need You for Keeps warmed my heart so much! Ms. Adair did not disappoint in providing another enticing story with a fun plot and irresistible characters. The story will make you want to hug your furry friends! There are three Baudouin brothers, and I can’t wait to read more about Dax and Adam.
I both read and listened to the audiobook. It was my first time listening to Renee Raudman. I know she’s a favorite narrator to many, and now me included. There are a lot of funny and lovable moments in Need You for Keeps. Ms. Raudman’s narration helped bring those moments to light and kept my rapt attention. A very positive listening experience!
February 28, 2015
I loved this book! Jonah is a cop who is running for election to be sheriff. Shay is a animal lover who rescues animals, trying to give them a good life and a forever home - something she's never had. There are some serious sparks between Jonah and Shay. I loved their witty banter, the chemistry between them and how magnetic they were together. Personally, I am an animal lover and this book was really special to me. I loved Shay's character and her love of animals, how she would do anything to help them, even if it meant getting herself into trouble. I loved the way this author wrote about the animals and their personalities, especially Kitty Fantastic who I think was the star of the book. This book was incredibly sweet but also had some good sexy times and a lot of laughs. Even though this is part of a series, this can be read as a standalone which is how I read it. I can't wait to read more by this author, I really connected with the writing and the story and I just really loved this one. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a humorous, sexy, sweet romance!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
March 31, 2015
I loved this book so much!! This was my first book by Marina Adair, and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series. I'm a sucker for any book with a dog on the cover, and animal rescue is particularly near and dear to my heart.
Shay was an endearing heroine, and Jonah was swoonworthy as the badass deputy torn between his duty and his feelings for Shay, who often skates on the wrong side of the law (although always for the right reasons). There were plenty of LOL moments and also moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Everything I love in a romance! Bump this one to the top of your TBR pile! :)
Shay was an endearing heroine, and Jonah was swoonworthy as the badass deputy torn between his duty and his feelings for Shay, who often skates on the wrong side of the law (although always for the right reasons). There were plenty of LOL moments and also moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Everything I love in a romance! Bump this one to the top of your TBR pile! :)
October 15, 2015
I read the second book of this series first and after enjoying it, I had to read this one.
Shay and Jonah are adorable together. I loved their banter and sweetness. Shay's quest for her shelter and advocacy for the animals was endearing and definitely made the story interesting. Jonah is a hard ass, but it makes getting to see the gooey soft center even better.
Loved the story, loved being introduced to this set of characters. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series, as well as the other books Marina had written.
Shay and Jonah are adorable together. I loved their banter and sweetness. Shay's quest for her shelter and advocacy for the animals was endearing and definitely made the story interesting. Jonah is a hard ass, but it makes getting to see the gooey soft center even better.
Loved the story, loved being introduced to this set of characters. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series, as well as the other books Marina had written.
June 6, 2017
My Musings
What a heart ❤warning story. I loved all the fur babies, especially Kitty Fantastic. Noah is a great character and What captured my ❤. If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh and cry, then this book is for you. I'll be looking for more books 📚by this talented author. Happy ☺reading 📚!
What a heart ❤warning story. I loved all the fur babies, especially Kitty Fantastic. Noah is a great character and What captured my ❤. If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh and cry, then this book is for you. I'll be looking for more books 📚by this talented author. Happy ☺reading 📚!
January 16, 2019
Despite all the cute animals, this is probably my least favorite Marina book so far. I kept finding my mind wandering during the audio and not feeling like I'd missed much (or cared), but I did enjoy the sibling relationships. It's something this author does very well, and I found myself a little more engaged. Still very much looking forward to the next two.
December 19, 2018
3.5 STARS
Officer Hottie+stray kitten = Sign me up!
This was a cute, light-hearted read. I really missed the DeLuca's but overall, it was a sweet read.
Officer Hottie+stray kitten = Sign me up!
This was a cute, light-hearted read. I really missed the DeLuca's but overall, it was a sweet read.
February 15, 2018
Just your average cheesy romance novel with the addittion of cats and dogs.
A good book to read when you want to relax with a cup of tea.
A good book to read when you want to relax with a cup of tea.
July 25, 2015
4.5 stars.
ARC Review
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Need You for Keeps is book one in the Heroes of St. Helena, a spin-off of the St. Helena Vineyard series. Marina Adair is a new author to me. I chose this book on a whim and mid-way through, I stopped to go back and purchase all five books in the St. Helena Vineyard series. The Napa Valley region is one of my most favorite places in the world and I can easily imagine these characters living this kind of story there in the quaint town of St. Helena.
Stories like these make me happy and remind me why I read contemporary romance. I fell in love with the writing, the characters, the plot, and the setting. After reading so many dark paranormal stories recently, Marina Adair’s story is bright and refreshing. She expertly conveys the sweet nature of the characters. No, they are not perfect, but they are, at their core, essentially good, and this is what binds Jonah and Shay together as a couple. On the surface, their personalities seem to be opposite from one another. She is the free-spirit, willing to bend the rules a little, animal lover. He is the follow the rules, disciplined, hometown law and order hero. We are just so different. He is determined to walk the line, and I walk it until I find where it fades. She grew up in the foster system where she learned that she never quite belonged: Even when she’d been in foster care she’d been forced to knock on the front door if it had been locked when she’d gotten home from school.. So heartbreaking. He grew up with solid family support and ties.
Although their obstacles seem almost insurmountable, through misunderstandings develops a keen appreciation for each other’s strengths. It’s a familiar story, but done so well with beautiful words and wonderful phrases that make me sigh: You are the color in my black and white world, and I love every shade that you are.
St. Helena is a small town and, as expected, there are standout supporting characters. The townspeople are intimately a part of the charm and humor of the story. Northern Californians give Southerners a run for their money in the quirkiness department.
In A Nutshell:
Sweet, adorable, humorous and infinitely re-readable, don’t miss this old-fashioned love story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
ARC Review
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Need You for Keeps is book one in the Heroes of St. Helena, a spin-off of the St. Helena Vineyard series. Marina Adair is a new author to me. I chose this book on a whim and mid-way through, I stopped to go back and purchase all five books in the St. Helena Vineyard series. The Napa Valley region is one of my most favorite places in the world and I can easily imagine these characters living this kind of story there in the quaint town of St. Helena.
Stories like these make me happy and remind me why I read contemporary romance. I fell in love with the writing, the characters, the plot, and the setting. After reading so many dark paranormal stories recently, Marina Adair’s story is bright and refreshing. She expertly conveys the sweet nature of the characters. No, they are not perfect, but they are, at their core, essentially good, and this is what binds Jonah and Shay together as a couple. On the surface, their personalities seem to be opposite from one another. She is the free-spirit, willing to bend the rules a little, animal lover. He is the follow the rules, disciplined, hometown law and order hero. We are just so different. He is determined to walk the line, and I walk it until I find where it fades. She grew up in the foster system where she learned that she never quite belonged: Even when she’d been in foster care she’d been forced to knock on the front door if it had been locked when she’d gotten home from school.. So heartbreaking. He grew up with solid family support and ties.
Although their obstacles seem almost insurmountable, through misunderstandings develops a keen appreciation for each other’s strengths. It’s a familiar story, but done so well with beautiful words and wonderful phrases that make me sigh: You are the color in my black and white world, and I love every shade that you are.
St. Helena is a small town and, as expected, there are standout supporting characters. The townspeople are intimately a part of the charm and humor of the story. Northern Californians give Southerners a run for their money in the quirkiness department.
In A Nutshell:
Sweet, adorable, humorous and infinitely re-readable, don’t miss this old-fashioned love story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
For anyone who loves animals along with a hunky hot and steamy romance, this one is a MUST read!
Some serious steamy scenes but they are skippable for those who prefer clean.
Some serious steamy scenes but they are skippable for those who prefer clean.
January 29, 2017
3.5 stars. Well written, fun romance for a weekend read.
March 29, 2017
I absolutely loved this one the writing style & town reminded me of Jill Shalvis & Lucky harbour series.
Shay had moved around & had a colourful past from been passed from foster family to another. Were Gage (who is the deputy running for sheriff) is straight laced.
These two danced around the attraction to each other but the chemistry between them was hot & the town folk were so funny :)
Shay had moved around & had a colourful past from been passed from foster family to another. Were Gage (who is the deputy running for sheriff) is straight laced.
These two danced around the attraction to each other but the chemistry between them was hot & the town folk were so funny :)
May 5, 2017
This was a nice start to a contemporary series that is a spinoff of another. The main characters in this one, Shay and Jonah, were both likable. Shay had lots of baggage, but Jonah was a patient man. I liked the romance that developed between them and the pet rescue storyline kept me interested.
June 20, 2017
It was fun to get back to St. Helena. I do like the Baudouin family, but I think I like the DeLuca family a little more.
Shay is a little out there. She has a tendency to jump into a situation without thinking of the consequences sometimes. Jonah follows the rules. Everything is black or white with him. Shay lives in the grey areas.
They make for interesting pair. They are frustrating at times, but fun.
Shay is a little out there. She has a tendency to jump into a situation without thinking of the consequences sometimes. Jonah follows the rules. Everything is black or white with him. Shay lives in the grey areas.
They make for interesting pair. They are frustrating at times, but fun.
February 26, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
This is my first book by Marina Adair so I had no idea what to expect. Although I enjoyed the story and liked the book for the most part, I feel like it was a little bit too sweet for my tastes.
I have to say that I was a little up and down with how I felt about Shay. For a vast majority of the book, I liked her. She's moved around a lot in her life but wants to stay in St. Helena. She's the town animal rescuer but she never felt like the crazy animal lady. She puts a lot of love and caring into the animals she rescues and I thought that was so awesome. She's also sweet and kind and really cherishes and appreciates her friends. But there was a short section around the middle of the book where I suddenly REALLY didn't like Shay. I can't say for sure why I didn't like her but I think it was maybe because the way she acted was outside what I think her normal behavior would be. She drops a kitten off at a friend's house but she's not really dropping him off; she's leaving the kitten there, like, forever. The person receiving the kitten didn't want a pet and really, has no time for a pet. Especially not one that needs to be given medication a couple times a day. This person works a lot of overtime and a lot of shifts at the last minute and a pet is not something they need right now. I thought that having Shay drop this kitten off just because SHE thinks this person needs a pet was really stupid and ignorant. Someone with Shay's level of knowledge about animal rescue would know better than that. So I felt that this was really out of character and it was something she would never do if she was real. So not only did it piss me off, it took me out of the book. But slowly, I came back around and by the end of the book, I liked her again. I guess I'm fickle like that.
Jonah was a great character. I loved that he was so strongly connected to his job as a deputy in the town's sheriff's department. He truly cared about people and it showed in his dedication to the job. Actually, it showed in everything he did - on and off the job. It was funny to see Jonah's reaction to realizing that he was developing feelings for Shay. He was so surprised - it cracked me up. He's definitely a good man. The author took great pains to make sure several characters stated that and it was hammered home. It was tough to see him pulled between wanting to get to know Shay better but knowing that he has a job to do. And sometimes, Shay and the law don't mix all that well which put Jonah in a tough position. But I think my favorite thing about Jonah was his relationship with his brother and sister. I'm pretty sure he was afraid of his sister - or maybe he was just afraid of her alpacas? LOL! His little brother, a fireman, was a big pain in Jonah's butt and their scenes together were just hilarious.
Shay and Jonah were great for each other. Shay is a rule breaker. Actually, she's a bonafide law breaker! And Jonah is all about upholding the law. It was fun to see them working towards common ground. My favorite scene with them was when they were sitting under a tree, waiting for a kitten to realize it was being rescued. It was sweet and very romantic. There was also a decent amount of Sexy Time and it was pretty hot. But I really enjoyed their back and forth banter. It was flirty and sometimes snarky and always playful. They definitely made me laugh.
This was a good book but it was a little too sweet for me. Shay was sweet, her job was sweet, the town was sweet, Shay's pals were sweet, Jonah was sweet, all the senior citizen and their antics were sweet. It was like eating a big ol' cinnamon roll with extra icing and having someone ask you if you want a milkshake to wash it down. It was just sweet overload. But the writing was great, the HEA was satisfying and all of the characters were likable. This would be a great book for fans of contemporary romance who are looking for something slow and calm. Now that I'm thinking about it, this would be the perfect book - a palate cleanser - after reading a dark romance or a book dealing with difficult subject matter. Heck, this would be great for anyone who works in a stressful job, too! Even though Need You for Keeps wasn't quite my kind of read, this book will definitely make you smile and lift your spirits!
This is my first book by Marina Adair so I had no idea what to expect. Although I enjoyed the story and liked the book for the most part, I feel like it was a little bit too sweet for my tastes.
I have to say that I was a little up and down with how I felt about Shay. For a vast majority of the book, I liked her. She's moved around a lot in her life but wants to stay in St. Helena. She's the town animal rescuer but she never felt like the crazy animal lady. She puts a lot of love and caring into the animals she rescues and I thought that was so awesome. She's also sweet and kind and really cherishes and appreciates her friends. But there was a short section around the middle of the book where I suddenly REALLY didn't like Shay. I can't say for sure why I didn't like her but I think it was maybe because the way she acted was outside what I think her normal behavior would be. She drops a kitten off at a friend's house but she's not really dropping him off; she's leaving the kitten there, like, forever. The person receiving the kitten didn't want a pet and really, has no time for a pet. Especially not one that needs to be given medication a couple times a day. This person works a lot of overtime and a lot of shifts at the last minute and a pet is not something they need right now. I thought that having Shay drop this kitten off just because SHE thinks this person needs a pet was really stupid and ignorant. Someone with Shay's level of knowledge about animal rescue would know better than that. So I felt that this was really out of character and it was something she would never do if she was real. So not only did it piss me off, it took me out of the book. But slowly, I came back around and by the end of the book, I liked her again. I guess I'm fickle like that.
Jonah was a great character. I loved that he was so strongly connected to his job as a deputy in the town's sheriff's department. He truly cared about people and it showed in his dedication to the job. Actually, it showed in everything he did - on and off the job. It was funny to see Jonah's reaction to realizing that he was developing feelings for Shay. He was so surprised - it cracked me up. He's definitely a good man. The author took great pains to make sure several characters stated that and it was hammered home. It was tough to see him pulled between wanting to get to know Shay better but knowing that he has a job to do. And sometimes, Shay and the law don't mix all that well which put Jonah in a tough position. But I think my favorite thing about Jonah was his relationship with his brother and sister. I'm pretty sure he was afraid of his sister - or maybe he was just afraid of her alpacas? LOL! His little brother, a fireman, was a big pain in Jonah's butt and their scenes together were just hilarious.
Shay and Jonah were great for each other. Shay is a rule breaker. Actually, she's a bonafide law breaker! And Jonah is all about upholding the law. It was fun to see them working towards common ground. My favorite scene with them was when they were sitting under a tree, waiting for a kitten to realize it was being rescued. It was sweet and very romantic. There was also a decent amount of Sexy Time and it was pretty hot. But I really enjoyed their back and forth banter. It was flirty and sometimes snarky and always playful. They definitely made me laugh.
This was a good book but it was a little too sweet for me. Shay was sweet, her job was sweet, the town was sweet, Shay's pals were sweet, Jonah was sweet, all the senior citizen and their antics were sweet. It was like eating a big ol' cinnamon roll with extra icing and having someone ask you if you want a milkshake to wash it down. It was just sweet overload. But the writing was great, the HEA was satisfying and all of the characters were likable. This would be a great book for fans of contemporary romance who are looking for something slow and calm. Now that I'm thinking about it, this would be the perfect book - a palate cleanser - after reading a dark romance or a book dealing with difficult subject matter. Heck, this would be great for anyone who works in a stressful job, too! Even though Need You for Keeps wasn't quite my kind of read, this book will definitely make you smile and lift your spirits!
October 14, 2015
Marina Adair’s Need You for Keeps will capture your heart in every sweet possible way. It was funny, heartwarming and sexy. If the heroine and hero didn’t make you swoon over their romance, their pets and their sweet personalities will.
“Shay Michaels was unpredictable, unapologetic, and a startling breath of fresh air.”
She is, indeed. Shay is a kind and a very sweet person. She has a big heart and there is not one animal in need she would turn away. Heck, she would do almost anything for them. As said in the quote, I find her to be a fresh breath of air. She is a t-shirt kind of girl, nonchalant, and she did what she believed was right. Damn the consequences. Though sometimes it got her too more trouble and then anything else.
“[Noah Boudin had] become a deputy because protecting and serving was who he was. At his core…he’d signed on as a deputy determined to make a difference, do his duty, and hopefully find some kind of peace.”
If you’re familiar with this series, you’ll know that Noah is Frankie’s Brother. He was a big part in Frankie’s book, Autumn in the Vineyard, which is the third installment of St. Helena Vineyard series. Even then you will see what kind of person Noah is. This deputy is a stand up kind of guy and a sexy one to boot. A big pleaser and more than willing to help anyone who needs him. Of course, while making sure everyone abides by the law.
Speaking of the law, it’s the very thing that will make Jonah’s life very interesting. The “troubles” Shay brings to St. Helena will keep him on his toes. Keeping his job and personal opinion separate will be a hard one to deal with but it was fun watching him squirm.
“The women of St. Helena would do anything to get their hands on St. Paws’ extended edition Cuties with Booties calendar.”
These women of St. Helena were fearless when it came to the cute and sexy calendar. Why wouldn’t they? Not only it contained pictures of cute animals but a few hunks of the community. It’s a big hit earning plenty of money to help Shay’s cause. It was hilarious how the young or old made such a big deal of them. Hell, I’m hoping Adair would come up with this calendar for purchase. I do wish to have seen more of the DeLuca family *cough* the DeLuca men*cough*. I have to admit though Adair came through and delivered. I’m loving the Boudin family. I’m very excited especially for Dax the “weapon of mass destruction” and Adam the “resident boob expert[‘s]” books.
Marina Adair excels in keeping her small town a big community. It’s standard for everyone to know each other, to have the meddling neighbors and the whole town knowing each other’s business. Need Your for Keeps is just that and if you like small town reads, I recommend to start this series.
*ARC provided by publisher
February 22, 2017
I like books set in wine country, probably because I write them. The towns are small, the scenery is peaceful, and the people in most of the towns are good representatives of small town America.
In Need You for Keeps, Marina Adair makes us fall in love with two rescuers: Shay rescues unwanted animals; Jonah rescues people. Shay, like her animals, feels unwanted. She's rootless, without family. People let her down. Jonah, on the other hand, has close siblings in the town where he works as a deputy sheriff, siblings who like to butt into his life.
He keeps an eye on Shay, not only because of her tendency to get into trouble, but because he is attracted to her. Add into this mix a bevy of lovable cats and dogs, three zany interfering friends, and some meanies and you have a funny, sometimes poignant, and most definitely sexy read.
In Need You for Keeps, Marina Adair makes us fall in love with two rescuers: Shay rescues unwanted animals; Jonah rescues people. Shay, like her animals, feels unwanted. She's rootless, without family. People let her down. Jonah, on the other hand, has close siblings in the town where he works as a deputy sheriff, siblings who like to butt into his life.
He keeps an eye on Shay, not only because of her tendency to get into trouble, but because he is attracted to her. Add into this mix a bevy of lovable cats and dogs, three zany interfering friends, and some meanies and you have a funny, sometimes poignant, and most definitely sexy read.
February 25, 2016
Need You for Keeps, by Marina Adair, was an adorable read with a heaping side of heated and sexy. I absolutely loved Adair’s writing and fell head over heels for the push and pull between Jonah and Shay, not to mention their off the charts chemistry. Shay has been alone for most of her life. She’s a take-the-bull-by-the-horns kind of woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone, and she gives her heart and soul to rescue dogs, finding forever homes for even the most difficult cases. Jonah is a by-the-books guy, a deputy with his eyes on the sheriff’s job, and he lives and dies by the letter of the law. He equates Shay with chaos, but despite his efforts to resist her, he’s been pulled in by her gravity at every turn since she’s come to town. Just when Shay starts to think she might have finally found a place to call home and put down permanent roots, her past resurfaces to test the bonds between them.
This truly was a story of opposites attracting, and I loved watching them connect and grow and learn each other inside and out. Adair did such an amazing job developing Shay and Jonah, as well as their budding relationship. Instead of rushing in and capitalizing on the scorching chemistry between them, they got to know each other as people, and it lent so much depth to their feelings. It was absolutely terrific. I could have loved this story based on the push and pull alone because it was absolutely delicious. Adair kept them both true to character. I loved that both owned up to their mistakes, that both always considered the other's feelings—even if it was a little later than it should have been—and tried to give the other the benefit of the doubt. These two showed tremendous faith in the other, and it’s a rare thing to be able to see faith spawn and grow in a story, to see two characters work to see the best in people instead of always assuming the worst. It was like a breath of fresh air.
The supporting cast in this book was wonderful as well. I can’t wait to see them in future books. There were lots of laughs too. It was unexpected but much appreciated. I really can’t say enough about this lovely book. If you like a contemporary romance, especially one with heat and giggles, give this one a try. I think you’re going to love it as much as I did.
This truly was a story of opposites attracting, and I loved watching them connect and grow and learn each other inside and out. Adair did such an amazing job developing Shay and Jonah, as well as their budding relationship. Instead of rushing in and capitalizing on the scorching chemistry between them, they got to know each other as people, and it lent so much depth to their feelings. It was absolutely terrific. I could have loved this story based on the push and pull alone because it was absolutely delicious. Adair kept them both true to character. I loved that both owned up to their mistakes, that both always considered the other's feelings—even if it was a little later than it should have been—and tried to give the other the benefit of the doubt. These two showed tremendous faith in the other, and it’s a rare thing to be able to see faith spawn and grow in a story, to see two characters work to see the best in people instead of always assuming the worst. It was like a breath of fresh air.
The supporting cast in this book was wonderful as well. I can’t wait to see them in future books. There were lots of laughs too. It was unexpected but much appreciated. I really can’t say enough about this lovely book. If you like a contemporary romance, especially one with heat and giggles, give this one a try. I think you’re going to love it as much as I did.
February 18, 2015
2.5 stars.
No ha estado ni bien ni mal… aunque en un principio parecía que iba a tener potencial, al final acaba cayendo en todos los clichés típicos del género. Es una más de tantas historias tan parecidas que son casi iguales, pero sé que tienen su público, aunque yo no me encuentre entre él.
Historia de chica y chico que se sienten atraídos físicamente el uno hacia el otro, pero que por razones muy triviales y banales no pueden estar juntos. Viven en un pueblo donde todos se conocen y se entrometen en las vidas de los demás, donde hay un par de personajes malos porque sí, a los que nadie les para los pies y donde la mitad del libro estamos leyendo porqué no pueden estar juntos y la otra mitad lo atractivos y la ropa tan provocadora que llevan los protagonistas. Ni siquiera el hecho de que la protagonista sea una defensora a ultranza de los animales llega a darle profundidad a su personaje. Lo mismo para él, no se salva ni por ser un (recto?) agente de la ley…
Y por supuesto un elenco de personajes a la espera (poco sutil) de su libro.
Para mí no ha funcionado, pero sería perfecto para los amantes de los romances ubicados en pueblos metomentodo, muy superficial y mucha lujuria.
It has not been well or bad... Although at first it seemed that it was going to have potential, at the end, the story falls in all the typical clichés of the genre. This is one of many stories so similar between them that they are almost equal, but I know they have their audience, although I do not find myself among them.
This story is about a girl and a boy who are attracted physically to each other, but they can be together for very trivial and banal reasons. They live in a town where everybody knows everybody and everybody meddles in the lives of others, where there are a couple of bad guys that nobody face up and where half of the book we are reading why they cannot be together and the other half we read about how attractive the MC´s are and how provocative are the clothes they wear. Not even the fact that the protagonist is an animal lover comes to give depth to her character. The same thing for him, his character feels shallow.
And of course a cast of characters (little subtle) waiting for their own book.
For me it did not work, but it would be perfect for lovers of romances settled in little towns with busybody people.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
March 7, 2015
Shay Michaels is a pet groomer that also rescues animals in need. She foster's them for a while then finds them a forever home. Unfortunately that sometimes puts her in the path of straight-laced deputy Jonah Baudouin, a man that makes her skin tingle and her belly jitter. Jonah knows that he should stay away from Shay. She keeps breaking rules while its his job to enforce them. But as they keep meeting he finds it hard to keep his hands to himself and starts to wonder if maybe he should make it his job to keep her out of trouble.
This is a cute, light romance with a great deal of humor and fun. Shay and Jonah are an interesting couple to read about because on the surface they don't have much in common. Shay seems like a somewhat flighty free-spirit that travels a lot and does what she wants when she wants. Jonah is more serious and grounded. A hard worker that takes his job seriously and has little room in his life for fun. But when they are together Jonah is more flirty and fun and Shay is able to show her serious and compassionate side without worry that she will be walked over. It takes a while for them to work their way to one another but it just made their connection and relationship that much sweeter. We get to see it really build from strangers into something more serious.
There are a few twists and turns to the plot that surprised me which is very refreshing. It's always nice to be able to read a book without knowing exactly where it's going but just loving the ride of the story. Adair has a way of writing that makes the pages fly by and the characters are so engaging that you want to keep reading even after the story is over.
This is book six in the St. Helena Vineyard series and while all the books take place in the same town, they don't have to be read in order. I personally think all series are best read in order but each of these novels, while they may have some reoccurring characters, can stand on their own as a great story. The first books in the series focused on one family but this book has stepped away from the family and focuses more on other people in the town. I am looking forward to reading more from this series and the community of St. Helena.
This is a cute, light romance with a great deal of humor and fun. Shay and Jonah are an interesting couple to read about because on the surface they don't have much in common. Shay seems like a somewhat flighty free-spirit that travels a lot and does what she wants when she wants. Jonah is more serious and grounded. A hard worker that takes his job seriously and has little room in his life for fun. But when they are together Jonah is more flirty and fun and Shay is able to show her serious and compassionate side without worry that she will be walked over. It takes a while for them to work their way to one another but it just made their connection and relationship that much sweeter. We get to see it really build from strangers into something more serious.
There are a few twists and turns to the plot that surprised me which is very refreshing. It's always nice to be able to read a book without knowing exactly where it's going but just loving the ride of the story. Adair has a way of writing that makes the pages fly by and the characters are so engaging that you want to keep reading even after the story is over.
This is book six in the St. Helena Vineyard series and while all the books take place in the same town, they don't have to be read in order. I personally think all series are best read in order but each of these novels, while they may have some reoccurring characters, can stand on their own as a great story. The first books in the series focused on one family but this book has stepped away from the family and focuses more on other people in the town. I am looking forward to reading more from this series and the community of St. Helena.
September 3, 2015
If you are an Animal lover and in particular dogs, then this is the book for you as it has romance , chemistry, tension, hot guys and of course cute dogs. Shay Michaels is the smalltown's resident dog lover and animal rescuer , she would do anything for those pets even open her own home to them which of course she can't take them all - so she hosts adopt a dog day along with a calendar of the hottest guys in towns each holding one of the dogs she has for adoption. The thing though is that Shay is anything but convential and a rule follower, so this often leads her to spend a wee bit of time in the local sheriff's office and in the jail cells. It also doesn't help that Shay and the local deputy Jonah are always at each other's throats and we readers can guess where this is going to end as more often than not in stories like this , the main two leads act like they cannot stand each other but in all truth and reality - the fact is that they are simply in love with one another but of course cannot find the courage to tell the other so of course being mean and going out of their way to cause trouble for the other is their game of flirting. Can Shay look past her dogs for once and realise that her Mr. Right is standing in the form of Deputy Sheriff Jonah and that he's her perfect partner or will their antics drive them further apart instead of closer ?
Find out in Book #1 Heroes of St Helena - Need You For Keeps. A Sweet Smalltown Contemporary Romance that is designed to sweeten the mood with a sure thing HEA to finish a good read.
Find out in Book #1 Heroes of St Helena - Need You For Keeps. A Sweet Smalltown Contemporary Romance that is designed to sweeten the mood with a sure thing HEA to finish a good read.
April 12, 2015
This book reminded me of +Rachel Lacey's book series Love and Rescue. I instantly related to the book because of this, but the book is loveable by itself.
Shay Michaels would do anything to save the furry residents of St. Helena, Califonia. Being a pet groomer in the town, as well as a pet rescuer, Shay hands her hands full 24'7.
Even when she is filled to capacity, if anyone comes to her with an animal in need of a home, Shay can never turn them away. Even though, she gets into a lot of trouble for her selfless deeds.
One of the people she has to deal with on almost a daily basis is Deputy Jonah Baudouin. Shay finds him hot and hard to resist but resist him she must.
Shay knows Jonah is not looking for a woman like her, and since he is running for Sherriff, he does not need her running his name in the mud.
Jonah knows that he should stay away from Shay, but there is something about her that just draws him to her. It does not help matters that they live next door to each other.
Shay likes to be independent, but everybody needs help and Jonah finds himself helping her when his brain tells him to run far away. Catching her illegally housing five kittens, which is above the amount of animals she can hold in her home, including all the dogs she already has.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog at:
http://swanangel15home.blogspot.com/2...
Shay Michaels would do anything to save the furry residents of St. Helena, Califonia. Being a pet groomer in the town, as well as a pet rescuer, Shay hands her hands full 24'7.
Even when she is filled to capacity, if anyone comes to her with an animal in need of a home, Shay can never turn them away. Even though, she gets into a lot of trouble for her selfless deeds.
One of the people she has to deal with on almost a daily basis is Deputy Jonah Baudouin. Shay finds him hot and hard to resist but resist him she must.
Shay knows Jonah is not looking for a woman like her, and since he is running for Sherriff, he does not need her running his name in the mud.
Jonah knows that he should stay away from Shay, but there is something about her that just draws him to her. It does not help matters that they live next door to each other.
Shay likes to be independent, but everybody needs help and Jonah finds himself helping her when his brain tells him to run far away. Catching her illegally housing five kittens, which is above the amount of animals she can hold in her home, including all the dogs she already has.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog at:
http://swanangel15home.blogspot.com/2...
February 14, 2015
I loved this book I loved Jonah there was some mystery about our man without it being to obvious, he knows he's good-looking and decent with the ladies, but yet he's not overly cocky, "Jonah, however, let his gaze fall to Shay's tail, which was sporting her best pair of shorts, and smiled. An arrogant smile that promised to deliver everything Shay could ever want, and more." Shay she's not a shy thing, when she's wants more of something she isn't afraid to let her man know, "well, how about we try out the word more?" She whispered, running her hands down his chest. She couldn't seem to stop touching him." Jonah he's also not shy when he has an issue he's not afraid to let his woman know what's in store for her, "it's been pressing all afternoon." To show her, he flattened her against the wall with his body and dropped his head to nip at her neck." He's also verbal in his needs and wants, "tonight, when I get home, I expect to find you in my bed so we can finish up this issue." I just loved this book it had animal cuteness, man cuteness and Shay who was a kicka** character who didn't care what others thought of her beliefs and she went for the gold.
February 27, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for a review copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Shay Michaels, runs a pet rescue home from her own house. Due to laws in St. Helena, she is only allowed to have 4 animals at any time, but she often runs close to the letter of the law with how she acquires her animals. And it always seems to be hot, deputy Jonah Baudouin that answers the calls about Shay.
Shay has a firm sense of right and wrong, but does go about things, in not the most appropriate ways. Jonah, although he understands where Shay is coming from, is often torn about between his feelings towards her, and his job.
The descriptions of the dogs, and kittens is this book are wonderful, and I think it was the animal side of things that had me hooked on this story from the beginning.
There are feuds amongst neighbours, dogs, Great Uncle Giles, who is an old man with a penchant for young ladies, and a whole host of other loveable characters.
You can tell there is chemistry between Jonah and Shay, right from the start, and I spent most of the book, willing them to realise it.
This is a wonderfully sweet romance story that is perfect for animal lovers.
Shay Michaels, runs a pet rescue home from her own house. Due to laws in St. Helena, she is only allowed to have 4 animals at any time, but she often runs close to the letter of the law with how she acquires her animals. And it always seems to be hot, deputy Jonah Baudouin that answers the calls about Shay.
Shay has a firm sense of right and wrong, but does go about things, in not the most appropriate ways. Jonah, although he understands where Shay is coming from, is often torn about between his feelings towards her, and his job.
The descriptions of the dogs, and kittens is this book are wonderful, and I think it was the animal side of things that had me hooked on this story from the beginning.
There are feuds amongst neighbours, dogs, Great Uncle Giles, who is an old man with a penchant for young ladies, and a whole host of other loveable characters.
You can tell there is chemistry between Jonah and Shay, right from the start, and I spent most of the book, willing them to realise it.
This is a wonderfully sweet romance story that is perfect for animal lovers.
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