Mine to Hold

Heartfire Falls #2

by J.H. Croix

A swoony small-town friends-to-lovers romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix filled with slow-burn chemistry, emotional angst, and a grumpy hero who falls hard.

Best friends don’t fall in love.
Until they do.

I’ve been half in love with Kendall Castille for years. She’s my best friend—my constant, my safe person. To her, we’re just friends. To me? She’s everything.

I keep my feelings buried for a reason. Love leaves scars, and I already have too many to count. I’ve lost too much to risk my heart again, so I build walls and pretend I don’t want more.

But when I see something shift in her eyes, when I realize she might feel the same way, everything starts to unravel. The pull between us grows stronger. The tension unbearable. And, suddenly, friendship isn’t enough.

Wanting her is terrifying. Losing her would destroy me.

One kiss changes everything. One choice puts our hearts on the line.

A standalone romance— perfect for readers who love swoony small-town, friends-to-lovers romance featuring slow-burn chemistry, emotional angst, a broody hero who falls hard, and a love worth risking everything for.

📖 Read now in Kindle Unlimited or one-click today to fall in love with Kendall & Jude.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Family

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

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


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Reviews

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the 2nd book in a series bit can be read as a standalone.

This is Jude and Kendals friends to lovers story. It’s beautifully written and the characters are so easy to connect with!

The love literally shines through and will brighten your day!

Romantic souls will devour this book! 💝💝💝.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Kendall and Jude’s story.
Jude and Kendall have been best friends for years, but neither have acted on their true feeling towards each other, despite what everyone around them knows, in case they lose what they have together.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, with found family, friendships, emotions, tension, angst, drama, friends / lovers, twists and turns, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, heartfelt, and sweet, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine To Hold

Another great Heartfire Falls story! A family building their resort, family is everything ❤️, they support each other! Jude is best friends with Kendall forever, yet both secretly have had crushes always, but don't want to ruin their friendship. This story will show you how friends can be more, and dealing with families even though they can create issues, can be overcome. Beautiful story ❤️

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Mine to Hold Stars🌟

Mine to Hold is the next book in the Heartfire Falls series and is the story of Jude and Kendall🙌 They’ve been best friends since middle school and both are secretly in love with the other, but neither want to admit it as they don’t want to lose their friendship😳

A great story and I’m really starting to enjoy and feel like the Silvers are part of my family and I’m looking forward to Coles story next😊 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review💛

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall and Jude are the best of friends, but their feelings for each other go much deeper than just friendship. Neither is willing to rock the boat by revealing how they truly feel …..their friendship is just too important to risk. One embarrassing moment seems to change everything, bringing a heightened awareness of each other and apparently fantasies too. They both fight it for months then one kiss makes it impossible to turn back. While she is ready to rush forward into intimacy, Jude wants to take things slow to make sure they are both ready for the changes in their relationship. Fears of messing up overtake both of them, making moving forward even more difficult, but now that they have actually kissed they can’t go back to being just friends either.

When it comes to pain and drama, both of their families have experienced quite a bit. Neither Jude nor Kendall want to drag the other into the sometimes messy emotional aftermath of their family trauma. For years they have been confidants, offered each other a shoulder to cry on and given unconditional support and encouragement when needed. They truly know and see each other. Everyone around them keeps wondering when they will realize that they are in love with each other and truly become a couple. Time and again they hear that a friendship is the best foundation for a romantic relationship. Now, they just have to set aside the fears and doubts and really give their love a chance to flourish.

These characters easily wormed their way into my heart and made me laugh, smile and sigh. Though Kendall’s family was rather dysfunctional, Jude’s family had weathered the worst and was slowly starting to recover. His family were the best cheerleaders for Jude and Kendall, especially his nephew, Tommy. I loved Kendall’s accident prone tendencies as well as her big, generous heart. Jude in protector mode was swoon worthy. Reading this book was a wonderful experience. It has my full, unreserved recommendation.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Mine to Hold is the second title in the Heartfire Falls series, bringing Kendall’s and Jude’s friendship to another level that will change their lives… forever. Their story is an emotional, slow-burning romance as two people who have been best friends for, well, forever it seems, finally acknowledge that there are different emotions just below the surface. If they act on those pesky crushes that have turned into something more, their greatest fear is that they’ll lose the friendship that each cherishes. But if they don’t, they risk missing out on a relationship filled with the kind of love that could last a lifetime.

I enjoyed Mine to Hold very much. It’s well-written, full of tears and laughter, caution and risking it all, and secondary characters (along with a cute pup) who will steal your heart as well, waiting for their story to be told. Kendall and Jude’s family lives are complicated, yet each has stood by the other’s side through thick and thin. They fear that asking for more will destroy their friendship, forgetting that some of the best couples are best friends as well as lovers. Yes, there’s a bit of angst, a misunderstanding that could have been avoided, and maybe not enough groveling (I do love when the hero needs to explain his actions away) for me. I had fun with this couple’s romance, and would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader. You’ll find a couple to love, a small town with all the quirks to enjoy, and a satisfying friends-to-lovers adventure.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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

The day she walked into the classroom and sat down beside him Jude just had a feeling they would become fast friends... and he was right. The friendship that blossomed that day has been going strong since middle school, never faltering a bit when Kendall moved away to attend college, and even now that she has returned to town. Always being constants in one another's lives... but Jude has decided it's time to tell her he wants more.

Mine to Hold is a sweet and swoon-filled page-turner that is destined to leave your heart all kinds of happy. Jude and Kendall have always been able to count on each other to be there, always been the one they share all their secrets with... and the one they both secretly want more with, but are too afraid to say the words out loud. For them, admitting that there is more than friendship lingering between them is terrifying. It means they'd have to risk their long standing friendship, and neither of them are really comfortable with that... but the steamier feelings brewing between them is something they can ignore either. It could be so perfect, or it could wind up being a disaster too... will they risk it?

This well penned story warmed my heart, made me smile, and kept me thoroughly captivated from beginning to end. I sat down to read a few pages before bed and wound up swiping the final page in the wee hours of the morning...and in case you were wondering, yes it was well worth the lost hours of sleep! I loved every minute of this one and I know if you give it a chance you will love it just as much too! Highly recommend!!

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

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine to Hold by JH Croix is a modern novel, dealing with, not only romance, but with a common problem found in today’s society. In this case it was alcoholism, but more how it affected those around the alcoholic. It is a labyrinth of guilt, expense, and misery. It is so easy to enable an alcoholic believing one is helping, when the reality is the enabler is taking away the alcoholic’s sense of responsibility. Jude is one of the sons of Heartfire Falls, a resort that had burned down years earlier, and his friend since middle school, Kendall. They were good friends, indeed, each wanted more but was nervous that the other wouldn’t so they each kept still. It was hard work rebuilding the resort and Jude spent many hours each day either working on the rebuild or leading hikes or camping trips. Kendall ran a large animal rescue on the edge of their property. It is a friends to lovers romance.

Croix always writes good characters, with characters from earlier books wandering through the story, as well as Jude’s very large family. There are plenty of folks out there struggling with addiction, and most have families who love them and, for at least a while, enable them, to the detriment of other relationships. This became a possible issue in Jude and Kendall’s romance, although the strength of their love held in good stead. I always enjoy Croix’ books, in part because of the fact they take place in Alaska, although that isn’t always of importance to the story. Another good read, with plenty of lessons.

I was invited to read Mine to Hold by the author and distributed by BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #BookFunnel #JHCroix #MineToHold

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, heartfelt romance where friends maneuver a new relationship from just friends to expressing their true feelings, which include a future together as a couple.

Kendell and Jude's love story was beautifully portrayed. They had done the work as friends, outside forces, and life interfered as they embraced this new life. While having their own emotional issues, they were working through them, which were raw and real.

The story embraces healing, love, forgiveness, family, success, and hope for a beautiful future. The dynamic of the Silver family is beautifully portrayed as a whole; they have suffered much, yet they show up and support one another and openly love one another, even when one of them needs to spread their wings to heal.

Our favorite character was Kendell, a woman who has a heart of gold, is loving and caring, and beautiful on the inside and out. She comes with a bunch of family drama; she can't turn her back on them, it is who she is, and we would not have her any other way. She quickly realises, though, that it's not just her anymore, and she needs to find balance between the old her and her new reality.

The characters are great, engaging, and loving, and Jude is one of those swoony characters who wears his heart on his sleeve for the woman he loves. We loved this emotionally charged romance. You will laugh, love, and fall in love with its characters, especially Tommy, that boy is a heart stopper through and through.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Heartfire Falls series and it is Kendall and Jude’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Kendall and Jude have been best friends since middle school and over the years they have developed feelings for each other but neither will let the other one know about it as there friendship is the most important than anything else and they are determined not to risk everything that they have so they carry on as normal while keeping it to themselves. When Kendall and Jude eventually get the courage to tell each other how they feel it starts a train reaction and when they eventually come together it is totally explosive but can they keep such a good friendship and connection while being in a relationship or will they eventually decide being friends is more important than anything else, well you will have to read this book to find out what happens in the end for Kendall and Jude and if they get the future together that they always wanted and deserved. The attraction and chemistry between Kendall and Jude is so hot and intense and there friendship gives them the best connection ever which gives them such a special bond between them and nothing and no one else can break it apart. Wow I absolutely loved this book and I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting because it was so addictive and kept my attention throughout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sweet, slow burn, best friends to lovers story. Jude and Kendall have been best friends since middle school when Kendall attended the new school and got assigned to sit next to Jude. Both of them have family drama that color their painful youth. They tell each other secrets that they don’t share with anyone else. Kendall left town for college and Jude stayed. She came back after, their friendship continues like no interruption. Neither of them has serious relationships. Even though their feelings for each other grow to be more than friends, they are too afraid of ruining their friendship to act on it. After their first kiss, Kendall confesses to Jude that she has never been with a man and wants Jude to be her first. Now Kendall is in a hurry to get rid of her V-card. Jude wants to take it slow. Of course, the slowness doesn’t last. They are burning for each other. The intimacy grows leaps and bounds. Everyone around them seems to be happy that they finally take things further. But the subtle things like life and family get in the way. I can understand when Jude feels he got push down lower on Kendall’s priority list. It hurts when your person doesn’t consider your feelings. Luckily he has 5 brothers there to help out. It is so sweet that they all look out for each other. I enjoy the beautiful Alaska as the backdrop and feel like I can see it between the words.

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Heartfire Falls series and Jude and Kendall get their HEA in this heartwarming friends-to-lovers slow-burn story.

Jude Silver is a wilderness guide and hotshot firefighter in Alaska. His best friend since middle school is Kendall, and he's been half in love with her for years, but has done nothing about it as his friendship with Kendall is paramount.

"But then, she was perfect. With her wild brown curls, her big brown eyes, the freckles on her cheeks, her cute little body, curvy and soft- looking".

Kendall Castile runs an animal shelter and has a three-legged husky called Travis. Her best friend is Jude she tries not to like him too much as she doesn't want to lose his friendship.

"Jude’s black hair was damp. His blue eyes were bright with flashes of silver. Sweet hell, he was so freaking handsome. Tall, broad shoulders, lean, and unfairly fit. The man’s lifestyle demanded that kind of fitness".

The transition from friends to lovers wasn't without its obstacles, especially with their familial obligations sometimes getting in the way.

I loved revisiting the Silvers and other Heartfire Falls characters. J. H. Croix manages to fill a town with the most interesting people.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Brother Down

In the second book of the Heartfire Falls series, readers get an up-close look at Jude Silver and Kendall, the girl he’s loved since junior high. After years of hovering in the “just friends” zone and with the entire town clearly seeing what they couldn’t, they finally decide it’s time to act on their feelings.

I really liked both Jude and Kendall. They’re practical, no-nonsense people, which keeps the drama in their story refreshingly low. Kendall stays busy caring for her rescue animals, while Jude works at the family resort and helps out at the rescue whenever he can. When they decide to give love a chance, everything falls into place naturally.

The book is well written, and the blurb gives a solid sense of what to expect, but the real fun is in the details. The close knit families and the small town setting add warmth and charm, especially since no one in town is surprised when Jude and Kendall finally get together. Everyone’s known it was coming for years.

One of the highlights for me was Tommy, Jude’s nephew. He’s ten going on twenty-five, already dreaming of becoming a chef and cooking for the resort. He completely stole the scenes he was in. It looks like Jude’s brother Lincoln is up next, and given his past, I’m hoping his story brings a bit more angst than Jude’s.

Review for Renee Entress’s Blog

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing! This is a beautiful, caring, tender, loving story of two individuals and their families. I loved the characters; they all have personalities that are warm, good hearted, tender and caring. Jude and Kendall have been best friends since middle school. Jude has loved Kendall for a long time. Kendall has loved Jude for a long, long time also. But since neither one is willing to lose their best friend they say nothing to the other about what they feel for the other. Then Jude finally decides it is time to do more, take it to the next level. He doesn’t think he will survive if he doesn’t do something right now! He makes a move - a kiss that is so gentle but then turns super charged. Jude knows Kendall is the one for him! He only hopes she agrees. This author is so good at bringing the reader into the story! You will feel what you are reading. Ms. Croix has a way of conveying all the emotions the characters are going thru and it brings the characters to life and you can feel everything they are feeling. They are funny, down to earth, hardworking but also caring, loving, sweet, sexy and have such passion. So good! You will enjoy their journey. Great characters! Great story! A very good read! It’s a keeper!.

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

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh be still my beating heart its so good to be back in Heartfire Falls ❣️ and another book being released on my birthday I’m convinced authors got together and decided to make my day extra special 😂❣️📚


Kendall and Jude have been friends for most of their lives but they’ve always held a candle for each other it just took them longer to realise what everyone else already knew ! Also I think they were afraid of loosing their friendship but aren’t most beautiful relationships what they are because the foundation of friendship was there first !? I could go in circles debating this what matters is that they found their way to each other , FINALLY 😂🥰

Jude , a wilderness guide and hotshot firefighter can rescue me any day 🔥😂and Kendall and Travis can have me help run their shelter and I’m a firm believer in how someone treats animals says a lot of their character and Kendall has a heart of gold ❣️

What a precious gift it was to watch these 2 find their way to each other and it ls just what I needed , this book really gives hope , belief in family , friends and love 🥰these are people you want as your tribe 🤗

I may have had to come to reality but my heart has stayed behind in Heartfire Falls 🥰

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! One of the best friends to lovers book I have read lately! The author is so good at pulling you into the story and you just don’t want to put it down. If you love small towns and friends and family, this is the one for you. Jude is one of the “Silver Boys” and has been best friends with Kendall since middle school. Both have feelings for each other but don’t want to ruin their great friendship. Jude and his family are rebuilding their lodge as well as welcoming home his hot shot firefighter brother who hasn’t come home in years. Kendall has her family local and a heart of gold and works at a rescue shelter for animals. She continues to rescue her brother who hasn’t come lost his license due to drinking as well as parents that just don’t take responsibility. Kendall has been the one to handle everything. To both the town, friends, and family, Jude and Kendall decide to give a relationship a try. I loved that the whole town could see the love that this couple had for each other before they could. Highly recommend this book!.

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

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine to Hold by JH Croix is the second installment in the Heartfire Falls series. It’s a small-town contemporary romance filled with emotion and, of course, a HEA. Jude and Kendall have been best friends since middle school. Along with his brothers he is a heartthrob! Jude’s family is rebuilding their resort after tragedy, but he has the added commitment of being a hot shot firefighter. Kendall is the sweetest, most loving person, giving her all to not only the animals in her care at the rescue center, but her friends and dysfunctional family.
These best friends secretly want more but are afraid to take the next step for fear of losing what they have. Of course, the entire town could see the love they each had for one another. With tragedies in both their pasts and obligations to family, will they be able to see what has been there all along?
This is small-town writing at its finest, as only JH Croix can do. You get a huge, supportive family, silly animal antics, humor and so much swoon!.

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

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine to Hold. Jan 9
JH Croix
Hot, Hunky Silver Boys
Heartfire Falls is definitely heating up! Jude is just one of the six Silver Boys and every one of them are swoon worthy. Haven is already married and so there are five brothers still out there roaming around and I do mean that literally. Back country excursions, hotshot firefighters and animal rescuers are just part of their jobs and yet Family is at the top of the list. Having loved and lost two family members in the recent years has made them all guarded and yet Jude and Kendall have been besties since middle school. Kendall runs the animal rescue located on the Resort property and they don’t know that everyone they know has been betting on When not If they will end up together so when the chemistry becomes too much the games begin and boy is the chase fun to read about. Let’s just throw in a three legged husky (who’s rotten), several pigs and chickens along with a resort full of out of towners looking for adventure. When you’ve got a ten year old calling you out about your relationship it’s time to give in to the inevitable! 😂

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

A tender, soul-deep best friends-to-lovers romance that proves imperfect love can still be perfect.

Near the end of Mine To Hold, the second heartwarming instalment in JH Croix’s Heartfire Falls series, Kendall reflects: “It wasn’t perfect—because life never would be—but this moment with my best friend felt as close to perfect as possible.” That line perfectly captures the emotional core of this story—and honestly, it sums up why this book works so beautifully.

JH Croix delivers a truly heartfelt best friends-to-lovers romance that feels real, raw, and deeply relatable. Kendall and Jude have been best friends since middle school, and watching them carefully—and sometimes painfully—navigate the shift from friendship to something more is utterly captivating. Life gets in the way, emotions run deep, and nothing comes easily, but that authenticity only makes their journey more powerful.

Their path to love isn’t smooth or simple. Even once they begin to acknowledge that their feelings run far deeper than friendship, doubts and obstacles creep in. Jude’s brothers stepping in with support adds warmth and grounding to the story, reinforcing the strong sense of family that JH Croix does so well throughout this series.

Mine To Hold is one of those couldn’t-put-it-down reads—emotional, sincere, and quietly powerful. And when that hard-earned happily ever after finally arrives? It’s every bit as perfect as readers hope it will be. Another beautifully written, swoon-worthy win for JH Croix. 💛

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so many things I could say about this book, but I'll settle for saying this book was such an amazing, feel good read. I found myself smiling often while reading it. Love books that make me feel all the feels like this one did.

This is book two in the Heartfire Falls series and centers around Jude and Kendall. They've known each other and been good friends since going to middle school. As adults, their relationship evolves more, them becoming best friends, but they both harbor secret crushes on each other.

Thing is, they keep that fact hidden out of fear of losing what they've already established together, a wonderful friendship. Can they overcome that fear and tell one another how they really feel, or will they let the fear keeping them silent win and lose the chance to find something greater between them, like a love beyond anything they've ever known?

I haven't read much from this author before, but that's absolutely going to change. I can not stress enough how much this book needs to be read by everyone! It was such a fantastic novel, and I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude Silver and Kendall Castile have been best friends for years and have been crushing on each other for just as long. Jude is a hot shot firefighter and a wilderness guide. Kendall runs an animal shelter and has a three legged dog named, Travis, who loves Jude. Jude walks in on a half naked Kendall when he stops to pick her up on the way to his brother's wedding. Will Jude and Kendall give into their attraction to each other? Will their friendship be the foundation to their new relationship going forward? Will doubts and family obligations tear Jude and Kendall apart? Will Jude and Kendall confess their feelings for each other and find their happily ever after? I loved Mine To Hold by J.H. Croix. Jude and Kendall are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I love how Jude and Kendall's friends and family knew they had feelings for each other before they were willing to admit to each other. I would definitely recommend getting Mine To Hold and the other book in the Heartfire Falls series by J.H. Croix. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is book two of the Heartfire Falls Series but we get so see many others from the other series as well a time or two. Be prepared for an emotional healing story as these wonderful characters move from best friends to more. The wit and family closeness that comes with all that is Silver, a 10 year old who is more wise than most, and lots of animal antics.

Jude and Kendall became friends very quickly when she moved to town. Before they knew it they were best friends and when she wasn't busy getting her older brother out of his messes, she was with Jude and his family. All these years later, standing beside each other, the lines are finally getting blurry. Though they both seem to be fighting it hard in an attempt to not loose what they have.

Will they cross the line? Will the transition be an easy one? Can they take the next step that everyone in town is betting will happen?

Grab you copy and enjoy the story.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Back to Heartfire Falls

Best friends go through it all together, know each other inside and out. When your best friend has known you since middle school, there are little to no secrets between you. Jude and Kendall have been there for each other through the worst of times and it shows. She is practically a member of the Silver family and she and Jude are together everyday in some way or another. They have both had feelings for each other but neither wanted to risk crossing any lines. They both also have kept those feelings bottled up enough they weren’t too big, making it easier to ignore them, but when the bottle gets opened up, there is no putting the feelings back in! These two are relationship goals for any friends turned more that ever existed. Communication isn’t always easy but they stumble their way through and they have a bond that can help to make anything better. A beautiful story of friendship turned more with plenty of passion, love and things to learn.

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude and Kendall have been bf’s since middle school but both have had a crush on each other for years and have not said anything because they don’t want to ruin their friendship. Everyone else around them, family and friends know they are in love with each other, it’s obvious except for to them. One mistaken walk in and seeing one of them bare, has their feelings coming to the surface and after that…all bets are off. Now they have to navigate their new status and hopefully keep their friendship in tact when they add the physical side of their love. Kendall has her issues with her family and Jude is understanding until it comes between them, now they have to navigate how to handle each other moving forward.
A good read with steam and friendship becoming so much more. I liked Kendall and her loyalty to her family even though it was detriment at times and Jude, who has always been there for her and vice versa, through thick and thin, heartache and heartbreak, they have always had each other’s back.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Croix's book 2 in the chronicles of the Silver brothers, in this case Jude. It turns out that Jude has been in love with his best friend, Kendall, for years, i.e. since middle school, but kept that secret to himself for fear that the admission would spoil their relationship ...and Kendall has been doing the same thing. This book explores what happens when they can no longer deny their attraction and their shared lust explodes upon the pages in typical Croix fashion. There was an incident where Jude accidently saw Kendall's tits, and that was his undoing, since we all know that the sight of a great set of tits will turn any man into mush. The story became a little tedious at times, since Jude & Kendall were so well matched, but the tale had to be told, and master storyteller Croix did a great job of it. I give it a 4.25/5 on my spice scale and I eagerly await the next chapter in the saga.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a swoon worthy series. This is book 2 of this series and this author wrote another absolutely beautiful addition. I love when a series includes the characters from previous series/books. I feel that this makes the book that much more. This series has the Silver boys as the town call them. Jude and Kendall have been best friends since middle school and have been hiding feelings for each other so they don’t ruin what they already have. It surprises them that everyone in town including their families have seen the chemistry between them which is more than friendship. Their story and the chemistry between these two, comes off the pages is heart felt and steamy. Out of respect of this author, I will not give the story away. I will tell you that if you like small town romances that are written exceptionally well, you definitely need to give this author a try. Not one book that I’ve read by this author has been bad. #badboyupdate

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine to Hold” provides a welcome return to Alaska and Heartfire Falls and provides another opportunity to catch up with those swoon worthy Silver brothers. This time the focus is on Jude and his long time friend Kendall. Their relationship as friends is rock solid, with each being there to help and support the other. However, they are worried that acting on the feelings they’ve kept buried for so long could jeopardise that friendship, a dilemma for both of them. I love that they actually decided to take that chance and that everyone around them had been watching and waiting for them to realise just what they felt for each other. A real “Hallelujah” moment!
Yes, there are obstacles thrown in their way and also family issues to deal with but there were definitely some laugh out moments too. Poor Jude!
This is a gentle and tender friends to lovers story with a happy ending and an insight into what’s coming next.

Thank you for the early copy and I have voluntarily left a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since middle school when Kendall Carlisle was told to sit at table with Jude Silver as new student, he's been kind of love with the cute girl...turning into a crush during high school, still compared any date to Kendall...and that all came to a head when he was going to pick her up for his brother Haven's wedding and walked into her apartment seeing her half naked since her dog got her dress all muddy...and all he could think of was her perfect breasts. Kendall never dated much since she was more parent in her home than her actual parents were for herself and her older brother Blake and she always compared anyone to Jude...never thinking he may have more than best friend feelings for her. Everyone in town knew they were in love, just took them a long time to figure it out...but when they did...who would win the bet for how long it took them to discover their mutual feelings...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is one of the sweetest tropes and one of my favourites. To watch two people who have been best friends see the light go on and realize that what they are truly feeling is love. The only thing holding them back is the chance that things will blow up and they will lose that one special person in their lives. Ms. Croix delivers a heartwarming, entertaining and moving love story where all the above happen.
Kendell and Jude have been friends forever but deep inside, they both felt something more. Kendall drops a bomb on Jude and here is where things take a turn from friends to so much more. It took them a long time to see what their families and, in fact, the whole town, saw for years, that they love one another. Now their road to their HEA was not smooth but paved with a few bumps.
Mine to Hold is a beautifully written love story about friendship, family and two soulmates who were meant to be together.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Heartfire Falls series a great small town romance series.
Jude Silver is the heartthrob working at the family resort secretly in love with his best friend Kendall who he was at school with. Kendall is the cute, animal lover studying to be a vet and working at an animal sanctuary also in love with her best friend.
This couple are super cute together with great chemistry, Jude is worried a relationship will affect their friendship. Kendall and the rest of the town work to get him over this. There are some really funny moments including a three legged dog, past trauma from family loss and an alcoholic brother.
Can these two get their happy ending if you love a small town romance you will love this, a great read.

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