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When He Falls First: Small town, sports, firefighter romance: Smitten Heroes Collection
Swoony, emotional romances where the heroes fall hard—and never let go. Included in this collection are 3 full-length standalone romances from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!
Truly Madly Mine
I came home for a fresh start and ran straight into the woman who broke my heart.
Dani Love dumped me once—and now she’s daring me to walk away again.
I never could. I’m not about to start now.
The fire between us never went out, and I’m done pretending otherwise. Whatever she’s hiding, whatever made her leave before, I’m not letting it take her from me again. This time, I’m fighting for us.
Out of Bounds
I’m a player, and winning has always come easy. Until Zoe.
She’s smart, guarded, and completely off-limits—my attorney, with rules I have no intention of following. The more she pushes me away, the harder I chase. I don’t expect to fall. I definitely don’t expect to lose my heart.
But Zoe changes everything—and walking away isn’t an option.
Ever After All
We got married in Vegas after one night.
One dare. One mistake I don’t regret. One woman I’ve loved for years.
Rosie calls it an accident. I call it my chance. She wants an annulment. I want forever—and I’m done waiting. I didn’t come this far to walk away now.
This time, I’m fighting for my wife.
When He Falls First delivers emotional, small-town romance with pining heroes who fall hard and fast, opposites-attract tension, second chances, accidental marriage, forbidden attraction, slow-burn chemistry, and deeply protective men willing to risk everything for the women they love. Expect swoon, angst, heartfelt moments, and heroes who know exactly what they want—and refuse to let it go.
Truly Madly Mine
I came home for a fresh start and ran straight into the woman who broke my heart.
Dani Love dumped me once—and now she’s daring me to walk away again.
I never could. I’m not about to start now.
The fire between us never went out, and I’m done pretending otherwise. Whatever she’s hiding, whatever made her leave before, I’m not letting it take her from me again. This time, I’m fighting for us.
Out of Bounds
I’m a player, and winning has always come easy. Until Zoe.
She’s smart, guarded, and completely off-limits—my attorney, with rules I have no intention of following. The more she pushes me away, the harder I chase. I don’t expect to fall. I definitely don’t expect to lose my heart.
But Zoe changes everything—and walking away isn’t an option.
Ever After All
We got married in Vegas after one night.
One dare. One mistake I don’t regret. One woman I’ve loved for years.
Rosie calls it an accident. I call it my chance. She wants an annulment. I want forever—and I’m done waiting. I didn’t come this far to walk away now.
This time, I’m fighting for my wife.
When He Falls First delivers emotional, small-town romance with pining heroes who fall hard and fast, opposites-attract tension, second chances, accidental marriage, forbidden attraction, slow-burn chemistry, and deeply protective men willing to risk everything for the women they love. Expect swoon, angst, heartfelt moments, and heroes who know exactly what they want—and refuse to let it go.
606 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2026
About the author
J.H. Croix
240 books1,516 followersUSA Today bestselling author J. H. Croix writes emotionally charged, steamy small town Alaska romance featuring protective firefighter and first responder heroes with big hearts and smart, strong heroines. Best known for her interconnected series set in Willow Brook, Alaska, Croix creates immersive fictional communities where the town itself becomes a character and found family is at the heart of every love story.
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https://www.facebook.com/jhcroix
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 14, 2026
Awesome
The main characters definitely had some strong chemistry going on. A one week stint that never was forgotten about years later. A strong willed girl with alot of emotional baggage that she doesn't want to bother others with and a man who when he was a boy with a large family has his own problems and doesn't want to burden his family with. Its a wild emotional roller coaster of a story. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
The main characters definitely had some strong chemistry going on. A one week stint that never was forgotten about years later. A strong willed girl with alot of emotional baggage that she doesn't want to bother others with and a man who when he was a boy with a large family has his own problems and doesn't want to burden his family with. Its a wild emotional roller coaster of a story. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
January 10, 2026
Please see individual stories for review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews