What do you think?
Rate this book
Jonas: Guardians of the North, Book 4
Mara
I’ve been living a quiet, simple life in my hometown for years. After a bad relationship with an ex who didn’t want to leave me alone, my plans to stay in the Coast Guard and travel the world were derailed. I wanted to feel safe again. I’ve adjusted well enough. But a crush on a world-traveled volunteer at the local animal shelter makes me yearn to stretch out of my comfort zone. Which is why after a hundred invitations to visit my best friend in Alaska, I finally say yes. I go to North Haven, hoping to win over my crush by posting exciting photos that prove I’m not super boring. But what I don’t expect is for Jonas Black to be so…muscular and sexy. Or to make me feel things you’re definitely not supposed to feel about your best friend. Even when they do things to you that make you feel alive and desirable. So desirable. I think I might be in trouble when it comes to Jonas. Big trouble.
Jonas
I’ve been in love with Mara West since the first day I met her, more than a decade ago. When we were both stationed together. But I quickly fell into the friend zone. Despite my attempts to find someone else, I can never help comparing them to Mara. She and I stayed friends after she left the Coast Guard. But I haven’t seen her in years. Which is why when she finally agrees to fly to Alaska, I decide I’m going all in. Until she tells me about her plan to win over some beach bum. I hate the thought of anyone else with her. But I go along with it only because I see the way she looks at me. It’s not the way you look at a friend. I’m determined to wear her down. To make her beg for my touch. To make her fall in love with me so I can finally claim what’s been mine all along.
I’ve been living a quiet, simple life in my hometown for years. After a bad relationship with an ex who didn’t want to leave me alone, my plans to stay in the Coast Guard and travel the world were derailed. I wanted to feel safe again. I’ve adjusted well enough. But a crush on a world-traveled volunteer at the local animal shelter makes me yearn to stretch out of my comfort zone. Which is why after a hundred invitations to visit my best friend in Alaska, I finally say yes. I go to North Haven, hoping to win over my crush by posting exciting photos that prove I’m not super boring. But what I don’t expect is for Jonas Black to be so…muscular and sexy. Or to make me feel things you’re definitely not supposed to feel about your best friend. Even when they do things to you that make you feel alive and desirable. So desirable. I think I might be in trouble when it comes to Jonas. Big trouble.
Jonas
I’ve been in love with Mara West since the first day I met her, more than a decade ago. When we were both stationed together. But I quickly fell into the friend zone. Despite my attempts to find someone else, I can never help comparing them to Mara. She and I stayed friends after she left the Coast Guard. But I haven’t seen her in years. Which is why when she finally agrees to fly to Alaska, I decide I’m going all in. Until she tells me about her plan to win over some beach bum. I hate the thought of anyone else with her. But I go along with it only because I see the way she looks at me. It’s not the way you look at a friend. I’m determined to wear her down. To make her beg for my touch. To make her fall in love with me so I can finally claim what’s been mine all along.
Audible Audio
Published January 20, 2026
86 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 5, 2022
Mara and Jonas were sweet and sexy. I like that they were friends first and seeing the relationship move to more gave me all the feels.
April 10, 2022
This is book four of the Guardians of the North series and the main characters are Mara West and Jonas Black. They knew each other some ten years ago, when they were both serving together in the Coast Guard, stationed in Clearwater. They had both wanted to be posted to Alaska, but Mara had issues with a stalker ex and ended up having to give up her dream job and move back to her home town and her parents, to be safe. They have remained friends all this time and she can always call him up and talk to him at any time. Now she is finally going to make it up to Alaska and the small town of North Haven, for a weeks’ holiday and she will be staying with Jonas, in his home. She has been working a boring job, but volunteers at an animal shelter and has been crushing big time on the world travelled and beach bum looking volunteer Zeke. He always seems to be able to travel light and all around the world, telling her lots of tales as they work together at the shelter. But other than that, he doesn’t know her at all. She has gone back on one part of social media, only to be able to follow her crush! Her idea of light packing is a huge suitcase, she can hardly close, never mind lift! She is hoping she can post loads of interesting images on her social media site, o catch the eye of her crush and she asks Jonas to help her do it!
What she doesn’t know, is that Jonas has been in love with her since the first time he actually saw her and his friends and work colleagues have been making fun of him for years. At the time they first met, she was just coming out of a bad relationship and her issues since, have left him in the friend zone. But he is no longer the skinny guy she used to know, he is sexy and has bulked out nicely and is covered in tattoos. She hasn’t had a relationship for quite some time, so to see a topless Jonas, starts making her feel things she shouldn’t of her friend. Her friends at home egg her on to have a bit of fun with the hunk, Jonas, to prepare herself for her crush, as she is pretty rusty on the intimate side of things! She has no idea how Jonas will react to her, but he takes things really slowly and allows her to set the pace and the rules, waiting for his chance to wear her down and make her forget her crush altogether! This is a short romantic story of two good friends who haven’t seen each other for a decade, but who fall in love and manage to stay friends through most of it. Sweet and steamy at the core, with some challenges along the way as Mara is dreaming of her crush and ignoring the sexy friend right in front of her, until their connection goes pretty ballistic and desires take over. A great ending for this pair with another HEA ending, for a military man from J Squad and his curvy woman, in the same small town in Alaska. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
What she doesn’t know, is that Jonas has been in love with her since the first time he actually saw her and his friends and work colleagues have been making fun of him for years. At the time they first met, she was just coming out of a bad relationship and her issues since, have left him in the friend zone. But he is no longer the skinny guy she used to know, he is sexy and has bulked out nicely and is covered in tattoos. She hasn’t had a relationship for quite some time, so to see a topless Jonas, starts making her feel things she shouldn’t of her friend. Her friends at home egg her on to have a bit of fun with the hunk, Jonas, to prepare herself for her crush, as she is pretty rusty on the intimate side of things! She has no idea how Jonas will react to her, but he takes things really slowly and allows her to set the pace and the rules, waiting for his chance to wear her down and make her forget her crush altogether! This is a short romantic story of two good friends who haven’t seen each other for a decade, but who fall in love and manage to stay friends through most of it. Sweet and steamy at the core, with some challenges along the way as Mara is dreaming of her crush and ignoring the sexy friend right in front of her, until their connection goes pretty ballistic and desires take over. A great ending for this pair with another HEA ending, for a military man from J Squad and his curvy woman, in the same small town in Alaska. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
April 15, 2022
He is determined to make her forget all about Mr. Beach Bum...will he succeed?
Jonas is another fantastic book in the wonderful Guardians of the North series. This interconnected series is all about the six men of the "J Squad" of the Coast Guard. This story is about best friends without benefits Mara West and Jonas Black. They met when they were both in the Coast Guard but then Mara left after having a stalker ex-boyfriend and moved to the safety of her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She now works as a receptionist at a dental clinic and and volunteers at an animal shelter. It is there that she met the dreamy Zeke, who she immediately developed a crush on. In order to impress him, and hopefully make him take notice of her, she finally decides to take Jonas up on his offers of coming to visit him. So Mara packs an overstuffed bag, battles the zipper to get it closed, and takes a flight that will take her all day to the very small town of North Haven, Alaska. After not seeing each other for ten years Mara is in for one very big surprise....Jonas is not the tall and skinny boy he used to be. Jonas fell in love with Mara when they first met back in Clearwater. He may have settled for being her best friend and watching her date other men but he knows this visit is his chance to finally make her see exactly who he is and make her fall in love with him. What he does not know is why she finally decided to visit him so he is in for a big surprise when he finds out about Zeke. He knows he has a week to make her not think about Zeke and make her his. He will do it slowly, stealthily, and maybe with more than a bit of sexiness....after all he will use all his talents to get the woman of his dreams.
I loved this friends to so much more story about Mara and Jonas. It is a wonderful example that sometimes true love may take a while to happen, but when it finally does it is worth the wait. This is a great addition to this fantastic series. My only small issue is that it needs a final visit with a good proofreader, as there are a number of very easily spotted errors which sort of broke up the reading flow for me. But overall I still loved and enjoyed the story.
Jonas is another fantastic book in the wonderful Guardians of the North series. This interconnected series is all about the six men of the "J Squad" of the Coast Guard. This story is about best friends without benefits Mara West and Jonas Black. They met when they were both in the Coast Guard but then Mara left after having a stalker ex-boyfriend and moved to the safety of her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She now works as a receptionist at a dental clinic and and volunteers at an animal shelter. It is there that she met the dreamy Zeke, who she immediately developed a crush on. In order to impress him, and hopefully make him take notice of her, she finally decides to take Jonas up on his offers of coming to visit him. So Mara packs an overstuffed bag, battles the zipper to get it closed, and takes a flight that will take her all day to the very small town of North Haven, Alaska. After not seeing each other for ten years Mara is in for one very big surprise....Jonas is not the tall and skinny boy he used to be. Jonas fell in love with Mara when they first met back in Clearwater. He may have settled for being her best friend and watching her date other men but he knows this visit is his chance to finally make her see exactly who he is and make her fall in love with him. What he does not know is why she finally decided to visit him so he is in for a big surprise when he finds out about Zeke. He knows he has a week to make her not think about Zeke and make her his. He will do it slowly, stealthily, and maybe with more than a bit of sexiness....after all he will use all his talents to get the woman of his dreams.
I loved this friends to so much more story about Mara and Jonas. It is a wonderful example that sometimes true love may take a while to happen, but when it finally does it is worth the wait. This is a great addition to this fantastic series. My only small issue is that it needs a final visit with a good proofreader, as there are a number of very easily spotted errors which sort of broke up the reading flow for me. But overall I still loved and enjoyed the story.
April 12, 2022
Everyone’s a winner!
This book is the fourth in the Guardians of the North series, and is about Mara and Jonas. They used to work together in the Coast Guard, and are best friends, but haven’t seen each other in about 10 years. She’s making her first trip to Alaska to go and see and stay with him. But she has an ulterior motive about going up there that involves another man she’s interested in. However, when they see each other at the airport, Mara clearly notices just how much Jonas has changed, and unashamedly checks him out. Jonas has always been in love with Mara, and loves the way she’s changed even more!
Despite her initial reason for going to Alaska, Mara suggests an arrangement between them where she gets the chance to gain some of her lost confidence and bad-assery. Jonas could never so no to Mara, so agrees to her conditions, but he also has a plan that has him hoping she’ll fall in love with him, and forget about her other crush. The attention which Jonas lavishes on Mara has her changing her tune about her feelings as well as the limits she placed on their arrangement.
The chemistry between these two is the hottest I’ve read about in a while. They’re so genuinely in-sync together, probably because they’re best friends… but still… HOT AF! All of their interactions were so genuinely sweet and steamy at the same time. Her friends were a hoot (margaritas and tacos sounds pretty good to me!), and his J-Squad family are all wonderful. They’re the kind of friends you’d want to surround yourself with in real life!
I was just disappointed it ended so quickly. And I want to know more about those tattoos of his! I’m sure we’ll get a catch-up in the next book. I’m already looking forward to reading about Jasper and the admiral’s daughter next! I give this book four and three quarter husky stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is the fourth in the Guardians of the North series, and is about Mara and Jonas. They used to work together in the Coast Guard, and are best friends, but haven’t seen each other in about 10 years. She’s making her first trip to Alaska to go and see and stay with him. But she has an ulterior motive about going up there that involves another man she’s interested in. However, when they see each other at the airport, Mara clearly notices just how much Jonas has changed, and unashamedly checks him out. Jonas has always been in love with Mara, and loves the way she’s changed even more!
Despite her initial reason for going to Alaska, Mara suggests an arrangement between them where she gets the chance to gain some of her lost confidence and bad-assery. Jonas could never so no to Mara, so agrees to her conditions, but he also has a plan that has him hoping she’ll fall in love with him, and forget about her other crush. The attention which Jonas lavishes on Mara has her changing her tune about her feelings as well as the limits she placed on their arrangement.
The chemistry between these two is the hottest I’ve read about in a while. They’re so genuinely in-sync together, probably because they’re best friends… but still… HOT AF! All of their interactions were so genuinely sweet and steamy at the same time. Her friends were a hoot (margaritas and tacos sounds pretty good to me!), and his J-Squad family are all wonderful. They’re the kind of friends you’d want to surround yourself with in real life!
I was just disappointed it ended so quickly. And I want to know more about those tattoos of his! I’m sure we’ll get a catch-up in the next book. I’m already looking forward to reading about Jasper and the admiral’s daughter next! I give this book four and three quarter husky stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
The fourth installment of Kali Hart's Guardians of the North series is a wonderfully-written, super steamy best friends-to-lovers / military man-curvy woman romance. Jonas and Mara have been best friends for a decade, since they served together in the Coast Guard in Florida. While instantly friends, Jonas has been in love with her since the beginning, while Mara has kept him firmly in the friend-zone. But when she finally makes the trip to Alaska where he has settled, he is determined that she will not leave before falling in love with him. Mara plans to use the opportunity to get the attention of her crush back home in Iowa through her Instagram posts - until she lays eyes on the jacked-up Jonas and finds herself feeling an unfamiliar longing for her BFF. Will Mara continue to keep Jonas at arms' length, or will the he finally be able to claim her for his own?
A fast-paced, sexy, sweet, Kindle-melting short romance you will not be able to put down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fast-paced, sexy, sweet, Kindle-melting short romance you will not be able to put down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2022
Book 4 of Guardians of the North Series. Jonas has been in love with Mara since they first started working together. She left the coastguard and returned home to her family. It’s been 10 years since they e seen each other even though they’ve kept in contact. Jonas is determined to finally tell Mara how her really feels about her but she may have other plans. Mara realizes that her life has been sheltered and safe since leaving the coastguard. She wants to get her wild streak back and learn to live again. This was an awesome friends to lovers romance. Jonas was patient and caring when it came to Mara and he treated her as if she was his only priority. Mara was finally able to get over her past and become the confident self assured woman she used to be. All with Jonas’ help. Can’t wait for book 5. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2022
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
Jonas is the fourth book in the ‘’guardians of the north’’ series.
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Jonas and Mara have been best friends for years. When Mara visits him in Alaska will they take a chance at love?
The chemistry between Jonas and Mara is clear to see and I loved them together.
I liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I look forward to more books from this series.
Jonas is the fourth book in the ‘’guardians of the north’’ series.
This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Jonas and Mara have been best friends for years. When Mara visits him in Alaska will they take a chance at love?
The chemistry between Jonas and Mara is clear to see and I loved them together.
I liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I look forward to more books from this series.
April 8, 2022
Jonas has been in love with Mara since the first day he met her. Being best friends with her has been the second-best thing for him, but still, he loves it.
Mara is flying to Alaska to visit her best friend after several years apart. However, soon her feelings for him start getting different.
I liked this book because they really knew each other very well and that was the reason that everything got well in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mara is flying to Alaska to visit her best friend after several years apart. However, soon her feelings for him start getting different.
I liked this book because they really knew each other very well and that was the reason that everything got well in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
An interesting friends to lovers tale where only one of the friends has had feelings all along. The other develops them super quick. I enjoyed how Mara still had a vulnerable side, even after serving in the armed forces. Sometimes those types of female leads are shown as completely unshakable. I like that Mara was real. They both were real and relatable. Mara and Jonas were smexxy and sweet from word one. Absolutely enjoyed this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
I really enjoyed Jonas, a friends to lovers romance by Kali Hart. Mara is finally ready to start living again so she decides to go see her best friend Jonas, from their days with the Coast Guard. She really hopes to get her crush's attention by posting photos with Jonas in Alaska. She hasn't seen Jonas in years and she is shocked by her attraction to Jonas. And Jonas has been in love with Mara for years so he is determined to make her fall in love with him too. Will it work or will their friendship be ruined forever?
April 21, 2022
Jonas and Mara have been friends for years. Now she is coming to Alaska but its because she wants to meets a guy she follows on social media. Jonas doesn't know this until she gets there. Jonas has wanted Mara for his own for years but its always been the wrong time. Will this be the time he makes his move?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
Jonas has always been in love with Mara but has been placed in the friend zone. What a shame! Mara had a hard time and failed to see her worth. Then she decided to visit her best friend in an attempt to get noticed by her crush. But when Jonas and Mara met...well ... there was no room for anyone! Such a sweet story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2022
Like all of Kali Hart’s stories, you get a great couple who set off the fireworks in both the bedroom and in every time they are together. Jonas has been in love with his best friend Mara and he has finally convinced her to visit. Will these two finally admit to each other that they are playing for keeps? There is a happily ever after, but fireworks explode first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2022
Oh my Jonas sure knows how to make a girl swoon. He is so utterly sweet, strong, and sexy every girl will want a guy like him for their own. This book was great and I can not wait for the next book in this series.. these J squad men are so Hot and drool worthy..
Jonas has been in love with his best friend ever since day one of meeting her, but the time was never right. But now that she is coming to visit for a week he will do everything he can to make her fall in love with him too.
Jonas has been in love with his best friend ever since day one of meeting her, but the time was never right. But now that she is coming to visit for a week he will do everything he can to make her fall in love with him too.
April 11, 2022
Jonas has loved Mara forever but she has a crush on Zeke. She has not seen Jonas in over ten years and finally accepts an offer to visit. She is not expecting her friend to be so hot.
Jonas is hoping her can get her to fall in love with him while there. When she offers a friends with benefits, how can he say no? Can he convince to take it further and to stay forever?
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
Jonas is hoping her can get her to fall in love with him while there. When she offers a friends with benefits, how can he say no? Can he convince to take it further and to stay forever?
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.
May 11, 2022
This the fourth story in the "Guardians of the North". It is a stand alone story in the series featuring the six men known as the J Squad. This friends to more story that takes place in North Haven, Alaska. It is about Mara and Jonas. They served together and have remained friends now she is coming to stay with him for a much needed vacation. This is a short, quick and fast paced read that is sweet and sexy.
April 9, 2022
Best friends seems like forever. In love? yes. I mean no. Jonas has not been honest with his best friend. Omitting important information is a path to being lost in the shuffle. steamy. second chance? Or is this a first chance? no cliffhanger .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2022
Mara and Jonas were friends in the coast guard 10 years before. Jonas always was in love/had a crush on Mara but it always wasn't the right time. Not my favorite part is that he dated while being in love with her (but that is just my personal pet peeve🙈🙈🙈).Now a decade later they meet again and finally get their chance at a HEA😉 Short ,sweet, romantic with a sweet HEA and no drama🥰
April 13, 2022
Kali mf Hart does it again. I’ve never disliked a Kali Hart novella, but this one just shot straight to the top of my list. I loved it so much. Friends to Friends with Benefits to Lovers all within 90 pages!! And the Hero has been pining for the heroine for over a decade!!!
I. LOVE. THEM.
This might even have to be a reread in the future.
Wish there was a 6 star option.
I. LOVE. THEM.
This might even have to be a reread in the future.
Wish there was a 6 star option.
July 25, 2022
Best friends to lovers is my fav trope
I think this might be one of my favorite KH shorts. I've been loving all of her Alaska themed series, but this one has active duty heros, and I really like that. And Jonas positively sizzles with sex appeal on the page. That scene in the kitchen... I'm still fanning myself
I think this might be one of my favorite KH shorts. I've been loving all of her Alaska themed series, but this one has active duty heros, and I really like that. And Jonas positively sizzles with sex appeal on the page. That scene in the kitchen... I'm still fanning myself
October 25, 2025
He's been waiting...
For ten years he's been, not so patiently, waiting for it to finally be their time. For the time when he can finally tell her how he feels and romance her off her feet before claiming her heart.
It's fun, flirty and a little bit dirty but Mara fits perfectly with not only Jonas, but all of the J Squad family.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
For ten years he's been, not so patiently, waiting for it to finally be their time. For the time when he can finally tell her how he feels and romance her off her feet before claiming her heart.
It's fun, flirty and a little bit dirty but Mara fits perfectly with not only Jonas, but all of the J Squad family.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
April 6, 2022
Wonderful read! How do you make your best-friend fall in love with you? While he may not know the answer, Jonas has a plan. If everything goes right, Mara's visit to North Haven may become permanent. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
This is a sweet story. He's been in love with his best friend for forever and he finally has the chance to make her fall in love with him.And It's a success.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
This was a great read. Jonas and Mara are great characters. Definitely recommend. Can't wait for Jasper's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2022
Jonas is awesome!! The perfect guy, emotionally.
I really enjoyed the book. It kept me up all night. I didn't get bored.
The only thing that would have made it better is if there had been a good resolution to a past issue of hers.
I really enjoyed the book. It kept me up all night. I didn't get bored.
The only thing that would have made it better is if there had been a good resolution to a past issue of hers.
April 7, 2022
This is the 4th book in the series but can be read as a standalone. It features Jonas and his best friend. It’s a quick, sweet story, the characters are very likable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
Jonas & Mara
These two have been friends for years, yet Jonas has such stronger feelings than just friendship. This was one amazing story, well written and enjoyable!
These two have been friends for years, yet Jonas has such stronger feelings than just friendship. This was one amazing story, well written and enjoyable!
April 8, 2022
This was a good book, it was full of steam and passion, intense, chemistry, and a wonderful HEA, all wrapped up in a short story. It's a definite must read. .
April 9, 2022
3.75 stars
April 9, 2022
Great
Great, dynamic couple. Loved the friendship between the couple. A very warm, beaitiful story, with lot of sizzling hotness. Great read!
Great, dynamic couple. Loved the friendship between the couple. A very warm, beaitiful story, with lot of sizzling hotness. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews