Need You for Always

Heroes of St. Helena #2

by Marina Adair

Emerson “Emi” Blake dropped out of culinary school to care for her ailing mother, but she has bigger dreams than running St. Helena’s most popular pita cart. First on the menu: upgrade to a gourmet food truck. A new part-time job as a personal chef will definitely provide the funds, but it also forces her into close contact with her one and only one-night stand, Dax Baudouin, who’s daring her to try a second taste.

Former army Ranger Dax has a clear mission: come home, get healed, and get gone. Yet Emi’s tough-girl exterior and hidden soft side are even harder to resist than her mouthwatering baklava. After years of battles, he knows better than to try to rescue anyone—not that she’ll let him get close enough to try. Truth is, Dax is starting to think that Emi’s the one person who can save him…if he can just persuade her to give him another shot.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Fiction

277 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Marina 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.

TikTok: Tiktok.com/@marinaadair

Instagram: instagram.com/authormarinaadair

Facebook: facebook.com/marinaadairaauthor

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/marina-adair

Reviews

[Stacee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the light, fluffy book I was in the mood for.

Love love loved Emerson and Dax. Their banter is hilarious and I just loved how they kept pushing each other's buttons. Not to mention all of the scenes of the alpha Army Ranger debating ice castles and the like with a group of six year old girls while being co-leader of their wilderness troop.

Lots of fun, minimal angst, and an ending that left me wanting just a bit more. I will definitely be checking out other books in the series.

**Huge thanks to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**

[Carolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Probably my favourite of the trilogy. Well-written, complex characters.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Emerson is the kind of woman who has always put those she loves before herself. She has been taking care of her dad and her little sister since her mom died. She volunteers for her sister's ladybug troop as a leader and she helps her dad in his job search all while trying to get her own food truck business off the ground. Emi took one night for herself, at the wedding of her best friend, and had her first and only one-night stand with Dax. She knew it was only one-night and it was all she needed to feel free just once. A couple months later, Dax suffers career ending injuries in the line of duty as an Army Ranger. He moves back home and sees Emi, the girl he hasn't been able to stop thinking about. Dax wants more of Emi but no commitment, he plans on leaving once he's healed but he wants another night with her.

My favorite thing about this book was Emerson's little sister Violet and Dax's interactions with her. Violet was adorable and I love that Dax helped out her ladybug troop and the way he was with Violet. This book also had a lot of really witty dialog, great sexual tension, sexy scenes, humor and a sweet romance. I can't wait to read more from this series!

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

One of my favorite books set in the St. Helena world! I liked Dax but wasn't overly excited to read his story. So, I was caught completely off guard by how much I enjoyed this installment. There is intense chemistry between Dax and Harper, but the banter and overall storyline had me grinning one moment and fighting back tears the next. The moments with the girls and Dax stole my heart and made him one of favorites. Harper is a strong leading heroine, and I really admired her spunk and courage.

I adore these characters and world immensely. I am saddened there's just one book to go.

If ever in doubt, eat the whole tray.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson Blake put her studies at culinary school on hold, when her mother's ALS was as its worst. Unfortunately, her mother passed away two years ago. Emi is still in St. Helena, taking care of the rest of her family. A six-year old sister who likes to dress up and pretend to be a fairy and a "Peter Pan" dad who never got over losing his wife and can't settle on a job. Emerson work as a food-truck vendor and cater to special events. She's ready to start her life again and applied to a food competition but she needs money first. Lucky her, someone is searching for a personal chef. But what the person telling her the news forgot to say to her is that the man she'll have to cook for is the one she had her first and only one-night stand with, five months ago.

Dax Baudoin is a former army Ranger whose career ended up with a shrapnel through the knee. Coming home to St.Helena wasn't his first choice but he had too much pression from his siblings so now he's just waiting for the doc to clear him so he can apply and start a new job in corporate security, in an other city. But he's got cabin fever. Good thing that Emerson is there with her cute outfits and amazing food to offer him the perfect distraction.

I was in the mood for selfless characters and a find yourself again story that I know would melt my heart so that's why I picked a Marina Adair to reread. I love when a book gives me a sweet and fun love story but with hidden layers with so much soul too.

"Emerson allowed herself to lean into him for just a second to collect herself, to absorb how amazing it felt. Her life had become some abstract equation of love and duty, balancing her own needs against those of her family. Yet a guy who professed to be allergic to obligation had the emotional awareness to give her what no one else in her her world took the time to understand.
Unwavering support."

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Need You for Always was a sweet, fun and entertaining read.

Loved Emerson and Dax, they were both such lovable and fun characters. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

If you're in the mood for a sweet and heartwarming afternoon's read you will love Need You for Always.

Thank you Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was not just my favorite of the series but my favorite in Marina Adair so far. It had the perfect balance of humor and heart. Little Violet was too adorable and Dax was perfect with her and the Lovelies. I giggled every time they were together.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

One-night stands are supposed to be just that…ONE NIGHT. Too bad no one told Dax Baudouin that, if they had he wouldn’t be standing in front of Emi Blake trying to get another night out of her. And the nerve of him when she hasn’t heard from him since said night (even though she understands it was only supposed to be one night). Emerson Blake has a lot on her plate. She’s appointed herself guardian of her dad and her little sister since her mom passed away, she’s trying to fulfill her culinary dreams, she’s short on the cash to own her dream food truck, she’s become leader to her little sister’s ladybug troop, she’s encouraging her dad to go back to work and nowhere on her “to do” list (figuratively and literally) is there room for Dax Baudouin and his sulky attitude. He’s made it quite clear that he is only sticking around in his home town of St. Helena long enough to heal from his war injury…then he’s out. Dax has heartbreak written all over him, and that’s the last thing Emi needs but Dax doesn’t play fair and what Dax wants, Dax normally gets.

Dax Baudouin hasn’t been able to get Emi Blake out of his head since the one night they spent together (or half night since she skipped out on him). Because of career ending injuries while serving his tour Dax has returned to St. Helena to heal. While it may be his hometown St. Helena is not home to Dax. His main objective, heal then get the hell out of dodge. He’s cranky, moody and just doesn’t want to be bothered. He just wants out of St. Helena; but in the meantime a little time spent with Emi Blake might be just what the doctor ordered. Problem number one with this prescription Emi wants no parts of him. So Dax has no choice but to play dirty. While he’s healing he needs a personal chef since he can’t cook to save his life, he needs help getting to and from physical therapy…a personal assistant if you will. And since he happens to know that Emi is a little short on cash for her food truck, he makes sure to make her a financial offer she can’t refuse. Then perhaps he can convince her of just a little fling while he recuperates. Problem number two, as much as Emi would like to make him think so, she’s really not a fling type of girl. And much to his dismay Dax discovers that when it comes to Emi, he might not be too much of a fling type of guy.

Oh how I love my St. Helena people. They are so witty and charming and lets not forget funny. Once again Marina has hooked me with her entertaining St. Helena residents. This time it’s Dax and Emi. Sadly I have to report that Dax didn’t really move my swoon radar. Oh he was funny and damaged and sweet and alpha male and cute as all get out as “Lovely Co-Leader Mister” but he just didn’t make me want more and more Dax. Surprisingly, Emi really grabbed me. With her “carry the weight of the world on her shoulders” life she kind of stole the spot light from Dax.

In any case, I have yet to read a Marina Adair book that I didn’t like and Need You for Always is no different. It had all the elements to make me want to curl up in my corner and not be bothered by the world and all of its problems. Because I have this thing with family I would have liked to have seen a little more in the way of interaction with Dax and his brothers but at the end of the day, that’s not really what the story was about. I’m anxiously awaiting Adam’s story. Hmm, that might be why Dax didn’t grab me…maybe I was hoping Adam would have been next.

So while we wait for Adam read Dax and Emi’s story.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Heroes of St Helena series and although I haven't read the first book I can honestly say I loved this book!!

Emi dropped out of culinary school to take care of her family. Now she has big dreams on opening a food truck. What she didn't count on was falling for sexy Army ranger Dax.

Dax is back home recuperating from an injury and runs back into the sexy Emi who he had a one night stand with 5 months ago at a wedding. Although he plans on moving on when he is completely healed something in Emi calls to him.

I have to say I loved these two from the very beginning. They both were filled with sarcastic funny banter that had me laughing out loud. I swear the banter between these two was foreplay and when they were sparing you could feel the chemistry burning between them.

The plot was cute, flirty and fun! Emi working hard to take care of her family and Dax showing up everywhere even if he was trying just to get in her pants, but you can see how intrigued he is with her. I loved the part of Emi owning a food truck and working hard to make that dream come true.

This book had some funny moments that include a pixie who throws fairy dust and handing out dildos to the seniors. Plus the banter in this story never ends.

“What did Dad tell you about standing in public with your dick in your hand?” Adam asked and Dax shoved the vibrator into one of the bags but managed to hit the on switch in the process.

The way he said it, all smooth and full of innuendo, had her stomach fluttering—and her warning bells blaring. “Just think of how good the community service will look on your resume. Lovely Leader Mister.” He glanced around at the other customers, then lowered his voice. “Co-leader. And if word gets out about me and my Lovelies, the guys will replace my bullets with tampons.”

I loved the characters and how well they were written. One of my favorite characters was Violet, Emis little sister. She was adorable!

Although Emi and Dax had that one night 5 months ago I enjoyed the road that Adair took me on to get to their happily ever after. They weren't rushed into anything and like I mentioned before their going back and forth was foreplay on what was to come. It kept these two interesting.

I was completely happy with the ending and how it turned out. I even teared up a little when he showed back up to win her heart. It was swoon worthy!

I am looking forward to reading more from Marina Adair and that includes the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book!

[A Klue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I liked the cute, romantic book cover and synopsis, Need You for Always was not what I needed in a romantic read. At 40% into it, I was still waiting for something significant to happen. Too much time was spent on character development and not enough time with the main couple being a couple, per se. Yes, I get the heroine was overworked and wanted a food truck. Yes, I understand the ex-military hero had the stereo-typical commitment issues often overly done in romance books. Honestly, by the time Dax and Emi started to feel like a couple, my interest had waned so much I realized I couldn’t care less. Not even after the very steamy scenes were thrown in. Maybe it was the attempts to be overly sentimental at times. Sure, it was sweet Dax helped out with the girl scout knock-off troupe. What was it called? Something so overly sweet I can’t keep the name straight..The loveliest of the lovelies, I think. All of this had me picking it up then putting it down. I feel almost guilty for not liking this one, because I did like the characters. Just something was missing, and I still can’t quite put my finger on it.

Here’s to hoping others really enjoy it. It was just an average read for this NetGalley reviewer.

Title: Need You for Always, Author: Marina Adair, Pages: 277, stand-alone, HEA, a few steamy scenes, no cheating.

(This review is based on NetGalley ARC e-book received in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)

[Obsessive Book Nerd Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need You For Always still has me on the fence on whether or not I liked it. I had a hard time staying focused on this book. But the pacing was decent and the characters were well developed. I just don't know that I genuinely liked this book.

Both Dax and Emerson were interesting characters. The author did a great job giving us a good backstory on them. And their relationship formed nicely. At the start of the book Dax and Emerson had already met and had a one night stand, months before. I would have liked to have gotten a prologue about the one-night stand. I think it would have given the book a little more oomph.

I actually didn't like the ending at all. That moment when the main characters finally confess their love and they end up together, was just cut short. I would have liked more. Like what happened after the confession of love? How did Emerson do on the Street Eats? I don't know because it just ended. Where was the epilogue? I just felt like I was missing some key stuff.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax is one confident-cocky boy, “babe, I survived four tours in the middle of the desert with only my sense of humor and sand fleas to keep me company.” He’d also had his squad with him, but he didn’t like to talk about them with people who couldn’t understand. “I think I can handle teaching a few ladies how to make fire and set up a designer tent.” Even when sleeping Dax wants his woman, "Emerson opened her eyes, surprised to find that the sun was shining—and Dax was still asleep. Well, part of him was awake, but she was pretty sure that was because he’d fallen asleep cupping her backside as if he owned it." This series is sweet and sassy and the characters are lovable.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson Blake has dropped out of culinary school to take of her mother who is sick. She is now working towards saving money to open a food truck to sell their top recipe baklava and other gourmet foods. Her idea has her working many hours and doing quite a few catering jobs. Now catering the VFW dance the last person she was expecting to see was Dax Baudouin. The former Army Ranger has had tougher battles in the field, but none will be as tough as Emerson Blake who he hires as his personal chief. The problem that the two of have is that Emerson and Dax a while back hooked up at a friend’s wedding that was out of town and Emerson had no problem with a night love feast with Dax, but she was not planning on coming home or seeing him any time soon. Now they must work past that night or just give into the feelings and emotions they both have for one another. Nah that would make for a terrible story. Read this book and see how these two find their way through food to each other. A very good book. I got this book form netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars


Need You for Always is a sweet and sexy small town romance novel that had my heart melt into a puddle of emotions. It sounds repetitive but there is no other way to say it except Adair, yet again, did not disappoint. Kudos Marina, I yet again couldn’t hold my tears from falling.

Emmerson Blake has given up a lot since her mom died. She has dedicated her life to helping her dad and little sister survive the tragedy that had hit their lives. Now, her dream of owning her gourmet food truck is within reach. All she needs is to earn a little more money, and the truck is hers. To her surprize, the part time job she inquired about is offered by no other than Dax, her one-night-stand from several months back. Second thoughts came to mind, but she is determined to buy that truck.

Army Ranger Dax Boudin has come back home to recover from his injuries, but he has no plans to stay permanently. He has his mind set on a job in San Jose, about two hours south of St. Helena. But as any small town life goes, avoiding anyone from your past is almost impossible and he found himself needing to spend time with Emi and her overwhelming life. The biggest problem is how he will keep it to a no-strings kind of relationship so, leaving will not be a problem.

It was easy to fall in love with Emerson and Dax’s story. Their chemistry was off the grid. They couldn’t stop themselves from flirting and throwing innuendos at each other. They made me smile and laugh but what I love most is that they both have issues that were easily solved by the other. They simply fit. Of course, Dax was charming in his own right. Not to mention sweet, sexy and romantic…when he wanted to be.

Emi’s sister was the most adorable part of the story. Finding out how strong she is in this book, made me tear up and at the end, left me a feeling happy. Of course, it always put a smile on my face when I get a glimpse of the Deluca family, as well, as the folks in this small town.

Next up is the Firefighter Boudin Brother. The sneak peek at the end of this book will have you wanting more of him. I can tell that Need You for Mine will be full of funny banters and lots of flirtings. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until next year.

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

This book was good, I liked the first one better. This book disappointed me in the ending. The whole book we hear about her buying a food truck and entering the contest, yet we never hear what happens in the contest and it totally disappointed me. That was such a letdown! Why spend the whole book talking about something and then never letting your readers know what happened.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need You for Always is the second book in the Heroes of St. Helena series by Marina Adair. This is a spin-off of the St. Helena Vineyard series. Reading the St. Helena Vineyard series and the first book of the Heroes of St. Helena is not necessary. This book can stand alone.

Sometimes you might need a little fairy dust to admit that you're in love.
If only it would have been that easy for Emi and Dax!

Emerson (Emi) Blake is a chef who due to family responsibilities hasn't quite achieved her culinary dreams. Has it now gotten to the point that she is simply afraid and is using such excuses of obligation and lack of money as the reasons she is not where she really wants to be?

Dax Badouin has his own issues of fear and regret. His knee was shattered while he was on a mission for the Army, but his injury goes beyond the physical and is also emotional. His idea in returning to his home town is to heal and get out while squeezing in a little family time. Are there other deeper reasons that he is afraid to settle down in St. Helena?

Emi and Dax have a history in that they had a previous one-night stand. They had off the chart chemistry together and Dax wants that again with Emi. He finally convinces her through a little bit of chicanery that she should be his personal assistant and chef. He is up front with her that he will be leaving after he is released from his medical issues. Emi and Dax each find ways to endear themselves to each other. The question is when they will realize they have the other's heart.

It takes a little time and some humorous adventures but hurray for love and a happily ever after.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The conversations and interactions of the characters are funny, witty, and charming. I liked the visuals that Marina Adair paints with her vivid descriptions. I found it delightful to spend some of my time in St. Helena and hope to visit there again when book three of Heroes of St. Helena comes out.

I won an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emerson Blake has taken the world on her shoulders after losing her mom to an illness two years ago. With a father who is unable to move on after his wife's death, a little sister to help take care of, and running St. Helena's popular Greek food cart, she has very little time for herself or her needs. Always taking care of everyone else, she has bigger dreams of one day soon running a gourmet food truck. In order to raise more funds for her dream, she takes a part-time job as a personal chef. This job turns out to be for the one and only man she's had a one-night stand with, Dax Baudouin. Sexy, tattooed, former Army Ranger Dax is back home recovering from an injury. He just wants to heal and leave St. Helena as fast as possible to take a job in another city. However, life has other plans for him when he's reunited with Emerson and he hasn't forgotten how great that one night together was, even if she did skip out afterwards. I loved the slower build to this relationship, their friendship, sexy banter, Dax's sense of humor and his support of Emerson to make her dreams a reality. They may want to keep things "easy", but there's just too much chemistry between these two.

Marina Adair is an auto-buy author for me and I highly recommend her books!

I was given an ARC for an honest review.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need You for Always by Marina Adair is the first book by the author that I have read and this one is a light, cozy and feel happy romance with less angst and more fun scenes.

Despite being the second book in the Heroes of St. Helena series, this book can be read as a standalone.

I loved Emi and Dax. Loved their banter and the way ex-military man, Dax tackled his time with giggling young girls and then his interaction with Emi had me laughing and then enjoying his confusion and bewilderment,

Marina has a flair for writing and had me hooked till the end. Her world building is realistic and I enjoyed her narrative style.

The end is pleasant and left me happy and wanting to read more about these characters.

All in all, Need You for Always by Marina Adair is a fun romance and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended to all romance lovers, I will be checking the other books by the author soon.

I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

Read this review and others on: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/

[Ishabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love contemporary romance novels. I just love the fact that they're so near real life and the stories and characters are very relatable. That being said, Marina Adair is a solid enough name in this genre. I've read some books from her before, and I enjoyed them all.


I wasn't able to read the first book in this series, but this book can be read on its own. Like all other books from this author, I also enjoyed this book. The characters were okay. It may have taken awhile to get to the romantic part where they were okay with having a relationship with each other, but that's fine. I only care about happy endings, anyway.

I can't say that I was blown away by this book. This is a good read for when you want something clean and sweet and still entertain you enough while you want to pass the time away. I may have just been looking for something more intense, more passionate, and that's on me. Regardless, this author is really good when it comes to writing love stories, so I will still recommend this book without a doubt.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emi Blake has always taken care of others. After her mother's death she's all her dad and little sister have. Always working and caring for others doesn't leave much time for herself though. So when she takes just one night for herself to enjoy an incredible night with Dax Baudouin, who can blame her. He was always leaving and she knew that. Now though, he's back in St. Helena's recovering from injuries and wanting just a little more of Emi's time. Time she doesn't have and risking spending time with Dax will only lead to pain down the road. He plans on leaving again and this time it would hurt.

Absolutely loved this book! It's filled with lots of witty banter, laughs, fun, and most of all love. The love of family, the great relationship between Dax and Violet, and the eventual realization of the love between Emi and Dax. This author tells a great story that everyone can relate to and this is definitely a good one. I highly recommend it.

[Seanna Yeager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Adair writes a small town romance with plenty of spice, humor, and rich character details. Emerson is a chef, who dreams of having her own food truck. She cooks the most scrumptious Greek food in St. Helena. She appears to be a tough woman, who is above love and vulnerability That is until she meets Dax, a bad boy former Army Ranger, who is back in his hometown after a medical discharge. He is a man who does not do commitments. There are plenty of hilarious interactions between the characters. I loved Dax's aversion to any green foods. Haha, and his new group of troops.

Thanks Netgalley for the free review copy, in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Heroes of St. Helena series by Marina Adair, the spin off her St. Helena Vineyard series,

Dax and Emi are both working to overcome hardships, and move in a positive direction in their lives. Emerson carries the burden of caring for her family since her mom passed away, and Dax is faced with a career change after an injury to his knee requires him to leave the army. From the start, there is chemistry between Dax and Emi, Throughout the book they grow together, and I was rooting for the to wise up and figure out what they could mean to each other.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great themes done well including the difficulty transitioning back from military to civilian life, and the struggles of being a caretakers to everyone. I felt a little exhausted after reading this book. Still, it has Marina Adair's signature authenticity and very hot passion. More review to come.

[Hopeless Romantic Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humor and romance

Good combo of humor and romance, loved and enjoy every single thing about the characters. Not perfect yet sooo fun and loveablr , also got me craving food...Greek food! Good job Marina!

[Sometime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved Emi and Dax. Wish we could have spent more time with them while they were an actual couple.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need You Always is the second in the three book series St. Helena’s Heroes by Marina Adair based upon the love lives of the three Baudouin brothers Jonah, Adam and Dax who were introduced in her St. Helena’s Vineyards series as the half-brothers of Francesca (Frankie) Baudouin-Deluca in Autumn in the Vineyard. While each of these books can be read as a stand-alone it really helps to understand the secondary characters and their relationships to the main characters if you read them in order. I would even suggest that you read Frankie’s and Nate’s book Autumn in the Vineyard if you want to fully understand all the relationships. Unlike the first book in this series Need You for Keeps oldest brother Jonah and Shay’s story I have no reservations or issues with this book. The heroine Emerson Blake is wonderful. The hero Dax, the youngest Baudouin brother was likable enough. Okay, I’m sure for the women readers he was absolutely dreamy. The story was excellent lacking anything I could take issue with unlike the first book. And ChiChi and Alexa from the first series actually got mentioned in this one. Frankie as always was a ball busting unfiltered hoot as she shares with Dax her and Nate’s efforts to conceive. Good to see she got over her discomfort with little children. .Jonah from the previous book as Dax’s brother was a strong supporting character and his now wife Shay while she doesn’t actually have any dialogue per se` still has a presence. Harper, Emerson and Shay’s BFF and subject of the next book is also a strong secondary character along with Emerson’s adorable little sister Violet, and father. These characters and relationships from previous books being included in future stories are important to me as a reader because otherwise, why call it a series?
Dax has just been discharged from the Army after 15 years of service after suffering a serious knee injury while serving in the Middle East. He joined the Army immediately after graduating from high school because he felt uncomfortable being around his family because he feels partially responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s back living in St. Helena while he rehabs his leg in hopes of landing a job as a security expert anywhere but in St. Helena. Emerson Blake was a few years behind Dax in school so they have known each other casually for years. Her mom who suffered from ALS died a year ago. She returned from attending culinary school in Paris just before completing her studies to first care for her mom and then help hold her family of her much younger sister and father together after her mom passed. She works a food cart and caters kids birthday parties and parties at the local VFW while she dreams of having her own fleet of food trucks serving street friendly Greek cuisine. Six months ago while serving as one of Shay’s bridesmaids at her wedding to Dax’s oldest brother Jonah in San Francisco she hooks up with Dax for what was supposed to be a one night fling of wild sex. But now Dax is home in the small town of St. Helena for an extended stay and the sparks of their undeniable sexual chemistry fly threatening to erupt into a blaze strong enough to burn down the emotional walls both have erected around their hearts. That’s all the story line I’m going to give you and you know how it’s going to end. But the journey is the fun part and although there’s some tears to be expected along the way there’s also some hysterical little lady bugs and senior citizens that will make you laugh out loud. Enjoy!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Need You for Always was a cute read. Dax and Emi are perfect together and it was just what I wanted to read.

Emi has a lot on her plate. Since her mother passed away she has been taking care of her dad and little sister. She has big dreams, she is trying to start her culinary career, but she needs a bit more cash before she can really get started. She volunteers with her sisters Ladybug troop, she has her food cart, she is helping her dad find a job, she doesn't have time for much else. She is spread pretty thin.

Dax is recently back in St. Helena after a war injury sidelined him. He fully intends to heal then move on, though the more time he spends around Emi the more he is realizing maybe this is home after all. They had spent one night together, Emi knew it would be just one night, but Dax wants more. He wants another night but she won't give him the time of day. So what is he to do? Hire her to make his meals for him. He is injured after all. And maybe help get him to and from physical therapy. Maybe spending a bit of time with her will get her to open up to the possibility of them.

These two were so cute together. I loved their back and forth and it was a fun read. Dax helping with the Ladybugs was adorable! The way he was with Emi's sister was so sweet. He is a great guy and Emi deserves someone like him after all she has been through. With all the stress she handles on her own. It was fun watching these two figure everything out.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes! Emi and Dax are perfect for each other. After a one night stand after the wedding of Dax's brother and Emi's best friend Emi left in the middle of the night and now Dax is back in town. He is recovering from surgery after an injury sustained in combat and running from demons he really doesn't want to claim. Emi is struggling to make her way and find the funds to buy her food truck while helping raise her very young sister and help her father move on from her mother's death. Dax is all kinds of testosterone she doesn't need but finds at every turn and when he wants to hire her to cook for him it is the answer to her prayers and, at the same time, the bane of her existence. These two have so much chemistry it is off the charts. Will they combust or will they figure it out? Definitely cannot wait to start the next one!

[Leyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, just a bit slow. But, much better than the first book. This one actually kept my attention and I found myself laughing at the characters. But, I like to visualize what the characters look like when I read a book and the cover couple was nothing like I pictured them. Emerson was beautiful though. Great character with a beautiful storyline. Dax was good to. But, I'm not sure I really took to his character. But Violet, oh Violet! How cute is that one? Precious little bug ;) Overall, a great read and Emi made me want to be her to be honest. She got Dax. xx

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emi is in constant motion. She is trying to save for a good truck, helping to raise her sister, and has little time for herself. Dax is recovering from an injury. He moves back to the home he rarely visits while he's in rehab. Although it takes them time to realize it, Emi and Dax need each other.

They verbal spats between the two are great. Both are extremely stubborn and have a way with words. These two make me want to live in St. Helena and be friends with them.