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Last Frontier Lodge #1
Take Me Home
From Bestselling author, J.H. Croix, a new contemporary romance series! A sexy Christmas romance set against the wilderness and beauty of small-town Alaska. Gage Hamilton is a smoldering Navy SEAL and a man on a mission. He’s returning to Diamond Creek, Alaska to resurrect his dream of reopening Last Frontier Lodge. Marley Adams moves back home hoping to find a sense of security and safety after it was stolen from her.
Gage has spent many years successfully avoiding emotional entanglements. He is looking for nothing more than peace and sanctuary at his family’s old ski lodge. His new neighbor, Marley, was definitely not part of his plans. Marley is a brainy computer whiz and way too sexy for Gage’s own good. A man who prides himself on always being in control, Gage finds that he has little when it comes to Marley.
Marley only wants to get her feet back under her after her world was turned upside down in Seattle. She’s been focused on little else beyond her work and is seriously out of practice with anything resembling romance…including the scorching hot attraction that sizzles anytime Gage crosses her path.
Gage and Marley are powerless against the magnetic pull between them. Steamy and snowy nights weave a spell around them. While Marley thought she escaped whoever set out to hurt her in Seattle, she finds the threat of danger has followed her to Diamond Creek. Gage must face the depth of his feelings for Marley when he realizes he will do anything to protect her. Can Marley and Gage discover love in time for Christmas? The magic of a white Christmas is right around the corner.
*All novels in this series are full-length standalone novels with an HEA.
**Take Me Home is an updated title for Chrismas on the Last Frontier
Gage has spent many years successfully avoiding emotional entanglements. He is looking for nothing more than peace and sanctuary at his family’s old ski lodge. His new neighbor, Marley, was definitely not part of his plans. Marley is a brainy computer whiz and way too sexy for Gage’s own good. A man who prides himself on always being in control, Gage finds that he has little when it comes to Marley.
Marley only wants to get her feet back under her after her world was turned upside down in Seattle. She’s been focused on little else beyond her work and is seriously out of practice with anything resembling romance…including the scorching hot attraction that sizzles anytime Gage crosses her path.
Gage and Marley are powerless against the magnetic pull between them. Steamy and snowy nights weave a spell around them. While Marley thought she escaped whoever set out to hurt her in Seattle, she finds the threat of danger has followed her to Diamond Creek. Gage must face the depth of his feelings for Marley when he realizes he will do anything to protect her. Can Marley and Gage discover love in time for Christmas? The magic of a white Christmas is right around the corner.
*All novels in this series are full-length standalone novels with an HEA.
**Take Me Home is an updated title for Chrismas on the Last Frontier
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2015
3224 people are currently reading
2527 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Croix
203 books1,492 followersUSA 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
April 30, 2018
3.25 stars.
I would like to rate it higher because there are some really great moments and characters, but the repetitive words, phrases and descriptions bothered me. EVERY mention of her hair had to say it was auburn. EVERY mention of her eyes mentioned they were forest green and his were always smoky. Some sentences had the same word twice and sometimes paragraphs would have a phrase repeated.
The descriptions of the wildlife and views got old as well. That much repetition pulls me out of the story wondering if I am accidentally re-reading a scene I already read. The main couple has the same inner monologue over and over "I have never felt like this, what is he/she thinking".... Every time he was aroused he was "glad there was a table to hide it", and every kiss ends with him "catching her bottom lip between his teeth as he pulls away" (never the top lip!)
I would like to rate it higher because there are some really great moments and characters, but the repetitive words, phrases and descriptions bothered me. EVERY mention of her hair had to say it was auburn. EVERY mention of her eyes mentioned they were forest green and his were always smoky. Some sentences had the same word twice and sometimes paragraphs would have a phrase repeated.
The descriptions of the wildlife and views got old as well. That much repetition pulls me out of the story wondering if I am accidentally re-reading a scene I already read. The main couple has the same inner monologue over and over "I have never felt like this, what is he/she thinking".... Every time he was aroused he was "glad there was a table to hide it", and every kiss ends with him "catching her bottom lip between his teeth as he pulls away" (never the top lip!)
November 22, 2019
3.5 Willing to Start Over Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Do you like mystery with your romance...
If so this will touch all the bases...
Alaska...great location...Check
Hot Ex Seal... Check
Smart, Pretty Tech Whiz..Check
And a Past to Worry about...Check
All of it worked for me, hopefully, it will for you.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Do you like mystery with your romance...
If so this will touch all the bases...
Alaska...great location...Check
Hot Ex Seal... Check
Smart, Pretty Tech Whiz..Check
And a Past to Worry about...Check
All of it worked for me, hopefully, it will for you.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 7, 2016
Actually, I DNFed it for a few days. Lucky for this book, I decided to continue from where I left it because I needed to find out why the bad guy stalked Marley.
Now that I know whatever happened and I said, good riddance!
Now that I know whatever happened and I said, good riddance!
July 7, 2025
Enjoyable, contemporary romance set in a quirky, small-town community in a scenic portion of Alaska
Thirty-year-old Marley Adams was raised in the small, quirky town of Diamond Creek, Alaska, but she hasn't been back except for flying visits since she was eighteen and left for college in Seattle, Washington. She worked as a well-paid code developer for an app company ever since she graduated from college, typically putting in 60-70-hour weeks at her job. As a result of her workaholic schedule and being an introvert, she rarely dated. Then, suddenly one night, her apartment was broken into, and the intruder robbed her at gunpoint. The traumatic experience left Marley too fearful to concentrate at work or stay in her apartment. In order to overcome her PTSD, she has left her job and apartment and sought safety and family support in her hometown, returning there for an indefinite stay. She is currently living in a little cabin on her parents' property.
Thirty-four-year-old Gage Hamilton is a retired Navy SEAL who has inherited, jointly with his siblings, his grandparents' ski lodge, the Last Frontier Lodge, in Diamond Creek. Gage was born in Diamond Creek, but his parents moved to Bellingham, Washington with him and his three younger siblings when he was a child. He had not been back in Diamond Creek since his grandfather died when he was a teenager, and his grandmother came to live with his parents until she recently passed away. During his years as a SEAL, Gage avoided committed romantic relationships, because of the high probability that the risks of his career would destroy it. His last mission as a SEAL was so traumatic that it prompted his retirement and, like Marley, he is seeking peace and sanctuary in Diamond Creek. He is also very excited about fixing up the dilapidated ski lodge and holding a grand opening by Christmas, which is only a couple of months away.
Marley and Gage are very near neighbors who both like to run on the scenic trails in Diamond Creek, so it is inevitable that sooner or later they would meet. And when they do, they are instantly, strongly drawn to each other. Since they are both physically fit, gorgeous, intelligent people who share a love of the outdoors, the mutual attraction is quite understandable. However, each initially tries to resist the other, because neither is looking for romance. But when Gage offers Marley a job setting up a website for the lodge and handling online promotion and reservations, they are thrown into each other's company every day, and the sparks flying between the two of them prove to be an irresistible temptation.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance novel. The story is told from the point of view of both romantic protagonists, which is the classic format for adult romance fiction. It allows the reader to get to know both Marley and Gage very well. They are strong, active, very sympathetic protagonists. Though there is plenty of romantic conflict, and a bit of romantic suspense thrown in as a subplot, this is not a novel filled with melodrama. Which is a big plus as far as I'm concerned.
I love the fact that these protagonists earn their requisite beautiful bodies through actual exercise, which is all too often not the case in romance novels. I also enjoyed the fact that the sex scenes are not crude or kinky and are "slow burn," that is, they occur later in the book, after the protagonists have had time to get to know each other and form a solid friendship. The sex is also both hot and tender which, for my taste, is the perfect combination.
I also strongly commend the author that Gage is NOT a cliche billionaire business executive! What a relief in the midst of the endless CEO tycoons flooding the romance marketplace these days.
I enjoyed the many colorful, well-drawn subcharacters in Diamond Creek, which is set in a very scenic part of Alaska. The locale is so vividly presented, in fact, it made me want to hop on a plane and fly there for a visit.
This book is part of a series, but the books don't have to be read in order. This book is currently offered for free by the author on Amazon. It is not available through Hoopla. I own both the Kindle and audiobook formats of this book. The audiobook narrator does a competent job.
Thirty-year-old Marley Adams was raised in the small, quirky town of Diamond Creek, Alaska, but she hasn't been back except for flying visits since she was eighteen and left for college in Seattle, Washington. She worked as a well-paid code developer for an app company ever since she graduated from college, typically putting in 60-70-hour weeks at her job. As a result of her workaholic schedule and being an introvert, she rarely dated. Then, suddenly one night, her apartment was broken into, and the intruder robbed her at gunpoint. The traumatic experience left Marley too fearful to concentrate at work or stay in her apartment. In order to overcome her PTSD, she has left her job and apartment and sought safety and family support in her hometown, returning there for an indefinite stay. She is currently living in a little cabin on her parents' property.
Thirty-four-year-old Gage Hamilton is a retired Navy SEAL who has inherited, jointly with his siblings, his grandparents' ski lodge, the Last Frontier Lodge, in Diamond Creek. Gage was born in Diamond Creek, but his parents moved to Bellingham, Washington with him and his three younger siblings when he was a child. He had not been back in Diamond Creek since his grandfather died when he was a teenager, and his grandmother came to live with his parents until she recently passed away. During his years as a SEAL, Gage avoided committed romantic relationships, because of the high probability that the risks of his career would destroy it. His last mission as a SEAL was so traumatic that it prompted his retirement and, like Marley, he is seeking peace and sanctuary in Diamond Creek. He is also very excited about fixing up the dilapidated ski lodge and holding a grand opening by Christmas, which is only a couple of months away.
Marley and Gage are very near neighbors who both like to run on the scenic trails in Diamond Creek, so it is inevitable that sooner or later they would meet. And when they do, they are instantly, strongly drawn to each other. Since they are both physically fit, gorgeous, intelligent people who share a love of the outdoors, the mutual attraction is quite understandable. However, each initially tries to resist the other, because neither is looking for romance. But when Gage offers Marley a job setting up a website for the lodge and handling online promotion and reservations, they are thrown into each other's company every day, and the sparks flying between the two of them prove to be an irresistible temptation.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance novel. The story is told from the point of view of both romantic protagonists, which is the classic format for adult romance fiction. It allows the reader to get to know both Marley and Gage very well. They are strong, active, very sympathetic protagonists. Though there is plenty of romantic conflict, and a bit of romantic suspense thrown in as a subplot, this is not a novel filled with melodrama. Which is a big plus as far as I'm concerned.
I love the fact that these protagonists earn their requisite beautiful bodies through actual exercise, which is all too often not the case in romance novels. I also enjoyed the fact that the sex scenes are not crude or kinky and are "slow burn," that is, they occur later in the book, after the protagonists have had time to get to know each other and form a solid friendship. The sex is also both hot and tender which, for my taste, is the perfect combination.
I also strongly commend the author that Gage is NOT a cliche billionaire business executive! What a relief in the midst of the endless CEO tycoons flooding the romance marketplace these days.
I enjoyed the many colorful, well-drawn subcharacters in Diamond Creek, which is set in a very scenic part of Alaska. The locale is so vividly presented, in fact, it made me want to hop on a plane and fly there for a visit.
This book is part of a series, but the books don't have to be read in order. This book is currently offered for free by the author on Amazon. It is not available through Hoopla. I own both the Kindle and audiobook formats of this book. The audiobook narrator does a competent job.
January 22, 2017
Setting: Diamond Creek, Alaska Contemporary
Genre: Erotic romance
I received this ebook from instafreebie, and this is my honest opinion/thoughts on it.
3 1/2 steamy stars. I rounded up because too many people see 3 stars and think that's a bad thing. Some of my favorite books are average (3 stars). No matter how many times I read them, I just can't change the rating. Anyway, I didn't want you to blow by this because it is "just" an average read.
Marley returned to her hometown after a traumatic event in Seattle. She's been home for a few weeks and is living in a cabin on her parents' property and hasn't yet found a job. One day while hiking on the property of a closed ski lodge next door, she meets Gage. Gage, newly released from the Navy, has recently inherited the lodge from his grandmother (along with his 4 younger siblings) and is set to rehab and reopen the place. There's mad attraction between Marley and Gage, but neither of them has much interpersonal confidence. I mean, sex is one thing, but how do they know if it will go further and become something more? Marley is somewhat inexperienced in matters of the heart because she's a geek who has spent most of her life (high school, college, & career) wrapped up in computers. Gage has always had strict control of his emotions, especially since his best friend died in Iraq. He has a bit of survivor's guilt.
While both characters are hesitant to explore the emotional ramifications of their relationship, the internal monologues they have don't come across as whining. There's actually more to them than their self doubts. Both are strong, multifaceted characters. I was especially pleased that Marley had positive attributes besides her looks. Too often I find female protagonists have few redeeming qualities, almost serving as a simple foil to a strong male character. That isn't the case in this book. This is very much a character-driven story, and these two are strongly enough written that they can carry it off.
Now, I put this in the genre of erotic romance. This differs from outright erotica because it has a plot. Oh, there's gratuitous sex, but there's more to the story than just that. The plot in this includes the development of the protagonists' relationship, as well as the rebuilding of the lodge, and a bit of mystery around what happened to Marley in Seattle. Both characters experience interpersonal growth. The aforementioned sex is relatively well written. While pretty graphic, it isn't down and dirty. You know how it is. You know erotica when you read it, and to my mind, this doesn't qualify because it isn't all sex scenes stitched together by a weak plot. Instead, it's a strong plot containing a lot of tastefully described sex.
There are a few dropped words, and places with repeated descriptions of the scenery or action. But overall, the grammar is good and the style appropriate to the genre. I enjoyed the read.
Genre: Erotic romance
I received this ebook from instafreebie, and this is my honest opinion/thoughts on it.
3 1/2 steamy stars. I rounded up because too many people see 3 stars and think that's a bad thing. Some of my favorite books are average (3 stars). No matter how many times I read them, I just can't change the rating. Anyway, I didn't want you to blow by this because it is "just" an average read.
Marley returned to her hometown after a traumatic event in Seattle. She's been home for a few weeks and is living in a cabin on her parents' property and hasn't yet found a job. One day while hiking on the property of a closed ski lodge next door, she meets Gage. Gage, newly released from the Navy, has recently inherited the lodge from his grandmother (along with his 4 younger siblings) and is set to rehab and reopen the place. There's mad attraction between Marley and Gage, but neither of them has much interpersonal confidence. I mean, sex is one thing, but how do they know if it will go further and become something more? Marley is somewhat inexperienced in matters of the heart because she's a geek who has spent most of her life (high school, college, & career) wrapped up in computers. Gage has always had strict control of his emotions, especially since his best friend died in Iraq. He has a bit of survivor's guilt.
While both characters are hesitant to explore the emotional ramifications of their relationship, the internal monologues they have don't come across as whining. There's actually more to them than their self doubts. Both are strong, multifaceted characters. I was especially pleased that Marley had positive attributes besides her looks. Too often I find female protagonists have few redeeming qualities, almost serving as a simple foil to a strong male character. That isn't the case in this book. This is very much a character-driven story, and these two are strongly enough written that they can carry it off.
Now, I put this in the genre of erotic romance. This differs from outright erotica because it has a plot. Oh, there's gratuitous sex, but there's more to the story than just that. The plot in this includes the development of the protagonists' relationship, as well as the rebuilding of the lodge, and a bit of mystery around what happened to Marley in Seattle. Both characters experience interpersonal growth. The aforementioned sex is relatively well written. While pretty graphic, it isn't down and dirty. You know how it is. You know erotica when you read it, and to my mind, this doesn't qualify because it isn't all sex scenes stitched together by a weak plot. Instead, it's a strong plot containing a lot of tastefully described sex.
There are a few dropped words, and places with repeated descriptions of the scenery or action. But overall, the grammar is good and the style appropriate to the genre. I enjoyed the read.
February 27, 2023
Take Me Home is book one of The Last Frontier Lodge series of contemporary romances set in Alaska.
After being robbed and assaulted in Seattle, Marley has returned to her childhood home in the hopes of putting the past behind her. She wants to use her technology know-how to start a new job.
Gage has recently been left an old ski resort by his grandmother; after leaving his life as a Navy SEAL, he decides to put his energies into re-opening the once popular winter sports area. Gage might be good with the practical work, but he needs help setting up the website. Marley is just the person he needs.
This is a lovely small town setting with good community spirit; people are excited about the ski resort plans and are happy to help get the place running in time for the post-Christmas season. I particularly liked the wild Alaskan setting.
After being robbed and assaulted in Seattle, Marley has returned to her childhood home in the hopes of putting the past behind her. She wants to use her technology know-how to start a new job.
Gage has recently been left an old ski resort by his grandmother; after leaving his life as a Navy SEAL, he decides to put his energies into re-opening the once popular winter sports area. Gage might be good with the practical work, but he needs help setting up the website. Marley is just the person he needs.
This is a lovely small town setting with good community spirit; people are excited about the ski resort plans and are happy to help get the place running in time for the post-Christmas season. I particularly liked the wild Alaskan setting.
December 4, 2015
Let me just say "WOW!!!" I think this is the first book I've read by this author and I'm hooked! This was a very sweet, nostalgic and HOT book all in one. There is a little mystery too that just adds to the sexual tension. Loved all of the supporting characters too and can't wait to read more of their stories in coming books. Good job!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read
November 22, 2020A nice, cozy romantic suspense story set in Alaska. Perfect for the winter season. Loved the descriptions and definitely will be reading more from the author in the future.
4 ✨
4 ✨
December 11, 2015
****DANGER & LOVE***
I received an ARC from the author J.H.CROIX in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey's very honest opinion of CHRISTMAS ON THE LAST FRONTIER (A LAST FRONTIER LODGE NOVEL).
Now I have rea Ms. Croix's paranormal books before and I have to say they are outstanding. But having never read any of her of her romance novels before. I did not know she could write so OMG EDGE OF YOUR SEAT HOT!!
This book is written so well it is part mystery and romance. You never know what to expect to happen next. It is so amazing. The characters so well defined and 3-D that you are able to picture them right before your eyes. As for the scenes that Ms Croix has painted in her book- what can I say. You are able to see the snow and feel it. I just wanted to throw a snowball so bad.
Now as to the story-- Our story opens as we find our Marley Adams has just moved back home into her parents cabin. (They used to rent it out-but haven't in years).She was beaten and rob in Settle and was unable to get on with her life after the attack. Now back home in Diamond Creek she is hoping that she will be able to rebuild her life. Any ways while she was walking the ski trail she met the new owner of the ski lodge (The Last Frontier). His name is Gage Hamilton ( a retired Navy Seal). He informs her that he intends to get the lodge up an running by Christmas.
Now over the course of weeks Marley begins to work for Gage an they get closer . He finds out what happens to her in Settle. It makes him very mad- and he wants to protect her at all cost. Gage gets his friend who is also a seal to look into the crime and trace the emails that Marley is getting.
Now will they find out who is sending them? will they be able to stop that person or will he hurt her again? What happens between Marley & Gage?
I recommend this book to everyone to read-especially those that love Romance! Micmousey gives it a firm 70 out of 5 stars.
For all these answers and more YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!!! Make sure to add this one to your GOODREADS READING LIST!!! THEN SKI AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY. IT RELEASED YESTERDAY 12/10/15.
Ms Croix I can hardly wait for the next book in the stand alone series I have to see what happens next!!!
I received an ARC from the author J.H.CROIX in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey's very honest opinion of CHRISTMAS ON THE LAST FRONTIER (A LAST FRONTIER LODGE NOVEL).
Now I have rea Ms. Croix's paranormal books before and I have to say they are outstanding. But having never read any of her of her romance novels before. I did not know she could write so OMG EDGE OF YOUR SEAT HOT!!
This book is written so well it is part mystery and romance. You never know what to expect to happen next. It is so amazing. The characters so well defined and 3-D that you are able to picture them right before your eyes. As for the scenes that Ms Croix has painted in her book- what can I say. You are able to see the snow and feel it. I just wanted to throw a snowball so bad.
Now as to the story-- Our story opens as we find our Marley Adams has just moved back home into her parents cabin. (They used to rent it out-but haven't in years).She was beaten and rob in Settle and was unable to get on with her life after the attack. Now back home in Diamond Creek she is hoping that she will be able to rebuild her life. Any ways while she was walking the ski trail she met the new owner of the ski lodge (The Last Frontier). His name is Gage Hamilton ( a retired Navy Seal). He informs her that he intends to get the lodge up an running by Christmas.
Now over the course of weeks Marley begins to work for Gage an they get closer . He finds out what happens to her in Settle. It makes him very mad- and he wants to protect her at all cost. Gage gets his friend who is also a seal to look into the crime and trace the emails that Marley is getting.
Now will they find out who is sending them? will they be able to stop that person or will he hurt her again? What happens between Marley & Gage?
I recommend this book to everyone to read-especially those that love Romance! Micmousey gives it a firm 70 out of 5 stars.
For all these answers and more YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!!! Make sure to add this one to your GOODREADS READING LIST!!! THEN SKI AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY. IT RELEASED YESTERDAY 12/10/15.
Ms Croix I can hardly wait for the next book in the stand alone series I have to see what happens next!!!
March 11, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 14, 2016 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
3.5 hearts
So I started reading this Last Frontier Lodge series, because I noticed it was set in Alaska. There seem to be a lot of books set there. I recently got one and somehow didn't realize it was book 4 but I really liked it. So then I saw I had some of the earlier books and went to read them. Each book is about 250 pages, so a quick read.
I love the world in these books with a ski lodge set in remote beauty of an Alaskan small town. The characters are also well developed and easy to like. Their emotions are realistic, well except the fast action on their almost immediate lust. They are old enough, late 20s to early 30s, to know what they want and don't want, though. These books are full of hot, sexy scenes, but they don't seem like too much.
The first book, Take Me Home, is where the oldest brother Gage Hamilton, comes back to his grandparent's town and ski lodge to re-open it. Marley is back in her home town. Gage has no idea what he is getting into but he falls for Marley quickly and she knows how to help and the right people.
I loved all the business aspects and I love to ski. It's also a good introduction to the small town and its people, and many characters for future books, particularly all of Gage's siblings. The plot has a bit of romantic suspense to it with Marley's issues which caused her to leave Seattle.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 14, 2016 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
3.5 hearts
So I started reading this Last Frontier Lodge series, because I noticed it was set in Alaska. There seem to be a lot of books set there. I recently got one and somehow didn't realize it was book 4 but I really liked it. So then I saw I had some of the earlier books and went to read them. Each book is about 250 pages, so a quick read.
I love the world in these books with a ski lodge set in remote beauty of an Alaskan small town. The characters are also well developed and easy to like. Their emotions are realistic, well except the fast action on their almost immediate lust. They are old enough, late 20s to early 30s, to know what they want and don't want, though. These books are full of hot, sexy scenes, but they don't seem like too much.
The first book, Take Me Home, is where the oldest brother Gage Hamilton, comes back to his grandparent's town and ski lodge to re-open it. Marley is back in her home town. Gage has no idea what he is getting into but he falls for Marley quickly and she knows how to help and the right people.
I loved all the business aspects and I love to ski. It's also a good introduction to the small town and its people, and many characters for future books, particularly all of Gage's siblings. The plot has a bit of romantic suspense to it with Marley's issues which caused her to leave Seattle.
July 22, 2016
2.5 STARS
I loved the setting of the book, small town Alaska in the wintertime/Christmas. There are lots of details about Gage remodeling a ski lodge that his grandparents owned, and getting ready to reopen it after 20ish years. Marley and Gage had instant chemistry and they were cute together.
There wasn't any inane misunderstandings between Marley and Gage, but I was puzzled about the inner turmoil each seemed to have about the relationship. They're both unattached, so the "how can I do this/can we possibly have a relationship?" stuff seemed really weird. I guess I really didn't buy into all the insecurity.
Gage, for all his ex-SEAL/control freak ways, totally came unglued when it came to Marley and the aftermath of her being the victim of a home robbery (that happened in Seattle). He and his friend Aiden (another ex-SEAL) seemed a little inept when it came to keeping Marley safe.
I liked the supporting characters, especially Don and Ginger.
I loved the setting of the book, small town Alaska in the wintertime/Christmas. There are lots of details about Gage remodeling a ski lodge that his grandparents owned, and getting ready to reopen it after 20ish years. Marley and Gage had instant chemistry and they were cute together.
There wasn't any inane misunderstandings between Marley and Gage, but I was puzzled about the inner turmoil each seemed to have about the relationship. They're both unattached, so the "how can I do this/can we possibly have a relationship?" stuff seemed really weird. I guess I really didn't buy into all the insecurity.
Gage, for all his ex-SEAL/control freak ways, totally came unglued when it came to Marley and the aftermath of her being the victim of a home robbery (that happened in Seattle). He and his friend Aiden (another ex-SEAL) seemed a little inept when it came to keeping Marley safe.
I liked the supporting characters, especially Don and Ginger.
December 10, 2015
This is the perfect beginning to a new series set in breathtakingly beautiful Alaska. Ms. Croix introduces some residents of Diamond Creek, including Gage Hamilton, a recently retired Navy SEAL, who comes to town to fulfill his dream of reopening his family's old ski lodge and Marley Adams, a bright and beautiful computer code developer who recently returned home from Seattle. The chemistry between Gage and Marley is so strong, it jumps right off the page. The captivating plot has action, adventure, suspense, humor, family dynamics, small town atmosphere and sizzling romance. I highly recommend Christmas on the Last Frontier and can hardly wait for book two of this series.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2017
It started off really good, Marley and Gage had great chemistry, but after awhile I found myself skimming just to get through it. I found that a lot became repetitive such as their inner struggles about their relationship and their past, or about opening the lodge. I lost count of the many times the history of the lodge was told and how the town was so happy about it reopening. It became boring.
December 23, 2018
I enjoyed the Alaska setting of this book and the story line involving the restoration of the Last Frontier Lodge ski resort but the romance seemed a little off to me. I am beginning to think I might not be a fan of insta-love, I prefer a slow burn romance. So even though I didn't love this book, it was okay. And I will most likely read the next book in the series (especially since I already own it) to see if I like it any better.
February 13, 2021
Oh my goodness! Gage and Marley story was so beautifully written! I loved getting to know them! It was absolutely perfect! Can’t wait to continue this series! ❤️
So excited to read about Garrett and Delia next! 🥰
So excited to read about Garrett and Delia next! 🥰
April 3, 2018
This was a nice and quick read. I liked the suspense/mystery to the book. It definitely kept things interesting. I was glad that both Gage and Marley could finally get their HEA. Since they both were never really the dating type. Especially for Gage. It was nice for his family to see him happy.
April 5, 2021
I really enjoyed Gage and Marley’s story. It was very sweet and heartwarming. ❤️ A great and easy read. The reader follows Gage and Marley as they both return to their small town home in Alaska. Gage to reopen his grandmother’s ski lodge and Marley to find peace and safety.
September 9, 2022
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
September 13, 2018
A good romance
Overall, a good romance. A little cliche and a little cheesy at times, but well done in terms of built up suspense and character development.
Overall, a good romance. A little cliche and a little cheesy at times, but well done in terms of built up suspense and character development.
December 15, 2015
What a fabtabulous Christmas story! Ms. Croix has definitely done it again. This book is the first in another series that takes place in the beautiful Alaska countryside. The way she writes about Alaska makes me want to live there, and I do not particularly like the cold!
This story is about Marley and Gage, two people that had absolutely no intension of falling in love. Marley moves back home to Diamond Creek, Alaska from Seattle, Washington after her apartment is broken into and she is assaulted. She no longer feels safe there, so she moves back home. Gage is/was a Navy SEAL, and decided to retire after losing his close friend Matt. Gage and his family used to visit their Grandparents at the Last Frontier Ski Lodge in Diamond Creek all of the time when they were young, but he has not been back since before it closed over ten years ago. Feeling lost Gage moves to Diamond Creek to reopen ski lodge, which he and his siblings inherited from their grandmother at her passing. Gage, with the help of Marley and Don, and his daughter Delia, they get the lodge ready to open at Christmas.
Read all of the twists and turns to Gage and Marley falling in love. Find out why Marley’s apartment in Seattle was broken into, and how Gage helps her get thru her fear.
I absolutely love the way Ms. Croix brings her readers into her stories. The way she makes you see absolutely everything, from the feelings her characters experiencing to the way the bald eagle is flying thru the trees.
Thank you Ms. Croix for the gift of the ARC of this book for my honest review, I totally love the way you write your stories. They have a way of relaxing me on a hectic day, and taking me away to the beautiful Alaska country side. I cannot wait to read Delia’s story!
Thank you for reading my review! Yes, you need to one-click this book!!
This story is about Marley and Gage, two people that had absolutely no intension of falling in love. Marley moves back home to Diamond Creek, Alaska from Seattle, Washington after her apartment is broken into and she is assaulted. She no longer feels safe there, so she moves back home. Gage is/was a Navy SEAL, and decided to retire after losing his close friend Matt. Gage and his family used to visit their Grandparents at the Last Frontier Ski Lodge in Diamond Creek all of the time when they were young, but he has not been back since before it closed over ten years ago. Feeling lost Gage moves to Diamond Creek to reopen ski lodge, which he and his siblings inherited from their grandmother at her passing. Gage, with the help of Marley and Don, and his daughter Delia, they get the lodge ready to open at Christmas.
Read all of the twists and turns to Gage and Marley falling in love. Find out why Marley’s apartment in Seattle was broken into, and how Gage helps her get thru her fear.
I absolutely love the way Ms. Croix brings her readers into her stories. The way she makes you see absolutely everything, from the feelings her characters experiencing to the way the bald eagle is flying thru the trees.
Thank you Ms. Croix for the gift of the ARC of this book for my honest review, I totally love the way you write your stories. They have a way of relaxing me on a hectic day, and taking me away to the beautiful Alaska country side. I cannot wait to read Delia’s story!
Thank you for reading my review! Yes, you need to one-click this book!!
November 12, 2017
Marley Adams grew up in Alaska and moved to Seattle to attend school and then make her way in the world of computers. After struggling for 10 years, she returns home when she walks in on a robbery at her apartment and is pistol whipped.
Gage Hamilton was a Navy SEAL whose best friend was killed on a mission. Gage "rode a desk" for a year and left the Navy. When his grandmother dies and leaves him a ski resortthat she and his grandfather had owned in Alaska, Gage make it his mission to move to Alaska and reopen the resort, per his grandmother's wishes in her wiil. IF he's unable to open it within a year, he'll be forced to sell it.)
Gage meets Marley when she's hiking on one of his ski trails. The attraction is instanteous. Marley had auburn hair and forest green eyes. Gage has silver gray eyes and chocolate brown hair. We know this because the author tells us time and time again. Merley offers to build a web site for the Lodge and Gage and Marley spend more and more time together. The finally end up in bed together and sex seems to be the basis of their relationship - although, to be fair, they genuinely like each other and both are emotionally damaged, so both struggle to understand how they feel about each other.
Gage is determined to find out who attacked Marley, even more so when she starts getting stange emails from her former company, demanding that she return a flash drive they claim she has. The clues regarding the break-in and the emails from her former company are so heavy-handed that I knew exactly what was going to happen.
This wasn't a bad book. The characters are likeable. The sex was a bit much. I'm not a prude, but when they are on their way to the airport to pick up his sisters who are spending Christmas at the Lodge and he has to pull off onto a dirt road to have sex, I draw the line.
Gage Hamilton was a Navy SEAL whose best friend was killed on a mission. Gage "rode a desk" for a year and left the Navy. When his grandmother dies and leaves him a ski resortthat she and his grandfather had owned in Alaska, Gage make it his mission to move to Alaska and reopen the resort, per his grandmother's wishes in her wiil. IF he's unable to open it within a year, he'll be forced to sell it.)
Gage meets Marley when she's hiking on one of his ski trails. The attraction is instanteous. Marley had auburn hair and forest green eyes. Gage has silver gray eyes and chocolate brown hair. We know this because the author tells us time and time again. Merley offers to build a web site for the Lodge and Gage and Marley spend more and more time together. The finally end up in bed together and sex seems to be the basis of their relationship - although, to be fair, they genuinely like each other and both are emotionally damaged, so both struggle to understand how they feel about each other.
Gage is determined to find out who attacked Marley, even more so when she starts getting stange emails from her former company, demanding that she return a flash drive they claim she has. The clues regarding the break-in and the emails from her former company are so heavy-handed that I knew exactly what was going to happen.
This wasn't a bad book. The characters are likeable. The sex was a bit much. I'm not a prude, but when they are on their way to the airport to pick up his sisters who are spending Christmas at the Lodge and he has to pull off onto a dirt road to have sex, I draw the line.
July 25, 2016
Marley Adams moved back home to a small town in Alaska after her apartment was broken in to and she was assaulted. It left her terrified so quitting her job and leaving Seattle seemed like the best thing she could do. While wandering around an old ski lodge that had been closed for many years, she met the new owner, Gage Hamilton. He had inherited the place from his grandmother and was going to reopen it. Gage had been a SEAL but retired after losing a close friend. Gage had good memories of the times he and his family used to visit their grandparents at the Last Frontier Lodge and was looking forward to getting it open again.
When Marley started getting threatening emails, Gage asked a friend in the security business to track them to figure out who was sending them.
Marley and Gage didn't want relationships but were instantly attracted to each other and were constantly looking for ways to be with the other. This book was written well so I easily felt Marley's tension. Even though this is a romantic suspense it's heavy on lust. I thought their sexual attraction for each other was extreme and interfered with the plot. I liked that Marley didn't know how beautiful she was. She was very smart and unpretentious. While Gage was the perfect ex-SEAL being protective of everyone he cared for, especially Marley. He was also big and strong - all muscle.
If you like romantic suspense with lots of lust and sex, you'll like Christmas on the Last Frontier.
Please note I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
When Marley started getting threatening emails, Gage asked a friend in the security business to track them to figure out who was sending them.
Marley and Gage didn't want relationships but were instantly attracted to each other and were constantly looking for ways to be with the other. This book was written well so I easily felt Marley's tension. Even though this is a romantic suspense it's heavy on lust. I thought their sexual attraction for each other was extreme and interfered with the plot. I liked that Marley didn't know how beautiful she was. She was very smart and unpretentious. While Gage was the perfect ex-SEAL being protective of everyone he cared for, especially Marley. He was also big and strong - all muscle.
If you like romantic suspense with lots of lust and sex, you'll like Christmas on the Last Frontier.
Please note I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2016
Diamond Creek is the home that neither of these two have seen for years. Marley grew up here and couldn’t wait to leave and has been gone for the past 10 years. She left to follow her dream of being a computer programmer. She spent years clawing her way up the ladder in a male dominated profession. She worked long hours and ignored the idea of relationships. Now she’s back but only because she’s trying to regain control of her life after walking in on a robbery in her apartment.
Gage’s family left when he was young boy and is now back to fulfill a childhood dream. His grandparents had own Last Frontier Ski Lodge, he thought it had long been sold but after the death of his grandmother, he discovered that she had willed it to him and his sibling, with him owning the largest share. The contingency is that they have one year to get it operational or the must sell it and share the proceeds.
Neither of them came to Diamond Creek to find love but as they both have learned, life doesn’t always give you what you expect. This is a beautiful love story that focuses on the two of them struggling to understand the feeling they are dealing with individually as well as trying to figure out what the other is feeling. The chemistry is off the charts and shows a huge understanding of early stage of relationships that are so overpowering that you don’t know if you’ve lost your sanity or just your heart.
I found a new series to be buried in for a few days give or take…off to book 2. Thank you J.H. Croix for the start of a great series.
Gage’s family left when he was young boy and is now back to fulfill a childhood dream. His grandparents had own Last Frontier Ski Lodge, he thought it had long been sold but after the death of his grandmother, he discovered that she had willed it to him and his sibling, with him owning the largest share. The contingency is that they have one year to get it operational or the must sell it and share the proceeds.
Neither of them came to Diamond Creek to find love but as they both have learned, life doesn’t always give you what you expect. This is a beautiful love story that focuses on the two of them struggling to understand the feeling they are dealing with individually as well as trying to figure out what the other is feeling. The chemistry is off the charts and shows a huge understanding of early stage of relationships that are so overpowering that you don’t know if you’ve lost your sanity or just your heart.
I found a new series to be buried in for a few days give or take…off to book 2. Thank you J.H. Croix for the start of a great series.
March 22, 2018
Gage, ex-SEAL, wants to re-open his grandparents' ski lift, and lodge. Marley, programming expert, returns to her little home town in Alaska after being a victim of a brutal robbery in Seattle. While she helps put up a website for his ski lodge, their mutual attraction grows.
Okay - nice plot, quite sympathetic characters, but something was lacking. The characters didn't know whether they wanted a relationship or not, there were numerous spelling and grammar errors in the story, not to mention some weird word choices to describe feelings or events (I mean, I heard of "teeming wildlife", but "teeming lust inside my body"??) - to me it sounded as if the author didn't want to repeat words, took out a thesaurus and randomly chose one of those words coming up. Similarly, the dialogues sometimes seemed stilted, and there were a lot of repetitions - not so much by using the same words, but by describing the same feelings or similar situations over and over again. The bed - or wherever - scenes? Quite honestly, in my opinion, there were too many of those. I like steamy romance stories, but this story seemed to be more a not well developed plot being forced around the sex scenes (which were described with sometimes weird seeming words, like the "teeming" above, they did seem off in that context).
Will I read another one of this series? Not sure, maybe if I do not have anything else to read and am bored.
Okay - nice plot, quite sympathetic characters, but something was lacking. The characters didn't know whether they wanted a relationship or not, there were numerous spelling and grammar errors in the story, not to mention some weird word choices to describe feelings or events (I mean, I heard of "teeming wildlife", but "teeming lust inside my body"??) - to me it sounded as if the author didn't want to repeat words, took out a thesaurus and randomly chose one of those words coming up. Similarly, the dialogues sometimes seemed stilted, and there were a lot of repetitions - not so much by using the same words, but by describing the same feelings or similar situations over and over again. The bed - or wherever - scenes? Quite honestly, in my opinion, there were too many of those. I like steamy romance stories, but this story seemed to be more a not well developed plot being forced around the sex scenes (which were described with sometimes weird seeming words, like the "teeming" above, they did seem off in that context).
Will I read another one of this series? Not sure, maybe if I do not have anything else to read and am bored.
May 19, 2025
I really enjoyed a lot of things about this book. Loved the characters and the drama/trauma surrounding a robbery that Marley had experienced. Loved the connection between her and Gage and their chemistry. Loved the whole ski lodge storyline, side characters, everything. 4.5 stars easy.
What I really did not enjoy was the constant repetition and repeated phrases:
*Scenic descriptions got old quickly. I started skimming, then skipping those paragraphs after the THIRD time a "moose was nibbling on alder."
*Most of the steamy scenes were identical. Same descriptive words and phrases, same order of events, etc.
*Eight times we are reminded that her eyes are forest green.
*Eighteen times we are reminded that her hair is auburn.
You get the picture...
Anyhoo, there is also a lot of telling in this story instead of showing, and some paragraphs completely lacked any variety of sentence structure. I often found passages that read as a list of 'He said this. She replied that. Gage did this. Marley wore that.' Ugh. I was ready to strangle my Kindle. So yeah, 3 stars it is.
I enjoyed the story overall and the outcome of the drama, and the ending which gives a glimpse of the main characters in the next book. Not sure if I'll be reading the next one until I read reviews though.
What I really did not enjoy was the constant repetition and repeated phrases:
*Scenic descriptions got old quickly. I started skimming, then skipping those paragraphs after the THIRD time a "moose was nibbling on alder."
*Most of the steamy scenes were identical. Same descriptive words and phrases, same order of events, etc.
*Eight times we are reminded that her eyes are forest green.
*Eighteen times we are reminded that her hair is auburn.
You get the picture...
Anyhoo, there is also a lot of telling in this story instead of showing, and some paragraphs completely lacked any variety of sentence structure. I often found passages that read as a list of 'He said this. She replied that. Gage did this. Marley wore that.' Ugh. I was ready to strangle my Kindle. So yeah, 3 stars it is.
I enjoyed the story overall and the outcome of the drama, and the ending which gives a glimpse of the main characters in the next book. Not sure if I'll be reading the next one until I read reviews though.
December 10, 2015
I received this book for a honest review.
This was a sweet romantic book. Two people not to sure about love and relationships. Two people finding love in Alaska.
Gage just moved back to Alaska hoping to make his childhood dream come true of opening up the ski lodge. Marley just moved back home after a traumatic time in Seattle.
This story was so well put together. The instant lust between the two and them not knowing what to do with it. The entire town was so close and open and friendly. This almost males me want to find a little town like this to live in.
Gage is an ex-Navy Seal and extremely protective of those he cares for. Which comes in handy with Marley, especially after learning why she left Seattle.
This was a sweet romantic book. Two people not to sure about love and relationships. Two people finding love in Alaska.
Gage just moved back to Alaska hoping to make his childhood dream come true of opening up the ski lodge. Marley just moved back home after a traumatic time in Seattle.
This story was so well put together. The instant lust between the two and them not knowing what to do with it. The entire town was so close and open and friendly. This almost males me want to find a little town like this to live in.
Gage is an ex-Navy Seal and extremely protective of those he cares for. Which comes in handy with Marley, especially after learning why she left Seattle.
December 13, 2015
Given to me for an honest review. Enjoyed this book and will read more of J. H. Croix's books. Marley moved back home planing to use her computer skills to make enough money to live on. Gage is fixing the Last Frontier Lodge so he can reopen the ski slopes. They meet at the lodge when Gage tells Marley that she is trespassing. She is happy that the lodge is reopening and tells him everyone else will be happy, too. He tells her that he was thinking about making an announcement, but wasn't sure of the details. Marley tells him she can do his website and he needs to do it now or he won't have any visitors after Christmas. Since he heard the same thing from his sisters, he decides to hire Marley. Will Marley recover from the robbery in her home? Will she get over her crush on Gage?
December 26, 2015
Given to me for an honest review. Marley moved back home planing to use her computer skills to make enough money to live on. Gage is fixing the Last Frontier Lodge so he can reopen the ski slopes. They meet at the lodge when Gage tells Marley that she is trespassing. She is happy that the lodge is reopening and tells him everyone else will be happy, too. He tells her that he was thinking about making an announcement, but wasn't sure of the details. Marley tells him she can do his website and he needs to do it now or he won't have any visitors after Christmas. Since he heard the same thing from his sisters, he decides to hire Marley. Will Marley recover from the robbery in her home? Will she get over her crush on Gage?
August 2, 2016
This classic romance has it all, an alpha male, a total protector, a smart independent woman in need of some protection, even though she doesn't see it that way, suspense, edge of your seat twists and turns that all culminate in a wonderfully vibrant story. This is the first book by this author I've read and am totally hooked on her style.
The characters in this story are relatable, filled with personality and warmth...the scenery beautifully depicted with the overall feel of a place you'd really like to live. There is definite chemistry between Gage and Marley, their relationship is intense in many aspects, while the story moves along quickly yet smoothly through a well thought out plot.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
The characters in this story are relatable, filled with personality and warmth...the scenery beautifully depicted with the overall feel of a place you'd really like to live. There is definite chemistry between Gage and Marley, their relationship is intense in many aspects, while the story moves along quickly yet smoothly through a well thought out plot.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
August 17, 2016
An absolutely amazing read!!!!
The only part I would have added was a few nightmares by either character to bring the true depth of what they had went through to light. Specifically I would have liked to read about flashbacks or nightmares from Gage's point. I think what he went through was pushed to the back burner and what Marley was going through took precedent.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series! There is so much potential for stories with all the major characters! I know Dahlia is next, but I'd love to read a book where Ginger was a focus as well. She seems so funny and carefree!
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
The only part I would have added was a few nightmares by either character to bring the true depth of what they had went through to light. Specifically I would have liked to read about flashbacks or nightmares from Gage's point. I think what he went through was pushed to the back burner and what Marley was going through took precedent.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series! There is so much potential for stories with all the major characters! I know Dahlia is next, but I'd love to read a book where Ginger was a focus as well. She seems so funny and carefree!
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
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