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He's The One #2
Jaxon: The Heartwoods
A single kiss can shatter the boundaries of friendship…
Jaxon Heartwood spent the last nine months living in Atlanta, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. After being dragged back to his hometown of Courtley by his brother to help run their family store, Jaxon can no longer shake the conflicting emotions spurred up inside him. And he placed the blame on one person…his best friend, Brooks…who hadn’t communicated with him since they both left Courtley.
Once Brooks left for college, Jaxon fled Courtley to escape his life there, and most of all to escape the feelings Brooks ignited between them…the night Brooks kissed Jaxon. Both guys have now returned home and Brooks is still troubled over Jaxon’s reaction to their kiss which caused a rift in their friendship. Now they must face their true feelings and undeniable attraction for one another…
As secret desires heat up to scorching levels between Jaxon and Brooks, hiding passion in a small town like Courtley might prove easier said than done.
Jaxon -The Heartwoods is a steamy Friends To Lovers M/M Romance with a guaranteed HEA. It is Book 2 of He’s The One Series but can be read as a standalone.
Jaxon Heartwood spent the last nine months living in Atlanta, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. After being dragged back to his hometown of Courtley by his brother to help run their family store, Jaxon can no longer shake the conflicting emotions spurred up inside him. And he placed the blame on one person…his best friend, Brooks…who hadn’t communicated with him since they both left Courtley.
Once Brooks left for college, Jaxon fled Courtley to escape his life there, and most of all to escape the feelings Brooks ignited between them…the night Brooks kissed Jaxon. Both guys have now returned home and Brooks is still troubled over Jaxon’s reaction to their kiss which caused a rift in their friendship. Now they must face their true feelings and undeniable attraction for one another…
As secret desires heat up to scorching levels between Jaxon and Brooks, hiding passion in a small town like Courtley might prove easier said than done.
Jaxon -The Heartwoods is a steamy Friends To Lovers M/M Romance with a guaranteed HEA. It is Book 2 of He’s The One Series but can be read as a standalone.
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First published April 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 30, 2018
I received a free copy via booksprout in exchange for an honest review!
YES! Marissa Holt has promised and delivered yet again! I’m truly becoming an avid fan of this author.
This isn’t your usual gay-for-you storyline, and even though this may be part of a “He’s the one” book series, this can still easily be read as a stand alone. Though I still highly recommend everyone reads All About Sawyer. Wink wink. Hint hint.
The story dives straight into things and wastes no time. I can not express how wonderful the pacing of this book is. I was never bored, nor felt the need to skim past anything. You start off in the mind of Jaxon and he can’t stand the town he was born in. And currently stuck in again. Courtney, Georgia. But family must come first, that was how he raised, even if he doesn’t like it much. Jaxon was dragged from a good life as a stripper back in Atlanta. Now he was stuck in Courtney stocking boxes again. His mother, his 5 years old brother and Jaxon himself all run the place. It’s a family store.
The thing I really liked about Jaxon, he hardly ever complained about anything. Yeah right from the start of the first chapter, he was vocal to explain his dislike of Courtney to his older brother, but that was it. Heh, come to think of it, I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like about Jaxon. He’s a sweetie with a big heart. With one little (yet big) secret. His best and childhood friend Brooks.
Now let’s talk a little bit about our other leading man, Brooks. Little did Jaxon know, Brooks was also back in town. Ah ha! It must be fate! Brooks had dropped out of school back in California and though he was said to mope around his father’s house, I didn’t really see it on page. I take that as a good thing, and this goes back to what I’ve said earlier about how wonder the pacing of this book is. He and Jaxon had a falling out nearly a year ago. Brooks kissed Jaxon. Oh god there is much I wanna say! Its SOOOO hard keeping tight lipped about this.
I LOVE these two together! The chemistry. The romance. The dialogue between them! The sex! *swoons* The fact that there were a number of odds stacked against them. It was not easy for either of them. Partly due to the fact that their families didn’t particularly like each other all that much. But don’t get me wrong, this was no Romeo and Juliet story. Maybe a Romeo and Julio.
No? Ok, ok I am lame when it comes to making jokes. Oh well. I tried.
All in all, fantastic read. You would be missing out if you haven’t added this to your ‘need to read list’ or at least have this on your bookshelf. I invite you all to come and love Brooks and Jaxon with me!
YES! Marissa Holt has promised and delivered yet again! I’m truly becoming an avid fan of this author.
This isn’t your usual gay-for-you storyline, and even though this may be part of a “He’s the one” book series, this can still easily be read as a stand alone. Though I still highly recommend everyone reads All About Sawyer. Wink wink. Hint hint.
The story dives straight into things and wastes no time. I can not express how wonderful the pacing of this book is. I was never bored, nor felt the need to skim past anything. You start off in the mind of Jaxon and he can’t stand the town he was born in. And currently stuck in again. Courtney, Georgia. But family must come first, that was how he raised, even if he doesn’t like it much. Jaxon was dragged from a good life as a stripper back in Atlanta. Now he was stuck in Courtney stocking boxes again. His mother, his 5 years old brother and Jaxon himself all run the place. It’s a family store.
The thing I really liked about Jaxon, he hardly ever complained about anything. Yeah right from the start of the first chapter, he was vocal to explain his dislike of Courtney to his older brother, but that was it. Heh, come to think of it, I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like about Jaxon. He’s a sweetie with a big heart. With one little (yet big) secret. His best and childhood friend Brooks.
Now let’s talk a little bit about our other leading man, Brooks. Little did Jaxon know, Brooks was also back in town. Ah ha! It must be fate! Brooks had dropped out of school back in California and though he was said to mope around his father’s house, I didn’t really see it on page. I take that as a good thing, and this goes back to what I’ve said earlier about how wonder the pacing of this book is. He and Jaxon had a falling out nearly a year ago. Brooks kissed Jaxon. Oh god there is much I wanna say! Its SOOOO hard keeping tight lipped about this.
I LOVE these two together! The chemistry. The romance. The dialogue between them! The sex! *swoons* The fact that there were a number of odds stacked against them. It was not easy for either of them. Partly due to the fact that their families didn’t particularly like each other all that much. But don’t get me wrong, this was no Romeo and Juliet story. Maybe a Romeo and Julio.
No? Ok, ok I am lame when it comes to making jokes. Oh well. I tried.
All in all, fantastic read. You would be missing out if you haven’t added this to your ‘need to read list’ or at least have this on your bookshelf. I invite you all to come and love Brooks and Jaxon with me!
January 2, 2019
I am REALLY getting into this series. The characters, the plot. Just love it. This one had me biting my nails, because it's so obvious what's going on but of course the main characters need a clue lol. And just when you think the shit is going to hit the fan, the author turns it around and surprises the heck out of you. Good moments.
I was sad for Jaxon at the end of book 1. I know this one can be read as a standalone but reading book 1 kind of helps. You get to know Jaxon a bit better at first. It was obvious, though, something was going on in his head. With Sawyer coming out as bi, it seemed Jaxon might have some questions or something but he never did. Just kept screwing women. And when he had to come home at the end, oh my heart. He was so sad. So lost and confused. Seeing him not happy at the start of this one made me sadder. Something is missing in his life and when he finds out his best friend...well maybe best friends, Brooks is home and has been, he knows what's at the heart of it all. The kiss.
Brooks and Jaxon were always so close. Joined at the hip. A lot of times at the dismay of their parents. As they got older, the closer they seemed to get. Some thought they would get together, as a rumor, but with the way they went through girls….who knew. But one 'drunken’ night, Brooks acted on what he was really feeling and kissed Jaxon. Jaxon freaked out bad claiming he wasn't gay, and it caused a bad right between them. Brooks went to college in Cali and Jaxon ended up at Steam, stripping. But Jaxon had to come to help his brother with their mom and stuff. Little did he know Brooks was home having dropped out of school. When they finally meet up, it's awkward for lots of different reasons. Eventually they talk and little by little the friendship comes back to more normal. Until one romantic night, Brooks has to kiss Jaxon again. Only this time Jaxon doesn't pull away or freak out. Now they have to figure out if they can navigate a relationship and their futures without losing everything.
Brooks has always been so right for Jaxon. He's always kind of known he was bi, at least for Jaxon. He didn't necessarily want another guy, he just wanted Jaxon. But it took Jaxon a little longer to come around. Part of it was pressure from home. When Jaxon finally came around, it felt so right for both of them. And Brooks felt like he could finally breathe, knowing he finally had Jaxon the way he wanted him. Life threw some curveballs at them and it wasn't easy. But nothing had ever felt more right.
I was so happy for both of them. They were so miserable apart. Even if they just stayed friends, they needed each other. But I was especially happy for Jaxon, with seeing how sad he was before. He had his friend back. And much more. Life finally made sense again.
This series is so damn good. You guys need to be reading these books. Can't wait to see Phoenix get slapped now lmao!! It's definitely his turn.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
I was sad for Jaxon at the end of book 1. I know this one can be read as a standalone but reading book 1 kind of helps. You get to know Jaxon a bit better at first. It was obvious, though, something was going on in his head. With Sawyer coming out as bi, it seemed Jaxon might have some questions or something but he never did. Just kept screwing women. And when he had to come home at the end, oh my heart. He was so sad. So lost and confused. Seeing him not happy at the start of this one made me sadder. Something is missing in his life and when he finds out his best friend...well maybe best friends, Brooks is home and has been, he knows what's at the heart of it all. The kiss.
Brooks and Jaxon were always so close. Joined at the hip. A lot of times at the dismay of their parents. As they got older, the closer they seemed to get. Some thought they would get together, as a rumor, but with the way they went through girls….who knew. But one 'drunken’ night, Brooks acted on what he was really feeling and kissed Jaxon. Jaxon freaked out bad claiming he wasn't gay, and it caused a bad right between them. Brooks went to college in Cali and Jaxon ended up at Steam, stripping. But Jaxon had to come to help his brother with their mom and stuff. Little did he know Brooks was home having dropped out of school. When they finally meet up, it's awkward for lots of different reasons. Eventually they talk and little by little the friendship comes back to more normal. Until one romantic night, Brooks has to kiss Jaxon again. Only this time Jaxon doesn't pull away or freak out. Now they have to figure out if they can navigate a relationship and their futures without losing everything.
Brooks has always been so right for Jaxon. He's always kind of known he was bi, at least for Jaxon. He didn't necessarily want another guy, he just wanted Jaxon. But it took Jaxon a little longer to come around. Part of it was pressure from home. When Jaxon finally came around, it felt so right for both of them. And Brooks felt like he could finally breathe, knowing he finally had Jaxon the way he wanted him. Life threw some curveballs at them and it wasn't easy. But nothing had ever felt more right.
I was so happy for both of them. They were so miserable apart. Even if they just stayed friends, they needed each other. But I was especially happy for Jaxon, with seeing how sad he was before. He had his friend back. And much more. Life finally made sense again.
This series is so damn good. You guys need to be reading these books. Can't wait to see Phoenix get slapped now lmao!! It's definitely his turn.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
May 2, 2018
This is my first read by Marissa and I didn’t realize going in that it was book two of a series. I really like Jaxon and Brooks. Their story was entertaining and easy to read. I struggled at the beginning of the book as I felt it just jumped in, I would have liked a bit more background between them and why they weren’t talking. This may be in book one but having not read that book I was left wanting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2018
Having read and loved the first book in this series, I was happy to get the chance to read this one.
Jaxon has moved home from Atlanta to help his family with their store whilst his mother's health is bad. He originally left because of something that happened with his best friend. Now he's back home and not sure how to go about reconnecting.
Brooks moved to college but had to drop out after struggling with the fall out of what happened with Jaxon. Finding out he's back in Courtley means that they need to sort out things between them and it doesn't necessarily go well at first.
I enjoyed this story and the back and forth between the MC's. Both have family that struggle with the other's but are there for their own sibling/son. Courtley is written well as small town America, what I'd imagine it to be in regards to population, location and nosy busy bodies getting up in people's business.
Brooks has been struggling with things for a while but with Jaxon back, they both have to deal with everything. Brooks hasn't been going about things necessarily well but you can understand his feelings and actions.
The scenes between the two are hot and great to read and you're just rooting for them to get their HEA after everything. I think the ending is written really well, giving these characters closure but leaving it open for the possibility of the next book for a certain character.
I would recommend for those that read book one and those who enjoy friends to lovers stories.
Jaxon has moved home from Atlanta to help his family with their store whilst his mother's health is bad. He originally left because of something that happened with his best friend. Now he's back home and not sure how to go about reconnecting.
Brooks moved to college but had to drop out after struggling with the fall out of what happened with Jaxon. Finding out he's back in Courtley means that they need to sort out things between them and it doesn't necessarily go well at first.
I enjoyed this story and the back and forth between the MC's. Both have family that struggle with the other's but are there for their own sibling/son. Courtley is written well as small town America, what I'd imagine it to be in regards to population, location and nosy busy bodies getting up in people's business.
Brooks has been struggling with things for a while but with Jaxon back, they both have to deal with everything. Brooks hasn't been going about things necessarily well but you can understand his feelings and actions.
The scenes between the two are hot and great to read and you're just rooting for them to get their HEA after everything. I think the ending is written really well, giving these characters closure but leaving it open for the possibility of the next book for a certain character.
I would recommend for those that read book one and those who enjoy friends to lovers stories.
April 30, 2018
When you first meet Jaxon, he's back home with his mom and brother, Phoenix, somewhere he doesn't want to be. He misses his life in Atlanta with Sawyer but he also misses his friend, Brooks. His friend hasn't contacted him since he left for college and Jaxon left for Atlanta, and you can feel Jaxon's disappointment when his friend goes silent. Jaxon had no idea how to deal with his best friend kissing him and said some stupid things after, and because of that, Brooks hadn't made contact in months. Although Jaxon and Brooks have always identified and straight, one night changed everything when Brooks kissed Jaxon, and the both of them start to think about the other in a different light.
At home, Jaxon working at the family hardware store and his mother is pushing him to get married and believe that his best friend's sister is perfect for him, but doesn't like Brooks himself. Brooks dropped out of college and his back home, also thinking more about Jaxon than is healthy. But when the story centered on Jaxon and Brooks rebuilding their friendship, which of course leads to more, then the story picks up. They don't rush into a relationship, struggling with the definition of their sexuality, but when they do get together, it is explosive.
This is another wonderful book from Marissa Holt and I can't wait to read Phoenix's story.
At home, Jaxon working at the family hardware store and his mother is pushing him to get married and believe that his best friend's sister is perfect for him, but doesn't like Brooks himself. Brooks dropped out of college and his back home, also thinking more about Jaxon than is healthy. But when the story centered on Jaxon and Brooks rebuilding their friendship, which of course leads to more, then the story picks up. They don't rush into a relationship, struggling with the definition of their sexuality, but when they do get together, it is explosive.
This is another wonderful book from Marissa Holt and I can't wait to read Phoenix's story.
May 14, 2018
We first met Jaxon in All About Sawyer as Sawyer’s best friend, and he saw him have to move back home to help his family. We start this book a couple of months after he returns home, and we learn that the reason he left was because his best friend kissed him and then left for college. Things are a bit rocky to start with Jaxon and Brooks, but eventually, we see the best friends realize that they are better off as friends than ignoring each other, and they both decide that it isn’t worth fighting their attraction to each other. It took a little while for the two to come together, but once they did they moved forward without any regrets. I liked the solid foundation they started on and how quickly they were able to recognize and act on the reality of their feelings. I liked the added family dynamics and how all of that worked itself out. Very much looking forward to a HEA for Phoenix.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2018
Jaxon and Brooks have been best friends and womanizers for years. When Brooks realized he had stronger feelings for Jaxon, he kissed him, which did not make the other young man happy. They each went off to begin life without each other, without resolving their issues. Now, nine months later, they're back in their hometown, and each are feeling more than friendly feelings.
I feel that the two main characters are immature for most of the story.They act, and are treated, like they're younger than they are (sneaking out of the house, using parent's credit card). As the story progressed, I liked them much more and felt that they were a more believable couple. I'm still trying to decide if I liked Jaxon's brother enough to read his story when it comes out.
The writing here is good, and I will read more from this author. While this isn't going on my list of favorites, I did enjoy the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel that the two main characters are immature for most of the story.They act, and are treated, like they're younger than they are (sneaking out of the house, using parent's credit card). As the story progressed, I liked them much more and felt that they were a more believable couple. I'm still trying to decide if I liked Jaxon's brother enough to read his story when it comes out.
The writing here is good, and I will read more from this author. While this isn't going on my list of favorites, I did enjoy the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2018
My interest in Jaxon's story was piqued at the end of book 1 in the series... I read a lot of M/M books and this one certainly left me in love once again. My favorite is a storyline where, one character may have never considered being bi-sexual, until they find themselves attracted to someone they've had in their life for a long time. Jaxon & Brooks' awkwardness and hesitation to really say how they feel about the other felt so real, and I was drawn into the story quickly, Once they finally give in to their attraction, the fun begins.... the books has plenty of hot love scenes between the two, and the have a great chemistry & playful banter that also makes it feel very genuine. I look forward to reading more books in the series & by this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2018
Best friends fall in love and find their best selves in the process. I loved the steamy moments, understood their hesitation to communicate, enjoyed the complication of a mayor race and fell in love with these families. I enjoyed the writing and the story-line kept me reading and hoping for our MC's. Jaxon & Brooks are so combustible together and their connection is what dreams are made of.
i had read book one of this, He's The One series, and i was definitely looking for Jaxon's story. I do feel that you could read this as a stand alone story if you have not already read book one. However, All About Sawyer was a really great read!
i had read book one of this, He's The One series, and i was definitely looking for Jaxon's story. I do feel that you could read this as a stand alone story if you have not already read book one. However, All About Sawyer was a really great read!
May 1, 2018
This is the second book in The He's The One Series. A wonderful book the writing was great. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters interesting. The characters were developed and thought out. Jaxon and Brooks are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, family and friends, a hardware store, a campaign, bail, community service, a motel, rumors and more in this book. I enjoyed this book a lot and read it in one sitting. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
May 1, 2018
A fantastic friends to lovers story that I really enjoyed. The storyline pulled me in right from the very beginning and I could not put it down until the end. I really appreciated that it was a slow burn and slow build up to their relationship which made it more realistic for me. They each struggle with rebuilding their friendship and with their sexuality, but once they do get together, it is incredible hot and explosive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2018
The second book in this series is just as good as the first one. First love, crushes, and heartbreaks are the hardest ones to get over. Jaxon and Brooks are perfect together. It took them a while to get together but once they did it was outstanding. I love how Jaxon and his brother put their needs aside for their mother. I'm looking forward to Patrick's story. I hope everyone enjoy this book and series as much as I do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2018
Best friends forever and then Brooks started it all with a kiss which left Jaxon very confused and angry. They are both back in the same small home town and slowly they try to come to term with what is happening between them. Family gets in the way sometimes and other outside forces. This is a beautiful story and well worth every page you turn!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2018
*May contain spoilers*
I didn’t think it could get any better than Sawyer and Kades story but I was definitely wrong! I love reading straight to gay so this was right up my ally. Jaxon and Brooks were such strong and likable characters. You can’t go wrong when reading Marissa Holt!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t think it could get any better than Sawyer and Kades story but I was definitely wrong! I love reading straight to gay so this was right up my ally. Jaxon and Brooks were such strong and likable characters. You can’t go wrong when reading Marissa Holt!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2018
Jaxon and Brooks are best friends but had a falling out 9 months previously when Brooks kissed Jaxon.
The book was well written and characters well developed. Both mcs have family stuff to deal with and small town gossips.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers then I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
The book was well written and characters well developed. Both mcs have family stuff to deal with and small town gossips.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers then I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
May 1, 2018
Jaxon and Brook was a nice read all the way through. The story had a nice steady pace to move the story along. The characters were likable and had a great chemistry. Hope to read from the author for a long time. Hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
May 11, 2018
Cute
This was an adorable, easy to read and fairly entertaining story. Two friends trying to find their way with each other. Both main characters were likable and we were also able to see Sawyer from book 1. Looking forward to Phoenix story!!!
This was an adorable, easy to read and fairly entertaining story. Two friends trying to find their way with each other. Both main characters were likable and we were also able to see Sawyer from book 1. Looking forward to Phoenix story!!!
May 12, 2018
Enjoyed this second book in Marissa’s series. I felt that the flow of this book is very well paced, the characters endearing, and the ending satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2019
Another great book in the series!
This was another great book in the series. I absolutely loved Jaxon and Brooks and I didn't want their story to end. I love friends to lovers books and this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read Phoenix's book next.
This was another great book in the series. I absolutely loved Jaxon and Brooks and I didn't want their story to end. I love friends to lovers books and this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read Phoenix's book next.
May 14, 2018
Very Hot!
This was SO Hot!! Brooks and Jaxson are smoking hot! I feel for them having to sneak around, but hot damn! They were SO Hot!!
This was SO Hot!! Brooks and Jaxson are smoking hot! I feel for them having to sneak around, but hot damn! They were SO Hot!!
June 9, 2018
I liked the fact the parents surprised me at the end. I also liked it was not angsty, just the right amount of drama. Plus Jaxon with all his tattoos and his bad boy image was delicious.
August 28, 2022
3.75 stars
April 30, 2018
This is a well-written, hot and fun story that I really enjoyed. Jaxson and Brooks were best friends until everything changed the night that Brooks kissed Jaxon. They both left town, Jaxson to Atlanta and Brooks to Berkley, but they never dealt with the aftermath of their kiss. Neither of them can stop thinking about it and when their circumstances change and they find themselves back in their hometown their anger and passion ignites. Fixing their friendship is only their first obstacle as they both worry about how their families and the people in their small town would react to them being a couple. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and they are combustible together. They must decide what they want from each other and Brooks needs to figure out how he can finish college. I love the ending and all of the secondary characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this entertaining series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2018
This one was just OK. I liked the pace. Everything moved along quickly. There wasn't unnecessary bullshit drama. This is the second book apart of a series that can be read as a stand-alone. I did feel like I was dropped into the middle of Jaxon and Brooks' history but I wanted a quick read and I was satisfied enough.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews