Dive into small-town secrets in this brand new contemporary romance series from USA Today Bestselling Authors J.H. Croix & Ali Parker!
A small town can hide many secrets. It can also expose every secret you have.
Facing danger I never expected, I don’t know who I can trust.
Meanwhile, Niki’s in more danger, and it’s all because she tried to help me. I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep her safe.
She rattles the cage around my heart and makes me wonder if I could have more. She’s everything I could ever imagine wanting.
Yet, events careen beyond my control as I search deeper into what put my father behind bars. I’m not safe, my family’s not safe, and Niki’s not safe.
She’s also feisty and stubborn and resists my efforts to keep her safe. She doesn’t like being kept in the dark and can’t see I’m only doing it to protect her.
I’m not ready to face what she means to me, not ready to lay my heart on the line. Until she calls my bluff.
USA 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!
So i Loved this book. I loved seeing Niki grow and come into her own. I loved seeing these two fall in love and slowly realize how much they truly did love each other (even if they were scared to say it). i also loved that this book had a great plot. The romance did not overshadow the drama. It was about 50/50 of both and that made it all that much better
A number of decisions must be made in SLOW AND STEADY #2, and quite a few of these decisive choices are influenced by direct threats and personal feelings. Sonny Lovett and Niki Holmes have been thrown together because of unforeseen circumstances, and now that their lives are intertwined, the emotions each is experiencing causes increasing complications. J.H. Croix & Ali Parker make many of the situations this couple must tackle not only realistic but also compelling, and I eagerly devoured every word of SLOW AND STEADY #2.
As the librarian in a smaller Georgia town, Niki tries to assist anyone who seeks information. But when she aided Sonny by accessing data about his jailed father, both are now in jeopardy. When an incident proves just how far someone will go to keep the truth hidden, his concern escalates for the woman who is starting to mean very much to him. Sonny never thought that investigating his father’s trial would result in him wanting to be in a relationship, yet his job and withholding several facts may keep it from lasting.
Truths about Sonny’s father are slowly being revealed, but the cost could be very high if it pushes Niki away from him. As these two live through the ups and downs of a relationship affected by a multitude of outside influences, I fretted over whether their growing feelings for one another could withstand the stress. There are many possibilities for what will happen in the concluding story, and I am eager to discover if some of my guesses are correct.
It's here... It's here... Book 2 it's here and I'm dying to start it. I've been following this ladies and this series for a while and let me just say that I'm even more addicted to it. If that's possible. Lol. This trilogy started in the best way, I mean the series started amazingly and if I was in love then now I can't find the words. Has you already know, J.H. Croix and Ali Parker are freaking awesome and their writing is not only spectacular but also intriguing. Just have a look. Slow & Steady #2 keeps telling Sonny and Nikki's stories and you must read book 1 first. Trust me because if you don't you will not understand this one. When started investigating his father's arrest he couldn't imagine the problems he would face or even the dangers. And when Nikki appeared on the scene the danger was bigger not only for their lifes but for their hearts. And I can't say more... I can't... If I thought that book one was intense hell book two is off charts. The danger is lurking around the corner and no-one is safe. The risks these two are taking can be lethal but is it worth it? Can they be together and find what they ate looking for? I can't wait to read book 3. I'm so nervous... Girls like always... Amazing book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Blurb: Dive into small-town secrets in this brand new contemporary romance series from USA Today Bestselling Authors J.H. Croix & Ali Parker!
A small town can hide many secrets. It can also expose every secret you have.
Facing danger I never expected, I don’t know who I can trust.
Meanwhile, Niki’s in more danger, and it’s all because she tried to help me. I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep her safe.
She rattles the cage around my heart and makes me wonder if I could have more. She’s everything I could ever imagine wanting.
Yet, events careen beyond my control as I search deeper into what put my father behind bars. I’m not safe, my family’s not safe, and Niki’s not safe.
She’s also feisty and stubborn and resists my efforts to keep her safe. She doesn’t like being kept in the dark and can’t see I’m only doing it to protect her.
I’m not ready to face what she means to me, not ready to lay my heart on the line. Until she calls my bluff.
*This is Book 2 of the Slow & Steady trilogy. There is a cliffhanger and you will need to buy book 3 to finish the series.
Danger, murder, mystery, suspense, deceit, corruption, twists and turns, hot chemistry, passion, great characters, lots and lots of questions but not one single answer... everything I love in an edge of your seat bad boy romance story that will have you turning the pages to see how the story unfolds.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Danger, murder, mystery, suspense, deceit, corruption, twists and turns, hot chemistry, passion, great characters, lots and lots of questions but not one single answer... everything I love in an edge of your seat bad boy romance story that will have you turning the pages to see how the story unfolds.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Slow and Steady #2: A Bad Boy Romantic Suspense (Shameless Southern Nights Book 5) By: J.H. Croix Uncovering The Past & Opening A Can of Worms... He's sure there's something Fishy with his Dad's case... He's sure he's at least not the ONLY ONE guilty, & there's corruption to be found... But, once he starts digging, there's Nightcrawlers surfacing faster than after a rainstorm in Spring & they're creeping around everywhere, making it hard to know who to trust... Unfortunately, his investigation brought the Se*y Little Librarian onto more than his radar... Now, he's gotta protect her & keep her safe before she's bait for the bigger fish in this Crapshoot! But in keeping her safe will he also lose her forever?! Seems the Corruption isn't stopping, threats are flying, & the tension is fastly reaching breaking point, but who's gonna be the first to break?! Excellent 2nd installment to this enthralling Read... I cannot wait for the next dose of "Slow & Steady" detailing these character's lives!! I was granted an ARC of J.H. Croix's "Slow and Steady #2: A Bad Boy Romantic Suspense (Shameless Southern Nights Book 5)." She's a talented author. I gladly recommend this book & her others as well based upon their own merits. These series definitely provides a wonderful Reading Rabbit hole full of spectacular reading!! Her books are definitely books you'll read, Reread, & READ again several times & not tire of... I know I have. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given. Until next time... Happy Reading!
Unable to trust anybody at this point, Sonny cannot reveal the fact that he witnessed the murder of Internal Affairs agent, Wayne Maclin, and his burial in an unmarked grave! Because Sonny and his partner, Zach, were the ones being investigated, he knew that he would be a prime suspect. But who could he trust? Who could he share this information with? Yes, the guy was corrupt – exactly how deeply wasn’t fully known. But questions were left unanswered! Chief Harris, who thought Maclin was dirty, knew Sonny had been following Maclin and asked if he had seen him. Sonny wanted to tell him what he had witnessed, but again, he didn’t know who to trust anymore!
Finally deciding to talk to his brother, Jeremy, Sonny drove to the construction company office. They decided telling their older brother, the District Attorney for Cypress Creek, was not a good idea in case the corruption extended to his office too, with IA involved. So Jeremy said he’d visit their dad in prison and see if he had any information.
It’s probably not the best timing, but Sonny and Niki have definite feelings for each other, although no one wants to admit to anything. Secrets abound and the pressure is building. Will Sonny keep hiding things to keep Niki safe – only to lose her? Will the corruption continue to expand until there is no safe place left?
This book, like #1, is a cliffhanger as expected, taking us headlong into the final book of this wild rollercoaster ride! Grab your copy and catch up with the non-stop action!
Niki Holmes is a librarian, caught up in a police investigation that now has her living in a safe house next to the Cypress Creek DA, Tyson Lovett. She was looking into digital records of a trial for a former state senator, Roy Lovett, Tyson and police officer's Sonny Lovett's father. He was found guilty of misappropriating funds from his campaign and is now in prison, but now in the second book, a continuation of the story, Sonny has witnessed the murder of the Internal Affairs officer assigned to the case, Wayne Maclin. He doesn't know who to trust in the police department anymore, so doesn't tell anyone, including the chief. He has been seeing Niki and now is sleeping with her most nights...because he is supposed to be keeping her safe. But, since she's never really had a boyfriend before, not sure what he's feeling, as they go out for weekends and she ends up moving from the safe house into Sonny's house, but you will have to read the story to see what plays out and if she is the only one falling in love during this forced togetherness...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
Leading from the first book in this series there is no one that Sonny can trust at this point. He does not know who is involved. He witnesses the murder of a crooked Internal Affairs officer and cannot speak about it because of the trust issue and he himself could be accused of the murder. Small towns are not always the safe communities that we believe them to be. Lots of twists and turns in this book and a great read. Sonny tries to keep his girlfriend, Niki, safe but may end up loosing her in doing so. Lots of secrets are revealed and lots of danger and intrigue involved. Sonny finally talks to his brother, Jeremy and they make a plan of action. This book has hot passion, tenderness, hunger, sweetness and most of all - love. It is sizzling and emotionally intense with a cliff hanger to lead to the third book in the series. J. H. Croix and Ali Parker never fail to provide excellent reads that you can get lost in for a time. Excellent and highly recommend it and the rest of the series and stories of the Lovett brothers. I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Things start heating up as Sonny continues to search for the truth about his father's case. It seems like every clue reveals yet another surprise for him. Sonny has Niki staying with him to keep her safe but will it keep her out of harms way? Niki starts getting scared when she thinks she's being followed but Sonny isn't involving her in the case anymore so she doesn't know what to do. Sonny is hoping by excluding Niki it'll keep her from getting further into trouble with him however it seems like Niki has reached her limit with the secrets. Will she leave Sonny and put herself open to more threats or will Sonny convince her to stay?
This is an amazing story and ends with a cliff hanger. However it will keep your attention from beginning to end and leave you waiting impatiently for the next book to be released. These authors really know how to draw their readers into their books. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part 2 and OMG is it good. Sonny has taken Niki out of the safe house now and convinced her to live with him so he can keep her safe. She convinced him to let her go back to work and he reluctantly lets her but she needs to keep in touch with him throughout the day to let him know she is safe. She notices that there is a car that has been following her off and on and that she has been getting warnings that if she keeps her nose out of where it doesn't belong and stays away from Sonny she will stay safe but if she doesn't then she won't be safe. What happens when Niki has had enough of being kept in the dark about what is going on with the investigation? Does she tell Sonny how she feels about him or does she just assume he knows? What does she do when she asks him how he feels about her and he doesn't say anything right away?
Wow this story is only getting better and better as it goes along. In this part Sonny has put Niki in a safe house after witnessing the murder of an internal affairs officer Wayne Maclin who was assigned to his father’s case. Eventually Sonny moves Niki into his place to keep her safe because he doesn’t know who to trust plus they have been sleeping together every night. Niki is being followed and it scares her but Sonny thought that leaving her out of the investigation will keep her safe. This is the second instalment to the series and it’s getting very exciting but this ends in a cliffhanger too, I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3. Congrats ladies this is one amazing story but I have to read the next one it’s imperative. There’s so much in this story to keep you entertained and turning the pages, a 5 plus ++++ ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
This is part 2 and OMG is it good. Sonny has taken Niki out of the safe house now and convinced her to live with him so he can keep her safe. She convinced him to let her go back to work and he reluctantly lets her but she needs to keep in touch with him throughout the day to let him know she is safe. She notices that there is a car that has been following her off and on and that she has been getting warnings that if she keeps her nose out of where it doesn't belong and stays away from Sonny she will stay safe but if she doesn't then she won't be safe. What happens when Niki has had enough of being kept in the dark about what is going on with the investigation? Does she tell Sonny how she feels about him or does she just assume he knows? What does she do when she asks him how he feels about her and he doesn't say anything right away?
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leaving a review
As Sonny Lovett continues to research his father's case, he is threatened and so is Niki who Sonny has moved to a second safe house and had her take a leave from her job as the only librarian in the small town. As there is no one at the police station Sonny can trust, he eventually reports the crime he winessed to his DA older brother who reports it to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. As they wait while the GBI does their investigation, Sonny moves Niki back to his home and they spend every night together. Finally, Niki insists on returning to work and notices she is being followed by a forest green car, but still Sonny refuses to tell her anything, supposedly to keep her safe! But will Niki continue worrying about Sonny out on SWAT calls to other towns without his phone, without any update on the case nor without any confirmation of her standing with Sonny himself?
Love the way this series is progressing. The action and suspense continue in this book and this issues get more intense.
Sonny is trying hard to deal with his feelings for Niki all while trying to keep her safe. He thinks it is best not to share a lot of I formation with her to make sure she stays safe, especially since she likes to do research. He is having a hard time with not knowing who he can trust at work.
Niki is happy to be back to work but is still uneasy because Sonny is not telling her much. She finds out she is being followed. While out at a bar with her friend, she sees someone that gave her a veiled threat and notices he is wearing a police uniform, so she knows Sonny can't trust some of the people he works with.
This is a must read to know why Sonny is not talking to Niki and how it really is making her feel.
Things are really heating up with the investigation, but the threats are getting more frequent. Sonny has finally gotten the backup he needs to help in the mystery behind his father’s arrest and all the new things happening. Unfortunately, Niki has reached her breaking point. Sonny wants to protect her and keep her close, but her worrying over his job, being followed & threatened, and his lack of telling her his feelings has pushed her over the edge. She’s done and there may not be anything that can change her mind. Sonny needs her, but a break in the case sends him away from her again before he can find the words to tell her how he really feels. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this story, it’s bound to be sensational. I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
Wow. This story has me right on board the Sonny and Niki roller coaster right along with them. As things get more heated between the sheets, the heat is on for Sonny to keep himself and Niki safe and under the radar. Meanwhile, their relationship is speeding down an incline ready to fly into forever or right off the rails. The sordid details pertaining to Sonny’s investigation into his dad’s case are emerging as a complicated web of deceit and corruption. It’s almost cruel to make us wait for book 3!!! I certainly will not be lacking in anticipation for the third book coming out. The ride might be over, but I’m right back in line for a third go!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was really excited to read Slow and Steady #2 by J H Croix and Ali Parker. It is a page turner and I couldn't put it down until I finished the book. Wow! Who does Sonny trust and life is getting really dangerous for Nikki when she is being followed and approach by the people who are following her. Sonny is taking steps by showing Nikki how to keep her safe. Now, the investigation of his father's corruption case is on the fast track and It is getting more dangerous for both of them. I can't wait to read the last book of the trilogy with all the exciting suspense that is going on in the lives of Sonny and Nikki
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes!! Book 2! First, you HAVE to ready Book 1 in this series or absolutely will make sense. Now, remember how book 1 ended? Well this one picks right back up from there and Sonny and Niki just seem to be getting deeper and deeper the closer they try and get to the truth. The danger is getting more real, the questions are multiplying and doubt is beginning to creep in. Man I need book 3!! I so need to know how this ends! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Hero, Sonny = 5/5 Heroine, Niki = 5/5 Chemistry, = 5/5 Sex, = 5/5 Plot = 5/5 Mystery = 4/5 Action = 4/5 Darkness = 3/5 Humor = 2/5 POV = Dual Would I recommend this book = yes Would I re-read this book = yes Would I read future books by this author = yes
Wow we go from hot and heavy in book 1 or almost the same thing but learn so much more about how they react with each other. They have this kind of love the proves to us it's worth keeping but Sonny can't tell her thing and that's what breaks her trust in him a little bit. Niki though needs that trust more than anything. She's never really had it and with how fast their relationship started it's hard to have it that fast. By the time we're at the end of this book we see things starting to go downhill for them but uphill with the investigation. I can't wait to see how this all turns out with the Lovett Brothers. I happily give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
The story continues with Sonny and Niki getting into deeper and more dangerous territory as the plot thickens in this second book in the series. The authors do a fantastic job throwing in more twists and surprises and keeping you on the edge,turning the pages as fast as you can to see what's next. The threats to Niki are escalating as is their romance. Question is .. can they survive the stress the case is putting on them? This is a fantastic book and series. I'm loving it !! Anxiously waiting for the next book.Highly recommend this book / series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Any opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
The plot thickens as this story continues with book 2. We pick up right where book 1 left off and Sonny is still trying to find out who is behind everything to do with his father's imprisonment as well as who is threatening Niki. Sonny and Niki have something going on between them but neither have put words to what their feelings are and the stress is getting to both of them. Book 2 will still leave you hanging as it is a cliffhanger so I can't wait for book 3 to release to find out who did what to who. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I love this entire series and look forward to book 3.
Sonny knew there was a problem. He just had no idea how bad it was until he witnessed a murder...a murder he couldn't report.
When "he" didn't show up for work, someone was going to notice he was missing. Sonny knew he was between a rock and a hard place, but had no idea what he should do.
As things stood, his hero was in jail. If he let anyone else know what he saw, they would be in danger too. He only had one chance, one choice - Darren Hanson.
Part two of this set ends in a cliffhanger and trust me, you will be dashing to Amazon to get #3. Seriously great series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Slam Dunk Series!
Things are heating up in Cypress with Niki and Sonny. To keep Niki safe, Sonny moves her into his home until he has to move her to a safe house. What will happen when news comes that there are more people in the police force than they thought who have something to do with his father's case? Maclin who is the IA investigator is making waves, what will happen when he confronts Zach and Sonny? Can Sonny and Niki find their happily ever after if he can't be honest with her with what is going on to keep her safe? So many questions but I can't tell you. You'll have to read the books but be prepared this one is another cliffhanger so be prepared for book 3. Enjoy
4.5 Stars! The story continues in Book 2 of Slow & Steady. The investigation is ongoing for Nikki and Sonny and as they move forward, they are becoming more involved with each other. There are tons of unknowns and the question of who can be trusted tops the list? Life is starting to get dangerous for Nikki and Sonny just wants to keep her safe. Looking forward to the last part. Good character development and story line with lots of suspense.
I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced copy of this book.
Well then! Book 2 has picked up speed! Sonny is finding lines between good cop and bad cop are blurred in his hometown, while Nikki is under someone's constant surveillance slowly driving her mad. What may have started out as an attraction between them, has turned into something else they're not ready to name yet.. or are not sure how! Nikki doesn't know which is end up anymore, while Sonny is trying to run in several directions! The cliffhanger at the end of this one had me miffed ( ha ) I cannot wait for book three!
I am ABSOLUTELY loving Sonny and Niki’s story! The “mystery/suspence” theme in this particular series certainly adds to the “Love” story. The dynamics, the struggles, the emotions… as well as the love scenes are so well written that I can feel everything. I love the quality of J. H. Croix and Ali Parker’s writing style. Can’t wait to read the conclusion! I’m also looking forward to more of “A Shameless Southern Nights Novel” series. Beautifully written! Love it!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read For Author: Again Wow - The suspense that J.H. Croix and Ali Parker create are out of this world. In the second book of the series, it leaves you with a "What?" The small town they grew up and loved isn't as it seems and the people they have loved and admired not so much either. Sonny and Niki heat it up too. Except in this book, shy quiet librarian Niki has come into her own and wants to know what she means to Sonny will he be able to tell her? I am so excited to read the next book. You should really read this Series so awesome!