Dive into small-town secrets in this brand new steamy 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.
Serve & protect, that’s my life. I put my life on the line time and time again as a police officer. In days gone by, I held my head high in Cypress Creek.
Until my family got caught in the riptide of scandal created by my father. No matter what, I still can’t believe he’s guilty.
Niki Holmes never caught my attention before. She’s a librarian—smart and so quiet, she stays off my radar. The moment I take one look in her eyes, I’m lost. She calls to me on every level.
She’s also pure as the driven snow. My life is way too dark and twisted, yet she’s the light in my darkness.
By chance, she lands in the crosshairs of the investigation swirling around me. I’ll do anything to keep her safe, anything to make her mine.
*This is Book 1 of the Slow & Steady trilogy. There will be a cliffhanger and you will need to buy book 2 & 3 to continue the series.
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!
I actually enjoyed this one very much. The two M.C. are great and they have a great chemistry. I also like the secondary character Marie, she is so sweet and friendly. One thing that irritated me was it was a little slow at the beginning then started to get good them bam its over....Cliffhanger!
Blurb: Dive into small-town secrets in this brand new steamy 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.
Serve & protect, that’s my life. I put my life on the line time and time again as a police officer. In days gone by, I held my head high in Cypress Creek.
Until my family got caught in the riptide of scandal created by my father. No matter what, I still can’t believe he’s guilty.
Niki Holmes never caught my attention before. She’s a librarian—smart and so quiet, she stays off my radar. The moment I take one look in her eyes, I’m lost. She calls to me on every level.
She’s also pure as the driven snow. My life is way too dark and twisted, yet she’s the light in my darkness.
By chance, she lands in the crosshairs of the investigation swirling around me. I’ll do anything to keep her safe, anything to make her mine.
The risks of reading a book written by two author's is the fact that their writing might not complete each other and in that case it can be a disaster waiting to happen but in this case that doesn't happen. Not only are these two ladies amazing writers but also they complete each other. I've read another trilogy written by them and I loved it so of course I'm super excited to keep reading. And guess what? They have 3 new books.... I'm talking about J. h. Croix and Ali Parker. These two are the bomb and their books just amazed me. Their writing is intense and forbidden, wild and hot with so much meaning between each chapter. Dayum. I'm on cloud nine. Slow and Steady #1 is the fourth book from the Shameless Southern Nights and tells the stories of Sonny and Nikki. But I need to tell you something, you need to read the first trilogy from this series, Down & Dirty in order to understand this series better. You'll see why. Sonny is a policeman that has proud in his work. Being the younger brother can be scary, lol, but he just nailed it. His dad is in prison and he believes that he's innocent so he is determined in opening his case and investigate it himself. When he goes do the library his life will change... Nikki is a librarian that really loves her job. The quite, the books, the fairytales. When a cop asks for her help she can't imagine the turn her life will get. Jesus... This book... Dayum... The plot is amazing, very well written, super engaging and intense. Each chapter was even more powerful then the last. Hot doesn't even cover it. The suspense, the jnknown, the fear, the drama.. Heck it drove me wild. The interation between the characters is raw and intense despite all the drama surrounding them. It was amazing to see their connection. I can't say more without spoil so I'm going to shut it down. Lol. And I'm mad...mad I tell you.. Wanna know why? Because it's over... Thank God I have the next book. I'm dying to know more. Dayum J. H. and Ali... You guys nailed it. If I didn't have the next book I would be insane. Lol. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The risks of reading a book written by two author's is the fact that their writing might not complete each other and in that case it can be a disaster waiting to happen but in this case that doesn't happen. Not only are these two ladies amazing writers but also they complete each other. I've read another trilogy written by them and I loved it so of course I'm super excited to keep reading. And guess what? They have 3 new books.... I'm talking about J. h. Croix and Ali Parker. These two are the bomb and their books just amazed me. Their writing is intense and forbidden, wild and hot with so much meaning between each chapter. Dayum. I'm on cloud nine. Slow and Steady #1 is the fourth book from the Shameless Southern Nights and tells the stories of Sonny and Nikki. But I need to tell you something, you need to read the first trilogy from this series, Down & Dirty in order to understand this series better. You'll see why. Sonny is a policeman that has proud in his work. Being the younger brother can be scary, lol, but he just nailed it. His dad is in prison and he believes that he's innocent so he is determined in opening his vase and investigate it himself. When he goes do the library his life will change... Nikki is a librarian that really loves her job. The quite, the books, the fairytales. When a cop asks for her help she can't imagine the turn her life will get. Jesus... This book... Dayum... The plot is amazing, very well written, super engaging and intense. Each chapter was even more powerful then the last. Hot doesn't even cover it. The suspense, the jnknown, the fear, the drama.. Heck it drove me wild. The interation between the characters is raw and intense despite all the drama surrounding them. It was amazing to see their connection. I can't say more without spoil so I'm going to shut it down. Lol. And I'm mad...mad I tell you.. Wanna know why? Because it's over... Thank God I have the next book. I'm dying to know more. Dayum J. H. and Ali... You guys nailed it. If I didn't have the next book I would be insane. Lol. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Danger and passion intensify as new developments occur in the second Shameless Southern Nights trilogy, and the numerous imaginative scenarios that seem very realistic definitely grabbed my interest. J.H. Croix & Ali Parker know how to blend intrigue and emotions to make a story enthralling, and the mysteries plus personal challenges in SLOW AND STEADY #1 had me hooked from the start and wanting to know what takes place next when it concluded. The Lovett family has been through a lot lately, and it appears their troubles are not over yet.
When his father was sent to prison for embezzlement and extortion, Sonny Lovett never believed that his parent was actually to blame. A cop in his hometown, he tries to not let any negative remarks made by the locals keep him from putting forth his best effort. But lingering doubts have him looking for clues, and his need to keep searching gets the Cypress Creek librarian in unexpected trouble. Now Sonny and Niki Holmes must find answers to several crucial questions before the threats become a reality.
With Sonny being a cop plus relentlessly single-minded in learning about whether his father is guilty or not, I knew there could possibly be some risks involved if he did not give up his quest. As SLOW AND STEADY #1 progressed, what is discovered along with my wish to find out any facts yet to be revealed kept me glued to the pages. Sonny is a very wonderful hero, protective of those for whom he cares while his responses to Niki make him especially likable. She may be shy and keep to herself, yet she feels things deeply and tries to always be helpful. What might happen in the second installment has me fearful for this couple.
I voluntarily wrote a review after receiving a copy of the book via Booksprout – 4.5 Stars
Slow and Steady #1 by J H Croix and Ali Parker is an exciting start in the trilogy of Sony Lovett and Nikki story. Sonny is still investigating his father corruption conviction with the belief he is innocent. He visits the library where Nikki is the librarian helps him. Then life gets dangerous for both of them. This first part of the trilogy is a page turner and I can’t wait to read part 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Slow & Steady is a small-town romance story by the amazing J.H. Croix and Ali Parker packed with secrets, scandal, suspense, unanswered questions, romance, and plenty of steam.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I kept getting yanked from the story because this book needs an editor in the worst way. Too many words to explain nearly nothing! Sorry, ladies, but two of you couldn't manage to reign each other in a little on the bore-splaining?
Slow and Steady #1: A Bad Boy Romantic Suspense (Shameless Southern Nights Book 4) 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, or maybe he's even innocent... But, once he starts digging, there's Nightcrawlers surfacing faster than after a rainstorm in Spring 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! Excellent first installment to an enthralling Read... I cannot wait for the next set detailing these character's lives!! I already owned J.H. Croix's "Slow and Steady #1: A Bad Boy Romantic Suspense (Shameless Southern Nights Book 4);" however, I agreed to review it as an ARC for her too. 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!
What a great start to this story of the youngest Lovett brother, Sonny. Starts out with a hunky cop and a shy librarian, Niki. The characters are great and the story flows very well. Keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time you are reading it. Sonny does not believe his father is guilty of the crimes he has been convicted of and he starts his own investigation against the wishes of his brother and his boss and friends. Lots of danger and passion as Sonny and Niki join together to try to solve the mystery. Lots of intrigue as more shady characters join the mix and the two realize they are in harms way and clearly being targeted. Sonny's main mission now is to protect Niki as he quickly falls for her in a huge way. It is a match made in heaven as long as they can stay safe. It is fast paced and the chemistry between the two is scorching hot. This book has heart, body and soul and you will not be able to put it down. A real page turner! It is part of a three book series and there is a definite cliff hanger to lead you into Book 2 of Sonny's and Niki's story. It is raw, gritty and filled with emotion - a sizzling heart gripping book. There is friendship, angst, laughter and lots of steamy, hot sex! Enjoy! I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
At the close of the Down and Dirty series, Jeremy Lovett and his girlfriend were in a good place and things were finally settling down we soon learn the HEA is short-lived and more chaos seems to be in the Lovett brothers future.
This series focuses on the youngest Lovett brother, Sonny who is a police officer. Seems he is having second thoughts about his father's guilt and is prompted to take a closer look at evidence to see if he missed anything. His search is covert which is why he is at the library looking up old news articles pertaining to the trial and his father's guilt. But, there's a problem. Luckily there is a sharp librarian on duty who can assist the officer with his search.
No matter how careful Sonny is, it seems someone is watching him. He has to be very careful for a number of reasons. Needless to say, the reader is treated to some interesting twists and we meet some unsavory characters along the way who add to the drama. And let's not overlook the helpful librarian!
So much is going on that will hold the reader's attention and the ending will leave you breathless! And let's not forget the major cliffhanger at the end...but no worries, the next book will be available very quickly.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the starting story in the Slow & Steady Trilogy about secrets in the small town of Cypress Creek. It focuses on police officer Sonny Lovett and Niki Holmes, the librarian.
Sonny’s father had been convicted and sent to prison in a scandalous corruption case, but Sonny is having doubts about his guilt. In order to investigate further on his own, he uses the local library to search for information about the public trial. When he finds that the information on the trial has been redacted and made useless, he needs the help of the librarian, Niki, to see if anything can be done to get that information. Someone is watching, however. And this unfortunately puts Sonny and Niki in a dangerous situation. Now he has to find a way to keep her safe.
This is a cliffhanger, as indicated, and keeps the reader invested to continue into the next book. The story line is exciting and moves along quickly. The main characters are developed well and protective of each other. Start your reading now to find out if Sonny was right about his father’s guilt, and why important information is being hidden from his private investigation. Why is someone trying to stop him from looking further into this?
I received an Advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
Niki is a librarian and loves the quiet at work and at home. Sonny is a cop and loves his job. He believes something is fishy with the trial that put his dad in prison. Not that his dad is completely innocent but not as guilty as they say. Everyone tells him he is crazy so he is digging into it on his own. He is at the library looking at all the information they have and everything is blacked out and he doesn't understand why when the whole trial was so very public. He finally asked Niki if there is a way to get unredacted copies. She gets the information he wants but in the meantime Internal Affairs and a couple scary guys come in looking for Sonny and she tells them she doesn't know him. The two scary guys finally come back and take all the files on his dad out of the library (is that even legal???). Sonny's boss finally tells him that the IA agent might be corrupt and that if Niki is still staying with him she is not safe there and to get her somewhere safe. OMG Can't wait for part 2
I received an Advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
Niki is a librarian and loves the quiet at work and at home. Sonny is a cop and loves his job. He believes something is fishy with the trial that put his dad in prison. Not that his dad is completely innocent but not as guilty as they say. Everyone tells him he is crazy so he is digging into it on his own. He is at the library looking at all the information they have and everything is blacked out and he doesn't understand why when the whole trial was so very public. He finally asked Niki if there is a way to get unredacted copies. She gets the information he wants but in the meantime Internal Affairs and a couple scary guys come in looking for Sonny and she tells them she doesn't know him. The two scary guys finally come back and take all the files on his dad out of the library (is that even legal???). Sonny's boss finally tells him that the IA agent might be corrupt and that if Niki is still staying with him she is not safe there and to get her somewhere safe. OMG Can't wait for part 2
I love these two authors and they make such a fantastic collaboration with their stories and this one is no exception. This story is about the youngest Lovett brother Sonny and Niki, Sonny is a cop in the small town and he believes that his father is innocent of his crime so he wants to investigate it himself so he goes to the library to look at old papers about the case and that’s where he meets Niki. Niki is a very smart librarian and she’s asked by Sonny to help him find the papers that haven’t had things blackened out and she does. The problem is that someone is watching Sonny and now he’s involved Niki and he is worried that he’s put her life in danger. This is such a fantastic story but there is a cliffhanger, there’s murder, mystery, twists, attraction and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. I can’t wait to read the next book and I will after I’ve finished this review. A fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
As soon as I started this first book of a trilogy, I recognized the Lovett brothers: five tall, good looking, hard working, talented men, whose popular, political father is now a hated pariah serving in prison. The youngest brother Sonny, a policeman in the small town of Cypress Creek, had used his influence to help Jeremy and Marie. Even though Jeremy is the only brother to visit his father in prison, Sonny is the only one who believes in his innocence. Now he is starting to do research on his father's case that brings him to the public library to look for unredacted copies of evidence. When he finds that even the library's copies are blacked out he asks Niki, the librarian, and she offers to help out to find other online sources and come to his house later with answers. As Sonny becomes attracted to Niki, she tells him she is a 25 year old virgin and he promptly relieves her of her V-card. But Sonny has Internal Affairs Officers after him that are now threatening Niki, also. What can he do?
"This is Book 1 of the Slow & Steady trilogy. There will be a cliffhanger and you will need to buy book 2 & 3 to continue the series." Sonny whose dad is in trouble for embezzlement is looking into how he can prove him innocent and that leads him to the town ,library where he meets sweet, and lovely Niki. But he's worried that she is now in danger for helping him so he settles her in his own house for protection. But will she be safe from him? This is an intriguing suspenseful and , yet, romantic story by the best selling authors J. H. Croix and Ali Parker so you know that it's well written with well developed characters and ones that you can believe in and root for. I normally don't read stories with cliffhangers but this is so worth it and I can't wait to read parts II and III so please excuse me but I have to go buy two books and read them asap!! I received a reader’s copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. [Verified purchase]
Slow & Steady #1 (Slow & Steady #1) by J. H. Croix and Ali Parker Fantastic start to Sonny Lovett's trilogy in Cypress Creek. Sonny is one of five brothers and he seeks answers to questions that plague his mind concerning his father imprisonment. Sonny is in law enforcement and along with his fellow co-worker Zach they investigate the IA Wayne Maclin who they both believe to be corrupt. Nikki Holmes the librarian in Cypress Creek helps locate some missing information for Sonny and there is attraction that is simmering under the surface between them. Now her life is in immediate danger and Sonny must provide protection for her as he feels he's responsible for her life. This book gives the reader suspense, love, murder, humour, sex and more. I am willing, wanting, waiting for book 2 by these 2 best selling authors who co-wrote this tale of Sonny. Thank you J. H. Croix and Ali Parker.
Sonny and Niki are kind of thrown together in this story. He wasn’t looking for a relationship and she didn’t think a hot guy like him would ever have any interest in a woman like her. Throughout the book, Niki starts to bloom from a shy introvert to a quiet bombshell. Meanwhile, Sonny delves deeper into the mystery that surrounds his dad’s arrest and incarceration, driving both himself and Niki into dangerous territory.
But the cliffhanger at the end, guys: Holy cow! Talk about salivating for the next book! I got hooked from the last series trying to figure Sonny out and he’s just turning out to be this really amazing guy. It’s impossible not to hunger for the next book in the series with so many loose ends at the end of this one, not to mention the need to find out how Sonny and Niki’s relationship will handle the pressure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Omg, another hit. Love these two writing together. This is the 1st book from this group and focused on Sonny from the Lovett boys.
Sonny is determined to find out what is missing from the investigation that put his father in jail. He knows that his dad did something wrong but doesn't think his dad did everything he was accused of. The only problem is that all the stuff from the local papers around the time of the trial and all the case filed have been majorly redacted and he can't figure out why since most of the stuff was public information during the trial.
Niki is a librarian who ends up helping Sonny find more information from around the trial of his dad. Seemed innocent enough to research but suddenly she if getting threats for even knowing Sonny, which she really doesn't know him, she just offically met him.
This is a must read to find out how their interaction starts. There is a good story and can't wait to read the next one.
Woohoo! Shameless Summer Nights is back, this time with baby brother Sonny! This is a start to a new trilogy within the series and Sonny gets into just as much trouble as his brother Jeremy. I was excited to see this series continue with another brother, even more excited cause this is the brother that is looking into his dad's case for more answers. Well we might get a few more answers but we get a LOT more questions. Join Sonny and his new lady Niki into the wild ride and danger that is his life! And the way this one ends? Let's just say you will not want to wait to get your hands on Book 2!!! 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 = 3/5 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
Sonny never believed his father was guilty of the crime he went to jail for but had no proof. So he started looking into it on his own time but it seemed like everything he found had been blacked out and tampered with. Niki is the local librarian and she offers Sonny some help finding the answers he was looking for. Neither was really looking for a relationship but things heat up between them as threats are issued at them both. Can Sonny really find out what happened with his father before trouble finds him? Will Niki be safe with Sonny?
This is an amazing story however it ends in a cliff hanger. The chemistry between Niki and Sonny sizzles with each turn of the page. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend it to anyone that loves to lose themselves in a great story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. I enjoyed it so much I got my own copy.
If you've read the first three books in this series I'm sure you've fallen in love with the Lovett boys. This next set of books is about Sonny Lovett who is on the police force in their beloved small town. He's determined to look into his father's case (which you learn about in books 1-3 in Down & Dirty). When he goes into the local library, he sees Niki who is the librarian. They both think the other is attractive but don't know each other personally. When he asks for her help, will he put her life in danger? What will happen when they find out someone is after the both of them and how dangerous it really is looking into his father's case? This is book 1 in the next set of books so be prepared for a cliffhanger. Believe me, it's worth it. The books are well written, I absolutely enjoy the characters and I am so looking forward to the next book. Enjoy
There is Sonny, a small town police officer whose life was good until his Dad caused a scandal. When all is said and done, Sonny believes there is still more going on and decides to continue to investigate. Then there is Nikki, the town librarian. She is shy and keeps to herself. Sonny notices her and thinks she may be able to assist him in researching the information that he needs. There is definitely an attraction between the two of them. As they spend time together they grow closer. This book ends in a cliffhanger as this is the first of a three part series. There is drama, suspense, lots of secrets as well as romance in this book. A little bit for everyone. Enjoy!
I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced copy of this book.
4.5 Stars This is part one of this book in the Shameless Southern Nights series and it features Sonny and Niki. Their meeting wasn’t under the best of circumstances and those same circumstances threw them together. Niki is a “speak your mind” type of person except when it comes to sex, then she becomes embarrassed and tongue tied. She’s a librarian and loves romance novels. She’s pretty awesome! Sunny is a good looking, sexy police officer who because of his father’s crimes, is always trying to prove himself worthy. These two mesh well together in and out of bed. These Lovett brothers are VERY talented!
This book comes in three parts and this first part ends on a gasping cliffhanger. I’m super excited to read part two.
***Cliffy warning*** Sonny has had questions about his father's criminal case since it started and finished. Niki has always preferred being a loner and reading books to interacting with people. He's determined to find the answers, she may be able to help. Will Niki be able to adjust to interacting with people more? Will Sonny be able to keep her safe?
This book definitely left me in suspense for the next one in this series! I loved how Niki owned who she was and was able to admit what she wanted despite being scared. I loved how Sonny was determined to discover the answers and his protectiveness. Great read and cannot wait for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sonny Lovett knows there is more to his father's case than meets the eye, and when he starts digging into the past, much to the dismay of his family and just about everyone around him it confirms his suspicions! When Niki a sweet, innocent, intelligent librarian helps him with his investigation, it ends up putting her in harm's way. Now he has to protect her as well as seek out the truth. Things are about to get messy. A provocative, mysterious, battle of power vs. wits this is as the title states a ' Slow and Steady ' race with suspenseful heated feel, I am curious to see what happens next!
Toe curling excitement is in store for this series yet again. Sonny and Niki meet in an unexpected way, but there’s a chemistry immediately. While trying to get more information on what his father was involved in, he inadvertently causes Niki to get stuck in the middle. That actually helps them with getting through the awkwardness of their budding relationship, but now she’s in trouble right along with him and he’s trying to figure out what’s going on while protecting her and keeping things from his brothers as well. I cannot wait to read book 2! I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
An exciting romance, we start with Sonny, a cop, interested in investing the conviction of his father. Something is off there, and his own investigation leads him to go to Niki, a librarian, for assistance getting unredacted newspaper files. Other odd characters begin to pop up, and Niki is directed to stay with Sonny for protection. I was immediately swept up in this story, and although this one ends in a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what will come next. Amazing writing, and fantastic characters. Very highly recommend suspensful romance. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
Read For Author: Ali Parker and J.H. Croix hit out of the park continuing their Shameless Southern Nights Series. It's Suspenseful and Sexy as Officer Sonny Lovett has always felt his Dad might be innocent, starts some digging and unintentionally involves the quiet, beautiful librarian Niki. His brothers want him to leave it alone but he has to go with his gut, all they while he has to protect the woman he is strangely attracted to. What will happen? You have to read these books are so amazing you can't put them down I read it through in one sitting I actually nibbled on dinner while I read that good. Can't wait for the next book.