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Return to Haven #1
Stay With Me
At eighteen, Olivia Daniels left Haven behind and never looked back. Doggedly climbing the corporate ladder, she’s finally nearing the top when her father dies―leaving her part-owner of the run-down airport that was his first love. It’s a complication she intends to wrap up quickly―buying out her co-owner and selling the land. Good thing her childhood best friends are with her for moral support―because one look at her new partner is proof that her tidy plan has hit turbulence. Jackson Morgan practically grew up in Haven’s airport, and no one could have been a better mentor than Olivia’s dad. Flight is in his blood, but his roots are firmly planted, and there’s no way he’s giving up the airport―not even for sassy, headstrong Olivia, his childhood crush. Coming to an agreement won’t be easy, especially when the attraction between them soars to new heights every day. Love definitely wasn’t on the itinerary, but is it enough to keep them together for a lifetime trip?
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Published July 2, 2019
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About the author
Jules Bennett
626 books456 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has written for multiple publishing houses and currently has books with Harlequin and Kensington.
She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com
She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 26, 2018
4 - "Fly with me... You won't regret it." Stars!
I was really pleased to see that Jules Bennett, was continuing writing about the town Haven, and its occupants with the Return to Haven series. She built up a really great backdrop with the Monroe family previously, and it was good to meet a whole new set of characters in Stay With Me and if this book is anything to go by we are looking at another great series to sink our teeth into.
"This is more than an airport-it’s a legacy…"
Jax Morgan and Olivia Daniels know each other of old, although 16 years have passed, and where he was the young boy that used to hang around Haven Airport with Olivia’s father, with an unrequited crush on her as a teen, but as a gangly, geeky boy she never returned his affections. Then her mother ups and leaves with Olivia in tow, and it takes her father’s death to get her back to town.
She wouldn’t let anyone pull her back in. not Jackson, not the memory of her late father.
A lot has happened in the intervening years, something which for me wasn’t looked at in depth enough in regards to Olivia’s issues with her father. Although her communication with Jax as the book progressed, shed a little light on the reasons for her pretty much cutting her father off when she left with her mother, for me I didn’t feel I got a clear explanation of it due to a lack of any prolonged conversation about it throughout the story (maybe a few of the journal entries from her father would have helped with this…).
"We’re partners in this…"
That-said the chemistry between her and Jax more than made up for it, and his cheeky charm, dirty-mouth and single father adorableness more than delivered in relation to my Hero requirements. Olivia is a bit of a runner, something that does in general rub me up the wrong way but I found with the addition of her friends Melanie and Jade, who weren’t shy of calling her out on her shit, and the budding relationship that develops between her and Jax’s young daughter Piper, I could forgive her a little for her behavior.
"I’m not flying with you…"
"...Of course you are. It’s the only place I can guarantee you’ll listen. We’ll keep our clothes on, and you won’t storm out…"
Add in Jax’s cousins and best friends, Gym Owner; Cash, and Town Law Enforcement Tanner, and you know the author has got at least another two more books in the works for this revisit to Haven, Georgia, for her readers to look forward to.
"Neither of us wanted this… But here we are and I’m not sorry. I won’t let you be sorry either."
Nothing, massively new or unusual about the plot, but it was engagingly written, the Jules set up the secondary characters with great depth, the tropes used between the H/h (minus the situation with Olivia’s father) were all explored really well. I really like her delivery style in regards to the story-line, there is nothing flashy or overdone, and you kind of get absorbed into its telling with the characters the further along you read.
"I love it when you talk dirty… but we don’t have time for that."
Mel’s up next in Be with Me after the sparks that flew in this one between them, it’s no surprise that Tanner is the guy who gives her a run for her money. Hurry up October, I cannot wait to Return to Haven again.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I was really pleased to see that Jules Bennett, was continuing writing about the town Haven, and its occupants with the Return to Haven series. She built up a really great backdrop with the Monroe family previously, and it was good to meet a whole new set of characters in Stay With Me and if this book is anything to go by we are looking at another great series to sink our teeth into.
"This is more than an airport-it’s a legacy…"
Jax Morgan and Olivia Daniels know each other of old, although 16 years have passed, and where he was the young boy that used to hang around Haven Airport with Olivia’s father, with an unrequited crush on her as a teen, but as a gangly, geeky boy she never returned his affections. Then her mother ups and leaves with Olivia in tow, and it takes her father’s death to get her back to town.
She wouldn’t let anyone pull her back in. not Jackson, not the memory of her late father.
A lot has happened in the intervening years, something which for me wasn’t looked at in depth enough in regards to Olivia’s issues with her father. Although her communication with Jax as the book progressed, shed a little light on the reasons for her pretty much cutting her father off when she left with her mother, for me I didn’t feel I got a clear explanation of it due to a lack of any prolonged conversation about it throughout the story (maybe a few of the journal entries from her father would have helped with this…).
"We’re partners in this…"
That-said the chemistry between her and Jax more than made up for it, and his cheeky charm, dirty-mouth and single father adorableness more than delivered in relation to my Hero requirements. Olivia is a bit of a runner, something that does in general rub me up the wrong way but I found with the addition of her friends Melanie and Jade, who weren’t shy of calling her out on her shit, and the budding relationship that develops between her and Jax’s young daughter Piper, I could forgive her a little for her behavior.
"I’m not flying with you…"
"...Of course you are. It’s the only place I can guarantee you’ll listen. We’ll keep our clothes on, and you won’t storm out…"
Add in Jax’s cousins and best friends, Gym Owner; Cash, and Town Law Enforcement Tanner, and you know the author has got at least another two more books in the works for this revisit to Haven, Georgia, for her readers to look forward to.
"Neither of us wanted this… But here we are and I’m not sorry. I won’t let you be sorry either."
Nothing, massively new or unusual about the plot, but it was engagingly written, the Jules set up the secondary characters with great depth, the tropes used between the H/h (minus the situation with Olivia’s father) were all explored really well. I really like her delivery style in regards to the story-line, there is nothing flashy or overdone, and you kind of get absorbed into its telling with the characters the further along you read.
"I love it when you talk dirty… but we don’t have time for that."
Mel’s up next in Be with Me after the sparks that flew in this one between them, it’s no surprise that Tanner is the guy who gives her a run for her money. Hurry up October, I cannot wait to Return to Haven again.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 19, 2018
‘Stay with Me’ is simply a book that tries to bring 2 very different people, their differing goals and their diverging circumstances together and finally trying to make it work. It’s not exactly rom-com kind of material, and I wasn’t too sure what to expect with this story, but there wasn’t any doubt that this is a light-hearted, small town read with an unusual enough premise for Olivia to meet Jax again—the younger man who’d nursed an adolescent crush on her and is now all man to know what he wants.
There were misunderstandings along the way, past hurts that come to light as both Olivia and Jax needed to work through that on their own, and a 4-year-old who spoke in a way that was way too old for her age. Throw in the perfect setup of future couples and the trilogy for Jules Bennett’s ‘Haven’ series is set.
In fact, it wasn’t hard to like Jax at all, who, despite being younger (but capable single-father), showed more sense and maturity than Olivia who spent more time denying her emotions, running away and reiterating how much her career meant to her. Yet if this was to prove that age difference was merely a number and not a sign of the older being better, I thought ‘Stay with Me’ succeeded a little too well. Not that I naturally expected Olivia to behave better because she was older of the pairing, but because I didn’t expect that she would be a ruthless corporate shark in one life and a petulant, delusional coward out of her office comfort zone who didn’t give an inch at all.
The angsty build-up took me by surprise as a consequence, and I couldn’t get over the pacing of the impending climax and the abrupt resolution—Jax’s constant, exhausting chase vs. Olivia’s capitulation, and the love declarations that quite literally happened in the last 2 pages—which made for an ending that actually had me examining the file to see if I’d downloaded a corrupted and/or incomplete version of the ARC. A longer denouement and a shorter run through of Jax/Olivia’s push-pull would have eased the strung-out plot towards the end somewhat and made the pairing a more believable one.
My disgruntled mood aside, ‘Stay With Me’ is nonetheless, a decent read and an easy introduction to this new series. A HFN-ending might not exactly be what many others want, but if you’re perfectly happy with a resolution no matter the speed, then this is a ride that wouldn’t be bumpy at all.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
There were misunderstandings along the way, past hurts that come to light as both Olivia and Jax needed to work through that on their own, and a 4-year-old who spoke in a way that was way too old for her age. Throw in the perfect setup of future couples and the trilogy for Jules Bennett’s ‘Haven’ series is set.
In fact, it wasn’t hard to like Jax at all, who, despite being younger (but capable single-father), showed more sense and maturity than Olivia who spent more time denying her emotions, running away and reiterating how much her career meant to her. Yet if this was to prove that age difference was merely a number and not a sign of the older being better, I thought ‘Stay with Me’ succeeded a little too well. Not that I naturally expected Olivia to behave better because she was older of the pairing, but because I didn’t expect that she would be a ruthless corporate shark in one life and a petulant, delusional coward out of her office comfort zone who didn’t give an inch at all.
The angsty build-up took me by surprise as a consequence, and I couldn’t get over the pacing of the impending climax and the abrupt resolution—Jax’s constant, exhausting chase vs. Olivia’s capitulation, and the love declarations that quite literally happened in the last 2 pages—which made for an ending that actually had me examining the file to see if I’d downloaded a corrupted and/or incomplete version of the ARC. A longer denouement and a shorter run through of Jax/Olivia’s push-pull would have eased the strung-out plot towards the end somewhat and made the pairing a more believable one.
My disgruntled mood aside, ‘Stay With Me’ is nonetheless, a decent read and an easy introduction to this new series. A HFN-ending might not exactly be what many others want, but if you’re perfectly happy with a resolution no matter the speed, then this is a ride that wouldn’t be bumpy at all.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
March 26, 2018
4 stars
March 1, 2018
3.5
OK contemporary romance.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
OK contemporary romance.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 30, 2018
Olivia Daniels and her mom left the small town she grew up in when she turned 18. She never looked back and never returned. Fourteen years later, her father dies and leaves half the airport to her. When she returns home to sell the airport, she finds 13 year old Jax all grown up and looking hot.
Jackson “Jax” Morgan has learned some hard life lessons. He lost his parents when he was 10 and came to live with his grandpa. He gravitated toward the airport and discovered his passion – flying planes. He marries young and takes off for the Air Force. When his wife decides she doesn’t want to be a mom to their two week old daughter, Jax comes home and becomes a single dad. His ex leaves for parts unknown after signing her rights away. The airport and his daughter are his life and there’s no way he’s selling it.
Piper, Jax’s daughter, who is supposed to be only 4, comes across much older.
For supposedly being such a shark in her career, Olivia is wimpy and spineless outside it.
So much repetition. If I heard one more time how Olivia’s dad was like a father to Jax---omg! Such a big deal is made of the fact Jax is 5 years younger than Olivia. It is brought up multiple times. So what?! He’s dealt with a lot in his 27 years and has come out ahead, stronger, mature and with a complete understanding of who he is and what he wants for his life. Age is just a number, life experience accounts for so much more.
Multiple times the next 2 couples are made very obvious. We are also given small glimpses into the back stories of Olivia’s two best friends, Melanie and Jade. I did enjoy the interactions between these three women. They are snarky with each other, laugh together frequently, supportive and call each other out when needed/necessary. Jax and his cousins/best friends, Tanner and Cash have the same kind of relationship.
The ending is completely abrupt and comes too quickly and easily and then it’s over. It needed more. I needed more. Hopefully subsequent books will continue to follow these two as well as the next pairing. Not my favorite from this author but I am interested in reading about the next two couples.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Jackson “Jax” Morgan has learned some hard life lessons. He lost his parents when he was 10 and came to live with his grandpa. He gravitated toward the airport and discovered his passion – flying planes. He marries young and takes off for the Air Force. When his wife decides she doesn’t want to be a mom to their two week old daughter, Jax comes home and becomes a single dad. His ex leaves for parts unknown after signing her rights away. The airport and his daughter are his life and there’s no way he’s selling it.
Piper, Jax’s daughter, who is supposed to be only 4, comes across much older.
For supposedly being such a shark in her career, Olivia is wimpy and spineless outside it.
So much repetition. If I heard one more time how Olivia’s dad was like a father to Jax---omg! Such a big deal is made of the fact Jax is 5 years younger than Olivia. It is brought up multiple times. So what?! He’s dealt with a lot in his 27 years and has come out ahead, stronger, mature and with a complete understanding of who he is and what he wants for his life. Age is just a number, life experience accounts for so much more.
Multiple times the next 2 couples are made very obvious. We are also given small glimpses into the back stories of Olivia’s two best friends, Melanie and Jade. I did enjoy the interactions between these three women. They are snarky with each other, laugh together frequently, supportive and call each other out when needed/necessary. Jax and his cousins/best friends, Tanner and Cash have the same kind of relationship.
The ending is completely abrupt and comes too quickly and easily and then it’s over. It needed more. I needed more. Hopefully subsequent books will continue to follow these two as well as the next pairing. Not my favorite from this author but I am interested in reading about the next two couples.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
February 3, 2018
“Stay with Me” by Jules Bennett is book one of her Return to Haven series and features Jackson Morgan and Olivia Daniels.
When Olivia returns to her childhood home of Haven Georgia, she comes armed with a plan and a purpose. Jackson is not part of her plan. He is annoying as much as he is sexy.
Olivia’s father owns the small airport and, after his death, left half to Olivia and half to Jax. Her plan is to talk Jax into selling while getting her father’s house ready to put on the market. But being back home memories take over and Olivia begins to doubt her life’s plan.
All Jax has ever wanted to do is fly. Olivia’s father took him under his wing when Jax was a teen and the last thing he wants is to sell the airport. It’s his livelihood and allows him to spend time with his daughter. Just like Olivia’s Dad had spent time with her.
With the airport between them, Olivia and Jax are forced to spend time together, and as hard as they try to resist each other their attempts fail. Add in an adorable four-year-old and neither stand a chance.
“Stay with Me” is sweet and thoughtful and shows that while you make plans for your future, it doesn’t mean that is what the future holds for you.
When Olivia returns to her childhood home of Haven Georgia, she comes armed with a plan and a purpose. Jackson is not part of her plan. He is annoying as much as he is sexy.
Olivia’s father owns the small airport and, after his death, left half to Olivia and half to Jax. Her plan is to talk Jax into selling while getting her father’s house ready to put on the market. But being back home memories take over and Olivia begins to doubt her life’s plan.
All Jax has ever wanted to do is fly. Olivia’s father took him under his wing when Jax was a teen and the last thing he wants is to sell the airport. It’s his livelihood and allows him to spend time with his daughter. Just like Olivia’s Dad had spent time with her.
With the airport between them, Olivia and Jax are forced to spend time together, and as hard as they try to resist each other their attempts fail. Add in an adorable four-year-old and neither stand a chance.
“Stay with Me” is sweet and thoughtful and shows that while you make plans for your future, it doesn’t mean that is what the future holds for you.
March 22, 2018
Having read and enjoyed the previous Haven series, I was excited to see that Jules Bennett had decided to return to Haven for her newest series. I will admit it took me a while to warm up to Olivia, she was a bit prickly. However, I'm glad I stuck with the story as I really ended up liking Olivia and Jax together. There were a few funny scenes and it was impossible not to like Jax's daughter, Piper as she played the little matchmaker. Looking forward to more in this series. Note that while this series is a spin-off from the original Haven series, it totally stands on it's own.
March 6, 2018
This book tells the story of Olivia and Jackson. It is not part of the Monroe Brothers series, but is definitely a worthy addition to Haven. Olivia and Jackson knew each other from her dad’s airport as kids, but she moved away with her mom and never came back until she needs to deal with the fact her father left her half of the airport, and Jackson got the other half.
I read this book in one day as I couldn’t put it down! I liked how once again there’s a strong friendship storyline in this book, though with three men and three women, I guess we can see where Bennett is going with this. I liked how it was more than just a basic will they get together storyline, the airport and the decisions around it, has a big presence throughout the book. Olivia and Jackson both seem very realistic to me. Olivia wants to get in and out of Haven and doesn’t really want to deal with her emotions, while Jackson has cut himself off Ashe doesn’t plan to be hurt again or to let his family be put in that position either. I also liked the fact that Olivia is five years older than Jackson.
I think anyone who enjoyed the Monroe brothers series will equally enjoy the start of this new series. As well, anyone who likes small town romances. It would also intrigue someone who is looking for an older woman, younger man romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I read this book in one day as I couldn’t put it down! I liked how once again there’s a strong friendship storyline in this book, though with three men and three women, I guess we can see where Bennett is going with this. I liked how it was more than just a basic will they get together storyline, the airport and the decisions around it, has a big presence throughout the book. Olivia and Jackson both seem very realistic to me. Olivia wants to get in and out of Haven and doesn’t really want to deal with her emotions, while Jackson has cut himself off Ashe doesn’t plan to be hurt again or to let his family be put in that position either. I also liked the fact that Olivia is five years older than Jackson.
I think anyone who enjoyed the Monroe brothers series will equally enjoy the start of this new series. As well, anyone who likes small town romances. It would also intrigue someone who is looking for an older woman, younger man romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free advanced copy in return for my honest review.
March 18, 2018
Get in, get it done, get out. That's the plan when Olivia Daniels returns to Haven, GA to deal with her father's estate. Too bad the pain in the neck Jackson "Jax" Morgan isn't going along with the plan. Part of the estate is the small airport that they now co-owned and can't agree on what they should do with. Jax has been running everything for a while now so why should things change? Olivia just wants to be rid of it and get back to her life in the city. Will these two ever be able to agree? Then there is the annoying little issue of the crazy wild attraction between them. They need to figure out how to come to an agreement and keep their hands off each other.
This is a fantastic book and one I think everyone will enjoy. It's very well written and these characters are fun with all their snark. I highly recommend this one.
This is a fantastic book and one I think everyone will enjoy. It's very well written and these characters are fun with all their snark. I highly recommend this one.
March 9, 2018
Jackson has no problems getting handsy, "in an instant, Jackson— or whatever he wanted to be called— snaked an arm around her waist and caught her . . . his hand landing on her *** ." Jax has manners even though they have a double meaning, "...I’m a Southern gentleman, Livie. I’ll make sure you’re properly taken care of.” Jax has a one track mind, "He jerked her leg higher as he started to nuzzle her neck. “so go ahead and discuss. I promise, you have my undivided attention.” She swatted him." I liked this book, and I can't wait to see what the other books in this series holds.
March 28, 2018
Small town feel good, heart warming and emotionally engaging romance filled with family, friends, laughter and love.
Olivia Daniels left Haven behind and never intended to look back, then her father leaves her as part owner of the local Airport and she is determined to unload it quickly. Jackson Morgan practically grew up in Haven’s airport and has no intention of ever letting it go. Tempers flare, sparks fly, lines are drawn (and crossed) and it all makes for an exciting and highly entertaining adventure.
Olivia Daniels left Haven behind and never intended to look back, then her father leaves her as part owner of the local Airport and she is determined to unload it quickly. Jackson Morgan practically grew up in Haven’s airport and has no intention of ever letting it go. Tempers flare, sparks fly, lines are drawn (and crossed) and it all makes for an exciting and highly entertaining adventure.
March 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this story of Jackson and Olivia. Livie was definitely a tough nut to crack, but I seriously loved Jax's single dad hotness and his dedication. Great set up for the rest of the series. I cannot wait to see what happens when the girls & guys get their turn for a HEA.
March 14, 2023
Olivia is killing herself to become the next COO of her company and then she finds herself as part owner to her father’s small town airport. The other part owner is Jax who is all grown up since Olivia saw him last and a single father who relies on the airport to survive. Olivia wants nothing more than to sell and move on with her career but what about Jax? Can she find a way for them both to profit?
October 18, 2018
Very good book with a nice mix of deep emotion and humor. Olivia has reluctantly returned to Haven after the death of her father. She had left at the age of eighteen, along with her mother, when her parents divorced. She hasn't been back since then. Instead, she's made a good life for herself in Atlanta, and is up for the promotion she's been working her butt off for. Now she's discovered that she is half-owner of her father's airport - what she sees as the cause of all her family's heartache. She plans to buy out her partner, then sell the land as quickly as she can - "Get in. Get out. Get the job done." Olivia soon discovers that it isn't going to be that simple.
The last time Jax saw Olivia, he was a thirteen-year-old boy spending every free minute at the airport. Her dad was like a second father to him, and responsible for Jax's love of flying. After leaving Haven for the Air Force, he came home when he became the sole parent of his daughter, Piper. He has no intention of giving up his share of the airport. It isn't just his livelihood; it's part of who he is.
The sparks flew between Olivia and Jax from the moment she appeared at the airport. I have to admit that Olivia did not make a good first impression on me. Her condescending attitude toward the town and Jax grated on my nerves, and I hated her attitude that all it would take was to offer Jax enough money. I loved seeing Jax stand up to her cynical attitude and refuse to even consider her offers. And, yes, I got a teeny bit of satisfaction out of his stunt with the greasy handprint. But underneath the antagonism is an attraction that neither one can deny - though Olivia certainly tries to.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jax and Olivia. Both of them have issues that keep them from wanting a relationship. Olivia has no intention of staying in Haven. She has a job in Atlanta she wants to get back to, and memories from Haven that are painful. Jax has been burned by a woman before, and opening up to that kind of hurt again is not what he wants. But they are bound together by the airport and have to find a way to make it work. Their chances to do so improve when Olivia's friends, Jade and Melanie, come up with an idea to improve and expand the airport, giving Jax a more secure future and Olivia the ability to go back to Atlanta and forget about it. However, first Olivia has to pin Jax down long enough to convince him of the feasibility. As they were forced to spend more time together, the attraction between them continued to build. I also enjoyed seeing the way that they were constantly being nudged together by Olivia's friends and Jax's daughter. I loved how they gave in to the passion, even though they knew that Olivia still planned to leave. She was willing to give Jax a chance, and he was determined to remind her that there were just as many good memories for her in Haven, if she would let herself remember them. With 20/20 hindsight, Olivia realizes that there were things about her parents' relationship that she had been unaware of, and that now have her reassessing what she believes about her relationship with her father. This is reinforced by a few things that Jax lets drop. As Olivia's time in Haven comes closer to its end, both she and Jax realize that their feelings are stronger than they want to admit, but neither one is willing to risk rejection by talking about them. I was so frustrated with them both at the end because they allowed their fears to push them apart. I also ached for them because they were hurting so much, both for themselves and because they knew the other was hurting, too. The ending was very emotional, as Olivia's friends found a way to force them to face each other. I loved that Jax, even though he wanted Olivia to stay, supported her need for her career. I ached for him and how much it hurt to see her leaving, and cheered when he finally opened up about his feelings. I ached for Olivia, too, because she was so conflicted over what to do. She had worked so hard for her promotion, but she also didn't want to leave. I loved how her feelings burst out of her, how she confessed her fears and admitted her love.
The secondary characters were great. I loved Olivia's friends Jade and Melanie. Both of them had come to Haven with Olivia, to support her as she dealt with her father's estate. Each also has her reasons for wanting to leave Atlanta for a while, though we don't get too much of their backstories yet. As they are the stars of the next books, I'm sure we'll get them then. I loved the way that they teased Olivia about Jax but were also there for her when she needed them. They also had no trouble telling her when she was being an idiot. It was neat to see that they were the ones who came up with the plan for the airport and that they were just as invested in making it work. I laughed out loud at some of their conversations with Olivia, especially when it came to Jax. It was also easy to see that both Jade and Melanie were striking sparks with Jax's cousins, Cash and Tanner. I loved the close relationship that Jax had with both Cash and Tanner. They had been there for him through all his marriage troubles and really stepped up when Jax took on being a single parent to Piper. They teased Jax a lot about what was going on with Olivia, but they also had no trouble showing him that he couldn't deny his feelings for her. I also enjoyed their interactions with Jade and Melanie, especially what was going on between Tanner and Melanie. I laughed at the whole ticket issue.
My favorite secondary character was Jax's daughter, Piper. I'm not sure that I bought that she was only four years old, but overall she was a great character. I loved the close relationship she had with Jax. The love they had for each other was obvious. It was sweet to see some of the things he did with/for her - I laughed out loud at the reason he didn't take his boots off around his cousins. I loved how quickly she connected with Olivia, and the effect she had on Olivia and her views of her future. It was especially sweet to see the parallels that Olivia saw between her relationship with her father and Piper's relationship with Jax. The birthday party scene with Piper, Olivia, Jade, and Mel was sweet and fun.
My only disappointment was a lack of attention to what happened between Olivia and her father. There were a few nuggets of information, such as the few things that Jax told her. Olivia also began to see that maybe she hadn't had the full picture of the relationship between her parents. A fairly big deal was made about Olivia finding her dad's journal, but we got practically no information about what was in it. A few excerpts would have been a nice touch. I did like the way that being back in Haven helped Olivia remember the good times with her dad.
The last time Jax saw Olivia, he was a thirteen-year-old boy spending every free minute at the airport. Her dad was like a second father to him, and responsible for Jax's love of flying. After leaving Haven for the Air Force, he came home when he became the sole parent of his daughter, Piper. He has no intention of giving up his share of the airport. It isn't just his livelihood; it's part of who he is.
The sparks flew between Olivia and Jax from the moment she appeared at the airport. I have to admit that Olivia did not make a good first impression on me. Her condescending attitude toward the town and Jax grated on my nerves, and I hated her attitude that all it would take was to offer Jax enough money. I loved seeing Jax stand up to her cynical attitude and refuse to even consider her offers. And, yes, I got a teeny bit of satisfaction out of his stunt with the greasy handprint. But underneath the antagonism is an attraction that neither one can deny - though Olivia certainly tries to.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jax and Olivia. Both of them have issues that keep them from wanting a relationship. Olivia has no intention of staying in Haven. She has a job in Atlanta she wants to get back to, and memories from Haven that are painful. Jax has been burned by a woman before, and opening up to that kind of hurt again is not what he wants. But they are bound together by the airport and have to find a way to make it work. Their chances to do so improve when Olivia's friends, Jade and Melanie, come up with an idea to improve and expand the airport, giving Jax a more secure future and Olivia the ability to go back to Atlanta and forget about it. However, first Olivia has to pin Jax down long enough to convince him of the feasibility. As they were forced to spend more time together, the attraction between them continued to build. I also enjoyed seeing the way that they were constantly being nudged together by Olivia's friends and Jax's daughter. I loved how they gave in to the passion, even though they knew that Olivia still planned to leave. She was willing to give Jax a chance, and he was determined to remind her that there were just as many good memories for her in Haven, if she would let herself remember them. With 20/20 hindsight, Olivia realizes that there were things about her parents' relationship that she had been unaware of, and that now have her reassessing what she believes about her relationship with her father. This is reinforced by a few things that Jax lets drop. As Olivia's time in Haven comes closer to its end, both she and Jax realize that their feelings are stronger than they want to admit, but neither one is willing to risk rejection by talking about them. I was so frustrated with them both at the end because they allowed their fears to push them apart. I also ached for them because they were hurting so much, both for themselves and because they knew the other was hurting, too. The ending was very emotional, as Olivia's friends found a way to force them to face each other. I loved that Jax, even though he wanted Olivia to stay, supported her need for her career. I ached for him and how much it hurt to see her leaving, and cheered when he finally opened up about his feelings. I ached for Olivia, too, because she was so conflicted over what to do. She had worked so hard for her promotion, but she also didn't want to leave. I loved how her feelings burst out of her, how she confessed her fears and admitted her love.
The secondary characters were great. I loved Olivia's friends Jade and Melanie. Both of them had come to Haven with Olivia, to support her as she dealt with her father's estate. Each also has her reasons for wanting to leave Atlanta for a while, though we don't get too much of their backstories yet. As they are the stars of the next books, I'm sure we'll get them then. I loved the way that they teased Olivia about Jax but were also there for her when she needed them. They also had no trouble telling her when she was being an idiot. It was neat to see that they were the ones who came up with the plan for the airport and that they were just as invested in making it work. I laughed out loud at some of their conversations with Olivia, especially when it came to Jax. It was also easy to see that both Jade and Melanie were striking sparks with Jax's cousins, Cash and Tanner. I loved the close relationship that Jax had with both Cash and Tanner. They had been there for him through all his marriage troubles and really stepped up when Jax took on being a single parent to Piper. They teased Jax a lot about what was going on with Olivia, but they also had no trouble showing him that he couldn't deny his feelings for her. I also enjoyed their interactions with Jade and Melanie, especially what was going on between Tanner and Melanie. I laughed at the whole ticket issue.
My favorite secondary character was Jax's daughter, Piper. I'm not sure that I bought that she was only four years old, but overall she was a great character. I loved the close relationship she had with Jax. The love they had for each other was obvious. It was sweet to see some of the things he did with/for her - I laughed out loud at the reason he didn't take his boots off around his cousins. I loved how quickly she connected with Olivia, and the effect she had on Olivia and her views of her future. It was especially sweet to see the parallels that Olivia saw between her relationship with her father and Piper's relationship with Jax. The birthday party scene with Piper, Olivia, Jade, and Mel was sweet and fun.
My only disappointment was a lack of attention to what happened between Olivia and her father. There were a few nuggets of information, such as the few things that Jax told her. Olivia also began to see that maybe she hadn't had the full picture of the relationship between her parents. A fairly big deal was made about Olivia finding her dad's journal, but we got practically no information about what was in it. A few excerpts would have been a nice touch. I did like the way that being back in Haven helped Olivia remember the good times with her dad.
April 10, 2018
Olivia Daniels never thought she'd return to Haven when she left, but after the death of her father, Olivia inherits half of the town's run-down airport. Determined to find a way to convince Jackson Morgan they should sell, she soon finds herself locked in a battle she might not be able to win. Will Jackson be able to win the heroine's heart or will Olivia walk away from her chance at happy ever after?
What a really enjoyable read Ms. Bennett has delivered in this first book of her Return to Haven series where although I didn't warm up to the heroine right away I found the further I got in this book the more I began to like her. In the beginning, she comes off as stuck-up, thinking she's better than the small town she grew up in and believes things should go her way. So, I enjoyed that the hero showed her that people don't always get what they want. Will Olivia win Jackson over to her way of thinking?
As for the dialogue, it was very entertaining and I loved the tight friendship the heroine shares with her best friends, as the other two women are determined to convince her that there are better options than what she wants to do with the airport. Will she go with the ideas her friends have or will she continue to fight Jackson on her plan? Moreover, both the main characters were fascinating and I could understand why the heroine doesn't want anything to do with something that brings her back to Haven; a town that she left and never was planning to return to. Will Olivia finally see that Haven held good memories for her and not just the bad? Yet, in saying that, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, despite the fact that she's going to leave town and knowing that she could end up hurting Jackson and his daughter. I also liked the growing bond between the heroine and the hero's daughter, which is proven by everything that Olivia does for the little girl.
While the hero, he's confident, hard-working, a great father and I liked how determined he was to win over the heroine, even though he knows there's no chance of a future for him and Olivia. She's a city girl now and a woman focused on her career, so how would she ever walk away from the opportunity she has? I also liked the tight bond the hero shared with his cousins because they offer each other good advice. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how good of a dad he was and that he would do anything for his little girl, which is proven by all that he does for her and how he gives the heroine the chance to get to know his daughter just in case things work out for the best between him and Olivia.
Overall, Ms. Bennett has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance hot and passionate; and the ending had me loving what the heroine's friends do in order to get Olivia to see that love is worth fighting for. Will their plan work? Will Olivia realize that there are more important things in life than work and money? However, what I liked most about the ending was the hero's determination to prove to the heroine that she's worth fighting for and his words are perfect. I would recommend Stay with Me by Jules Bennett, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the friends to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Rachel Lacey, Catherine Bybee, Jennifer Gracen and Stacy Finz.
March 10, 2018
Jules Bennett has done it again. She has started a new series with compelling characters that will be sure to delight her fans. I love the way Jules Bennett tells her stories. I always pick up her books and am never disappointed. She has a knack for writing about characters that we can all love and relate to. In this newest series, Ms. Bennett takes us to Haven, Georgia.
Olivia Daniels fled Haven when she was eighteen with her mother and never looked back. Now that her father has died and left her his estate to deal with, Olivia returns home to a life she never wanted. Her father ran the local small airport and he has left half of it to her. Olivia plans to sell the airport, her father’s house and return to Atlanta as soon as possible. What she doesn’t expect is to find the other owner of the airport so compelling or the overwhelming memories that begin as soon as she returns.
Jackson Morgan’s life hasn’t turned out quite as he expected. He is now the half owner of an airport and raising his daughter on his own. Jax plans to make the most of it and hopes that Olivia will go along with his plans to keep the airport open. He is shocked that she wants to sell. Jax has to convince her to give the airport, Haven and him a chance since he knows how much she loved flying.
These two partners are at odds and have to figure out a way to make everything work while dealing with their attraction to each other. Jax has information about Olivia’s father that will change how she views her father and her past. Olivia has to figure out where her heart really is—in Atlanta with the promotion she has been working for or in Haven with all of its memories. Watching them figure it out is a lot of fun.
I am excited to see where Ms. Bennett goes with the rest of the series. We get glimpses of the romances she has brewing for future books in this one. There will definitely be some interesting stories.
Olivia Daniels fled Haven when she was eighteen with her mother and never looked back. Now that her father has died and left her his estate to deal with, Olivia returns home to a life she never wanted. Her father ran the local small airport and he has left half of it to her. Olivia plans to sell the airport, her father’s house and return to Atlanta as soon as possible. What she doesn’t expect is to find the other owner of the airport so compelling or the overwhelming memories that begin as soon as she returns.
Jackson Morgan’s life hasn’t turned out quite as he expected. He is now the half owner of an airport and raising his daughter on his own. Jax plans to make the most of it and hopes that Olivia will go along with his plans to keep the airport open. He is shocked that she wants to sell. Jax has to convince her to give the airport, Haven and him a chance since he knows how much she loved flying.
These two partners are at odds and have to figure out a way to make everything work while dealing with their attraction to each other. Jax has information about Olivia’s father that will change how she views her father and her past. Olivia has to figure out where her heart really is—in Atlanta with the promotion she has been working for or in Haven with all of its memories. Watching them figure it out is a lot of fun.
I am excited to see where Ms. Bennett goes with the rest of the series. We get glimpses of the romances she has brewing for future books in this one. There will definitely be some interesting stories.
April 1, 2018
Once more we are transported back to Haven, Georgia in Jules Bennett’s new series, Return to Haven, with book #1 Stay With Me.
If you have read her previous series (The Monroes) you met Jackson, “Jax” Morgan and his precious daughter Piper. His whole life has revolved around flying and the airport owned by his mentor Paul Daniels. But now that Paul is gone, he owns the airport along with Oliva Daniels, who left Haven at 18 and never returned.
Olivia Daniels is a driven, successful woman on the fast track for a promotion she has been coveting, but because she resented that it took up time that her father should have given to her and her mother she wants no part of the run down airport that she once loved. So they left and she never wanted to return. But return she does and wants to see, but Jackson wants no part of her plans to sell the airport. It’s his life and it provides a living for him and his daughter. Can he bring Oliva back to the life she once loved and see that soaring through the skies will bring her the happiness she once knew in Haven.
From the first moment Jaz and Oliva clash, and the attraction that Jax has had for Olivia since he was 13 years old. They cannot fight this powerful, high flying attraction while coming to an agreement on how they want to proceed with the airport. Throw into the mix Piper, who is adorable and pulling at Olivia’s heartstrings for this motherless little girl and her two friends who came with her to settle her father’s affairs and are pushing her to see her true feelings. You also have Jax’s two cousins who have been through thick and thin with him and you have the makings of a great read. Lots of drama, fun and many sweet moments filled with passion and love, I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I can’t wait for the next books in this new wonderful series.
If you have read her previous series (The Monroes) you met Jackson, “Jax” Morgan and his precious daughter Piper. His whole life has revolved around flying and the airport owned by his mentor Paul Daniels. But now that Paul is gone, he owns the airport along with Oliva Daniels, who left Haven at 18 and never returned.
Olivia Daniels is a driven, successful woman on the fast track for a promotion she has been coveting, but because she resented that it took up time that her father should have given to her and her mother she wants no part of the run down airport that she once loved. So they left and she never wanted to return. But return she does and wants to see, but Jackson wants no part of her plans to sell the airport. It’s his life and it provides a living for him and his daughter. Can he bring Oliva back to the life she once loved and see that soaring through the skies will bring her the happiness she once knew in Haven.
From the first moment Jaz and Oliva clash, and the attraction that Jax has had for Olivia since he was 13 years old. They cannot fight this powerful, high flying attraction while coming to an agreement on how they want to proceed with the airport. Throw into the mix Piper, who is adorable and pulling at Olivia’s heartstrings for this motherless little girl and her two friends who came with her to settle her father’s affairs and are pushing her to see her true feelings. You also have Jax’s two cousins who have been through thick and thin with him and you have the makings of a great read. Lots of drama, fun and many sweet moments filled with passion and love, I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I can’t wait for the next books in this new wonderful series.
March 22, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***
Olivia and Jackson have very different ideas about how the airport in Haven should be maintained, how much they want to do with it, and how interested they are in keeping it in their lives.
Which wouldn't usually be an issue. Unfortunately for them, they each own 50% of it, and they are going to have to figure out a way to get along and work out their issues with one another to figure out how to deal with the airport.
I enjoyed this title. I liked their connection. I liked that there was a genuine enjoyment of one another, and a genuine like of the other person (although they both tried to hide and fight against that) and I liked that Jax respected Olivia and the career she thought she wanted, enough to never belittle her for choosing it and not her hometown and the life they could share there.
I enjoy Jules Bennet's stories as they are always full of characters you like, and want to get to know better. This was no different. I liked the main characters, and I also liked the ones you meet as secondary characters and it is clear that those characters will be getting their own books in the series.
The only issue I had was that the child is 4, but seemed a lot older for her age and I was not totally sure I believed everything she said, and the way she handled situations. But, that said, it was not enough of an issue for me to be unable to enjoy the story.
I enjoyed Jax and Olivia and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I recommend this title.
Olivia and Jackson have very different ideas about how the airport in Haven should be maintained, how much they want to do with it, and how interested they are in keeping it in their lives.
Which wouldn't usually be an issue. Unfortunately for them, they each own 50% of it, and they are going to have to figure out a way to get along and work out their issues with one another to figure out how to deal with the airport.
I enjoyed this title. I liked their connection. I liked that there was a genuine enjoyment of one another, and a genuine like of the other person (although they both tried to hide and fight against that) and I liked that Jax respected Olivia and the career she thought she wanted, enough to never belittle her for choosing it and not her hometown and the life they could share there.
I enjoy Jules Bennet's stories as they are always full of characters you like, and want to get to know better. This was no different. I liked the main characters, and I also liked the ones you meet as secondary characters and it is clear that those characters will be getting their own books in the series.
The only issue I had was that the child is 4, but seemed a lot older for her age and I was not totally sure I believed everything she said, and the way she handled situations. But, that said, it was not enough of an issue for me to be unable to enjoy the story.
I enjoyed Jax and Olivia and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I recommend this title.
September 18, 2019
Unfortunately this book was one long cliché that rarely strayed into anything interesting or novel. Olivia's father dies leaving the private airport to her and Jax the son he never had. A lot of tragedies in this book. Olivia's father is terminally and his wife and daughter leave him. Olivia is so shallow that her obsession is to sell the airport. The book keeps referring to "flying" as a "sport" and apparently there is no money in it. What the... So our "hero" has a daughter. Tragedy Two. While he served in the army, he left his pregnant wife alone to fend for herself. After she gives birth (on her own) she wanted to leave the child with him. And our "hero" makes her sign over her rights to her child. And he is glad he did! What an A**hole! He prevents his daughter from having any relationship with her mother and we are supposed to say what a bad mother she is? Now he is on the hunt for a new mother for his kid. I hate books that run down women to other women and bad-mouth mothers. The book sets up a date with Olivia and Jax by the child asking about mothers and about dating. This is so staged as to be cringe worthy. There is no spark between the characters who have a history together. Jax is several years younger than Olivia so he would have been underage when she first knew him. They don't have any type of rapport and don't even act like they know each other. Wouldn't they have shared memories? Wouldn't she be in mourning for her dead father? Nope, just sell that airport. I did not finish this book.
April 20, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is a sweet and emotional romance. Olivia returns to her hometown to settle the estate of her estranged father. He owned a small airport which is now being run by Jax. Jax was five years younger than Olivia when she left at eighteen with her mother and he had a small crush on her. Now he is all grown, divorced, and the father of a cute little four year old daughter. He loved Olivia's dad Paul and wants to keep the airport running since Paul left him half owner with Livie. She wants to sell and move because her life is in the city and she is up for a promotion that she worked hard for. All Jax wants is for her to give the airport a try. And yes, there are plenty of sparks.
Olivia is a little up tight, but now she is coming to realize some truths about her father and mother and their relationship. I wish there would have been more depth into Olivia and her relationship with her mother and why she never visited her father. It was a smaller length novel, but I would have liked more into this family dimension.
I really liked Jax, he was a good dad and he has two cousins help him with his little girl. Olivia has two friends as her support and they help come up with a business plan that may help the airport. All in all it was a good start to the series an I will be looking forward to reading the next book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is a sweet and emotional romance. Olivia returns to her hometown to settle the estate of her estranged father. He owned a small airport which is now being run by Jax. Jax was five years younger than Olivia when she left at eighteen with her mother and he had a small crush on her. Now he is all grown, divorced, and the father of a cute little four year old daughter. He loved Olivia's dad Paul and wants to keep the airport running since Paul left him half owner with Livie. She wants to sell and move because her life is in the city and she is up for a promotion that she worked hard for. All Jax wants is for her to give the airport a try. And yes, there are plenty of sparks.
Olivia is a little up tight, but now she is coming to realize some truths about her father and mother and their relationship. I wish there would have been more depth into Olivia and her relationship with her mother and why she never visited her father. It was a smaller length novel, but I would have liked more into this family dimension.
I really liked Jax, he was a good dad and he has two cousins help him with his little girl. Olivia has two friends as her support and they help come up with a business plan that may help the airport. All in all it was a good start to the series an I will be looking forward to reading the next book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 23, 2018
3.5 stars for the first in this series, but a continuation of stories in the town of Haven, the setting for the previous Monroe brothers books. This book is a cross between women's fiction and contemporary romance, but leans more towards the women's fiction side. Livie has returned to Haven with her two friends to settle her affairs once and for all since her dad died and left her half of his airport. The other half is owned by Jax, a single dad who loved her dad like his own. Livie and her father had had a falling out so she has to come to terms to maybe realizing all was not as it seemed so many years ago.
I loved all of the characters we meet in this story and look forward to some of these characters getting their own stories. Livie and Jax have great chemistry and the author does a wonderful job of showing the struggle of finding true happiness when it turns out it's nothing like what you thought. Jax's daughter Piper is adorable and the relationship between her and Livie was as good as the romance.
If I have any complaint, it's that I refuse to believe a dad living in Georgia, home to the world HQ of Coca-Cola, is telling his kid one day she can drink Pepsi. Oh - and Livie disses the Oak Ridge boys. I'm showing my age now...
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.
I loved all of the characters we meet in this story and look forward to some of these characters getting their own stories. Livie and Jax have great chemistry and the author does a wonderful job of showing the struggle of finding true happiness when it turns out it's nothing like what you thought. Jax's daughter Piper is adorable and the relationship between her and Livie was as good as the romance.
If I have any complaint, it's that I refuse to believe a dad living in Georgia, home to the world HQ of Coca-Cola, is telling his kid one day she can drink Pepsi. Oh - and Livie disses the Oak Ridge boys. I'm showing my age now...
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.
March 26, 2018
Stay With Me by Jules Bennett
Return to Haven #1
Olivia Daniels has gone home to liquidate her deceased father’s home and business then brush the dust of town off her shoes and head back to the big city. Little does she know that her plans will be thwarted by Jackson “Jax” Morgan. The two, as expected, eventually develop a romance BUT with her desire to return to the big city and his desire to stay right where he is there is not much chance of them having a HEA together…not in real life…but perhaps in a romance like this.
I have to say that I did not think much of Olivia. She seemed cold and more into herself and her career than much of anything else. I had trouble believing that an 18 year old girl would so totally believe what her mother told her and turn her back on her father as she did. In her mid-thirties she came across more like a spoiled teenager than a career woman but eventually she did warm up a bit…I guess I just had trouble seeing her with Jackson and still am not sure how their happily ever after would work long term.
I am curious to find out what will happen with her friends and who might be in the rest of the series but hope the characters will have more in common than Olivia and Jackson.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
Return to Haven #1
Olivia Daniels has gone home to liquidate her deceased father’s home and business then brush the dust of town off her shoes and head back to the big city. Little does she know that her plans will be thwarted by Jackson “Jax” Morgan. The two, as expected, eventually develop a romance BUT with her desire to return to the big city and his desire to stay right where he is there is not much chance of them having a HEA together…not in real life…but perhaps in a romance like this.
I have to say that I did not think much of Olivia. She seemed cold and more into herself and her career than much of anything else. I had trouble believing that an 18 year old girl would so totally believe what her mother told her and turn her back on her father as she did. In her mid-thirties she came across more like a spoiled teenager than a career woman but eventually she did warm up a bit…I guess I just had trouble seeing her with Jackson and still am not sure how their happily ever after would work long term.
I am curious to find out what will happen with her friends and who might be in the rest of the series but hope the characters will have more in common than Olivia and Jackson.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
May 14, 2018
Conflict abounds in an emotionally riveting story from Jules Bennett! Olivia seems like an unfeeling person with how she handles the loss of her father, but Jax shows us another side of her as he guides her to find what she truly meant to her father. She's not sure what to make of this attraction that is between them considering he is younger than her, but he shows her that he's wise beyond his years and an overall good guy. An interesting story line and compelling characters. Looking forward to more in the series!
Olivia Daniels left Haven, George at eighteen and never looked back. Her dreams are within sight of coming true when she's suddenly called back to Haven to settle her father's estate. She has zero interest in the run-down airport he put above all else in life, so it won't take her long to unload it and anything else he left her and be on her way back to the city to what's important!
Jackson Morgan practically grew up in a plane with her dad, and he might have just been a kid when Livie left town, but that didn't stop him from being half in love with her! He's half owner of the business, and it and her father meant the world to him, so he'll be holding onto it for all he's worth no matter how much she wants to offload it and hit the road quickly.
Olivia Daniels left Haven, George at eighteen and never looked back. Her dreams are within sight of coming true when she's suddenly called back to Haven to settle her father's estate. She has zero interest in the run-down airport he put above all else in life, so it won't take her long to unload it and anything else he left her and be on her way back to the city to what's important!
Jackson Morgan practically grew up in a plane with her dad, and he might have just been a kid when Livie left town, but that didn't stop him from being half in love with her! He's half owner of the business, and it and her father meant the world to him, so he'll be holding onto it for all he's worth no matter how much she wants to offload it and hit the road quickly.
March 25, 2018
Stay with Me is about Olivia Daniels & Jackson Morgan. Olivia's parents divorced & after the divorce, she moved out of town with her mother, rarely coming back to visit her dad. Now, her father has died & left his airport split between Olivia & Jackson. Olivia wants to sell it quick & get out of town. She doesn't count on Jackson being stubborn!
Jackson does not want to sell.He likes the airport the way it is. It supports him & allows him to spend time with his daughter. He's determined to make Olivia slow down & remember how much she used to enjoy the airport & flying. He knows there's no way she'll stay but he can continue running the airport like he has.
I enjoyed this story. It reminds us that the story we are spoon feed isn't always the entire story & we need to find the truth before it cost us. In this case, it cost Olivia time with her dad. The similarities between Olivia & Jackson's daughter make the reader realize how she grew up & makes the character reflect on her childhood. The support from Olivia's friends gives an added dimension to the story. Overall, this was a pleasant romance that I enjoyed reading.
Jackson does not want to sell.He likes the airport the way it is. It supports him & allows him to spend time with his daughter. He's determined to make Olivia slow down & remember how much she used to enjoy the airport & flying. He knows there's no way she'll stay but he can continue running the airport like he has.
I enjoyed this story. It reminds us that the story we are spoon feed isn't always the entire story & we need to find the truth before it cost us. In this case, it cost Olivia time with her dad. The similarities between Olivia & Jackson's daughter make the reader realize how she grew up & makes the character reflect on her childhood. The support from Olivia's friends gives an added dimension to the story. Overall, this was a pleasant romance that I enjoyed reading.
March 18, 2018
I have enjoyed the previous Haven, Ga books by Jules Bennett and am glad to see this spin off series. Some characters from previous books show up, but very much peripherally, and this is a completely new series. Jackson is a pilot and was given half ownership of the very small rundown airport when Olivia’s father passed. She has been living in Atlanta having left Haven at eighteen. She comes back to Haven, ostensibly to sell the house, and airport and brings two friends with her to help pack up the house. Jackson has no desire to sell his half to Olivia so that she can sell the whole thing. Emotions become involved, and a cute 4 year old toddler (Jackson’s daughter) ratchets up those emotions. An HEA is foregone, but the journey there is a mess. Enjoyable characters, and looking forward to reading more about some of the secondary ones. My only niggle with this book was that after all that Olivia fought the relationship and was determined to go back to Atlanta, the ending felt very rushed.
March 23, 2018
Olivia Daniels and Jackson Morgan have a past from when they were kids. They have a connection through her dad and the family airport business. Olivia left home at 18 with her mother when her parents divorced with the idea that her dad didn't think they were important. She never looked back and now he's passed away and she's back in Haven to settle his estate. She's going to sell her childhood home and her half of the airport she inherited. Unfortunately the man who owns the other half doesn't want to sell. Watching these two go around and around was sweet and entertaining. Both can't seem to help falling for each other and throw in Jackson's 4 year old daughter and it only sweetens the deal. Jackson's two cousins Cash and Tanner are in the mix always helping out and Olivia's two girlfriends Jade and Melanie have her back and clash with the cousins for several laughs. Hopefully a preview of sorts for books to come. Jules Bennett writes a interesting mix of drama and laughs while we watch two people fall in love.
March 26, 2018
Jules Bennett is a contemporary romance author whose previous work I have enjoyed immensely. In Stay with Me, the reader is given two complete opposites who must work together, resolve differing goals and somehow both be pleased with the results. It is not the Monroe Brothers but it is a lighthearted approach to a serious business situation.
Olivia Daniels has lost her dad, want to sell the business, small-town airport, while her father’s partner refuses. This is not a romance made in heaven. While Jackson is by no means going to sell out, he is pretty clear about chasing after Olivia. The book is one of push and pull between these two. It ends rather quickly with a happy-for-now. I want to see how that works out in the future. Stay With Me is the first book in the new Return to Haven series. Hopefully, the next book in the series will give glimpses of Jackson and Olivia.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Olivia Daniels has lost her dad, want to sell the business, small-town airport, while her father’s partner refuses. This is not a romance made in heaven. While Jackson is by no means going to sell out, he is pretty clear about chasing after Olivia. The book is one of push and pull between these two. It ends rather quickly with a happy-for-now. I want to see how that works out in the future. Stay With Me is the first book in the new Return to Haven series. Hopefully, the next book in the series will give glimpses of Jackson and Olivia.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 1, 2018
This was a wonderful start to a new series in Haven. The angsty love story was an emotional ride. Seeing the woman he loved as a girl walk into their airport surprises Jax but but doesn’t. He’s been waiting for Olivia to come & deal with her half of their inheritance. Her estranged father left them equal shares in his airport, the same one Olivia grew up in & the same one that took her father from her life or so she thought. Coming back to take care of her father’s estate is opening her eyes to things she didn’t know & it’s causing her all new grief. This story couldn’t get any better if author Jules Bennett tried. Her characters were sassy, sexy, sarcastic, sweet & very likeable. With the expanding stories of Jade & Melanie, Cash & Tanner & the ever loveable Piper. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see who it’s about & to see the further story of Jax, Olivia & Piper. Recommend to read. I voluntarily reviewed this book from Net Galley.
October 15, 2018
Soaring right back into Haven after all these years...
Jules Bennett takes you right back to Haven, Georgia in the first book of her new series, Return to Haven with book #1 Stay With Me. Olivia Daniels left Haven 18 years ago and never looked back. Until she found out she is now the owner of an airport in Haven she once loved. She now holds ill feelings about it because her father spent more time there than with her and her mother. She returns to Haven to unload the airport. Jackson “Jax” has other plans. He intends to bring her love back for Haven. Jax, was attracted to Olivia many years ago. There is still an attraction between them as they try to figure out what to do with the airport. This book is filled with heartfelt moments you won’t want to miss. Jules Bennett did an amazing at making me feel like I was right there in Haven with them and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Jules Bennett takes you right back to Haven, Georgia in the first book of her new series, Return to Haven with book #1 Stay With Me. Olivia Daniels left Haven 18 years ago and never looked back. Until she found out she is now the owner of an airport in Haven she once loved. She now holds ill feelings about it because her father spent more time there than with her and her mother. She returns to Haven to unload the airport. Jackson “Jax” has other plans. He intends to bring her love back for Haven. Jax, was attracted to Olivia many years ago. There is still an attraction between them as they try to figure out what to do with the airport. This book is filled with heartfelt moments you won’t want to miss. Jules Bennett did an amazing at making me feel like I was right there in Haven with them and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
June 8, 2019
Olivia Daniels is back home in Haven, GA just to settle her dad’s estate...which includes half ownership of a rundown private airport. She intends to buy out the other owner and sell the property. She doesn’t count on the hot, co-owner, Jackson Morgan, turning her down.
Single dad, Jax, has no intention of letting go of the one place that saved him when he was a teenager, and then again as a divorced, single father. The place that holds many memories of the man who was like a surrogate father to him, especially when his only daughter left down at 18 and never looked back. Now she’s back...and hotter than Jax remembers. The chemistry between them is off the charts...but she’s a city girl who wants to get back to Atlanta and win that big promotion...and he’s the small town pilot who doesn’t plan to move.
Can these two resist each other while working together to renovate the airport?
Love the story and the supporting characters! Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Single dad, Jax, has no intention of letting go of the one place that saved him when he was a teenager, and then again as a divorced, single father. The place that holds many memories of the man who was like a surrogate father to him, especially when his only daughter left down at 18 and never looked back. Now she’s back...and hotter than Jax remembers. The chemistry between them is off the charts...but she’s a city girl who wants to get back to Atlanta and win that big promotion...and he’s the small town pilot who doesn’t plan to move.
Can these two resist each other while working together to renovate the airport?
Love the story and the supporting characters! Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
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