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Think you know who the most dangerous person in Greenlea is?
You're wrong.
Greenlea was supposed to be a temporary stop.
A safe haven for Cora while a storm from her past blows over.
But Greenlea isn’t safe.
And her storm is far from over.
****
Joel just wants to keep Cora safe.
Help her in a way no one else can.
But he doesn’t realize all that’s following her.
That there are some battles only she can fight. Some wars even a beast isn’t strong enough to win.
But Cora is.
***This book was previously published as Joel, book 6 in the BIG series.***
You're wrong.
Greenlea was supposed to be a temporary stop.
A safe haven for Cora while a storm from her past blows over.
But Greenlea isn’t safe.
And her storm is far from over.
****
Joel just wants to keep Cora safe.
Help her in a way no one else can.
But he doesn’t realize all that’s following her.
That there are some battles only she can fight. Some wars even a beast isn’t strong enough to win.
But Cora is.
***This book was previously published as Joel, book 6 in the BIG series.***
337 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2019
234 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 10, 2025
An incredible ending to this series
Oh! This storyline wraps with Joel and Cora’s HEA, and they are the perfect couple to do so.
All series long, we have been treated to the unquestionable acceptance and love of the special gifts and differences in the inhabitants of Greanlea. Each of the 'Big' guys found their best match and the parents were pulled into the circle of love by Gail (who may not be a 'Big' herself, but has more strength and determination to protect all she loves than all of them combined). Love her!
Cora is finally able to relax and be her own self, the same as Joel, and I absolutely loved how easily things moved between them.
While I am so sad to be at the end of the series, I'm digging into the spin off series, beginning with Danny. IMO, binge reading this series is addictive and the best way to experience these characters.
I highly recommend this creative author and all of her catalog of unforgettable works.
Oh! This storyline wraps with Joel and Cora’s HEA, and they are the perfect couple to do so.
All series long, we have been treated to the unquestionable acceptance and love of the special gifts and differences in the inhabitants of Greanlea. Each of the 'Big' guys found their best match and the parents were pulled into the circle of love by Gail (who may not be a 'Big' herself, but has more strength and determination to protect all she loves than all of them combined). Love her!
Cora is finally able to relax and be her own self, the same as Joel, and I absolutely loved how easily things moved between them.
While I am so sad to be at the end of the series, I'm digging into the spin off series, beginning with Danny. IMO, binge reading this series is addictive and the best way to experience these characters.
I highly recommend this creative author and all of her catalog of unforgettable works.
September 30, 2024
Loved!!
The very ending had me though. Bawling. Happy. Smiling.
I really liked how this story just jumped right in. As this is the 5th book and they are all connected, Joel was just grumpy and going right for Cora. I loved that. I liked Joel just fine once he was introduced but he was just in the background for me. But damn he was so good. And I loved how he struggled and he saw himself in Cora and wanted to help her get control. I loved how the beast was putty in her hands. I loved how she knew their secrets and it never even mattered.
There were a few details in the mystery Of her ex in the story that kind of confused me. About what she was running from, who she was running from, and then ….Without giving out any spoilers…. I just was kind of confused and then not. it had me stumbling a few times and took me out of the story to think about the details. But to be honest it really didn't matter to me at all that much because what was most important to me was the relationship between Cora and Joel finding each other, being themselves, finding their families and getting their happily ever after.
I’m sad that next is Craig but after that is all new people in a different town. I’m not ready to move on!!!!
The very ending had me though. Bawling. Happy. Smiling.
I really liked how this story just jumped right in. As this is the 5th book and they are all connected, Joel was just grumpy and going right for Cora. I loved that. I liked Joel just fine once he was introduced but he was just in the background for me. But damn he was so good. And I loved how he struggled and he saw himself in Cora and wanted to help her get control. I loved how the beast was putty in her hands. I loved how she knew their secrets and it never even mattered.
There were a few details in the mystery Of her ex in the story that kind of confused me. About what she was running from, who she was running from, and then ….Without giving out any spoilers…. I just was kind of confused and then not. it had me stumbling a few times and took me out of the story to think about the details. But to be honest it really didn't matter to me at all that much because what was most important to me was the relationship between Cora and Joel finding each other, being themselves, finding their families and getting their happily ever after.
I’m sad that next is Craig but after that is all new people in a different town. I’m not ready to move on!!!!
April 7, 2022
My serious series addiction is saved from withdrawal by a spin-off!!!!
Homecoming
Cora brings the magic and the danger to Greenlea and overcomes her personal battles with some help from her friends.
Joel is grump-growly, steamy, and sweet in all the right ways as he secures his place in Greenlea and Cora's hearts.
As we have come to expect, family of blood or choice plays a vital role in resolving the over-arcing intrigue of the series and Cora and Joel's story.
It was a great read!
Series review.
It's over but not...
The sixth book in the Secrets of the Mountain Men
brings the intrigue arc of the series to a happily ever after both for Cora and Joel and the folks of Greenlea.
But it sends Craig in search of Lance's biological family and launches a new series Big Northwest. And we meet Peter Foster, who will be starring in the upcoming Hide and Seek series starting sometime in the future.
Homecoming is all we have come to expect from the Mountain Men and a bit more.
Girl power is as always a central theme, Heroes that save their women by reminding them they are strong and resilient and don't really need saving.
Homecoming
Cora brings the magic and the danger to Greenlea and overcomes her personal battles with some help from her friends.
Joel is grump-growly, steamy, and sweet in all the right ways as he secures his place in Greenlea and Cora's hearts.
As we have come to expect, family of blood or choice plays a vital role in resolving the over-arcing intrigue of the series and Cora and Joel's story.
It was a great read!
Series review.
It's over but not...
The sixth book in the Secrets of the Mountain Men
brings the intrigue arc of the series to a happily ever after both for Cora and Joel and the folks of Greenlea.
But it sends Craig in search of Lance's biological family and launches a new series Big Northwest. And we meet Peter Foster, who will be starring in the upcoming Hide and Seek series starting sometime in the future.
Homecoming is all we have come to expect from the Mountain Men and a bit more.
Girl power is as always a central theme, Heroes that save their women by reminding them they are strong and resilient and don't really need saving.
January 14, 2023
An ending and another beginning
Having read the entire series I have to say this story had the greatest impact on me! It coalesced- merged each story into a whole.
It signifies to me how we are all struggle in life. Some of us struggle with being different, not accepted. Some trying to find a place in this world. Others trying to find family and not necessarily a blood family. We have guilt over what we did or didn’t do in life, and we all have regrets.
The two main characters in this story were well developed showing us what contributed to Cora’s and Joel’s personalities and actions. It showed how love and acceptance can build trust and heal the heart and soul.
At first as Cora’s life was unveiled, I didn’t like her very much. As the story unfolded I realized how judgmental we all can be about another person or thing.
This has sex scenes and some swearing. If that bothers you don’t read the book. I am sad this particular series has ended but am excited to read more books by this
author!!
Having read the entire series I have to say this story had the greatest impact on me! It coalesced- merged each story into a whole.
It signifies to me how we are all struggle in life. Some of us struggle with being different, not accepted. Some trying to find a place in this world. Others trying to find family and not necessarily a blood family. We have guilt over what we did or didn’t do in life, and we all have regrets.
The two main characters in this story were well developed showing us what contributed to Cora’s and Joel’s personalities and actions. It showed how love and acceptance can build trust and heal the heart and soul.
At first as Cora’s life was unveiled, I didn’t like her very much. As the story unfolded I realized how judgmental we all can be about another person or thing.
This has sex scenes and some swearing. If that bothers you don’t read the book. I am sad this particular series has ended but am excited to read more books by this
author!!
January 23, 2023
Arriving in Greenlea, Joel thought he knew what to expect but he was very wrong. He learned his father didn’t abandon him, he didn’t know about him; his mother lied to them both and spouted off about being his mom when it suited her and; there was no way a woman like Cora even crossed his mind.
Cora was certain her nature interfered with the life she had so she came on an open ended visit to see her sister. Used to hiding her psychic gift, sure it would derail her life again, Cora used it fairly often and couldn’t stay far enough from Joel. Though that was the last thing she wanted, well next to her pieces of her past follow her to the present in Greenlea.
Unfortunately for this reader, it took a while to dredge these characters from their bland background roles in previous outings and more unfortunate, neither chemistry between the leads nor the storyline itself clicked for this reader making the outing just so many words as the pair found both peace, each other and a place that felt like home.
Rating: 3stars
Cora was certain her nature interfered with the life she had so she came on an open ended visit to see her sister. Used to hiding her psychic gift, sure it would derail her life again, Cora used it fairly often and couldn’t stay far enough from Joel. Though that was the last thing she wanted, well next to her pieces of her past follow her to the present in Greenlea.
Unfortunately for this reader, it took a while to dredge these characters from their bland background roles in previous outings and more unfortunate, neither chemistry between the leads nor the storyline itself clicked for this reader making the outing just so many words as the pair found both peace, each other and a place that felt like home.
Rating: 3stars
January 10, 2021
Epic series finale
This was just the best series. With each book the family is building and expanding. You easily fall in love with all the characters, ok! Not All lol.
So with this being a PNR people have abilities beyond the normal and when they get together as a united front, I absolutely love it.
Joel and Cora’s was a Big Bang finish for the series. Both have their issues and their anger, some can control more than the others.
Cora has a secrets and it’s the mother of all secrets. Keeping it under wraps is a major issue.
This is an emotional read from both Cora and Joel, they have both been hurt and both have trust issues. But together they make one hell of a team, one just accepts it more than the other.
So sad this has to come to an end for the Big series. But we still get so catch up with then in the Big Northwest series....phew.
This was just the best series. With each book the family is building and expanding. You easily fall in love with all the characters, ok! Not All lol.
So with this being a PNR people have abilities beyond the normal and when they get together as a united front, I absolutely love it.
Joel and Cora’s was a Big Bang finish for the series. Both have their issues and their anger, some can control more than the others.
Cora has a secrets and it’s the mother of all secrets. Keeping it under wraps is a major issue.
This is an emotional read from both Cora and Joel, they have both been hurt and both have trust issues. But together they make one hell of a team, one just accepts it more than the other.
So sad this has to come to an end for the Big series. But we still get so catch up with then in the Big Northwest series....phew.
January 22, 2021
Greenlea was supposed to be a temporary stop for Cora.
A safe haven for Cora while a storm from her past blows over. She always stays in the background without drawing attention to herself.
Joel just wants to keep Cora safe and help her because she keeps him calm and at peace. There is an attraction which she fights constantly!! They both have issues from their pasts but Joel doesn't realise that her past is coming back to haunt her and create danger for Greenlea. Cora's past wants her back.
This is a roller coaster ride of emotions and just when you think their problems are solved something else sends their lives off balance! So many surprises along the way!! You think you know what's coming, but you don't!!!! Great finale to this series.
A safe haven for Cora while a storm from her past blows over. She always stays in the background without drawing attention to herself.
Joel just wants to keep Cora safe and help her because she keeps him calm and at peace. There is an attraction which she fights constantly!! They both have issues from their pasts but Joel doesn't realise that her past is coming back to haunt her and create danger for Greenlea. Cora's past wants her back.
This is a roller coaster ride of emotions and just when you think their problems are solved something else sends their lives off balance! So many surprises along the way!! You think you know what's coming, but you don't!!!! Great finale to this series.
August 30, 2021
What do you do when your parents are insane and your boss is too? You sell up and leave for the Appalachian mountains.
Cora has had all the managing, all the bullying, and all the cut downs she can put up with, so she takes her life back and leaves to join her sister in the hometown of Bigfoot. Life gets interesting, but her new love Joel helps her weather the storms. When her ex boss and her mother both show up demanding vs he return to her old life, they get their comeuppance with both barrels.
Cora has had all the managing, all the bullying, and all the cut downs she can put up with, so she takes her life back and leaves to join her sister in the hometown of Bigfoot. Life gets interesting, but her new love Joel helps her weather the storms. When her ex boss and her mother both show up demanding vs he return to her old life, they get their comeuppance with both barrels.
June 25, 2025
Simply Fabulous!!!
Joel and Cora are another Ying and Yang match, Opposites Attract but in similar ways the same with different circumstances. There maybe a beast near by, but it's the women in this series that are really scary! Gail and Bobbie are your average Mama Bears and their not afraid to get arrested for their actions!! LOL
This whole series had me stumped the entire time until the reveal of someone's gift, and it was a Great Ride!!! Kept me guessing at every page and left me with wanting more.... On to the next series, I can't wait!!!!
Happy Reading Everyone
Joel and Cora are another Ying and Yang match, Opposites Attract but in similar ways the same with different circumstances. There maybe a beast near by, but it's the women in this series that are really scary! Gail and Bobbie are your average Mama Bears and their not afraid to get arrested for their actions!! LOL
This whole series had me stumped the entire time until the reveal of someone's gift, and it was a Great Ride!!! Kept me guessing at every page and left me with wanting more.... On to the next series, I can't wait!!!!
Happy Reading Everyone
February 20, 2021
An amazing ending to an awesome series
I was definitely not disappointed in the ending of this series. I can't wait to read the spinoff, I hope it is as good or better than this one. Will definitely be adding this author to my must reads.
I was definitely not disappointed in the ending of this series. I can't wait to read the spinoff, I hope it is as good or better than this one. Will definitely be adding this author to my must reads.
March 4, 2021
Fantastic
Each book got better than the last. Joel and Cora where made for each other. This family and the love they have for each other is heart warming. Loved the series and can't wait to read Craig's story
Each book got better than the last. Joel and Cora where made for each other. This family and the love they have for each other is heart warming. Loved the series and can't wait to read Craig's story
July 1, 2021
A good final piece
I love a good series and this certainly was. There are a few unanswered things like will Lori leave for good? Where was Cora's father in that mess? And then will Philip the PI be in another story? On to Craig's story
I love a good series and this certainly was. There are a few unanswered things like will Lori leave for good? Where was Cora's father in that mess? And then will Philip the PI be in another story? On to Craig's story
June 29, 2021
When life gives you lemons make lemonade! Taking care of family shapes the future and helps all those around you. This author does a great job of developing her characters and embedding them in your memory. Cannot wait to read Craig's story.
December 27, 2021
great series
I loved this book and the series! I can’t wait to read the spin off! Wonderful characters and story lines
I loved this book and the series! I can’t wait to read the spin off! Wonderful characters and story lines
Read
July 10, 2022DNF 50%
Read
July 29, 2022I liked this series and follow the. Author.
November 16, 2022
Exciting and fun read
These books are so easy to become lost in. They keep you on your toes, wondering what else could happen.
These books are so easy to become lost in. They keep you on your toes, wondering what else could happen.
February 21, 2023
I fell in love with this family. This is an awesome series.
May 19, 2023
Perfection
I simply adore this couple! I knew Cora and Joel would be special and I wasn't disappointed. Perfect end to an amazing series.
I simply adore this couple! I knew Cora and Joel would be special and I wasn't disappointed. Perfect end to an amazing series.
September 28, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
October 9, 2020
“Joel” (Big book 6) by Janice M Whiteaker
**Spoiler Alert**
OMG what a beautiful and emotional read….
Joel has finally found his place in the world. His biological mother will never be a part of his life because of what she did but his father… he is a good man. Although his adoptive parents are amazing people, they never really understood him and although being supportive, he could never be what he was born to be. Bobbie… o boy… she is a mother you do not want to piss off. #PerfectMom
Cora has had to hide from her past. Moving to Greenlea seemed like the best option at the time but staying there permanently may not be the best option after all.
Joel wants her but not just her body, he wants all of her. He knows she is struggling with what she is and he knows he is the only one that can help her contain it.
Cora is forced to expel her pent up energy. She won’t hurt another person again. She cannot for the life of her figure out how to stop the power surging through her.
Falling for Joel is easy but can she trust him? He has done nothing but prove to her that he is in it for all the right reasons and he wants to see her safe. Maybe just maybe she can lean on him…
Cora’s mother is trying to force her into a life that suits them and she wants no part of it. She found her family and she will do anything to stay with them.
The characters are very well thought through with so much sass. Spirit cracks me up! She is a true fire cracker. I loved that we still got to see parts of the other couples and how they were progressing. Kari is at her wit’s end with her pregnancy... Cannot wait to read what comes next. This story was intense with just the right amount of drama, love, passion and so much more. A must read as there is so much more story.
**Spoiler Alert**
OMG what a beautiful and emotional read….
Joel has finally found his place in the world. His biological mother will never be a part of his life because of what she did but his father… he is a good man. Although his adoptive parents are amazing people, they never really understood him and although being supportive, he could never be what he was born to be. Bobbie… o boy… she is a mother you do not want to piss off. #PerfectMom
Cora has had to hide from her past. Moving to Greenlea seemed like the best option at the time but staying there permanently may not be the best option after all.
Joel wants her but not just her body, he wants all of her. He knows she is struggling with what she is and he knows he is the only one that can help her contain it.
Cora is forced to expel her pent up energy. She won’t hurt another person again. She cannot for the life of her figure out how to stop the power surging through her.
Falling for Joel is easy but can she trust him? He has done nothing but prove to her that he is in it for all the right reasons and he wants to see her safe. Maybe just maybe she can lean on him…
Cora’s mother is trying to force her into a life that suits them and she wants no part of it. She found her family and she will do anything to stay with them.
The characters are very well thought through with so much sass. Spirit cracks me up! She is a true fire cracker. I loved that we still got to see parts of the other couples and how they were progressing. Kari is at her wit’s end with her pregnancy... Cannot wait to read what comes next. This story was intense with just the right amount of drama, love, passion and so much more. A must read as there is so much more story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
Epic series finale
This was just the best series. With each book the family is building and expanding. You easily fall in love with all the characters, ok! Not All lol.
So with this being a PNR people have abilities beyond the normal and when they get together as a united front, I absolutely love it.
Joel and Cora’s was a Big Bang finish for the series. Both have their issues and their anger, some can control more than the others.
Cora has a secrets and it’s the mother of all secrets. Keeping it under wraps is a major issue.
This is an emotional read from both Cora and Joel, they have both been hurt and both have trust issues. But together they make one hell of a team, one just accepts it more than the other.
So sad this has to come to an end for the Big series. But we still get so catch up with then in the Big Northwest series....phew.
This was just the best series. With each book the family is building and expanding. You easily fall in love with all the characters, ok! Not All lol.
So with this being a PNR people have abilities beyond the normal and when they get together as a united front, I absolutely love it.
Joel and Cora’s was a Big Bang finish for the series. Both have their issues and their anger, some can control more than the others.
Cora has a secrets and it’s the mother of all secrets. Keeping it under wraps is a major issue.
This is an emotional read from both Cora and Joel, they have both been hurt and both have trust issues. But together they make one hell of a team, one just accepts it more than the other.
So sad this has to come to an end for the Big series. But we still get so catch up with then in the Big Northwest series....phew.
June 14, 2020
I’m obsessed with this series
Oh my gosh.
So I really disliked Cora through most of the book, thinking she was hateful and selfish, but as the book progressed, I started changing my opinion. One of the things that I feel makes a really great book is when an author uses a characters personality, actions, and words to make the readers FEEL a certain way about said character. I think it shows great skill to get those feelings across, and then to get us to change our feelings along with the character.
I loveloveloved this entire series and can’t wait for the additional novellas!
Oh my gosh.
So I really disliked Cora through most of the book, thinking she was hateful and selfish, but as the book progressed, I started changing my opinion. One of the things that I feel makes a really great book is when an author uses a characters personality, actions, and words to make the readers FEEL a certain way about said character. I think it shows great skill to get those feelings across, and then to get us to change our feelings along with the character.
I loveloveloved this entire series and can’t wait for the additional novellas!
March 30, 2020
Always leave them wanting more
This final book of the Big series was just a perfect wrap up for the Greenlea folks. Cora is such an intriguing bundle of fun, with an electric personality😊 And Joel, how difficult it must have been for him to grow up without the benefit of having people who understood what he was having to figure out. I believe Ms. Whiteaker has created a world that is wonderfully complex but full of love and devotion as well. I'm looking forward to some wrap ups in the HEA's of all the Beasts.
This final book of the Big series was just a perfect wrap up for the Greenlea folks. Cora is such an intriguing bundle of fun, with an electric personality😊 And Joel, how difficult it must have been for him to grow up without the benefit of having people who understood what he was having to figure out. I believe Ms. Whiteaker has created a world that is wonderfully complex but full of love and devotion as well. I'm looking forward to some wrap ups in the HEA's of all the Beasts.
April 23, 2020
What a story
I started off with the first book of the series which is Rhea and Hager’s love story and just continued until I read this last one, Joel.
All the men in this small town are special.
All the women are gifted.
Joel fell in love with Cora the first time he saw her. She didn’t know it and it was his job to convince her that she was his.
Loved the series and loved the last book.
I cannot wait for Craig’s story to come out next.
I started off with the first book of the series which is Rhea and Hager’s love story and just continued until I read this last one, Joel.
All the men in this small town are special.
All the women are gifted.
Joel fell in love with Cora the first time he saw her. She didn’t know it and it was his job to convince her that she was his.
Loved the series and loved the last book.
I cannot wait for Craig’s story to come out next.
April 19, 2020
All emotions get involved with this series.
Love love this series every book takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride. Couldn't get enough of this series waiting on line and needles for the other books.
Love love this series every book takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride. Couldn't get enough of this series waiting on line and needles for the other books.
April 9, 2019
Love, love, loved Joel! I love this series! Shifter books are not my usual genre (tho I do read some) but Janice Whiteaker's BIG series is the best!!!❤
March 16, 2020
These books in this series are really good. I loved finally reading Joel’s story and how he loved Cora so completely. Great book!
May 10, 2020
Great book
Poor Cora. Her parents are evil. And I’m happy Joel discovered his parents are awesome even though they’re normals. They’re great together.
Poor Cora. Her parents are evil. And I’m happy Joel discovered his parents are awesome even though they’re normals. They’re great together.
August 20, 2020
Interesting
This book didn't have too much action as far as the guys. It was more girl power. Cora's power is AWESOME! (Just saying) It might be the best.
This book didn't have too much action as far as the guys. It was more girl power. Cora's power is AWESOME! (Just saying) It might be the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews