With Me

Rivers Edge #5.5

by Lacey Black

Brooklyn Jackson has always wanted to be a police officer. Since she was a young girl, she has dreamed of following in her dad’s footsteps, set on making a name for herself, and not simply as the captain’s daughter. She’s determined, has everything mapped out, but what she wasn’t prepared for is a sexy new distraction in the form of her new partner.

Becker Ramsey needed a change. A fresh start in a small town in Missouri has proven to be just what the doctor ordered, complete with a new position with the Rivers Edge Police Department. Of course, being partnered up with a feisty little pistol like Brooklyn Jackson isn’t so bad either, until the lines between partner and relationship start to blur.

As Christmas draws near, Brooklyn and Becker spend more time together, both on the job and off. Can they stay professional, even when their hearts are pulling them toward each other? And what happens when her overprotective family catches wind of their budding romance?


**This novella is part of the Rivers Edge series but can be enjoyed as a holiday standalone.

Genres: Contemporary, Novella

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2019

About the author

Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little "spice" or hot guys in uniform pants, and I'm a happy woman. There's just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO GOOD for a Christmas romance novella!! This is part of the RIVERS EDGE series, but can be read as a standalone! The story tells Brooklyn Jackson works as a police officer for Rivers Edge PD. When Becker Ramsey is assigned to be her partner during nights, they can’t help but fall in love with each other. But will Brookyln’s protective father and uncle let Becker into her life and the family? A fast-paced, but darn cute novella to read for the holiday season!!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Me was a fun, sweet, read. I was drawn in from the start and really enjoyed the characters and the story. There was definitely some instant chemistry between Brooklyn and Becker and it was interesting seeing how Becker had to deal with Brooklyn's very protective family.
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I didn't realize that this book was actually part of a series. While it was able to be read as a stand alone I can't wait to get my hands on more of the books because I loved all of the characters I was introduced to and would love to hear their stories.

One click worthy for sure!
By Alisa

[Dottie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow Lacey has done it again this book was amazing I can't wait for more

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

When I grabbed up this book to read, I only did it because (a) it's Lacey Black and I adore all of the words she writes; and (b) it's a novella in the River's Edge series, one of my faves. So color me surprised when I see that our girl Brooklyn, our Bean is all grown up and she's ready to find her own happily ever after this time. And she's got an alpha daddy and alpha uncles lurking that I couldn't wait to see again.

With Me is a standalone, holiday contemporary romance in one of my all-time favorite series in one of my favorite fictional towns that is told in dual point of view and Lacey slayed every single moment, every single feeling in this book. And y'all, Brooklyn and Becker lit up my kindle (in all the good ways!!) from the very first moment they met and I couldn't help but fall hard, fast for these two, just like they did.

With Me had it all and then some. Heart. Heat. Steam. Swoon. Fun. All of the feels. This book and this couple gave an unforgettable, unputdownable, unstoppable journey. And these two, swoooooooon! LOVED EVERY SECOND. Brooklyn was smart, fierce, protective, and still that dang adorable girl we met all those years ago. Oh and did i mention she's a cop now? Family ties much. And our guy Becker... oh this swoony, sweet guy!! I just knew he was special when we first got into his head and he did not disappoint at all. And did I mention he's new to the force and her new partner? It's about to get complicated.

You can't go wrong with a Lacey Black book, especially when she heads back to one of my favorite fictional places ever... River's Edge. Y'all Bean is all grown up and you just wait until you read her story.

I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read was not only HOT it also had me laughing out loud a few times, which honestly I have come to expect when I am reading one of Lacey's books. I loved the way Becker was protective of Brooklyn even though she could hold her own, and the feisty Brooklyn was perfect, not to sassy but she definitely didn't let people walk all over her.

This Christmas Novella is the perfect gift to those that love the Rivers Edge series and it's a wonderful introduction for those that enjoy holiday romances that haven't been introduced to the series yet.

You can read my full review and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a SIGNED paperback of With Me (Open Internationally) here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...




You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Me by Lacey Black is a Christmas Novella in the Rivers Edge series. Remember Brooklyn from book 1 ?Now we are here for Brooklyn’s story. When the readers were first introduced to her in " Trust Me" she was just a little girl and now she is grown up and the only woman cop in her small town police force.
We get Brooklyn's novella and meet her love interest/new partner Officer Becker Ramsey. She was assigned to train her new partner yet as soon as she met him, she wanted to climb him " like a tree".
It's a sweet, steamy and short novella that will is a great introduction to the Rivers Edge series plus hits the holiday feels. I liked the chemistry between Brooklyn and Becker. I do wish the story wasn't so short...wish it was a bit longer. Other than that, great read!!!!


My Rating: 4.5 stars *******

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘With Me’ by Lacey Black is a Rivers Edge Christmas Novella. I am new to Lacey Black, and this was love at first page for me! Even though I have not read a Rivers Edge book before, I was able to read this novella as a stand alone without issue.

This story features Brooklyn and Becker, who become partners on the force; Brooklyn is assigned to train Becker. A romance should have never been in the cards, especially since Brooklyn’s dad is the captain, but sometimes you can’t question fate.....or fight that immediate attraction.

This was a super sweet and sexy romance story. There was so much action and emotion packed in to this quick and easy read! I’m definitely a fan and recommend reading ‘With Me’ immediately!!

Reviewed by: Lynne J.

[Rochelle Spaccamonti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet story

I loved Brooklyn so much throughout the series. It was fun to see her as a grown up. I loved how her uncle's are still are crazy and over protective as ever. Becker was so cute and swoony. I hope there will be more of this crew in the future

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what I love about a Lacey Black Book? She always keeps you coming back for more. It doesn't matter if it's a full size novel or in the case of ' With Me' a Novella.

The only downside with a Novella is it ends too soon, and this booked ended too soon. I just wanted Brooklyn and Becker's story to go on and on.

A little bit about the book as I don't want to spoil your enjoyment too much. Brooklyn has followed her dad and uncles footsteps and is a police officer in Rivers Edge - she works hard as she doesn't want anyone to think she got her job because her dad is the Police Chief; when she gets Becker as her new partner the attraction could melt the biggest ice berg - Becker wanted Brooklyn from the moment he meet her but he is worried about getting on the wrong side of his boss her dad especially with the stories of what her family have done to her potentially boyfriends in the past - like bringing flame-throwers to scare her high school prom date! (lets be honest if there wasn't a bit of humour in a Lacey Black book we would worry)! But fate has a hand to play as Becker moves into the condo next door to Brooklyn they are thrown together more and more outside and inside work.

As the Christmas season approaches lets hope the pair get what they want - each other in their stockings.!

I really hope there are more Rivers Edge Books to come - I could see a great story between Brittany Beakers sister and his friend who he left when he came to Rivers Edge to work.

@AuthLaceyBlack

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 SMOOCHES!

When I want to read a small town romance, Lacey Black always comes to mind first. Her Rivers Edge series is one of my favorites, and she created something truly special in the Stevens family siblings and their love stories. Lacey has never failed to entertain me with her big family-based, small town romances, and I look forward to any chance I get to dive back into one of her worlds.

With Me is a second generation Christmas novella set in her Rivers Edge series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone holiday romance. Fans of Lacey’s Rivers Edge series won’t want to miss it, though. We’ve been clamoring for Brooklyn's story for years as we read each novel in the series and witnessed sweet little Bean growing up, and this year Lacey gifted them with it just in time for the holidays.

It doesn’t get any cozier this holiday season than this sweet, sexy and nostalgic trip back into Rivers Edge for a fan-favorite character finding her happily ever after. With Me: A Rivers Edge Christmas Novella by Lacey Black gets five smooches from me.
~Danielle Palumbo

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well I read it in one sitting. The story has laughs, secrets, and pain.

If you have not I would recommend reading the below books first:
Trust Me (Rivers Edge, #1)
Fight Me (Rivers Edge, #2)
Expect Me (Rivers Edge, #3)
Promise Me: A Novella
Protect Me (Rivers Edge #4)
Boss Me (Rivers Edge #5)

This is Brooklyn and Becker’s story. Brooklyn is a cop in her small town surrounded by family. Becker transfers into her small town police station and is assigned as her partner. The attraction is instant and deep but they both try to fight it. But when one of them gets hurt there is really no fighting it anymore. Can Becker stand up to her family and prove he is the right man for her? Or will all her over protective Uncles see that he walks away?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book, this series and this author.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s ALWAYS so nice to read about the Jacksons/Stevenson family. I have loved Bean since way back when we first met her in Trust me. Lacey is amazing and writes a small town romance better then anyone.

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Me is a Christmas novella on the Rivers Edge series by Lacey Black. If you have read the series like myself then you will remember Brooklyn “Bean” Stevens (Jackson). She was the first little one that captured my heart in the reading world and now she is all grown up. The last time I saw her she was off to prom and now years later she is a cop.

Brooklyn was just a rookie two years ago so she was surprised that her lieutenant has assigned her to train her new partner. She wasn’t sure she was up to the task but her lieutenant knew she would make him proud. Then she saw him. Officer Becker Ramsey and she knew she was in trouble. She wanted to climb her new partner like a tree. And that ass. Damn.

Becker was excited to be back on the force after moving to Rivers Edge a month ago. He expected the small town feel of the office. What he didn’t expect was Officer Jackson. A beautiful woman who made his mouth water and his hands sweat. She was intriguing from the moment he laid eyes on her. But being the new guy in town he needed to keep his hands off her. That didn’t mean he couldn’t still want her, right?

Totally right! That’s all I can really say about them. I will say that I loved it. Brooklyn is a badass with a sassy and sexy side. Jackson is a hottie with a sweet and dirty side. Together, their banter is flirty. Their connection is full of heat and sweetness. I was so excited for this one! Her family is full of alpha males and sassy and strong women. If someone was going to be in Brooklyn’s life they would have to be a special kind of man. No one would ever be good enough for their Bean.

Quotes:

I guess I just wasn’t expecting the new guy to melt the panties right off my body. Merry Christmas to me, huh? Apparently I was a very good girl this year.

“Let’s go, Ramsey,” she yells before hitting the doorway, her hips swaying beneath her standard blue uniform. She moves so fluidly, so beautifully. She’s a fucking knockout.
“Eyes up, Ramsey.” His words come out a slight growl.

“I didn’t know Passionfruit Paradise was your color.”
“You’re my color,” I tell her, a wide grin on my face.
“I’d suggest wiping it off,” a deep, ominous voice carries over my shoulder.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Rivers Edge for Brooklyn’s story, when we first met her she was a little girl and now she’s all grown up and a cop. Becker has just moved to Rivers Edge, his sister recently told him about this town and that there was an opening on the force and now he’s in Rivers Edge ready to start over.

Brooklyn is the only girl on the police force in her small town, both her Dad and Uncle are both on the force but she’s determined to make a name for herself because she’s a good cop and not because of her family name. Becker’s old partner was a piece of work and caused a lot of drama and unfortunately even though he wasn’t involved with anything his partner had done everyone still viewed him as guilty so starting over in this small town seems perfect.

Sparks are immediate for Brooklyn and Becker, unfortunately they both know it’s an awful idea! Their banter is hilarious, flirty and full of heat. Becker has a dirty bossy side luckily Brooklyn is used to alpha males and she is full of sass!

With Me is a perfect catch up for Rivers Edge, it’s an adorable, funny, romantic story where we get to catch up with some of our old favorites and also getting this perfect Christmas story to put you in the Christmas spirit!

To see this Review and more please visit Dirty Reads Book Blog
http://dirtyreadsbooks.com

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Me is obviously a short(ish) story as it says A Rivers Edge Christmas Novella in the title, and I truly wish it had been a bit longer to be honest. The actual premise for the story was fantastic, but it was just a bit too rushed for me. This is the story of Brooklyn Jackson, who come from a family of cops, so that's what she has always wanted to do, and worked hard to get it on her own. She follows the book verbatim, but never saw her new partner coming. Becker Ramsey went through a tough time with his old partner, and it messed with Becker's reputation, so he decided that he needed to get a fresh start in a new place. It led him to Rivers Edge Police Department, and to Brooklyn herself, as the moment he saw her, he was a goner for real. They have seriously chemistry, but she has a very overprotective family of cops, so how do they navigate through it?! And there's even a twist thrown in for good measure, which got the heart racing. So, check With Me out, as gotta love those men in uniform! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Deanna Hopping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Brooklyn bean isnt so little anymore. Shes now an officer for the Rivers Edge police department,working the night shift and shes one hell of and awesome cop, just like her dad and uncle Jake. Becker Ramsey is looking for a fresh start after his last job in Oklahoma left a bad taste in his mouth after his last partner did some shady things that reflected on him. So Brooklyn found herself with a new partner and well he did things to her with just one look or waking into the room that no one else had ever done. With the small town feel growing up there her entire life and well the 4 main men and overprotective uncles and her dad watching everyone around her, will she be able to keep this thing she has for Becker a secret and not let them hurt what she wants or will it flop and they have to keep everything professional? OMG I cant tell you how much i missed this family and how much I love them, Rivers Edge and these characters reading Rivers Edge is like coming home to a family that you cant help but be apart of.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy before release for an honest review.

This was an awesome story. Its a new generation River Edge novella and it takes us back to the authors River Edge series and we get to revisit with all our previous favorite characters. It easily stands alone but its a fun story for those that loved that series.

This is Brooklyn's story, she is the daughter of Avery and Maddox and she now is a police officer. There is a new cop in tow, Becker and he is assigned her to train him. And that's when attraction hits. Can they resist temptation? And what happens when they become neighbors?

I am not spoiling anything. But this was a really fun romance. I hope the author writes more in this series because its a huge favorite of mine and I loved seeing the older characters some 20 years later.

[Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With me is a Christmas novella set in the River's Edge series by the talented Lacey Black. It can be read as a standalone since that's exactly what I did. But it did make me want to read all the other books in the series! Brooklyn Jackson is all grown up and now she's a cop. Her new partner is new to town and he's crazy sexy. She can work with him and be attracted to him, right? Becker didn't expect to fall for his new partner, but Brooklyn is fun, pretty and a great cop. It's easy to be her partner, and it's becoming easier to want to be with her outside of work. Can they be partners in life and at work? I loved this story! Becker is smoking hot and when he meets her dad is one of my favorite scenes ever! Lacey gave us a short novella, but it felt like more! I couldn’t get enough of their fun, banter and I want to know what happens next!

[Meeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rivers Edge crew has returned!

Brooklyn Bean has finally realized her dream of becoming a police officer in her hometown, the downside? Swing shift. Just when she didn’t think things could get more interesting, up pops her new partner.

Brooklyn and Becker are so cute! I don’t usually read novellas as a personal preference but there was no way I was missing out on this one! Being back in Rivers Edge felt like home. Reading the characters, even with a ~15 year time jump, felt like nothing had changed. The amount of emotion Lacey can evoke, no matter the length of the novel, is extraordinary. You will not regret picking this one up, even if you’ve never read The Rivers Edge series before. There are certain books that when you finish them you realize your cheeks hurt from smiling for so long, this is definitely one of those.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella, Lacey never lets me down with her stories and this one, just in time for the holidays will get you in the mood to start decking your halls! 5 stars for this one!
Brooklyn has always wanted to be a police officer, and she's living her dream! When she's given a new partner to train, she's a little hesitant, after all, pretty much her entire family is in law enforcement, and she wants to earn her own way not shown favoritism, and when she meets Becker, wow, he's hot and he will certainly test her resistance! And Becker feels the same. When these two work shifts together, the tension sends sparks through your system, the attraction is there, but can they refrain from acting on it? Read along and enjoy their story!

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

AAAHHHH!!! What a fluffing Novella. I loved loved loved Brooklyn and Ramsey and their small bite story, now I am slowly dying a painful death wanting their full story. I need more, I want more. It's not because their story was bad, it's because these characters have so much more to tell... well ME specifically lol. I loved their love; for their respected professions. I loved their love for the classic cars and trucks. Let's not forget the most important, what I loved the most.... The family aspect. It was bloody brilliant, and important in Brooklyn and Ramsey's storyline. Overall their connection spoke volumes. I personally think they are a match made in heaven, so without further ado... With You is a must read!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Me is a sweet, sexy, funny, romantic novella in the Rivers Edge series that brings ALL the feels!!! I LOVED being back in cute small town of Rivers Edge and re-connecting with some of my FAVE characters once again! Right from the first chapter, I was enraptured with Ms. Black's storytelling...

I adored seeing Bean (Brooklyn) all grown up and a cop (just like her Dad and Uncles) when she gets paired up with the "rookie" Becker! The chemistry between them is GLORIOUS and even though this is a novella, it's jam-packed with everything I love about Lacey's writing! I highly recommend this one....and THEN you can jump right into the other novels in the Rivers Edge series because, Trust Me (pun intended 😉) you're gonna LOVE it as much as I do!

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Me is basically an early Christmas present in and of itself. I mean, how can it not be.... Brooklyn, our favorite group of men and their wives, it's Christmas, and a new hot partner... How does that not scream Merry Christmas to Ms. Black's readers. I so enjoyed grown up Bean and getting glimpses of the Steven's family. It was the start, how could I not want to go back. This novella was everything a River's Edge fan wants and needs. Seriously... My heart is full and I'm so glad we got to go back and visit with my favorite family. Merry early Christmas readers!! Lacey Black for sure makes sure of that!!!

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have missed this group of characters. This family is such sexy alphas that I expected an equally if not more alpha to be the one to win Brooklyn’s heart. She is the sweet & sassy girl that we fell in love with as her mom fell in love with her dad, but is all grown up. A quick story that leaves you wanting more. Becker is a great addition to this family. He is protective, sexy & strong, the perfect blend to take on the men in Brooklyn’s life & win. I wasn’t ready for their story to end. I want more!! I want the push, the pull & him to bring out her sassy attitude we were introduced to when she was younger.

I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Taking us back to Rivers Edge and the Stevens/Jackson families, Lacey Black pulls you in with a novella and for those that didn't read the previous books this gives you a nice glimpse into their world. I just read the whole series before this, and my only complaint, I wanted more. I was not ready for this to be over and wanted more of Brooklyn and Becker. This felt more like a tease to me, super quick (it is a novella after all), this was one of those insta-love and while it was great, I just feel that they didn't get the story they deserved. Drama, danger and a steamy moment or two, I give this 4 stars.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn has followed the family tradition and is now a police officer. Her father is the Police Chief and she is determined to make her family proud so she knows that getting personally involved with her new partner is a bad idea but that is easier said than done.

Beckett is looking for a new start. After the turmoil of his last job the last thing he needs to do is be attracted to his partner especially if her family finds out.

Witty banter, hot chemistry and not only are Brooklyn and Beckett great characters but the secondary characters enhance the story as well.

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy to be back in Rivers Edge, and little 'Bean' Brooklyn is all grown up in this Christmas Novella.

Following in her families footsteps Brooklyn is now an officer of the law. She works hard to prove that she has the job on her own merits and not just because her dad is now the Police Chief. When Brooklyn meets her new partner Becker, "boom" instant attraction.

With not just Brooklyn's dad to impress but also her very protective uncles, Becker has lhis work cut out.

A fantastic festive read and I'm really hoping this isn't the last we hear from Rivers Edge.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has been on my radar for a long time with finally making time since this one called to me also. I have a fondness for the uniform or who has worn the uniform. In this one Brooklyn wants to wear the uniform. With having to set her own niche for herself though. Becker comes along and becomes her partner and the chemistry begins to sizzle with us readers seeing if they can do both sides. It seems to be part of a town from a series but it read well on its own. It was quick also with giving a taste and wanting more from this author.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This is a quick delightful read. If you're a fan of the River's Edge series getting revisit those characters will make your heart happy.If you're new to the series like me you will want to go back and read this series. Brooklyn and Becker are easy characters to like. Though this a novella it packs a punch. I appreciated the flow of the book. It didn't feel rushed. Brooklyn's overprotective family gave me chuckles with their interactions with Becker. I also loved that this book takes place during Christmas. I always enjoy a book set in that joyous time of year.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY NICE STORY......

I really enjoyed this short story.... I wish it was longer..... But it was nice to read about "Bean" being grown up and a policewoman.... I have read the whole Rivers Edge series more than once in the past and now I will have to go back and revisit the books because as usual I love Lacey Black's style of writing and she has reminded me with this book how good all the rest of her books are. I highly recommend this book... It is a nice pleasant sexy and sweet romantic read. 😊