Until Lexi

Happily Ever Alpha World

by Kate Stacy

Private investigator Jake Strickland has spent the last year working a case to find his friend’s biological siblings. Alone after the loss of his parents, he understands the longing for those connections. Leaving Florida behind, he follows a lead to Tennessee, hoping to finally close the case and give his friend answers. But nothing ever goes as planned. Instead of finding the sibling right away, he finds himself in a heated encounter with a feisty, baseball bat-wielding blonde who gets his heart pumping in more ways than one.

Lexi Stone learned at a young age that family is more than blood and a name. Abandoned by her mother when she was a child, she grew up in foster care and created a family of her own—sisters bound from love and loyalty. As a tattoo parlor receptionist and self-proclaimed party girl, she may appear laid-back and carefree, but she’s fiercely protective of her family. So when Lexi catches a guy watching their house, she doesn’t hesitate to confront him. But she quickly learns he’s not at all what she expected.

The attraction between them is undeniable, but Lexi’s life has taught her to be wary. Despite her hesitation, the two grow close as Jake's case uncovers even more unexpected family ties. When the truth is revealed and tragedy strikes, loyalties are tested and no one will be left unscathed.

Until Lexi is part of Aurora Rose Reynolds’s Happily Ever Alpha World. If you loved Until December, then you will want to read Until Lexi.

Genres: Romance, Adult, Contemporary

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2022

About the author

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

Likes: Music, Mermaids, Tequila, Knee-high Socks
Hobbies: Baking, Cake Decorating, Photography

For more information on Contemporary Romance Author, Kate Stacy:

Visit her website: www.katestacy.com
Sign up for Kate's monthly newsletter for book news, giveaways, and more: https://katestacy.eo.page/signup

She loves to connect with readers on social media. You can find her here:

➜Instagram: instagram.com/authorkatestacy/
➜Facebook: facebook.com/authorkatestacy
➜Twitter: twitter.com/authorkatestacy
➜Pinterest: pinterest.com/authorkatestacy
➜Goodreads: goodreads.com/authorkatestacy
➜FB Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/blackwoodbabes/

Reviews

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a PI who is looking for members of his friend's family & it takes him to Tennessee for answers. Lexi didn't have a great childhood since she grew up in foster care, but she's not necessarily bitter (though leary about getting too close to people) about it since she found her forever family with the women who are her sisters, and she would do anything for them. Jake comes face to face with Lexi when she confronts him for watching their house, and he immediately learns that she can swing a bat LOL! Neither of them is interested in any sort of relationship with the opposite sex, but fate has different plans for them. Despite their best efforts, they get closer as it's apparent that they're meant for each other, but there are a lot of bumps in the road. Now, I love the romance part of this book as I love this world that's for sure, but there are actually twists that I wasn't expecting, and since that's my happy place, I was delighted like you wouldn't believe. There's so much goodness in these pages that I hope you hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Kate Stacy is the newest author in the Happily Ever Alpha World and y'all she's got quite the romance at her newest release. Packed with all the heart, heat, swoon, and the BOOM 💥... Kate takes readers on an unforgettable journey in Until Lexi. Jake and Lexi gave me all of the feels during their journey and y'all I couldn't get enough.

I can't recommend this world and the original Until series enough y'all.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a private investigator, he's been looking all over for his friend's sister. The investigation takes him to Tennessee where he meets his BOOM! Although, he doesn't know about the BOOM, there is just something about Lexi. Lexi and her sisters are all family, not by blood but by choice. Growing up in the foster system, they rely on each other and have built this little family together. Jake being in town, stirs up alot of unknown issues that will change their lives forever. This was my first read from this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I want to read more of these sisters and hopefully they get their happy ever after!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Lexi by Kate Stacy is a part of the Happily Ever Alpha World Series. This is a standalone book but this series is so good you might not want to miss any of them. This is the story of Lexi Stone and Jake Strickland. Jake has come to Tennessee to help a friend find his missing siblings. This has lead him to a place that he has been monitoring until a beautiful bat caring women comes at him. Lexi grew up in foster care after being dumped by her parent. This has taught her that blood is not thicker than water so now in her present day her friends are her family. Sow when a guy seems to be staking them she goes to confront him to protect her family. Loved this book and can't wait to read more from this author and of course this series.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one.

Would have loved for Lexi to be a bit more of consistant character... She wasn't as bitchy as I would have liked her to be. I also found it a bit too much that she opens up to Jake om their first date. Our of nowhere basically.
Oh, and I would have loved to see her and April interact again after she settled down with Jake. Why are they frenemies? Are they gonna be besties now? Does April learn the truth? So many questions...

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was funny, sweet, steamy, and with some mystery and suspense thrown in. I couldn't put it down. I loved Lexi and Jake and their connection. Another great addition to the world of the BOOM!

[Kai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite, skimmed a good portion, not a reread

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Until Lexi was a good story, and I enjoyed reading it. I found it dealt with some heavier topics for a romance novel through one of the side characters such as SA, addiction, possible PTSD/mental health struggles. I think what I liked the most about this book is the female lead, Lexi, knows that she doesn't need a "real" family, having grown up in foster care, and is perfect content with her found family. So frequently I feel like you see books where the leads are just determined to find their biological family, even when the found family or adopted they already have is amazing.
Private investigator Jake Strickland has spent the last few years helping one of his best friends find his half siblings, and that search has lead him to Murfreesboro TN where he thinks his friend's sister, Riley, lives. But when Jake arrives in town he ends up finding more than he bargained for, including Riley's "sister", Lexi. As soon has he meets the strong, independent woman, Jake is instantly hooked and doesn't know how he's going to get her to trust him long enough to agree to go on a single date with him.
Lexi Stone only really cares about two things, her tattoo apprenticeship and more importantly her "sisters" and "niece". While they might not be blood related Lexi would do anything for them. So when one of her sisters notices a man watching them from a car, she does the only logical thing she can think of, take a bat to his car because he must be a creepy stalker. Not only was she wrong about her assumption about Jake, she soon realizes his presence in town is going to open a can full of worms that none of them expected, including her desire to drop her walls to trust him....

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a Private Investigator who’s current client is a good friend of his, he’s looking into finding what could potentially be his friends biological sibling. His search leads him away from home to a place called Murfreesboro, when he first arrives there he comes across a blonde haired beauty as he’s getting his dinner in for the evening, little did he know then just how significant she’d become to him and his investigation. His first official introduction to Lexi is rather embarrassing as she takes a bat to the headlights of his truck after catching him watching her property, his introduction into the lives of Lexi and her ‘sisters’ is like opening a can of worms. Secrets are revealed which make and break bonds within the family, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. However Jake is by Lexi’s side throughout, supporting her and the others every step of the way, proving that bonds, old and new will get them through difficult times.

The BOOM is back with this fantastic addition to the Until World, an emotional, entertaining yet sometimes worrisome read. This was my first book by this particular author, but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend Until Lexi, it doesn’t disappoint.

𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a Private Investigator trying to help his friend Adam find his half-siblings. His search takes him to Tennessee and to Lexi and her sisters. The family dynamics and relationships between Lexi and her sisters are complex and have developed from a common difficult past.

Lexi is certainly strong and independent woman - she is following her dreams in spite of what is going on around her. She is fiercely protective and not afraid to stand up for her family against perceived threats.

Archer is loyal and will do anything for those he is loyal to. The quest for his friend to find his family speaks to Archer, who lost his own parents in a tragic accident. Archer is seeking his own place in the world where he can have his only family. As soon as he meets Lexi, he is done for, feeling the boom that keeps knocking the single men of this town off their feet when they meet the one.

This is a complex and not always happy story but it is a story about belief and family. These two definitely believed in each other, supporting the other to achieve and follow their own dreams. This was a really good read and I loved these two characters together and apart. They both had nothing but created their own families with those around them.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a private investigator and for the last year he has been trying to find a friends biological family. And this is why is Tennessee. This is where he runs into Lexi. And from the minute he sees her, he is infatuated, but he is here to do a job and not to get side tracked by a woman. Until he starts surveillance on trying to find the woman his looking for when a whirlwind starts bashing his car lights in.

Lexi grew up in foster car and now she made her own family, sisters for life. And she is very protective of her family. So when she notices a car parking outside their house, she lets loose… Sparks soon start flying between them, but it seems like there are so many secrets that are being revealed. Will their budding relationship be standing when all secrets are revealed or will this be too much for them to handle…

I enjoyed this. I loved the suspense and all the twists and turns this story took. This was definitely another hit for me to add to the BOOM selection…Jake and Lexi’s story was definitely one that I got hooked in from the start to the end 😊 ❤ ❤

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake & Lexi: triggers- child abandonment, postpartum depression, sexual assault, drug use, mental health. I definitely enjoyed this book. It really had me caught up in my feelings for a while. Jake is a P.I. looking for the long list sister of a friend. While he's there he meets Lexi but doesn't know why he's so enthralled with her. Lexi lives with her “sisters” and niece, one of whom Jake is looking for. She accidentally bumps into Jake and is immediately intrigued. The story does seem more about things that happened with one of the other sisters and less about both the sister Jake is looking for AND Lexi but it was interesting all the same trying to figure out what was going on with her. There are a couple of somewhat spicy moments but not a whole lot. There was an explanation of the “BOOM” from some of the Mason men and the element of danger that we normally see in the Until series was very unexpected, it came out of nowhere. No expects upcoming danger throughout the story. It's a good book but doesn't quite fit the series for me. It's definitely closer than some of the books though.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this read does a great job of balancing the bitter and sweet, as well as the humor and sadness. Jake is on a mission to find a friend/client’s possible sibling, and he never expected to find The One for himself at the same time. Granted, he has a bit of an embarrassingly funny true meeting with Lexi, but it really couldn’t have gone any other way. The only problem is that when one secret comes out, others tumble after it. And those secrets could make or break a lot of things for everyone involved. And the inability to heal could destroy every life touched, as well. We can only hope that the bonds between family and the love that Lexi and Jake share is enough to get them through it.

This is a great addition to the Until World and Jake’s Boom is both entertaining and worrisome at times. Entertaining because falling always is when this author is involved, yet worrisome because he end up with some serious guilt that needs to be worked out. But once all is worked out, the future looks bright and now I can’t wait to head back to Blackwood for the rest of the family.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this amazing series, and this Jake and Lexi’s story. Jake is a private investigator who has been working on finding his friends’ biological family, and he heads to Tennessee to follow a lead. Lexi has had a tough life after being abandoned by her mother as a child, and growing up in the foster system, where a strong bond in formed with some of the girls and they become a self-proclaimed family unit. When feisty Lexi spots a guy watching their house, she charges out to confront him with her baseball bat. The sparks fly between these two. Will Jake be able to solve his case? This is a well written flawless story which has family, friendships, intrigue, trust, twists, loyalty, tragedy, guilt, tension, humor, emotions, and witty banter which all leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Private investigator, Jake, was hired to find if his client has any more siblings. His leads take him to Tennessee, where he is trying to find Riley; what he finds is Lexi, Penny, Hope, and Mercy, better known as Riley's family, sisters from another mister. The first sight of Lexi had everything in Jake wanting to take her to bed and keep her there, but he has a job to do. When Riley finally does show up and Jake gets his news out of the way, Lexi and Jake take the time to get to know each other better while they wait for the DNA test to come back. What happens when Jake's business is done and everyone has been informed of the results? Will the pair part ways, or will they figure out a way to make this long term?

This was just ok for me, we get loads of drama, some good naughty moments, and a whole slew of characters. I am completely new to the author's world, but she integrated hers nicely with ARR's, there were a few times where I felt like I was missing something but that's to be expected. I give this 4 stars.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Lexi Stone & Jake Strickland. Jake has come for a job to find a possible sibling for his client and friend. The things is though he is looking for one woman he finds another and the more he sees her the more he wants her. Lexi doesn't know what to make of Jake but she does know one thing she will take her own life before she let's anyone harm her family. The thing is she knows she wants him but will she finally find someone she is willing to put before her family? Amazing story of these two. You really get to see the boom in many couples some you will recognize some are brand new to you.

This is the first time with this author. I would highly recommend her though to anyone and I will be looking for more from this author.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for months to read this book. Kate is one of my go-to authors, but this book did a few things. First, I need to go back and read other authors from this world. I need to know who some of these characters are. That helped Lexi and her family when they needed it most. Second, I can’t wait to go back to Blackwood, NC. (Follow Kate for more info) Jake is on a mission to track down his friend’s sister. With a solid lead, he heads to Tennessee. While he finds Riley, it’s his connection to Lexi that makes him stay. I love how strong and independent Lexi is. She wants to do everything that she can to protect her family. A family that was made by choice. This book has some darker elements that you need to be aware of. This book had me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. This book has high angst and smoldering hot.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake’s search to help his friend locate the siblings he never knew he had has led him to Lexi’s door however a misunderstanding has drawn her ire. He is determined to prove that she and her family can trust him and now that he has found her, he isn’t ever letting her go.

Lexi will do anything to protect the family she has claimed however the news that Jake brings starts a chain of events that will devastate them all, but he is there by her side every step of the way.

Jake and Lexi were attracted to each from the moment they saw each other even if they hadn’t met yet. Every interaction after that only deepened the bond between them and there was no denying they were meant to be together for now and always.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is a standalone in the Happily Ever Alpha World brought to you by Aurora Rose Reynolds. The story has secrets, very emotional parts, and heartbreak.

This is Lexi and Jake’s story. Lexi created her own family after growing up in foster case. Lexi has grown close to her family she formed her sisters. When she catches someone spying on them, she knows she has to get rid of the person. She goes about confronting the man and falls for him. But when the secrets of the family come out will she be even more broken, or will she run away from all that she found out?

I recommend this book.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake & Lexi

So this is my first read from Kate and I loved it. Until Lexi is a great addition to the Until series. I loved Lexi from their very first meet cute and she impressed me throughout the book. Her strength and unwavering love for her family. Jake is everything you love in a book boyfriend. He is the perfect match to Lexi because he stands by her but still allows her to be herself. Something she never really was around anyone.

The story touched on some serious notes but it was very well written and I loved the whole family. I loved seeing touched of the Mayson’s as well.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi & Jake

Neither was in a place for a relationship. However, one look--one long look--and the appreciation for the other obviously go both ways. Too bad he's got a job to do. This job isn't for just any client. For over a year he's been searching for siblings his friend just found out about. Success in three cases but the last one is still out there somewhere.

Little did he know he'd see the hot, tatted, blond again. She's the family protector. When Jake takes an unusual interest in her family her defender cape goes on. Eventually, they figure out why he's there and what the connection might be.

I've read a number from this series and have yet to be disappointed. Another enjoyable read with all the best stuff--steam, humor, mystery or intrigue, great characters, emotions, and of course the romance boom.
Reviewed for Words Turn me On

[thenerdybookworm_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Lexi is another wonderful addition to the Happily Ever Alpha series.

Jake is a PI hired by a friend to search for his long lost siblings. After collecting a tip, he heads to Tennessee. Meeting a feisty tattooed blonde was not in his plans, but one look at Lexi….BOOM!

When a sexy PI comes to town looking for her sister, Lexi had no idea the secrets that would come out or that she would find something she never thought possible.

Until Lexi is a story about family, friendship, and love. I enjoyed reading this and I’m looking forward to reading about Lexi’s sisters.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It had me hooked from first page and wondering what will happen. I couldn't put book down once started. It has some very sad parts in this book.

I loved Lexi and Jake together, they meet because of circumstances what bring Jake to town. But they had an instant attraction before they both realised what's going on. Jake is there for Lexi and her sisters, but also feels guilty. Lexi is unsure what to do with all the revelations. They fight the attraction but can't fight it for long.

I can't wait for more.

[Rishika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book! I really loved Lexi's tight knit family. I was not expecting the Mayson clan in this one and was pleasantly surprised with their parts in this story. Overall this was a really nice addition to the Happily Ever Alpha World and it really makes one want to experience the 'boom' for themselves. I have to say now, I really want to know Adam's story and I am definitely going to put Noah's book on my to-read list!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author and I enjoyed it. Lexi and Jake's story is pretty sweet and entertaining but also emotional at times. The moment they meet sparks just fly through the roofs. But they didn't give in easily as there's still so many secrets between them. The suspense kept me captivated throughout. And I loved Lexi's found family, her sisters. Definitely loved the familial aspect of the story. I think this book is a good addition to the series.

[Sam D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I love how Lexi was all prickles with most people, generally misunderstood, and yet felt like she could let her shield down with Jake.

Jake was a stand up guy. Tried to do his best for everyone. I wish we got to know more about his back story earlier in the book.

I expected him to be a bit more dominant…but he probably knew that wasn’t a good fit for Lexie.

This was a good read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake & Lexi

This book gave me ALL the feelings! I remember Lexi particularly from Until December and I never suspected her to have so much depth. I love her. The boom really did it’s thing for her. Jake is awesome for her. I love them together. I definitely have a new author to read!

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lexi and Jake's story so much. Lexi it so sassy and protective of the ones she loves. Jake is a genuinely good guy in a bad boy's body. Together these two are white-hot!

Full of passion, heartbreak, love, and compassion. Until Lexi will leave your heart full. I loved every word! An absolute must read!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Knight

These two are trying to find some peace and freedom when they meet working at Winston's bar. They don't know that both are rich but starting with a friendship is all it takes to get this Boom going. Will her past come back to haunt her. Even if it is family... Great story.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

What a great story! Lexi and Jake have an immediate connection but Lexi's walls are sky high thanks to her childhood. Jake may just be the one to slip underneath them when she really needs someone.