Take Your Time

2017-favorites alpha-heroes arc

**Take Your Time generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

5++ "And held. And burned." Stars

Quite possibly my most favorite Boston Love series story, which is saying A LOT because I love this series and it's cast of colorful, amazing, zany characters. Just like the quote I chose to start this review the book begins at just the perfect moment where our female lead is in the throes of some serious yet whacky drama. Some drama where she needs a hero she doesn't want to need. From there, the story holds you captive burning brightly with each turn of the page.

Julie Johnson's exquisitely precise and witty story-telling style never waivers in engaging her audience. Making sure you fall in love with her main characters while reactivating the love you previously held for the other characters in this series is always one of her specialties in providing well-rounded romance. Not to mention her writing, full of soul and magic her writing snares you so hard you feel like you're in Boston riding Delilah's wave of craziness right along side her.

"He'd wreck me just to prove a point."

Delilah James Sinclair is a hot mess. There's no denying it and she knows it and she owns it just like everything in her life. Stubborn, feisty, sassy, and extremely independent Delilah has lots of trouble asking for help. Forever scarred from a tragic event in her past, Delilah runs non-stop from any kind of commitment. Luca Buchanan's unexpected appearance in her life turns her inside out and upside down. His presence brings out this gentler, kinder side of a fierce woman. Her melting is a highlight of the book for me. She's a perfectly crafted heroine. Because you see, Luca's the type of guy who loves the thrill of the chase; loves the quirks and the fun of the challenge one little hot mess can provide. He adores that she's so much more than the tough guy front she puts on. And he loves it with sheer alpha-male gusto. These two together are palpable, sizzling chemistry you'll feel from start to finish.

Much deeper than that though, much more thoughtful and sincere, is the intense honesty lifted from each of their hearts when it comes to one another. I believe there's something magnificent to be said for people who can share the rawest desires and the basest of vulnerabilities with their someone. By breaking Delilah down to her scariest needs she creates someone impossibly broken yet undeniably perfect. And not just in Delilah but in the way Luca upholds her trust like a gift, a precious gem - it makes him just as perfect.

Julie Johnson captured this intimate honesty so gorgeously with Luca and Delilah creating this unbreakable trust, even when Delilah doesn't want to admit it she trusts it implicitly. It's a beautiful thing and what true love and all true love stories should be based on. I love the way Johnson finds those especially intimate moments and easily inserts them into readers hearts while injecting them with humor and grace. It's a gift always present in her writing that I cherish - to remember it's fun, even during the storm. Luca and Delilah are great examples of that.

"A white flag waving on the battlefield of my heart."

This romantic comedy series is made up of stand alone's. I very much recommend starting from book one because you don't want to miss one second of Boston Love. I've read every single Julie Johnson book from her very first published work and I am a total fan of this author's wit and incredible gift for telling a beautifully constructed romance. There's humor abound here, I giggled frequently. My heart felt full the entire time.

Take Your Time is a book that will make you smile, the whole series does that in fact. And Luca Buchanan - well let me just say, any Kristen Ashley fans reading this? because Luca Buchanan reminded me so much of her amazing alphas that Julie Johnson just elevated her alpha game. Luca is the dream man and he's paired with someone perfect for him and for reader's hearts.

A TOTAL MUST READ and one of my favorite stories of the year.

Shannon

517 reviews165 followers

2019-read contemporary-fiction romance

Men like Luca live for a good challenge, love nothing better than the thrill of conquering something most men would consider out of reach.
He’d wreck me just to prove a point.

How is it possible for an author to absolutely annihilate every book she writes? It's getting to the point where I shouldn't be surprised; I love every Julie Johnson book that I've read. I am fickle one though, and I've been let down by authors in the past, but JJ holds herself to such a high standard and simply never fails.

‘If I ever decide to let someone break my heart, I want it to be you, Luca Buchanan.’

I've never been one to fall into the alpha book boyfriend stereotype. Often I find them overbearing, controlling, and arrogant. I think this too comes from lines being blurred quite often between an alpha and a dominant. Though with this being said, if Luca Buchanan is what we're calling alpha, SIGN ME UP! Has a perfect book boyfriend existed before the likes of Luca Buchanan? I think not. This guy is everything. He's the stuff that dreams are made of and you know what? I'm not even going to tell you about him. I'll just let you discover those little nuggets of gold on your own.

“Beg to differ, babe.”
“What did I say about calling me that?”
He smiles, slow and sinful. “You want, I’ll come up with some other things to call you. Doubt you’ll like them any better.”
“Or you could just call me Lila, like everyone else on the planet.”
“Thing is, though…” He leans in an inch and I swear, the air starts humming with palpable tension. “I don’t want to be like everyone else. Not when it comes to you.”

I found that the writing and storyline definitely got stronger as the book progressed. I liked Take Your Time the entire way through, but fell head over heels in the later half of the story. And plot wise, you know what's amazing? It's not one thing that the characters fret over or hide for the entire novel. "I have a secret, he can't possibly love me if he finds out." Blah blah blah, cliche cliche cliche. No, it's so much more. There are different issues coming from every angle, and it keeps you on your toes wondering what might be coming next. However, it's not overwhelming. The author dives into each problem as they come so the characters have to face it head on. None of this waiting until the last 20% of the book for everything to explode and then miraculously resolve within one chapter. These are real characters working through issues like real people would. That's why else books feel so genuine to the reader.

“Drunk Lila is a real blabbermouth. I need to have a stern word with her.”
“I like Drunk Delilah. Like all the Delilah’s I’ve seen so far.”
“You haven’t met PMS Delilah yet. She’s a gem.”

I thought the relationship between Lila and Luca was so interesting because the story starts with these two already knowing each other, but it wasn't a friends to lovers type of romance. The chemistry and fire was instantaneous between these two, and you witness months of them dancing around the flame, trying to avoid getting burned. So what happens when suddenly gasoline drenches the flames? Not even a fire extinguisher could save these two from each other. It's not often I look at the world with words like date or destiny, but these two were going to be together, no matter how hard they fought it, no matter what you want to call it.

“Life is a beautiful, broken mess. Closer to a Shakespearean tragedy than a Hollywood happy ending,"

At this point in my life, I can't imagine looking a person, and thinking about what it would be like to start a family with them - mostly because I just don't have that person - but Lila and Luca just fit into that so naturally. From Fenway to babysitting, to then even talking about their own families and what they want in the future, that's the kind of relationship I hope to one day have. I see all my friends from high school and college getting pregnant and engaged these days, but to actually find that person, look in their eyes and think, "hey, this is the one I want it all with," I envy that these characters not only saw this in each other, but recognized it and could act on it. Begrudgingly though, if you ask Lila. ;)

“You may want to deny it, you may not be ready to face it, but the fact is… you and me are together. And if that scares the shit out of you? Fine. Be scared. But do it here. With me.”

You get different sides to Julie's writing depending on what book you're reading and it's great to see an author show their versatility. In Take Your Time, it's essentially two people who don't know what love feels like.
Who have been abandoned by their families.
Who have put up shields to protect themselves.
These two people recognized themselves in each other, and watching them learn how to love and hope and grow was an experience like no other. So once again, bravo Julie Johnson, for your success on another kick ass novel, and raising the bar that much higher for the future boyfriends in my life. Though I don't know how they could ever compare at this point? Seriously y'all, JJ writes the best heroes around. Period. As I was saying, five stars here, five stars there, five stars all around the square. But really, what did I expect? A measly 4 star book? Yeah right...

"I’m sure some people looking at him saw a savage. A monster.
But me? I saw sheer beauty in that ring. In every bead of sweat, every lethal scowl, every drop of blood that oozed from his cracked knuckles by the final round, when his foe lay in a defeated heap of bruised limbs at his bare feet…
He was beautiful."

Soundtrack: More Than You Know by Axwell /\ Ingrosso <3

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

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Irene

1,048 reviews123 followers

January 7, 2019

Another great story in the "Boston Love" series.
The truth is I expected more from Lila's story, she seemed like the happy-go-lucky type and these characters always hide many skeletons in their closets. I wasn't so off in this department and was intrigued by her past, but I didn't expect to be so annoyed by her incessant word diarhea. (a perfect contrast to Luke's laconic sentenses).

I loved the puppy and the twins, I loved Phoebe's wedding plans (didn't expect anything less), but to be honest I was really put out with Lila's stupidity towards her brother and refusal to accept help from her friends.
Luca is a great guy, I expected to see him more on the ring in this book, but it seems to me that after he rescued Lila from her small transaction with the law, his personal life disappeared and suddenly all his life was about being with Lila.
Now off, to the last book, I'm really intrigued about Shelby's story and the FBI agent sounds like a great choice for her...

Maayan

Author 3 books312 followers

July 18, 2017

4.5 stars!
I adored Luca!! He was sooooo swoon worthy 😍 Totally my kind of H ❤️ NOW I WANT MY OWN LUCA! 😁

celibate-hero fighter my-favorite-books

Joy Novel Thoughts

573 reviews70 followers

Julie Johnson grabs you from the beginning; hook, line and sinker!

"Who the hell gets arrested looking like Plumette?"

Once again her writing is beautiful and flawless. Julie has a way evoking such emotion in her story, that you physically feel her characters in your bones. What I love the most about her romantic comedies is that they don't follow the standard formula. These stories encompass so much more and will leave you with a smile on your face.

"There is a newfound tenderness in the way he touches me, a novel desperation in the way his lips slide over my skin - as if he's afraid I will disappear at any moment."

Luca stole my heart, ripped it right of my chest and took it as his own. I swear Luca is what dreams are made of, a gentle giant who will do anything to protect those he cares about. He is the perfect match to Delilah, even if she wants to constantly fight the magnetic pull he has over her.

Delilah is so stubborn and hard head, she has embraced all of the ginger stereotypes and has allowed everyone to believe that is who she truly is. She has built up such a strong wall to keep everyone out and protect her heart. After meeting Luca, we knew he would have no problem pummeling those walls.

"I'm sure some people looking at him saw a savage. A monster. But me? I saw sheer beauty in that ring."

Steffi De Ceuster ♥

1,389 reviews125 followers

fighter owned page-turner

I enjoyed every book from this series and this one isn't an exception.

Lila and Blaze/Luca have been dancing in circles around each other for the past months. It was really fun to see how it all turned out.

To be honest Duncan's (Lila's brother) idea's for businesses are just so ridiculous that you can't even understand how someone would go with it.

The night Blaze comes to Lila's rescue is just so damn funny, but also has a sad side to it. Blaze is immediately very bossy *which I always enjoy* and that was so fun to watch unfold because Lila is not the kind of person who lets anyone boss her around.

Also I have a really weird bond with sharks they intrigue me and I simple find them beautiful and so it was special to "see" them

I have a real quick question : I read a lot about people being able to see things in peoples eyes, can you truly see somethings in someones eyes? Because then I'm just not that person I'm always in disbelieve I just find it weird.

Patrixia Lansangan

390 reviews13 followers

September 9, 2017

Finally! I got to this book. Idk if this is the last Boston love story book but I really love this series. It is just so funny and heartwarming!

I laughed so much because both Luca and Lilah are just so stubborn and crazy and just so ducking hilarious.

This book was EVERYTHING!! Read this series! You have too. The first book will always and forever will be my favorite! But this one is not far along!

If there's more Boston love stories.... then I NEED IT!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Gerda

775 reviews

crime disappointing-fav-authors heroine-weak-dumb-doormat

The fourth book in this series of stand-alone-novels follows the same plot the previous three featured: H and h are attracted to eachother, the heroine’s banter or actions are way over the top, great friends, family or friends are connected to some shady characters, heroine is kidnapped, frees herself, and HEA.
Here we have a heroine with TSTL (Urban Dictionary:" too stupid to live: a mental and social disorder whereby an individual lacks the mental aptitude and social skills deemed necessary to become a productive member of society"). Lila knows where to shop for the most fashionable handbags and shoes, but fails to think about her livelihood before giving her parents her complete trustfund (why do they need their daughter’s money? They are described as workaholic parents). She cannot hold a job, gets evicted from her apartment, and driving with an expired license she finds herself in prison. Now the caveman type hero sweeps in, saves the damsel in distress, and her life turns to the better.
That’s a storyline I have read a thousand times, it is well written, but I expect more. There is no character development, the family background is vague, the brother’s sudden restored wealth not believable.

It was not my cup of tea, maybe it is for other readers.

Yvette (Booksandbandanas)

476 reviews108 followers

Julie Johnson continues to bring her addictive, page turner writing, in Take Your Time.

When it comes to Alphas Julie Johnson serves them up on a silver platter. Take your time is laugh out loud fun, that had me loving the main character by page 1. She most definitely brings it in the Alpha department with this hit. You meet Delilah Sinclair and let me tell you, there will not be a reader out there that won't fall for this red headed ball of fun. I loved her. She's the girl you want as your best friend. I loved all the differed sides to her. The prologue has her in a very sticky situation where she needs to "phone a friend" that is where the sexy as sin professional fighter, Luca comes into play. By chapter one I was already dying to see how the hell she would get out of this one.

Luca this man.

Perfection. The way he says your name, stares, provides. He was the ultimate alpha when it comes to Delilah.

I swooned and was rooting for him in just about every scene.

Delilah is the non commitment type. The party girl. The shops all day girl. The girl with no responsibilities. Well, that's what her family and friends think. Or so they think. She needs a helping hand but will never ask. The girl who will figure it out on her own, on her time. Little does she realize that she needs Luca, and he walks in at the very moment she needs him most.

These two.

The passionate intense banter between them made these characters come alive.

This author always blows me away with her writing style. I've come to realize there is nothing she can create that I don't obsess over.

Take your time is fun, SEXY, angsty, suspenseful, a romantic adventure that I don't want to end.

A must read.

Also, this a series, but it's a complete standalone. I have not yet read the other three books, and was not lost ever while reading it.

"Everything in my existence narrowed to a single, ludicrous thought. A sole, insane desire. I want this man."

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Gogol

931 reviews41 followers

May 15, 2019

I somehow read all the books in this series. Actually after rereading a couple of them I remembered having read them previously. And that's the best way I can describe all of them, yes, even the one I rated four stars because I was in a bad book rut. They are all, forgettable. The premises are ok, everything about even the execution is ok, except that they are all blah. Over the top drama, tstl heroine antics, undeveloped back stories and lack of chemistry. If you have nothing better to do you may be compelled to read one or two, or all. But I promise you none of it will stick with you in say three or four months. I'd say good for reading while waiting for the doctor to call you in?

Also spoiler alert, the brother empties her trust fund, but when he wants to pay her back she refuses?? Wtf?

Veronika's ReaderFeeder

495 reviews51 followers

July 12, 2017

4.5 – Force of nature – Stars
http://veronikasreaderfeeder.com/juli...

description

Julie Johnson’s Boston Love series is one my favorite Romantic Comedy series of all time, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the story of Luca and Lila. And it was sooo good! Julie Johnson is the very best at creating sassy heroines and alpha heroes with a twisting plot and amazing sense of humor.

Delilah James Sinclair always tried to avoid commitments. She carries some deep scars from her past and because of this, she never stays with a guy for long enough to call it a relationship. When Lila and Luca met at the first time, Lila immediately knew that she has to keep herself away from this hot MMA fighter. She knew it right away that she would want to know him so much deeper than she could get in one night, so she managed to avoid Luca Buchanan for six month. Until one night. A night when Lila found herself in an impossible situation (what of course was not her fault. Lol. :D) and faith brought Luca into her path again.

I was so curious about both Luca and Lila, because they were the most mysterious characters in the whole series. Even her best friends didn’t know about Lila’s life, so I couldn’t wait to find out all her secrets. 🙂 And these two! OMG! I loved them so much! In a huge amount of time they wanted to murder each other and they were so funny, but they also were truly layered characters and they had so much heart inside them. Luca is one of my favorite JJ heroes and he was so amazing with Lila! He was strong and gentle at the same time and I love this contrast so much!

I gave “only” 4.5 stars because I found some elements of the book too similar to Cross the Line and I also missed the actual MMA fight parts. I think it would have been good for the book if it had got a little sports romance vibe with actual MMA elements.

I’m a huge fan of Julie’s books most of all because she has an outstanding writing style. She writes her books with great sense of humor, beautiful metaphors, amazing characters and funny contemporary references. It’s not a surprise that I fell in love with this amazing book, too, because it was funny, twisting and truly engaging. I highly recommend it!

*ARC kindly provided the Author in exchange for an honest review*

For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
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Eleonora

73 reviews

There is an unparalleled fluidity, natural quality, and authenticity to Julie Johnson's writing. When you start reading her books you get completely engrossed in the lives of these characters that you become fully invested in. Take Your Time is the fourth entry in the much loved Boston Love Story series and it keeps the traditional going of funny, smart and highly entertaining love stories.
Ever since Luca Buchanan was first introduced earlier in the series I have been waiting with bated breath for his story. He did not disappoint. I love that even though Luca is a full-fledged alpha male, he's also the voice of reason and has an innate sense of wisdom that he doles out with an uncanny acuteness. He doesn't mince or waste words but is constantly aware of what is going on and Lila's needs (even if she isn't). According to Lila he is a "bossy, macho, knight-in-shining-armor with a god complex" which is all true but he is also sensitive and knows how to cut through Lila's layers to the heart of her. As much as she has tries to mask her huge heart, there's no denying that Lila is a warm, caring, and nutty character that burrows into the readers' hearts just as deeply as in Luca's soul. The witty banter between these two literally jumps off the pages and the constant zinging back-and-forth is highly entertaining.
As always we are blessed with the return of our favorite characters from the series and they are just as richly described and real as they have ever been. Julie manages to take smaller characters like the neighboring family and turn them into hilarious sweet characters that you love just as much as the protagonists (cutest couple meet ever!). There is never a missed moment of warmth or more importantly laughs
This is a must-read book in one of the best series around.
I received an ARC for an honest review.

Ssssarah

24 reviews

HOLY FREAKING LUCA BUCHANAN!

"With a single glance he let me know, without any shade of doubt, that one night with him would ruin me for any other man… because afterward, no one else would ever measure up. The reckless, senseless, masochistic streak inside of me wants to rise to that challenge; is practically dying to test that theory firsthand.
Go ahead, Luca. Take your best shot. I’ll wreck you right back."

description

THIS WAS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOD. I'm obsessed. Full review to come!

HMS

1,499 reviews74 followers

December 16, 2018

The hero redeemed this for me as I could not stand the heroine.

boxers-mma

Zara

2 reviews2 followers

2021 best-of-2021 hero-hall-of-fame

This book was super amazing! I stayed up half the night to finish it in one go!But then I have never been disappointed by a JJ book! Julie is my favourite author for a reason(: Her writing is always amazing and she makes you fall in love with all her characters. I have been super excited for this book! I loved Lila and her sass since I meet her in Cross the Line(: Also Julie you need to stop writing such amazing men! You are damaging my love life because no boy can ever compare to all the boys in your book's #boysarebetterinbooks. Luca is definitely no exception! He's hot and just down right alpha male but also super sweet! I could read about him and Lila all day long! This book literally has everything you could want in it. A hot boy, a puppy, a loveable mess of a girl, some danger and my favourite friend group! Who if they weren't fictional I would so want to be apart of! I am definitely hoping there is going to be a next book in this series! Possibly for a recent divorcee and my favourite FBI agent??

Lauren Lara

303 reviews50 followers

March 23, 2025

Girls girl banter. Found family in friends. UFC fighter & the good hearted previously rich broke girl. Commitment issues trope. They are kinda toxic. This one is a slow burn. It’s one where you wish she would just do what her heart already wants.

SheLove2Read

3,103 reviews203 followers

June 13, 2021

Utterly, insanely fantastic! Definitely the best book in this series. 5 stars

Ashley Gravelle

36 reviews

July 23, 2017

I did not love this book. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, I just found a lot of flaws in it. First of all, I was having bad J. Daniels flashbacks with a male main character who cannot seem to use a subject in a sentence to save his life. He never uses "I"! Like ever! No one talks like that!!! It's distracting and weird and a total pet peeve of mine. Second, all this sexual tension builds for 77 freaking percent of the book and I get like a 2 sentence sexy-times scene? Wtf?! I know Julie typically doesn't write super explicit sex scenes and that's totally fine but that was a major disappointment. It was practically fade-to-black. Boring and a total letdown!! And hello?! No discussion whatsoever of birth control or using a condom? What the hell is wrong with these people! Third, I thought the character development was just weak. I didn't feel like I really knew either of the MC's. Luca just up and decided he loved Lila? Why exactly? He didn't even know her and what he did know was unpleasant. There's really nothing to him other than a vague backstory, the fact that he's a fighter, he can't speak in complete sentences and refers to Lila like a possession all the time. Cue eye roll. Their relationship development was unrealistic and felt forced. Fourth, Lila's sarcastic, pithy inner dialogue got really old, really fast. We get it. Its like the author was trying to shove down your throat the fact that she's "funny" and "irreverent". Also she's a total doormat, letting the men in her life railroad her. First her brother, than Luca. I feel bad because I have enjoyed this series so far but this one just did NOT do it for me. Nothing about it felt fresh or unique or new. It was stale and trope-y and annoying.

2 reviews

Oh. My. God.

I’m speechless. Yet at the same time, have so many thoughts running through my head, I feel like it might explode at any moment. This book is BEAUTIFUL. So beautiful, in fact, that I read it in one day--that’s how amazing it is.

Luca is the kind of man you dream of, and his and Lila’s relationship is the most heart-warming thing I’ve ever read.

I laughed.

I cried.

I wished Luca was real so I could steal him away for myself.

Of course, all of the books in this series are brilliant--Julie Johnson really is a fantastically talented author. But, by far, Luca and Lila’s story is the best.

Simply beautiful.

Bea

317 reviews7 followers

annoying-or-unlikable-heroine boring-skimmed expectations-not-met

DNF @ 30%

Inked Avenue

175 reviews4 followers

"The way I see it, you're the best chance I've got at building a life. A family. A real one. Because when I'm with you... I'm home."

*bursts into room*

You guys! GAH! This novel... I'm obsessed! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Julie Johnson is the reigning queen of romantic comedies. The way she expertly pieces together a romance full of wacky drama, life altering setbacks, hair raising suspense, and life changing love is pure magic! Take Your Time is hands down my ultimate favorite in the Boston Love series and is this summers must read!

SO. DAMN. GOOD! GAH!

"Everything in my existence narrowed to a single ludicrous thought. A sole, insane desire. I want this man."

Delilah Sinclair, to anyone on the outside looking in, is perfectly polished, unattainable and independent. She keeps her heart locked in a cage and won't let any guy, or commitment of any kind, close enough to break what's already been shattered. She's also a complete and total hot mess. A fallen heiress with a empty bank account. But just like with anything else in life she owns it with her sassy, snarky, and sarcastic humor. Luca Buchanan, however, has other plans. Without apology he inserts himself in her life giving her that final push she needs to open her heart again. He is her complete undoing as he sheds light on the soft and caring side she hides from the world, slowly melting her heart of ice.

"He'd wreck me just to prove a point."

Luca Buchanan completely redefines the alpha male persona. With his playful demeanor, wisdom, and rugged protective air in any situation, he reinvents what a mischievous yet dangerous alpha can be. However, like any alpha, he loves the thrill of a chase and the triumph of winning over the girl, but unlike the others, he's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and lay down his soul for Delilah. He saw right though the bull and straight into her loving heart while enjoying her quirks and flaws. Knowing she doesn't trust easily or let anyone in, he carefully holds her heart and protects her trust in those moments when she would break and show her soul. It made me love him that much more. Together they were explosive! The sexual chemistry left me grinning. The witty and passionate banter left me breathless. And the unpredictable drama that followed Delilah around left me laughing from page one.

There is a quiet intensity in the way JJ wrote Luca and Delilah. Scenes that were laced with humor and wit, also sizzled with simmering sexual tension just waiting to be unleashed. I'm always left in awe by how Julie Johnson can create moments that are by definition simple and mundane, but are written both so beautifully and breathtaking that she effortlessly makes the small things the big things. She is simply a phenomenal story teller.

XX,

Jennifer

*ARC provided by author*

Sarah

1,907 reviews1,365 followers

4.5 Guarded Crowns

Julie Johnson has composed another engaging Boston Love story that is filled with alpha heroes, fun heroines, and suspense.

Luca Buchanan is quite possibly my favorite Boston Love hero, rivaled only by Nate Knox. He has the MMA fighter, protector aspect down to a tee. He talks in absolutes because his speech isn't superfluous and says what he means. Yet, there is this soft side to him that shines through when he is with Delilah. The mixture of hard and soft makes him my favorite type of hero.

Delilah is the shallow party girl, always up for a good time. But through her development, readers get to see that she is much more. Her shallowness is a choice on her part to guard her heart. She has been abandoned, used, tossed aside from people who should have loved her. Her defenses are high, but she is still likable. So much so, that readers hope that she can get out of her own way to see what a good thing she has with Luca.

The chemistry between these two is palpable. Without even touching, readers can feel their attraction and the energy that radiates between them. Even though this is a very low steam novel, the pent up sexual tension is enough to engage readers and get them invested in their relationship. Added to the romance is the suspense element and danger that readers have come to expect in this series, and Julie Johnson intertwines the two so well, using the danger to push the romance forward, allowing the characters to come to some self realizations that need to happen. The ending is also perfect, encapsulating everything readers have come to love about Luca and Delilah.

Julie Johnson continues to be a favorite of mine. Not only because I love all the angsty romance she provides, but I adore her writing. It is vivid and beautiful, and I always love these worlds she creates .
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ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.

Adrienn Csép

492 reviews21 followers

July 7, 2017

ARC was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

4,5 stars

I love Julie Johnson's writingstyle, how she creates sassy heroines and bossy alphas and how she makes references to the nowdays tv series :) Although this kind of male maincharacter not my favorite type, but I have to say Luca one of the bests ;) I smiled so much because of Lila: her inner struggle over Luca, how she tried to avoid him for 6 months (Lila and the fridgedoor :D) and because of her sarcastic humor. Luca not much of a talker, so he only speaks when it's necessary and he is very straightforward. At first I thought they very fast with the trust and with the heart issues, but they danced around each other for 6 months (lot of tension ;) ) that made sence so I chased away the thought. I liked how Lila opened up herself to Luca and slowly we get to know the truth about Lila's behavior. Of course the action thread couldn't be left out, it wasn't too complicated but it wasn't frivolous. The only thing that I always missing the men's POV, I really curious what they think :))

Andrea

271 reviews9 followers

July 5, 2017

ARC provided for review

Take Your Time is the 4th book in the Boston Love Story Series. If you haven’t read the others in the series, no need to worry, you can read this book without having read the others.
Take your time was another great read by Julie Johnson. The book has a great story line and excellent character development.
Luca is a take charge, hot alpha male. Delilah is a strong female with a sarcastic sense of humour.
Pick this book up, you won’t be disappointed!

Anne-Marie Michaud

106 reviews57 followers

April 11, 2025

J’ai bien aimé l’histoire de Delilah et Luca ❤️ J’aime comment on retrouve les personnages des tomes précédents et qu’on voit l’évolution de leur histoire!

Samantha Ramadani

368 reviews