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Speakeasy Taproom #2
Heartwood
She needs a fresh start. He wants a second chance…
My new job as a chef in a small town was supposed to be my ticket to peace and quiet. I didn’t expect to run into the former hockey star who gave me the hottest nights of my life. And, oops, he’s sort-of my new boss. So much for keeping my past where it belongs.
Ty still thinks I’m the fun party girl. He has no idea how much things have changed. One thing that hasn’t changed: the spark between us. It’s hotter than the blowtorch I use on my crème brûlée.
I’m already keeping secrets, so what’s one more? Our tryst is forbidden, it’s fun, and it gets complicated as fast as you can say “check, please.” I didn’t expect to have a future with Ty. And I definitely didn’t expect to have a baby with him.
Some falls are harder than others. But it depends on who’s there to catch you...
My new job as a chef in a small town was supposed to be my ticket to peace and quiet. I didn’t expect to run into the former hockey star who gave me the hottest nights of my life. And, oops, he’s sort-of my new boss. So much for keeping my past where it belongs.
Ty still thinks I’m the fun party girl. He has no idea how much things have changed. One thing that hasn’t changed: the spark between us. It’s hotter than the blowtorch I use on my crème brûlée.
I’m already keeping secrets, so what’s one more? Our tryst is forbidden, it’s fun, and it gets complicated as fast as you can say “check, please.” I didn’t expect to have a future with Ty. And I definitely didn’t expect to have a baby with him.
Some falls are harder than others. But it depends on who’s there to catch you...
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
138 people are currently reading
2165 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Croix
203 books1,491 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
June 29, 2021
Belle + Ty.
Something happened to law student Belle a year ago. Something big and life changing. Because today she's starting her new job as a chef at the Speakeasy Taproom.
Former college hockey star Ty is the bar manager there.
Belle and Ty knew each other intimately back at school.
But why is top-student Belle not a lawyer?
What happened? And what will happen now?
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! ☺
═════════════════
That was adorable!
And a bit mysterious at first. And sweet and heartbreaking and sparky and sexy.
I really liked Ty and Belle.
I'm not a fan of our heros and heroines being sick in any way - be that cancer or anything else - I just don't want that in my romances.
But it wasn't too bad here.
What was also weird. That the pregnancy is mentioned in the blurb. That doesn't happen until almost 80% of the story is done... Either make it happen sooner or leave it out of the blurb! Same with the adorable cat! The one on the cover! I wanted that sooner! 🤷♀️
But in the end I really liked the story. It won't be in my top five of True North Stories, but it was still cute.
I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
HEARTWOOD was an adorable kinda-second-chance romance! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ty - he'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
November 9, 2021
Good gravy this is awful.
So, this story is fanfiction set in Sarina Bowen's True North universe (and also published by Sarina Bowen, which is... uh... yeah, I don't have words). Anyway, I have nothing against fanfic, some of it is truly excellent. This, however, is not. Perhaps Ms. Bowen, when giving her consent for the author to use her characters and universe, might have also considered springing for an editor? This book is slow. Dull. Grating. Repetitive. (Really, really repetitive). Utterly lacking in any kind of decent dialogue. Seriously, I feel really badly for the author, because this belongs on wattpad, not Amazon and someone should have told her that. I kept reading because I enjoyed most of the True North stories and wanted to visit the universe again, but this is just a revolving door of the original characters acting completely out of character, along with two new characters: Cardboard McBoring-guy and Plastic Personalityless. And a cat. And a blender full of tropes recycled from other TN stories.
Don't waste your time. Write your own fanfic if you like the universe. Or write 400 pages describing paint drying. Either would be preferable.
So, this story is fanfiction set in Sarina Bowen's True North universe (and also published by Sarina Bowen, which is... uh... yeah, I don't have words). Anyway, I have nothing against fanfic, some of it is truly excellent. This, however, is not. Perhaps Ms. Bowen, when giving her consent for the author to use her characters and universe, might have also considered springing for an editor? This book is slow. Dull. Grating. Repetitive. (Really, really repetitive). Utterly lacking in any kind of decent dialogue. Seriously, I feel really badly for the author, because this belongs on wattpad, not Amazon and someone should have told her that. I kept reading because I enjoyed most of the True North stories and wanted to visit the universe again, but this is just a revolving door of the original characters acting completely out of character, along with two new characters: Cardboard McBoring-guy and Plastic Personalityless. And a cat. And a blender full of tropes recycled from other TN stories.
Don't waste your time. Write your own fanfic if you like the universe. Or write 400 pages describing paint drying. Either would be preferable.
November 5, 2021
3.5 Coming To Terms Stars-Be Still My Heart, It's FREE!!!
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
One of the best things, in my opinion about reading romance, is when real-life experiences and lessons are highlighted and used in a way to show the reader, these hurdles are not just yours, they can be addressed and overcome. J.H. Croix tackles this concept and treats it with a careful hand.
Belle was on the fast track. She excelled at school being that overachiever on steroids. She entered college with an energy that was off the charts. She juggled so many things and still had time to be that fun party girl. She was on her way to having this career in law, doing the first steps of intense work with a firm, learning the ropes while still in law school, and then it all came apart. Belle had to come to terms with a lot of things and with the help of others, she realized the strain she had been under and why she crashed.
Now she is in a different place, coping and seeing what elements in her life work, what to stay away from, and hoping for a fresh start. She discovered being a chef was her actual calling and is starting as one at the new Speakeasy. Belle is excited to have this opportunity and when she arrives for her first day she never thought she would run into a blast from her college past.
Ty has been at the Speakeasy working as one of the front managers. It was a transition for him not to be "living his dream" as a hockey star. He had a very promising future when he was injured. He healed but never to the place that would allow him to play up to snuff. It was something he had to accept and carry on. He hated the company his father ran, had no desire to be part of it, and happily landed in his current place in life. For Ty, being at the Speakeasy was a good thing.
When Ty and Belle cross paths once again, Belle is nervous. She knows Ty must still think of her as the way she was back in college. They had terrific chemistry and would hook up without any drama. But Belle isn't that person anymore and at some point, she will need to figure out how to deal with Ty now.
Heartwood takes the reader through these journeys, Ty being who he is for Belle, Belle learning to open up, risk-sharing her past, and seeing what happens between them once they trust one another.
Touchstone (Speakeasy Taproom #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heartwood (Speakeasy Taproom #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homecoming (Speakeasy Taproom, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Firefly (Speakeasy Taproom, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
One of the best things, in my opinion about reading romance, is when real-life experiences and lessons are highlighted and used in a way to show the reader, these hurdles are not just yours, they can be addressed and overcome. J.H. Croix tackles this concept and treats it with a careful hand.
Belle was on the fast track. She excelled at school being that overachiever on steroids. She entered college with an energy that was off the charts. She juggled so many things and still had time to be that fun party girl. She was on her way to having this career in law, doing the first steps of intense work with a firm, learning the ropes while still in law school, and then it all came apart. Belle had to come to terms with a lot of things and with the help of others, she realized the strain she had been under and why she crashed.
Now she is in a different place, coping and seeing what elements in her life work, what to stay away from, and hoping for a fresh start. She discovered being a chef was her actual calling and is starting as one at the new Speakeasy. Belle is excited to have this opportunity and when she arrives for her first day she never thought she would run into a blast from her college past.
Ty has been at the Speakeasy working as one of the front managers. It was a transition for him not to be "living his dream" as a hockey star. He had a very promising future when he was injured. He healed but never to the place that would allow him to play up to snuff. It was something he had to accept and carry on. He hated the company his father ran, had no desire to be part of it, and happily landed in his current place in life. For Ty, being at the Speakeasy was a good thing.
When Ty and Belle cross paths once again, Belle is nervous. She knows Ty must still think of her as the way she was back in college. They had terrific chemistry and would hook up without any drama. But Belle isn't that person anymore and at some point, she will need to figure out how to deal with Ty now.
Heartwood takes the reader through these journeys, Ty being who he is for Belle, Belle learning to open up, risk-sharing her past, and seeing what happens between them once they trust one another.
Touchstone (Speakeasy Taproom #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heartwood (Speakeasy Taproom #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homecoming (Speakeasy Taproom, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sideways (Speakeasy Taproom, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Firefly (Speakeasy Taproom, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom, #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 16, 2021
an ok read about an old college fling.
June 29, 2021
Ty and Belle were fire! They were both so different than when they first knew each other, both had their share of disappointments and had to get used to a life other than what they planned, but I loved their journey to get there. And who doesn't love a grumbly ex hockey player who falls hard for his woman (and a kitten). Great story and awesome second installment to the series.
September 9, 2021
This book tried to tackle a lot of important issues and failed at every turn. It sweeps infidelity under the rug, mocks a woman’s right to choose, and portrays a vague, if supportive, view of mental illness
dnf
December 2, 2021DNF at 56%
Dragging a bit, feels like we’re not going anywhere.
I really don’t vibe with the heroine’s negative self-talk about how her mental illness makes her unworthy of love.
Dragging a bit, feels like we’re not going anywhere.
I really don’t vibe with the heroine’s negative self-talk about how her mental illness makes her unworthy of love.
December 30, 2021
Heartwood
(Speakeasy Taproom #2)
Written by: J.H. Croix
Belle Dunn was the girl who could do it all in college. Always moving, acing all her classes and on her way to Law school until the night that her world was stopped in her tracks. After being diagnosed as having Bi-Polar disorder. She’s been working hard to do what her doctors and therapist recommend, taking her medication and now ready to start a new job the Speakeasy Bar and Gastropub.
A fresh start, or is it? When she hears the name of the General Manager of Speakeasy, her first thought is she knew a Ty once, in college. He was a friend, not actually they had hot steamy nights together. It couldn’t be him, could it?
They had a past and when they talked you could see that the attraction was still there. Belle had to share her story with Ty though, it was right that he knew and he listened and was still ready to see if what they use to have between them was still there.
Belle is still coming to terms with her diagnosis, while Ty is dealing with a bad history with his father. With the childhood he had the one thing that could damage their growing relationship was dishonesty.
Both Belle and Ty had so much to overcome, even after time has gone by Belle is still not sure how she can live her life? Would anyone be able to love her? Would she be able to have a family? Would there be a future with Ty? While Belle had her worries, Ty’s issues stem from a very untrustworthy relationship with his father.
What seems to be going to well ends when his father meddles in their relationship and things change when Belle needs Ty the most.
I’ve enjoyed every book from both the Speakeasy and Busy Bean series and this book was no different. The characters and their backgrounds gave substance to this story. Their obvious attraction to each other kept me reading to make sure it all worked out in the end.
(Speakeasy Taproom #2)
Written by: J.H. Croix
Belle Dunn was the girl who could do it all in college. Always moving, acing all her classes and on her way to Law school until the night that her world was stopped in her tracks. After being diagnosed as having Bi-Polar disorder. She’s been working hard to do what her doctors and therapist recommend, taking her medication and now ready to start a new job the Speakeasy Bar and Gastropub.
A fresh start, or is it? When she hears the name of the General Manager of Speakeasy, her first thought is she knew a Ty once, in college. He was a friend, not actually they had hot steamy nights together. It couldn’t be him, could it?
They had a past and when they talked you could see that the attraction was still there. Belle had to share her story with Ty though, it was right that he knew and he listened and was still ready to see if what they use to have between them was still there.
Belle is still coming to terms with her diagnosis, while Ty is dealing with a bad history with his father. With the childhood he had the one thing that could damage their growing relationship was dishonesty.
Both Belle and Ty had so much to overcome, even after time has gone by Belle is still not sure how she can live her life? Would anyone be able to love her? Would she be able to have a family? Would there be a future with Ty? While Belle had her worries, Ty’s issues stem from a very untrustworthy relationship with his father.
What seems to be going to well ends when his father meddles in their relationship and things change when Belle needs Ty the most.
I’ve enjoyed every book from both the Speakeasy and Busy Bean series and this book was no different. The characters and their backgrounds gave substance to this story. Their obvious attraction to each other kept me reading to make sure it all worked out in the end.
July 5, 2021
4 Stars!! ❤
I've been meaning to pick up Ms.Croix's work for the longest time now. As soon as this Speakeasy book was announced I knew that's where I wanted to start first! I got into it right away! I really enjoyed this story!
Belle and Ty's journey hooked me from the start! I couldn't put their story down until I reached the end. I was so glad that I got to be in both of these characters minds and how I related / connected with them. I felt so much with these two throughout reading!
There was a realness to this story that I very much appreciated. I loved how I could picture it all so vividly! It's always such a joy when you wish you could jump into a book and live there. I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Heartwood, Ms.Croix has created such a good read with feels! This story left me with the biggest smile on my face and It's definitely what I needed this month! I am kicking myself for not having picked up Ms.Croix's work sooner and I can't wait to read more of her books in the near future! ❤
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Heart Eyes Press / the author*
I've been meaning to pick up Ms.Croix's work for the longest time now. As soon as this Speakeasy book was announced I knew that's where I wanted to start first! I got into it right away! I really enjoyed this story!
Belle and Ty's journey hooked me from the start! I couldn't put their story down until I reached the end. I was so glad that I got to be in both of these characters minds and how I related / connected with them. I felt so much with these two throughout reading!
There was a realness to this story that I very much appreciated. I loved how I could picture it all so vividly! It's always such a joy when you wish you could jump into a book and live there. I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Heartwood, Ms.Croix has created such a good read with feels! This story left me with the biggest smile on my face and It's definitely what I needed this month! I am kicking myself for not having picked up Ms.Croix's work sooner and I can't wait to read more of her books in the near future! ❤
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Heart Eyes Press / the author*
June 30, 2021
This was an enjoyable read, with nice characters and some deep contents that will tie you to the story.
Belle and Ty met at college, an academic genious the first and an hockey star the latter, they lose sight of each other until they collide again at the Speakeasy. Both their lives have taken a different turn after few accidents, now Ty is the manager and Belle is the chef at this new gastropub. They still share a strong attraction and they can't keep their hands away from each other's bodies, will they have a relationship without strings attached like they had at college? Or this time will they have a deeper connection?
I liked to read Ty and Belle's journey, they take their time before they realise their feelings for each other changed, growing stronger and deeper, but that made the entire story more believable and relatable.
I loved how Ty reacts to Belle confessions, and how he tries to understand her condition without judging. Belle experience is shocking but while I was reading it I felt so proud of her, because she tries really hard to not be defined by her condition, even if at times her strength is put to test.
I recommend to read Heartwood If you like small town second chance romances.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 29, 2021
Out today!
Once again, what a winnerrrrrrr.
And talk about learning new things. I swear this entire World of True North project has been exposing me to characters that I have never read about in romances before and I LOVE seeing them represented. Ty had a pretty standard childhood with a shitty dad who cheated on his mom and has trouble with deep romantic connections because of it. Belle on the other hand discovered she has Bipolar disorder when she was deep in a manic phase in college and stole one of her professor's cars without realizing she had done anything wrong. Because she had been on such a high before that with success in Law School, her confidence took a HUGE hit and she is constantly second guessing herself.
It was actually quite the interesting coincidence because my husband and I have been re-watching Shameless and we're actually on the season where Ian gets diagnosed and is trying to deal with that and figure out meds and Monica makes an appearance as well. Not knowing anyone personally who deals with Bipolar disorder, seeing it affect these people differently was pretty eye-opening.
I also liked that this was a sort-of second chance romance in the sense that Belle and Ty actually had known each other in college and had hooked up several times back then. While they didn't ever really have a "falling out" when they went their separate ways, neither one of them had forgotten each other either. That of course did kind of affect their relationship in the present in the sense that Belle was nervous that Ty would have this different view of her since he knew her back when she was on her high versus knowing her now. Ty took that all in stride and never let that change how he thought of her at all.
There are of course a few points of tension, as there almost always is in romances. While I wouldn't say I disliked how things ended, I did weirdly feel like the characters changed a little bit with how things were executed at the end. I spent the entire book feeling like they were solidly into adulthood and then suddenly a few major things happen and they suddenly were reading like super young people fresh out of high school?? I don't even know how to describe it other than it feeling slightly disjointed for me. Either way I liked the book overall and need moreeeee!
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Once again, what a winnerrrrrrr.
And talk about learning new things. I swear this entire World of True North project has been exposing me to characters that I have never read about in romances before and I LOVE seeing them represented. Ty had a pretty standard childhood with a shitty dad who cheated on his mom and has trouble with deep romantic connections because of it. Belle on the other hand discovered she has Bipolar disorder when she was deep in a manic phase in college and stole one of her professor's cars without realizing she had done anything wrong. Because she had been on such a high before that with success in Law School, her confidence took a HUGE hit and she is constantly second guessing herself.
It was actually quite the interesting coincidence because my husband and I have been re-watching Shameless and we're actually on the season where Ian gets diagnosed and is trying to deal with that and figure out meds and Monica makes an appearance as well. Not knowing anyone personally who deals with Bipolar disorder, seeing it affect these people differently was pretty eye-opening.
I also liked that this was a sort-of second chance romance in the sense that Belle and Ty actually had known each other in college and had hooked up several times back then. While they didn't ever really have a "falling out" when they went their separate ways, neither one of them had forgotten each other either. That of course did kind of affect their relationship in the present in the sense that Belle was nervous that Ty would have this different view of her since he knew her back when she was on her high versus knowing her now. Ty took that all in stride and never let that change how he thought of her at all.
There are of course a few points of tension, as there almost always is in romances. While I wouldn't say I disliked how things ended, I did weirdly feel like the characters changed a little bit with how things were executed at the end. I spent the entire book feeling like they were solidly into adulthood and then suddenly a few major things happen and they suddenly were reading like super young people fresh out of high school?? I don't even know how to describe it other than it feeling slightly disjointed for me. Either way I liked the book overall and need moreeeee!
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
July 2, 2021
There is nothing more satisfying than reading a story with what some might call life altering circumstances and it being respectful of that circumstance and realistic! Well done! *slow clap*
Primarily, I’d say this story was about growth, moving forward, walking your path and owning your choices. I’m finding really hard right now to come up with a way to review this story without giving away any plot points and it is frustrating the heck out of me LOL You could say this was a second chance story and you’d be right, but not a second chance romance. That’s confusing, right? I know. I feel you, but there it is LOL Yes, Belle and Ty knew each other in the past, but there was no relationship in my opinion. The second chance I refer to is about life; your journey; your path. Both Belle and Ty envisioned one path but *shrug* they were mistaken because life threw them each a curveball and they had to change course.
That’s how we navigate to the now where they are once again in the vicinity of each other, and sparks are still flying and burning! These two haven’t had the best of luck in life but the author turned what could have been an angsty story into a heartfelt swoony one and I for one was delighted!
So, if you’re looking for an afternoon read that’s not too heavy and will make you smile and swoon, you know what to do :)
Primarily, I’d say this story was about growth, moving forward, walking your path and owning your choices. I’m finding really hard right now to come up with a way to review this story without giving away any plot points and it is frustrating the heck out of me LOL You could say this was a second chance story and you’d be right, but not a second chance romance. That’s confusing, right? I know. I feel you, but there it is LOL Yes, Belle and Ty knew each other in the past, but there was no relationship in my opinion. The second chance I refer to is about life; your journey; your path. Both Belle and Ty envisioned one path but *shrug* they were mistaken because life threw them each a curveball and they had to change course.
That’s how we navigate to the now where they are once again in the vicinity of each other, and sparks are still flying and burning! These two haven’t had the best of luck in life but the author turned what could have been an angsty story into a heartfelt swoony one and I for one was delighted!
So, if you’re looking for an afternoon read that’s not too heavy and will make you smile and swoon, you know what to do :)
October 16, 2021
DNF @ 43% I keep waiting for things to pick up, but the story is too slow and dragging. Its not holding my attention. 2*blah*stars
Want to read
January 20, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/5/2021)! 🎁
November 13, 2021
DNF. Bored out of my mind. More than half way through and not sure how I lasted that long.
July 1, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a solid addition to the Speakeasy Taproom/World of True North universe. As its second offering for the Speakeasy world, it does a good job of connecting us with Karen Stivali’s Touchstone, the other first book released in tandem with Heartwood. It also nods to Sarina Bowen’s True North stories in its cameos of Alec, May, and Griff.
Along with its place in this world, Heartwood highlights the struggles of mental health. Its heroine, Belle, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Croix takes the space of this book to magnify those struggles and the fear and pain involved in living with it. Through Belle’s character, we recognize the worry along with the determination of living an abundant life in the specter of that mental health challenge.
Her hero, Ty, also illuminates the challenge of living in the shadow of a parent, a parent who holds his children as emotional hostages. As Ty’s character develops, we find a man willing to stand on his own.
This story is a story of second chances. As Ty and Belle find their way forward, it’s fraught with needing to define their relationship. This is also the frustration of Heartwood. I found the story to be a bit sleepy in its pacing and never fully connected emotionally with Ty and Belle. I think Croix’s strength in this book is her capacity to situate this couple in this world. However, I wanted to feel their struggle more distinctly.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a worthy read. Will it bowl you over? I’m not sure. I wanted a bit more from it, but it will leave you satisfied in the end.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a solid addition to the Speakeasy Taproom/World of True North universe. As its second offering for the Speakeasy world, it does a good job of connecting us with Karen Stivali’s Touchstone, the other first book released in tandem with Heartwood. It also nods to Sarina Bowen’s True North stories in its cameos of Alec, May, and Griff.
Along with its place in this world, Heartwood highlights the struggles of mental health. Its heroine, Belle, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Croix takes the space of this book to magnify those struggles and the fear and pain involved in living with it. Through Belle’s character, we recognize the worry along with the determination of living an abundant life in the specter of that mental health challenge.
Her hero, Ty, also illuminates the challenge of living in the shadow of a parent, a parent who holds his children as emotional hostages. As Ty’s character develops, we find a man willing to stand on his own.
This story is a story of second chances. As Ty and Belle find their way forward, it’s fraught with needing to define their relationship. This is also the frustration of Heartwood. I found the story to be a bit sleepy in its pacing and never fully connected emotionally with Ty and Belle. I think Croix’s strength in this book is her capacity to situate this couple in this world. However, I wanted to feel their struggle more distinctly.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a worthy read. Will it bowl you over? I’m not sure. I wanted a bit more from it, but it will leave you satisfied in the end.
July 1, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a solid addition to the Speakeasy Taproom/World of True North universe. As its second offering for the Speakeasy world, it does a good job of connecting us with Karen Stivali’s Touchstone, the other first book released in tandem with Heartwood. It also nods to Sarina Bowen’s True North stories in its cameos of Alec, May, and Griff.
Along with its place in this world, Heartwood highlights the struggles of mental health. Its heroine, Belle, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Croix takes the space of this book to magnify those struggles and the fear and pain involved in living with it. Through Belle’s character, we recognize the worry along with the determination of living an abundant life in the specter of that mental health challenge.
Her hero, Ty, also illuminates the challenge of living in the shadow of a parent, a parent who holds his children as emotional hostages. As Ty’s character develops, we find a man willing to stand on his own.
This story is a story of second chances. As Ty and Belle find their way forward, it’s fraught with needing to define their relationship. This is also the frustration of Heartwood. I found the story to be a bit sleepy in its pacing and never fully connected emotionally with Ty and Belle. I think Croix’s strength in this book is her capacity to situate this couple in this world. However, I wanted to feel their struggle more distinctly.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a worthy read. Will it bowl you over? I’m not sure. I wanted a bit more from it, but it will leave you satisfied in the end.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a solid addition to the Speakeasy Taproom/World of True North universe. As its second offering for the Speakeasy world, it does a good job of connecting us with Karen Stivali’s Touchstone, the other first book released in tandem with Heartwood. It also nods to Sarina Bowen’s True North stories in its cameos of Alec, May, and Griff.
Along with its place in this world, Heartwood highlights the struggles of mental health. Its heroine, Belle, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Croix takes the space of this book to magnify those struggles and the fear and pain involved in living with it. Through Belle’s character, we recognize the worry along with the determination of living an abundant life in the specter of that mental health challenge.
Her hero, Ty, also illuminates the challenge of living in the shadow of a parent, a parent who holds his children as emotional hostages. As Ty’s character develops, we find a man willing to stand on his own.
This story is a story of second chances. As Ty and Belle find their way forward, it’s fraught with needing to define their relationship. This is also the frustration of Heartwood. I found the story to be a bit sleepy in its pacing and never fully connected emotionally with Ty and Belle. I think Croix’s strength in this book is her capacity to situate this couple in this world. However, I wanted to feel their struggle more distinctly.
J.H. Croix’s Heartwood is a worthy read. Will it bowl you over? I’m not sure. I wanted a bit more from it, but it will leave you satisfied in the end.
November 26, 2021
My least favorite in the series
I was disappointed to not like this book more. The dialogue between the characters was stale and redundant. They kept discussing the same things and never going deeper. I didn't get a chance to really know the characters or get invested in them because of this.
I was disappointed to not like this book more. The dialogue between the characters was stale and redundant. They kept discussing the same things and never going deeper. I didn't get a chance to really know the characters or get invested in them because of this.
June 20, 2021
This book was ok but did not wow me. The main characters seemed thrown together but didn’t seem to have much connection and chemistry. It was great seeing other characters from the True North family.
did-not-finish
March 8, 2024DNF at 2%. I'm confused. And don't care enough not to be.
September 19, 2021
**Actually a 2.5-rating**
ooof, I do not know how to feel. As I am going through the Heart Eyes Press 4-ancillary series to Bowen's True North series, and I make my way into books #1-4, for each...it's becoming tougher and tougher to find good-enough stories/characters. For some sets, the first and maybe the 2nd or 3rd titles really fulfilled what I was looking for as a reader, but man, as I go deeper and keep going, they feel like sad attempts at mimicry or even worse attempts at trying to at least measure up to a Gold Standard, in something.
This was one of those that lack...Umph. There is so much padding in this book and pandering. Oh, and beyond the realm of repetitiveness.
Once again, we have two MCs who are not god-awful, but they are... simply "okay". Not spectacular nor do they stand out in some kind of rare find. What does become apparent is... these two like to KISS each other and they also don't mind pointlessly hooking up-->because, of course, they have the most awesome-est sex imaginable.
Beyond this? For me as a reader who wishes to enjoy and find character relatable and likable... at least tolerable...this one misses the mark mainly because Ty and Belle are simply existing in their lives. Going through the motions of making it appear like what they do now is making them at their happiest. As Marie Kondo would say, "Does this spark J-O-Y?" and I have the suspicion these two MCs would take such long pauses before answering and might hem-and-haw to be truthful.
They say they are now [these current days] pursuing 2nd careers because their Dream ones didn't work out. Bella wanted to be a lawyer, like her parents...and Ty had a promising hockey career before a bad knee sidelined him.
Ty and Belle met in college. In the prime of both their college years--Belle a Freshmen, Ty a Senior--they basically fell into an easy, breezy but YES GOD-DAMN spectacular sex Hook-up/Booty Call thing. Not so much a relationship. And, sure, NOW they say in their POV headspace that back then they kind of/sort of wanted "more", but, yeah, eh... circumstances as they were, neither ever pursued it.
Now that Belle is at Speakeasy... the gastro-pub bar and this is where Ty works...they get this really awkward 2nd chance at... the "more". And, yet, my Gawd there is so much hesitation from both of them, they skittered and skated around the other until they built up this creepy sexual tension and it's basically force-fed into the story.
I never feel this attraction, though each of them talks up wanting to KISS... Ty wants to KISS Belle, Belle wants to KISS Ty...it gets old fast.
Ty seems to keep Belle in his orbit for some ungodly reason, so of course, Belle feels obligated to bring Ty up to speed. Ty only recalls the "Belle" she was before her mental breakdown--Belle has a manic moment during law school and pretty much screws up the rest of her life. And she also learns she has a hereditary form of Bipolar disorder; she shares this with an Aunt [her Mom's sister? but it's not even a close Aunt].
My issue is...Belle is the only one here considering that her mental disorder is quite important... while everyone, including Ty, her best friend May [Griffin's sister], and even her therapist... think Belle keeps making mountains out of molehills.
What pains me to say is, "Thanks for the mental rep, but Jesus Christ on a cracker...STAWP making Belle have a trigger moment with this repeated 'calm down' method".
The only way Belle can truly come to terms with what she has to deal with, having bipolar disorder and also taking the meds to curb her manic tendencies...is for folks to stop forcing her to downplay when she needs to work through her anxieties and anguishes. Allow her to find the pathways. Too many times in this book, from too many people who do not know about nor do they understand what it means to be Bipolar, have to stop telling Belle HOW and WHY she needs to put an end to her constant worry.
There is also this never-ending repetition in making sure we KNOW... we DAMN WELL KNOW FOR A FACT that Ty & Belle past hookups were so freakin' awesome and HAWT...and sexy... the sex had was outstanding. So, yeah, sure when they rekindle their hookups... it is not surprisingly inevitable that ONCE AGAIN, the sex had will be the same.
GOT IT. Please stop hammering it into readers' heads. In the same way...the MCs kept flagging "kissing"...and their past hookups. GOT THAT TOO. And also, making it damn clear...every single detail about the day/night Belle went manic and she was arrested for car theft and put in a mental ward...GOT IT TIMES A THOUSAND.
Ty was no better. There is so much backlog, past history cropping up for him...from his sister to his horrible parents...and how this always affects him... not just his sister, alone.
This is what I mean by "padding"...and how this book makes it so clear on very specific things and reasons and, maybe, excuses to make it seem like these two MCs have their lives on track and appear to be fulfilling some kind of passion in their careers.
I have my doubts. I also have my doubts about this couple. I cannot see them surviving in the long haul. Although their dual POV HEA made it seem like they progressed so effortlessly into wedded bliss and having their OOPS! baby...I just...
By the end of this book, I was beyond frustrated, annoyed with, and beyond agitated I had kept with it. I should have DNF'd way back yonder the 3rd or 4th times we had to hear every darn minute repeated about Ty and Belle in college.
Or the 11th and 20th time about how Ty and Belle hooked up in colege... how each wanted to KISS the other to get back that awesome spark they had that could melt the world away. And then how they both kind of wanted something special, but at the time KNEW it was wrong to date. And...I could go on and on but I would only be doing the same thing of repeated explanations this author did to pack and pander in their story.
I am really disappointed in the Bipolar Disorder-through storyline. I feel like Belle is never genuinely SEEN, in truth. And Ty never helps, but actually hinders a small recovery process. And, actually, Belle's therapist kind of frightens me to some degree and I see something "unhealthy-to- unethical" in some of the processes she uses to treat Belle.
I won't even go into an explanation but just to say this...because Ty & Belle made their 2nd Chance Romance only about hooking up, they never made it crystal clear WHO or WHAT they were to the other, though, of course, both admit to possibly falling in love.
HOW? WHEN? WHERE? Please show or tell me when this could have happened because my mind boggles to know this for a certain fact. I have my doubts mainly because this couple is ONLY about kisses and hook-ups. They don't DATE... they don't go for drives or walks... they never go shopping... they never have long talks or watch movies or TV together. All they do is kiss and have hook-ups... then they accidentally make a baby...
And then this is when I am supposed to fathom they BOTH feel like they should be together for the baby...so Belle can take care of herself during pregnancy and then Ty can take care of her, however she needs. But then... it's five or ten minutes later and they decide THIS is the moment to say I LOVE YOU...??? Why is this not what you lead the whole conversation with? make it damn clear and be as honest as possible so no one can claim confusion?
I think I imagine this book has every single piece of what makes a good small-town romance pretty accessible and popular, then adds a few bits that make it feel like it's WOKE and AWAKE...also, listening and making sure everything is heard loud and clear.
But, man... does it fail and drop the ball of being TOO MUCH. Something also to do with telling me, as a reader... but not really allowing me to witness it happening.
The author had so much room to breathe and space to expand, but filled it with telling me over and over and over the same damn stories and explanations... every important point of reference for each MC...in their individual POVs...there's no extra room to do something different.
There is also no more room to expand on this poor new couple trying to be in a relationship because... so many OTHER BOOK COUPLES slid into their DMs, ya know... Griff and Audrey... Zara and Dave...uh, May and Alec/Alex[?]...even to the point that some minor characters were given opportunities to advance their own romances a little--maybe... to somehow BUTT IN and try to tell Ty and Belle how they should BE with one another.
And then, once again...we have TOXIC parenting...being swept under the rug and mishandled to the point of...Ty being painstakingly passive-aggressive with his lying and cheating Dad who kept brow-beating him to come work at his dumb "family" business. The fact that I had to keep seeing this toxic Dad weave in and out, play dirty games on Belle and ruin her ?? with Ty...I about had reached my limits of how many times this story could sink to such deplorable levels.
Is it written somewhere in the bowels of some kind of doctrine, at Heart Eyes Press that we cannot ever have an Adult Child severe a traumatic relationship with a toxic parent?
I understand this in Moo U, because they are still kind of immature. But this is... roughly mid-to-late 20s...and Ty cannot tell his wretchedly cruel father to Fuck Off, already!!! That phone call he gives his dad at the end was just...weak and empty. Pointless really. Ty needed to make it more damn clear how he was going forward with his own life...with Belle...and that if his dad had an issue with Belle [...and the rest with the silly JOB OFFER] that he would END their connection. Nah, he leaves it up to Dad to decide to find some maturity?
Dude? Your father can't even divorce your Mom, in a healthy way, and openly cheats with his mistress... right in all of your faces!! Do you think he is going to suddenly find some moral compass and be an Adult?
Oh, man, didn't realize this book made me so angry and heartbroken. There was promise. But once again, this was a story that could have been a short novella. The repeated storyline info-drops became such padding to this book...too many times...I stopped caring and simply wanted it to end...happily or not.
And, no... I will NOT be reading your Extra Epilogue... I'd be scared it would simply sound like yet another broken record...and tell me the whole story all over again, right from their AWESOME SEXY COLLEGE HOOKUPS...
I saw that Belle is even kind of ecstatic and proud that she fell in love & married her Hook Up...and I am sure Ty is really proud that Belle thinks of him so respectfully...as her lifetime hook up, I guess...* blargh *
ooof, I do not know how to feel. As I am going through the Heart Eyes Press 4-ancillary series to Bowen's True North series, and I make my way into books #1-4, for each...it's becoming tougher and tougher to find good-enough stories/characters. For some sets, the first and maybe the 2nd or 3rd titles really fulfilled what I was looking for as a reader, but man, as I go deeper and keep going, they feel like sad attempts at mimicry or even worse attempts at trying to at least measure up to a Gold Standard, in something.
This was one of those that lack...Umph. There is so much padding in this book and pandering. Oh, and beyond the realm of repetitiveness.
Once again, we have two MCs who are not god-awful, but they are... simply "okay". Not spectacular nor do they stand out in some kind of rare find. What does become apparent is... these two like to KISS each other and they also don't mind pointlessly hooking up-->because, of course, they have the most awesome-est sex imaginable.
Beyond this? For me as a reader who wishes to enjoy and find character relatable and likable... at least tolerable...this one misses the mark mainly because Ty and Belle are simply existing in their lives. Going through the motions of making it appear like what they do now is making them at their happiest. As Marie Kondo would say, "Does this spark J-O-Y?" and I have the suspicion these two MCs would take such long pauses before answering and might hem-and-haw to be truthful.
They say they are now [these current days] pursuing 2nd careers because their Dream ones didn't work out. Bella wanted to be a lawyer, like her parents...and Ty had a promising hockey career before a bad knee sidelined him.
Ty and Belle met in college. In the prime of both their college years--Belle a Freshmen, Ty a Senior--they basically fell into an easy, breezy but YES GOD-DAMN spectacular sex Hook-up/Booty Call thing. Not so much a relationship. And, sure, NOW they say in their POV headspace that back then they kind of/sort of wanted "more", but, yeah, eh... circumstances as they were, neither ever pursued it.
Now that Belle is at Speakeasy... the gastro-pub bar and this is where Ty works...they get this really awkward 2nd chance at... the "more". And, yet, my Gawd there is so much hesitation from both of them, they skittered and skated around the other until they built up this creepy sexual tension and it's basically force-fed into the story.
I never feel this attraction, though each of them talks up wanting to KISS... Ty wants to KISS Belle, Belle wants to KISS Ty...it gets old fast.
Ty seems to keep Belle in his orbit for some ungodly reason, so of course, Belle feels obligated to bring Ty up to speed. Ty only recalls the "Belle" she was before her mental breakdown--Belle has a manic moment during law school and pretty much screws up the rest of her life. And she also learns she has a hereditary form of Bipolar disorder; she shares this with an Aunt [her Mom's sister? but it's not even a close Aunt].
My issue is...Belle is the only one here considering that her mental disorder is quite important... while everyone, including Ty, her best friend May [Griffin's sister], and even her therapist... think Belle keeps making mountains out of molehills.
What pains me to say is, "Thanks for the mental rep, but Jesus Christ on a cracker...STAWP making Belle have a trigger moment with this repeated 'calm down' method".
The only way Belle can truly come to terms with what she has to deal with, having bipolar disorder and also taking the meds to curb her manic tendencies...is for folks to stop forcing her to downplay when she needs to work through her anxieties and anguishes. Allow her to find the pathways. Too many times in this book, from too many people who do not know about nor do they understand what it means to be Bipolar, have to stop telling Belle HOW and WHY she needs to put an end to her constant worry.
There is also this never-ending repetition in making sure we KNOW... we DAMN WELL KNOW FOR A FACT that Ty & Belle past hookups were so freakin' awesome and HAWT...and sexy... the sex had was outstanding. So, yeah, sure when they rekindle their hookups... it is not surprisingly inevitable that ONCE AGAIN, the sex had will be the same.
GOT IT. Please stop hammering it into readers' heads. In the same way...the MCs kept flagging "kissing"...and their past hookups. GOT THAT TOO. And also, making it damn clear...every single detail about the day/night Belle went manic and she was arrested for car theft and put in a mental ward...GOT IT TIMES A THOUSAND.
Ty was no better. There is so much backlog, past history cropping up for him...from his sister to his horrible parents...and how this always affects him... not just his sister, alone.
This is what I mean by "padding"...and how this book makes it so clear on very specific things and reasons and, maybe, excuses to make it seem like these two MCs have their lives on track and appear to be fulfilling some kind of passion in their careers.
I have my doubts. I also have my doubts about this couple. I cannot see them surviving in the long haul. Although their dual POV HEA made it seem like they progressed so effortlessly into wedded bliss and having their OOPS! baby...I just...
By the end of this book, I was beyond frustrated, annoyed with, and beyond agitated I had kept with it. I should have DNF'd way back yonder the 3rd or 4th times we had to hear every darn minute repeated about Ty and Belle in college.
Or the 11th and 20th time about how Ty and Belle hooked up in colege... how each wanted to KISS the other to get back that awesome spark they had that could melt the world away. And then how they both kind of wanted something special, but at the time KNEW it was wrong to date. And...I could go on and on but I would only be doing the same thing of repeated explanations this author did to pack and pander in their story.
I am really disappointed in the Bipolar Disorder-through storyline. I feel like Belle is never genuinely SEEN, in truth. And Ty never helps, but actually hinders a small recovery process. And, actually, Belle's therapist kind of frightens me to some degree and I see something "unhealthy-to- unethical" in some of the processes she uses to treat Belle.
I won't even go into an explanation but just to say this...because Ty & Belle made their 2nd Chance Romance only about hooking up, they never made it crystal clear WHO or WHAT they were to the other, though, of course, both admit to possibly falling in love.
HOW? WHEN? WHERE? Please show or tell me when this could have happened because my mind boggles to know this for a certain fact. I have my doubts mainly because this couple is ONLY about kisses and hook-ups. They don't DATE... they don't go for drives or walks... they never go shopping... they never have long talks or watch movies or TV together. All they do is kiss and have hook-ups... then they accidentally make a baby...
And then this is when I am supposed to fathom they BOTH feel like they should be together for the baby...so Belle can take care of herself during pregnancy and then Ty can take care of her, however she needs. But then... it's five or ten minutes later and they decide THIS is the moment to say I LOVE YOU...??? Why is this not what you lead the whole conversation with? make it damn clear and be as honest as possible so no one can claim confusion?
I think I imagine this book has every single piece of what makes a good small-town romance pretty accessible and popular, then adds a few bits that make it feel like it's WOKE and AWAKE...also, listening and making sure everything is heard loud and clear.
But, man... does it fail and drop the ball of being TOO MUCH. Something also to do with telling me, as a reader... but not really allowing me to witness it happening.
The author had so much room to breathe and space to expand, but filled it with telling me over and over and over the same damn stories and explanations... every important point of reference for each MC...in their individual POVs...there's no extra room to do something different.
There is also no more room to expand on this poor new couple trying to be in a relationship because... so many OTHER BOOK COUPLES slid into their DMs, ya know... Griff and Audrey... Zara and Dave...uh, May and Alec/Alex[?]...even to the point that some minor characters were given opportunities to advance their own romances a little--maybe... to somehow BUTT IN and try to tell Ty and Belle how they should BE with one another.
And then, once again...we have TOXIC parenting...being swept under the rug and mishandled to the point of...Ty being painstakingly passive-aggressive with his lying and cheating Dad who kept brow-beating him to come work at his dumb "family" business. The fact that I had to keep seeing this toxic Dad weave in and out, play dirty games on Belle and ruin her ?? with Ty...I about had reached my limits of how many times this story could sink to such deplorable levels.
Is it written somewhere in the bowels of some kind of doctrine, at Heart Eyes Press that we cannot ever have an Adult Child severe a traumatic relationship with a toxic parent?
I understand this in Moo U, because they are still kind of immature. But this is... roughly mid-to-late 20s...and Ty cannot tell his wretchedly cruel father to Fuck Off, already!!! That phone call he gives his dad at the end was just...weak and empty. Pointless really. Ty needed to make it more damn clear how he was going forward with his own life...with Belle...and that if his dad had an issue with Belle [...and the rest with the silly JOB OFFER] that he would END their connection. Nah, he leaves it up to Dad to decide to find some maturity?
Dude? Your father can't even divorce your Mom, in a healthy way, and openly cheats with his mistress... right in all of your faces!! Do you think he is going to suddenly find some moral compass and be an Adult?
Oh, man, didn't realize this book made me so angry and heartbroken. There was promise. But once again, this was a story that could have been a short novella. The repeated storyline info-drops became such padding to this book...too many times...I stopped caring and simply wanted it to end...happily or not.
And, no... I will NOT be reading your Extra Epilogue... I'd be scared it would simply sound like yet another broken record...and tell me the whole story all over again, right from their AWESOME SEXY COLLEGE HOOKUPS...
I saw that Belle is even kind of ecstatic and proud that she fell in love & married her Hook Up...and I am sure Ty is really proud that Belle thinks of him so respectfully...as her lifetime hook up, I guess...* blargh *
June 24, 2021
ARC received for an honest review
Want to meet me at the Speakeasy (really, you do) want to meet me at the Speakeasy, No ifs or buts about it.
I really enjoyed Belle and Ty's story - I mean, who doesn't like a second chance with the one?
Belle was always the party girl, the way to being a top lawyer - so why has she turned up at the Speakeasy Taproom as the new chef?
Her story is not always an easy one to read - I don't want to say why things are like they are, as I feel you need to go into blind and find that out yourself - but I felt that the author deals with it well.
Ty is just adorable and lovely and I want one of my own.
I have to say it is a few days since I finished this book, and I had already forgotten about the pregnancy mentioned in the blurb. I really had to dive deep into the memory banks and the was oh yeah, that happened.
So whilst I liked story while I was reading it, it didn't really stick with me like other books in the series did - though Belle really did.
Get thee to a book seller and buy your own Ty!
a>
Want to meet me at the Speakeasy (really, you do) want to meet me at the Speakeasy, No ifs or buts about it.
I really enjoyed Belle and Ty's story - I mean, who doesn't like a second chance with the one?
Belle was always the party girl, the way to being a top lawyer - so why has she turned up at the Speakeasy Taproom as the new chef?
Her story is not always an easy one to read - I don't want to say why things are like they are, as I feel you need to go into blind and find that out yourself - but I felt that the author deals with it well.
Ty is just adorable and lovely and I want one of my own.
I have to say it is a few days since I finished this book, and I had already forgotten about the pregnancy mentioned in the blurb. I really had to dive deep into the memory banks and the was oh yeah, that happened.
So whilst I liked story while I was reading it, it didn't really stick with me like other books in the series did - though Belle really did.
Get thee to a book seller and buy your own Ty!
a>
June 28, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the new series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I loved Sam and Phoebe's story, and was delighted to review this one too. A very different story, although Belle is working in Phoebe's kitchen at the Speakeasy and Ty is the manager there.
Ty and Belle have a spectacular past as regularly exceptional hook-ups whilst at college. Now by a strange twist of fate they find themselves working in the same building. Ty is closed off from thoughts of romance, thanks to being brought up by two people who really should no longer be together. He cannot deny that he never forgotten Belle, or how good they were together.
Belle, as we learn right at the beginning of the story, dropped out of college after a manic episode and the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She is on medication, and has found that working as a chef really suits her better than studying law. Ty doesn't know what happened to her, and now seeing him again has brought back memories of her frenetic college days.
It is very moving watching these two tiptoe around the clear chemistry between them, but they are so cautious of committing to more than they think they can offer. It is thanks to their friends and their natures that they can finally see that they do have the chance at a future, a great future. It is rather wonderful seeing how the gang gather round and support them as they fall in love, and find a way to make it work.
Another great installment in the series.
This is the second book in the new series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I loved Sam and Phoebe's story, and was delighted to review this one too. A very different story, although Belle is working in Phoebe's kitchen at the Speakeasy and Ty is the manager there.
Ty and Belle have a spectacular past as regularly exceptional hook-ups whilst at college. Now by a strange twist of fate they find themselves working in the same building. Ty is closed off from thoughts of romance, thanks to being brought up by two people who really should no longer be together. He cannot deny that he never forgotten Belle, or how good they were together.
Belle, as we learn right at the beginning of the story, dropped out of college after a manic episode and the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She is on medication, and has found that working as a chef really suits her better than studying law. Ty doesn't know what happened to her, and now seeing him again has brought back memories of her frenetic college days.
It is very moving watching these two tiptoe around the clear chemistry between them, but they are so cautious of committing to more than they think they can offer. It is thanks to their friends and their natures that they can finally see that they do have the chance at a future, a great future. It is rather wonderful seeing how the gang gather round and support them as they fall in love, and find a way to make it work.
Another great installment in the series.
June 27, 2021
This was a really good romance! I haven't read any of this series or any of the True North series that this came from. Didn't matter as Ms. Croix did a great job giving background without belaboring details and bogging down the story. Felt like I got to know a lot of people in this small town and would like to visit again. Loved Ty and Belle! They were a great couple and their romance was HOT! Belle comes to town after leaving law school and discovering she really likes to cook. Ty is the general manager of the bar and restaurant that Belle is working at now. They hooked up in college and neither expected to be doing what they are doing now so it was interesting to see what transpired to lead them here. Don't want to give away a lot of the story as it's so good, you'll want to discover it on your own. Don't miss out! If you've read any of Ms. Croix's other series, you will love this one.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 13, 2021
I really liked the connection that Ty and Belle had. Nice that their time spent in the past was still looked upon fondly by both and now when they ran into each other again the spark was still there. I liked that they took the time to get to know the people that they are now as their relationship developed. I hated how embarrassed Belle was to tell Ty about her breakdown and the bump in their relationship it caused later. Between the bump and other things it really forced both of them to really think about their relationship and if it was something they wanted. I was glad that both decided, yes they wanted the other person in their live, they were cute together and deserved to find happiness.
June 2, 2022
cute and short rom com
not too much angst
fmc has mental health issues
mmc has family/commitment issues
everything is quick and gets sorted easily
3 star listen, i liked the duel narration.
listened via audible plus - currently free with this membership
not too much angst
fmc has mental health issues
mmc has family/commitment issues
everything is quick and gets sorted easily
3 star listen, i liked the duel narration.
listened via audible plus - currently free with this membership
August 2, 2021
Not my favorite in the Speakeasy series... Belle and Ty's story. The tattoo/title are not incorporated well and the resolution of their "issues" seems a bit rushed.
June 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Belle and Ty and was particularly impressed with how accurately the insecurities that come with mental illness were portrayed. This book is a love story, but it’s also about rebuilding after the future you thought you would have disappears…well done.
December 22, 2021
I really enjoyed the plot of this and appreciated how mental illness was showcased but not from a negative point of view. I personally didn't love the writing style and that made it hard to read for me. It was an okay book but isn't something I would reread or highly recommend to others
July 2, 2021
I really liked this book. It was my first by J.H. Croix. I loved how she intwined Sarinas characters from the world. It made me feel right at home.
I loved how she described the issues Belle has and how it made Belle insecure about herself and about her being in a relation.
I also really liked how down to earth Ty was. This book really made me enjoy the world.
I loved how she described the issues Belle has and how it made Belle insecure about herself and about her being in a relation.
I also really liked how down to earth Ty was. This book really made me enjoy the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews