Hold Me Now

Light My Fire #2

by J.H. Croix

This is the large print edition of Hold Me Now.
He's my new roommate. I can't stand him, and he can't stand me.
Russell Dane thinks he's all that. Maybe's he's so hot he should come with a too-hot-to-handle sign, but he drives me crazy. Not the good kind of crazy either.
He thinks women shouldn't be firefighters, he's obnoxiously overprotective, and I can't stand him. Unfortunately, my body is not getting the memo, but I'm stronger than a few confused hormones. Right?
It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to work together. It definitely wouldn't be so bad if he hadn't gone and kissed me.
Russell & Paisley's story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, sassy tomboy heroines, roommate romance, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon, and a broody, protective hero.
*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Small Town Romance, Fiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

USA 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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Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got a preview of this couple in the previous book. We knew Paisley and Russell get along like oil and water, but is that the real story? Paisley and Russell are hot-shot firefighters on the same crew. Now they are roommates. Everyone sees the sparks but them. Will they keep fighting the attraction or give in to it?

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Maria (semi hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I seriously don’t understand the high ratings of this book. It was like reading the first book all over again. It had so many similarities with the previous book, that I didn’t enjoy reading this at all. Perhaps when you take some time in between the books in this series, it would work. But now it was just so dull. It lacked depth. I didn’t see the love between both MC’s or when they fell in love. Their relationship was all very sexual. Again all the random characters from previous books that didn’t add anything to the story. I’m seeing a pattern here. If this is they way this author writes, I don’t know if I will continue reading her work. It really annoyed me.

Safe read. Hero not made out to be a manwhore, but it was said he was a flirt. No details about the heroine, besides her not being a virgin. No cheating, OW/OM-drama or sex with OP.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Hold Me Now (Light My Fire #2) by J H Croix

Having read a couple of books by J H Croix I was excited when I learnt that she had a new series releasing. As with the first book in the series, Hold Me Now was well written and entertaining. I love stories set in small towns and this one ticked the boxes for me.

This is firefighters Russell and Paisley’s story and one I read in almost one go. Russel was a bit hard to take at times and yet I liked him and I loved how feisty and sassy Paisley is; she could could give as good as she received and could hold her own.

From the moment their eyes met, the sparks flew and not in a good way. Neither could tolerate the other and yet the chemistry sizzles between them which complicates matters since they are now roommates and he’s her boss.

They clash on practically ever level and yet once they get through all the smoke they make a great couple. There is some danger, suspense and intrigue which had me quickly invested in the story. Their story was passionate and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like sweet small town romances you'll love Paisley and Russell's story. Fate brings them together when she moves to a small Alaska town and they end up on the same Firefighting team. They're like oil and water but the sexual tension is definitely there. Not only are they working on the same firefighter team but she rents an apartment in his mother's house and they share a kitchen. Things heat up but both say they don't want any strings. Paisley has a lot of issues she's dealing with her brother and things get tense. Some drama, a little suspense and a little danger. A twist or two and finally an HEA and no cliffhanger. The characters were well developed and likable. The story line was good. I read a complimentary advance copy via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to review it.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Wild With You I've been so looking forward to getting back into this series! As soon as i found out about this second installment i wanted to jump back into the Light My Fire world! I enjoyed this second installment!

Russell and Paisley’s journey isn't quite the easy one. I've been so curious about these two characters and was so glad to get into both of their minds. I really liked how i was pulled into their story and how i wasn't sure how they'd tackle things. These two had me feeling so many things from start to finish!

With Hold Me Now, Ms.Croix has created such a good read! I am so looking forward to more of this series with the third installment, Only Ever Us!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 n the Light My Fire Series and so far I have loved both books. If you love small town romances this series should certainly be on your radar, it’s well written with characters you will connect with. This is firefighters Russell and Paisley’s journey and it was a story that captured my interest from the first few pages.
Russell and Paisley can’t seem to agree on anything, they clash on almost everything except for what their hearts want. From the moment they meet, sparks fly and not always in a good way, they are roommates and he is her boss so what happens when lines are crossed…..
This book ticked all my boxes, it has the perfect mix of love, passion and banter, add in some danger and suspense you get the perfect read. Looking forward to what’s coming next in this series.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great small-town romance! I absolutely LOVED Russell and Paisley's story.

Paisley takes a job in Alaska partially because she is trying to get away from issues she's having with her brother. But another reason is she also loves the wilderness. She meets Russell in her interview and she finds that she's attracted to her.

Russell has lived his whole life in Alaska and is irritated that he finds Paisley attractive. He finds that he's becoming protective of her.

Neither of them realizes what the other feels about each other. But after one kiss, they can't seem to fight the attraction to one another. It was a really good slow-burn, small-town romance!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: An ARC was provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions.

After a good start, the Light My Fire series has taken things up a notch with Paisley and Russell's story. The tension between these two was fantastic, the kind that makes it clear that it isn't really dislike that's simmer between them but something far more passionate. There were times where the temptation to smack Russell upside the head was a clear and present thing, but the more the layers were peeled back, the better my understanding of him. I truly ended up liking the guy, and I felt that he was someone who paired up very well with Paisley. Speaking of Paisley, I loved that she was fiery and independent and knew she so deserved a fulfilling life. J.H. Croix has a 4.5-starred winner in Hold Me Now.

[Cubiray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot firefighters in Alaska. I mean....

The subplot surprised me in a good way.

Russell and Paisley didn't waste ANY time! This is a fast burn romance haha lots of yearning tho 🫶🏻 also I wish the author hadn't rushed the good stuff

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Hold me now” is a romantic story between 2 firefighters that initially didn’t get along but things changed when they found themselves living in the same house.

Overall I enjoyed reading about Paisley’s and Russel’s story but I felt like some things were missing. For example, we are told that things were hostile between them but we never actually learn what had happened. I don’t know if this is described in the first book of the series but since this is a standalone, I expected some explanation. I also wanted to see some more depth in our characters, we don’t actually learn a lot about them. And at some points I got overwhelmed by the supporting characters, it felt like there were too many without much to offer.

The book is in first person, dual POV and has some steam (2/5 🌶️).

3.25/5 ⭐️ for this one but I plan on reading a couple of more of the series.

[Cissy Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLD ME NOW is a standalone read with a happy ending. There are sexy scenes and colorful language is that is an issue for you. Set in Willow Brook, Alaska with the hotshot fire fighting crew we meet a new firefighter. Paisley has arrived from Seattle. She is an experienced fire fighter and she holds her own in a man's world. She is keeping secrets that keep her on edge and as a result she comes across as ready to fight at the drop of a hat. She tries to fit in and let her brother handle his own affairs but it is hard as she is worried about him. She meets her new roommate and immediately rubs him the wrong way. He does the same to her. At her interview she was very aware that he didn't care for women firefighters. She is use to it. In a man's world it is hard to find your place and hold on to it. Then she gets more bad news. Russell is also her new roommate.

Russell has a few issues of his own. His father, a firefighter, was killed less than a year ago in a climbing accident. Russell was the first one to arrive on the scene and it is one that he is unable to get over. Now he lives in a rental apartment that his family owns and is in the backyard of his mother's home. It is a rather unique apartment with one apartment on the bottom floor, a shared kitchen and living room on the next floor and then another apartment on the top floor. Housing is very hard to find in Alaska, any time of year and any city, so when you find something you take it. It is not going to be easy for Paisley and Russell to live in the same house.

But they do. This is a very romantic story between two souls with secrets and issues holding them back. Lots of drama to get to the other side. There are cameos by all the other characters from this series. You will not be lost if you have not read the other books. It is an entertaining and enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 10-1-2021

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold Me Now by JH Croix went by so fast I hardly had gotten dug in when it was over. Russel and Paisley is an endearing couple with an intense story. It's two people with an immediate attraction to one another, which didn't handle that attraction very well at first. They slipped first into lust and quickly into love, almost faster than I could transition, let alone them. It was an amazing read, JH Croix has done it again. . . with firefighters . . . in Alaska. There are not enough adjectives to describe how good this book is, how good her books always are.

Russel's mom just thinks he needs a relationship. Paisley has too much worry to commit. Then, they found each other. It was explosive, and so very right. It was causing a little trouble at the firehouse. People noticed. It caused trouble, not a lot, but enough. Fun read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Hold My Know by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paisley Banks has just moved up to Alaska to become a hotshot firefighter and escape her life at home and a secret she's keeping for her brother. Little does she expect to be sharing a kitchen with another hotshot firefighter whom she's pretty sure hates her.

Russell Dane is a firefighter who grew up in Alaska and he is shocked when he discovers that his mom rented out half of the house to the new firefighter, Paisley.

As much as Paisley and Russell can't stand each other, neither can deny their chemistry and soon things get really heated.

But will their new chemistry and attraction cause things to get awkward on the job and will Paisley tell Russell the truth about what she is hiding from?

This is the beginning of another great series in Alaska and I am keen to get my hands on more!

I really liked Paisley and I got why she ran from Washington and everything going on with her family but at the same time I struggled with her inability to tell her dad because of the dangers it presented to everyone. I liked that she was beginning to be more comfortable in Alaska and began to meet some great friends.

Russell is an awesome cook and great firefighter who was still dealing with events around his dad. He was so attracted to Paisley and wanted to get to know her better but had a hard time with the part where he wasn't supposed to act a certain way around others.

The main "drama" in this book revolved around Paisley and her inability to open up to Russell about what was going on and that seemed to lead the two of them on a bit of a hot and cold ride. I was expecting something went a certain character arrived back in town but it was just hinting at the next story.

I was happy with the arrival of another character who opened up to Russell to let him know what was going on and how the two of them headed to go save the day. Although they didn't end up as heroes the arrival was much appreciated and it made Paisley realize how much she did care.

I was happy with the end and looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!

[geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me Tender...


This is the 2nd installment of the Light My Fire Series that brings heart, challenges and heat! Russell Dane is a part of the quaint community of Willow Brook and a part of the managerial staff with the local hot shot crew, a highly trained group of fire fighters that handle extreme fires and back up the local fire fighters as well. Russell loves his job and takes it seriously. Russell is a good man who loves his mother, his fellow fire fighters and his community. Russell is still reeling from a loss and it causes him take the path of the dedicated bachelor but will his status change???

Paisley is a dedicated and hardworking hot shot fire fighter who is looking for a change from her home state of Washington. Unfortunately, Dane didn't make the best first impression not only as a supervisor but also as a man since he was less than thrilled when he discovered that Paisley wanted to join his hot shot crew. A strong feminist, Paisely was thoroughly disgusted with his view of female hot shot fire fighters but as much as disliked his point of view she couldn't seem to get her body to fall in line with avoiding him altogether!

In addition to that, the town of Willow Brook has issues when it comes to finding housing whether it's for the season or to stay permanently and being a new member of the Willow Brook community Paisely is unable to find house until she found the perfect place... in the same location as Russell Dane! Will she melt under the charm of Russell or will she continue to forge her path alone?

I truly enjoyed this story and all that comes with it! The author continues to present real, well rounded characters that represent the best and at times the worst of us but always with the end goal of healing, growth and embracing all that life has to offer that forges us to be the best of ourselves that we can be... Great job!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy small towns, enemies to roommates to lovers and a bit of drama then this is the book for you.

Hold Me Now is the second book in J.H. Croix's Light My Fire series. This book can certainly be enjoyed as a complete stand alone, but having read the first book in this series, Wild With You, I came into the story with a background knowledge of how these two characters interacted with each other and the tensions that were already there.

I knew there was something special to come out of Russell and Paisley's story when I met these two in the first book of this series. These two hotshot firefighters have a simmering tension that at first glance is just because they got off on the wrong foot with each other but really just boils down to an intense attraction that neither wanted to admit. They already have this forced proximity with being coworkers and are literally out in the wilderness together all the time but then adding the extra proximity when Paisley unknowingly rents the apartment space in the house where Russell also lives and the tensions are bubbling over.

I really liked both Paisley and Russell as individuals. Paisley is tough and fierce and independent but also has this ironclad loyalty that shines through when we learn about her family issues. Russell is a sweet and genuine person even if he comes off as a bit of an asshole to Paisley- he apparently is the stereotype of grade school boys that are mean to girls they like. They come off like they rub each other completely wrong but they really just fit together. They may have wanted no strings fun but they wrapped each other up in their feelings web and I loved taking the journey with them.

[Jeraca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.

Oh, Russell and Paisley. Since we met them in the first book, I was anticipating a steamy and tense storyline with these two, and this book did not disappoint! I love how much they both fought their attraction, and denied til they were blue in the face about their disdain toward one another for most of the novel. And when they finally couldn't handle the tension anymore, sparks ignited between these two!

I think Paisley is extremely smart in a lot of decisions when it comes to her arrangement with Russell, and I appreciate that 100%. She wasn't sugar coating it or trying to pretend the issues weren't there, but dealt with it - mind you in a sneaky type of way, but she was thinking ahead and I love to see that in a character.

I love that Russell cooks and I love his intensity. I think he could have opened up a little more with Paisley and not kept everything in, but that's somewhat typical for a male lead character, so it didn't annoy me too much.

I also enjoyed the cross overs from other series by J.H. Croix - now that I've read quite a few of her novels (still have a bunch to catch up on though!).

This was a great novel and I can't wait for the next one!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about enemies to lovers so the build up is definitely there. We first met Paisley and Russell in Wild with You which was Madison and Graham's story. There was heat and angst there from the first meeting so I knew these two were going to be a great couple.

Russell is a good guy but he keeps coming across as a sexist, over protective man to Paisley. She has been doing her job for years and he doesn't treat the other lady hot shots this way so why her? When she winds up as his roommate she soon learns there are so many layers to Russell and she wants to peal them all back and see the man beneath.

Paisley has a secret and Russell is determined to find out what seems to make her so sad and worried when her family is mentioned. He has an attraction to this woman he has never felt before and with her living in his home it has made it worse. He wants her but more than that he wants to help and protect her and will do whatever is necessary to do both.

There are secrets and danger and lots and lots of heat in this book. These two were made for each other and their struggle to see that and get there is such a great journey. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell and Paisley are hot shot fire fighters on the same team who argue and drive each other crazy from the moment they met. When the boss calls them into his office, Russell and Paisley agree to act more civil around each other. When Paisley moves into the upstairs of the house that Russell lives in, they find it harder and harder to deny the chemistry and attraction between them. Russell and Paisley take their relationship to the next level but agree to keep it secret. What happens when Russell and Paisley want more from the other that just sex? Can Russell move past the hurt he stills feels over his father's accident and death? Will Paisley finally confess that her brother's secrets are what drove her to run to Alaska? Will Russell and Paisley realize they are stronger and better together than apart? Will Russell and Paisley get their happily ever after? I love J.H. Croix! Hold Me Now is a fantastic book with amazing characters. The chemistry between Russell and Paisley is blazing hot. I love to see characters from previous books interacting with Russell and Paisley. I would highly recommend getting Hold Me Now and the first book in the Light My Fire Series by J.H. Croix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Love these Alaskan Hotshot Firefighters!!

Paisley and Russell are both Alaskan hotshot firefighters. On the same team, and end up in the same house; different areas, but a shared kitchen. They get on each other's nerves. Mostly because they are insanely attracted to each other, and crossing lines is not smart.

Love this town, and the relationships amongst all the characters - BUT this may be the hottest story I have read all year (and I’m about to cross my 250 goal). Whew!!

“I’m not sure who kissed who first. But the next thing I knew, I was held fast against
him, his lips were angling over mine, and I was moaning into our kiss. His chest was
everything - the muscled surface firm and his skin warm. His mouth was magic. The
kiss went from zero to one hundred within the lick of a flame.”

This is a town where the reader feels a part of the action. Relatable characters, believable issues, and the support of the team / family. I seem to inhale these stories within a 24 hours period as I cannot put them down!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paisley is hiding her brother's secret that she accidentally stumbled upon about a year ago. He doesn't want their parents to know even though their dad is the DA. She finally decides to move to Willow Brook when they have an opening because being a hotshot firefighter in Alaska is on her bucket list but it also puts her over a thousand miles from her brother. When she gets to Willow Brook, Russell shows an instant dislike for her but in reality it is lust. Now she is his new roommate of sorts. She lives upstairs and he lives downstairs and they share the main living area and kitchen. There is so much tension between that they are always arguing with each other at work. They start to burn the sheets each night and come to agreement to try to be at least friendly at work. Most see through this ruse to the lust and feelings but they won't admit it to themselves. Will they ever finally admit the feelings they have for each other. What happens when she takes leave to go back home and deal with her brother but after she is gone he shows up in Alaska?

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell and Paisley, two hotshot fire fighters on a new crew located in Willow Brook, Alaska. Russell whose father was killed while rock climbing last year and hasn't allowed himself time to grieve. Paisley is running away from family secrets back in Washington.

They both feel the attraction they have even though they both deny it to coworkers and friends. Paisley needs a place to live, there is an apartment in the lake house Russell lives not realizing he lives downstairs.

As things heat up between them the reality of Paisley's family problem comes to a head. Without talking to Russell, Paisley requests a transfer to another crew, takes a vacation and heads home.
Russell not being sure how to deal with the changes Paisley has made ends up with his friends telling he he needs to deal with his father's death before he takes on his love for Paisley.

Another great couple to add to the list from Willow Brook, Alaska.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Light My Fire Series and it is Russell and Paisley's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Russell and Paisley are both fire fighters on the crew based in Alaska but they were constantly bickering with each other which was really annoying for them and the crew especially as it was a close knit team and there were only a few women skilled enough to be there as it was definitely a male dominated profession. When Russell and Paisley ended up being roommates the chemistry between them got so strong and hot that you could feel it sizzling of the pages of this book and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive and a real page turner. This story took you in right from the start and kept your attention right until the last page and the characters and storyline was so good that it kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next. J H Croix is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In Hold Me Now we meet Russel and Paisley - co workers and unexpected roommates who discover their animosity for each other is really a lot more.

I enjoyed this first book in a new series featuring hot shot firefighters. Russel and Paisley were each entertaining characters and the spark between them could start a forest fire. I do wish we’d seen a bit more character development for both players as it seemed what is here just skimmed the surface.

Hold Me Know has a large secondary cast and honestly skates the fine line of being too much. It’s obvious that while this is the first book in a new series, it picks up where other series have left off with multiple references to things that happened previously. It works here as there is enough detail to add vs detract from the story between Russel and Paisley. We also see several characters that may be featured in future books.

This was a fairly quick read that fit the bill for fun. I am curious about upcoming reads in the series as well as the author’s back list.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was tension from the first time they met.

Another good book by this author. I love how each book is a stand alone in the series but it is be fun to read them all.

Russell has never had an issue with female hotshot firefighters until Paisley came along. From the first time he met her she made him anxious. They had their issues in the beginning and got called out on them, but now they live in the same building and have to share a kitchen.

Paisley believes that Russel can't stand her and she has done everything she can to prove she is as good as any of the guys on the crew. There is still tension between them after work together for the time she has been on the crew. Things only grow more complicated when she discovers he is essentially her new roommate. Now he notices when something besides him is bugging her and her brother seems to be the catalyst.

She is keeping her brother's secret from everyone and it has her wound up tight. Russell takes it into his own hands to get Paisley to relax and the way he does it surprises her.

This was a fun quick romance to read.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second instalment in this series and once again it will Light your Fire. Russell and Paisley got of on the wrong foot as soon as she entered the station for an interview to join the hotshot crew Russell was a part of. Not that she wasn’t qualified, but Russell was taken aback by his attraction to her and acted like an a**. It’s been awhile now and they are civil to each other but when she ends up moving into an apartment in the house where he lives, things heat up and not just in the kitchen. When their no strings relationship gets serious, the two have to find a way to work with each other and not let their involvement be known in the department….easier said than done.
A great read with steam and great characters, including past characters. I enjoyed these two, the little to no drama between them, the easy way they fit and handled the obstacles especially near the end. The story flowed nicely and I loved the epilogue…can’t wait for the next one.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels 3
Storyline 3.5
Steam 1
Overall Rating 3.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs

Russell is a firefighter in Alaska and lives in a house his mother owns. It's two separate apartments that share a kitchen. Paisley is an Alaskan transplant firefighter who recently moved there. She doesn't have luck finding much as far as living but does get referred to a place where she only has to share the kitchen with someone.

Paisley and Russell work together and for some reason, they do not get along. I still don't understand the real reason they did not get along. Paisley finds out that Russell is her new roommate. While they don't get along at work, they are attracted to each other and now have to live together. There is another storyline dealing with Paisley's brother and to to be honest, I don't know why it was included.

I couldn't seem to connect with this story and skimmed more than once. I did not feel the spark between these two. Their sexy scenes were not steamy enough for my liking. It was just an ok romance for me.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enemies to lovers for book two of this series. I love this series set in Alaska. J.H. Croix always has such wonderful descriptions of the beauty of Alaska. Paisley and Russell are both on the hotshot fire crew. During Paisley's interview, Russell came across as a sexist grump who didn't want her on the crew. Come to find out, he's just trying to mask his attraction to her. Paisley has been a firefighter for several years and knows how to get along with the males on crews - except for Russell. She has an attraction to him and doesn't know what to do about it. When she becomes his upstairs roommate in his mother's house, they really have to fight their attraction but then they decide they can't fight it anymore. They try to keep their relationship a secret but don't do a very good job of it. Added into Paisley's problems is her brother who is dealing in illegal drugs. This adds some excitement to this story. I liked this book and I'm looking forward to the next one. I received an advanced copy to read early from Booksprout and have my own copy on order. I'm leaving my honest review.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Light My Fire series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
I love the tension that is between Paisley and Russell as they work together. Once they become sort of roommates in addition to working together, they are no longer able to resist the heat between them. What starts out as no strings quickly becomes complicated with feelings and all the strings. This was a fun and easy read. Paisley and Russell are hot together and I adored the times they share at home. I love Paisley’s strength and her success as a hot shot. I love Russell’s protectiveness toward her, even though she can handle herself just fine. They each have some family stuff to overcome through the course of the book, but it wasn’t crazy dramatic. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew, I just KNEW, that Paisley and Russell's story was going to be intense.

Having read the first book in the Light My Fire series, and getting to see just a snippet of these two characters, had my brain going. I had a feeling that there would be major sparks between them, and that it would be a bit of a hate to love situation. I was not expecting the forced proximity aspect, but I'm glad it happened.

Hearing about how Russell's dad died, and how that affected him, just tugged at my heartstrings. Oh my heart. Then with everything that Paisley was dealing with in regards to her brother? Oh my word. How that storyline played out...oooh I'm telling you...so good. So good.

I loved the hate to love. I loved the frenemies to lovers. I loved the slow burn. I fell for our characters (both main and sides). And that setting? GORGEOUS!

The next book in the series sounds like it is going to be AMAZING. I love a good second chance romance, so bring that on JH Croix.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about a yummy firefighter that just does me in, and I can't get enough of them so I'm super excited about this series for real. Both our hero, Russell, and heroine, Paisley are firefighters, and I certainly love me a heroine who is this bad a**. These two are total enemies or are they?! They're r00mmates but that doesn't help their situation, nope, in fact it only messes with their heads more because the sparks are flying. I'm not going to lie, Russell had moments that had me ready to take him out more than once, and yet, I still loved him depite his mean flaws. I loved all of Paisley's snark & sassiness so she can hold her own against Russell or anyone for that matter. The close quarters definitely added more complication to their lives, but only because they're doing everything to deny it LOL. Hold Me Now is a great story that I read in one sitting so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!