He makes an offer I can’t refuse. I never thought I was saving myself for anyone. Until Lucas.
Lucas
My priorities are my daughter and my job as a first responder. Romance isn’t even on the radar. Until one little package changes everything.
In a single mind-blowing hour, I end up with a package meant for Valentina Smith, and I find out she’s a virgin. I won’t even mention what’s in that package.
Next thing I know, my other brain gets the best of me. Valentina deserves the best, so that brain says, running my mouth like it has no business.
I don’t expect to fall for her. So hard it brings me to my knees. Did I mention she’s meant to be worshipped?
Valentina
O.M.G. Hotter than sin Lucas Cole got my package. And opened it. I just knew God had it in for me.
I’ve got a problem to solve with just the solution. Until Lucas ends up with my, ahem, toy.
Lucas is everything I can’t have—hot, broody, and the kind of guy who rescues people for a living. I don’t need to be rescued, but I wouldn’t mind a taste of the rest.
He makes an offer I can’t refuse. I never thought I was saving myself for anyone. Until Lucas.
*This is a full-length, standalone romance with a guaranteed HEA.
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!
I was hoping I would enjoy this even more than book one because it’s a single dad romance (one of my favourite tropes). However unfortunately this fell a little flat for me.
While Valentina and Lucas had good chemistry and I liked the initial set up of the storyline, I didn’t really buy that their connection went any deeper than lust. We were never really told why they were falling for each other and the storyline never dove super deep into their backgrounds (which were both pretty interesting and could have been explored a lot more, imo). Valentina is from a hippie but also super religious family and is still a virgin in her mid-20s and Lucas is a single dad who found out his wife was cheating on him after her death. There was potential for two really interesting and unique characters, but the exploration of their pasts felt very surface-level, which is an issue I had with book one, too.
It all added up to a sweet and mildly enjoyable but not great romance - definitely not bad and there were things I enjoyed about it, but not a new favourite.
I liked this one. Good characters. A heartwarming & intriguing book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via booksprout.
Ms. Croix does it again! She is a master at writing sexy, swoony romances with heart. There is humor, angst, and lots of heart. When reading Ms. Croix's writing, you always get invested in the characters. I love that the series highlight one couple in every book but we can still visit with previous couples too. Love this series!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In a nutshell, Small town life. She was a virgin (I'm really tired of this type of heroine), he was a single dad. And nothing was new. I've read it a thousand times before.
I gave the story three stars because I liked the beginning but after that 😴 and I stopped reading it after 50%.
I am in the midst of reading this entire series and WAIT FOR ME was good, but felt a little light on the actual meaningful relationship outside of sex.
The plot centers around a religiously raised heroin, who reaches 26 years old and is still a virgin, and a single dad without room in his life for a relationship. Yes, the scenes were steamy and both of these characters are likable, but there wasn't a lot of dating or building of a relationship outside of the sexual relationship that they begin as a means of ridding her of her inexperience (although it is clear there is a lot of attraction on both sides before this arrangement is in place).
Having been raised in a very conservative religion myself (and ALSO remaining a virgin into my mid-20's) I felt that the writing was way off as far as the heroine's first sexual experiences. She has zero shame, zero self-consciousness, and often instigates the sexual encounters. One very difficult part of being raised in a faith in which pre-marital sex is a NO-NO is that even after someone is married and "allowed" to have sex, those feelings of sex being "off limits" don't magically disappear. It takes a while and some time to feel confident being sexual...sometimes YEARS. It's a struggle that MANY raised in this way encounter. I wonder if, while writing this, the author might have explored this a bit more and spoken with women who had lived this story in real life before diving in.
There was nothing too complex here or outside of exactly what you would expect from this trope. I love J.H. Croix, but this novel was not my favorite.
2.5 🌟 Average, quick read without too much character work. No real plot other than the meet-cute/deal at the beginning.
Valentina is 25. She's lived a sheltered life, homeschooled by her church-pastor parents, her first time away from home is working and living on-site as the bookkeeper at Stolen Hearts Lodge.
She might not have any real experience with men, but she's not backward in coming forwards, so when one of the handsome Lodge workers delivers her a package that was accidentally given to him, she is unapologetically open about why she's decided to get herself the hot pink toy.
When Lucas realises that gorgeous Valentina has no past sexual experience, he can't believe he made a flippant comment about offering his assistance if needed. He's a widower of 5 years, raising his 6 year old daughter alone, (with the help of his sister and mother). He's reserved and has never been at all interested in another relationship after his marriage ended with his cheating wife's death.
The two end up sleeping together and in a matter of days (or a week or two max), they have fallen in love. Considering they barely knew each other before I thought this was a stretch. But, it wasn't badly written, so it's an ok 2.5 to 3 star read.
This is the second book of the series and can be read as a standalone. This was just an ok read for me. This was Valentina and Lucas’s story.
He is a hunky and dreamy widowed single Dad/ EMT/everything else it seems. He was unfortunately tainted by relationships by his deceased wife and no longer looks for emotional connections with woman. He meets his needs and moves on and his partners understand that. Until one day he, interacts with Valentina and starts to believe their may be a chance for happiness for him�
She is a beautiful, innocent and sassy single woman and accountant. She grew up in a very religious family and was sheltered from all things sensual and sexual. She is a grown woman who has barely had a good kiss let alone a boyfriend or sex. She has an instant draw to Lucas and after a single embarrassing interaction their relationship changes.
These two have lustful chemistry for days, but I feel like that is where their connection ends. I was disappointed because the storyline had great promise, but their relationship did not develop emotionally like I hoped. There were funny moments and great sexy time, but the rest of it fell short for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Valentina has lived a rather sheltered life with her hippie/religious parents. No dating, home schooled and few friends. This job at Stolen Hearts Lodge is a godsend, giving her some distance to spread her wings. Lucas lost his wife to an aneurism and found out later that she had a affair with his friend. He has sworn off relationships, sticking with casual. He has a daughter to think of and Riley is top priority! Now, a package with a big pink vibrator, has brought the two of them together. Lucas learns that Valentina is a virgin, hence the reason for the vibrator. In a moment of weakness, Lucas tells her if she is looking for help in losing her virginity, she can call him! Well damn, was he serious? Could she really have a chance to be with the one person who has gotten her motor running, the one she’s been waiting for? Can two people with entirely different agendas find a love that lasts a lifetime? This book was wonderfully steamy and sexy as hell! Lucas and Valentina will steal your heart for sure!
I enjoyed this quite sweet romance between Lucas and Valentina. I'm not sure how old either of them is supposed to be, but Lucas has a six-year-old daughter from his previous marriage. Valentina on the other hand has had a very sheltered upbringing and hasn't even been allowed to date. She's never had sex and when Lucas finds out about this, she asks him to help out. They have a huge amount of chemistry already, so it's not a difficult task for him. I did like their relationship. Despite Valentina's lack of experience, she isn't dominated by Lucas or rushed into anything. The only thing that annoyed me slightly, is that Lucas seemed obsessed by the fact that she was a virgin. He brings it up just about every time he thinks about her until they first sleep together. I know that's the hook that brings them together, but it's just the fact that it's always that she's a virgin, not inexperienced. Maybe that's just me, I'm not a huge fan of contemporary romances when the woman is so inexperienced, but I did still find this one an entertaining read.
Cute and entertaining but, too repetitive with many details and way too sudden of an ending that neglected many details, made this book a little disappointing.
At twenty five Valentina Smith had finally left the sheltered life her religious parents had raised her in. With a job she loves as bookkeeper at Stolen Hearts Adventure Lodge and Resort Valentina also helps occasionally covering shifts at the restaurant and feeding the rescue animals.
Single dad to a precocious six year old daughter, Lucas Cole is a first responder as well as an adventure guide at Stolen Hearts Resort. After losing his wife he isn't interested in confusing his daughter with a relationship that may not work out. But telling his feelings to stick with the plan isn't working so well.
When a package meant for Valentina ends up in the hands of her secret crush everything between Lucas and Valentina will change. But will it be for better or worse?
I enjoyed Wait For Me, the romance was adorable and I loved the whole premise of the book.
I loved Valentina’s character, I think she was very strong-willed and wasn’t scared to say what was on her mind. She was extremely patient and so very understanding, I loved how she didn’t force anything on the Hero and knew when the time was right and when it was wrong.
Our hero, Lucas was quite the interesting character. The Single Dad trope is one of my favourite, and I loved the relationship between him and his daughter. Did I agree with some of his decisions regarding Valentina? No, but I understood why he did what he did. Nonetheless, he made me smile and I really loved him, he was sweet and caring towards the heroine.
Overall, I really did like the book. The characters were very interesting and I loved the whole family dynamic between Valentina and her co-workers/friends.
I’ll start by saying I didn’t know when I first started reading this that it was the second book in the series. I have read many, but not all of Croix’s other books. I am sad to say this wasn’t my favorite series of hers. Usually I have no problem picking up a book out of order, for some reason with this one I felt a little lost about the other characters. Maybe if I read them in order it would help? Valentina was by far my favorite part of this book - she was honest, straightforward, and likable. I had high expectations after the mixed up box scene, but I had a har time staying engaged. I’ll definitely try another book by Croix
I went head first into this book expecting long and marvellous descriptions about the small town (just like the ones I've read in "When Love Comes") and was a tiny bit disappointed at the fast pace of the story. But then, in one chapter, J.H. Croix described a beautiful twilight in which my heart squeezed and I forgave her everything. The story in itself was really good. I have a really soft spot for single dads and Lucas was excellent. His interactions with Rylie were everything! I loved his relationship with Valentina and how they were together!
I really liked this more so than book 1. I cracked up when Lucas brought Valentina's package back to her. That was so funny. Lucas has a lot going on in his life taking care of his daughter, being a first responder and working on the rescue farm and taking care of his house. He doesn't think he has time to deal with a relationship in his life. Valentina is the accountant at the farm now and taking over more to help but she would love to find a relationship..thus is the storyline. I enjoyed reading this book can be read as a standalone better if read #1 first. HEA
Pink blushes, pink socks, and pink piggies ☺️. Valentina is smart, has an old soul and is innocent. She buys a pink toy via mail only for Lucas, whom she thinks is HOT, opens it. The fun starts here. The storyline and characters were well rounded and developed. The story has plenty of characters, so there is potential for more fun for more standalones. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get some steamy intimacy scenes and it ends on a happy note. Enjoy 🤓
Lucas. Oh poor Lucas. He was definitely done wrong. First he lost his wife with an infant to care for. Then he learned she had been having an affair with his friend. Wow. I’d be guarded too. Valentina was adorable and innocent but so honest it just made you love her and that made rylie his little girl fall in love with her too. Loved the story. glad how got his head out of his butt. Lol
Valentina and Lucas—both work at the Stolen Hearts Lodge and take a shine to one another when she accidentally gives him the wrong package—the one containing a pink vibrator that she’d ordered. He’s super cautious because he’s a single Dad and his daughter, Rylie, is his top priority. Despite the sparks between them, he keeps putting on the brakes. It takes an incident to solidify for him what she means to him, which puts them on the road to their HEA.
Quick uncomplicated steamy romance. Enjoyable, not your typical character backgrounds and well written. Skips the will they won't they drama of the relationship in a believable way that keeps they story moving forward and stops it from getting bogged down in details. I'll be keeping this author in mind for sweet and steamy romance that doesn't bore or frustrate me and is a quick read.
Lucas' wife died suddenly leaving him with a young daughter. He's surprised to find out she was cheating on him when she died. Now his focus is his daughter and his job. Valentina is a virgin and they're attracted to each other. Maybe they can have fun sex but no more, until that's not enough.
This is a love story that starts off rather unconventionally and proceeded slowly until Lucas could deal with his baggage and come to terms with his feelings. Valentina was open and honest and easy to love. Rylie was a sweet bonus. It's refreshing to read a simple honest love story. Well worth reading.
Really enjoyed readng "Wait For Me" by J.H. Cross. The characters are well defined and the story is something readers may identify with. Well... some lucky reader might have experienced falling in lust, lots of lust, and then love! The book had embarrassing moments and many laugh out loud scenes!
Loving this series so far. wait For Me is the story of Lucas and Valentina, who work together at a ranch. It's a sort of opposites attract thing between them. This is a hot and heavy read with some quite humorous elements. Definitely recommend for those lov oil by a good smexy romance with a swoon worthy hero.
A quick spicy read. Is there a lot of plot plot, not really. I still enjoyed it though and it made commuting to work entertaining this morning.
I wish I could find this series on KU, so I can enjoy all the couples, but I’ll see if I can find them through a library to get through the other stories 😊😊
Mi opinión de este libro es similar al del resto de la saga, pero en esta ocasión me ha parecido un poco repetitivo. Hay conversaciones entre los protagonistas y los secundarios que se repiten varias veces y no entiendo qué aporta eso al lector. Fuera de eso, me ha gustado bastante y tengo ganas de seguir explorando estos libros.
I lived this book. Itvwas great. I loved all the characters. I loved the story line. It left me wanting to know more about the other characters and hopefully see updstes on these two in future reads.