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Dare With Me #2

Evers & Afters

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An ex-military pilot and a sunshiney barista take opposites attract to the next level.

I’m blaming it on the porcupine who broke into Cammi’s coffee truck. If that didn’t happen, I never would’ve kissed her.

I’ve spent years ignoring the spark that flares any time I get close to Cammi. I don’t do romance, and I don’t lose control. Ever.

One kiss will never be enough though. Not with Cammi. I can’t stay away from her. She’s sultry, sassy and a little sweet. In more ways than one.

But I’m not the guy for her. I’m cynical and jaded, and I came to Alaska to escape the ghosts of my past. I’m not planning to fall for a girl who’s looking for a fairy tale.

Except my plans don’t seem to matter anymore. Only winning her heart matters.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2021

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About the author

J.H. Croix

113 books1,385 followers
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,440 followers
February 16, 2021
Evers & Afters is a sweet, sexy, opposites-attract romance that I thoroughly enjoyed!

I loved Cammi and Elias and their slow-burn romance that once the match was finally lit, boy did the sparks start flying!

Cammi and Elias are both packing some serious relationship baggage that definitely threatened their future together. Both have been burned badly in the love department which left them with some serious trust issues. What I loved about their relationship is that it was an adult one—one that acknowledged the issues and they discussed them. What a novelty—a discussion!

Evers & Afters is book 2 in the Dare With Me series but definitely can be read as a stand-alone, however, I highly suggest starting with book 1, Crash Into You because you’re going to want to read it anyway because of the fun “brothers-in-arms” relationship Elias has with Flynn, Diego, and Gabriel. And because Gabriel and Nora’s story is next! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
913 reviews120 followers
February 17, 2021
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: opioid addiction, cheating ex

I love J.H. Croix and her books set in Alaska! Evers & Afters was a read I was looking forward to when we first saw sparks fly between Cammi and Elias over steaming cups of coffee on cold Alaska mornings. Both of these characters have been hurt in love and their attraction to each other keeps them at war with their fears of being hurt again.

I loved how naturally this slow-burn romance came together. Sometimes I feel like characters in romances only spend their time together feeling attracted to each other and flirting and then BAM! They are in love. Cammi and Elias have meaningful, sweet, and non-romantic interactions that add to their story so much before the romance begins. I loved that.

This book felt very heavy on the side characters. Much more than the average stand-alone within a series. And while I really like positive female friendships, male friendships, and a tapestry of characters besides the Hero and heroine, this felt like a bit too much. This book also had my least favorite type of conflict: NO conflict except the fear of getting hurt. It's a personal preference of mine and you might not mind it at all.

This is a sweet love story, with plenty of heat, that will warm up your heart!
Profile Image for Jess.
767 reviews26 followers
February 13, 2021
This was a cute, low-angst, quick read. This is my first book by this author and I would definitely pick up another book from J.H. Croix. I enjoyed seeing Elias and Cammi interact throughout the book. They each have their own issues they were working through which propelled the story and how they came together. Cammi is just so sweet, but also total goals. She owns her own business and tends to be a ray of sunshine. When I found out about Elias' ex, I understood his reluctance to get into another relationship. These characters were just great people and so deserved their happy ever after. The side characters brought a lot to the story as well and I'm interested to see how their stories play out in the other books! Thank you to wildfire Marketing Solutions for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2,505 reviews20 followers
February 10, 2021
Evers and Afters, a Dare With Me Novel, by JH Croix. Croix is one of my stand-bys. I reread. I enjoy. I check out when I need a happily-ever-after. She always comes through and this is no exception. We are back in Alaska with characters we know and love. Cammi has appeared in many of the novels taking place in and around Diamond Creek. She makes the best coffee around and sells it through her coffee truck many months of the year. Everyone knows her and she knows all of them and what their order will be. Elias is ex-Air Force and is working for his best friend, Flynn, and Flynn's wife Daphne, as a pilot, They have a fleet of small aircraft, flying tourists on sight-seeing trips as well as delivering mail and necessities to small settlements around the area. They have known each other for years, casually. Now, Elias finds himself in the hospital after an air accident and Cammi, feeling sorry for him, brings him a cup of her famous brew. Cammi wants a husband and children. Elias is exactly the opposite. Too much has happened that he can't forget. Things get hot between them anyway.

Cammi has had small but regular scenes in many of Croix' previous books. She is steady, talented, and loyal. She hadn't really been looking for expand but when the coffee shop went up for sale, she couldn't resist. Could she handle it? Elias really likes Cammi and his character is so well-written that we feel his growing attraction to her. We also feel his pain from his past. This is Croix' specialty: reluctant lovers. She does it so well. There is never any question as to how the story will end, but it is the journey that makes the book and Croix is a master. The pacing keeps the reader involved so we all arrive at the end together. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Evers and Afters by the author. All opinions contained herein are solely my own.
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
1,936 reviews49 followers
February 14, 2021
Sweet Romance and More

This is the second book in the Dare With Me series and I'll have to say, I need to go back to read the first. There is something about these small town romances where everybody knows each other is growing on me.

In Evers & Afters, we meet Elias and Cammi, two mid-thirties singles that have looked for love in all the wrong places until now. I liked both characters, as they had a nice independent streak that helped keep you guessing at what would happen next. They also had some prior baggage they needed to move past to finally see each other, cue a little angst.

The small town vibe is strong in this series. It takes place in Diamond Creek, Alaska, where all the townspeople and friends are involved in your every move. There's something about that kind of chatter that helps these interconnected stories move along.

Evers & Afters is well written and gets to the point fairly quickly, another thing I appreciated. Again, while it was only my first book in the series, it seemed to fit well and made me want to spend a little more time in Diamond Creek.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Carolyne.
189 reviews
February 14, 2021
I’d been waiting for Cammi’s story ever since we first met her way back in the Diamond Creek, Alaska series, and later in the Last Frontier Lodge series. She was so upbeat, with an independant sass that I wanted to see her get her HEA too. I was so happy when I found out Evers & Afters was going to be her story, and I wasn’t disappointed! She turned out to be as wonderful a character as I could have imagined and I loved the slow burn she had with Elias. He was a total mystery until this book. He was a man of few words and kept to himself in Crash Into You, so it was great to get to get to know him through his POV. Cammi and Elias’s chemistry stole the show and the two of them may be one of my favourite couples of all of J.H. Croix’s books! Don’t take my word: one-click this baby and find out for yourself!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
824 reviews20 followers
January 16, 2023
Evers & Afters is the second contemporary romance book in the Dare With Me series. This is a sweet, opposites attract story that has great characters, interconnecting characters, no cliff hanger and a heart warming HEA.

Elias is ex-military and works as a pilot in Alaska with his brothers in arms. He's been injured in an accident and his crush, Cammi has brought him coffee to lift his spirits.

Cammi runs a coffee truck called Red Truck Coffee and she's always been attracted to Elias but due to her past relationship baggage she doesn't trust very easily. Elias is quiet and doesn't say much but she never would have suspected he had a crush on her.

Elias and Cammi both have baggage from previous relationships so they take it nice and slow getting to know each other. When pushed, Cammi takes a step back to think on things then Elias decides it's time to go full steam forward and let her know exactly how he feels about her.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,754 reviews
February 13, 2021
This was a good read. Cammi and Elias both have scars on their hearts. Can they learn to trust themselves and each other to build a future. The people they are now are not the people they were. Diamond Creek, Alaska is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Cammi and Elias unknowingly grew into love after 5 years of interactions, I liked the spin on this, it feels like insta-love but it really wasn't.
Profile Image for Closet Romance Reader.
1,005 reviews14 followers
February 17, 2021
Cammi!! I have been waiting for her story!! Evers & Afters was the second book in Croix’s Dare With Me series. It was sweet, sexy, and completely swoony!

Elias tried to stay away from relationships but for some reason he had been drawn to Cammi for years. Could he put his past behind him in order to have a future?

Cammi’s last relationship had built walls around her heart. Trust was not something she could easily do. When her friendship with Elias started turning into something more, would she be able let him in?

Oh how I love J.H.’s Alaskan novels! There has just been something magical with each one. I also enjoy reading all the updates on everyone from Diamond Creek. I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for KeelyReadsRomance.
432 reviews54 followers
March 23, 2021
I was so excited for Cammi’s story! Elias was so grumpy and broody! They both had issues they had to overcome and I loved them! Always a solid story from JH Croix.
Profile Image for Anna Reads Here.
878 reviews182 followers
February 14, 2021
For those who like:
» A slow burn friends to lovers
» Lots of great friendships
» A book set in Alaska
» Bit of a grump/sunshine thing going on
» A pilot and a coffee truck owner

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Steam: 🔥🔥🔥

Review: This is my first J. H. Croix book and I adored it! I’m a big fan of small town romances and this one delivered that completely! Plus, it has made me want to visit Alaska even more now!

Evers & Afters follows Cammi and Elias as they deny each other their feelings only to fall in love at the end of it all. Obviously there’s a bit of a lead up, which would have been helpful for me if I’d read the first in the series, but it still works. Elias is laid up in the hospital after a crash and he’s on the mend, grumpily. He just wants to go home and get back to work instead of being stuck in a hospital bed. Cammi owns and runs Red Truck Coffee where Elias gets his caffeine fix every single day. So when she visits him in the hospital with a fresh cup of coffee, you know things are about to get interesting.

“She’d pitched a tent in every corner of my thoughts whether I was awake or asleep.”


It’s obvious they have feelings for each other and obvious to everyone but the two of them. Their chemistry is great, because they flirt and talk and help each other out, but the two of them are holding back. It doesn’t help that Elias is a grump and keeps to himself while Cammi is sunshine personified and shy at the same time. But his love for her coffee and her unrequited crush on him obviously make for an interesting story.

Obviously Cammi’s got trust issues, because her ex did a number on her and left her high and dry and heartbroken. And while she’s got feelings for Elias, he’s not going to win her over that easily. Not that Elias is trying at first, because like Cammi, he’s also got some trust issues that stop him from going for what he wants.

“Every cell in my body was tuned to the frequency of Cammi, and I needed her.”


I loved the slow burn and the relationship these two built. It was so good to just have them become friends and work their way to that first kiss and touch and then so much more. Being around Elias obviously makes Cammi feel things she’s never felt before and strangely, that was something I really did enjoy! And of course, grump/sunshine is a trope that we need more of all the time and this one was perfectly balanced.

Yes, it’s a love story about finding that one person that makes you complete. But Evers & Afters is also about finding yourself. Because both Elias and Cammi have to come to terms with who they are before letting the other person in and that’s what makes it really interesting.

Thanks to J. H. Croix and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Find more of my reviews on anna reads here
Profile Image for Kelly (AndKellyReads).
894 reviews56 followers
February 13, 2021
Evers and Afters is an opposites-attract / “grumpy one falls for the sunshine one” kind of romance that I typically dive right into with a smile on my face. How could you not?! The grumpy one falls in love with the sunshiney one! It’s delightful.

For the most part, that’s true with this story. Elias is a grumpy son of a gun who has eyes for the sunshiney coffee truck owner, Cammi, yet tells himself it’ll never work. Cammi is trying to get over a breakup that shook her foundation a little, and obviously notices everything about Elias (who is a dreamboat) and how he is a pure, unadulterated (and beautiful) male. From there, we see Elias and Cammi go out of their way to interact, get to know each other, and eventually, test the limits of their friendship.

I liked this story. I liked the idea that these two seemingly very different people found one another and helped each other get over their baggage, while also realizing their worth. Cammi and Elias were good for each other, and their love was a direct result of that. I also liked their own personal growth, particularly Cammi’s since she was still finding herself after her last relationship rocked her to her core. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was funny, it was cute, and it was absolutely steamy, and I had a great time with the characters.

What didn’t work for me, was the writing style. It’s a me problem entirely, but I have a hard time with writing that comes across stilted and abrupt, and a lot of this book was written that way. Short sentences and quick transitions are hard for me (I have no idea why, I just really like flowery, ok) so I struggled a bit, and I’d find myself skimming and have to stop and go back. It’s absolutely not a reason to avoid this book though, so don’t let that turn you off. Like I said, it’s just not for me and so it took me a bit longer to get through. I also had an issue with some of the drama? This book could have been fully character-driven and I would have loved every minute of it, but instead the author chose to throw in some drama that didn’t feel totally necessary. If anything, I think it detracted from the personal growth of our characters and felt out of place, and it left a sour taste in my mouth. But again, nothing I couldn’t overlook in the grand scheme of things.

Those few issues aside, it was a fun read and I enjoyed getting to know Elias and Cammi. If you enjoy the grumpy/sunshiney trope then I’d definitely give this one a try.


**Many thanks to Wildfire Marketing for my review copy of Evers and Afters**
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,105 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2021
Elias Lowe was never good at sitting still and when he breaks his leg in a plane crash he hates that everyone is having to wait on him and he has to rely on others to get around. The broody pilot was a member of the Air Force but has now settled in Alaska as a pilot with his best friends. In the last after an accident Elias found himself with an addiction and he tears himself up over it.

Cammi Taylor owns Red Truck Coffee and has just gotten out of a disastrous relationship where she was lied to and made a fool of. Yet although she is leery of another relationship there is something about Elias that makes her think that maybe love can be found.

Can Elias deny his attraction for Cammi after the two kiss when he believes that he can only be bad for her?

This was such a good book and I am seriously loving this series so far and can't wait for more!!

Elias is a great character but one who has severe issues over not letting go of the past and an issue that he had. He hasn't forgiven himself for his past mistakes and believes that he is bad news. He is very dedicated to his friends and loves his job but is definitely missing something in his life but he doesn't want to bring anyone down.

I loved Cammi and I hated what was done to her by her ex and I could see why she didn't trust her own judgement. Unfortunately bad luck seemed to follow her and I felt bad for her. Yet I loved how popular her coffee truck was and how so many people believed in her and wanted her to succeed.

There was so much chemistry between Elias and Cammi that had been growing for quite some time but both were hesitant due their respective pasts. I loved how fate kept bringing the two of them together unexpectedly and Elias always seemed to be there when Cammi needed a hero.

There were definitely a few obstacles in the way of Cammi and Elias but I liked how they began to work through certain things. I also really liked how Cammi was able to have a really good conversation with a certain character that allowed her to forgive herself for her past mistakes.

I understood when Cammi began to question everything as she wanted certain things in life and was really unsure if she was going to be able to get them with Elias. I loved how Elias knew what he had to do and actually proved himself!

The end was awesome and I wasn't expecting certain things but I thought it was great!!
Profile Image for geri.
87 reviews
March 2, 2021
When love goes right...

Elias is a salt of the earth kind of guy... his yes is yes and his no is no. A veteran who has been dragged up a rock covered mountain by an ex love, Elias is leery of love but he cannot help himself when it comes to Cammi. A solid pilot, when honorably discharged Elias reconnected with his brothers at arms to fly for the family business of one of his best friends. It was then that he met Cammi and her Red Truck Coffe. Elias is her number one fan for her coffee and a great friend plus she is not hard on the eyes thank you very much. Surviving a life threatening situation Elias begins to think about Cammi more and more. Yet a past betrayal by his best friend causes Elias to be hesitant to start any relationships even with Cammi. Would Cammi be able to look beyond his past and all that has been through and take a chance on Elias making her happy???

Cammi noticed Elias when he first started coming to her Red Truck Coffee... how could she not! Handsome beyond measure, Elias had the looks and body that would make women swoon just looking at him. Every time they are around each other their chemistry around them simmers and Cammi melts more and more to his charms. Although Cammi has her own past relationship issues. Cammi really began to fall for her ex when she finds out she never should have trusted him and put her in a position that causes her to question how and why was he able to treat her the way he did. Is there something that she is lacking or that she missed that did not allow her to see her ex for who he really was? How can she ever trust her choices when the last one burned her so badly... even though she yearns for Elias will he want to be with a woman like her or will he walk away?

This was a beautiful love story about two people who have been through the fire in previous relationships yet overcoming their fears to trust in themselves and the love that is blossoming between them. Lasting love is not always easy but the journey is definitely worth it! Great job!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
856 reviews30 followers
February 16, 2021
This author is new to me. I love to give new to me authors a chance because I’ve found several favorites that way. And even though this book is the second in the author’s Dare With Me series, it was marketed as a standalone title, so I decided to give it a try.

Evers & Afters is definitely an opposites attract story. Cammi and Elias couldn’t be more different if they tried. He’s grumpy and doesn’t let many people in. She’s a ray of sunshine with a large group of friends. Elias is drawn to her but doesn’t think he’s good enough for Cammi. And she was just burned by a relationship in a serious way. And Elias could absolutely demolish her heart. But the chemistry is too much to ignore.

I really wanted to love this book. Honestly, I did. I always go into a new book hoping it’s going to be my new favorite. But I had a few issues with it. First, even though the description says it’s a standalone title, I felt like I’d been plopped down in the middle of a relationship that had some pretty relevant backstory. Also a bit bothersome was the addition of so many secondary characters. They were distracting to me. Second, it felt like both Cammi and Elias kept circling back to why they felt like they didn’t need to be with each other rather than truly growing. So when they did hit that point of growth, it felt rushed. And third, the writing felt…stilted…like it didn’t flow well. With all of that said, I will be going back and reading book one in the series to see if it helps make this one make more sense, especially in the beginning. BUT all in all, it was entertaining enough for me to finish the book so I could experience Cammi and Elias’ HEA.

If you like opposites attract, small-town romance, give this book a chance. What didn’t work for me so much might not be an issue for you, and you might just love it.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Evers & Afters by J.H. Croix 3 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for B-Books Review.
613 reviews26 followers
February 16, 2021
“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙄’𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩, 𝙄 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙠.”
☕️
Let’s talk about “Evers & Afters by J.H. Croix”, second book in the Dare With Me series.
☕️
This book is the proof why I love JH Croix’s books so much, her writing is light, romance packed, with enough steamy scenes and an undeniable chemistry between the characters. Add to this breathtaking images from Alaska that my brain creates and pilots, a lot of sexy pilots! Yummy give them all to me!

Anyway, because of their past relationships Elias and Cammi don’t believe in love anymore. They’ve met five years ago and although they were incredible attracted to each other, no one took the first step. Until a series of events changed that: an accident, a flour mess, a porcupine and a flat tire! And damn they were steamy together! But mostly important, I loved how supportive of each other they were.

Cammi might be my favorite female character from JH Croix. I could relate with her so much, especially when regarding her friends. I too am feeling like life is leaving me behind when compared to my friends. They are getting married, having babies and having a lot of success and I still don’t know what’s going on with my life. I might teared up a little at some point. Of course her life took an unexpected life when a business opportunity arrives and Elias finally take matters into his own hands. Can life give me an Elias too, pretty please?

At some point I really thought I knew what would be the twist, because there was an opportunity there that I’d loved for the author to take, but I was so wrong! I wasn’t expecting that twist! Even though she didn’t grab this opportunity, the result in the end was almost the same! So cheers for that! By the way, I loved that ending, worth a Cammi’s cup of coffee, can't you create a new bonus epilogue for me? Please? With cherries on top?
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,092 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
Evers and Afters is a Dare With Me novel from J.H. Croix and focuses on pilot Elias and coffee truck owner Cammi. They've been dancing around each other for years, feeling the simmering attraction but not taking any action. They've had unsuccessful relationships with others, but where they are in their lives right now is probably the best time for them to pursue a romance together. Through the process of getting to know each other and transiting from friends to something more, they have to deal with baggage from their previous partners, experience insecurities and jealousy, and learn to be honest with their feelings for each other.

Elias and his group of friends were in the Air Force together, and if you've read the previous books, it's nice to meet the characters again. I love that Elias is independent, kind, and so helpful. He's been hurt in the past, and he's trying to overcome not only a betrayal but also getting stronger from an accident. Cammi's alone in the world after her parents' passing, not sure of trusting herself after her ex-bf's betrayal, and wanting to further her career. She's caring and sweet, feeling a little like her life is passing her by as she's trying to rebuild. There were times when I thought Cammi was a bit of a push over, but she's true to her kind hearted personality and isn't very confrontational. She does, however, stand up for what she wants, and I'm glad in the end she can overcome her own insecurities and believe in her own self worth. I always appreciate epilogues because when you really like some characters, it's nice to see past their HEA to something more. 
3,208 reviews29 followers
February 7, 2021
This is book two in The Dare With Me series and it is Elias and Cammi's story. Elias was in a plain crash and had to have surgery as he had a piece of metal in his side and a very bad broken ankle and he was still in hospital so he was very grumpy because he wanted to be discharged but then Cammi visits him with her special coffee that he loves things take a good turn as when ever she is near him his body goes into overdrive and it was the highlight of his day. Cammi owns Red Truck Coffee Shop and she has recently been through a really difficult situations and always choosing the wrong men so when she finds out about Elias accident she decides to visit him and take him his favourite cup of coffee and it doesn't hurt that he is so handsome and got and her body giggles when ever she is near him. Elias and Cammi have a chemistry between them that is so hot that you can feel it sizzling of the pages of this book but they have both been through difficult relationships that has left them so jaded but will they ever act on how they feel about each other or will they let there past stop them having a future together. I couldn't put this book down and I had to keep reading to see what would happen next for them and it was so addictive. J. H. Croix is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Romance Reads Reviewed by K.
385 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2021
What I love the most about J.H.Croix novels is that they are real. The characters she writes about and the situations they are in can happen in real life too.
Evers & Afters also is that kind of novel.

Pilot Elias keeps his feelings close to himself, this causes him to give of a moody vibe. He doesn't believe in love and tries to steer clear of it.
Red Truck Owner Cammi is a ray of sunshine and makes the best coffee in town. She has had her share of love troubles what's causing her to mistrust her own judgement.

Elias has been getting his coffee at Cammi's truck for years. He never said much to her, but when she makes a sweet gesture to him, he can't get her out of his mind. Cammi has this pull that Elias can't ignore. Will their pasts come between them or will they get past it and get a happy ending?

Elias and Cammi are magnetic, they have so much chemistry. Elias will make you swoon.
The sex scènes are so well build. They will make you reach your boiling point in no time.

Like all J.H.Croix novels Evers & Afters is connected to her other books so you can catch up with old friends and you'll meet new ones.

It is a love story with lots of steam. That's low on drama, but filled with emotion, heartbreak and a twist you won't see coming.


I received an ARC in return for an honest review
1,272 reviews
February 17, 2021
Evers and Afters is a sweet, steamy read about two people, damaged in their own way, who need to trust in others, as well as themselves. Cammi Taylor owns Red Truck Coffee and is still getting over a disastrous relationship with a man who not only cheated, but he had another name and another family. She's both embarrassed and upset with herself, even though she couldn't have known. Elias Lowe is not good at sitting still but, right now, he has no choice. He is a pilot in Diamond Creek, Alaska, but finds himself in the hospital after an accident while flying. He has cracked ribs, a broken ankle, a deep gash on his side and the doctor even had to repair his spleen, but that's nothing compared to what he had seen in the Air Force. Cammi knows he likes her coffee since he comes to her coffee shop each morning. When he sees her walk into his hospital room with a cup of her coffee, his body does that thing that makes him want to kiss her. But he had a disastrous relationship of his own that he's still trying to come to terms with. They have secret crushes on one another, but can they trust themselves to get past the pain of failed relationships to trust in each other. This is a very sweet and sexy book with well-defined characters that jump off the pages. The secondary characters make the story even more delightful!
Profile Image for Kara Quade.
542 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2021
Cammie was born and raised in Diamond Creek, Alaska. Cammie is the owner and operator of Red Truck Coffee. Cammie is sweet and sexy but is still reeling from last relationship when she found out he was married. Elias is a pilot who works for his friend, Flynn, flying cargo and people on day trips. Elias stops by Cammie's to get coffee nearly every single day. Elias comes off as grumpy, but Cammie finds herself attracted to him. Unbeknownst to Cammie, Elias is attracted to her, too. Cammie brings Elias coffee order to him when he ends up in the hospital after he is injured in a plane crash. Cammie and Elias have been dancing around each other for a long time but are gun shy because of past bad relationships. Once Cammie and Elias finally confess their attraction to each other, they agree to keep things casual while spending time together and getting to know each other better. Will Cammie learn to trust Elias and herself? Will Elias realize that he loves Cammie? Will Elias' ex put a wrench in his relationship with Cammie? I LOVE JH Croix! Evers & Afters is a fantastic book with great characters who will make you laugh out loud and scream in frustration. I would highly recommend getting Evers & Afters and any the of other book in the Dare With Me series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,250 reviews20 followers
March 3, 2021
Evers & Afters is the second book Dare With Me series by J. H. Croix. This book is Cammi and Elias story. In my opinion it was a slow read at the beginning of the book. It took me a little bit to get into the characters. There was so many characters to follow. With that being said I found the book to be good in the end.

Elias has been through a lot. He decided to take a job with his buddy in Alaska. That what brought him here to fly a plane. That where he meets Cammi a local coffee truck owner who he has crush. He has been visit every day for a cup just to to see her.

Cammi born and raised Alaska meets grumpy Elias when he started come to her coffee truck. It is said she sale to the best coffee in their little town. She too has a crush on Elias.

When Elias has plane accident Cammi start bringing him coffee at the hospital. And they get to know one each other then a miss understanding and Cammi doesn’t wait for Elias explain. She must start let go from the past and start trust herself before she can start anyone else.. We get to go this journey has no only does Cammi get over her past but also Elias must get the over his past in order for them to get their HEA.

Like I said before it was a slow beginning but it turn good. A lot good characters but I little hard to keep track of them. I would read another book from J. H. Croix
903 reviews
January 30, 2021
Elias and Cammie. Elias is a pilot working in Diamond Creek and stops nearly every day at Cammie's Red Truck Coffee. She knows his order and that he's grumpy and not very friendly. Little does she know that he's secretly attracted to her. When he's in the hospital from injuries in a plane crash, Cammie takes him his usual coffee order which he appreciates. This brings them to being friends. They are both gun-shy since they both have had bad relationships - hers more recently than his. Elias goes to the coffee truck one morning and scares a porcupine out of the truck. Things get heated between them after that incident. I like how this relationship takes place over several months. Elias tries to break down Cammie's walls but first she has to learn to trust not only Elias but herself. There are a lot of people mentioned from past books and reminded of their connection to everyone in the small town of Diamond Creek and the surrounding area. All the descriptions of Alaska are beautiful. I always like J.H. Criox's books and this is no exception. I received an ARC from Booksprout and I'm leaving my honest review. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,168 reviews58 followers
February 15, 2021
We are back in beautiful Alaska and would you believe our grumpy bear Elias is not being a good patient?
He is snapping and snarling and...
Is that Cammi and her lifesaving coffee?

We met both Elias and Cammi in book one - they grumbled (Elias) and aww'd (Cammi) as Flynn fumbled with his feeling for Daphne - Now it is their turn to travel that turbulent road of learning to love again.
You don't have to read the first but I would highly recommend it just for the connections and background

Elias keeps everything close to his chest. He has suffered loss and faced the demons of addiction that offered to drown out his pain.
He promised himself never again.
But Cammi?
Sweet, kind, loving Cammi?
She is an addiction that he can't deny himself.

Cammi has been played the fool and has no intentions of becoming someone's "side" dish again
Obviously, her man-o-meter is off.
But that kiss?
Those abs?
Maybe?

This is a sweet "open your eyes" and take the plunge romance.
Cammi and Elias compliment each other so well
Complete opposites
Yet they fit together - the others missing puzzle piece
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,034 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this new edition to the Dare With Me Series. J.H. Croix did a wonderful job giving Cammi and Elias their perfect story!

Elias and Cammi were definitely two people who deserved to find each other.
Although they've known each other for years neither has thought of the other as someone they'd be with, not that there aren't sparks! They just don't have the same life goals.
Cammi wants a family and Elias well he doesn't think he really wants anything. But come on we all know he doesn't really know what he wants, he's just been hurt so he's scared. But it doesn't take long to see Elias has had feelings for Cammi for some time. Now if Cammi can just learn to trust herself again so she can allow herself to trust in Elias who only wants to protect and care for her.
Will there new relationship and feelings survive their meddling ex's and what trouble they are about to bring?
Well I'm not going to tell you get the book you won't be disappointed with their story.
You'll get all of Cammi's sunshine and a good size does of Grumpy Elias falling in love.

I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Mariana.
228 reviews13 followers
February 16, 2021
(ENG-ESP)

✨ This is a cute story about a former Air Force pilot and a batista. It happens in Alaska and let me tell you that I fell in love while I was searching for photos.

They are opposite to each other, Cammi is this girl who's always smiling and while Elias is grumpy sometimes.

They both have a past and try to not be define by it. Yet, as we all know, the past always have a way to find us.

I recommend this if you like romance stories as much as I do, it's a great way to spend a day.

✨ Esta es una historia tierna de una dueña de un puesto de café y un hombre que solía ser Piloto de la Fuerza Área. La historia sucede en Alaska y me enamoré por completo de la ciudad al buscar fotos, nunca había leído una historia que sucediera en ese estado.

Son opuestos el uno al otro: Cammi siempre está sonriendo y Elias muchas veces resulta ser algo gruñón.

Ambos tienen un pasado y tratan de no estar definidos por el pero como sabemos, el pasado siempre encuentra la forma de volver, en una forma u otra.

Recomiendo si te gustan los libros de romance, es una gran historia para disfrutar un día. 💖
236 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
" Nothing about what was happening with Cammi felt within my control."

Awwww! The second book of the Dare With Me series is, "Evers & Afters," by J H Croix. It involves the couple, Elias and Cammi. It's an opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, and a small town romance, that is short and sweet, but filling. Cammi is a barista in a small town in Alaska, by the name of Diamond Creek. Elias is a former Air Force pilot, who is still a working pilot, and life has made him a bit crabby. Whereas, Cammi has had her share of hard-knocks, but is determined to be upbeat. Now, wrapped all around them, are the citizens of Diamond Creek. They know your business so well, they know what you're going to do, before you DO it! The secondary characters demand your interest, and you'll be eager for THEIR stories. If you like any of this, you're going to love, "Evers & Afters." You can expect drama, angst, humorous situations, witty banter, blatant meddling, character growth, sexual situations, and romance. A short but satisfying journey, to Elias and Cammi's HEA. I received this book as an ARC ,and I volunteered this review.
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