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Let’s do a calendar, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.

Well, they—I.e. Kilgore Police Department’s public relations specialists—were wrong.

Now, every time Dax Tremaine walks around a corner, the women of Kilgore, Texas can’t help calling him Mr. January.

Mr. January, can you fix my flat tire? Mr. January, can you cuff me? Mr. January, can you sign my boob?

It goes from bad to worse when even on a SWAT call, the women won’t stay away.

***
It was the worst time of her life. Rowen Roberts had finally admitted to herself that the man she loved would never love her back. She was just fired from her job for violating client confidentiality, and to make matters worse, she’s held up at gunpoint in a convenience store where she only wanted some ice cream to help mask the pain.

The moment the gun is pressed to her forehead, she knows she has a decision to make. Follow the rules and maybe possibly live, or go down swinging where at least she can salvage just a little bit of her dignity.

And when Mr. January himself tells her to do what the gunman says, she’s had enough. Rowen has never really been a girl that does what she’s told. Mr. January won’t have to save her. She can dang well save herself.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2020

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About the author

Lani Lynn Vale

149 books6,918 followers
Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.

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5 stars
2,448 (47%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,623 reviews1,360 followers
January 4, 2020
Rowen wanted Theo. Theo wanted her sister, Katy. Katy wanted nothing to do with Theo. Theo then continued to repel Rowen's subtle advances and started dating the only woman to have tortured her for a year. Rowen then lost her job. With nothing holding her back, she moved back home, reconnected with Dax, found him to be more man than any man she'd ever met, and quickly realized that everything she wanted was right there for the taking.

Their story was so cute and hot and it was everything. Rowen and Dax were awesome, their families and their connections were awesome, and even the bits of drama were awesome. Whenever I'm looking for an amazing read, LLV has always got me covered. Sexy and sweet alpha heroes find their feisty and adorable heroines. She can be trusted to get you out of a reading slump and knows just how to provide you with an entertaining read Every. Single. Time. GUARANTEED! One-clicking this book should be a no-brainer.

Find the full review HERE


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Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,483 reviews473 followers
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Dax and Rowen were perfectly matched. Rowen was someone who knew what she wanted, and more importantly, what she was and wasn’t willing to tolerate. She had great patience and a huge heart. Dax was a surly dude who was anything but to Rowen. I liked that he protected her but also let her do her own battles.

The plot was interesting and humorous. The characters were fleshed our well and the relationship felt natural. LLV has this style that is uniquely hers and she is pretty consistent with her delivery. This is no exception.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,232 reviews524 followers
January 7, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================
Well, since I didn't like the author's last books and noticed a decrease in her writing quality, I started reading with low expectation and it was ok reading. It was better than expected, but it wasn't a great read. I liked the hero and our heroine was not the worst. The villains very over the top and ridiculous. I liked the parents and was curious about the story of the heroine's brother.
Profile Image for Mahima.
468 reviews121 followers
June 24, 2021
Surprisingly a really enjoyable book!
I loved all the twists in the plot.
There was some newness in the novel which made the whole thing way more interesting.

I liked the writing style of the author too. The banters of the book made me chuckle at some points. I must say the author knows how to express things in a catchy way😄

The characters were so good. Perfect match!!
Side characters had their own way, for which I'm excited for the next books.

An amazing surprise from this new author..
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,512 reviews
November 22, 2022
The summary is inconsistent with the description. ‘And when the voice of Mr. January himself tells her to do what the gunman says’...this DOES NOT take place anywhere in the storyline. Dax is nowhere in the vicinity, therefore he doesn’t witness her being held at gunpoint by a fake gun.

Rowen (Luke & Reese’s daughter from ‘Centre Mass’). Dax (Max & Peyton’s son of ‘Another One Bites the Dust’).

Theo’s transfer to San Antonio, where Rowen is serving her internship excited her. Except, Theo has been indifferent to her and fielding her calls.

Rowen has foolishly done everything within her power to attract Theo’s attention.

Shondra is a co-worker, competing for the same position as Rowen. One day after work she meets up with some girls from the office for a quick drink and finds Theo sitting there. Resigned to not making a further fool of herself, she admonishes herself for giving him her undeserving attention and distances herself, as she sees him dating her nemesis, Shondra, a saboteur, utterly vile ... the bane of her existence...her mortal office enemy.

Theo, for some unfathomable reason suddenly starts to pay attention to her. Only, Shondra arrives and she realises he’s been avoiding her because they’re together.

Theo’s new girlfriend viciously switched the conditioner with Nair, causing Rowen to lose her hair reducing her to baldness. Why would she trust her arch enemy, someone that has been sabotaging her, covertly made her a target of their machinations, getting her fired for violating client confidentiality?

Her eyes evil, she said, “You know, Macy has some hair products that would work wonders on your hair.” That offer would have immediately aroused my suspicion of ‘buyer beware’ and exactly why would Shondra have hair remover on hand unless she had vindictive intentions?

She continued explaining the events which led up to that night of her hair assassination.

It’s pretty damning, “oh, I’ll go get them for you”, and then giddily hands them over…suddenly hair is falling out in leaps and bounds? Why would you trust a snake that’s continuously and wilfully undermined and sabotaged you at every opportunity...is a question to be asked?

There is drama from Rachelle (Dax’s ex, she seduced him when he was 17 and she was 18). Rowen moves to Kilgore, followed by Shondra and Theo, whom coincidentally suddenly decides to move to Kilgore. The two psychopaths conspire and align forces to unleash their combined level of unhinged! (These two aren’t simply passengers on the crazy train...they’re the conductors).

I am fan of this writer’s earlier work (despite being less polished), Freebirds, Code 11-KPD SWAT and The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC series remains true favourites, thus, this was a natural transition to her newest release. However the quality of her writing has been on a steady decline for me.

This is a stand alone, it was delightful reconnecting with Luke, Reese, Katy, Logan, Max, Peyton, Booth (Nico’s & Georgia’s son) and many beloved characters as their relationships have developed and grown throughout the years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,106 reviews1,312 followers
February 28, 2020


https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BTKNtgT3c/


5 ‘ You’re Everything’ Stars


Sweet Baby Jesus… Talk about starting the year with a BANG! Just Kidding is EVERYTHING, and Dax and Rowen are absolute PERFECTION together!


Well, I thought the OG KPD SWAT couldn’t be beat, but it seems this new generation are going to give them a run for their money, and I’m soooooo here for it!

Ms. Vale once again rocked my world with these two. The gripping way Just Kidding started, the slow build up that left me glued to my e-reader, and the sexual tension until Dax and Rowen finally gave in was just absolute romantic suspense perfection.

Dax was like a shot of warm whiskey straight to the heart.

Rowen (first of the OG KPD SWAT’s, Luke and Reese’s daughter) and Dax (Freebird’s third couple, Max and Peyton) are everything I want in my romantic main characters and more. Their background, the instances in which they ‘meet’, their insta-connection, and their overall awesomeness and love for one another stole my breath in every way.

I’d do anything—endure whatever pain I needed to—to see him smile.

Lani Lynn Vale usual winning formula has once again worked its magic, I was hooked from the first to the last page. The relatable characters, the everyday setting – added with a bit of danger, it is a romantic suspense, after all, lol – the banter, the back and forth between siblings, the touching relationships with their parents… OMG, I soaked up every one of those interactions! Dax and Rowen’s deep love and care for one another shone through in every page, the centerpiece of it all, but we had so many hilarious moments, so many touching scenes and let’s not forget, such scorchingly hot and passion filled sexy times, it’s impossible not to let yourself submerge into this brilliantly created ‘new’ LLV world. And after seeing all the rest of the ‘calendar’ crew, boy oh boy, am I really for the next one! Bring it on, I need it NOW!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

“It feels like everything. Everything I’ve ever wanted. Thought I might need. Realized I didn’t have. You’re everything.”

“You feel like everything to me, too. Like everything that’s all mine.”



ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review


For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,194 reviews320 followers
January 7, 2020
Really liked this one.
I haven't read many of the previous books and characters do appear from previous books but I didn't find it mattered.
Strong, protective Hero, though his mum still does his laundry.
Strong heroine.
Small other man drama.
Bitchy coworker drama.
Ex drama from Hero.
Slow burn, friends to lovers premise, but they are together by 50%.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and.
No pushing away.
Quite funny in parts.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series. Teaser chapter of next book in series about her brother, Derrick.

Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
1,951 reviews337 followers
December 29, 2019
Another LLV book I read in one sitting. Rowan is a delightful heroine-she is sweet and funny and smart. Dax is a great hero-badass but warm and gooey when it comes to Rowan. I loved these two and their families. Vale just keeps churning out great stories that seem to break me out of my reading funks!
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews351 followers
January 2, 2020
description
Amazing start to a new series!

A new spin-off series by one of my favourite authors. It’s like Christmas came early as I tried to read slowly to make it last. Of course, that didn’t happen as Rowen and Dax proved to be too good to walk away before their story was done…

Rowen and Dax were gold in this hilarious, heart-warming and steamy romance… Work-place bullying, unrequited love and pure malice haunted Rowen until it all blew up in her face. Or on her head, to be precise. She was crushed but not down as she was forced to face her situation and the people pushing her into a corner. Dax was unexpectedly at her side for all of it, softening the blows while providing a new, sexy, captivating wrinkle. They laughed and fought, and soon found themselves side by side, battling whatever hit them next, together. Hilarious banter, saucy sexiness and a fight for your rights story had me laughing and smiling all the way through. Smiling and laughing but ready to pick up the fight too as bullying and jealousy went too far. They didn’t need my help, though, as loving family and friends had their backs.

New characters joined much-loved ones in a read that was over much too quickly. Loved, loved, loved it!
Profile Image for BleuBelle.
634 reviews186 followers
March 15, 2020
The summary didn't match the story. I find this happens often with books by Lani Lynn Vale.

Aside from that this was just an ok read. The characters had no connection, no chemistry. It was insta-everything. One moment the Hero doesn't notice the Heroine at all, then he's "I love you". And of course "baby surprise".

The "villains" were just too much. Too stupid, too OTT, too unreal.

The epilogue was rushed and not satisfying at all.

I used to love LLV books, but lately they're lacking something.
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,772 reviews230 followers
February 16, 2020
It wasn’t as good as I was hoping for. I didn’t dig the female narrator. And, I hate when things are left open. Did they get convicted, what happened to the kid, what happened to Theo? There are so many unanswered questions in this story.

And I was so looking forward to this new series. But it didn’t live up to my expectations.
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,539 reviews180 followers
February 9, 2020
So being fairly new to Lani Lynn Vale's work but having binged the hell out of the series I have read I wanted to read more but don't have the time to binge any of her longer series. Then I found this one. And I am still a fan. I love her writing style and her strong female characters and protective alpha men.

After reading the blurb I was expecting something a little bit different from what I got but I think that was more my preconceptions of how I thought it was going to play out. It wasn't a negative in any way just different.

Dax was the perfect hero. He was sweet and loving and open but also possessive and protective. He is exactly what I love in my book boyfriends and the reason I have become so hooked on the author's work.

Rowen was a great character in her own right. She had a pretty major thing happen to her but she dealt with It. Sure she was upset but she didn't make it a major issue. She just went about falling in love with Dax and living life.

Their chemistry was awesome and I liked the secondary characters who I'm assuming will be getting their own books as the series progresses. I am thinking I'll have to find the time to read the OG generation while I'm waiting for these ones to be written.
Profile Image for phoebess.
1,520 reviews97 followers
February 9, 2020
I don’t know if it was because of my recent bad luck in choosing books, or there was something magical about Rowen and Dax.
From the chapter one, I couldn’t get enough of their story and was loving every little thing they said or make.
I am sure it was the latter option—it put much-needed smile on my face.
Profile Image for Kristi.
571 reviews72 followers
January 8, 2020
I never tire of Lani Lynn Vale books and I very rarely give them less than a 5 star. As much as I loved this book there were some issues that took away from the story for me. She always writes in dual POV and rarely ever does it get confusing but on more than one occasion in this book she would be writing in his POV and it would switch to hers and it wasn’t a new chapter. I don’t know about anybody else but that confuses the shit outta me! I can see how it has to be hard to keep that straight but I had a huge problem with it in this book.

As far as the plot it was fantastic! She writes with such ease and has some of the best humor. I always find myself laughing out loud when I read her.

We have Dax who is on the SWAT team and the son of Max and Peyton (hes a member of Free) and Rowen, who is an attorney, the daughter of Luke and Reese (he’s the police chief) and when we begin she is literally having the worst day. Dax sees her and ofc immediately is attracted!

I loved both of their characters and the secondary ones are equally as awesome and we will be getting their books as well. The conflict in this book happened to be hilarious! Them was some crazy bitches😂

I wish I had gotten a bit more in the epilogue but I know that the rest of their story will come in later books.

I love this author and will always read what she writes but i think her proofreaders and editor should have caught that POV issue. Unfortunately this is not the first author that I’ve read that has had this happen. It just throws the whole thing off for me!

Anyhoo...great way to start the year!

Angst⭐️⭐️
Cheating None
Sexy Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jamie - The Bookish Attitude.
258 reviews19 followers
February 2, 2020
What a way to start 2020!

When I first read the teaser for this book in the KPD Box Set I knew it was gonna sink it's hooks into me straight off the bat.

Rowan the adorable four year old from Center Mass, is all grown up. She's kicking ass and taking names. After passing the Bar exam all she wants to do is save the world one court case at a time. But after some mishaps during her internship she's had to pack up and come home.

After having some shitty things go down in his teenage years, Dax found his place on the SWAT team alongside the boys he grew up with. He too kicks ass and takes names.

LLV know's how to do relationships. This couple is strong both together and apart. There's no need for groveling, from the get go they have eachothers backs.

When their pasts come into the present, they prove their loyalty and worth to eachother. Even when things look like they'll get pretty dicey.

This book is definitely a one sitting read. I'd recommend having everything you need before you sit down. You won't want to miss a minute of this action.
Profile Image for Ana Laura.
486 reviews228 followers
January 8, 2020
I think sometimes the authors forget that reading a novel is like having a one-sided dialogue, that is, the information we have is the information in the book. We have no opportunity to ask the characters what they are feeling or what the consequences of certain attitudes were if they are not written there. That's why a good closing is so important. And that's exactly what I missed in this book. Do you hear Theo's regret? (Yes, I wish I could have seen him crawl) In addition to the evils OW's jail, how did karma feel in the ass? I don't know, there was a feeling of something hurried and as there is no continuation to the same couple I think this is information that we won't have. But the development of the relationship between the two MCs was cute so it was definitely worth it.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,004 reviews31 followers
December 29, 2019
A terrific story, and I can see from this first book from Lani Lynn Vale’s new series SWAT Generation 2.0, we’re in for an awesome journey.

This time around we have Rowan and Dax. Rowan has finally conquered law school, she’s passed the bar and now is in search of a job. She’s was looking forward to the position the internship would open up for her.....but Rowan didn’t count on Shondra’s interactions.
New to the Swat team, Dax is not too happy being told he has to pose for pictures for a calendar and he’s to be Mr January, especially after the disaster with his ex girlfriend. But when he’s told it’s a fundraising enterprise he reluctantly complies.
When the Dax and Rowan meet their chemistry is combustable. Dax recognizes his boss’ beautiful daughter, he remembered her from when she finished college. And Rowan can’t believe she’s actually meeting Mr January.

A quirky, fun read that had me giggling and sighing from start to finish. Terrific characters with a wonderful, refreshing story for them to be apart off.
A definite must read, I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Rose Sharon (a.k.a #FairyProofmother) .
1,867 reviews320 followers
December 19, 2019
"Dax was like a shot of warm whiskey straight to the heart."

I was so intrigued by the synopsis, knowing that the Mr. January situation would be very amusing. Knowing that there would be plenty of #HotCops, some that I'd met before and others I could look forward to spending time with in the future. And all of that is true...

What I wasn't expecting was to get beside myself upset over what happens to Rowen. I got attached to her and wanted to throw a shovel in the trunk and solve at least one of her problems...permanently. Don't look at me like that, all innocent, I know I'm not the only one that commits virtual crimes while reading.

If you are a fan of this author's work, you're gonna be thrilled with the support characters that won't be strangers. Everything that you've loved in the past will just be the icing and sprinkles on the cake that you get to have and eat as well. I can't get enough. The line forms here...
Profile Image for Emily.
5,345 reviews515 followers
February 24, 2022
Rowen Roberts is supposed to be starting her career with the man of her dreams. That is if she would get offered a position, which she didn't and the man of her dreams is a figment. The guy she has been crushing on for years she realizes is really not interested in her and she has wasted her time. One night of letting a bit loose though has a consequence by trusting someone she should never have trusted and heading home .

When his boss asks Dax Tremaine a favor, he doesn't hesitate. What he doesn't expect is Rowen. Rowen is a calming balm after the Police Departments calendar comes out and since he is Mr. January he is getting attention he does not want. What will Dax do though when he realizes Rowen feels the same as he does?

Loved this, was a bit of a surprise of what was going on with Rowen. Terrific first book in this series. I am anxious to read more and was so disappointed when this was over. Wanted to reread right away.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,104 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2022
A sweet rom com about deciding what truly matters in life and going for it and not falling victim to the bully in your life. It was a fun and entertaining story with interesting characters. I'll definitely read other books in the series as well as from this author.
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,058 reviews66 followers
January 8, 2020
I didn't think I could be shocked to the mouth open fish gulping face by Lani after all the crazy I've read from her and I've read every book she's released. Oh boy did she have to go prove me wrong with that belter she pulled in this one!. Shookith would be an understatement and let me tell you I'd cut a bitch for that shit.

If the blurb didn't get you interested be assured that Rowen and Dax's book will not fail.

Rowen really thought she was in love with Theo her sister Katy's ex. Let's just say that crush cost her ALOT. And furthermore Theo became nothing more than a past thought real quick.
Dax is a pretty chilled guy who doesn't want any attention... YET somehow is convinced/forced into doing a calendar shoot staring as Mr January. Yup it's safe to say he got WAY more attention than he bargained for.

These two though!!.
I LOVE that sweet blossoming friendship that grew into something more. It's not an easy start for them because it was such a strange way to bond an yet somehow it worked. It felt more stripped back and honest between these two.

As per with Lani, this story had so many twists and turns you won't see coming. Locked and loaded with an abundance of hilarious happenings, banter, bickering and oh so sweet lovings. Oh and of course a slew of crazy side characters both new and old keeping this exciting and nostalgic all at the same time. Romance, suspense, humour, hurt and heartbreak all combined giving you this perfect pretty unconventional but no less awesome love story. I mean it wouldn't be a Lani book if it all just went right ... right?!.

So to end my gush fest I'm just going to say of course I loved it and thank fuck it arrived in my kindle when it did because the Lani withdrawals were getting REAL SERIOUS. Truly she spoils us with her 1 and at times 2 releases a month because when It comes to her having a break I feel like a lost human who is banned from eating their favourite comfort food. Lani's books are legit my comfort food.
Profile Image for Storied Conversation.
430 reviews620 followers
January 9, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Dax and Rowen are both characters we met as children in their parent's books. I was waiting for Rowen's story after the tease we got in her sister's book. She was in love with her sister's ex which was plain for anyone to see. So I was curious as to how all of that would play out. Especially since Dax ain't the ex.

A lot happens in the first chapter of this book that sets it all up so well. Dax is certainly the kind of guy that you want on your side. Although being Mr. January has been more than a bit rough on him. Can I also say some of those women are a bit much with their requests? While Rowen is the character that you can easily see yourself as while reading. I love that. A character is perfect in my book if I can see myself in them. Let's face it we all want to get lost in the lives of the characters we read. Being able to do that makes the book all the more enjoyable.

Once again Lani Lynn Vale has given us characters that do just that. Allow us to lose ourselves in their drama for a while. I enjoyed every minute of the entire book. Let me say I was so surprised over who the real crazy ended up being. Although there are several it could have easily been. Also the event that leads to begin searching for a possible crazy is just WOW! That sounds like something straight out of Lifetime and made me hurt when I read that. I know y'all are all going..What happened? You will have to read it for yourself. I don't want to spoil anything and telling you the event would do just that. It's a bit unexpected so it made all the better.I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,135 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
Oh my word, I knew this series was going to be good and man oh man this one started off racing...

Rowen is freaking awesome. She just finished law school and even though the guy she has been crushing on doesn't see her she's a lawyer... Until the unthinkable happens. But she rolls with the punches. She decides to move home and find a job. Then Dax Tremaine shows up in her life and changes everything again.
Dax shows up in Rowen's life at the perfect time. He is kind, protective, sweet, sexy and supports Rowen in everything she does. The chemistry between them is totally up there and from the moment they meet everything just seems to flow and they fall into each others lives so easily.
But what would this book be without some suspense. And there is definitely some of that and throw in some low angst as well.

I loved this one from the start. Dax and Rowen were just so easy with each other and its like you knew they were meant to be. I am so excited for the next book in this series. I can't freaking wait.

Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,611 reviews420 followers
December 22, 2019
Review by Lisa Kane

Dax and Rowen's story is sassy with a little bit of drama and a lot of humor thrown in! Rowen handles some lousy shite that happens to her with more class than I would. She's a beautiful girl who needs a bit more confidence. Let's just say there's a real nasty hater who tries her best to undermine what little confidence she has. Only Rowen isn't about to let anyone keep her down.

Dax appears at just the right moment for Rowen. Being a man of authority he's a typical alpha who will do everything to keep this woman safe. They might be smitten with each other but Rowen is the sister of Derek, who is on the SWAT team with him. Not to mention she's Luke's daughter, his boss.

But Dax is a good guy and there really isn't anything to keep them apart. Just a bunch of crazy circumstances and a few characters that are honestly make crazy look normal.

One of the things I loved most about this story is revisiting characters from previous books. It's as if we get to catch up with them, see how much they've grown and had their own kids. It keeps their stories alive, we may have closed the last page on their stories, but those stories still went on. We get to fill in the blanks of those years with this new generation!

Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews95 followers
December 19, 2019
Well, it’s clear that Swat 2.0 is going to be dangerous for my heart. When it wasn’t racing it was melting and I’m pretty sure that effect is going to just occur more and more with this series. I absolutely LOVE getting to see the next generation of characters I’ve loved for years get their happily ever afters. And I love it even more when their stories are as outstanding as Rowen and Dax’s.
This book had me not only hooked but entirely on the edge of my seat literally from the start. Lani comes out swinging with some of her best in this one. Rowen has grown into a woman who’s not only sassy, funny and kind but also incredibly strong. There are some things she goes through with such grace that I truthfully would not. Like not even a little bit. She’s bad@#$ just for that, but when you mix in all the other wonderful things about her she becomes a character that you can’t help but love.
And don’t even get me started on Dax. Calling this man hot is an understatement. HUGE understatement. He’s hot in every sense of the word and then some. He’ll have much more than just your heart melting if you catch my drift.
These two have immediate chemistry with just a bit of shyness at first that makes them extra lovable and that quickly grows into something that is absolutely beautiful.
I’m calling it now, with Just Kidding being this insanely good the Swat 2.0 series is going to blow everything out of the water.
Profile Image for Fran (with the book addiction).
467 reviews19 followers
April 4, 2020
I am wondering if Lani Lynn Vale and Aurora Rose Reynolds are the same person. They even have the alliteration going on in two of their three names.
This is exactly as you’d expect. Short sweet simple with a little bit of action thrown in. Great heroine. Very ARR like. A good palate cleanser of a book.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,075 reviews55 followers
January 7, 2020
With each successive book released I’ve become an even bigger fan of Ms. Vale and her delightful storytelling that’s the perfect balance of romance with a bit of suspense. This series starter has all the usual witty banter I’ve come to count on from Ms. Vale along with a delicious hero and sassy heroine whose interactions are teeming with sexual tension. Seeing these characters grow up from their younger years (seen in a previous book) pulled me into this story from the very first page and had me rooting for these two every step of the way.

Rowen’s a strong-willed heroine whose life hasn’t gone exactly as she planned. For years she was focused on becoming a lawyer, doing everything expected of her, but it’s now clear that her plans have gone awry which leaves her feeling lost and starting over. She’s also feeling lost when it comes to her heart and her attraction to her sister’s ex, a years-long attraction that’s frustrating as they’ve danced around each other for years. His choice of new dating material will frustrate readers even more as Shondra’s a truly unlikable woman who continually sabotages Rowen’s plans....sometimes in very hurtful ways. With every move Shondra makes though Rowen stays strong which made me like her all the more. When new SWAT member Dax comes on the scene though things turn combustible and he gives her a reason to start fighting harder for what she wants...and what she realizes she wants is Dax...in a romance full of charm and heartwarming exchanges. Rowen starts off with bouts of low self-esteem but with each turn of the page she got stronger and quit taking everything so lackadaisically...she took on more of a badass vibe and it had me cheering her on wholeheartedly.

Dax is new to the SWAT team but left an indelible mark immediately as the first sexy photo on a fundraising calendar. It’s a steamy picture that has every women in town drooling, but there’s only one woman he’s interested in and together they’re a compelling couple. Dax is a tough guy with a heart of gold, more than ready to stand beside Rowen as she handles every punch thrown her way by Shondra. He’s sexy and supportive and his scenes with Rowen crackled and put a smile on my face courtesy of their witty banter that drew me in from the start.

This is an entertaining series starter with an unforgettable main couple whose interactions in and out of the bedroom sizzled. Their romance built at a believable pace that kept me glued to the pages and their connection was formidable in their later dealings with Shondra. Their banter was witty and fast-paced, hallmarks of every one of Ms. Vale’s books, and this familiarity added to the sense of family this series touches on but which I wanted a bit more from. I enjoyed seeing past couples and look forward to what’s planned next.
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1,223 reviews99 followers
January 6, 2020
I have to say that LLV's books are an automatic must-buy for me. It doesn't matter which book I read from hers, I've loved just about every single one of them. And when I'm in a funk, I can always rely on her reads to get me out of it.
Well, LLV has delivered another series to just fall in love with, more of Kilgore and characters you want to devour. ;-)

There's so many great moments throughout  Just Kidding , LLV always delivers with some pretty comical moments. And you'll definitely be entertained. Rowan and Dax were just perfect for one another, I enjoyed every single interaction between them.

If you're a fan of LLV, you'll love every second of this one, if you're new and not sure where to start, this is a great introduction to LLV.

I'm so pumped for this series and can't wait for book 2!

CHECK OUT THE REST OF MY REVIEW | HERE



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