Lone Pine Lake Series by Karen Erickson - #Reviews of 1 & 2

I love this series and think it has great potential and I can't wait to find out more with the McKenzie Family.

Jane's Gift (Lone Pine Lake #1)

by Karen Erickson (Goodreads Author)

Lone Pine Lake’s resident playboy, fire captain Christian Nelson, is happy with his single-guy lifestyle. But when quiet, mysterious Jane Clark comes for a tour of the firehouse with her three small children, Chris is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman—even though he’s been burned by commitment in the past.

Jane’s been battling scars both physical and mental—having lived through a devastating house fire years ago—so she’s hesitant when her brother’s best friend, Christian, offers to help quell her family’s residual fears of fire. Jane’s mind is the epitome of once burned, twice shy, but her heart has other plans.

Despite her brother’s warnings about his friend’s playboy status and dangerous occupation, Jane can’t help but fall for the gorgeous fire captain. Can two scarred people find the strength to let go of their pasts to live in the present, when a lifetime together might be the sweetest gift of all?

Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary

My Review...

The book grabbed me from the prologue with Jane's tragedy and had me going until the end with anticipation of a HEA.

Jane has tons of battle scars physically and mentally.  She is widowed and now a single mother.

Christian (Chris) is the fire captain and Jane's brother 's best friend. He also happens to be the town player who is not looking for commitment.

Because of Jane's past she is shy and timid and love is not on her radar. Well...until she meets the heartthrob fire captain who is the person that is supposed to help Jane and her kid's fear of fire.  But with this meeting new fires get a blazing. (wink wink if you know what I mean).

For some reason Chris is drawn to Jane and her family and can't pull away from the flames.

With their own personal demons they eventually hurt one another and run for cover.

Love can be overwhelming especially when it comes with a built in family plus a big extended family like Jane has.

But sometimes love and family are enough to settle the flames of the past and the uncertanity of the future and just keep the embers burning for the present which is love, passion and commitment.

I loved this sweet story about hope, love and second chances.

4 Fire burning thumbs up

Lauren

Tempting Cameron (Lone Pine Lake #2)

by Karen Erickson (Goodreads Author)

The girl next door never looked so good...

For Cameron McKenzie, Chloe Dawson has always just been his younger sister Jane’s best friend—a pesky annoyance who followed him around and acted like he hung the moon. It isn’t until Jane’s wedding to her firefighter beau Chris that Chloe reappears in his life…and she isn’t pesky or annoying anymore. In fact, the beautiful Chloe tempts him beyond reason. But Cam knows he’s damaged goods—not nearly good enough for Lone Pine Lake’s resident good girl.

Chloe’s always dreamed of a future with the dark, brooding Cam, and after they share an explosive kiss, she wonders if her dream could be coming true. Cam’s never stuck around his hometown for long, though, so she makes him an offer: one sweet summer romance with no strings attached. This good girl’s ready for an adventure…one that just might end up lasting a lifetime

Source: eARC for Honest Review from Entangled Bliss via NetGalley
Genre: Adult Contemporary

My Review...
 
Cameron is the typical wild child of the McKenzie family who ran away from his town and family the moment he could get away.  With the typical middle child syndrome and insecurities he keeps everyone away including his family with his gruff demeanor.

Chloe is the town princess who is adored by all and has always wanted to stay in her sweet home town.  She has also had a huge crush on her friend's older brother....the bad boy Cam.

Cameron comes back to town to try to find his way again after an accident on his job.  While he's back he runs into Chloe and sees her for the first time as a woman instead of a pesky kid.

With this new found desire he amps up his asshole factor to push her away.

The deed is met which causes an accident where Cam's guilt and true feelings are brought to the surface. He tries to make it right without letting the truth come forward and gives Chloe a wish that she has always wanted.

With this sweet innocent safe wish (or so we thought) comes love and heartache.

With the love of Cameron's family and their meddling yet loving ways Cam is shone the light and grabs on to his fears and takes the risk on love and happiness.

Great story about love, family, passion and wishes coming true. Can't wait to find out what happens with the rest of the Mckenzie family.

4 tempting thumbs up


Lauren