Book: Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 5/5
Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.75/5)
Finally, JP's book! I am such a sucker for the uptight, arrogant man whose life is upended by a free-spirited woman, and this book DELIVERED. Hazel blows into town with her nephew Teddy, who is in her care after her sister died. She is there to find Teddy's father, whom her sister claims is JP—and JP denies. From there, the roller coaster ensues.
JP is definitely tied with Abel as my favorite King brother. Through his interactions with Teddy, we learn that he has a secret soft center beneath his hard shell. I love that JP is never less than friendly with Teddy, even when he initially meets him and is dealing with the shock of potential paternity. He shows him warmth even when he is just some random kid. And while I ate up his dislike-to-lovers romance with Hazel, it is the strong relationship he builds with Teddy that had me swooning. Long before the paternity results come in, JP treats Teddy like family.
And Hazel? I loved her so much. She gave up her travel influencer life in her schoolie (a school bus she converted into a home) the moment Teddy needed her. She is kind and compassionate, but she doesn't let JP walk all over her—she will go toe to toe with him any day. She is independent and free-spirited but doesn't feel like a bohemian stereotype. She reads tarot cards and believes in crystals but isn't made fun of or played off as being "kooky," which is a nice change from other books.
The tension and sizzle between JP and Hazel is intense and immediate. Everyone around them catches the sparks that fly. They also share a deep emotional connection, opening up to each other and admitting truths they've never said out loud to anyone else. With Teddy, they form an adorable family unit that melted my heart.
The side plot surrounding JP's father and the disappearance of his mother had me both throwing the book in anger and cheering with joy. I was just as invested in that plot as I was in the romance.
I always love my time with the Kings, and this was no exception. I'm looking forward to reading MJ's book after the brief scene we saw of her and her future love interest/RUGBY PLAYER Logan.
Thank you to the author and The Smuthood for providing an ARC!