Okay, if anyone could've changed my mind about JP King, it's Lena. Up until I read Just Between Us, I wasn't sure if JP's character would be redeemable for me. But when I got small glimpses of the real JP in Just Between Us, I realized I needed more. And his redemption arc was everything.

JP King was so not what I had thought he was up until now, and I didn't think I would fall so hopelessly in love with him either. Lena truly did his character justice with the way she turned things around for me to love and appreciate JP for the incredible man he is. Even though he was the younger sibling, he still took the brunt of their father's wrath and expectations growing up in order to protect his siblings. He was always the one who had to make the tough decisions, and somewhere along the way, he'd stopped thinking about what he wanted. After learning and following in his father's footsteps, JP truly believed that there was no good in him and he deserved to be alone. Being told for years that love and showing any emotions was a weakness, JP struggled to find his footing with his family, unable to figure out how to connect with them even though he desperately wanted to.

There were so many moments when I got really emotional reading about JP's thoughts and how lost he felt. This man deserved the world, and I'm so happy that with Hazel and Teddy by his side, he was able to slowly open up and find his way back to his family. JP's teasing, lighthearted, and fun side was such a contrast to what I'd seen from him so far, and it was so good to finally see the real JP behind all that gruff and calculating exterior.

I loved Hazel's character sooo much. She was feisty, funny, free-spirited, and very witchy. After living her life on the go—traveling and exploring the world—suddenly losing her sister and being responsible for a 7-year-old was a huge change that she hadn't seen coming. She had her own fears about feeling like she wasn't cut out for the role and that she'd let Teddy and her sister down. She came a long way, from finding her way around being the parent Teddy needed, stumbling and figuring out how to do right by him, while also trying to figure out what her life looked like going forward. Being in Outtertowner and getting to know the people in it made her feel a sense of belonging that she didn't realize she had been missing and made her seriously consider putting down her roots and forming genuine friendships with the girls.

Her banter with JP was so cute, and I laughed so much. Slowly, JP also started feeling comfortable enough to tease her back and let her see more of him. I loved how she never backed down from a fight with JP despite his initial dismissal. Their relationship grew remarkably as they tried to navigate this unexpected situation. Hazel's sunshiny presence was just what JP needed in his life to let go of his need to always be in control and start thinking more about his own wants too. JP's steady and confident presence was what Hazel needed to figure out her new role. I liked how easy they found opening up to each other even when they were at odds. 

Teddy was sooo freaking adorable, and I loved the similarities between him and JP. He was wise beyond his years, and that was also so endearing. The way he was excited to find his new family and embraced them all so readily made me so happy. His bond with JP was so innocent and pure, which made it impossible for JP to hold on to his indifferent facade. I also loved his dynamics with Hazel. This kid literally had the simplest solutions for everyone's adult problems, which showed us just how sweet and innocent he was.

The Kings and Sullivans have come a really long way and are now family; there's no question about it. The way they still continue to plan elaborate pranks on each other and try to pretend that the other side is insufferable just warmed my heart so much. All their moments together were just so hilarious, and I kept wanting more. Lena has done a brilliant job taking their journey from where it started with the King-Sullivan rivalry in One Touch to where they are now.

Just when I thought the suspense around the King family, their mother, and Russell King had come to an end, I was stunned by the twist in this book and everything that followed. I also didn't think I could hate Russell King any more than I already did, but it turns out I can, and I do.

I say this after every book, and I'll say it again: I absolutely love Outtertowner, and I wish I was a part of it. It feels like returning home in a way when I read about the people of this town, the bluebirds, the flannel festival, the ever-changing King-Sullivan dynamics, and everything else in between.

Lena always delivers when it comes to the spice, and it was no different in JP's book. I loved his dominating side and the restraint he tried so hard to hold on to. And when it snapped... holy hotness. Hazel wasn't the least bit shy, and that just made everything better and steamier. The dirty talking definitely did wonders for me.

Thank you to Lena Hendrix for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.