Book Review: Just This Once by Lena Hendrix

Just This Once was so freaking entertaining! I had a great time meeting Whip and Emily. I loved their witty banter and chemistry, and couldn't wait for them to get their HEA. I can't wait to read more in the Kings series!

Just This Once (The Kings #1) by Lena Hendrix

In a rugged small town on the coast of Michigan where heartbreak lingers but love always finds a way, sparks fly between a fireman and the daughter of the fire chief after an unforgettable one night stand. Fans of Lucy Score’s Knockmeout Series, Elsie Silver, Carley Fortune, and B.K. Borison will swoon over book 1 in Lena Hendrix’s bestselling Kings Series!

Cocky, pierced firefighters are perfect for late-night rom-coms, but in real life they’re nothing but trouble. Especially when you find out they work for your dad—after you’ve already slept with them.

Moving to my parents’ small town was supposed to be the fresh start I was looking for. When a disastrous Valentine’s Day leads to an unexpected encounter with a sexy stranger, it ended with the hottest night of my life.

I didn’t think I would ever see Whip again.

Imagine my surprise when one of my sixth-grade students has a medical emergency and it’s Whip who shows up, looking hot as hell, to save the day. I should be embarrassed at how we left things, but instead I’m furious he doesn’t seem to remember me.

So I scrape my pride off the floor, lift my chin, and pretend there’s nothing between us. But that can last only so long. Stolen glances melt into forbidden touches, and once we give in to temptation, we can’t keep our hands off each other.

Nothing has ever felt so right, but my guarded heart won’t let me believe in happily ever after with a man like him. Opening up to Whip may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and every time we agree to one last time, we both know it’s a lie.

How many times can we keep telling ourselves just this once before we realize that, when it comes to love, once is never enough?

Deluxe Limited Edition Paperback of Just This Once featuring stenciled edges, holographic foil, designed interior covers, chapter headers, and full color special character art.

4 out of 5 stars

Just This Once was super entertaining with wonderful characters filled with fantastic banter and all the spice! I loved learning about Whip and Emily, the small town, and the ongoing rivalry between the Kings and the Sullivans. It was light and fun, moving at a great pace, keeping me invested and excited from page one. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. This was my first time reading this author, and it won’t be my last.

I loved the instant attraction and pull between Whip and Emily, their chemistry was off the charts. Their verbal sparring was everything. It was that teasing, playful kind that contained just a bit of bite, and I ate it up. I loved it when their guards started to come down, and that tense banter turned sweet and flirty. I liked how they tried to keep their relationship on the down low and casual. Of course, life happened, and feelings came into play, and I loved seeing them soften and grow and fall for one another. They had a great build to their relationship, plus a lot of steam. I thought it all rounded out nicely.

I liked learning all about Whip’s family and siblings. I loved meeting Emily's parents and the bonds they share as a family. I adored the town, the gossip, and a delightful group of ladies Emily befriended. I thought the rivalry between the Kings and Sullivans was fun, and I liked piecing together the details and learning about their pranks. There was also a bit of an underlying mystery that I hope will carry on over the course of the series. I liked that addition.

Basically, for a good time, read this charming and witty story! I got just what I needed and enjoyed it all. It was the perfect mix of heart and heat. Loved it!