While the story felt a bit repetitive at times - Hallie and Chase would have the same conversations over and over, as well as certain words/phrases being overused - Keep Me Close was a sweet and sexy romance that wasn't marred by an abundance of drama.

He was dealing with his own issues, having recently learned of the half-siblings he'd never knew he had, but he was still present and supportive and wanted a future with Hallie. I loved the level of support he offered Hallie. Chase stepped up immediately and made sure Hallie knew he wanted to be involved in every aspect. There was an ease to their relationship, despite the circumstances they were dealing with, and although neither planned to be where they were at, they both acted like mature adults and talked things through. Keep Me Close is the fifth entry in Croix's Light My Fire series, but it was easy to step into this world and appreciate Hallie and Chase's story as a stand-alone. That meant returning to the small town of Willow Brook and finding Chase - and breaking the news that he was going to be a father. But that one night had some long-lasting consequences, namely an unplanned pregnancy. There was no denying the attraction and connection between she and Chase, but she was firm about the rules: no last names, no phone numbers, and the next morning they said goodbye.

Hallie received some devastating news and, in an effort to step away from her real life and forget everything, she headed out of town and indulged in a one night stand.

Slow Burn by J.H. Croix