Have I mentioned how much I love a friends to lover’s story? Well, I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of the fourth book of the Healing Hart’s series, Wild at Heart. In it, we get to fall in love with Chase McKee and Bailey Hart. Bailey is the youngest cousin in the Hart family, and Chase is her older cousin, Justin’s friend. Although these two have always had feelings for each other, they have never admitted their attraction…but now, with Chase back in town and Bailey set to leave for L.A., he’s got to take a chance or lose the woman he loves without a fight.

First of all, when T.J. Kline told me that her inspiration for Chase was Jensen Ackles, I was immediately sold on this book (plus, she’s my friend, so I always read her stuff. ;-)) But then Chase’s back story tugged at my heart and made me want to reach through the pages and give the guy a big old hug. Instead of following his father’s life plan, he enlisted in the military and became a MP. When he got out, he became a cop in Oakland and when he lost his partner, he moved back home to lick his wounds. The poor guy suffers from survivor’s guilt and blames himself for his partner’s death, which is enough to break my heart into a million pieces.

And then there are Chase’s Swoon-Worthy qualities…

1. Chase is loyal. He has fought so hard against his feelings for Bailey, worried about betraying Justin (okay, and getting decked) but still, brownie points.
2. Chase has a quick, snappy and charming wit that will make the reader smile and laugh throughout, cheering him on as he goes for what he wants…namely Bailey.
3. Chase is stubborn. Why is that a good thing? Because Bailey needs someone strong and if he gave in too easily, she would walk all over him.
4. Chase is brave. There is this one scene where Chase throws himself into danger to save someone else and it feels like someone sucker punches you!!!
5. Chase is an amazing kisser! Okay, I of course know that Chase is real, but the way T.J. describes his kisses…whew*fans herself* Look out world!

If you haven’t picked up the Healing Hart’s series, the first book, Heart’s Desire, is on sale for just 99 cents and Bailey’s book releases February 9th!

An obsessive bookworm, Codi Gary likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family. Codi can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and CodiGaryBooks.com.