Always with Me by Kris Jacen

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Blurb

Calvin and Camden Luna — why yes, their dad is a big baseball fan— have moved around the world with their parents. Their father has been in the military since before they were born. Proud of their father and uncles and all they’ve done, neither of them is sure the military is for them. Cam is a fantastic baseball player and Cal loves the science of everything. Haven’t they given enough?
Tristan Nolan and Maddy Holt both grew up as military kids too, but neither of their fathers moved them around as much as the twins. Maddy wants to save the planet and capture the heart of Calvin Luna… if he’d only open his eyes. Tris has grown up wanting to follow in the footsteps of those before him. But can he be himself — out and proud —serve and protect his country and end up with the one he’s loved for as long as he can remember?
What can happen when you grow up a military brat with the ties that they have with their fathers’ close friends and their families? Find the love of your life almost from the start? Or find out that maybe you’re all too close for anything else?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Kris Jacen's Always With Me is a double love story that spans many years.

It's a beautiful story that follows twins Cam and Cal from their teen years to their adult lives. As teens, they meet Tristan and Maddie as newborns, promising to care for them forever. Little did they know they'd eventually fall in love with them.

I appreciate the emotions the twins experience as they start to forge their own path in life. Despite their distance, they will always be there for each other. And, along with one other, they will always have Tristan and Maddie.

I love this tender story; love everything about it. Each twin falling in love with someone they grew up with is just heart-warming. It's just beautiful watching them grow up and following their lives through so many years. 

Kris Jacen's With Me series is a great look into military life. There is so much represented in these books, and Always with Me continues that tradition. Each story is written with knowledge of military life and compassion for both the military members and their families. Each is told with honesty and heart. 

The closeness of the families, as well as the four main characters is so beautiful. And seeing some characters from the rest of the series is wonderful. All in all, Always with Me is perfect when you're looking for an angst free, sweet as can be romance. 

RELEASE BLITZ - Always With Me (With Me #6) by Kris Jacen

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Publisher: MLR Press

With Me Series

Book #1 - Wait For Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 - Explore With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 - Learn With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 - Challenge Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #5 - Step Up With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Blurb

Calvin and Camden Luna — why yes, their dad is a big baseball fan— have moved around the world with their parents. Their father has been in the military since before they were born. Proud of their father and all he has done, neither of them is sure the military is for them. Haven’t they given up enough already? Cam is a fantastic baseball player and Cal loves the science of everything.

Tristan Nolan and Maddy Holt both grew up as military kids too, but neither of them moved around as much as the twins. Tris has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of those before him and make a career in the military; Maddy wants to save the planet and capture the heart of Calvin Luna… if he’d only open his eyes. Can Tris be himself — out and proud — and serve and protect his country? Can he end up with the one he’s loved for as long as he can remember?

What can happen when you grow up a military brat with the close ties from your fathers’ close friends and their families? Find the love of your life almost from the start? Or find out that maybe you’re all too close to have anything else.

About the Author

Kris Jacen grew up just north of Boston, Massachusetts, met her soldier in high school but didn’t marry him until almost ten years later. She moved around with him and their daughters (born in two different states thanks to the Army) for the first 19 years of their marriage (they celebrated their silver anniversary in 2018) before settling in western New York.

She has been the Editor in Chief and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints since January of 2008 and has never looked back. Working with the amazing authors at MLR has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. She also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers which lets her “pay-it-forward” and help authors realize their dreams.

You can find out more about Kris on her website www.krisjacen.com.

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REVIEW TOUR - Step Up With Me (With Me #5) by Kris Jacen

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | MLR Press

Length: 45,000 words approx.

Publisher: MLR Press

Goodreads Link

With Me Series

Book #1 - Wait For Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

My Review

Book #2 - Explore With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

My Review

Book #3 - Learn With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

My Review

Book #4 - Challenge Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

My Review

Blurb

Richard “Tank” Martin was a big boy from the start. Born weighing over 11 pounds, he didn’t stop growing. When he was in middle school, a football coach took him under his wing and finally explained to him the mystery of calories in, calories out and from then on it was all good for him. At least he thought. Being called to meet with his platoon sergeant and told that he was now part of the Army’s overweight program, sent him into a spin that only his crews can help him out of.

Dr. Jack Dillon thought his life was good and finally settled. Part of an active veterinarian practice, volunteering with a service dog organization, spoiling his sister’s triplets and training in sports jui-jitsu…the only this missing was a partner. He never thought that his world could be shattered with just a phone call even after being around his military friends.

Tank and Jack have been dancing around each other for months until Tank takes a chance and kisses Jack at their friends’ wedding moving their slow dance into a heated bump and grind. Can these two survive the changes coming their ways together or will all the changes break them apart?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn! Step Up With Me is a fantastic read by Kris Jacen. We get Jack and Tanks's story and it's definitely my favorite book in the With Me series.

It's emotional and complicated, while being full of humor, romance, and complications. It includes weight issues, friends to lovers, virginity, and the importance of family. Jack's weight story is so tough to read, as his struggles effect his self-confidence.

I absolutely love the babies and the nicknames that Jack calls the babies. This part of the story is a true delight to read. 

This friends to lovers romance is wonderfully developed. It's sweet that both men have feelings for the other but never told each other. I am so happy to get their story and I love the way it develops.

Step Up With Me is a beautiful, sweet and cute romance. I knew what was coming, but it still shook me. But, all in all, I loved this story. I'm so glad I found this series and Kris Jacen's writing. Her stories are realistic, with a fantastic way of exploring the lives of our military at home. They are a refreshing way of looking at army families.

About the Author

Kris Jacen grew up just north of Boston, Massachusetts, met her soldier in high school but didn’t marry him until almost ten years later. She moved around with him and their daughters (born in two different states thanks to the Army) for the first 19 years of their marriage (they celebrated their silver anniversary in 2018) before settling in western New York.

She has been the Editor in Chief and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints since January of 2008 and has never looked back. Working with the amazing authors at MLR has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. She also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers which lets her “pay-it-forward” and help authors realize their dreams.

You can find out more about Kris on her website www.krisjacen.com.

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Step Up with Me (With Me #5) by Kris Jacen

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Richard “Tank” Martin was a big boy from the start. Born weighing over 11 pounds, he didn’t stop growing. When he was in middle school, a football coach took him under his wing and finally explained to him the mystery of calories in, calories out and from then on it was all good for him. At least he thought. Being called to meet with his platoon sergeant and told that he was now part of the Army’s overweight program, sent him into a spin that only his crews can help him out of.
Dr. Jack Dillon thought his life was good and finally settled. Part of an active veterinarian practice, volunteering with a service dog organization, spoiling his sister’s triplets and training in sports jiu-jitsu…the only this missing was a partner. He never thought that his world could be shattered with just a phone call even after being around his military friends.
Tank and Jack have been dancing around each other for months until Tank takes a chance and kisses Jack at their friends’ wedding moving their slow dance into a heated bump and grind. Can these two survive the changes coming their ways together or will all the changes break them apart?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn! Step Up With Me is a fantastic read by Kris Jacen. We get Jack and Tanks's story and it's definitely my favorite book in the With Me series.

It's emotional and complicated, while being full of humor, romance, and complications. It includes weight issues, friends to lovers, virginity, and the importance of family. Jack's weight story is so tough to read, as his struggles effect his self-confidence.

I absolutely love the babies and the nicknames that Jack calls the babies. This part of the story is a true delight to read. 

This friends to lovers romance is wonderfully developed. It's sweet that both men have feelings for the other but never told each other. I am so happy to get their story and I love the way it develops.

Step Up With Me is a beautiful, sweet and cute romance. I knew what was coming, but it still shook me. But, all in all, I loved this story. I'm so glad I found this series and Kris Jacen's writing. Her stories are realistic, with a fantastic way of exploring the lives of our military at home. They are a refreshing way of looking at army families.

RELEASE BLITZ - Step Up With Me (With Me #5) by Kris Jacen

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | MLR Press

Length: 45,000 words approx.

Publisher: MLR Press

With Me Series

Book #1 - Wait For Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 - Explore With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 - Learn With Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 - Challenge Me - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Richard “Tank” Martin was a big boy from the start. Born weighing over 11 pounds, he didn’t stop growing. When he was in middle school, a football coach took him under his wing and finally explained to him the mystery of calories in, calories out and from then on it was all good for him. At least he thought. Being called to meet with his platoon sergeant and told that he was now part of the Army’s overweight program, sent him into a spin that only his crews can help him out of.

Dr. Jack Dillon thought his life was good and finally settled. Part of an active veterinarian practice, volunteering with a service dog organization, spoiling his sister’s triplets and training in sports jui-jitsu…the only this missing was a partner. He never thought that his world could be shattered with just a phone call even after being around his military friends.

Tank and Jack have been dancing around each other for months until Tank takes a chance and kisses Jack at their friends’ wedding moving their slow dance into a heated bump and grind. Can these two survive the changes coming their ways together or will all the changes break them apart?

About the Author

Kris Jacen grew up just north of Boston, Massachusetts, met her soldier in high school but didn’t marry him until almost ten years later. She moved around with him and their daughters (born in two different states thanks to the Army) for the first 19 years of their marriage (they celebrated their silver anniversary in 2018) before settling in western New York.

She has been the Editor in Chief and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints since January of 2008 and has never looked back. Working with the amazing authors at MLR has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. She also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers which lets her “pay-it-forward” and help authors realize their dreams.

You can find out more about Kris on her website www.krisjacen.com.

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Challenge Me (With Me #4) by Kris Jacen

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Briar Mason joined the Army to find himself after he believed the lies that had gone around about his best friend, Carter, and his sister. He should have known that Carter wouldn't do those things but family was family, right? He'll find out who his real family is when he's injured and sent back to the states.

Not-telling-you-my-first-name Randolph was about to hit ten years in the Army and had some amazing assignments but one had eluded him until now - Ranger School. Coming from being assigned to the Presidential Salute Battery was going to be the best thing for him since training was emphasized. Should be easy, right?

Briar and Randolph met when Briar had stopped to apologize to Carter and Randolph was in full-on protective mode. Can these two find a middle ground while challenging themselves and each other to be better?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Challenge Me is the fourth book in Kris Jacen's With Me series. As with the previous books, this one explores a part of military life, as it affects people at home.

In Learn With Me, we learn of Briar's injury. Now, he's back home and has to deal with his injuries. Finding out you've lost a leg is not easy, but he has some great people to help him. Which he really needs, as he's feeling broken. As for the romance, when Briar returns home, Brand is there to sit at his bedside. Together, the two men are strong and dedicated. I love Brand's determination and compassion towards Briar. 

Challenge Me deals with the importance of supporting our veterans. Their mental health issues are staggering, and their rate of suicide is high. I appreciate the way the author tackles such an important issue.

As usual, I enjoy the friendships and strong connections in this series. In this story, there are changes for the whole group.

Personally, one of my favorite parts of this book is the meaning behind Brand's name. It takes a while to get there, but it's awesome.

Challenge Me is an emotional tale of romance and friendship. I'm definitely enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what happens next.

Learn with Me (With Me #3) by Kris Jacen

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Josiah "Siah" Kent has always loved learning; now he's living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?

Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. He's always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degree--he'd be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?

A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Learn With Me, the third book in Kris Jacen's With Me series, is another great romance involving military life. It's realistic and helps the reader get a glimpse into the everyday lives of military families.

We met Siah in book two, and now we get his story. He's escaped his past and is now a teacher. As he has two of the military kids in his class, we get an eye-opening look into how military life affects children. 

When Siah runs into Carter again, the attraction is still there, and he is open to having a friend. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. They have to deal with some issues from their pasts, homophobia, and losing friends. And, at the end of the day, both men are at a crossroads in their lives, and have some decisions to make.

I love Siah, with all his rambling. He's absolutely adorable.

Along with the growing relationship between Siah and Carter, we get another fabulous look into army life. We learn more about the issues military families face, some of the military traditions, and more. 

I love the way army families make extended families with their fellow army families. The children being taken care of by everyone is wonderful. Non military people can't relate. 

As usual, in Learn With Me, the author's writing style is good, and the story is told with knowledge and care. One of the best parts of this series is the way they focus on those at home, versus being a military action story. It's rare to get this look into military life.

Explore with Me (With Me #2) by Kris Jacen

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Can two coming from such different backgrounds and points in their lives find a balance to explore together?

The Army is the only thing that First Sergeant Danny Glenn has known in his adult life. From the age of nineteen on, he's worn a uniform every day. He's seen so much in his twenty years but the last deployment did something to him. Danny's begun to wonder if he can't do more good helping people in the US instead of other countries but to do that he'd have to get out.

Doctor Liam MacNamara is finishing up the last of his residency in Emergency Medicine. Now's the tough part, which offer to accept. He could stay in New Orleans where shifts are never dull or choose to uproot and experience somewhere different. College followed by medical school and then residency are the only things he's known since he was eighteen. There's got to be more out there, right?

Can a retired first sergeant and a brand-new doctor balance each other enough to explore their options together?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Explore With Me is another enjoyable book in Kris Jacen's With Me series.

The author does a great job of giving us a real feel for military life and how it affects the ones they love. Her obvious military background allows this way of life to be written with knowledge, understanding, and care.

In this story, we learn about Liam and Danny. Both men are fantastic characters, well developed, and with distinct voices. They're both tasked with making a big decision about their future. Liam's starting his career as a doctor and has to decide where to practice. Danny meanwhile, is at the end of his military career and has to decide what to do. 

Their romance is a slow burn, with the tension building between the two nicely. Obviously it's tough enough to fall in love, but to do so with big decisions looming over your heads isn't easy. 

Explore With Me is a satisfying read with a great storyline. This is definitely recommended as a quick, fun read. Exploring the time of changes for two men, as they find each other and fall in love, it is a sweet book.

My previous reviews of the series:
Book 1 - Wait For Me