I was over the moon when I received Just Between Us ARC (advanced reader copy). This third installment in The Kings series is a heartwarming small-town romance that beautifully showcases the magic of opposites attracting. It was one of my most anticipated reads of the month and didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to share my book review of Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix with you.

Just Between Us Summary

Royal King: Creative artist and owner of Outtatowner’s King Tattoo. “Educational” content creator.

“Royal was nothing like any man I’ve ever experienced. He was charming and kind. Sexy and mysterious. He was dangerous.”

Veda Bauer: Smart and competent business manager. 

“When I’d first seen Veda, she was hell on wheels - her take-no-sh!t attitude was on full display, and she oozed masculine energy. With me, she was soft and pliant.”

Blurb

“For so long I had spent every waking second too caught up in the moment to take stock of my surroundings, and now I was tangled with a woman who only played by the rules.”

Royal King is a charismatic and troublemaking playboy, and Veda Bauer is the woman cleaning up his family's mess.

Despite their initial animosity, a clandestine connection develops as they exchange anonymous messages. 

Their playful banter escalates into a hidden romance, challenging their personal boundaries and forcing them to confront their covert desires.

Tropes

• Small town
• Secret relationship
• Spicy lessons
• Opposites attract: black cat/golden retriever energy
• Mystery
• Fun banters
• HEA (happily ever after)

Just Between Us Book Review

What I Like

Royal King. Let’s talk about this guy for a hot minute. He makes me think about the lyrics, “I scratch your head, you fall asleep like a tattooed golden retriever.” Easygoing, mischievous, and always ready with a quip in any situation. Often described as scary, imposing, or menacing. But don’t let that fool you. Underneath those sexy tattoos are layers that make you want to hold that little boy before the hometown knows him as the Royal King. 

“You’re fun and optimistic and kind and sensitive. Big golden retriever energy.”

Veda Bauer is a powerhouse. I love a woman who stands up for what’s right, even if that means losing a job. I can relate to how she always wants to be in control. I know it could be tiring. Sometimes, even the most independent individuals need a supportive partner to lean on, often without realizing it.

“That woman looks like she would crush your balls and smile about it.”

“You cross a black cat and you’re bound to get scratched.”

Veda also does the same for him. She helps him face his demons and holds him when he needs to be vulnerable. 

It’s not just steamy scenes (though, holy cow, Royal King! 🥵). It’s the way they become each other’s rock. Veda holding Royal as he faces his past is good stuff. That’s what partnership is about.

“We take care of each other.”

MJ King is the bestie every awkward new girl needs. This sweet girl deserves the world. (I wonder who will capture her heart).

Sullivans and Kings. It’s adorable and funny how similar they are. Especially Lee and Royal. I can’t believe they used to feud. It feels like only yesterday when I read about how they prank and get at under each other’s skin in the Sullivans series. My, how far we’ve come. 

Suspense. All those burning questions from the Kings and Sullivans series I have have finally been answered! It might not be what I hoped for, but at least my curious mind can now rest. I love how the whole town cooperated to shake the villain Russel King.

Lena Hendrix, you sneaky genius, leaving us with that cliffhanger for JP’s story! I’m already counting down the days.

Verdict

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. While you can technically read it as a standalone, I highly suggest checking out the previous books in The Kings series for a deeper understanding of the mystery. And if you’re up for it, start with the Sullivans series. It’s all interconnected, and the intrigue actually begins there. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on any of the excitement.

Favorite Quotes

What are you reading next?

Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix will be released on October 15, 2024, and is now available for pre-order on Amazon.