Beth set her sights on the recently returned to Petal bad boy. Joe Harris was everything she could possibly want and he would eventually succumb to her techniques in seduction. She would bypass the walls that he built around his heart and break them down one at a time. Great series and retiring to Petal is always a wonderful treat!

1 stars
This was a DNF for me. I am not sure what it was, but I didn't;t care for this story at all. I could not get through more than 20 percent of the book.

A quick & enjoyable read. Found it hard to put down this book as the story was so captivating. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Lost In You is the 2nd book in Lauren Dane's Petal, GA series. When I started this series I hadn't read the Chase Brothers series which I really want to do now.
The author does a great job with Beth and Joe's story!
Both sexy, flawed characters experience conflict and then resolution resulting in a wonderful love story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin/Carina Press for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Lost in You in the second book in Lauren Dane's Petal, Georgia series, but it's the first book in the series I've read, and as I read the Netgalley blurb, which mentioned the Chase Brothers, and having read one or two of novels in that series, I wrongly assumed that this was an additional Chase Brothers novel rather than what it actually is, the second novel in a spinoff series, featuring a slew of characters and extended families that I knew virtually nothing about. These secondary characters were far more than just walk-on characters, they are integral to the story, and because I felt lost among this crowd, and spent a great deal of time trying to figure out who was who, who was married to whom, and which children belonged to which couple, it hampered my enjoyment of this novel, which, although it had many good points, didn't quite work as a standalone novel for me, which is why I am giving it a 3.5-star rating.

The two featured characters in this novel are Joe Harris and Beth Murphy. As the novel opens, Joe is just returning to Petal, Georgia after a 10-year absence during which he was in the military, serving 4 tours of duty, and getting trained as a mechanic. His reason for returning to town is rather tragic. Back in the day, he was a wild one, but now his father, who was never an easy man to deal with on a good day, has become increasingly unstable, having fits of rage, breaking things, yelling at the neighbors, wandering off in the middle of the night wearing nothing but his pajama bottoms and starting fights with local merchants for no reason. Joe's mother really hasn't done anything to get him help, appears to be in denial, and fears even mentioning it. Joe has seen his father get angry when he's had a few too many drinks, but nothing as disturbing as his father's recent behavior, and he's undecided about how to handle the situation.

Beth Murphy is thrilled that Joe is back in town. She had a crush on him during her high school years, and since he's best friends with one of her brothers, she wants to break through the "sister of my best friend" taboo and get Joe to notice her. What I absolutely loved about Beth was that she was a brash, pretty, funny, smart, open, confident, and independent woman, and not at all afraid of pursuing the man she wanted. With her sisters and brothers all married or about to be married, and all her nieces and nephews running around, Beth wants in on those happily ever afters of strong marriages, built on love, loyalty and honesty, and she's wants that with Joe--but does he want that with her?.

The Murphy family was as dysfunctional as it gets, with a violent and abusive alcoholic father and mother, who cheated on her husband and disappeared for days at a time without notice, leaving her children to fend for themselves. The oldest Murphy daughter, Tate, took over the mothering role for her younger siblings, and bore the brunt of her father's violent rages while trying to protect them.

It was impossible not to enjoy Beth's aggressive pursuit of a relationship with Joe and to root for her to succeed. While Joe initially appears as a big, strong, tough, biker type, he really has become a good man over the years, and although he initially tries to dissuade Beth's advances, their sexual chemistry is off the charts sizzling, and that part of their relationship works just fine. But Joe isn't one to share his family secrets or his own history with Beth, and it takes a good part of this novel before Beth, in an attempt to make Joe understand that's she's been there, done that with her own dysfunctional parents, he still won't open up to her. After his father in one of his rages goes berserk at the local watering hole with every one of the main and secondary characters present (minus the children), Joe is so humiliated by what Beth and the other other townspeople saw happening at the bar that night, that he breaks off his relationship with Beth--only she's not the kind of gal who'll take no for an answer.

I found this to be an easy, sexy and emotional read, especially with triggers like alcoholism, child and spousal abuse, as well as mental illness playing a major role in this novel. Aside from my confusion with the many secondary characters, this was a well-written (if slightly redundant) heartfelt, and steamy read, but I recommend reading this series in the order in which is was written.

As stated, I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was much better than the first book in the series. A good read with likable characters..

The bonus story was also very good

So, I hoped this was something you can enjoy as a standalone. However, it's clear to me this is best read as part of a series. All the asides with other characters and references to past love stories was lost on me. As in, I didn't care cuz those people are nothing to me since I was not introduced to their world properly and jumped in midway. It was kind of frustrating because I really wanted to stop reading this book. Instead, I just jumped over sections with other character interactions AND I still didn't miss a thing that played out.

I picked this up from NetGalley cuz I had always intended to try a Lauren Dane book. This may not have been the best idea on my part to start with this one.

It was ok, but kind of boring and flat. Probably it would've been fine if I was able to follow along better with all the characters and history.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series of republished and edited stories. I would recommend that you read all the goodness of these books in order, as they will soon become families that you care about and connect with – from Polly Chase and her brood, and Tate and the Murphys, you will soon know how they are going to react, what will set them off, and when someone should probably step down, or up. I love this feeling of belonging and the intensity of Lauren Dane's writing. Not predictable, but always consistent, heartfelt, and reading gold.

In this installment, Beth sets her sights on newly returned ex-bad boy Joe Harris. He recognises her worth but can't see how a relationship can fit in with the crazy that is his life. So, there is a push and pull worthy of a tug of war. Thanks to family, patience, and forgiveness, this is another romantic hit.

It is in the little details that Dane gives us the measure of a person and connects us to their normal live. For me, the scene of Beth eating a whole bag of Doritos and having to wash off the yellow on her fingers just fit so perfectly – both in the moment and the person. And of course, Buck's reaction to Beth, and his condemnation of Joe's stupidity remind us of how clever dogs really are, and that they maybe should be listened to more often!

Add in all the catching up with Lily and Nathan from book one and the rest of the clan, and we can only smile at the importance of family – and to regulars, a chuckle over Polly's hairstyle and her driving skills completes the perfect story!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Mental health issues and child abuse is discussed

This is Beth's book. She sees her brother's bad boy best friend and sets her sights on wanting to date him. Beth has overcome a lot from her past. She is done hiding from it, but also doesn't shout it from the rooftops.

Joe is back, but he's not sure if that's a good thing. He likes being near his friends and family again, but with his dad's health issues at the forefront of his mind, he isn't quite sure if he can handle a new relationship too.

I loved watching Beth's family and friends trying to help them get together. They are hysterical, loving, and understanding. I think this was a sweet story about choosing family and loving the family you have.

At times, I wanted to really smack Joe, but overall, I understood why he was reacting that way. I loved Beth and how strong she was throughout. I can't wait to see what happens next. This is a great family.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is my favourite story in this series so far. Beth is an irrepressibly likeable heroine and despite all his attempts to be a jerk, Joe is a surprisingly charming leading man. I like the gender reversal in this book – it’s Beth who throws herself into wooing and courting a reluctant Joe. Beth’s plotting and scheming is comical, and I really like her irreverence. I actually liked characters from other stories more than I liked some of them in their own books because Beth seems to make the people around her more vibrant. I like that this story is laugh out loud funny in places, but it also tackles quite difficult themes of domestic abuse, mental illness, and PTSD.

So, while this was a more enjoyable read than others in the series, I think this will probably be my last visit to Petal, Georgia. I’ve explained my reservations about these books in previous reviews. In short, I really struggle with the wholesome small-town family values feel to these books. It’s a personal reaction based on my own considerable baggage and I know I’m not going to do the author any favours by signing up for more books to review. I hope that readers with different values and life experiences will really enjoy these stories.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I liked this book and the characters, yet there was something that just didn't click for me.

Beth likes Joe and wants to be part of his life, but Joe's hardheadedness leaves her feeling left out when it comes to his family. Her family treats him like he’s part of the family, yet she's on the outside looking in when it comes to Joe's.

Small towns equal small worlds yet we don't see his parents interacting with any of the major players, which to me is a little odd.

The romance is there, yet I would have understood if Beth walked away.

I was going through a reading slump and wanted something light and romantic, but I have made the mistake of choosing a book that was part of a series that I have not read or known of.

There is so much emphasis and reference to the secondary characters that was totally meaningless to me and made me confused and lose interest.

Also I’m not sure I liked how Beth pursues Joe, it was just too much, I wasn’t sure he actually deserved it, and I was a little embarrassed for her.

I don’t think that it’s fair to rate this book when I’m not familiar with the series.

This is a re-read of the previously released book. There is new content and bonus chapters.
Love the stories of the Murphy siblings and even better that they are tired to the Chase family.
Joe comes back to town to help his parents. After ten years he's grown up and is in a much better place. I wish we'd gotten more in depth on Joe's father's problems, but I understand how difficult the topic could be.
Beth is determined to get what she wants in life. She's set her gosh at getting Joe, regardless that she's his best friends little sister. Some things in life are more important. And letting go of the past is the first step to happiness.

This was such a fun read and I had a sense I had read it before but wasn't sure until I went to post my review. One thing for certain, this stood the test of time and refresh! Joe Harris has come back to town and his top priority is his family and he doesn't have time for a relationship but that does not stop Beth Murphy from setting her sights on him. Beth has decided she wants Joe and goes about welcoming him with all her good Southern sweetness and determined she is to get his attention. It was fun watching these two find their way. Joe did not stand a chance! This was full of family, Southern, heat, and heartache but it was definitely one great story. I definitely recommend this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

From falling in love to heartbreak to family drama and dealing with aging parents with issues and how it affects your life, I was immersed in this tale and at times I felt the pain of the protagonists in my heart like it was my own.
Joe Harris just spoke to me, it was so easy for me to understand his struggles and the way he felt about his parents and everything he tried to do, to hold the family above the waterline and not drown into the sea of mental illness and dementia, issues within the family, PTSD, and everything else life was throwing at him.
Beth Murphy was a notoriously strong woman. She knew what she wanted and wasn't shy about going after it. There was that daring recklessness in her spirit when it came to Joe, and I loved it. I also loved the tight hold the Murphy siblings have, and how they were there for each other. The things they have survived and still were thriving, successful, healthy human beings was nothing sort of amazing and admirable.
The spark between Joe and Beth took off fast, setting out hot flames. What I really enjoy about this series - that is a bit different than what I often read in the romance genre - is that there is more to the story than just falling in love. The author tells a story that is spread over time, and she shows the difficulties to balance life, business, responsibility, family drama, and a new, budding relationship. Life is not always easy, and we do not always get what we want, and sometimes love and desire alone is not enough, you have to find the guts to dare to share, trust, and open up to build something lasting.
Beth showed that even in heartbreak and during the stormy weathers of life, you do not abandon your loved ones. Those scenes were not easy, the pain is palpable, the angst is high, and there are so many directions the story could take, and my gosh, the ache was real and raw, tangible in the air.
Petal, Georgia is well represented in the story, the meddling townfolks, and the extended family brings a lot of characters into the play. It helps to keep a track of everyone if you have read all the books, it is not necessary, but like said, it helps.
I loved the remakes of the original series with the Chase brothers, and this spinoff remake is proving to be just as potent, passionate, and entertaining.
So much emotion, life, drama, and triumph, fitted into a smoothly flowing, heartfelt tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

This updated version is strong and definitely entertaining. It's part of the Petal Georgia series, following The Chase Brothers series, and could stand alone. However, I cannot see any reason why you would stop with just this one! Ms. Dane writes such layered three dimensional characters. I feel like I'm a fly on the wall in their lives and I always enjoy my time with them. The town is almost a character and makes for another reason to keep returning. Lauren Dane includes plenty of passionate encounters for her characters, and Lost In You is no exception. I appreciate that those scenes are well placed and move the story along. I'm going to assume that the series is being updated, and will be on the lookout for those books as well.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

I have heard so many good things about this author so I decided to read this book as my first book by Ms. Dane. Maybe I picked the wrong story to start with.... I don't know. I do know this book wasn't the one for me. I tried. I really did try to get into it.
Joe and Beth knew each other growing up. He has now moved back home to help take care of his dad after being away for 10 years in the military. He has grown up into a good man. Beth is Joe's best friend's little sister. She instantly wants Joe when she sees he is back in town.
The book had a good storyline... I just couldn't get into it.

Ten years ago Joe Harris left Petal, Georgia for the military and now he’s a better man that he was when he left. All he wants is to get his garage up and running, take care of his dad and spend time with his dog. But even though he has no plans for a relationship, Joe finds himself being tempted by his best friend’s little sister.

This emotionally gripping story grabs readers by the heart and refuses to let go. The romance is full of electrical chemistry and wonderful passionate moments full of depth so that readers really get to know these strong, convincing characters and the emotional turmoil that takes place through this story gets ensures that readers really get the nitty gritty details of everything that Joe is going through with his father and his feelings about entering into a relationship.

The small town and the closeness of the families as they come together are really inspiring and make this romance a heartwarming story that readers can really sink their teeth into. This author has a knack for filling her stories with all the emotions of life so that her stories are realistic and comes to life. This romance also has a bonus story at the end that gives readers a fun and happy experience as the couples of Petal, Georgia experience a celebratory night out.

Joe has returned to Petal to help his family. From the moment Beth sees that Joe has returned, she peruses him aggressively. Joe tries to push her back because you just don’t date your best friend’s sister. Ultimately he gives in.

Joe has a lot of stress. He tries to hide that there is something wrong with his dad but when everything is revealed, he pushes Beth away.

Joe is a good guy. His actions may seem like he is being a jerk, but he can’t see the situation clearly. He just thinks that he can’t share his life with another person while he is dealing with his father’s issues. Lucky for him, Beth isn’t the type to give up.

Awesome read. This is a reissue of a previously published book and the author did a nice job of updating it while maintaining the original story. It's full of humor, fun, and lots of hot sexy times. Beth is strong, sassy, and determined. Once she makes up her mind that she wants Joe he doesn't stand a chance. She doesn't care how many this is a bad idea excuses he has or how much he protests. I love these characters and the quirky town of Petal. Can't wait for more and I definitely recommend this one.

The return to Petal, Ga with Lost in You is an incredible read. Lauren Dane is an incredible read. Joe Harris is back in town to care for his parents since his Dads health isn't so great. Beth Murphy is a happy no-nonsense girl despite the way she grew up. Joe is also Beth's older brothers best friend - she is trying to convince him the best friend code need not be applied because she wants him. It just seems the baggage he has may get in the way.

Joe was tired of everything. His dog Buck was next to his bowl sleeping. Normally if he heard Joe’s keys he came running but he’d had enough today. Joe wished he could lie next to his bowl with a bottle of beer and sak out for hours too. The town of Petal had been part of Joe for his entire life. He’d come home. Even when he’d been halfway around the world he hadn’t been too far from Petal’s streets. So when he got his motorcycle he knew exactly where he wanted to ride. Joe would find a routine. Get his dad some help. Get his business set up and running. Maybe even date or at least have sex. But for now the road have to be enough. Beth hadn't seen much of Mary Poppins as a kid and now it was one of her favorite movies. Her parents weren’t much for Disney movies for their kids. They also didn’t have a VCR or anything like that. She discovered the movie when her brother William’s oldest child came along. Joe pulled into the yard. Joe was the older bad boy Beth’s brother used to run around with. Joe came in the yard to talk to William and Beth told him she would see him around and she would make sure she did. Beth’s best friend was Lily who was engaged to her brother Nathan. Beth had decided to go to Joe’s house and say hello as she hadn’t bumped into Joe any of the times she tried to. Beth had come along way from the girl who had to make due with thrift store and garage sale stuff. Tate even went dumpster diving when she had to for her siblings needs. Now she was a business owner, had a nice apartment, her frige and pantry had food and the last time she hid from a drunken argument was years before, the last time she’d went to her parents house. Lily was raising her teenage brother Chris since her parents split and her mother sunk into drugs. Chris was having a hard time. tate-Beth’s older sister was doing Beth’s hair and said you know William is going to break something internal when he finds out you set your cap Joe. Joe’s reputation is less than stellar. Although William said Joe had changed alot since he left Petal and he came back to help his parents and nothing is in it for him. Joe had just started an auto repair shop. Beth thought Joe was really hot. Joe thought Beth looked better than a body had a right to a couple of weeks ago when he seen her. Now she was even hotter in a red dress and her hair done. Joe had found his dog Buck in a dumpster as a small pup. Someone had thrown him away. Joe had bottle fed Buck until he was stronger. He told beth about it as Buck went up to her and she was scratching him behind his ears. She bought Joe some cookies and brownies and an invitation to Lily and nathan’s wedding. Than Beth said Joe could take her to lunch at The Sands so they could catch up. Beth said she’d be at the salon over there. Which Tate, Anne and Beth owned. Tate and Anne did most of the hair work while she did the books. She also did the occasional shampoo if needed. Beth ran errands, handled supply orders and pretty much anything else. The sisters were so close and used to having to work together that it was smooth and efficient. Joe’s father had deteriorating mental health and that is what brought Joe back now. He just had a call from his mother his dad-Carl- had got upset and left in PJ bottoms so Joe got up and dressed it was just midnight to go look for his father. Beth Joe was super hot in the bad boy, works-with-his-hands, has a scruffy beard way. Beth’s type of guy. She knew he had done four tors of duty in Iraq. Beth walked in and saved Joe from the floozie Dolly saying it was time for their lunch. Joe ran into hre, and had less and less defense against her charm. She was charming and hot. But also his best friends little sister. After running into Lily and Nathan and Beth at the Mexican restaurant, he gave Beth a ride home. She had told him to go get Buck. he wanted to be with her and she wanted to be with him and they were both adults. What Joe felt for Beth was far more than sexual curiosity. Joe and Beth had sex and seen each other as much as they could.
I loved this book. It was a great read with drama, family, and love. I loved joe and Beth together and how they interacted. I couldn’t believe it when Joe dumped Beth and in front of everyone. I understood his turmoil but that was still a horrible thing to do to her. Especially when they were so good for each other. My heart broke for Beth. i felt like I was there with everyone. I didn’t want to put this down. I loved the plot and pace. I absolutely loved Tate and all she was to her siblings especially Beth. I hope to get to read the next book of this series. I loved how close Beth and her siblings were and how they all turned out after the horrific upbringing they had. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.