I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I really loved this book. I loved the good girl and bad boy vibe it had as well as the lesson it gives in second chances. Emily and Tanner have always wanted each other from a distance and when they finally get close things really get explosive.

Overall this book was really good. I laughed, I cried, and I somehow learned about horses! Can't wait for the next book in this series!

I enjoy this author, and I wanted to like this title...however, I felt it was a little predictable and I felt like the characters were stereotypes and not actual people.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review, however I ended up skimming the title, so a full review post isn't planned to be run on the blog.

Thanks,
Laura

4 stars — This book had a lot of really great stuff going for it, but it had some major flaws as well. But in the end, the parts that surprised and impressed me balanced out the things that bugged me and left me with an overall enjoyable reading experience.

I will admit, the “bad boy who just wouldn’t try” got a little old after awhile for me…it just dragged on longer than I expected. Actually everything about the bad boy got old. Initially in the book Tanner was legit mean…some of the things he said to Emily were totally asshole-ish. I’ve never been attracted to bad boys, so that went down like a lead balloon with me. I mean, Emily even says that she wants to be treated mean, and I really don’t fucking get that. In the end she doesn’t want that, she wants someone who cares about her. The things she ends up falling in love with are those of a sweet man, not a bad boy, so I don’t get what the attraction really is there. I just don’t get the bad boy image, like, AT ALL. What about him was bad? That he wanted to be himself?

And I started to get annoyed with Emily and her thoughts about Tanner. She supposedly is attracted to this bad boy, but then she’s also judgemental towards him. I mean, I got what she would say about his attitude. But then she’d be all wishy washy about the other “bad boy” stuff about Tanner, and I never really got why that was. It made me disappointed in her, that she almost behaved like the townspeople on occasion.

Back to Tanner, him not growing some balls and figuring his shit out earlier was annoying too. Like, was it really that hard to put himself out there for the woman he loves? It’s hard to love a hero who is *that* frightened. Some scared is endearing…that much is just disappointing. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel for him and the way he grew up, how that affected him and made him who he was, and the way the people treated him. I got it to a point, but as I said above, it dragged on too long.

But on the other side of the coin, I really did love the two of them together when they weren’t butting heads and being idiots. They could be sweet, and I loved the way they were both genuinely excited about the baby. Those parts of Tanner were seriously endearing and I loved them.

I, strangely, ADORED the side story of Mimi and Josh. I was completely surprised to get parts from each of their POV, but I actually felt like they really added to the story. The whole concept of institutionalization was fascinating, and I loved having a character to empathize with in that struggle. Seeing someone so wronged by society was heartbreaking. I LOVED how strong Mimi was and how she didn’t take shit from anybody. I cheered for her and how she wore Josh down.

I even liked some of the side stories I can see will be coming in later books… I have a feeling the series will look at all the O’Connor boys, and it makes me wonder who’s going to be their love interests. I loved seeing little Keira with these 3 clueless men trying to do their bests to provide a home for her.

So yeah. A bit of a mixed bag, and without those things I loved, would be a 3 star at most. But the addition of the other little stories really ended up interesting me a lot.

The book wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I had a hard time relating to the characters and some of the dialogue threw me off balance. Emily's character was one that I really couldn't seem to like as much as I tried. I enjoyed Tanner, but the relationship between the two of them... not so much.

3.75stars
What happens when a schoolteacher who always does the right thing loses her mind and decides to step out from the comfort zone and have her ways with towns bad boy Tanner. Suprise that will come in 9 months so Tanner and Emily who both had a huge crush in high school decided to better know each other and see if they can have a normal relationship. The only thing that stays in their way is their town and some of the people who live there. It is really an emotional story and hard for both Emily and Tanner, especially him because the town doesn't like him since he was a kid. And is continue to dislike him despite everything and now is Emily suffering too. I really can't believe that some people are so short minded especially in this century. Emily was an ok character, she really needed Tanner to start living again and not be afraid of life. Tanner was ok too I was just disappointed that first, he didn't want to go with her to a meeting, but he made up and I forgive him. It would be nice to see the story of the other two brothers.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly.

This story was so well written, the plot flowed smoothly from page to page and the characters were so well rounded that I was totally engaged until the turn of the very last page! I absolutely loved it and totally deserves the five stars I’ve given just wish I could have given more as this book definitely deserves it. Super excited to see what this amazing and talented author writes next :-)

The town's bad boy and good girl. It started off humorous and I loved discovering Tanner and Emily have had feelings for each other, even if they were only physical. Tanner definitely had a chip on his shoulder and it was justified. Emily... I have mixed feelings about her. She started off great then she became unexpectedly judgmental and wishy-washy. There was too much back and forth with her, but most of the time I didn't like how she thought about Tanner and wanted to change him even if it was subconsciously. Since I loved the O'Connor men, I am anxious for the next book in the series. And hopefully will see Tanner and Emily settled in and past their drama.

The town’s golden girl and least favorite son of the town drunk. A more unlikely pair you won’t find. But Emily and Tanner are a couple that complete each other in ways they don’t even realize at first, and they’ll completely capture your attention, time, and your heart. Handle With Care is my first read of Nina Croft’s, and after falling for Emily and Tanner’s story, I’m more than ready for more.
An accidental pregnancy story, star crossed lover style, Handle With Care features a heroine who won’t stand for being called sensible despite her fear of taking risks and occupation as a grade school teacher, and a motorcycle mechanic who did some time before he came home. But things aren’t always as they seem, not even the golden girl-who has some very naughty fantasies involving a very unsuitable bachelor—and the unrepentant bad boy. Tanner’s willing to step up when Emily becomes subject to a morality clause at the school, but the moment their feelings engage, he backpedals like crazy. Read to find out if they come to terms with what’s going on between them before it all falls apart.

4 Stars!

Nina Croft is brand new to me but she definitely hit a few of my marks with this likeable romance. Easy. Sweet. Sexy. Light hearted. Unforgettable. Just the right amount of push and pull to keep me hanging on... Saddler Cove was an amazing, page turning small town romance with all of the feels, emotions, and warmth these romances promise in a sweet little package.

Handle With Care took me on quite the ride and from that blurb I knew it would be fun. The bad boy who isn't all that bad underneath and the sensible girl who is trying to break free... life is gonna throw them a complicated curveball but by the end it'll all be worth it.

This is definitely a series I'll continue to follow... can't wait for the next!

I recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog

My first book by Nina Croft was a enjoyable introduction,the blurb sounded interesting. Handle with Care is a small town romance surprise baby story with humor, heart and mild heat. It had sweet and somewhat low angst which is all good when you need it. Although it wasn't a smooth transition for Emily and Tanner they did find their happy ending eventually.

Emily and Tanner are polar opposites, the good girl and the town bad boy scenario. The town of Sandlers Cove has misconceptions about Tanner's past and he didn't bother to correct now he's considered a bad seed. Even engaging those rumors by acting like they say. Emily was the only one who believed in him.

They were wrong for each other but the attraction is there. When one moment changes it all I hoped that Tanner would step it up. Sad to say it took until later for the that to happen. He could do it but somehow he still tried to be his jerkiest self. While Emily was likable enough and sweet, a heroine that was ok is a plus. Tanner's attitude made for discord between them which became back and forth, so much miscommunication it got tiresome.

I liked the secondary characters, Emily's grandma Mimi and Tanner's old friend Josh and the O' Connor brothers made this a a livelier story. It took a while for them to settle things but in the end it worked out. It's one of those books I wished they talked and could have avoided so many arguments. All in all it had good parts and cute moments Not bad for a first book from a new author and will want to read on the other brother's book.

A brilliant read with a brilliant storyline and characters i Will look forward to reading more from you from this author

Eh... this book was just okay.

Honestly if it wasn't for the added story of Mimi/Josh I think I would have stopped reading it. At least that extended the book a little for me.

While I felt for Tanner and what he was going through, I kept wanting to shake him. The constant whining and complaining just got old. If he hated the way people saw him why not do something about it?

Emily was too stuck up and selfish for me. She kept wanting to change Tanner when it was her who needed to be changed.

I also didn't appreciate the odd cliffhanger in one of the last chapters. It felt out of place.

For a good part of the book I was totally into the story and the characters.
But....sadly the self loathing got to be a bit much. The story was great but I think the author should have shortened the loathing and made Emily a tad more less judgemental.

The secondary story with the grandma was refreshing and the thought of Tanners brothers getting their own story would have me giving them a chance.

Over all the story had a ton of potential and it was good. My only complaint is the way Tanner was constantly looking down on himself.

Handle With Care is a mixed bag for me. I wanted to love it, and some parts I REALLY did!! The first 35-40% were totally on point; I was totally invested in Emily and Tanner. Their secret crushes on either other that blew up into one hot scene was FIRE!

I thought for sure this small town romance, mixed with a surprise pregnancy and a grandma matchmaker and I'd be swooning. But then the story slowed right down. I was honestly disheartened by how long it took me to read Handle With Care. The back and forth with Emily and Tanner was frustrating. For every step forward, there was three steps back that seemed unnecessary. While everyone has insecurities that are deeply buried, Tanner's attitude was almost a turn-off.

The highlight for me was Mimi and Josh's side relationship that was blossoming. How pure and simple and beautiful a budding romance could be. There was definitely A LOT going on in this book from the past that carried through into the present. I was a bit overwhelmed at times, and wished the focus could remain on Emily and Tanner so they could fully work their issues out.

In the end, my heart was warmed by the HEA, but it took some time to get there. I would definitely try another Nina Croft book, but I'm not invested enough to continue with this series.

Being used to Nina Croft’s action-packed and suspenseful stories, Handle with Care was a bit of a surprise with its quiet, relationship driven, straight contemporary romance feel. But hey, a bad boy is a bad boy in any genre you put him, and they are yummy.

Tanner is pretty much the town’s black sheep. After making some questionable choices in his past, he’s been tagged a bad boy and he’s decided to prove to the a-holes in town that he’s even worse than they think. Unfortunately, he is very good in this endeavor and successfully covers up any and all good deeds he accomplishes by putting on a devil-may-care, flippant attitude whenever he’s around people not related to him.

Emily, a first grade teacher, is the epitome of all things sweet and proper. Labeled the town’s good girl, a tragedy in her past has pushed her to be careful and avoid wild choices… until being sensible is the reason she’s proposed to by her boyfriend. This sends her straight to her secret-fantasies-bad-boy-dream man’s arms (and other body parts).

Tanner and Emily had fabulous chemistry, and their time together is off the charts sexy and hot. And when they realized that they are now connected forever, they need to fight their individual and collective issues if they have a prayer of becoming a family together.

“Even before she’d told him she was pregnant, he’d been itching to hunt her down. Stake a claim. That night at the Founders’ Parade when he had kissed her, he’d pretty much known then that he was a goner and he was going to have to have her again or go quietly insane.”

I mostly loved both Tanner and Emily. He was all rough edges and tough attitude but had the gentlest heart. He was sexy, had some serious moves and could turn up the heat in no time. Emily was a sweetheart, nice and loving but when she got pissed, that girl could seriously throw some sass. What I didn’t like about them was how set their self-doubts were. Tanner was all “I’m not good enough for her perfectness” and she was all “I’m not beautiful, sexy and fun enough for his bad-boy-ness”. Which is why this line had me cracking right up

“You know, they just might be perfect for each other. They can sit around moaning and talking through their low self-esteem issues together.”

There’s a bit of back and forth due to these issues, and at more than one point I wanted to bitch slap some sense into them. That said, they were so cute together that they had me smiling most of the time. What also made up for this were their families. Emily’s grandmother was a hoot, and we do actually get a bit of a romance side story from her and Josh.

“You and me, Josh.” When he didn’t say anything, she heaved a sigh. “Come on. It can’t have escaped your notice that I’m in love with you.”

He almost choked.

“Tell me I’m just a stupid old lady and people our age don’t fall in love.”

“And then you’ll…?”

“Persuade you otherwise, of course. We’re never too old for love.”

I loved how this was kind of parallel to Emily and Tanner’s story, with Josh being his old cellmate, but at the same time completely their own. Also, I can’t wait to see who Tanner’s hot ex Navy, single dad big brother, as well as his baddest-bad-boy, motorcycle racing little brother end up with. I’m really looking forward to these stories.

With serious heat, fabulous chemistry and wonderful side characters, Handle with Care might have lacked in action, but touched a lot of subjects and dealt with some heavy issues in a way I liked. I’m really looking forward to the next in this series.

Rating: 3.5+ Stars

This was a quick nice read about two people who are in love but they dont know that the other loves them. Tanner is an excon sho went to jail for a car accident that killed his best friend. Even though he did his time there are some including tanner that wont let him forget. Tanner sells emilys 70 year old grandma a harley. She goes to demand that he not sell it to her grandma they get together and she becomes preganant but everything seems to go bad. As they fall in love her grandma falls in love with josh an excon who was in jail for 40 years. Emily is a “sensible” girl while tanner is the “bad boy”

Reading the synopsis had me intrigued. I mean a small town romance between the bad boy & good girl! A few chapters in I was having trouble keeping up with this story. The POV was all over the place within the same chapter it might change with every couple paragraphs. It wasn’t just the h & H, but many of the supporting characters too. The connection between the characters was missing. Tanner had a huge chip on his shoulder. I became so aggravated with the way Tanner was at times, he acted like Emily was constantly trying to change him. All she really was trying to get him to be less stand-offish towards people & be nicer. She never asked him to change his clothes or appearance. This kept coming up over & over it was annoying.

This isn't about a bad boy and a good girl. This is about a love so passionate that no one knows what to do with. Emily has always had a crush on Tanner when they were younger, but never felt she was good enough. When Tanner goes to jail the town is shocked, however when he returns things about to go up-side-down. With a meddling grandma and some laughs, these two about about to find out what the real meaning of love and trust are. On top of all that the truth of why Tanner went to Jail will come out and you will all be shocked.

This book was surprising! I was sucked in by the blurb, but it was much sweeter (and hotter) than I was expecting, which I liked. The heroine is a "good girl," but it isn't a matter of purity--which is so refreshing to read, and Tanner isn't necessarily the bad guy he's believed to be. Angst was minimal (though I wouldn't have minded just a little bit more of it). While I liked the side story with Emily's grandmother, who basically sets Emily and Tanner up, and Josh (an older man Tanner served time with), I felt all the POVs to be a little distracting. This isn't a sweeping epic family drama, and I felt like there were too many story lines (or at least too many people telling them).

All in all, a very enjoyable book! I'll definitely be reading more from Nina Croft (looking forward to the other brothers' stories)!

❤~🌟~❤ 4 #TeamTanner STARS! ❤~🌟~❤

I have a real soft spot for swoony small town romances, so when I read the blurb for HANDLE WITH CARE by Nina Croft, about a sweet-natured good girl who finally gets her chance at true love with the bad boy of her dreams, my heart skipped a beat! And this book did NOT disappoint!

THE STORY:
Ever since her parents died in a tragic accident, sensible school teacher Emily Towson has led a safe and predictable life. But all that changes when she storms into Tanner O’Conner’s bike shop to ream him out for selling her “gullible” old Gran a Harley!! Of course the tall, dark and gorgeously tattooed ex-con just so happens to be her secret crush so her plans to rip him a new one go horrible awry!

Unbeknownst to them both, Grandma Mimi had ulterior motives—she bought the bike to bring some adventure into her granddaughter’s life—but had no clue the hornet's nest she would be stirring up!! To say that Tanner, the ruggedly sexy town outcast who spent the past six years in jail for a crime he did not commit, has a chip on his shoulder is an understatement! And when the sassy little school teacher gets all high and mighty with him, he retaliates by saying lewd things to her and goading her into doing something spontaneous for once in her life.

And...eeep…DOES SHE EVER!!

To his utter shock, Emily strips buck naked in the middle of his shop and pounces on him like a cat in heat! And since he’s always covertly lusted after Emily too, he “rises” to the occasion and takes her right there on his filthy work bench!! But neither imagined the domino effect that their reckless sexy encounter would unleash!!! With practically the whole town against them, can Saddler Cove’s Most Ineligible Bachelor and little Miss Sensible go the distance??

MY MUSINGS:
HANDLE WITH CARE, my first ever read by Nina Croft, is brimming with heartfelt emotion, scintillating sensuality, and angst and drama galore! And then when you throw an unplanned bun in the oven into the mix things, get even dicier!

I loved the gossipy small town of Saddler Cove and I empathized deeply with both Emily and Tanner, especially the roughhewn, scowly hero who had been dealt a lousy hand in life. Growing up as the misunderstood son of the town drunk was wretched enough but to then be wrongly, unjustly, imprisoned was just plain bad karma! And even though the “bad to the bone” ex-con has been out for 6 years and is trying to pave a reputable future for himself, his past is not so easily eradicated. He’d been labeled as a troublemaker with a capital T, and his self worth has taken a beating courtesy of his judgmental hometown. So it’s no wonder this angry town outcast is such a moody broody, seemingly unlovable jerk. Which of course ain’t the case at all! And even though he knows he's ALL WRONG for her, he can’t stop thinking of Emily, the pure-hearted good girl who has been out of reach…until recently!

As for Emily, she’s sick and tired of being labeled “sensible”—she'd put her dreams on hold for far too long, and what she wants is “love and passion and marriage and babies and happily ever after” and for some crazy reason she keeps envisioning having it with the baddest boy in town! She and Tanner try to stay away from each other after their hot, impetuous encounter but Fate has something else in store for this star-crossed duo!

This book has a lot of deeply layered emotional conflict throughout, which I thought worked for the most part. However, as much as I salivated over every delectable inch of the six-feet-four, gruffly sexy, gloriously grease-stained hero, I do think the author overplayed his embittered, woe is me attitude at times, and it didn’t help that the heroine’s attitude towards him went from hot to cold and that she seemed to be a tad too judgmental of him. And while the story started off with a bang it—that first baby making encounter was ON FIRE—the romance seemed to lose some momentum midway through due to their constant on again/ off again relationship status. And, consequently the story did not always maintain that high level of dramatic, sensual and emotional intensity that I crave.

But, on the POSITIVE side, when these two were “on,” their chemistry was undeniable! The depth of emotion and rich complexity to this tale was deeply affecting and I found it extremely provocative how a life altering event not only brought these two polar opposites together but helped them bring out the best in each other.

What made this homespun love story EVEN MORE CAPTIVATING was the secondary romance featuring Emily’s Grandma Mimi and Tanner’s former cellmate Josh, a war veteran who'd spent over 40 years in jail,! Gah! I was so touched by how these lonely hearts discovered love later in life and found a second chance at happiness together after all they'd been through. The manner in which Ms. Croft seamlessly relayed the book via 4-way POV was genius and I think the dual romances were woven extremely well throughout! I also loved Tanner's camaraderie with his bros Aiden and Reese whose stories are hopefully in the works!

And ultimately, though both headstrong duos sure took their sweet time surrendering to their love, their HEAs were so heart-tugging I wept with joy!

Highly Recommend!