Sometimes the best relationships start with the most unconventional arrangements. When the town's notorious playboy needs to clean up his image and the sweet art teacher needs to save her grandmother's lingerie shop, a fake romance might be exactly what they both need - if they don't fall for real first.
Need You for Mine by Marina Adair is the third installment in the Heroes of St. Helena series, bringing us Harper Owens and Adam Baudouin's story. Harper has always been everyone's friend but never the girl who gets the guy, while Adam's reputation as a five-alarm Casanova is holding back his firefighting career. When they agree to a fake relationship that could help them both, neither expects the very real feelings that develop.
Title: Need You for Mine by Marina Adair
Series: Heroes of St. Helena #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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My Review
Marina Adair has completely won me over with the Heroes of St. Helena series, and Harper's story was one I'd been eagerly anticipating since the first book. As the quirky art teacher with the sunny disposition and willingness to help everyone, Harper has been such a scene-stealer in the previous books that she absolutely deserved her own happily ever after.
What I loved most about this story was watching Harper step out of her comfort zone. She's always been the dependable friend, the one people turn to for help but never see as girlfriend material. When her grandmother's lingerie shop faces closure, Harper's determination to save it by embracing her inner vixen was both hilarious and heartwarming to watch.
Adam Baudouin is the perfect foil for Harper's good girl image. As St. Helena's resident bad boy firefighter, his reputation for quick hookups has become a liability for his career advancement. The premise of their fake relationship felt fresh rather than tropey because both characters have such clear, personal stakes in making it work.
The chemistry between these two absolutely sizzles from their first scene together. Adam sees right through Harper's attempts at seduction and recognizes the passionate woman underneath her quirky art teacher exterior. Meanwhile, Harper brings out Adam's protective instincts and makes him want to be the man she deserves, not just the player everyone expects him to be.
Adair's writing shines in the small moments between the main characters. The way Harper's confidence grows throughout the story feels authentic and earned, while Adam's character development from notorious playboy to devoted boyfriend happened gradually and believably.
The small-town setting of St. Helena continues to feel like a character itself, with the tight-knit community and their opinions playing a crucial role in both Harper and Adam's personal growth. I appreciated how their relationship had to weather not just their own insecurities but also the town's preconceived notions about who they are.
Setting & Atmosphere
St. Helena continues to be the perfect backdrop for these romances. The small-town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone else's business creates both obstacles and opportunities for Harper and Adam's relationship. The lingerie shop storyline adds a fun, slightly scandalous element that perfectly suits Harper's character arc from innocent to confident.
Adair excels at creating that cozy small-town feeling where the community is invested in each other's lives, sometimes to a fault. The fire station scenes give us insight into Adam's professional world and the challenges he faces trying to be taken seriously as more than just a pretty face.
Character Spotlight
Harper Owens has been a favorite supporting character throughout the series, and seeing her get her own story was such a treat. Her journey from perpetual friend-zone resident to confident woman embracing her sensuality felt realistic and empowering. Her quirky fashion sense and generous heart make her instantly loveable.
Adam Baudouin could have easily been a stereotypical bad boy, but Adair gives him depth and vulnerability beneath the player reputation. His dedication to his firefighting career and his genuine desire to be worthy of Harper's love make him a hero worth rooting for.
The supporting cast of St. Helena residents continues to add richness to the story, and I loved seeing familiar faces from previous books while getting hints about future romances to come.
Series Context
While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, readers who've followed the series will get extra enjoyment from Harper's character development and the ongoing community dynamics. Having watched Harper support other couples in their journeys makes her own romance feel even more satisfying.
This third installment maintains the series' signature blend of humor, heart, and steam while giving us a slightly different dynamic with the fake relationship trope. It's a perfect addition to the Heroes of St. Helena world.
Themes
Self-Discovery: Both characters learn to see themselves beyond the roles others have assigned them.
Reputation vs. Reality: The story explores how others' perceptions can limit us and the courage it takes to break free from those expectations.
Fake to Real: The classic trope is handled with care, showing how pretending can sometimes help us discover our authentic selves.
Community Support: The importance of having people who believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself.
My Final Thoughts
Need You for Mine delivers everything I love about Marina Adair's writing: characters you can't help but root for, genuine emotional depth, and enough steam to keep you turning pages. Harper and Adam's journey from fake to forever is both entertaining and touching, making this a standout addition to the Heroes of St. Helena series.
Join the Conversation
Have you read the Heroes of St. Helena series? Which book is your favorite so far? And can we talk about how satisfying it is when the friend-zone character finally gets their happy ending? Let me know your thoughts! 💕
More from Heroes of St. Helena
Want to Read It?
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I have THE WINDS OF WINTER by George RR Martin on my list.
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