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Review
3 stars
This is a quick read, but is full of intensity, angst, mystery, and a whole heap of sexual tension. It’s was originally published as ‘Stolen Hearts’, and is the first in the Hearts trilogy by M. O’Keefe, and I am hooked!
The trilogy is part of an overarching series called the Midnight Dynasty Collection – written by multiple authors but all focussing around two feuding families, the Constantines and the Morellis (which I think is a really cool concept). I haven’t read any of the other books, but (so far) this trilogy can definitely be read as a standalone.
After the death of her parents, Poppy’s privileged life spirals out of control. Her sister has an actual psychotic break, and all alone at 19 with no clue how to deal, she is bought under the wing of wealthy Caroline Constantine, a friend of her mother’s, and is married off to a much-older senator. For two years she endures heartbreaking abuse at the hands of her husband, until his death frees her at last.
Ronan is an enforcer for the Constantines, and he “handles” situations for Caroline. He and Poppy have met once before, right before her engagement, and now he’s back again, and seemingly everywhere that Poppy is, oozing brooding intensity and making her feel things she had no idea she could feel.
The chemistry between Poppy is Ronan is electric, and sizzles every time they are together. He’s fierce, broody, secretive and cryptic, and he plays on Poppy’s attraction to him, but there’s something about him that’s irresistible, and so freaking sexy.
“I don’t like anything about you, Ronan.”
“Well, it’s easier to surrender when you can hate the person forcing you to do it.”
For the first time in her life, Poppy is experiencing freedom, and I loved seeing her starting to gain back her confidence and reclaim her life. And part of the freedom she wants to experience is Ronan, in all the ways. But he is super mysterious and she can’t get any answers out of him. It’s frustrating, but she can’t stay away, and even though he holds back from her, there’s some seriously steamy moments between the two of them, as we watch this slow burning flirtation that simmers with electricity.
“You don’t want me. You want the way I make you feel.”
“I want all of it.”
Things really start to get interesting when Poppy’s quest for answers leads her into the middle of what seems to be a mob war. Danger follows, and it’s exciting and intriguing, and I have so many questions. I have theories spinning wildly through my head trying to figure out how all the players fit into the puzzle and what’s actually going on. And at the middle of it all is Ronan – there is so much more to him that what we see in this book. We get glimpses, and after that heart-stopping cliffhanger, I can’t wait to continue on with the series to learn more.
“I break all my rules around you, Poppy. Every single one.”
“How am I supposed to survive you?” …
“You’re not.”
I really enjoyed this one. I’m completely sucked in and diving straight into the next book.
3 stars.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hearts Trilogy
