Tag Archives: Stella Holt

THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE (The Southern Hart Brothers 3)by Stella Holt

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THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE (The Southern Hart Brothers 3) by Stella Holt-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2026

She’s home for a few days, but a snowstorm, forbidden attraction, and a smoking hot sheriff have other plans…
As the family outcast, Shelby Shepherd won’t stay in her small hometown of Sandy Point, Georgia one second longer than she has to. Her wealthy and connected family look down on her. But when a rare blizzard shuts down the town, Shelby’s stranded in a ditch. Being rescued by the local sheriff, Wesley Hart, wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t starred in all her unrequited high school dreams. Now all grown up, he’s utterly irresistible—and totally irritated by her presence. Too bad the only space in town for Shelby to shelter is his bachelor pad.
Wesley Hart has no time for house guests, especially Shelby—the gorgeous daughter of his nemesis. Shelby’s beauty is only matched by the trouble she brings, but turning her out in the storm is not an option. He’s determined to remain polite, professional, and resist his attraction to her.
But Shelby’s tired of being ignored, and Wesley’s ready to break a few rules. What happens when a fling doesn’t begin to quench their desire?

•••••

REVIEW: THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE is the third instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult THE SOUTHERN HART BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Hart brothers. This is author Shelby Shepherd, and Sheriff Wesley Hart’s story line. THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Shelby and Wesley) THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE follows Shelby Shepherd’s return to her home town of Sandy Point, Georgia to spend a few days with her elderly grandfather but from the outset nothing goes according to plan-a snow blizzard, an accident, and a rescue by the local sheriff find Shelby Shepherd spending the night with the man with whom she will fall in love.Wesley Hart is struggling with his attraction to a woman who claims to be only in town for a few short days but when a series of seemingly unconnected fires occur just as Wesley announces his plans for the upcoming election, a deeper dive into the possibilities threatens no only our hero but our heroine as well.

The world building focuses on the estranged and dysfunctional family dynamics of the well to do, and politically connected Shepherd family. Shelby previously ran from the town and the family she refuses to acknowledge, a family that will take aim at our story line heroine.

The relationship between Shelby and Wesley begins as a rescue. Shelby was unprepared for the winter weather, and her visit with her grandfather reveals some concerning issues. Falling for the local sheriff was never in the plans but Shelby finds herself falling for a man who is willing to give up everything to follow his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to the Hart siblings including Darl Dalton Hart and Brooke; baseball star Levi Hart and Missy, as well as their grandmother ; Shelby’s grandfather Zeke, as well as Shelby’s insufferable and questionable family-brother Samuel, and father Mayor William Shephard: locals including horse rancher Miranda Sutton, attorney Declan Shaw, and Miles Banks.

THE SHERIFF’S RESCUE is a story of betrayal and madness, greed and jealousy, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

 

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THE SEAL’S PROMISE (The Southern Hart Brothers 1) by Stella Holt

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THE SEAL’S PROMISE (The Southern Hart Brothers 1) by Stella Holt-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 22, 2025

He never expected to return to his hometown, but now he can’t leave her behind again.

Dr. Dalton Hart left his small Southern beach town fifteen years ago to become a Navy SEAL. Now he’s back, and Sandy Point is buzzing over his return. He thought he came home to help his family, but his oldest brother will barely speak to him and his childhood friend is trying to avoid him. Worse, if he wants to stay, he’ll have to face the secret that’s haunted him ever since he left.

Brooke Garcia can’t believe this ripped, blue-eyed SEAL is back in her life or that she’s stuck working with him. She’s no stranger to smooth-talking hometown heroes—she married one, and he broke her heart. Now a single mom, she doesn’t have time to indulge in walks down memory lane. Brooke never forgave Dalton for the way he left town without even saying good-bye, and she’s not interested in making amends.

But soul mates have a way of finding you…even when you’re not ready.

•••••

REVIEW: THE SEAL’S PROMISE is the first instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult THE SOUTHERN HART BROTHERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Hart Brothers -Dalton, Wes and Levi.This is former US Navy SEAL / ER physician Dr. Dalton Hart, and RN /single mother Brooke Garcia’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Dalton and Brooke) THE SEAL’S PROMISE follows the return of US Navy SEAL and ER physician Dr. Dalton Hart, to his home town of Sandy Point, after fifteen years in the service. A call from his beloved grandmother finds Dalton fearing the worst but never expected to come face to face with the woman he once loved. Enter RN and single mother Brooke Garcia. Brooke is a single mother, nurse and administrator of their small town hospital, and a woman who is overwhelmed and struggling with all of the demands. Having been betrayed in the past by two men she thought she had loved, Brooke battles between head and heart with the return of the man who will break her heart.

The world building follows several paths including the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Brooke and Dalton while Dalton comes to terms with the demons from his past,and the realization that all is not as it appeared to be. As Brooke battles her attraction to the man who broke her heart, another battle is about to ensue when Brooke takes control of everything she lost.

The relationship between Brooke and Dalton is one of second chances; a rekindling friendship that struggles in the face of perceived betrayal, and a fight to see the truth. As Dalton begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, Brooke continues to battle what was and what will never be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Dalton’s brother Deputy Chief Wes Hart, and their grandmother Barb; Brooke’s sister and café owner May; Dr. Tommy, Nurse Steph and desk manager Nora, as well as Brooke’s son Max, her ex Tyler Banks , his brother Miles.

THE SEAL’S PROMISE is a story of betrayal and heart break, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated;the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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MY FAVORITE MISTAKE (Legacy of the Maguires)by Stella Holt-review

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MY FAVORITE MISTAKE (Legacy of the Maguires 6) by Stella Holt-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 19, 2024

Fake dating her client’s gorgeous son was a mistake—enjoying his touch will be her ruin.
Bad boy Ian Maguire is a lawyer with an image problem. But he doesn’t care if the media is obsessed with him or deemed him the most wanted bachelor. He’s also not interested in relationships, until he meets his dad’s political strategist. With her cool confidence, dark features, and quiet beauty, she is tempting enough to get him to pretend to settle down. And he can promise they will both enjoy it.

Simone Jax is trained in managing a crisis, and she has the perfect plan for Ian’s playboy status. He just needs to agree to only be seen with one woman until his father’s gubernatorial election is over, even if it’s fake. But when the press captures a picture of them kissing and blasts it everywhere, she has no choice but to play the part of girlfriend.
Just when their fake relationship starts to feel genuine, Simone discovers she’s pregnant. Is this a secret baby or the start of a real romance?

•••••

REVIEW: MY FAVORITE MISTAKE is the sixth and final instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old lawyer Ian Maguire, and political strategist Simone Jax’ story. line. MY FAVORITE MISTAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Simone and Ian) MY FAVORITE MISTAKE follows the fake relationship between our story line couple. Ian’s father Jack Maguire is running for governor but Ian Maguire’s reputation with the ladies is leaving a black mark on his father’s campaign. Assigned to keep Ian under control, Simone suggests our hero find himself a fake girlfriend but all Ian wants is our story line heroine. A secret kiss exposes their possible relationship on several media sites but several ‘dates’ quickly turn into something more, and a surprise pregnancy is making their arrangement feel all too real. What ensues is the building relationship between Simone and Ian, and the potential fall-out as Simone continues to keep Ian at a distance, believing she is nothing more than a prop her his father’s campaign.

The world building follows the fake but building relationship between our story line couple. Simone is struggling with her attraction to a man with a bad boy reputation, and believes she is crossing the line with their ‘rumored’ affair. Ian Maguire doesn’t do relationships as he continues with the demons from his past but something about Simone draws Ian like a moth to a flame, and he wants something more from our story line heroine.

The relationship between Simone and Ian begins as a professional arrangement that quickly turns into a fake relationship for his father’s campaign but Ian is willing to push Simone into something more but Simone continues to believe there is a conflict of interest, and nothing more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples return including Ian’s parents Senator Jack and Cora Maguire , as well as Simone’s mother, and her sister Sasha.

MY FAVORITE MISTAKE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating-the conflict is contained between the story line couple. The romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts
Strictly Off Limits
Love and Order
Merry Little Heartbreak

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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Merry Little Heartbreak by Stella Holt-a review

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Merry Little Heartbreak (Legacy of the Maguires 5) by Stella Holt-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2023

This year, they’re unwrapping the truth for Christmas…

Drake Maguire’s first love dumped him right before they were to move cross country for medical school. Now he’s made a name for himself as a plastic surgeon to LA’s wealthiest, even if it bores him. But this Christmas, he returns home to Virginia to pitch in at the same hospital as his ex. Could this be a restart for his career and his heart?

Margo Monroe can’t believe her bad luck. December should be a time to string twinkle lights and stockings in her ER, but instead, she’s dodging Drake’s questions and her urge to run her fingers through his hair. Yes, they broke each other’s hearts last time—yet perhaps throwing in the towel was a mistake.

But flirting leads to more than just words, and Margo needs her head in the game if she wants to expand her career in the new year. Are their emotions merely on call for the holidays, or is this attraction a symptom of something far merrier?

•••••

REVIEW: MERRY LITTLE HEARTBREAK is the fifth instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES erotic, romance series. This is plastic surgeon Dr. Drake Maquire, and ER physician Margo Monroe’s story line. MERRY LITTLE HEARTBREAK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Margo and Drake) MERRY LITTLE HEARTBREAK follows the second chance romance and relationship between our story line couple. Margo Monroe and Drake Maguire were high school and college sweethearts but weeks before heading to UCLA medical school Margo broke off their relationship, breaking Drake’s heart in the process. Fast forward twelve years, Dr. Drake Maguire is a visiting plastic surgeon at Mercy Hospital in Alexandria Virginia where he will come face to face with his past in the guise of ER physician Margo Monroe. Margo wants nothing to do with the man she once loved, a man who continues to struggle with the how and why. Accepting a rotation in the emergency department, Drake will work side by side with the woman he still loves, hoping for a second chance at a happily ever after. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Margo and Drake, and the potential fall-out as Drake’s time in Virginia comes to a close.

The world building focuses on the acrimonious relationship, and fall-out between two people who has planned their future together but something went wrong, and Margo refused to move, leaving Drake Maguire heart broken and dejected.

The relationship between Margo and Drake is one of second chances; a rekindling romance in which Drake is hoping for a another chance but Margo is quick to blame Drake for everything that went wrong. As our couple work together in the hospital ER, Drake will quickly discover that everything is not as it had appeared to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include several medical personnel, as well as Drake’s parents, and his brother Ian, and Margo’s sister Izzy.

MERRY LITTLE HEARTBREAK is a story of misunderstanding and miscommunication, love and loss, second chances and happily ever after. The premise is inviting and imaginative; the characters are animated and spirited but Margo was difficult to like in the early pages; the romance is moving and tender.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts
Strictly Off Limits
Love and Order

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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Love and Order (Legacy of the Maguires 4) by Stella Holt-review

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Love and Order (Legacy of the Maguires 4) by Stella Holt-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 14, 2023

She’s keeping secrets—and he has the answers she doesn’t know she needs.

Finn Maguire may be the baby of his close-knit family, but this former Navy SEAL has never shied away from a challenge. Now a lawyer with a plan to practice business law, he’s ready for a normal life. The coveted junior partner position is his next goal—but he’s pitted against the enigmatic woman he’s spent two years admiring from afar, and he can’t resist his desire to learn more.

Hailey Adams grew up in foster care, where she learned how to avoid danger. Her intense self-discipline and vow to never let anyone make her feel vulnerable again have landed her one case away from the security of partnership at a prestigious D.C. firm. But teaming with the charming Finn tests her well-honed ability to keep people at a distance.

Finn finally breaks through Hailey’s walls just in time for her to find out he kept the biggest secret of all. Will this be a case Finn loses, or can Hailey learn to trust the first person who’s made her feel safe?

•••••

REVIEW:LOVE AND ORDER is the fourth (and final?) instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romance series focusing on the Maguire siblings. This is former US Navy SEAL /attorney Finn Maguire, and twenty-eight year old attorney Hailey Adams’ story line. LOVE AND ORDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Hailey and Finn) LOVE AND ORDER follows the building romance and relationship between attorneys Finn Maguire and Hailey Adams. Finn Maguire and Hailey Adams are both in line to make junior partner at the firm of Baxter and Stewart but in an effort to prove who is worthy for the lone coveted position, the firm wants the duo to work together on a divorce case that will push the limits of betrayal and greed but Finn never expected to fall for his fellow attorney, a woman most considered cold and aloof, but fall he did for our story line heroine. Hailey Adams is determined to win the case and the position at Baxter and Stewart but someone is trying to sabotage behind the scenes, and Hailey is about to discover that the more time she spends with Finn Maguire, the more she is falling for the man who could break her heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Finn and Hailey, and the potential fall-out as another case for Finn begins to take on some familiar significance.

The world building continues to focus on the large and boisterous Maguire family including Finn’s siblings and their significant others. As Finn and Hailey begin to uncover some information pertaining to their case, help may come from an unexpected source, a judge with close connections to our story line hero.

The relationship between Hailey and Finn is one of co-workers; attorneys forced to work together wherein only one will be awarded a junior position at the firm. Finn Maguire is hoping for something more with our story line heroine but Hailey’s past is about to come full circle as she struggles to trust or let anyone get close. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sassy characters including all of Finn’s siblings, their parents, several lawyers and partners at Baxter and Stewart, as well as Finn’s Navy commander Admiral Maddox, and a number of Finn’s former SEAL teammates. I am hoping the author has plans for the US Navy SEALs.

LOVE AND ORDER is a story of family, friendships and relationships, secrets and regret, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating and intriguing with a couple of twists that were easily deduced; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, desperate and wonderful.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts
Strictly Off Limits

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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Strictly Off Limits by Stella Holt -review tour

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Strictly Off Limits (Legacy of the Maquires 3) by Stella Holt -review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 23, 2023

This irresistible flirt would do anything to get his girl—but clearing his name could be out of his jurisdiction.

D.C. paramedic Hannah Paletti has just one problem: the ripped detective who’s starred in every romantic fantasy she’s ever had. Not only is longtime crush Conner Maguire her new partner on a community service project—he’s her brother’s sworn enemy. Hannah’s determined to raise enough funds for a community center to keep kids off the streets. And Conner, who denies betraying her brother, is all-in on her project. After one kiss, she can’t resist Conner anymore, and she doesn’t want to. But if her family finds out, she’ll lose more than just her heart.

Conner Maguire’s biggest problem has curves that make his hands itch, red curly hair, and enough sass to keep him hooked and booked forever. But to this day, he doesn’t know how her brother’s college sweetheart ended up in Conner’s bed, and he never cared to figure it out—until now.

Because choosing between family and love is tearing Hannah apart, so he needs to offer her both.

••••

REVIEW:  STRICTLY OFF LIMITS is the third instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romance series focusing on the Maguire siblings. This is DC police detective, Sergeant Conner Maguire, and paramedic Hannah Paletti’s story line. STRICTLY OFF LIMITS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Hannah and Conner) STRICTLY OFF LIMITS follows the rebuilding relationship and romance between DC police detective, Sergeant Conner Maguire, and paramedic Hannah Paletti. Years earlier, Conner Maguire was best friends with Hannah’s brother Parker but a perceived betrayal forever broke a life long friendship, and in the ensuing aftermath pushed Hannah out of Conner’s life. Fast forward to present day, Hannah Paletti has been tasked with a fundraiser for at-risk kids, a fundraiser where both her brother and Conner have volunteered to participate but Parker’s ongoing hatred of Conner continues to influence Hannah’s friendship with our story line hero, a friendship Conner was hoping to turn into something more. As the antagonistic relationship between Conner and Parker shoves a wedge between our story line couple, Conner is about to take drastic action to prove he was as much of a victim as Parker Paletti. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Conner and Hannah, and the potential fall-out as Parker vitriol towards Conner continues to build distrust for our story line heroine.

Hannah has been in love with her brother’s former best friend for as long as she can remember but siding with her brother meant losing the man who had stolen her heart. Conner is determined to prove he was a victim of a set-up but his methods are about to add more misery for our story line heroine.

The relationship between Hannah and Conner is a brother’s former best friend, second chance of a sort for our story line couple. Parker’s inability to see beyond the pain is influencing his sister, and her issues of trust towards the man that she loves. Conner knows that the only woman he will ever love is the woman that is struggling between head and heart but a struggle he is hoping to prove he is worthy of her love. Forced to choose between family and love, Hannah is heart broken to give in to pressure to keep peace in the family. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied-there is no foul language.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and captivating. We are reintroduced to Conner’s brother Finn, a US Navy SEAL, as well as Hannah’s embittered brother Parker, and fellow paramedic Dre.

STRICTLY OFF LIMITS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and greed, lies and fraud, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is impassioned ; the characters are sassy, spirited and heart broken; the romance is seductive and sweet.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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BATTLE OF HEARTS (Legacy of the Maguires 2) by Stella Holt-review

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BATTLE OF HEARTS (Legacy of the Maguires 2) by Stella Holt-review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

In a city where connections are everything, who will prevail as political and police royalties collide?

Ainsley Nash just got her big break with a story on insider trading that’s causing political elites, including her senator father, to sweat. As her story gains momentum, the threat of someone shutting her down looms. But Ainsley is headstrong, and no one is going to stop her from discovering the truth—especially not the smoking hot SWAT sergeant assigned to protect her.

Coming from a family full of cops, Rory Maguire didn’t join the D.C. SWAT team to babysit socialites. But Ainsley surprises Rory with her down-to-earth personality and drive to do what’s right. Keeping Ainsley safe from harm isn’t easy. Attempting to ignore the surge of desire he feels every time she’s within reach is an even bigger challenge.

Ainsley and Rory have enough sexual tension to light up the city, but can they let their guards down long enough to admit they’re a perfect match before it’s too late?

••••••

REVIEW:  BATTLE OF HEARTS is the second instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romantic suspense series focusing on the Maguire siblings. This is thirty-four year old, D.C. SWAT Team leader Sergeant Rory Maguire, and investigative journalist Ainsley Nash’s story line. BATTLE OF HEARTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspective (Rory and Ainsley) BATTLE OF HEARTS focuses on the protection of New York State Senator Nash’s daughter, investigative journalist Ainsley Nash. Senator Nash has requested the services of the DC Police Force to protect his daughter in the wake of a potential threat and the attack upon his junior Senator. Orders from the top find D.C. SWAT Team leader Rory Maguire, guardian and protector of Ainsley Nash but the Senator is not forthcoming with the who, how or why. Ainsley, refusing to sit back, with the help of Rory and his brother Conner, begins an investigation only to discover the betrayal could come from someone she knows but someone in D.C. has pulled Ainsley’s security detail leaving our heroine unprotected from future harm. Refusing to leave Ainsley exposed, Rory takes time off to reconsider his own future in the wake of a new position, protecting the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Rory and Ainsley, and the potential fall-out as mutual success and promotions threaten any possibility of a happily ever after.

Ainsley Nash is all about the next big story, and there are plenty of stories in Washington D.C. but Ainsley must tread very carefully in the wake of her father’s position and possible run the Presidency. An attack against her father’s junior Senator meant someone was getting too close to the truth, and Senator Nash doesn’t want his daughter a potential target as things quickly go south. Rory Maguire comes from a law enforcement dynasty, and has been offered a new position within the DC police force but his latest assignment ‘babysitting’ the Senator’s daughter brings Rory up close and personal with a future he never considered, a future that may never come to fruition.

The relationship between Rory and Ainsley begins as an assignment, an assignment of which Rory wants nothing to do. Ainsley doesn’t want personal protection but the perceived threats become a reality when secrets reveal an informant with secrets of his own. As Rory struggles to keep his distance from our story line heroine, Ainsley believes she has found her future in Rory Maguire. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is no foul language.

We are reintroduced to the Maguire siblings : Charlotte Maguire and Caleb Kincaid (Last First Kiss), Undercover Detective Conner and US Navy SEAL Finn, and their parents Judge Cora and former police Commissioner Maguire, Ainsley’s father Senator Nash, as well as fellow SWAT Team members Jake and Axel. Conner’s story line is next.

BATTLE OF HEARTS is a story of power and control, politics and greed, family and relationships, acceptance, sacrifice and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining but the conflict resolution was off page so the reader is not privy to the smaller nuances of the threats against our story line heroine. The romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LAST FIRST KISS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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Last First Kiss by Stella Holt-review tour

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LAST FIRST KISS (Legacy of the Maguires 1) by Stella Holt-review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / Apple Books

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 9, 2023

He’s going to fight for her this time around.

Charlotte Maguire’s family is the closest thing to police royalty in her hometown. But not even the Maguires could protect her from the heartbreak of becoming a young widow. Now twenty-eight years old, Charlotte mourns the future she lost and has thrown herself into her work. Curating promotional campaigns is the perfect distraction until her gorgeous new boss Caleb shows up, forcing her dormant heart to awaken. Caleb and Charlotte have a past, and it’s impossible to ignore the sparks that are reigniting.

Caleb Kincaid is a survivor in every sense of the word. He’s no stranger when it comes to securing second chances, so when Charlotte Maguire happens his way again, he’s all in. Charlotte has loved and lost once already, and Caleb knows he’s no sure bet. But he also knows they could be great together this time around.

Caleb has always been a man of his word, but what happens when he promises a future he might not be able to deliver?

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REVIEW:LAST FIRST KISS is the first instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romance series focusing on the Maguire Siblings. This is twenty-eight year old, PR and Marketing manager Charlotte Maguire for Cavalier, and VP of East Coast Endeavors Caleb Kincaid’s story line.

Told from third person perspective LAST FIRST KISS follows the building romance and relationship between co-workers at Cavalier Enterprises Charlotte Maguire and Caleb Kincaid. Five years earlier Caleb met Charlotte while working in Rome but several days spent together ended when Charlotte revealed she was in love with somebody else. Fast forward to present day, married to her high school sweetheart found Charlotte a young widow when he was gunned down by a criminal’s bullet. Her latest assignment with Cavalier brings Charlotte up close and personal with the man she met years before, a man who is hoping for a second chance. Enter Caleb Kincaid, the man with whom Charlotte will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Charlotte and Caleb, and the potential fall-out as Caleb gets some troubling news and is ready to push Charlotte out of his life.

Caleb Kincaid thought he found the one in Charlotte Maguire but her pronouncement of someone else left Caleb heart broken and lost. Having never forgotten about the one who got away, Caleb saw a second chance when fate brought them together, working for the same company, on the same jobs but Caleb’s past is about to come barreling into his present, and he refuses to let Charlotte take on his burden. It took weeks to convince Charlotte to give them a try, but a devastating diagnosis will threaten it all. Charlotte’s grief and subsequent guilt about her relationship with Caleb, is but one of the walls facing our story line couple. There is no foul or strong language: the $ex scenes are all implied.

We are introduced to Charlotte’s brothers, all members of first responders: Coast Guard captain Conner, undercover/ SWAT DC police officer Rory, and US Navy SEAL Finn; chef Marco; Caleb’s sister Katie, as well as their parents Cecelia and Frank; and Charlotte’s boss Renee.

LAST FIRST KISS is a story of guilt and grief, loss and love, second chances and acceptance. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are captivating and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

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