ARC Review: Jaded Hearts by Harper Sloan

Jaded Hearts is the first book in the Loaded Replay series by Harper Sloan. Fans of her Corps Security and Hope Town Series will recognize some familiar faces here though this is a standalone, as Chance was Cohen Cage's roommate. Don't worry if you haven't read those books since you don't need to have read them to understand anything, but I do recommend them if you haven't since they are fantastic! 

Wrenlee and her band Loaded Replay have everything that they have ever dreamed of. With her twin brother and their two best friends making music they are on top of the world, though they have come to learn that being there means everyone wants something from them. But when Wren's safety comes into question, they hire Chance Nash from Corps Security as protection. They soon learn that their contract won't allow for outside security though, which forces them to pretend to be in a relationship to keep him close. But what starts out as fake quickly grows into more, and both are wondering if they can trust in the connection they feel after having been hurt in the past. 

I really liked both Chance and Wren! I have been hoping for a story for Chance since we met him as Cohen's roommate and best friend, and he definitely didn't disappoint. He was absolutely perfect for Wren and I loved them together. They had such strong chemistry and a great connection. Things happened very fast for these two, and it was a really strong case of insta-love. But it felt so real and natural and honestly didn't seem as though it happened in the short amount of time that it actually took place. These two belonged together and I couldn't get enough of them.

I will say that at the beginning of this book I struggled to get into the story. It started off kind of slow and felt a bit repetitive as we saw how Wren felt with everything they experienced because of their fame. I was a bit worried that we were going to get a story full of Wren complaining about everyone wanting to use them and I was not looking forward to continuing. But luckily I stuck with it and that didn't last long, and I was soon drawn in by Wren and Chance and the connection that was between them. Overall, this was a good start to the series and I really loved the characters of the band. I can't wait to get more of them, and I am looking forward to Jamison's story next. I also can't wait to get to know Weston better (Wren's twin brother). If you are a fan of Harper's, this is a must read, but if you are new to her, this is a great place to start!

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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Audiobook Review: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan, Narrated by Shirl Rae and Sean Crisden

Unexpected Fate is my absolute favorite book from Harper Sloan! It is so hard to pick just one since I love them all, but there is just something about this story that has stayed with me since I first read it. For those unfamiliar with Harper's books, Unexpected Fate is the first book in her Hope Town series (a spin-off from her Corps Security series featuring the children of the Corps characters), with each book being a standalone. So when I got the opportunity to experience my favorite book from Harper in a completely new way I jumped at the chance! Unexpected Fate features narrators Shirl Rae and Sean Crisden as Dani Reid and Cohen Cage.

Danielle Reid has loved Cohen Cage since they were children. Their families have been close and the two of them have always been a huge part of each other's lives. But Dani has always wanted more. She has loved him through every girl he has dated and through his deployments. But when she finally tells him how she feels, he begins to distance himself from her as much as he can. She knows that he feels something for her even if he refuses to acknowledge it. Dani and Cohen both know that with their family and friends so intertwined that if anything happens, things will be messy. But Dani is determined to finally get Cohen to give them a chance, or move on for good. 

Dani and Cohen have to be one of my all time favorite couples! These two are absolutely perfect for one another, and exactly what you would think of when the term soulmates is used. They have such a strong and undeniable connection that was there for their whole lives. These two started out as friends when they were kids, and grew into so much more as they got older. Though Cohen fought his feelings for Dani, it was clear that it was because of age and because he was trying to protect her. Dani was strong and feisty, and her love for Cohen was unwavering. Seeing her devotion to him is one of my absolute favorite things about this story. These two would go to the ends of the earth for each other, and their love and relationship is rare and special, and truly one of a kind. 

While I enjoyed seeing this story brought to life in a way that isn't possibly by simply reading the book, I have to admit that the choice in narrators wasn't my favorite. Shirl Rae had some moments where her voice came off as a bit stiff and robotic. She didn't seem to be able to bring Dani's personality to life at times, and some of Dani's spark seemed dimmed compared to how it felt by just reading the book. Same for Sean Crisden reading Cohen's POV here. His voice seemed to be a bit too old for the age group, and just didn't fit the character I have come to know and love. Unfortunately this is something I have seen previously from Sean Crisden, as he is often the narrator for many of my favorite NA stories. I'm not saying he is a bad narrator as he clearly has talent, but his voice just doesn't seem to lend itself to the younger characters. But even though the narration here wasn't my favorite, this story is so good that I found myself enjoying it regardless. Dani and Cohen's story is one that I would highly recommend, and if you love listening to audiobooks or love the NA or contemporary romance genres it is definitely work checking out.

**Audiobook Provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Bleeding Love Review by Harper Sloan

Bleeding Love is book number two in the Hope Town Series by Harper Sloan. Hope Town is a spin-off of her Corps Security series, and features the children of the Corps Security family. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Unexpected Fate, and couldn't wait to get Liam's story. Each book can be read as a standalone, but for full enjoyment I recommend reading these books in order. 

After losing her husband, Megan is left to care for her young daughter alone. When Cohen Cage introduces her to his group of friends, she is reluctant to let them in. Though she spends time with them, she never fully lets them in. But that all changes when Liam Beckett refuses to give up on the connection he knows they both feel. Megan is scared to let anyone in again, especially with more than just herself to think about. But when Molly takes to Liam and he pursues Megan harder than ever, she finds herself allowing him to get under her skin. But can Liam get Megan to see that a love as strong as theirs is worth the risk and is something worth fighting for?

I absolutely loved Liam! I loved him in Dani's book, and their friendship was always special. Seeing her help him win Megan over in this book was so much fun! But there was so much more to Liam that you first see, and I loved him more than I thought was possible. He was so sweet and kind, and he had so much love and patience for Megan. Seeing him with Molly was beyond adorable, and I loved how he claimed not only Megan but also Molly as his girls. He would do anything for either of them, ad it was clear to see that he loved them with everything that he had. Megan had been through so much, and she was still suffering because of it. She wasn't truly living, and was basically just surviving. Liam brought her back to life, and showed her that it was okay to find happiness and love. She was a great mom, and as soon as she started opening up and letting Liam in that only made her that much better. Molly was such a lucky little girl, and I loved how the group accepted her and Megan in as theirs so easily. Liam and Megan had such a great connection, and the chemistry between them was off the charts. But seeing them become a family and include Molly was what made this book so special. 

Overall, this was another fantastic book from Harper Sloan. She is such a great writer, and always writes such unique and interesting characters. I think it is impossible not to fall for any man she creates, they are all so sweet and sexy. Each one of them is so protective of their women, and when they fall it is forever. I highly recommend checking out her books if you haven't already, as she has yet to disappoint! If you are already a fan of hers, this is definitely one you won't want to miss. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, and I know that Nate's story is going to be just as great! I can't wait to get to know him better and see how hard he falls.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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ARC Review: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan

Unexpected Fate is the first book in Harper Sloan's new Hope Town Series. This series is a next generation spin-off of her Corps Security series, but it can be read as a standalone. Fans of the Corps Security series will enjoy seeing familiar faces and getting to learn about the kids of those characters, but if you haven't read any of that series you won't be lost and this is a good place to start. I will tell you that if you haven't read that series yet, you will definitely want to after you read Unexpected Fate. This story was fantastic, and it made me want to go back to the beginning and read them all again!

Danielle Reid has loved Cohen Cage since they were children. Their families have been close and the two of them have always been a huge part of each other's lives. But Dani has always wanted more. She has loved him through every girl he has dated and through his deployments. But when she finally tells him how she feels, he begins to distance himself from her as much as he can. She knows that he feels something for her even if he refuses to acknowledge it. Dani and Cohen both know that with their family and friends so intertwined that if anything happens, things will be messy. But Dani is determined to finally get Cohen to give them a chance, or move on for good.

I loved Dani and Cohen so much. These two were the perfect example of soul mates. They were meant to be together from the very start, and it was clear that their connection went beyond just love. These two are seriously one of my all time favorite book couples ever, and I loved everything about them. Cohen fought his feelings for Dani for so long because of the age difference and to keep her safe from being alone while he was gone. But when things changed between them he didn't hold anything back, and I absolutely loved that. He wasn't afraid to go all in, and Dani was his girl. Dani was strong and feisty, and I loved how much she got that from her father. Their relationship was fantastic, and I loved seeing her give him a bit of a rough time. But what I loved the most about her was her unwavering love and devotion for Cohen. She would have done anything for him, and it was clear that Cohen was her whole world just as she had become his. The history and connection these two shared was amazing, but their chemistry was off the charts. It was beyond explosive, and I don't know how these two managed to avoid it for so long.

Overall, this was a fantastic story and start to this spin-off series. I loved Cohen and Dani, and I can honestly say that their book is my favorite Harper Sloan book I have ever read. These two just had something special, and I loved their journey. I also really loved getting to see familiar faces, and I think it was so hilarious to watch Axel cope with the changes in his daughter's life. Between him and Dani's brother Nate, I was constantly laughing out loud. These two went a bit overboard more than once as you can imagine, but it was clear that they would have done anything for her and I loved how fierce they were when it came to her. I cannot wait for more of these characters! I want to know all these kids better and see them each get their HEA's. I am really excited to see where Harper Sloan takes them from here, and I cannot recommend this series enough. If you aren't already a fan of Harper Sloan's, I definitely think that her books are worth the read and something that most readers will really enjoy.

**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**

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ARC Review: Locke by Harper Sloan

Locke is the fifth and final book in Harper Sloan's Corps Security Series. This book centers around Maddox and Emersyn. I really enjoyed this book, and I thought that it did a great job of giving you Mad and Emmy's story while also giving you enough of the previous characters as well. I thought that it was a great story and I liked the way that Harper Sloan brought in the kids of the characters at the end and set them up to have their own stories as well. I would love to read about their kids and see what happens for them in the future.

Maddox Locke had always been told the he was worthless and had evil inside of him. His brother was his mother's favorite, and it was clear that neither of them wanted anything to do with Maddox. So while his brother took his place in the family business, Maddox became a soldier. When a bomb left Maddox in the hospital and missing his leg, the only thing that got him through was being strong for his fiance and his unborn son. But when he finds out that everything he thought he knew was a lie, he must once again pick up the pieces of his life and move forward with nothing. Now years later, he finds himself in love with the beautiful Emmy. While he wants her like no one else he has come across, he pushes her away because everything he touches turns to disaster. But when Emmy gets tired of trying to get through to him and show him that her love for him is unconditional, she decides to return to her former life. Maddox is determined to get her away from that life though and won't take no for an answer. But as Emmy and Maddox are finally forced to confront the feelings between them, Emmy insists that Maddox stop pushing her away and finally let her in. But is Maddox able to let her see all his demons and overcome his fear of destroying the woman he loves?

I really liked Maddox. He was sexy and strong, but he had a vulnerability to him from constantly being told he wasn't good enough. He truly believed that he wasn't worthy because of his awful family and everything that had happened to him. My heart broke for all that he had experienced, but I was glad that he had Emmy to show him that what he thought wasn't true. He was so protective of her even when he didn't believe he was good enough for her. Emmy was strong and feisty and I really liked how she was with Maddox. She was determined to show him that he was great just the way he was and she really loved him flaws and all. It took awhile for her to get through to him, but she never gave up on him and I really admired that about her. Maddox and Emmy had great chemistry and when they finally came together they were super hot!

Overall, I thought that this was a great way to close out the series. I thought that it was really great the way things came together, and I am really hoping that Harper Sloan decides to tell the stories of the Corps Security children. I would love to see how their lives proceed, and also get to see more of their parents. The one reason this rating wasn't higher for me was because of something that happened with Emmy. I understood her need to get away after things happened and after Maddox pushed her away. But for such a smart and strong woman, it didn't make sense to me that her character would return to the life that she had fought so hard to escape. She had been through a lot and some really disgusting things, and I don't know why she put herself back there when she could have done just about anything else. I really do like the way things turned out though, and besides that complaint I thought that this was a really great book. I definitely recommend this book and series if you are looking for some sexy alpha men and their likable heroines.

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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