Hearts at Play - Review

Hearts at Play 

The Bradens, Book Six

Brianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be. 

The last thing Capital Series Gran Prix racer Hugh Braden wants after dating media-hungry leggy models and money-hungry fan girls is a blind date. But how could he turn down a favor to one of his best friends? Hugh expected the date to go poorly, but he didn’t expect to be intensely attracted to the beautiful brown-eyed bartender who completely blows him off—and steals his every thought thereafter. 

When Brianna’s perfectly orchestrated life turns upside down, Hugh is there to help, softening the turmoil, and maybe even rescuing her heart from the lonely place where it has been hiding. Can a man who doesn’t believe in fate and a woman who doesn’t believe in true love find happiness in each other’s arms forever? 

Hearts at Play is the ninth book in the Love in Bloom series.  Click on the links below to check out the first book in the series, Sisters in Love:

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Review by Marlene Engel

Hugh Braden is used to living life in the fast lane.  A handsome, well-known grand prix driver, Hugh’s used to having gorgeous women chase after him.  What he doesn’t expect is for the tables to turn and for him to do the chasing.  While out on a blind date, a date that he didn’t want to go on in the first place, a beautiful bartender catches his eye.  However, she seems to be going out of her way to avoid him. 

Brianna Heart is a single mom to six year old, Layla.  Determined to be the best mom she can be, Brianna vows not to get involved with anyone until Layla turns eighteen.  With the memories of her father leaving when she was a little girl, Brianna is steadfast on making Layla’s childhood a happy one … even if that means sacrificing her happiness to achieve it.  But when Hugh continues showing up at Old Town Tavern, he makes it hard for her to avoid him and keep to her original plan.  Will Brianna realize that she can find love with another without sacrificing her daughter’s happiness?  And will Hugh slow down long enough to see if Brianna is the one worth racing to the finish line for?

Hearts at Play is the ninth book in the Love in Bloom series.  What makes this book stand out from the others in the series is that the heroine is a single mother.  I like how the author portrayed her as a caring, strong, hard-working woman, but at the same time showing that she’s human and has her insecurities too.  I also loved Hugh’s character.  Who wouldn’t love a hot racecar driver who is just as compassionate as he is sexy?  Another amazing, must read book by Melissa Foster!  

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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