Twenty years ago, Alexa Rodriguez’s sister disappeared without a trace. The trauma drove Alexa to become a private investigator. No matter how many cases she solves, there will always be a hole from the one that haunts her.When Dean Campbell hires the HEARTS Agency, he has no idea what has happened to his sister. The police aren’t taking her disappearance seriously, but Dean knows Mandy—and he … Mandy—and he will do anything to bring her home safely.
As the line between investigator and client blur, the hunt for Mandy continues. But will their need for one another compromise their search?
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Mandy Campbell can’t go to her brother to ask for more money so soon. So, here she was after seeing an ad, that promised $200 for an hour’s worth of work.
Dean & Mandy Campbell’s mother had passed away from cancer, leaving Dean to move back home to take care of his younger sister. A sister, who he’d like to see get through college.
Dean hasn’t heard from his sister, which is unusual, but since she’s an adult, he’s reached a dead end where the cops are concerned, unless he has proof that she’s been injured or taken against her will. Dean has turned to HEARTS Investigations for help.
Alexa Rodriguez has agreed to take Dean Campbell’s case, but her teammates worry that this case may hit a little too close to home for Alexa. Alexa’s sister disappeared without a trace, and Alexa hasn’t stopped looking for her.
Alexa is able to find what Dean hadn’t, where Mandy hid her journal and a realization about Mandy. It is the first clue, but after talking to Mandy’s college roommate, Alexa decides to offer up some of her grandmother’s cooking when shares the bad news to Dean.
What Alexa and Dean do not count on, is the magnetic pull towards one another. Getting involved with a client while investigating can bring fallout, and it does, in the manner of betrayal.
The subject matter in this book is very real and sheds light how someone can be so easily manipulated and find that they can’t break free. It’s also easy to see the guilt of family members wanting to believe that if they’d only been more observant, or less pushy when the fact remains there are evil people that are very good at preying on others and their weaknesses. Absolutely wonderful series!
I received a commentary copy from NetGalley via Pink Sands Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Stolen Hearts is another amazing book in the The Women of Hearts series. These books just keep getting better. I love getting to know each member of the Hearts. Alexa is amazing. She has this way to make you just feel safe while dealing with her clients. She stops at nothing to get the job done. You can’t help but feel the connection between Alexa and her client Dean. Dean you feel for him and everything he goes through when he realizes his sister is missing. I love how he just fits in with the women in hearts and their men. You will be on the edge of your seats with this one and it is so worth it. I can’t wait for more women of hearts to come.
Whenever I pick up a book written by Marci Bolden I know that I am going to be gripped by a myriad of emotions as I become thoroughly immersed in the storyline! This book was no exception. Her books are always so character-driven and I could feel the anguish Dean was experiencing as he searches for his missing sister, Mandy. And Alexa, having to relive her own personal nightmare from twenty years ago when her own sister disappeared! Throughout everything though, a love begins to grow. Will Alexa and Dean allow it to flourish or will it get snuffed out by the fear and uncertainty of what has happened to Mandy and whether they will be able to bring her home again? I always like how Ms. Bolden focuses on issues in society that are occurring in every-day life and incorporates them into her books in order to bring them back to the forefront of our attention. To me, that has always been the mark of a good novelist. One who not only entertains but also educates!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy I received through NetGalley.
Emotionally gripping:
This book was tragic and heart wrenching as it deals with human trafficking and drug addiction. I thought the author did a great job highlighting the complexities involved and the terrible toll it takes on both the victims and their families. It was fun catching up with the ladies at HEARTS and especially discovering Lexi’s story. Dean and Lexi have a sweet relationship but things get rocky along the way and they have to work to establish a future together.
This was book 3 in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I just love this series and can’t wait to read the upcoming books!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I have loved this series so far. For some reason, the romance in this one didn’t strike me with the same chord as the other two. There also wasn’t the thriller aspect of this one.
That being said, Bolden has taken on a very tough and relevant top of sex trafficking and drug addiction. The despair and helplessness of family members who’s loved one has disappeared is in the forefront in this story–it doesn’t focus on the victim, but the family searching desperately for a way to rescue the victim who may not want to be rescued. A great job by Ms. Bolden on displaying a different perspective.
I loved catching up with the ladies of HEART, the all woman private investigative firm. I’m hoping there is a little more wrapping up of this story in the coming books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I’ve enjoyed reading about the women of HEARTS and this one about Alexa is no different. The premise of why Dean hired HEARTS and why Alexa wanted the case is both heartbreaking and scary. The attraction wasn’t immediate but was slower and intense. I know that it was a fine line and it could have ended badly. The one thing that I liked is that the resolution to Maddie’s journey was handled very realistically. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the women.
Book #3 in the Hearts series did not disappoint. The author introduced new characters who quickly felt like family. As I read the book I could feel the pain of the two main characters of book 3. Alexa had to relive her own nightmare in order to solve this case and the pain was evident. The author does a great job at describing the characters and intertwining the characters. From page one to the very last page I was drawn in and didn’t want the book to end. I love how the women of Hearts support each other and empower each other. Can’t wait for the next installment!
This was a good addition to the series. You can read this as a stand alone but the other books are great too so I would also read those too. This book does have a tough subject but one that is happening all around the US. Alexa is a great empathic person who just wants to help everyone. She is also still looking for her sister. I do wonder if we will find out what actually happened to her sister and to Holly’s past in a future book. I did find the relationship with Dean happened really quickly and under high stress. If this was real life the relationship wouldn’t last but luckily for us reader this is fiction. I can’t wait for the next book.
*I received a free copy of this book via the NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
If you love suspense romance, this is it for you. Marci Bolden has a way with her words that bring out the angst and anxiety with the suspense and the mystery while at the same time making you feel the connection and love between the characters. This was an emotional journey for Alexa and meeting Dean is exactly what she needs, even if it brings out all the hurt of her past. The connection is undeniable and I couldn’t get enough.
They say that the events in your life shape the person you are, well that is what happened with Alexa when her sister disappeared without a trace twenty years ago…she became a private investigator in order to help other families have a better outcome then her did.
Dean Campbell’s sister has gone missing so he enlists the help of the women of HEARTS to help find her, he never expected to fall for the lead PI on his case.
I am loving the women of the HEARTS Agency, they are all strong independent women that do not need a man in their life but when they find the one they do not change who they are.
If you enjoy Romantic Suspense with STRONG women then this book and series are for you.
Happy Reading!!!