I love William's series which follow the same group of friends through their lives. Being the first we are only seeing things from Ally's point of view but William's does a good job in establishing the players.

The story is filled with regular drama, Hollywood drama and of course, romance. It is a tight story but manages to achieve conflict, mystery and a decent exploration of who the characters are. Knowing more books will come your interest is piqued about the characters and what secrets of their own they may be hiding.

From a clunky first third the writing settled into a good rhythm and Williams' takes us on a journey of emotional growth, doubt, romance, and family. A great read.

This read was good the suspense pulls you into the story to see how things play out but I just had the feeling that something was missing from the story Lena and Marc didn't completely click for me.

Can I admit that I totally forgot about this book and tour? Is wasn’t until yesterday that I downloaded the book to read and then scrambled to find the post. *hangs head in shame* That’s what summer vacation is like for me. I don’t stalk my email, social media, nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I have a calendar and I use it. If I lost my calendar, you would hear the scream all around the world. So, why am I admitting this? Because I almost missed out on a great book by a new to me author.

This is so good on so many levels. It has suspense elements, romance, Hollywood, and friendship. I didn’t read the first book with Ally but don’t worry. Ms. Williams tells you just enough that you will want to go out and buy the book. Evil woman, that Ms. Williams. What stood out for me with Lena’s world is that she is content being an actress. That part of her life is fine; it’s just everything else that has gone to the pot. She still has flashbacks of her mother and father, the stalkers before and especially this one in the book. I liked how Ms. Williams fooled me in the end of the big reveal. I was speechless but it all made sense in the end.

Marc is just one big pussycat. I will say, though, that I still feel like I don’t know him. This book is told by Lena, so we don’t get much of Marc’s POV but what we do, I loved. Especially finding out his past life. And yes, I will leave it at that. The ranch scenes are some of the best in the book. You really get into the romance portion of the book. Since these two have known each other awhile, the romance side of the book is perfect. Lena has never had someone love for who she is as a person. Actress maybe but as Lena, no. Marc understood her but he just felt like he wasn’t good enough for her. Dumb man. Lena didn’t know what hit her when she realized her feelings for Marc had changed.

There is so much emotional depth to this book. Just because the book is set in Hollywood, doesn’t mean they don’t bleed like we do. They have job issues, family issues, just like us. Of course, they have money but in the end, they just want to find love like us.

The secondary characters Ally, Chloe, Faith, Jay, Aaron, and Ben are well fleshed out. I can’t wait to read Chloe’s story next. And did I mention the Red Hot Chili Peppers make an appearance? LOVE them. If you are looking for a bunch of smexy times, it’s not here. This book is about two people that are walking around love with baited breath. When love hits, it’s glorious but the suspense will leave you breathless.

Heartbreaker is a curious hybrid of mystery and romance. I guess technically it's a romantic suspense, although it's low on actual suspense and romance.

Lena is a famous actress who has acquired yet another stalker. Marc is a security specialist who is part of the security business that has dealt with finding her stalkers in the past. For some reason, although not really shown why, she dislikes him and always has. For his part, he seems to dislike her and all of Hollywood, which is curious, considering his parents are Hollywood elite. As the mystery of who her stalker is goes on, the tension between Lena and Marc increases until it finally explodes in a nice little scene. I wasn't particularly surprised it happened, as the tension between the two was obvious, but it was rather abrupt in the way it happened. I found myself rooting for the pair of them, though, until the very end.

I like Heartbreaker, it's well written and both Lena and Marc are interesting, layered characters, particularly Marc. I was hoping for more heat between them, though, and perhaps a bit more snark or witty banter to liven things up. It meandered and slowed down a lot in the middle, and I started to get a little anxious, wondering when something interesting would happen. And the epilogue, although sweet, was more HFN than HEA, which isn't ever my thing, I prefer to know definitively how the couple ends up in their future. I suppose, though, that their relationship will be further mentioned in the next book, so that may be why the HFN ending.

This was a toughie to read. It felt disjointed in the beginning and I nearly gave up. I had a hard time getting into the book and a hard time following what was going on -- possibly because I couldn't figure out who was who and what Marc was to Lena, but probably because I did not read #1 in the series. It's a bummer when I pick up a book that's a standalone but part of a series and it feels like you really have had to read the 1st book in order to enjoy it.

Additionally, I just didn't find Lena to be a compelling leading lady. I couldn't really get to the heart of her. Certainly, there's a sob story with her parents but it wasn't emotional enough to make me "feel" her, despite that this story is told from her POV. Felt I've read better versions of this genre that dived deeper and was more richly written.

Overall, this was so-so, but I was hoping for more. 1.5 out of 5.

We met Lena in the first book Heartthrob, so I was waiting for this book, I noticed in the first book, that she and Marc had a love/hate relationship, so I wanted to see what would come of it. Lena is a famouse Hollywood star, yet she has not allowed that stardom to get to her head, and maybe its because of her true friend. Lena is going thru a divorce, and unfortunately on top of that ends up having to deal with a stalker, and that is when Marc steps in, Hollywoods detective. Marc hates everything about Hollywood, and ironic that his family are famous, but they treat him so differently. In this book we get more background from both of them, and we get to read about Ally and Jake, I always enjoy that, however I didn't get that much chemistry from Marc and Lena that I would have liked, but maybe it is just me, I did enjoy it, I do love Lena, Marc is a little difficult at first, you come around at the end. Anyway, it does have a little of everything, suspense, and some humor. Enjoy!

I loved the first book in this series - Heartthrob, and I was eagerly waiting for Lena's story!And I am glad to say it didn't disappoint!
These books can be read as standalones, but trust me, you'll really enjoy the wonderful stories and characters more if you read them both!
I could feel Marc and Lena's chemistry in the previous book itself!So, it was even more intense this time around with the focus on them.
Lena and Marcus were quite a pair! Lena is just coming out of a divorce and her life has been difficult enough considering many things.She's had stalkers from time to time before, but the one this time seems very dangerous and might escalate.So, Marc a security specialist is brought in to provide additional protection for Lena.So, he pretends to be her boyfriend in order to be closer at all times, without making it visible that he is guarding her.But, the more time they spend together, the more the attraction sizzles between them!Will they give in?

Lena is quite different from our usual heroines.In Hearthrob, I saw her through Ally's eyes and we saw a side of her that the paparazzi or the acquaintances dont see.Because the popular Lena is quite different from the actual Lena.But at the core, she is an independent,strong and feisty woman who goes after what she wants!
Marcus is a bit more closed off than her!And I enjoyed unraveling him bit by bit along with Lena.He's got his share of past hurts and things that have changed him.
But the best part was the chemistry between them and how their relationship developed from dislike to mutual respect and understanding!
Just like the previous book there is a beautiful,sizzling romance interwoven with an enjoyable mystery! I was waiting to find out who the stalker is and how everything would be resolved!
It was also really great seeing all my favorite characters like Ally,Jake,Chloe,Faith and few other new characters too!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where the author takes it!

You can also find my review of the previous book here.

I didn't know what to expect when I dived in Heartbreaker. My initial reaction after a couple of pages was I should have read the first book in the series already. However, as I carried on, my doubts are unfounded as I settled into this smouldering, slow burn romance between Lena Lyons and Marc Romero.

When a stalker breaks into Lena Lyons' trailer on her current film set, the producers decide to hire Hollywood security expert Marc Romano to protect her. He may be the best in the business, but not someone Lena wants on set. When another incident occurs at her Hollywood mansion, Marc takes matters into his own hands and hatches a plan, leaving Lena powerless to protest.

"He's socially stunted, rude, abrupt and a major pain-"
The love-hate vibe between the protagonists really got under my skin. As soon as the pair is on the same emotional page, they ooze sexual attraction even as they try to conceal it from each other. Yet, under the surface, both are coming to terms with issues from their past which threaten to destroy everything they've achieved in their careers. Ms Williams manages to convey their mutual struggles compassionately whilst enveloping Lena and Marc in an addictive push and pull relationship. With an attractive ensemble secondary characters to add more Hollywood style glamour, Heartbreaker is an enthralling romantic suspense.

Heartbreaker is my first Belinda Williams novel and I'm eager to continue the Hollywood Hearts series.

4½ Stars

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley***

Marc is a security expert who has to protect Lena Lyons from a stalker. Lena is a fairly famous actress. But Lena doesn’t want a bodyguard. Also Lena is in the middle of a divorce. Marc has to pretend to be Lena’s boyfriend. The kind of job Lena hated. Lena’s mom had died from cancer when she was a teenager.Her father had left when he found out Lena’s mom had cancer. Then Lena turns to modeling to support herself. The production company Lena works for. had hired Marc Marc had survivor's guilt from when he was in the Marine’s and had a tour of duty in Afghanistan and lost some of his friends. Then Marc’s family made him feel like an outsider as he was not creative in any way and they were. Marc is a reserved man and hates the Hollywood lifestyle. But Marc was good at his job. Lena’s best friend is Ally and Jay was once Lena’s bodyguard and both would do anything for Lena. Marc had a young daughter who he is very close to. Lena’s house is set on fire and Marc takes her to his cabin for a safe house. Marc and Lena get to know each other.
I loved this book. I loved the action and suspense. This also had a good plot. I feel this is very realistic. This was also well written. I loved how Marcus was with his little girl. Definitely kept my attention through the whole book. I just loved this book. I felt bad how Marc’s family made his feel and the guilt he carried . I loved the characters and all the ins and outs and I highly recommend.

Belinda Williams has written another exciting and passionate novel with Heartbreaker, the second book from her Hollywood Hearts series. It is a riveting read, replete with a suspenseful plot, intense characters and a sexy romance. This story is about film actress Lena Lyons, one of Hollywood's most beautiful and talented stars. Lena's life is far from perfect, and she is lucky to survive the craziness that is La La Land.

Although Lena has been stalked in the past, this current one seems to be out for more than blood. As a result, the production company Lena works for wants to keep their number one star safe. So they hire security expert Marc Romero, a good-looking ex-marine who is familiar with the Hollywood lifestyle. In order to make Marc's presence in Lena's world believable, Marc takes on the persona of her boyfriend. Since they are together both on the set and in public, the film's cast, as well as the paparazzi, believe them to be the "it" couple of the moment. There are only a few people who are aware of their real relationship. When Lena's huge mansion is set on fire, Marc takes Lena into hiding. The safe house, which happens to be Marc's large cabin in the middle of nowhere, allows them to get to know each other and form a unique friendship during a trying time.

Ms. Williams has become one of my favorite authors and I never pass up an opportunity to read anything she writes. This is an well-written novel, and Lena and Marc are interesting, complex and genuine. They are hot both in and out of the bedroom, and they challenge each other without even knowing it. If you enjoy a novel with a strong heroine, an eclectic group of caring friends, and an unsung hero, then spend sometime in Hollywood with Heartbreaker.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This book kept me glued to the sofa all evening! I was in two minds whether to read this or not but I'm so glad I took the chance. It's the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book but it was certainly no detriment to this story and I'll be going to purchase book one shortly.

I love the characters more than I thought I would, with Lena and her friends being famous actresses I didn't expect them to be as down to earth as they were, so I liked them instantly. They have all had their fair share of stalkers. However Lena's stalker takes things to another level. Her production company hire Marc Romero, a security expert; he is the best of the best.

Lena is not happy with being watched over all the time. Her being strong minded and independent causes her and Marc to argue but he isn't backing down, he has a job to do and he has to keep her safe. The stalker does not make Marc's life easy that's for sure.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing flowed so well I just couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more from this Author!

Lena made the transition into one of America's sweethearts easily after leaving her modeling career behind. One thing she attracts as she rises as a star are stalkers. She collects them like most people collect stamps. As a way to remain safe she hires additional security. Marc is haunted by his past but will do anything to keep Lena safe. With Lena's life is in danger Marc takes steps to ensure her safety. Of course when your life is in danger you never know what to expect.

Heartbreaker, Hollywood Hearts: Book 2, Belinda Williams

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Women's Fiction

I loved the first in this series, Heartthrob, and was keen to read more.
We met Lena in book one, and this time she's centre stage and Ally is a secondary character. 

I really enjoyed this, a little romance, a little mystery but it didn't grab me in the same way Heartthrob did. I think the way Ally was so badly treated by the Hollywood B itch crews was what made that one so special, and of course Ally and Jacob.
I like Lena and Marc but they didn't have the same chemistry for me as Ally and Jacob, more of a subtle slow burn romance there. 

Its a fun spin through the issues fame brings, whats acceptable and how much of a private life can a star have? Its weird the way people see the screen/stage personas as the real ones and fancy themselves in love with them - or conversely love to hate them. I've never really understood how supposedly normal people do that, get caught up in fantasy lives and imagine them real but it happens.  A lot.

Lena's had stalkers before and Marc has been part of the team who deal with them. She also has her own long time security team, but she can't live life glued to someone's side, can't spend her days looking over her shoulder worrying if someone is out to get her.
Yet however tight her precautions there are ways round them, and once more she's caught up in danger. 

I do like Lena, very famous and yet straightforward, down to earth and part of that I think is her good freinds, who don't fawn at her feet but remind her she's just a person. She's not really the type to take advantage of fame anyway, she's a really good lady, not a pretentious jerk like some become.
I felt for her when she's trying her best to keep her life normal, as normal as a film stars life can be anyway. 

Marc, he seemed so grumpy, almost rude with his genuine dislike against all things Hollywood, and yet his background is steeped in it.
Maybe its the fact he didn't follow the family footsteps, maybe its the things he saw and did while serving as his country. War brings out things we should never see and the effects are very long lasting on people's psyche.
He's determined to protect Lena though, even while clearly disliking her world, and then the film bosses decide he needs to be very close to her, so he becomes her boyfriend for the public.
Of course his security issues mean he needs to use a false persona, but the press start to wonder - who is Lena's mystery man. And her stalker ups the pressure on her and the dangers. 

Its a fun read, I had a little idea who the stalker might be but not til maybe three quarters through the book.
Lena and Marc didn't have the magic sensuality that made me so love the first book, but there was a real sexual tension at times between them which was perfect.
I love Lena, not so sure about Marc. By the end I liked him, but it took a while for me to get past his Hollywood Hatred. I kept thinking - why take jobs there when clearly you feel its all superficial?
I never really came to understand why he felt this way, and maybe that's behind some of my prejudice towards him. 

Stars: four, a perfect escape with a little drama mixed in to spice up the romance. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I liked but did not love this story, I didn't really feel the connection between the two main characters for most of the book and that kind of spoiled my enjoyment of the story.

A good well written story

I love the cover. Of this book. Which is what drove me to it.