Member Reviews
This is a great summer read. Lauren is a spunky and hardheaded person who is determined to keep going no matter what. Getting arrested for defending herself never crossed her mind and seeing Beau in a uniform was a nice touch. Being stalked by a psycho is absolutely terrifying and she has had enough. Lauren had loved Beau during her teen years and Beau always tormented her. Beau is determined to go after what he has wanted for so many years and he is he is determined to do it all right. Will things be able to calm down and they make it through all the hard times?
"Hotheaded Heart" by Anna Alkire is a novel that, despite its interesting premise, fails in many ways. The two main characters are very toxic, displaying clear warning signs that overshadow any potential chemistry. Their interactions lack the spark and realism needed to engage readers, making their relationship more frustrating than fascinating.
A major issue with the book is the disjointed story. It often feels like key parts were either removed or added without proper context, leaving readers confused and disconnected. This lack of coherence makes the story feel clunky, like watching a poorly adapted play with scenes that lack the depth and flow needed for a compelling novel.
The story also fails to create suspense or intrigue. The protagonist's carefree attitude, despite the chaos around her, removes any tension that might have kept readers interested. Repeated scenes, like the frequent parties at Beau's house, become boring and add little to character development or plot progression.
Character growth is almost non-existent. Both main characters remain immature throughout, showing no significant personal development. This is disappointing, as it gives readers little to root for or connect with emotionally.
On the plus side, the straightforwardness of the book makes it a quick read. However, this simplicity also strips the story of the layers and complexity that could have made it more engaging.
The synopsis promised a journey of self-discovery and true love amidst chaos, but the novel fails to deliver. The potential for a compelling narrative is there, but it remains largely untapped. I had high hopes for Alkire's growth as a writer, but this book did not meet those expectations.
Additionally, despite being advertised as a spicy read, "Hotheaded Heart" falls flat in this area too. On a scale of 1 to 10 for spiciness, it barely registers a 1. The lack of genuine passion and intensity in the romantic scenes is another letdown.
In conclusion, "Hotheaded Heart" was a disappointing read. While it might serve as a brief escape for those looking to momentarily avoid real life, it lacks the depth, intrigue, and character development that make for a truly captivating story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Water's Edge Publishing LLC for sending me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall this was a fun book with tropes I enjoyed and a writing style that is easy to read. The characters are so lovable and honestly the added plot of Raven’s stalker was such a great twist.
Raven Brown is being stalked by her neighbor in her apartment complex. In defending herself she gets arrested by her best friend’s Brother, Beau Martin. She also gets fired and loses her apartment. Beau offers to let Raven move into one of his spare bedroom and she suddenly living with the cop who arrested her. Who is also the boy who she basically grew up pranking . Throw in the fact she totally head over heels for a guy she worked with, Travis Dashiell while Beau wants her. And Raven got a mess on her hands.
I’m so torn with book because there are pieces I really liked. However I feel like so much is happening nothing really gets the full attention it deserves. I feel like the stalker pops up from time to time be between those times it’s forgotten until he strikes again. Raven has Beau building her a freaking cat tree but has Travis in the back of her mind. But then suddenly she hasn’t thought about Travis in forever. Then Travis who never seemed the least bit interested in Raven suddenly wanted a date. Plus there was another guy Raven goes on a date with that comes back later. Also a bachelor auction, two other roommates, Beau and Lauren’s parents, Raven’s relationship with her deceased mother. All this and we still have to fit in Beau and Raven having a romance. I think if there were less moving pieces and the one we did have got more attention, this book would be 5 stars EASY. This is just the first book in the Waterfall Canyon series so I will totally be checking out the next ones as well.
This wasn’t it for me. The two main characters were toxic af. Especially the guy. He didn’t have a mature bone in his body. I almost DNF’d but I got 50% through and figured I could finish quickly.
A girl has a stalker and has to move in with her best friend’s brother who has always had a thing for her. She barely has a foot in the door before he starts laying it on thick, in an almost stalkerish way. And then gets mad at her when she doesn’t want to jump in as quickly as he does.
It read like something self published on the interest. The writing wasn’t good. The story was choppy. The dialogue was weird and choppy. They talked in incomplete sentences like texts. It wasn’t easy to ready.
It wasn’t for me. 1⭐️
Hotheaded Heart is book one in the Waterfall Canyon series by Anna Alkire.
I adored this enemies-to-lovers story.
This book was well written and developed.
The characters are realistic and entertaining.
I enjoyed everything about it.
Thank You NetGalley and Water's Edge Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
Hotheaded Heart by Anna Alkire
Waterfall Canyon Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 25 June 2024
At first, this book unfolded slowly for me. However, as I delved deeper into Raven's backstory and understood the immense pressure she faced, I found myself connecting more profoundly with her choices and actions. Despite Beau's role as a protective older brother figure, there was an undeniable undercurrent of attraction and sexual tension between them, which added a compelling complexity to their relationship. Their struggles with communication posed challenges, yet Beau's gestures and decisions spoke volumes about his emotions.
As I progressed through the story, the narrative gained momentum with heightened action sequences that drew me deeper into the characters' lives. This, in turn, fuelled a growing emotional investment in their journey toward a satisfying resolution. The small-town ambiance and the intricacies of their friendships further enriched the plot, setting the stage for future developments that I eagerly await.
In summary, while my overall experience of the book was positive, I found myself particularly drawn to the exploration of love triangles and the dynamics of best friend's brother relationships. However, the rapid progression of some romantic elements didn't entirely resonate with me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Water’s Edge Publishing LLC, and the author, Anna Alkire, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Disclaimer: I would like to note that I received this ARC with the mindset that I would provide an honest review.
After returning home to Waterfall Canyon after 12 years of being away, we are instantly thrown into suspense as Raven, our FMC, has a confrontation with her stalker. It is quickly after this that we meet our MMC, Beau. And to make it even more interesting, we meet him in the back of his police car. Her once tormentor now becomes her ally as we go on the journey of trying to catch her stalker.
This book has fun and interesting characters, a small town vibe full of romance, fun banter, and mystery/suspense. Raven not only has this to deal with but she is also involved with planning a bachelor auction. What isnt there to like in this? This book checked off a lot of my boxes and it was entertaining! The pacing went well but the banter was what sealed this book for me.
Thank you to Water’s Edge Publishing and to Anna Alkire for the opportunity to read this book! I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of this book when it releases tomorrow, June 25th!
Hotheaded Heart was part mystery and part light-hearted romance all mixed into one delightfully fun read. I enjoyed the main character’s drive, humor, loyalty, and ambition. I felt like parts of the story could have been smoothed out a bit - and characters made decisions/changes a bit too abruptly to feel realistic. However, I can’t wait to see how Anna Alkire continues to grow as an author and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her next book!
This rom com had sizzling chemistry, amazing romance and such deep characters. I enjoyed the writing style so much and will absolutely be rereading this book during the winter.
Title: Hotheaded Heart
Author: Anna Alkire
Genre: Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: 25th June 2024
Anna Alkire's "Hotheaded Heart" delivers a delightful blend of romance, humour, and suspense, making it a perfect escape into small-town charm and steamy encounters.
Returning to Waterfall Canyon after a decade away, the last thing protagonist (name) expects is to end up in a police car after a confrontation with her stalker. To her surprise, the arresting officer turns out to be Beau Martin, a former tormentor from her youth and now a local police officer. Despite their rocky history, Beau offers his assistance, sparking unexpected flirtation and a mutual attraction.
As tensions escalate with her persistent stalker and conflicting romantic interests, (name) finds herself caught between Beau's playful advances and her professional ambitions. To complicate matters further, she becomes entangled in organising a bachelor auction for charity, relying on the support of the tight-knit community of Waterfall Canyon while navigating the complexities of her own heart.
What I Enjoyed:
1. Dynamic Characters: (name) and Beau are portrayed with depth and authenticity, their banter and evolving relationship adding layers of tension and intrigue. The progression from enemies to reluctant allies to potential lovers is skilfully crafted, keeping readers invested in their emotional journey.
2. Small-Town Charm: The backdrop of Waterfall Canyon serves as a vibrant setting, enhancing the story's atmosphere with its quirky residents, community spirit, and picturesque landscapes. The town becomes more than just a backdrop, playing a pivotal role in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships.
3. Romantic Tension: Alkire adeptly balances romance and suspense, weaving together moments of steamy chemistry with the thrill of uncovering secrets and confronting challenges. The push-and-pull dynamics between (name) and Beau heighten anticipation, culminating in satisfying resolutions and heartfelt revelations.
"Hotheaded Heart" by Anna Alkire is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of small-town charm and unexpected challenges. With its blend of humour, suspense, and heartfelt moments, this novel offers an engaging escape into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
For readers seeking a steamy yet heartfelt story with a dash of suspense and plenty of small-town charm, "Hotheaded Heart" delivers an entertaining and satisfying read.
Thank you to The Publisher Water's Edge Publishing LLC ,The Author Anna Alkire & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
A perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers’ tension and small-town charm. With sizzling chemistry and heartwarming moments, it's a captivating read that keeps you hooked until the very end. I really loved reading it.
Raven tiene un acosador, un día el asqueroso le estaba haciendo daño a su gato y ella para
protegerlo lo ataca con una pistola paralizante y termina siendo arrestada ¿?. Debido a esto es despedida y deecide mudarse con Beau, el hermano de su mejor amiga. Beau es policía y es lo único bueno que puedo decir de él, lo sentí muy inmaduro.
El asqueroso del acosador puede molestar a Raven y no le pasa nada, pero ella se defiende y ahí sí interviene la policía.
La manera en como se manejo la relación de los protagonistas fue caótica.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a good romcom book. I enjoyed it a lot. It was very enjoyable and I think fellow romcom readers will also enjoy it.
I really enjoyed this book, the stalker storyline went really well along side the story of Raven and Beau.
In some parts I felt a bit confused as it seemed like the story jumped to one thing to another but that wasn’t too much of an issue as it was an easy read, and finished it in one night.
I’d definitely recommend this book and read more of Anna’s books!