The Hearts We Break

The Alphaletes #3

by Katelyn Taylor

Heart.

The most important organ in your body, one of the most fragile too. I’ve always worn mine on my sleeve. I put my heart into everything I’ve ever done and for the most part it’s worked out for me.

I’m the best running back in the league, I have a great family and a smoking hot wife.
That is until a nasty hit takes me down in a big way. Everyone told me I was done. They turned their backs on me, except for my best friend, Scarlett Hayes.

With her help, I’ll be catching passes in no time. What I wasn’t expecting to catch was feelings. Feelings for her. I’m starting to wonder if I missed something a while ago, something big.

Was it always supposed to be me and bubbles? Or did this all come out of nowhere?
Either way, I know one thing for sure. It’s not just my heart on the line here.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Football, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

About the author

Katelyn Taylor writes dark and contemporary romance and is known for twisted love stories with toe-curling smut, heart-breaking angst & plot twists that keep readers up all night.

If you like your romance with a side of unhingedness & spice, get ready to cry from your eyes to your thighs.

Welcome to the Taylorverse!

Reviews

[Book Queen · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is shit

I’m sorry but from the beginning I could not. I understand he’s married, but I don’t want a sex scene of him and his wife especially the part where he sniffs his wife’s panties like seriously? I wanted to read this book about him, divorcing his wife and then getting with his childhood best friend that he’s “supposedly” been in love with since he was a teenager. There’s really no need for a sex scene between him and his wife like I don’t understand. It was a complete turn off. I was hoping for maybe a chapter or two where he was hurt, and then a chapter where him and his wife get divorced I did not want a whole fucking chapter of him fucking his wife.

[Esther]

Self note WITH SPOILERS
My safety friends I don’t recommend it.
First we have a detailed sex scene between H and ow. Both are married (for 8 years) and he is having SO much fun. He says that their sex life is phenomenal.
Then I think she is the one to divorce him.
h and H have been friends for 20 years and h has always been there for him. He had a crush or her but didn’t want to ruin the relationship. H obv fucked around too before marrying ow to forget about h. But don’t worry it always have been her 🙃
Then the first time they do it, they have someone else with them. Sharing is caring and all that, I guess?

[Prottasha♡︎]

Trope: Manwhore Hero who had been in love with his BFF but chickened out about his feeling but screwed around with every single woman and get a HEA saying — "Those Women Got My Dick You Can Take My Heart Foolish Girl."

Never hated anything more than IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU trope. If it's the Manwhore protagonist then I am done!!!

This type of book is worst than cheating(Which I can't stand it)

Self Reminder: The cover was simple and cool, I know the author urged her shit out. I can read Dark filthy things without hesitation but this type of book is triggering for my mental health.

[Hey Lin]

Listen......I gave book 2 with Declan five stars. 5! And I never really give five stars. I thought my dnfed of book 1 with the love triangle was just a "it's not you, it's me" cuz I dont like love triangles. But this book......everything that could have gone wrong did 😂😂😂👎 friends to lovers can either go wonderfully or down the shitter and this one was the ladder.

This starts off with him and his family moving in next door when she's 7 and she's been in love with him for years. Already sucked that she's pining for him and not the other way around. 👀😬😬😬 women should never pine for men in books. NEVER.

She has to watch him find love, date and marry a gold digger and we have to read how he loves to fuck his wife of 8 years and deeply sniff her panties 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄😬😬😫😫 we even have to read a whole scene of him effing his wife (to me who is the ow=other woman) because she still
wants to fvxk after he's been injured on the football field. Wife gets mad when his knee starts hurting and he throws her off and later on, he comes home to her leaving him and wanting a divorce because he's no longer playing and the money might stop coming in. He gets drunk and cries and then CALLS the h and she runs to be with him. Lordy laaaaaaawwwwwwd smh.........

But all the while the h is still in love with him?! Fuck THAT. Move on! Make him jealous of you living your best life, fucking other men and finding your own joy and love! Who gives a shit about this dickhead?!

Anyhoo. I'm already getting annoyed and mad at this book 13% in. I can't take this shit anymore. Arc readers, you suck recommending this book 😐😐😐

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I was blown away with this one.

I have loved the entire Alphaletes series so much. I didn’t know if Walls could be topped since Declan is my ultimate book husband. BUT, I think this book took the top spot for me.

This book was definitely an emotional rollercoaster but aren’t they all when written by Katelyn? Lol she had me absolutely sobbing by the end of the book… but I loved every single second of it. I’m not typically a friends to lovers girly. That trope is just kind of boring to me so going in, I wasn’t sure just how much I was going to vibe with this book.

We met Slater in the other two books & he is the light hearted, funny, kind, life-of-the-party type. But through Slater we meet Scarlett, his best friend. They met when they were kids (7&8) and have been inseparable ever since. Whereas Scarlett has always kind of secretly been in love with Slater, he has gone through phases were he thought there could be more between them but knew that their friendship was too important.

We start out the book with Slater getting injured during one of his NFL games & then his wife leaving him shortly after. Then of course, who is there to pick up the pieces? Scarlett. She doesn’t leave his side. Mainly because she’s his best friend but also because she’s the team’s Athletic Trainer. As they spend more & more time together trying to heal his body & heart, Slater can’t deny the connection he has with Scar & the love he feels for her.

There are so many plot twists in this book, some more gut wrenching than others. Definitely check trigger warnings because there are some pretty heavy topics talked about. The spice… 10/10. So good. (Ch. 16… if you know, you know. If you don’t yet, you need to). I’m convinced Katelyn can do no wrong at this point. She has taken some of my least favorite tropes within this series & still made me absolutely fall in love with each couple.


Tropes:
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Sports Romance
- Player/Trainer
- Slow Burn

5/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶️

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to be the reason someone can’t breathe, yet be the reason their heartbeats.”

This follows Scarlett 27 who grew up with protective brothers and lived next door to her first love Slater 28. But Slater never saw her this way except for being best friends for the past 20 years. Scar has watched on the sidelines even watching him get married. But now he needs her more than ever after a few too many blows on and off the field.

Loved the storyline of this book. Went into it blind and was worth it. Iv listed triggers and themes below so be mindful looking at them as may contain spoilers. These two have great chemistry and banter and honestly did not expect the journey they would go through together further into the book. I was in shock, as 50% in we were happy in love and ready for the future. I had 50% to go and I knew something big was going to happen and it did. Was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster as well. Excited for Trevor’s story next!

If you love:

🔹Sports Romance
🔹Best Friends To Lovers
🔹MMC NFL Player
🔹FMC Sports Physio
🔹It’s Always Been You Vibes
🔹Fantastic Spice

Genre/Type: Sports Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 288
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone:
Tropes or Themes: Sports (NFL), Best Friends To Lovers, Workplace, One Bed, FMC Physiotherapist, It’s Always Been You, Chemistry, Banter, Mine, Eyes On Me, Taken Care Of, Divorce, Medical Content, Infertility, Drug Use, Cancer, Sexual Content, Praise, MFM, Praise, Dirty Talk and Outdoor Scene
Mentions: Death Of Parent
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m debating whether to finish or not, it’s not bad, just not great to me. I’m 47% in, they finally got together… and I just don’t believe it. Maybe I’m not a childhood friends to lovers trope lover when one of them marries someone else and loved the wife (even tho clearly she was a gold digger once he went pro) and in the beginning of the book talks about how he loves her and their sex life is just so amazing.. it makes it hard to switch to the best friend where “it’s always been you.” (He keeps telling her that and I’m like 🙄). But he was married for years and with his (ex) wife for 8 years. I might pick it up again to finish at another time, I see something happens 70% in, but I don’t know, I don’t really believe Santos at the moment… his best friend was there for him through everything, she never left him, and you’re telling me it’s always been her when he was married and with someone else for 8 long years… ?

[Sarahlynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 53% and I kinda hate myself for reading that far

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Sarah’s Shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

ngl i was not really liking it at first…but then it took an unexpected turn and i COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN 😭😭

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have waited for Slater’s book since I read book one in the Alphaletes series. His story intrigued me. His personality hooked me. Then in book two I just wanted him to get his HEA so bad.

My boy Slater is just delicious with his big muscular physique and covered in tattoos. As Scarlett would say, he exudes big d!ck energy. Add in that he is also a softy with the best dirty talk and Katelyn has done it again!

I loved stepping back into this series, and I knew Katelyn was going to deliver the angst and a nail biting plot twist as she did in her previous two books, but she really put Slater through it in this one.

This best friends to lovers, second chance, football romance gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, and swooned. The banter and friendship between all the guys from this series was a sweet cherry on top, BUT…

That one scene (IYKYK) came out of nowhere. Comepletely left field. I did not expect it to go down how it went, but dayum! My girl Scarlett has some confidence and I was like yes, finally! Also, shout out to motherf*cking Trevor! Talk about an ice breaker. He really deserves more credit.

I was never team Trevor until this book. I know the series is over, but I think we are all ready for Trevor’s redemption book. I AM READY for Trevor’s redemption book and his HEA.

[Taylor Booksta.ylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I’d like to say THANK YOU Katelyn Taylor for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Hearts We Break! These are my honest thoughts.

Second, I CANNOT believe The Alphaletes Series is OVER! *cue the tears and me running to reread it*

The Hearts We Break is about Scarlett Hayes and Slater Santos. They have been best friends for nearly 20 years, and Scarlett has been in love with him for as long as she can remember. Slater is the kind of guy that wears his heart on his sleeve and will do anything for anyone until he’s the one who needs someone and Scarlett is there to pick up the pieces and put him back together.

This is the ultimate childhood friends to lovers romance with a hot, tattooed, football player MMC and his best friend who also is the teams athletic trainer as the FMC. Throw in the found family, second chance romance and the slow burn and you have the ultimate football romance! This book had so many twists and turns, several tear jerking moments and all the swoon and spice that you expect from Katelyn! Her books just get better and better every-time. If you haven’t read this series yet, just do it now! You won’t regret it!

[Courtney Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑾𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌✨

Katelyn Taylor is my go to for sports romances! Not only is the writing amazing but the spice!! THE MEN!! And she always has the BEST plot twists. Slater is definitely my favorite in the series and I love his story with Scarlett. This betch has gotten me to cry in TWO of her books so far which is QUITE the achievement. I def cried the most in this one tho - IT GOT ME.

This is Friends to Lovers DONE RIGHT - which is a trope that I usually try to avoid. I can’t say much without giving away some of the best parts of this book but just know it’s amazing & I will forever love this series & have a hard on for Slater.

𝑻𝒓0𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🖤 Football Sports Romance
🖤 NFL Tattooed HOTTIE MC
🖤 Sports Therapy FMC
🖤 Childhood Best Friends to Lovers (Soulmates)
🖤 Spicy
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Second Chance

There are a lot of mental health TW so please check those.

[sincity_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book freakin broke my heart. It was a gradual step into heartbreak with each book, like she was preparing us to cry our eyes out by the end of this series.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝? 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞.“

Man, oh man the feelings that surfaced when reading this book. I'm not huge on the main tropes that were featured, but now I know it's because they haven’t been done right. I typically avoid "friends to lovers" and "brother's best friend," but they didn't even bother me. I just HAD to finish out the series and I'm so glad I did.

“𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞,“ 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. “𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡. 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐬, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐠𝐨.“

Gah, just writing this review and reading the quotes is getting to me. 🥹 I was floored when the story shifted and it gutted me. I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to end, but what happened was NOT what I was anticipating. I've been sitting in my feelings all week thinking about this book and series. That has to be the ultimate goal for an author, right? Well bravo, Katelyn Taylor. 👏🏼 You have succeeded. I can't wait to read your backlist. ❤️

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood best friends to lovers. A tattooed football player. Bubbles.

I want to say SO much but also say nothing at all because literally Slater and Scar are perfect for each other and I don’t want to give you even the slightest hint of what happened in this book. But just know that it was literally SO good. I screamed because well it’s Slater, cried, sweated because Slater Santos is 🥵🥵, giggled some, and then cried some more. Just read the freaking book PLEASE.

Katelyn recommended to go into this book blind. I did and it was worth it but if you do have triggers, it may be wise to check them out because as always your mental health is most important🖤

My thoughts:
•Nikki can kick rocks.
•He calls her Bubbles but also she uses bubbles as a calming down technique 🥹
•THAT SCENE. And if you wanna know what scene you need to go pick up this book because 🥵🥵
•I didn’t think I would be saying this but I think I am in love with Trevor now??? (And I really wish we could have more of him. *cough cough* @Katelyn lol)

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of course she survived cancer

[Kelsey Morein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this series!

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 the more I think about this the less I like it 🫠

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Slater has been my favorite throughout this series, and Katelyn did a phenomenal job finishing up the series with his and Scarlett's story. This book is appropriately titled because my heart broke. There were so many emotions throughout this story. I laughed, I cried, I got hot and bothered while reading chapter 16, and I swooned.

Slater and Scarlett have been best friends since a very young age, and Scarlett has been in love with Slater since the moment she laid eyes on him. It took Slater a bit to get out of his own way to realize what was right in front of him the whole time, but once he did, their relationship went on a rollercoaster of a ride.

If you love a story that hits you in all feels, banter, family, sports romance, friends to lovers, and an all around heart warming story, then you don't want to miss out on this amazing book.

[yumna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was absolutely shitty from the beginning, the fact that he was married in the beginning gave me such a big ickk. AMD THE SCENE WITH HIM, HIS TEAMMATES AND HER !?!? WTF NO!! I didn’t even finish this book, I didn’t even get halfway through.

[Jena]

Avoid. 3some- sharing, sex scenes with ow.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. 👏👏👏As always, Katelyn never disappoints!!

The Hearts we Break was an emotional roller coaster ride in the best way possible. I absolutely adored this FINAL book in the Alphaletes series. I’m truly sad it’s over, it’s been the best ride. I normally don’t care for sports romance, but the writing, the stories, the plot…. Oh my goodness. It was amazing. The entire series, especially this book. 🔥

That being said… The Hearts we Break. Featuring the incredible Slater (hello book daddy) who plays in the NFL and has life made at this point. A life altering injury brought on total heartbreak, despair, and hardship for Slater. Even his wife gave up on him. Who is left by his side? Scarlett Hayes. His childhood best friend, doesn’t fail to stand by his side and help support him during this tough time.

This book was so raw and real. I felt all the emotions our main characters felt throughout this book. I loved seeing all the sides of both Slater and Scarlett. Scarlett is also a total badass who I aspire to be like. She’s so unique and unafraid to be herself. I love that. Slater is a total sexy man who has a soft side with Scar and he has tattoos. Dare I say more? Hehe…. The 20 year friendship was displayed in such a fantastic way, it was so cool to see that build up as their relationship flourished into something more. You might roll your eyes at the friends to lovers trope but I PROMISE, Katelyn takes this trope and makes it into something so unique, emotional, believable, and raw that is just to die for. This book will break you, make you cry, make you swoon, make you blush…. it’s all the things you want in a romance. I promise.

I also LOVE when a book has a certain chapter that everyone goes crazy for. In this case… chapter 16. Be on the look out lol 😉🥵 spice is on point, the build up was so worth it. I loved the slow burn.

That being said, give this book a read! Even if it’s not your usual romance read, it’ll still capture your heart the way it did mine! I’m sooooooooo sad the series is over but am so thankful for how incredible this last book was at closing the final chapter to this series. See what I did there?! Lol.

Now go enjoy Slater and Scar for yourself 🔥🥰🥵🖤

[Erica Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hearts We Break | @katelyntaylorauthor 🎧

“𝐶𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑒.” ♡

This book had me in a chokehold! I devoured the audiobook and it was absolute perfection. You know that feeling when you start a story and think you know exactly how it’ll unfold? Yeah… I was so wrong, and I loved that. It hit close to home for me, so my connection with the characters was instant and deep. The plot was emotional, hilarious, incredible spice, and full of amazing twists I didn’t see coming. Add in the beautiful writing, and this easily became an unforgettable read.

Scarlett & Slater’s story was everything. Childhood best friends with an unbreakable bond, they knew each other inside and out and when they finally fell into each other’s arms, it felt meant to be. The history with their parents, the love they share with their circle of friends, the way the team rallies around Scarlett (That locker room moment? 🤌🏻) and most of all the way Slater loves this woman! it’s unwavering, tender, and so real. Slater never gave up on what he wanted, and neither did Scarlett. They’re the definition of ride-or-die love, showing up for each other through every struggle.

I adored their connection, and can we talk about Trevor? We get more of him! so much more and it’s glorious. And Trevor’s antics? Wild and unforgettable. 🤣🥺

This book did it for me. My only advice? Go in blind and enjoy the ride. Highly recommend. Happy reading!

[Stacey Ayoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I got this book series from BookTok and to be honest, I just wanted to read this one (book #3 of the series) so I read the first two out of obligation and dedication to get to this particular book and get the full story.. and my instincts were right, I bloody loved it..! It had me cry big tears and my heart breaking but then it had me literally cheering and clapping from happiness.

BUT I also had my concerns just before starting this book in saying all that because just as I was about to start it, I thought I'd read a few reviews on it and all of the them were bad and saying they didn't like the book and giving it a low star rating BUT let me say this, I don't know why I doubt my excitement in a new book because they were all wrong.. it was so good..! 👏🏽😍

[Madison Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to be the reason someone can't breathe yet be the same reason their heart beats. “

“You’re the end game, and I’ll play it however you want as long as it all wraps up with you in my arms.”

“…love hurts but if it’s the right kind of love, it heals too.”

Stormed my way through this book almost in one sitting it was that good. Plot was so much better than I thought it waiting be, definitely heavy on the romance for a sport romance. Check the trigger warnings at the back, contains cancer/ death by cancer as a main plot line.

[Melanie Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Slater had me hooked literally from the moment we met him in the first book. I love that Nikki left and literally never came back. And once Slater pulled his head out of his ass, him & Scar were 10/10. Everything about them was good except how slater calls Scar bubbles.
That plot twist had me reeling tho. Literally felt that so deep in my chest. I need another book or an epilogue set like 10 years in the future so I can see that everything rly did work out. 🫠

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Man this book. All the feels. Katelyn really outdid herself with this one. I can't say enough about this series, and finally reading Slater and Scarletts story was amazing. I enjoyed learning about their friendship and how it made them who they are. I am glad I didn't read the trigger warnings ahead of the book, as it made for an emotional Rollercoaster in the best way. However they are there if you want to know them ahead of reading the book.

[Lynnmarie542_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Slater has become my new favorite book boyfriend. He was so swoon worthy. I loved how supportive he was throughout the book!

I’m so glad this book had a happy ending because I couldn’t take it if it didn’t.
At one point I was driving while listening and had to turn it off so I didn’t bawl my eyes out while driving!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Lizzie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!!! It was a very emotional read and made me reach for my tissues a couple of times. Also, this is the third book in the series (and I haven’t read the others) and there is a bit of backstory for the other couples which at times takes over the plot a teeny bit, especially the love triangle from the first book. However, it was very well written and very engaging. Definitely a solid 4⭐️ read for me.

Tropes-
- childhood friends to lovers
- for falls first but he falls harder
- emotional rollercoaster

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone! It was so well written and had me hooked more every second… I couldn’t stop reading
I need a moment for Slater Santos 🫠 what a melt
This is my first bestfriend to lovers book and I absolutely loved it… what a lovely read 🤭