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Hero Complex
Fake it till you make it, that’s what they say.
And that’s what Ivy was doing. She’d do anything to save her ranch. Anything. Including pretending to be engaged to a handsome, retired Marine to placate her sexist clients. Not that draping herself over Ace was a hardship. It wasn’t. She just wished he could get over his hero complex and stop trying to save her. There were far better ways they could be spending their time.
Sweet, shy, and babbling Ivy had gotten so far under Ace’s skin, he knew he was in trouble. Faking a relationship may have been his idea but he knew deep down he didn’t stand a chance with her in real life. Medically discharged from the military, it wasn’t just internal battle scars he’d been left with, he also had some big ugly ones on his face too. If he couldn’t even look himself in the mirror, no one else ever would be able to either. Especially not the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
Can these two wounded souls turn their fake relationship into a real one?
And that’s what Ivy was doing. She’d do anything to save her ranch. Anything. Including pretending to be engaged to a handsome, retired Marine to placate her sexist clients. Not that draping herself over Ace was a hardship. It wasn’t. She just wished he could get over his hero complex and stop trying to save her. There were far better ways they could be spending their time.
Sweet, shy, and babbling Ivy had gotten so far under Ace’s skin, he knew he was in trouble. Faking a relationship may have been his idea but he knew deep down he didn’t stand a chance with her in real life. Medically discharged from the military, it wasn’t just internal battle scars he’d been left with, he also had some big ugly ones on his face too. If he couldn’t even look himself in the mirror, no one else ever would be able to either. Especially not the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
Can these two wounded souls turn their fake relationship into a real one?
- GenresRomance
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
8 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Reed
14 books176 followersIsobel was born and raised in London. While she’s a city girl at heart, she loves daydreaming about running away to a charming small town—though she’s not entirely sure her husband and son would share her enthusiasm for the move. When she’s not writing small-town romantic comedies or growing unhealthily attached to the characters in her books, you can find her reading, chasing after her very active toddler, or attempting to channel her inner domestic goddess in the kitchen (with varying degrees of success).
Known for her witty dialogue and swoon-worthy small-town heroes, Isobel signed with Inkspell Publishing in 2021. The following year, she released Love Tools, the first book in her four-book Bluestone Series. In early 2024, she launched Toasted, the debut novel of her seven-book Love Burns Series, which will roll out over the next year.
Known for her witty dialogue and swoon-worthy small-town heroes, Isobel signed with Inkspell Publishing in 2021. The following year, she released Love Tools, the first book in her four-book Bluestone Series. In early 2024, she launched Toasted, the debut novel of her seven-book Love Burns Series, which will roll out over the next year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 30, 2023
Ivy has done everything she can to save the ranch, but with sexist views on how a woman's place is to be seen not heard amongst other things she is struggling to prove herself. Every time retired Marine, Ace is around though he finds her in the most embarrassing situations, but when Ace sees how things are going for her he steps in. Pretend engagement has Ace moving into Ivy's place, the attraction is intense but for Ace he can't believe anyone would want him in a physical way due to his scars. Ivy though sees past it and just sees Ace for who he is. Can they Ivy and Ace keep everything platonic or is the attraction between them both that has been simmering about to sizzle?
Really good story. I thought Ivy was so entertaining, every scene with her is delightful. I really liked Ace he is full of swagger. Great series, definitely an author to keep an eye out for.
Really good story. I thought Ivy was so entertaining, every scene with her is delightful. I really liked Ace he is full of swagger. Great series, definitely an author to keep an eye out for.
May 9, 2023
Hero Complex is Book Three in the Bluestone Series. Ivy is struggling to save the studding ranch left to her by her grandparents. When Ivy is approached by a local business owner with a proposition to save her business, she tries to hear him out. That is, until he opens his mouth and starts acting like a male chauvinistic jerk who knows more than she does and treats her like she does not know anything about how to run a ranch. That is when Ivy learns the true reasons behind why her business is failing. With her being single, it seems that men do not want to bring her their business because their old-fashioned way of thinking makes them believe that a woman is not capable of running a business.
Retired Marine, Ace, has been living on Ivy’s ranch and helping her in exchange for room and board. When he learns of Ivy’s meeting with the local businessman, he goes to the meeting with her to act as moral support. Ace gets upset at the way Ivy is being treated and, in an effort, to placate the businessman he informs him that Ivy and he are engaged and that he is helping her run her business. Now the rumor is circulating in the small community that Ivy and Ace are engaged, and things begin to get messy. Ivy is horrified about the rumors but goes along with them because she needs to save her ranch.
As Ivy and Ace play the part of being engaged the sparks fly between them. Ivy is attracted to Ace but wishes that he would stop trying to save her all the time. She is independent, smart, and strong so she does not feel as though she needs a hero running to her rescue. Ace is attracted to Ivy as well, so he only wants to protect her. He would love for the relationship to be more but feels as though his battle scars will turn off Ivy. Both Ivy and Ace do their part in their engagement and try to fight off the intense chemistry between them but find the attraction becoming more undeniable as time goes by. Can there ever be a real relationship between Ivy and Ace?
I loved this entire series and have fallen in love with this author’s writing. I could not put the book down and found the storyline and the characters amazing. The characters of Ivy and Ace are believable and relatable. Ivy sees herself as an independent and strong woman who does not need a man running in to save her. When Ace tries to come to her rescue, she is offended yet realizes that she must accept help, or her ranch will fail. Ivy has trauma from her past that she needs to deal with and is carrying a huge secret that she has not told anyone about. This secret could prevent her from having the future life she deserves. Ace feels damaged and unlovable due to the scars he suffered during his time as a Marine. Neither Ivy nor Ace feel that they are good enough for the other. The events that ensue are gut wrenching and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and maybe even swear out loud a bit as Ivy and Ace struggle through the demons from their past and try to push forward.
Retired Marine, Ace, has been living on Ivy’s ranch and helping her in exchange for room and board. When he learns of Ivy’s meeting with the local businessman, he goes to the meeting with her to act as moral support. Ace gets upset at the way Ivy is being treated and, in an effort, to placate the businessman he informs him that Ivy and he are engaged and that he is helping her run her business. Now the rumor is circulating in the small community that Ivy and Ace are engaged, and things begin to get messy. Ivy is horrified about the rumors but goes along with them because she needs to save her ranch.
As Ivy and Ace play the part of being engaged the sparks fly between them. Ivy is attracted to Ace but wishes that he would stop trying to save her all the time. She is independent, smart, and strong so she does not feel as though she needs a hero running to her rescue. Ace is attracted to Ivy as well, so he only wants to protect her. He would love for the relationship to be more but feels as though his battle scars will turn off Ivy. Both Ivy and Ace do their part in their engagement and try to fight off the intense chemistry between them but find the attraction becoming more undeniable as time goes by. Can there ever be a real relationship between Ivy and Ace?
I loved this entire series and have fallen in love with this author’s writing. I could not put the book down and found the storyline and the characters amazing. The characters of Ivy and Ace are believable and relatable. Ivy sees herself as an independent and strong woman who does not need a man running in to save her. When Ace tries to come to her rescue, she is offended yet realizes that she must accept help, or her ranch will fail. Ivy has trauma from her past that she needs to deal with and is carrying a huge secret that she has not told anyone about. This secret could prevent her from having the future life she deserves. Ace feels damaged and unlovable due to the scars he suffered during his time as a Marine. Neither Ivy nor Ace feel that they are good enough for the other. The events that ensue are gut wrenching and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and maybe even swear out loud a bit as Ivy and Ace struggle through the demons from their past and try to push forward.
May 25, 2023
Ivy has lived and breathed the ranch life for what seems all her life, inheriting Moonrock from her grandfather was the biggest honour he could have bestowed on her but as she sits looking through the books something must change, she is failing miserably. Having to let the only ranch hand go she is stuck in the cycle of chores and sleep until one night at he friends she meets the man of her dreams, and he also needs somewhere to stay for a while.
Ace is lost, being medically discharged from the Marines he is wondering a path he has no purpose to now, but when he decides to move and accepts Ivy’s offer of somewhere to stay he offers his services as a ranch hand as compensation, but he is drawn to this strong woman but will she let him in and love him the way he loves her or will his literal scars push her away.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and it was a lovely romantic story. I always love a flawed character and Ace was one of not only physical scars but was also trying to comprehend the man he is now to the man he was is heart-breaking to read. I loved that Ivy was although at times shy and reserved her character was brilliant to read as she blossomed with the help of Ace and that she helped him love himself again.
The secondary characters added to the story and as the story twists through the misogynistic characters it just makes Ace’s character more lovable as you see the true determination to protect this woman with all his heart.
If you are looking for a quick read I definitely recommend this book and you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
Ace is lost, being medically discharged from the Marines he is wondering a path he has no purpose to now, but when he decides to move and accepts Ivy’s offer of somewhere to stay he offers his services as a ranch hand as compensation, but he is drawn to this strong woman but will she let him in and love him the way he loves her or will his literal scars push her away.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and it was a lovely romantic story. I always love a flawed character and Ace was one of not only physical scars but was also trying to comprehend the man he is now to the man he was is heart-breaking to read. I loved that Ivy was although at times shy and reserved her character was brilliant to read as she blossomed with the help of Ace and that she helped him love himself again.
The secondary characters added to the story and as the story twists through the misogynistic characters it just makes Ace’s character more lovable as you see the true determination to protect this woman with all his heart.
If you are looking for a quick read I definitely recommend this book and you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
May 30, 2023
Hero Complex
By: Isobel Reed
Wow! Each and every book in the Bluestone series is better than the last. They definitely all can be read alone, as they each focus on different people in the small town, but I won’t recommend doing this because you miss the charm of Bluestone by reading them in isolation. In this story we meet Ace who is a former Marine who has come to Bluestone to start over. He was injured very badly in an accident and wants somewhere small where he can feel hidden. He starts living in a cabin on the property of Ivy. Ivy inherited a ranch from her grandparents and she wants it to continue to succeed. He brother helps financially but he does not help out physically. That’s where Ace comes in. He is working to stay in a cabin. Ivy thinks she can handle anything that is thrown at her, but she didn’t expect the old boys club that is ranching. Ace comes to her rescue and the rest is well its found in this amazingly written book. I loved this book so very much, Ace and Ivy definitely were great characters who were flawed and who really needed each other. I found myself rooting for them at every turn. I also cried like a baby throughout this one as each keeps thinking they are doing what is right. This book is fantastic and I can only hope that there is more to come in Bluestone!
By: Isobel Reed
Wow! Each and every book in the Bluestone series is better than the last. They definitely all can be read alone, as they each focus on different people in the small town, but I won’t recommend doing this because you miss the charm of Bluestone by reading them in isolation. In this story we meet Ace who is a former Marine who has come to Bluestone to start over. He was injured very badly in an accident and wants somewhere small where he can feel hidden. He starts living in a cabin on the property of Ivy. Ivy inherited a ranch from her grandparents and she wants it to continue to succeed. He brother helps financially but he does not help out physically. That’s where Ace comes in. He is working to stay in a cabin. Ivy thinks she can handle anything that is thrown at her, but she didn’t expect the old boys club that is ranching. Ace comes to her rescue and the rest is well its found in this amazingly written book. I loved this book so very much, Ace and Ivy definitely were great characters who were flawed and who really needed each other. I found myself rooting for them at every turn. I also cried like a baby throughout this one as each keeps thinking they are doing what is right. This book is fantastic and I can only hope that there is more to come in Bluestone!
May 9, 2023
This is was very sweet romance about 2 people who have deep issues in trusting people and allowing themselves to be loved finally coming together. It's such a heartwarming read to see the characters growth as they help each other overcome their insecurities and issues and see what the other person sees.
Ace and Ivy's story is really special. Ivy has had to deal with a lot losing her parents and then grandparents she has been struggling to keep the family ranch afloat for years. It seems the clients she used to have don't want to deal with a female.
When Ace a retired Marine looks for a place to stay Ivy offers him one of the ranch shacks and Ace in return offers to work on the ranch.
When Ivy goes to an important meeting Ace goes along for support and somehow finds himself telling the perspective client that he and Ivy are engaged.
Realising that having a man on the ranch could be a way to bring back business Ivy decides to go along with this fake relationship for the sake of her business. But what happens when the fake side of the agreement turns into something real? Both Ace and Ivy have issues and insecurities but will they be able to overcome all that and finally be happy like they deserve?
Ace and Ivy's story is really special. Ivy has had to deal with a lot losing her parents and then grandparents she has been struggling to keep the family ranch afloat for years. It seems the clients she used to have don't want to deal with a female.
When Ace a retired Marine looks for a place to stay Ivy offers him one of the ranch shacks and Ace in return offers to work on the ranch.
When Ivy goes to an important meeting Ace goes along for support and somehow finds himself telling the perspective client that he and Ivy are engaged.
Realising that having a man on the ranch could be a way to bring back business Ivy decides to go along with this fake relationship for the sake of her business. But what happens when the fake side of the agreement turns into something real? Both Ace and Ivy have issues and insecurities but will they be able to overcome all that and finally be happy like they deserve?
May 30, 2023
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me captivated throughout by the wonderful characters and heartwarming storyline. Ivy is desperately trying to save her ranch, but her clients are sexist, and so to placate them she pretends to be engaged to retired Marine, Ace. Meanwhile, Ace came up with the idea of a fake relationship to get to know Ivy better, thinking that he would never stand a chance with her. After all it’s not just internal battle scars that caused him to be medically discharged from the military, but scars on his face too.
Ace has trouble looking at himself in the mirror and so believes Ivy would never find him attractive. However, Ivy is very attracted to the handsome ex Marine, but wishes he would get over his ‘hero complex’, and trying to save her all the time! Although they both want to turn their fake relationship into a real one, they are also both wounded in their own ways. The wide open spaces of the ranch and ranch life was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. I loved Ivy and Ace and felt invested in their romance, and was hoping they would get a HEA. A lovely read, and one which I recommend.
Ace has trouble looking at himself in the mirror and so believes Ivy would never find him attractive. However, Ivy is very attracted to the handsome ex Marine, but wishes he would get over his ‘hero complex’, and trying to save her all the time! Although they both want to turn their fake relationship into a real one, they are also both wounded in their own ways. The wide open spaces of the ranch and ranch life was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. I loved Ivy and Ace and felt invested in their romance, and was hoping they would get a HEA. A lovely read, and one which I recommend.
May 9, 2023
Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed. I love this series. Its a fun romance series that will keep you flipping pages until you are done. Its the story of Ivy who is trying to save her studding ranch that has been in the family forever. With Ivy being single men don't trust her to use her ranch because they are old fashioned. Ivy will do whatever it takes to save her ranch including pretending to be engaged to Ace, a handsome retired marine who has his fair share of battle scars. Ivy doesn't really mind pretending to be in a relationship with Ace but he is constantly trying to "save" her and she doesn't need saving. From the minute they start their pretend relationship sparks fly and even though they drive each other crazy they are also crazy attracted to one another. Will Ivy be able to pull of the hoax of being engaged to Ace to save her ranch and will they let down their guard long enough to have an actual romance. Read Hero Complex to find out! You will love it!
May 10, 2023
Two wounded soul’s one fake relationship……
Hero Complex is the third book in Isobel’s contemporary romance series Bluestone. It is a fun read that will have you laughing at times. I think Bluestone may just be a place to be. I really enjoy Isobel’s simplistic way of storytelling. It makes it easy to fall into the story and lose yourself for a while.
Ivy needs a fiancée, and he is up to the challenge, but his hero complex is getting on her last nerve. She is perfectly capable of looking out for herself.
Ace is battle weary and scared in more ways than one. He certainly is not good enough for his fake fiancée. It’s in his nature to protect.
Will they be able to pull of the relationship of a lifetime or will hearts be further broken?
This small-town romance has something for everyone who loves a romance with sexy cowgirls and cowboys.
I fell in love with Ivy and Ace as much as I did their world of wide-open spaces.
I look forward to reading more from Isobel.
Hero Complex is the third book in Isobel’s contemporary romance series Bluestone. It is a fun read that will have you laughing at times. I think Bluestone may just be a place to be. I really enjoy Isobel’s simplistic way of storytelling. It makes it easy to fall into the story and lose yourself for a while.
Ivy needs a fiancée, and he is up to the challenge, but his hero complex is getting on her last nerve. She is perfectly capable of looking out for herself.
Ace is battle weary and scared in more ways than one. He certainly is not good enough for his fake fiancée. It’s in his nature to protect.
Will they be able to pull of the relationship of a lifetime or will hearts be further broken?
This small-town romance has something for everyone who loves a romance with sexy cowgirls and cowboys.
I fell in love with Ivy and Ace as much as I did their world of wide-open spaces.
I look forward to reading more from Isobel.
May 10, 2023
4.5 Stars
Hero Complex is the third book in the Bluestone series by Isobel Reed. This series just seems to get better and better with each new instalment- with this book being my favourite of the collection, so far.
It is another really great contemporary western romance – with all the ingredients needed to make for a captivating read.
-A fake relationship ✔
-A retired marine- a wounded warrior, with battle scars inside and out ✔
-A hero complex – protective MC ✔
-Damaged souls ✔
-Cowboys ✔
-Ranching ✔
-Angst ✔
-Drama ✔
-self-worth/self-image issues/worthiness issues ✔
-small town ✔
-clean ✔
-emotion ✔
-captivating storyline ✔
Ace and Ivy were such fantastic characters, and so perfect for each other. I was so invested in them and the outcome of their story. All the feels.
Bring on Book #4- Love Shots! Can’t wait!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isobel Reed!
Hero Complex is the third book in the Bluestone series by Isobel Reed. This series just seems to get better and better with each new instalment- with this book being my favourite of the collection, so far.
It is another really great contemporary western romance – with all the ingredients needed to make for a captivating read.
-A fake relationship ✔
-A retired marine- a wounded warrior, with battle scars inside and out ✔
-A hero complex – protective MC ✔
-Damaged souls ✔
-Cowboys ✔
-Ranching ✔
-Angst ✔
-Drama ✔
-self-worth/self-image issues/worthiness issues ✔
-small town ✔
-clean ✔
-emotion ✔
-captivating storyline ✔
Ace and Ivy were such fantastic characters, and so perfect for each other. I was so invested in them and the outcome of their story. All the feels.
Bring on Book #4- Love Shots! Can’t wait!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isobel Reed!
May 15, 2023
Hero Complex by Isabel Reed is book three in her Bluestone series. Ugh remember wanting to just be in a fake relationship with someone because even if it wasn’t real they were still yours? That is exactly what happened with Ivy and Ace… except it certainly became quite real. This story was fun and funny all in one. Ivy was desperately in need of a way to save her ranch and Ace was the perfect person to step up to the plate. Mainly because he’s a man… because men seem to think women are incapable of being business owners, the nerve. I really like Isobel’s style, all three stories in this series have been quick reads but in a good way. I love how her characters have a great connection and how smooth the story reads. Plus who doesn’t love a Marine turned ranch hand turned hot fiancé! I mean come on! I also think Ivy may have been my favorite because she babbles a lot and let’s be honest I totally saw myself in her!
May 19, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a sweet, small town romance filled with love, sass, fake engagement and definite two wounded souls and it gave me all the feels. This was an easy read and quite enjoyable.
Ivy is trying to save her own ranch, being independent and on her own, definitely not getting any respect from some of the other male clientele from the work that she does on her farm. Having a helping hand from Ace, a former marine, both Ivy and Ace are trying to work hard to get Ivy's farm noticed. When a stingy snob tries to offer Ivy money for her farm, Ace steps in and helps Ivy but also announces their "engagement". How will this new engagement play out as Ace and Ivy then try to navigate their feelings toward each...especially when both Ivy and Ace have their own past hurts that still haunt them.
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Ace...it felt so raw and real.....the protectiveness of Ivy's brother and I also loved Ace's mother Liz. Great story and looking forward to reading more!
This is a sweet, small town romance filled with love, sass, fake engagement and definite two wounded souls and it gave me all the feels. This was an easy read and quite enjoyable.
Ivy is trying to save her own ranch, being independent and on her own, definitely not getting any respect from some of the other male clientele from the work that she does on her farm. Having a helping hand from Ace, a former marine, both Ivy and Ace are trying to work hard to get Ivy's farm noticed. When a stingy snob tries to offer Ivy money for her farm, Ace steps in and helps Ivy but also announces their "engagement". How will this new engagement play out as Ace and Ivy then try to navigate their feelings toward each...especially when both Ivy and Ace have their own past hurts that still haunt them.
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Ace...it felt so raw and real.....the protectiveness of Ivy's brother and I also loved Ace's mother Liz. Great story and looking forward to reading more!
May 20, 2023
I love a well written romance. This one was just that kind of story. Ivy has set her mind on saving her grandfather's ranch. While others doubt she can do it. There is one who knows she can. Ace, a wounded marine has many scars who he battles with daily. But the ones that are visible are the ones Ivy does not see. Throwing Ace into self doubt. Most look at him and stare or gasp. Not Ivy, she loves him, shhhh don't tell anybody. While Ace helps Ivy out running the ranch, he learns people don't believe a single unwed woman can do men's work. Therefore his plan is set in motion. But remember Ivy can do what she puts her mind to. This fake engagement has opened many doors for both Ivy and Ace. To see where this story goes, read the book. What a page turner this story was. I could not put it down. The characters make the story, but the author put it to paper. I look forward to reading more from this author. As well as seeing where this author takes this series.
May 30, 2023
Book three in the Bluestone Series we follow Ivy as she struggles to keep the family ranch afloat and battling to maintain control of her business when most of the clients are male chauvinists, they feel that they should be working with a man. Ivy's brother is not interested in working on the ranch.
Enter scared military veteran Ace, looking for somewhere to work away from his past, Ace starts to work for Ivy and after a month, after seeing how she is treated by one of her clients, he states that they are more than boss and worker...
Starting off a fake fiancée relationship, where feelings are involved before the fake starts but that neither of them feel good enough for the other.
There is a hint of stress alongside a huge amount of fun as we follow these two as they navigate their relationship, hiding things from family, friends, and each other.
I really enjoyed this book.
Enter scared military veteran Ace, looking for somewhere to work away from his past, Ace starts to work for Ivy and after a month, after seeing how she is treated by one of her clients, he states that they are more than boss and worker...
Starting off a fake fiancée relationship, where feelings are involved before the fake starts but that neither of them feel good enough for the other.
There is a hint of stress alongside a huge amount of fun as we follow these two as they navigate their relationship, hiding things from family, friends, and each other.
I really enjoyed this book.
May 31, 2023
I’ve read the first book of this series and was so eager to read more of this series! One thing I worried about is feeling that I’d be lost without having to have read the second book in the series but with only a few things that do come up about the previous series characters, it can be considered a stand alone story. This book involves Ivy, who has inherited her grandparents’ ranch and she is trying to keep the ranch afloat. Ace, a retired Marine, has been living on Ivy’s ranch and helping her however he can. In his efforts in helping her, he attends a meeting Ivy has set up with a businessman to help the struggling ranch but after seeing how Ivy is being treated, the notion of their “engagement” comes into play to help secure a better team for the ranch. As the “engagement” trail reaches out to others, the attraction towards one another begins to affect. See where this all leads as you read to see what happens next! So worth the read!
May 9, 2023
I loved this story of Ace and Ivy. Heaven knows, these two have issues to overcome. Being at risk of losing her ranch, Ace comes to her rescue. They kept me laughing and feeling all the emotions as they worked through their relationship. These two try so hard to keep things professional as they fake a relationship to keep the good ole’ boys studding their horses at her ranch. Yeah, the sparks flew from the moment they met. Loved the characters. It was so great to see characters like Jake/Lila and Brady/Alice from the previous books appear. Teddy/Summer made an appearance, I can’t wait for more of their story in the next book. This story has so much love, humor and romance. It’s a feel good with a second chance feel. Ivy is a spit-fire of her own that Jake is going to wrangle, if it’s the last thing he does. This is a fantastic and quick read.
May 25, 2023
4 Stars
Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed
Hero Complex is a wonderfully written Second Chance Romance that once I started reading it was hard to put down. This is a fairly new author to me but I like her style of writing and attention to detail. The characters are well written, developed, relatable and at times raw and edgy. This is about two wounded souls who needs help healing. Can these two wounded souls be what the other needs? Can a fake relationship bring these two together? I love Military Romance and this one checked all the boxes. Ace is a wounded Marine who battles himself everyday about all his scars. Ivy sees Ace for who he is not what he is. These two pulled at my heart strings a bit. I highly recommend reading this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed
Hero Complex is a wonderfully written Second Chance Romance that once I started reading it was hard to put down. This is a fairly new author to me but I like her style of writing and attention to detail. The characters are well written, developed, relatable and at times raw and edgy. This is about two wounded souls who needs help healing. Can these two wounded souls be what the other needs? Can a fake relationship bring these two together? I love Military Romance and this one checked all the boxes. Ace is a wounded Marine who battles himself everyday about all his scars. Ivy sees Ace for who he is not what he is. These two pulled at my heart strings a bit. I highly recommend reading this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
May 29, 2023
Hero Complex reads extremely well as a standalone novel even though it’s part of a series. I enjoyed it. The main characters reminded me of myself at times. When pride and stubbornness sometimes get in the way. These characters were written in a way you feel for them. Broken souls for different reasons, never realized there was someone out there who could mend and complete them. However you know how these books go, there’s never not one that has some kind of drama that affects the characters and relationships. This time the drama was different from what I usually read.
Ace and Ivy are two halves to a whole. Unfortunately neither one of them is confident that they are enough for the other. But what happens when Ace makes an announcement?
How does Ivy feel about that?
I enjoy the books in this series. I can only hope there may be more.
Ace and Ivy are two halves to a whole. Unfortunately neither one of them is confident that they are enough for the other. But what happens when Ace makes an announcement?
How does Ivy feel about that?
I enjoy the books in this series. I can only hope there may be more.
June 3, 2023
I have read a couple books from this author and she continues to be one of my favorites. I love small town romance and this author knows how to keep you hooked. This is the third book in the amazing bluestone series. You could read this as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited to read this book that I started it right away. I could not put it down until the very end. I can’t wait to see who she will write about next.
Ivy would do anything to save her family's ranch. She formed a plan to act like she was engaged to one of the workers, Ace. Ivy is attracted to Ace but there is something that he is not telling her. She starts to feel something for Ace but she doesn’t know if he feels the same. Will Ivy save her family’s ranch or will it be too late?
Ivy would do anything to save her family's ranch. She formed a plan to act like she was engaged to one of the workers, Ace. Ivy is attracted to Ace but there is something that he is not telling her. She starts to feel something for Ace but she doesn’t know if he feels the same. Will Ivy save her family’s ranch or will it be too late?
June 29, 2023
Oh my goodness I’m about to say take me cowboy 🤠 loving the cover ! I know I’m so easy to please 🤣❣️📚but I’m weak when it comes to cover art 😍😉
It’s soooooo good to be back in Bluestone ❣️
Ace , an injured marine needs to find peace and quiet , a place where he can heal his body , mind and soul , he rents a cabin on Ivy’s land and soon enough he’s hands on in more ways than one 😉
Ivy’s grandparents passed on and left her their ranch and while she’s no wallflower she needs more than money to run the ranch , she works hard and not a scared hair on that head of hers but we all need a little help even our darling Ivy ….
Ivy and Ace are each others healing balms and watching them together was a gift and yes I cried , hard I’m not even going to try and lie but it’s a beautiful story and worth every tear❣️📚
See you soon Bluestone , you’ve been good to my soul 😍
It’s soooooo good to be back in Bluestone ❣️
Ace , an injured marine needs to find peace and quiet , a place where he can heal his body , mind and soul , he rents a cabin on Ivy’s land and soon enough he’s hands on in more ways than one 😉
Ivy’s grandparents passed on and left her their ranch and while she’s no wallflower she needs more than money to run the ranch , she works hard and not a scared hair on that head of hers but we all need a little help even our darling Ivy ….
Ivy and Ace are each others healing balms and watching them together was a gift and yes I cried , hard I’m not even going to try and lie but it’s a beautiful story and worth every tear❣️📚
See you soon Bluestone , you’ve been good to my soul 😍
May 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. The author’s style along with their attention to details gave the story a realistic feel which made it easy to connect to the characters. A fast paced story where two wounded souls are in need of healing and some romance. What will fate have in store for these two? Can a fake relationship be just that or will fate step in and take it somewhere else? I really enjoyed watching the growth of these characters. What they added to the story made it that much more enjoyable to read. This is a hard to put down story that had me on an emotional roller coaster in parts. An easy romance story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
May 16, 2023
Ivy is trying to save her ranch and in doing so finds herself in a fake engagement to Ace, a wounded soul in more ways than one. With the new close proximity to each other, the fake relationship becomes more real than either expected.
This was a quick and easy read. Both lead characters were likeable and charming. Ace's mom, Liz, was a fun character and I felt I wanted more parts with her in it. While I did love the story and flow, my biggest issues was the constant use of the pet names 'sugar' and 'honey'. It felt overused and hindered the flow of dialogue for me. Good addition overall to the Bluestone series.
This was a quick and easy read. Both lead characters were likeable and charming. Ace's mom, Liz, was a fun character and I felt I wanted more parts with her in it. While I did love the story and flow, my biggest issues was the constant use of the pet names 'sugar' and 'honey'. It felt overused and hindered the flow of dialogue for me. Good addition overall to the Bluestone series.
May 22, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the Bluestone Series, which is about Ivy and Ace. Ivy is working to keep her Ranch while dealing with men who don’t give her the respect she deserves for all the work she is doing. She hires Ace to get some help around the Ranch but she never expected the attraction between them. When Ace lets it slip that they are engaged (fake) to keep a vultures away, things get interesting.
This romance is a fun read and had me in stitches at times. The author does a great job with world building and her writing style makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I really enjoyed reading about Ivy and Ace.
This romance is a fun read and had me in stitches at times. The author does a great job with world building and her writing style makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I really enjoyed reading about Ivy and Ace.
May 31, 2023
Hero Complex: Bluestone Series: Book 3
Every now and again I will come across a book that must be consumed in one day. This book was one of those books.
From the moment they meet Ivy and Ace are attracted but refuse to act on it. They are thrown together for business purposes and it ends up being so much more.
Seeing Ace recover from his both his physical and mental scars was great, when he finally made the leap he went all in. When you have the right person with you anything is possible and that showed in both Ivy and Ace.
Ms. Reed did a great job keeping me interested and wanting more.
Every now and again I will come across a book that must be consumed in one day. This book was one of those books.
From the moment they meet Ivy and Ace are attracted but refuse to act on it. They are thrown together for business purposes and it ends up being so much more.
Seeing Ace recover from his both his physical and mental scars was great, when he finally made the leap he went all in. When you have the right person with you anything is possible and that showed in both Ivy and Ace.
Ms. Reed did a great job keeping me interested and wanting more.
May 31, 2023
I have read book one and book three of the Bluestone series and I have loved them both! I enjoy the town that the stories are set in, the characters, and how the story unfolds. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything with not having read book two, although I will because I love Reeds writing, and the series itself, but even though the characters are in all of the novels they are each focused on a different couples story. They also all have a happy, fulfilling ending, so no need to worry about any cliffhangers. If you into quick, fun, fully fleshed romance stories, with some snark, spice, with real world troubles I can confidently recommend Isobel Reeds Bluestone series!
May 29, 2023
I loved the third installment of the Bluestone series! Ace and Ivy have an amazing chemistry from the beginning, and I love to see the way things progress. The author did a great job drawing these characters towards each other and creating their own little world. I enjoy the dual point of view, but it did feel like sometimes the view switched too quickly which drew me out of the story for a moment. Once I got into the groove though, it was a cute and fun read for the day. I recommend picking up this series, especially if you enjoy contemporary romance with a western theme!
May 30, 2023
Hero Complex was a lovely romantic read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. The authors writing was really engaging and she created some great characters that I fell in love with straight away. Ace is one of those characters who you can’t help but fall in love with, his story was so raw and heart-breaking at times. Ivy was a wonderful character to read about too, she had endured so much loss in her life I just really felt for her. I loved the two of them together, they had such a genuine connection and they did help each other.
A really beautiful story and one I would highly recommend!
A really beautiful story and one I would highly recommend!
May 31, 2023
This book was an absolute addiction from the get go! Before I knew it, it was one in the morning and I still couldn’t put the dang thing down! It’s a great forced proximity/marriage of convenience romance, and the way the two main characters just connect with each other is amazing. I love this series, and I love this author so much. These books are high on my list of fantasticness, and I cannot recommend them enough! If you love a nice little cowboy romance, then this is the book and the series for you!!
May 31, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the Bluestone Series. Finally we get Ivy’s story. When she finds herself about to lose her ranch, she will do almost anything to save it. Ace, a retired, wounded Marine, steps in to help by pretending to be her fiancé because some of her sexist clients only wanted to deal with a man. Can she resist the pull she feels toward Ace? Can he open up to let her in? These chapters are so beautiful. The Bluestone world is such a great place to visit where you just feel right at home.
May 10, 2023
Loved it
Romantic alpha and strong sassy female, this is Ace and Ivy’s story. It is a multilayered story of two tortured souls who are facing life changing situations. Ivy is struggling with her ranch and Ace is struggling to life outside of the military. Their story has a bit of everything: drama, romance, insecurities, faking a relationship and self-discovery. It was great to see characters from the previous books in the Bluestone Series. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend.
Romantic alpha and strong sassy female, this is Ace and Ivy’s story. It is a multilayered story of two tortured souls who are facing life changing situations. Ivy is struggling with her ranch and Ace is struggling to life outside of the military. Their story has a bit of everything: drama, romance, insecurities, faking a relationship and self-discovery. It was great to see characters from the previous books in the Bluestone Series. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend.
May 15, 2023
Ivy is smitten with Ace. It is cute and sweet, but it isn’t long before we realize that Ivy has a real problem. Ace, determined to be her hero, decides to help her with the issue. I thought the romance was realistic and chemistry was off the charts. I could easily see this being a real story the way it unfolded. Ace, who is scarred, has some internal healing to do as well. I thought this character development was great. Loved the story and could not put it down!
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