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Heartbeats and Hashtags
Contemporary romance novel
Cole Silver has one unbreakable rule: Never fall for a client.
When he’s hired to protect Everly Ford from her obsessive and dangerous cyber stalker, this red-hot woman slips past Cole’s defences and sets his protective instincts ablaze.
Cole Silver is an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard haunted by his past.
Everly Ford is Miami’s newest internet sweetheart trying to balance her unexpected fame and her very real offline life.
Everly tries to ignore the strange messages until they become serious. She has no choice but to hire Cole and finds unexpected safety and security in his strong arms.
Cole and viral sensation Everly couldn’t be more opposite or more irresistibly attracted to each other. With tensions rising….he may be about to break his only rule.
When their magnetic passion boils over during round-the-clock supervision from the threats closing in, will Cole succeed in keeping Everly safe and guarding his own heart?
Cole Silver has one unbreakable rule: Never fall for a client.
When he’s hired to protect Everly Ford from her obsessive and dangerous cyber stalker, this red-hot woman slips past Cole’s defences and sets his protective instincts ablaze.
Cole Silver is an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard haunted by his past.
Everly Ford is Miami’s newest internet sweetheart trying to balance her unexpected fame and her very real offline life.
Everly tries to ignore the strange messages until they become serious. She has no choice but to hire Cole and finds unexpected safety and security in his strong arms.
Cole and viral sensation Everly couldn’t be more opposite or more irresistibly attracted to each other. With tensions rising….he may be about to break his only rule.
When their magnetic passion boils over during round-the-clock supervision from the threats closing in, will Cole succeed in keeping Everly safe and guarding his own heart?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
100 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Lola Lockhart
22 books43 followersWhen she’s not getting lost in vivid daydreams about her next book boyfriend, you can find romance author Lola Lockhart devouring or writing yet another swoon-worthy novel, going for a hike to fuel her imagination, or planning her next cozy café writing session (caffeine is a must).
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 4, 2024
Almost quit less than halfway through and it's a quick novella about 100 pages. The pacing was insanely slow burn, the characters annoyed me a lot in beginning esp him he was being such a douche the way he thought of her in his head for no real reason and then insta love out of nowhere we saw.
The stalking was weird af too and made me almost laugh. I'm still confused how old they both were too which was annoying me entire book trying to detective that out. Also I there was way too much of her friends. In a 100 page quick novella so much space and time was wasting on not the couple that should have been front and center. I wanted to like this because bodyguard romance but yikes this is a skip don't waste your time on this sadly.
The stalking was weird af too and made me almost laugh. I'm still confused how old they both were too which was annoying me entire book trying to detective that out. Also I there was way too much of her friends. In a 100 page quick novella so much space and time was wasting on not the couple that should have been front and center. I wanted to like this because bodyguard romance but yikes this is a skip don't waste your time on this sadly.
March 6, 2024
I love bodyguard romances. There’s just something about a big, strong, hunky protector, who’s usually fighting off his attraction to the woman he’s protecting. If the bodyguard is grumpy, even better! Heartbeats and Hashtags checks all the boxes, plus, I really liked the characters and the plot was fun. I did figure out who the “mysterious admirer” was pretty quickly but it didn’t matter in enjoying the story. The resolution was satisfying and realistic, and the ending was perfect. A terrific read and a great introduction to a new-to-me author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2024
maybe 3.5 ⭐️’s? not sure!! it was a cute easy read, definitely nothing to write home about. very predictable like within the first few pages i knew exactly where it was going. but the journey was fun nonetheless
March 11, 2024
Hmmm, I am not too sure about this read.
I went in expecting a cute influencer x bodyguard romance but I did not really feel the romance, the writing style was not for me (too choppy), and it was all just a bit lacklustre.
I also felt as if I was reading the fourth book in a series: there were a lot of mentions to things (for instance in a Evelyn’s and Tanya’s past) that were very much out of the blue and would only make sense it this was a book that continued on from previous stories.
On top of that I noticed some spelling/typing mistakes, as well as Cole’s sibling being referred to as both Lewis and Luke. Perhaps I should expect this in an ARC, but I would assume the reviewers get to see the finished product.
The stalker was glaringly obvious, the nickname Little Rose did nothing for me, and too much happened / tried to happen but was not resolved in a too short a book that was also a bit too long. Somehow.
2,5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
I went in expecting a cute influencer x bodyguard romance but I did not really feel the romance, the writing style was not for me (too choppy), and it was all just a bit lacklustre.
I also felt as if I was reading the fourth book in a series: there were a lot of mentions to things (for instance in a Evelyn’s and Tanya’s past) that were very much out of the blue and would only make sense it this was a book that continued on from previous stories.
On top of that I noticed some spelling/typing mistakes, as well as Cole’s sibling being referred to as both Lewis and Luke. Perhaps I should expect this in an ARC, but I would assume the reviewers get to see the finished product.
The stalker was glaringly obvious, the nickname Little Rose did nothing for me, and too much happened / tried to happen but was not resolved in a too short a book that was also a bit too long. Somehow.
2,5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
March 5, 2024
Not having read any of Lola's books I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Everly is an Internet influencer, she started just posting her workout routines and her progress to become fit. Now she has followers for everything she does, posting more or less everything she does and wears. Also having people workout along with her streaming her own session. Until she starts getting unwanted messages and creepy photos, her friends dad runs a personal secruity company and he organises her own security. Cole is an ex seal now working security which was a natural fit after retiring. When he's sent to guard an influencer he's already made his mind up about her. Thinking she's spoilt, privileged and pretentious he knows he just has to keep her safe and get the job done. This is the start of a slow burn story between these two who each have hidden secrets and feelings, neither accepting who they really are and pretending to appear strong and incontrol. I enjoyed reading the push and pull each character had on the other, each learning which buttons to push to annoy them. Then as the story grows its good to see the caring side and acknowledgement of their own flaws. I will certainly read more books from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 x
in this book, we follow everly & cole. everly is a fitness influencer with a huge following on social media. recently, everly has been having issues with an anonymous account stalking her. with the help of her bestfriend, everly hires a bodyguard. cole is a grumpy, tall (6’4?! HELLO!!), broody bodyguard who has dedicated his life to his job.
i absolutely love the bodyguard romance trope so when lola reached out to me and asked if i could be a part of her arc team for her debut novel, heartbeats & hashtags, of course i said yes! 🤭
as a slowburn girly, i did find the romance side to this quite fast paced however i absolutely adored cole & everly’s banter throughout this book especially everly’s witty sarcasm (reminds me of myself😅)
this was definitely a good palette cleanser. it was short, sweet & enjoyable! coming in at just under 200 pages, it was a very quick read!
that being said, i did find the plot twist quite predictable. i also felt like the ending was kinda rushed. if it was a bit longer, i defo would give it 4 stars.
i’d definitely recommend if you like bodyguard romances, the one bed trope, forced proximity, opposites attract & grumpy x sunshine! 🩵
thank you so much to lola for sending me an arc of her book! 🫶🏽
in this book, we follow everly & cole. everly is a fitness influencer with a huge following on social media. recently, everly has been having issues with an anonymous account stalking her. with the help of her bestfriend, everly hires a bodyguard. cole is a grumpy, tall (6’4?! HELLO!!), broody bodyguard who has dedicated his life to his job.
i absolutely love the bodyguard romance trope so when lola reached out to me and asked if i could be a part of her arc team for her debut novel, heartbeats & hashtags, of course i said yes! 🤭
as a slowburn girly, i did find the romance side to this quite fast paced however i absolutely adored cole & everly’s banter throughout this book especially everly’s witty sarcasm (reminds me of myself😅)
this was definitely a good palette cleanser. it was short, sweet & enjoyable! coming in at just under 200 pages, it was a very quick read!
that being said, i did find the plot twist quite predictable. i also felt like the ending was kinda rushed. if it was a bit longer, i defo would give it 4 stars.
i’d definitely recommend if you like bodyguard romances, the one bed trope, forced proximity, opposites attract & grumpy x sunshine! 🩵
thank you so much to lola for sending me an arc of her book! 🫶🏽
February 26, 2024
4⭐️ ~ Thank you so so much to the author, Lola Lockhart for providing me with an arc of your debut novel! <3
Heartbeats and Hashtags was a super cute and fast paced romance! I loved the shorter chapters and it definitely helped to sustain my interest! All the characters were really lovely! I loved the banter between Cole and Ev and loved watching their relationship evolve overtime.
I’ve never read a bodyguard romance but I really enjoyed the trope and will definitely have to read more books with it in the future!
The writing was good other than the few spelling errors (but as expected with an arc ofc). Unfortunately I found the plot involving who the stalker was to be a bit more predictable. I wish it would’ve been harder to guess or a more shocking reveal.
Overall, this was a cute, spicy, and well written debut romance novel! I’m excited to read more by Lola Lockhart in the future!
100% recommend to romance lovers!
Heartbeats and Hashtags was a super cute and fast paced romance! I loved the shorter chapters and it definitely helped to sustain my interest! All the characters were really lovely! I loved the banter between Cole and Ev and loved watching their relationship evolve overtime.
I’ve never read a bodyguard romance but I really enjoyed the trope and will definitely have to read more books with it in the future!
The writing was good other than the few spelling errors (but as expected with an arc ofc). Unfortunately I found the plot involving who the stalker was to be a bit more predictable. I wish it would’ve been harder to guess or a more shocking reveal.
Overall, this was a cute, spicy, and well written debut romance novel! I’m excited to read more by Lola Lockhart in the future!
100% recommend to romance lovers!
March 2, 2024
I got this book as part of an ARC. These are my genuine thoughts on this book.
Cole and Everly my my. Cole is your broody hot bodyguard. Everly is your young, fiery fitness influencer who gives her all to her online content. Until it gets too much, and she becomes targeted! One of her best friends, dad, owns the private security company Cole works at and got the family discount in protection.
However, what happens when lines get blurred? When feelings become a thing between the pair? Will they last? Will Everly be safe under Coles protection?
I fell in love with this book. There's not a lot of spice in it, and it definitely is a slow burn. But it was worth it. The suspense! The back story to both of the characters! And no, I'm not just talking about the two main characters. I mean the other characters, the best friends, the family members, they all were written so well and did their part easily!
I frigging loved this book!
Cole and Everly my my. Cole is your broody hot bodyguard. Everly is your young, fiery fitness influencer who gives her all to her online content. Until it gets too much, and she becomes targeted! One of her best friends, dad, owns the private security company Cole works at and got the family discount in protection.
However, what happens when lines get blurred? When feelings become a thing between the pair? Will they last? Will Everly be safe under Coles protection?
I fell in love with this book. There's not a lot of spice in it, and it definitely is a slow burn. But it was worth it. The suspense! The back story to both of the characters! And no, I'm not just talking about the two main characters. I mean the other characters, the best friends, the family members, they all were written so well and did their part easily!
I frigging loved this book!
February 21, 2024
4 ⭐ rounded up from 3.5 ⭐
This was a great little debut novel from Lola. I was lucky to receive an ARC for this book, and read it in pretty much one sitting!
It follows the story of Everly, a social media influencer, who hires Cole, an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard, after receiving some strange and threatening messages from a stalker. Things start to heat up as they get closer to each other, but the stalker gets closer as well..
For me, this was definitely a short book and I found the storyline quite predictable. I felt like the story and characters could have been fleshed out a bit more and some of the plot points could have had more depth to them.
That being said, I did really enjoy the story and the relationship between the two.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Lola's work 😊
This was a great little debut novel from Lola. I was lucky to receive an ARC for this book, and read it in pretty much one sitting!
It follows the story of Everly, a social media influencer, who hires Cole, an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard, after receiving some strange and threatening messages from a stalker. Things start to heat up as they get closer to each other, but the stalker gets closer as well..
For me, this was definitely a short book and I found the storyline quite predictable. I felt like the story and characters could have been fleshed out a bit more and some of the plot points could have had more depth to them.
That being said, I did really enjoy the story and the relationship between the two.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Lola's work 😊
February 26, 2024
Definte 4-star territory.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel and being a reader of an ARC was kind of a cool new thing for me. There were some spelling and verbiage mishaps but that was to be expected and didn't factor into my rating at all.
I enjoy the bodyguard genre however, I think that it was a bit too easy to guess who the stalker was. However, the details that went into the lengths that the stalker would go to, those small details were the icing on the cake because they were really scary.
I also enjoyed the banter between Cole and Everly and could picture their dynamic unfolding in the short, quick chapters - which keep you hooked.
Overall, I would recommend this quick read to friends.
Favorite line - "I would burn down worlds for her." -Cole. Worlds? Okay, sir, that is romantic.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel and being a reader of an ARC was kind of a cool new thing for me. There were some spelling and verbiage mishaps but that was to be expected and didn't factor into my rating at all.
I enjoy the bodyguard genre however, I think that it was a bit too easy to guess who the stalker was. However, the details that went into the lengths that the stalker would go to, those small details were the icing on the cake because they were really scary.
I also enjoyed the banter between Cole and Everly and could picture their dynamic unfolding in the short, quick chapters - which keep you hooked.
Overall, I would recommend this quick read to friends.
Favorite line - "I would burn down worlds for her." -Cole. Worlds? Okay, sir, that is romantic.
March 4, 2024
Heartbeats and Hashtags is the first book by Lola Lockhart that I have read. And I must say that I was not disappointed.
It is the story of Everly Ford and Cole Silver. She is a social media influencer who is being stalked and he, an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard, has been assigned as her personal security detail.
I loved Everly’s relationship with her friends, Tanya and Daisy. And the banter between Everly and Cole. This book reiterates the fact that friends are an important part of our life.
This is a fast paced romance
I loved the book and am looking forward to more books from the author.
It is the story of Everly Ford and Cole Silver. She is a social media influencer who is being stalked and he, an ex-SEAL turned bodyguard, has been assigned as her personal security detail.
I loved Everly’s relationship with her friends, Tanya and Daisy. And the banter between Everly and Cole. This book reiterates the fact that friends are an important part of our life.
This is a fast paced romance
I loved the book and am looking forward to more books from the author.
March 10, 2024
Heartbeats & Hashtags is a steamy, slow-burn, OTT, age-gap, girl gets her bodyguard romance. Everly is a fitness internet influencer who posts workouts and has gained a lot of followers. Cole is a hunky, ex-Seal turned bodyguard. When Everly ends up with a stalker, a friend's dad sets up Cole as her bodyguard. The book read slow at times for me, and the characters irritated me a bit but then grew on me. I think Cole was older, but it's not stated unless I missed it. The chemistry was decent, and the ending was happy. I thought this was a decent debut novel from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
i had such a privilege of reading this book as an arc - so thank you lola <3
i binged this book in one sitting it was that fast paced and easy to read - it was bubbly, fun and full of a lovely romance
the characters were so lovable and had their own little quirks that were adorable. i actually loved the whole influencer / bodyguard trope - it read so well and flowed quite nicely
the plot felt very rushed in certain places and felt like it could’ve used some more depth but i loved it nonetheless x
i had such a privilege of reading this book as an arc - so thank you lola <3
i binged this book in one sitting it was that fast paced and easy to read - it was bubbly, fun and full of a lovely romance
the characters were so lovable and had their own little quirks that were adorable. i actually loved the whole influencer / bodyguard trope - it read so well and flowed quite nicely
the plot felt very rushed in certain places and felt like it could’ve used some more depth but i loved it nonetheless x
March 14, 2024
Heartbeats and Hashtags by Lola Lockhart is a good, and enjoyable alpha bodyguard grumpy sunshine romantic comedy read. The story has a good entertaining world building story line with an easy to read story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining quick funny romance read with satisfying and realistic ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2025
*3⭐️3🌶️ (look on my profile to see what my ratings mean to me)
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Bodyguard Romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Only One Bed
Grumpy X Sunshine
Slow Burn
Opposites Attract
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Yearning
Nickname
Friendships
Volunteering chapters
Didn’t like/ improve:
For me when reading this book/novella I was wishing that it was a full length book meaning we’d get more detail. I also wished that there were more spice in the book also. I feel like the stalker reveal and take down could’ve been more action packed (for me it kinda ran flat).
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Bodyguard Romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Only One Bed
Grumpy X Sunshine
Slow Burn
Opposites Attract
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Yearning
Nickname
Friendships
Volunteering chapters
Didn’t like/ improve:
For me when reading this book/novella I was wishing that it was a full length book meaning we’d get more detail. I also wished that there were more spice in the book also. I feel like the stalker reveal and take down could’ve been more action packed (for me it kinda ran flat).
May 28, 2024
Eh. Didn’t love. Didn’t hate. I normally love bodyguard romances, but this one felt like an outline of a story.
A good outline that promises a great book, albeit but it felt like there was so much missing.
It seemed like they went from acquaintances to instantly secretly being in love with each other.
It just felt super rushed and there could have been so much more added to it to give the characters and their story more depth.
A good outline that promises a great book, albeit but it felt like there was so much missing.
It seemed like they went from acquaintances to instantly secretly being in love with each other.
It just felt super rushed and there could have been so much more added to it to give the characters and their story more depth.
March 10, 2025
This wasn’t a bad book but I did give it 2 stars because it was a little too cheesy & the author rushed the ending. I know this was a quick & easy read but I think the author spent too much time trying to build the story & emotions between the characters & then rushed the ending when addressing Everly’s stalker. Also, the ending was predictable. From the get go, I always knew her stalker was her assistant that quit in the first chapter. All in all, the book was ok but super rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2024
•ARC REVIEW•
First of all, thank you SO much the author for allowing me to be part of her arc team💖
4.5 ⭐️
- slow burn
- bodyguard romance
- dual POV
This book had me laughing and giggling!!! If you’re looking for a good pallet cleanser THIS IS IT!!!
This was such a cute, fun, and fast-paced read💖 I enjoyed it so much and It was just what I needed after my previous read! I’m crossing my fingers that the author wants to write a book about one side character whom I loved 👀 *coughs* Tanya *coughs* and I’m pretty sure if you read this book you’ll love her too🥰
First of all, thank you SO much the author for allowing me to be part of her arc team💖
4.5 ⭐️
- slow burn
- bodyguard romance
- dual POV
This book had me laughing and giggling!!! If you’re looking for a good pallet cleanser THIS IS IT!!!
This was such a cute, fun, and fast-paced read💖 I enjoyed it so much and It was just what I needed after my previous read! I’m crossing my fingers that the author wants to write a book about one side character whom I loved 👀 *coughs* Tanya *coughs* and I’m pretty sure if you read this book you’ll love her too🥰
March 12, 2024
I read this book expecting a fun, easy read - that is exactly what I got!
This is a bodyguard, slow burn romance and I felt like the book delivered on what it promised.
I loved the chemistry and dynamic between Cole and Everly and I loved their relationship and how it progressed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a good, light romance book.
This is a bodyguard, slow burn romance and I felt like the book delivered on what it promised.
I loved the chemistry and dynamic between Cole and Everly and I loved their relationship and how it progressed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a good, light romance book.
February 22, 2024
I was privileged to get to read this before it came out. It was sooo good. I definitely suggest reading this book!! So so so good. I loved it and hope you will too!! Thank you Ms. Lockhart for letting me read your amazing book!!
March 1, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The romance with the bodyguard was sooo good and I actually couldn’t put this book down, I finished it in one sitting and I can’t wait to see what else this author brings out🤩
March 3, 2024
I really loved it
It was a very good and funny story
I loved the suspense, the action the emotion.
I loved it and I loved the characters and their dinamic.
Very good 😊.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a very good and funny story
I loved the suspense, the action the emotion.
I loved it and I loved the characters and their dinamic.
Very good 😊.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2024
This book was so easy to read it was fast paced and had me laughing.
The character were so lovable and I enjoyed the banter between the characters.
Can’t wait to read more form this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The character were so lovable and I enjoyed the banter between the characters.
Can’t wait to read more form this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2024
A great read, the story of Cole and Everly. They meet after he becomes her security, but will he become more than that while he is keeping her safe? I liked how it was told from both points of view.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Short, sweet, and to the point. Super fast paced so it’s the perfect solution to reading slumps! It is a novella so some aspects felt a little underdeveloped but overall a super cute and fun read!
Short, sweet, and to the point. Super fast paced so it’s the perfect solution to reading slumps! It is a novella so some aspects felt a little underdeveloped but overall a super cute and fun read!
September 24, 2024
It was alright. La verdad creo que no era mi momento para leerlo, estuvo bien por momentos y otros estaba muy lento y aburrido.
La explicación de Little Rose estuvo muy meh y no me hizo sentir nada por Cole, pero bue.
La explicación de Little Rose estuvo muy meh y no me hizo sentir nada por Cole, pero bue.
October 14, 2024
It was cute but no real depth to either character. I knew who her stalker was immediately and think it works have been slightly better had we not known, but it's not really about who's stalking Everly.
January 9, 2026
As a debut novel, I thought this novella was pretty good. The plot was short and simple and not overly complicated with characters. I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them about the same. For a short read in between books, it was a fun read.
February 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. I figured out early on who the stalker was but it was still fun watching it all unfold.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 4, 2024
Love this book! If you are looking for a quick and light romance this is for you! And of course it has the bodyguard trope! 🩵
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews