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Connected #3

Connected by Love

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You’re my masterpiece. Before you, my life was just shades of greys with a hint of color, but now…now all I see is color.

Sophia

I have one rule…don’t date the dads of one of my students. When I find out that the little boy with grey eyes who has stolen my heart is the son of the one man who has ever made me feel alive, I’m not strong enough to resist. Some rules are made to be broken, and this one shattered the moment his lips met mine.

Travis

I was left once, five years ago, with a newborn in my arms. I vowed to protect my son from ever being left behind again. I’ve got a good routine going, and the casual hookups satisfy my needs, keeping my private life out of it. When a beautiful stranger needs my help one night at a bar, the urge to protect her gets deeply rooted in my being. No matter how hard I try to resist this wildcat, she has her claws in me now, and this is one fight that I will gladly lose.

*This is Book Three in the Connected Series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, the characters are first introduced in book one, Connected by Souls, and will be more enjoyable with the back story.

What to expect in Connected by Love
*Small-town romance
*Single dad
*Dual POV
*Possessive vibes
*Tattoo artist
*Parent/teacher relationship
*No cheating
*Happy ever after
*Sweet and Spicy

*This book is intended for 18 and over. Contains mature sexual scenes and some language. Drug substance abuse, an overdose, and grief are mentioned briefly.

330 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2024

20 people are currently reading
360 people want to read

About the author

Sophia Belle

8 books167 followers
Sophia Belle is an author of Contemporary Romances. She loves writing about small-town romances where the guys have boy-next-door qualities but turn up the spice in the bedroom. Her dirty-talking, possessive, golden retrievers at heart—fall hard and love even harder.


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https://linktr.ee/sophiabelleauthor

Connected by Souls is her debut novel.

When she's not writing, you can find her boating with her family on the weekends, enjoying the beaches, homeschooling their youngest, and going on fun group dates with their friends. She lives in Florida with her husband, three children, and two golden retrievers, and yes, Mimi and Papaw live above the garage, just like in the book.

A note from Sophia:

One night, I dreamed about the characters from Connected by Souls. I woke up in the middle of the night, opened my laptop, and started writing. I have always been an avid reader, but I had no clue what I was doing. I was having so much fun writing that I told myself if I only did this for my eyes, it would be enough because it brought me so much joy.

Before I knew it, I had an entire novel sitting in front of me. A novel I cried and laughed with while sitting in the dark by myself, typing away in the still of the night. A story I knew needed to be shared with others.

I've opened up this whole creative world that I didn't know existed inside me, and I never want it to end. Writing has given me something I can own outside of being a mom. A sense of accomplishment and joy that I didn't know was missing.

I look forward to beginning my journey as an author, and I’m excited to connect with my readers on a deeper level. I've put my heart and soul into what I write, and my wish for you is to feel connected to my characters as much as I do.

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5 stars
144 (53%)
4 stars
79 (29%)
3 stars
35 (12%)
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10 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for MrsHarvieReads.
413 reviews
April 22, 2024
I am thrilled to have been given an ARC for Connected by Love by Sophia Belle. This is the 3rd in a series of steamy, small town romances. Connected by Love, which works as a standalone, tells the story of Sophia and Travis who have an insta-attraction when they meet in a bar. Travis is a successful portrait/tattoo artist and single dad to 5 year old Max, and Sophia is Max’s kindergarten teacher. Travis prioritizes his son and typically avoids relationships, but fate keeps bringing him and Sophia together. When they do get together, there is no shortage of chemistry. It’s more spice than I typically read, and I would have enjoyed more of their budding relationship along with the passion. I would recommend this to erotic romance fans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Tracy.
93 reviews8 followers
May 14, 2024
First of all, thank you to the amazing author for my ARC copy!

Honestly, the book was so good😩🤌🏻 I immediately fell in love with the characters. I finished this book in I'd say 4 days, and it had me laughing hard and crying happy tears. There were scenes that touched my heart and made me feel all happy inside. I don't normally read single dad trope, but I think I'd like to read more due to how good this book turned out to be🥰

The writing was smooth, and the interactions between the characters felt natural and wholesome, which is something I like. I'd definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Colbygirl13reads.
194 reviews16 followers
April 19, 2024
Sophia Belle has done it again with Connected by Love. This is the third book in the Connected Series, but can be read as a standalone. Reading the first two books will definitely enhance the reading. This is Travis and Sophia’s story.
Travis is the new owner of the town tattoo shop. He is a known tattoo artist and portrait artist all of the world. He also is a single father to Max, a student in Sophia’s classroom. His world revolves around Max and he hasn’t opened his heart since Max’s mom. Sophia is looking for happiness and she is fiercely protective of those she loves. Her one rule is she doesn’t date fathers of her school children because her job is too important to her.
The two of them seem to be destined, bumping into each other, literally everywhere. Will they be able to work through their own trauma and rules to find their happily ever after? Their story shows that love takes work, communication, trust, and dedication. Their sexual chemistry is felt throughout the book and it sure gets spicy.
Sophia’s writing is spectacular. The character development, the interconnections throughout her stories and the realistic content makes her one of my auto read authors. A must read love story and I can’t wait to read about Ryder and Eve 💜 thank you for the ARC !
Profile Image for Sabrina.
704 reviews18 followers
May 6, 2024
Thank you Sophia for the eARC of this book! Connected by Love is officially out on April 22! 💜


Tropes:
🎨 tattoo artist x kindergarten teacher (she’s his son’s teacher)
👩🏼‍🏫 single dad
🎨 top tier banter
👩🏼‍🏫 meddling friends/siblings
🎨 🌶️🥵
👩🏼‍🏫 he rides a motorcycle
🎨 insta-lust
👩🏼‍🏫 meet cute


travis and sophia. what a story. i’ve been waiting for sophia’s story since we were first introduced to her in the beginning of the series. unlike the literal cosmic relationship between noah & emma and the “it’s always been you” relationship that maverick & bella have, travis & sophia’s story is more “traditional” with a meet cute, insta-lust story.


while i enjoyed the story, i personally loved connected by souls and connected by stars more. i really enjoyed seeing the relationship between sophia and travis grow with max as the connection between them, but i wanted more of the “will they or won’t they.” the spice was fun, but i wish some of their more emotional and intimate moments didn’t dissolve into lust—but you know, that’s just how it is for some people. the conflict was predictable and i wanted it to draw out more, despite how much third act break-ups suck.


but overall, i always enjoy sophia’s writing and will always come back for more! the plot just missed the mark a bit for me, but still a super enjoyable story that i ate up. for now, i will be patiently waiting for ryder’s story (it’s literally the book plot i have been wanting to read and haven’t found yet ☺️☺️)
Profile Image for Nicole Wendland.
80 reviews18 followers
August 20, 2024
E books releases Monday 4/22!
This book took me two days to read and only because I work! I couldn’t put it down.
*Found Family
*Romance
*Spicy & Sweet
*Rule Breaker
*Hot Single Dad
*Caring Hot Teacher

Does have a slight trigger:Overdose (listed in the beginning of the book)

This book had EVERYTHING I could want and more. I have been connected, pun intended, to this series from page one of Connected by Souls and getting to Sophia’s storyline was everything I was waiting for and more. Everything came together with the storylines in this book and I can’t wait to see if she has more in store. Getting chosen to ARC read this book was everything and the highlight of my year thus far. Favorite read of the year thus far. Highly recommend!!
Sophia Belle has a knack for writing and getting you hooked from page one! These can be read out of order HOWEVER, spoilers will pop up if you do so I recommend starting with Connected by Souls, then Stars, then Love when it is released. The other 2 are already on KU! Check them out to be ready for Monday!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
5🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Profile Image for Stephs.bookshelf09.
417 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2024
I can NOT get enough of Sophia Belle’s books! She is an auto buy for me for forever! Her character development, interactions, interconnections, and reality conceivability is hands down the best I’ve read. You always feel the book is about the two main characters, but still the the pieces and bits from the other characters as well, old and new!

This story though has truly captured my heart and soul. This is the first book to her that I truly yelled out loud while reading. Sophia’s ability to make me hate a character as much as she did was amazing (but I also hated it too). The antagonist in this book truly left them to be undesirable 👿 such a wench.

This book is about Travis Montgomery, a single dad (of adorable little Max), artist/tattooist, rough exterior, and a closed off heart for anyone but his son. And Sophia Lane, a kindergarten teacher, who is just looking for her happy in the world, but is fierce and not afraid to let her claws out to anyone who crosses her.

These two seem to bump into each other is the least expected places. Trying to decide what they will do with each other, run away or tear each others cloths off. Both have a lot to loose if this thing they are doing goes south at any point. And neither is willing to let the devastation happen, so the question will be what happens next?

Travis and Sophia are a love story that shows love has to be worked for. You don’t just open a book and find it on the cover. It takes time, dedication, sunshine, and willing to let it go if it needs.

The spice is ON POINT. All the chillie peppers. Travis and Sophia are sexual tension that has to be cut with a knife. The instant connection falling into each others arms (literally) to feeling the power of his motorcycle underneath leave these two with no inch not uncovered.

This is a must read if you’re looking for an interconnected love story that shows the growth of these two and how the love story is found inside the pages within.

Profile Image for Smut Cartel.
261 reviews31 followers
June 5, 2024
You’re my masterpiece. Before you, my life was just shades of greys with a hint of color, but now…now all I see is color.

Travis and Sophia's story is beautifully written, filled with a mixture of hesitations, sexual tension, undeniable chemistry and a super cute 5 year old that is truly the star of the book.
I simply adored how much Travis loved his son Max and dedicated his life to him.
There is a lot of spice - a lot!

Tropes:
- Small town
- Dual POV
- Single dad
- Possessive vibes
- HEA
Profile Image for tina ʚɞ.
203 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2025
2.75 ⭐

i feel a bit conflicted about this book. i don't know whether i liked it or not.

there seems to be a pattern in the recent books I've read and it's that the second half of the books are really boring and disappointing. this time, it was due to the EXCESSIVE, and when i say excessive i mean it, amount of smut scenes.

don't get me wrong, I'm not a smut hater, but sometimes it's too much. here for instance i felt like it took away from the emotional part of their relationship and made it purely sexual (it was in every single chapter, sometimes more than once).
also... what was that marking stuff about omg
Profile Image for Pageturner_ Ashley.
128 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2024
This is a contemporary romance that revolves around a famous tattoo/portrait artist named Travis and his wonderful son Max. One day Travis runs smack into Sophia, who ends up being Max’s teachers. Not only is she Max’s teacher, but she is a woman that Max is extremely obsessed with. It becomes ironic when his dad becomes obsessed with the same woman. Unfortunately, Sophia has one rule, don’t date a dad of one of her students. Will she be strong enough to resist the temptation and the pull and stay away from this gray eyed god?

This is my first Sophia Belle read and I’m cursing myself right now. This chick is amazing! From the turn of the very first page I was hooked. She will be one of my auto buy authors. I am running to read the rest of her books. (Yes, I read the series out of order, due to this being an ARC read). Book 4, I need it now. Would I like to ARC read it, YES PLEASE!!

The sexual tension was top tier! Travis thinks he needs just one night to get Sophia out of his system, boy was he wrong! She quickly becomes everything he ever needed and will fight for it at all costs. The man is protective AF and I’m here for it. Will his past be too much? Can he let down the walls that surround his shattered heart? Read to find out!! You won’t regret it. Stunning! Oh, and did I mention spice? I read a comment before I started reading this book that said it was straight smut. I mean, they may not be wrong it’s like a full on 5 peppers. But that shit was hot!!!

Thank you @ for this eARC, it’s quickly become one of my favorite reads this year.

𝑅𝑒𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒜𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓁 𝟤𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦!
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
715 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2025
It’s like a weird blend of small town Mayberry mixed with some generic vanilla version of 50 shades of Grey. 🙃 (possible spoilers ahead) I felt like I was stuck in some weird book loop and I couldn’t get out.

I liked the series, but I didn’t like it.

This one was simple. H and h meet at a bar. They have a connection. They meet up again and have a ONS.
h ends up being his 5 year old son’s teacher. She says she can’t date parents of her students due to the school board and a past mistake, but I don’t think we ever learn what happened.

H is closed off because the woman (OW) he loved 5 years previously, had his baby, dumped the baby/H and took off. Her drugs and modeling career were more important.

The first 50% of the book deals with him coming to terms he has feelings for H.

Then OW shows back up. Not for her kid, but for 10k. He gives it to her 😩 but not before she causes some issues with h. It’s quickly resolved

HOLY FK BUNNIES!! These two MCs have A LOT of smex. As I’ve mentioned before in my reviews of book 1 & 2- it’s endless amounts of smex. It’s way too much. And it’s basically all the same kinds of smex. h is either bent over or they are missionary. He always eats, slams it in, yells out “FK”, they shatter together, then it’s over. Within like 2 paragraphs, they do it again. Sometimes it’s even 3 or 4 times per chapter. 🤯 I think in this one, he tied her up once and blindfolded her.
They also have smex at the most inappropriate places. Go to parents for lunch- have smex in the spare room before anybody meets her. Go on a drive- have smex in the car and the motorcycle and the truck. Go to h’s employment AT THE SCHOOL- have smex in the classroom. 🙄🙄 okkkay

So the biggest reason for the low rating on this book- the OW. She was the kid’s mother. The author had her as a druggie. At the end, she ODs and dies. H and h end up going to settle her affairs, and they spread her ashes.
Everything about this plot just gave me the yuck. 2 weeks after she died, H proposes. 4 months later, they give h adoption papers and the little kid is calling her mama.
Idk it just didn’t sit right with me. 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Nadine.
196 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2024
Connected by Love
Sophia Belle

“I’ve seen guys look at you since you arrived - just waiting to get a glance from you. A sliver of hope that they have a chance to take you home. I’m not sharing you with anyone, not even a toy. If we’re going to do this, I’ll be the only one touching you.”

Before you, my life was just shades of greys with a hint of color, but now… now all I see is color.

Okay this was amazing. A beautiful small town romance with serious heart! Also very much a sweet and spicy romance.

“Don’t give up on him, okay? He’s been through a lot, and trust doesn’t come easy to him anymore. I promise you, if you’re patient and wait for him to come to terms with what he is feeling for you, you won’t find another person with a heart like Travis. When he loves, he loves hard. Just don’t rule him out just yet.”

Sophia Belle has become an automatic buy author for me because this book was so sweet and felt so genuine. The character development felt very organic. You just cannot help but fall in love with these characters (and their families).

The tension and sexual chemistry were 🥵. Travis himself sounds like a dream. I mean that library, IYKYK ❤️. I loved the possessive vibes and god knows I adore a HEA.

“You have no idea how scared I am, but I’m more scared of what my life will be like if I don’t try to keep you in it.”

Book besties, do as I say and not as I do. Read in order. This is book three in the Connected series. I reckon it’s more fun in order (no spoilers right) however I left my run too late and jumped the gun into book three. Each book centres around a couple and the dramas and experiences they have. With the side characters filtering in, so that each book builds on the world of these interconnected characters and storyline’s.

“I am yours, Travis. Always.
And I’m yours.”

Connected by Love is released today, Monday 22nd April. Please check out the Connected Series and show this incredible indie author some love. ❤️
Profile Image for Bikergirlauthor .
182 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
This book has such a beautiful story and the author crafted a really great story that was hard not to put it down which made me read it all the way through. This book literally has my heart seeing the attraction between Sophia and Travis was heart warming, and how they were longing for each other had me losing my mind in a good way.

This book is a sweet and spicy romance that has a strong plot and well developed characters. I enjoyed reading this book because Sophias and Travis story together and the spice was just right.

Everything about this book was good and I would highly recommend this to anyone.
This book is about Travis Montgomery, a single dad (of adorable little Max), artist/tattooist, rough exterior, and a closed off heart for anyone but his son. And Sophia Lane, a kindergarten teacher, who is just looking for her happy in the world, but is fierce and not afraid to let her claws out to anyone who crosses her.

These two seem to bump into each other is the least expected places. Trying to decide what they will do with each other, run away or tear each others cloths off. Both have a lot to loose if this thing they are doing goes south at any point. And neither is willing to let the devastation happen, so the question will be what happens next?

Travis and Sophia are a love story that shows love has to be worked for. You don’t just open a book and find it on the cover. It takes time, dedication, sunshine, and willing to let it go if it needs.
Profile Image for Ciara Brewer.
61 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2024
I can honestly say I haven’t read a bad story by this author. I love that all her character are connected somehow it just makes you feel more drawn into each relationship and story since they all fit together. Connected by love was no different. I fell in love with this book from the first page. I always like Sophia from the other stories and the fact that she would just randomly jump a guy to run off another is so her. I loved watching Travis and Sophia relationship build. Being a mostly dark romance girl the spice is the books was hot and I loved every minute of it. I loved that Travis was so focused on his son Max it was so sweet that he is such a good dad and put that above everything else. There wasn’t one piece of this story that I didn’t absolutely devour. I can remember parts I wanted to scream and other parts I got goosebumps just reading. This was an amazing story and I can wait to read more from Sophia Belle. You truly know how to put your thoughts to paper and make a beautiful story that your reader can connect to thank you so much. The ending of this book just made it the new relationship dynamic that falls into place just makes the whole book. Absolutely beautiful story and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Profile Image for Kyana.
133 reviews
April 30, 2024
Actual rating 4.5/5, but had to round down on GoodReads!

"You're my masterpiece. Before you, my life was just shades of greys with a hint of color, but now...now all I see is color."

Connected by Love is the third book in the connected series! This one is Sophia and Travis' story. Sophia is Maverick's younger sister and Bella's best friend. Sophia has watched Noah find Emma, Maverick come to the realization of what he feels for Bella, and she's been yearning for that kind of love herself. One night at a bar she runs into Travis (literally) and they have an instant attraction. They continue to find themselves drawn to one another. Travis is new to town, owner of the tattoo shop, and a single father to Max (who happens to be in Sophia's kindergarten class). Travis hasn't opened his heart up to anyone since Max's mother, and he tries his hardest to stay away from Sophia. But can they really stay away from one another?
I absolutely loved this book, and boy was it ever spicy! I didn't want to put this book down at all! Looking forward to her next release - Ryder and Eve's story!

Thank you to the author - Sophia - for this ARC, I'm so glad I was able to read this book!
Profile Image for Dawn Litwiller.
390 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2024
This is the third book in the series, but a standalone story. I haven’t read the first two books yet, but it did not take anything away from the story.
Travis is a single dad that avoids relationships at all costs and Sophia is a teacher that doesn’t date parents of her students.
They have a chance meeting and Travis helps Sophia and that starts the ball rolling. They have instant attraction and can’t stop thinking about each other. When they keep running into each other, they give into the attraction. Then the worst case scenario happens and they find out that they are connected by his son who is also her student.
Things get complicated but they can’t give each other up and Travis’s son loves Sophia also. Especially when Sophia becomes more involved in their lives.
They fight it as long as they can, trying to protect Travis’s son, her job and their hearts.
Lots of banter, chemistry, humour and spice. I really enjoyed this read and will be going back to read the first two books in the series and look forward to future books by this author.
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
775 reviews18 followers
May 7, 2024
This is the third book in the Connected series. This is Travis and Sophia's book, and it was good!
Definitely full of spice!
If you love small town, single dad, teacher/parent tropes, then check this out!
Profile Image for Hope .
342 reviews1 follower
maybe
October 9, 2024
self note - H is a single dad and she is his kid's teacher. Goes on maybe shelf due to ex drama. His ex comes back and causes problems and h has to comfort him a lot while he grieves for her
Profile Image for Melissa Strader.
85 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
When I started this book I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the main characters and the heat between the two. About half way through I was forcing myself to finish. I love steamy scenes but every chapter is a bit excessive. Seemed like their relationship is built on sex mainly. I would have liked more substance and not just sex. I enjoyed the little bit of story between the sex scenes. I would recommend for anyone who wants pure smut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Natalie (Novels__&__Needles).
626 reviews33 followers
May 3, 2024
Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

🌸 Small town
🌸 Single Dad
🌸 Teacher x Parent

Book 3 of the Connected series and we’re here for Sophia and Travis who we first met in book 1.

The writing is very much what you’d expect from Sophia Belle and follows the exact same style as the other books in this series, the continuation in this world was nicely done with a good balance of plot and spice.

I loved the relationship Travis had with his son Max (who was my favourite character in this book). The fact that Sophia is portrayed as pretty fierce and independent really ticked the boxes for me…..I will always fold for a self assured FMC.
Profile Image for Courtney.
9 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and really enjoyed it! The FMC being a teacher is what initially drew me into the book, and I’m so glad I read it. If you love books with a single dad, this book is definitely for you! I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series to experience more in this universe Sophia Belle has created!

Profile Image for Rebeka.
20 reviews
June 19, 2025
It was a fun read,but the plot was very weak and the writing was really bad. The relationship between the two main character was basically just sex and a very little communication. I gave it 3 stars because it was what I needed in a reading slump.
Profile Image for Ophelia.
10 reviews
April 21, 2024
ARC review


Run don't walk. The third book in the Connected series is by far my favorite.
I recommend reading the other two books first but it's not necessary as all the characters' relationships are talked about in this one.

Motorcycle
Tattoos
Single dad
His son's teacher
Spice🌶️

What more can you ask for.
And those last chapters will give you all the feels.

Single Dad and tattoo artist Travis and his son Max just moved to town to open up a tattoo shop. When Sophia runs into Travis at the bar and uses him to get her stalker to back off, they can't keep away from eachother. Life keeps bringing them together and throwing them at eachother as they meet everywhere time and time again.
Sophia is Max's teacher and it makes it this much harder to stay away from hot dad Travis as she swore she wouldn't get involved with a student's dad again.

Grab your copy of Connected by Love by Sophia Belle out April 22nd!
Profile Image for Sherrie Kirkland.
46 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2024
This book!!! Oh my gosh! I loved this book! I could not put this down. I haven’t read the other two books in series but now, it’s an absolute must! I fell in love with Travis and Sophia from the very beginning! Dating a man who has kids whose mother was a drug addict….really hit home with. I have raised my husband’s kiddos for the last 12 years as my own kids. Like Max, they asked me to be their mom…that brought me to my knees. They too also lost their bio mom to drugs, so this really hit home for me. I hope to see more from Ms. Sophia Belle!
I rate this a 5⭐️ and the spice level was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The love story was on point 1,000%
Thank you Sophia Belle for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
12 reviews
May 17, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book! I enjoyed it! It was a nice little escape. It was definitely SPICY, more so than I normally read. I would have liked to read more about their relationship development. I would recommend to anyone who loves a lot of spice! 🔥
188 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2024
Author ruined what could have been a really great book by the appearance of Addy and then her death. It’s not romantic to let the h comfort the H as he breaks his heart over another woman. Especially one who was so despicable to both him and their son. And to then make a five year old scatter her ashes. The kid didn’t even need to know she died. She wasn’t his mother in any way shape or form.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 2 books7 followers
August 30, 2025
This was adorable and hot. Their love story was absolutely perfect.




****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Book  Junkie.
310 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2024
This is book 3 in the series and I would highly recommend reading books and 2 before you dive into this one. Not because it cannot be enjoyed as a standalone but because the previous characters are mentioned and it will enhance the experience for you. I was luckily enough to receive an ARC of this book and I absolutely devoured it.

The author's writing style is an absolute favourite of mine and she just has a way of pulling you into the story. These books just get better and better and I cannot wait for more in the series. Single parent stories are not a favourite of mine and I'll be honest, I don't typically read them but I loved this one and I'm 100% invested in this group of people.

This is a continuation of the same characters from books 1 and 2 but is Sophia's story. Sophia is the sister of our H in book 2 and the best friend of our h from book 1 and they both appear heavily throughout this book. At the end of book 2 the "new" characters were introduced which will allow this series to continue and those are Travis (our H) and his family. Travis has moved to a new area with his son to open up a tattoo shop. He is struggling due to a past trauma as part of an old relationship when he meets Sophia. You really see his struggle in the pages of the book. He is 100% committed to his son and that is his priority and he fights his pull to Sophia as much as he can until he can't.

Sophia's character is written as strong, feisty and loyal. She is a school teacher and just so happens to be Travis' son Max's teacher. Sophia falls in love with Max before she even knows who he is.

There is a little bit of drama with Travis' ex who is Max's biological mum but it's resolved pretty quickly. On one hand perhaps too quickly but on the other I don't think you would have wanted to give her any more page space! The author does a really good job of clearly identifying the role of the ow in this book so that she does't play too much of an important role in Travis and his sons life. All too often a past love is given too much page space and makes our h feel like a consolation prize - that's NOT the case here. While Travis had a relationship with and loved his ex at one time, it's made clear that it was nothing in comparison to what he has with Sophia!

The author does a brilliant job of dropping hints for the next book a I can't wait!

Favourite Quotes:

"My heart squeezes painfully in my chest at the realization of how much this girl has found her way into my heart. I'm not just falling.......I've fallen."

"Before you, my life was just sades of grey with a hint of colour, but now....now all I see is color."
183 reviews11 followers
August 22, 2025
1. "Heartfelt, steamy, and soul deep."
“This story grabbed me from the first sentence. Sophia’s internal struggle, the tenderness between her and Travis, and the way his son ties them together it’s everything I want in a romance. 5 stars isn’t enough!”
@RomanceBookNerd

2. "Forbidden and unforgettable!"
“I love a good teacher/parent dynamic, and this one nailed it. The emotional stakes were high, the chemistry was fire, and the little boy? Completely stole my heart.”
Bookishness

3. "So much more than just romance."
“This book had all the tension and spice, but also so much heart. Watching Travis try to protect both his son and his heart, while Sophia fights her own rules it felt real, raw, and completely engrossing.”
@ReadingInHeels

4. "Perfect mix of angst and affection."
“You’ll swoon, you’ll ache, you’ll fall in love. Sophia and Travis are beautifully broken and perfect for each other. And don’t get me started on the emotional payoff tears!”
Paige Ever After

5. "A rule worth breaking!"
“If you love stories about second chances, fierce loyalty, and slow burning tension, this one’s for you. I devoured it in a day!”
TheRomanceShelf

to resist. Some rules are made to be broken, and this one shattered the moment his lips met mine.

Travis

I was left once, five years ago, with a newborn in my arms. I vowed to protect my son from ever being left behind again. I’ve got a good routine going, and the casual hookups satisfy my needs, keeping my private life out of it. When a beautiful stranger needs my help one night at a bar, the urge to protect her gets deeply rooted in my being. No matter how hard I try to resist this wildcat, she has her claws in me now, and this is one fight that I will gladly lose.

*This is Book Three in the Connected Series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, the characters are first introduced in book one, Connected by Souls, and will be more enjoyable with the back story.

What to expect in Connected by Love
*Small town romance
*Single dad
*Dual POV
*Possessive vibes
*Tattoo artist
*Parent/teacher relationship
*No cheating
*Happy ever after
*Sweet and Spicy

*This book is intended for 18 and over. Contains mature sexual scenes and some language. Drug substance abuse, an overdose, and grief are mentioned briefly.
Profile Image for jasminjustreads.
119 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
"Connected by Love" is a contemporary romance novel that intertwines the complexities of love, redemption, and the power of second chances. Authored by Sophia Belle, this book is the third in the series and is yet another masterpiece that captivates readers from the very first page till the end, leaving them yearning for more.

The story revolves around a single father, Travis, and his son's teacher, Sophia. Travis is grappling with a past experience that shattered his trust in love. As their paths cross, both Travis and Sophia find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, but they must confront their own fears and insecurities before they can fully embrace the love blossoming between them.

What makes this novel stand out is its impeccably crafted characters and deeply emotive narrative. Travis's journey of healing and self-discovery is portrayed with raw authenticity, making his struggles and triumphs feel incredibly relatable and he does this all while maintaining what is best for his son, Max. Sophia, on the other hand, is portrayed as a beacon of hope and resilience, whose unwavering belief in the power of love serves as a guiding light for Travis.

The chemistry between Travis and Sophia is palpable, their love story unfolds with a delicate balance of passion and tenderness. The spicy scenes are definitely spicing, but that makes it even more so a story of true passion and love.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the portrayal of parenthood. Travis's unwavering devotion to his son, coupled with his determination to shield him from the pain of his past, adds an extra layer to the story. The interactions between Travis and his son are heartwarming, highlighting the transformative power of love and sacrifice.

"Connected by Love" is a testament to the author's impeccable storytelling prowess. The author's writing is wonderfully spicy yet still emotive, weaving a tapestry of emotions that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page. With its rich character development and heartfelt romance, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. What sets "Connected by Love" apart is its deeply human portrayal of relationships in all their complexity.

In conclusion, "Connected by Love" is a beautifully written love story that transcends the boundaries of the genre. It's a tale of the enduring power of love to heal even the deepest of wounds. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a captivating romance novel that will tug at their heartstrings and leave them breathless.

This entire series by Sophia Belle is one that I am happy to give a permanent spot on my physical bookshelves and will continue to read!
Profile Image for B.B. Jenn.
56 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
📚BOOK REVIEW 📚

My rating was rounded up

⭐️Goodread Rating: 4.56/5⭐️
💫My Rating: 4.5/5 💫

⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
-Grief, descriptive sexual activities, some graphic language, drug substance use, and overdose


📝My Review📝

In “Connected by Love”, readers are taken back to the familiar small town on Florida’s coast where destined lovers have followed the “invisible string” to find each other. Brought together by an immediate attraction and Sophia’s student, Travis and Sophia discover just how strong their “invisible string” truly is. Both are learning to take chances and truly accept and honor their own desires even if the risks are costly. Could this “invisible string” forever tie them together or will the cost be too high cutting their connection.

This is the third installment of the “Connected Series” by Sophia Belle. Readers are emersed into a world with new and familiar characters. The new characters that Belle specifically introduced in this novel have quickly became new favorites of mine! I have been honored to be given the opportunity to read all the novels to date within this series. Belle has yet to disappoint me in providing a heart melting and mouth watering love story. I have throughly enjoyed the immediate and captivating chemistry that the MCs portray within the storyline.
Furthermore, there was a great balance between the Intimate scenes and context scenes to support and develop the plot. I found myself gushing at the sweet moments between Sophia and her student. The love and innocence of a child’s heart is truly captured in Belle’s writing. If you’re looking for an uplifting, sexy, and relaxing type of book, “Connected by Love” is the book for you! This can be a stand alone novel, but reading the other novels in the series allows you to discover this world without of any spoilers being revealed.

🤍Thanks to for Sophia Belle for trusting me with their novel in return for my personal review🤍

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