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The Rivers Brothers #3

Her Vibrant Heart

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What happens when a fiery environmental lawyer meets an arrogant property developer, determined to have his way?

Rhett Rivers is a charming billionaire playboy, and I’m Scarlett Wright, a woman who doesn’t back down from a fight.

Our worlds clash, and the sparks between us are burning hot. Until one reckless weekend together changes everything.
Suddenly I’m facing an unexpected pregnancy, and the man who swept me off my feet isn’t so sure about fatherhood.

But when a rare disorder threatens our baby, something in Rhett shifts. He's not just a playboy anymore, he's the man who will stop at nothing to save us.

Just when I start falling for him, his past tears us apart, leaving our future hanging by a thread.

Can we build a life together, or will our little family be shattered before it even begins?

330 pages, ebook

Published June 20, 2024

638 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read

About the author

Mary Waterford

26 books132 followers

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5 stars
381 (31%)
4 stars
424 (35%)
3 stars
286 (23%)
2 stars
83 (6%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
5 reviews
July 6, 2024
I ended up DNFing the book around 60% in, so fair to say I was not a fan.

I understand a lot had to happen plot wise in a relatively short book, but everything felt lacking. The pregnancy is of course the main focus of the book but it legit went from sex scene to her being 8 weeks pregnant in one page, and never was alternative solutions even considered other then just having the twins even though the dad very clearly is not a “father figure” and wasn’t interested in anything past throwing money at the problem.

The male lead also just fell flat for me. Okay you’re rich and good in bed, but what else is there that makes me root for the two?

Also had a problem with the language the love interest uses, the very overdone mediocre praise of “that’s my girl” from like page 2 and it just doesn’t feel unique to the MC or their connection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for elena(taylor's version).
270 reviews
September 8, 2024
man i really was on the verge of dnf-ing this book, the beginning was boring as fuck until her finding out she was pregnant. now that's where things got more interesting.

i can't say that i really liked rhett, he was an average playboy billionaire baby daddy. yeah, what he did for her throughout her pregnancy was cute and shit but nothing spectacular imo. there were still some great parts that made me all giddy 😋

another slay for the found family trope!! this one hit hard, it was really heart-warming🫶 i loved how supportive was her whole biological family🥹

for the first like 30% of the book i was thinking "man, if i was a middle-aged divoced woman i would've liked this book better. there better be some changes here". well thank fuck for the universe for pulling this off!!! i enjoyed it sm!! (except for the smut scenes because wtf were those man, i can't; that's where the middle-aged divorced woman allegation stands😭)
Profile Image for Sabrina.
694 reviews17 followers
June 20, 2024
Happy release day to Mary and Her Vibrant Heart! Special thanks to Mary and NGC for the eARC of this book!

4 ⭐

Tropes:
🐸environmental lawyer x property investor
👶🏻billionaire romance
🐸enemies-to-lovers
👶🏻surprise pregnancy
🐸opposites attract
👶🏻found family

Rhett Rivers and Scarlett Wright first meet on opposing sides of the boardroom. Rhett, a billionaire property investor and playboy, and Scarlett, an environmental lawyer tasked to protect the land Rhett's company wants to develop. When they give into the undeniable attraction and Scarlett gets pregnant, can the two of them absolve their differences to make it work? And with a rare genetic disorder that their children inherit, can he stay aware?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! As an environmental health researcher and scientist, I love seeing my field of work within books. It was giving strong Erin Brockovich vibes and I was totally here for it! The plot of this book was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions, and adding babies into the mix with the accidental pregnancy, y'all are definitely in for a ride if you decide to read this book! I don't always love the accidental pregnancy trope in books, but it really did help drive the plot of the story and it really needed to happen. I fricking LOVE the found family trope, and this was one was one of the best that I've read in a while! Rhett really made a 180 from playboy to (kinda) doting expecting father, but more the throw money at the problem type of person? No spoilers, but the length that this man went for this family (even though he resisted for so long), I am team Rhett!!! OMG.

If you enjoy the accidental pregnancy trope and found family, you definitely need to pick up this book!
Profile Image for Annika.
280 reviews48 followers
March 12, 2025
1,5 ⭐️

The premise and beginning was promising, but somewhere along the way, it went sideways for me.

The h was extremely self pitying and kind of entitled, which made it almost unbearable to read.
She was adopted, and didn’t like her family and found her birth mother/ family. And boy did I dislike how the author treated this subject. It was without nuance, pitting the two sides against each other. The subject matter is so delicate and should be treated so, without blatantly villainizing one side. It was done in poor taste and with lack of maturity.

The H was kind, but we did not really get to know him, we were told he was a playboy, but was he though?

She you read it? No dont bother, it boring and shallow and full of self pitying. Dnf at 90% that is saying something 😂
Profile Image for Alex.
120 reviews
July 15, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5 (there are several scenes, but border on cracked door as opposed to completely open)

Tropes
-rivals to lovers
-surprise pregnancy
-billionaire MMC

TWs
-pregnancy complications

Rhett and Scarlett are on opposing sides of building development, and though both have an immediate attraction to the other, hate one another. A wedding brings them together one weekend and they can no longer resist their sexual desires, and agree that they will use that time to hate-fuck. A few weeks later, Scarlett discovers she's pregnant with Rhett's baby, she decides to wait until after her first appoint to tell him, but her car breaks down on the side of the road, and Rhett happens to be driving by and offers her a ride. She not-so-gently breaks the news and Rhett immediately offers his support, though tells her that he doesn't know if he can be an active parent. Scarlett's pregnancy is deemed high-risk and needs expansive genetic testing and family history, which she doesn't have access to, as she was adopted. Rhett hires private investigators and even bribes the agency so that Scarlett can have her family medical history.

Rhett and Scarlett have amazing chemistry and the banter is off the charts!
Profile Image for Giada Giuliana.
5 reviews
April 12, 2025
One of the worst books I have ever read.

There is nothing to this book. The girl (Scarlett) and him (Rhett) sleep together then suddenly she is eight months pregnant. And then she has troubles with her pregnancy, and it feels like the author did not know much about what was wrong with the pregnancy just that she needed to go to this fancy hospital. Then suddenly she needs to find her biological mother and now the rest of the book is just what feels like them meeting and talking about how they gave Scarlett up for adoption. And what really bothers me is that Rhett and Scarlett are supposed to fall in love but there was NO connection between them. Like he is rich and they sleep together but like what else is going for him. He is not that nice and he was being a baby and walked out on her when she needed him. And then he had a sudden epiphany that he loves her? And the style of the writing felt blahhh like it needed more to it, because it felt like I wrote it (I’m a horrible writer). Overall very disappointing because I love an accidental pregnancy trope and this one was the worst one I have read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jess.
130 reviews
June 21, 2024
Long live the frogs!

I totally binged the first 2 books in preparation for this one. You really don't have to because they read well as standalones. You won't be disappointed in the whole series though! The Rivers brothers are a different breed.

Billionaire playboy and environmental lawyer really don't seem like a great match when they first meet on opposite sides. You know what they say about how opposites attract! Real relationships aren't their thing so they go for casual hook-up. The pull to each other is strong, no matter how hard they fight it. Even running away to a different country because big feelings are too much to handle, couldn't make it easier. Usually the surprise pregnancy trope is unnecessary or awkward but in this case it is perfectly written! On top of surprise pregnancy, they have a rare disorder, Scarlett has no knowledge of her bio family and Rhett is the type to conquer a challenge. Proving what he's capable of before he even realizes it.

Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Jenny Rivera.
55 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2024
I read this book first without reading the other 2 books in the The Rivers Brothers Series. This is book 3 in that series. This book follows Rhett Rivers and Scarlett's story of enemies to lovers/billionaire man common girl themed book. As someone who works in legal law I loved how Scarlett was portrayed realistically- not all partners or lawyers have money. This book is the perfect weekend read or a book you want to read in between a series book. It has the perfect balance of spice, humor and pulls at your heart strings (your going to need a box of tissues in some parts). I also loved how the author expressed in a good way that it's okay to not have to be strong all the time and lean on people for help. Although, while I do believe it can be read as a standalone, there was moments in reading where I felt like something was missing. Not sure if reading the other two books will change that.
Profile Image for Katie Roberts.
901 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2024
Enjoyment level: 4⭐
Plot: 3.5 ⭐
Characters: 4 ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

So I almost gave up after the second book as I didn't enjoy it as much as the first, but this one is back to being great. I really enjoyed it!

I do enjoy a surprise pregnancy. Not in every book, but the occasional one thrown in is fun! I loved both Scarlett and Rhett and how this all played out. It is incredibly predictable but I loved how things went with Scarletts birth family.

There wasn't a huge amount of side character interaction in this one, but what there was was great. I find these books have always left some plot threads unfinished. I would have liked a bit more time seeing how things played out with Scarletts adoptive family and with Rhetts parents.

All in though, it's great. I really enjoyed it. It's a light, quick and easy read!
Profile Image for Gemma (Bookishgem94).
196 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2024
Who would have thought frogs could bring two people together lol. I fell in love with Scarlett and Rhett and their wild road to happily ever after. A weekend together to try get each other out of their systems ends with a high risk pregnancy, finding Scarletts birth family and Rhett finally realising he can be the perfect man. This book had my emotions up and down but was so nice to read about all the stuff Scarlett went though and how that made her the stronger women she now is. Rhett was your typical hot playboy who fell hard and fast but just needs time to figure things out. The spicy scenes in this book was hot and had me wanting more. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who loves a good romance read.
7 reviews
June 20, 2024
I love the way the author immediately sets us up with the personalities of the two characters, Rhett and Scarlet. It’s so easy to see how they’ll butt heads, which is a huge part of this book. It’s spicy, fun and easy to read. I read it basically in one sitting and it was fabulous. I really like that there’s a storyline to it as well, and it doesn’t feel rushed like other books I’ve read in the past. The pace, although intentionally quick, seems just right for them.

There are some surprises that genuinely shocked me! It made me want to keep reading.

I love Rhett’s caring but domineering personality.

Overall, it’s warm and cozy. A read to make you feel comfortable and content on a rainy day.
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,548 reviews115 followers
July 6, 2024
😭😭😭😭😭 so freaking emotional! I think this one is my favorite of the 3!! I was hating it at first, but all the love had me feeling all sorts of ways. This was a very sweet story, but also an emotional one. Rhett and Scarlett both had a lot to work through. Rhett with his insecurities and issues. Scarlett with her family, both biological and adoptive. It was a lot to work through. I absolutely adore Scarlett's bio family and how accepting and loving they are. It was exactly what Scarlett needed. But I also love how her adoptive parents came around and showed her how much they truly loved her. It all came full circle for Scarlett. Rhett had his brothers as a support system, and they gave him the kick in the butt he needed. Everything was perfect
Profile Image for Annika.
259 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2025
1,5 ⭐️

The premise and beginning was promising, but somewhere along the way, it went sideways for me.

The h was extremely self pitying and kind of entitled, which made it almost unbearable to read.
She was adopted, and didn’t like her family and found her birth mother/ family. And boy did I dislike how the author treated this subject. It was without nuance, pitting the two sides against each other. The subject matter is so delicate and should be treated so, without blatantly villainizing one side. It was done in poor taste and with lack of maturity.

The H was kind, but we did not really get to know him, we were told he was a playboy, but was he though?

She you read it? No dont bother, it boring and shallow and full of self pitying. Dnf at 90% that is saying something 😂
Profile Image for Katie.
77 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2024
1.5⭐ (bcp 0 would be too harsh)

The MCs literally had 0 chemistry
Scarlett might as well have slept with a Rock, he kept talking nonsense about keeping people at arm's length istg if I read or hear this sentence one more time I am losing my scheisse.
There was no romance at all??? They like shagged four times and then he was a cold hearted a-hole while her thoughts were all over the place and it didn't make any sense

And the ending??? Everything was rushed one moment he was I hate everything and everyone pisses me off and the next he was in love and wanted to be a father.
Profile Image for Lydia.
160 reviews
January 18, 2025
What an emotional and heartfelt story! Scarlett and Rhett’s journey had everything: family drama, sizzling chemistry, high-stakes conflict, and touching moments that pulled at my heartstrings.

The story beautifully balances romance, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating love when life gets complicated. Rhett’s transformation and the grand gestures made for such a swoon-worthy romance. The ending was sweet, sentimental, and left me with all the feels!

If you love stories with strong emotional stakes and a memorable happily-ever-after, this one is a must-read!
Profile Image for Claire.
588 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2024
This was a really great read and I really got invested in the characters and the story. This was the first book I have read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and was able to understand what was going on just fine. I especially loved the found family aspect of the book even if it had me tearing up at times. Would highly recommend! Thank you to Nerdy Girls Collective and Mary Waterford for the ARC of this story.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Turcotte.
267 reviews
July 25, 2024
Cute romance! Playboy billionaire (who you never really get to see as a “playboy”) and an independent lawyer!
This book held a lot more family dynamics and healing than I expected. I liked the added twist with the pregnancy!

I do wish we had gotten to know his parents a little more. I understand it wasn’t a major part but I would have liked to have the chapters of them meeting Scarlett and learning about the pregnancy. It would have been cool!
Profile Image for Bianca Ariel (Rhysand's Edition).
137 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2024
This book was classy, sassy, and a bit spicy. It was open-door spice, and I believe that the spicier scenes added to the plot of the book and weren’t overdone.

This was the first book I had ever read from the River Brothers series and the third book in the series overall. These books can be read as standalone; I enjoyed this book even without the knowledge from the previous two books. Some parts probably would have been more robust if I knew the stories of the other brothers.

I loved how Mary Waterford wrote these characters, Scarlett and Rhett are perfect and flawed all at the same time. She is a snappy, fierce environment lawyer who is trying to save a group of endangered frogs and he is a billionaire playboy who is enraptured by her and wants nothing to push her buttons.

This was the first book I read with the surprise pregnancy trope and I have to say it was very well written and I enjoyed reading about these characters and how they navigated what life threw at them. Another big thing I liked about this book was the growth of the characters and I especially loved how he did everything in his power for Scarlett!

This book kept me actively engaged and I didn’t want it to be over when I finished!

I received this book as an ARC from NGC! I am so thankful for them and the author Mary Waterford!
776 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2024
Rhett and Scarlett story was well done loved it . Rhett the brother who didn’t want any serious meets Scarlett and his world changes now he has to decide if he wants everything he is afraid of getting or can he get it all . Scarlett has had an emotional life with her family and finds out so much more she can have .
Profile Image for Sadie P L.
196 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2025
What a fireball

So this is probaly one of my fav billionaire reads. The sass that scarlet had, all the emotional roller coaster she went through I felt all of it. This is so different to all the billionaire reads I've read. Such a easy,cute read too. It was the fire, sass and emotions of scarlet I loved.
Profile Image for Tychedea.
190 reviews
October 10, 2025
I rather enjoyed the fun banter and vibrant personalities of Rhett and Scarlett throughout Her Vibrant Heart. I am all about a MMC willing to move heaven and earth for the FMC and this book definitely offered that. The spice was well written and the story engaging. I will read others by this author.
1 review
July 8, 2024
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT!

Great characters and story line. Loved their banter and how their relationship develops, it was sweet. Read it in two days and can’t wait to read more from the author.
Profile Image for Lisa Sssshhhh I’m reading.
285 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2024
Rhett and Scarlett’s story

A case involving a billionaire property developer and an Environmental Lawyer slowly develops into an unfolding discovery of her birth family- all set in a surprise pregnancy setting.
I found this a fast and fun read.
Profile Image for Lora Wilcher.
12 reviews
February 20, 2025
disappointing

The book was enjoyable until so many things happened between the pregnancy, birth family, and the fact that she didn’t work during everything, but showed up o court day. I was disappointed at the lack of originality in the third book
735 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2025
Babies are coming

A great story. I love when it's a surprise pregnancy. Scarlett and Rhett. These two were made for each other. The things this man would do for her. Omg. We all need a Rhett in our lives. Heck, we all need a Rivers brother in our lives. Lol
8 reviews
August 4, 2025
I would give this like a 3,5 it was fine but I read better stories, half of the book was just boring to me and some parts didn't make sense. He was all about her looks. I felt like he commented on her body almost on every page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tasha Miller.
53 reviews
August 23, 2025
so sweet

Such a touching story… strong sassy intelligent FMC and funny handsome playboy MMC…. I would recommend reading the entire series in order so you get to know the other characters and their back stories
Profile Image for Cheyenne Blundon.
264 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2025
3.5 stars. this book was okay. i loved scarlett and rhett but the story felt rushed after stefs wedding scarlett hardly talked to her and i felt like they should have talked more than they did. the story also ended fast. i wanted to see her give birth and get engaged but we didn’t get to see that.
Profile Image for feb.
2 reviews
December 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️ 2.5. Would be better if it was longer and more developed. Characters have potential and chemistry but everything is just lacking. And the guy is just... there. It's hard to fully root for a relationship when the story literally gives you nothing.
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