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Little Falls #1
Rival Hearts
My little brother’s girlfriend was always supposed to be mine.
The first time I met good girl Maggie Sullivan, she was my brother’s guest at Sunday dinner. That should have been enough to keep me away. It wasn’t.
The night I lost my tightly held control—she kissed me back and it was like everything I could have ever imagined.
Until our lives changed forever as my family went down in flames.
I left and never planned to come back to our small town.
Now, years later, everyone knows my songs. The ones I wrote about her. The scars that never healed, bleeding out on stage.
Fame and its late nights get tiring, so I’ve returned to Little Falls to right my wrongs.
With only twenty-four hours until perfect, little Maggie Sullivan is reelected mayor uncontested, I decide to throw a wrench into her plans.
Except I’m the one getting screwed again because all these years later, she’s still the only woman I want.
This is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice.
The first time I met good girl Maggie Sullivan, she was my brother’s guest at Sunday dinner. That should have been enough to keep me away. It wasn’t.
The night I lost my tightly held control—she kissed me back and it was like everything I could have ever imagined.
Until our lives changed forever as my family went down in flames.
I left and never planned to come back to our small town.
Now, years later, everyone knows my songs. The ones I wrote about her. The scars that never healed, bleeding out on stage.
Fame and its late nights get tiring, so I’ve returned to Little Falls to right my wrongs.
With only twenty-four hours until perfect, little Maggie Sullivan is reelected mayor uncontested, I decide to throw a wrench into her plans.
Except I’m the one getting screwed again because all these years later, she’s still the only woman I want.
This is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
272 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
W. Million
14 books307 followersW. Million is an award winning author whose contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers.
Writing as Wendy Million, she is the author of the romantic suspense series The Donaghey Brothers, the NA sports romance Saving Us, and the contemporary second chance romance, When Stars Fall.
When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).
Writing as Wendy Million, she is the author of the romantic suspense series The Donaghey Brothers, the NA sports romance Saving Us, and the contemporary second chance romance, When Stars Fall.
When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 6, 2024
My thoughts are jumbled for this one.
As always, spoilers ahead, don't read further if you don't want me to spoil it for you.
H is a musician who profited on the songs written by him about his brother who went to jail on a drug charge and his gf(h) who supposedly helped him. h claims the songs are hurtful to her that she can't even listen to them. He hates her for two reasons, one being that he thinks she helped his brother cook drugs and two being that he blamed himself and her for cheating on his bro, even though h herself was adamant on assuring him that her relationship with his brother wasn't what it looked like. Still doesn't excuse h for sleeping with him when he thinks otherwise
H comes back home after a decade, learns that h is running for mayor so he decides to run against her just out of spite. Even though he hates her so much and wants 'revenge', he is not close with his brother, at all. If anything that dude hates him very much for abandoning him and is very close with h.
The fact that H still lusted after h for months and slept with her all the while believing she was his brother's girlfriend gave me the ick. And then we have this lovely scene on page with ow, who is in his bed when h shows up at his house complaining about the theft done by his bed partner. ow is his high school gf/fuck buddy btw 🤢🤢
Very much later, the said ow also buys a plan B at h's pharmacy letting her think that H was raw dogging it. He tells her that he didn't actually fuck her but slept with her in the same bad. Like dude, seriously, is that supposed to make her feel better? 🥴🥴🥴
"Did you sleep with Sabrina?”
Her words broke the bubble of longing encircling us. For a moment, I didn’t move, processing her words. Frowning, I rocked back on my heel, examining her face. She was serious. “No. Not since I’ve been back.”
“Why was she at your house?”
Grimacing, I hesitated and laced my fingers with Maggie’s, my thumb caressing the back of her hand. “I made a poor choice and let her spend the night.”
“But you didn’t sleep with her.”
I shook my head, meeting her gaze. “I slept beside her. We didn’t have sex.”
“Like with me"
ewww 🤮 - he slept beside ow on the same damn bed in which he slept with h a few days later the exact same way 🤡🥴
Once the big secret and the truth about h's relationship a decade ago with his brother comes out, its fairly a short read after it. They bang, all is good and done.
note 1 - h was a virgin and he was her first although he has been with many other people before her. He recalls talking about women, bedposts and debaucheries, so pretty good to say he was a manwhore. No mention of other people during the decade gap. For h, she dates men in short period of time and broke up with one just before H came back into town
note 2 -There is clearly ow drama, as above his ex gf/ fuck buddy from a decade ago shows up at his place and even though he claims he had no intention to have sex with her, i'm not so sure. Cause he says When she showed up here, I almost fell back into long-dead habits. Hanging out with her was easy; we had a rhythm, even after all these years he only felt guilty cause h showed up and saw her
note 3 - h was sober and H was drunk when they slept together the first time. Make of it what you will but imo cheating is cheating, no matter if the relationship is 'real' or not
As always, spoilers ahead, don't read further if you don't want me to spoil it for you.
H is a musician who profited on the songs written by him about his brother who went to jail on a drug charge and his gf(h) who supposedly helped him. h claims the songs are hurtful to her that she can't even listen to them. He hates her for two reasons, one being that he thinks she helped his brother cook drugs and two being that he blamed himself and her for cheating on his bro, even though h herself was adamant on assuring him that her relationship with his brother wasn't what it looked like. Still doesn't excuse h for sleeping with him when he thinks otherwise
H comes back home after a decade, learns that h is running for mayor so he decides to run against her just out of spite. Even though he hates her so much and wants 'revenge', he is not close with his brother, at all. If anything that dude hates him very much for abandoning him and is very close with h.
The fact that H still lusted after h for months and slept with her all the while believing she was his brother's girlfriend gave me the ick. And then we have this lovely scene on page with ow, who is in his bed when h shows up at his house complaining about the theft done by his bed partner. ow is his high school gf/fuck buddy btw 🤢🤢
Very much later, the said ow also buys a plan B at h's pharmacy letting her think that H was raw dogging it. He tells her that he didn't actually fuck her but slept with her in the same bad. Like dude, seriously, is that supposed to make her feel better? 🥴🥴🥴
"Did you sleep with Sabrina?”
Her words broke the bubble of longing encircling us. For a moment, I didn’t move, processing her words. Frowning, I rocked back on my heel, examining her face. She was serious. “No. Not since I’ve been back.”
“Why was she at your house?”
Grimacing, I hesitated and laced my fingers with Maggie’s, my thumb caressing the back of her hand. “I made a poor choice and let her spend the night.”
“But you didn’t sleep with her.”
I shook my head, meeting her gaze. “I slept beside her. We didn’t have sex.”
“Like with me"
ewww 🤮 - he slept beside ow on the same damn bed in which he slept with h a few days later the exact same way 🤡🥴
Once the big secret and the truth about h's relationship a decade ago with his brother comes out, its fairly a short read after it. They bang, all is good and done.
note 1 - h was a virgin and he was her first although he has been with many other people before her. He recalls talking about women, bedposts and debaucheries, so pretty good to say he was a manwhore. No mention of other people during the decade gap. For h, she dates men in short period of time and broke up with one just before H came back into town
note 2 -There is clearly ow drama, as above his ex gf/ fuck buddy from a decade ago shows up at his place and even though he claims he had no intention to have sex with her, i'm not so sure. Cause he says When she showed up here, I almost fell back into long-dead habits. Hanging out with her was easy; we had a rhythm, even after all these years he only felt guilty cause h showed up and saw her
note 3 - h was sober and H was drunk when they slept together the first time. Make of it what you will but imo cheating is cheating, no matter if the relationship is 'real' or not
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
Loved this book so much. Both the leads were amazing and this was an entertaining read. Loved the banter, tension, friends to enemies to lovers trope, wit, swoony ending and ofc the small town setting ❤️
June 11, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧🎧
Well, that was a ridiculously good time in my ears!! 👏👏👏👏 This small-town romance is everything a romance fiction should be. The characters had chemistry that built as the relationship grew. They were antagonistic but in the best possible way with excellent wit and banter. The story mirrored life with its ups and downs which made it that much more enjoyable for me. I am 100% behind realistic fiction. I like the good to come with the bad because life, no matter how you try and spin it, is grey. It’s never heartwarming without a little bit of heartbreak. It’s never emotional without a little bit of comedic relief. It’s never just about the MCs but the community as a whole that surrounds them, which makes secondary characters very important and, in this case, I loved them all! This is my first experience with this author, and I want more!
Corvin King & Charlotte North added something special with their performance. Thru them I was able to vividly “see” the story unfold and that’s something that is very important for me when I listen to an audio. However, Corvin King has a very distinctive tone to his voice and that particular tone does not translate well into a female tone. Feel me? He’s the narrator you want in duet performances, not dual performances, but he’s great in all other aspects.
This was my first experience with this author, and I hope to be able to listen to more of this series in the future!
Well, that was a ridiculously good time in my ears!! 👏👏👏👏 This small-town romance is everything a romance fiction should be. The characters had chemistry that built as the relationship grew. They were antagonistic but in the best possible way with excellent wit and banter. The story mirrored life with its ups and downs which made it that much more enjoyable for me. I am 100% behind realistic fiction. I like the good to come with the bad because life, no matter how you try and spin it, is grey. It’s never heartwarming without a little bit of heartbreak. It’s never emotional without a little bit of comedic relief. It’s never just about the MCs but the community as a whole that surrounds them, which makes secondary characters very important and, in this case, I loved them all! This is my first experience with this author, and I want more!
Corvin King & Charlotte North added something special with their performance. Thru them I was able to vividly “see” the story unfold and that’s something that is very important for me when I listen to an audio. However, Corvin King has a very distinctive tone to his voice and that particular tone does not translate well into a female tone. Feel me? He’s the narrator you want in duet performances, not dual performances, but he’s great in all other aspects.
This was my first experience with this author, and I hope to be able to listen to more of this series in the future!
October 3, 2024
Enemies to lovers always gets me. I’m here for it. I will be reading from Wendy again
October 4, 2024
It’s been a looooooong time since a book has made me want to stay up past my bedtime to keep reading but this book did just that!
Maggie and Grady have a complicated past. Maggie used to date Grady’s brother, Trent, in high school but Grady always felt a special connection with her. When his family goes up in flames and he takes off to pursue a career in music, he leaves them both, and the town he grew up in, behind.
Now he’s back ten years later. Maggie is mayor of Little Falls, and runs the local pharmacy. She’s moved on as much as she could from the mess that happened all those years ago. But Grady is back and is ready to stir up trouble.
This is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice.
I LOVED the pacing of this book, the characters, and the story! It gives you just enough in each chapter to keep reading more. The characters are likable and the chemistry between Maggie and Grady is 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Definitely recommend this one if you like
💕Small Town
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Musician MMC
💕FMC is the Mayor
🔥Open door
💕Witty Banter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Thank you so much to @hambright_pr for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Maggie and Grady have a complicated past. Maggie used to date Grady’s brother, Trent, in high school but Grady always felt a special connection with her. When his family goes up in flames and he takes off to pursue a career in music, he leaves them both, and the town he grew up in, behind.
Now he’s back ten years later. Maggie is mayor of Little Falls, and runs the local pharmacy. She’s moved on as much as she could from the mess that happened all those years ago. But Grady is back and is ready to stir up trouble.
This is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice.
I LOVED the pacing of this book, the characters, and the story! It gives you just enough in each chapter to keep reading more. The characters are likable and the chemistry between Maggie and Grady is 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Definitely recommend this one if you like
💕Small Town
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Musician MMC
💕FMC is the Mayor
🔥Open door
💕Witty Banter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Thank you so much to @hambright_pr for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 4, 2024
My first book by this author but not my last. I enjoyed Maggie and Grady’s story. A little enemies to lovers, second chances, with all the small town heart. A good start for a new series.
Grady had never planned to return to home, his memories of the town Little Falls were not so great. Something was drawing him back. Or is it someone?
Maggie Sullivan is doing her best to revitalize Little Falls as a business owner and Mayor. She is ready for her second term and is running uncontested. Or is she?
Maggie and Grady have a history, her family never judged him, her father helped him. Now that he has returned, so have the memories. While he and Maggie still have the chemistry, is it a slow burn to get to the HEA.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Grady had never planned to return to home, his memories of the town Little Falls were not so great. Something was drawing him back. Or is it someone?
Maggie Sullivan is doing her best to revitalize Little Falls as a business owner and Mayor. She is ready for her second term and is running uncontested. Or is she?
Maggie and Grady have a history, her family never judged him, her father helped him. Now that he has returned, so have the memories. While he and Maggie still have the chemistry, is it a slow burn to get to the HEA.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 23, 2024
Wendy Million’s “Rival Hearts” is so much more than just an enemies to lover’s romance. The pacing, the characters, and the angsty back and forth engage the readers. There are secrets, misguided guilt, and false accusations that bring to light that choices have consequences. The fractured brotherly relationship between Grady and Trent is also a contributing factor to the storyline. Add in the unexpected twists and turns and you have all the makings of a really good book!
Unlike some reviewers, I never give a synopsis of the book or reveal spoilers when I do a review, so this is my opinion on the merits of this book and the author’s talent and skill at bringing the story to life. Be sure to click on the Bonus Epilogue to experience their happily ever after.
Unlike some reviewers, I never give a synopsis of the book or reveal spoilers when I do a review, so this is my opinion on the merits of this book and the author’s talent and skill at bringing the story to life. Be sure to click on the Bonus Epilogue to experience their happily ever after.
October 6, 2024
As I was reading the new novel by Wendy Million titled Rival Hearts I was wishing she wrote a series instead of a standalone because I definitely wanted to spend more time with these characters in the small town of Little Falls. Well, imagine my surprise when I got to the end of the story and found out that this is indeed the first book in a brand new series. It’s called Little Falls Series - Small Town Romance! It was mentioned at the beginning of the story but I was in a hurry to get started and totally missed it.
This book is about Maggie Sullivan and Grady Castillo. Maggie is the Pharmacist and Mayor in town. She is running unopposed until Grady decides to throw a wrench in her plans. Grady is a singer songwriter that won a singing competition and left town never to return. Rival Hearts is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice. There are also discussions of parental death and grief. I didn’t mind the open door scenes or the parental death and grief. It is a part of life and I think Ms. Million handled it well.
I think I have read every book that Wendy Million has written. The first series I read by her was the Donaghey Brothers Series. I didn’t think I would like that series but I loved it and devoured every book. Now, I don’t need to know what the series or book is about. If Wendy Million wrote it, I’m going to read it. She has always delivered a great story that held my interest with characters I could care about and feel like I knew.
Her storylines are top notch. I especially like the male characters. I think most women would like a man who protected their women like these guys do. Even if protection isn’t needed, they fiercely love their woman. I don’t know about you but that makes me swoon just a little bit.
If you love a book that gives you a good storyline and characters and you haven’t read anything by Wendy Million yet, I don’t know what you are waiting for! If you have read her books, then you will definitely want to check out her Little Falls Series - Small Town Romance! Rival Hearts is a book I won’t forget anytime soon. Until next time,,,Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author #Wendy Million. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book is about Maggie Sullivan and Grady Castillo. Maggie is the Pharmacist and Mayor in town. She is running unopposed until Grady decides to throw a wrench in her plans. Grady is a singer songwriter that won a singing competition and left town never to return. Rival Hearts is a small town former friends to enemies to lovers romance with mid-level open door steam/spice. There are also discussions of parental death and grief. I didn’t mind the open door scenes or the parental death and grief. It is a part of life and I think Ms. Million handled it well.
I think I have read every book that Wendy Million has written. The first series I read by her was the Donaghey Brothers Series. I didn’t think I would like that series but I loved it and devoured every book. Now, I don’t need to know what the series or book is about. If Wendy Million wrote it, I’m going to read it. She has always delivered a great story that held my interest with characters I could care about and feel like I knew.
Her storylines are top notch. I especially like the male characters. I think most women would like a man who protected their women like these guys do. Even if protection isn’t needed, they fiercely love their woman. I don’t know about you but that makes me swoon just a little bit.
If you love a book that gives you a good storyline and characters and you haven’t read anything by Wendy Million yet, I don’t know what you are waiting for! If you have read her books, then you will definitely want to check out her Little Falls Series - Small Town Romance! Rival Hearts is a book I won’t forget anytime soon. Until next time,,,Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author #Wendy Million. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 3, 2024
Mayor and pharmacist Maggie Sullivan had to hurry to join her siblings the next town over to celebrate her best friend Lila's birthday. When she arrives, she gets an enthusiastic welcome from Lila as well as her brother Tyler and sister Emily. The show is about to begin, and Maggie is in for a major surprise. Not a good one either.
The owner of the venue, Kareena is more than a little excited as she gives a cryptic introduction to the special guest at open mic night. All it takes is a few opening bars of the music for Maggie to put it together, Grady Castillo, winner of the talent discovery show 'Center Stage'.
The song from his first album, hits a sore spot. It's about his brother Trent and his time in jail, based on his belief Trent was protecting Maggie. Grady didn't know the truth then and he doesn't know it now. He's spent years away, traveling the globe while his mother and brother dealt with everything here. In fact, other than Trent, only Lila knows most of the truth.
The fact that she and Grady had been very close back then only adds to his betrayal. The thing is she really never got over him, and with him in the same place this is going to be quite the battle to stay away.
Grady on hearing she's running uncontested for another term as Mayor, and he's moving back, he decides to run against her. It begins with recruiting his best friend and town dentist, Kelvin to assist. After their meeting he takes his dogs out for a walk, that just happens to lead him to Maggie's parent's home. It here they have their first interaction since filed his candidacy.
The fun begins with July 4th, the celebration that has been planned for months suddenly has a major glitch. Plus, the threat of a lawsuit from an ex of Grady's if the fireworks go later than 11 PM. Grady's float and campaign workers are a sight to behold as well.
Now of course, things can't run smoothly in the town, after all, it's now a contested election. One major disaster coming up. A water main break that becomes more than one spot while highlighting the candidates working together for the community, it also shows the intense attraction between them.
We also know Grady wants to reconnect with his brother Trent but that is going to be complicated.
I loved watching Maddie and Grady fight their feelings, a lost cause I might add. I also enjoyed meeting the others in their live. Tyler, Emily and her son Amil, Lila, and Kelvin are just a few who have impact.
A fun and snarky read with plenty of emotion, romance, and definitely sizzle.
The owner of the venue, Kareena is more than a little excited as she gives a cryptic introduction to the special guest at open mic night. All it takes is a few opening bars of the music for Maggie to put it together, Grady Castillo, winner of the talent discovery show 'Center Stage'.
The song from his first album, hits a sore spot. It's about his brother Trent and his time in jail, based on his belief Trent was protecting Maggie. Grady didn't know the truth then and he doesn't know it now. He's spent years away, traveling the globe while his mother and brother dealt with everything here. In fact, other than Trent, only Lila knows most of the truth.
The fact that she and Grady had been very close back then only adds to his betrayal. The thing is she really never got over him, and with him in the same place this is going to be quite the battle to stay away.
Grady on hearing she's running uncontested for another term as Mayor, and he's moving back, he decides to run against her. It begins with recruiting his best friend and town dentist, Kelvin to assist. After their meeting he takes his dogs out for a walk, that just happens to lead him to Maggie's parent's home. It here they have their first interaction since filed his candidacy.
The fun begins with July 4th, the celebration that has been planned for months suddenly has a major glitch. Plus, the threat of a lawsuit from an ex of Grady's if the fireworks go later than 11 PM. Grady's float and campaign workers are a sight to behold as well.
Now of course, things can't run smoothly in the town, after all, it's now a contested election. One major disaster coming up. A water main break that becomes more than one spot while highlighting the candidates working together for the community, it also shows the intense attraction between them.
We also know Grady wants to reconnect with his brother Trent but that is going to be complicated.
I loved watching Maddie and Grady fight their feelings, a lost cause I might add. I also enjoyed meeting the others in their live. Tyler, Emily and her son Amil, Lila, and Kelvin are just a few who have impact.
A fun and snarky read with plenty of emotion, romance, and definitely sizzle.
October 11, 2024
Maggie would do anything for her best friend Lila but she was glad that tonight was open mic night and not the usual karaoke. A voice she didn't have although after having a few drinks she really didn't care.
When Lila met her at the door and directed her to the table where their friends were waiting she noticed that the bar was unusually packed making it hard to navigate to their table. And if it wasn't for Lila she would have got up and left the bar when she found out why so many had shown up tonight. Grady Castillo.
Grady Castillo had left Little Falls behind when he rose to stardom after winning Center Stage. She hadn't uttered his name in ten years. Every time his songs came on the radio she shut it down. She hated him as much as he hated her. And his whole album told the world exactly how much he hated her and blamed her for his brother Trent being sent to prison.
I loved this story! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
Maggie is the mayor of her small hometown and is running uncontested up until Lila's birthday when Lila brags to Grady about how great Maggie is as mayor. Twenty-four hours and she had another four years... until a last minute opponent.
When the opportunity to follow his dreams came along, Grady didn't look back. Now he was back hoping to mend his relationship with his brother and to find out what really happened all those years ago. How had he gotten everything so wrong?
This is a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. It is action-packed and full of angst and all the feels. Maggie and Grady can't deny their magnetic chemistry even through their hatred. This book will have you laughing and it will have you crying at a grief so deep they can barely stand it. Grand gestures and forgiveness.
When you're so invested in the characters you don't want the story to end... that's this book. Highly recommend!
When Lila met her at the door and directed her to the table where their friends were waiting she noticed that the bar was unusually packed making it hard to navigate to their table. And if it wasn't for Lila she would have got up and left the bar when she found out why so many had shown up tonight. Grady Castillo.
Grady Castillo had left Little Falls behind when he rose to stardom after winning Center Stage. She hadn't uttered his name in ten years. Every time his songs came on the radio she shut it down. She hated him as much as he hated her. And his whole album told the world exactly how much he hated her and blamed her for his brother Trent being sent to prison.
I loved this story! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
Maggie is the mayor of her small hometown and is running uncontested up until Lila's birthday when Lila brags to Grady about how great Maggie is as mayor. Twenty-four hours and she had another four years... until a last minute opponent.
When the opportunity to follow his dreams came along, Grady didn't look back. Now he was back hoping to mend his relationship with his brother and to find out what really happened all those years ago. How had he gotten everything so wrong?
This is a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. It is action-packed and full of angst and all the feels. Maggie and Grady can't deny their magnetic chemistry even through their hatred. This book will have you laughing and it will have you crying at a grief so deep they can barely stand it. Grand gestures and forgiveness.
When you're so invested in the characters you don't want the story to end... that's this book. Highly recommend!
October 5, 2024
This is my first book by W. Million and it will definitely not be my last. Rival Hearts is a small town romance between Town Mayor, Maggie Sullivan and Musician, Grady Castillo.
First, I want to say how much I enjoyed the antics when Grady stated he was going to run for Mayor against Maggie when she is up for re-election. The banter and crazy tricks that Grady has up his sleeve had me rolling. When a disaster hits the town, both Grady and Maggie have to work together in order to help the citizens. They put aside all of their past feelings and secrets in order to work together. What they don't expect is to fall in love...well what I should say is finally admit their feelings. You see, Grady and Maggie have a past.... Can they figure out the relationship or will their egos and miscommunication destroy everything that they could have together?
I loved this story so much. The feelings within this book had my attention from the very beginning. There was one part in this story that caught me so off guard...MA'AM. How could you do that to me??????? This is truly a beautifully told story with found family, hidden secrets and so much love. I loved every second of this story!
First, I want to say how much I enjoyed the antics when Grady stated he was going to run for Mayor against Maggie when she is up for re-election. The banter and crazy tricks that Grady has up his sleeve had me rolling. When a disaster hits the town, both Grady and Maggie have to work together in order to help the citizens. They put aside all of their past feelings and secrets in order to work together. What they don't expect is to fall in love...well what I should say is finally admit their feelings. You see, Grady and Maggie have a past.... Can they figure out the relationship or will their egos and miscommunication destroy everything that they could have together?
I loved this story so much. The feelings within this book had my attention from the very beginning. There was one part in this story that caught me so off guard...MA'AM. How could you do that to me??????? This is truly a beautifully told story with found family, hidden secrets and so much love. I loved every second of this story!
September 27, 2024
I was fortunate to be selected to receive an ARC of Rival Hearts in exchange for an honest review.
This is a standalone book that is the first in a new series by Wendy Million. Rival Hearts is such a sweet story! Maggie and Grady have a history that sets them against each other in the opening chapters. However, they soon can’t deny their chemistry together. I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance and the revelations that came out as the story progressed. There were definitely parts to the story I didn’t expect. I don’t want to give too much away, but they finally got their HEA. Make sure to read the bonus epilogue, it put a huge smile on my face! I’m so excited to see what happens next in the series with Tyler and Mia!
This is a standalone book that is the first in a new series by Wendy Million. Rival Hearts is such a sweet story! Maggie and Grady have a history that sets them against each other in the opening chapters. However, they soon can’t deny their chemistry together. I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance and the revelations that came out as the story progressed. There were definitely parts to the story I didn’t expect. I don’t want to give too much away, but they finally got their HEA. Make sure to read the bonus epilogue, it put a huge smile on my face! I’m so excited to see what happens next in the series with Tyler and Mia!
October 4, 2024
You guys!!! This book exceeded my exceptions!! I devoured it in one sitting!
I don't have a single complaint about this book. The tropes were executed perfectly. The pacing was spot on. I never felt bored with the story and literally couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. The chemistry and banter between Grady and Maggie was sizzling and just the right amount of slow burn to keep you invested in the will they won't they game. Between their shenanigans to push each others buttons we have some emotional moments sprinkled in to give you a little higher stakes in their story. Not only did I fall in love with them but I am so excited for our side characters stories next!
You'll love this if you enjoy:
💕Small Town Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Witty Banter
*Content Consideration: discussions of parental death and grief
Thank you Hambright PR for the ARC
I don't have a single complaint about this book. The tropes were executed perfectly. The pacing was spot on. I never felt bored with the story and literally couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. The chemistry and banter between Grady and Maggie was sizzling and just the right amount of slow burn to keep you invested in the will they won't they game. Between their shenanigans to push each others buttons we have some emotional moments sprinkled in to give you a little higher stakes in their story. Not only did I fall in love with them but I am so excited for our side characters stories next!
You'll love this if you enjoy:
💕Small Town Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Witty Banter
*Content Consideration: discussions of parental death and grief
Thank you Hambright PR for the ARC
October 7, 2024
This is Grady and Maggie’s story.
Maggie is Grady’s bothers ex-girlfriend, and she has just been elected uncontested as the town’s major. Grady left town to pursue his dreams, and he is now back to make amends with his estranger brother, and he has never forgotten Maggie.
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read, emotional roller coaster, rockstar MMC, with family dynamics, friendships, friends / enemies / lovers, drama, angst, rivals, misunderstandings, challenges, humor, witty banter, second chances, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and unpredictable, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Maggie is Grady’s bothers ex-girlfriend, and she has just been elected uncontested as the town’s major. Grady left town to pursue his dreams, and he is now back to make amends with his estranger brother, and he has never forgotten Maggie.
This is a well written slow burn, easy to read, emotional roller coaster, rockstar MMC, with family dynamics, friendships, friends / enemies / lovers, drama, angst, rivals, misunderstandings, challenges, humor, witty banter, second chances, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and unpredictable, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 7, 2024
This is the first book by this author for me, and I loved every moment of it. Rivals to lovers is a great trope, and Grady and Maggie's story is one for the books. They each hold hate toward one another because of their past. But Grady has no idea his hate is misplaced. He judged his brother Trent and Maggie before getting the truth. Which led to a song about them and an album to follow. When Grady comes back to town after a long time gone, Maggie's ire toward him only grows. Little do either of them know that events to come will help each of them settle the history between them and maybe bring Trent back into Grady's life. I loved their love story and wish we could have more.
October 8, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Maggie & Grady♡
This story was not what I was expecting, but I loved it regardless. Grady decided to move back to Little Falls. That's the town where Maggie is not currently mayor. They have a past from years ago. Maggie actually used to date his little brother. One thing leads to another, and now the feelings are inevitable. I easily fell in love with the characters, and the author's writing style was perfect. The pacing was the best for this story! I highly recommend checking this book out!!
Thanks so much to the author and Hambright Pr for the ARC!
☆Maggie & Grady♡
This story was not what I was expecting, but I loved it regardless. Grady decided to move back to Little Falls. That's the town where Maggie is not currently mayor. They have a past from years ago. Maggie actually used to date his little brother. One thing leads to another, and now the feelings are inevitable. I easily fell in love with the characters, and the author's writing style was perfect. The pacing was the best for this story! I highly recommend checking this book out!!
Thanks so much to the author and Hambright Pr for the ARC!
October 3, 2024
I really loved this enemies to lovers story by W. Million. Especially since the female main character is a pharmacist and the male main character is a musician, very much like my husband and I. Maggie and Grady have so much sexual tension it oozes off the page. These two coming back together in their home town is fire! I couldn’t put it down, it had me laughing and hot and bothered at the same time. Great read, can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 3, 2024
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions!
What starts out as a typical rivals to lovers book soon turns into a fantastic book about hidden secrets, lies and assumptions…
Grady returns to his hometown & challenges Maggie in the campaign for mayor…he’s holding onto a grudge for something that happened years ago but can’t seem to stay away from her…but not all is what it seems 🎶
🎶 rockstar x mayor
🎶 secrets and lies
🎶 small town
🎶 it’s always been you
🎶 second chance romance
What starts out as a typical rivals to lovers book soon turns into a fantastic book about hidden secrets, lies and assumptions…
Grady returns to his hometown & challenges Maggie in the campaign for mayor…he’s holding onto a grudge for something that happened years ago but can’t seem to stay away from her…but not all is what it seems 🎶
🎶 rockstar x mayor
🎶 secrets and lies
🎶 small town
🎶 it’s always been you
🎶 second chance romance
October 4, 2024
Small town enemies to lovers. Maggie was supposedly Gradys older brothers girlfriend until he got into trouble. But maybe things aren’t as they seemed. Maggie is this strong loving person who is now the mayor of our small town. She is running uncontested for a second term, or maybe not if Grady decides to run against her.
See what happens when they become rivals for the position of mayor. Enjoy
See what happens when they become rivals for the position of mayor. Enjoy
October 1, 2024
I got this ARC and I'm so glad I did. This was so good that I finished it in one day. The chemistry between Maggie and Grady was off the charts. They 'hate' each other, but do they really? Grady comes back to town and decides to run for mayor against Maggie just to get under her skin. Everything happens from there. Pick this one up!
October 10, 2024
This was not the book for me. I was really looking forward to reading it because I've read and enjoyed this author before and it contained so many tropes that I love (small town, enemies to lovers, second chance romance) and it just didn't work in my opinion.
It wasn't all bad though! What I liked:
- FMC holding a position of power (the mayor in her town)
- the development of the relationship between the FMC and MMC
- FMC's family dynamic
What I didn't like:
- the background between the characters remaining a mystery for so long - I found this to make the plot more confusing than it needed to be
- the initial dislike/interactions between the FMC and MMC came across as really immature
- I felt like I was missing some important information the entire time. The FMC's family, while likable, was written like I was supposed to have met them all before in a different story but this is a standalone book so that wasn't even an option.
Overall, there were some good aspects to this story, but it just didn't work as a whole for me. I know many others will love it and I'm bummed that wasn't my case.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the digital ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.
It wasn't all bad though! What I liked:
- FMC holding a position of power (the mayor in her town)
- the development of the relationship between the FMC and MMC
- FMC's family dynamic
What I didn't like:
- the background between the characters remaining a mystery for so long - I found this to make the plot more confusing than it needed to be
- the initial dislike/interactions between the FMC and MMC came across as really immature
- I felt like I was missing some important information the entire time. The FMC's family, while likable, was written like I was supposed to have met them all before in a different story but this is a standalone book so that wasn't even an option.
Overall, there were some good aspects to this story, but it just didn't work as a whole for me. I know many others will love it and I'm bummed that wasn't my case.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the digital ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.
October 8, 2024
Enemies to lovers, a small town and a second chance- sign me right on up for this deliciousness please and thank you!!
I ate this book up! Loved the characters, the development of the story and the overall writing style.
This was my first book by this author and definitely will not be my last.
Thank you to the author and @hambright_pr for this advanced copy in return from my review.
I ate this book up! Loved the characters, the development of the story and the overall writing style.
This was my first book by this author and definitely will not be my last.
Thank you to the author and @hambright_pr for this advanced copy in return from my review.
September 25, 2024
This was a great small town romance book. The characters were amazing and had such great chemistry. It was fun and light and quite funny. I absolutely love this book. Definite five stars for me. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
September 28, 2024
Highly recommend to those who love the small town feels. I’m just a sucker for small town and this just hit the spot. I gotta say though the banter was my favorite up until the end because the ending ahhh swoon!!
October 7, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down. This was such a great read. If you love enemies to lovers this book is for you. I totally recommend it.
June 12, 2025
DNF. The secrets just kept hanging on & I finally didn’t care any more.
October 4, 2024
This is my first read from Wendy Million and let me say Rival Hearts was amazing. This book had all my favorite tropes
💕Small Town
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Musician MMC
💕FMC is the Mayor
🔥Open door
💕Witty Banter
It was such a rollercoaster ride and I am so glad Maggie and Grady got their HEA. I can’t wait for the next book.
💕Small Town
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💕Second Chance
🔥Musician MMC
💕FMC is the Mayor
🔥Open door
💕Witty Banter
It was such a rollercoaster ride and I am so glad Maggie and Grady got their HEA. I can’t wait for the next book.
October 7, 2024
❤️Small town
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Second chance
❤️Musician
Maggie and Grady are a real fun couple to read about! I enjoyed their story and getting to experience what happened before and see them navigate their past. I am excited to read more of this series!
❤️Enemies to lovers
❤️Second chance
❤️Musician
Maggie and Grady are a real fun couple to read about! I enjoyed their story and getting to experience what happened before and see them navigate their past. I am excited to read more of this series!
October 11, 2024
This was the sweetest little romance story. Enemies to lovers.
Def recommend this book to anyone that loves small town romance novels!
Def recommend this book to anyone that loves small town romance novels!
October 4, 2024
Maggie is a mayor of her small town. Shes lived there her whole life, and has made a few mistakes but everyone has. No one knows the truth of her biggest mistake though, other than her ex Trent. Trents brother Grady loathes Maggie, for what he understands as her ruining his brother's life by sending him to prison. Grady hates Maggie so much, he used that anger and got famous writing an album full of songs about how much he hates her. Maggie hates Grady for hurting her and all the hurtful things hes said about her. When Grady comes home to their small town after being away for 10 years and see’s that Maggie is running uncontested for mayor again, he decides to run for mayor against her, just to ruin her plans and irritate her. But both Grady and Maggie have their own shared secret, and their own secrets that they both refuse to acknowledge. Are they able to sort all of their emotions and put their hate aside to put their town first?
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