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Wattle Creek #2
Branded Hearts
Bradley Mitchell, the town’s brooding police officer, has always kept a safe distance from his sister’s bubbly best friend, Amelia Brown. She’s been off-limits for years, a rule he swore to himself to uphold... until fate intervenes, and buried emotions rise to the surface, branding his guarded heart with unexpected desires.
Amelia Brown, Wattle Creek’s beloved primary school teacher, has never been one to swoon over boys. But when it comes to Bradley, her best friend’s older brother, she can’t help but harbour a secret crush. For years, it’s been a silent longing, until a twist of fate reveals her true feelings.
As their worlds collide, Bradley and Amelia discover that love knows no bounds in Wattle Creek, where they learn that some hearts are not just meant to be, but branded together forever.
Branded Hearts is book 2 in the Wattle Creek series. Contains best friends brother, friends to lovers, and forbidden love vibes. Each book in this Australian, small town series can be read as a stand-alone and ends in a happily ever after. Please read the content warning before the prologue.
Amelia Brown, Wattle Creek’s beloved primary school teacher, has never been one to swoon over boys. But when it comes to Bradley, her best friend’s older brother, she can’t help but harbour a secret crush. For years, it’s been a silent longing, until a twist of fate reveals her true feelings.
As their worlds collide, Bradley and Amelia discover that love knows no bounds in Wattle Creek, where they learn that some hearts are not just meant to be, but branded together forever.
Branded Hearts is book 2 in the Wattle Creek series. Contains best friends brother, friends to lovers, and forbidden love vibes. Each book in this Australian, small town series can be read as a stand-alone and ends in a happily ever after. Please read the content warning before the prologue.
500 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2024
99 people are currently reading
1825 people want to read
About the author
Elle Mariah
6 books93 followersWhen she’s not curled up in a cosy corner with a good book and an unhealthy amount of coffee, Elle Mariah is dreaming up swoon-worthy stories filled with raw emotion, witty banter, and painfully relatable characters just trying to find their happily ever afters.
A Creative Arts educator by day, she’s spent the past four years teaching young minds to see the magic in art and literature. But in 2024, she finally took a leap of faith—swapping lesson plans for love stories—and began writing the kinds of books she’s always adored. Now, Elle inspires not just in the classroom, but through the fictional worlds she brings to life, one messy, heartfelt romance at a time.
A Creative Arts educator by day, she’s spent the past four years teaching young minds to see the magic in art and literature. But in 2024, she finally took a leap of faith—swapping lesson plans for love stories—and began writing the kinds of books she’s always adored. Now, Elle inspires not just in the classroom, but through the fictional worlds she brings to life, one messy, heartfelt romance at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
August 18, 2024
ARC review
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ ᡣ𐭩 “To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.
I give you Bradley Mitchell.”
Bradley bear and mills you have my entire heart! I loved this book so much, I made so many notes because of how adorable they both were about each other🥹
Amelia Brown, a beloved primary school teacher to the community. But even at 24 years old, has never had any interest in dating. But there’s one exception. Bradley Mitchell, her best friends brother.
Bradley Mitchell, the towns broody police officer. He’s always kept his distance from a certain shy teacher because he knew she was off limits. But what if fate brings these two together after all this time.
First off, the acts of service from this man!!!! Bradley started as very reserved and broody with everyone but her. This man truly adored his Mills. He would do anything for her, and quite literally drop all responsibilities to be there for her! I loved getting to know his work environment and how different he is. He is constantly thinking about her. I loved how we got to understand how his mind worked. He was quite an anxious thinker but Amelia was the calm to his storm🥹 it’s such a change to have that POV!! The mutual pining has got to be my favourite trope from this book, I love slow burns and this was wrote so beautifully. But let’s not forget chapter 38🤭 From the every start they were basically obsessed, the thoughts they had for each other were so endearing!🥰Amelia was such a beautiful character, seeing her become more and more confident around Bradley. She’s such an angel and she’s a teacher which has got to be one of my favourite things about her!! Only she can make him smile, Amelia has such a kind heart and seeing her be so gentle and knowing exactly what Bradley needs had me melting. Mills has never been with anyone before Bradley so he taught her everything 🤭 I loved the literally glimpses of Xavier and Isla too!! I’ve missed them. I was giggling, blushing and kicking my feet. Genuinely couldn’t put this book down. The book flowed so beautifully and it was such a good pace.
What to expect:
🎀grumpy x sunshine
🎀small town
🎀police officer x teacher
🎀best friends brother
🎀mutual pining
🎀spice coaching
🎀brooding hero x shy heroine
My favourite quotes:
“Ten years later and he still intrigues me, still excites me, still makes me nervous. It's just funny how in a small town like ours, our paths have always seemed to skirt around each other without ever really converging.”
"If this is a chance at actually finding someone special, don't let your misguided sense of duty stop you. You'll regret it. You don't get many shots at something real.”
"You know, love, you seem more... alive when he's around. Like you're shining a bit brighter."
"I knew then. I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with. I'd been wanting to move out for a while, so I bought this. For you. For us."
“Our love, our connection, it's like two hearts intertwined, each beat echoing the other. She's the only one who can ground me, breathe life into me.”
“Today, I hope to mend what's broken and show her that my heart hasn't always just been hers, but that it's been branded with her name in a way that can never be undone.”
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹ ᡣ𐭩 “To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.
I give you Bradley Mitchell.”
Bradley bear and mills you have my entire heart! I loved this book so much, I made so many notes because of how adorable they both were about each other🥹
Amelia Brown, a beloved primary school teacher to the community. But even at 24 years old, has never had any interest in dating. But there’s one exception. Bradley Mitchell, her best friends brother.
Bradley Mitchell, the towns broody police officer. He’s always kept his distance from a certain shy teacher because he knew she was off limits. But what if fate brings these two together after all this time.
First off, the acts of service from this man!!!! Bradley started as very reserved and broody with everyone but her. This man truly adored his Mills. He would do anything for her, and quite literally drop all responsibilities to be there for her! I loved getting to know his work environment and how different he is. He is constantly thinking about her. I loved how we got to understand how his mind worked. He was quite an anxious thinker but Amelia was the calm to his storm🥹 it’s such a change to have that POV!! The mutual pining has got to be my favourite trope from this book, I love slow burns and this was wrote so beautifully. But let’s not forget chapter 38🤭 From the every start they were basically obsessed, the thoughts they had for each other were so endearing!🥰Amelia was such a beautiful character, seeing her become more and more confident around Bradley. She’s such an angel and she’s a teacher which has got to be one of my favourite things about her!! Only she can make him smile, Amelia has such a kind heart and seeing her be so gentle and knowing exactly what Bradley needs had me melting. Mills has never been with anyone before Bradley so he taught her everything 🤭 I loved the literally glimpses of Xavier and Isla too!! I’ve missed them. I was giggling, blushing and kicking my feet. Genuinely couldn’t put this book down. The book flowed so beautifully and it was such a good pace.
What to expect:
🎀grumpy x sunshine
🎀small town
🎀police officer x teacher
🎀best friends brother
🎀mutual pining
🎀spice coaching
🎀brooding hero x shy heroine
My favourite quotes:
“Ten years later and he still intrigues me, still excites me, still makes me nervous. It's just funny how in a small town like ours, our paths have always seemed to skirt around each other without ever really converging.”
"If this is a chance at actually finding someone special, don't let your misguided sense of duty stop you. You'll regret it. You don't get many shots at something real.”
"You know, love, you seem more... alive when he's around. Like you're shining a bit brighter."
"I knew then. I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with. I'd been wanting to move out for a while, so I bought this. For you. For us."
“Our love, our connection, it's like two hearts intertwined, each beat echoing the other. She's the only one who can ground me, breathe life into me.”
“Today, I hope to mend what's broken and show her that my heart hasn't always just been hers, but that it's been branded with her name in a way that can never be undone.”
August 21, 2024
LOVED this one! & that’s really shocking coming from me because I don’t usually tend to enjoy the friends to lovers trope🫢 But this was a really fantastic book & even though it was almost 500 pages long, it genuinely didn’t feel like that & I managed to whiz through it & finish it in a day! This book oozes comfort, & is filled with spicy, charming, tear jerking, wholesome & funny moments to keep you hooked🩷
If you ever wanted to know what my personality is like all you have to do is read this book & meet Amelia😭 She is a sweet, bumbling, awkward, shy & nervous bundle of energy, with a big heart & sunshine personality. Like me, she has absolutely 0 experience when it comes to men/dating so I fully resonated with her awkwardness around Bradley lol. She was so endearing though🥹 Bradley is the grumpy to Amelia’s sunshine. He’s stoic, broody, quiet, calm, caring & so damn good with kids- it was HOT! He gave “you came - you called” energy & was so charming. + the mouth on him?!😩
Amelia & Bradley were drawn to one another from the moment they met as teens so they’ve secretly been pining for one another for years. This also means that the tension slowly built until it got unbearable, & that the slow burn was BURNING. I loved their connection, as well as their connection with each others families🥹 They’re each others home & comfort, & I loved them so much🩷🫂
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: friends to lovers, small town romance, secret relationship, best friends brother, spice coaching, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, police officer x teacher
Thank you to Elle & love notes PR for the arc🩷
If you ever wanted to know what my personality is like all you have to do is read this book & meet Amelia😭 She is a sweet, bumbling, awkward, shy & nervous bundle of energy, with a big heart & sunshine personality. Like me, she has absolutely 0 experience when it comes to men/dating so I fully resonated with her awkwardness around Bradley lol. She was so endearing though🥹 Bradley is the grumpy to Amelia’s sunshine. He’s stoic, broody, quiet, calm, caring & so damn good with kids- it was HOT! He gave “you came - you called” energy & was so charming. + the mouth on him?!😩
Amelia & Bradley were drawn to one another from the moment they met as teens so they’ve secretly been pining for one another for years. This also means that the tension slowly built until it got unbearable, & that the slow burn was BURNING. I loved their connection, as well as their connection with each others families🥹 They’re each others home & comfort, & I loved them so much🩷🫂
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: friends to lovers, small town romance, secret relationship, best friends brother, spice coaching, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, police officer x teacher
Thank you to Elle & love notes PR for the arc🩷
November 19, 2024
Slooooooow burn...
...But still good. FMC is a 24 yr old virgin so she's not exactly forthcoming even with her childhood crush who also happens to be her best friends older brother.
...But still good. FMC is a 24 yr old virgin so she's not exactly forthcoming even with her childhood crush who also happens to be her best friends older brother.
August 25, 2024
ARC review
This book, damn. So many emotions. It had everything and I couldn't put it down for a second.
Bradley was very reserved, always in his mind, he came of as grumpy most of the time when he was thinking or trying to sort out his feelings. I liked him, he was sweet and he really liked Amelia even when he had a hard time saying it. He showed it in his actions, and there were many.
Amelia was afraid to take a step forward and allow her heart to fall for him but it was the best thing when she did.
They were so sweet together, they fitted together so nicely, it really was meant to be.
I didn't like Olivia's attitude much when she found out about them but I will just put it under being shocked at seeing them together.
This was a really good book and I can't wait to read more in the series
This book, damn. So many emotions. It had everything and I couldn't put it down for a second.
Bradley was very reserved, always in his mind, he came of as grumpy most of the time when he was thinking or trying to sort out his feelings. I liked him, he was sweet and he really liked Amelia even when he had a hard time saying it. He showed it in his actions, and there were many.
Amelia was afraid to take a step forward and allow her heart to fall for him but it was the best thing when she did.
They were so sweet together, they fitted together so nicely, it really was meant to be.
I didn't like Olivia's attitude much when she found out about them but I will just put it under being shocked at seeing them together.
This was a really good book and I can't wait to read more in the series
October 25, 2024
This was cute, but it was just missing a little something for me. I also didn’t like that the h was willing to break up with the H in order to be friends with her friend again. She was even willing to break up with him knowing they might never be friends again. “I hope Liv can eventually get past it. If not being with Bradley will help salvage our friendship, then I’ll do what I need to”
That was stupid and brought it down from four stars to three
That was stupid and brought it down from four stars to three
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
ARC Review ✨
@ellemariahauthor
Title: Branded Hearts
Author: Elle Mariah
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
(Rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Firstly, thank you @lovenotes.pr and @ellemariahauthor for the ARC in exchange for an honest review xx
Well, this was a very cute read!
This was everything you’d expect in a small town romance. It has the broody police officer x the sunshine teacher, the tension, the pining, best friends’ brother. Everything.
This story follows Amelia and Bradley. Amelia grew up with Bradley as she was best friends with his sister, she’s always had a crush on Bradley, but after an incident at a flower shop requiring police, Bradley happened to be on call that day and feelings started flooding back for both of them! Especially after he makes a visit to her school where she teaches to ensure she’s okay.
Bradley has some pretty bad cases of anxiety, but I liked that Amelia could calm his mind down with just a few simple words, a lingering touch, it was honestly so special.
He’d also… teach her spicy lessons 😮💨🥵
“We’ll take it slow and figure out what feels good for you.”
“Whatever you’re doing, keep doing that.”
“Are you going to come for me if I do?”
“God, I hope so. Yes.”
“Hm. That’s my good girl.”
Tropes:
💕 Friends to Lovers
💕 Childhood Crush
💕 Best Friends’ Brother
💕 Small Town Romance
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Slow Burn
💕 “Teach me” / Spicy Lessons
There were a couple slower moments, but overall, a really good small town romance and just another great read from Elle and her Wattle Creek series.
I’m really excited to see where her series goes next, I hope it’s Harrison and Imogen because those two are hilarious and I can already tell the tension between them will be fire! 🔥
🩷🫶🏼✨
@ellemariahauthor
Title: Branded Hearts
Author: Elle Mariah
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
(Rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Firstly, thank you @lovenotes.pr and @ellemariahauthor for the ARC in exchange for an honest review xx
Well, this was a very cute read!
This was everything you’d expect in a small town romance. It has the broody police officer x the sunshine teacher, the tension, the pining, best friends’ brother. Everything.
This story follows Amelia and Bradley. Amelia grew up with Bradley as she was best friends with his sister, she’s always had a crush on Bradley, but after an incident at a flower shop requiring police, Bradley happened to be on call that day and feelings started flooding back for both of them! Especially after he makes a visit to her school where she teaches to ensure she’s okay.
Bradley has some pretty bad cases of anxiety, but I liked that Amelia could calm his mind down with just a few simple words, a lingering touch, it was honestly so special.
He’d also… teach her spicy lessons 😮💨🥵
“We’ll take it slow and figure out what feels good for you.”
“Whatever you’re doing, keep doing that.”
“Are you going to come for me if I do?”
“God, I hope so. Yes.”
“Hm. That’s my good girl.”
Tropes:
💕 Friends to Lovers
💕 Childhood Crush
💕 Best Friends’ Brother
💕 Small Town Romance
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Slow Burn
💕 “Teach me” / Spicy Lessons
There were a couple slower moments, but overall, a really good small town romance and just another great read from Elle and her Wattle Creek series.
I’m really excited to see where her series goes next, I hope it’s Harrison and Imogen because those two are hilarious and I can already tell the tension between them will be fire! 🔥
🩷🫶🏼✨
August 25, 2024
Amelia is the sweet and shy primary school teacher who's had a crush on her best friend's brother for a very long time. Bradley is the quiet and grumpy local police officer in town and has also been pining over his sister's, off limits best friend for years. He keeps to himself alot but after a fateful incident, he can't seem to keep his distance from Amelia.
This man would do anything for Mills 🫠 the broody, grumpy police man because such a simp for her and I am here for it!! Amelia was perfect for him, she was the calm to his storm.
The tension in the book 🥵 soooo much pining but it's exactly what we need for these two!
Absolutely adored this book, was super sweet. Looking forward to what's to come next in this series.
This man would do anything for Mills 🫠 the broody, grumpy police man because such a simp for her and I am here for it!! Amelia was perfect for him, she was the calm to his storm.
The tension in the book 🥵 soooo much pining but it's exactly what we need for these two!
Absolutely adored this book, was super sweet. Looking forward to what's to come next in this series.
September 7, 2024
While childhood crushes and friends to lovers might not be my favourite tropes there is one I can’t resist and that’s grumpy sunshine. Amelia is the embodiment of sunshine with a sweet naivety and being a teacher to small children she is the purest of souls. Bradley meanwhile is one sullen, man of few words (more the occasional grunt) police officer who has grown up around Amelia as she is also best friends with his sister. After an attempted robbery at a florists their lives soon become more entangled.
A slow burn that teases the reader with a secretive shower scene this seemed to be a sweet small town romance. However don’t be fooled as it turns out Amelia isn’t the only teacher in town and damn Bradley I will happily sign up for one of your classes.
As a UK reader most of the popular romances at the moment are set on ranches in America or Canada so it was really nice to visit Wattle Creek in Australia. While this is book 2 I read it perfectly well as a standalone, but I will be going back to read book 1.
Tropes:
💌 Small-Town
💌 Grumpy Sunshine
💌 Forbidden Love
💌 Best Friends Brother
💌 Police Officer x Teacher
A slow burn that teases the reader with a secretive shower scene this seemed to be a sweet small town romance. However don’t be fooled as it turns out Amelia isn’t the only teacher in town and damn Bradley I will happily sign up for one of your classes.
As a UK reader most of the popular romances at the moment are set on ranches in America or Canada so it was really nice to visit Wattle Creek in Australia. While this is book 2 I read it perfectly well as a standalone, but I will be going back to read book 1.
Tropes:
💌 Small-Town
💌 Grumpy Sunshine
💌 Forbidden Love
💌 Best Friends Brother
💌 Police Officer x Teacher
September 11, 2024
branded hearts ~ an arc review 🩷
3.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶
cute story. I feel like liv overreacted slightly but I liked the book. Millie was the cutest. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc
3.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶
cute story. I feel like liv overreacted slightly but I liked the book. Millie was the cutest. Thank you to love notes pr for the arc
September 5, 2024
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and Elle Mariah for providing me with an ARC of Branded Hearts!
This story was relatable in so many ways. I loved being able to connect with Amelia as a teacher. Her awkwardness and tendency to ramble during uncomfortable conversations was an experience I understood all too well — why is conversing with others so challenging at times 🤣
Bradley’s character embodied the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’. Despite his internal struggles he always managed to put others first and show up for them. Initially I struggled to connect with him, but as the story unfolded his character developed a lot and it was easy to fall in love with him.
At times, some of the dialogue felt a bit cheesy for the characters’ age group, and I wished that some of the ideas brought up were explored a bit more, such as Bradley��s anxiety. I felt like there was a really great storyline waiting to be unfolded in more depth.
However, what truly stood out to me was the magnetic connection between Amelia and Bradley. Both felt like outsiders in their own ways, and their mutual sense of being different created a powerful bond. They saw something in each other that no one else could, elevating their relationship to the next level.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Branded Hearts, and the Australian setting was a delightful touch as an Aussie girly!
Rating: 3.5⭐️
This story was relatable in so many ways. I loved being able to connect with Amelia as a teacher. Her awkwardness and tendency to ramble during uncomfortable conversations was an experience I understood all too well — why is conversing with others so challenging at times 🤣
Bradley’s character embodied the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’. Despite his internal struggles he always managed to put others first and show up for them. Initially I struggled to connect with him, but as the story unfolded his character developed a lot and it was easy to fall in love with him.
At times, some of the dialogue felt a bit cheesy for the characters’ age group, and I wished that some of the ideas brought up were explored a bit more, such as Bradley��s anxiety. I felt like there was a really great storyline waiting to be unfolded in more depth.
However, what truly stood out to me was the magnetic connection between Amelia and Bradley. Both felt like outsiders in their own ways, and their mutual sense of being different created a powerful bond. They saw something in each other that no one else could, elevating their relationship to the next level.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Branded Hearts, and the Australian setting was a delightful touch as an Aussie girly!
Rating: 3.5⭐️
August 21, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this book.
Wow. I fell inlove with it straight away. Bradley and Amelia were both such relatable characters.
It was a beautifully written slow burn with a delicious amount of spice. I loved the mutual pining throughout this story!
Bradley and Amelia were such a beautiful couple
Brad was such a broody and HOT police officer who turned into a golden retriever for Mills.
Mills was such a sweet and shy little lady, and didn’t she grow into her own once he showed her the ropes?! 🥵
My favourite part was that Elle is an Australian author and she wrote aussie slang and sayings throughout this book.
It cracked me up reading them in my head and knowing exactly how it would sound.
I’m heading straight to read Lasooed Love (first book in this series) – I loved seeing snippets of Xavier and Isla’s story in this book and I just know I will fall in love with them as much!
Thank you Elle for allowing me this opportunity!
Wow. I fell inlove with it straight away. Bradley and Amelia were both such relatable characters.
It was a beautifully written slow burn with a delicious amount of spice. I loved the mutual pining throughout this story!
Bradley and Amelia were such a beautiful couple
Brad was such a broody and HOT police officer who turned into a golden retriever for Mills.
Mills was such a sweet and shy little lady, and didn’t she grow into her own once he showed her the ropes?! 🥵
My favourite part was that Elle is an Australian author and she wrote aussie slang and sayings throughout this book.
It cracked me up reading them in my head and knowing exactly how it would sound.
I’m heading straight to read Lasooed Love (first book in this series) – I loved seeing snippets of Xavier and Isla’s story in this book and I just know I will fall in love with them as much!
Thank you Elle for allowing me this opportunity!
August 24, 2024
"To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive. I give you Bradley Mitchell."
Amelia and Bradley now have my whole heart. They are adorable and were both so madly in love with each other.
I related to Amelia quite a bit in the way that she carried herself.
This man is amazing and the acts of service are swoon. He pays attention to every little detail when it comes to Amelia and it is just the cutest.
I loved being able to read both and their POVs and seeing how they both have been dealing with their feelings for each other ever since they were younger. I loved the slow build up to their relationship and the mutual pinning had me reading faster and faster. This book had me hooked from the first chapter and if it wasn't for school I would have been done with this book in one day.
Elle Mariah write fantasic characters. The pacing was excellent for the relationship. The slow burn was burning and I could not get enough of it.
Amelia and Bradley now have my whole heart. They are adorable and were both so madly in love with each other.
I related to Amelia quite a bit in the way that she carried herself.
This man is amazing and the acts of service are swoon. He pays attention to every little detail when it comes to Amelia and it is just the cutest.
I loved being able to read both and their POVs and seeing how they both have been dealing with their feelings for each other ever since they were younger. I loved the slow build up to their relationship and the mutual pinning had me reading faster and faster. This book had me hooked from the first chapter and if it wasn't for school I would have been done with this book in one day.
Elle Mariah write fantasic characters. The pacing was excellent for the relationship. The slow burn was burning and I could not get enough of it.
August 27, 2024
Branded Hearts ARC Review 🎨🚔
(Book #2 in the Wattle Creek Series)
What to Expect:
🎨 Friends to Lovers
🚔 Police Officer x Teacher
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌶️ Spice Coaching
🏡 Small Town Setting
🐌 Slow Burn
It felt good to be back in Wattle Creek. Reading something based in Australia isn’t something I normally read so it’s nice having that change 🩷
Bradley Mitchell, I’ve been curious about him since the first book. Getting to learn more about him was so nice to see. Underneath all his grumpiness was in true fashion a man that goes soft for his girl.
Amelia Brown was such a breath of fresh air to read about. Her kind and bubbly personality had me adoring her character. Her awkwardness with a male made that a bit relatable in some ways 😅
Together Bradley and Amelia had a secret interest in one another when they were younger but they never got to explore that till now. Their relationship was slow burn and I was kinda dying inside but when they finally got together it made me a pile of mush 🥹
Special mention to Bradley’s filthy mouth because that man can tell me what to do any day 🤭
If you’re looking for a small town, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers book set in Australia then this book is for you 🩷
Also cannot wait for book 3!! You guys aren’t ready and i’m so so excited for everyone to find out who’s next and their tropes! I know something you don’t… 🤭💙👀
(Book #2 in the Wattle Creek Series)
What to Expect:
🎨 Friends to Lovers
🚔 Police Officer x Teacher
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌶️ Spice Coaching
🏡 Small Town Setting
🐌 Slow Burn
It felt good to be back in Wattle Creek. Reading something based in Australia isn’t something I normally read so it’s nice having that change 🩷
Bradley Mitchell, I’ve been curious about him since the first book. Getting to learn more about him was so nice to see. Underneath all his grumpiness was in true fashion a man that goes soft for his girl.
Amelia Brown was such a breath of fresh air to read about. Her kind and bubbly personality had me adoring her character. Her awkwardness with a male made that a bit relatable in some ways 😅
Together Bradley and Amelia had a secret interest in one another when they were younger but they never got to explore that till now. Their relationship was slow burn and I was kinda dying inside but when they finally got together it made me a pile of mush 🥹
Special mention to Bradley’s filthy mouth because that man can tell me what to do any day 🤭
If you’re looking for a small town, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers book set in Australia then this book is for you 🩷
Also cannot wait for book 3!! You guys aren’t ready and i’m so so excited for everyone to find out who’s next and their tropes! I know something you don’t… 🤭💙👀
September 8, 2024
dear lord i just life for these things you know. literally had my heart ♡
September 15, 2024
4/5 ☆
“To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.I give you Bradley Mitchell.”
I ate this up, and literally read this whole book in less than a day🤭.
Just going to write a short review real quick for the ARC of this book that actually already came out august 31st!
(Will probably add a longer review in the near future)
When I saw the tropes on Lovenotespr their website, I immediately signed up for an ARC.
I think the only reason me not giving this a 5 star is because of them getting together pretty quickly and I am more of a slow burn person, but still besides that this was a perfect silly but still action packed romance novel!!
“To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.I give you Bradley Mitchell.”
I ate this up, and literally read this whole book in less than a day🤭.
Just going to write a short review real quick for the ARC of this book that actually already came out august 31st!
(Will probably add a longer review in the near future)
When I saw the tropes on Lovenotespr their website, I immediately signed up for an ARC.
I think the only reason me not giving this a 5 star is because of them getting together pretty quickly and I am more of a slow burn person, but still besides that this was a perfect silly but still action packed romance novel!!
September 7, 2024
2.5/5⭐️ rounding up- honestly, this book just felt a bit long, a bit bland, and a bit non-unique. For one thing, it’s so silly how in this one small town, it takes a robbery to draw this guy’s attention suddenly to his sister’s best friend- who’s supposedly so close to the family that he is scared to date her, but he acts as if he’s so blown away by her suddenly? And the sister has a very weird reaction to them together, when it’s not like the book establishes their friendship with hangout scenes together much. I don’t know. the meddling mothers were cute, the chemistry was hot, and the MMC was protective and swoony. But this book just fell flat for me. Thank you to Love notes PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 8, 2024
✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨
📝 Ever since Amelia was a teenager, she's been drawn to Bradley-the quiet, brooding older brother to her best friend. She's done nothing about this attraction, or really, with anyone at all. But when a robbery in a flower shop forces her to talk with the responding officer, who happens to be Bradley, she realizes this attraction might be more than she can ignore.
What I 🤍:
🐎 Best Friend's Older Brother
👮 Police Officer
🍎 Kindergarden Teacher
💞 Friends to Lovers
🤒 He Takes Care of Her Sick
💋 Stollen Kisses
🤫 Secret Relationship
📏 "Teach Me" Romance
🌀 Anxiety Rep
🔥 Slow Burn
🚿 Shower Spice
🐻 Cute Nicknames "Sunshine" "Bradley Bear"
💬 Aussie Slang
This book was really adorable! Get ready to love this Australian small town! Right away, you're sucked into the flashbacks that Amelia and Bradley have of each other as teenagers. Amelia is this super sweet, well-grounded Kinder teacher. I also adored how close she was with her family-it's refreshing to read that in a romance book. Whenever Amelia sees Bradley, she gets all nervous and struggles to talk with him. I mean, I would understand that if you've harbored a crush on a guy for a decade that's basically forbidden! My heart was really with Bradley. Some may say he was grumpy but I disagree. He was contemplative. There was a lot always going through his head, and he always wants to do right by everyone. He put a lot of pressure on himself, and Amelia was the perfect calm to his storm.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📍 Wattle Creek, Australia
Read 📅: Anytime of Year
Read if ➡️: You love forbidden romances with spice!
CW ⚠️: Fire, underage drinking, swearing
This romance is a slow burn. You get all that longing and side glances. 🤣 Even Bradley's Mama wanted them to date (which you know is a good sign.) But when they finally get together, it's HOTTTT! 🥵 I really like how Bradley took his time with her, because since she was inexperienced, he needed to be sure that she was really his person. I can respect that. Just know, this book is a bit slower at times, but it does pick up towards the end. Additionally, I really felt for Bradley's sister. She really deserved better communication. That would be a tough thing to find out months after the fact.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Elle Mariah for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book! While I haven't read the first book in the Wattle Creek Series, I felt like it was perfectly fine to read this as a standalone. Branded Hearts is out now!
📝 Ever since Amelia was a teenager, she's been drawn to Bradley-the quiet, brooding older brother to her best friend. She's done nothing about this attraction, or really, with anyone at all. But when a robbery in a flower shop forces her to talk with the responding officer, who happens to be Bradley, she realizes this attraction might be more than she can ignore.
What I 🤍:
🐎 Best Friend's Older Brother
👮 Police Officer
🍎 Kindergarden Teacher
💞 Friends to Lovers
🤒 He Takes Care of Her Sick
💋 Stollen Kisses
🤫 Secret Relationship
📏 "Teach Me" Romance
🌀 Anxiety Rep
🔥 Slow Burn
🚿 Shower Spice
🐻 Cute Nicknames "Sunshine" "Bradley Bear"
💬 Aussie Slang
This book was really adorable! Get ready to love this Australian small town! Right away, you're sucked into the flashbacks that Amelia and Bradley have of each other as teenagers. Amelia is this super sweet, well-grounded Kinder teacher. I also adored how close she was with her family-it's refreshing to read that in a romance book. Whenever Amelia sees Bradley, she gets all nervous and struggles to talk with him. I mean, I would understand that if you've harbored a crush on a guy for a decade that's basically forbidden! My heart was really with Bradley. Some may say he was grumpy but I disagree. He was contemplative. There was a lot always going through his head, and he always wants to do right by everyone. He put a lot of pressure on himself, and Amelia was the perfect calm to his storm.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📍 Wattle Creek, Australia
Read 📅: Anytime of Year
Read if ➡️: You love forbidden romances with spice!
CW ⚠️: Fire, underage drinking, swearing
This romance is a slow burn. You get all that longing and side glances. 🤣 Even Bradley's Mama wanted them to date (which you know is a good sign.) But when they finally get together, it's HOTTTT! 🥵 I really like how Bradley took his time with her, because since she was inexperienced, he needed to be sure that she was really his person. I can respect that. Just know, this book is a bit slower at times, but it does pick up towards the end. Additionally, I really felt for Bradley's sister. She really deserved better communication. That would be a tough thing to find out months after the fact.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Elle Mariah for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book! While I haven't read the first book in the Wattle Creek Series, I felt like it was perfectly fine to read this as a standalone. Branded Hearts is out now!
August 22, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
Tropes:
🏡Small Town Aussie Romance
💘Best Friend's Brother
🩵Broody Cop (Hidden Cinnamon Roll)
🥵Spicy Lessons
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🥹Mutual Pining
Review:
Oh my word, I read till 2am cuz I couldn't stop lol. The building of this couple's relationship is simply too lovely, the pining, the elements of forbidden and some suspense! This is a small town series I'm fully committed to!
Amelia has had a crush on her best friend's older brother (by 4 yrs) Bradley since she was fourteen. A connection felt by both but feelings of it being inappropriate kept each from voicing the electricity they felt. Ten years later, Amelia is thrust into broody Brad's orbit, who's now the town's hot and stoic police officer. Her shy yet quirky demeanor becomes too hard for Brad to turn away from again. But not wanting to hurt her best friend... and the internal struggles of Brad's own mind, may disrupt the love they've always wanted.
The slow burn here is exactly what I yarn for! Amelia is so much like me, in her awkwardness, her artsy love, her shyness and her light. She is so atune to the internal stillness of Brad, but recognizes his intensity beneath the angst, and sees the huge heart he has for his family, friends and town. Her babbling when nervous is so endearingand and her banter with Brad is heartmelting... with his playfulness coming out when he's with her.
Bradley (aka Bradley Bear)...I have fallen for this man hard! He's very in his head which is why he often appears broody but he's actually so incredibly sweet and lovable. He tries to please everyone so much that he's never allowed himself to do anything for him. Work focused but so admirable and strong in so many ways. His care in teaching Amelia spicy lessons was truly the best I've read on this... what delicate, truthful, sensitive care he gives to her!
The tension in the third act was incredibly gripping and really loved seeing the danger in his job, how affecting it is. These two were meant to be together and I can't wait to read more in this series so that we see this couple again in some way!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
Tropes:
🏡Small Town Aussie Romance
💘Best Friend's Brother
🩵Broody Cop (Hidden Cinnamon Roll)
🥵Spicy Lessons
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🥹Mutual Pining
Review:
Oh my word, I read till 2am cuz I couldn't stop lol. The building of this couple's relationship is simply too lovely, the pining, the elements of forbidden and some suspense! This is a small town series I'm fully committed to!
Amelia has had a crush on her best friend's older brother (by 4 yrs) Bradley since she was fourteen. A connection felt by both but feelings of it being inappropriate kept each from voicing the electricity they felt. Ten years later, Amelia is thrust into broody Brad's orbit, who's now the town's hot and stoic police officer. Her shy yet quirky demeanor becomes too hard for Brad to turn away from again. But not wanting to hurt her best friend... and the internal struggles of Brad's own mind, may disrupt the love they've always wanted.
The slow burn here is exactly what I yarn for! Amelia is so much like me, in her awkwardness, her artsy love, her shyness and her light. She is so atune to the internal stillness of Brad, but recognizes his intensity beneath the angst, and sees the huge heart he has for his family, friends and town. Her babbling when nervous is so endearingand and her banter with Brad is heartmelting... with his playfulness coming out when he's with her.
Bradley (aka Bradley Bear)...I have fallen for this man hard! He's very in his head which is why he often appears broody but he's actually so incredibly sweet and lovable. He tries to please everyone so much that he's never allowed himself to do anything for him. Work focused but so admirable and strong in so many ways. His care in teaching Amelia spicy lessons was truly the best I've read on this... what delicate, truthful, sensitive care he gives to her!
The tension in the third act was incredibly gripping and really loved seeing the danger in his job, how affecting it is. These two were meant to be together and I can't wait to read more in this series so that we see this couple again in some way!
August 29, 2024
✨ babies first ARC ✨
“To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.
I give you Bradley Mitchell”
📖 branded hearts
5⭐️ 3🌶️
✨releases aug 31✨
🩷small town romance
🩷 brothers best friend
🩷 mutual pining
🩷 grumpy x sunshine
🩷 police officer x kindergarten teacher
🩷 spice coach
🩷 family dynamic
🩷 secret relationship
🩷 slow burn
🩷 dual POV
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
“can I ask you something?” “of course” “why do you call me sunshine?” “because you light up any room”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Branded hearts is the second book in the wattle creek series. This is my first book by this author and although I didn’t read the first book, I didn’t feel lost! (You bet I will be going back to read the first one now as I liked this authors writing so much)
This book follows Amelia and Bradley. Amelia is a shy kingergarden teacher and Bradley is a grumpy police officer. Amelia has always crushed on Bradley from afar, but after he is called to the scene of a robbery Amelia is at the scene of, their secret relationship slowly starts from there.
I loved being able to read both of their POVs as it gives an insight of their feelings for each other all the way back to when they were kids. I loved the slow burn build up to their relationship (which is one of my favorite tropes) it makes it more believable to the reader, in my opinion. Amelia and Bradley had me giggling and kicking my feet 🥹. The mutual pining was exactly what I needed 🫶🏼
Thank you to Elle Mariah and Love Notes PR for my ARC in exchange for an honest review❣️
“To all my quiet girls out there who dreamed of finding a man that sees the fire behind your shyness, cherishes your gentle heart, and makes you feel truly alive.
I give you Bradley Mitchell”
📖 branded hearts
5⭐️ 3🌶️
✨releases aug 31✨
🩷small town romance
🩷 brothers best friend
🩷 mutual pining
🩷 grumpy x sunshine
🩷 police officer x kindergarten teacher
🩷 spice coach
🩷 family dynamic
🩷 secret relationship
🩷 slow burn
🩷 dual POV
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
“can I ask you something?” “of course” “why do you call me sunshine?” “because you light up any room”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Branded hearts is the second book in the wattle creek series. This is my first book by this author and although I didn’t read the first book, I didn’t feel lost! (You bet I will be going back to read the first one now as I liked this authors writing so much)
This book follows Amelia and Bradley. Amelia is a shy kingergarden teacher and Bradley is a grumpy police officer. Amelia has always crushed on Bradley from afar, but after he is called to the scene of a robbery Amelia is at the scene of, their secret relationship slowly starts from there.
I loved being able to read both of their POVs as it gives an insight of their feelings for each other all the way back to when they were kids. I loved the slow burn build up to their relationship (which is one of my favorite tropes) it makes it more believable to the reader, in my opinion. Amelia and Bradley had me giggling and kicking my feet 🥹. The mutual pining was exactly what I needed 🫶🏼
Thank you to Elle Mariah and Love Notes PR for my ARC in exchange for an honest review❣️
September 6, 2024
This heartwarming small-town romance had me hooked from the start! I love a good slow burn, and the mutual pining between the main characters was perfect.
Amelia, a bubbly school teacher with no experience in love, has been secretly crushing on her best friend Olivia’s brother, Bradley, since they were teens. Bradley, a broody yet kind-hearted policeman, is everything Amelia didn’t know she needed. His love language is acts of service, and the way he cares for her in such thoughtful ways had me swooning.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and Bradley’s protective nature, along with his attention to every little detail about Amelia, is the sweetest. She becomes more confident around him, which is so heartwarming to see. Amelia calms Bradley’s anxious overthinking, making their relationship feel perfectly balanced. I also loved getting both of their perspectives, watching their pining and teenage crushes grow into something deeper.
The slow burn was so satisfying! While I wasn’t a big fan of Olivia’s attitude when she discovered their relationship, I chalked it up to the shock of seeing them together. However, I wish the book had explored Bradley’s anxiety a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The third-act tension was gripping, especially when it delved into the dangers of Bradley’s job and how deeply it affected both him and their relationship. It added another layer of emotional depth that made the story even more compelling.
This is the second book of the Wattle Creek series but can be read as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the first book “Lassoed Love”.
Thank you so much Elle and Love Notes PR for this arc🫶
Amelia, a bubbly school teacher with no experience in love, has been secretly crushing on her best friend Olivia’s brother, Bradley, since they were teens. Bradley, a broody yet kind-hearted policeman, is everything Amelia didn’t know she needed. His love language is acts of service, and the way he cares for her in such thoughtful ways had me swooning.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and Bradley’s protective nature, along with his attention to every little detail about Amelia, is the sweetest. She becomes more confident around him, which is so heartwarming to see. Amelia calms Bradley’s anxious overthinking, making their relationship feel perfectly balanced. I also loved getting both of their perspectives, watching their pining and teenage crushes grow into something deeper.
The slow burn was so satisfying! While I wasn’t a big fan of Olivia’s attitude when she discovered their relationship, I chalked it up to the shock of seeing them together. However, I wish the book had explored Bradley’s anxiety a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The third-act tension was gripping, especially when it delved into the dangers of Bradley’s job and how deeply it affected both him and their relationship. It added another layer of emotional depth that made the story even more compelling.
This is the second book of the Wattle Creek series but can be read as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the first book “Lassoed Love”.
Thank you so much Elle and Love Notes PR for this arc🫶
August 20, 2024
ARC reading Branded hearts by Elle Mariah was the sweetest and cutest thing I've read in a while. I absolutely wanted to read this book as soon as I saw the little teasers coming out. So I reached out to this wonderful Australian author if I could also join her arc team as a Belgian reader and she said yes! This is my second Australian author find and I am thrilled to say this is a must read!
Amelia is a kindergarten teacher in a small town called Wattle Creek, since she's been friends with Olivia she's had the biggest crush on her older brother Bradley. She's never admitted to it, because of her friendship with Olivia.
Bradley is a police officer in Wattle Creek a quiet town in Australia. Since his sister Olivia brought her friend Amelia to their house at 14 he's always had a soft spot for her. Never acting upon it because it's his little sister's best friend.
10 years later they meet each other again in less than perfect circumstances, she being a witness to a robbery, he being the police officer at the scene of the crime.
I liked the fact that the author used Australian, as this gave me a chance to brush up on a lot of new lingo for me, but that's a side note. The story was well written, Amelia and Bradley came to life on the pages. The banter between the two were top notch! The longing for each other just dripped from the pages. If you like tropes such as 'best friend's brother, small town love, grumpy versus sunshine, I'll protect you, then this is the story for you!
Amelia is a kindergarten teacher in a small town called Wattle Creek, since she's been friends with Olivia she's had the biggest crush on her older brother Bradley. She's never admitted to it, because of her friendship with Olivia.
Bradley is a police officer in Wattle Creek a quiet town in Australia. Since his sister Olivia brought her friend Amelia to their house at 14 he's always had a soft spot for her. Never acting upon it because it's his little sister's best friend.
10 years later they meet each other again in less than perfect circumstances, she being a witness to a robbery, he being the police officer at the scene of the crime.
I liked the fact that the author used Australian, as this gave me a chance to brush up on a lot of new lingo for me, but that's a side note. The story was well written, Amelia and Bradley came to life on the pages. The banter between the two were top notch! The longing for each other just dripped from the pages. If you like tropes such as 'best friend's brother, small town love, grumpy versus sunshine, I'll protect you, then this is the story for you!
August 28, 2024
Bradley and Amelia 😍 oh how I love these two! What a fabulous addition to the Wattle Creek series Branded Hearts is.
Bradley Mitchell is a police officer in the small town of Wattle Creek. While he may be broody he is very well respected by his peers and the community. Amelia Brown is a beloved primary school teacher, who has never been one to swoon over and pursue boys. She is very content on her own, pouring her energy into art and her family.
When Bradley responds to an incident and sees Amelia caught up in it, keeping a safe distance from his sister’s bubbly best friend becomes impossible. Years of silent longing from them both becomes harder to ignore. It is here that we are taken on a journey of slow burn to brilliance as their relationship unfolds.
I really enjoy Elle’s writing style. She blends family, community and rural life seamlessly in and around the main storyline giving great depth and making me emotionally invested in Bradley and Amelia. I was literally tearing up during the epilogue with all the feels 🥹
If you enjoy the tropes of best friends brother and friends to lovers with open door spice, then I highly recommend Branded Hearts. While it is part of a series it can certainly be read as an interconnected standalone.
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bradley Mitchell is a police officer in the small town of Wattle Creek. While he may be broody he is very well respected by his peers and the community. Amelia Brown is a beloved primary school teacher, who has never been one to swoon over and pursue boys. She is very content on her own, pouring her energy into art and her family.
When Bradley responds to an incident and sees Amelia caught up in it, keeping a safe distance from his sister’s bubbly best friend becomes impossible. Years of silent longing from them both becomes harder to ignore. It is here that we are taken on a journey of slow burn to brilliance as their relationship unfolds.
I really enjoy Elle’s writing style. She blends family, community and rural life seamlessly in and around the main storyline giving great depth and making me emotionally invested in Bradley and Amelia. I was literally tearing up during the epilogue with all the feels 🥹
If you enjoy the tropes of best friends brother and friends to lovers with open door spice, then I highly recommend Branded Hearts. While it is part of a series it can certainly be read as an interconnected standalone.
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2024
First and foremost- a massive thank you to Elle for gifting me an ARC 🫶🏼 I’m so grateful 💕
🎨 kindergarten teacher FMC x police officer MMC
🚔 best friends brother
🎨 virgin FMC
🚔 grumpy x sunshine
🎨 mutual pining
🚔 small town romance
🎨 spice coaching
Wow… Branded Hearts was PHENOMENAL! I cannot wait for you all to meet Bradley MF Mitchell 🥵
And Amelia, my dear sweet Meli 🥹 she is everything!
This book truly has EVERYTHING you could ever want in a romance novel 🫶🏼
The fact that it’s written by an Australian author using our slang and set in our country just makes it so much better!
The small town/found family vibes give it that cosy feel yet the emotional depth to these characters draws you in deeper and it’s heart warming to get a glimpse into their minds 🥹 the author did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.
The SPICE COACHING had me screaming.crying.throwing up.kicking my feet 🥵🥵🥵 the vulnerable and tender scenes were *chefs kiss*
Also, the MUTUAL PINING… I ate that shit up.
Amelia & Bradley are such beautifully written characters and I’m obsessed with them 🩷 I’m missing them already!
🎨 kindergarten teacher FMC x police officer MMC
🚔 best friends brother
🎨 virgin FMC
🚔 grumpy x sunshine
🎨 mutual pining
🚔 small town romance
🎨 spice coaching
Wow… Branded Hearts was PHENOMENAL! I cannot wait for you all to meet Bradley MF Mitchell 🥵
And Amelia, my dear sweet Meli 🥹 she is everything!
This book truly has EVERYTHING you could ever want in a romance novel 🫶🏼
The fact that it’s written by an Australian author using our slang and set in our country just makes it so much better!
The small town/found family vibes give it that cosy feel yet the emotional depth to these characters draws you in deeper and it’s heart warming to get a glimpse into their minds 🥹 the author did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.
The SPICE COACHING had me screaming.crying.throwing up.kicking my feet 🥵🥵🥵 the vulnerable and tender scenes were *chefs kiss*
Also, the MUTUAL PINING… I ate that shit up.
Amelia & Bradley are such beautifully written characters and I’m obsessed with them 🩷 I’m missing them already!
September 7, 2024
Amanda is Bradley's sister's best friend. Since she was young, she had a crush on him, but thought he didn't return her feelings. This was definitely not true, he noticed her. It's just that he never allowed himself to believe he could pursue her.
Well, the time for that finally came. After years of being on the sideline, he wanted her more than ever. Bit by bit, date after date, he fell in love with her hard. She never imagined that one day, her feelings would be reciprocated. He honestly was the perfect gentleman to her. Didn't give her any pressure and waited until she was ready, until she asked him herself.
The only thing was, they were both hiding from his sister, because they knew she wouldn't react well to their relationship. And they were right. There was some drama about it, but it got resolved quite quickly.
One thing I can say for sure...this was definitely a slow-burn romance. Both characters needed time to accept their feelings and confess their love. The spicy scenes were really hot, and they fitted perfectly together ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily.***
Well, the time for that finally came. After years of being on the sideline, he wanted her more than ever. Bit by bit, date after date, he fell in love with her hard. She never imagined that one day, her feelings would be reciprocated. He honestly was the perfect gentleman to her. Didn't give her any pressure and waited until she was ready, until she asked him herself.
The only thing was, they were both hiding from his sister, because they knew she wouldn't react well to their relationship. And they were right. There was some drama about it, but it got resolved quite quickly.
One thing I can say for sure...this was definitely a slow-burn romance. Both characters needed time to accept their feelings and confess their love. The spicy scenes were really hot, and they fitted perfectly together ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily.***
August 30, 2024
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2
Give me a broody cop MMC and I’m gonna love it immediately. Bradley is every bit of the silent and brooding type but not for the reasons you would think.
Bradley is a constable in Wattle Creek and he is very focused on his career. Amelia is his little sister’s best friend who he has been drawn to for years but has put her firmly in the off limits box. Amelia has always had a crush on Bradley and a traumatic event allows the two to become closer.
I absolutely love the dynamic between Amelia and Bradley. She is pure sunshine and brings out the soft side of him. He also teaches her to protect herself and take care of herself. The way that they bring out the best in each other was perfect. I even liked the little wobble at the end because I think it showed a realistic depiction of how anxiety can affect relationships. The mental health rep in this story was so good because it wasn’t what you normally expect and I loved how it was handled.
I definitely need more from Elle Mariah!
🌶️ 2
Give me a broody cop MMC and I’m gonna love it immediately. Bradley is every bit of the silent and brooding type but not for the reasons you would think.
Bradley is a constable in Wattle Creek and he is very focused on his career. Amelia is his little sister’s best friend who he has been drawn to for years but has put her firmly in the off limits box. Amelia has always had a crush on Bradley and a traumatic event allows the two to become closer.
I absolutely love the dynamic between Amelia and Bradley. She is pure sunshine and brings out the soft side of him. He also teaches her to protect herself and take care of herself. The way that they bring out the best in each other was perfect. I even liked the little wobble at the end because I think it showed a realistic depiction of how anxiety can affect relationships. The mental health rep in this story was so good because it wasn’t what you normally expect and I loved how it was handled.
I definitely need more from Elle Mariah!
August 31, 2024
Thank you Elle Mariah and Love Notes PR for my copy of Branded Hearts. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
Branded Hearts is book 2 in Elle Mariah’s Wattle Creek series. It contains a wonderful mix of a bunch of my favorite tropes. It’s no secret that grumpy sunshine trope is my jam. Throw in friends to lovers and a small town setting. Yep I’m down. The mutual pining in this book is top tier! I really loved both main characters and the writing style of this book. Everything flowed so well.
Bradley and Amelia were drawn to one another from the moment they met. Anything more than friendship between them was something they wouldn’t act on for the longest time so when that moment comes, the slow burn is so worth it. I loved that Amelia was such a calming force for Bradley. I thought that representation was done impeccably.
I’ll be circling back to read book 1 in the Wattle Creek series, Lassoed Love. I’m excited to see what’s coming next in the series as well. Branded Hearts releases today, 08/31/2024! 🎉
Branded Hearts is book 2 in Elle Mariah’s Wattle Creek series. It contains a wonderful mix of a bunch of my favorite tropes. It’s no secret that grumpy sunshine trope is my jam. Throw in friends to lovers and a small town setting. Yep I’m down. The mutual pining in this book is top tier! I really loved both main characters and the writing style of this book. Everything flowed so well.
Bradley and Amelia were drawn to one another from the moment they met. Anything more than friendship between them was something they wouldn’t act on for the longest time so when that moment comes, the slow burn is so worth it. I loved that Amelia was such a calming force for Bradley. I thought that representation was done impeccably.
I’ll be circling back to read book 1 in the Wattle Creek series, Lassoed Love. I’m excited to see what’s coming next in the series as well. Branded Hearts releases today, 08/31/2024! 🎉
August 29, 2024
This is the second book in the Wattle Creek series. It is such an amazing romance set in Australia.
Amelia has had a crush on Bradley since she was 14 years old and he was 18. Ten years go by, and she is now a schoolteacher and Bradley is a police officer. When called to a scene, Bradley sees Amelia there and immediately those old feelings resurface. The only problem? He's the brother of Amelia's best friend.
The characters in this book are so real and relatable. Amelia is funny and a little awkward. I really liked her! The conversations between her and her coworkers are hysterical and had me laughing! Bradley is intense and never talks about how he's feeling or about what's going on in his life. However, he is also loving… and extremely hot! I think Bradley and Amelia bring out the best in each other, and I loved reading about how their relationship progressed. Oh, and the "I've got you" gets me every time, oh my gosh!
I can't wait to read the first in the series, Lassoed Love, about Bradley's brother, Xavier.
Amelia has had a crush on Bradley since she was 14 years old and he was 18. Ten years go by, and she is now a schoolteacher and Bradley is a police officer. When called to a scene, Bradley sees Amelia there and immediately those old feelings resurface. The only problem? He's the brother of Amelia's best friend.
The characters in this book are so real and relatable. Amelia is funny and a little awkward. I really liked her! The conversations between her and her coworkers are hysterical and had me laughing! Bradley is intense and never talks about how he's feeling or about what's going on in his life. However, he is also loving… and extremely hot! I think Bradley and Amelia bring out the best in each other, and I loved reading about how their relationship progressed. Oh, and the "I've got you" gets me every time, oh my gosh!
I can't wait to read the first in the series, Lassoed Love, about Bradley's brother, Xavier.
September 9, 2024
Thank you Love PR and Elle Mariah for the opportunity to read this ARC
Sadly I didn’t love this book, while the writing is good I just found there to be a few inconsistencies in the story - secret relationship yet he meets her parents and his family is somewhat oblivious? - as well as some editing issues that I hope got picked up (repeated or reworded sentences).
I did enjoy that it was set in Australia, I mean where else is a girl gonna be saved from a snake by her beau 🥹 those small cute moments were enjoyable, but I felt every trope was used (cares for her while sick, teach me trope, saves her while in danger and then the big gesture to get back together at the end) they just felt over used by the end and a little cringy.
This is the second book in the series but I didn’t feel lost jumping into the series in book 2, having not read book 1 I found it easy to follow and gauge what happened in book 1 that follows into book 2.
Overall it was an okay read, maybe just not my cup of tea.
Sadly I didn’t love this book, while the writing is good I just found there to be a few inconsistencies in the story - secret relationship yet he meets her parents and his family is somewhat oblivious? - as well as some editing issues that I hope got picked up (repeated or reworded sentences).
I did enjoy that it was set in Australia, I mean where else is a girl gonna be saved from a snake by her beau 🥹 those small cute moments were enjoyable, but I felt every trope was used (cares for her while sick, teach me trope, saves her while in danger and then the big gesture to get back together at the end) they just felt over used by the end and a little cringy.
This is the second book in the series but I didn’t feel lost jumping into the series in book 2, having not read book 1 I found it easy to follow and gauge what happened in book 1 that follows into book 2.
Overall it was an okay read, maybe just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
This book!!! Bradley the small town cop who has been in love with his sisters best friend since forever...man knows the sidewalk rule...as he should and warms her hands cause they were cold takes care of her when she is sick....guys need this book to take some notes!!! I loved him so much, adding him straight to the green flag list cause honestly it needs more guys to many dark romances. But honestly this book is going on my small town recommends cause it was so cute. To see a couple who have liked eachother since they were kids now see them interact as adults, always so cute to see a bit of flashbacks to see the growth they had done. Serious foot kicks during this book. Also giving her lesson in spicy time...always sign me up!!! This was a first read of this author and I can say I am going to check out more of Elle's stuff and read furture works, curious to see who will be next in Wattle cheek. Amelia was so cute, I love the shy girl who has a huge crush on a guy and he just supports her and helps her with her dreams and find herself!!! I can't wait to see what is to come!!
September 5, 2024
This book had a lot of ups and downs for me but overall was a fun small town romance read!
A few things felt inconsistent (he’s a small town cop who makes it a point to mention how quiet his job is, but frequently has calls that definitely don’t feel quiet or small town; she’s a virgin with very little experience, but all of her fantasies and experiences with him are next level spicy) which were distracting at times. He also reeeeeeally needed to work through his feelings and could not decide what he wanted from her relationship-wise.
BUT
The relationships between each of them and their families were so sweet, I loved the two of them when they were together and on the same page, and I’m a sucker for a best friend’s brother romance where he’s been pining all along! This book had some of my favorite tropes (small town romance, best friend’s brother, she fell first/he fell harder, friends to lovers) and is worth a read!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
A few things felt inconsistent (he’s a small town cop who makes it a point to mention how quiet his job is, but frequently has calls that definitely don’t feel quiet or small town; she’s a virgin with very little experience, but all of her fantasies and experiences with him are next level spicy) which were distracting at times. He also reeeeeeally needed to work through his feelings and could not decide what he wanted from her relationship-wise.
BUT
The relationships between each of them and their families were so sweet, I loved the two of them when they were together and on the same page, and I’m a sucker for a best friend’s brother romance where he’s been pining all along! This book had some of my favorite tropes (small town romance, best friend’s brother, she fell first/he fell harder, friends to lovers) and is worth a read!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
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