Steal My Heart

Rosewood River #1

by Laura Pavlov

Rosewood River Series ~ Book 1

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Workplace Romance, Contemporary Romance, Workplace, Forced Proximity

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2025

About the author

Laura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!

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Reviews

[Laura Pavlov]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
https://geni.us/stealmyheart1

Audible: https://bit.ly/3Dz4U3n
Narrated by: Andi Arndt & Connor Crais

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3C87dd2

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

rtc

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This is going to be my first Laura Pavlov book 😍 I haven’t read a workplace romance for ages! Can’t wait to get to this one.

Release date 9/01/2025

✨ Thank you very much to Valentine PR and the author for the arc 🫶🏼

[AnnaMeansFun · Rating 2 out of 5]

It might be my PMS talking, but I can’t stand Easton, which is disappointing, since I liked him in Emmy’s book in the “Magnolia Falls” series.

Turns out, he’s just a big baby who acts like the world revolves around his trauma, because nobody else has any and Henley is a pushover who lets him do that, so, yeah… love story for the ages, those two.

Honestly, Henley is basically a side character to his main character syndrome in this book.

He wants a quick fling? No bother, she’s happy to accommodate his preferences, even though it’s not usually her style.

He changes his mind and wants a full-on relationship out of a sudden? Sure thing, Henley’s available for that first date right away.

He leaves her in a hospital, playing into her greatest fear of abandonment, which he knows about, because - unlike him - she actually was open about her struggles, since that’s how relationships work and so he basically breaks her heart? Oh, that’s ok. He came back after a while and apologized, so water under the bridge, folks. Boyfriend of the year award right here.

It’s 2025. I’m tired of women bending over backwards for guys, in hopes that those guys finally and graciously decide to grow the F up.

Thank you, next.

[Lari (semi hiatus)]

I propose to authors that when announcing tropes, don't be afraid to include the trope: DEAD GIRLFRIEND/WIFE in your content warnings. Seriously.
This is the reason why I can't read contemporary romance because i constantly have to deal with this trope. At this point, consider it a trigger for me.

Every review said mmc had trauma, but no one explained what kind. BUT ME AND MY BLOODHOUND NOSE KNEW there was a dead girlfriend swept under the rug—and BOOM, I WAS RIGHT.

Thank God i didn’t read this book and instead went through like a thousand reviews until I found what i was looking for.

[glavreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars - what a start to this new series!

this is a workplace, grumpy x sunshine, dislike to lovers story about a grumpy lawyer and his firm’s newest hire who just so happens to be his boss’ daughter.

henley & easton were giving me life with their banter, his protection of her when in every aspect but especially when it came to people giving her the respect she deserved, and their chemistry. this story took a surprisingly emotional turn and i love seeing a closed-off hero have to confront why he is that way.

the chadwick family antics have me so excited for the rest of this series.

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recycled, lazy plot with no emotional connection, and don’t even get me started on the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ when it’s more like an idiotic childish squabble. Total waste of time.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… no one does small-town romance like Laura Pavlov. She is the reigning queen. Steal My Heart is the first book in her new romance series set in Rosewood River and I loved it so much!

If you’ve read her ‘Magnolia Falls’ series, you’ve met Easton Chadwick (Emerson’s twin brother) and I couldn’t wait to get the shark’s book. Easton is an attorney who is focused on his work. Aside from his family and his love of pickleball, he’s completely devoted to his job; nothing could change that. Until Henley Holloway comes barreling into his life.

Henley is fresh out of law school and the daughter of one of the partners Easton works for. So when tasked to mentor her and take her under his wing, he can’t refuse. Easton doesn’t go easy on Henley, and at the start, they sort of have this enemies-lovers vibe going on. But that doesn’t last long. There is so much banter and fun that turns into a fabulous office romance.

Henely was just the type of woman Easton needed in his life. She brings him back to himself. They have so much chemistry, and the way they are with one another brought such a huge smile to my face. The family dynamic is out of this world, but that is another thing Pavlov does so well. I listened to the audiobook and couldn’t get enough of Andi Arndt & Connor Crais voicing Henley and Easton. They did an amazing job. This was such a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more in ‘Rosewood River’ this year!

Audio book source: Book Funnel
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Connor Crais
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 23m

[Kealyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steal My Heart (Rosewood River Series #1) by Laura Pavlov 

3.5/5 stars

Steal My Heart is my first book by Laura Pavlov. I have read one after the other raving review of her books on Instagram and now that I had the chance to read an arc of her I instantly jumped onto the opportunity. And I am really glad I read a book of hers. I really did enjoy it and it was a great and solid story. I just didn't love it in my bones.

In this book we follow Easton and Henley. Easton is a powerful attorney that really proved his worth at the prestigious company where he works. The daughter of one of his bosses is going to join them and he is ordered to become her mentor. At first he thinks she only got the job because of her last name. But he quickly realizes that her LSAT scores were the highest ever, even a point above his result, and he sees how brilliant, talented and skilled she is. 

Their first meeting is pure grumpiness and a bit of clumsiness on her side. And I looooooved that opening so incredibly much. I have a huge weakness for grumpy male lead characters. So I was instantly fired up to read more. 
But fairly quickly the grumpiness goes away and Easton really is a sweet, kind and golden retriever hero in this book. 
I love how they banter and flirt and are respectful to the other one. It takes a while for Easton to give in. And their love scenes are sweet and perfect and full of respect. 

But Easton is also dealing with a huge trauma. And he has a hard time dealing with that trauma. A part of him is shut off and Henley wants nothing more than him opening up. 

I love how kind they are towards each other and they understand the struggles the other one is dealing with. 

But that sweet and caring coin also has a bit of another side. Henley really doesn't protest much. And I wish she had a bit more fire in her. Easton is kinda but I just missed a bit of an edge. He is described as this tenacious lawyer. I just missed a bit of spice and pit to his overall character in his personal life. 

I also wasn't really invested in the main law case they are dealing with in this book. It felt rather anticlimactic. In one part there was too much attention on it. And in another part too little. I wished we saw Easton in action asking those women if their boss acted appropriately. And I would have loved to see how he got the information out of them. 

I also think the golden retriever trope isn't for me. I just miss spice, hard and obvious feelings, chemistry and fiery main characters. 

Overall it's an amazing, funny, sweet and kindhearted book. So 3.5 big stars out of 5 from me for all this cuteness and beautiful love story. 

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute palate cleanser , but meh. This is an enemies- to-lovers, small town romance. Easton is the top trial attorney looking to make partner. Easton is asked to mentor Henley,as she's a new attorney, and show her the ropes around the office and the ins and outs of what she can expect from here on out. Easton is reluctant as she's beautiful and turns his life upside down from their first encounter, but also because she's the daughter of the man whose name is on his door. Easton really doesn't want distraction as he's worked himself to the bone to make partner and is extremely close. Ever since Jilly died, he's immersed himself in work. I say meh because I felt like this story was missing something. I felt like the characters were missing depth? Maybe it's just me because I've had a bunch of just okay stories lately, and maybe I was expecting more. I didn't love this story, but I didn't hate it either. I might come back to review this rating later after I think more about this book. Overall, I don't have too much to say other than this was a small town romance. I'd love to live in this town, Rosewood River. This story did make me dream about small town living again. Easton and Henley were cute, too. I did enjoy how Laura Pavlov balanced Henley's character with being independent but not the one the top, I'm strong and don't need anyone type. She balanced her out with an adorable sweetness.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, solid start to a new series! I love the hate to love vibes when Henley first shows up as the boss's daughter at the law firm. Easton doesn't want to like her, but she proves herself over and over again, and doesn't stand down when he pushes her buttons. The found family is perfect, as always in Laura's books. And the pickle ball!? So fun!

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov
4,5/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here. I want this. I want you. I'm just waiting for you to give me a sign that you want this, too."

I’ve been wanting to dive into Laura's books, and when I found out she’s releasing a new series, I jumped at the chance to grab an ARC! I’m so glad I did because this book has everything I adore in a small-town romance. The chemistry between the main characters is just fantastic! Their playful banter, the flirty moments, and those sibling text messages brought a smile to my face. Everything felt so well done.

Meet Easton—a super successful lawyer who’s known as a shark in the courtroom. He’s intelligent, ambitious, and a workaholic, not to mention incredibly good-looking! He’s confident and knows his stuff, but because of his tragic past, he’s kept himself away from relationships. He pours all his energy into his work and family, that is until Henley comes into the picture. Henley is the daughter of Easton’s boss and his new mentee. At first, Easton isn’t too fond of her, thinking she only got this far because of her father. But before long, she proves him wrong—she's smart, strong, determined, and so much fun!

"We're both brave Giving your heart to someone is a risk. Loving someone is a risk. But I think we're worth it."

Their dynamic is electric right from the beginning. The tension between them is so real, and I loved the way they teased each other. They complement each other—both as a couple and as colleagues. Both Easton and Henley have their challenges, and I appreciated their journey toward healing together. It was great to see them communicate and tackle their issues head-on. Plus, I loved how the author highlighted therapy and the importance of working through trauma. The way Easton reassures Henley he’s all in for their relationship is just so sweet, and I admired how Henley was patient with him when he needed time to figure things out. But she wasn’t afraid to challenge him when he needed a little nudge too! Seeing their growth, both individually and as a couple, was truly satisfying, and I loved their happy ending.

All in all, I loved this book! It was romantic, steamy, funny, and emotional, and I cherished every moment I spent reading it. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. A huge thank you to Laura Pavlov and Valentine PR for the gifted eARC!

"I hadn't cared about anyone in a very long time, and then you walked into my life and stole my fucking heart, Henley."

[Mary Kate Duncan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow…this book was such a disappointment. The MMC was ATROCIOUS. I honestly cannot believe that he was supposed to be likable. The worst part was that the FMC had such great potential to be a strong FMC but the fact that she loved the MMC just ruined that opportunity completely. Im shocked that I even finished the book despite how awful the MMC was and how forgettable the side characters were. I originally thought I’d be generous and give this book a 2 ⭐️ rating but, after writing out my thoughts here on Goodreads, ultimately decided to go with a 1 ⭐️😳

[Patrycja Linek-Kakol · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Laura announced this book I was absolutely beyond belief so excited for it. But sadly the MMC was just unbearable. It pains me to say that because Laura always has top tier MMCs but this one just made it hard to finish the story.

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was meh 😕

Like the author had an idea of what she wanted to write but then she mixed up all her ideas because she wanted to stay relevant. Does that make sense? 🤔

Both MCs had no character it was like they were written by a person who's been on tiktok a lot.They were both annoying asf and I don't think I'll read the second book 💀 Maybe I will we'll see🤷🏾‍♀️

Everyone loves it but I don't so it may be that I'm the problem or I'm going into a reading slump😭😭 ( I rebuke it)

[NJS Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easton Chadwick is a big shot lawyer who has been given the task to mentor his boss’ daughter, Henley. Easton believes she has had everything handed to her. He quickly changes his tune after she proves him wrong with her work ethic and knowledge.

These two are perfection. Laura Pavlov has started the Rosewood River series with another five star read. I listened to the audio in one sitting and didn’t want it to end.

Easton is definitely a bit of a grump, but the way he fell for Henley, wanted to be with her all the time and protect her. It was so cute.

Henley is a strong character. She challenged Easton, but was also patient with him - knowing what he needed and when he needed it.

Both of them had struggled with past trauma which makes things difficult at times, however, they are able to be open with each other and work through it all together. I loved this.

Small town romance with a bit of forbidden workplace vibes, plenty of banter and spice - everything you need for a good romance.

I cannot wait for Rafe and Lulu’s story and to see more of the Chadwick family.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I just started reading Laura Pavlov last year, and she has quickly become one of my favorite small-town authors. I just adore her writing, characters, and the found family in each of her books. I was excited for this new series since Easton was introduced in the Magnolia Falls series.

Henley has just started at Easton’s law firm, and she is the boss's daughter. He was pretty judgmental and had the wrong impression when he first met her since he thought she just got the job because of her father. He quickly learns how wrong he was when Henley works harder than anyone and takes the job seriously. He asks her to play pickleball with his team, and they start forming a friendship.

Easton is very attracted and smitten with Henley, but he has not dated since he experienced a tragic loss in his past. He kept getting hot and cold with her, but I loved how Henley didn’t let him get away with that behavior. She was such a strong character and pushed back against Easton. They had such amazing banter, and I loved their connection.

Another thing I loved was how Easton immediately wanted to tell her father and didn’t want to hide their relationship. Henley was more nervous about exposing their relationship for her career, and she didn’t want her father to think less of her.

Easton struggles from trauma from his past, and that led to complications in their relationship, but I appreciated how they both communicated and worked through their issues. I also loved how Laura Pavlov included therapy and showed how important it was to work through the trauma.

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
I loved this audiobook! It was narrated by Connor Crais and Andi Arndt. This had duet narration, and their banter was perfect. Laura Pavlov always has great audiobooks, and I would highly recommend this audio. I flew through it in one sitting.

Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.

[Aditi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the most over dramatic couples I've ever seen, man it was unbearable to read after 50%

- The Hero constantly kept bringing his ex girlfriend who died in an accident and kept comparing her with h.

- The h was okay, though she looked way too desperate and her actions were stupid.

- The H had panic attacks, nightmares and he had been seeing a therapist, we get to know that after 50% in the book and bringing all that stuff up all of a sudden really bummed the sequence because the H didn't even look like he had anything like that in first half of the book.

- And again, I think Hero hasn't moved on from his previous gf, I hate when the Hero's constantly keep on bringing their ex's all the time, like during H's pov, she had to be mentioned every single time!!!

[Stephanie Hubenak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, I'm gonna hold you hand when I say this. This is hands down my all time favorite book Laura has ever written! I loved every single second of it and couldn't stop texting her while reading. I switched between audio and ebook and both were absolute and utter perfection. I was so excited when I learned that Easton was going to be the first book in this series and he definitely didn't disappoint. This was definitely more emotional for me as a read and I ate it up.

What you'll get:
- Small town
- Office romance / Forbidden (she's his bosses daughter)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Past trauma

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I love this book! A small town, sort-of-enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance with fantastic characters, epic chemistry, and a fun, swoony and sexy love story that I could not get enough of!

This is the start of a new series from Laura Pavlov, I was so excited to dive into this book. A spin-off from the Magnolia Falls series, this series is based around the Chadwick boys – brothers and cousins to Emerson from Beating Heart. But you can easily read this as a standalone

Easton is Emerson’s twin brother. He is is an attorney at the top of his game, and he’s heading towards a partnership in his firm when he is given the role of mentoring one of their new hires – the daughter of his boss. It’s the last thing he wants, but he doesn’t really have a choice and agrees to work with the girl he assumes is a spoiled nepo baby, but from the moment Henley walks into his office, his world is turned upside down.

She was a distraction that I didn’t want to deal with.
I didn’t get distracted anymore, and for good reason.
But here I was, staring down at her like I’d die if I didn’t kiss her right now.

Henley is determined to prove herself, even though her new mentor seems to hate her and is constantly challenging her. But she rises to his challenges and tosses attitude right back at him, and the two of them are so entertaining together. They bicker and banter, and they have wild sexual tension, and when all of those lusty feelings become impossible to ignore, they are on fire together!

They quickly realise that what they thought would be a quick fling won’t be enough for either of them. They want each other, and they dive on in to explore what is between them, and I loved them together so much!

“I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want anyone else. I want you. All of you. And I don’t want it to be a secret.”

It’s such a fun and enjoyable story, and Easton and Henley together are so much fun. Their banter and flirting is fantastic, and their chemistry is so freaking good!

It had taken me a long time to find someone worth taking a risk for.
And I was going to hold on tight.

But their pasts have left them scarred and wary of relationships. They have some issues to work through, but they are honest and open, they talk about everything, and I loved watching them figure everything out. There is some drama for them, which brings some nice emotion, but they work through it and follow their hearts to a beautifully happy ending.

“You walked into my life and stole my fucking heart, Henley. I didn’t even know it still worked. But it’s yours.”

This is a gorgeous story and such a great start to the series. Easton’s family are all up in his business, letting us get to know the boys and setting the scene for books to come. The guys are close and have such a fun dynamic, and I cannot wait for their stories as the series continues.

I loved this book so much. 4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Workplace Romance
• Boss' daughter
• Small Town
• Gossip girl news vibes
• Feisty meet cute
• He falls first
• Banter

Every time I read a Laura Pavlov book, I'm instantly in love with both the storyline and the characters. There is something about the way that she opens her books that immediately has me transfixed! 
 
This book follows Easton and Henley. Who had off-the-charts chemistry instantly. Their push/push meet cute had me hooked right away! 
 
Easton is known for being a shark in the boardroom in his small town! He was grumpy, possessive, and downright cocky, with a very vulnerable side. And I loved every second of it! He might have come off as cocky to others, but Henley had him pegged the second she met him. She had ZERO problem putting him in his place while also being charming and flirty! It's no secret that banter-filled books are my FAVORITE. And the banter between these two was PERFECT. Henley was feisty as heck. And the witty banter between them was instant. 
 
I felt so much for these two characters as this book went on and we learned more and more about each of them. And the more I learned, the more I loved this book! Both of these characters have struggles they're both trying to conquer while also remaining strong to the outside world! And together they really helped each other feel seen and secure! They were the best balance for one another! 
 
This book, without a doubt, ranks VERY high on my list of favorites when it comes to Laura Pavlov's books! 
 
"Because she was the one I’d been waiting for. 
And forever started the day she’d walked into that office. 
So I’d just savor every day, every moment, with the woman who stole my heart."


 
🎧Audible review🎧 
Duet Narration 
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Connor Crais 
 
Ah! I've missed having these two in my ears together. They're one of my favorite duos. And when it comes to vulnerable characters, both of these narrators are my favorite. I love listening to Andi play a strong and feisty FMC! And her playing Henley was perfectly cast. She brought out so many of my favorite parts of Henley. I've missed having Andi in my ears; it's been too long! Connor played our MMC, Easton. It's roles like this that he performs that remind me why he's one of my favorite male narrators. Connor always does such a great job when he plays a cocky MMC, only soft for the ones he loves, with a broken emotional side. And Easton was exactly that. I enjoyed following his complex character development so much! Especially with Connor voicing him!

[Judy Portelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steal my Heart is such a great start to her new series. This is a small town, enemies to lovers, workplace romance (boss’s daughter)! Easton is a lawyer who is assigned to mentor Henley, the tension and chemistry between the two was so good. I loved seeing past characters from other series in this book.

The audiobook was performed in duet by Connor Crais and Andi Ardnt and they did an amazing job.

[Sarah | sarah.onemorechapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful small town romance from Laura. Steal My Heart is book 1 in the Rosewood River series.

If you are a Laura Pavlov fan like me, you know that Easton is the twin brother of Emerson from the Beating Heart (Magnolia Falls series). He is the hot shot lawyer who has been tasked with mentoring his bosses daughter. He quickly changes his tune after witnessing her work ethic and her knowledge of the law. Of course he will never admit his feelings so he continues to bark orders and pretend like she’s the bane of his existence.

The thing about Henley is that she has worked tirelessly for everything she’s achieved and she won’t let Easton’s attitude get to her. This fiery woman gives the attitude right back and he has no idea what to do with that or the way it makes him feel.

Henley and Easton work together day in and day out and of course she sees through his hard exterior and finds a man she greatly admires underneath. She is drawn to him and he to her. Since he is her mentor their working relationship makes their feelings for one another a bit more complicated. But Easton is not one to back down from a challenge and he won’t let anything stop him from making Henley his not even his own fears.

Both characters struggle with past trauma that makes their relationship difficult at times, but they are able to acknowledge their struggles and work through it together. There were so many moments I just wanted to hug Easton.

I loved this book and I can’t wait for Rafe and Lulu! Thank you Laura Pavlov and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

4.5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
•workplace romance
•small town
•enemies to lovers
•forced proximity
•boss’s daughter
•he falls first

[Jade bigalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I didn’t expect to ever let anyone steal my heart, because I honestly didn’t know I still had one. But here we are.””


- Small Town Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden Love
- Workplace Romance
- Dual POV
- Book 1 of a new series


Listen I didn’t think anything could or would top the Magnolia Falls series for me but when I tell you every book I’ve read of Laura’s just gets better and better! This is my favourite book yet and you DONT want to miss it! What a great way to start a new series!

I LOVED how broody Easton was, like literally this book is the definition of Grumpy x Sunshine because my man was a GRUMPPYYYY douche in the beginning but I loved everything about minute of it!

The banter between them 🤌🏼 I loved that Henley gave back as much when Easton would push her! She handled herself amazingly.

Also can’t we appreciate that my boy Beefcake made his way into this book (not surprisingly since Easton & Emerson are twins) but he melted my heart like always with his cuteness.

I’m so sooooo excited for the rest of this series! I could live in this world all day everyday!! Thank you so much Laura for an arc copy of this book 💜🥹 so incredibly grateful to be apart of your arc team!!

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Connor Crais
5 stars for Andy Arndt
Duet narration!

Book: 3 stars

Ugh Easton was giving me whiplash like Henley, and she still gave him more chances than he deserved. So far the 3rd book of this series is the best.

[Kyrié · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐️- not bad, but i could’ve lived the rest of my life without reading it and i’d be the same.

“Nightmares that had come back. Panic attacks that were debilitating at times. Fears about losing you.” He cleared his throat and looked away. “I’m a proud man, Princess. I don’t like asking for help. I don’t like feeling weak. But loving you has made me a weak man.”

tropes:
- enemies to lovers 🔥
- workplace romance 📈


i finished this in one day and stuck with it till the end… so i at least liked it enough to read quickly if that tells you anything

pros: this was a really good story of dealing with grief and working towards being ur best self which was sweet ..

cons: i got the ick very easily. his controlling and moody energy just didn’t really do it for me.. and the nickname princess (although the author added some good meaning) just kinda made me cringe. the spice felt gross and not really real. the romance all just felt kinda staged and fake.. and i wasnt really into the story.. (im also not a fan of workplace romance)

overall…. not my favorite laura book but at least i get to add a book to my 2025 reading challenge :)

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet start to a new series & I can’t wait to see who we have next…but I have a pretty good idea 😌😏

Easton & Henley are both forces to be reckoned with. Easton is known as the shark at his law office & Henley is his newly appointed mentee as he is supposed to show her the ropes per her dads request aka Eastons boss. These two start off butting heads, but the anger slowly turns into firey tension & then some true sizzling feelings!

What I really loved besides the characters & the huge, goofy, loveable family dynamic is how much pickleball they play hehe IM A SUCKER FOR PICKLEBALLERS OK!!

I’m so ready for the next book in the series!!!

Spice: 🌶️.5
Book type: audio

Tropes:
Small town
Enemies to lovers
Workplace romance
Boss’ daughter
Forced proximity

[Linna • linnareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov 🌸

This is such an amazing start to a new series! This probably ties as a new favorite from Laura with After The Storm. Henley and Easton were so much fun to read about and I am so excited to get to see little moments of them as the series goes on.

Easton is one of the top lawyers at his firm and aiming to make partner. He is asked to mentor his bosses daughter who recently graduated law school. He doesn't expect Henley who rivals him in all ways, showing up to work early, staying late. She's incredibly intelligent and as much as Easton doesn't want to like her, he can't help it. They are both intrigued by each other but try to keep it professional until a line gets crossed and they know they can never go back.

I loved how Henley almost immediately proved Easton's suspicions about her only starting at the firm because of who her father is wrong. She's such a hard worker and Easton own's up to being wrong about his assumptions then tells and shows her many times throughout the book how much he admires her. It takes a bit to get there with lots of banter and moments spent together. Easton is a grumpy and closed off person but has good reason for it. It takes a while for him to open up to Henley about why he is the way he is. There's good reason he has sworn off relationships and is hesitant to open himself up to one again. Henley alternatively is somewhat recently coming out of a relationship and fine with something casual with him. But of course it's impossible for things to stay casual with how much chemistry is between them. Once Easton realizes it'll be okay to open himself up again to someone like Henley, that man is all in! He loved Henley fiercely and she loved him right back.

There's plenty of banter and fun moments in this that balance out some more serious topics. I was so happy to see some text message chains show up in this series again. Getting introduced to the small town of Rosewood River and getting to meet all the new characters has me so excited for what's to come!

🏡 small town
🤭 banter
💼 they’re both lawyers
👑 nickname
🤫 secret
👏🏻 no third act breakup

dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steal My Heart is the first book in the Rosewood River series by Laura Pavlov! I love the way Laura writes small town romances and can’t wait to read more in this series. This one is hate to love (at first), workplace, (they’re both lawyers), with forbidden vibes (since she’s the boss’ daughter)

Easton is a hotshot lawyer who gets tasked with mentoring his boss’ daughter who just got hired on to the firm fresh out of law school. He’s supposed to mentor her for six months and he’s already not looking forward to it since he is sure she only got the job because of her last name and the fact that her dad is a founding partner. They get off to a rough start as well when Henley shows up on her first day and sets the building’s alarm off and then spills hot coffee all over Easton…and now they have to work together daily!

“I think you might be my favorite, too, Easton Chadwick.”

This was a fun intro to the series. We got a glimpse of the characters in this series in the Magnolia Falls series and I was already sold on this new small town and cast of characters. Easton’s twin sister is Emerson from Beating Heart and we do get some cute appearances of Emerson, Nash, and Beefcake from Magnolia Falls. I loved the chat convo between Easton and his brothers and cousins, I’m excited for all of their books! We get some pickleball, Taylor Tea (a newspaper gossip sheet like Gossip Girl meets Lady Whistledown delivering on all the small town drama), birthday swimming, Sunday dinners with his family, him calling her Princess. The hate vibes don’t last long since Easton and Henley can’t keep their eyes off one another. Their work relationship turns into a casual fling at first and it goes from there! I don’t always love a fling setup and while they weren’t my fav couple from this author, I’m excited for more books/characters in this series and always just enjoy Laura’s writing and small town settings!

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[๑ seungchaccomin ๑ · Rating 4 out of 5]

book rating: •••.75
audiobook rating: ••••

‘i knew she was the woman i'd spend the rest of my life with.
[...] because she was the one i've been waiting for.
and forever started the day she'd walked into that office.
so i'd just savor every day, every moment, with the woman who stole my heart.’

waaait, i've been enjoying this! this is my first book from laura pavlov, and i want to explore more of her books!

the relationship between henley and easton is so cute, this got me soft. and i'm proud for easton for telling his anxiety and panic attacks despite the grief that he has for his last girlfriend.

but my complain is that the ‘enemies’ in question (since the author put it as enemies to lovers as a trope), is only short-lived. yes, the banter is here. but for me, they already been friends (even though they need to act professionally in their work.) some of the words got repetitive (for example, the color of henley's eyes. it's giving tristan caine from the predator and the reaper.) also, i need more tension for both mc's.

the audiobook however, well... *sighs* no words.

definitely continuing the series because the author hinted already who's the main character in her next book (i have no clue who is her love interest, but i'm excited though 🤭)

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pre-read:

₊˚⊹♡ seungchaccomin's pink cover february tbr #1

update: 02-08-25
this is it! i'm in a mood for a small town romance right now 🤭💖

update: 12-21-24
i am desperately want to read one of her works since her cottonwood series is on my tbr. (and yep, i approved the arc for the other edition. and based on netgalley's website, the published date will be on 03/20/25 😁)


steal my heart - ☆☆☆.75
my silver lining - release on 03-20
over the moon - release on 07-29
crazy in love - soon
in a heartbeat - soon

thank you to netgalley and hq for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review