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Hidden Hearts #2
More Red
One new city. One powerful family business. One once-in-a-lifetime love on the line.
Ali Stinson thought the hard part was over.
She survived losing everything, fell in love with the cinnamon-roll bartender who saw the real her, and said yes to a future she never dared to imagine.
Now that future is playing out in New York.
New city. New apartment. New expectations.
When Sam returns to his family’s business, their days start filling with boardrooms, charity events, and obligations that never seem to end. Ali is the outsider in a world of old money and east coast expectations, trying to find her footing while the man she loves is pulled in a dozen directions at once.
She doesn’t want to be the problem.
She doesn’t want to be the reason he walks away from a second chance with his family.
But every new responsibility, every half-truth, every secret from the past makes it harder to believe they’re still on the same team.
Sam knows he asked Ali to trust him.
He meant it when he said she came first.
But the deeper he’s pulled into the family business, the more impossible it feels to protect Ali from the fallout of choices made long before she walked into his bar.
When business pressures collide with old wounds and new betrayals, Ali and Sam have to decide if the love they fought so hard to find is strong enough to survive what comes next, or if some happily-ever-afters burn out under the city lights.
More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.
Author’s note on reading order:
More Red is Book 2 in the Hidden Hearts series and should be read after Ruby Red to fully enjoy Ali and Sam’s journey.
Ali Stinson thought the hard part was over.
She survived losing everything, fell in love with the cinnamon-roll bartender who saw the real her, and said yes to a future she never dared to imagine.
Now that future is playing out in New York.
New city. New apartment. New expectations.
When Sam returns to his family’s business, their days start filling with boardrooms, charity events, and obligations that never seem to end. Ali is the outsider in a world of old money and east coast expectations, trying to find her footing while the man she loves is pulled in a dozen directions at once.
She doesn’t want to be the problem.
She doesn’t want to be the reason he walks away from a second chance with his family.
But every new responsibility, every half-truth, every secret from the past makes it harder to believe they’re still on the same team.
Sam knows he asked Ali to trust him.
He meant it when he said she came first.
But the deeper he’s pulled into the family business, the more impossible it feels to protect Ali from the fallout of choices made long before she walked into his bar.
When business pressures collide with old wounds and new betrayals, Ali and Sam have to decide if the love they fought so hard to find is strong enough to survive what comes next, or if some happily-ever-afters burn out under the city lights.
More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.
Author’s note on reading order:
More Red is Book 2 in the Hidden Hearts series and should be read after Ruby Red to fully enjoy Ali and Sam’s journey.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2026
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Croisette
10 books140 followersDL Croisette is a storyteller. The characters in her head demanded their tales to be told. Not one to back down from a challenge, she now spins them into romantic adventures full of drama, emotions, and courageous characters who rediscover their strengths. Collector of international friends, avid traveller and always up for a new experience, she snaps photos to remember each escapade, and peppers the best into her stories. She’s probably at an outdoor café right now, dreaming up a bold new heroine to stir up trouble. (Fun!)
Stay in touch with her on Instagram and Facebook at @dlcroisette or sign up for her newsletter over at dlcroisette.com.
Stay in touch with her on Instagram and Facebook at @dlcroisette or sign up for her newsletter over at dlcroisette.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This is the second book in the Hidden Hearts Series. I devoured this book in one sitting it absolutely drew me in right from the beginning to the very end!! This is a great love story that gives that feel good feeling all over! You felt like you right there in the story with the characters just a phenomenal read with some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️! I cant wait for book 3 to see how it all ends.
“More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.”
“More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.”
March 22, 2026
I loved seeing the growth with Ali and Sam in this one. They’ve come such a long way from the first book. Seeing them blossoming and navigating their pasts into something so positive for their present and future. Finding trust in one another. It was the sweetest to see them making so many leaps and bounds. I think I loved this book more than the first one. In really looking forward to the next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC. I really liked this second book in this series. I actually loved it more than the first and I am excited to read the third. Its a love story but it has many twists and turns, issues to overcome. I love Ali, she is a strong female character.
March 12, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this story as an ARC reviewer. I am thankful for the opportunity to leave a review. All written statements are my own opinions.
More Red is the second installment of the Hidden Hearts Series. There were pros and cons of this story.
Pros:
I liked the continuation of the relationship between Ali and Sam. It was nice to see them tackle a new location, a new meaning, and their growing relationship. I enjoyed the truth that the author included. Relationships are hard. It takes the effort of both parties to be successful. I loved how the characters were not perfect. They were human. Their reactions were real and I empathized with them in different situations. I am team Ali. She really turned into a boss in this book. She stood on her worth, did not take no for an answer, and required communication for her relationship. I also appreciated the mention of grief, trauma, and abuse. This story was real. Sam’s mom was amazing!
Cons:
Sam let me down in this. I was so disappointed in him at times. It was infuriating. While I understand an antagonist was needed, the two we were introduced to were something. They were extra and I never trusted them. I wish we got a more conclusive ending for Noah and Victoria. This story did not hold my attention as well. It took me much longer to get through this story vs the first book.
Will this prevent me from reading the 3rd book? Not at all. I am waiting for the next story. I’m invested! I hope Sam does better. Rounding up.
More Red is the second installment of the Hidden Hearts Series. There were pros and cons of this story.
Pros:
I liked the continuation of the relationship between Ali and Sam. It was nice to see them tackle a new location, a new meaning, and their growing relationship. I enjoyed the truth that the author included. Relationships are hard. It takes the effort of both parties to be successful. I loved how the characters were not perfect. They were human. Their reactions were real and I empathized with them in different situations. I am team Ali. She really turned into a boss in this book. She stood on her worth, did not take no for an answer, and required communication for her relationship. I also appreciated the mention of grief, trauma, and abuse. This story was real. Sam’s mom was amazing!
Cons:
Sam let me down in this. I was so disappointed in him at times. It was infuriating. While I understand an antagonist was needed, the two we were introduced to were something. They were extra and I never trusted them. I wish we got a more conclusive ending for Noah and Victoria. This story did not hold my attention as well. It took me much longer to get through this story vs the first book.
Will this prevent me from reading the 3rd book? Not at all. I am waiting for the next story. I’m invested! I hope Sam does better. Rounding up.
March 7, 2026
Book: More Red 💃
✍️ by DL Croisette
Releases: March 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you @dlcroisette for the early copy—I devoured it and now I need to talk about that ending.
More Red is the second book in the Hidden Hearts series. It continues the romance of Ali and Sam with their new life in New York City 🌆. They both have serious insecurities and need to work through heartbreaks in their past. Will they learn to forgive and trust again?
Ali thought she’d left control and manipulation behind when she escaped her toxic marriage, while Sam has spent years running from the Harrington name and the shame of his past. But as love pulls them closer, family expectations, public scandal, and old secrets collide, forcing them to decide if honesty and trust can withstand the weight of the world.
When fiercely independent Ali, determined never to lose herself again after her abusive marriage, falls deeper in love with Sam, the hidden heir to the powerful Harrington dynasty, their relationship is threatened by the suffocating scrutiny of his world, and by the return of a dangerous woman from his past.
Warnings: This book deals with emotional abuse by Ali’s ex-husband Jack. It is also spicy.
#ARCTeam #MoreRed #HiddenheartSeries #bookstagram #romancereads
✍️ by DL Croisette
Releases: March 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you @dlcroisette for the early copy—I devoured it and now I need to talk about that ending.
More Red is the second book in the Hidden Hearts series. It continues the romance of Ali and Sam with their new life in New York City 🌆. They both have serious insecurities and need to work through heartbreaks in their past. Will they learn to forgive and trust again?
Ali thought she’d left control and manipulation behind when she escaped her toxic marriage, while Sam has spent years running from the Harrington name and the shame of his past. But as love pulls them closer, family expectations, public scandal, and old secrets collide, forcing them to decide if honesty and trust can withstand the weight of the world.
When fiercely independent Ali, determined never to lose herself again after her abusive marriage, falls deeper in love with Sam, the hidden heir to the powerful Harrington dynasty, their relationship is threatened by the suffocating scrutiny of his world, and by the return of a dangerous woman from his past.
Warnings: This book deals with emotional abuse by Ali’s ex-husband Jack. It is also spicy.
#ARCTeam #MoreRed #HiddenheartSeries #bookstagram #romancereads
March 14, 2026
This was such a lovely read! I loved the way that Sam and Ali spoke to each other in Ruby Red (book #1), but their love and perseverance as a couple really shone through in this addition to their story.
Their romance truly is something out of a fairytale. They have their moments of doubt and stress the way we all do, and their flaws and internal monologues make them so very human and relatable. Yet their adoration for and reliance on each other is awe-inspiring. Their communication gets them through their darkest moments, and it is so beautiful to see their romance strengthen and intensify.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to fall even further in adoration and admiration of Sam and Ali.
Their romance truly is something out of a fairytale. They have their moments of doubt and stress the way we all do, and their flaws and internal monologues make them so very human and relatable. Yet their adoration for and reliance on each other is awe-inspiring. Their communication gets them through their darkest moments, and it is so beautiful to see their romance strengthen and intensify.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to fall even further in adoration and admiration of Sam and Ali.
March 10, 2026
This book was definitely better than the second. I loved how they were trying do good out of their bad experiences. The only thing I didn’t like was the almost second act break up, I’m just not a fan of that trope. Overall it was a good book with a great story and I would recommend for anyone who likes contemporary romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2026
What a continuation. Just when you think you know what's coming, here comes more drama and a wondering if Ali and Sam can overcome what life keeps throwing at them. We've ended this book at a decent part, but man...I can't wait to see what's in store for our couple next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The storyline of this book captures you from the start and refuses to let you go until the end. DL’s writing is smooth, and she draws you in with her attention to detail. Something that stood out to me in this story was how in tune she is to our senses. Touch, taste, smell, and sight, all rolled up to create a love letter for her readers. In a story of love and communication and what happens when it is lacking, she makes you swoon, grab your chest, and cheer for Ali and Sam’s love story. I love this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I mean , D.L. Croisette this book is truly exquisite. A class of its own . Mind blown storytelling that doesn’t feel all bells and whistles . But real and compelling. Reading this story is like seeing a movie reel of their life ,their world a boy and his girl. Well of course they’re grown up so it’s man and his lady. She just got rid of one fella,Jack who is shady as they come. Always made her glum .So when she ends up loving Sam.She falls ,wham. She slowly doubts herself though ,she thinks ,I love who I am with him at first and then her insecurities,her doubts show through and her bubble bursts somewhat into sorrow ,no longer seeing an happy tomorrow..
Sam he didn’t know when he had it good with his universe that is his Ali. Ali Stenson is a breath of fresh air after the Vicky nightmare. She didn’t care for Sam one jot and when he was with her? He was a sot. Not nice to be around and what’s more he was hell bound ,in a turmoil ,his life took a turn that continued to burn,to fester to roil like the most tumultuous sea. The consequences of his actions that caused a series, a chain of events that he could not prevent nor see, but will always feel the need to repent. A more broken man ,you never did see. Until he found his Ali.
What we have can so easily be taken away .A life ,a love a mainstay .An happy existence. In one instance ,fate,ill judgement and it all falls down..You don’t see it falling that building block of your making .The choices ,the decisions you’re making ,until it’s too late. Fate has dealt the last hand and it’s not you that’s forsaking the woman you love . But you that she has had enough of.
What , in a turn of events could prevent things unfolding so fast that you find yourself living back in your past? Your breath you’re holding.Unable to go there again. So she has to be done with men does Ali. Especially the ones who are too pally. She let in love. She will, no longer because without the one who put asunder ,she will plunder without him in her bed ,always to just be in her heart instead. It has to be that she lets go of sorrow,for a reason to live tomorrow.
If only talk these lovers could , avoided an unpleasant experience they would. But then again ,real life isn’t roses and dreams and rainbows ,it’s seems.An happy refrain ,as it goes along isn’t guided always by happy thoughts ,because that’s not how from a young age they were both taught. So what I’m saying , well It needs work. Responsibilities not shirked. Both come together and weather the fallout ,not fall out but discuss they must. In each other trust. Before it’s too late for these soul mates to be as they always were meant to be ,and that is together through every bit of stormy weather. Sam Harrington lost his heart too. It will always be Ali’s.
How does this love story go ,you want to know. Then you’ll be happy that it’s out. Today not tomorrow it’s out now for you to read for yourself. Read all about how two people were placed together,and how they did weather. The biggest gamble of their lives ,being self sacrifice and needing better.
D.L. Croisette is always a safe bet to bring to life her characters and have you rooting for them. I absolutely adore the first book Ruby Red following these two characters and I was hungry for more ,more of them, more of their storyline that’s been such a rollercoaster pleasure ride ,simply a divine turn of the tide. Each having their own secrets to hide. Sublime every time ,it’s decadence ,it’s heavenly penance and so much more. Leaves you panting and in awe for more. Ms Croisette I feel the best is yet to come from you and phew 😮💨 . I cannot wait. Anticipating the salivating..
Sam he didn’t know when he had it good with his universe that is his Ali. Ali Stenson is a breath of fresh air after the Vicky nightmare. She didn’t care for Sam one jot and when he was with her? He was a sot. Not nice to be around and what’s more he was hell bound ,in a turmoil ,his life took a turn that continued to burn,to fester to roil like the most tumultuous sea. The consequences of his actions that caused a series, a chain of events that he could not prevent nor see, but will always feel the need to repent. A more broken man ,you never did see. Until he found his Ali.
What we have can so easily be taken away .A life ,a love a mainstay .An happy existence. In one instance ,fate,ill judgement and it all falls down..You don’t see it falling that building block of your making .The choices ,the decisions you’re making ,until it’s too late. Fate has dealt the last hand and it’s not you that’s forsaking the woman you love . But you that she has had enough of.
What , in a turn of events could prevent things unfolding so fast that you find yourself living back in your past? Your breath you’re holding.Unable to go there again. So she has to be done with men does Ali. Especially the ones who are too pally. She let in love. She will, no longer because without the one who put asunder ,she will plunder without him in her bed ,always to just be in her heart instead. It has to be that she lets go of sorrow,for a reason to live tomorrow.
If only talk these lovers could , avoided an unpleasant experience they would. But then again ,real life isn’t roses and dreams and rainbows ,it’s seems.An happy refrain ,as it goes along isn’t guided always by happy thoughts ,because that’s not how from a young age they were both taught. So what I’m saying , well It needs work. Responsibilities not shirked. Both come together and weather the fallout ,not fall out but discuss they must. In each other trust. Before it’s too late for these soul mates to be as they always were meant to be ,and that is together through every bit of stormy weather. Sam Harrington lost his heart too. It will always be Ali’s.
How does this love story go ,you want to know. Then you’ll be happy that it’s out. Today not tomorrow it’s out now for you to read for yourself. Read all about how two people were placed together,and how they did weather. The biggest gamble of their lives ,being self sacrifice and needing better.
D.L. Croisette is always a safe bet to bring to life her characters and have you rooting for them. I absolutely adore the first book Ruby Red following these two characters and I was hungry for more ,more of them, more of their storyline that’s been such a rollercoaster pleasure ride ,simply a divine turn of the tide. Each having their own secrets to hide. Sublime every time ,it’s decadence ,it’s heavenly penance and so much more. Leaves you panting and in awe for more. Ms Croisette I feel the best is yet to come from you and phew 😮💨 . I cannot wait. Anticipating the salivating..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ruby Red by DL Croisette
Everyone has a past, even the rich. Ali Stinson was married to a billionaire, she’s now a divorcee and she got money, the house, the car and the Lear jet and she spends her money how she wants. Ali is stunningly gorgeous, people’s heads turn when she walks in the room, and she only does one night stands. Ali has boxed up her heart and sealed it. Ali had rented three private cabanas at The Diamond Club, and fancied herself a taste of the pool boy. She went into the middle cabana and motioned him her way. Once he entered she made a “shh” motion and they began to kiss. Not what Ali was used to, he kissed her passionately until his boss interrupted. Ali made it seem like she had lost her contact. The owner wanted to talk to Ali, who happened to be her best friend, to let her know that her credit cards were not clearing. The next day Ali got in contact with her financial company and went for a meeting only to find out that her money was stolen and it would take months to investigate. In the interim, Ali was completely broke. Her best friend allowed her to run a bill under the owner’s name, but Ali had no idea how she would afford anything else. The pool boy was also the bartender, Sam and Ali was attracted to him. Sam couldn’t get his mind off that mind blowing kiss either Ali, and he was beyond excited to see her show up at The Diamond Club. When Ali ends up drinking too much and attempts to drive, Sam gets her a cab and hangs onto her keys. This way he knows she will have to see him again.
This is a slow-burn, emotional novel with romance in the air. Ali has her walls up, and Sam’s willing to prove himself to her, but will that be enough after everything she’s been through?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Everyone has a past, even the rich. Ali Stinson was married to a billionaire, she’s now a divorcee and she got money, the house, the car and the Lear jet and she spends her money how she wants. Ali is stunningly gorgeous, people’s heads turn when she walks in the room, and she only does one night stands. Ali has boxed up her heart and sealed it. Ali had rented three private cabanas at The Diamond Club, and fancied herself a taste of the pool boy. She went into the middle cabana and motioned him her way. Once he entered she made a “shh” motion and they began to kiss. Not what Ali was used to, he kissed her passionately until his boss interrupted. Ali made it seem like she had lost her contact. The owner wanted to talk to Ali, who happened to be her best friend, to let her know that her credit cards were not clearing. The next day Ali got in contact with her financial company and went for a meeting only to find out that her money was stolen and it would take months to investigate. In the interim, Ali was completely broke. Her best friend allowed her to run a bill under the owner’s name, but Ali had no idea how she would afford anything else. The pool boy was also the bartender, Sam and Ali was attracted to him. Sam couldn’t get his mind off that mind blowing kiss either Ali, and he was beyond excited to see her show up at The Diamond Club. When Ali ends up drinking too much and attempts to drive, Sam gets her a cab and hangs onto her keys. This way he knows she will have to see him again.
This is a slow-burn, emotional novel with romance in the air. Ali has her walls up, and Sam’s willing to prove himself to her, but will that be enough after everything she’s been through?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
March 11, 2026
More Red, book two of the Hidden Hearts series by D.L. Croisette, continues Sam and Ali's love story; it's the sequel to Ruby Red and focuses on their relationship as they face life's challenges together.
Sam's story gets really interesting in this novel, which is very much focused on trust. There's a dark past he needs to face as part of his character development, and his family history is painful. He confronts memories of his brother Thomas's death, a tragedy that haunts him, and the things that happened on that fateful night.
This leads me to talk about another character in the book. Victoria. I could not stand Vicky! Icky ick... no no no. Consent works both ways, and Vicky, the 'wreckage' of Sam's past, shows very little remorse for what she did.
Circling back to Ali. She's no doubt one of my favourite romance book heroines because she's solid and trustworthy. She's the friend you can confide in and know your secrets are safe. I'm glad Sam met her. :) But she has her own battles, and her ex-husband, Jack Blackthorne, does not make things easy for her.
Jack is Ali's headache, and there are power struggles between the two, though I sensed small doses of vulnerability on his part... I'd love to see a story about him one day. As a romance reader, I'm a fan of bad boys as much as I am of cinnamon roll heroes. :)
Overall, I enjoyed reading More Red due to the depth of its romance. It isn't light fluff, but it's not too heavy either. It has all the right elements of a romance trilogy, and I cannot wait for the third book in the series, True Red.
Sam's story gets really interesting in this novel, which is very much focused on trust. There's a dark past he needs to face as part of his character development, and his family history is painful. He confronts memories of his brother Thomas's death, a tragedy that haunts him, and the things that happened on that fateful night.
This leads me to talk about another character in the book. Victoria. I could not stand Vicky! Icky ick... no no no. Consent works both ways, and Vicky, the 'wreckage' of Sam's past, shows very little remorse for what she did.
Circling back to Ali. She's no doubt one of my favourite romance book heroines because she's solid and trustworthy. She's the friend you can confide in and know your secrets are safe. I'm glad Sam met her. :) But she has her own battles, and her ex-husband, Jack Blackthorne, does not make things easy for her.
Jack is Ali's headache, and there are power struggles between the two, though I sensed small doses of vulnerability on his part... I'd love to see a story about him one day. As a romance reader, I'm a fan of bad boys as much as I am of cinnamon roll heroes. :)
Overall, I enjoyed reading More Red due to the depth of its romance. It isn't light fluff, but it's not too heavy either. It has all the right elements of a romance trilogy, and I cannot wait for the third book in the series, True Red.
March 11, 2026
I could not stop reading this one. Right from the start, I needed to know if the love they found in book one, Ruby Red, was going to last. Moving, family, people from the past, someone new, and situations that trigger certain responses appear from cover to cover. Ms. Croisette doesn't just tell us a story of two people who fell in love, she makes it so we feel as though we are right there going through everything the MCs.
In More Red, we finally get more of Sam's side of the story. How his family's history shaped him into the man he is, but he is still haunted by it. Then there is his ex-girlfriend, who left a bad taste in my mouth and we finally find out why. So much happens between Ali and Sam in this book. Some of the situations trigger the abuse Ali endured at the hands of her ex-husband. The lack of communication, misinterpretations, and getting into their own heads cause heartbreak but at the same time also see hearts healing.
More Red is book two in the Hidden Hearts trilogy and I am eager to see what happens between Ali and Sam in True Red.
In More Red, we finally get more of Sam's side of the story. How his family's history shaped him into the man he is, but he is still haunted by it. Then there is his ex-girlfriend, who left a bad taste in my mouth and we finally find out why. So much happens between Ali and Sam in this book. Some of the situations trigger the abuse Ali endured at the hands of her ex-husband. The lack of communication, misinterpretations, and getting into their own heads cause heartbreak but at the same time also see hearts healing.
More Red is book two in the Hidden Hearts trilogy and I am eager to see what happens between Ali and Sam in True Red.
April 2, 2026
Sometimes love isn’t the hard part… staying together is.
More Red dives into what happens after the happily ever after—when real life, pressure, and expectations start to test everything.
What stood out most to me was how grounded the relationship feels. Ali and Sam aren’t falling in love—they’re trying to hold onto it while everything around them starts pulling them in different directions.
The shift into a new city and Sam’s family world adds so much tension. There’s a constant push between love and responsibility, with secrets and outside pressures slowly building beneath the surface.
I really appreciated how emotional and real this felt. The struggles aren’t dramatic for the sake of it—they feel rooted in choices, expectations, and the fear of losing something that matters.
For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because it was engaging and emotionally layered, though I found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain moments.
Raw. Emotional. Real. ❤️
More Red dives into what happens after the happily ever after—when real life, pressure, and expectations start to test everything.
What stood out most to me was how grounded the relationship feels. Ali and Sam aren’t falling in love—they’re trying to hold onto it while everything around them starts pulling them in different directions.
The shift into a new city and Sam’s family world adds so much tension. There’s a constant push between love and responsibility, with secrets and outside pressures slowly building beneath the surface.
I really appreciated how emotional and real this felt. The struggles aren’t dramatic for the sake of it—they feel rooted in choices, expectations, and the fear of losing something that matters.
For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because it was engaging and emotionally layered, though I found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain moments.
Raw. Emotional. Real. ❤️
March 12, 2026
Sam and Ali’s story continues and it just gets better.
It hurts so much, with so many mistakes made. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, waiting to see what that snake Vicky was going to do.
Ali is so strong (and understanding), but I wish that she had developed the ability to really push back. While Sam’s ‘betrayal’ was engineered by others, that was only one in a long list… and I felt a bit cheated that she was so forgiving.
I liked that we had Sam’s POV, but in a way, it made it worse, just because of the contradiction in their behaviours and attitudes… New York changed him… and not for the better.
Now, it’s just a waiting game for book 3, where they better find their happy ending!
It hurts so much, with so many mistakes made. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, waiting to see what that snake Vicky was going to do.
Ali is so strong (and understanding), but I wish that she had developed the ability to really push back. While Sam’s ‘betrayal’ was engineered by others, that was only one in a long list… and I felt a bit cheated that she was so forgiving.
I liked that we had Sam’s POV, but in a way, it made it worse, just because of the contradiction in their behaviours and attitudes… New York changed him… and not for the better.
Now, it’s just a waiting game for book 3, where they better find their happy ending!
April 1, 2026
Book 2 Redthe Hidden Hearts series. Books should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment.
'More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.'
The characters continue to grow and develop. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to impress and be solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'More Red continues Ali and Sam’s story with steam, drama, and hard-won hope, and ends in a deeply satisfying place for readers who love emotional, character-driven romance. There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.'
The characters continue to grow and develop. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to impress and be solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Any person who has been abused takes years to heal. Even with the love of a good man, so many triggers take you back to the abuse and abuser. Your mind remembers the past. Until you can learn to cope with the present, your mind keeps going back, and you compare then to now.
The navigation of this delicate subject is done very well. Trust is the biggest issue for any survivor. Both have issues from the past, and as they learn to trust each other, they also begin to learn how to deal with their pasts, which affect their present lives.
Great wordsmithing. I look forward to reading the next book.
The navigation of this delicate subject is done very well. Trust is the biggest issue for any survivor. Both have issues from the past, and as they learn to trust each other, they also begin to learn how to deal with their pasts, which affect their present lives.
Great wordsmithing. I look forward to reading the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoy reading this. It shows what can happen in a relationship, trusting one another starts with good communication. Even though both got hurt because of lack of communication they were still able to work it out. I loved how this ended and I cant wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the second one in the series and I am looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
More Red by D.L. Croisette is an easy five star read for me. This book took everything I loved about Ali and Sam in Ruby Red and deepened it in the most emotional and satisfying way.
Watching Ali step into a new life in New York felt so real. She is no longer just surviving. She is trying to belong in a world of old money, high expectations, and constant scrutiny. My heart ached for her as she tried to be supportive while quietly wondering if she was becoming the sacrifice in Sam’s return to his family’s powerful business. Her vulnerability feels honest and relatable, especially as secrets and half truths start to chip away at the solid foundation they fought so hard to build.
Sam is still that cinnamon roll bartender at heart, but now he is caught between love and legacy. You can feel the pressure closing in on him from every direction. He wants to protect Ali, to put her first, but the weight of his family’s past and present choices makes that promise harder to keep. His struggle never feels selfish. It feels human.
The romance is emotional, steamy, and deeply character driven. There are no cheap twists, no unnecessary drama, just two people trying to hold onto each other when the world keeps pulling them apart. The tension is rooted in love, fear, and the very real question of whether happily ever after can survive real life.
More Red is heartfelt, angsty in the best way, and ultimately so rewarding. If you love romance that focuses on growth, loyalty, and fighting for the relationship instead of against it, this book will absolutely steal your heart.
Watching Ali step into a new life in New York felt so real. She is no longer just surviving. She is trying to belong in a world of old money, high expectations, and constant scrutiny. My heart ached for her as she tried to be supportive while quietly wondering if she was becoming the sacrifice in Sam’s return to his family’s powerful business. Her vulnerability feels honest and relatable, especially as secrets and half truths start to chip away at the solid foundation they fought so hard to build.
Sam is still that cinnamon roll bartender at heart, but now he is caught between love and legacy. You can feel the pressure closing in on him from every direction. He wants to protect Ali, to put her first, but the weight of his family’s past and present choices makes that promise harder to keep. His struggle never feels selfish. It feels human.
The romance is emotional, steamy, and deeply character driven. There are no cheap twists, no unnecessary drama, just two people trying to hold onto each other when the world keeps pulling them apart. The tension is rooted in love, fear, and the very real question of whether happily ever after can survive real life.
More Red is heartfelt, angsty in the best way, and ultimately so rewarding. If you love romance that focuses on growth, loyalty, and fighting for the relationship instead of against it, this book will absolutely steal your heart.
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