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Blurred Love
Ever since a traumatic brain injury changed his life, Colter James has kept to himself.
He doesn’t do small talk. Doesn’t do crowds.
And certainly doesn’t do women.
When my sleazy ex starts causing trouble,
Colter shows up like a storm—dark, dangerous, and hell bent on protecting me. Even if it means breaking all of his rules.
Now he’s stepping into my world—
one quiet gesture, one lingering glance at a time.
I can’t deny I want more.
More of his guarded kindness.
More of the man he swears he can’t be.
He says he’s not worth the risk.
But what if losing him is the biggest risk of all?
He doesn’t do small talk. Doesn’t do crowds.
And certainly doesn’t do women.
When my sleazy ex starts causing trouble,
Colter shows up like a storm—dark, dangerous, and hell bent on protecting me. Even if it means breaking all of his rules.
Now he’s stepping into my world—
one quiet gesture, one lingering glance at a time.
I can’t deny I want more.
More of his guarded kindness.
More of the man he swears he can’t be.
He says he’s not worth the risk.
But what if losing him is the biggest risk of all?
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
192 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ford
280 books2,235 followersBestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN. She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 15, 2025
Poppy is doing her best to move forward after a toxic relationship left her questioning her worth. Running a bakery food truck and guarding her heart is how she keeps herself safe. Then she meets Colter, a silent and intense veteran who watches her from a distance but never speaks. What starts as irritation turns into something she never expected.
Colter carries the scars of war, including a traumatic brain injury that makes communication a challenge. He’s convinced he’s too broken for anything real. But Poppy doesn’t back down. She sees past his silence and gives him a reason to believe in more.
As their connection deepens, secrets from Colter’s past resurface, threatening to tear everything apart. Trust, vulnerability, and second chances become the foundation they need to navigate heartbreak, confusion, and fear.
Love doesn’t always arrive at the perfect time. Sometimes it shows up with history, silence, and wounds that haven’t fully healed. Poppy and Colter both evolve from emotionally guarded individuals into people who are brave enough to fight for something real. She brings warmth, humor, and patience. He brings steady loyalty and quiet strength. Together, they create space for healing and hope.
Their relationship grows from misunderstanding and mistrust into one built on honesty, support, and a shared vision for the future. The emotional tension is matched with moments of sweetness, off-the-charts heat, and true connection.
A small town, curvy girl, grumpy sunshine, wounded veteran romance, exploring love after loss, connection, healing from trauma, emotional vulnerability, second chances, trust and honesty, self-worth, found family, overcoming fear, resilience, acceptance, and belonging. It's about the risks of opening up, and choosing each other even when it’s messy.
Colter carries the scars of war, including a traumatic brain injury that makes communication a challenge. He’s convinced he’s too broken for anything real. But Poppy doesn’t back down. She sees past his silence and gives him a reason to believe in more.
As their connection deepens, secrets from Colter’s past resurface, threatening to tear everything apart. Trust, vulnerability, and second chances become the foundation they need to navigate heartbreak, confusion, and fear.
Love doesn’t always arrive at the perfect time. Sometimes it shows up with history, silence, and wounds that haven’t fully healed. Poppy and Colter both evolve from emotionally guarded individuals into people who are brave enough to fight for something real. She brings warmth, humor, and patience. He brings steady loyalty and quiet strength. Together, they create space for healing and hope.
Their relationship grows from misunderstanding and mistrust into one built on honesty, support, and a shared vision for the future. The emotional tension is matched with moments of sweetness, off-the-charts heat, and true connection.
A small town, curvy girl, grumpy sunshine, wounded veteran romance, exploring love after loss, connection, healing from trauma, emotional vulnerability, second chances, trust and honesty, self-worth, found family, overcoming fear, resilience, acceptance, and belonging. It's about the risks of opening up, and choosing each other even when it’s messy.
May 16, 2025
This book is a part of the Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series and focuses on Colter and Poppy. Colter had his life thrown onto its axis when he got injured in the line of duty and ended up with a TBI. His life changed drastically but when he met Poppy, he knew that she was someone special to him. He didn’t feel that he was good enough for her due to his injury but Poppy made sure to show him that he was more than enough for her. I love how Poppy was determined to show Colter how he was so much more than his injury and how Colter showed Poppy exactly how she deserved to be treated. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2025
Hope gives us another wonderful story that hits you heart and soul. Colter and Poppy’s first meeting is one filled with misunderstanding. Once the truth comes out their love journey is one of healing for both of them. Heartfelt moments, deep emotion, sizzling chemistry, vulnerability, a bit of angst, acceptance, friend support, passion, humor all bring a sweet conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 14, 2025I wish I was someone who could really enjoy novellas. Some of them always look so good, but I just feel no connection to them
June 8, 2025
Quick easy read (107 pages)
This book was surprisingly good considering this author usually has the same formula of insta love and just smut over plot.
This one seemed more plot over smut for something different. And we weren't "i love you" in days we got i think a month's before that came up.
Some things that were missing:
1. we didn't get details of what actually happened to Colter, just that he had a brain injury, which caused a stutter and migraines.
2. poppy mentioned she loved baking, and Colter told her to talk to her boss about doing that part-time, but we never went back to that at all. she also asked him what his favourite desert was, and he said, "i don't know anything with strawberry," and then nothing, no cute dessert, she made for him nothing...
3. I'm pretty sure we were wondering about Zach for like 4 books now, and then it was done and dusted off the page in a paragraph... what the hell happened?
Lost stars were for the above reasons, the proposal was not romantic and I would have said "try again later" they were both naked for crying out loud he couldn't have gone for a drive some where and make it nice, and the epilogue was gross 🤮 almost ruined the book for me ... I absolutely hate when men say, "i want to breed you." ewww
Thankfully, we didn't get any babies born (always boys - always named after the dad)
I would have loved more of poppy with her friends and getting to know the other wives.
The ex-wife storyline was random and seemed unnecessary.
Easy quick read if need a palate cleanse.
This book was surprisingly good considering this author usually has the same formula of insta love and just smut over plot.
This one seemed more plot over smut for something different. And we weren't "i love you" in days we got i think a month's before that came up.
Some things that were missing:
1. we didn't get details of what actually happened to Colter, just that he had a brain injury, which caused a stutter and migraines.
2. poppy mentioned she loved baking, and Colter told her to talk to her boss about doing that part-time, but we never went back to that at all. she also asked him what his favourite desert was, and he said, "i don't know anything with strawberry," and then nothing, no cute dessert, she made for him nothing...
3. I'm pretty sure we were wondering about Zach for like 4 books now, and then it was done and dusted off the page in a paragraph... what the hell happened?
Lost stars were for the above reasons, the proposal was not romantic and I would have said "try again later" they were both naked for crying out loud he couldn't have gone for a drive some where and make it nice, and the epilogue was gross 🤮 almost ruined the book for me ... I absolutely hate when men say, "i want to breed you." ewww
Thankfully, we didn't get any babies born (always boys - always named after the dad)
I would have loved more of poppy with her friends and getting to know the other wives.
The ex-wife storyline was random and seemed unnecessary.
Easy quick read if need a palate cleanse.
May 15, 2025
Haha holy shit these people suck, especially the MMC; I was expecting a different kind of third act trouble and kind of hate him. Two stars is generous. Some awful quotes:
Doesn't tell her he's recently divorced until the woman is naked in his house:
“You’re married.” Guilt flashes on his face
This needs no explanation (except maybe that he does ask her to leave but gives her an hour to do so, with his computers and shit all there, so he's also really fucking dumb [also, he has a TBI but this behavior is definitely unrelated]):
“You did not just tell me that you love me for the first time after I found your naked wife in your home?”
Wants to hold her hostage and blames her for his fuckup:
“What’s this about, Poppy?”
“I want my car… just in case.”
“In case you need to run?”
“I’m not going to run, but in case you have another nude woman claiming to be your wife, I’m not going to want to stick around.”
“We were doing so good, honey. Don’t let this come between us.”
Guilts her into accepting his proposal to push her into moving in with him when she thinks it's too early:
“Move in here.”
She gasps. “What do you mean move in here? I can’t just move in.”
I push her to her back and lean over her. “We’re getting married anyway. Why can’t you move in?”
“We just met a month ago…”
“I knew the first time I met you, I wanted to marry you.”
Hope flairs [sic] on her face, but she shakes her head. “It’s too soon.”
“Do you love me, Poppy?”
Don't worry though, she gets him back when she stops taking birth control without consulting him:
“You know you have to go off birth control if you want to have kids.”
She gives me the biggest smile. “I did. Last week.”
Doesn't tell her he's recently divorced until the woman is naked in his house:
“You’re married.” Guilt flashes on his face
This needs no explanation (except maybe that he does ask her to leave but gives her an hour to do so, with his computers and shit all there, so he's also really fucking dumb [also, he has a TBI but this behavior is definitely unrelated]):
“You did not just tell me that you love me for the first time after I found your naked wife in your home?”
Wants to hold her hostage and blames her for his fuckup:
“What’s this about, Poppy?”
“I want my car… just in case.”
“In case you need to run?”
“I’m not going to run, but in case you have another nude woman claiming to be your wife, I’m not going to want to stick around.”
“We were doing so good, honey. Don’t let this come between us.”
Guilts her into accepting his proposal to push her into moving in with him when she thinks it's too early:
“Move in here.”
She gasps. “What do you mean move in here? I can’t just move in.”
I push her to her back and lean over her. “We’re getting married anyway. Why can’t you move in?”
“We just met a month ago…”
“I knew the first time I met you, I wanted to marry you.”
Hope flairs [sic] on her face, but she shakes her head. “It’s too soon.”
“Do you love me, Poppy?”
Don't worry though, she gets him back when she stops taking birth control without consulting him:
“You know you have to go off birth control if you want to have kids.”
She gives me the biggest smile. “I did. Last week.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Say what now?
Looking at all the stars from other reviews, I think I may have mucked it up and read a different book.. colour me confused, because, I don't think I've ready anything as utterly useless as this in a very long time!
I kept asking myself "who wrote this drivel?"
It is, quite honestly, a colossal load of absolute gobshite!
Poppy lost me by page 5, and she just kept getting worse as the book grew loooooong!
So much pain! (mine, obviously)
Why didn't I just give up?
If I had, I would have been spared the whole, "how about we just throw a naked ex wife in there, you know just to make this book even more awful?"
....um.... what in the actual fuck?
We couldn't come up with anything better? ...I mean the book wasn't even going in this direction (so, so confused)
All this little scene achieved was my monumental dislike of Poppy to treble. I really didn't think this was possible... imagine my surprise! particularly considering all my hate should have been directed at the "ex wife" or whatever, but Poppy still reigns supreme
... I swear this author wrote this book in one afternoon! Behind schedule? no problem...just chuck a whole lot of shit together (don't bother giving it even a single once over) and hit print/send, whatever.
again ..who wrote this book obo Hope Ford? whoever they are should not be left unsupervised.
Looking at all the stars from other reviews, I think I may have mucked it up and read a different book.. colour me confused, because, I don't think I've ready anything as utterly useless as this in a very long time!
I kept asking myself "who wrote this drivel?"
It is, quite honestly, a colossal load of absolute gobshite!
Poppy lost me by page 5, and she just kept getting worse as the book grew loooooong!
So much pain! (mine, obviously)
Why didn't I just give up?
If I had, I would have been spared the whole, "how about we just throw a naked ex wife in there, you know just to make this book even more awful?"
....um.... what in the actual fuck?
We couldn't come up with anything better? ...I mean the book wasn't even going in this direction (so, so confused)
All this little scene achieved was my monumental dislike of Poppy to treble. I really didn't think this was possible... imagine my surprise! particularly considering all my hate should have been directed at the "ex wife" or whatever, but Poppy still reigns supreme
... I swear this author wrote this book in one afternoon! Behind schedule? no problem...just chuck a whole lot of shit together (don't bother giving it even a single once over) and hit print/send, whatever.
again ..who wrote this book obo Hope Ford? whoever they are should not be left unsupervised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
He loves anything strawberry...and she tastes just like the ripest one ever
Blurred Love is the fifth book in the Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series. This story tugs hard at your heart as it deals with a man who's whole life changed in an instant and younger woman who is trying to make a fresh start and follow her heart. Poppy Turner dumped her ex-boyfriend a few months ago and then took a job she really loved, running the food truck for Glaze Bakery. She loves it because she gets to go around to different locations, meet different people, and the treats are delicious. Colter James has been starting his life over ever since he suffered a TBI, traumatic brain injury, on his last mission overseas with the team. When he got back he was mad, unsteady and scared. But the kicker was when his wife walked out and filed for divorce. He now lives in one of the cabin residences at the Heroes Rehab Center where he has a different job for the team, in the background working magic on his computers in support of the missions. Because of the TBI he suffers from migraines which are brought on by sunlight, so he stays inside and by himself most of the time. But when he walks by the bakery food truck one day and sees the beautiful and sweet woman working inside he is done for, like absolutely done. That was a few months ago and since then he has made a habit of sitting and watching her whenever they are at the center. But he cannot talk to her as she makes him more than a little tongue-tied, as a stutter he has when he is nervous or overthinks is so pronounced he can barely say even one word to her. But one day when Poppy had a run in with her ex in the morning she basically unloads on Colter and that sets a whole series of things into motion....some for the good and some for the bad, but all will lead these two to the greatest and soul searing love they have ever known.
I LOVED this book so much. It is a great addition to the series and makes your heart pound and your breath hitch, along with laugh and shed a few tears along the way to the sweet and spicy HEA.
Blurred Love is the fifth book in the Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series. This story tugs hard at your heart as it deals with a man who's whole life changed in an instant and younger woman who is trying to make a fresh start and follow her heart. Poppy Turner dumped her ex-boyfriend a few months ago and then took a job she really loved, running the food truck for Glaze Bakery. She loves it because she gets to go around to different locations, meet different people, and the treats are delicious. Colter James has been starting his life over ever since he suffered a TBI, traumatic brain injury, on his last mission overseas with the team. When he got back he was mad, unsteady and scared. But the kicker was when his wife walked out and filed for divorce. He now lives in one of the cabin residences at the Heroes Rehab Center where he has a different job for the team, in the background working magic on his computers in support of the missions. Because of the TBI he suffers from migraines which are brought on by sunlight, so he stays inside and by himself most of the time. But when he walks by the bakery food truck one day and sees the beautiful and sweet woman working inside he is done for, like absolutely done. That was a few months ago and since then he has made a habit of sitting and watching her whenever they are at the center. But he cannot talk to her as she makes him more than a little tongue-tied, as a stutter he has when he is nervous or overthinks is so pronounced he can barely say even one word to her. But one day when Poppy had a run in with her ex in the morning she basically unloads on Colter and that sets a whole series of things into motion....some for the good and some for the bad, but all will lead these two to the greatest and soul searing love they have ever known.
I LOVED this book so much. It is a great addition to the series and makes your heart pound and your breath hitch, along with laugh and shed a few tears along the way to the sweet and spicy HEA.
September 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars.
I’ve finally reached the end of the road with The Wounded Heroes series, it’s been a bit of a uphill battle but none of these books have been boring, just very mediocre 😅.
I don’t know if this is the last book in the series, but for now it is for me and overall I thought that yet again this was fine but nothing special. However it did what it set out to do, it’s short, quick, steamy and a simple palette cleanser to past the time with 👍🏻.
I’ve been behind on my reading challenge this month and so this series has been a god sent in order to keep up with my goal 🙏🏻.
Out of all the books in the series I’d say this one was the quickest book. There is no time wasted, it is very fast paced and the shortest book as well. So if you like all these things than this ones for you.
I thought our main characters were okay. Usually I’ve liked the hero more then the heroines in this series but on this occasion I did enjoy both leads 😊. Despite it being fast paced I thought Colter and Poppy had decent chemistry and I can never not enjoy a possessive hero 😋. As for the spice, I’d say it was on par with the previous books, it’s not overly spicy but it gives you enough to be satisfied with.
This wasn’t a perfect book by any means, I’m not a huge fan of fast pace and this definitely went by rapidly. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. For me I’m 50/50, it sort of worked here but also didn’t ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 🙃.
Ultimately though this wasn’t terrible and it gave me enough to NOT dnf 👍🏻. Hope Ford is still a handy author for me to keep up with my reading challenges and so I do salute her for that 🫡. This is my 10th time now reading from Hope and I think for me she will always be an author I can rely on for a quick and easy novella story ☺️. It might not be 5 stars from me but a 3 star review doesn’t mean it was bad either.
•tropes/genres•
🏘small town
⏳fast paced
😋possessive mmc
🍑curvy fmc
❤️age-gap (10 years)
🥺she takes care of him
🫦”you’re mine.”
🌶spicy (1.5/5)
🧠traumatic brain injury (TBI) hero
💔cheating ex
💍divorced hero
📖19 chpts & epilogue
👥dual pov
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
I’ve finally reached the end of the road with The Wounded Heroes series, it’s been a bit of a uphill battle but none of these books have been boring, just very mediocre 😅.
I don’t know if this is the last book in the series, but for now it is for me and overall I thought that yet again this was fine but nothing special. However it did what it set out to do, it’s short, quick, steamy and a simple palette cleanser to past the time with 👍🏻.
I’ve been behind on my reading challenge this month and so this series has been a god sent in order to keep up with my goal 🙏🏻.
Out of all the books in the series I’d say this one was the quickest book. There is no time wasted, it is very fast paced and the shortest book as well. So if you like all these things than this ones for you.
I thought our main characters were okay. Usually I’ve liked the hero more then the heroines in this series but on this occasion I did enjoy both leads 😊. Despite it being fast paced I thought Colter and Poppy had decent chemistry and I can never not enjoy a possessive hero 😋. As for the spice, I’d say it was on par with the previous books, it’s not overly spicy but it gives you enough to be satisfied with.
This wasn’t a perfect book by any means, I’m not a huge fan of fast pace and this definitely went by rapidly. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. For me I’m 50/50, it sort of worked here but also didn’t ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 🙃.
Ultimately though this wasn’t terrible and it gave me enough to NOT dnf 👍🏻. Hope Ford is still a handy author for me to keep up with my reading challenges and so I do salute her for that 🫡. This is my 10th time now reading from Hope and I think for me she will always be an author I can rely on for a quick and easy novella story ☺️. It might not be 5 stars from me but a 3 star review doesn’t mean it was bad either.
•tropes/genres•
🏘small town
⏳fast paced
😋possessive mmc
🍑curvy fmc
❤️age-gap (10 years)
🥺she takes care of him
🫦”you’re mine.”
🌶spicy (1.5/5)
🧠traumatic brain injury (TBI) hero
💔cheating ex
💍divorced hero
📖19 chpts & epilogue
👥dual pov
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
May 14, 2025
**Bad Day and Misunderstanding!**
"Blurred Love" is the fifth book in the Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series. Poppy is having a rough day after experiencing another encounter with her horrible ex-boyfriend, who verbally abuses her at every opportunity. After feeling watched by a stranger while she works, she inadvertently takes her frustrations out on him.
Colter has been mustering the courage to talk to Poppy ever since he first saw her working on the pastry truck. However, he struggles with a traumatic brain injury that causes migraines, dizziness, and confusion, leading to self-doubt when confronting a beautiful woman. Poppy’s sharp words extinguish any hope he had of connecting with her. Luckily, his friend Abby is present and able to converse with Poppy, allowing for some communication to take place.
Poppy immediately regrets her harsh words, which are out of character for her, and wants to apologize to Colter. This opens the door for them to start talking and getting to know each other. Their attraction and chemistry are palpable. Despite Colter’s TBI and Poppy’s past insecurities, they find a way to support and heal one another as they pursue their Happily Ever After.
This is a sweet instalove story with well-developed characters and an engaging world. It features a slow-burn romance but moves at a fast pace, making it easy to read in one sitting. The theme of found family support adds to its relatability. It also includes the drama and spice that fans of instalove stories cherish. I hope you enjoy it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Blurred Love" is the fifth book in the Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series. Poppy is having a rough day after experiencing another encounter with her horrible ex-boyfriend, who verbally abuses her at every opportunity. After feeling watched by a stranger while she works, she inadvertently takes her frustrations out on him.
Colter has been mustering the courage to talk to Poppy ever since he first saw her working on the pastry truck. However, he struggles with a traumatic brain injury that causes migraines, dizziness, and confusion, leading to self-doubt when confronting a beautiful woman. Poppy’s sharp words extinguish any hope he had of connecting with her. Luckily, his friend Abby is present and able to converse with Poppy, allowing for some communication to take place.
Poppy immediately regrets her harsh words, which are out of character for her, and wants to apologize to Colter. This opens the door for them to start talking and getting to know each other. Their attraction and chemistry are palpable. Despite Colter’s TBI and Poppy’s past insecurities, they find a way to support and heal one another as they pursue their Happily Ever After.
This is a sweet instalove story with well-developed characters and an engaging world. It features a slow-burn romance but moves at a fast pace, making it easy to read in one sitting. The theme of found family support adds to its relatability. It also includes the drama and spice that fans of instalove stories cherish. I hope you enjoy it!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
Poppy gets bothered by her ex, who put her down. When a man stares at her for hours while she works the pastry truck, she lets out her frustration oh him, not knowing that he tried to gain the courage to talk with her. He has a traumatic brain injury and some impacts like migraine, getting dizzy and confused an so on. He thinks he and Poppy don't have a chance. Thankfully his friend Abby talks to Poppy and they start to text and she apologizes. She sees the man Colter, sexy with a kind heart and is not slightly fazed by his tbi. She is insecure beacause of her body and often being put down and to Colter she is the most beautiful woman. Can Colter show his vulnerability and experience the strength of Abby and will she let him show, what he sees in her? And then secrets from the past pop up.
I am a big fan of Hope Ford's stories. They always have the special mgaic between the charachters, don't know, somehow they captivate me. For me between Poppy and Colter it was special, that they both needed and protected each other. Both are strong in their own ways and just give each other with what they were struggling on theit own, which melted my heart. They also have great friends and love to meet the other couples again, also briefly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am a big fan of Hope Ford's stories. They always have the special mgaic between the charachters, don't know, somehow they captivate me. For me between Poppy and Colter it was special, that they both needed and protected each other. Both are strong in their own ways and just give each other with what they were struggling on theit own, which melted my heart. They also have great friends and love to meet the other couples again, also briefly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2025
Poppy doesn’t usually take her frustrations out on strangers, but after a rough encounter with her ex, she’s teetering on the edge. So, when she spots a man watching her for what feels like hours while she works in a pastry truck, she interprets his gaze as judgment—and lets him have it. What she doesn’t know is that Colter has been working up the courage to talk to her, battling the self-doubt that stems from his traumatic brain injury. Her sharp words crush the hope he’d been clinging to—until his friend Abby sets the record straight. Realizing her mistake, Poppy sends a heartfelt apology that unexpectedly opens the door to something tender and true. What follows is a beautiful, slow-burning connection between two people who see beyond each other’s insecurities: Colter, grappling with the symptoms of his TBI, and Poppy, battling body image issues. Their story may be short, but it packs an emotional punch. I loved how they lifted each other up, offering unwavering support and seeing the best in one another. The romance is sweet and sincere, and the message is clear: love doesn’t shy away from scars—it embraces them. Poppy’s unwavering belief in Colter and her determination to face any challenge side by side with him is the kind of heartwarming hope we all need more of.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2025
Blurred Love by Hope Ford is a tender, slow-burn romance that feels like a warm sunrise after a long, dark night. Poppy’s world is thrown into chaos when her sleazy ex resurfaces, and the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Colter James—the wounded hero of Whiskey Men’s Wounded Heroes series. Since suffering a traumatic brain injury, Colter has retreated into solitude, shunning crowds and conversation. Yet the moment Poppy’s in danger, he reappears like a force of nature, breaking every rule he’s set for himself to keep her safe.
Watching Colter navigate his own fears—through quiet gestures, protective glances, and moments of unexpected vulnerability—is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Poppy’s gratitude slowly blossoms into something deeper as she peels back the layers of his guarded heart, discovering the man beneath the trauma. Their chemistry simmers rather than explodes, giving each stolen touch and shared smile real emotional weight.
Hope Ford balances the tension of Poppy’s precarious situation with Colter’s internal battle, crafting a romance that feels both realistic and deeply hopeful. By the last page, you’ll be cheering for this duo to embrace risk, trust one another, and find a love worth fighting for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Watching Colter navigate his own fears—through quiet gestures, protective glances, and moments of unexpected vulnerability—is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Poppy’s gratitude slowly blossoms into something deeper as she peels back the layers of his guarded heart, discovering the man beneath the trauma. Their chemistry simmers rather than explodes, giving each stolen touch and shared smile real emotional weight.
Hope Ford balances the tension of Poppy’s precarious situation with Colter’s internal battle, crafting a romance that feels both realistic and deeply hopeful. By the last page, you’ll be cheering for this duo to embrace risk, trust one another, and find a love worth fighting for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2025
Thank you Hope for another Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes installment.
I've loved this series, having all these protective wounded heroes finding their happy endings has been brilliant. In Blurred Love we follow Colter and Poppy. Colter has a TBI after the bomb explosion he encountered along with his comrades, he's sensitive to light and stutters occasionally. Mistaking his squinting in the sun for scowling, Poppy confronts Colter when she's visiting the rehab facility with Glaze bakery truck. Needless to say her verbal attack on Colter isn't necessary and when she herself is confronted by Abby (sweet addiction) she had the overwhelming need to apologise and make amends. This opens the door for conversation and their connection to grow.
I loved this story, it was nice to be back in Whiskey Run and back with the guys. A 5 star read for definite, and one that I would definitely reread again and again.
What to expect
💙 Wounded Hero (TBI)
💙 Second chance to make a good impression
💙 Dual POV
💙 Instalove
💙 Steamy Scenes
💙 Interlinking characters
💙 Miscommunication angst
💙 Headstrong FMC (which gets her in trouble with Abby)
💙 Vulnerability from the MMC
💙 Alpha cinnamon roll MMC
💙 No third act breakup
💙 HEAs
I've loved this series, having all these protective wounded heroes finding their happy endings has been brilliant. In Blurred Love we follow Colter and Poppy. Colter has a TBI after the bomb explosion he encountered along with his comrades, he's sensitive to light and stutters occasionally. Mistaking his squinting in the sun for scowling, Poppy confronts Colter when she's visiting the rehab facility with Glaze bakery truck. Needless to say her verbal attack on Colter isn't necessary and when she herself is confronted by Abby (sweet addiction) she had the overwhelming need to apologise and make amends. This opens the door for conversation and their connection to grow.
I loved this story, it was nice to be back in Whiskey Run and back with the guys. A 5 star read for definite, and one that I would definitely reread again and again.
What to expect
💙 Wounded Hero (TBI)
💙 Second chance to make a good impression
💙 Dual POV
💙 Instalove
💙 Steamy Scenes
💙 Interlinking characters
💙 Miscommunication angst
💙 Headstrong FMC (which gets her in trouble with Abby)
💙 Vulnerability from the MMC
💙 Alpha cinnamon roll MMC
💙 No third act breakup
💙 HEAs
May 14, 2025
Blurred Love is part of the Whiskey Men:Wounded Heroes Series by Hope Ford Coulter James wasn't ready to leave his career in the military but a traumatic brain injury forced his exit. Not only that, but it made this strong career soldier adjust to life with debilitating migraines, speech issues, and resulting insecurities. Luckily, like his military brothers, he has found solace in the town of Whiskey Run working with Walker and the other Wounded Heroes. He now spends his days behind a computer instead of the front lines. That is until he sees Poppy working in a food truck and immediately feels an unexpected attraction. I have read the entire Whiskey Run Series and all of its connected books and love them all. This one was incredibly good. I loved the research that went into TB injuries to write Coulter's story and the way Poppy responded to it. These books always make you think about how many soldiers live this way. As with all of Hope Ford's books, the chemistry was great and it was sweet as well. It is also quite steamy! I always look forward to her releases and after reading this book, I think we can guess who is next, and I can't wait.
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
May 15, 2025
This contemporary small-town romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are an alpha, wounded protective hero, curvy baker, grumpy/sunshine, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with blurred love, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice that is sure to leave readers breathless and begging for more, Colton James had a traumatic brain injury, changed his life, has kept to himself, no small talk, no crowds, doesn't do women, the sleazy ex of a woman that he becomes infatuated with starts causing trouble, Colter shows up like a storm-dark, dangerous, and hell bent on protecting her, even if it earns breaking all the rules, now he's stepping into her world, losing him could be the biggest risk of all after he said he's not worth the risk, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with blurred love and an explicit small town romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars!
This is book five in the author’s Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series and features Colter who now works with his computers from home since the traumatic brain injury that forced him to leave the military and Poppy who drives the food truck for The Glaze bakery that visits the Heroes Rehab Center each week where Colter lived.
I swear, Colter nearly broke my heart! Due to his physical limitations, no matter how slight, because of the TBI, and issues with his wenchy ex-wife, he had reconciled himself to being alone—no wife, no family, just his brothers in arms and his computers.
He was really the sweetest guy and I wanted to hug him so hard; he silently accepted any slight against him as if it was his fault and instantly forgave anyone who hurt him almost as if he felt like he didn’t deserve any better…I seriously wanted to hug him and tell him everything would all be ok.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Hope Ford book if it didn’t also bring tons of steam and Colter proved himself MORE than capable in that area as he and Poppy brought all the heat in this short but sweet novella. I loved it and think a lot of other readers will too! 4.5 stars!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five in the author’s Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series and features Colter who now works with his computers from home since the traumatic brain injury that forced him to leave the military and Poppy who drives the food truck for The Glaze bakery that visits the Heroes Rehab Center each week where Colter lived.
I swear, Colter nearly broke my heart! Due to his physical limitations, no matter how slight, because of the TBI, and issues with his wenchy ex-wife, he had reconciled himself to being alone—no wife, no family, just his brothers in arms and his computers.
He was really the sweetest guy and I wanted to hug him so hard; he silently accepted any slight against him as if it was his fault and instantly forgave anyone who hurt him almost as if he felt like he didn’t deserve any better…I seriously wanted to hug him and tell him everything would all be ok.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Hope Ford book if it didn’t also bring tons of steam and Colter proved himself MORE than capable in that area as he and Poppy brought all the heat in this short but sweet novella. I loved it and think a lot of other readers will too! 4.5 stars!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
May 14, 2025Another Whiskey Men Wounded Hero's get comfortable you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Poppy is generally a good-natured person who gets along with everyone but when she encounters her ex. It leaves her in a bad mood and takes it out on a man who is watching her work of course she mistakes watching as judgement and lets him have it a whole ear full. Colter sexy as all get out battling self-doubt due to a brain injury trying to talk himself into just speaking with the beautiful women who works at that the pastry truck but when she goes off on him like that any confidence, he had to ask her out went out the window and it takes a friend to explain why she was so frustrated that day. Poppy of course needs to apologize, she knows it isn’t her to act that way towards anyone and their paths interconnect at this point in the best way. They complement each other’s differences by accepting them, helping each other see the best in one another their journey is amazing to be a part of, but will she help him gain confidence, will he help her see herself the way he does, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way?
May 14, 2025
Something about Colter in this story grabbed me and didn’t let go. ❤️ Maybe it was his tongue-tied struggles to speak to Poppy, his stutter, or relating to his migraines, though mine aren’t nearly as bad as his, but I loved this book. Colter’s struggles nearly broke my heart: from a deployed active military guy to an injury that makes it hard to be in the sun, his life has totally changed.
Colter is dealing with a TBI that has various effects on his life and brain issues. Poppy has a cruel ex-boyfriend always needling her. When she blows up at Colter, thinking he’s the same as her ex-boyfriend, he’s shocked. He wanted to ask her out but was overthinking how to. So now he’s scared off. I loved Abby standing up for him and confronting Poppy who realizes she overreacted and was cruel to him. I admired how she pursued him to apologize but also gave him space.
The moments when they are there for each other are absolutely sweet and charming! They took the time to get to know eachother before progressing in a relationship. I loved that we got a view of Brooklyn and Walker after a few years and even many other characters from this series!
Colter is dealing with a TBI that has various effects on his life and brain issues. Poppy has a cruel ex-boyfriend always needling her. When she blows up at Colter, thinking he’s the same as her ex-boyfriend, he’s shocked. He wanted to ask her out but was overthinking how to. So now he’s scared off. I loved Abby standing up for him and confronting Poppy who realizes she overreacted and was cruel to him. I admired how she pursued him to apologize but also gave him space.
The moments when they are there for each other are absolutely sweet and charming! They took the time to get to know eachother before progressing in a relationship. I loved that we got a view of Brooklyn and Walker after a few years and even many other characters from this series!
May 14, 2025
Small Town romance.
Poppy is a young woman working in a food truck. After a difficult breakup, she tries to build herself up and regain her self-confidence, after her ex-boyfriend completely shattered her. One day after meeting her ex, a beautiful and mysterious man spends his time observing her, frowning all over. Frustrated, she decides to confront him.
Colter is a man who suffers from traumatic brain injuries after serving in the army. But one day he sees the beautiful Poppy, serving in a food truck, and it's love at first sight. He, who lives locked away and in the shadows because of the consequences of his brain injury, decides to open up and go out more for the beautiful Poppy. However, he didn't expect her to come to him, let alone for his ex to appear. He then decides that he will do anything to protect her.
Will Poppy and Colter have a beautiful story or will their past separate them….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poppy is a young woman working in a food truck. After a difficult breakup, she tries to build herself up and regain her self-confidence, after her ex-boyfriend completely shattered her. One day after meeting her ex, a beautiful and mysterious man spends his time observing her, frowning all over. Frustrated, she decides to confront him.
Colter is a man who suffers from traumatic brain injuries after serving in the army. But one day he sees the beautiful Poppy, serving in a food truck, and it's love at first sight. He, who lives locked away and in the shadows because of the consequences of his brain injury, decides to open up and go out more for the beautiful Poppy. However, he didn't expect her to come to him, let alone for his ex to appear. He then decides that he will do anything to protect her.
Will Poppy and Colter have a beautiful story or will their past separate them….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
I was so excited to see a new "Wounded Heroes" story!! I loved this story!!! It is the fifth story in the "Wounded Heroes" series that takes us back to the small town of Whiskey Run. The series is about wounded heroes that have come to the town at Walker's encouragement. It is a stand alone read with connected characters. This story is about Colter and Poppy. It is a wonderful story that really pulls on those heart strings. He was wounded and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was once confident and now he studders and has other side effects. He has been pining for Poppy, who comes to the center in a food truck. He is trying to work up the courage to speak to her. Poppy, runs the Glaze Bakery truck, and has had a rough day because of her ex. She finally decides to give the man, who has been scowling at her for hours, a piece of her mind. Poppy and Colter do not get off to a rocky start but luckily Abby steps up. This is such a touching read. I love the characters and how their story develops.
May 18, 2025
4.5⭐️
I really liked this book, and the representation of a TBI was very well done I thought. Not going to lie though, I really didn’t like Poppy for the first little bit. But I understood more where she was coming from the further I read, and I loved how she not only apologized but researched how to help. Colter was adorable and worked so hard to integrate back into regular life. I liked how they tried talking and navigating issues, and most of the emotions around the issues felt like realistic emotions. I did feel like some things were just thrown in to cause some sort of drama plot for the sake of it, but it just further strengthened their relationship. Overall though, I really like the whole TBI aspect and how it was woven in so seamlessly throughout the story. No cheating but there was some OM and OW drama, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue in the future. Looking forward to more books, maybe even Zach’s, from these Whiskey Run Heroes!
I really liked this book, and the representation of a TBI was very well done I thought. Not going to lie though, I really didn’t like Poppy for the first little bit. But I understood more where she was coming from the further I read, and I loved how she not only apologized but researched how to help. Colter was adorable and worked so hard to integrate back into regular life. I liked how they tried talking and navigating issues, and most of the emotions around the issues felt like realistic emotions. I did feel like some things were just thrown in to cause some sort of drama plot for the sake of it, but it just further strengthened their relationship. Overall though, I really like the whole TBI aspect and how it was woven in so seamlessly throughout the story. No cheating but there was some OM and OW drama, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue in the future. Looking forward to more books, maybe even Zach’s, from these Whiskey Run Heroes!
May 15, 2025
Colter was hurt while serving and it changed him and made him doubt himself. He saw Poppy and decided to take a chance but before he can get up the nerve they have a huge misunderstanding. When Poppy realizes how wrong she was she sets out to right the wrong and hopes he can look past her mistake. He’s strong and damaged and Poppy brings him peace. He makes her happy and safe. Together they work to build something better and more powerful than what they thought possible. Absolutely perfect blend of honoring the veterans and expanding the understanding the sacrifices they make. Loved it and this series. Thank goodness you know you’re safe with Hope Ford and guaranteed a lot of steam and a beautiful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
Blurred Love is a heart-wrenching novella of love after trauma and many life lessons regarding assumptions and faith. I adore how author Hope Ford built Poppy and Colter’s story, shedding light on trauma recovery and the multitude of ways people can misinterpret things when they make assumptions instead of using their voices. Colter is an awesome character—alpha protector, brilliant, sexy, and caring. Despite his issues, he continues to push forward and recognizes his self-with while also making it his mission to help those in need. Poppy is working through her own self-esteem issues thanks to a repugnant ex, and I love how we get to see her through Colter’s eyes. Their story not easy, but he never gives up on her, which is so appealing—and she never gives up on him either. Swoon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2025
Insta-love/ small town/ veteran MMC/ age gap/ found family/ OW drama/ HEA
Trigger warning: brain injury/ verbal abuse/ violence
A fairly short insta-love story about a veteran and a baker that get off on the wrong foot. I liked the MMC and his character but something about the FMC bugged me. Also the OW drama was unnecessary and annoying.
Oh also, in the epilogue, the MMC talks about wanting to start a family and the FMC admits that she stopped taking her birth control a week prior to. That’s messed up in my opinion. I get that they were in a committed relationship and has talked about trying to get pregnant earlier but that’s a big decision that she should have discussed with the MMC before making that choice as a “surprise”. It might not be that serious to anyone else that reads this book, but it felt icky to me.
Trigger warning: brain injury/ verbal abuse/ violence
A fairly short insta-love story about a veteran and a baker that get off on the wrong foot. I liked the MMC and his character but something about the FMC bugged me. Also the OW drama was unnecessary and annoying.
Oh also, in the epilogue, the MMC talks about wanting to start a family and the FMC admits that she stopped taking her birth control a week prior to. That’s messed up in my opinion. I get that they were in a committed relationship and has talked about trying to get pregnant earlier but that’s a big decision that she should have discussed with the MMC before making that choice as a “surprise”. It might not be that serious to anyone else that reads this book, but it felt icky to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
The hero of this book has a traumatic brain injury and the author portrays him with sensitivity and accuracy. The book is not all about TBI, but it does affect the hero’s day-to-day experience.
Poppy is a curvy baker and Colter is a former military member who works for Walker doing mysterious computer things for covert ops. He’s super smexy and the two of them together are fire.
I really enjoyed this book. The Instalove was believable and the characters are delightful.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Colter and Poppy
Heat- open door, explicit.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- N
Tropes- Ebil Exes, Instalove, Safe Stalking, BBW, Former Military, Disabled Hero, Sweet with Heat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poppy is a curvy baker and Colter is a former military member who works for Walker doing mysterious computer things for covert ops. He’s super smexy and the two of them together are fire.
I really enjoyed this book. The Instalove was believable and the characters are delightful.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Colter and Poppy
Heat- open door, explicit.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- N
Tropes- Ebil Exes, Instalove, Safe Stalking, BBW, Former Military, Disabled Hero, Sweet with Heat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
OMG, I loved this novella! Colter was a dreamboat, and Poppy was an absolute gem. My heart went out to both of them for things they'd endured in their pasts. Colter thought he had it all, until he didn't. Trying to rebuilt, but rebuild what? Poppy was hid ray of sunlight in the darkness, but talk about a disaster of a first meeting. UGH! This is one you simply have to read. The care and concern on both parts, and the sensitivity with which the book was written simply swept me away. This whole series has been phenomenal, yet still this book stood out. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a quick read and absolutely worth the time.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
May 18, 2025
Swoon!! I love a possessive, protective golden retriever MMC!!! Colter is that character!! He is suffering from a TBI, but he is so in love with Poppy. He needs to protect her, even though he can never have her. Poppy, still recovering from her horrible past relationship, does not trust any man! Especially men that stare and scowl at her. Although in most romance books, the MFC swoons and giggles when the MMC shows the possessive side of their attraction. Not Poppy, nope, Poppy goes off on Colter, gives him a piece of her mind and it makes our hearts break for Colter!! I love how Hope Ford’s characters are not always perfect. She writes such real and relatable characters!! I loved Blurred Love!!
June 2, 2025
4 stars 1.5 spice
Poppy & Colter
I’ve jumped all over the Whiskey Run universe and they’re always such easy heartfelt reads capable of being read on their own but also all linked together.
This one was so sweet, and despite the misunderstanding at the start, they fell together so well. Colter was a sweetheart struggling to deal with the longterm effects his TBI had on his self esteem, and Poppy was a cutie who was soft but could still stand up for herself.
The one star knocked off is due to the ex-wife somehow being in his house and naked? How’d she get access in the first place, and how did noone know if there was security on the property? Threw me just enough.
Still, I’ll absolutely be reading more of this universe soon!
Poppy & Colter
I’ve jumped all over the Whiskey Run universe and they’re always such easy heartfelt reads capable of being read on their own but also all linked together.
This one was so sweet, and despite the misunderstanding at the start, they fell together so well. Colter was a sweetheart struggling to deal with the longterm effects his TBI had on his self esteem, and Poppy was a cutie who was soft but could still stand up for herself.
The one star knocked off is due to the ex-wife somehow being in his house and naked? How’d she get access in the first place, and how did noone know if there was security on the property? Threw me just enough.
Still, I’ll absolutely be reading more of this universe soon!
July 4, 2025
Hope Ford's entire Whiskey Men: Wounded Heroes series has been exceptional, and Blurred Love, the fifth installment, is just as fabulous. Colter is living in Whiskey Run and working for Walker following his discharge from the military due to a traumatic brain injury. With recurring symptoms, he doesn't feel worthy or capable of a relationship, but when the beautiful, curvy Poppy crosses his path, he is unable to stay away. Their meet-cute is hardly romantic when a misunderstanding - and bad encounter with her ex - causes her to go off on the confused wounded hero. But once they each get their truths out, both find that they cannot stay away from the other. A steamy, swoon-worthy romantic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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