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The Hearts of Sawyers Bend #9
Forbidden Heart
In a house haunted by lies, love might be the most dangerous threat of all.
After serving a year in prison for a crime he swears he didn’t commit, Ford Sawyer returns to the shadowed halls of Heartstone Manor only to find freedom offers no escape. His father’s true killer is still out there, and suspicion clings to Ford like smoke. Worse, the man who once defended him now wants him dead—and has sent a killer to finish the job.
Paige McKenna thought taking a nanny job with the wealthy Sawyers would bring her closer to the truth about her father’s mysterious disappearance. But instead of answers, she’s entangled in secrets far darker than she imagined. And at the heart of them stands Ford—magnetic, brooding, and possibly a murderer.
As dangerous truths rise to the surface and a ghostly presence stirs within the walls of Heartstone Manor, Ford and Paige must decide if they can trust each other. Because someone is watching, someone is hunting—and the past isn’t done with either of them.
Forbidden Heart is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It’s the ninth and final book in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, featuring the Sawyer family of Sawyers Bend.
After serving a year in prison for a crime he swears he didn’t commit, Ford Sawyer returns to the shadowed halls of Heartstone Manor only to find freedom offers no escape. His father’s true killer is still out there, and suspicion clings to Ford like smoke. Worse, the man who once defended him now wants him dead—and has sent a killer to finish the job.
Paige McKenna thought taking a nanny job with the wealthy Sawyers would bring her closer to the truth about her father’s mysterious disappearance. But instead of answers, she’s entangled in secrets far darker than she imagined. And at the heart of them stands Ford—magnetic, brooding, and possibly a murderer.
As dangerous truths rise to the surface and a ghostly presence stirs within the walls of Heartstone Manor, Ford and Paige must decide if they can trust each other. Because someone is watching, someone is hunting—and the past isn’t done with either of them.
Forbidden Heart is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It’s the ninth and final book in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, featuring the Sawyer family of Sawyers Bend.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
698 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Layne
61 books1,283 followersIvy Layne has had her nose stuck in a book since she first learned to decipher the English language. Sometime in her early teens, she stumbled across her first Romance, and the die was cast. Though she pretended to pay attention to her creative writing professors, she dreamed of writing steamy romance instead of literary fiction. These days, she’s neck deep in alpha heroes and the smart, sexy women who love them.
Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.
Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group
Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.
Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 19, 2025
⭐ Author’s Note ⭐
I can’t believe we’ve reached this moment. Forbidden Heart is the ninth and final book in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, and it will be yours on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Ford’s story has been one of the most requested—and one of the most complicated—I’ve ever written. He’s messy, magnetic, and more than a little dangerous, but he’s also the missing piece to the Sawyer family puzzle. Writing his journey, while weaving in all the secrets and tangled threads we’ve been carrying since the very first book, was both the hardest and most rewarding part of this series.
I’m so excited (and a little emotional!) for you to dive in, to revisit old faces, to uncover the last of the Sawyer family mysteries, and to say goodbye to Sawyers Bend in the way it deserves.
Thank you for loving this family as much as I do. I can’t wait to hear what you think when you turn the very last page.
💜 Ivy
Preorder your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
I can’t believe we’ve reached this moment. Forbidden Heart is the ninth and final book in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, and it will be yours on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Ford’s story has been one of the most requested—and one of the most complicated—I’ve ever written. He’s messy, magnetic, and more than a little dangerous, but he’s also the missing piece to the Sawyer family puzzle. Writing his journey, while weaving in all the secrets and tangled threads we’ve been carrying since the very first book, was both the hardest and most rewarding part of this series.
I’m so excited (and a little emotional!) for you to dive in, to revisit old faces, to uncover the last of the Sawyer family mysteries, and to say goodbye to Sawyers Bend in the way it deserves.
Thank you for loving this family as much as I do. I can’t wait to hear what you think when you turn the very last page.
💜 Ivy
Preorder your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
November 9, 2025
I can’t believe this series has come to an end. Firstly I have been waiting for Ford’s point of view since forever and this final book was really worth the wait. I loved how the author built an entangled story that unraveled as the pages flew smoothly. Without leaving any hints, I just want to say that Ford needed a story in order to redeem himself and mostly he finally needed his happily ever after. He will find it into the arms of Paige. An amazing series, very hard to forget. I enjoyed the book so much and I every reader will enjoy it as well.
January 4, 2026
Mixed feelings
Forbidden Heart, the ninth and final book in Ivy Layne’s The Hearts of Swayers Bend series, finally reveals who killed Prentice Sawyer. Having read all the previous books, I was eager for the climax this series deserved. While many questions were answered and the epilogue carried a bittersweet note, this installment was unfortunately not the strongest in the series.
Ford Sawyer spent a year in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. Cleared of the crime a couple of books ago, he rejoins his siblings and their partners in the family mansion. Yet Ford remains withdrawn, weighed down by guilt over his past actions and uncertain of how his family views him. Paige McKenna, nanny to Griffen and Hope’s daughter Stella, is wary of Ford, believing he killed his father. Sharing guest quarters, they frequently cross paths when the house’s faulty plumbing and electricity act up. One such encounter leads to a kiss which sparks attraction. Ford, however, is still haunted by the shadow of his father’s murder and makes it his mission to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Paige has her own quest: finding the father who abandoned her before she was born.
The series has always been hit-or-miss for me, with Wild Heart (Hawk and Quinn’s story) standing out as my favorite. Sadly, Forbidden Heart didn’t rise to the occasion as the finale.
Throughout the series, I was worried that I would not like Ford’s character if or when he gets his own book. His past actions toward Griffen and especially Finn were appalling, and his aloofness, both in jail and afterward, made it difficult to connect with him. Well, his book is finally here, and it saddens me to say it, but I didn’t like him. He came across as self-pitying and passive, constantly relying on Griffen or Hawk to protect him. He flinched, stammered, and squirmed with fear in tough situations. All of this made it look like he lacked confidence and self-esteem. His indecision about running Sawyer Enterprises—wanting it, then not, then wavering—only reinforced the impression of weakness. Unfortunately, he simply didn’t embody the alpha-type MMCs I enjoy, and that’s a me thing, I know. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say I really didn’t care for him.
Paige started out promising. Her motivation to track down her father gave her depth, and her initial avoidance of Ford made sense. But one kiss transformed her into the kind of lust-driven FMC I dislike. She repeatedly threw herself at Ford, excusing her behavior with lines like “before I could second-guess myself/talk myself out of it.” It felt disingenuous, as though she was pretending it wasn’t in her nature to chase a man, when the fact that she did it so easily said differently. I’m sorry, and again, this is a me problem, but I cannot stand FMCs written as ‘easy,’ throwing themselves at the hero without challenge. Give the guy some challenge, make him do the chasing sometimes, for heaven’s sake. Paige was also TSTL, refusing to leave Ford’s side as if she would be able to do something once the bullets started flying.
Their relationship didn’t work for me at all. From the sounds of it, they’d been living in the same house for months, mostly ignoring each other, barely speaking beyond a polite greeting. Then suddenly, one kiss, and they were all in. Within two interactions, Paige was already claiming Ford as “mine” and vowing to fight for him. After two nights of waking up together, she missed sleeping next to him when they had to keep their distance to minimize the risk to her. By the thirty-percent mark, they were declaring their love. It just wasn’t believable. The subplot about Vanessa and why Ford married her was barely touched. We knew he envied Griffen, took his inheritance and fiancée, but was it love or simply spite? For me, that lack of exploration left a hole in the story. The romance itself fell flat, with no real chemistry between Ford and Paige.
The suspense side wasn’t much better. Things happened, but I felt nothing. No pulse racing, no heart hammering. Nada. Early in the book, Ford was attacked outside Avery’s brewery, and while he fought the attacker off, Finn hid behind a car. Now, Finn is a grown man, so why didn’t he help instead of cowering?
The mansion’s plumbing and electrical issues were never explained. Ford’s door mysteriously opened—handle turning and all—with no one behind it. Later, this was vaguely alluded to as paranormal once the truth came out. Sorry, but no. Another incident had Ford and Paige nearly freezing to death when someone locked them in her room. And guess what? On death’s door, their minds wandered to sex. The next morning, the door miraculously opened, and that was that. Again, no explanation, who, or why. If it was paranormal as alluded to, what was the motivation? Ford’s decision to isolate himself for fear of endangering others also felt absurd. They were in an access-controlled mansion, hardly a place where random intruders could just waltz in…
I think my issue with the suspense element came down to how it was described while it was happening, like someone trying to break into your house is an everyday occurrence. There was no angst; not in the romance, and certainly not in the suspense. Cole Haywood’s issue with Ford also didn’t make sense. It wasn’t Ford who had the affair with his wife, nor did Ford kill her. Then, in the final scene, Cole and Ford’s exchange seemed illogical. There was also no explanation for how Cole got on the property. If they let him in, then surely, given how smart he was, he would have smelled the trap. Also, the final reveal of Prentice’s killer wasn’t surprising, nor was the discovery in the garage. Still, given Prentice’s cruelty, I agreed with how the family handled the truth once it came out.
For the above reasons, this final book in the series left me with mixed feelings. On the positive side, the murderer was unmasked, and the epilogue detailing Prentice’s Will and the family’s future was satisfying. But the romance lacked believability, the suspense was weak, and too many plot points didn’t add up. The book wasn’t terrible, but as the conclusion to a nine-book series, it could have been stronger. My rating for this one is therefore 2.5 rounded off to 3.
Forbidden Heart, the ninth and final book in Ivy Layne’s The Hearts of Swayers Bend series, finally reveals who killed Prentice Sawyer. Having read all the previous books, I was eager for the climax this series deserved. While many questions were answered and the epilogue carried a bittersweet note, this installment was unfortunately not the strongest in the series.
Ford Sawyer spent a year in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. Cleared of the crime a couple of books ago, he rejoins his siblings and their partners in the family mansion. Yet Ford remains withdrawn, weighed down by guilt over his past actions and uncertain of how his family views him. Paige McKenna, nanny to Griffen and Hope’s daughter Stella, is wary of Ford, believing he killed his father. Sharing guest quarters, they frequently cross paths when the house’s faulty plumbing and electricity act up. One such encounter leads to a kiss which sparks attraction. Ford, however, is still haunted by the shadow of his father’s murder and makes it his mission to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Paige has her own quest: finding the father who abandoned her before she was born.
The series has always been hit-or-miss for me, with Wild Heart (Hawk and Quinn’s story) standing out as my favorite. Sadly, Forbidden Heart didn’t rise to the occasion as the finale.
Throughout the series, I was worried that I would not like Ford’s character if or when he gets his own book. His past actions toward Griffen and especially Finn were appalling, and his aloofness, both in jail and afterward, made it difficult to connect with him. Well, his book is finally here, and it saddens me to say it, but I didn’t like him. He came across as self-pitying and passive, constantly relying on Griffen or Hawk to protect him. He flinched, stammered, and squirmed with fear in tough situations. All of this made it look like he lacked confidence and self-esteem. His indecision about running Sawyer Enterprises—wanting it, then not, then wavering—only reinforced the impression of weakness. Unfortunately, he simply didn’t embody the alpha-type MMCs I enjoy, and that’s a me thing, I know. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say I really didn’t care for him.
Paige started out promising. Her motivation to track down her father gave her depth, and her initial avoidance of Ford made sense. But one kiss transformed her into the kind of lust-driven FMC I dislike. She repeatedly threw herself at Ford, excusing her behavior with lines like “before I could second-guess myself/talk myself out of it.” It felt disingenuous, as though she was pretending it wasn’t in her nature to chase a man, when the fact that she did it so easily said differently. I’m sorry, and again, this is a me problem, but I cannot stand FMCs written as ‘easy,’ throwing themselves at the hero without challenge. Give the guy some challenge, make him do the chasing sometimes, for heaven’s sake. Paige was also TSTL, refusing to leave Ford’s side as if she would be able to do something once the bullets started flying.
Their relationship didn’t work for me at all. From the sounds of it, they’d been living in the same house for months, mostly ignoring each other, barely speaking beyond a polite greeting. Then suddenly, one kiss, and they were all in. Within two interactions, Paige was already claiming Ford as “mine” and vowing to fight for him. After two nights of waking up together, she missed sleeping next to him when they had to keep their distance to minimize the risk to her. By the thirty-percent mark, they were declaring their love. It just wasn’t believable. The subplot about Vanessa and why Ford married her was barely touched. We knew he envied Griffen, took his inheritance and fiancée, but was it love or simply spite? For me, that lack of exploration left a hole in the story. The romance itself fell flat, with no real chemistry between Ford and Paige.
The suspense side wasn’t much better. Things happened, but I felt nothing. No pulse racing, no heart hammering. Nada. Early in the book, Ford was attacked outside Avery’s brewery, and while he fought the attacker off, Finn hid behind a car. Now, Finn is a grown man, so why didn’t he help instead of cowering?
The mansion’s plumbing and electrical issues were never explained. Ford’s door mysteriously opened—handle turning and all—with no one behind it. Later, this was vaguely alluded to as paranormal once the truth came out. Sorry, but no. Another incident had Ford and Paige nearly freezing to death when someone locked them in her room. And guess what? On death’s door, their minds wandered to sex. The next morning, the door miraculously opened, and that was that. Again, no explanation, who, or why. If it was paranormal as alluded to, what was the motivation? Ford’s decision to isolate himself for fear of endangering others also felt absurd. They were in an access-controlled mansion, hardly a place where random intruders could just waltz in…
I think my issue with the suspense element came down to how it was described while it was happening, like someone trying to break into your house is an everyday occurrence. There was no angst; not in the romance, and certainly not in the suspense. Cole Haywood’s issue with Ford also didn’t make sense. It wasn’t Ford who had the affair with his wife, nor did Ford kill her. Then, in the final scene, Cole and Ford’s exchange seemed illogical. There was also no explanation for how Cole got on the property. If they let him in, then surely, given how smart he was, he would have smelled the trap. Also, the final reveal of Prentice’s killer wasn’t surprising, nor was the discovery in the garage. Still, given Prentice’s cruelty, I agreed with how the family handled the truth once it came out.
For the above reasons, this final book in the series left me with mixed feelings. On the positive side, the murderer was unmasked, and the epilogue detailing Prentice’s Will and the family’s future was satisfying. But the romance lacked believability, the suspense was weak, and too many plot points didn’t add up. The book wasn’t terrible, but as the conclusion to a nine-book series, it could have been stronger. My rating for this one is therefore 2.5 rounded off to 3.
December 14, 2025
First- I love the author and appreciate all her efforts. Now for the review.
After all these years, family members (at this point too many to remember their story lines for the most part) and parental history on the maternal side, I guess I expected more. I enjoyed all the books but I knew who the killer was (could have never guessed the reason) by the time book 3 rolled around. I really enjoyed each book but by the end, reading Ford’s story I had forgotten some of the siblings and their back stories and partners. If you’ve been a fan, you definitely need to read it. But the epilogue was so confusing detailing who was going, who was staying and who had kids.
The matching of Paige and Ford (and their back stories) was a little too convenient. Paige just happens to get a job offer at Heartstone and she’s involved with the whole story and doesn’t even know it? I enjoyed the book but it would have been SOOO much better if they had been able to be released closer together.
It reminded me of shows on HBO that you get addicted to and LOVE, then they make you wait a year or more for the next season. By the time the next season rolls around you have to rewatch the original season to remember what happened. With this many siblings and partners/spouses, it was almost impossible to remember the whole story which took away from the final reveal.
And ** spoiler ** How the Hell does Uncle Edgar know everything and just get off the hook?!? He gets banned from family dinners for a while and that’s it? It was ridiculous. I get that he saved Hope as a child, but he also lied to Griffin and Ford for their entire lives and knew who the killer was. That’s a crime.
I really expected to FINALLY have all the hours of reading pay off in a big way. It was good, but not the grand finale all these characters deserved. The author should have spent more time recapping everyone’s storyline and their HEA. They each get a VERY brief mention in the epilogue but that’s it. I’m grateful to the author for all her efforts.
I enjoyed the series about Sinclair Security much more- with 4- 5 brothers it was easier to keep track of each book and story line.
By the end of this story, I still can’t even tell you how many siblings there were at Heartstone and how they were all related. I think there were just too many story lines (I think as a way for the author to throw us off the scent) and the “who done it” went on for way too long. Hence the 3 stars.
On a side note- I’ve been to Asheville (aka Sawyers Bend) many times and it is as wonderful as it’s portrayed in the books.
After all these years, family members (at this point too many to remember their story lines for the most part) and parental history on the maternal side, I guess I expected more. I enjoyed all the books but I knew who the killer was (could have never guessed the reason) by the time book 3 rolled around. I really enjoyed each book but by the end, reading Ford’s story I had forgotten some of the siblings and their back stories and partners. If you’ve been a fan, you definitely need to read it. But the epilogue was so confusing detailing who was going, who was staying and who had kids.
The matching of Paige and Ford (and their back stories) was a little too convenient. Paige just happens to get a job offer at Heartstone and she’s involved with the whole story and doesn’t even know it? I enjoyed the book but it would have been SOOO much better if they had been able to be released closer together.
It reminded me of shows on HBO that you get addicted to and LOVE, then they make you wait a year or more for the next season. By the time the next season rolls around you have to rewatch the original season to remember what happened. With this many siblings and partners/spouses, it was almost impossible to remember the whole story which took away from the final reveal.
And ** spoiler ** How the Hell does Uncle Edgar know everything and just get off the hook?!? He gets banned from family dinners for a while and that’s it? It was ridiculous. I get that he saved Hope as a child, but he also lied to Griffin and Ford for their entire lives and knew who the killer was. That’s a crime.
I really expected to FINALLY have all the hours of reading pay off in a big way. It was good, but not the grand finale all these characters deserved. The author should have spent more time recapping everyone’s storyline and their HEA. They each get a VERY brief mention in the epilogue but that’s it. I’m grateful to the author for all her efforts.
I enjoyed the series about Sinclair Security much more- with 4- 5 brothers it was easier to keep track of each book and story line.
By the end of this story, I still can’t even tell you how many siblings there were at Heartstone and how they were all related. I think there were just too many story lines (I think as a way for the author to throw us off the scent) and the “who done it” went on for way too long. Hence the 3 stars.
On a side note- I’ve been to Asheville (aka Sawyers Bend) many times and it is as wonderful as it’s portrayed in the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
In the finale I’ve been waiting for, Ivy Layne doesn’t hold back with Forbidden Heart—and honestly, it might be one of my favorites of hers. This is the payoff to the overarching mystery that’s been simmering since book one. Who killed Prentice Sawyer? From the moment Griffin returned home in book one, you knew that Ford’s book was the endgame. And wow, did Layne make the wait worth it.
Ford Sawyer walks back into Heartstone Manor after a year in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Freedom should feel like redemption, but not for Ford—because suspicion is still his shadow. And danger is lurking in the halls of a home that’s practically breathing lies. His father’s real killer is still out there. The man who once defended him now wants him dead. Ford’s life may be in shambles, but this book lets him start sorting through that emotional wreckage with a raw honesty that hits deep.
Enter Paige McKenna, who’s lived her whole life feeling unwanted.
She takes a nanny job with Griffin and Hope not just for the paycheck—but because it gets her a step closer to uncovering the truth about her father. Instead, lands knee-deep in Sawyer secrets, ghostly whispers, and one broody accused murderer who might be everything she didn’t know she needed.
The blurb promises danger, darkness, and a haunted house full of secrets—and Ivy delivery-trucks all of it right to your door. Forbidden Heart weaves two mysteries through the story: Prentice’s killer and Paige’s father. And the twists? Oh, they twist.
Beneath all the shadowy tension, you get that signature Ivy Layne romance. Emotional, slow-burn, high-stakes, and full of two people who have no business trusting each other… yet somehow can’t stop. Ford and Paige light up every page, even when the truth tries to tear them apart. The continued healing journey of the Sawyer kids is perfection.
As a series finale, this book sticks the landing. It’s gripping. Emotional. And the closure Sawyer’s family deserved—and then some. Layne definitely plants seeds for the next series of stories. She never closes a door without cracking a window open for more.
I loved the payoff. I loved the characters. And I’m already itching for whatever she writes next.
Ford Sawyer walks back into Heartstone Manor after a year in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Freedom should feel like redemption, but not for Ford—because suspicion is still his shadow. And danger is lurking in the halls of a home that’s practically breathing lies. His father’s real killer is still out there. The man who once defended him now wants him dead. Ford’s life may be in shambles, but this book lets him start sorting through that emotional wreckage with a raw honesty that hits deep.
Enter Paige McKenna, who’s lived her whole life feeling unwanted.
She takes a nanny job with Griffin and Hope not just for the paycheck—but because it gets her a step closer to uncovering the truth about her father. Instead, lands knee-deep in Sawyer secrets, ghostly whispers, and one broody accused murderer who might be everything she didn’t know she needed.
The blurb promises danger, darkness, and a haunted house full of secrets—and Ivy delivery-trucks all of it right to your door. Forbidden Heart weaves two mysteries through the story: Prentice’s killer and Paige’s father. And the twists? Oh, they twist.
Beneath all the shadowy tension, you get that signature Ivy Layne romance. Emotional, slow-burn, high-stakes, and full of two people who have no business trusting each other… yet somehow can’t stop. Ford and Paige light up every page, even when the truth tries to tear them apart. The continued healing journey of the Sawyer kids is perfection.
As a series finale, this book sticks the landing. It’s gripping. Emotional. And the closure Sawyer’s family deserved—and then some. Layne definitely plants seeds for the next series of stories. She never closes a door without cracking a window open for more.
I loved the payoff. I loved the characters. And I’m already itching for whatever she writes next.
November 18, 2025
We finally get to Ford’s story. Ford is still thought of as the son that killed his father but he didn’t do it. There is still someone out there that committed the crime. He doesn’t feel like he belongs with the family. More than that, he wants to know who killed their father to have closer. But he is distracted by Paige, Hope and Griffen’s nanny. Paige took the nanny job hoping to find Sarah and her dad. Her father left a long time ago and she wants to know why. Being in Heartstone Manor doesn’t bring her any answers. It does bring a connection with her and Ford. They both have a past that they want to solve. But there is someone still out there trying to kill Ford and perhaps the reset of the Sawyers. Will we find out who really killed Prentice, we shall see?
I was so happy that Ford finally found someone to love and love him. Yes, Paige came onboard as the nanny but with ulterior motives. But once she realize there wasn’t anything there, she fell in love with the family. Griffen and Hope are still making sure everything runs well and always made sure the family was safe. I always enjoy reading about each one. Ford was determined to find out who killed his father. When these Paige and he joined forces to also solve the mystery about Sarah and her father, things get scary. I did have a feeling from the beginning about Uncle Edgar and Harvey. You knew that they were hiding something. Cole overshadowed the search with his revenge. He deserved what he got. I was saddened and relieved when things finally were solved. Everyone finally found their happiness. And Griffen and Hope did one better after the terms were over. And what is the reason for Silas to give up his team to Sinclair Security? Looking forward to reading the next series, Fractured Promise with Sylvie and Eli. We have a new group of stories come for this team: Eli, Ryder, Miranda, Maddox, Wren and Shade.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was so happy that Ford finally found someone to love and love him. Yes, Paige came onboard as the nanny but with ulterior motives. But once she realize there wasn’t anything there, she fell in love with the family. Griffen and Hope are still making sure everything runs well and always made sure the family was safe. I always enjoy reading about each one. Ford was determined to find out who killed his father. When these Paige and he joined forces to also solve the mystery about Sarah and her father, things get scary. I did have a feeling from the beginning about Uncle Edgar and Harvey. You knew that they were hiding something. Cole overshadowed the search with his revenge. He deserved what he got. I was saddened and relieved when things finally were solved. Everyone finally found their happiness. And Griffen and Hope did one better after the terms were over. And what is the reason for Silas to give up his team to Sinclair Security? Looking forward to reading the next series, Fractured Promise with Sylvie and Eli. We have a new group of stories come for this team: Eli, Ryder, Miranda, Maddox, Wren and Shade.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
Welcome back to Sawyer’s Bend, North Carolina…
An ‘sleepy’ little town, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina & home to the Sawyer family…siblings still dealing with the ‘fallout’ of their father’s murder & his will…
Someone (and the family & others will tell you the list is long) walked into Heartstone Manor & shot their father point blank….then framed one of them…
Weird things have been happening ever since the will was read…and it was ‘decreed’ that if they want their inheritance—everyone moves home & lives within Heartstone Manor for five years…after which their trusts will be handed over…
Forbidden Heart is the final book in the series…the book where the ‘black sheep’ of the family (Ford) get’s his happily-ever-after…plus we find out who shot their father.
Ford has been out of prison for about a year…living within the halls of Heartstone Manor…determined not only to figure out what to do with his life (since dear old dad ‘disowned’ him & cut him out the will) but figure out who killed his father…
He knows who framed him…his ex-lawyer…who is still out for blood (even with being behind bars).
Paige…is the live-in nanny for the family….but also someone who is harboring an secret…
There are sparks between them…
There are ‘weird’ things still happening within the guest wing of the manor…
There are still a few years left of everyone having to live together…
Plus…the troubles with Cole (ex-lawyer)…and finding out who killed their father…plus biggest twist—the why.
Intrigued? Want answers…grab a copy of Forbidden Heart, out now.
I have to admit…I was sad for the series to end…I love the series, the siblings, the twists & turns of trying to figure out who the bad guy(s) are/were…I was right for one…didn’t see the other. Will this series be on my ‘comfort’ re-read list for 2026 & beyond? Yep. If I could give the book (and series) ten out of ten stars I would. Loved…loved…loved this book & the ending to the series.
An ‘sleepy’ little town, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina & home to the Sawyer family…siblings still dealing with the ‘fallout’ of their father’s murder & his will…
Someone (and the family & others will tell you the list is long) walked into Heartstone Manor & shot their father point blank….then framed one of them…
Weird things have been happening ever since the will was read…and it was ‘decreed’ that if they want their inheritance—everyone moves home & lives within Heartstone Manor for five years…after which their trusts will be handed over…
Forbidden Heart is the final book in the series…the book where the ‘black sheep’ of the family (Ford) get’s his happily-ever-after…plus we find out who shot their father.
Ford has been out of prison for about a year…living within the halls of Heartstone Manor…determined not only to figure out what to do with his life (since dear old dad ‘disowned’ him & cut him out the will) but figure out who killed his father…
He knows who framed him…his ex-lawyer…who is still out for blood (even with being behind bars).
Paige…is the live-in nanny for the family….but also someone who is harboring an secret…
There are sparks between them…
There are ‘weird’ things still happening within the guest wing of the manor…
There are still a few years left of everyone having to live together…
Plus…the troubles with Cole (ex-lawyer)…and finding out who killed their father…plus biggest twist—the why.
Intrigued? Want answers…grab a copy of Forbidden Heart, out now.
I have to admit…I was sad for the series to end…I love the series, the siblings, the twists & turns of trying to figure out who the bad guy(s) are/were…I was right for one…didn’t see the other. Will this series be on my ‘comfort’ re-read list for 2026 & beyond? Yep. If I could give the book (and series) ten out of ten stars I would. Loved…loved…loved this book & the ending to the series.
December 29, 2025
The long-awaited finale has arrived as Ivy Layne delivers Forbidden Heart, which might just be one of my favorites from her. It is the moment when the mystery simmering since book one finally pays off: Who killed Prentice Sawyer? From Griffin’s return in the first book, it was clear that Ford’s story would wrap up the series—and Ivy absolutely makes the wait worthwhile.
After spending a year in prison for a crime he did not commit, Ford Sawyer comes back to Hearthstone Manor. Instead of feeling redeemed by freedom, Ford remains under suspicion with danger lurking around every corner. The real killer is still out there, and even someone who once defended Ford now wants him dead. Though his life is in chaos, this book allows Ford to confront his emotional struggles with powerful honesty.
Enter Paige McKenna, whose lifelong sense of being unwanted leads her to a nanny job with Griffin and Hope. She hopes this position will help her uncover the truth about her father, but instead she becomes entangled in Sawyer family secrets, eerie mysteries, and finds herself drawn to Ford—a brooding accused murderer who could be exactly what she needs.
Forbidden Heart lives up to its promises of danger, darkness, and a house brimming with secrets. Two mysteries drive the story: the search for Prentice’s killer and the truth about Paige’s father, both full of unexpected twists.
After spending a year in prison for a crime he did not commit, Ford Sawyer comes back to Hearthstone Manor. Instead of feeling redeemed by freedom, Ford remains under suspicion with danger lurking around every corner. The real killer is still out there, and even someone who once defended Ford now wants him dead. Though his life is in chaos, this book allows Ford to confront his emotional struggles with powerful honesty.
Enter Paige McKenna, whose lifelong sense of being unwanted leads her to a nanny job with Griffin and Hope. She hopes this position will help her uncover the truth about her father, but instead she becomes entangled in Sawyer family secrets, eerie mysteries, and finds herself drawn to Ford—a brooding accused murderer who could be exactly what she needs.
Forbidden Heart lives up to its promises of danger, darkness, and a house brimming with secrets. Two mysteries drive the story: the search for Prentice’s killer and the truth about Paige’s father, both full of unexpected twists.
November 18, 2025
This is a bitter sweet moment for the Sawyer Family with this being the 9th and final story in The Hearts of Sawyers Series! Ford has been given a 2nd chance after being cleared of killing his father Prentice that has been haunting the entire family for years. Paige was hired a while back as a nanny for Hope’s little one and she was never fully honest why she took the job. The attacks on Ford’s life become troubling as his new relationship with Paige puts her in danger. These 2 lost souls have been searching for years never finding what’s missing until they come together and boy do they have some fun being in each other’s arms and hearts. As we know the case of who killed Prentice was never solved along with all the mysteries in the mansion. As facts and events occur the siblings, spouses, children and family friends become part of their journey and we get to catch up with the entire gang who have come together against the wishes of their father. When secrets are revealed there is sadness and grieving with the opportunity for a future full of promise and love. Griffen and Hope started the series and end it with the reading of the will! Leaving Sawyers Bend will lead us to a new adventure with those who we have previously meet.
November 18, 2025
If you have been reading this series like I have, you know you have to read this book. This is the last book where we find out how Prentice passed away, or who helped him pass away. I was glad to see that Ford had learned a lot about himself after being in prison for a year. He had so much he regretted and couldn’t seem to forgive himself. His family saw how he changed and was willing to give him another chance. Ford met Paige when she came to live at the manor as the nanny for Griffin and Hope’s baby and they both stayed in the guest area of the manor. Paige was such a sweet person who you couldn’t help but love. Paige had an ulterior motive coming to work for the Sawyer’s. Unfortunately Paige had such a tough upbringing by a bitter woman. I loved how Ms. Layne had so many twists and turns in the book and where lives intercepted. You will get so involved in the book wanting to see what is going to happen next, it will be hard to put the book down. It got so suspenseful at times, that I was afraid to keep reading, but wanted to know what happened next! I can’t describe how good the book was and give it justice. I strongly encourage you to read it.
November 14, 2025
I have been waiting for Fords book and the reveal of all the things I needed answers to. So when I got this book I was so excited, and it did not disappoint! Ford and Paige together are just so delicious, I absolutely love them, both individually and together. They’re truly two lost souls that found themselves in each other. Now this wouldn’t be an Ivy Layne book if there wasn’t murder, mystery, and drama. This book was heavy on all three in the best possible way! We finally learn who took Prentice out, I’m happy to say I actually figured it out. However, I never would have guessed the reason why which was another heartbreak all together. Then there’s this moment that left me shook and gasping close to the end thinking, what did he just do?! But also fair and deserved. Lastly the will reading made me tear up because Ivy wrote the best green flag in Griffen Sawyer. I can’t believe this is the last book in this series and I’m sad to leave Sawyers Bend. I have loved every second of every book in this series. If you haven’t read them you absolutely should because they are just golden!
November 15, 2025
Ivy Layne’s “Hearts of Sawyers Bend” books are a wonderful saga of the Sawyer family. This book, “Forbidden Heart,” is the last in the series and it ties up all the loose ends of the mysteries that have plagued the family for the last 5 years or so – since the murder of the patriarch, Prentice Sawyer. It is also a wonderful love story of Paige McKenna and Ford Sawyer. Paige takes a nanny’s job in the home of the Sawyers in the hope of learning about her father, who had an affair with the wife of Prentice Sawyer, but had disappeared 30 years ago. Ford also lives in the family home but is something of an outcast, but as time passes a relationship forms between Ford and Paige. The book describes the wonderful relationship that develops between them, as well as the resolution of a number of the mysteries surrounding the family – and it does so in a satisfying way. Paige and Ford are smart and sensitive, and that helps them to deal with the complexities of the situations they face in the story. I received a copy of the book from Bookfunnel and am voluntarily writing this review.
November 18, 2025
I have anxiously been waiting for the conclusion to this series and it did not disappoint. It’s not that I’m a violent person, but the violence had gone on so long against the Sawyers that I wanted a satisfyingly violent retribution before the HEA and I was not disappointed.
I’m glad Harvey got a happy ending. I will reread to see if I’m satisfied with Edgar’s comeuppance. I don’t feel that I am, but I was so excited to finish, I may have missed him acknowledging any regrets.
It was funny that Sterling was right about the trust funds…she knew her dad better than other siblings. She was such a cute little spitfire!
I felt there were a couple questions I didn’t see answer to. What was in envelope that Ford gave to Cole in brewery? What happened to money from art that had been disappearing for years? What caused Prentice to withdraw from society and fire all house staff? But these are really trivial and maybe I just missed seeing the answers.
Anyway, great series! I have read several of the books over and over and have enjoyed Audiobooks too.
I’m glad Harvey got a happy ending. I will reread to see if I’m satisfied with Edgar’s comeuppance. I don’t feel that I am, but I was so excited to finish, I may have missed him acknowledging any regrets.
It was funny that Sterling was right about the trust funds…she knew her dad better than other siblings. She was such a cute little spitfire!
I felt there were a couple questions I didn’t see answer to. What was in envelope that Ford gave to Cole in brewery? What happened to money from art that had been disappearing for years? What caused Prentice to withdraw from society and fire all house staff? But these are really trivial and maybe I just missed seeing the answers.
Anyway, great series! I have read several of the books over and over and have enjoyed Audiobooks too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.
Look, I wasn't sure if I could get behind Ford being a redeemable character. However, Ms. Layne did an amazing job. Kudos to her.
Ford is honest with his history of being an egotistical, selfish turd to those. He's came back different, not broken, and determined to right his wrongs. He misses his family, he wants to be better for them and himself.
Paige is a sweet, strong and kind woman. She loves what she does and is fighting her attraction to Ford. She is slightly hesitant because he was released from prison. When they come together it's wonderful.
The twists and turns we get to resolve the mystery, is fantastic. When everything comes to light and we find out who the killer is, it's glorious. It all makes sense. If you followed the different books, you knew the killer was going to be close to the family. They were and wow!! Fantastic ending to a great series.
Also, I cannot wait for the new series because you know those characters are gonna be flippin awesome!!!
Look, I wasn't sure if I could get behind Ford being a redeemable character. However, Ms. Layne did an amazing job. Kudos to her.
Ford is honest with his history of being an egotistical, selfish turd to those. He's came back different, not broken, and determined to right his wrongs. He misses his family, he wants to be better for them and himself.
Paige is a sweet, strong and kind woman. She loves what she does and is fighting her attraction to Ford. She is slightly hesitant because he was released from prison. When they come together it's wonderful.
The twists and turns we get to resolve the mystery, is fantastic. When everything comes to light and we find out who the killer is, it's glorious. It all makes sense. If you followed the different books, you knew the killer was going to be close to the family. They were and wow!! Fantastic ending to a great series.
Also, I cannot wait for the new series because you know those characters are gonna be flippin awesome!!!
November 17, 2025
This was a wonderful but bittersweet end to an amazing series. While some may argue that the author did not keep the best for last in this series, I really appreciated how the recluse and misunderstood Ford was able to redeem himself in Forbidden Heart. It seems it was also meant to be that his love interest might also be more than meets the eye. Ford and Paige's story is touching and they both totally won me over.
The mysteries that kept us hooked from the start finally got unravelled. There were definitely surprises I was not expecting. I didn't have particular expectations from this last book, but I wasn't disappointed at all with how everything turned out. One thing is for sure: with Griffen as head of the family, Heartsone Manor got its heart back... The book was so good it made me forget how sad I was to finish the series knowing this was goodbye to this amazing family.
The mysteries that kept us hooked from the start finally got unravelled. There were definitely surprises I was not expecting. I didn't have particular expectations from this last book, but I wasn't disappointed at all with how everything turned out. One thing is for sure: with Griffen as head of the family, Heartsone Manor got its heart back... The book was so good it made me forget how sad I was to finish the series knowing this was goodbye to this amazing family.
November 18, 2025
Forbidden Heart is the final book in the Hearts of Sawyers Bend and should be read as the fitting finale it is. Ford and Paige's story is a bit slower moving than previous books, with lots of soul searching on both their parts. There's a great combination of family re-united, trauma and drama of the past spilling over into the present, steamy sexy times and growing feelings. There are also some unexpected twists and a great HEA. As a bonus, we are introduced to a team of new characters, who will get their own stories next. Can't wait! I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
November 20, 2025
The final book in the Sawyer family and it was well worth the wait. Ford and Paige's story was the perfect ending to this series and all of our lingering questions were answered and I certainly did not see the ending coming. I always had my suspicions about who killed Prentice and why and I was oh so wrong. I also liked the skip ahead to tell us what happened to the families and the final reading of the will and how things worked out. I will miss this series as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of the Sawyer family and all of their adventures to find love and fix their family.
November 19, 2025
Do Griffen and Ford finally find the mother who abandoned them? And—most importantly—do we finally learn who ended Prentice’s life? What happened to Paige’s father? What happened to Ford’s lawyer?
Yes! All of these questions are answered. This final book delivers romance and mystery. There are so many twists and turns. It was so good!
This was the perfect ending to an amazing series. A wonderful story of love, redemption, and a surprise twist! Forbidden Heart wraps up all the loose ends that have haunted the family. Ford and Paige’s story was wonderful.
Yes! All of these questions are answered. This final book delivers romance and mystery. There are so many twists and turns. It was so good!
This was the perfect ending to an amazing series. A wonderful story of love, redemption, and a surprise twist! Forbidden Heart wraps up all the loose ends that have haunted the family. Ford and Paige’s story was wonderful.
November 25, 2025
Perfect Ending
After 9 books this one is incredible! For someone who has been a part of the Sawyer family story from the beginning I am blown away how the last of the series ties up the loose endings. The ending has a sweet love story between two people and between the members of the family. The plot keeps you on your toes with twists and provides enough energy to carry you to the finish line. I had no regrets with the ending, no unanswered questions. Ivy Lane is an amazing writer. Thank you for the entertainment! And can't wait for your next series.
After 9 books this one is incredible! For someone who has been a part of the Sawyer family story from the beginning I am blown away how the last of the series ties up the loose endings. The ending has a sweet love story between two people and between the members of the family. The plot keeps you on your toes with twists and provides enough energy to carry you to the finish line. I had no regrets with the ending, no unanswered questions. Ivy Lane is an amazing writer. Thank you for the entertainment! And can't wait for your next series.
November 19, 2025
Woah! I never saw it coming.
This book was the perfect close to this series.
Does Ford finally get a happily ever after?
Do Griffen and Ford finally find the mother that abandoned them?
And most importantly do we finally find out who ended Prentice?
All these questions are answered. There is mystery, a bit of creepiness, heartbreak, and of course romance. So many twists and turns one that even me flinch. It was soooo good!
Again, the perfect end to an amazing series!
This book was the perfect close to this series.
Does Ford finally get a happily ever after?
Do Griffen and Ford finally find the mother that abandoned them?
And most importantly do we finally find out who ended Prentice?
All these questions are answered. There is mystery, a bit of creepiness, heartbreak, and of course romance. So many twists and turns one that even me flinch. It was soooo good!
Again, the perfect end to an amazing series!
November 20, 2025
Together
Sawyers Bend has kept us all guessing and hanging on for dear life because of all of the drama at Heartstone Manor. Well with this book it will all come together but the plot twist is a spooky one that I didn’t see coming. Throwing the new girl, Paige, into the mix was truly a stroke of genius in my humble opinion. The family had NO clue that she was going to turn the Manor on its ear but in an amazing way. Family definitely doesn’t always mean blood relatives but family means ❤️!
Sawyers Bend has kept us all guessing and hanging on for dear life because of all of the drama at Heartstone Manor. Well with this book it will all come together but the plot twist is a spooky one that I didn’t see coming. Throwing the new girl, Paige, into the mix was truly a stroke of genius in my humble opinion. The family had NO clue that she was going to turn the Manor on its ear but in an amazing way. Family definitely doesn’t always mean blood relatives but family means ❤️!
November 24, 2025
Amazing!
I loved this story of Paige and Ford! I can't believe the Sawyer family series is complete. I am going to miss this book family so much. Paige and Ford are perfect for each other. Many mysteries are solved in this book, you will have to read it to find out. But trust me, you want to find out. I loved the epilogue where we see the Sawyers a few years in the future. I loved this book. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the new series to start.
I loved this story of Paige and Ford! I can't believe the Sawyer family series is complete. I am going to miss this book family so much. Paige and Ford are perfect for each other. Many mysteries are solved in this book, you will have to read it to find out. But trust me, you want to find out. I loved the epilogue where we see the Sawyers a few years in the future. I loved this book. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the new series to start.
January 7, 2026
Long Awaited End
Glad there was finally a closer to who killed Prentice. Sad that after over 30 years thinking your mom left you, to finding out she was dead and buried in the garage. It’s like Sarah was guiding Ford to finding her.
Nice to see Fords point of view of everything he had done over the years. To Ford finding redemption, love and his new purpose.
I wondered who wrote the postcards to Griffey and Ford all those years. I don’t recall finding that out.
Glad there was finally a closer to who killed Prentice. Sad that after over 30 years thinking your mom left you, to finding out she was dead and buried in the garage. It’s like Sarah was guiding Ford to finding her.
Nice to see Fords point of view of everything he had done over the years. To Ford finding redemption, love and his new purpose.
I wondered who wrote the postcards to Griffey and Ford all those years. I don’t recall finding that out.
January 11, 2026
Who murdered Prentice Sawyer?
This is Ford and Paige's much anticipated love story, full of hard truths, violence, danger, heartache, family, forgiveness, mysteries to solve, secrets, lies, and yes, a confession from the person who murdered Prentice Sawyer! This is the ninth and final book in this exceptional series and I'm going to miss this large cast of characters with their different personalities.
This is Ford and Paige's much anticipated love story, full of hard truths, violence, danger, heartache, family, forgiveness, mysteries to solve, secrets, lies, and yes, a confession from the person who murdered Prentice Sawyer! This is the ninth and final book in this exceptional series and I'm going to miss this large cast of characters with their different personalities.
November 16, 2025
Arc review for a honest review in my own words on a book I read. When Paige McKenna went looking to find out what happened to her father and sara Sawyer at heartstone manor.where she finds even a bigger secret and more. This beautiful story will have you enjoying all these characters and their stories.
November 18, 2025
This was the perfect ending to the Sawyer Saga.
I loved getting Fords POV on what happened and to see his relationship with Paige and his family grow - especially the way he reconnected with Griffin.
I’m sad that this is the end. I’ve loved the saga and all the ways previous Ivy characters have popped up here and there.
Everyone should read this book and this series!
I loved getting Fords POV on what happened and to see his relationship with Paige and his family grow - especially the way he reconnected with Griffin.
I’m sad that this is the end. I’ve loved the saga and all the ways previous Ivy characters have popped up here and there.
Everyone should read this book and this series!
November 18, 2025
Ford and Paige's story was highly anticipated but also bittersweet as it is the final trip into Sawyer's Bend.
As expected, the excitement level was high as well as the danger with a twist of extra heart stopping mystery.
A very well-deserved ending to solving what happened to Prentice Sawyer.
Loved every moment!
As expected, the excitement level was high as well as the danger with a twist of extra heart stopping mystery.
A very well-deserved ending to solving what happened to Prentice Sawyer.
Loved every moment!
November 18, 2025
Another great story and a satisfying conclusion to the series. I liked Ford and Paige and enjoyed their story. There were tie ins to the earlier books that I enjoyed. There is a mystery around Ford and Griffen's mother that I enjoyed as well as the murder storyline. Overall, I was happy with the conclusion to the series. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2025
This is the perfect ending to a series that had my heart from the first chapter. The twists, finally the truth and a HEA for everyone. I loved to read about Ford and learn all about the missing pieces in the storyline. And Paige was a great character as well, but those two together were perfection. Can‘t believe it‘s over now, I loved coming back to Sawyer‘s Bend with every new book.
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