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Deviant Hearts #0.5
Sanctuary
The woman of his dreams has a boyfriend.
But he's certain she deserves a better one.
Wendy's plan is finishing beauty school and expanding her client base, maybe even marrying her rockstar boyfriend Jett. No, Jett's not perfect, but he's better than most guys she's dated. Sadly, the European rock festival Jett buys tickets for turns into a nightmare when he abandons Wendy at the airport.
Wendy chalks it up to his busy schedule, but things get progressively worse throughout the weekend. Unexpected solace comes from Cruz, the brooding bassist for the scandalous band The Deviant, as undeniable sparks fly between them. Besides, Cruz doesn't hide his attraction well.
Four chaotic festival days make Wendy's reality clear–Jett has never cared for her. Torn between the familiar toxicity of her current relationship and the uncertain promise of a new beginning with Cruz, Wendy must continue enduring Jett's abuse or risk it all on hope for something better with Cruz.
Or maybe, just maybe, she can find the strength to do it alone.
***
This sizzling, emotional forced proximity romance explores the transformative power of self-love and the bravery to walk away from an unhealthy relationship. Readers should be aware the story contains themes of physical and emotional abuse.
But he's certain she deserves a better one.
Wendy's plan is finishing beauty school and expanding her client base, maybe even marrying her rockstar boyfriend Jett. No, Jett's not perfect, but he's better than most guys she's dated. Sadly, the European rock festival Jett buys tickets for turns into a nightmare when he abandons Wendy at the airport.
Wendy chalks it up to his busy schedule, but things get progressively worse throughout the weekend. Unexpected solace comes from Cruz, the brooding bassist for the scandalous band The Deviant, as undeniable sparks fly between them. Besides, Cruz doesn't hide his attraction well.
Four chaotic festival days make Wendy's reality clear–Jett has never cared for her. Torn between the familiar toxicity of her current relationship and the uncertain promise of a new beginning with Cruz, Wendy must continue enduring Jett's abuse or risk it all on hope for something better with Cruz.
Or maybe, just maybe, she can find the strength to do it alone.
***
This sizzling, emotional forced proximity romance explores the transformative power of self-love and the bravery to walk away from an unhealthy relationship. Readers should be aware the story contains themes of physical and emotional abuse.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
25 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
N.N. Britt
18 books718 followersN.N. Britt is a Los Angeles-based music journalist and photographer. Her photos have graced T-shirts, billboards, and CD covers. She pens realistic, thought-provoking novels about today's world of art and music and the flawed people who live in it. When she's not writing or drinking coffee, she's probably reading or attending a heavy metal show.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 23, 2025
Loved It
Music festivals can be a crazy, wild and possibly even a life changing event for the fans but also for the bands. Wendy’s drummer boyfriend sent her a plane ticket to join him on a European tour but that was about the only good thing he did. He was an abuser to say the least and Wendy was caught in his web. The promises he made but never followed through but then would show up with roses to win her over again. Just how much could a girl take.
Cruz was the bassist for a famous headlining band and he saw Wendy all alone and hadn’t realized that she was “taken". He did see the way her boyfriend treated her though and he was exactly what she needed in her life. Now she just had to make the change in her life that she knew she needed to. I loved how patient Cruz was with Wendy. He was always there helping her through the hard times.
I’m so happy that eventually Cruz and Wendy found they HEA. This book was a real page turner for me and I can’t wait for more rock romances to come from this author.
Music festivals can be a crazy, wild and possibly even a life changing event for the fans but also for the bands. Wendy’s drummer boyfriend sent her a plane ticket to join him on a European tour but that was about the only good thing he did. He was an abuser to say the least and Wendy was caught in his web. The promises he made but never followed through but then would show up with roses to win her over again. Just how much could a girl take.
Cruz was the bassist for a famous headlining band and he saw Wendy all alone and hadn’t realized that she was “taken". He did see the way her boyfriend treated her though and he was exactly what she needed in her life. Now she just had to make the change in her life that she knew she needed to. I loved how patient Cruz was with Wendy. He was always there helping her through the hard times.
I’m so happy that eventually Cruz and Wendy found they HEA. This book was a real page turner for me and I can’t wait for more rock romances to come from this author.
August 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this Deviant Hearts prequel by NN Britt- Sanctuary is the perfect length for a one sitting, fully satisfying binge. Having previously read the existing books in this rockstar romance series, I was thrilled to go back in time when these younger Deviants were already ruling the stage. Taking in every juicy detail about them in their wilder times was a total 'yes please' for me.
Cruz Velez (that cover!) and Wendy Fields lives intersect in the crazy, chaotic atmosphere of a European summer music festival 'back in the day'. He's a broody, introspective bass player, headlining with his chart topping band, The Deviant. She's a quirky future cosmetogogist who's flown in to meet up with her shady rockstar boyfriend from the opening act. Cruz knows the moment he spots Wendy, he needs to meet her, completely smitten already. She stands out in a crowd with that bright orange hair, sassy attitude and an independent streak a mile wide, among all the other things he can't resist about her. He's a bit obsessed and there's definitely some heat and chemistry brewing between them, like a sizzling summer storm.
Wendy's reaching her breaking point with the man who promises the moon, but rarely delivers it. The fun trip she envisioned is turning into a dumpster fire of misunderstandings and regret. Choosing between broken trust and unforgivable toxicity or peace and soul-stirring attraction with Cruz should not be so hard. The life she dreams of seems just beyond her grasp.
Author NN Britt knows the music scene well and it really shows in her brilliant writing. I loved feeling like I was there at the festival, seeing it all through Wendy and Cruz's eyes. Rockstar romance just seems to flow right out of her- a win-win for me, but who doesn't love romance, close proximity and a gorgeous rock and roll white knight strumming a bass guitar? I sure do! Cruz was a warm cinnamon roll with a generous sprinkle of caring, protective hero right on top. In other words, irresistible. I loved Cruz and Wendy's beginning moments-in-time so much!
Sanctuary can be read on it's own, but I guarantee that once you do, you'll be thinking- gimme, gimme the rest of the Deviant Hearts series right now. Soooo, sooo good. Rapture, book one, was the first book I ever read by this author and I've been happily fangirling ever since!
* I received an early copy of Sanctuary to read and this is my honest, freely given review of it. *
Cruz Velez (that cover!) and Wendy Fields lives intersect in the crazy, chaotic atmosphere of a European summer music festival 'back in the day'. He's a broody, introspective bass player, headlining with his chart topping band, The Deviant. She's a quirky future cosmetogogist who's flown in to meet up with her shady rockstar boyfriend from the opening act. Cruz knows the moment he spots Wendy, he needs to meet her, completely smitten already. She stands out in a crowd with that bright orange hair, sassy attitude and an independent streak a mile wide, among all the other things he can't resist about her. He's a bit obsessed and there's definitely some heat and chemistry brewing between them, like a sizzling summer storm.
Wendy's reaching her breaking point with the man who promises the moon, but rarely delivers it. The fun trip she envisioned is turning into a dumpster fire of misunderstandings and regret. Choosing between broken trust and unforgivable toxicity or peace and soul-stirring attraction with Cruz should not be so hard. The life she dreams of seems just beyond her grasp.
Author NN Britt knows the music scene well and it really shows in her brilliant writing. I loved feeling like I was there at the festival, seeing it all through Wendy and Cruz's eyes. Rockstar romance just seems to flow right out of her- a win-win for me, but who doesn't love romance, close proximity and a gorgeous rock and roll white knight strumming a bass guitar? I sure do! Cruz was a warm cinnamon roll with a generous sprinkle of caring, protective hero right on top. In other words, irresistible. I loved Cruz and Wendy's beginning moments-in-time so much!
Sanctuary can be read on it's own, but I guarantee that once you do, you'll be thinking- gimme, gimme the rest of the Deviant Hearts series right now. Soooo, sooo good. Rapture, book one, was the first book I ever read by this author and I've been happily fangirling ever since!
* I received an early copy of Sanctuary to read and this is my honest, freely given review of it. *
August 15, 2025
Wendy is beautiful and in a relationship with Jett. She flew to Germany to be with her rockstar boyfriend, but—as usual—it’s a dismal disappointment. Jett is drunk and stoned most of the time, and when he’s not, he’s pawing models and groupies. He’s an inconsiderate drunk, and now he’s crossed a line Wendy can’t get over.
She should be sad about deciding to leave Jett, but she’s not—because of Cruz. Cruz is the bassist of the famous rock band The Deviant, and when these two meet, the chemistry is off the charts. They just can’t stay away from each other.
The problem? Both bands are playing at the same festival. Wendy feels like she owes Jett since he paid for her ticket, and back in L.A., she still lives with him. She has more loyalty to him than he deserves. But now she’s crossed a line with Cruz, and the guilt sets in—though honestly, I’m not sure why, since her feelings for Cruz are real and Jett is little more than an afterthought.
She should be sad about deciding to leave Jett, but she’s not—because of Cruz. Cruz is the bassist of the famous rock band The Deviant, and when these two meet, the chemistry is off the charts. They just can’t stay away from each other.
The problem? Both bands are playing at the same festival. Wendy feels like she owes Jett since he paid for her ticket, and back in L.A., she still lives with him. She has more loyalty to him than he deserves. But now she’s crossed a line with Cruz, and the guilt sets in—though honestly, I’m not sure why, since her feelings for Cruz are real and Jett is little more than an afterthought.
September 9, 2025
What a book!!! I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in one go.
The author captured Wendy’s toxic relationship with Jett so realistically, the hold he had over her while she was trying to better her life gave insight into why Wendy kept going back even though she knew she deserved more.
Cruz was such a strong, positive presence and helped Wendy see that she truly deserved more. I loved watching her growth throughout the story—it’s not just about romance, but also about self-worth and choosing a better future.
I can’t wait to read more.
The author captured Wendy’s toxic relationship with Jett so realistically, the hold he had over her while she was trying to better her life gave insight into why Wendy kept going back even though she knew she deserved more.
Cruz was such a strong, positive presence and helped Wendy see that she truly deserved more. I loved watching her growth throughout the story—it’s not just about romance, but also about self-worth and choosing a better future.
I can’t wait to read more.
August 1, 2025
A page turning read with Wendy and Cruz at the centre of it. Basically ignored and abandoned by her supposed boyfriend Jett, she needs to get away. Cruz sees her and is there for her. A read with angst and abuse (emotional, physical, drugs). Their story is a prequel to the series, so really, its just goodbye for now...
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.
July 20, 2025
This was a short whirlwind of a novella.
I’ve not read the series this was the prequel to, but based on this one, I can’t wait to!
The characters were messed up in a LOT of ways, with the exception of Cruz and it was a bit heartbreaking reading about the life they were living, but worth it for the ending.
Ready to dive into the series now.
I’ve not read the series this was the prequel to, but based on this one, I can’t wait to!
The characters were messed up in a LOT of ways, with the exception of Cruz and it was a bit heartbreaking reading about the life they were living, but worth it for the ending.
Ready to dive into the series now.
August 1, 2025
The world of rock stars and music festivals is quite hectic. This novella follows the story of Wendy, Jett and Cruz. And it sure seems like it was captured truthfully. Wendy and Jett, girlfriend and boyfriend. He treats her like dirt. Her savoir Cruz. All I can say is READ THIS NOVELLA. Thank you BookSirens for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 5, 2025
Great prequel to this series. The chemistry was right on point between Wendy and Cruz. Jett's actions were so thoughtless and self-centered, not a good person. I read this story in one day and can't wait to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
4.5 stars
I loved this glimpse of the beginning of Cruz and Wendy. It has been so long since I read this series, I may have to revisit it
All in all a great quick read based at a European music festival.
I loved this glimpse of the beginning of Cruz and Wendy. It has been so long since I read this series, I may have to revisit it
All in all a great quick read based at a European music festival.
January 5, 2026
Nice story
I like this. Sadly the drugs are really alot. Jett was a real loser in this story. She should have turned him in for the three guys attack. Sadly Cruz's band doesn't look too good either. Guess ill read the next book and see what happens.
I like this. Sadly the drugs are really alot. Jett was a real loser in this story. She should have turned him in for the three guys attack. Sadly Cruz's band doesn't look too good either. Guess ill read the next book and see what happens.
March 9, 2026
Wendy has a verbally and physically abusive boyfriend. Causes a bit of stress reading, but when she finds Cruz, he brings relief and hope! Find out where their paths lead them.
TW: Drug use, Alcohol, Rape, Assault
TW: Drug use, Alcohol, Rape, Assault
February 22, 2026
Great Series
Really enjoy the whole series of the Deviant guys and so glad to read how Wendy and Cruz got together. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Really enjoy the whole series of the Deviant guys and so glad to read how Wendy and Cruz got together. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
August 1, 2025
Coming this week, dear reader.
The Deviant Hearts story.
I can't wait for you to meet Wendy & Cruz.
The Deviant Hearts story.
I can't wait for you to meet Wendy & Cruz.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews