Protected Hearts

The Bachelor Pact #3

by Cissy Mecca, Bella Michaels

The brand new friends-to-lovers romance set in the small town of Cedar Falls! Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Catherine Cowles and Lyla Sage 💖📖💫 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Cissy Mecca is a skilled writer of page-turning plots and unforgettable characters.' Bestseller Lucy Score, author of Story of my Life Every book in The Bachelor Pact series can be read as a standalone.

The Rules of the Bachelor Never date the neighbour...

Beck

It’s probably a bad idea to fall for the one woman I was never supposed to touch. Mae O’Malley. . . my childhood best friend and the reason for Rule #1 of the Bachelor no dating the girl next door.

Following the rules has never been hard. Until Mae walks back into my life, fresh off a broken engagement and looking like a complication I want to make. She’s sexy, smart, and more off-limits than ever. But I’ve never been one to give up easily, especially not when it comes to the only woman I’ve ever loved.

Mae

Coming home with my heart still broken from Paris wasn’t part of the plan. But being surrounded by family, and Beck makes it easier. Or so I thought.

Because now he’s looking at me like I’m something more than a friend, and suddenly I’m feeling things I never thought I would again. Butterflies. Hope. Beck’s made it clear he’s not the settling-down type, and I’ve been burned before. So why can’t I protect my heart from the one person who’s always had it?

Praise for Cissy Mecca ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Full to the brim with friendship, banter and a good dose of spice 🌶' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An entertaining, spicy, and fun small town romance' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I had a hard time putting this down! I recommend you add this to your TBR now!' Reader review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Love this town and the people in it' Reader review

Genres: Small Town Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for me.

Beck has been in love with Mae O’Malley all his life.Mae is back in her hometown after she find out her fiance is cheating.Being back home and with her best friend Beck may be what she needs.Things are not like they used to be, and there seem to be more between her and Beck.Will they remain only friends?

It was quick and cute friends to lovers story,it just seem like they take forever to be with each other.As a friends they lack honest communication.Still it was sweet small town romance,and I hope to read another.I'm curious abot Cole's story.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one didn’t work for me.

Beck and Mae have been best friends since they were kids, both secretly harbouring feelings for the other for years. When Mae comes home having broken off her engagement, Beck finally decides to tell her how he feels. For supposed best friends their communication was terrible and they either didn’t communicate properly or just went back and forth over the same things over and over again. Most of the story was slow with not much happening and then suddenly in the final 20% it speeds up but too fast so it goes from what feels like 0-100 and then it’s over! I found the writing a bit clunky at times and had to go back and reread pieces to see if I’d missed something which I hadn’t but there was often implied backstory or unclear conversations:
I struggled to feel the chemistry between Beck and Mae and think perhaps being shown some of their history might have helped make their relationship and feelings more believable.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on November 20th called, Protected Hearts. This is about Beck, he's been in love with his best friend Mae since they were kids, but he never told her how he felt because he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Mae just came back home to Cedar Falls after breaking up with her fiancé and leaving her life as a pastry chef in Paris behind. Beck is a part of the Bachelor Pact with his best friends but he feels like he just got a second chance, Mae is home and he wants to tell her how he feels. But Mae is heartbroken, and she only sees Beck as her best friend and a player who will never settle down. Beck starts getting his life together, wanting to prove to Mae he can step up and be the man she needs. They both have feelings for each other and want to see if these feelings between them could be something real, but are afraid of ruining their friendship.
I really enjoyed this book, watching both Beck and Mae grow into themselves as adults and figure out their lives was really beautiful. This was such a sweet childhood friends to lovers story, with the slowest slow burn! Their lifelong friendship being the focal point for this story was really sweet, both of them caring so much about the other and wanting to see the other happy. Their banter was so much fun, I really enjoyed this and can't wait for book 4! 💜📚

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Protected Hearts, in exchange for an honest review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for the fans that like Elise silver, Catherine Cowles and Lucy score.
I enjoyed this book a lot

Blurb

The Rules of the Bachelor Pact: Never date the neighbour...

Beck

It’s probably a bad idea to fall for the one woman I was never supposed to touch. Mae O’Malley. . . my childhood best friend and the reason for Rule #1 of the Bachelor Pact: no dating the girl next door.

Following the rules has never been hard. Until Mae walks back into my life, fresh off a broken engagement and looking like a complication I want to make. She’s sexy, smart, and more off-limits than ever. But I’ve never been one to give up easily, especially not when it comes to the only woman I’ve ever loved.

Mae

Coming home with my heart still broken from Paris wasn’t part of the plan. But being surrounded by family, and Beck makes it easier. Or so I thought.

Because now he’s looking at me like I’m something more than a friend, and suddenly I’m feeling things I never thought I would again. Butterflies. Hope. Beck’s made it clear he’s not the settling-down type, and I’ve been burned before. So why can’t I protect my heart from the one person who’s always had it?

[Klarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC review*
This is the first story I have read by this author. Friends to lovers usually isn’t for me but this one was written so well that I actually found myself enjoying it. now need to go back and read the other book from this series. This book has grown my love for the small town romance stories even more. The only problem I had at times was I felt like there was a bit too much filler unnecessary detail.

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so I was really looking forward to read about Beck and Mae's relationship. I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. Not by the couple itself, because I enjoyed reading the majority of this book, but I just felt like the relationship was so rushed by the end. I know they've known each other since forever, but it would've been nice if they explored their relationship for a bit before making such a big commitment. For such a close group of friends with always the right thing to say, someone should've knocked some sense into them. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and following all the aspects of their relationship. If it weren't for the end, I would've probably given it a solid four- or five-star rating.

[Rae Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never date the neighbor. Mae and Beck have been best friends forever. Mae is back in town after a failed engagement, and Beck is ready to grow up and see if they can be more than friends. Their base friendship is a strong cornerstone to something more, even if they both have moments of doubt. I loved the interactions characters from prior FMCs and MMCs from both this series and others as well!!

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first two of the bachelor pact books Beck was my favourite character by far. I loved his playfulness, his cheeky banter and so unsurprisingly I couldn't wait to read his own story.

While I still enjoyed it as part of the series, this ended up being my least favourite as his personality disappeared as soon as childhood love Mae returned. I get that he had to become serious and drop the player stuff to win her heart but nobody should change their base personality for love and I felt that's exactly what he did.

So now all my hopes are pinned on history professor Cole and his slutty little glasses.

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to arc read this book. I truly appreciate it.

I absolutely love 'The Bachelor Pact' series! It's one of my favourites so you have no idea how excited I was to finally read Beck's story and finally get to meet Mae! This book is most definitely a slow burn best friends to lovers read through and through but when it ignites my gosh is it everything! However as Cissy Mecca is very amazing at doing, this isn't you're typically oh I think I love my best friend book. No this is the most absolutely beautiful and breathtaking, finally having the stars align to have your chance with the person you've loved almost your whole life! It's also an absolutely breathtaking story of growth as well!

I've loved Beck from the very first book, he's truly like the best friend or big brother you wish you had. The one who knows you so well, loves you for you, and always has your back. I'm so excited to finally see him get his HEA! Especially watching his growth, and watching him find and have everything that will make him happy. He deserves it so much! Poor Mae, you feel for her so much and watching her finally see what and who was right in front of her the whole time, was so amazing. I loved how her ex ends up getting his compance, he totally deserved it and so much more! I also really loved the big inclusion of other series' that Cissy Mecca has created, having their little moments all throughout this book as well! Be prepared for Easter eggs!

This world is going to steal you heart and soul, you really don't have to read this book as a series, but you're going to want to. This series makes you feel like you've found family, and found where you belong. It's like coming home, every time you open a book. So if you're looking for a comfy, cozy read, that gives you all the feels, and a feeling of safety you're going to absolutely love this book! You will also totally love it for the romance too but this series is just so magical that it's so much more than just a romance.

Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read this book. I truly appreciate! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait until I can bring it home!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐



Mae O’Malley regresa a Cedar Falls después de que su sueño en París se derrumba: su prometido la engañó y, sin trabajo ni planes, vuelve a casa a empezar de nuevo. En el pequeño pueblo, el pasado la alcanza en forma de Beck Claymont, su mejor amigo de la infancia, eterno conquistador y dueño de un corazón mucho más leal de lo que deja ver.
Mientras Mae intenta reconstruir su vida, aceptar el fracaso y encontrar un nuevo rumbo, la química entre ambos crece a pesar de las viejas reglas que hicieron para proteger su amistad. Entre noches en el pub familiar, secretos revelados y la posibilidad de un futuro diferente, Mae y Beck deberán decidir si vale la pena arriesgarlo todo por un amor que siempre estuvo ahí, escondido en el lugar más inesperado: en sus propios corazones.



_______



La verdad tenía mis dudas sobre si Cissy Mecca lograría redimir a Beck, porque desde los libros anteriores ya sabíamos que estaba enamorado de Mae, pero nunca hacía nada para demostrarle que valía la pena y se la pasaba acostándose con cuanta mujer se le cruzaba. Al final, sí se logró, porque si bien tenía sentimientos por ella, Mae siempre lo mantuvo en la zona de amigos y se burlaba de su estado de playboy. A esto se suma que el matrimonio de sus padres fue un desastre, y Beck no quería repetir esa historia; por eso se le puede perdonar que nunca intentara ir por ella. Además, por años su amistad fue a través de mensajes, ya que Mae vivía en París, tenía un prometido y no pensaba regresar. Pero una vez que volvió a Cedar Falls, Beck no volvió a mirar a ninguna otra mujer.











Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb -
Beck
It’s probably a bad idea to fall for the one woman I was never supposed to touch. Mae O’Malley. . . my childhood best friend and the reason for Rule #1 of the Bachelor no dating the girl next door.
Following the rules has never been hard. Until Mae walks back into my life, fresh off a broken engagement and looking like a complication I want to make. She’s sexy, smart, and more off-limits than ever. But I’ve never been one to give up easily, especially not when it comes to the only woman I’ve ever loved.

Mae
Coming home with my heart still broken from Paris wasn’t part of the plan. But being surrounded by family, and Beck makes it easier. Or so I thought.
Because now he’s looking at me like I’m something more than a friend, and suddenly I’m feeling things I never thought I would again. Butterflies. Hope. Beck’s made it clear he’s not the settling-down type, and I’ve been burned before. So why can’t I protect my heart from the one person who’s always had it?
💜 Review -
I have enjoyed the first two books in The Bachelor Pact series and Protected Hearts was no different. Friends to Lovers is one of my favourite troupes and Cissy Mecca wrote this book perfectly. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Beck and Mae's chemistry and I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. I also loved the small town place setting in the story. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood books and the author for my free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected Hearts by Cissy Mecca

My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

Protected Hearts is the third book in the Bachelor Pact series following a group of college friends who grew up with parents who weren't the best examples. They decide to make a pact and throw some money into a pot. If they get married, they throw more money in the pot and the last man standing gets the money. Well, we are up to the third friend, Beck, who has a reputation for being quite the flirt and one-night stand man. He has had a secret crush on his childhood friend Mae for as long as he can remember. She has just returned from France newly single after learning her fiancé cheated on her. She has given up her dream job and is trying to decide what to do next. Can Beck convince Mae that he can be serious about one woman - her? Could it be that Mae might be crushing on her friend as well?

This was a fun addition to the series. Beck's story is a little more of a slow burn than the previous two books. As with the others, I just love the friend group the guys have formed. We see girls groups a lot in romance books, but not guys. They all have each other's backs while also getting in a little fun teasing along the way. Their girls are also forming their own group too. I'm looking forward to the fourth book with the hardest nut to crack left to fall. I recommend these books for an easy, fun, low stress romantic read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

This is such an easy-to-read, low angst series! Protected Hearts is the third part and I liked it quite a lot. This is a cute friends to lovers romance.

Pastry chef Mae returns to her hometown. Beck, the boy next door from her childhood still lives there and works in her dad's pub as a bartender. They have always been friends - but has there always been something else too between them?

As I said I like this series and I'm already waiting for the fourth part!

WHAT I LIKED: I like the friend group in this series a lot!

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: The miscommunication wasn't my favorite plot twist.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: some miscommunication but also healthy communication
Third act: hiccups
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* Friends to lovers

What?
* Forced proximity
* Found family
* Grand gesture

Where?
* Return to hometown
* Small town
* Workplace romance

Drama?
* some miscommunication

Other vibes:
* It has always been you
* ”We’re just friends”

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third instalment in the series though it can be read as a standalone. It’s a blend of childhood history, simmering tension, and second-chance vulnerability delivering a charming, emotional friends-to-lovers story that’s equal parts sweet and swoony.

Beck and Mae’s dynamic is instantly engaging. Beck’s internal battle between loyalty to his self-imposed “Bachelor Rules” and his long-buried feelings for Mae adds a satisfying slow burn to the story. Watching him shift from protective best friend to determined suitor gives the romance real weight and heart. Mae, fresh off a painful breakup, is easy to empathise with as she navigates trust, healing, and the terrifying possibility of falling for someone who has always been off-limits.

Their chemistry is undeniable, and the push-and-pull created by their shared history makes every glance and moment between them feel loaded. The small-town, close-family backdrop adds warmth and familiarity, making their connection feel even more grounded.

While some plot beats are predictable for the trope, the emotional payoff is strong, and the characters’ growth—especially Maye finding her confidence and Beck owning his feelings—elevates the story. Mecca’s writing style is smooth, heartfelt, and perfectly paced for a cozy, engaging romantic read.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving this series! The bachelor pact made between four college friends so that they don’t have relationships/marriages like their parents. How the mighty have fallen! This is the third book in the series set in a small town. This book focuses on Beck and Mae. Childhood best friends who have been crushing on each other but so worried what it would do to their friendship. Beck is the bartender at O’Malley’s which is owned by Mae’s parents. He has never felt good enough for Mae. Mae studied at the CIA and recently was in France for pastry and was engaged planning to live in France as she had obtained her dream job. Now she is back home and not sure what to do with her life as her fiancé had cheated on her. As Mae and Beck spend more time together l, their friends notice more than friendship. Will they take the chance on romance? Can Beck prove he is serious about a relationship with Mae? With many changes to their lives, their friends are there to help them and be sounding boards. Great story with great characters. Love the fun and sarcastic comments that come with the friendships in this book. This is a must read!

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck is enjoying life in Cedar Falls: good friends, a job he enjoys, a carefree lifestyle – footloose and fancy free. Until Mae O’Malley runs back home from France following the breakup of her engagement. Beck and Mae had always been best friends, but Mae had always said Beck was not the man for her because of his lifestyle. Now she’s back though Beck seems different and her feelings are changing too, or is it just a rebound?

Fun read as Beck, who has always been in love with Mae, decides this is his chance to finally let Mae know his feelings. He needs to prove to her that he’s someone she can trust and that he can change his lifestyle for someone he really cares about. After Mae broke up with Mathieu, due to his cheating, she’s sworn off men, but can Beck convince her he’s changed?

This is the third book in the Bachelor Pact series and, although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books first as the development of all the characters and their relationships adds a lot to the enjoyment of the books.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected Hearts was my first book Ive read by Cissy Mecca and The Bachelor Pact series. This is book #3 and can absolutely be read as a standalone to new readers of the series like me. I never felt disadvantaged not starting from the beginning.
Small towns are absolutely one of my favourite elements of a story as ive mentioned in previous reviews. Cedar Falls was no exception. It felt such a vibrant and friendly place to be complete with an Irish Bar in O’Malleys!
Mae had found herself at home in a time of transition of herself. I loved watching her confidence grow in all aspects of her life but especially how she found herself again and trusted her feelings for Beck as not just a friend.
Beck or if I use his full name Beckham was the most loving character and let me tell you it wasnt just Mae who was realising her feeings for him. I fell in love too. He was just the sweetest, most caring and sensitve young man. I loved how he was also beginning to realise what direction he wanted his life to take. Both Mae and Becks group of friends were really intresting to get to know too and how they were all there for each other was beautiful. Every single character all felt genuine and people I could be friends with in real life. I truly fell in love with not only Cedar Falls but Cissy Mecca’s writing style too.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.

This was a cute read. I liked the small town feel of this book. I liked Beck and Mae. I liked how Beck has been in love with Mae his entire life and now she’s back and heartbroken since her fiancé cheated on her. So she is so happy to be back and with her best friend but she notices things seem a lot different now that she’s back. Beck hasn’t told her. So they really just slowly burn and they had terrible communication but I still enjoyed this book. It’s childhood friends to lovers. I mean what’s not to love oh and small town lovers too. I really liked both characters. I just hated the fact that Beck didn’t want to try because he was scared he was going to ruin his friendship rather than thinking could make it better !! But it was nice reading about how they did come together and figured it out. I didn’t realize this was the third book. I definitely want to go and read the others in this series cause would be so so good !!!

[Desiree Solorzano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and easy friends-to-lovers romance. Beck and Mae have been friends forever, but neither of them ever thought that the other felt the same way as them so they remained best friends. That is, until Mae returns home to focus on herself and her career after a failed relationship. With Mae home for good, Beck has an opportunity to turn their friendship into something more. I loved Beck and Mae's friendship, and the chemistry between them was electric. I liked that they didn't jump into a "friends with benefits" situation, but they seemed to focus on whether a relationship would destroy their friendship. I feel that if they had communicated a bit more, they would have figured things out quicker.
I enjoyed Beck and Mae's story; it was adorable, and the sexual tension between them was on fire throughout the book. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I wished their relationship as a couple had been explored a bit more. Can't wait to see what Cissy has in store for Cole's story!!!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can she change his playboy ways or was he a playboy because he didn't think he was good enough for her? Ms. Mecca writes a sweet friends-to-lovers, small-town romance that will have you smiling all the way through.
Beck and Mae have been friends for years, but he kept a big secret: he was deeply in love with her, yet he never made a move. Now she is back home, broken-hearted and he is determined to make her see he is not the playboy she thinks he is. Will he break the bachelor pact he made with his guy friends? Can he prove to her that he is worth the chance of changing their friendship into something more?
I love how Beck did everything he could think of to get her to see they would be perfect together. Mae had so many reservations because of how she caught her ex-fiancé with another woman, on top of not wanting to ruin the friendship she had with Beck. Friendships/friends and love are at the centre of this entertaining book.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good friends to lovers story. Add in that the hero falls first and I'm happy. Beck is a fantastic hero. He's hidden his feelings for his best friend Mae for most of his life. Now that he has another chance with Mae in town, he's ready to let her know. I loved their dynamic. The banter and texting was fabulous. The fear of messing up their friendship felt real and had me rooting for them to give their love a chance. I loved how both characters seemed to grow through the story and gained a better understanding of themselves. I really liked the side characters. I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but definitely am interested in going back to those. They are not necessary to enjoy the story. I really want to read the next in the series with Cole. I have a guess at who they are going to pair him with, and am hoping that I'm right! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pà · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored diving into Beck and Mae’s story. Watching Beck struggle between his so called “Bachelor Rules” and the long buried feelings he had for Mae was simultaneously heart-wrenching and swoony. Mae coming home after her Paris heartbreak was the perfect setup, her journey of rediscovering herself while navigating small town life felt so real. I loved the slow burn tension, the playful banter, and those quiet moments where their friendship teetered into something more. Beck’s transformation from the flirtatious neighbor to a man fully aware of his feelings gave the romance real weight. Cedar Falls’ cozy setting added layers of warmth that made this book impossible to put down. The chemistry was electric, and the heartfelt confessions were worth every page. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Bachelor Pact series that I've read. These are fun romances featuring four friends who have all made a pact to avoid marriage and relationships. Two of the three friends have already met their match and found themselves in serious relationships. For friend number three, Beck is interested in women for one thing and one thing only, unless it's his best friend, Mae.
I loved this friends-to-lovers romance. Mae and Beck make a great couple and it's clear that they belong together. Even their friends who were involved in the pact can see that they are really meant to be a couple.
There's one bachelor left to go in this series and I'm excited to see how that one plays out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[CookesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "bachelors" are back and better than ever! I love that they're all falling in love when they swore it and relationships off. Those silly little rules didn't stand a chance.
Beck and Mae were such an enjoyable sweet & spicy childhood best friends to lovers story. She's back in her hometown of Cedar Falls after a broken engagement and ends up being neighbors with her childhood best friend that's been in love with her for most of his life. Unbeknownst to him, the feelings were very mutual. Beck's willing to break rule #1 of the Bachelor Pact to get his girl, but will Mae take the jump with him after having her heart broken, or is she too scared to ruin their friendship?
I love this small town and group of friends. You get great banter, bonds for life, and all the sweet and spicy your heart desires.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #3 in The Bachelor Pact series may just be my favorite. Beck is a lover, he's the good time guy making sure everyone is happy and having a good time. Then there is Mae his best friend, they've been best friends since they were young. Even when Beck considered he might want more he stopped himself when he thought he'd never be worthy of her. Mae however only saw her gorgeous best friend and his endless supply of willing female participants in whatever he was up to. This story has a heroine who is searching for her dream but thinks she needs to look away from what she can see. A hero whose damage tries to strip his confidence when it comes to being worthy of the one girl who has ever made him feel like he can have it all.
Can the boys and their pact take another hit or will it stand? Because after all though shall not date thy neighbor.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Kaveesha Bandara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful, cosy read that was absolutely unputdownable. Protected Hearts follows childhood best friends Beck and Mae, whose bond has always been protected by unspoken rules, especially the one about never crossing into romance. When Mae returns to their small town after a broken engagement, old feelings resurface, forcing both of them to confront the emotions they’ve buried for years.

I really liked the well-developed characters in this book, and the romance kindling between the two main characters is genuinely heartwarming. I also loved the small-town vibes radiating from the story; the close-knit community adds an extra layer of warmth and authenticity.

This is a perfect pick for readers who enjoy cosy, friends-to-lovers romances filled with warmth, emotional depth, and charming small-town settings.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck and Mae give the reader another lovely romance as they find the courage to turn their friendship into something more when Mae returns to Cedar Falls, brokenhearted and her dreams shattered. Beck has always wanted more in their relationship, but decided that friendship was safer for both of them. Mae felt similarly, but when she returned from France, and they began working closely together, something changed. Will either of them take the first step toward happiness? I love the sense of community and friendship in Cedar Falls; it makes the romance cosy, but there is plenty of banter, conflict, and heat when each member of the Bachelor Pact finds their reason to end it. I like the characterisation, the romance and the small-town setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

feels more like a happy for now instead of happily ever after

There were many points in the story when I thought to myself, “why are we putting these two people together?” Honestly they were vastly different from each other. It’s just a bit a hard to believe the sincerity of a man who claims he’s been in love with the same woman since he was a kid but continue to bed every other woman that walked through the bar he worked at.

The writing was good if not a bit repetitive and static. There were parts that didn’t feel like it needed to be there. Mainly as a purpose to fill the pages instead of contributing to the story. Anyway, all this to say that I found mild enjoyment in the story, however I just took issue with the lackluster character growth in both main characters and the obvious mismatch that warrants an unrealistic and therefore not believable conclusion.

[Jaime Moschera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this installment in the series, especially following Beck and Mae, childhood best friends navigating the shift from friendship to romance. The story has a lot of heart, with a fun small-town setting, witty friendships, and relatable struggles as Mae returns home from France after a broken engagement and Beck worries he’s not good enough for her. I loved seeing their relationship develop, the banter between friends, and the support their group gives each other. My only issue was that the romance felt a bit rushed toward the end, and I would have liked a bit more time exploring their connection before the big commitment. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, engaging read that I’d still highly recommend to fans of friends-to-lovers romances.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had really enjoyed book 2 so was excited to get back to this series and the friendships that are so special between these characters.
This one is friends to lovers, and the sweetness level is off the charts, Beck is such a sweetheart, totally at odds with the womanising persona he was previously giving off.
I loved seeing a bit more of Cole, and enjoyed meeting Jules, they both seem in need of something special like their friends.
There are a couple of short, spicy scenes, but this was much tamer than the previous book in that regard.
I really like the dual POV format, going back and forth from Beck to Mae in chapters, I think it works really well in this kind of book.
A really quick, easy to read book, I'm looking forward to the next one as Cole really intrigues me.