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Unlawful Hearts
Before the road to redemption… there was the fire that lit the match.
Ava Sinclair has devoted her life to protecting survivors. As a trauma counsellor, she knows the system doesn’t just fail the vulnerable, it buries them. Alongside her closest friend, Remi Carter, Ava built a clinic out of grit, conviction, and the kind of love born from shared trauma, not blood. Together, they face the storms most people run from.
But when a violent man storms into their clinic and everything goes sideways, Ava is forced to confront just how broken the rules really are, and how far she’s willing to go to protect the people she loves.
Police Chief Harlan Gray built his world on control and clarity. Black and white. Right and wrong. But when he arrests the wrong woman, based on a lie, a weapon, and the word of a man, his moral compass begins to crack.
Ava is fire. Harlan is order. She challenges everything he thought he understood. And she exposes what he’s been too careful to see.
What begins as a clash of convictions burns into something more, until sabotage, betrayal, and a woman from Harlan’s past threaten to bring it all crashing down.
Because some love stories aren’t born in the light.
They’re forged in the fallout.
Author’s
Unlawful Hearts is the emotional prequel to No Redemption Road, written second but set three years earlier. It can absolutely be read first, but doing so will change the feel of both books. Readers who start with Unlawful Hearts will experience Ava and Harlan’s raw beginnings. Readers who begin with No Redemption Road will uncover their past as it echoes forward. Either way, their story, and Remi’s, is one you won’t forget.
This is Book Two in the Redemption Road series, interconnected, character-driven romances woven with grit, suspense, and emotional intensity.
⚠️ Content
This book contains references to trauma, emotional abuse, domestic violence, victim-blaming, and abuse of power. Reader discretion is advised.
Ava Sinclair has devoted her life to protecting survivors. As a trauma counsellor, she knows the system doesn’t just fail the vulnerable, it buries them. Alongside her closest friend, Remi Carter, Ava built a clinic out of grit, conviction, and the kind of love born from shared trauma, not blood. Together, they face the storms most people run from.
But when a violent man storms into their clinic and everything goes sideways, Ava is forced to confront just how broken the rules really are, and how far she’s willing to go to protect the people she loves.
Police Chief Harlan Gray built his world on control and clarity. Black and white. Right and wrong. But when he arrests the wrong woman, based on a lie, a weapon, and the word of a man, his moral compass begins to crack.
Ava is fire. Harlan is order. She challenges everything he thought he understood. And she exposes what he’s been too careful to see.
What begins as a clash of convictions burns into something more, until sabotage, betrayal, and a woman from Harlan’s past threaten to bring it all crashing down.
Because some love stories aren’t born in the light.
They’re forged in the fallout.
Author’s
Unlawful Hearts is the emotional prequel to No Redemption Road, written second but set three years earlier. It can absolutely be read first, but doing so will change the feel of both books. Readers who start with Unlawful Hearts will experience Ava and Harlan’s raw beginnings. Readers who begin with No Redemption Road will uncover their past as it echoes forward. Either way, their story, and Remi’s, is one you won’t forget.
This is Book Two in the Redemption Road series, interconnected, character-driven romances woven with grit, suspense, and emotional intensity.
⚠️ Content
This book contains references to trauma, emotional abuse, domestic violence, victim-blaming, and abuse of power. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
10 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 29, 2025
ARC review - I was lucky enough to get an ARC sent to me. Please note that this did not impact my thoughts on this book or Author my rating and review was of my own impression.
I was first brought into this world after reading No Redemption Road, which is book 1 in this series. Technically, Unlawful Hearts is book 2, but it takes place prior to No Redemption Road. Although you can read them in order, i dont think reading book 2 first impacts the overall storyline in terms of spoilers.
"The System is Not Broken. It’s Working Exactly As Designed." Derouchie what can I say she has brought to life the struggles that the voiceless face everyday, Remi and Ava's fight against corruption whilst also dealing with their own trauma is masterfully portrayed in this novel. It's not just a love story its a story of growth, protection, love, bonds and showing up.
Although this book was Ava and Harlans story I honestly dont think I could have fallen for a side character more than I did for Remi. I loved her in Book 1 but her courage and strength in Book 2 is nothing to overlook.
I would highly recommend reading this and Book 1 although please do read trigger warnings as Book 1 brought me to my knees.
I'm excited to see what couples come next.
One of my favourites quotes: "She’d become a symbol, and symbols were dangerous things"
I was first brought into this world after reading No Redemption Road, which is book 1 in this series. Technically, Unlawful Hearts is book 2, but it takes place prior to No Redemption Road. Although you can read them in order, i dont think reading book 2 first impacts the overall storyline in terms of spoilers.
"The System is Not Broken. It’s Working Exactly As Designed." Derouchie what can I say she has brought to life the struggles that the voiceless face everyday, Remi and Ava's fight against corruption whilst also dealing with their own trauma is masterfully portrayed in this novel. It's not just a love story its a story of growth, protection, love, bonds and showing up.
Although this book was Ava and Harlans story I honestly dont think I could have fallen for a side character more than I did for Remi. I loved her in Book 1 but her courage and strength in Book 2 is nothing to overlook.
I would highly recommend reading this and Book 1 although please do read trigger warnings as Book 1 brought me to my knees.
I'm excited to see what couples come next.
One of my favourites quotes: "She’d become a symbol, and symbols were dangerous things"
September 17, 2025
This book deserves way more stars than allotted!
It was intense, so much so that at times, I had to take breaks. I do have to say here that No Redemption Road (NRR) was much more of a heartbreak, nail-biting angst read than Unlawful Heart, which was actually a relief.
I read NRR first and thought going back in time to read Harlan and Ava's story would be somewhat less.
I was wrong, so very wrong! It explained so much that I didn't know I needed to know from NRR. Ava and Remi's back story was very much needed. I didn't feel like I was missing anything in NRR. I just didn't realize I was, until this book.
Natasha Derouchie's writing grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very last word. The world building is so far beyond the norm that you feel like you are right there in the midst of the chaos with your heart pounding.
DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK, but read No Redemption Road first!!
It was intense, so much so that at times, I had to take breaks. I do have to say here that No Redemption Road (NRR) was much more of a heartbreak, nail-biting angst read than Unlawful Heart, which was actually a relief.
I read NRR first and thought going back in time to read Harlan and Ava's story would be somewhat less.
I was wrong, so very wrong! It explained so much that I didn't know I needed to know from NRR. Ava and Remi's back story was very much needed. I didn't feel like I was missing anything in NRR. I just didn't realize I was, until this book.
Natasha Derouchie's writing grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very last word. The world building is so far beyond the norm that you feel like you are right there in the midst of the chaos with your heart pounding.
DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK, but read No Redemption Road first!!
September 20, 2025
This was an excellent book. I like it so much better than book 1. Remi, one of the female leads is extraordinary. The way all the supporting characters in the book stepped up to assist in what she was trying to a achieve was written beautifully.
September 8, 2025
✨ARC Review ✨
Natasha, yet again, there are not enough superlatives to describe not only Unlawful Hearts but your writing. Raw. Real. Unfiltered. Natural. True. Beautiful ❤️
Before there was the road to redemption… there was the fire that lit the match. Unlawful Hearts is the must read prequel to No Redemption Road. It follows the story of Ava whose fight for justice collides with Harlan’s need for control. Secrets ignite. Loyalties break. Love? That becomes the most dangerous risk of all.
It wouldn’t be Natasha if this book wasn’t more than the words contained within it and this book gave two powerful messages:
1) Let your past be your compass but never your anchor ⚓️
2) It’s ok if you fall down and lose your spark, just make sure when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire 🐦🔥
And oh man, do the characters deliver these messages in their own unique ways. Remi is the lighthouse (thank you Mr Derouchie for this one), Harlan is the gravity and Ava is the anchor! As the most important of all, Natasha? Thank you for being our lighthouse, our anchor, our reminder that home is possible ❤️
Natasha, yet again, there are not enough superlatives to describe not only Unlawful Hearts but your writing. Raw. Real. Unfiltered. Natural. True. Beautiful ❤️
Before there was the road to redemption… there was the fire that lit the match. Unlawful Hearts is the must read prequel to No Redemption Road. It follows the story of Ava whose fight for justice collides with Harlan’s need for control. Secrets ignite. Loyalties break. Love? That becomes the most dangerous risk of all.
It wouldn’t be Natasha if this book wasn’t more than the words contained within it and this book gave two powerful messages:
1) Let your past be your compass but never your anchor ⚓️
2) It’s ok if you fall down and lose your spark, just make sure when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire 🐦🔥
And oh man, do the characters deliver these messages in their own unique ways. Remi is the lighthouse (thank you Mr Derouchie for this one), Harlan is the gravity and Ava is the anchor! As the most important of all, Natasha? Thank you for being our lighthouse, our anchor, our reminder that home is possible ❤️
September 7, 2025
I’ll start by saying I read No Redemption Road and received an ARC of Unlawful Hearts. When I first picked up No Redemption Road, I expected a typical MC dark romance but was blown away by the depth of the story and characters. Unlawful Hearts is a prequel focusing on Ava and Harlan, and while I loved seeing how their relationship began, this book also felt like a love letter to Remi. Getting a glimpse of her before everything to come left me even more brokenhearted.
The pacing was strong, and I especially enjoyed watching Harlan’s character growth. From the very beginning I was intrigued, but by the middle I was completely hooked—I stayed up until 4 a.m. reading. Natasha’s vivid descriptions made the scenes easy to picture, almost cinematic at times.
My only small critique is the frequent use of the phrase “that landed hard,” which stood out after a while. But overall, it didn’t take away from the experience. This was a gripping, emotional read, and one I won’t forget.
The pacing was strong, and I especially enjoyed watching Harlan’s character growth. From the very beginning I was intrigued, but by the middle I was completely hooked—I stayed up until 4 a.m. reading. Natasha’s vivid descriptions made the scenes easy to picture, almost cinematic at times.
My only small critique is the frequent use of the phrase “that landed hard,” which stood out after a while. But overall, it didn’t take away from the experience. This was a gripping, emotional read, and one I won’t forget.
August 31, 2025
Natasha Derouchie never disappoints! No Redemption Road is one of my favorite books and Unlawful Hearts just joined it on my list! I was curious on Ava and Harlan’s story after seeing them in NRR. Their story was just chaotic and beautiful. As always Natasha weaves a tight tale with a strong plot and ton of twists. Her characters are flawed and real. They grab a hold of your heart strings and don’t let go.
One of the best things about Ava and Harlan was the way she made him better. She made him think and question everything he knew. I love the found family with him and Ava and Remi and seeing more of Gray and Kane. I loved Harlan standing up against the corruption and fighting from within. I liked the way realized the world was not the black and white place he imagined.
I really can’t recommend this book enough! This was a prequel to No Redemption Road, which was written first, but you really don’t need to read it first. This book rolls right into that one, though. There is no cliffhanger. It is a standalone, but NRR definitely fleshes things out a bit more and builds upon the series.
I received an ARC for an honest review. Natasha has become a must read author for me and I can’t recommend her books enough! She is one of my favorite authors now!💜
One of the best things about Ava and Harlan was the way she made him better. She made him think and question everything he knew. I love the found family with him and Ava and Remi and seeing more of Gray and Kane. I loved Harlan standing up against the corruption and fighting from within. I liked the way realized the world was not the black and white place he imagined.
I really can’t recommend this book enough! This was a prequel to No Redemption Road, which was written first, but you really don’t need to read it first. This book rolls right into that one, though. There is no cliffhanger. It is a standalone, but NRR definitely fleshes things out a bit more and builds upon the series.
I received an ARC for an honest review. Natasha has become a must read author for me and I can’t recommend her books enough! She is one of my favorite authors now!💜
September 23, 2025
Natasha did it again! if you read no Redemption Road you will definitely want to read this one. I read on Wattpad and really liked it! 5 ⭐️
September 23, 2025
Natasha has done it again. If you have read No Redemption Road, then you know how she is able to weave a story that incorporates so much more than just a romance. This story is a prequel to No Redemption Road and we get to see our ladies Remi and Ava in action. Fighting, for those who are abused and dismissed so easily. It is also our chance to see how Ava and Harlan became lovers(believe me, they did not start off on the right foot). Throw in corruption and an evil ow, and you have everything you need! Lots of twists and turns, so I don’t want to give too much away. I will say that I am looking forward to stories with some of the other characters that have shown up. This story also shows that sometimes the family we love the most is not the one we are born into, but the one that we find along the way. As I said, this is a prequel, but it is a stand alone and you do not need to read this first, and you will not be left hanging. It is its own story. If you are looking for a great fall read, do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you will not be disappointed!
August 31, 2025
Another amazing book by this author. Book 1 in the series was Remi’s story. Book 2 is Ava’s story and is actually a prequel to the timeline in book 1. Its main focus is the love that develops between Ava and Harlan. It also provides the backstories to some of the characters you’ve come to love in the series. This author’s writing easily pulls you into their world and takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride like no other. You feel all the betrayal, love, angst, anger, grief, dismay, disappointment and frustration that the characters experience. I dare you to read this book and not feel something. Natasha Derouchie has become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of her works and the next book in this series. I highly recommend you read the books in this series. You will not be disappointed and I’m positive they will become one of your favorite reads like they’ve become mine.
October 22, 2025
3.5 stars
So even though this is book 2, I read it first because it is kind of the back story of book 1, No Redemption Road, in the series. I'll be perfectly honest and say I have not read NRR yet, but have many friends who have so I know the general premise for it and how Remi's story goes. With that being said, even though this is touted as Ava and Harlan's story, which is it, Remi gets a LOT of focus time. Remi almost overshadows both Ava and Harlan and the hard beginning of their relationship. Almost every decision the two of them make is with Remi in mind or because of Remi. And for me, that kind of took away from Ava and Harlan. This definitely exposes the dark dirty underbelly of what was going on in their town and introduces us to players in NRR.
There was lots of action and twists and the OW in here is a piece of work. So, all in all, this was a good story that kept me turning pages.
So even though this is book 2, I read it first because it is kind of the back story of book 1, No Redemption Road, in the series. I'll be perfectly honest and say I have not read NRR yet, but have many friends who have so I know the general premise for it and how Remi's story goes. With that being said, even though this is touted as Ava and Harlan's story, which is it, Remi gets a LOT of focus time. Remi almost overshadows both Ava and Harlan and the hard beginning of their relationship. Almost every decision the two of them make is with Remi in mind or because of Remi. And for me, that kind of took away from Ava and Harlan. This definitely exposes the dark dirty underbelly of what was going on in their town and introduces us to players in NRR.
There was lots of action and twists and the OW in here is a piece of work. So, all in all, this was a good story that kept me turning pages.
September 18, 2025
I’m going to be clear - chronologically, this is book #2. However, storyline-wise, this is book #1.
This took heartbreak, hate, and love back to the forefront for the characters.
Having read No Redemption Road, there are key moments that make my heart sink, because I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Harlan spent most of the books in some form of paralysis or hysteria - gone is the abilty to stay calm.
The OW drama was phenomenal. Even I wanted to reach in and do something about it (and her sheeple).
Do yourself a favour. Find a good day to sit down and read. I read mine in one sitting (didn’t do what I needed to do for the day) - it’s addictive and I just really wnted to see the ‘ex’ get arrested for her problems. I must admit the OW wrap-up was chefs kiss. Couldn’t have happened to the a better (worse) person.
This took heartbreak, hate, and love back to the forefront for the characters.
Having read No Redemption Road, there are key moments that make my heart sink, because I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Harlan spent most of the books in some form of paralysis or hysteria - gone is the abilty to stay calm.
The OW drama was phenomenal. Even I wanted to reach in and do something about it (and her sheeple).
Do yourself a favour. Find a good day to sit down and read. I read mine in one sitting (didn’t do what I needed to do for the day) - it’s addictive and I just really wnted to see the ‘ex’ get arrested for her problems. I must admit the OW wrap-up was chefs kiss. Couldn’t have happened to the a better (worse) person.
August 31, 2025
This book was everything. I put off reading for a cpl days cause my heart wasn't rdy yet. NRR broke me and put me back together in the best of ways. Unlawful Hearts was just as great. Ava, Harlan, Remi, Gray and Kane a mismatch family with so much grit and love. Natasha, I bow down to you; when phrases and chapters cause goosebumps you know your reading something special. The sisterhood between Ava and Remi, the love they have and share. HOLD THE LINE. ❤️
November 7, 2025
I loved reading this story. It was just as much about Remi as it was Harlan and Ava and to me that made sense, Ava and Remi are so entwined and with their past Ava will follow her anywhere. It gave so much perspective and stayed to the nature of this series. I am looking forward to what comes next and cannot wait to read a certain bikers book. Ugh it ate me up seeing them in love and then knowing what comes next. But it was so good... made me go and read No Redemption Road all over again.
September 5, 2025
I received this as an ARC after first reading it on wattpad. I read redemption Road first but Unlawful Hearts technically is a prequel for redemption Road. Unlawful Hearts is an amazing book. The characters are awesome and Remi, from redemption Road, is just as awesome in this book. I would highly recommend this book and series. Ava and Harlan did not disappoint.
September 23, 2025
A great story! This book brings forth tons of emotions. It is beautifully written. Ava, Harlan and Remi are featured. The relationship between Harlan and Ava is fully explored.
This is a prequel to No Redemption Road (another fabulous read and I highly recommend it).
This is a prequel to No Redemption Road (another fabulous read and I highly recommend it).
November 14, 2025
She has done it again. I loved this book and the back story that we didn’t get in No Redemption Road about Ava and Harlan. This was a really good story. ms. Derouchie will be a new auto buy author for me!
September 20, 2025
This book, ladies and gentlemen will leave you with a plethora and roller coaster of emotions. Buckle up and you will definitely enjoyed reading this book.
September 23, 2025
Unlawful Hearts is the second book in The Redemption Road series and actually is a prequel to No Redemption Road (first book in this series). I was blown away reading No Redemption Road, so I was so happy when I've got the opportunity to read an ARC for Unlawful Hearts.
This is Ava's and Harlan's love story, but we also get to see who Remi was before the attack. Remi, for me, is one of the strongest female characters I've read about.
Ava is Remi's best friend , her only "family" and together they work as counselors in trauma center. Harlan is a Chief of Police, who after finding out about dirty cops in his station, decided to help Ava and Remi in their constant battle with domestic violence cases.
Natasha Derouchie is a great storyteller. She pulls you into her fictional world with her words and imagination, and I simply, didn't want to leave that world until I've read the last sentence.
I can't wait to read more from this author and maybe more books in this series. Bravo!
This is Ava's and Harlan's love story, but we also get to see who Remi was before the attack. Remi, for me, is one of the strongest female characters I've read about.
Ava is Remi's best friend , her only "family" and together they work as counselors in trauma center. Harlan is a Chief of Police, who after finding out about dirty cops in his station, decided to help Ava and Remi in their constant battle with domestic violence cases.
Natasha Derouchie is a great storyteller. She pulls you into her fictional world with her words and imagination, and I simply, didn't want to leave that world until I've read the last sentence.
I can't wait to read more from this author and maybe more books in this series. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews