What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartstruck #3
Hearts & Souls
Happily-ever-after’s aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. I should know. My childhood best friend gave me my first kiss and then ghosted me. Five years later he comes home, takes my V-card, and leaves without saying goodbye. Again.
Twice love has knocked me sideways. Twice the one I loved with all my heart left without saying goodbye.
Now, Rowan Cole, my brother’s best friend and one of the world’s Sexiest Men Alive, has come back to Lakeside. Not only to make a movie about his life, but to win me back, Heart & Soul.
Twice love has knocked me sideways. Twice the one I loved with all my heart left without saying goodbye.
Now, Rowan Cole, my brother’s best friend and one of the world’s Sexiest Men Alive, has come back to Lakeside. Not only to make a movie about his life, but to win me back, Heart & Soul.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Lara Bruni
10 books23 followers3rd Place Winner in the Paranormal-Romance category for The BookFest for Dark In Blood Fall 2024***
3rd Place Winner in the Romance-Suspense category for The BookFest for The Hollow Spring 2025***
International Impact Book Award Winner 2025/Romance category for The Hollow***
1st Place Winner in the Small Town Romance/Comedy category for The BookFest Fall 2025 for Hearts Fire**
Lara Bruni is an Award Winning author who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In her down time, she loves to lose herself in the pages of a good book and enjoys watching rom-com and action movies.
3rd Place Winner in the Romance-Suspense category for The BookFest for The Hollow Spring 2025***
International Impact Book Award Winner 2025/Romance category for The Hollow***
1st Place Winner in the Small Town Romance/Comedy category for The BookFest Fall 2025 for Hearts Fire**
Lara Bruni is an Award Winning author who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In her down time, she loves to lose herself in the pages of a good book and enjoys watching rom-com and action movies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book honestly feels like emotional whiplash in the best possible way. Hearts & Souls has that mix of tension, history, unresolved feelings, and absolute chaos that makes every interaction feel loaded from the very beginning. The second Rowan walks back into Lizzy’s life, you can feel years of hurt, chemistry, longing, and frustration sitting between them, and the story never lets you forget it.
Lizzy immediately stood out to me because she feels emotionally guarded without ever losing that softness underneath. There’s this constant push-and-pull in her where part of her still loves Rowan so deeply while the other part is furious at herself for it. She’s carrying so much hurt from being left behind over and over again, and the story does a really good job of showing how abandonment changes the way someone protects themselves emotionally. She isn’t written as cold or bitter for the sake of angst either. Her reactions feel earned, and honestly, I appreciated that the story lets her hold onto that anger instead of immediately forgiving everything.
And Rowan… he absolutely has that larger-than-life energy people expect from a celebrity romance hero, but underneath all of that confidence there’s still this desperate need to be loved by the one person who has always truly known him. He has this golden retriever charm about him sometimes, playful, persistent, affectionate, but then the story layers in all this guilt and emotional regret underneath it. You can tell almost immediately that Lizzy is the center of his emotional world whether he deserves her forgiveness or not.
Their dynamic is honestly where the book shines the most. The chemistry between them never feels calm or easy because there’s too much history there for that. Every conversation feels emotionally charged in some way, whether they’re arguing, teasing each other, pretending not to care, or slipping into moments of vulnerability they probably didn’t mean to share. The frenemies energy mixed with the second chance romance creates this constant tension where you can feel how badly they want each other while also knowing neither of them fully trusts the situation.
What I really loved is that the emotional intimacy builds alongside the physical chemistry instead of replacing it. Yes, the attraction between them is intense, but the moments that hit hardest for me were actually the quieter ones. The moments where old feelings resurface unexpectedly, where shared history sneaks into conversations, where they stop pretending indifference for half a second and suddenly everything feels raw again. Those moments gave the relationship so much emotional weight.
The small-town atmosphere adds so much charm to the story too. Lakeside has that comforting, close-knit feeling where everyone knows everyone, which honestly makes the emotional tension even messier because there’s no escaping the past there. Add in the paparazzi chaos, the movie production, family dynamics, and all the found family energy woven throughout the story, and it creates this really fun balance between emotional heaviness and lighter rom-com moments.
I also really liked how the story leans into the idea that loving someone doesn’t automatically erase the hurt they caused. There’s still resentment here. Still fear. Still emotional walls. And because of that, the romance feels more layered than just two people falling back together easily. It feels like two people trying to figure out whether love can survive disappointment, timing, and years of unresolved pain.
Overall, this is one of those romances that feels messy in a very human way. It’s emotional, funny, frustrating, tender, and full of that “we were never really over each other” energy that second chance romances do so well. If you love childhood friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend tension, fake dating chaos, emotionally persistent MMCs, small-town romance, and stories where love and hurt are tangled together from the very beginning, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Lizzy immediately stood out to me because she feels emotionally guarded without ever losing that softness underneath. There’s this constant push-and-pull in her where part of her still loves Rowan so deeply while the other part is furious at herself for it. She’s carrying so much hurt from being left behind over and over again, and the story does a really good job of showing how abandonment changes the way someone protects themselves emotionally. She isn’t written as cold or bitter for the sake of angst either. Her reactions feel earned, and honestly, I appreciated that the story lets her hold onto that anger instead of immediately forgiving everything.
And Rowan… he absolutely has that larger-than-life energy people expect from a celebrity romance hero, but underneath all of that confidence there’s still this desperate need to be loved by the one person who has always truly known him. He has this golden retriever charm about him sometimes, playful, persistent, affectionate, but then the story layers in all this guilt and emotional regret underneath it. You can tell almost immediately that Lizzy is the center of his emotional world whether he deserves her forgiveness or not.
Their dynamic is honestly where the book shines the most. The chemistry between them never feels calm or easy because there’s too much history there for that. Every conversation feels emotionally charged in some way, whether they’re arguing, teasing each other, pretending not to care, or slipping into moments of vulnerability they probably didn’t mean to share. The frenemies energy mixed with the second chance romance creates this constant tension where you can feel how badly they want each other while also knowing neither of them fully trusts the situation.
What I really loved is that the emotional intimacy builds alongside the physical chemistry instead of replacing it. Yes, the attraction between them is intense, but the moments that hit hardest for me were actually the quieter ones. The moments where old feelings resurface unexpectedly, where shared history sneaks into conversations, where they stop pretending indifference for half a second and suddenly everything feels raw again. Those moments gave the relationship so much emotional weight.
The small-town atmosphere adds so much charm to the story too. Lakeside has that comforting, close-knit feeling where everyone knows everyone, which honestly makes the emotional tension even messier because there’s no escaping the past there. Add in the paparazzi chaos, the movie production, family dynamics, and all the found family energy woven throughout the story, and it creates this really fun balance between emotional heaviness and lighter rom-com moments.
I also really liked how the story leans into the idea that loving someone doesn’t automatically erase the hurt they caused. There’s still resentment here. Still fear. Still emotional walls. And because of that, the romance feels more layered than just two people falling back together easily. It feels like two people trying to figure out whether love can survive disappointment, timing, and years of unresolved pain.
Overall, this is one of those romances that feels messy in a very human way. It’s emotional, funny, frustrating, tender, and full of that “we were never really over each other” energy that second chance romances do so well. If you love childhood friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend tension, fake dating chaos, emotionally persistent MMCs, small-town romance, and stories where love and hurt are tangled together from the very beginning, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
May 27, 2026
🎨🎨🎨🎨 .5 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Third book as a standalone in the Heartstruck series by Lara Bruni. I’ve absolutely loved Lara Bruni the two books I’ve read, this series is great! You don’t need to read the first two to understand what’s going on but that will be a loss for you.. because they are great!
During this book you will be transported to a small town close knit friend group. I love that this story had a dual timeline and you got to know Lizzy and Rowan as they were kids, such an integral part of their story. The dual timeline set the scene.
Lizzy’s transformation during all the pain, heartache and healing really reflected what she was going through during her life. I felt so sad for Rowan and his story only continued to make more sense as I kept reading, making me like him even more.
Their story had me blushing (risqué fun, Let me just say, this book takes painting to a whole new level 🥵! So make sure you’re prepared if in public 😉), rolling my eyes, because sometimes guys will be guys, rooting for the second chance to heal.
Tropes:
😈 Frenimies to Lovers
💙 Close Proximity
🥈 Second Chance
📆 Fake Dating
🏠 Found Family
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Third book as a standalone in the Heartstruck series by Lara Bruni. I’ve absolutely loved Lara Bruni the two books I’ve read, this series is great! You don’t need to read the first two to understand what’s going on but that will be a loss for you.. because they are great!
During this book you will be transported to a small town close knit friend group. I love that this story had a dual timeline and you got to know Lizzy and Rowan as they were kids, such an integral part of their story. The dual timeline set the scene.
Lizzy’s transformation during all the pain, heartache and healing really reflected what she was going through during her life. I felt so sad for Rowan and his story only continued to make more sense as I kept reading, making me like him even more.
Their story had me blushing (risqué fun, Let me just say, this book takes painting to a whole new level 🥵! So make sure you’re prepared if in public 😉), rolling my eyes, because sometimes guys will be guys, rooting for the second chance to heal.
Tropes:
😈 Frenimies to Lovers
💙 Close Proximity
🥈 Second Chance
📆 Fake Dating
🏠 Found Family
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
July 5, 2026
This was a bittersweet read in many ways. THe book unpacked heartbreak, steam, passion, a 10 year pull/push, pain/grief, fear, and a love story that needed time to mature and cement.
THe book is layered in scenes that takes you through the different stages of "them". Lizzy and Rowan have known each other since childhood, he is her brother's best friend. He was her crush, her first in many ways, but his fears got the best of him, and he took off not once, but twice. This caused her to use her sarcasm and art to hide her pain and dissapointments. She built walls to protect her heart, until he returns back into town.
Rowan is now a famours movie star who is trying to make it as more than just an actor, but also prove to Lizzy that he is ready for forever with her, BUt there is years of pain, layers of care and dissapointment that need to be tend to. However they really have never stopped loving each other but there is pain and spark igniting into banter and sensual chemistry, Steamy encounters, and deep confessions that leaves them breathless and raw, until they are ready to admit that forever is what they are meant to be,
A great read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THe book is layered in scenes that takes you through the different stages of "them". Lizzy and Rowan have known each other since childhood, he is her brother's best friend. He was her crush, her first in many ways, but his fears got the best of him, and he took off not once, but twice. This caused her to use her sarcasm and art to hide her pain and dissapointments. She built walls to protect her heart, until he returns back into town.
Rowan is now a famours movie star who is trying to make it as more than just an actor, but also prove to Lizzy that he is ready for forever with her, BUt there is years of pain, layers of care and dissapointment that need to be tend to. However they really have never stopped loving each other but there is pain and spark igniting into banter and sensual chemistry, Steamy encounters, and deep confessions that leaves them breathless and raw, until they are ready to admit that forever is what they are meant to be,
A great read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2026
Rowan and Lizzy have a messy history. She gave him her heart and he has left her, twice. Now he is back in town ready to win her back and she is having none of it. Lizzy loves Rowan, but she doesn’t trust him not to leave her again. Her guards are up and she keeps pushing him away.
Rowan is determined to win her back. Despite his wealth and fame, he is missing the one thing he wants most….Lizzy. She is the one woman who knows the real him under the celebrity persona. This time his charm isn’t going to be enough. He has to dig deep, be vulnerable and somehow prove to Lizzy that she is his everything.
They have so much to sort out before they can move forward. Regrets, hurt, anger and abandonment issues stand between them. They seem to take one step forward and then fears and doubts lead to a retreat. At the heart of it, Rowan and Lizzy love each other and that comes through clearly in this book. It takes time, a whole lot of effort and dare I say a leap of faith before they are finally on the path toward the happily ever they dreamed about.
This emotional and enthralling book has my full recommendation.
Rowan is determined to win her back. Despite his wealth and fame, he is missing the one thing he wants most….Lizzy. She is the one woman who knows the real him under the celebrity persona. This time his charm isn’t going to be enough. He has to dig deep, be vulnerable and somehow prove to Lizzy that she is his everything.
They have so much to sort out before they can move forward. Regrets, hurt, anger and abandonment issues stand between them. They seem to take one step forward and then fears and doubts lead to a retreat. At the heart of it, Rowan and Lizzy love each other and that comes through clearly in this book. It takes time, a whole lot of effort and dare I say a leap of faith before they are finally on the path toward the happily ever they dreamed about.
This emotional and enthralling book has my full recommendation.
Review of advance copy
~ARC~
Thank you Lara Bruni and House of Hearts literary service for the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Friends to enemies to lovers—Found family—Retired Player—Small town—-The one that got away
I was a little nervous going into this, as I hadn’t read the previous books in this series. HOWEVER, that is going to change. I loved the banter between our FMC and MMC. They are witty, sassy, and keep you coming back for more. I really loved the writing style and didn’t feel I could figure out how their story was going to end right away.
Throughout the plot and character interactions you can really see and get to know this tight knit friend group and be excited to get to know them too.
Overall, I will 100% be recommending this book and series to others, and I plan to finish reading this series as well!
Thank you Lara Bruni and House of Hearts literary service for the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Friends to enemies to lovers—Found family—Retired Player—Small town—-The one that got away
I was a little nervous going into this, as I hadn’t read the previous books in this series. HOWEVER, that is going to change. I loved the banter between our FMC and MMC. They are witty, sassy, and keep you coming back for more. I really loved the writing style and didn’t feel I could figure out how their story was going to end right away.
Throughout the plot and character interactions you can really see and get to know this tight knit friend group and be excited to get to know them too.
Overall, I will 100% be recommending this book and series to others, and I plan to finish reading this series as well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2026
I’ve completely fallen in love with this small town and the characters who make it so special. Lizzo and Rowan’s second-chance romance had me rooting for them through every twist and setback. After years of heartbreak and missed opportunities, Rowan returns determined to prove he won’t let Lizzo go again. The mix of fake dating, Hollywood drama, and small-town charm made the story so much fun to read. I really enjoyed the balance of heartfelt moments, witty banter, and sizzling chemistry between the characters. The found-family dynamic and emotional growth gave the romance even more depth. If you enjoy sweet, steamy small-town romances with lovable characters and plenty of heart, this is definitely one to pick up. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2026
Rowan Cole. Sexiest Man Alive. Heartthrob to the world. Heartbreaker to Lizzy.
This story unpacked itself in my mind in layers. At the beginning, you are presented to Rowan Cole. He is a movie star trying to become a director and produce his first film. He comes back to his hometown where the love story first started as children. Then we meet Lizzy. A tattoo artist who is funny and sarcastic. She has lots of emotional walls that cause her to be very protective of herself and those she cares about.
This is a novel that takes you on a journey and weaves you through years of pushing and pulling between the characters. Even though time passes between each instance, the way this author writes, everything seems to fall into place at just the right time for them.
With each page I turned, I fell more in love with Lizzy and Rowan. This is a twice burned, third chance romance that will leave you breathless. It’s a slow burn with ALOT of tension buildup and an explosive climax when the characters finally let go of their individual issues. For this, I will rate the spice factor at five stars.
Although this story is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone. I recommend this novel for mature audiences only due to sexual content.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story unpacked itself in my mind in layers. At the beginning, you are presented to Rowan Cole. He is a movie star trying to become a director and produce his first film. He comes back to his hometown where the love story first started as children. Then we meet Lizzy. A tattoo artist who is funny and sarcastic. She has lots of emotional walls that cause her to be very protective of herself and those she cares about.
This is a novel that takes you on a journey and weaves you through years of pushing and pulling between the characters. Even though time passes between each instance, the way this author writes, everything seems to fall into place at just the right time for them.
With each page I turned, I fell more in love with Lizzy and Rowan. This is a twice burned, third chance romance that will leave you breathless. It’s a slow burn with ALOT of tension buildup and an explosive climax when the characters finally let go of their individual issues. For this, I will rate the spice factor at five stars.
Although this story is part of an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone. I recommend this novel for mature audiences only due to sexual content.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 13, 2026
Rowan and Lizzy are top tier. What an amazing couple.
This is book 3 in the series. You dont have to read books 1 and 2 but you’re really doing yourself a disservice if you dont read them. This is such a great series.
Worth a read just for the painting scene!
TROPES
Open Door
Frenemies To Lovers
Brothers Best Friend
Childhood Besties
Black Cat/Artist FMC
Alpha Male/Golden Retriever Celebrity MMC
He Falls First & Falls Harder
Second Chance
Close Proximity
Fake Dating
Found Family
MICRO TROPES
Fun w/ Eatable Paint
Chased by Paparazzi
Smex In An Abandoned Shed
First Everything
Smexy Sunset Drive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 3 in the series. You dont have to read books 1 and 2 but you’re really doing yourself a disservice if you dont read them. This is such a great series.
Worth a read just for the painting scene!
TROPES
Open Door
Frenemies To Lovers
Brothers Best Friend
Childhood Besties
Black Cat/Artist FMC
Alpha Male/Golden Retriever Celebrity MMC
He Falls First & Falls Harder
Second Chance
Close Proximity
Fake Dating
Found Family
MICRO TROPES
Fun w/ Eatable Paint
Chased by Paparazzi
Smex In An Abandoned Shed
First Everything
Smexy Sunset Drive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
Book 3 of Heartstruck.
'Now, Rowan Cole, my brother’s best friend and one of the world’s Sexiest Men Alive, has come back to Lakeside. Not only to make a movie about his life, but to win me back, Heart & Soul.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Now, Rowan Cole, my brother’s best friend and one of the world’s Sexiest Men Alive, has come back to Lakeside. Not only to make a movie about his life, but to win me back, Heart & Soul.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2026
loved it !! love this series !!! love Lizzy and Rowan... this is their love story... a heartbreaking third chance love story... they grew up together... went to the same schools... he was her first kiss... her first everything... and he left without a goodbye... time and time again...! this hardened her heart... she told herself that she's moved on ... he became a huge movie star and now a director filming his first movie back in his hometown... he's never loved anyone else but...this was so heartbreaking !!!.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heart & Souls is book three of the Heartstruck Series.
Lizzy and Rowan have quite a history together. There were a few times they would do something more intimate together, just for him to turn around and leave her life. When he needs to smarten up his image and have a fake relationship, he thinks of Lizzy as she is the one person he could always count on. There is a lot standing between them - most specifically all the hurt Lizzy went through every time Rowan left her. But you see them still have this amazing connection to each other and they fight their feelings so hard, but in the end their love cannot be contained.
Lizzy and Rowan have quite a history together. There were a few times they would do something more intimate together, just for him to turn around and leave her life. When he needs to smarten up his image and have a fake relationship, he thinks of Lizzy as she is the one person he could always count on. There is a lot standing between them - most specifically all the hurt Lizzy went through every time Rowan left her. But you see them still have this amazing connection to each other and they fight their feelings so hard, but in the end their love cannot be contained.
June 2, 2026
First time meeting Rowan and Lizzy since I haven't read the first two books in the series--will be going back though. They have a complicated past... Rowan has left Lizzy twice but he's ready to commit now... but is it too late? Lizzy wants nothing to do with him despite her conflicted feelings for him. I love the celebrity aspect of the story, that Lizzy is the only one Rowan has ever wanted because she loved him for him and not the status he has. It was an emotional read. So much resentment, hurt feelings, trust issues and more. Highly recommend.
June 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I do so adore this small town and all the characters that have come to fill it.
Lizzo has worked so hard to forge a path all her own, one that protects her heart from the man who’s crushed it over and over again.
Rowan has been in love with one woman his entire life but things just keep ripping them apart. Can he face his own limits to win over the girl of his dreams?
Faced with fake dating, a life in the limelight, a bussling art career and true love? What’s the worst that could happen?
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I do so adore this small town and all the characters that have come to fill it.
Lizzo has worked so hard to forge a path all her own, one that protects her heart from the man who’s crushed it over and over again.
Rowan has been in love with one woman his entire life but things just keep ripping them apart. Can he face his own limits to win over the girl of his dreams?
Faced with fake dating, a life in the limelight, a bussling art career and true love? What’s the worst that could happen?
June 14, 2026
This is book 3 in Bruni's Heartstruck series. A great addition to the series that focus on main characters Lizzy and Rowan. These two have a messy and complicated past/history. This book was captivating and well written, and I loved all Bruni packed into this romance. The sweet and heat were there along with all the emotion, tension and chaos too. A great romance read, I'm already eager for more from Bruni.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
Omgosh Rowan, what are you doing to Lizzy!? You cannot keep doing this to her! I fell in love with Lizzy immediately. I have not read the first two bold, not will be going back to read them. Because Rowan…shame on you! But finally this man got it right. And Lizzy deserved him finally getting his act together. Sure was so wonderful. So dead set to not fall for him again. But she did. But Rowan finally got his act together and did right by her. I had the best time with this story. First time author for me and I’m really looking forward to reading the first two in this series.
June 16, 2026
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
⭐⭐⭐.75
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐢
I was a little nervous going into this, as I hadn’t read the previous books in this series. However, that is going to change. I need to read the full series of this book because it was a delightful romance that beautifully blends with humor, emotion, and personal growth. With lovable characters, engaging chemistry, and a story full of charm and creativity, this book captures the power of love, healing, and finding connection in the most unexpected place.
⭐⭐⭐.75
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐢
I was a little nervous going into this, as I hadn’t read the previous books in this series. However, that is going to change. I need to read the full series of this book because it was a delightful romance that beautifully blends with humor, emotion, and personal growth. With lovable characters, engaging chemistry, and a story full of charm and creativity, this book captures the power of love, healing, and finding connection in the most unexpected place.
June 17, 2026
Another great book addition for this series! I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. These characters have both been through so much over the years. You never doubt their love or connection they feel for one another. It’s always the hard truth of getting over the hurt, anger, and resentment. You feel the roller coaster of emotions in this book.
This was a great read!
This was a great read!
June 3, 2026
Lara has done it again! I love this small town series. Lizzy and Rowan story was so filled with heart and soul. Some very emotional moments that gave the author some of my tears for her author jar. I can't wait for the next book!
June 15, 2026
This was a very well written and cute story about two people finding each other at an unexpected time. The characters were thoroughly defined and really help you to engage in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2026
Such a great story with Lizzy and Rowan. Twice heartbroken makes for quite a different story but as I learned more about Rowan, things in my mind changed. I loved their romantic and steamy story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2026
This was a wonderful read that I couldn’t put down! I would absolutely recommend reading this book!
June 12, 2026
Good book, lots of batter back and forth. Cute story would recommend
July 7, 2026
📖 Synopsis
Hearts & Souls is the third book in the Heartstruck series by Lara Bruni. Set in the small town of Lakeside, this story follows Rowan and his childhood best friend as they navigate years of history, unresolved feelings, and the possibility of a second chance at the love that was always there beneath the surface.
✨ Tropes & Themes
💜 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💜 Second Chance Romance
💜 Brother's Best Friend
💜 Small Town Romance
💜 Found Family
💜 Emotional Healing
💜 Open Door Romance
📚 My Review
Hearts & Souls is a heartfelt small-town romance that explores what happens when two people who have always meant something to each other are finally forced to confront the feelings they've spent years avoiding.
One of the things I enjoy about Lara Bruni's writing is her ability to create characters that feel genuine and relatable. Rowan is a wonderful hero, and I found myself invested in his journey as old feelings resurfaced and past hurts needed to be addressed.
The story balances emotional moments with humour, friendship, and plenty of chemistry. The found-family dynamic that runs throughout the Heartstruck series is once again a highlight, making Lakeside feel like a place readers will want to return to.
The connection between the main characters is believable, and their shared history adds depth to the romance. Watching them work through the past while finding their way toward a future together made for an engaging and satisfying read.
Overall, Hearts & Souls is an enjoyable addition to the Heartstruck series and will appeal to readers who enjoy emotional second-chance romances, small-town settings, and characters with a shared history that runs deep.
⚠️ Content Notes
Please refer to the author for a complete list of content warnings.
🙏 Thank You
Thank you to Lara Bruni for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hearts & Souls is the third book in the Heartstruck series by Lara Bruni. Set in the small town of Lakeside, this story follows Rowan and his childhood best friend as they navigate years of history, unresolved feelings, and the possibility of a second chance at the love that was always there beneath the surface.
✨ Tropes & Themes
💜 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💜 Second Chance Romance
💜 Brother's Best Friend
💜 Small Town Romance
💜 Found Family
💜 Emotional Healing
💜 Open Door Romance
📚 My Review
Hearts & Souls is a heartfelt small-town romance that explores what happens when two people who have always meant something to each other are finally forced to confront the feelings they've spent years avoiding.
One of the things I enjoy about Lara Bruni's writing is her ability to create characters that feel genuine and relatable. Rowan is a wonderful hero, and I found myself invested in his journey as old feelings resurfaced and past hurts needed to be addressed.
The story balances emotional moments with humour, friendship, and plenty of chemistry. The found-family dynamic that runs throughout the Heartstruck series is once again a highlight, making Lakeside feel like a place readers will want to return to.
The connection between the main characters is believable, and their shared history adds depth to the romance. Watching them work through the past while finding their way toward a future together made for an engaging and satisfying read.
Overall, Hearts & Souls is an enjoyable addition to the Heartstruck series and will appeal to readers who enjoy emotional second-chance romances, small-town settings, and characters with a shared history that runs deep.
⚠️ Content Notes
Please refer to the author for a complete list of content warnings.
🙏 Thank You
Thank you to Lara Bruni for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews