No Heart But Yours: A Protective Hero, He Falls First, Small Town Romance

by Donna R. Madden

Lance

I know what everyone thinks of cocky coach, town playboy, the guy who never takes anything seriously. That's exactly why Susie keeps her walls up around me. I may not deserve her trust, but I'll damn well earn it—because I've never been good at taking no for an answer.

Susie

Coming to Orlinda Valley was supposed to save me, be a place to heal, and finally move on from my past. But moving on is impossible when Lance Hartley's involoved. He's cocky, infuriating, and everything I should stay away from. Yet somehow, his smirk makes me feel alive for the first time in years.

Then, just when my life is falling into place, the messages start. Someone's watching, and nowhere feels safe anymore.

As my past meets my present, the man who drives me crazy becomes the only one making me feel safe. But how can I risk my battered heart on him when my past is hell-bent on destroying any chance I have at happiness?

No Heart But Yours is a sizzling small-town romance featuring a reformed playboy who falls first and hardest, and enough steam to fog up your windows

305 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy romances about reformed playboys and the women who make them change their ways, then this book is for you. Lance is the man all the ladies want to get to know. He is the buff and handsome coach who doesn’t do relationships, but will show the ladies a good time. There is only one woman who seems to be immune to his charms, and unfortunately she is also the one woman he can’t stop thinking about. Susie has returned to Orlinda Valley after a nasty breakup to regroup and reconnect with family. The last she is looking for is a man, especially a conceited womanizer like Lance.

Susie sparks feelings and an attraction that Lance has never experienced with any other woman. Her disdain and determination to keep him at a distance spur him to become a better man, even more so when he discovers he has competition for her affections. He gains some points with her when he stops by her brother’s farm to help her with the animals when a severe storm is rolling in. With her brother and his wife away, Susie does need the help rounding up the mischievous animals and preparing for the storm. Then Lance becomes stranded with her when the roads back to town become impassable. The forced proximity changes everything between them. Unfortunately, the way forward isn’t easy or smooth due to her ex who doesn’t want to let go, her brother’s disapproval, and the doubts and fears that plague Susie.

I like the small town setting, the community that supports its own, and even the family drama. The push/pull nature of Susie and Lance’s relationship is captivating. Lance’s determination to be a better man for Susie and the protector side of him that shows up when he learns she has a stalker make him a great book boyfriend. This book was very enjoyable and has my full recommendation.

[Kat📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Susie and Lance. Susie is Kai and Sebastian’s sister. She never thought she was worthy of love due to her past with the men in her life. Including her other father who chose alcohol instead of choosing to be a father. Luckily Susie had a lot of dependable women to lean on while she processed her feelings and working through things. Lance patiently waited and let Susie come to him during her own time. Lance also got a lot of backlash from his past with women. Orlinda Valley is very family oriented and they opened their arms and hearts to Susie and let her join the family.

I can’t wait for the next couple to come out and to see what else Donna is going to come up.

If you love small town romance this series is totally
For you 🥰👏

[Erika Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small time romance full of yearning, he falls first. This book had everything and more. Susie is a teacher who finds herself moving to a small town to escape her past. Lance is the towns biggest playboy. She hates him and he yearns for her. Susie has her past come back to haunt her and Lance tries to help. Susie can deny her feelings all she wants but she knows what she needs. An epic romance book wrapped in a family oriented town. Donna R. Madden is a fantastic author that brings romance to life

[Traci J · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love this new edition to the Orlinda Valley collection. Lance is the guy you just love to hate with his ego and cocky attitude. Susie is the sweet girl next door who sees right through Lance's ways and doesnt give him the time of day. What she didn't count on was his protective, tender, and goofy side. You won't be able to stop reading about Lance's protectiveness, big heart, and determination along with Susie's confidence building and no nonsense ways. These aren't just characters in a book, these are people you want to be around.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book only knowing that it was a romance novel that is part of a series. I have not read the first 3 in the series, but really enjoyed reading No Heart But Yours.

The story is dual pov with Lance & Susie. Their individual views as they grow and learn about themselves is beautifully written. There are also aspects that leave you asking questions concerning past relationships. There is feelings, romance, mild spice, friendship, family, found family, and so much more!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just so sweet. Like, so stinking sweet. It was adorable.
Reformed playboy meets girl running from a bad relationship. Makes terrible first impression. Girl changes him for the better. All goes to hell, but he patiently waits for her to be ready.
This had lovely female friendships, which I always love to read about, really nice male friendships which was refreshing, and a really sweet HEA.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

fast read and a great pallet cleanser. this worked as a stand alone as I didn't know it was part of a series until I finished. Susie started off seeming timid and I was so happy to see her stand up for herself and show Grace to those who wronged her. Lance started off as an egomaniac but found the love he didn't know he was looking for and made changes to keep her. Trevor I really thought was going to be an evil villain so happy to find he wasn't.

[Ahlea Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth installment to the Orlinda Valley series did not disappoint. I appreciated the real life struggles Susie was going through, and the suspense of the troubles with her ex. My favorite part of Donna's books are the sweet, small town romance that gives us just the right amount of spice to not feel bad about reading the book in public. We all wanted to see Lance change for the better, and it was a beautiful thing to read!

[Sara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance stole my heart almost immediately! I wanted to slap some sense into Susie. I loved that Donna included our favorite goats in this book and now I’m in love with the kitten too!

Susie is dealing with a lot from her past and Lance is just the person to help her heal, even if Susie needs time to process it all. If any town can heal your heart, it’s Orlinda Valley!

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and follows the story of Lance and Susie. It’s told through dual POV which is nice. It’s beautifully written with wonderful characters. Lance stole my heart at the beginning; Susie is dealing with a lot from her past and Lance helps her heal. The story is sweet with mild spice. It gives all the feels with a HEA. 4.5 stars.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the recurring characters and small town! It was a lot of fun to see Lance’s character develop from the previous books and revisit all the characters and couples. Great read looking forward to what is next!

[JoAnna VanDorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I knew Lance was gonna be 🥵 from the previous books. But d@mn he was so underrated in the others 😅😅 Absolutely love him.

Susie is pretty amazing too. I love that she was able to find the family she didn’t really have growing up.

Spice level was probably a half of pepper