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Collateral Hearts
Ainsley Vaughn is in way over her head. After taking responsibility for a deadly car accident caused by someone she thought was a friend, the twenty-four-year-old costume designer is facing the possibility of spending years in jail. The intervention of Rhys Redmond Merrick saves her, but the bold, handsome attorney makes it quite clear to the beautiful, stubborn girl that she is in desperate need of a sound spanking for her foolish behavior.
Despite Rhys's penchant for scolding Ainsley like a naughty little girl, he can't help but start falling for her. But when she pushes Rhys too far with her reckless disregard for her own safety, Ainsley learns the hard way that his threat to take her over his knee was not an idle one.
His stern dominance sets their romance on fire, but the discovery that Rhys has a young son he never mentioned leaves Ainsley wondering if she can trust him. Will the secrets of his past and the scars of her childhood tear them apart, or can they find a way forward together?
Publisher's Note: Stubborn Pride includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Despite Rhys's penchant for scolding Ainsley like a naughty little girl, he can't help but start falling for her. But when she pushes Rhys too far with her reckless disregard for her own safety, Ainsley learns the hard way that his threat to take her over his knee was not an idle one.
His stern dominance sets their romance on fire, but the discovery that Rhys has a young son he never mentioned leaves Ainsley wondering if she can trust him. Will the secrets of his past and the scars of her childhood tear them apart, or can they find a way forward together?
Publisher's Note: Stubborn Pride includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
About the author
Jade Cary
12 books71 followersJade Cary writes romantic suspense with deep characters, emotional stakes, and stories that stay with readers long after the last page.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 4, 2018
Ainsley and Rhys are an awesome couple to read about. This is a fantastic story that delves into punishment and how it brings two people together. Ainsley is a sassy, independent, sexy young woman who meets Rhys, an attractive, dominant, hot alpha male who is a bit older than Ainsley. Their road to romance was at times rocky but very satisfying. They have a witty banter that goes back and forth plus I adored Rhys young son. This is a driven, hot, sexy, sensual read with some fantastic humorous moments that will keep you entertained from start to end. This romance read has all the heat and steam that I look for in my romances and I look forward to reading Ms. Cary again.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
March 11, 2018
I have to admit, i almost stopped reading this book.
Like the heading says, I did almost stop reading it, by chapter 3 , I could not get into where the story was going. Well let me tell you this... I am so glad I continued on & read the whole book. I would have missed out on such a great story!!! I absolutely fell in love with Rhys & Ainsley. Thank you Jade Cary, & I will look forward to reading more of your work.
Like the heading says, I did almost stop reading it, by chapter 3 , I could not get into where the story was going. Well let me tell you this... I am so glad I continued on & read the whole book. I would have missed out on such a great story!!! I absolutely fell in love with Rhys & Ainsley. Thank you Jade Cary, & I will look forward to reading more of your work.
March 8, 2026
This gem of a book by Ms. Cary deserves top marks. What an entertaining story! I wanted to take my time and savor it, but I ended up reading it in one sitting, mainly because of Geneva, the outrageous grandmother who truly marched to the beat of her own drum. The characters are realistic and well fleshed out. The plot constantly evolves, reflecting real-life situations, and the story is filled with conflict, love, and emotion. There is also a generous amount of snark, sass, and discipline woven throughout the storyline.
My heart ached for Ainsley when the reasons for her move from her hometown to Los Angeles became clear. Her childhood was filled with painful experiences, except for the time she spent with her beloved grandmother. Ainsley meets lawyer, Rhys Merrick, after a foolish decision puts her career in danger. Their friendship soon develops into romance,
though not without its share of ups and downs.
Ainsley dreams of spreading her wings and making a name for herself as a clothing designer, but she soon learns that pushing Rhys’s buttons when it comes to her safety is a very bad idea. When that happens, his dominant side comes out in all its glory.
Rhys is a man with a strong protective streak who never hesitates to use a firm hand to show Ainsley how he feels. A man who likes to be in control at all times, he initially tries to keep their relationship on a friends-only basis, but their connection soon grows into something more. Rhys demands honesty above all else, which causes trouble when Ainsley is not always completely truthful.
When Ainsley returns home to Savannah, Rhys follows and gets a firsthand look at how her mother treats her. After seeing the situation for himself, he offers a solution that may finally allow her father to put things right.
This is definitely a book I will enjoy rereading many times. The author’s ability to draw the reader in from the very beginning is compelling. I loved the dynamics between Rhys and Ainsley and the complexity of their relationship. Their chemistry absolutely sizzled, and the secondary characters added depth, color, and excitement to the story. If you enjoy a
good spanking romance with a satisfying happily-ever-after, then you can’t go past this book.
March 8, 2018
What initially drew me in was the summary, I thought this book sounded really interesting and made me want to know what happens. I became confused while reading, when the initial conflict/plot described in the summary was resolved pretty quickly within the first 10% of the book. I think that if that situation was not described in the summary, I might have felt differently. I continued on because I wanted to give this story a fair chance.
As I read more, I felt that many times the way the sections were written that the story was ending but when I looked I was only at 25%, or 35% etc. That really messed with the flow of the story for me, as well as the disjointed dialog between the characters and also in their inner dialog. It all came down to the fact that I never really got sucked into the story because of these things.
Unfortunately, this was just not the book for me.
As I read more, I felt that many times the way the sections were written that the story was ending but when I looked I was only at 25%, or 35% etc. That really messed with the flow of the story for me, as well as the disjointed dialog between the characters and also in their inner dialog. It all came down to the fact that I never really got sucked into the story because of these things.
Unfortunately, this was just not the book for me.
March 5, 2018
Friends to lovers, single dad, spankings and a virgin oh my. If these check out off any of your favorite read boxes then do check this one out. Not only do you get a sassy southern girl in Ainsley you get a dominate man in Rhys. And boy do these two set the pages on fire. I love how Ainsley pushes her southern stubborn charm in just a way to rile Rhys's feathers. Add in his adorable son and we have an amazing read. This book did not disappoint when it came to Ainsley's family either. I adore her grandma Geneva. She is such a hoot. The slow build of Rhys and Ainsley's relationship made this book. Cute, sassy and sexy all rolled into one little package.
December 24, 2018
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I liked the overall story and the characters, but I like the way they talked got tiresome. I understand that she was from the south, but her southern drawl only came out at times, and it felt like the flow of the story was interrupted because of it.
Rhys knew what he wanted and liked control, mainly to ensure the safety of those he loved. He had been burned so I understood some of his hesitancy to admit the depth of his feelings. Ainsley had also been betrayed in the past, and she was strong.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but the dialogue was hard to read at times. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Rhys knew what he wanted and liked control, mainly to ensure the safety of those he loved. He had been burned so I understood some of his hesitancy to admit the depth of his feelings. Ainsley had also been betrayed in the past, and she was strong.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but the dialogue was hard to read at times. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
March 4, 2018
One of the best books I've read this year!
I've always enjoyed Jade Cary's books and Rhys and Ainsley story is the best so far. It has everything I look for in a story, well developed characters, great dialogue and a plot that moves well. I also loved how the secondary characters enhanced the story.
Ainsley was the epitome of "southern belle" and Rhys the epitome of a man who knows how to take care of and keep in line his feisty woman. Highly, highly recommend this book.
I received an advance reader copy from Stormy Night Publishing.
I've always enjoyed Jade Cary's books and Rhys and Ainsley story is the best so far. It has everything I look for in a story, well developed characters, great dialogue and a plot that moves well. I also loved how the secondary characters enhanced the story.
Ainsley was the epitome of "southern belle" and Rhys the epitome of a man who knows how to take care of and keep in line his feisty woman. Highly, highly recommend this book.
I received an advance reader copy from Stormy Night Publishing.
March 5, 2018
Great 5 Star Read!
This is the first book by Jade Cary that I’ve read! I loved it!
It had fantastic characters and a great storyline!
Ainsley and Rhys were great together. They started out as friends, but over time became lovers.
The gradual progression of their made for a very interesting story. You got to know the two of them very well.
Ainsley is a sassy independent woman and Rhys is a dominant male who takes care and keeps his sassy woman in line!
I loved Stubborn Pride and can’t wait to read more from Jade Cary!
This is the first book by Jade Cary that I’ve read! I loved it!
It had fantastic characters and a great storyline!
Ainsley and Rhys were great together. They started out as friends, but over time became lovers.
The gradual progression of their made for a very interesting story. You got to know the two of them very well.
Ainsley is a sassy independent woman and Rhys is a dominant male who takes care and keeps his sassy woman in line!
I loved Stubborn Pride and can’t wait to read more from Jade Cary!
March 9, 2018
What a sexy and spicy book. The characters have a chemistry that is so obvious but the situation they both find themselves in makes it hard for them. What happens when a friend or someone you thought was a friend betrays you and you end up possibly losing your freedom? When Ainsley decided to take responsibility for something that isn't even her fault she finds herself in very serious trouble. With the help of a sexy, smart, and intense lawyer what will happen beside sparks flying? Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it.
March 8, 2018
Take a feisty southern belle, add a dominate alpha male, mix some domestic spankings and you have a steamy and enjoyable romance. Ainsley and Rhys are very sexy together and their chemistry is hot and sizzling. With a storyline that gives you drama, humor and plenty of passion. Rhys son is just too adorable and added a real touch of sweetness to the book. I'm posting a completely honest, voluntary review after reading a copy of this book.
March 5, 2018
This story was okay. I personally had a hard time connecting with the characters. There were a lot of connections and it made it a little difficult at times to follow. Overall it was a good story. I volunteered to read and review for SNP.
July 27, 2018
Great Book !
Very entertaining. Well written. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, and often felt as if the author were writing about my own stubborn personality. If you tell me "don't", watch how fast I do! You can't go wrong with this one.
Very entertaining. Well written. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, and often felt as if the author were writing about my own stubborn personality. If you tell me "don't", watch how fast I do! You can't go wrong with this one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews