Forsaken Hearts

Black Heart Security #11

by Em Petrova

He thought he’d never use his lethal skills again.
She will do anything to protect her child.
Now a fake marriage is their only defense against danger—but falling in love was never part of the deal.

If you love Forced Proximity, Fake Marriage and Buried Secrets--with a dash of Found Family and Wardrobe Malfunctions in the Barn--FORSAKEN HEARTS is your next 1-Click Romance!

Fans of Susan Stoker, Elle James and Lynn Raye Harris will love the Black Heart Security Series!

Genres: Military Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2026

About the author

Visit me at http://empetrova.com

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forsaken Hearts

Absolutely beautiful story about two people who find themselves attracted to each other, yet neither one feels they have anything to offer. The emotions are strong, intense and dealing with their own past demons are enough to keep them from committing. But when there is a threat, Black Heart Security steps up to do what they do best, protect their own and take out remove the threat. Amazing story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s hiding from his past. She’s protecting her future. When danger comes for her, the only thing stronger than the threat…is what they feel.

Former Navy SEAL Vander Pope came to Black Heart Ranch to rebuild his life after one failed mission destroyed everything he trusted about himself. Now he’s become too close to a stunning waitress he can’t stop watching from across the bar—a woman who makes him forget all the reasons he should keep his distance. She’s a line he can’t quit crossing, and though he knows he should walk away, it’s the one thing he can’t seem to do.

Summer Denton has spent years making sure she and her son never have to depend on anyone but each other. Trusting Vander Pope was never part of the plan, especially when the former SEAL keeps parts of himself locked away and kisses her like he’s already claimed a place in her life. The closer he gets, the harder it becomes to remember why she wanted him at a distance in the first place.

When Summer becomes the focus of a dangerous obsession, Pope takes his place as her bodyguard, leaving him nowhere to hide from his past—or the feelings growing between them. Forced together, the lines they swore not to cross disappear fast, and what was supposed to be temporary becomes something neither of them is willing to walk away from. Because it doesn’t matter where the danger started or who it was meant for. If it comes for her, it goes through him.

This contemporary romantic suspense Western second-chance SEAL military romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building at Black Heart Ranch and characters who are an alpha male Navy SEAL cowboy protector/female, single mom heroine, who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with forsaken hearts, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, forced proximity, buried secrets, second chances, suspene that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, danger, a dash of found family, wardrobe malfunctions in the barn, he's hiding from his past, she's protecting her future, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with forsaken hearts and a contemporary romantic suspense Western second-chance SEAL military romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely lustful, dangerous/high octane, intriguing, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love He Never Expected and a Strength She Never Lost

“Forsaken Hearts” is one of those stories that grabs you by the collar from the first chapter and doesn’t let go—not because of explosions or nonstop action, but because Vander and Summer feel so real, so bruised, and so ready for something they don’t quite believe they deserve.

Vander Pope is the kind of hero who carries his ghosts quietly. A former SEAL who walked away from everything after one mission shattered his trust in himself, he’s been rebuilding his life piece by piece at Black Heart Ranch. He’s steady, watchful, and absolutely convinced he shouldn’t want more than the quiet he’s carved out. And then Summer walks into his orbit, all soft strength and fierce independence, and suddenly he’s remembering what it feels like to want something just for himself.

Summer is a single mom who’s spent years surviving on grit and instinct. She doesn’t have time for a man who keeps his past locked behind steel doors, and she definitely doesn’t have room in her life for someone who kisses her like he’s already claimed a place in her future. But Vander sees her in a way no one else has—sees the exhaustion she hides, the fear she won’t name, the fire she’s kept burning for her son. And the more he steps into her life, the harder it becomes for her to pretend she doesn’t want him there.

When danger comes for her, everything shifts. Vander stops being the man who keeps his distance and becomes the man who stands between her and anything that threatens her peace. Forced into close quarters, all the lines they swore they wouldn’t cross blur fast, and the chemistry that’s been simmering between them finally ignites. What starts as protection becomes something deeper, steadier, and impossible to walk away from.

What makes this book so refreshing is how beautifully it balances heat with heart. Vander isn’t just a protector—he’s a man learning to forgive himself. Summer isn’t just a survivor—she’s someone finally realizing she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. Together, they feel like two people who were always meant to find each other, even if life made them take the long way around.

A gripping, emotional, and deeply satisfying addition to the Black Heart Security series, “Forsaken Hearts” delivers danger, devotion, and a love story that feels earned on every page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – A Suspenseful Protector Romance with Heart, Healing, and High Stakes ❤️🛡️

Forsaken Hearts is an emotional blend of romantic suspense, second chances, and found family that delivers both heartfelt moments and edge-of-your-seat danger. The combination of a wounded former Navy SEAL and a fiercely independent single mother creates a romance that feels genuine and rewarding.

Vander Pope is a compelling hero. Haunted by a mission that changed his life, he’s withdrawn and burdened by guilt, yet his protective instincts never fade. Watching him slowly lower his emotional defenses as he grows closer to Summer is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. His quiet devotion speaks louder than words, making him an easy hero to root for.

Summer is equally strong and relatable. As a single mother focused on protecting her son and building a stable life, she refuses to depend on anyone. Her independence never feels forced, and her reluctance to trust again is understandable. The chemistry between her and Pope develops naturally as they spend more time together, making their romance feel earned.

The suspense storyline keeps the pages turning. As Summer becomes the target of a dangerous obsession, the forced proximity and bodyguard dynamic raise both the emotional and physical stakes. The action blends seamlessly with the romance, creating tension without overshadowing the relationship.

The found-family atmosphere at Black Heart Ranch adds warmth to the story, balancing the danger with moments of friendship, humor, and support. Fans of the series will enjoy revisiting familiar characters while newcomers can easily follow this standalone romance.

What I loved:

* ❤️ Protective former Navy SEAL hero
* 👩‍👦 Strong single-mother heroine
* 🛡️ Bodyguard and forced-proximity romance
* 💕 Emotional healing and second chances
* 🤝 Found family and supportive community
* 🔥 Great balance of romance and suspense
* 📖 Satisfying happily-ever-after

Overall, Forsaken Hearts is an engaging romantic suspense filled with danger, emotional growth, and a hero willing to risk everything for the woman he loves. Fans of protective heroes, single-parent romances, and action-packed love stories will find plenty to enjoy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars – A heartwarming and suspenseful romance that perfectly blends action, healing, and unwavering devotion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 Sometimes Home Is a Person 🖤
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️

Forsaken Hearts was everything I love about a romantic suspense.

It delivered the perfect combination of heart, healing, danger, found family, and a hero who would do absolutely anything to protect the people he loves.

Summer and Vander (Pope) are both carrying wounds from their pasts. Summer has spent years focusing on one thing: providing a safe and stable life for her son, Ben. Trusting someone else with her heart was never part of the plan. Vander is a former Navy SEAL struggling to forgive himself for a mission that changed everything. While recovering at Black Heart Ranch, he finds himself drawn to Summer, even when every instinct tells him to keep his distance.

What I loved most about this story was how naturally their relationship developed. Pope never tried to force his way into Summer's life. He respected her boundaries, cared about her son, and showed up when she needed him most. Watching him slowly become part of their little family completely melted my heart.

And then there's Ben.

I absolutely adored him.

He was funny, smart, observant, and often wiser than the adults around him. Every scene he appeared in brought a smile to my face, and the relationship that developed between him and Vander was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

The suspense element kept me turning pages as strange things began happening around Summer. The growing danger created just enough tension while still allowing the romance and emotional healing to remain the heart of the story. I found myself fully invested in discovering who was targeting her while simultaneously rooting for Summer and Vander to finally realize they deserved happiness.

What truly stood out to me was Vander's journey. Watching him find confidence, purpose, and a place within Black Heart Security felt incredibly rewarding. His healing was just as powerful as the romance itself.

Forsaken Hearts is a story about second chances, overcoming the past, learning to trust again, and finding the people who become your family. It was emotional, suspenseful, sweet, and impossible not to love.

Thank you to Em Petrova and BookSprout for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[bookishWife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer and Vander have been in a casual relationship for quite some time, but Summer decides to end it because she knows she can't fully commit. As a single mother living paycheck to paycheck, her entire focus is on providing for herself and her son. She loves her son deeply, but she's also trapped in the exhausting hamster wheel of everyday survival. Vander is one of the few indulgences she allows herself, but because she can't see a future with him, she chooses to walk away.

Vander, on the other hand, has realized that his feelings for Summer have grown far beyond casual. A military veteran carrying the scars of his past, he's staying on the ranch to heal and rebuild his life. At one of his lowest points, he found Summer, and she became a bright spot in his world. Devastated by their breakup, he tries to move on—until Summer becomes the target of a stalker. His protective instincts immediately kick in, and he eventually takes on the job of protecting her as part of his evaluation to join Black Heart Security.

Summer has spent so long putting her son's needs before her own that she's convinced herself she doesn't deserve happiness. Despite living a life far removed from the one she once dreamed of, she faces every challenge with strength and determination. Her past trauma runs deep, leaving her feeling as though she has little to offer anyone.

This is a sweet and heartwarming story about two broken people finding healing, hope, and happiness together. Watching Summer and Vander slowly overcome their fears and learn to trust each other made for an emotional and satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Navy SEAL Vander Pope has been working and recovering at the Black Heart Ranch. Since his retirement from the military, he can’t forget that someone he was protecting died on his watch. He is attracted to Summer Denton, who works as a waitress at the Stockyard Saloon. He knows that she has a young son, Ben, but no idea as to any involvement from Ben’s father. When Summer is leaving work, a flat tire is not the perfect ending to her day. Luckily for her, Vander is there and offers her a ride home. She becomes concerned when groceries that she didn’t order and tires that she can’t afford are paid for, but by who, and why? Vander becomes worried for her and Ben, keeping watch to see if anyone is expressing an unusual interest in them. Vander expresses his concerns to the Malone brothers, owners of the ranch and Black Heart Security. He has almost completed his time at the ranch when he requests to protect Summer and her son. The attraction between them soon flares out of control, but he continues to worry that he isn’t good enough for her. When he realizes that someone has targeted her, is it someone from her past, perhaps Ben’s father? A local event soon turns into terror for them as she is missing and he has no way to find her. Will the combined efforts of the Black Heart Security team find her before it is too late? Another exciting and heartfelt visit with the men and women of the Black Heart Ranch. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is struggling to make ends meet and support her 7-year-old son working in a bar. Vander is a veteran in the Black Heart Ranch program. He is working with horses which helps him cope with his stresses. He has been watching Summer struggle to keep it together. They start hooking up when he watches her leave work. She finally ends their affair when she realizes she has no future with him. Vander is stunned but vows to make strides in his recovery.
Summer is targeted by an unknown stalker who provides groceries on her doorstep and also punctures her tire and pays for a full set of tires. She tells Vander who goes to the Black Heart Security branch for assistance. He gets accepted into the security end of the ranch is assigned to monitor Summer.
He meets her son Ben who enjoys Vander's company.
As things move along in their relationship there are no more incidents. Summer starts to relax, but Vander is still on guard until she is abducted from a horse auction.
Vander and the team of Black Heart Security. Vander, Summer and Ben have a HEA ending but everyone has to go through tough times to get there.
I loved the interaction between Vander and Summer; there is real heat between them. Ben was wise beyond his years and added humor into this story.
Another well done story by Em Petrova.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding his forever family
Vander Pope is another former Navy SEAL in the Black Heart Ranch Veterans Therapy program. He’s filled with guilt for losing his ward in a foreign country, though it wasn’t his fault. After living at the ranch for a year now, Vander is ready to take the next step, and he’s been offered a job with Black Heart Security. His life is really looking up because Vander also has a lady, and he’s ready to get serious about. Summer Denton is a single mom to Ben, the cutest 7-year-old. For a year, he and Summer have been intimate every chance they get, and Vander’s ready for the next step… to be her boyfriend and more. Summer has abandonment issues from her ex and is a hard sell on commitment until Vander becomes her hero. This story is full of characters who care about helping those in crisis. I love the Black Heart Ranch and all the super-awesome people who live there.
Vander’s first bodyguard job will be protecting Summer. ‘Someone’ is getting too involved in her life, and it’s freaking her and Vander out. It turns out to be deadly serious, and she’s in grave danger. Awesome story and ending. I love this series, keeping up with the characters and the ranch. I received a free ARC of this story from Booksprout, and this is my opinion. Linda

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible?

Vander and Summer break my heart, they both have so much baggage and it cripples their ability to trust, both their own judgement and other people.
Summer doesn't believe people stay, the moment things get difficult she expects them to leave...what she doesn't see is that her parents didn't leave in their RV, they brought home to her. Then there's Granny Helen next door, who has been there for the last seven years...along with her shotgun! But in Summer's jaded eyes she doesn't see this, she only sees those who have left, who walked away without a backwards glance and she expects Vander to do the same.
And then there's Vander, who doesn't see himself as worthy, he carries the guilt of his past "failure" and this colours the way he sees himself and the way he expects others to judge him. But nobody sees this, they see a man who gives everything he has, who protects others - whether they deserve it or not. A man who never gives up and has a huge heart, full of love to shower on Summer and Ben.
Their baggage makes this a tough journey for Summer and Vander, the threats against her are chilling, although I had guessed who was behind those threats. But I love seeing them finally lay their baggage down and embrace their future as a family. A great read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Lil Ms Reads A LOT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Denton is a single mom working as a waitress while she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.  Abandoned at the hospital after giving birth to her son, she learned the hard way that the only person you can trust is yourself--- but then why is she trusting a man she just met, Vander Pope? 



Former Navy SEAL Vander Pope came to the Black Heart Ranch after a failed mission that went terribly wrong.  The very first time he sees Summer at the local bar, he is smitten. When an anonymous  man becomes obsessed with her, she needs to keep not only herself but her son safe. Black Heart Security asks Vander to step into the role of her bodyguard. This is a mission he simply cannot fail.  But will his close proximity really keep her safe, or will she find herself losing her heart to him in the process? 


Forsaken Hearts is as much about loving and forgiving yourself as it is about trusting others and allowing them in. Summer and Vander are both emotionally scared from their pasts. It was beautiful to witness their healing process. These two are clearly meant for each other. Watching their love blossom was a treat. 


Another incredible installment in the Black Heart Seurity Series. Please keep them coming!

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a great story in the Black Heart Security series. While each story is a standalone, I absolutely enjoy seeing characters from previous books reappear.
This one is about Vander Pope and Summer, and has all the romantic suspense elements that I love so much.

Ever since Summer gave birth to her son Ben, who is adorable by the way, she’s felt abandoned by multiple people. Pope is one of the veterans in the therapy program at the Black Heart Ranch. They’re in to each other, but things get serious when Summer’s being stalked. Pope has to prove (mainly to himself) that he can and will be capable of protecting the woman he loves.

~~She realized the future no longer felt frightening. Not with him. Somewhere between the danger and the healing and all the moments he kept showing up for her without being asked, Vander had become home.~~.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW ! What a Sensational Suspense Romance . It's such a well written story . I really love the characters . Vander Pope former Navy Seal has been at Black Heart Ranch working to rebuild himself with their therapy program . He's been having a friends with benefits relationship with Summer Denton a single mom and waitress at the Stockyard the local watering hole . After Summer cuts their arrangement off .believing it would never be anything more all due to her past history . Things start happening that Vander believes Summer is in danger . He reaches out to Black Heart Security and quickly finds himself becoming part of their team and assigned to protect Summer . This story is action packed and suspenseful, all out spectacular . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your chair suspense, mystery and intrigue as the Black Heart Security team attempts to figure out whom Summer's benefactor was. Pope first heard someone was helping Summer when she called to thank him for the new tires. Pope was immediately concerned for her welfare as that had not been the first incident. Summer a single mother that lived less than paycheck to paycheck, making hard decisions daily for her and her son. She lived next door to the most amazing older lady that guarded their duplex with her shotgun. Pope cared deeply for Summer, but she kept calling it off between them because she could not see them as a couple. Everyone always left Summer behind, and she would not risk it again. Would Pope be able to change her mind?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neither Vander or Summer were looking (or hoping) for a long term relationship. And while they had plenty of chemistry, their time together was limited, especially because she has to take into consideration her young son.

Then Summer found herself to be the target of a stalker. Once Vander found out, his protective side came out and he couldn't let her handle things on her own. Nor could the members of Black Heart Security. Summer knew she could trust Vander to keep her and Ben (her son) safe, but what she didn't anticipate was the connection Ben would form with Vander.

During the process of finding the stalker, Vander learned something surprising about an incident in past and Summer learned that she was worthy of having a relationship. There were some humorous moments, plenty of suspense, and a HEA.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hearth Security has another veteran completing his program, joining the security team and taking on his first assignment. Vander Pope is a Navy Seal who found Black Heart Ranch to help him work through his last mission. He has found a waitress at the Stockyard Saloon and Grill in town to burn off a little energy with and is thinking maybe it could be more. Summer Denton is a just trying to make ends meet, some weeks are more successful than others. She and her seven year old son, Ben are finding their way when Summer unknowingly catches the wrong person's attention. A great story filled with ups, downs and a couple heated moments to round it all out. I cannot forget Granny Helen - loved her character and part in the story. Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Navy SEAL Vander Pope is recovering at Black Heart Ranch, haunted by the mission that cost a life under his watch. When he meets Summer Denton—single mom and waitress at the Stockyard Saloon—their instant attraction sparks something deep.
After Vander helps Summer with a flat tire, mysterious gifts (groceries and new tires) start appearing. Concerned for her and young son Ben, Vander goes full protective mode, enlisting the Malone brothers and Black Heart Security. As their passion ignites, Vander fears he’s not good enough for her—especially when danger from Summer’s past targets her and Ben.
A local event turns terrifying when Summer vanishes. Can Vander and the team find her in time?
Another exciting, heartfelt addition to the Black Heart Ranch series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. This time Pope gets his chance to show everyone that he’s worth taking the risk for. He’s been at the ranch due to his PTSD but has managed to mostly overcome his self doubts. He meets Summer and they have a casual relationship but she’s frightened of commitment so ends it. When strange things start happening, Blackheart Security step in to keep her safe and who better a man than Pope! The unveiling of the perpetrator towards the end of the story didn’t surprise me as l did think there was something about that person that didn’t sit right. Poor and Summer do have a HEA which was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forsaken Hearts steals your heart as we watch Pope and Summer try and fail to stay away from each other. Their vulnerabilities tug at your heart as the baggage they both carry continues to weigh them down.

When unexplained things keep happening to Summer, the protector in Pope can't stay away or stay quiet. You can't help but swoon over his sweetness and quiet intensity as he steps in time and again.

Ben absolutely steals the show with his mature, open heart and the way he embraces Pope without hesitation. Alongside the team, we see Pope continue to grow, finding strength in the people around him.

When danger strikes unexpectedly, the team rallies behind him, and you'll find yourself holding your breath as the rescue unfolds.

Heartwarming, emotional, and exciting.

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a romantic, tension-filled story that blends danger, healing, and slow-burning connection in a really satisfying way. Vander and Summer are both guarded in their own ways, but the pull between them feels immediate and impossible to ignore. His quiet intensity and protective instincts pair beautifully with her independence and fierce devotion to her son, creating a dynamic that’s both tender and emotionally charged. The forced proximity and bodyguard elements raise the stakes, while the ranch setting adds a warm, grounded backdrop to their growing bond. With a mix of suspense, soft vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry, it’s a heartfelt, swoony read that builds into a deeply rewarding HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forsaken Hearts is the 11th book in the series and while the romance between Vander aka Pope and Summer stands completely on its own, there is so much happening with Vander's Black Heart family that I highly recommend reading the books in order to appreciate all the cameo appearances and updates. Vander and Summer make a wonderful couple and I absolutely adored Summer's son Ben. He added so much cuteness and wise-beyond-his-years cracks that every page with him brough a smile to my face. There is a touch of suspense as well but the romance clearly takes center stage. It's an excellent, highly entertaining read with a perfect HEA. Can't wait for the next story in this captivating series. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vander Pope, a Navy Veteran had joined Black Heart Security after successfully finishing his Black Heart veteran program. He meets Summer, a waitress and single mom while playing poker in the bar/grill where she works. Their physical relationship stalls once Summer realizes they do not have a future. Summer begins receiving anonymous gifts, and Vander is tasked by Black Heart as her bodyguard.
This was a fast paced, wonderful story of two people who thought they were both too damaged, until they found their person.When Summer is taken by her ‘admirer” Pope burns the world down to find her. Granny and Ben, Summer’s son were such fun characters. Great ending! While technically a stand alone, would recommend reading the entire Black Heart Security series, as all are excellent!!.

[BreRile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vander "Pope" and Summer have great chemistry but neither believes themself worthy of love. They start a fling that both know is anything but. Summer gets cold feet and pulls the plug but Vander keeps showing up for her and her son Ben. When Vander realizes she has an unwanted admirer, he asks Blackheart Security for help. Summer is stunned not only that he cares but that Blackheart treats her as family. As the case drags on, they restart their affair but Vander is playing for keeps. As they open their hearts, the possibility of forever together becomes reality. When the danger circling Summer finally strikes, Vander relies on his skills and team to bring her home safely. Another strong entry in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I will ever get tired of the BHS series. Vander and Summer are two are two broken souls that have a hard time trusting in love. They have had a casual relationship until Summer decides there is hesitation from both of them to committing. Em Petrova gives us a perfect blend suspense and romance as Vander steps up to protect Summer and her son as he realizes that are his. Proximity brings a beautiful opening of their hearts. The danger and action kept the pacing fast and addictive, but the emotional connection developing between them gave the story real depth. Love the BHS Family. Another great read in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mechelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this addition to the series! Black Heart Ranch is a place for veterans to find healing and that’s exactly why Vander is there. But when he lays eyes on Summer, he is immediately drawn to her. He is trying to heal from a mission gone wrong but she has her own demons. She is doing all she can to support herself and her son and has no room in her life for a man because she is convinced, based on her history, they always leave. But when Summer has a stalker, Black Heart Security asks Vander to step in and protect her. It gets harder for them both to deny the feelings they have for each other at this point and Vander is determined to keep her and her son safe. A lot going on in this story but you truly won’t want to miss it!

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forsaken Hearts has turned I to one of my favorite books. Vander Pope and Summer (and Ben!) stole my heart from the very beginning. When Pope learns of the mysterious gifts of groceries and a new set of tires, he takes on the role of protector. Not knowing who gifted these items nor which direction the danger will come has Pope nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. Will he spot the danger in time to save Summer?
I loved this book. The open door bedroom scenes did not overpower the story line and the graphic language was kept to a minimum, which I really appreciate. Still, I would recommend this for mature readers.
5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathaleen Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vander Pope surprised me. We have known him from other stories for awhile and I expected to like him but I really fell in love with him. From the start how he is with Summer and the respect for her boundaries no matter how he feels. He always protects her no matter what. Summer is a true single mom who wants things but always puts their child first. I love their interactions from the beginning. Ben is just a little cutie that is way to smart for his own good and adds a lot of humor to the story. Watching Vander be inducted into Black Heart and how it gives him the final piece to heal is beautiful. This story will be one of my favorites for a long time.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story because it had a great storyline and it held my attention. The story is well written, entertaining and presented in such a way that I enjoyed it. I loved the two main characters, Summer and Vander and was glad when they got their happy ending. Before this happens, danger is closer than anyone suspected but it is eventually eliminated. It’s always good when previous characters make appearances and Navy has to be the cutest. I have read the majority of this series and so far I have not been disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vander Pope is a broken man when he gets to the Black Heart ranch. He sees a beautiful waitress at a local bar who he wants for his forever. Summer and he son Ben been been alone for a while. Summer works hard at the local center bar and when she sees Vander she likes what she sees. Vander and Summer have a relationship that will bring tears to your eyes because it’s so sweet. Vander doesn’t believe he is good enough for Summer. Vander graduated from the ranch program and he becomes a member of Black Heart Security. Vander’s first job is keeping Summer safe. This is a great book..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inactive Navy SEAL has been recovering at the Black Heart Ranch, when he passes his psyche eval and is invited to become part of the Security team. First mission is to protect the woman he has been casually seeing. Summer has a potential stalker and she's afraid for herself and her young son.
During his protection their relationship builds, with his baggage he feels that he's not good enough.
The both need to learn to love and trust again.
Meanwhile will they build their Happily Ever After or will the danger around Summer come to a head. The action heats up, will they make it out alive?
Great story, I love this series.