What do you think?
Hidden Hearts #3
True Red
One family legacy. One final reckoning. One forever worth fighting for.
They found love. They fought to keep it. Now Ali and Sam have to learn what forever really means.
Ali Stinson finally has the life she fought for. She has Sam. A wedding to plan. A book of her own about to be published. And a future that finally feels like hers. Then one phone call sends her back to California. Her father is in the hospital. Her estranged mother needs her. And somehow, her ex-husband Jack is living in the family home and running Stinson Studios like it already belongs to him.
Then her father’s will delivers one final blow. The family company can pass to Ali’s husband. It can someday pass to her son. But it can never pass to her.
Ali has spent too much of her life being told what she deserves. This time, she refuses to let another man decide her future—even if the man offering to save her is Sam.
Sam Harrington has always known how to rescue the people he loves. Standing back is another story. While Ali fights for her family legacy on the opposite coast, Sam throws himself into work and tries to give her the space she asked for. Then Victoria starts calling. The woman tied to the darkest years of his past still knows exactly which wounds to press, and every new crisis pulls at the part of Sam that believes saving everyone else might finally make up for the brother he couldn’t save.
But loving Ali has taught him something he never expected. Sometimes love means stepping in. Sometimes it means letting go. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stand beside the person you love while they fight their own battle.
When Ali’s ex’s grip tightens, old secrets surface, and the past comes after both of them at once, Ali and Sam will have to decide whether the love they’ve built can survive one final test.
Because forever was never supposed to be about rescuing each other. It was supposed to be about choosing each other.
True Red is the steamy, emotional conclusion to Ali and Sam’s romance, filled with family secrets, found family, high-society drama, a fiercely protective cinnamon-roll hero, hard-won healing, and the happily ever after they’ve been fighting for since the beginning.
There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers. Ali and Sam receive their full, final HEA.
Author’s note on reading order: True Red is Book 3 in the Hidden Hearts series and the conclusion of Ali and Sam’s story. It should be read after Ruby Red and More Red to fully experience their journey.
They found love. They fought to keep it. Now Ali and Sam have to learn what forever really means.
Ali Stinson finally has the life she fought for. She has Sam. A wedding to plan. A book of her own about to be published. And a future that finally feels like hers. Then one phone call sends her back to California. Her father is in the hospital. Her estranged mother needs her. And somehow, her ex-husband Jack is living in the family home and running Stinson Studios like it already belongs to him.
Then her father’s will delivers one final blow. The family company can pass to Ali’s husband. It can someday pass to her son. But it can never pass to her.
Ali has spent too much of her life being told what she deserves. This time, she refuses to let another man decide her future—even if the man offering to save her is Sam.
Sam Harrington has always known how to rescue the people he loves. Standing back is another story. While Ali fights for her family legacy on the opposite coast, Sam throws himself into work and tries to give her the space she asked for. Then Victoria starts calling. The woman tied to the darkest years of his past still knows exactly which wounds to press, and every new crisis pulls at the part of Sam that believes saving everyone else might finally make up for the brother he couldn’t save.
But loving Ali has taught him something he never expected. Sometimes love means stepping in. Sometimes it means letting go. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stand beside the person you love while they fight their own battle.
When Ali’s ex’s grip tightens, old secrets surface, and the past comes after both of them at once, Ali and Sam will have to decide whether the love they’ve built can survive one final test.
Because forever was never supposed to be about rescuing each other. It was supposed to be about choosing each other.
True Red is the steamy, emotional conclusion to Ali and Sam’s romance, filled with family secrets, found family, high-society drama, a fiercely protective cinnamon-roll hero, hard-won healing, and the happily ever after they’ve been fighting for since the beginning.
There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers. Ali and Sam receive their full, final HEA.
Author’s note on reading order: True Red is Book 3 in the Hidden Hearts series and the conclusion of Ali and Sam’s story. It should be read after Ruby Red and More Red to fully experience their journey.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2026
About the author
D.L. Croisette
12 books153 followersDL Croisette writes award-winning contemporary slow burn romances where tenderness meets banter, characters earn their second chances, and cinnamon-roll men fall first. Reviewers call her books “heartfelt, steamy, and swoony romantic.” Collector of international friends, avid traveller and always up for a new experience, she snaps photos to remember each escapade, and peppers the best into her stories. She’s probably at an outdoor café right now, dreaming up a bold new heroine to stir up trouble.
New to her worlds? Start with Next Play and meet your next cinnamon-roll book boyfriend. For updates, bonus epilogues, and behind-the-scenes goodies, join the list at dlcroisette.com.
New to her worlds? Start with Next Play and meet your next cinnamon-roll book boyfriend. For updates, bonus epilogues, and behind-the-scenes goodies, join the list at dlcroisette.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 1, 2026
In Ruby Red, Ali lost almost everything she thought made her life safe.
In More Red, she and Sam had to figure out what love looked like when the truth got bigger, messier, and harder to outrun.
And in True Red?
Well . . .
I was so happy to read True Red, the third and final book in author DL Croisette’s Hidden Hearts series, but I was also sad because Ali and Sam are a couple you could stay with forever. If you haven’t already read the first two books in the series, Ruby Red and More Red, I strongly advise you to stop what you’re doing and read them right now. True Red works just fine as a standalone, but trust me, you will want to know everything about their love story: how they met, their initial physical attraction that quickly turned into much more, the secrets and fears they shared, their strengths and vulnerabilities, the problems and stumbling blocks forced upon them by others who should have cared for them, the winding path that eventually took them to their happy-ever-after.
Ali was married to an abusive man who hid behind charm, power and wealth. When she finally realized just how much of herself she had lost trying to just go along she vowed never to be that person again; she wouldn’t bury her wants and desires for another person and wouldn’t do something just because she was told to. The scars she carries from that marriage mean that she is often stubborn, headstrong and skittish – not easy to get along with. When Ali and Sam met, Sam was keeping his true identity hidden, running from family trauma and grief, feeling he is a failure, everything bad that has happened is his fault, and he’s being forced into a role he neither wants nor is suited for. But Sam is a natural fixer, a helper; he wants to smooth things out and make things right. Can you see the clash between Ali who needs to stand on her own two feet and Sam who can’t bear to see someone he cares about suffer?
By True Red they have acknowledged their love is the forever kind and plan to be married, but that doesn’t mean the hurts and fears of the past aren’t still there and that their different personalities don’t still clash. People who should be firmly in the past keep surfacing, with negative impact. Ali is determined to solve problems on her own and Sam is afraid he will lose her whatever he does: if he remains silent as she’s asked or if he steps in and helps as he knows he can. He’s also dealing with career choices of his own that will of course affect his and Ali’s future.
I received an advance copy of True Red from the author and read Ruby Red and More Red before starting this book. It was such an enjoyable journey I didn’t want it to end. The plot is smooth and perfectly paced. Ali and Sam are surrounded by good family and bad family, true friends who will always support them and people who would do anything to bring them down and adorable animals. It’s full of love and romance, fears and misunderstandings and spicy scenes that will make you sigh and swoon. I recommend the entire Hidden Hearts series without hesitation as well as the other delightful books Croisette has written. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
In More Red, she and Sam had to figure out what love looked like when the truth got bigger, messier, and harder to outrun.
And in True Red?
Well . . .
I was so happy to read True Red, the third and final book in author DL Croisette’s Hidden Hearts series, but I was also sad because Ali and Sam are a couple you could stay with forever. If you haven’t already read the first two books in the series, Ruby Red and More Red, I strongly advise you to stop what you’re doing and read them right now. True Red works just fine as a standalone, but trust me, you will want to know everything about their love story: how they met, their initial physical attraction that quickly turned into much more, the secrets and fears they shared, their strengths and vulnerabilities, the problems and stumbling blocks forced upon them by others who should have cared for them, the winding path that eventually took them to their happy-ever-after.
Ali was married to an abusive man who hid behind charm, power and wealth. When she finally realized just how much of herself she had lost trying to just go along she vowed never to be that person again; she wouldn’t bury her wants and desires for another person and wouldn’t do something just because she was told to. The scars she carries from that marriage mean that she is often stubborn, headstrong and skittish – not easy to get along with. When Ali and Sam met, Sam was keeping his true identity hidden, running from family trauma and grief, feeling he is a failure, everything bad that has happened is his fault, and he’s being forced into a role he neither wants nor is suited for. But Sam is a natural fixer, a helper; he wants to smooth things out and make things right. Can you see the clash between Ali who needs to stand on her own two feet and Sam who can’t bear to see someone he cares about suffer?
By True Red they have acknowledged their love is the forever kind and plan to be married, but that doesn’t mean the hurts and fears of the past aren’t still there and that their different personalities don’t still clash. People who should be firmly in the past keep surfacing, with negative impact. Ali is determined to solve problems on her own and Sam is afraid he will lose her whatever he does: if he remains silent as she’s asked or if he steps in and helps as he knows he can. He’s also dealing with career choices of his own that will of course affect his and Ali’s future.
I received an advance copy of True Red from the author and read Ruby Red and More Red before starting this book. It was such an enjoyable journey I didn’t want it to end. The plot is smooth and perfectly paced. Ali and Sam are surrounded by good family and bad family, true friends who will always support them and people who would do anything to bring them down and adorable animals. It’s full of love and romance, fears and misunderstandings and spicy scenes that will make you sigh and swoon. I recommend the entire Hidden Hearts series without hesitation as well as the other delightful books Croisette has written. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
True Red by D.L. Croisette
What an absolutely beautiful way to end Ali and Sam’s story. After following their journey, I was not ready to say goodbye to these two, but D.L. Croisette gave them the ending they deserved.
I love Ali. Watching her finally stand up for herself and refuse to let the men in her life decide what she deserves felt so incredibly satisfying. Her growth throughout this series has been one of my favorite parts of her story.
And Sam? This man has my whole heart. His instinct is always to protect and fix everything for the people he loves, but watching him realize that loving Ali sometimes means simply standing beside her and letting her fight her own battles was everything. Their relationship felt so much stronger because of it.
There was family drama, secrets, healing, emotional moments, plenty of steam, and enough tension to keep me completely invested. But underneath all of it was Ali and Sam choosing each other again and again.
This was emotional, messy, romantic, and such a perfect conclusion to their journey. I am so happy they finally got their forever.
Five very well deserved stars for Ali and Sam.
True Red by D.L. Croisette
What an absolutely beautiful way to end Ali and Sam’s story. After following their journey, I was not ready to say goodbye to these two, but D.L. Croisette gave them the ending they deserved.
I love Ali. Watching her finally stand up for herself and refuse to let the men in her life decide what she deserves felt so incredibly satisfying. Her growth throughout this series has been one of my favorite parts of her story.
And Sam? This man has my whole heart. His instinct is always to protect and fix everything for the people he loves, but watching him realize that loving Ali sometimes means simply standing beside her and letting her fight her own battles was everything. Their relationship felt so much stronger because of it.
There was family drama, secrets, healing, emotional moments, plenty of steam, and enough tension to keep me completely invested. But underneath all of it was Ali and Sam choosing each other again and again.
This was emotional, messy, romantic, and such a perfect conclusion to their journey. I am so happy they finally got their forever.
Five very well deserved stars for Ali and Sam.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I have been waiting for the conclusion to Sam and Ali's story, and Ms. Croisette didn't disappoint. I was a wreck at the end of More Red and was hoping for a HEA without any bumps in the road but I know that was wishful thinking. True Red was an emotional read, but as I turned the pages, I was so invested in Ali and Sam's story that I held my breath, sat on the edge of my seat at times, and shook my head at the audacity of some people.
From the first page to the last, and from book one to this one, Sam and Ali have hit walls in their relationship. It's been either her ex, family or just life in general and just when you think they have survived and can move on, life throws them into a tailspin. The love that grew from their first encounter as Ali and the "pool boy" was beautiful to watch and deep down you knew it was too strong to let anyone or anything get in the way of their forever. Yes, there were hiccups along the way but when you have a love as they did, it will stand the test of time.
I am sad to see this series come to an end, as I thoroughly enjoyed each book.
From the first page to the last, and from book one to this one, Sam and Ali have hit walls in their relationship. It's been either her ex, family or just life in general and just when you think they have survived and can move on, life throws them into a tailspin. The love that grew from their first encounter as Ali and the "pool boy" was beautiful to watch and deep down you knew it was too strong to let anyone or anything get in the way of their forever. Yes, there were hiccups along the way but when you have a love as they did, it will stand the test of time.
I am sad to see this series come to an end, as I thoroughly enjoyed each book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some characters you really dislike (okay, despise). They do bring drama to the story. Both exes are bad. And a so called friend in the little scene where he got a knee to his balls was wonderful. And I loved it when they got their just rewards.
Sam and Ali have a great relationship. Sam needed to learn to let Ali do things on her own and not fix things just because he could with his wealth. She needed to be independent in taking control of her life outside of her relationship with Sam. They have great communication between them which is a great foundation. Trusting each other with their love even though outside influences tried to tear them apart.
The secrets and old time ideology where only men should run a business or inherit a business creates a fractured family. Women are very capable of running a business and Ali proved that point.
This is a great trilogy and worth your time to read it.
Sam and Ali have a great relationship. Sam needed to learn to let Ali do things on her own and not fix things just because he could with his wealth. She needed to be independent in taking control of her life outside of her relationship with Sam. They have great communication between them which is a great foundation. Trusting each other with their love even though outside influences tried to tear them apart.
The secrets and old time ideology where only men should run a business or inherit a business creates a fractured family. Women are very capable of running a business and Ali proved that point.
This is a great trilogy and worth your time to read it.
October 4, 2026
What an excellent way to bring this series to a close. Ali and Sam were put through the wringer with this one. I loved that she fought for what was rightfully hers. And Sam, when he finally decided to stand by her no matter what, he stole my heart. I was so glad to see that he finally realized that love is messy, life is messy, and marriage isn’t easy. But if its all worth it, then go stand by your woman and have her back. I loved the intensity of this. I loved the fight in both of them. This was one hell of an ending.
September 30, 2026
now I do admit I just got this series and it was the first one I've read. so saying that the recap is great!
the main female character gets called back because her dad became very ill but it's almost like a blessing because her dad's company there's something hinky happening and included her ex
he wants to fix it but can't nor will she let him but when she's on the west coast his ex contacts him. so he let's it hide in the background till it cant be held no more
together they come together to rise above learning to lean on each other so they get their happy ending
the main female character gets called back because her dad became very ill but it's almost like a blessing because her dad's company there's something hinky happening and included her ex
he wants to fix it but can't nor will she let him but when she's on the west coast his ex contacts him. so he let's it hide in the background till it cant be held no more
together they come together to rise above learning to lean on each other so they get their happy ending
Review of advance copy received from Author
Highly enjoyable book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hidden Hearts: Sam & Ali
After the hurt of Book 2, I really needed the HEA.
But with the way this series has been building, I knew Sam and Ali weren't going to get there without a fight.
And wow… there was a lot of drama.
I found it tough having them separated for so much of the book, especially after everything they'd already been through. Then the return of the exes brought even more tension and complications.
Thankfully, the drama wasn't really between Sam and Ali. Their relationship remained solid, even while everything around them seemed determined to make their lives as difficult as possible.
I really liked seeing Sam learn that he doesn’t need to fix everything. He needed to let her fight her own battles, and I thought that was an important part of their journey.
But, the family secrets, exes, legacy drama and found-family elements kept things moving, even if at times I just wanted them to catch a break! It all flowed through, and mostly answered all my questions, and I really enjoyed it.
After everything they went through, though, that hard-won HEA was definitely worth it.
Emotional, dramatic and sometimes frustrating, but ultimately a satisfying conclusion to Sam and Ali’s story. ❤️
After the hurt of Book 2, I really needed the HEA.
But with the way this series has been building, I knew Sam and Ali weren't going to get there without a fight.
And wow… there was a lot of drama.
I found it tough having them separated for so much of the book, especially after everything they'd already been through. Then the return of the exes brought even more tension and complications.
Thankfully, the drama wasn't really between Sam and Ali. Their relationship remained solid, even while everything around them seemed determined to make their lives as difficult as possible.
I really liked seeing Sam learn that he doesn’t need to fix everything. He needed to let her fight her own battles, and I thought that was an important part of their journey.
But, the family secrets, exes, legacy drama and found-family elements kept things moving, even if at times I just wanted them to catch a break! It all flowed through, and mostly answered all my questions, and I really enjoyed it.
After everything they went through, though, that hard-won HEA was definitely worth it.
Emotional, dramatic and sometimes frustrating, but ultimately a satisfying conclusion to Sam and Ali’s story. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed getting to finish their story with True Red. After everything these two have been through, they definitely had more to deal with before getting their HEA.
There was plenty of drama, family secrets, and complications along the way, but I really liked that Sam and Ali stayed solid through it all. I also liked seeing Sam realize that he didn’t always have to fix everything and could let Ali handle things herself. After everything they went through, I was happy to see them finally get their ending. ❤️
Thank you so much to D.L. Croisette for the opportunity to read and review True Red and share my honest thoughts!
There was plenty of drama, family secrets, and complications along the way, but I really liked that Sam and Ali stayed solid through it all. I also liked seeing Sam realize that he didn’t always have to fix everything and could let Ali handle things herself. After everything they went through, I was happy to see them finally get their ending. ❤️
Thank you so much to D.L. Croisette for the opportunity to read and review True Red and share my honest thoughts!
October 9, 2026
True Red is powerful and although it can be read as a stand alone. Those first two books ,you should devour ,such is the power of DL Croisette’s writing. It’s exquisitely penned beginning to end. Real to life strife and consequences in life. Romantically weaved to deceive and be deceived by ,and finding your way with the right girl or guy.
Ali for example ,has she found the one at last with Sam? He’s a straight as a die guy,but he has some underling faults . It’s how their world tilts and if the trust I there. A love affair that is beyond compare. Not just a want to be there for each other but to actually stand up and be counted. And counted on. There’s a lot going on between the pages of this book. It’s well been worth the wait. Take a look for yourselves. It’s out now on allgood bookshelves.
Be prepared to read at one sitting because that’s how this story is grippingly written and I know you are going to love this book as much as I and it leave you with a satisfied sigh. The steamy conclusion that is Ali and Sam. DL Croisette , thank you ma’am. Wham ,bam it packs some heat and not just between the sheets. There’s a journey and a few bumps along the way. It’s how they’re dealt with in each individual’s way that is their mainstay and love will out if you trust in the person you know your person to be and that is true at heart even if you need to spend that time apart. See true colours shine your light and you’ll see who is there when your light shines brightest most dull. Because you take the rough with the smooth. Love takes all.
Ali for example ,has she found the one at last with Sam? He’s a straight as a die guy,but he has some underling faults . It’s how their world tilts and if the trust I there. A love affair that is beyond compare. Not just a want to be there for each other but to actually stand up and be counted. And counted on. There’s a lot going on between the pages of this book. It’s well been worth the wait. Take a look for yourselves. It’s out now on allgood bookshelves.
Be prepared to read at one sitting because that’s how this story is grippingly written and I know you are going to love this book as much as I and it leave you with a satisfied sigh. The steamy conclusion that is Ali and Sam. DL Croisette , thank you ma’am. Wham ,bam it packs some heat and not just between the sheets. There’s a journey and a few bumps along the way. It’s how they’re dealt with in each individual’s way that is their mainstay and love will out if you trust in the person you know your person to be and that is true at heart even if you need to spend that time apart. See true colours shine your light and you’ll see who is there when your light shines brightest most dull. Because you take the rough with the smooth. Love takes all.
October 6, 2026
True Red by D.L. Croisette
Ali received the call that no one wants to get, her father suffered a stroke and had not woken up. She got on the next flight to California, alone without Sam.
After her father’s passing, she found that her manipulative ex-husband, Jack was running her family’s company -Stinson Studios. Just when we thought she had gotten away from him!
Sam stayed on the East Coast, and faced demons from his past as well, when Vicky reappears.
They both face their demons head on and learn love isn’t about rescuing each other, but standing side by side supporting each other.
What a finale to Ali and Sam’s story, one I highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Ali received the call that no one wants to get, her father suffered a stroke and had not woken up. She got on the next flight to California, alone without Sam.
After her father’s passing, she found that her manipulative ex-husband, Jack was running her family’s company -Stinson Studios. Just when we thought she had gotten away from him!
Sam stayed on the East Coast, and faced demons from his past as well, when Vicky reappears.
They both face their demons head on and learn love isn’t about rescuing each other, but standing side by side supporting each other.
What a finale to Ali and Sam’s story, one I highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
October 8, 2026
This novella is a great addition to Thorndale Hearts. It further develops the Thorndale Hearts world and characters, building toward Grant and Poppy’s full-length romance in Second Option, all in one intense football game.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews