Stolen Hearts

by M.N. Beck

Love did find me, but I never expected it to cut, rubbing against the jagged edges of my flesh. It ripped out my beating heart, stomping it to bits while telling me to stand up and pretend—to offer a fraudulent smile.

Yes, I found love, but with the wrong person.

I’m in love with my best friend’s boyfriend.

From the moment Olivia met Chase, something in her wounded heart shifted. But before she ever found the courage to tell him how she felt, her best friend Emma stepped in, and Chase fell for her instead.

Olivia is forced to watch Emma and Chase from the sidelines, wondering if the love that should have been hers was stolen before it ever had the chance to begin.Stolen Hearts is a romantic suspense novella that contains themes of EPL.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2026

About the author

M. N. Beck is an avid reader and loves a fearless FMC. Alpha males make her swoon and usually find a place in her writings. When she's not reading or writing, she is chasing her two wild boys around the country side.

Reviews

[Anusha Hansaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a book about love, betrayal, and fate. It is a story of how two hearts that are destined to meet will always end up together no matter what difficulties life throws on their way. It teaches us how overthinking ruins things and that sometimes, in life, we need to take chances. It also shows how we shouldn't blindly trust someone and know when to say no when it feels like the other person is just trying to take advantage of you. Overall, it is an interesting and quick read 📚

[Lindsey_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little pink book was an absolute blast to read, and after that ending … will there be more? Because I need more - just a big reminder to me that I really need to branch out into more genres. Read for free on KU.

Olivia is a college student working at the library and in walks Chase, hot football jock with a heart of gold but it’s very broken. He needs a book, just so happens to be her favorite book❤️❤️❤️They instantly connect but past hurts have made them guard their hearts so much they miss the signs. In walks the villain, I mean psycho best friend and is constantly being a walking red flag queen B! Ugh, hated her only because I saw my younger self in Olivia and kept yelling at my kindle, girl she is using you! But Olivia is young, loyal, sweet and kind - the very things Chase loves. Lots of drama happens that kept me reading till 3 am one night and I read this novella in 2 sittings. I’ll read anything you write! Thank you for the ARC!

[Miky Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Hearts: A Compelling Narrative of Resilience and Social Intrigue
Stolen Hearts is a surprisingly poignant exploration of the delicate balance between loyalty and self-preservation. While framed as a contemporary romance, the narrative offers a sophisticated look at the "Social Engineering" inherent in young adulthood—specifically the toxic dynamics of a manipulative social circle.

The contrast between Olivia’s innate grace and the predatory nature of her "best friend" serves as a visceral reminder of how easily kindness can be exploited by those with a strategic, if malevolent, agenda. Chase, portrayed with a "heart of gold" beneath a protective exterior, provides the perfect foil to this chaos. Their connection feels both inevitable and earned, a testament to the idea that authenticity eventually dismantles even the most calculated schemes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot lie Stolen Hearts made my blood pressure rise! Everything that Olivia and Chase had to endure at the hands of her so-called best friend drove me up the wall and absolutely broke my heart! Poor Olivia is so sweet and loyal to her bff who does nothing but sabotage Olivia behind her back when all Olivia wants is the ones she love to love her back.
Chase was collateral damage and was dragged into this because Olivia was in love with him. Chase was taken advantage of by the bff and did not want to be in a relationship with her but due to major manipulation was forced into a relationship to spite poor Olivia.
Even though this book toyed with emotions and admittedly my blood pressure the out come of this book was right where it should be and I love it so much

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was very easy to get into and the writing style was so captivating. it made me feel so many different emotions at once - joy, sadness, anger; i was completely attached to the story. i loved Chase and Olivia and enjoyed connecting with them - feeling everything with them and watching their relationship grow very quickly but in such a natural way. i thought the love story was really sweet and it honestly had everything i’d want in a romance. i only wish the book had been a little bit longer because i didn’t want it to end so soon. it was so much better than i was imagining.

i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Labonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I couldn't put it down from the moment I started reading it. Stolen hearts, what a perfect name. This story was a roller coaster of emotions, it made me laugh, made me sad, made me angry, (really really wanted to reach in the book and slap the FMC's so called best friend more than anything), made me hopeful, then back around again. I liked both the FMC and MMC and the author did a great job of getting into the characters psychy and living the story with them. It was a very fast read and I wasn't ready for it to end.

I received an advance copy of this book and gave my review willingly.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Hearts by MN Beck
Olivia has spent most of her life feeling alone, with only her best friend Emma as her safety net. When a new guy enters the picture and Olivia starts to develop feelings for him, everything becomes complicated. Emma, who seems to have it all, ends up with him, leaving Olivia struggling to bury what she feels.
This story is beautifully written and packed with twists and suspense that keep you hooked. The multiple POVs really elevate the narrative, showing how one lie can completely shift each character’s perspective and unravel everything. It’s emotional, tense, and a great look at friendship, jealousy, and the consequences of secrets.

[Chelsea Kong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story

Stolen Hearts is about broken hearts focused on Olivia, Chase, and Emma mainly. Olivia and Chase have strong love for each, but misunderstanding happens. It was an interesting read and it was a shocking twist to see Emma's hidden emotions towards the end of the story. The author does unfold relationships throughout the novel and it's a reminder that every person we know shares their true intentions and who we can trust especially when it comes to relationships that are important. I am glad that there is a good ending to the story. I was concerned about what happens between Olivia and Chase. I felt relieved by the ending and glad that Chase and Olivia do have a happy ending.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short by addictive drama!

I enjoyed this novella, I read in one sitting as I wanted to find out what happened after every chapter.

I loved Olivia's character even if I did want to physically shake her. I also like that some of the side characters felt like they grounded the story

I felt anger and annoyance one moment, to then feeling sad and some shock.

If you like a short fun novella with a well rounded story. If you are want a short story with some drama and a nice well rounded ending this is one that you can read in one sitting


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Melissa Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hooked me right from the start. I really liked both the FMC and MMC. I however, have never hated someone as much as I hated the FMC's "best friend." You'll understand right away what I mean. Loved the relationships that blossomed and for it being a short read there were a lot of emotions. All in all I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5 stars
First I want to thank the author for selecting me for the eARC.
I'm giving this story three out of five stars. The story was interesting but predictable. What knocked off two stars was the writing—it needed more editing. The repeated body, and heart reactions felt awkward and pulled me out of the story at times.
I still finished it, though. It was a light read with soft angst, which worked well as a palate cleanser.
Overall, I enjoyed it.

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sad book. Mental health was definitely represented in this story-Bipolar Disorder. There are two FMCs in this read. One has BPD. The other is her long time friend. The MMC is a talented football player and likes one of the main characters. This book moved at a rapid pace and wasn’t that long, so it had a lot of drama packed into it. I liked two of the main characters was was rooting for them. It was a heavy read for me. Lots of manipulation. I would recommend this book.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Olivia is forced to watch Emma and Chase from the sidelines, wondering if the love that should have been hers was stolen before it ever had the chance to begin.'

The characters were very complex. Plot was intriguing. World building was solidly drawn. All in all a very good read. Recommend.

Grab a copy!.

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

[alison lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read book . I had a dislike to Emma's character she made me really not like her, but there are actually people out there who are like her! Olivia was a nice sweet character but maybe to sweet & very gullible but her upbringing & background is mainly to blame for that. I liked Jessi she would say it as it is & as for poor Chase well he didn't know what to do. Stand by Emma is the right thing but his love & heart was with another women.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a great book. kind of reminded me of myself in my younger years. never had the courage to go after the guy, but my friend did. I went through my emotions with this. Olivia was such a sweet and kind person. and Chase was a wonderful guy. I'm glad to see that everything worked out as it should for them. especially after that manipulating so called bestie. yeah, we see you Emma 👀

[Becca D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has little of everything from love, betrayal and happily ever ending...Olivia and Chase love story with the obstacles of betrayal of friendship and few other things. It does have great happily ever after and strength both characters showed thru challenges they face getting there

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to booksprout for a copy of this book. I absolutely loved and hated this book at the same time! I wanted to throttle Emma like the whole entire book. Haha. Kind of hoping for a sequel!!