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Painted Hearts
A grumpy sunshine, rivals to lovers, small town romance perfect for fans of B. K. Borison, Lucy Score, and Catherine Cowles.
Two rival businesses. One very inconvenient address.
Winnie is starting over. After arriving in Indigo Lake, she’s ready for a fresh chapter - beginning with Bubbles & Brushes, the charming paint-and-sip art studio she’s always dreamed of opening.
But there’s one thing in her way.
Everett. Her gruff, no-nonsense next-door neighbor, whose whiskey bar shares a wall with Winnie.
When Winnie paints her side of the building a bright, bubblegum pink, chaos (and competition) takes hold. Not only do they share the same building - they also share the same customer base.
As the pair butt heads over everything from noise levels to paint swatches, an undeniable spark begins to smolder. But both have reasons for guarding their hearts, and Everett is harboring secrets of his own.
As their rivalry spills from business into their apartments (that are also awkwardly connected), sparks fly in this laugh-out-loud grumpy sunshine romance about two people who need therapy - but find each other instead.
Two rival businesses. One very inconvenient address.
Winnie is starting over. After arriving in Indigo Lake, she’s ready for a fresh chapter - beginning with Bubbles & Brushes, the charming paint-and-sip art studio she’s always dreamed of opening.
But there’s one thing in her way.
Everett. Her gruff, no-nonsense next-door neighbor, whose whiskey bar shares a wall with Winnie.
When Winnie paints her side of the building a bright, bubblegum pink, chaos (and competition) takes hold. Not only do they share the same building - they also share the same customer base.
As the pair butt heads over everything from noise levels to paint swatches, an undeniable spark begins to smolder. But both have reasons for guarding their hearts, and Everett is harboring secrets of his own.
As their rivalry spills from business into their apartments (that are also awkwardly connected), sparks fly in this laugh-out-loud grumpy sunshine romance about two people who need therapy - but find each other instead.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Bec George
3 books70 followersBec George is a genre-blend author of romcom x suspense novels. Passionate about authentic queer and neurodivergent representation, her stories balance heart, humor and high-stakes suspense.
You can find her on instagram and TikTok at @bookdragonbec
You can find her on instagram and TikTok at @bookdragonbec
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
July 1, 2026
This was cute!! I love a good grump-and-sunshine romance. This one features Winnie and Everett—our bubbly leading lady and the resident grump.
The book is filled with charming, lovable small-town characters, humor, some great spice, and a lovely romance. This small town even has an all-gals book club called "Hot Flashes and Heartthrobs"! I enjoyed this book and loved the sweet touch at the end of the epilogue. I am definitely looking forward to the next books in this series.
A few minor critiques:
-The Dialogue: I genuinely disliked the use of the pet name “sweetheart” for this particular pairing and age group.
-The Dynamic: The relationship occasionally felt on the verge of co-dependency. However, it’s completely understandable given the circumstances and the toxic relationship Winnie was moving on from.
**Content Warning: This story does feature themes of domestic violence and toxic relationships, so you may want to steer clear if those are sensitive subjects for you.
The book is filled with charming, lovable small-town characters, humor, some great spice, and a lovely romance. This small town even has an all-gals book club called "Hot Flashes and Heartthrobs"! I enjoyed this book and loved the sweet touch at the end of the epilogue. I am definitely looking forward to the next books in this series.
A few minor critiques:
-The Dialogue: I genuinely disliked the use of the pet name “sweetheart” for this particular pairing and age group.
-The Dynamic: The relationship occasionally felt on the verge of co-dependency. However, it’s completely understandable given the circumstances and the toxic relationship Winnie was moving on from.
**Content Warning: This story does feature themes of domestic violence and toxic relationships, so you may want to steer clear if those are sensitive subjects for you.
July 28, 2026
It’s a new beginning for Winnie. A small town and a new business, Bubbles and Brushes. Eventually, she meets Everett, the owner of the bar in the other half of her building. The two immediately clashed. He had no tolerance for her sunny disposition, and all things “pink”.
But Winnie is determined to thaw out Everett’s heart enough that the two can coexist side by side. At least in their working lives. And who knows, maybe it just might spill over into their personal lives too?
This book also contains some darker themes including domestic violence and grief. Both were handled well.
🎧 I listened to the audio, and both narrators gave great performances! I love a romance that has two narrators; it adds so much to the listening experience!
✍️ Bec George
🎧 10 hours and 5 minutes
🎤 Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer
🗓️ Anticipated release date: 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine
Thank you to libro.fm and Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
But Winnie is determined to thaw out Everett’s heart enough that the two can coexist side by side. At least in their working lives. And who knows, maybe it just might spill over into their personal lives too?
This book also contains some darker themes including domestic violence and grief. Both were handled well.
🎧 I listened to the audio, and both narrators gave great performances! I love a romance that has two narrators; it adds so much to the listening experience!
✍️ Bec George
🎧 10 hours and 5 minutes
🎤 Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer
🗓️ Anticipated release date: 2026
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy and sunshine
Thank you to libro.fm and Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
July 7, 2026
| ALC REVIEW |
🪿 4 big honks in honour of Gavin the goose IYKYK! 🪿
Well this was absolutely adorable!! Painted Hearts had just the right amount of cheesy romance, serious heart-felt moments, suspense, and blush-inducing spice to be the perfect comfort read.
I adore small-town romances when they're done well and let me tell you, this was DEFINITELY done well! The “found family” dynamic, and the collection of side characters who were simultaneously hilarious, heart-warming, and supportive ensured the cosy, close-knit community vibes were executed perfectly.
The slow-burn romance throughout the book was also *chef's kiss!* I find that a lot of books are marketed as “slow burns” but still end up feeling far too rushed. But I loved how Everett and Winnie’s relationship developed organically over time, without feeling forced or hurried along too quickly. The timeline of “rival neighbours to lovers” was, in my opinion, fantastically paced.
As well as touching on some sensitive subjects such as toxic past relationships and the loss of parents, there were also many light-hearted and comical parts that made me chuckle. Most specifically, the town menace Gavin the goose, who was truly the star of this story. The fact that the town issued city-wide safety alerts whenever Gavin went on the rampage had me cracking up. What an icon!
I did feel that the whole ordeal with Winnie’s ex was wrapped up a bit too prematurely, and would've liked for the suspenseful finale to have been dragged out a little longer. But it was still a great read.
I did find that the audio quality occasionally dipped, meaning I could sometimes hear the narrators’ breaths which was a little distracting. However, this had minimal impact on my enjoyment, and I still found the narration entertaining and enjoyable.
Overall, I loved this story and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next books in this series. If you enjoy small-town romances with a somewhat hallmark feel, loveable characters, and feral geese that are a danger to society, then I recommend checking this book out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bec George, and Bolinda Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
🪿 4 big honks in honour of Gavin the goose IYKYK! 🪿
Well this was absolutely adorable!! Painted Hearts had just the right amount of cheesy romance, serious heart-felt moments, suspense, and blush-inducing spice to be the perfect comfort read.
I adore small-town romances when they're done well and let me tell you, this was DEFINITELY done well! The “found family” dynamic, and the collection of side characters who were simultaneously hilarious, heart-warming, and supportive ensured the cosy, close-knit community vibes were executed perfectly.
The slow-burn romance throughout the book was also *chef's kiss!* I find that a lot of books are marketed as “slow burns” but still end up feeling far too rushed. But I loved how Everett and Winnie’s relationship developed organically over time, without feeling forced or hurried along too quickly. The timeline of “rival neighbours to lovers” was, in my opinion, fantastically paced.
As well as touching on some sensitive subjects such as toxic past relationships and the loss of parents, there were also many light-hearted and comical parts that made me chuckle. Most specifically, the town menace Gavin the goose, who was truly the star of this story. The fact that the town issued city-wide safety alerts whenever Gavin went on the rampage had me cracking up. What an icon!
I did feel that the whole ordeal with Winnie’s ex was wrapped up a bit too prematurely, and would've liked for the suspenseful finale to have been dragged out a little longer. But it was still a great read.
I did find that the audio quality occasionally dipped, meaning I could sometimes hear the narrators’ breaths which was a little distracting. However, this had minimal impact on my enjoyment, and I still found the narration entertaining and enjoyable.
Overall, I loved this story and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next books in this series. If you enjoy small-town romances with a somewhat hallmark feel, loveable characters, and feral geese that are a danger to society, then I recommend checking this book out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bec George, and Bolinda Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2026
4.5* Bec is genuinely the funniest person and it comes across in her writing in the best way possible! I haven’t been reading many romances recently but this was the perfect romcom and I pretty much binged the entire thing on a flight 😍 I cannot wait for book 2 to dive back into this world with these characters (my fav was Gavin ofc)
April 9, 2026
4.25 wholesome, laugh out loud, cozy cheesy stars ⭐️
Now I may be bias because I am friends with the wickedly funny author Bec George, but this is THE EPITOME of a feel good, sexy, small town romance. For the lovers of authors such as Sarah Adams and BK Borison, you’re going to want to put a count down on for the release of Painted Hearts.
Indigo Lake was like a slice of warm afternoon sun, where the towns people are eclectic and loveable and have all the charms of small town dynamics. It gave me serious Hart of Dixie vibes if you’ve seen the show! The local gossip page was so much fun, the TOWN GOOSE. My god did I laugh. The older ladies of the town were so laugh out loud funny, and the cactus gift HAHA. And all of the town events that just gave this story so much colour and life.
Bec seamlessly incorporated neurodivergent representation as well as delicately handling matters of grief and abusive relationships. The build up of the mystery and the conflict was so well done and elevated this story in depth and seriousness.
Our MMC and FMC grew on me so much, having their own personal issues but also being such big hearted people themselves, it was so beautiful to watch them find solace and family in one another. The paint swatches? Chefs kiss absolutely adored this way of flirting/communicating 🤌🏼
ALSO A MOMENT FOR THE SPICE. Men written by women could not be more fking accurate - but ESPECIALLY a man written by a queer author? Bec had me hot and bothered asf.
I will always be transparent with my reviews and also acknowledge that fluffy, cheesy romance books are not at all my genre preference. I would have really loved to maybe spend a little bit longer at the start of the novel with our characters individually before they were consumed with thinking about one another/fixated on how much they hated one another to maybe establish their personalities individually - but again this is a personal taste thing as for this genre, I’m sure their interactions from the jump will be adored by those who love a romance of this niche.
Beyond ALL of this though I can’t even begin to say how proud I am of Bec for crafting such a special town that I can’t fking wait to experience through the eyes of the other characters we are introduced to 🤍
Now I may be bias because I am friends with the wickedly funny author Bec George, but this is THE EPITOME of a feel good, sexy, small town romance. For the lovers of authors such as Sarah Adams and BK Borison, you’re going to want to put a count down on for the release of Painted Hearts.
Indigo Lake was like a slice of warm afternoon sun, where the towns people are eclectic and loveable and have all the charms of small town dynamics. It gave me serious Hart of Dixie vibes if you’ve seen the show! The local gossip page was so much fun, the TOWN GOOSE. My god did I laugh. The older ladies of the town were so laugh out loud funny, and the cactus gift HAHA. And all of the town events that just gave this story so much colour and life.
Bec seamlessly incorporated neurodivergent representation as well as delicately handling matters of grief and abusive relationships. The build up of the mystery and the conflict was so well done and elevated this story in depth and seriousness.
Our MMC and FMC grew on me so much, having their own personal issues but also being such big hearted people themselves, it was so beautiful to watch them find solace and family in one another. The paint swatches? Chefs kiss absolutely adored this way of flirting/communicating 🤌🏼
ALSO A MOMENT FOR THE SPICE. Men written by women could not be more fking accurate - but ESPECIALLY a man written by a queer author? Bec had me hot and bothered asf.
I will always be transparent with my reviews and also acknowledge that fluffy, cheesy romance books are not at all my genre preference. I would have really loved to maybe spend a little bit longer at the start of the novel with our characters individually before they were consumed with thinking about one another/fixated on how much they hated one another to maybe establish their personalities individually - but again this is a personal taste thing as for this genre, I’m sure their interactions from the jump will be adored by those who love a romance of this niche.
Beyond ALL of this though I can’t even begin to say how proud I am of Bec for crafting such a special town that I can’t fking wait to experience through the eyes of the other characters we are introduced to 🤍
July 17, 2026
wholesome grumpy x sunshine romance with a hint of suspense set in a small town where she owns a paint and sip while he owns a bar just next door?! this was so full of love and light and heart and i'm alllll for it ❤️ bec, you have seriously outdone yourself with this heartfelt and vulnerable found family story :') i feel so happy listening to the beautiful audio of this. the small town community is wholesome, winnie is a ball of sunshine, everett is a grumpy cutie, and gavin is an absolute menace. i can totally see bec pouring her heart and soul into this beautiful book, and i'm excited to see what she comes up with next! :')
May 3, 2026
First things first — full transparency, I am friends with Bec. That said, these thoughts and this review are entirely my own… and wow, what👏🏼a👏🏼debut!👏🏼
This is genuinely one of those books where you finish and just sit there for a second like, okay… yeah. That really was something special.
Painted Hearts follows Winnie, who arrives in Indigo Lake ready for a fresh start, opening her dream paint-and-sip studio — only to find herself immediately clashing with her grumpy (and very attractive) neighbour, Everett, who’s whiskey bar shares not just a wall… but unfortunately, a customer base too. What starts as a rivalry over noise complaints and paint colours slowly evolves into something much deeper, layered, and honestly truly beautiful.
What stood out to me most is just how alive everything felt. The writing, the town, the characters — it all had this effortless realism that made it so easy to get completely immersed. Nothing felt forced, and every interaction, big or small, felt intentional.
I especially loved how the story kept tying back to its core theme — paint. Watching their relationship develop felt natural and, importantly, mature. The tension, the vulnerability, the emotional depth — it was all balanced so well.
Winnie was an absolute standout for me. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, and I found her incredibly easy to relate to. There’s something very real about her journey and the way she navigates starting over.
And Everett? Certified grump — with layers. We love to see it.
The side characters also deserve a special mention, because they truly felt like part of the story rather than just background noise (which isn’t always the case in some books, let’s be honest). Indigo Lake as a whole felt like a proper community, and I’m already so excited knowing this will be a series — we’re absolutely not done with these people yet!
Honourable mentions:
* Gavin the (psychotic and unhinged) goose — iconic, no notes.
* Betty, who I would personally like to adopt into my life immediately.
This book had me laughing, feeling emotional, and completely invested from start to finish. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you and then lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you love grumpy/sunshine, rivals-to-lovers, small-town romance with heart, humour, and genuinely strong character work— this one is absolutely worth picking up when it releases.
I already cannot wait to see what Bec writes next… and I will be first in line for more Indigo Lake (and honestly, I’d read an entire backstory book on Winnie and Everett without hesitation).
Thank you so much to Bec and The Berry Agency for an early copy of this book 💜
This is genuinely one of those books where you finish and just sit there for a second like, okay… yeah. That really was something special.
Painted Hearts follows Winnie, who arrives in Indigo Lake ready for a fresh start, opening her dream paint-and-sip studio — only to find herself immediately clashing with her grumpy (and very attractive) neighbour, Everett, who’s whiskey bar shares not just a wall… but unfortunately, a customer base too. What starts as a rivalry over noise complaints and paint colours slowly evolves into something much deeper, layered, and honestly truly beautiful.
What stood out to me most is just how alive everything felt. The writing, the town, the characters — it all had this effortless realism that made it so easy to get completely immersed. Nothing felt forced, and every interaction, big or small, felt intentional.
I especially loved how the story kept tying back to its core theme — paint. Watching their relationship develop felt natural and, importantly, mature. The tension, the vulnerability, the emotional depth — it was all balanced so well.
Winnie was an absolute standout for me. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for, and I found her incredibly easy to relate to. There’s something very real about her journey and the way she navigates starting over.
And Everett? Certified grump — with layers. We love to see it.
The side characters also deserve a special mention, because they truly felt like part of the story rather than just background noise (which isn’t always the case in some books, let’s be honest). Indigo Lake as a whole felt like a proper community, and I’m already so excited knowing this will be a series — we’re absolutely not done with these people yet!
Honourable mentions:
* Gavin the (psychotic and unhinged) goose — iconic, no notes.
* Betty, who I would personally like to adopt into my life immediately.
This book had me laughing, feeling emotional, and completely invested from start to finish. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you and then lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you love grumpy/sunshine, rivals-to-lovers, small-town romance with heart, humour, and genuinely strong character work— this one is absolutely worth picking up when it releases.
I already cannot wait to see what Bec writes next… and I will be first in line for more Indigo Lake (and honestly, I’d read an entire backstory book on Winnie and Everett without hesitation).
Thank you so much to Bec and The Berry Agency for an early copy of this book 💜
August 5, 2026
𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌
This was a fabulous debut novel, I adored it! The audiobook was great 👏🏻 This book had everything I love 🤭 Small town romance, suspense, drama, rivals to lovers, and loveable side characters 💖 Also special mention to Gavin hehe. It was well written and had me giggling at many scenes! This book does mention serious topics so make sure to check the TW before reading.
Everett and Winnie were perfect! I loved their banter, chemistry, emotional depth, and ofc the grumpy/sunshine contrast 💕 Everett is my type of MMC that’s love language is acts of service 🙂↕️
The side characters were hilarious! Chase and Juniper have my heart 🫶🏻 I’d love to read about them more 🥺
If you enjoy books by Lucy Score and Catherine Cowles, you will loveee this 😍
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒…
🌧️☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🔒 Forced proximity
🔥 Rivals to lovers
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
🔍 Romantic suspense
🏡 Small town romance
This was a fabulous debut novel, I adored it! The audiobook was great 👏🏻 This book had everything I love 🤭 Small town romance, suspense, drama, rivals to lovers, and loveable side characters 💖 Also special mention to Gavin hehe. It was well written and had me giggling at many scenes! This book does mention serious topics so make sure to check the TW before reading.
Everett and Winnie were perfect! I loved their banter, chemistry, emotional depth, and ofc the grumpy/sunshine contrast 💕 Everett is my type of MMC that’s love language is acts of service 🙂↕️
The side characters were hilarious! Chase and Juniper have my heart 🫶🏻 I’d love to read about them more 🥺
If you enjoy books by Lucy Score and Catherine Cowles, you will loveee this 😍
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒…
🌧️☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🔒 Forced proximity
🔥 Rivals to lovers
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family
🔍 Romantic suspense
🏡 Small town romance
October 25, 2026
This was so stinking cute. I read the majority of this in one day. Absolutely loved this, which was surprising as there was minimal spice. Bonus points for Gavin's antics. He had me laughing out loud 🥰🪿
July 1, 2026
This was such a sweet, cozy audiobook!
I actually started listening to it while painting (paint by numbers, I'm no artist lol) and it was the perfect companion. It was relaxing, funny, romantic and exactly the kind of story I was in the mood for.
Winnie arrives in Indigo Lake hoping for a fresh start after escaping an abusive relationship. Her dream is to open a paint-and-sip studio, and she's finally making it happen. The only problem? She shares the building with Everett's whiskey bar... and after Winnie paints her side of the building bubblegum pink, it's safe to say Everett isn't exactly thrilled.
From there, the banter begins. (tananana drums drums)
I loved the dynamic between Winnie and Everett. She's sunshine, he's definitely grumpy, and watching them constantly clash over their businesses while slowly falling for each other was a lot of fun. Everett was such a sweetheart beneath all that grumpiness. Even while dealing with the grief of losing his father, he remained thoughtful, dependable and always seemed ready to help Winnie whenever she needed it.
The small-town setting was another highlight. I loved the community, the gossip page made me laugh more than once, and Gavin the goose absolutely stole every scene he appeared in. That little menace was hilarious.
The romance is definitely on the slower side, which I normally enjoy. My only small complaint was that once the relationship became more serious, Everett became almost too careful because of Winnie's past. His intentions were completely understandable, but after a while I found myself agreeing with Winnie and wanting him to stop overthinking everything and just trust what she was telling him.
The audiobook itself was fantastic. Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer both did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life, and I found myself happily listening for hours.
Overall, this was a heartwarming small-town romance full of humor, chemistry, lovable characters, and just enough suspense surrounding Winnie's past to keep things interesting. I'm already looking forward to returning to Indigo Lake.
⭐️ 4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
I actually started listening to it while painting (paint by numbers, I'm no artist lol) and it was the perfect companion. It was relaxing, funny, romantic and exactly the kind of story I was in the mood for.
Winnie arrives in Indigo Lake hoping for a fresh start after escaping an abusive relationship. Her dream is to open a paint-and-sip studio, and she's finally making it happen. The only problem? She shares the building with Everett's whiskey bar... and after Winnie paints her side of the building bubblegum pink, it's safe to say Everett isn't exactly thrilled.
From there, the banter begins. (tananana drums drums)
I loved the dynamic between Winnie and Everett. She's sunshine, he's definitely grumpy, and watching them constantly clash over their businesses while slowly falling for each other was a lot of fun. Everett was such a sweetheart beneath all that grumpiness. Even while dealing with the grief of losing his father, he remained thoughtful, dependable and always seemed ready to help Winnie whenever she needed it.
The small-town setting was another highlight. I loved the community, the gossip page made me laugh more than once, and Gavin the goose absolutely stole every scene he appeared in. That little menace was hilarious.
The romance is definitely on the slower side, which I normally enjoy. My only small complaint was that once the relationship became more serious, Everett became almost too careful because of Winnie's past. His intentions were completely understandable, but after a while I found myself agreeing with Winnie and wanting him to stop overthinking everything and just trust what she was telling him.
The audiobook itself was fantastic. Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer both did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life, and I found myself happily listening for hours.
Overall, this was a heartwarming small-town romance full of humor, chemistry, lovable characters, and just enough suspense surrounding Winnie's past to keep things interesting. I'm already looking forward to returning to Indigo Lake.
⭐️ 4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
July 2, 2026
Thank you so much to Bolinda and the author for giving me an ALC of Painted Hearts.
I loved this and consumed it over a 24 hour period. Both narrators brought so much personality to the characters of Winnie and Everett and enhanced my reading experience compared to if I just did this as an ebook.
This book had some great laugh out loud moments (hello Gavin) and the tension between the two MC’s was perfect. When the spice hit - loved it and worth the wait. This was a fabulous debut and I cannot wait to read more books by Bec.
I loved this and consumed it over a 24 hour period. Both narrators brought so much personality to the characters of Winnie and Everett and enhanced my reading experience compared to if I just did this as an ebook.
This book had some great laugh out loud moments (hello Gavin) and the tension between the two MC’s was perfect. When the spice hit - loved it and worth the wait. This was a fabulous debut and I cannot wait to read more books by Bec.
November 11, 2026
Brb moving to a small town bc I am sure there is a broody man out there waiting for me to move in next door right?
Also, I think we can all collectively agree Gavin is the main character, without even knowing it 🪿
Also, I think we can all collectively agree Gavin is the main character, without even knowing it 🪿
August 18, 2026
It was cute, but nothing special
August 7, 2026
I’m not huge into romcoms but I loved this. It took more than 200 pages for their relationship to really develop and I enjoyed that aspect of things.
April 26, 2026
This book completely consumed me, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever shut up about it.
Bec has this incredible way of making a story feel so alive, and from the very first page I was hooked. Her writing is effortless, emotional, and completely addictive. Every moment felt intentional, every scene pulled me in deeper, and I never once wanted to put it down.
Everett and Winnie absolutely stole my heart. Their connection felt so real and so beautifully developed, and I was completely invested in them from start to finish. The way their relationship unfolded had the perfect mix of tenderness, tension, and emotional depth, and I felt every single moment right alongside them.
And the side characters?! I am OBSESSED. Chase and Juniper absolutely stole my heart, they added so much warmth, humour, and life to the story. And finally getting to meet Gavin the evil goose? Genuinely one of my favourite things ever. I didn’t know I needed that level of chaotic energy, but here we are.
What I loved most about this book is how deeply it made me feel. I laughed, I got emotional, I fell completely in love with these characters and their world. It’s one of those stories that just sticks with you long after you’ve finished.
I am so beyond obsessed with this book. Bec absolutely delivered, and Painted Hearts is easily one of my favourite reads. A huge thank you to Bec for trusting me with an ARC of this book, and for not getting sick of my many messages while I was reading it 😂
Bec has this incredible way of making a story feel so alive, and from the very first page I was hooked. Her writing is effortless, emotional, and completely addictive. Every moment felt intentional, every scene pulled me in deeper, and I never once wanted to put it down.
Everett and Winnie absolutely stole my heart. Their connection felt so real and so beautifully developed, and I was completely invested in them from start to finish. The way their relationship unfolded had the perfect mix of tenderness, tension, and emotional depth, and I felt every single moment right alongside them.
And the side characters?! I am OBSESSED. Chase and Juniper absolutely stole my heart, they added so much warmth, humour, and life to the story. And finally getting to meet Gavin the evil goose? Genuinely one of my favourite things ever. I didn’t know I needed that level of chaotic energy, but here we are.
What I loved most about this book is how deeply it made me feel. I laughed, I got emotional, I fell completely in love with these characters and their world. It’s one of those stories that just sticks with you long after you’ve finished.
I am so beyond obsessed with this book. Bec absolutely delivered, and Painted Hearts is easily one of my favourite reads. A huge thank you to Bec for trusting me with an ARC of this book, and for not getting sick of my many messages while I was reading it 😂
July 5, 2026
This started out promising but enemies to insta-love is a turn-off for me. Also, the FMC did not behave like someone with an abusive past.
July 7, 2026
4 🌟
Wholesome romcom with grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Set in small town Indigo Lake with a menace goose and local gossip.
~♡~
I'm a sucker for a fun setting. The small town vibes, everyone knows everyone's business, and a goose that requires its own warning system was so much fun. There is just as much gossip as there is support systems. All the side characters were an amazing addition to this story-including the goose.
Both main characters had sub plots of their personal struggles in life. There was grief from loss of a family member, new family member, and a previous toxic relationship that looms over our fmc.
Together this couple is adorable how they eventually start to fall for each other. Their banter and ways they mess with each other had me giggling at times. Their love is gentle and supportive.
The audiobook was extremely easy to listen to. Both narrators did wonderful. Audio or handheld would both be a great choice for this one.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. Even more for those who like the small towns we'd prefer to live in.
Thanks to Bolinda Audio and Bec George for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer
Wholesome romcom with grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Set in small town Indigo Lake with a menace goose and local gossip.
~♡~
I'm a sucker for a fun setting. The small town vibes, everyone knows everyone's business, and a goose that requires its own warning system was so much fun. There is just as much gossip as there is support systems. All the side characters were an amazing addition to this story-including the goose.
Both main characters had sub plots of their personal struggles in life. There was grief from loss of a family member, new family member, and a previous toxic relationship that looms over our fmc.
Together this couple is adorable how they eventually start to fall for each other. Their banter and ways they mess with each other had me giggling at times. Their love is gentle and supportive.
The audiobook was extremely easy to listen to. Both narrators did wonderful. Audio or handheld would both be a great choice for this one.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. Even more for those who like the small towns we'd prefer to live in.
Thanks to Bolinda Audio and Bec George for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer
July 14, 2026
My first book through the Libro.fm program. Yay!
OK, the nitty gritty. Overall, the book was fun. 3 stars is not meant to be a bad rating. I do recommend it and think it's a fun, easy read.
But also my one complaint is that it's a fun, easy read. STICK WITH ME HERE.
Our FMC has gone through some trauma. The kind that you could write books and books about her trying to overcome. And I wish we could have worked through it in a more contemporary romance manner instead of a romcom manner. Make the book longer, let's work through this together, I'm ready to have a cry. Things just got wrapped up too quickly. There's also a 3rd act reveal that kind of comes out of nowhere and I think there was an opportunity there to do more with it that was missed. I enjoyed my time with the book, but not more enjoyable than 3 stars.
I also did this on audio and did not like the narrators at all. It was easy to tell immediately that both narrators are not American even though this book has American accents (Or North American if you will). She's British, he's Australian. And oh boy can you tell. I believe the author is also British so I'm not quite sure why they didn't just do this book with British accents as I don't remember it being set in any specific North American location.
OK, the nitty gritty. Overall, the book was fun. 3 stars is not meant to be a bad rating. I do recommend it and think it's a fun, easy read.
But also my one complaint is that it's a fun, easy read. STICK WITH ME HERE.
Our FMC has gone through some trauma. The kind that you could write books and books about her trying to overcome. And I wish we could have worked through it in a more contemporary romance manner instead of a romcom manner. Make the book longer, let's work through this together, I'm ready to have a cry. Things just got wrapped up too quickly. There's also a 3rd act reveal that kind of comes out of nowhere and I think there was an opportunity there to do more with it that was missed. I enjoyed my time with the book, but not more enjoyable than 3 stars.
I also did this on audio and did not like the narrators at all. It was easy to tell immediately that both narrators are not American even though this book has American accents (Or North American if you will). She's British, he's Australian. And oh boy can you tell. I believe the author is also British so I'm not quite sure why they didn't just do this book with British accents as I don't remember it being set in any specific North American location.
July 14, 2026
An ARC copy of this book was provided by Bolinda Audio on the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest review.
This story was so sweet and easy to fall into. The romcom angle was witty and chaotic, the writing very easy to follow and get into, and the characters so wholesome.
I feel like the author had a big booktube account back in the day that I watched a lot, but I can’t seem to find it?
I will say that the stakes suddenly dial up, but it didn’t interfere with the pacing of the story or trajectory of the character arcs.
The list of tropes includes ⤵️:
🍹grumpy x sunshine
🎨 rivals to friends to lovers
🍹banter
🎨 love notes
🍹yearning
🎨 small town
🍹slow burn
🎨 grief navigation
July 1, 2026
this book was just so damn funny!!!
lucy score x catherine cowles made a book baby is the best way to describe this one
such a great debut for an aussie author
i loved seeing the relationship between winnie and everett develop. the side characters were all so great! we need more of queen betty immediately
and GAVIN! i’m just obsessed with him
the epilogue had me 🥹🥹🥹
lucy score x catherine cowles made a book baby is the best way to describe this one
such a great debut for an aussie author
i loved seeing the relationship between winnie and everett develop. the side characters were all so great! we need more of queen betty immediately
and GAVIN! i’m just obsessed with him
the epilogue had me 🥹🥹🥹
July 2, 2026
YES, YES, YES!
The vibes were immaculate, the writing style and plotline was on point, and we even had a homicidal goose names Gavin 😂😍 What more could I want in a book?! The chemistry was hot, the MMC was a grumpy golden retriever, and the FMC was a baddie 🥰
The vibes were immaculate, the writing style and plotline was on point, and we even had a homicidal goose names Gavin 😂😍 What more could I want in a book?! The chemistry was hot, the MMC was a grumpy golden retriever, and the FMC was a baddie 🥰
July 29, 2026
5⭐️
2🌶️
I LOVED THIS. A rivals to lovers with a lil suspense element? Chefs kiss I loved this and the banter was top notch
2🌶️
I LOVED THIS. A rivals to lovers with a lil suspense element? Chefs kiss I loved this and the banter was top notch
July 30, 2026
I’m surprised this has as high ratings as it does … there were so many things I wanted to like about this book and there were a few aspects that I really liked (shout out to Gavin, the goose.) However, the plot of Winnie running away from her ex, Nick, only to enter a very quick relationship with her neighbor who is exhibiting some red flag behaviors was highly concerning. I was describing this plot to my partner and how I had a lot of issues with how the main relationship was developing based on her abusive ex and my partner said well maybe it’s part of the story for him to also be a bad guy, but that wasn’t it at all. Everett was painted to be a really great guy but the concern of him I’m constantly checking her security cameras that he installed and starting to have a hard time when she wasn’t answering his text, even though was working was never addressed despite when he just leaving a toxic relationship. It was problematic in several ways and I think it could’ve been handled much better. I do appreciate that the author wrote a content warning at the start of the book for those who may be triggered. However, I was really upset with lack of connecting that Everett’s behaviors were also concerning. Also, Juniper was a much more major character at the start of the book and seems to be placed on the back burner the moment Everett and Winnie decide to like each other… another flag. The writing itself was good but I was disappointed with how the relationship was handled in regards to Winnie’s ex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2026
Im a sucker for a grumpy sunshine mix
October 6, 2026
Nicholas Sparks inspired?
August 3, 2026
Loved this Rom-Com!
Absolutely LOVED this rom-com and GAVIN!!!! OMGOSH!!! Hilarious!!
I also enjoyed how Bec touched on a more serious topic but balanced it out with romance, humour and a bunch of quirky towns people!
If you are a fan of Grumpy X Sunshine within a small town setting, then this is a read you will want to pick up! 💕
Absolutely LOVED this rom-com and GAVIN!!!! OMGOSH!!! Hilarious!!
I also enjoyed how Bec touched on a more serious topic but balanced it out with romance, humour and a bunch of quirky towns people!
If you are a fan of Grumpy X Sunshine within a small town setting, then this is a read you will want to pick up! 💕
August 28, 2026
One of my top 5 small town romance books 📚
September 6, 2026
This book made me feel warm and cosy but it's a super slow burn and I really enjoyed Bec writes.
The banter was so good and Emmett was just the sweetest under that grumpy exterior. I generally had a good time.
The banter was so good and Emmett was just the sweetest under that grumpy exterior. I generally had a good time.
July 7, 2026
I really tried with this one, but I ended up DNFing at 70%. I just couldn't give this book another three hours of my time.
The enemies-to-lovers relationship started off so well, and I honestly thought I was going to love it. There was great tension and banter in the beginning. Then, all of a sudden, they're in love. It felt like I missed several chapters because there was almost no emotional build-up. One minute they're enemies, the next they're declaring feelings, and I just didn't buy it.
The story completely lost me because nothing that happened made any sense. One scene in particular that did me in. The FMC gets hit in the back with a brick and is possibly dealing with a concussion , the first thing they think about doing is maul each other. Then the very next morning, the MMC suddenly won't even kiss her because he wants to "court" her properly. The complete 180 gave me whiplash.
I also couldn't get past some of the plot holes. We're told she wasn't even allowed to have a driver's license, but somehow she has the money and resources to open her own business? I kept waiting for things to be explained.
This book felt like a trope salad. It threw in enemies to lovers, small town, forced proximity, and several other romance tropes, but none of them were given enough time to develop. Everything felt rushed, unfinished, or abandoned before it had a chance to make an impact.
The only reason I made it as far as I did was because I received this as an audiobook. Both the MMC and FMC narrators did a fantastic job and gave great performances. They made the characters come alive, even when the story itself wasn't working for me.
Unfortunately, great narration wasn't enough to save this one. I wanted to love it, but the confusing plot, rushed romance, and lack of believable character development made this an easy DNF for me.
The enemies-to-lovers relationship started off so well, and I honestly thought I was going to love it. There was great tension and banter in the beginning. Then, all of a sudden, they're in love. It felt like I missed several chapters because there was almost no emotional build-up. One minute they're enemies, the next they're declaring feelings, and I just didn't buy it.
The story completely lost me because nothing that happened made any sense. One scene in particular that did me in. The FMC gets hit in the back with a brick and is possibly dealing with a concussion , the first thing they think about doing is maul each other. Then the very next morning, the MMC suddenly won't even kiss her because he wants to "court" her properly. The complete 180 gave me whiplash.
I also couldn't get past some of the plot holes. We're told she wasn't even allowed to have a driver's license, but somehow she has the money and resources to open her own business? I kept waiting for things to be explained.
This book felt like a trope salad. It threw in enemies to lovers, small town, forced proximity, and several other romance tropes, but none of them were given enough time to develop. Everything felt rushed, unfinished, or abandoned before it had a chance to make an impact.
The only reason I made it as far as I did was because I received this as an audiobook. Both the MMC and FMC narrators did a fantastic job and gave great performances. They made the characters come alive, even when the story itself wasn't working for me.
Unfortunately, great narration wasn't enough to save this one. I wanted to love it, but the confusing plot, rushed romance, and lack of believable character development made this an easy DNF for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
Thank you Bec for trusting me with your ARC of Painted Hearts because I have THOUGHTS and FEELINGS and I am about to lovingly scream them into the void.
This book??? is like being wrapped in a soft pink blanket while your neighbours are low-key causing chaos across the fence and you’re just there with popcorn watching it unfold.
Her writing is genuinely beautiful. Not in a pretentious, flowery way, but in that “these characters feel like people I could accidentally trauma-bond with over coffee” kind of way. The friendships? Warm. The banter? Sharp enough to make me snort. The whole vibe? Cozy chaos.
BUT. And listen, I say this as a certified impatient book goblin who wants emotional devastation AND spice delivered immediately like Uber Eats…
This is a SLOW. BURN.
When I say slow, I mean we are crawling. We are inching. We are watching paint dry on the titular hearts and contemplating life choices. The romance? Simmering gently until like… 80%. The mystery/danger element? Casually strolls in around 60–70%
That said… the beginning isn’t empty. It’s doing the groundwork. It’s building relationships, setting up dynamics, letting you marinate in the friendships and the banter. And if you’re the kind of reader who loves soaking in character interactions and emotional build-up? You are going to EAT THIS UP like it’s a five-course meal.
✨ Would I recommend this? Yes — to my contemporary romance lovers who thrive on vibes, banter, and emotional slow burns.
✨ Would I hand this to a thriller junkie? Absolutely not, they’d start vibrating from lack of chaos.
✨ Mood readers? Proceed with caution. Check your emotional weather forecast first.
This is not your fast-paced romcom. This is a gentle, character-driven stroll with a late-game payoff.
It’s wholesome. It’s cute. It’s quietly funny. It’s like falling in love at a snail’s pace while your neighbour side-eyes you from across the yard.
And honestly? For the right reader, that’s going to hit so good.
This book??? is like being wrapped in a soft pink blanket while your neighbours are low-key causing chaos across the fence and you’re just there with popcorn watching it unfold.
Her writing is genuinely beautiful. Not in a pretentious, flowery way, but in that “these characters feel like people I could accidentally trauma-bond with over coffee” kind of way. The friendships? Warm. The banter? Sharp enough to make me snort. The whole vibe? Cozy chaos.
BUT. And listen, I say this as a certified impatient book goblin who wants emotional devastation AND spice delivered immediately like Uber Eats…
This is a SLOW. BURN.
When I say slow, I mean we are crawling. We are inching. We are watching paint dry on the titular hearts and contemplating life choices. The romance? Simmering gently until like… 80%. The mystery/danger element? Casually strolls in around 60–70%
That said… the beginning isn’t empty. It’s doing the groundwork. It’s building relationships, setting up dynamics, letting you marinate in the friendships and the banter. And if you’re the kind of reader who loves soaking in character interactions and emotional build-up? You are going to EAT THIS UP like it’s a five-course meal.
✨ Would I recommend this? Yes — to my contemporary romance lovers who thrive on vibes, banter, and emotional slow burns.
✨ Would I hand this to a thriller junkie? Absolutely not, they’d start vibrating from lack of chaos.
✨ Mood readers? Proceed with caution. Check your emotional weather forecast first.
This is not your fast-paced romcom. This is a gentle, character-driven stroll with a late-game payoff.
It’s wholesome. It’s cute. It’s quietly funny. It’s like falling in love at a snail’s pace while your neighbour side-eyes you from across the yard.
And honestly? For the right reader, that’s going to hit so good.
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