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Southern Heroes #4

All the Wasted Time

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Hiding in Ocean’s Isle after being suspended from the force for two months, my hot, feisty, neighbor is the last person I should be interested in.
But the next thing I know, we keep running into each other, which lead to some pretty intense sexually-loaded moments.
I’m not supposed to fall for her, especially knowing I’ll be going home in a week to face the mess I left behind. It’s just supposed to be a mind-blowing one-night stand.

Then I walk into the precinct, and I meet the new psychologist. I sure as hell didn’t see it coming, and now I have to bare my soul to the woman who should’ve remained a fantasy.
Keeping her at a distance is next to impossible, but knowing her life might be in danger if I give into the growing attraction between us, I have no choice but to keep pretending to be the playboy joker everyone thinks I am.

But will I be able to keep resisting the powerful pull between us?
Will I be able to hide her from the man who swore to destroy my life the way I destroyed his?

Will I ever survive the consequences of that fatal night?

Please note: All The Wasted Time contains sensitive scenes which may be upsetting to some readers.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2015

216 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Horst

44 books1,620 followers
Please find me under my new profile Michelle Heard >>> https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,622 reviews10.9k followers
March 5, 2019
Image and video hosting by TinyPic 1 ALL THE WASTED TIME: Is the fourth full length romance novel in Michelle Heard’s ‘Southern Heroes’ series. In this we meet Wyatt & Scarlett. Image and video hosting by TinyPic Straight away in chapter one were clued into what kind of demons are chasing Wyatt. A fatal accident has left him reeling from the guilt he has to carry daily on his shoulders that he couldn't do more.

Whilst he’s on suspended leave from the force he takes a trip to Ocean’s Isle for a few days to clear his head and to figure out what he's doing with this life. He only really joined the police force so that his parents would be proud of him, he's always struggled trying to measure up to his older brother Aiden.

It’s here that he encounters his gorgeous neighbour Scarlett.

The attraction between these two is INSTANT, their chemistry SIZZLES off the pages. She can’t wait to get her hooks into him for just one night, he doesn’t do commitments, he’s a love them and leave them kind of guy. So one night is all they give of themselves.

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Neither expected to see the other again. One night was all they gave themselves. The last thing they expected was to be working in the same precinct, Scarlett is the new psychologist where she has to council Wyatt over a case where he lost his temper.

Going into this I didn’t know what to expect, though I was hooked as soon as I started it I didn’t expect the journey to be such an emotional one, the author had me eating out of the palm of her hand, I love seeing this side of her, this ticked all my boxes. I swooned, I had tears, I connected with these characters, I loved their journey. So much guilty heartache that had light at the end of the tunnel. These two were perfection.

Twenty-nine year old Wyatt was nothing like I expected he'd be, being the jokester this book delved deeper into his soul and we saw the real softer side emerge, he wore his emotions on his sleeve and he wasn't afraid to show them and I loved seeing this side of him.

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Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
February 15, 2020
I need a minute to think about this review, Wyatt broke my heart and then pieced it back together and I ugly cried so many more times than once reading his journey. And Scarlett is not your typical heroine and believe me this woman has it all going on. I cannot explain how much I loved this book.

Scarlett first meets Wyatt when she is visiting her beach home and thinks that what they shared was nothing but a one night stand that is until fate steps in on the day she starts a new job as [psychiatrist at the police station and her first client is the man she shared an incredible night with. It’s clear from the outset that these two characters have explosive chemistry and it’s not long before the lines between professional and personal are blurred beyond recognition. But when it becomes clear that there is more going on with Wyatt than she can deal with can she be his lighthouse in the storm that he is entering or are they doomed to fail?

Wyatt has always been the happy go lucky, player in the pack, but he is harbouring secrets that no one would ever expect. The weekend he meets Scarlett he is escaping from his thoughts, after witnessing a horrific scene where he failed to save someone his life has descended into darkness that he is fighting his way through daily. When Scarlett starts work at the police precinct and he is ordered to see the onsite psychartrist he finds himself opening up to her in way that he wasn’t sure he ever could. His feelings grow for her but things aren’t what he thinks they are in his life and he is locked in a nightmare he fears he will never escape.

This was a heart-warming story of love and acceptance and deals with depression and mental illness in a way that made sense to me. This is not a story for the faint hearted and I am serious when I say that I cried a lot. Highly recommended read that I know will read again. If I could give this book more than 5* I really would.
Profile Image for Big Joe  Rossi.
1,776 reviews49 followers
May 5, 2019
Wyatt is the funny guy, the player, the sweet guy, the good friend, the one who makes you laugh. It is those types who hide their truth and Wyatt is no different. After being suspended from the force for beating, well deserved beating, a suspect he goes to Ocean's Isle and when he meets his neighbor, Scarlett, they have a heated one night stand, her disappearing in the morning.

Back at work, returning from suspension and being sent to the force's head shrinker, he is shocked to learn the new shrink is Scarlett. He has issues but isn't one to open up. He tries. He also is drawn to her and her to him as the two grow closer things are about to implode when he is severely shaken by what he thinks is a mistake at a rescue attempt. Haunted by his actions, he will need her and his family to help him and in doing so maybe give them a chance at a HEA.

I did not see the twist of what was bothering Wyatt coming AT ALL!!! I liked the way it was done. I would of loved more of a connection between Scarlett and Wyatt, to me they felt more like friends than lovers. Really loving this series
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,405 followers
March 14, 2019
Amazing heroine. Strong and kind woman.
Not a typical CR set-up, damsel in distress wasn't present in it, thanks God!

The story is much deeper than I expected.

It's more like 4.5 stars, but after endless boring stories with cliche tropes, this one was like a breath of fresh air 😀, and I always want to encourage authors to write more decent heroes and strong heroines.

5 stars!!!! 😍
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
September 9, 2015
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****



This is 5 heartbreaking stars



I’m absolutely gutted after this one, and my mind is a complete mess of emotions. These Holden boys have a way of getting into your heart and soul, and if I thought Wake Me Up (book 1) took me on a chaotic ride of twisty emotions, Wyatt outdid it by leaps and bounds.



Wyatt has felt as if he’s been living in the shadow of his brother Aiden his whole life, and he wants something that is his and only his. He thought he had that in Scarlett, but then out of nowhere, she disappears out of his life. Time has passed, and she’s suddenly back in town, literally standing in front of him, and it takes all his willpower to not verbally attack her yet in the same breath, kiss her until they’re both numb.



Scarlett is back with a bag full of secrets, and trying to protect herself and the ones she loves can prove more difficult than she thought, seeing how Wyatt is there to question her at every turn. She wants to trust in him, but the fear of rejection and heartache always lingers around her. Soon Wyatt discovers the truth, hidden behind the lies, and struggles with his feelings towards Scarlett for keeping things from him. He wants so badly to be her protector, her one and only, and my god if he doesn’t show it with flying colors.



There’s a mix of stories going on in this one, with the Holden brothers smack dab in the center of it all. They will all have to band together to protect, love, and cherish the time they have together, and realize family is everything.



Turning to that last page, I was a sobbing mess, and just thinking about how this could all turn out gets my nerves all jumbled up again, but I can’t wait!



Loving this series and thanking Michelle Horst for bringing it to us all!

Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
October 19, 2015
There's a saying bad thing's happen to good people

This is a one of those reads that pulls on your heart from all directions and just when you think you're recovering along with the characters there's another twist.

Michelle has the ability to pull you in with her words and you feel every part of the scene playing out before you in you're minds eye.

This starts off seeming like a romantic getaway kind of read where childhood friends reunite at their family's beach side homes where they used to see each other years ago as children and although it is, it doesn't then prepare you for what follows.

A heartfelt story,great strong characters, a powerful undertone to carry on regardless of what tragedies may be thrown at you and brilliantly written.

I love Michelle's writing but also know as I read I have to be prepared for her twists. Another great read.
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
March 5, 2019
Wyatt’s life has changed since one night and now lives with it daily. This book is intense and heartbreaking but real. I love Wyatt’s personality and strength he doesn’t even realize he has. This book needs a warning must have tissues while reading! You never know what someone is going through. This book shows us how no matter what we all need that one person to open up too. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
March 12, 2019
Finally, Wyatt's story. I am loving this series and couldn't wait for Wyatt.



He's the Joker, the lovable guy, he's made me laugh in the previous book but in All the wasted time you see the sadness and turmoil behind the joker mask of Wyatt.

Wyatt's story begins when he witnesses an accident, the car explodes and he fails to save someone, Wyatt blames himself for not being able to save her.

Wyatt and Scarlett meet at a beach side home when he takes himself away for a few days before going back to work as a police officer.
Scarlett is also on a break before she starts her new job.

What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into more when fate steps in they reunite. Scarlett starts her new job as a Psychiatrist at Wyatt's precinct.

A heartwarming story that also touches on the subject of mental health , family love and support.

An enjoyable read but I would have liked more chemistry between Wyatt and Scarlett, I thought the getting to know you phase, the flirting and the foreplay normally in a new relationship was amiss and it jumped into serious to quickly.

A recommended series that I am thoroughly enjoying from Michelle Heard. I love the brotherly love between the guys and the family feel the characters bring with their support for each other.

Looking forward to the next book in the series. Each book can be read as a standalone. Told in first person dual pov. Leads to hea.



ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,424 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2019
Oh wow... From the start Wyatt was one of my favourite characters. But you had to know that underneath all that happy go lucky character was someone that was hiding something. And Wyatt oh man, he was such a good, happy person but inside he was the most saddest person ever.
Scarlett was so right person for him. I loved it. She was exactly the type of person to deal with all his hurt. I think like a lot of reviews I'm so scared of saying something that will give it away, lol.
All I can say is that if you have read this series from the start this story will not disappoint you and as with this author she really surprises you. You will definitely not see where this is going. My heart was just sore for Wyatt! <3

Michelle amazing job with Wyatt and Scarlett. Funny, painful, dark (sometimes) but definitely a story that will have you anticipating what is next in this series. I read the blurb and man a South African Bad girl, Whoop Whoop!!! can't wait lady!
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
March 4, 2019
This was a tragic, yet hopeful book. It had sadness, yes lots of love, caring and definitely emotions
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,139 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2019
Wasted Time.

Loved it! Real. Raw and emotional. Definitely wasn’t expecting that little twist but man was it good. I loved both characters. Wyatt was such a sweet broken man and she was tough as hell. It was great still hearing from all the other characters as well. Can’t wait for the next book. I’m hoping it’s Zac and Morgan.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
March 6, 2019
5 Cranky Stars


I’ve always had an affinity for Wyatt Holden. His infectious sense of humor and his big heart. You knew he had a story to tell and boy it is one to pull at your heart strings. He made me tear up and I just wish I had a little more time with him.


Wyatt is trying to just live his best life. He is on the force with his whole family and the carefree always single guy of the group. When he goes beyond his duties during his last case, he is placed on a two month leave. Not to long after that an accident he was involved in has left him with some serious guilt and it’s playing with his mind. He decides maybe soaking up some sun at the family beach house will get him in the right headspace to head back. He doesn’t expect to meet Scarlett the girl who lured him into her bed then ran. When he heads back to work, he doesn’t expect his new psychiatrist is the one and only Scarlett. With mounting guilt and trying to maintain a normal appearance his mental stability is about to snap.


Scarlet is setting off to make a new life for herself as the Lyman Police Departments new psychiatrist. The first case to come across her desk is Wyatt Holden and she is unsure what to do. Upon meeting him in a more formal setting she starts to notice some things are off about him. How he’s always sneaking off to answer phone calls and injuries he can’t explain. They decide to embark on a relationship but when Wyatt finally reaches a breaking point, she is forced to do something most girlfriends aren’t expecting to do so early on. Now she just wants to help this amazing man with the big heart get better and get a new grip on life.


I love these two. They were equally matched and they both brought something to the table. I liked how Scarlett didn’t give up and run she saw Wyatt and knew he was the one. I felt so bad for Wyatt and his journey. It broke my heart. I would say this book is everything. It’s a long look at mental illness and love. Wyatt and Scarlett heat up the screen of your kindle one minute then have you happy sighing the next. They are the epitome of what true love is. We also get to see our boys from past books and another series as well. Kudos to Michelle Heard breathing new life into a much loved story.

Profile Image for K.A. Graham.
Author 22 books119 followers
September 9, 2015
I’m absolutely gutted after this one, and my mind is a complete mess of emotions. These Holden boys have a way of getting into your heart and soul, and if I thought Wake Me Up (book 1) took me on a chaotic ride of twisty emotions, Wyatt outdid it by leaps and bounds.

Wyatt has felt as if he’s been living in the shadow of his brother Aiden his whole life, and he wants something that is his and only his. He thought he had that in Scarlett, but then out of nowhere, she disappears out of his life. Time has passed, and she’s suddenly back in town, literally standing in front of him, and it takes all his willpower to not verbally attack her yet in the same breath, kiss her until they’re both numb.

Scarlett is back with a bag full of secrets, and trying to protect herself and the ones she loves can prove more difficult than she thought, seeing how Wyatt is there to question her at every turn. She wants to trust in him, but the fear of rejection and heartache always lingers around her. Soon Wyatt discovers the truth, hidden behind the lies, and struggles with his feelings towards Scarlett for keeping things from him. He wants so badly to be her protector, her one and only, and my god if he doesn’t show it with flying colors.

There’s a mix of stories going on in this one, with the Holden brothers smack dab in the center of it all. They will all have to ban together to protect, love, and cherish the time they have together, and realize family is everything. Turning to that last page, I was a sobbing mess, and just thinking about how this could all turn out gets my nerves all jumbled up again, but I can’t wait! Loving this series and thanking Michelle Horst for bringing it to us all!


Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
March 8, 2019
ALL THE WASTED TIME is the 4th book in Michelle Heard’s ‘Southern Heroes’ series. This is Wyatt and Scarlett's story.
We have seen Wyatt in previous books for Wyatt is Aiden's younger brother -- a fun, carefree kind of guy. He's the joker, a player. But really he has been struggling with something so painful that he hides it down deep.
He was suspended from the police force so Wyatt takes himself off to his family's holiday home to regroup. 
This is where he runs into Scarlett; she used to holiday at the same place when she was a kid. They have a great amazing one night together. Wyatt returns back to work and guess who he ends up face to face with ? Scarlett....she is the precinct's new psychologist. And now he has to see her on a professional level. What's he to do now?
Scarlett sees a man suffering and wants to stop him from falling any farther; now only to figure out what's going on with him and how to fix him.
This is an emotional powerhouse of a romance that will keep you glued from start to finish. Wyatt and Scarlett are electrifying together. Their chemistry is intense and the feels are deep with this book. Every emotion is felt- hurt, fear, , trust, hope,pain, passion, and love comes across at every turn. Ms. Heard wrote such a beautiful story and its sad this is the end of the series but what a great way to end it. Amazing!!!

My Rating: 4.8 stars ******
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,044 reviews124 followers
March 11, 2019
"He's the kind of hot that burns you until you're nothing but ashes."

I had really high hopes for this book, because I loved Wyatt in the books before and he's such an intriguing character. Sadly this book didn't really work for me. His story has so much potential, yet I have the feeling this book scratched only the surface of what it could have been.

The warning at the beginning, that the book was previously published as "Wyatt" and has been edited and rewritten should have been enough to back down my high hopes . Because I felt it everywhere. Almost everything felt rushed and kind of half-baked. I wished for more depth in so many parts of the book. Also I had trouble with the whole time lapse and I got confused in between.

I guess all this lead to the fact that I felt far from really connecting with the characters even though I adored both at the same time. However, IMO both characters didn't get their development to their full potential. They are both equally great and together even better but something is missing.

I'm truly sorry I couldn't love this book as much as I expected I would.

"Love isn't a feeling. It's helping each other through life while dreaming of a future together."

All The Wasted Time is an emotional and sad, yet beautiful story with a broken hero and a strong heroine who helps him finding back his way to life.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
March 6, 2019
Wyatt is probably my most favorite character in this series, but I had no idea his story would run so deep! My emotions got on the Wyatt roller coaster and I felt them all vividly as I DEVOURED this story. I had no idea it was coming, and it was beautiful, breathtaking, heart breaking, and lent so many different facets to his character previously unseen. Always a smooth talking, snarky joker who made me giggle wholeheartedly, his vulnerability and huge heart made him shine so bright, I just adored him. The chemistry between Wyatt and his lady love was immediate, yet I didn't know it would run so deeply as it did. The cherry on top was previous characters making an appearance in an ending that brought a smile just as fast as tears!! This journey was well worth the binge read that I ignored my life in the time it took me to read it! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Profile Image for Jennifer .
698 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2019
Wyatt isn't your typical Alpha Male Hero. He's not the in your face type. Wyatt is the joker. The one who makes you laugh. The little brother. He's also a man haunted.
Scarlett is NOT the southern bell you might associate with that name. She isn't looking for a hero to rescue her. She might be the one doing the rescuing.
What I loved most about this book, besides those two facts, is that Michelle has taken a somewhat broken man, and made him human. He has emotions and feelings. He's not afraid to cry. He's not afraid to show his soul. No matter how damaged that might be. She's also made Scarlett not only NOT damsel in distress but she's also made her caring and warm. The type of person you want on your side. The one you want to tell all of your problems too.
Wyatt and Scarlett may not be your typical hero and heroine, but they ARE the kind of fictional people I'd like to know.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,622 reviews151 followers
March 7, 2019
One moment can have a ripple effect and change not just your personality but your whole life too.

The prologue is intense my heart was racing reading it, the writing really put you in the situation I felt like I was there. It's a moment that changes Wyatt's life and is the reason he meets Scarlett.

I don't want to say any specifics about the story. It went in a direction I didn't see coming but when all was revealed it made perfect sense. This was my favourite in the series because of its emotional depth. There are many feelings brought up in this book. Pain love and loss are present throughout. For me the way the author wrote his mental health struggles was simply outstanding.

Wyatt and Scarlett's story isn't always light and fluffy it's dark and painful at times but it's a book that is well worth the read.
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,201 reviews39 followers
March 11, 2019
Book 4 in Michelle Heard’s Southern Heroes series brings us Wyatt Holden’s story. Wyatt, like pretty much his whole family, works at Lyman Police Precinct, he’s a detective, currently on suspension. While at his family’s beachside retreat he manages to hookup with his hot neighbour, who he finds out shortly after, just happens to be the new police psychologist at his station. Cute story with some emotional scenes dealing with Wyatt and his extremely sensitive disposition. Scarlett handles Wyatt and all his issues with compassion and patience, she truly is his soulmate. I loved catching up with all the guys and their families. I received a copy of the book from the author. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,750 reviews30 followers
March 13, 2019
Michelle does it again!! She knows how to weave a story that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. For every down, she pulls you right back up. I am always riveted from the beginning until the end.
Wyatt, my heart broke for him. Scarlett is just what he needed. Michelle also has a way of writing a male character, that if you were not a fan before, you will be. She always has underlying messages of hope, strength and love. Each character fights for their happily ever after and Wyatt and Scarlett are no different. Join them as they fight for theirs. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Dawn Walsh.
222 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2019
I knew from reading the previous Southern Heroes books that I loved Wyatt, however, this book was not what I expected at all. I absolutely love Wyatt and Scarlett. Wyatt has been dealing with some major issues, he has what he thought was a one night stand with Scarlett only to learn later that she is the psychologist for the police department that he works for. What does for these two? I absolutely loved Scarlett and was able to relate with her character a great deal. Heard has done an amazing job with their story and real life issues. I highly recommend this as well as the whole series.
Profile Image for Neringa Neringiukas.
1,213 reviews85 followers
March 4, 2019
I'm lost for words. I wasn't expecting what I got from this story. Sometimes it was painful to read. Wyatt pain was killing me. And then when you are shown how much that pain was killing him.... Yeah, that was just.... I'm afraid to even thing what would had happened if not for Scarlett. She was a blessing sent to Wyatt. I loved them together.
Profile Image for Amber- Leave Me Alone I’m Reading.
827 reviews69 followers
March 6, 2019
This is such a heart-wrenching read. Wyatt is just so... so much more than I expected him to be! I loved him and all of his brokenness. Scarlett is such a strong and confident heroine and I love her soooo much.
All of the Souhtern Heroes books are amazing! They are all so emotional. I think I shed tears during each one. They’re all beautiful and unique stories and I definitely recommend them.
Profile Image for Clayr Catherall.
1,609 reviews98 followers
March 9, 2019
This series is amazing!

Wyatt is such a troubled soul. His problems run so much deeper than I ever imagined. His story really pulled at the heartstrings. I cried, laughed, and had so many different emotions while reading. Really enjoyed this story.






Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,470 reviews52 followers
March 6, 2019
This one had all the feels.Really love Wyatt and Scarletts amazing beautiful broken intense emotional love story.Had me on the edge.Ready for more.Gimme zac
Profile Image for McKenzie K..
120 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2019
Powerful!

Wyatt’s character hit so close to home for me. Mental illness has such a stigma behind it that many people get lost in just the thought. Scarlett is such a driving force and lands in Wyatt’s life at the right moment. Their love story is one I’ve never read. It was so refreshing to read what Wyatt was going through in a positive light. With little judgment. It allows the read to empathize with him. His thoughts and worries allowed the reader to view their own worries and find solace in knowing there is hope. Michelle Heard has become one of if not my absolute favorite author. Her insight for story telling is profound. I recommend this to all. If you don’t fall in love with Wyatt then you definitely need your mind check. This book was AMAZING!!!!!!
5 reviews
March 7, 2019
Amazing!!!!

This book had me laughing and crying. I couldnt put it down until it was finished. I love how you had Hayden and miss Sebastian and Rhett come into this book. Best characters in the series of books. Cant wait for the others to come out.
Profile Image for Kristine Mcginnis.
23 reviews
March 13, 2019
Absolutely love this book!


This book is great. I love that character relationships and the different way things are handled. It’s a great story of love, friendship, and family.
Profile Image for Reva Coomer.
2,017 reviews
March 17, 2019
Emotional ride

Wyatt is a lovable man with a huge heart. I'm not going t o write a very long review because i don't want to spoil it for anyone. I didn't see this book going I the direction it did. It was a very nice surprise and a good read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bracker.
121 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2019
!!!!

I definitely recommend reading this book!!! I truly enjoyed reading Wyatt and Scarletr's story! Couldn't put the book down keep tissues close by
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