Open Your Heart

Richardson Sisters #3

by Cheris Hodges

Their family’s historic bed-and-breakfast in Charleston, South Carolina,is a legacy the four very different Richardson sisters are determined to protect at all costs. But sudden passion is a seductive—and dangerous—complication . . .  For fashion boutique owner Yolanda Richardson, coming home is a matter of life and death. Witness to a brutal crime, she's terrified to put her family's B&B in the crosshairs after she starts receiving death threats. Her only refuge is the protection of her reserved hired bodyguard, Charles Morris. But Charles is anything but safe. His icy cool-under-fire—and hidden intensity—is too explosive for Yolanda to resist . . .  Love always equals loss—Charles knows that hard equation all too well. Controlling his emotions keeps his clients from harm—and his heart safe. Yolanda’s beauty and headstrong spirit have him wanting her in all kinds of ways. But for her own protection, he has to do his best to keep her at arm’s length. Until unexpected danger and lethal misunderstandings put their survival—and any chance at a future together—on the knife-edge . . .  Praise for Owner of a Broken Heart “A sexy romp with an undercurrent of emotion and familial devotion.” —Entertainment Weekly “Sizzling love scenes and a strong sense of family will have readers returning for the next in the series.”     —Publishers Weekly  

Genres: Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2021

About the author

Cheris Hodges was bitten by the writing bug at an early age and always knew she wanted to be a writer. She is a 1999 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and a freelance writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Cheris loves hearing from her readers.

Reviews

[Michelle Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stylish boutique owner Yolanda Richardson has a problem. Make that a major, possibly life ending, problem. While staying late one night, she happened to witness a murder. Terrified out of her mind, she makes the decision not to go to the police. After all, the police don't have the best track record with keeping their witnesses alive. And it doesn't help that she's Black. No, she's going to keep her mouth shut. But her silence hasn't stopped threatening letters from showing up. At her wits end, she flees to her family where her father hires takes matters into his hands, hiring her a bodyguard.

Charles "Chuck" Morris is very good at his job. Or at least he's good at his job when he doesn't let his emotions take control. The last time that happened tragedy struck and he's never going to let that happen again. His job is to keep Yolanda safe no matter what. But it doesn't help that she's the sexiest woman he's ever seen.

This job is going to be tougher than he thought.

---

I really loved the idea of this book. I've had a thing for bodyguard falls for protectee.ever since I saw The Bodyguard oh so long ago. However I didn't love the execution. The story took a long time to build up steam and I felt a bit lost at parts since apparently some of the relevant action took place in previous books. I found the story choppy. Coming to starts and stops before zipping along only to crash to screaming halt again. It didn't land for me.

I also had a lot of difficulty liking the hero and heroine. While I completely understood Yolanda's reasoning for not going to the police, I didn't understand her complete unwillingness to take even the most basic of instructions from Chuck. After all he's the expert, his job is to keep her alive. Maybe listen to him. It was super frustrating since she fell into TSTL territory a few too many times for my tastes. I also didn't like how jealous and possessive she was toward him, especially when they weren't even romantically involved yet. Jealousy is never sexy and I really wish that authors would stop using it as a shorthand to show attraction. As for Chuck, I was also frustrated with him. He gave in too easily and he was too easily distracted from his duty by his lust for Yolanda. And because he and Yolanda were always fighting but not actually communicating, the romance didn't really land for me either. Other than lust, I couldn't really the characters working together long-term.

It may seem like I hated this book, but it had its good qualities too. I loved the relationship between the Richardson sisters. I loved seeing Black women being successful, ambitious, and awesome. I really loved the villains. Like I really liked them. The antagonists were some of the best characters in this book and also some of the best antagonists I've read recently.

I feel like I probably would have liked this book more if I'd read the previous books, but since this book can't really stand on its own and because I didn't love the leads this book gets.

Two Stars

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Your Heart by Cheris Hodges is the third book in her Richardson Sisters series. This is third-born sister, Yolanda’s story.

Yolanda is totally frustrated with her bodyguard, Charles. He’s gorgeous, but she really doesn’t want him around unless he’s willing to succumb to her attempts at seduction. Charles is intrigued by the beautiful Yolanda, but he doesn’t mix business with pleasure.

Cheris Hodges maintains the continuity in this third installment of the series. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as invested in Yolanda’s story as I was with the previous books, so it was only 3 out of 5 stars for me, though the writing is still excellent. I recommend it to anyone interested in contemporary romance.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars just for the bodyguard's name. LOLLL.

Listen, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I like to go into some books blind and with the Richardson sisters, I feel like I never know what kind of experience I am going to get. This book was so much more than romance- there was a bit of intrigue and suspense in there, which is also my catnip. Super well done story line. I also enjoyed the bit of slow burn between Yolanda and... Charles... LOL.
I really needed her sisters to mind their business- they grown! We also got a sneak peek at the next book, and I'm already ready. Let's go!

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corny Good

The third book was corny good, and thoroughly annoying. Yolanda got on my very last nerves. And the repetition was another thing. Chuck Morris, lol, reminded me that the author maybe had a thing for Texas Ranger's TV guy, Chuck Norris. Overall, the story was very corny, but it was good.

[Jite · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay but perhaps a little uneven in the telling so that parts of it dragged and then other parts like the resolution felt a little rushed and easily resolved after all the building up of tension. This is the 3rd book in The Richardson Sisters series. This edition features fiery, strong personality fashion entrepreneur, Yolanda, who witnesses a murder outside her shop and is targeted by the bad guys. Her father hires Chuck Morris (yes play on name sounds is well-acknowledged in the book), a bodyguard with a painful past to protect her. But sparks fly, and Yolanda’s personality mean that she’s never been good at taking orders even when they’re for her own good.

I kind of struggled with this romance a bit. On the surface it had a lot of elements I like- strong female lead that is no pushover, supportive family relationships, a good amount of spice, romantic suspense. But I didn’t particularly like Yolanda (or her elder sister, Alex, as characters)- the endless bickering with her older sister grated and was to me, childish, exhausting to read and somewhat out of touch with the fact that her literal life was in danger and she had bigger fish to fry. I couldn’t really understand why she thought hiding the truth about the danger she was in from her family was protecting them- if anything because she insisted on frequent proximity to them, she was endangering them. I think this book circled around a lot of chat about the potential danger without delivering any actual danger. Yolanda’s relationship with Chuck felt at times a little forced- like something she had to talk him into or like something he wasn’t that into. Something about this didn’t work too well for me- it could be my mood as I read, or it could be the book itself, or even a combination of both. This wasn’t a home run for me. I am however intrigued by Book 2 in the series with quiet sister, Robin’s story and so I definitely plan to go back and check that out. Overall, I might see out this series just to complete the sisters’ books, but this wasn’t necessarily my favourite romantic suspense novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I had a good time. This is a bodyguard falls in love with his charge trope, and it's a trope I really enjoyed. Though this book was on the slower side with the romance, I enjoyed the journey.
I will definitely be trying more from this author. And the previous books within the series too.

[Jodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Kingston books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a free review.

This is the first book by Cheris Hodges and in this series that I have read. I am not sure that I will be going back to read the other two. This series follows the Richardson sisters that together own a historical Bed and Breakfast in Charleston SC. This particular one follows sister Yolanda.

Yolanda finds herself hiding from a crime that she witnessed, and Charles Norris, being a bodyguard, is charged with keeping her alive until they catch the killer. Yolanda does not want to involve the police but she doesn't make Charles's job protecting her easy. She fights him every step of the way all while trying to get him to admit that he has feelings for her.

This book was okay. Some series you can pick up a book that is not the first and be okay. But this series is not one. I felt that I needed to have read books 1 & 2 in order to fully appreciate the book. The sisters are so involved in each others lives that I struggled to connect fully with the story. I felt like I was walking in in the middle of a family discussion and asked to give my opinion without anyone telling me the back story.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*advanced kindle copy won in a Goodreads Giveaway*

This is the first story I read by Cheris Hodges and I really liked it! Open Your Heart was a charming love story.

I admire Yolanda’s independence to strike out on her own and open up her own fashion boutique. She’s got a good head on her shoulders but can be incredibly stubborn when she wants to. There were small moments when she was a tad whiny and her behavior towards Charles unfounded. But I liked her character all the same and how far she’s willing to go to protect her family from danger.

Charles is a swoon-worthy love interest who takes his job very seriously. Though very good at what he does, he has his work cut out for him trying to keep Yolanda safe. I like that he’s not afraid to be real with her about how dire the situation is, though that hot and cold does cause some friction between them. It’s also a struggle at times to maintain his logic and reason around Yolanda when he’s so drawn to her. To both their frustrations Charles holds himself back but for truly tragic reasons. His path towards healing and a second chance at love was so sweet.

I love the relationship between Yolanda and her three other sisters. They argue and sometimes get on each other’s nerves. But it’s clear how much they love and are super protective of one another. The family’s close relationship is unshakable, which was nice to see within the story.

Overall, Open Your Heart was an entertaining romantic suspense. The characters were well written and interesting. The story kept my attention the entire time. And the romance between Yolanda and Charles was tantalizingly slow, sweet as can be, and steamy!

Open Your Heart is book 3 of 4 of the Richardson Sisters series. I’m looking forward to reading the other books featuring Yolanda’s sisters as I got to know them really well in this one.

[Dafort · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Your Heart is book three in Cheris Hodges’ Richardson Sisters series. This installment finds Yolanda Richardson hiding from a crime she witnessed and bodyguard Charles Norris has the task of keeping her alive until the killer is caught. There is instant attraction between these two and Charles is fighting it because of past events. Yolanda is resistant to involve the police and fights Chuck every step while trying to get him to admit his feelings toward her. Throw in the events with her sister’s upcoming nuptials and her older sisters wanting answers on the true nature of Chuck’s relationship with Yolanda. As the story evolves and the killers are revealed, Chuck races to ensure Yolanda’s safety before he and she can fully pursue their feelings. Will they catch the killer in time, readers will have to purchase a copy to learn the outcome.

Overall, this was an ok read. This book ran concurrently with the first two books and at times I felt Yolanda was too stubborn and too involved with her siblings lives to fully deal with her feelings for Chuck. As fearless and tough she portrayed with her family, she was scared to go to the police to report what she witnessed. I don’t feel Yolanda and Chuck really explored their feelings with the travelling back and forth to the family establishment and Yolanda fighting Chuck at every turn and finally the references to events in the prior installments. Again, I still feel the Richardson sisters were a bit extreme with their protectiveness but realize this was how they displayed their love. I would recommend this series.

Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Open Your Heart is the third book in the Richardson Sisters series. It can be read as a standalone, but I really enjoyed the previous two and would recommend them.

Unfortunately, this one was great in theory, but not so much in execution. I did like the overall setup, and while the situation Yolanda is in, being pursued by a killer after being witness to a crime is a bit intense, especially in comparison to the more lighthearted (comparatively) tone of the prior books, I enjoyed the high-stakes situation that ended up bringing her and Charles together, even if it did feel a bit improbable at times.

I continue to like the subtle role the sisters play in each others’ books, with them meddling with each other’s love lives and giving each love interest a hard time.

But I did want more from the romance itself. I guess it’s kind of a slow-burn, with Charles fighting his attraction due to events from his past. But I was never fully invested, which is sad, as the external circumstances at play would typically make the romance burn brighter. Add to this the somewhat choppy pacing, where it simultaneously feels short and unfulfilling, yet also like it dragged, and I found myself rather underwhelmed.

That’s not to say another reader won’t enjoy it, as there are elements that I enjoyed about it, and the things that I didn’t are largely a matter of taste.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. I really like Charles, although his profession can be dangerous he very cautious and takes it serious. I think his alpha persona makes room for his gentlemanly charms. Yolanda is just way too high strung for me especially considering her predicament. It was hard for me to warm up to her because she couldn't seem to make up her mind who she was. As a whole I think the story is a 3 1/2* I haven't read any of the other books in the zestful Richardson Sisters series. I think this story would have been better reading for me if I had since all the sisters are so heavily involved in this story. Those insights were perplexing without already knowing the complicated and very astonishing history that is alluded to. It's heavy on the drama side which is always entertaining. I received an advance free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Untamed Publishing · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment, we explore 1 of 4 sisters, Yolanda, the feisty entrepreneur. Interwoven are the individual relationships each sister has with the others. This book gave all the feels of the inner struggles that both Charles and Yolanda had to bear to come to terms with the life-threatening situation at hand, and later their love for each other.

We enjoyed seeing them peel back the layers.
The writing was superb, the love scenes, and family drama were fantastic. The only thing that left us a bit underwhelmed was the action in the end. We thought there would be more intensity and conflict to drive it home. Overall, the author delivered a stellar romantic novel that left our hearts fawning over Charles and Yolanda.

Thank you NetGalley for this book and we are voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Cheris Hodges, I love her writing style. “Open Your Heart” is book 3 in the Richardson Sisters series. Love the characters, family drama, camaraderie between the sisters, togetherness, sexy, steamy hot sexy scenes. The bond that the 4 Richardson shared was unremarkable. They fussed and argued but they were thick as thieves and always there for each other no matter what. Alexandria was the mother hen and the sisters needed that.

Charles did not mince words with Yolanda the camaraderie between the two was oh so good, what he said went even though Yolanda always gave him a hard time. He was smitten with her the first time he saw her. They were so good together and he kept Yolanda grounded and got her to understand how serious things were with keeping her safe. I so loved how comfortable Yolanda became with Charles was around but she was also terrified but tried her best to handle everything.

Next up is Alexandria, “Can’t Hide Love” her journey to love. I would love read book about Madison and Sarah. Hopefully it’s in the making.

Thank You Netgalley and Dafina for giving the opportunity to read this ARC of "Open Your Heart".

[Tati Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! We get the story about why Yolanda has this hunky body guard! I am such a fan of Cheris Hodges and I love this series of books about the Richardson Sisters, set in gorgeous Charleston. I like Yolanda. She is spunky and no-nonsense but we have the stoic Charles that somehow sparks something in here that she didn't think she had.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to get the previous ARCS of the other two books in the series as well. Also, I cannot wait for the audiobook of this as well.

[Antionette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantically Intriguing

Love blooms with a backdrop of murder and madness in a way only Cheris Hodges can tell the story. I was drawn in just from chapter one. The Richardson sisters are all unique and strong willed women, but Yolanda is mouthy times 2. A business owner that knows her clientele and fashion meets and unexpectedly connects with Charles Morris a hired bodyguard. While guarding Yolanda's body she captures his heart in a untraditional sort of way. I am always entertained with Hodges characters and their shenanigans. One of four sisters worthy of being a 5⭐Boss

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third story with Richardson sisters for me I like Charles he was decent man struggling with past hurts and emotions. Yolanda was a bit much and even irritating on some levels especially when Chuck was trying to keep her safe and alive from hitman hunting her. Even though the story was great and flowed smoothly, I just don't see how this couple can make it long-term. Yolanda seems to struggle at times with who she is and what she wanted. I can't wait to read Alex's story the fourth Richardson sister.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

OPEN YOUR HEART is book # 3 in the "Richardson Sisters" series and the first book that I've read by this author. There were a few times that I would have liked to have known more about the sisters backstory, but it didn't detract too much from the story.

This is one of those books that I am torn by. It is well written and edited yet it dragged a little for me. The entire book surrounds one particular event and a few of the h's decisions really boggled my mind.

I would consider this a bit of a slow burn and while I did skim a little at places, it was an over all decent read.

I received an advanced copy from net-galley.

[Tiffany Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book definitely gave me The Bodyguard vibes from the start. I'll admit that I had a hard time pushing through this, partially because the plot of the crime almost overpowered the romance story. I couldn't tell which one was the focal point. I wish we had more character development between Chuck and Yolanda, and their banter was just a tad frustrating. Also, the climax was very underwhelming.

**I received this ARC from Kensington Books in exchange for my review.**

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY a Richardson Sisters book I actually ENJOYED. Yolanda and Charles had an INSTANT connection and attraction. I was thoroughly CAUGHT UP in the thrilling suspense and romance in this novel. I found Yolanda's character to be the most fun, engaging and believable in the 3 books so, far. Once again, the camaraderie between the sisters is quite LIVELY and COLORFUL! I hope Alexandria's story is just as GOOD! I'm looking forward to the last book.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Yolanda was enjoying her life until trouble came. Now fearful for her life she meets her protector Charles (Chuck). This is their love story, filled with danger and intrigue. The Richardson sisters stories are going on at the same time, so there is overlap in all the books. I look forward to the next installment.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by author Cheris Hodges. I enjoyed both the suspense and making sure she remained safe as well as the fight the main characters found themselves in trying to resist love. Sometimes the things we need most comes in unexpected ways. I look forward to reading other books by this author. Thank you Netgalley and publisher Dafina for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

In this four part series of four sisters who owns a historical B&B in Charleston, SC. This time around Yolanda becomes the focus as her relationship with Charles as we watch her interact with her siblings. When a life threatening situation occurs, it will cause havoc and perhaps their love for each other.

This is a story of love and struggle as we live.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Open Your Heart was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Cheris Hodges, I love her writing style. “Open Your Heart” is book 3 in the Richardson Sisters series. Love the characters, family drama, camaraderie between the sisters, togetherness, sexy, steamy hot sexy scenes. The bond that the 4 Richardson shared was unremarkable. They fussed and argued but they were thick as thieves and always there for each other no matter what. Alexandria was the mother hen and the sisters needed that.

Charles did not mince words with Yolanda the camaraderie between the two was oh so good, what he said went even though Yolanda always gave him a hard time. He was smitten with her the first time he saw her. They were so good together and he kept Yolanda grounded and got her to understand how serious things were with keeping her safe. I so loved how comfortable Yolanda became with Charles was around but she was also terrified but tried her best to handle everything.
Next up is Alexandria, “Can’t Hide Love” her journey to love. I would love read book about Madison and Sarah. Hopefully it’s in the making.

I received an ARC via Netgalley and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lavonne Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a brat

I enjoyed the book, but Yolanda was kind of a brat. The pouting and screaming weren’t really necessary. I will stick around for Alex’s story it should be interesting.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Love

Book three in the Richardson Series by Cheris Hodges , had me laughing, saying oh no, and cuss words all at the same time. Story flowed , the love , hate between the sisters was real.

#Cillasbookmaniacs #Mamatoni #Sisters

[Ethel Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hodges' Richardson Sisters are a.......

I love this book and this series! The sisters are a hoot, like close sisters are. There's suspense, romance, and the Daddy that every girl should have. Can't wait for Alex's story!

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yolanda Richardson has meet her match, when she witnesses something she should not had. Thanks to her dad and sister, In come Clark Kent by the name of Charles Norris to save the day. There was much laughter and sister disagreements with love sprinkled in. A great job Cheris Hodges.

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open Your Heart (\Richardson Sisters Book 3

Another Richardson sister gets her man. Yolanda learned that not talking about a murder doesn't make it go away but a hot bodyguard makes it better even for a hard head like her.

[Michelle Fenison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at its best

Never did I expect the twists and turns in this book! And the story keeps on going. Yolanda and Chuck are like oil and water but eventually when you turn up the heat they mix well together!!