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I thought my last year at Rushmore was going to be epic. The Ravens were kicking butt and taking names. As the captain of the team, I took special pride in that.

Until one wrong decision sent me spiraling into a dark void. I didn’t think I’d ever find my way out.

Then he came along. The last person on earth I thought would help me—Paris Andino, a linebacker for the Rushmore Rebels.

We’ve never gotten along, mainly because he had a girlfriend who hated my guts.

Now he’s single and determined to make up for all the times he acted like a jerk.

The last thing I need is a knight in shining armor with a guilty conscience—especially one who can smash my heart into pieces.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2022

77 people are currently reading
484 people want to read

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Michelle Hercules

75 books1,840 followers

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5 stars
203 (41%)
4 stars
163 (33%)
3 stars
88 (17%)
2 stars
32 (6%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Medollga.
777 reviews207 followers
July 5, 2023
Very unexpectedly this book touched me and was a great reading experience 😁 there was a lot of drama and check the trigger warnings, but the couple itself was great and once they got together, nothing could break them apart ❤️
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
621 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2022
A great addition to the Rebels of Rushmore. I’ve read 3 of them so when this one came out I jumped on it. It’s Paris and Vanessa’s story a second chance for them both. It starts out 9 years earlier and ends with them in their senior year of college. They each have been in difficult relationships and come together and realized they loved each other from the beginning. I love Michelle’s books and have read a lot of them.
1,202 reviews43 followers
October 22, 2022
Heart Smasher, must read, loved it!

Heart Smasher is the 4th book in the Rebels of Rushmore series.
It’s a story of Paris and Vanessa and their second chance romance.
Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read the series. All of the characters are engaging and endearing. Loved them all.
I hope Michelle Hercules writes another book in the series.
Profile Image for Andrea.
165 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2022
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Dark Rating: 😈😈😈

The title of the book is so painfully accurate, heart smasher will smash you heart to pieces.

Paris and Vanessa’s book is unlike the other 3 in the series. While they have their challenges as a couple the book is more focused around trauma. Facing trauma and healing from it. Michelle always finds a way to break you heart, put it back together and teach you a lessen all while creating a riveting story.

The twists and turns had my eyes bugging out of my head. The shock of the twists I never saw coming threw me and had me itching to read more. I was over the moon to be able to see more of all the power coupled from the previous books. I was in no way ready to say goodbye to any of their stories.

After being introduced to Paris through the whole series, I’m so happy I could dive deeper into his mind and personality. There is definitely more to him than what meets the eye. Diving deeper into his mind brings light to the Paris we got to meet throughout the first three books.


Heart Smasher is an angst filled book with spice for days and most importantly scenes that will have you busting a gut laughing. I have honestly never laughed so hard at a scene before. I was in tears.
Profile Image for Victoria.
164 reviews
November 8, 2022
underwhelming.

2,5⭐️

i’ve waited the whole year for this and I remember being very excited to read paris’ book.

i liked the second chance aspect and how they couldn’t be away from each other but the plot was pretty bad.

it started going downhill with cory, and then there was ryan and then the other girl o can’t even remember her name.

Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,683 reviews187 followers
November 19, 2022
It's been so long since I binge read the previous books in this series that I had completely forgotten most of the characters and thought I would be lost. And I read the start of the blurb and thought it was going to be emotional and sad. Then I started reading it and it came flooding back to me, along with the assumptions I had previously made. And the book was definitely emotional but not in a sad way, so I felt like an idiot for waiting so long to read it, because I had loved the previous books in the series and this one was a great addition to them.

Paris has had an absolute (starts with B and rhymes with witch) of a girlfriend who went out of her way to make life hard for Vanessa. And I had kind of assumed that they had fallen out in high school or something and that the issue was between the two women. Once we get into the book and see the past that is all cleared up and I have to admit I can see how it happened. Obviously, I’m not going to tell you what IT is that happened but oh my heart, you need to read it.

There was a lot of history between Paris and Vanessa, and I really loved how they were together once all that history was cleared up. Add on to that the events that happened to spark that conversation and the way they dealt with their history and present. I personally would have liked to see more closure and a little more retribution, maybe in the form of a truck making some people speed humps. But that’s probably just my own vengeful heart because what we got was more than ample for Paris and Vanessa.


Reading this I was just a big ball of heart eyes and gooey feelings. When I wasn’t too busy fanning myself because damn these two were combustible AF. I didn’t put the book down from start to finish and I loved getting more of the other couples we had previously met. I am seriously hoping we get more of this series and get to see Paris and Vanessa together in a few years living their best life. Oh, and complete side note but how hot is that cover?
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,824 reviews116 followers
October 15, 2022
Holy hotness! Paris and Vanessa are out of this world combustible! The heat in this book is highly charged but the story will have you feeling all the feels!

I have waited for this friends-enemies-LOVERS story since book one! You don’t have to read all the books in the series to enjoy this story but flecks of this romance are spread throughout and I knew it was going to be one of my faves!

Vanessa and Paris can’t stand each other. Especially if Vanessa’s end! Their history is a tough one and one that goes deep! Now that they are older and navigating life their paths cross more and more and their history will no longer be denied but both have demons that are more than eager to rip them apart!

Vanessa his head strong and very prideful! She speaks her mind and isn’t shy when it comes to calling out Paris! It’s one of the things I love about her. She’s a strong woman who isn’t afraid to carve her own path. Paris is more reserved and has the biggest heart but will turn into an alpha male when those he loves are threatened!

Their story is a tough one so beware because there are some triggers but it’s a story that I found cathartic and full of love! You get to see old faces (the Rushmore footballers we already love) and get some more of characters that have been on the sidelines a bit!

With every word you read you will become obsessed with this story and will be rooting for Vanessa and Paris every step of the way!

Also Heather is a spitfire and I love her evil side. She is the Yin to Vanessa’s Yang and I love seeing their twin bond unfold through the pages!
1,056 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2022
Awesome!!!

What an awesome read!! Really loved this storyline and the two main characters. Read this book way to fast!! I have no idea if this is the last book in this series but I'm hoping it's not!
1 review
October 22, 2022
Good book

Good book and an easy read and story to follow. I liked the rest of the series as well. Good writing
31 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2022
loved it

This book had a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel. I wanted to scream at His Ex for being so vile keeping Paris and Vanessa apart for so long.
I have loved every book in this series and I hope we get more.
16 reviews
October 31, 2022
Book 4 in the Rebels of Rushmore series and it just keeps getting better ! Paris is just swoon inducing, panty melting awesome and Vanessa is a sassy little firecracker, absolutely loved reading their story and that they got their 2nd chance at happiness!!
Profile Image for A Reader.
663 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2022
Boring

Vanessa started off feisty and smart, but then she got soft, annoying and dumb. Staying quiet about Ryan. The whole thing with their exes Ryan and Lydia was ridiculous. She didn’t go to the cops, but no worries, someone caught it on camera. I skimmed the last 30 minutes to bypass most of what I already knew would happen with the villains. A book with too many coincidences becomes boring for me.
Profile Image for Mona.
211 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2023
"Heart Smasher" is the fourth part in the "Rebels of Rushmore" series by Michelle Hercules. It revolves around Paris and Vanessa, who have a difficult relationship but can't seem to stay away from each other. I read the other books in the series about 1-2 years ago and loved them back then. However, this book was somewhat underwhelming for me, especially considering how much I had been looking forward to Paris' and Vanessa's story. I'm not sure if it's because I've become a more critical reader or if this book just didn't live up to the standards set by the others in the series.

Anyway, let's discuss the book. The characters were okay, but I had a hard time with Paris. There were moments where I cringed while reading, such as when he called her 'kitten.' I really didn't like that aspect. Overall, the characters were well-developed, but some of them were a bit annoying to me.

The plot wasn't as complex and well-executed as the stories of the other couples in the series. It was still entertaining, but I didn't find myself as emotionally invested. I didn't burst out laughing, feel extremely flustered, giddy, or emotional while reading.

Honestly, I went into it with false expectations because it was advertised as an enemies-to-lovers story, which, in my opinion, was incorrect. It's actually a second chance romance, and I dislike it when books are misadvertised, especially as enemies-to-lovers. I'm not sure whose fault it is for the incorrect marketing.

The book delves into some darker topics, and I appreciated how the author handled themes like sexual assault, abusive relationships, manipulation, and suicide.

All in all, it was an okay read, but I wouldn't recommend this book to others. I'd suggest reading only the first three books in the series.
428 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2022
lovey sortsvromance

A romance story with some tragic undertones. Vanessa and Paris are somewhat a second chance romance story. I say somewhat because they say are a history, it’s not necessarily lovers, as they were 13 when this shared history happened. So friends to crush to enemies to lovers would be the best. Throw in some college sports and it’s an all around great read.

Currently, both are recently out of shorty relationships. Extremely toxic and traumatizing situations. This book is very trauma/tragedy based and may be triggering. That being said I feel Michelle did a great job at portraying this, while keeping sensitive to readers.

Both Vanessa and Paris have some life altering situations. They are both each other first crush, and apparently the feelings never subsided despite their families interventions to pull them apart. I loved that Vanessa was strong and independent. I also loved her relationship with her twin was realistic. Love each other enough to die for them, but not getting along on the daily basis!

As for Paris, I love his protective streak, for ANYONE who he loves in his life. He is a complete cinnamon roll for those he cares about, but wouldn’t think twice about harming those who harm the ones he loves. Especially when the person is Vanessa. Their chemistry is 💥.

Would definitely recommend! It’s an interconnected book within a series that reads well as a stand-alone.

⚠️ mental health, s@, traum@, suic!de and abu$e ⚠️
83 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2022
Plan Your Day Accordingly - You Won’t Want to Put This One Down!

Oof let me tell ya…I am in love with Paris and Vanessa! I loved their parts in the other Rebels of Rushmore books and getting their story is like a dream come true!

The passion between the two of them was like fireworks coming off the page. Whether it was an argument, sarcastic comment, or declaration, the pair were in sync and fully present with one another. Their relationship felt like a rollercoaster at times and I’m just glad I’m tall enough to ride this ride!

Speaking of rollercoasters, the plot - phew! There are multiple outside sources working against our MCs and I found myself page turning quickly to see who would pop up where and try to pull what.

This was also a refreshing story. I love a good mid-act or 75% in drama but Paris and Vanessa’s story felt more like a couple fighting and learning for themselves than a story to fit a romance novel mold. Paris said it best “I’m not losing you…”

My only warning: try to pace yourself! This spicy romance has you wanting more but all good books have a last page.

Speaking of which, uh, I have several other characters in this world that I’d read books for but after this one I am 100% on board with getting an HEA for our girl Heather!
Profile Image for Emmy Thompson.
752 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2022
Lots and lots of exes drama

There is so so much history between Paris and Vanessa it was a little overwhelming for the first half of the book but once they are together their love was so sweet and fun but still super emotionally heavy all the time. I’m glad we had a few chapters just about their past cause I think it would’ve been too much to explain as the story went along but some of it felt like a stretch. I also was kind of confused how they moved past it all. They both hurt each other so much but never really had a talk about it. It felt like it was swept under the rug and took a backseat to Vanessa’s drama with Ryan and Paris’s drama with Lydia. I kind of just wanted ish the book went deeper on all fronts. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a great book. I just wanted more from them. More angst in their own relationship and just a bit more realness to the story of them moving forward.
Profile Image for Bianca White.
Author 2 books36 followers
August 12, 2023
Trigger warning for sexual assault and physical assault.

Another nice addition to this series. Paris and Vanessa have loved each other since their teens, but family and life kept them apart.

They are both in toxic relationships and decide to end them. However, Vanessa is almost raped by her ex-boyfriend, but saved by Paris and they end up finding each other again.

The way the author conveys Vanessa’s experience feels quite authentic and is handled sensitively. There’s a lot of external conflict that could bring their fledging relationship crashing down before it begins, but they are there for each other from the start.

This is a nice romance that acknowledges that life is not always perfect and sometimes relationships have to navigate difficult times. I really like that Paris and Vanessa were determined to be there for each other, despite having to deal with their own baggage.
Profile Image for yarniabook.
397 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
I'll be honest I probably gave this a 2 star review because I don't like bullying period But one thing I really made me angry was that he basically seemed like he was blaming his ex-girlfriend for him bullying her. Sir you are a grown man with your own thoughts and your own ideas and you're telling me that the ex-girlfriend for shoot a bully her I get it in a way cuz they are in a relationship but I don't get it at the same time because I don't think I could forgive that even more. It just kind of made me uncomfortable. Once they got together they were very cute and everything like that but I was kind of like I don't really know if I would want to be with him in all honesty.
Profile Image for Enigma.
153 reviews
April 26, 2025
2.5 ☆'s

Honestly, this just didn't do it. Danny boi and Sadie are definitely my favourites in the whole series.

Paris was a lot more likeable than Vanessa, but they still both fell flat, in my opinion.

Vanessa was honestly a disappointment for me. I liked her in Heart Starter but in here, in her own book? She was just... a nope for me. Mainly, the way she handled things was just not good... Especially at the beginning.

The book near it end felt rushed to me, I'm afraid. If it was just a little longer, I think the plot could've been handled a lot better.
865 reviews
July 5, 2023
DNF 70%

I can't stand books where the girl is attacked and then tries to keep it a secret for some asinine reason. She's like, "I need to tell the police about the attack the other day." Then the guy approached her on campus and pushed her down and she hit her head on a bench. There were witnesses and a perfect opportunity to call the police. Then she immediately lied to her boyfriend about it! Idiot.
Profile Image for Alicia Meyer.
1,469 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2022
Paris and Vanessa

Mmm….I like Michelle Hercules as an author unfortunately I felt like this fell false. Weird poor communication and kind of immature for seniors in college. The characters weren’t necessarily bad and I liked Paris but the dialogue was like high school not college. Sad face.
Profile Image for E. Molgaard.
Author 13 books53 followers
October 26, 2022
sweet

This was a sweet hate to love romance. Vanessa and Paris were always meant to be but things put a spiteful divide between them at least until Paris saves her from her abusive ex. For that moment the dislike they thought they had erased. Paris’s sweet words and need to protect her swept Vanessa off her feet and their love was instant
Profile Image for Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson.
1,113 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2022
Such a great book!

I loved this book so much! I love this series and watching all the people we’ve come to love find their happiness.

This book was definitely filled with a lot of emotions. But I loved watching them persevere. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Chronic Chihuahua.
796 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2023
Its Odd They Keep Blaming Lydia When Paris Chose To Bully Vanessa. Patriarchial Parable Because Women Have This Mythical Social Power Men Grant Them So They Don't Have To Say They Were A Bully Out Loud.
2 reviews
May 2, 2023
enjoyable read

I’ve read all 4 books each one has a good story
I liked the way Michelle wrote about the attack scene with sensitivity
I hope they’ll be more books from the rebels especially Heathers story
Profile Image for Kami.
81 reviews
May 11, 2023
Loved it

Soooo happy for Paris and Vanessa. The spice was exactly what I needed. Pretty scary that Vanessa had to go through the trauma of almost being raped. Good thing Paris was there. Definitely a series you need to read.
Profile Image for Esmee.
2,192 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2023
61 procent. Jeetje was dramatisch en onnodig.. net een fanfiction ofzo .. ze waren sowieso geen vijanden ofzo. Jammer dat het zo verlopen is en dat hun ouders zo tegen waren. Maar dit had allemaal niet hoeven gebeuren.
34 reviews
September 12, 2023
Childhood love revisited & renewed

It was great to read about Paris & Vanessa before & then after to get the full picture of their life. Mental health is no joke & to see them take it head on in the end is awesome.
Profile Image for Dani Marsh.
780 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2022
Nice edition to this series, it was a short read but had everything it needed in it.

This is a story of a love that was always meant to be, but life experiences get between them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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