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Matters of the Heart #3
The Freedom of Loving
Jared Hartley is tired of pretending. He’s spent the past seventeen years trying to live by other people’s expectations. When his home life implodes, he turns to the only person who’s wanted nothing from him except the one thing he hasn’t been able to give—his love.
Sam Evans is lonely. He has a job he loves and familial responsibilities, but he’s also spent the past six years wanting someone who will never be his.
Jared and Sam have loved each other since they met, but Jared’s complicated home life meant the only thing they could ever be is friends. When Jared returns for his annual vacation, he has one goal in mind: show Sam how great they could be together. But matters of the heart are never easy and Sam, too afraid of getting hurt, won’t cross the boundaries set in place.
With the help of their meddling family, Jared hatches a plan to woo Sam and win the heart of the only man he’s ever loved. As the pair grow closer than ever before, they learn what love freely offered and given feels like for the first time. But Jared’s not-so-distant past comes calling, and Sam’s family life faces upheaval, putting their fledgling relationship to the test. Will love prove to be enough to survive the inevitable crash of reality, or is their soul-deep connection one of friends only?
Sam Evans is lonely. He has a job he loves and familial responsibilities, but he’s also spent the past six years wanting someone who will never be his.
Jared and Sam have loved each other since they met, but Jared’s complicated home life meant the only thing they could ever be is friends. When Jared returns for his annual vacation, he has one goal in mind: show Sam how great they could be together. But matters of the heart are never easy and Sam, too afraid of getting hurt, won’t cross the boundaries set in place.
With the help of their meddling family, Jared hatches a plan to woo Sam and win the heart of the only man he’s ever loved. As the pair grow closer than ever before, they learn what love freely offered and given feels like for the first time. But Jared’s not-so-distant past comes calling, and Sam’s family life faces upheaval, putting their fledgling relationship to the test. Will love prove to be enough to survive the inevitable crash of reality, or is their soul-deep connection one of friends only?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2022
About the author
Abrianna Denae
48 books275 followersAbrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 28, 2022
Ta seria jest, jak dla mnie pisana. Wystarczy fajna rodzina i przyjaciel i ja już wiem, że książka jest dla mnie.
Read
October 10, 2023DNF @52%
I got invested in these guys from the previous book but the writing is so bad. I mourn the characters and the love story that I wanted between them. Instead I got a bunch of children acting like children and rehashing all the events from the previous book, just from a different perspective. Another author shelved.
I got invested in these guys from the previous book but the writing is so bad. I mourn the characters and the love story that I wanted between them. Instead I got a bunch of children acting like children and rehashing all the events from the previous book, just from a different perspective. Another author shelved.
October 31, 2022
I’m head over heels in-live with this series!! I may have tears staining my face right now but I have the biggest, stupidest smile on my face too. 🖤🔥🌈🔥🖤
November 26, 2022
I love this series so much. This book was so sweet and adorable. Thank you to the Author for the ARC.
January 19, 2023
THE FREEDOM OF LOVING is the third book in the Matters of the Heart series and it's time for Jared and Sam to shine. Both of them appear in book 2 (Robert and Niall) and, this book runs concurrently in places, so I really would recommend you read at least that one first. I haven't read book 1 (Garrett and Presley) yet but it will be done, I promise you!
Jared is in a marriage of convenience... but not for much longer. He's put up with a lot from his wife but her latest trick is one step too far. Once his divorce is final, he'll be free to be with Sam, the man he has loved for years. Sam returns that love but refuses to be the other man. There is a little angst as Jared mistimes certain revelations but nothing too serious.
Oh, if anyone needs to be together, it's these two. The chemistry is there in spades on every page they share. But it's not all hot and heavy, it's full of emotions too. They are there for each other, and there for their found family, including horrible situations with parents that others simply may not understand.
I found the pacing to be perfect for their story. It moved along nicely without being bogged down anywhere. There isn't a single thing I would change. This is a hug-in-a-book and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 19, 2023
Jared is in a marriage of convenience... but not for much longer. He's put up with a lot from his wife but her latest trick is one step too far. Once his divorce is final, he'll be free to be with Sam, the man he has loved for years. Sam returns that love but refuses to be the other man. There is a little angst as Jared mistimes certain revelations but nothing too serious.
Oh, if anyone needs to be together, it's these two. The chemistry is there in spades on every page they share. But it's not all hot and heavy, it's full of emotions too. They are there for each other, and there for their found family, including horrible situations with parents that others simply may not understand.
I found the pacing to be perfect for their story. It moved along nicely without being bogged down anywhere. There isn't a single thing I would change. This is a hug-in-a-book and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 19, 2023
December 30, 2022
4.5 Stars
Jared has been living a lie for 17 years, but after finding his wife in bed with his brother, he decides to finally end his charade of a marriage and go after the man he really loves. But can they make the leap from friends to lovers?
I loved Jared and Sam, it was obvious to everyone that they were in love with each other, even if they hadn't acted up on their feelings before because of Jared's marriage. They had amazing chemistry and I adored them together.
They find a few issues along the way *cough* evil ex-wife *cough* but thankfully, they have great friends/family who love to meddle in their relationship and help make it all better. I really liked Presley and Garrett and Robert and Niall, and will definitely be checking out their stories.
Overall, this was a fun, sweet, low-angst yet emotional read that I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Jared has been living a lie for 17 years, but after finding his wife in bed with his brother, he decides to finally end his charade of a marriage and go after the man he really loves. But can they make the leap from friends to lovers?
I loved Jared and Sam, it was obvious to everyone that they were in love with each other, even if they hadn't acted up on their feelings before because of Jared's marriage. They had amazing chemistry and I adored them together.
They find a few issues along the way *cough* evil ex-wife *cough* but thankfully, they have great friends/family who love to meddle in their relationship and help make it all better. I really liked Presley and Garrett and Robert and Niall, and will definitely be checking out their stories.
Overall, this was a fun, sweet, low-angst yet emotional read that I have no trouble recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 18, 2022
The Freedom of Loving is the third book in the Matters of the Heart series by Abrianna Denae.
Jared has been married for seventeen years to Gretchen. Theirs was a convenience marriage. She is a selfish woman who is only interested in money. He is a kind man who has to deal with his father, a grumpy man, and his egotistical wife. Sam is a sunshine, and he’s been in love with Jared since he first met him. He is a lovable and adorable man and Jared’s best friend.
Jared and Sam have loved each other for six years, since they first met, when Robert introduced them. Although being in love with each other, they never started anything because Jarred was married.
Having realized that his marriage goes nowhere, he asks for the divorce. He decides to come back home to Robert and Sam. He’s known for years it’s Sam he wants to spend his life with, and so is him.
Both MC characters are well written and their development throughout the novel is enriching and fulfilling. It’s a beautiful love story with low angst and a well-deserved HEA.
The secondary characters are amazing, too. They are the main MC in the first and second books of the series and they flow in the story awesomelly well.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Jared has been married for seventeen years to Gretchen. Theirs was a convenience marriage. She is a selfish woman who is only interested in money. He is a kind man who has to deal with his father, a grumpy man, and his egotistical wife. Sam is a sunshine, and he’s been in love with Jared since he first met him. He is a lovable and adorable man and Jared’s best friend.
Jared and Sam have loved each other for six years, since they first met, when Robert introduced them. Although being in love with each other, they never started anything because Jarred was married.
Having realized that his marriage goes nowhere, he asks for the divorce. He decides to come back home to Robert and Sam. He’s known for years it’s Sam he wants to spend his life with, and so is him.
Both MC characters are well written and their development throughout the novel is enriching and fulfilling. It’s a beautiful love story with low angst and a well-deserved HEA.
The secondary characters are amazing, too. They are the main MC in the first and second books of the series and they flow in the story awesomelly well.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 14, 2022
I love this series and this story is so sweet. I enjoyed reading it even through some tears.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 15, 2025
This is a story about Jared Hartley and Sam Evans, two men who have secretly loved each other for six years but have been restricted to friendship by Jared's complicated life. Jared is finally tired of living up to others' expectations. After his home life collapses, he returns for his annual vacation with one goal: to convince Sam to be more than friends. Sam is lonely and afraid of the heartbreak that pursuing Jared could cause. He is reluctant to cross the boundaries they've always maintained. With the help of their meddling families, Jared begins a plan to woo Sam. As they grow closer, they both experience the joy of freely given love, but their budding relationship is immediately threatened by the return of Jared's troubled past and upheaval in Sam's family life.
I loved this story with the two men who were stuck in an impasse as they questioned whether their profound connection could survive these external crises or if they are destined to remain just friends. So there were a lot of emotions and feelings involved in this story as both men worked through their roadblocks preventing them from being happy together. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story with the two men who were stuck in an impasse as they questioned whether their profound connection could survive these external crises or if they are destined to remain just friends. So there were a lot of emotions and feelings involved in this story as both men worked through their roadblocks preventing them from being happy together. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
December 15, 2022
This is one of my favorite found families. Abrianna Denae excels at developing characters you wish you could meet. It’s achingly real, to the point it feels like I could walk right into the pages.
Sam and Jared’s chemistry is so palpable it jumps at the reader. More than that is the deep connection between the two. What they went through to find their way to each other is breathtaking. I loved reading the previous characters who, as always, know just when to meddle and to lend their support.
The story line is engaging. It kept me interested from the beginning to the end. In fact, I never wanted it to end. This family is the one we all deserve and I feel as if I’m better off for reading the author’s words.
I sincerely hope we hear more from these characters and other ones highlighted in this book. I’ll certainly be here if we do.
5 stars for a beautiful, captivating, and loving story!
Sam and Jared’s chemistry is so palpable it jumps at the reader. More than that is the deep connection between the two. What they went through to find their way to each other is breathtaking. I loved reading the previous characters who, as always, know just when to meddle and to lend their support.
The story line is engaging. It kept me interested from the beginning to the end. In fact, I never wanted it to end. This family is the one we all deserve and I feel as if I’m better off for reading the author’s words.
I sincerely hope we hear more from these characters and other ones highlighted in this book. I’ll certainly be here if we do.
5 stars for a beautiful, captivating, and loving story!
December 17, 2022
Wonderful story
Wonderful story! I fell in love with Jared and Sam in the second book and am so happy they got their story. I liked that it paralleled the events in the second book and we got to see things from their perspectives. Jared is finally getting out of his marriage of convenience and can start wooing the man that he has loved for the past six years. And man can he woo (with a little help from our two favorite teenagers Garrett and Presley). Sam is hesitant to start a relationship and his rocky relationship with his sister doesn't help. Ugh I did not like her. A fantastic series! I liked how Jared and Sam were there for each other, and their found family.
Wonderful story! I fell in love with Jared and Sam in the second book and am so happy they got their story. I liked that it paralleled the events in the second book and we got to see things from their perspectives. Jared is finally getting out of his marriage of convenience and can start wooing the man that he has loved for the past six years. And man can he woo (with a little help from our two favorite teenagers Garrett and Presley). Sam is hesitant to start a relationship and his rocky relationship with his sister doesn't help. Ugh I did not like her. A fantastic series! I liked how Jared and Sam were there for each other, and their found family.
December 12, 2022
Abrianna has written a series about a family that I have fallen so in love with. I was so excited when she said she was going to give us Jared and Sam a HEA
One of my favorite tropes is best friends to lovers and I absolutely adored these two finally getting it together to find their happiness which they so deserve.
I loved seeing their “family” support them and give them what meddling they so needed. Hehehe. Give me a book with these six, especially Pres and Garrett and I will be so happy.
Thank you Abrianna for this wonderful book
One of my favorite tropes is best friends to lovers and I absolutely adored these two finally getting it together to find their happiness which they so deserve.
I loved seeing their “family” support them and give them what meddling they so needed. Hehehe. Give me a book with these six, especially Pres and Garrett and I will be so happy.
Thank you Abrianna for this wonderful book
October 15, 2023
Patience leads to true happiness
From previous installments, we see Sam and Jared as Robert's best friends, Garretts doting uncles and two men who are truly in love but not in the right place in their lives for that step. In this book, we see both men take the steps in putting themselves first for once and taking their shots at truly being happy. Another amazing read full of emotions and growth, especially in such a short story not sure how Abri does it, but they have a gift of making a shorter book feel like a full-length story every single time.
From previous installments, we see Sam and Jared as Robert's best friends, Garretts doting uncles and two men who are truly in love but not in the right place in their lives for that step. In this book, we see both men take the steps in putting themselves first for once and taking their shots at truly being happy. Another amazing read full of emotions and growth, especially in such a short story not sure how Abri does it, but they have a gift of making a shorter book feel like a full-length story every single time.
December 15, 2022
This is the first book that I have read in this series and loved it. Will need to go back and read the first two. Jared and Sam have been friends for 6 years and have had feelings for each just as long. Unfortunately with Jared being married nothing has happened. But Jared is finally free to be with Sam. This is a sweet, low angst story to their happy ever after.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
December 15, 2022
Seventeen years of denial and the weight of other people's expectations beside six years of solid friendship and longing for more...
Emotional, but still fairly low angst, The Freedom of Loving is a well crafted book that hooked me and compelled me to finish it in one sitting... the outside forces pushing and pulling these two sweet men, the men from the first two books and the LOVE make this an outstanding read.
Emotional, but still fairly low angst, The Freedom of Loving is a well crafted book that hooked me and compelled me to finish it in one sitting... the outside forces pushing and pulling these two sweet men, the men from the first two books and the LOVE make this an outstanding read.
December 16, 2022
Sam and Jared have been friends forever and while Sam loves Jared, Jared has never been able/willing to admit his feelings for Sam and act on them. When Jared finally makes the decision to open up to Sam, it takes some doing to get Sam to risk the pain if things go wrong. And, just as they are getting on a sound footing, things do go wrong. It's Abrianna Denae and a romance, however, so we can rely on things working out in the end. Another great series entry.
December 14, 2022
This was a very nice story and we kinda got 3 relationships in one story. Sam and Jared have been in love for years but have never acted on it while Jared was married, buy now that is ending and Jared can live his life with his chosen family. I enjoyed getting to see Garret and Presley encouraging the adults to take a chance on relationships. It was great seeing Robert and Niall and seeing their story from a different perspective.
January 25, 2023
Simply Extraordinary
This review is for the entire series.
First, you will probably never read any kind of novel that even closely resembles the first in the series--The Gift of Believing. That's because you will never come across two teenage characters as unique and beautifully developed as Presley and Garrett.
Second, do read the blurb for each book. None of them can be considered to be stand alones. Each book revolves around Garrett and Presley's relationship and the two most important men in their lives.
They are Garrett's father Robert in The Art of Living and Robert's long time best friend Jared in The Freedom of Loving. The only other characters that matter are Niall and Sam, who are deeply involved with both the YA duo and Robert and Jared respectively.
Third, get ready for several important sections of each book appearing identically in the others, a brilliant maneuver which allows you to follow timelines and relationships easily.
Finally, get ready for three completely blockbuster Epilogues, which when you're finished with the last book will move you to shed tears--of joy, rather than stress or anxiety.
Extraordinary, plain and simple.
This review is for the entire series.
First, you will probably never read any kind of novel that even closely resembles the first in the series--The Gift of Believing. That's because you will never come across two teenage characters as unique and beautifully developed as Presley and Garrett.
Second, do read the blurb for each book. None of them can be considered to be stand alones. Each book revolves around Garrett and Presley's relationship and the two most important men in their lives.
They are Garrett's father Robert in The Art of Living and Robert's long time best friend Jared in The Freedom of Loving. The only other characters that matter are Niall and Sam, who are deeply involved with both the YA duo and Robert and Jared respectively.
Third, get ready for several important sections of each book appearing identically in the others, a brilliant maneuver which allows you to follow timelines and relationships easily.
Finally, get ready for three completely blockbuster Epilogues, which when you're finished with the last book will move you to shed tears--of joy, rather than stress or anxiety.
Extraordinary, plain and simple.
April 12, 2023
Jared & Sam 😍
It was awesome finally getting to read Jared & Sam's story. The love between these two is so amazing & I loved that after all those years of waiting, they finally got closure & their HEA 💜
I loved catching up with this unique & loving little family. Just love Abri's writing.
It was awesome finally getting to read Jared & Sam's story. The love between these two is so amazing & I loved that after all those years of waiting, they finally got closure & their HEA 💜
I loved catching up with this unique & loving little family. Just love Abri's writing.
June 18, 2023
The conclusion
A nice wrap up of the series. My favorite is Garrett and Presley’s story. Such sweethearts. I didn’t like Robert much, too overbearing he was stressing me out, so his book is the least favorite. Uncle Jared is a fun character so even though Sam is pretty bland, this is still an enjoyable read.
A nice wrap up of the series. My favorite is Garrett and Presley’s story. Such sweethearts. I didn’t like Robert much, too overbearing he was stressing me out, so his book is the least favorite. Uncle Jared is a fun character so even though Sam is pretty bland, this is still an enjoyable read.
December 15, 2022
I absolutely love this series. This book has wonderful characters and a great storyline that once you start you won't want to stop reading. I loved the development of the characters and their love for each other.
December 12, 2022
I’m in love with this series!! Jared, in the beginning, is married to Gretchen, and has been for 17 years and he is miserable. She is selfish, bitter and only interested in money. Sam is a ray of sunshine and has been Jared‘s friend for many years. Also, he has been in love with him for that many years. When Jared’s marriage is over Sam and him give it a go because he knows that Sam is the one for him. The chemistry between these two is palpable. I can’t wait for more from this author!!
December 15, 2022
so good... sexy and fun to read.. good story.. good characters... deep connection and love.. the chemistry is amazing. i really liked this story
December 28, 2022
I feel like this could have been combined with the previous book, it's too redundant to enjoy. While I was looking forward to this story, re-reading things I already knew is not working.
May 24, 2024
Generations of Love
Found families are the best!
Adrianna shows how choosing who you love can be just as rich and authentic as a family built on blood ties.
Found families are the best!
Adrianna shows how choosing who you love can be just as rich and authentic as a family built on blood ties.
March 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews