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Z Boys #4

Hearts

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He’ll bet on his heart one last time. Caleb ‘Hearts’ Anderson isn’t the usual unit medic. The ex-body builder can hack into the world of organised crime with one hand and save lives with the other. Battling internal politics while he works his assignment, Caleb finds his happy place looking after the deadly men he works alongside. Z Unit is his home, and the self-confirmed bachelor has no intention of being distracted from the missions—and the team—who keep him sane. Until stripper and ex-head dancer Cheri Bettison steps into his neatly ordered life. Displaced and homeless after she was extracted from seedy casino Trilogy’s strip club, Cheri lands in the middle of Z Unit’s suburban, barracks-like household. Paired with Caleb as her minder until she finds her feet, Cheri surprises the giant military man with skills acquired from her previous life. Together, they work through Caleb’s mission. Cheri’s proximity makes his head spin, but when an old nemesis compromises Z Unit’s security, Caleb has to trust the pink-haired dancer and risk everything he’s built to protect those he loves.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2022

3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Sofia Aves

129 books563 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Sofia Aves writes fast-paced police romances, sizzling military units, steamy cowboys with a Montana backdrop and the occasional cheeky god. Sofia writes kidlit for charity and has over one hundred and fifty publications across five not-so-super-secret pen names. She’s the acquisitions editor for Evernight and Evernight Teen publishing and is a mum of three crazies in a returned veteran household. Sofia has two overly large fur babies who think they’re teacup puppies.
Sofia lives near Brisbane, Australia where she has her own alpaca park, Lorendel.


Rep: Nicky Lovick at WGM Atalntic

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5 stars
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17 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Mariel.
374 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2022
Hearts: An Australian Military Romance (Z Boys Book 4) by Sofia Aves

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Hearts is the 4th book in the Z Boys series and focuses on the story between Caleb and Cheri.
Caleb, a brawny judgmental ass at times, but if you delve beneath the surface, he has a tender soul in need of love and trust.
Cheri is a rescued ex-stripper, with a tough nut exterior hiding a soft, bubblegum interior. The pair are perfect for one another. Everyone else can see it if only their past doesn't blind them. Thrown together, can Caleb work through his issues, complete his mission, and successfully keep his senses around Cheri? Caleb and the guys on the team are a secret military ops kind of team. These are the guys you call when you need to get in, get the job done, and get out.

Hearts is the 4th book, but the first time I am discovering this series. I recommend reading the first book to appreciate the plot and characters. The story is smooth and ran pretty much as I expected. The characters are interesting, each with their specific little foibles. It is a quick read which I read in one sitting. Sofia Aves is a talented writer and has created larger-than-life characters, especially in Caleb. He is one big guy. I had an image of a hot, giant man with bear-sized hands!

I liked this book, even though it is not my preferred genre. There was just one part revolving around Caleb and Cheri that I had to re-read to make sure that I understood what was happening and, to be honest, I was still slightly confused. I would describe further but I don’t wish to include spoilers.
Overall, an interesting read, with action and hot, steamy scenes, so the faint-hearted, beware!
1,275 reviews
August 9, 2022
This is the fourth story in Sofia Aves "Z Boys " series and although it is a standalone I would urge reading the series in sequence to gain the most enjoyment.
Caleb (Hearts) Anderson is the medic in the z Boys special opps unit, he is the one who holds the team together, who makes sure that they return home safely, except when they don't. Caleb has guilt issues, he knows that the life expectancy of the Z Boys can be short, the work is dangerous and therefore he will never become attached to a women as some of the team have, he is better on his own ...........that is until a gorgeous, pink haired, long legged beauty came storming into his life.
Cheri Bettison worked as a stripper and dancer at Trilogy's strip club until the Z Boys raided it, she had been extracted from the seedy club and was now ensconced in the barrack like house that the boys called home.
Much to Caleb's disgust, Ace, his boss and best friend, had put her under his charge, he was to stay close, but Caleb didn't trust her, why was she asking so many questions ? did she have an ulterior motive ? everyone else seemed to accept her.
This story follows Cheri and Caleb's stormy relationship, the attraction was magnetic, could Caleb stick to his resolve or would the spiky haired beauty get under his skin.
This is a short but enjoyable story, I now look forward to reading Ace's story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Mrs R.
1,429 reviews19 followers
August 6, 2022
This is book 4 of the series and although kind of a standalone, you'll need to read the previous books to understand the background to the characters. This book centers on Caleb 'Hearts' and Cheri, who we met in book 3. Each book centers on a couple, with the guy being part of the Z Boys.
I'm not sure about this book, I didn't really see the relationship building between these two, Caleb seemed to insult her more than show an interest, and even when he did Cheri didn't seem to do much about it and it was almost brushed to the side when he made a move on her. I liked Cheri's character, I think she was strong and a fighter, but the book isn't long enough to really delve into her background too much.
The mission(s) they took are are also a bit of a mystery, they are kept in secret and I wasnt sure what the end game really was/is. I'm not sure if this is to keep it secret or it's not relevent to the main story.
To be honest, I'm still struggling to figure out how a secret group keep bringing random women into their home without any security checks and then manage to find them jobs when they fall for one of the team.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline, but I think the book is too short to delve into everything that is mentioned and relevant to the characters, which is what I think the story needs.
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2022
Caleb "Hearts" Johnson is hiding a tender heart under that crusty and ripped, muscled exterior. He doesn't trust the new additions to the Z Unit house, particularly Cheri. A former stripper, she is too curious about the goings on. When they are assigned a job working closely together, only time will tell if he can trust her after all.

This series is fantastic. Hearts' back story is devastating, and it puts his character into perspective. The Z Unit is his family, his everything, and every loss he suffers makes his tender heart retreat deeper. Cheri is just as damaged. The citrine-eyed, pink haired beauty has some mad skills, and underestimates her intelligence, but when she's in, she's all in. Together their chemistry is fire, and when they come together it's explosive. This can be read as a standalone, but as characters from the previous books appear frequently, it is better read as part of the series. A quick read, I gulped it all down in one sitting. I definitely recommend this one.

I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2022
Love These Z Boys

This is the fourth book in the Z boys series. It's fast paced, steamy, military romance. Z boys aren't suppose to form attachments, they take on some of the most dangerous assignments but some of the guys have found someone to love. You can read this as a standalone but it is attached to the other books. We got an intro to Cheri in book three, she is quite the character, an ex stripper, she's lived a hard life both as a child and at the casino she was rescued from. She gets paired up with Caleb "Hearts" and the attraction is strong but Hearts doesn't trust easily and he's lost more than are person he's loved. Hearts really is the heart of the team, he worries about everyone on the team when they're out on missions. I loved Hearts and Cheri's story and can't wait to read Ace's story.
3,724 reviews42 followers
August 4, 2022
This is book four in The Z Boys series and it is Caleb (Hearts) and Cheri's story and even though it is a short story it certainly pack's a punch and it is definitely worth reading. Cheri has had a really hard life but when she is rescued and meets Caleb the attraction and chemistry between them is so hot, strong and intense but he will fight it with everything that he has and she will not give in and keep battling against him. Caleb and Cheri are so perfect for each other and the forwards and backwards and pull and push is what have you turning the pages to see what the outcome will be for them. This series is so good and gets better and better with each book written and even though they are standalone book's I think it is better to start at the beginning to get all the background history and it is definitely worth it.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,496 reviews50 followers
August 4, 2022
Cheri is rescued from a casino and is paired with Caleb, known as Hearts. Their attraction is instant, but he pushes her away, not wanting to form any attachment. Can she break through to him and show him attachments can be good?

I loved Cheri and just how strong she is. She's been through a lot and it hasn't jaded her to life. She pushes Caleb's boundaries and gets him to open his eyes to what they could have, if he was willing to form an attachment. You understand why Caleb doesn't want to become attached, but you're also rooting for the pair to get together. It was great getting to see their relationship develop and see how far they've come.

The pacing was pretty slow, and there was a lot of build up with minimal action. I would've liked to have a little more entertaining scenes, whether that was through steam or action, just to keep my interest.

Overall rating:
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 🌶
Profile Image for Han Spillane.
568 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2022
Well Caleb, and his back story as it slowly emerged about broke my soul... the man has soooo many layers.

This is the fourth book in Sofia Aves Z Boys series and the first I have read in fact, but I have already downloaded the rest. She writes complex plots full of an empathy for broken veterans that take on these cloak and dagger type missions as a unit, now out of their respective forces.

The characters all merge together in this new unit they have created yet each and every one stands out on their own, with distinct personalities and reasons to do what they continue too.

The MFC was strong, yet had her own baggage and at times a frustrating lack of self esteem or an understanding of her worth or role within the group if she stayed. At points I *might* have wanted to shake them both!

For a reasonably short book it is packed with plot and worth a read.
6,556 reviews27 followers
August 5, 2022
The fourth book in this fun series about a covert Australian Military unit (I wonder about the use of Z Unit as this has history in Australia during WW2) This Caleb ‘Hearts’ Anderson he is the team medic but also the tech guy a interesting combination to say the least He is teamed with Cheri Bettison from the previous The proverbial stripper with a heart of gold. With Caleb trying not to get attached to the woman he has been asked to help after all anyone he loves leaves him he is fighting a losing battle that gets even more complicated when she starts to help with his latest case

A fast paced quick read that will draw you that can be read as a stand alone but I feel is far better read as part of the series
477 reviews
June 28, 2025
Healers can hurt. A story that follows the journey of a medic in the Z boys unit. Basically a mission impossible kind of unit that takes on the hard jobs and doesn’t expect to live forever. The problem with being a medic in a unit like that is, he doesn’t want to ever lose anyone because of his actions. Especially because it has happened before. The job is to keep them safe while they are on a mission, patch them up to get them back, take care while they heal and send them out again. But it is never that simple. There are insights, confessions, complications and orders. How to handle each takes practice. Then there are dancers, travel bloggers and strippers all with their own tales. Builds on previous books but offers some unique glimpses of a complicated team.
Profile Image for Amanda.
736 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2022
A quick engaging read that instantly makes you fall in love with the characters. Cheri is tough, and has not had an easy life before she was rescued. She gets paired up with Caleb and the attraction is strong, but Caleb fights it. In this book we truly get to see how much Caleb does not want to be attached, but he truly cares about everyone around him, especially his team. I love how Cheri gets through to Caleb and lets him know what she wants. They definitely work well together and it was interesting to see their relationship develop. I highly recommend you try this book, you will love the characters. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,082 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2022
I had no idea that this was in a series or that it would be helpful to read the other books first. The whole dynamic between the guys would be better understood if you've read from the beginning. I felt like I was missing a lot of information.

Characters are all good but without the background, it was hard to enjoy the story. Add in that Caleb/Hearts was a complete jerk at times didn't help. His lack of communication and his judgement of Cheri was really crappy.

If you've read this series, you'll probably love it. If you haven't, start at the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,227 reviews28 followers
August 2, 2022
I enjoyed Book 4 of Z Boys. I felt like the beginning was a bit slow but it picked up. After Cheri is rescued from a casino she has tile over to Caleb that she is trustworthy. They have a connection but he pushes her away at every chance. It has a good storyline and I enjoy the characters. I love that the characters continued throughout the books. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
August 13, 2022
Hearts is a fast paced story with various levels of suspense, drama and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you get lost in the mission.

Caleb is the medic with talents that goes beyond patching his brothers up, and a heart bigger for those he cares for. Wrong place, Cheri finds herself in the mix of the group and is on watch.

This is great story that has the twist and turns that you are not sure what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
February 2, 2023
Caleb - Hearts - and Cheri get together when she is brought back from one of their missions. The characters of the group get more depth and backstories, the sass and banter gets wilder and the tension keeps you on edge. The storyline has danger, mystery, trust issues, entertaining situations and lots of steam. This group is amazing and the women find ways to help and keep the unit safer. Loved the seagull angle. Great ending and can not wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,162 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2022
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Caleb, also known as Hearts is the heart of the group. His feelings run deep no matter how much he denies them. Once Cheri enters the picture, their attraction is instant. Heart will do almost anything to keep her at arm’s length, but Cheri is not having it.
This was an incredible story that I would definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,731 reviews33 followers
August 4, 2022
Wow this was explosive. Not just in bed but out of it as well.
Danger seemed to follow these two wherever they went but I absolutely loved the connection between Caleb and Cheri. They were very well matched, but got on so well also.
I really enjoyed this book and it's the first I've read in this series but I'll certainly be catching up. So good!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,073 reviews
August 7, 2022
This is book 4 in the Z Boys series, It is a short, fast-paced, insta-love romance, full of drama, danger, and secrets. Heart (Caleb) is sent on a mission with Cheri and are to be lovers on a holiday at the beach. Will one kiss on the beach blow up in their faces? What a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kurtins R.
1,180 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2022
Hearts is the 4th book in the Z Boys series and focuses on the story between Caleb and Cheri.
Caleb, a brawny judgmental ass at times, but if you delve beneath the surface, he has a tender soul in need of love and trust.
Cheri is a rescued ex-stripper, with a tough nut exterior hiding a soft, bubblegum interior. The pair are perfect for one another.
Overall, an interesting read, with action and hot, steamy scenes, so the faint-hearted, beware!
1,161 reviews27 followers
August 18, 2022
This was a great read and had interesting characters. Kai Walker is head of security for a cruise ship and he is trying to solve a drug problem on his ship. He suspects everyone including his missing dinner partner Pearl Hamilton. Pearl is on the cruise working as a laison officer from the U.S. and Australia. When these two hook up the fireworks fly and they work together to solve the drug problem and their attraction to each other.
713 reviews
September 5, 2022
Hearts is the third book in the Z boys series. Caleb and Cheri meet when Joker is rescuing Ana from their previous mission at the Casino where Cheri works. When Cheri gets “rescued” too Caleb instantaneously hates her and feels very attracted to her. Slowly their hate/love relationship develops.
This book continuous the story initially started with King where the group is fighting an anonymous enemy that seems to be one step ahead of them somehow.
Profile Image for Michele Richardson.
670 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2022
Caleb and Cheri met when she jumped in the vehicle when Joker and Ana left the casino. Their relationship is full of contradictions and sass. I enjoyed watching them spar back and forth and try to hide from their feelings. I like that the books aren’t just the romance, but there is a criminal element. I’m excited to see what is next up. Great series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Colleen Daley.
315 reviews32 followers
October 5, 2022
This was a wonderful read in the Z boys series. I enjoyed Cheri the most, she is an ex-stripper who seems to have a troubled past but she is a spit fire and a wonderful character amongst all the craziness. Caleb is all heart underneath his gruff exterior. This was an exiting story with a little intrigue and mystery to go along with their mission. I highly recommend reading the first three books of the series first to get to know all the outstanding characters and their backgrounds.
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,933 reviews35 followers
August 2, 2022
Caleb gave me whiplash as his couldn't seem to sort his feelings out. Cheri seemed to be challenging for him but wasn't really. There is constant battle of emotions & feelings. The team sure is a handful. Interesting!.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,467 reviews25 followers
August 5, 2022
Caleb is Z team's medic, he's tasked with looking after and working with Cheri, who escaped from the casino with Ana. Caleb is very sceptical, thinking she's asking too many intrusive questions. And they're still hunting the main man.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another good read in the series from Sofia.
3,264 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2022
This is the first book in the series I have read and now I have to go back and read the rest of the series. I could not put this novel down. The characters flowed and the story was amazing. You will not be able to put the book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
August 7, 2022
3.5 Stars
Caleb ‘Hearts’ Anderson has lost so much, now the only thing that matters in his perfectly controlled life is making sure his team comes home safe from each mission. So, when he is given with his new assignment that included the ex-head dancer Cheri Bettison who hitched a ride, he not happy.

Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2022
Ace asks Hearts for a favor that Hearts and is far from happy about it. Hearts and the ex-stripper Cheri are to go on a mission as a couple. This story has some action, plenty of romance, and steam, ending with a HEA, maybe, plus what looks like a cliffhanger.

I received a copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,758 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2022
4th in series but can read as a standalone...
Nowithstanding the headline, like me, I'm pretty certain you'll want to get to know all the characters. Well written page turner that I couldn't put down with beyond interesting main characters. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
3,284 reviews20 followers
September 5, 2022
Cheri isn’t sure of her place on the team, while Caleb knows his is to make sure everyone comes home safe. The suspense part of this story was exciting, though it could have used more fleshing out. The romance between Cheri and Caleb confused me - hot and cold with limited explanation why. Overall, an okay book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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