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Bella Heartwood Book Reviews
š Bookish thoughts, cozy vibes, and honest feelings — all in one place. I mostly review romance and romantasy books, from sweet to steamy (and all the messy feelings in between!), but I also like to explore other genres. I hope my reviews help you discover your next favorite read! šāØ
The Bodyguard
ā 5/5 stars
Author: Katherine Center
Genres & tropes: Romance | Contemporary | Fake Dating | Chick Lit | Rom Com | Forced Proximity
Spoiler-free review
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is my first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed itāso much so that I believe I have found a new favorite to read regularly āŗļø
The story follows Hannah Brooks, a professional bodyguard hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton after he receives a stalker threat. To keep his family from worrying, Jack asks Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend while staying at his familyās ranch, leading to a delightful mix of fake dating, forced proximity, and genuine emotional connection as the two navigate their growing feelings and personal challenges.
I appreciated the authorās engaging writing style and the well-developed characters, including the secondary ones, who stand out and enrich the story.
I went through a range of emotionsāfeeling touched at times and upset at others (Robby!!!! š). I especially appreciated the humor, which made the reading experience even more delightful and left me feeling happy throughout š¤
Author: Katherine Center
Genres & tropes: Romance | Contemporary | Fake Dating | Chick Lit | Rom Com | Forced Proximity
Spoiler-free review
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center is my first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed itāso much so that I believe I have found a new favorite to read regularly āŗļø
The story follows Hannah Brooks, a professional bodyguard hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton after he receives a stalker threat. To keep his family from worrying, Jack asks Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend while staying at his familyās ranch, leading to a delightful mix of fake dating, forced proximity, and genuine emotional connection as the two navigate their growing feelings and personal challenges.
I appreciated the authorās engaging writing style and the well-developed characters, including the secondary ones, who stand out and enrich the story.
I went through a range of emotionsāfeeling touched at times and upset at others (Robby!!!! š). I especially appreciated the humor, which made the reading experience even more delightful and left me feeling happy throughout š¤
House of Earth and Blood
ā 5/5 stars
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Romantasy | Fae | Urban Fantasy
Series: Crescent City
Spoiler-free review
I would give House of Earth and Blood infinite stars if I could. I loved this book so much! ā¤ļø This is an 800+ page novel that kept me turning pages from start to finish!
When I first started reading House of Earth and Blood with one of my book besties, I was excited but also nervous because it was the first lengthy book Iād ever read. The first couple of chapters provide a lot of information that might feel overwhelming to some readers, including myself initially. I recommend taking notes and reading at your own pace; trust me, it gets better with each page, even as more details about the āHouses of Midgardā and their respective characters are revealed.
The main female character, Bryce Quinlan, who is half-Fae and half-human, is simply the best. At first, she seems to have an āI donāt care about anything, Iāll do whateverā attitude, but as the story unfolds, her many layers emerge, revealing that much of that attitude is a response to the tremendous suffering she has endured. Bryce cares passionately, and as she grows into her full self ā capable of love and being loved, fighting for her loved ones ā itās impossible not to root for her. She can be impulsive and irrational at times, but she is a strong, fierce protagonist, and I was in awe of her journey.
Our main male character, Hunt Athalar, a Fallen Angel whose life has been shaped by othersā influence and his past experiences, is fantastic. Initially, and sometimes later in the story, he appears as a grumpy figure, solely focused on one thing: his freedom. But as I learned more about him, Hunt quickly became one of my favorites. I loved him, even when he made questionable choices, and I connected deeply with all he was going through.
This book is full of magical beings, creatures, and villains, all set within a contemporary urban environment. I couldnāt put it down; I was enchanted and emotionally moved as I read. Summarizing everything that happens is difficult, but I can say that the story has a little of everything ā perfectly balanced and beautifully told.
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genres: Fantasy | Romance | Romantasy | Fae | Urban Fantasy
Series: Crescent City
Spoiler-free review
I would give House of Earth and Blood infinite stars if I could. I loved this book so much! ā¤ļø This is an 800+ page novel that kept me turning pages from start to finish!
When I first started reading House of Earth and Blood with one of my book besties, I was excited but also nervous because it was the first lengthy book Iād ever read. The first couple of chapters provide a lot of information that might feel overwhelming to some readers, including myself initially. I recommend taking notes and reading at your own pace; trust me, it gets better with each page, even as more details about the āHouses of Midgardā and their respective characters are revealed.
The main female character, Bryce Quinlan, who is half-Fae and half-human, is simply the best. At first, she seems to have an āI donāt care about anything, Iāll do whateverā attitude, but as the story unfolds, her many layers emerge, revealing that much of that attitude is a response to the tremendous suffering she has endured. Bryce cares passionately, and as she grows into her full self ā capable of love and being loved, fighting for her loved ones ā itās impossible not to root for her. She can be impulsive and irrational at times, but she is a strong, fierce protagonist, and I was in awe of her journey.
Our main male character, Hunt Athalar, a Fallen Angel whose life has been shaped by othersā influence and his past experiences, is fantastic. Initially, and sometimes later in the story, he appears as a grumpy figure, solely focused on one thing: his freedom. But as I learned more about him, Hunt quickly became one of my favorites. I loved him, even when he made questionable choices, and I connected deeply with all he was going through.
This book is full of magical beings, creatures, and villains, all set within a contemporary urban environment. I couldnāt put it down; I was enchanted and emotionally moved as I read. Summarizing everything that happens is difficult, but I can say that the story has a little of everything ā perfectly balanced and beautifully told.
Evening the Score
ā 4/5 stars
Author: Lexi LaFleur Brown
Release date: May 26, 2026
Genres: Romance | Sports romance | Hockey | Sports
Tropes: Fake dating | He falls first | Secret identity | Adversaries to lovers
Spoiler-free review
Lexi LaFleur Brown's Evening the Score is an entertaining, lighthearted story that quickly drew me in after a hesitant start.
Olivia Hinckley, the female main character (FMC), is an interesting protagonist who is a bit of a mess, focused solely on getting revenge against Erik Parker for his actions toward her dad years ago. Brody Parker, the male main character (MMC), signs a hockey contract with the Minnesota Freeze and becomes Oliviaās target as she tries to undermine the Parkersā legacy. Throughout the book, Olivia and Brody navigate a technically fake relationship, and we also see their individual character growth. The secondary characters contribute to the story without overshadowing the main cast.
This is the first sports romance book I've read and finished, and while it wasnāt a page-turner for me, I think it's a pleasant, entertaining contemporary romance. I recommend it as a lighter read between heavier books, or for readers who especially enjoy sports (and specifically hockey) romances.
At times, the characters' motivations or sources of stress became a bit repetitive, but overall, I had a very positive experience reading this book :) While I enjoyed Oliviaās character, I can confidently say I liked Brodyās character and his inner journey more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author: Lexi LaFleur Brown
Release date: May 26, 2026
Genres: Romance | Sports romance | Hockey | Sports
Tropes: Fake dating | He falls first | Secret identity | Adversaries to lovers
Spoiler-free review
Lexi LaFleur Brown's Evening the Score is an entertaining, lighthearted story that quickly drew me in after a hesitant start.
Olivia Hinckley, the female main character (FMC), is an interesting protagonist who is a bit of a mess, focused solely on getting revenge against Erik Parker for his actions toward her dad years ago. Brody Parker, the male main character (MMC), signs a hockey contract with the Minnesota Freeze and becomes Oliviaās target as she tries to undermine the Parkersā legacy. Throughout the book, Olivia and Brody navigate a technically fake relationship, and we also see their individual character growth. The secondary characters contribute to the story without overshadowing the main cast.
This is the first sports romance book I've read and finished, and while it wasnāt a page-turner for me, I think it's a pleasant, entertaining contemporary romance. I recommend it as a lighter read between heavier books, or for readers who especially enjoy sports (and specifically hockey) romances.
At times, the characters' motivations or sources of stress became a bit repetitive, but overall, I had a very positive experience reading this book :) While I enjoyed Oliviaās character, I can confidently say I liked Brodyās character and his inner journey more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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