Hearts of Blue by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts, #4
Romance Contemporary
November 19, 2015
Self Published
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “…though I was supposed to be the thief, she was the one who stole my heart.”
Hearts of Blue is the fourth installment in L.H. Cosway’s romantic contemporary Hearts series. This standalone offers insight on an unseen period of time in book three, King of Hearts, while giving us a couple whose journey to happiness and love begins and ends with family. Humor, intrigue, suspense, and some bittersweet moments build a solid storyline, creating a cozy read that engages your heart as you watch two characters whose lifestyles demand they stay away from each other, fall in love and learn to fight for what they want.
Heavily character driven, the story is firmly set around our protagonists Lee Cross and Karla Sheehan. We first met Lee Cross and Karla Sheehan in King of Hearts. Karla is a police officer (constable) and the best friend of Alexis Clark (King’s girlfriend). Her father is a Superintendent on the police force. Lee grew up in poverty and is considered a made man whose business activities skirt the law. Lee has chased Karla for months to go out with him but Karla repeatedly turns him down, knowing nothing can come of it.
Criminals and cops don’t mix.
Lee eventually wears her down and soon they embark on a romance that is ripe with tension, passion, and secrecy. When Karla discovers her father is the lead investigator in the sting operation aimed at shutting down a powerful crime boss and Lee and his family by default, Karla and Lee must make some difficult choices in their own lives if they want a life with each other.
Lee and Karla were both casual players in King of Hearts, each having a mild connection to Oliver and Alexis. Cosway opens up in here, showing us the person(s) that sustained Alexis during her most difficult time. Karla’s a smart, funny, loyal, and loving person with a strong mothering instinct. Her reasons for becoming a police officer are due to her family but not for the reasons you’d think. Her parent’s lack in interest in her pushed her into a position where she can be helpful and appreciated. She’s a hard worker; her commitment to her job being the main cause of concern with her interest in Lee.
Lee is a sexy playful devil with some pretty smooth moves that hides a heart of gold. Reckless, loyal, intelligent, and charming…he’s the ultimate bad boy. A fighter who made some bad choices in life but for all the right reasons. Abandoned by their parents, Lee took to a life of crime in order to provide for his three brothers and cousin. He loves his family and choose to sacrifice himself to ensure they would have a better life. However, he never anticipated Karla or the strength of his attraction to her. It’s a dilemma that could ruin them all.
Cosway does a wonderful job of facilitating a slow moving romance amongst the backdrop of their personal issues. The humor flows through effortlessly; helping to offset the seriousness of the subject at hand. Legitimate concerns are addressed and nothing is skimmed over or rushed to make the story more aesthetically pleasing. It’s an emotional journey that shows some realism in the rocky path they have been set on. Nothing is perfect and we aren’t sure till the very end if either will be able to accept the second chance they’ve been given.
Lee and Karla’s chemistry is burning hot with some playful scenes and delicious dirty talk. Lee has quite a naughty mouth and mind. *fist bump* I enjoyed the fact that Lee didn’t push Karla to compromise her moral or professional obligations for him. While Karla did harp a bit on his “business” it was all due to her concern and love for him and his brothers. A mild conflict that pushes these two in the direction they need to go was fairly predictable to a certain point but still enjoyable to watch play out.
I definitely enjoyed meeting Lee’s brothers and look forward to reading their stories. They are a rambunctious nosy lot whose actions and dialogue will leave you giggling at times. A quick ending wraps up mostly everything up and leaves us secure in Karla and Lee’s relationship. Fans of international romance contemporaries with bits of romance, mystery, and comedic drama are sure to enjoy L.H. Cosway’s Hearts series.
Grade: B
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Loooooooved this one so so so much. My favorite in this series and Lee is maybe my favorite Cosway hero. I can’t wait for the other brothers’ books!
I adored Lee and loved this book. I haven’t read the others in this series. Are they similar to this book as far as being character driven? I can’t wait for Trevor’s book.
Yes, each book is heavily character driven.