FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Heart of Thorns
by S. Massery, S.J. SylvisSeries: Shadow Valley U #2
Published by Self-Published on December 27, 2024
SubGenres: New Adult and College Romance
Format: eArc
Pages: 298
Source: the author
Audience: 18+/Adult
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As the number one quarterback in college football, my only dream is to make it to pro.
My richer-than-sin parents have a different goal.
Their plan is for me to score a trophy wife whose trust fund can hold its own against mine, then join the family empire after graduation. The latter half of that plan means giving up my dream of professional football. The first part means sitting through excruciating dates with girls who already have their wedding vows written.
In an attempt to free myself from one of my perpetual nightmares, I announce that I’m already in a serious, long-term relationship.
Which is a great excuse to get out of a date–if it were true.
To save the lie, I talk the intriguing campus black cat, Briar Hart, into pretending to be my girlfriend. She has a prickly heart, and she’s made it clear that she hates jocks.
But after I offer her something she can’t refuse, we’re suddenly faking our happily-ever-after to everyone.
If I’m not careful, I may start to believe it too.
Heart of Thorns is the second novel in S. Massery’s and S.J. Sylvis’s Shadow of Valley U series. This installment introduces a completely new cast of characters, allowing it to be read as a standalone book. I really enjoyed the main characters, Briar and Thorne, in this one, making it my favorite in the series so far—especially since it features one of my favorite tropes: Fake Dating. I love reading this trope, even if it’s predictable. It’s the moment when the characters fall in love, even though it started as fake. I can’t get enough of this moment.
What I loved about the characters is that they are complete opposites. Briar is represented as the Black Cat, while Thorne embodies the playful nature of a Golden Retriever. They come from different worlds and don’t truly know each other until their paths unexpectedly cross. After their encounter, Thorne can’t seem to forget the intriguing Black Cat girl, even though he should be focusing on football.
When Thorne’s parents insist that he marry someone after he finishes college and football, he impulsively claims that he is already in a serious relationship with someone, and he knows just who to ask. Now, he just needs to convince the Black Cat girl, hoping that the arrangement will satisfy his parents and allow them to leave him alone. However, the more time he spends with Briar, the more intrigued he becomes by her.
I loved Briar’s character because she was someone you really didn’t want to cross. She had gone through a traumatic experience that changed her life, but she showed remarkable resilience. I admired how she initially refused Thorne’s offer, making him wait for her decision. When she finally accepted, she played the role of the perfect fake girlfriend, even managing to handle Thorne’s parents when they were unfair to her.
Thorne may have been a golden retriever, but when it came to Briar’s safety, he transformed into a fierce protector, much like a German Shepherd. He was determined to keep her safe, especially after he learned about the fire she had endured. Thorne also had a way in the bedroom, and it was no wonder Briar was falling for him.
The suspense surrounding the identity of the person responsible for what happened to Briar at the beginning of the book kept me on the edge of my seat. I was just as determined as Briar and Thorne to uncover who started the fire and caused Briar’s injury. Even though I figured out the culprit before the characters did, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story. Thorne and Briar were truly meant to cross paths in that unexpected moment, and I’m thrilled with their happily ever after. This book has definitely become a favorite in the series so far, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone in the Shadow Valley U Series.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you enjoy reading New Adult Romance featuring fake dating and a suspenseful storyline with lovable characters who are complete opposites, then this book is for you.
Favorite Quote(s): “You fainted.” I crack a smile. “I’d like to think it’s because you saw my gorgeous face and swooned a little too close to the sun.”
“No. I don’t want your mouth on me—I want your cunt squeezing at me while I kiss you to death.”
What to Expect:
🏈New Adult/College Romance
🏈Sports/Football Romance
🏈Fake Dating/Relationship
🏈Grumpy vs. Sunshine (The FMC is the Grumpy One)
🏈Opposites Attract
🏈Suspense
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About S. Massery
S. Massery is a dark romance author who loves injecting a good dose of suspense into her stories. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her dog, Alice.
Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs--including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn't writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.
About S.J. Sylvis
S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.
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