Hearts at Play

Love in Bloom: The Bradens, Book 6

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Brianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a 12-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns 18. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be.

The last thing Capital Series Grand Prix racer Hugh Braden wants after dating media-hungry leggy models and money-hungry fan girls is a blind date. But how could he turn down a favor to one of his best friends? Hugh expected the date to go poorly, but he didn't expect to be intensely attracted to the beautiful brown-eyed bartender who completely blows him off - and steals his every thought thereafter.

When Brianna's perfectly orchestrated life turns upside down, Hugh is there to help, softening the turmoil, and maybe even rescuing her heart from the lonely place where it has been hiding. Can a man who doesn't believe in fate and a woman who doesn't believe in true love find happiness in each other's arms forever?

©2014 Melissa Foster (P)2015 Melissa Foster

When the last Braden falls

If you could sum up Hearts at Play in three words, what would they be?

Honesty, family, love

What other book might you compare Hearts at Play to and why?

I think all of the Braden books have a similar vibe. They are all great and really bring out the differences in personalities of the Braden siblings.

Have you listened to any of B.J. Harrison’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I think it is right on par with the other books I've listened to that B.J. narrated.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't judge a book by its cover

Any additional comments?

Keep them coming Melissa!

Hugh won me over

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hearts at Play?

In all the books in this series Hugh has been portrayed as a fast and hard man. Hearts at Play show how he is a romantic, sexy (as if there was any doubt, he is a Braden), compassionate, and incredible man. I always thought Treat, from Book 4 Lovers at Heart, was my crush, but very quickly into Hearts at Play Hugh took over that spot. He won me over but not only dating and wooing Brianna, but he wooed Layla too. He included her in their outings, thought about her when he was making plans with Brianna, and just made her feel like she was truly a princess. The thoughtfulness and care he took with Brianna and all her insecurities made him the most amazing man I have ever read about.

Brianna is the type of mom everyone needs. Her every thought was concerning Layla and how her actions would affect her. I had tears in my eyes many times while reading her thoughts on Layla and her concerns. Watching her struggle with her feelings towards Hugh and seeing her overcome her fears showed how strong of a woman and mother she truly is. Kat, her best friend, and her mother, Jean, had to shake her a few times and get her to open her eyes to how amazing Hugh is, but that is what best friends and mother’s are for, right?!

I cannot end this review without mentioning the bombshell that Max and Treat dropped at the end of the book. I LOVE IT!

I am sure I have said this in all my other reviews for this series, but OH MY…. This is my favorite book so far. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this series will bring me. Will a Remington replace Hugh as my crush? If you have not checked out this series you are seriously missing out on some HOTNESS. This book, as with the others, can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you check out the entire series.

Wow!

Yet another awesome “listen” from Melissa Foster and narrated by the ever so sexy BJ Harrison. Hugh plays fast and loose like he drives his race car until he meets Brianna and her ever so awesomely adorable daughter. Then he’s the last of the Braden’s to fall. Their story is a sweet one and worth the listen! As always can’t wait for the next one!

Undeniable chemistry between Hugh and Bree!

I initially read this beautiful love story by Melissa Foster a couple years ago, and recently had the opportunity to get the audiobook and rediscover Hugh and Breanna’s story. Bree is a single mom, doing her best to raise her daughter and find her way. I love BJ Harrison’s narration of the characters—you can feel the chemistry coming through in the story. Even though Hugh is living the life of a no-strings bachelor race car driver, his Braden family upbringing and values shine through and he falls for her. But, can he convince her to set aside her 12 year plan of putting her daughter first? They can’t deny their desire to be together and the love developing, but they have a lot to consider in trying to bring together their two worlds.

Great story!!

This was a great story that I enjoyed both when I read it as well as when I listened to it. I enjoyed the love at first sight story where the characters worked through their insecurities, fears and issues with single parenting while finding love. I enjoyed the smooth, clear narration as I listened to this story and enjoyed the new characters that were introduced while being able to keep track of the characters from previous stories in this series. I would recommend this book to others.

Hot, hot, hot

Hugh and Brianna are hot, hot, hot. I love the whole single mother angle of this book. As a single mother it gives me hope of find myself a steaming hot guy to love me and my kids. Hugh is this in the fast lane kind of guy, but Brianna and Layla add some much need speed bumps to his life.
The audiobook is great. I love the details you pick up on in books while listening to them. BJ is great at helping portray a story to make it steamy yet sweet.

Heart Melting

Hugh and Brianna story was amazing. It melted my heart. i loved this amazing audio.

Road to Love

What did you love best about Hearts at Play?

Hugh fierce protectiveness and love for Layla and Bree

Who was your favorite character and why?

I LOVE Kat...she reminds me of my fiercely protective sister, how would treat me the same way if I were questioning myself as Bree did!

What about B.J. Harrison’s performance did you like?

OMG!!! LOVED IT!!! He just adds the proper inflections of his voice and accentuates the feelings brought forth in Melissa's writing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I Laughed and cried! LOVE the ending when they get married.

Racing to the Finish

This book wraps up the Braden series with Hugh Braden’s story. Hugh is a top-notch race car driver looking for some quiet place and people who are not after him for his fame and fortune. Going to a quiet neighborhood bar for a blind date, Hugh is immediately drawn to his waitress, Brianna Heart, a young single other of a six year old girl. In spite of Brianna’s hesitations, the sparks fly quickly. I loved Hugh and his dedication to Brianna’s child. The relationship between Hugh and Brianna is delightful. Brianna’s constant second guessing herself was a bit annoying. I hate it when women think it is better to break off a relationship than “risk getting hurt”. Other than that I very much enjoyed this story and am looking forward to diving into the Remington series.

As usual, B. J. Harrison did an amazing job narrating this audiobook. His voice is delightful to listen to and each character has a very distinctive voice.

***I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my own, unbiased, review.***

Love this book!

Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster is book 6 of The Bradens series. It is the story of Hugh and Brianna. Hugh is one of the 5 hunky Braden brothers and is a race car driver. He has a real need for speed and is a thrill seeker. Hugh was a lady’s man but as all his siblings have started to settle down he is wondering if there isn’t more to life. Brianna is a single mother of almost 6 year old Layla. She has a good life but it is hard making ends meet, even as she works two jobs and with her mom’s help. Until the day Hugh walks into the bar where she works and the sparks fly. I prefer not to give away the storyline but to instead let you enjoy discovering their journey as it unfolds. Melissa Foster does an amazing job tell a story so lifelike that you feel like you could meet all these people on the street.

This is my second time enjoying this story. I read it on my kindle years ago but the audio version allowed me to listen more closely to the words and to get the feelings or vibes, if you will, even more in-depth. The Narrator does a great job bringing the words to life, even changing the tone of his voice at times. An amazing adventure overall. I hope you will take the leap and take a listen. Enjoy