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Sweet Little Hearts
From New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes a deeply heartfelt romance about the tragedies that put our lives on hold—and the love that makes us want to start again.
Javier Valdez hasn’t had much luck with nannies, and he can’t imagine this one will be any different. Octavia Klein is all sass to his stoicism, free spirit to his hard work. But he’s a widower, and with a career in the NBA, he can’t keep doing this alone.
Despite Javier’s reservations, Octavia turns out to be the best thing for his four-year-old daughter…and for him. But he’s reluctant to admit it. Javier swore off love after his wife died, and Octavia has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.
As their bond deepens far past professionalism or even friendship, it’s hard to deny the crackling tension of something more. They’re both toeing lines they said they wouldn’t cross—and when their pasts come rushing back, there’s no telling which way they’ll fall.
With old wounds reopened, can Javier and Octavia overcome the pain once again? Or will their future together become just another scar?
Javier Valdez hasn’t had much luck with nannies, and he can’t imagine this one will be any different. Octavia Klein is all sass to his stoicism, free spirit to his hard work. But he’s a widower, and with a career in the NBA, he can’t keep doing this alone.
Despite Javier’s reservations, Octavia turns out to be the best thing for his four-year-old daughter…and for him. But he’s reluctant to admit it. Javier swore off love after his wife died, and Octavia has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.
As their bond deepens far past professionalism or even friendship, it’s hard to deny the crackling tension of something more. They’re both toeing lines they said they wouldn’t cross—and when their pasts come rushing back, there’s no telling which way they’ll fall.
With old wounds reopened, can Javier and Octavia overcome the pain once again? Or will their future together become just another scar?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2025
390 people are currently reading
6430 people want to read
About the author
Shanora Williams
77 books6,774 followersShanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romance and diverse suspense novels.
She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of three amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive husband, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on TV streaming services. Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
Follow me:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook: Facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor
Facebook Fan Group: Facebook.com/groups/ShanorasSweethearts
Twitter: Twitter.com/shanorawilliams
She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of three amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive husband, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on TV streaming services. Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
Follow me:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook: Facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor
Facebook Fan Group: Facebook.com/groups/ShanorasSweethearts
Twitter: Twitter.com/shanorawilliams
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
January 1, 2026
Sweet Little Hearts is a basketball romance that is multiple things—a nanny x single dad romance, a story about fatherhood, a story about belonging, loss, trauma, heartbreak, and survival. The way Shanora Williams was able to create a story with many threads and see those through to the end while also maintaining the air of what a famous basketball player has to endure when it comes to the media and clout chasers was very masterfully executed.
I really enjoyed the progression of Javier and Octavia's relationship. While I do enjoy single dad x nanny romance, I admittedly often struggle with the balance of going from being employed by someone to being their lover, and the power dynamics that are blurred in order for that to be accomplished. With that said, I ate the "will they, won't they" of this right on up and I got over it very quickly LOL. One of the things I loved most was that while this was a grumpy x sunshine, but Octavia didn't feel quirky without a cause, and Javier didn't feel grumpy just because. Javier had gone through a lot in a short amount of time, and Octavia was finally taking her life back after feeling out of control, so things seemed very natural and well-balanced.
I loved seeing my faves Davina and Deke!
While I do think some storylines could have been fleshed out more—namely Octavia's storyline with her ex—I also respect how it was handled because it didn't give a lot of screen time, so to speak, to someone who was most undeserving.
The narration somewhat ebbed and flowed for me. It was mostly excellent, but I didn't enjoy the voices put on for Aleesa.
Thank you to Montlake, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and the author for the ALC and ARC!
4 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the progression of Javier and Octavia's relationship. While I do enjoy single dad x nanny romance, I admittedly often struggle with the balance of going from being employed by someone to being their lover, and the power dynamics that are blurred in order for that to be accomplished. With that said, I ate the "will they, won't they" of this right on up and I got over it very quickly LOL. One of the things I loved most was that while this was a grumpy x sunshine, but Octavia didn't feel quirky without a cause, and Javier didn't feel grumpy just because. Javier had gone through a lot in a short amount of time, and Octavia was finally taking her life back after feeling out of control, so things seemed very natural and well-balanced.
I loved seeing my faves Davina and Deke!
While I do think some storylines could have been fleshed out more—namely Octavia's storyline with her ex—I also respect how it was handled because it didn't give a lot of screen time, so to speak, to someone who was most undeserving.
The narration somewhat ebbed and flowed for me. It was mostly excellent, but I didn't enjoy the voices put on for Aleesa.
Thank you to Montlake, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and the author for the ALC and ARC!
4 ⭐️
January 10, 2026
Single dad AND grumpy sunshine?? I was immediately sold!!
Oh Javier… you might be the most grumpiest, sweetest MMC I’ve read about in a while.
While this one didn’t pull at my heart strings like BBL did, this brought something different but just as enjoyable.
I found this one to have way more hilarious moments that literally had me cackling. But as soon as I was laughing, I’d be on the edge of my seat, or my heart was full because this truly was a sweet story. Sooo many emotions with this one.
For the audio portion that I listened to, the female narrator took some getting used to, but somewhere throughout the story I was used to it and didn’t mind it so much.
Shout out to Aleesa with her adorable self🥰
My first highly anticipated read for 2026 complete- about a million to go!!😂💜
Thanks Gina for the buddy read😜🫶🏾🧜🏽♀️
Oh Javier… you might be the most grumpiest, sweetest MMC I’ve read about in a while.
While this one didn’t pull at my heart strings like BBL did, this brought something different but just as enjoyable.
I found this one to have way more hilarious moments that literally had me cackling. But as soon as I was laughing, I’d be on the edge of my seat, or my heart was full because this truly was a sweet story. Sooo many emotions with this one.
For the audio portion that I listened to, the female narrator took some getting used to, but somewhere throughout the story I was used to it and didn’t mind it so much.
Shout out to Aleesa with her adorable self🥰
My first highly anticipated read for 2026 complete- about a million to go!!😂💜
Thanks Gina for the buddy read😜🫶🏾🧜🏽♀️
January 3, 2026
Beautiful broken love was a hard act to follow and I honestly thought that this book couldn’t be on that same level. I was wrong! I enjoyed every page of Octavia & Javier’s journey. Their story faced a lot of challenges (check trigger warnings) and was definitely an emotional ride. But it was beautiful
December 30, 2025
Thank you Valentine PR, and Shanora Williams, for this ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review!
First of all, I love when authors give out arcs and alcs together, because if you’re anything like me, you love to listen and follow along to highlight memorable parts. It’s exactly what I did.
The audio is performed by Aure Nash and Andre Santana, and this is not the first time I have listened to either of them. I love Aure Nash so much. She has a way of bringing characters to life. They’re both so talented, and I enjoyed the audio a lot!
Underneath the romance, this book follows Javier. He’s a grieving, full time single dad, with a basketball career. This story is emotional, raw, and full of healing and trust.
“(…) Love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.”
Following Javier throughout his journey of finding his worth and self love, was truly beautiful. Javier is unapologetically stubborn when it comes to the people he loves, and a man of few words, but his love shows in his actions. This was an extremely broken man, whose love and compassion never wavered toward the people in his life. A true man.
Octavia is very similar to Javier, in the way that she would go to bat for the ones she loves, which made her relationship with Javier’s daughter so special. I loved seeing their bond, and them growing closer together throughout the book. Octavia’s backstory leveled up her character in the way it should’ve. She was guarded, of course, but it didn’t stop her from pursuing what she truly wanted in the end, and I love that for her. I love strong willed FMCs.
The romance between Javier and Octavia was done so well. I love slow burn romances for this exact reason. The chemistry between them builds right before your eyes. They each had their own story and their own reasons for being guarded, yet, the more time they spent around each other, learning to trust one another, made this SO special!
I have to admit, the plot twist thrown into the book at around 60% had me clutching my pearls!!! I was worried that there wasn’t going to be enough time for Shanora to wrap up the story in time, but she did it so perfectly, and it worked so well. Everything tied together so beautifully!
💗Single Dad/ Nanny
🏀Basketball/Sports Romance
💗Grumpy/Sunshine
🏀Forced Proximity
💗Healing
First of all, I love when authors give out arcs and alcs together, because if you’re anything like me, you love to listen and follow along to highlight memorable parts. It’s exactly what I did.
The audio is performed by Aure Nash and Andre Santana, and this is not the first time I have listened to either of them. I love Aure Nash so much. She has a way of bringing characters to life. They’re both so talented, and I enjoyed the audio a lot!
Underneath the romance, this book follows Javier. He’s a grieving, full time single dad, with a basketball career. This story is emotional, raw, and full of healing and trust.
“(…) Love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.”
Following Javier throughout his journey of finding his worth and self love, was truly beautiful. Javier is unapologetically stubborn when it comes to the people he loves, and a man of few words, but his love shows in his actions. This was an extremely broken man, whose love and compassion never wavered toward the people in his life. A true man.
Octavia is very similar to Javier, in the way that she would go to bat for the ones she loves, which made her relationship with Javier’s daughter so special. I loved seeing their bond, and them growing closer together throughout the book. Octavia’s backstory leveled up her character in the way it should’ve. She was guarded, of course, but it didn’t stop her from pursuing what she truly wanted in the end, and I love that for her. I love strong willed FMCs.
The romance between Javier and Octavia was done so well. I love slow burn romances for this exact reason. The chemistry between them builds right before your eyes. They each had their own story and their own reasons for being guarded, yet, the more time they spent around each other, learning to trust one another, made this SO special!
I have to admit, the plot twist thrown into the book at around 60% had me clutching my pearls!!! I was worried that there wasn’t going to be enough time for Shanora to wrap up the story in time, but she did it so perfectly, and it worked so well. Everything tied together so beautifully!
💗Single Dad/ Nanny
🏀Basketball/Sports Romance
💗Grumpy/Sunshine
🏀Forced Proximity
💗Healing
January 11, 2026
4.5 ✨️
This is how you write a romance novel!! 👏🏽
Javier is the grumpy single dad, grieving the loss of his wife. Octavia is the fun, loving nanny.
These characters were both coping with past trauma. I enjoyed following along as they healed together - in the most beautiful way! 💜
I was a little worried about the execution of this story because the balance between going from being employed by someone to being their lover, can be very tricky (imo)!! Dare I say, Shanora nailed this!! Aleesa (Javier's daughter) was so adorable! I loved her! 🍓🍓
Thanks for the buddy read, Alia!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽
This is how you write a romance novel!! 👏🏽
Javier is the grumpy single dad, grieving the loss of his wife. Octavia is the fun, loving nanny.
These characters were both coping with past trauma. I enjoyed following along as they healed together - in the most beautiful way! 💜
I was a little worried about the execution of this story because the balance between going from being employed by someone to being their lover, can be very tricky (imo)!! Dare I say, Shanora nailed this!! Aleesa (Javier's daughter) was so adorable! I loved her! 🍓🍓
Thanks for the buddy read, Alia!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽
January 3, 2026
Love doesn't always have to be loud and explosive... sometimes it's slow and natural.
That is exactly what Shanora worked to create in Sweet Little Hearts between a grump NBA play who is a single dad that finds himself opposed to letting his sunshine nanny in. Javier and Octavia's love was like a warm bowl of stew: cooked slow, meaty and comforting with a homey feeling.
If you have read Beautiful Broken Love, you know that this series has a way evoking emotions.... especially grief. One of the most powerful scenes was when Javier goes to Eloise's gravesite, just know my heart broke for that man. Javier is a good man Shanora! I appreciated all of the undertones of the difficult decisions people must make in a marriage, learning from your mistakes and unconditional love.
Things I wish we would have fleshed out a little more:
1. We started off with a strong conviction for Octavia to support her family (mother and disabled brother) but we never circled back to that storyline.
2. There was so much potential in the Luther plot point but little payoff. I wish there was one more interaction or flashback that we could have really connected before his demise. It almost felt like we could have skipped it all together.
That is exactly what Shanora worked to create in Sweet Little Hearts between a grump NBA play who is a single dad that finds himself opposed to letting his sunshine nanny in. Javier and Octavia's love was like a warm bowl of stew: cooked slow, meaty and comforting with a homey feeling.
If you have read Beautiful Broken Love, you know that this series has a way evoking emotions.... especially grief. One of the most powerful scenes was when Javier goes to Eloise's gravesite, just know my heart broke for that man. Javier is a good man Shanora! I appreciated all of the undertones of the difficult decisions people must make in a marriage, learning from your mistakes and unconditional love.
Things I wish we would have fleshed out a little more:
1. We started off with a strong conviction for Octavia to support her family (mother and disabled brother) but we never circled back to that storyline.
2. There was so much potential in the Luther plot point but little payoff. I wish there was one more interaction or flashback that we could have really connected before his demise. It almost felt like we could have skipped it all together.
January 11, 2026
Sweet Little Hearts was such a comforting, feel good read. I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine story and the way two families slowly grew into one. Watching Javier and Octavia find their footing together felt tender, intentional, and full of heart. I loved how their relationship was built on honesty, patience, and emotional safety.
I appreciated how Shanora handled Octavia’s past relationship with care. Her ex’s narcissistic and verbally abusive tendencies were acknowledged without being overly detailed, allowing us to understand Octavia’s healing journey without overwhelming the story. It added depth while keeping the tone soft and hopeful.
One of my favorite parts was how flawed the characters were. No one felt perfect, and the story didn’t shy away from showing how those imperfections affected others, but it also showed growth, accountability, and grace. The pacing was wonderful, letting Javier and Octavia’s connection develop naturally before fully leaning into the romance. Even the family complications felt realistic and grounded.
I also loved how much we continued to see and hear about the characters from Beautiful Broken Love. It made this sequel feel cozy, familiar, and deeply connected to book one. CONGRATULATIONS DEKE & DAVINA!!!
Overall, this was a warm, satisfying follow-up, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Shannara Williams takes this series next.
Arc provided NetGalley & VPR
I appreciated how Shanora handled Octavia’s past relationship with care. Her ex’s narcissistic and verbally abusive tendencies were acknowledged without being overly detailed, allowing us to understand Octavia’s healing journey without overwhelming the story. It added depth while keeping the tone soft and hopeful.
One of my favorite parts was how flawed the characters were. No one felt perfect, and the story didn’t shy away from showing how those imperfections affected others, but it also showed growth, accountability, and grace. The pacing was wonderful, letting Javier and Octavia’s connection develop naturally before fully leaning into the romance. Even the family complications felt realistic and grounded.
I also loved how much we continued to see and hear about the characters from Beautiful Broken Love. It made this sequel feel cozy, familiar, and deeply connected to book one. CONGRATULATIONS DEKE & DAVINA!!!
Overall, this was a warm, satisfying follow-up, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Shannara Williams takes this series next.
Arc provided NetGalley & VPR
January 6, 2026
This story follows Octavia and Javier. Javier is a hardworking single father in the NBA who needs help caring for his young daughter. Then we have Octavia a fiery, bold, and beautiful woman who agrees to become the nanny. She immediately gets under his skin, and at times it feels like he wants to run her right out of the house. But what happens when he can’t resist temptation?
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Shanora Williams book, and this one did not disappoint. First off, I loved the audiobook especially Aure’s narration of the child’s voice, which was absolutely adorable. I highly recommend picking this up in audio format.
This is a character-driven storyline with some tense moments involving side characters that made me feel a wide range of emotions. I did not see the major twist coming my jaw was on the floor. Octavia was a standout for me: strong, feisty, and unafraid to stand her ground or call Javier out but dealt with a past that brought out a vulnarable side. Javier, while a total grump, clearly adores his daughter and slowly falls for Octavia. I really enjoyed watching his growth throughout the book and seeing him find happiness after everything he’s been through.
I loved Octavia and Javier together and watching them become a family. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of Shanora Williams work in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 19mins
Narrators: Aure Nash and Andre Santana - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: First Person - Dual
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Nanny, Sports Romance (Basketball), Grumpy Sunshine, Interracial Romance, Fuck It Scene, Grief, Death Of Partner and Parent, Sexual Content and Dirty Talk.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Shanora Williams book, and this one did not disappoint. First off, I loved the audiobook especially Aure’s narration of the child’s voice, which was absolutely adorable. I highly recommend picking this up in audio format.
This is a character-driven storyline with some tense moments involving side characters that made me feel a wide range of emotions. I did not see the major twist coming my jaw was on the floor. Octavia was a standout for me: strong, feisty, and unafraid to stand her ground or call Javier out but dealt with a past that brought out a vulnarable side. Javier, while a total grump, clearly adores his daughter and slowly falls for Octavia. I really enjoyed watching his growth throughout the book and seeing him find happiness after everything he’s been through.
I loved Octavia and Javier together and watching them become a family. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of Shanora Williams work in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 19mins
Narrators: Aure Nash and Andre Santana - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: First Person - Dual
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Nanny, Sports Romance (Basketball), Grumpy Sunshine, Interracial Romance, Fuck It Scene, Grief, Death Of Partner and Parent, Sexual Content and Dirty Talk.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
January 3, 2026
Super cute 🥰 a little emotional, very spicy 🌶️ I enjoyed Octavia’s and Javier’s journey. Talk about grumpy x sunshine 😂 if you’re looking for an emotional romance with spice & laughs, this is it. There was a very unexpected twist that I could have done without but, still loved.
Thank you Shanora for this ARC / ALC 😍
Thank you Shanora for this ARC / ALC 😍
January 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ ARC review!
So very grateful to have received an early ebook copy of this book!! Single dad x nanny trope? Check! Grump x sunshine? Check! Basketball Romance? Check! This love story was so fun to fall in love with and seeing both Javier and Octavia slowly yearn for each other (Javier especially lol) was so beautiful! This was my first romance book of the new year and I was soo excited to read this!
Javier Valdez… UGH no words! I really enjoyed reading seeing how his character he slowly unthawed and became more vulnerable with Octavia after everything he experienced, and we got to see more of his personality the more you read rather than just him being a GG (if you know you know LOL). He loved Octavia in such a way that she deserved, now I want a Javier for myself!
Octavia was so unapologetically herself and the sass I loved it! And I think my favorite part of the book is how she was with little Aleesa. I just loved reading their scenes together and seeing how Octavia immediately fell in love with taking care of her. Her character was so lovable and fun, but she also had her moments with Javier that were genuine and supportive too.
I felt that the writing was easy to follow and descriptive, which was great because I felt like i literally flew through the book. I also thought that the storyline was devastatingly perfect with Javier being a widowed single father and Octavia healing from a toxic relationship. The two really balanced each other well and caught myself giggling and smiling a lot when they would flirt and be sweet with each other. I just want to read more of Shanora in the future now!
Thank you Shanora Williams, Valentine PR, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book! It was such a wonderful romance to kick off my romance reading for the year!💜
So very grateful to have received an early ebook copy of this book!! Single dad x nanny trope? Check! Grump x sunshine? Check! Basketball Romance? Check! This love story was so fun to fall in love with and seeing both Javier and Octavia slowly yearn for each other (Javier especially lol) was so beautiful! This was my first romance book of the new year and I was soo excited to read this!
Javier Valdez… UGH no words! I really enjoyed reading seeing how his character he slowly unthawed and became more vulnerable with Octavia after everything he experienced, and we got to see more of his personality the more you read rather than just him being a GG (if you know you know LOL). He loved Octavia in such a way that she deserved, now I want a Javier for myself!
Octavia was so unapologetically herself and the sass I loved it! And I think my favorite part of the book is how she was with little Aleesa. I just loved reading their scenes together and seeing how Octavia immediately fell in love with taking care of her. Her character was so lovable and fun, but she also had her moments with Javier that were genuine and supportive too.
I felt that the writing was easy to follow and descriptive, which was great because I felt like i literally flew through the book. I also thought that the storyline was devastatingly perfect with Javier being a widowed single father and Octavia healing from a toxic relationship. The two really balanced each other well and caught myself giggling and smiling a lot when they would flirt and be sweet with each other. I just want to read more of Shanora in the future now!
Thank you Shanora Williams, Valentine PR, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book! It was such a wonderful romance to kick off my romance reading for the year!💜
December 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
I absolutely loved this book!! Thank you Valentine PR, NetGalley and of course the wonderful Shanora Williams for this ARC! I was hooked from the Dedication and never stopped reading. I laughed, got teary eyed & smiled the whole time.
I absolutely loved this book!! Thank you Valentine PR, NetGalley and of course the wonderful Shanora Williams for this ARC! I was hooked from the Dedication and never stopped reading. I laughed, got teary eyed & smiled the whole time.
January 7, 2026
this was so good ! Octavia and Javier’s story was sooo cute . yall know I love a babysitter romance but this one had sooooo much depth and healing involved, I loveddddd !
January 4, 2026
I loved this one! Great kickoff to the year.
January 3, 2026
2.5 stars.
There wasn't enough of a graceful transition from employer/employee to lovers for me. They hardly spoke about anything beyond Aleesa and coordinating schedules and then suddenly the MMC is kissing her. Even in his chapters prior to that he never really expressed, internally, anything other than respect, occasional mild annoyance, and appreciation for her as his nanny.
Other than that, it was a very sweet, downright saccharine, love story but it was very boring. There was absolutely no internal conflict, all the drama was external and very bland, as dramas go.
The spice could have been better as well.
There wasn't enough of a graceful transition from employer/employee to lovers for me. They hardly spoke about anything beyond Aleesa and coordinating schedules and then suddenly the MMC is kissing her. Even in his chapters prior to that he never really expressed, internally, anything other than respect, occasional mild annoyance, and appreciation for her as his nanny.
Other than that, it was a very sweet, downright saccharine, love story but it was very boring. There was absolutely no internal conflict, all the drama was external and very bland, as dramas go.
The spice could have been better as well.
November 28, 2025
Can I just say I loved everything about Javier and Octavia’s love story!?! The slow burn, their chemistry, the spice…just perfection! Around the 60% mark, my heart dropped to my stomach but the story wrapped up beautifully.
I also appreciated the update on Davina and Deke!
I had an advanced listener copy and the narrators, André Santana and Aure Nash did amazing! If you can, definitely listen to this on audio!
I also appreciated the update on Davina and Deke!
I had an advanced listener copy and the narrators, André Santana and Aure Nash did amazing! If you can, definitely listen to this on audio!
October 13, 2025
I had the chance to read an advance copy of Sweet Little Hearts by Shanora Williams, and it was the perfect emotional palette cleanser. Williams has a gift for creating stories that pull you through every feeling imaginable—love, grief, vulnerability, and healing—and this one was no exception.
This story centers on Octavia (Davina’s sister) and Javier (Deeks’s teammate), two people bound by heartbreak and unexpected connection. Octavia becomes the babysitter for Javier’s four-year-old daughter, Aleesa, and what starts as help quickly turns into something deeper. Their chemistry builds quietly and tenderly, but both are carrying wounds from the past that threaten to undo what they’re just beginning to rebuild.
Shanora beautifully ties this book into Beautiful Broken Hearts while keeping it strong enough to stand on its own. It’s emotional, raw, and heartfelt—a story about second chances, healing, and the messy, unpredictable ways love finds us again.
This was a five-star read for me and a reminder of why I always look forward to Shanora’s releases. She knows how to write characters who feel real and a love story that lingers long after the final page.
This story centers on Octavia (Davina’s sister) and Javier (Deeks’s teammate), two people bound by heartbreak and unexpected connection. Octavia becomes the babysitter for Javier’s four-year-old daughter, Aleesa, and what starts as help quickly turns into something deeper. Their chemistry builds quietly and tenderly, but both are carrying wounds from the past that threaten to undo what they’re just beginning to rebuild.
Shanora beautifully ties this book into Beautiful Broken Hearts while keeping it strong enough to stand on its own. It’s emotional, raw, and heartfelt—a story about second chances, healing, and the messy, unpredictable ways love finds us again.
This was a five-star read for me and a reminder of why I always look forward to Shanora’s releases. She knows how to write characters who feel real and a love story that lingers long after the final page.
December 30, 2025
I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!! I laughed, I squealed, I was giddy, I was sad, and I gushed my way through this entire book!
Pardon me my friends, but this review is about to be all over the place because my emotions are still in a chokehold.
Javier:
💜 A man who takes his woman to the bookstore and says “get whatever you want”? Husband, take notes. 📝
💜 A man who’s intentional about making his woman feel safe and actually backs it up with his actions. 😩
💜 A man who reads?! Say less.
💜 A man who’ll put his mama in her place about his woman?! HELLO?!
And that twist— honey, my mouth was on the floor like… girl, WHET?! 😳
Now Octavia absolutely shines too and I love the way she was the calm to Javier’s storm, but let’s be honest, Shanora wrote the heck outta this man. 🥹🤏🏾🤏🏾
And that moment when the title was revealed? 🥹🫶🏾 Pure perfection.
I already reread this one via audio and enjoyed it so much! Whatever your reading preference is, it’s a win!
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Pardon me my friends, but this review is about to be all over the place because my emotions are still in a chokehold.
Javier:
💜 A man who takes his woman to the bookstore and says “get whatever you want”? Husband, take notes. 📝
💜 A man who’s intentional about making his woman feel safe and actually backs it up with his actions. 😩
💜 A man who reads?! Say less.
💜 A man who’ll put his mama in her place about his woman?! HELLO?!
And that twist— honey, my mouth was on the floor like… girl, WHET?! 😳
Now Octavia absolutely shines too and I love the way she was the calm to Javier’s storm, but let’s be honest, Shanora wrote the heck outta this man. 🥹🤏🏾🤏🏾
And that moment when the title was revealed? 🥹🫶🏾 Pure perfection.
I already reread this one via audio and enjoyed it so much! Whatever your reading preference is, it’s a win!
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! Shanora broke my heart just to build it back again. From the love to the plot twist this book was simply everything
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Listen… Shanora Williams really knows how to grab you by the feelings and refuse to let go. Sweet Little Hearts is one of those romances that sneaks up on you you think you’re getting a cute single‑dad setup, and suddenly you’re knee‑deep in grief, healing, and chemistry that feels way too real for fictional people.
Javier...yep, A whole brooding, emotionally bruised NBA dad who is trying so hard to keep it together that you can practically hear the seams popping. And Octavia? She walks in like a warm breeze soft, steady, and exactly the kind of person who makes you rethink the walls you swore you’d never take down.
Their dynamic is messy in the most human way. Not toxic, not dramatic-for-sport just two people who’ve lived through some things and are terrified to want more. The slow burn is slow burning, the tension is delicious, and the emotional beats feel earned. And Javier’s daughter? She’s the little heartbeat of the whole story.
What I loved:
- The grief is handled with care, not melodrama
- The chemistry feels grown, not rushed
- The “should we be doing this?” moments are chef’s kiss
- Octavia’s warmth feels like a character, not a trope
- Javier’s vulnerability sneaks up on you
This is a romance about choosing to live again, choosing to love again, and choosing to believe you deserve softness even when life has been anything but soft.
If you like your romances tender, a little messy, and full of emotional payoff, this one will absolutely work for you.
thanks to Netgalley and Valentine PR for the advance copy.
Javier...yep, A whole brooding, emotionally bruised NBA dad who is trying so hard to keep it together that you can practically hear the seams popping. And Octavia? She walks in like a warm breeze soft, steady, and exactly the kind of person who makes you rethink the walls you swore you’d never take down.
Their dynamic is messy in the most human way. Not toxic, not dramatic-for-sport just two people who’ve lived through some things and are terrified to want more. The slow burn is slow burning, the tension is delicious, and the emotional beats feel earned. And Javier’s daughter? She’s the little heartbeat of the whole story.
What I loved:
- The grief is handled with care, not melodrama
- The chemistry feels grown, not rushed
- The “should we be doing this?” moments are chef’s kiss
- Octavia’s warmth feels like a character, not a trope
- Javier’s vulnerability sneaks up on you
This is a romance about choosing to live again, choosing to love again, and choosing to believe you deserve softness even when life has been anything but soft.
If you like your romances tender, a little messy, and full of emotional payoff, this one will absolutely work for you.
thanks to Netgalley and Valentine PR for the advance copy.
January 1, 2026
If you liked Big Beautiful Love, the first book in this series you will love this one! I’m not a highlight and save quotes from a book person, but these two really touched me. I believe they’re the essence of the book.
“…life works the way it’s supposed to, and Eloise’s path had already been paved. So had mine. We are not thrown things we cannot handle in this life, and though the issues I had faced had tested me, they had also brought me strength.”
“Well…life isn’t very kind to anyone these days. But the beauty of it is that with the right people around, there is a balm to smooth out those rocky days.”
Javier is the single widowed father of Aleesa. He’s also the center for the NBA team The Ravens. Finally Deke from BBL, and the star player on the Ravens is his best friend.
That’s how he meets Octavia, Davinia’s sister and Deke’s finance. Octavia is a nanny who has left a 3 year abusive relationship. She’s healing a broken heart and the trauma caused by her relationship.
Javier asks her to be a nanny for his daughter after she watched her while he was in a meeting In Miami. Of course after several months they develop feelings for each other. But it’s such an amazing thing to read. How love helps heal both of their traumatized hearts. How they build a family and fight for each other even when they’re thrown a life-changing twist.
The familial love, sibling bonds of love, friendships built upon love & respect, plus building your support system that gets you through the most trying days is the highlight of this book. I loved everything about it and highly recommend you add it to your TBR.
“…life works the way it’s supposed to, and Eloise’s path had already been paved. So had mine. We are not thrown things we cannot handle in this life, and though the issues I had faced had tested me, they had also brought me strength.”
“Well…life isn’t very kind to anyone these days. But the beauty of it is that with the right people around, there is a balm to smooth out those rocky days.”
Javier is the single widowed father of Aleesa. He’s also the center for the NBA team The Ravens. Finally Deke from BBL, and the star player on the Ravens is his best friend.
That’s how he meets Octavia, Davinia’s sister and Deke’s finance. Octavia is a nanny who has left a 3 year abusive relationship. She’s healing a broken heart and the trauma caused by her relationship.
Javier asks her to be a nanny for his daughter after she watched her while he was in a meeting In Miami. Of course after several months they develop feelings for each other. But it’s such an amazing thing to read. How love helps heal both of their traumatized hearts. How they build a family and fight for each other even when they’re thrown a life-changing twist.
The familial love, sibling bonds of love, friendships built upon love & respect, plus building your support system that gets you through the most trying days is the highlight of this book. I loved everything about it and highly recommend you add it to your TBR.
December 30, 2025
So happy that this is finally out in the world for everyone to read. This isn’t like any other basketball romance that I have ever read before.
The dynamic between Javier and Octavia is so beautifully written, capturing the tension and warmth of two very different people finding common ground. The story goes beyond just romance, showing the struggles of loss, trust, and the challenges of blending a family.
Javier’s laid back grumpiness and Octavia’s carefree sass had me smiling at times. It’s a slow burn but the build up is totally worth it. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn’t put this book down.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for allowing me to read this early!
The dynamic between Javier and Octavia is so beautifully written, capturing the tension and warmth of two very different people finding common ground. The story goes beyond just romance, showing the struggles of loss, trust, and the challenges of blending a family.
Javier’s laid back grumpiness and Octavia’s carefree sass had me smiling at times. It’s a slow burn but the build up is totally worth it. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn’t put this book down.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for allowing me to read this early!
November 22, 2025
Single dad/nanny romance, and mix it with sports romance? Say less.
If you know me, you know I love me some single dad romance. And in the fact that our dad is a grump for everyone but his daughter and Williams already had me intrigued.
Javier Valdez is a pro basketball player raising his young daughter on his own. But with his job and travel, he needs a bit of help. He just can't seem to keep a nanny. His teammate Deke suggests he hire the sister of his girlfriend since she's great with kids. Octavia Klein may like to push Javier's buttons, but it's his daughter Aleesa who she is immediately drawn to and can't imagine not being her nanny.
With the beginning of basketball season starting and Javier short on time, he decides to give Octavia a chance. His daughter takes an immediate liking to "Tava" and their connection begins the moment she walks in the door. Living in the guest house and taking care of Leesa comes as second nature to Octavia. These two bright personalities establish a routine and everything is working for them. Javier can't complain with how well his daughter is taken care of, the meals she provides and everything she does for his family of two. Their personalities may have clashed to begin with, but something starts to brew. And when Javi begins to let himself think that he can have a little happiness for himself, that's when the "f*ck it" moment happens and I have to say, it was perfect timing.
I knew as soon as I met Javier and Octavia in Beautiful Broken Love that I was going to need their story. They were two opposites that had a spark that I knew could be something special. Thank goodness Shanora Williams saw the potential and gave us Sweet Little Hearts. And you may think with a title like that, that it would be sweet. And I'm here to tell you that while there is sweetness, there are also the pasts of both of these characters that come with some serious baggage that is both heartbreaking and frustrating.
With the perfect blend of banter, sexual tension and slow burn, this story develops over time allowing for our characters to get to know one another and understand what makes each other tick. I loved how Octavia brought Javi out of his shell and how he got called out by his teammates when he starts smiling and allowing a bit of light into his life. Because he's always been a broody man, father and friend, people take notice when Javi begins to change. And how these two are there for each other during the most difficult of times is a testament to the relationship they built over time, even it may have been a little forbidden.
Overall, this was a great story that was beautiful, emotional, and had some good character growth. I liked how Williams brought past grief and trauma to their journey, but didn't let that overshadow what they were building on their own. There was a sense of protectiveness on both sides, but it was all beautifully done with so many amazing supporting characters that helped push the story forward and gave us an HEA that the MCs deserved.
'..Love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.'
If you like:
Single dad/nanny
Sports/Basketball romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Sweetest little daughter
Supportive family
then Sweet Little Hearts can't be missed.
If you know me, you know I love me some single dad romance. And in the fact that our dad is a grump for everyone but his daughter and Williams already had me intrigued.
Javier Valdez is a pro basketball player raising his young daughter on his own. But with his job and travel, he needs a bit of help. He just can't seem to keep a nanny. His teammate Deke suggests he hire the sister of his girlfriend since she's great with kids. Octavia Klein may like to push Javier's buttons, but it's his daughter Aleesa who she is immediately drawn to and can't imagine not being her nanny.
With the beginning of basketball season starting and Javier short on time, he decides to give Octavia a chance. His daughter takes an immediate liking to "Tava" and their connection begins the moment she walks in the door. Living in the guest house and taking care of Leesa comes as second nature to Octavia. These two bright personalities establish a routine and everything is working for them. Javier can't complain with how well his daughter is taken care of, the meals she provides and everything she does for his family of two. Their personalities may have clashed to begin with, but something starts to brew. And when Javi begins to let himself think that he can have a little happiness for himself, that's when the "f*ck it" moment happens and I have to say, it was perfect timing.
I knew as soon as I met Javier and Octavia in Beautiful Broken Love that I was going to need their story. They were two opposites that had a spark that I knew could be something special. Thank goodness Shanora Williams saw the potential and gave us Sweet Little Hearts. And you may think with a title like that, that it would be sweet. And I'm here to tell you that while there is sweetness, there are also the pasts of both of these characters that come with some serious baggage that is both heartbreaking and frustrating.
With the perfect blend of banter, sexual tension and slow burn, this story develops over time allowing for our characters to get to know one another and understand what makes each other tick. I loved how Octavia brought Javi out of his shell and how he got called out by his teammates when he starts smiling and allowing a bit of light into his life. Because he's always been a broody man, father and friend, people take notice when Javi begins to change. And how these two are there for each other during the most difficult of times is a testament to the relationship they built over time, even it may have been a little forbidden.
Overall, this was a great story that was beautiful, emotional, and had some good character growth. I liked how Williams brought past grief and trauma to their journey, but didn't let that overshadow what they were building on their own. There was a sense of protectiveness on both sides, but it was all beautifully done with so many amazing supporting characters that helped push the story forward and gave us an HEA that the MCs deserved.
'..Love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.'
If you like:
Single dad/nanny
Sports/Basketball romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Sweetest little daughter
Supportive family
then Sweet Little Hearts can't be missed.
December 2, 2025
Let me start with this cover, because wow. 💜 I’m obsessed. It pairs perfectly with Beautiful Broken Love, and I’m already itching to put the physical copies side by side on my shelf. They’re going to look perfect together.
If there’s anything I can count on with Shanora Williams, it’s that she never coasts with her stories whether romance or thriller, it’s full speed ahead with sharp turns so be ready!
Javier, the grumpy, quietly intense single dad, meets his unexpected match in Octavia, the live in nanny who doesn’t flinch at his rough exterior. She sees right through the storm cloud energy, especially when it comes to the way he loves his daughter, Aleesa. Watching Octavia fit into their world, soften it, and still stand her ground made their gradual slide into love feel so natural that I found myself rooting for them long before they realized what was happening. But then, Shanora does what she does best, she adds in a bombshell out of nowhere! A twist that hit me so hard I literally paused after reading it. Then immediately started flipping my kindle pages. There was no “I’ll finish this later.” I had to know where it was all heading. By the time I turned the last page, it didn’t feel like I had just read a romance novel. It felt like I had been welcomed into someone’s home, handed a seat at the table, told the real story behind the closed door, and had been folded into their family with a warm hug.
If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, you’ve got 28 days to get ready. Trust me, you’re going to want this one in your hands the moment it drops. I’ll be picking up the audiobook soon to re-read/listening again before pub day because🥹 Thank you to Shanora and her team for my free e-ARC & ALC!💜
If there’s anything I can count on with Shanora Williams, it’s that she never coasts with her stories whether romance or thriller, it’s full speed ahead with sharp turns so be ready!
Javier, the grumpy, quietly intense single dad, meets his unexpected match in Octavia, the live in nanny who doesn’t flinch at his rough exterior. She sees right through the storm cloud energy, especially when it comes to the way he loves his daughter, Aleesa. Watching Octavia fit into their world, soften it, and still stand her ground made their gradual slide into love feel so natural that I found myself rooting for them long before they realized what was happening. But then, Shanora does what she does best, she adds in a bombshell out of nowhere! A twist that hit me so hard I literally paused after reading it. Then immediately started flipping my kindle pages. There was no “I’ll finish this later.” I had to know where it was all heading. By the time I turned the last page, it didn’t feel like I had just read a romance novel. It felt like I had been welcomed into someone’s home, handed a seat at the table, told the real story behind the closed door, and had been folded into their family with a warm hug.
If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, you’ve got 28 days to get ready. Trust me, you’re going to want this one in your hands the moment it drops. I’ll be picking up the audiobook soon to re-read/listening again before pub day because🥹 Thank you to Shanora and her team for my free e-ARC & ALC!💜
December 19, 2025
This book really took me through it 😭😭 when I first finished beautiful broken love, I couldn't wait for Octavia and Javier's story but babyyyy! My emotions was running high with this one! I absolutely loved both characters and the narrators in the ALC did their thing!!
Everything about their story was lovable and I loved that we still got to see Deke and Davina! Per usual, Shanora did her thing!
Everything about their story was lovable and I loved that we still got to see Deke and Davina! Per usual, Shanora did her thing!
November 11, 2025
Anything Shanora Williams writes, I read & enjoy. Sweet Little Hearts is a spin off from Beautiful Broken Love, where Javier and Octavia share their love story.
I loved the grumpy vs sunshine trope and seeing why Javier keeps a wall up that he just doesn't seem to let down for many. I loved the mystery as to finding out why! Octavia was so likeable - you can tell she loved being a nanny & would do anything for Javier's daughter, Leesa. And let's not get started on how well Octavia handled the bumps in the road when it came to getting closer to Javier! 🩷 Well done, girl!
The blooming love, the few plot twists and the way the words just flowed off the pages (& touched on real life issues) made Javier & Octavia's relationship realistic & honest.
Now I'm wondering, will playboy EJ have a story too? 🤭
Thank you to Shanora Williams for the ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!
I loved the grumpy vs sunshine trope and seeing why Javier keeps a wall up that he just doesn't seem to let down for many. I loved the mystery as to finding out why! Octavia was so likeable - you can tell she loved being a nanny & would do anything for Javier's daughter, Leesa. And let's not get started on how well Octavia handled the bumps in the road when it came to getting closer to Javier! 🩷 Well done, girl!
The blooming love, the few plot twists and the way the words just flowed off the pages (& touched on real life issues) made Javier & Octavia's relationship realistic & honest.
Now I'm wondering, will playboy EJ have a story too? 🤭
Thank you to Shanora Williams for the ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!
January 6, 2026
ARC Review | Sweet Little Hearts by Shanora Williams
Sweet Little Hearts is a beautifully tender, emotionally grounded romance that explores grief, healing, and the courage it takes to love again when your heart has already been broken.
Javier Valdez is a widowed NBA player carrying the weight of loss while trying to be everything his four-year-old daughter needs. His life is built on structure, control, and routine—because anything less feels too risky. After a string of failed nannies, he’s convinced Octavia Klein will be no different. She’s too outspoken, too free, too full of light for the carefully guarded world he’s created.
But Octavia is exactly what his family needs.
What stood out most to me was the beautiful, organic way Octavia connects with Javier’s daughter. Their bond is heartfelt, genuine, and emotionally rich, adding so much depth to the story. Octavia isn’t trying to replace anyone—she simply shows up with patience, care, and love, and that makes all the difference. Those moments were some of the most touching in the book.
The romance between Javier and Octavia is a true slow burn—layered with tension, restraint, and unspoken longing. Both characters are deeply guarded, each for their own reasons, and Shanora Williams does an incredible job showing how fear and past pain can hold people hostage even when love is standing right in front of them. Every glance, every moment of closeness, felt earned.
Grief plays a significant role in this story, and it’s handled with nuance and respect. Javier’s loss isn’t brushed aside for the sake of romance—it’s present, heavy, and real. Octavia, too, carries her own emotional scars, and watching them navigate vulnerability while toeing the line between professionalism and something deeper made their connection feel incredibly authentic.
At its core, Sweet Little Hearts is a story about choosing hope again. It’s about learning that love doesn’t erase the past, but it can coexist with it—and even help heal what still hurts. This book is tender without being overly sentimental, emotional without being overwhelming, and romantic in a way that feels honest and human.
If you love single-dad romances, nanny proximity, emotionally rich storytelling, and Black love stories rooted in healing and growth, this book will absolutely resonate with you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Shanora Williams for the ARC. This story truly left its mark on my heart.
Sweet Little Hearts is a beautifully tender, emotionally grounded romance that explores grief, healing, and the courage it takes to love again when your heart has already been broken.
Javier Valdez is a widowed NBA player carrying the weight of loss while trying to be everything his four-year-old daughter needs. His life is built on structure, control, and routine—because anything less feels too risky. After a string of failed nannies, he’s convinced Octavia Klein will be no different. She’s too outspoken, too free, too full of light for the carefully guarded world he’s created.
But Octavia is exactly what his family needs.
What stood out most to me was the beautiful, organic way Octavia connects with Javier’s daughter. Their bond is heartfelt, genuine, and emotionally rich, adding so much depth to the story. Octavia isn’t trying to replace anyone—she simply shows up with patience, care, and love, and that makes all the difference. Those moments were some of the most touching in the book.
The romance between Javier and Octavia is a true slow burn—layered with tension, restraint, and unspoken longing. Both characters are deeply guarded, each for their own reasons, and Shanora Williams does an incredible job showing how fear and past pain can hold people hostage even when love is standing right in front of them. Every glance, every moment of closeness, felt earned.
Grief plays a significant role in this story, and it’s handled with nuance and respect. Javier’s loss isn’t brushed aside for the sake of romance—it’s present, heavy, and real. Octavia, too, carries her own emotional scars, and watching them navigate vulnerability while toeing the line between professionalism and something deeper made their connection feel incredibly authentic.
At its core, Sweet Little Hearts is a story about choosing hope again. It’s about learning that love doesn’t erase the past, but it can coexist with it—and even help heal what still hurts. This book is tender without being overly sentimental, emotional without being overwhelming, and romantic in a way that feels honest and human.
If you love single-dad romances, nanny proximity, emotionally rich storytelling, and Black love stories rooted in healing and growth, this book will absolutely resonate with you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Shanora Williams for the ARC. This story truly left its mark on my heart.
January 5, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Thank you so much to Shanora Williams for the ALC AND!!! The ARC!!
I listened to the ALC and wow. I loveddddd this book. The narrators tore this UP in the best way possible.
Xavier and Octavia were my favs truly. I even loved Xaviers daughter in this book (who's name is escaping me currently) but the plot twist in the middle? I loveee when things don't go in the main characters favor. I honestly wish authors did that more often, because whew why my eyes almost start sweating??? I now want to go back and listen/read the first book!! This flowed so well and had so much emotion in it- watching Xavier protect Octavia???? BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I legit was squealing.
There is so much emotion and feeling to Shanoras writing that I honestly felt like I was right there with the characters. There is so many layers to this book that i really wasnt ready to leave their world when it ended 😭. Wow.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I'm so honored to have gotten an ARC and an ALC! If you are looking for something that may slightly have your eyes sweating? HIGHLY recommend.
Thank you so much to Shanora Williams for the ALC AND!!! The ARC!!
I listened to the ALC and wow. I loveddddd this book. The narrators tore this UP in the best way possible.
Xavier and Octavia were my favs truly. I even loved Xaviers daughter in this book (who's name is escaping me currently) but the plot twist in the middle? I loveee when things don't go in the main characters favor. I honestly wish authors did that more often, because whew why my eyes almost start sweating??? I now want to go back and listen/read the first book!! This flowed so well and had so much emotion in it- watching Xavier protect Octavia???? BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I legit was squealing.
There is so much emotion and feeling to Shanoras writing that I honestly felt like I was right there with the characters. There is so many layers to this book that i really wasnt ready to leave their world when it ended 😭. Wow.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I'm so honored to have gotten an ARC and an ALC! If you are looking for something that may slightly have your eyes sweating? HIGHLY recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3,5⭐️
Sweet Little Hearts by Shanora Williams is a sports romance that leans heavily into some classic and comforting tropes: nanny x single dad, grumpy x sunshine, and a professional basketball player hero. Javier is the grumpy, emotionally guarded single dad, while Octavia brings warmth, patience, and light into his and his daughter’s life. And speaking of his daughter—she was hands down one of the highlights of this book. She was incredibly sweet, and the supportive family dynamic added so much heart to the story.
Both Octavia and Javier are dealing with their pasts and trying to heal from heartbreak, which gave the story emotional weight. I really liked that this was a quick, easy read while still tackling heavier subjects. It never felt overwhelming, but it did feel meaningful.
That said, the romance didn’t fully land for me. The relationship between Octavia and Javier felt a bit rushed, and at times I struggled to truly feel their connection. I wanted more depth and emotional buildup, as their interactions occasionally felt surface-level rather than deeply bonded.
The twist toward the end was unexpected and definitely added drama and another layer to the story. While I appreciated the added dimension, it also felt somewhat rushed in execution, leaving me wishing it had been explored more fully.
Sweet Little Hearts by Shanora Williams is a sports romance that leans heavily into some classic and comforting tropes: nanny x single dad, grumpy x sunshine, and a professional basketball player hero. Javier is the grumpy, emotionally guarded single dad, while Octavia brings warmth, patience, and light into his and his daughter’s life. And speaking of his daughter—she was hands down one of the highlights of this book. She was incredibly sweet, and the supportive family dynamic added so much heart to the story.
Both Octavia and Javier are dealing with their pasts and trying to heal from heartbreak, which gave the story emotional weight. I really liked that this was a quick, easy read while still tackling heavier subjects. It never felt overwhelming, but it did feel meaningful.
That said, the romance didn’t fully land for me. The relationship between Octavia and Javier felt a bit rushed, and at times I struggled to truly feel their connection. I wanted more depth and emotional buildup, as their interactions occasionally felt surface-level rather than deeply bonded.
The twist toward the end was unexpected and definitely added drama and another layer to the story. While I appreciated the added dimension, it also felt somewhat rushed in execution, leaving me wishing it had been explored more fully.
December 27, 2025
ARC and ALC review! Thank you Valentine PR & for the advanced copy!
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity sports romance = my kinda vibe!! This book has me hooked!!! Both Octavia and Javier are navigating their own personal battles of grief, loss, and heartbreak while making the brave choice to let go of fear and open themselves to love was such a beautiful story to watch unfold.
I loved how they both supported each other through their journeys, refusing to let their pasts define their futures. I love how Shanora beautifully explored overcoming tragedy and allowing love in despite the hardships life throws your way.
The book really picked up around the 60% mark, and from there I was on such an emotional rollercoaster. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more by the author!
The audiobook was excellent, both narrators brought the characters and this story to life!!
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity sports romance = my kinda vibe!! This book has me hooked!!! Both Octavia and Javier are navigating their own personal battles of grief, loss, and heartbreak while making the brave choice to let go of fear and open themselves to love was such a beautiful story to watch unfold.
I loved how they both supported each other through their journeys, refusing to let their pasts define their futures. I love how Shanora beautifully explored overcoming tragedy and allowing love in despite the hardships life throws your way.
The book really picked up around the 60% mark, and from there I was on such an emotional rollercoaster. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more by the author!
The audiobook was excellent, both narrators brought the characters and this story to life!!
December 30, 2025
This is one of those stories which consume the reader from the very beginning, and this is Javier and Octavia’s story.
Javier is a struggling, widowed, single dad to his 4-year-old daughter, and with an NBA career, and he has sworn off relationships since his wife died, and when time is running out, he hires Octavia, who has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tension, loss, grief, angst, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, making choices, challenges, healing, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Javier is a struggling, widowed, single dad to his 4-year-old daughter, and with an NBA career, and he has sworn off relationships since his wife died, and when time is running out, he hires Octavia, who has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tension, loss, grief, angst, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, making choices, challenges, healing, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartfelt, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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