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Off the Books #2
Paper Hearts
Pop princess, fake prince, real temptation—her big comeback just got wildly complicated.
After a very public meltdown and a canceled world tour, my music career is hanging by a thread. And now, my record label is all but telling me to kiss pop-stardom goodbye.
My PR team’s brilliant solution? A fake relationship with Hollywood heartthrob Grayson Hemsley—charming on camera, and absolutely insufferable behind closed doors.
But there’s a bigger secret I’ve been keeping. A teensy detail about me that the tabloids would have a field day with: I’ve never actually…done it. There. I said it. And I’m starting to think my music is missing that authentic spark of experience.
So, I hire an escort for a one-night solution. Taio Wilkes is gorgeous, kind, hilarious, and nothing like I expected. When he discovers my true intentions, he doesn’t take my money and run. Instead, he offers something I never saw coming—friendship, and lessons in the art of intimacy without rushing the main event.
Just when things get comfortable, the paparazzi catches us together a little too close for casual. My solution to the storm of cheating accusations? Make Taio my new bodyguard.
Now I’m caught between Grayson’s sudden jealousy-infused interest and my deepening connection with Taio, who is still suffering from the wounds of his past and claims he’ll never settle down.
With the deadline for my big career comeback looming, I’m questioning everything—if the spotlight is really where I belong, or if my happily ever after might be waiting somewhere offstage.
When your whole life is one big performance, how do you figure out which feelings are real, and which ones are just for show?
After a very public meltdown and a canceled world tour, my music career is hanging by a thread. And now, my record label is all but telling me to kiss pop-stardom goodbye.
My PR team’s brilliant solution? A fake relationship with Hollywood heartthrob Grayson Hemsley—charming on camera, and absolutely insufferable behind closed doors.
But there’s a bigger secret I’ve been keeping. A teensy detail about me that the tabloids would have a field day with: I’ve never actually…done it. There. I said it. And I’m starting to think my music is missing that authentic spark of experience.
So, I hire an escort for a one-night solution. Taio Wilkes is gorgeous, kind, hilarious, and nothing like I expected. When he discovers my true intentions, he doesn’t take my money and run. Instead, he offers something I never saw coming—friendship, and lessons in the art of intimacy without rushing the main event.
Just when things get comfortable, the paparazzi catches us together a little too close for casual. My solution to the storm of cheating accusations? Make Taio my new bodyguard.
Now I’m caught between Grayson’s sudden jealousy-infused interest and my deepening connection with Taio, who is still suffering from the wounds of his past and claims he’ll never settle down.
With the deadline for my big career comeback looming, I’m questioning everything—if the spotlight is really where I belong, or if my happily ever after might be waiting somewhere offstage.
When your whole life is one big performance, how do you figure out which feelings are real, and which ones are just for show?
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2026
71 people are currently reading
5791 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★.5
“I’m too much, huh?”
“You’re not too much for me.”
Charlie is trying to hold everything together while the pressure keeps building, and seeing her vulnerability made her feel so real to me. Watching her slowly learn to be kinder to herself was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And then there’s Taio.
This man completely stole the show. I’m serious. Taio is attentive, thoughtful, and the way he sees Charlie is so genuine. The moment he steps between her and the chaos around her told me everything I needed to know about him. The way he notices her, understands her, and shows up when things get overwhelming I loved it so much. He’s perfect, I can’t. 🥹🥹🥹🥹
And let’s not forget he reads romance books AAAAA (sometimes even to her), builds her a blanket fort to help her sleep, I’m telling you, this man is the greenest flag that could ever exist.
“Is your heart available, too?”
“For you it is.”
Their relationship felt natural and sweet, and I loved the communication between them. Their moments together had this quiet intimacy that made me root for them so hard from the start.
I can’t wait for the upcoming releases every character in this series is just so interesting and I’m HERE for it.
____________
pre read ⋆ ࣪₊ꫂ᭪݁⋆˙
the covers of this series are just 🔥 🤌🏻
____________
Instagram
Facebook
“I’m too much, huh?”
“You’re not too much for me.”
Charlie is trying to hold everything together while the pressure keeps building, and seeing her vulnerability made her feel so real to me. Watching her slowly learn to be kinder to herself was one of my favorite parts of the story.
And then there’s Taio.
“God, I can read her like my favorite book.”
This man completely stole the show. I’m serious. Taio is attentive, thoughtful, and the way he sees Charlie is so genuine. The moment he steps between her and the chaos around her told me everything I needed to know about him. The way he notices her, understands her, and shows up when things get overwhelming I loved it so much. He’s perfect, I can’t. 🥹🥹🥹🥹
And let’s not forget he reads romance books AAAAA (sometimes even to her), builds her a blanket fort to help her sleep, I’m telling you, this man is the greenest flag that could ever exist.
“Is your heart available, too?”
“For you it is.”
Their relationship felt natural and sweet, and I loved the communication between them. Their moments together had this quiet intimacy that made me root for them so hard from the start.
I can’t wait for the upcoming releases every character in this series is just so interesting and I’m HERE for it.
____________
pre read ⋆ ࣪₊ꫂ᭪݁⋆˙
the covers of this series are just 🔥 🤌🏻
____________
Instagram Facebook 
March 24, 2026
4🌟, 1.5🌶️
This one surprised me in the best, quietest way.
It pulled me in and only got deeper as it went on. I usually gravitate toward more spicier reads, so the fact that this one completely held my attention with such a strong slow burn really stood out to me. And when those moments finally land, they feel natural and well-earned.
Taio and Charlie were the heart of it all. Both are trying to rebuild after messy family situations, and watching them choose themselves and each other felt really genuine. Taio is just soft in the best way, thoughtful, steady, and quietly romantic without even trying. Their dynamic, from that chaotic first meeting to something much more real, had such natural chemistry, balancing tension, humour, and vulnerability in a way that felt effortless.
I did struggle a bit with the outside storylines at first since some relationships felt confusing and not fully explained. It took a little time to settle into the world, but once the focus stayed on them, I was completely invested. It may not have fully surpassed my favourite from the author, but it still delivered a heartfelt, emotional romance that really worked for me. A solid, emotional read that I’d still recommend.
A solid, emotional read that I’d still recommend.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kay Cove & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This one surprised me in the best, quietest way.
It pulled me in and only got deeper as it went on. I usually gravitate toward more spicier reads, so the fact that this one completely held my attention with such a strong slow burn really stood out to me. And when those moments finally land, they feel natural and well-earned.
Taio and Charlie were the heart of it all. Both are trying to rebuild after messy family situations, and watching them choose themselves and each other felt really genuine. Taio is just soft in the best way, thoughtful, steady, and quietly romantic without even trying. Their dynamic, from that chaotic first meeting to something much more real, had such natural chemistry, balancing tension, humour, and vulnerability in a way that felt effortless.
I did struggle a bit with the outside storylines at first since some relationships felt confusing and not fully explained. It took a little time to settle into the world, but once the focus stayed on them, I was completely invested. It may not have fully surpassed my favourite from the author, but it still delivered a heartfelt, emotional romance that really worked for me. A solid, emotional read that I’d still recommend.
A solid, emotional read that I’d still recommend.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kay Cove & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
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March 7, 2026Releasing January 20, 2026
Pre-order today!
Amazon: https://geni.us/PaperHearts
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Pre-order today!
Amazon: https://geni.us/PaperHearts
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3UQ5RcV
March 25, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on March 24th called, Paper Hearts. This is about Charlie, she is a popstar just trying to hold it all together when inside she's falling apart. When she collapses on stage she knows something has to change. It's all become too much, and now her career might not survive this break down. While Charlie is trying to recoup she meets Taio, and after an evening of vulnerability that brings her genuine laughter and peace for the first time in longer than she can remember, their picture is taken by paparazzi and blasted everywhere. Now they need to spin this story in a way to not damage her career further, so Taio is hired as her bodyguard for the rest of her tour. Taio and Charlie have this incredible connection and they help each other heal from things of their pasts, while leaning on each other to navigate and overcome the chaos of both of their lives currently, while falling in love with each other along the way.
This book was book two in the Off The Books series, and if you've read Kay Cove's books you might have recognized Charlie from a past series. 😉 Yes, this is the same little Charlie that was Spencer's eleven year old sister in the book Selfie! I love the way Kay tied all these characters and these books together! I loved getting a book about Charlie as an adult now! Her story was so beautiful; she was vulnerable, raw, authentic, and so funny. Her journey of finding herself and her happiness was so incredibly well written. And Taio, oh sweet Taio, aka the greenest green flag to ever exist! *Mic drop, no notes.* He was so selfless, encouraging, protective, and supportive. This story was absolutely captivating from start to finish. It was full of so many life lessons, so much love, so many laughs (chapter 10 I was actually kicking my feet and giggling!), so much growth, and SO much heart. I cannot say enough good things about this story, absolutely everything about it was perfect! I truly couldn't love it more! 💖📚
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC of Paper Hearts, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was book two in the Off The Books series, and if you've read Kay Cove's books you might have recognized Charlie from a past series. 😉 Yes, this is the same little Charlie that was Spencer's eleven year old sister in the book Selfie! I love the way Kay tied all these characters and these books together! I loved getting a book about Charlie as an adult now! Her story was so beautiful; she was vulnerable, raw, authentic, and so funny. Her journey of finding herself and her happiness was so incredibly well written. And Taio, oh sweet Taio, aka the greenest green flag to ever exist! *Mic drop, no notes.* He was so selfless, encouraging, protective, and supportive. This story was absolutely captivating from start to finish. It was full of so many life lessons, so much love, so many laughs (chapter 10 I was actually kicking my feet and giggling!), so much growth, and SO much heart. I cannot say enough good things about this story, absolutely everything about it was perfect! I truly couldn't love it more! 💖📚
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC of Paper Hearts, in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2026
Thank you to Kay Cove and Valentine PR for this ARC!
I loved getting Charlie from Selfie in the Lessons in Love series. Watching her journey in this book was honestly my favorite part. Yes, it’s a romance but this story goes deeper than that. Seeing Charlie grow from an unhappy, struggling pop star into someone who truly embraces her authentic self was everything.
And then there’s Taio… the perfect book boyfriend. Not only is he an amazing bodyguard, but he genuinely sees Charlie for who she is and supports her without expecting anything in return. He’s kind, patient, and just an all around good person, even to those who don’t deserve it.
I also appreciated that while there is some spice, it didn’t overpower the story. It instead added to their emotional connection rather than taking away from it.
Overall, this was another win for me, and I’m so grateful I got the chance to read it early. Now I’ll just be patiently waiting for Grey Area!
I loved getting Charlie from Selfie in the Lessons in Love series. Watching her journey in this book was honestly my favorite part. Yes, it’s a romance but this story goes deeper than that. Seeing Charlie grow from an unhappy, struggling pop star into someone who truly embraces her authentic self was everything.
And then there’s Taio… the perfect book boyfriend. Not only is he an amazing bodyguard, but he genuinely sees Charlie for who she is and supports her without expecting anything in return. He’s kind, patient, and just an all around good person, even to those who don’t deserve it.
I also appreciated that while there is some spice, it didn’t overpower the story. It instead added to their emotional connection rather than taking away from it.
Overall, this was another win for me, and I’m so grateful I got the chance to read it early. Now I’ll just be patiently waiting for Grey Area!
March 24, 2026
I would happily read this book over and over and over again just experience it for the first time, I love Charlie, i see parts of myself in her and it just made me connect so much more to the story, and pls can we collectively protective taio he’s perfect 😭🫶🏼
March 25, 2026
I will forever love the story Kay puts out! They are raw, funny, emotional, surprising, and overall a fantastic reading experience! Paper Hearts brings us the emotions of tough family history, the pressures of fame, the tension of a budding romance, and the humor of a man denying he loves his stray cat.
So for those of you that didn’t realize it yet, this is the same Charlie from Selfie! So our little princess is all grown up and living out the popstar life! I LOVE that we got to see more of her story after childhood, it makes all the series blend so beautifully together and gives us those full circle moments. In Selfie we knew that Charlie had a beautiful voice that could captivate the world, now in Paper Hearts she does just that. In this book Charlie is a 23 year old popstar that is struggling with living life and having a successful career. Throughout this book, we see Charlie struggle with worrying about the opinions of the world while staying true to herself. I was thrilled when she started to do what was right for HER, not for PR, or for anyone else. She was already an amazing person, and I was enthralled with her journey to being a better person to herself. Charlie deserves all things wonderful in this world.
When it comes to Taio, he is just a giant green flag. Respectful, protective, supportive, a reader, and is in tune with Charlie as a whole. I knew when reading Role Play that Taio would win us over even more in his own book, and boy was I right! Like Charlie, Taio has his own family dynamic that can cause some uncertainty in his life. He does his best to keep everyone happy and taken care of, even at this own expense. It made me so happy that he started to put himself first and began to live his life without the familial pressures that were never his to bear.
Together, Charlie and Taio are a perfect couple. Charlie brings light and peace into Taio‘s life, bringing with it immense joy. Potato, he make sure Charlie is seen and cared for like never before. He understands her like no one else does and provides her the support she needs without even asking. They fit together perfectly and bring out the best in one another.
Now, for the storyline, it was a roller coaster of great joy and difficult times. For Charlie, specifically, as I mentioned, we see the struggles she faces when it comes to being in the public eye. But we also get to understand the deep emotions her family’s past affects her life. Together, it causes a few obstacles that Charlie eventually overcomes to be the best performer she possibly could be, and live her happiest, truest life. Taio’s story, we see him learn to not carry the weight of his father‘s mistakes. he was bearing the burden that was never his; Taio has such a big heart that he wanted to right all the wrongs he possibly could, but it was draining him in every aspect of his life. It was amazing to watch both of these characters work through these obstacles and overcome them more than they ever thought possible. This book really shows that with the right people in your life, you could have everything you ever wanted. No pressures, struggles, emotions, or outside opinions could ever get between you, your love, and your best self.
Overall, I adore this book and need book three asap! I am absolutely devouring this Off The Books series and never want it to end! Do yourself a favorite and go read this beauty immediately!
🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
6.4% of the pages contain spicy content
14.3% of the chapters contain spicy content
So for those of you that didn’t realize it yet, this is the same Charlie from Selfie! So our little princess is all grown up and living out the popstar life! I LOVE that we got to see more of her story after childhood, it makes all the series blend so beautifully together and gives us those full circle moments. In Selfie we knew that Charlie had a beautiful voice that could captivate the world, now in Paper Hearts she does just that. In this book Charlie is a 23 year old popstar that is struggling with living life and having a successful career. Throughout this book, we see Charlie struggle with worrying about the opinions of the world while staying true to herself. I was thrilled when she started to do what was right for HER, not for PR, or for anyone else. She was already an amazing person, and I was enthralled with her journey to being a better person to herself. Charlie deserves all things wonderful in this world.
When it comes to Taio, he is just a giant green flag. Respectful, protective, supportive, a reader, and is in tune with Charlie as a whole. I knew when reading Role Play that Taio would win us over even more in his own book, and boy was I right! Like Charlie, Taio has his own family dynamic that can cause some uncertainty in his life. He does his best to keep everyone happy and taken care of, even at this own expense. It made me so happy that he started to put himself first and began to live his life without the familial pressures that were never his to bear.
Together, Charlie and Taio are a perfect couple. Charlie brings light and peace into Taio‘s life, bringing with it immense joy. Potato, he make sure Charlie is seen and cared for like never before. He understands her like no one else does and provides her the support she needs without even asking. They fit together perfectly and bring out the best in one another.
Now, for the storyline, it was a roller coaster of great joy and difficult times. For Charlie, specifically, as I mentioned, we see the struggles she faces when it comes to being in the public eye. But we also get to understand the deep emotions her family’s past affects her life. Together, it causes a few obstacles that Charlie eventually overcomes to be the best performer she possibly could be, and live her happiest, truest life. Taio’s story, we see him learn to not carry the weight of his father‘s mistakes. he was bearing the burden that was never his; Taio has such a big heart that he wanted to right all the wrongs he possibly could, but it was draining him in every aspect of his life. It was amazing to watch both of these characters work through these obstacles and overcome them more than they ever thought possible. This book really shows that with the right people in your life, you could have everything you ever wanted. No pressures, struggles, emotions, or outside opinions could ever get between you, your love, and your best self.
Overall, I adore this book and need book three asap! I am absolutely devouring this Off The Books series and never want it to end! Do yourself a favorite and go read this beauty immediately!
🌶️🌶️
Pepper percentage:
6.4% of the pages contain spicy content
14.3% of the chapters contain spicy content
March 27, 2026
Book Review: Paper Hearts
Author: Kay Cove
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Tropes: Opposites attract, Popstar x Bodyguard, Virgin Heroine, Secret Relationship
Emotions: Angsty, Funny, Anxiety, Growth, Healing
Release Date: March 24, 2026
✨✨The Setup✨✨
Charlie feels torn between being the performer everyone expects and the singer-songwriter she really wants to be. After a panic attack on stage almost ends her career, she hides out in a penthouse for weeks. A delivery mix-up brings escort Taio into her life. When Taio starts acting as her 'bodyguard' for the cameras, things start to change, and Charlie finally gets a chance to take control and find the love she’s looking for.
✨✨What I Loved✨✨
I really like how the characters help each other find the courage to be honest with themselves and with each other. The humor in this book is great—funny stories are my favorite, and this one actually made me laugh out loud. The chemistry between Charlie and Taio feels real and never forced, which matters since Charlie’s first time is such a big part of the story.
✨✨Final Verdict✨✨
My favorite character in the book might be Black Cat, with Charlie and Taio tying for second. Grayson will go down as one of the most hated characters in fiction, you’ll see. I love the book’s flow, the playful teasing between Charlie and Taio, and the heartfelt growth they both experience. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Once again, I read book two before book one! Thankfully, this works perfectly as a standalone. Now, excuse me, I am going to make my own blanket fort.
✨Acknowledgment✨✨
Thank you to ValentinePR and Kay Cove for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Author: Kay Cove
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Tropes: Opposites attract, Popstar x Bodyguard, Virgin Heroine, Secret Relationship
Emotions: Angsty, Funny, Anxiety, Growth, Healing
Release Date: March 24, 2026
✨✨The Setup✨✨
Charlie feels torn between being the performer everyone expects and the singer-songwriter she really wants to be. After a panic attack on stage almost ends her career, she hides out in a penthouse for weeks. A delivery mix-up brings escort Taio into her life. When Taio starts acting as her 'bodyguard' for the cameras, things start to change, and Charlie finally gets a chance to take control and find the love she’s looking for.
✨✨What I Loved✨✨
I really like how the characters help each other find the courage to be honest with themselves and with each other. The humor in this book is great—funny stories are my favorite, and this one actually made me laugh out loud. The chemistry between Charlie and Taio feels real and never forced, which matters since Charlie’s first time is such a big part of the story.
✨✨Final Verdict✨✨
My favorite character in the book might be Black Cat, with Charlie and Taio tying for second. Grayson will go down as one of the most hated characters in fiction, you’ll see. I love the book’s flow, the playful teasing between Charlie and Taio, and the heartfelt growth they both experience. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Once again, I read book two before book one! Thankfully, this works perfectly as a standalone. Now, excuse me, I am going to make my own blanket fort.
✨Acknowledgment✨✨
Thank you to ValentinePR and Kay Cove for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 23, 2026
Oh that was deliciously good! From the hilariously awkward meet cute, to their flirting and banter, to the yummy slow burn that wasn’t, but was. I ate this up!
“Charlie Riley is pointing a two-pronged vibrator at me like it’s a loaded weapon, and honestly? I’ve had worse Tuesday nights.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (but also… is The Detonator a real vibe?😆😳🥵)
In a case of mistaken packages (😏), Taio ends up at Charlie’s front door and walks away with an offer of her virginity! A comforting hug caught by the paparazzi is spun out of control and has Charlie and her team on PR overdrive.
Everything about this book was so fun. The comedy, the slight
cringe, the fun group of friends, a Magic Mike dance and his relationship with his freaking cat?! Hilarious. And the living room forts?!
Not only was this story funny, but it had such heartfelt moments too, Taio was there for Charlie in ways no one ever had been before, she never felt like he was interested in her for anything but her. I loved how he encouraged her to be brave and to remember why she loves performing so much.
I said it with Role Play and I’ll say it again with Paper Hearts “I can’t wait for the next book!”!!
“You’re so beautiful, Charlie. I can’t wait to taste you.” Before I can argue or deflect or make some self-deprecating joke to cut the tension, or tease him to hurry up, his mouth is on me. Oh. Oh.
*****
Thank You Kay Cove and Valentine PR for the Physical ARC of this book, it is Gorgeous and will definitely be treasured!
“Charlie Riley is pointing a two-pronged vibrator at me like it’s a loaded weapon, and honestly? I’ve had worse Tuesday nights.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (but also… is The Detonator a real vibe?😆😳🥵)
In a case of mistaken packages (😏), Taio ends up at Charlie’s front door and walks away with an offer of her virginity! A comforting hug caught by the paparazzi is spun out of control and has Charlie and her team on PR overdrive.
Everything about this book was so fun. The comedy, the slight
cringe, the fun group of friends, a Magic Mike dance and his relationship with his freaking cat?! Hilarious. And the living room forts?!
Not only was this story funny, but it had such heartfelt moments too, Taio was there for Charlie in ways no one ever had been before, she never felt like he was interested in her for anything but her. I loved how he encouraged her to be brave and to remember why she loves performing so much.
I said it with Role Play and I’ll say it again with Paper Hearts “I can’t wait for the next book!”!!
“You’re so beautiful, Charlie. I can’t wait to taste you.” Before I can argue or deflect or make some self-deprecating joke to cut the tension, or tease him to hurry up, his mouth is on me. Oh. Oh.
*****
Thank You Kay Cove and Valentine PR for the Physical ARC of this book, it is Gorgeous and will definitely be treasured!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness. This was such a cute book! I loved this one even more than I loved Role Play (book 1). Taio and Charlie are just endgame and I will take no criticism. Taio is one of the most caring MMCs I've read and the way him and Charlie just have instant connection when they meet is chef's kiss. They meet under some pretty interesting circumstances when Taio (the male escort) accidentally gets told the wrong address. I loved this scene and it just set up the rest of the book perfectly. The emotions that both of the characters go through was also done really well. Charlie doesn't think she's enough, Taio shows her she is. Taio is dealing with a scandal and Charlie shows him it wasn't his fault and his worth as well. Also the reasoning behind the title is just so sweet and I loved reading the journey that comes from them. Highly recommend this book and series for anyone who loves found family, secret relationships, virgin heroines and a popstar x body guard dynamic. You'll be swooning with Taio, I PROMISE YOU!
March 24, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️
Charlie and Taio were really sweet, cute and fun. The book was lighthearted and pretty cute. Their first meeting was so much fun and probably one of my favorites scenes.
He was amazing- a romance reader and a cat dad? Match made in heaven. Black cat was probably my favorite character from the book.
With that said I kinda expected more from this book. I needed more spice and waiting till the 70% was kind of unnecessary for me. I wish we saw more of Taio’s friends and even some of his friendship with Sora. Him being a reader was and not even having a conversation with his author friend was a bummer.
The ending felt kinda of rushed and him having a job in publishing was a surprise for me.
I know the next book is about Rina and i am wondering how everything is going to end up.
Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
Charlie and Taio were really sweet, cute and fun. The book was lighthearted and pretty cute. Their first meeting was so much fun and probably one of my favorites scenes.
He was amazing- a romance reader and a cat dad? Match made in heaven. Black cat was probably my favorite character from the book.
With that said I kinda expected more from this book. I needed more spice and waiting till the 70% was kind of unnecessary for me. I wish we saw more of Taio’s friends and even some of his friendship with Sora. Him being a reader was and not even having a conversation with his author friend was a bummer.
The ending felt kinda of rushed and him having a job in publishing was a surprise for me.
I know the next book is about Rina and i am wondering how everything is going to end up.
Thanks to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
I didn’t think I could enjoy this series more than I did with Role Play, but this was such a fun read!!! 🥰 Taio completely stole the show in every way possible. His backstory took me by surprise, and I loved seeing how far he has come. He was the perfect addition to Charlie🩷
In this book, we follow Charlie, a pop star, and Taio, an escort turned bodyguard. Charlie is trying to navigate her fame after burnout, all while dealing with constant negative gossip. Taio felt like the anchor she needed for her comeback, someone who made her feel human instead of just a product for others to entertain.
As for Taio, he deserved so much better than his family. He has such a soft, genuine heart❤️🩹, and it made the story even more emotional. I loved how sweet and caring he was towards Charlie, which made their connection even more enjoyable to read❤️
Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC!
In this book, we follow Charlie, a pop star, and Taio, an escort turned bodyguard. Charlie is trying to navigate her fame after burnout, all while dealing with constant negative gossip. Taio felt like the anchor she needed for her comeback, someone who made her feel human instead of just a product for others to entertain.
As for Taio, he deserved so much better than his family. He has such a soft, genuine heart❤️🩹, and it made the story even more emotional. I loved how sweet and caring he was towards Charlie, which made their connection even more enjoyable to read❤️
Thank you ValentinePR for the ARC!
March 23, 2026
I fell so in love with Taio and Charlie so quickly and clung to every page! I am typically an audiobook girly but will break out my kindle for any ARC opportunity from the incredible Kay Cove!
I have been anticipating this one since finding out that Charlie was all grown up and living her pop star dreams - to pair her big heart and unique upbringing with an escort turned bodyguard - YES PLEASE!
Taio and Charley had me laughing, smiling endlessly, swooning over every little fort (IYKYK) and tearing up in places I did not anticipate. Their journey to trusting love, letting go of the past and loving each other and themselves is one that is going to connect with SO MANY READERS!
Kay, as always, delivered the best of the best with this one!
I have been anticipating this one since finding out that Charlie was all grown up and living her pop star dreams - to pair her big heart and unique upbringing with an escort turned bodyguard - YES PLEASE!
Taio and Charley had me laughing, smiling endlessly, swooning over every little fort (IYKYK) and tearing up in places I did not anticipate. Their journey to trusting love, letting go of the past and loving each other and themselves is one that is going to connect with SO MANY READERS!
Kay, as always, delivered the best of the best with this one!
March 24, 2026
Arc review
5⭐
Omg i love this book more then role play. Even thou this book was cute but there was so much emotional depth in this book
Taio was perfect 🫠🫠. Taio and Charlie chemistry was so good. he is so attentive and always there for her even thou they had celebrity and bodyguard relationship.Charlie is a famous pop star who always in the spotlight. but she get to vunarable in front of taio and be herself. i love them.
these two were hilarious and there relationship had giggle and kicking my feet. i loved black cat.omg the cat is so cute. i love the book. this series is so good. i can't wait for book 2😩
thank you valentine pr and kay cove for the arc
5⭐
Omg i love this book more then role play. Even thou this book was cute but there was so much emotional depth in this book
Taio was perfect 🫠🫠. Taio and Charlie chemistry was so good. he is so attentive and always there for her even thou they had celebrity and bodyguard relationship.Charlie is a famous pop star who always in the spotlight. but she get to vunarable in front of taio and be herself. i love them.
these two were hilarious and there relationship had giggle and kicking my feet. i loved black cat.omg the cat is so cute. i love the book. this series is so good. i can't wait for book 2😩
thank you valentine pr and kay cove for the arc
March 28, 2026
Off the Books series continues and this one will melt your heart even more than the first book in the series! Taio is the mushy hunk made from dreams and Charlie is the absolute sweetheart you'll root from the very beginning. Their chance encounter meeting had me cracking up seeing it slowly unfold in all its hysterical awkwardness! Of course Black Cat was the humorous side kick that provided the cherry on top to the whole story.
Even beyond all the expected (and nicely delivered) spice I loved the storyline of them both working through their pasts to find their own version of self-love and boundaries for the hurdles offered up in each of their lives - whether that is craving the acceptance of fans, grieving the loss of a father-figure, or coping with the struggle of a terrible father. From beginning to end I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book!
Even beyond all the expected (and nicely delivered) spice I loved the storyline of them both working through their pasts to find their own version of self-love and boundaries for the hurdles offered up in each of their lives - whether that is craving the acceptance of fans, grieving the loss of a father-figure, or coping with the struggle of a terrible father. From beginning to end I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book!
March 24, 2026
This book was an absolute rollercoaster ride of fun! If you're into the whole Pop Star/Bodyguard romance thing, you'll be in for a treat. I had such a blast reading it, especially spotting familiar faces from previous books. The adventure kept me on my toes, and I couldn't put it down! It’s like falling in love all over again—just with a bit more drama and a lot more laughs. What a great escape!
#PaperHearts #KayCove #OfftheBooks #Rockstar #OppositesAttract #valerieamanda09
March 24, 2026
A sweet and cute read! Both MC's had so much personality. This is a pretty low drama and low stress romance.
I was glad that we got Taio's story here! The beginning was so heartbreaking so I'm glad he got his "happy ending".
Charlie is your typical pop star who has lost herself in the spotlight. I loved how Taio really saw her through the glamour and helped her rediscover herself and find her way forward.
Slow burn, and not a lot of spice, but it's worth waiting for! Virgin heroine and experienced hero.
(Fake) bodyguard trope 😅
Thank you to Valentine pr and the author for the ARC!
I was glad that we got Taio's story here! The beginning was so heartbreaking so I'm glad he got his "happy ending".
Charlie is your typical pop star who has lost herself in the spotlight. I loved how Taio really saw her through the glamour and helped her rediscover herself and find her way forward.
Slow burn, and not a lot of spice, but it's worth waiting for! Virgin heroine and experienced hero.
(Fake) bodyguard trope 😅
Thank you to Valentine pr and the author for the ARC!
March 24, 2026
✨️thank you valentine pr & kay cove for the ARC copy. ✨️
⭐️♾️
🌶
•first person
• Dual POV
this was my first Kay Cove book and it will not be my last. This book was hilarious. I knew I'd enjoy it because bodyguard romance is my favorite tropes. but I didnt expect to fall head over heals for Taio & Charlie. I did not want to put this book down literally at all.
⭐️♾️
🌶
•first person
• Dual POV
this was my first Kay Cove book and it will not be my last. This book was hilarious. I knew I'd enjoy it because bodyguard romance is my favorite tropes. but I didnt expect to fall head over heals for Taio & Charlie. I did not want to put this book down literally at all.
March 17, 2026
Could Taio be more perfect? Probably not. I ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEE this couple! Not to mention, Black Cat, he was really the star of the book and deserves a spot on the cover… just saying.
Two people down on their luck who happen to have a crazy chance meeting that leads to friendship and then eventually to lovers. I loved everything about this book!
Two people down on their luck who happen to have a crazy chance meeting that leads to friendship and then eventually to lovers. I loved everything about this book!
March 24, 2026
I loved this. I loved Charlie and Taio.
Thank you Valentines Pr and Kay Cove for the Arc
Thank you Valentines Pr and Kay Cove for the Arc
Want to read
February 2, 2026Expected publication March 24
March 23, 2026
“You can’t learn to swim by thinking about water. You can’t understand love by watching other people drown in it. At some point, you have to leap.”
What a sweet, heartfelt romance! I truly felt every single page of this one. Paper hearts follows Charlie and Taio—two people with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
“I’m a doll. Perfect on the outside, hollow on the inside. I can perform other people’s feelings flawlessly, but I’ve never really been alive.”
Charlie is a pop princess who, from the outside, seems to have it all. In reality, she is struggling, and with a deep buried secret from the past unveiled, her armor cracks completely. Her vibe was giving an exhausted, struggling Sabrina Carpenter (if Sabrina couldn’t dance lol).
“I’m serving a sentence for a crime I didn’t commit.”
Taio is working as an escort to cover the legal fees that his father’s criminal activity has incurred and is heroically trying to pay back as much of the money that his felon of a father took from innocent families. He’s struggling to reconcile the doting father he grew up knowing, with the scheming criminal he’s come to know. And more than anything, he’s struggling under the weight of guilt that shouldn’t belong to him.
“It’s just us—two very broken people who somehow found each other in the middle of all this chaos.”
They meet by coincidence (divine intervention?) and are drawn to one another immediately. They share secrets and Taio validates Charlie’s feelings—no questions asked. He’s so compassionate towards her and nonjudgmental— I love him so much for that. And she returns the favor. Where his choice of career would normally incur quite a bit of judgement, you find none with Charlie. It’s no wonder they were comfortable with each other from the start. What starts as a vulnerable moment caught by the wrong people turns into a journey of two souls connecting with one another and figuring out how to prioritize their own needs over those around them.
“She’s beautiful, even when she’s being ridiculous. Maybe especially when she’s being ridiculous.”
——
“He’s beautiful. Objectively, scientifically, undeniably beautiful. And he’s looking at me like I’m something to revere. Something worth taking his time with.”
Oh and we can’t forget our third main character, Black Cat! He was honestly the highlight of many scenes.
This book was so well written. I adore this writing style, with hilarious narration, quick wit, and highly entertaining, adorable banter.
“This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m definitely not having a complete mental breakdown in front of the hottest man I’ve ever seen in real life while wearing a slouchy, cartoon pajama T-shirt while clutching a vibrator that has enough horsepower to jumpstart a Toyota.”
And this line made me actually lol:
“I’m getting really tired of explaining this, mostly because it doesn’t make sense.”
[In reference to Black Cat definitely NOT belonging to Taio, even though he feeds him, houses him, and brings him across the country so he wouldn’t be unattended.]
This can completely be read as a standalone, there are references to, and appearances by, characters from other books, but by no means do you need to have read those ones to have a complete understanding of Charlie and Taio’s relationship, which I very much appreciate. I didn’t read the first in the series and this is my first book by this author, but after this, I will one hundred percent be reading the first in the series and whatever else I can find from this Kay Cove. I definitely want to know more of Spencer x Nate’s story, as well as Sora x Forrest’s story. The combination of sweetness, hilarity, angst, fighting demons seen and unseen, this book had me absolutely hooked.
“You might not be my first, Charlie, but I have a feeling you’re something much bigger.”
Tropes:
-Pop star x bodyguard
-Forced proximity
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Virgin FMC
-Secret relationship
-Male escort
-Slow burn
-Angsty
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Kay Cove for selecting me as an ARC reader!
What a sweet, heartfelt romance! I truly felt every single page of this one. Paper hearts follows Charlie and Taio—two people with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
“I’m a doll. Perfect on the outside, hollow on the inside. I can perform other people’s feelings flawlessly, but I’ve never really been alive.”
Charlie is a pop princess who, from the outside, seems to have it all. In reality, she is struggling, and with a deep buried secret from the past unveiled, her armor cracks completely. Her vibe was giving an exhausted, struggling Sabrina Carpenter (if Sabrina couldn’t dance lol).
“I’m serving a sentence for a crime I didn’t commit.”
Taio is working as an escort to cover the legal fees that his father’s criminal activity has incurred and is heroically trying to pay back as much of the money that his felon of a father took from innocent families. He’s struggling to reconcile the doting father he grew up knowing, with the scheming criminal he’s come to know. And more than anything, he’s struggling under the weight of guilt that shouldn’t belong to him.
“It’s just us—two very broken people who somehow found each other in the middle of all this chaos.”
They meet by coincidence (divine intervention?) and are drawn to one another immediately. They share secrets and Taio validates Charlie’s feelings—no questions asked. He’s so compassionate towards her and nonjudgmental— I love him so much for that. And she returns the favor. Where his choice of career would normally incur quite a bit of judgement, you find none with Charlie. It’s no wonder they were comfortable with each other from the start. What starts as a vulnerable moment caught by the wrong people turns into a journey of two souls connecting with one another and figuring out how to prioritize their own needs over those around them.
“She’s beautiful, even when she’s being ridiculous. Maybe especially when she’s being ridiculous.”
——
“He’s beautiful. Objectively, scientifically, undeniably beautiful. And he’s looking at me like I’m something to revere. Something worth taking his time with.”
Oh and we can’t forget our third main character, Black Cat! He was honestly the highlight of many scenes.
This book was so well written. I adore this writing style, with hilarious narration, quick wit, and highly entertaining, adorable banter.
“This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m definitely not having a complete mental breakdown in front of the hottest man I’ve ever seen in real life while wearing a slouchy, cartoon pajama T-shirt while clutching a vibrator that has enough horsepower to jumpstart a Toyota.”
And this line made me actually lol:
“I’m getting really tired of explaining this, mostly because it doesn’t make sense.”
[In reference to Black Cat definitely NOT belonging to Taio, even though he feeds him, houses him, and brings him across the country so he wouldn’t be unattended.]
This can completely be read as a standalone, there are references to, and appearances by, characters from other books, but by no means do you need to have read those ones to have a complete understanding of Charlie and Taio’s relationship, which I very much appreciate. I didn’t read the first in the series and this is my first book by this author, but after this, I will one hundred percent be reading the first in the series and whatever else I can find from this Kay Cove. I definitely want to know more of Spencer x Nate’s story, as well as Sora x Forrest’s story. The combination of sweetness, hilarity, angst, fighting demons seen and unseen, this book had me absolutely hooked.
“You might not be my first, Charlie, but I have a feeling you’re something much bigger.”
Tropes:
-Pop star x bodyguard
-Forced proximity
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Virgin FMC
-Secret relationship
-Male escort
-Slow burn
-Angsty
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Kay Cove for selecting me as an ARC reader!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Kay Cove and VPR for sending me an e-ARC of Paper Hearts in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. If you love Taylor Swift and the Eras Tour, a fiercely protective MMC, and copious amounts of flirting, this book is for you! It was a fun and heartwarming read.
I loved Kay Cove's Camera Shy, so I was so excited to read this one. The story opens up with Charlie, a popstar who's gearing up for a huge tour (à la Taylor Swift), but secretly starting to dread it. Her PR manager has her locked into a just-for-show romance with self-absorbed Grayson, and she's just not connecting with her music anymore. And then she crosses paths with Taio, who is being drowned by pressures of his own. Together, they help each other live more authentically and work towards what they want to achieve.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Taio. Their easy conversation and flirting made their relationship believable. And it helps that Taio is just a dream come true. I mean, this man's one-liners are every girl's fantasies. I chock that up to the romance novels he likes to read. "And for the record, you're a goddamn ten." The man always knows what to say. And he gives her a nickname! And they have a height difference! I really love Taio... and Black Cat, of course. Taio's backstory with his family broke my heart too and I was really rooting for him to have a happy ending.
I had a harder time becoming invested in the story around them. I found Charlie's family dynamic to be rather confusing. Her father figure, who she calls Dad, is actually her brother-in-law? Her best friend is also now her adoptive sister? I couldn't follow the chains at first. It turns out that her sister and "Dad's" love story is in another of Kay Cove's books that I'd missed, called Selfie. I think I may need to go back to that and try to make sense of it all. I had the same predicament with Taio's friends and coworkers -- there isn't a lot of context provided in this book as to who they are and what their dynamic is like, but they're also brought up in another book I haven't read yet, Role Play (that's on me for reading this series out of order). I personally had a hard time getting invested in the plot at the beginning because I felt like it was rushed and focusing on people and situations that were irrelevant to the main storyline of this book. Once the story really honed in on Charlie and Taio, I was locked in. There was good banter, spice, and strong connection between them.
This read also reminded me of The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award, which is another book seemingly based on Taylor Swift (and Travis Kelce). I saw a lot of parallels in plot, especially relating to over-pressured pop stars who need a break and a man to help unwind their screws.
Ultimately, I didn't love this one as much as I loved Camera Shy, but I still really enjoyed it and recommend it. I'm excited to catch up with the series and check out Gray Area when it's out in May.
3.5 stars. If you love Taylor Swift and the Eras Tour, a fiercely protective MMC, and copious amounts of flirting, this book is for you! It was a fun and heartwarming read.
I loved Kay Cove's Camera Shy, so I was so excited to read this one. The story opens up with Charlie, a popstar who's gearing up for a huge tour (à la Taylor Swift), but secretly starting to dread it. Her PR manager has her locked into a just-for-show romance with self-absorbed Grayson, and she's just not connecting with her music anymore. And then she crosses paths with Taio, who is being drowned by pressures of his own. Together, they help each other live more authentically and work towards what they want to achieve.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Taio. Their easy conversation and flirting made their relationship believable. And it helps that Taio is just a dream come true. I mean, this man's one-liners are every girl's fantasies. I chock that up to the romance novels he likes to read. "And for the record, you're a goddamn ten." The man always knows what to say. And he gives her a nickname! And they have a height difference! I really love Taio... and Black Cat, of course. Taio's backstory with his family broke my heart too and I was really rooting for him to have a happy ending.
I had a harder time becoming invested in the story around them. I found Charlie's family dynamic to be rather confusing. Her father figure, who she calls Dad, is actually her brother-in-law? Her best friend is also now her adoptive sister? I couldn't follow the chains at first. It turns out that her sister and "Dad's" love story is in another of Kay Cove's books that I'd missed, called Selfie. I think I may need to go back to that and try to make sense of it all. I had the same predicament with Taio's friends and coworkers -- there isn't a lot of context provided in this book as to who they are and what their dynamic is like, but they're also brought up in another book I haven't read yet, Role Play (that's on me for reading this series out of order). I personally had a hard time getting invested in the plot at the beginning because I felt like it was rushed and focusing on people and situations that were irrelevant to the main storyline of this book. Once the story really honed in on Charlie and Taio, I was locked in. There was good banter, spice, and strong connection between them.
This read also reminded me of The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award, which is another book seemingly based on Taylor Swift (and Travis Kelce). I saw a lot of parallels in plot, especially relating to over-pressured pop stars who need a break and a man to help unwind their screws.
Ultimately, I didn't love this one as much as I loved Camera Shy, but I still really enjoyed it and recommend it. I'm excited to catch up with the series and check out Gray Area when it's out in May.
Review of advance copy
Paper Hearts is an all around feel good, full of all the greenest green flags you can possibly imagine, a slow burn with great chemistry, lots of witty banter, and a couple that makes you believe in love.
Just like in Taio's favorite reading material, yes...it's romance 😍. If I wasn’t already hard core for him when he let this truth bomb out, it would have pushed me over by a landslide, that's for sure. However, it didn't take much to fall for Taio as he's an amazing, sweet man that continually puts others first. He's by far the green flag boyfriend of the year. Although to be fair if the boys are getting awards, then Charlie Riley deserves one too. She is certainly one of my favorite sweethearts, but I'll get back to her in one minute. Let me get back to Taio and all his dreaminess. The man builds blanket forts for Charlie when everything gets too big...I mean come on...he is sweet in every sense of the word, plus he's a cat dad, who kind of doesn't want to admit he's a cat dad. It's funny and completely adorable. Seriously, I'm done, stick a fork in me, Taio is chef's kiss perfect👌💋😘
How does this guy meet the pop princess who lives her life in the spotlight...well, Taio Wilkes, is a former trust fund socialite, but that isn't how they meet. After Taio's father was arrested and his family lost everything Taio is living a very different life, he's now earning a living as an male escort and he's mistakenly sent to the penthouse of Charlie Riley. The entire meet-cute between them is adorable and quite funny, but it also sets off the events that lead them to staying in each other's lives, at least for a while. Taio and Charlie form an instant bond, somewhat over shared trauma, but their friendship is real, mixed with an instant chemistry, but the world is complicated, so much so that Charlie has to keep up her appearances with her actual fake boyfriend, while she's quickly falling for the man masquerading as her bodyguard. Can we say complicated, but it's also easy when these two are alone. They feel it every single time and it's magic, but can it last?
Paper Hearts is sweet in the best way and also adorable in the small moments that these two share, but also hilarious in the in-between moments when you least expect it. It's a slow build that let them squirm in their feelings and lust, but also built the intensity to a point that I felt their clothes would melt off constantly when they were in the same room, and once they finally let it, it was explosive. 😍 Their love, I knew was going to be epic..it was felt from the very first moments they met, but the relationship they built to get there was so worth the journey.
Paper Hearts is exactly like was moment Taio tells Charlie he reads romance and I'm going to paraphrase; The real world isn't always the best, things don't always work out, bad stuff happens, but in a romance book everything works out by the end and it doesn't matter if the people are flawed or broken, because I'm guaranteed a happy ending. Everyone finds love. 😍❤️ He knew in his heart that his story was beginning with her when things began clicking into place and he allowed himself to fall, which was so beautiful.
Just like in Taio's favorite reading material, yes...it's romance 😍. If I wasn’t already hard core for him when he let this truth bomb out, it would have pushed me over by a landslide, that's for sure. However, it didn't take much to fall for Taio as he's an amazing, sweet man that continually puts others first. He's by far the green flag boyfriend of the year. Although to be fair if the boys are getting awards, then Charlie Riley deserves one too. She is certainly one of my favorite sweethearts, but I'll get back to her in one minute. Let me get back to Taio and all his dreaminess. The man builds blanket forts for Charlie when everything gets too big...I mean come on...he is sweet in every sense of the word, plus he's a cat dad, who kind of doesn't want to admit he's a cat dad. It's funny and completely adorable. Seriously, I'm done, stick a fork in me, Taio is chef's kiss perfect👌💋😘
How does this guy meet the pop princess who lives her life in the spotlight...well, Taio Wilkes, is a former trust fund socialite, but that isn't how they meet. After Taio's father was arrested and his family lost everything Taio is living a very different life, he's now earning a living as an male escort and he's mistakenly sent to the penthouse of Charlie Riley. The entire meet-cute between them is adorable and quite funny, but it also sets off the events that lead them to staying in each other's lives, at least for a while. Taio and Charlie form an instant bond, somewhat over shared trauma, but their friendship is real, mixed with an instant chemistry, but the world is complicated, so much so that Charlie has to keep up her appearances with her actual fake boyfriend, while she's quickly falling for the man masquerading as her bodyguard. Can we say complicated, but it's also easy when these two are alone. They feel it every single time and it's magic, but can it last?
Paper Hearts is sweet in the best way and also adorable in the small moments that these two share, but also hilarious in the in-between moments when you least expect it. It's a slow build that let them squirm in their feelings and lust, but also built the intensity to a point that I felt their clothes would melt off constantly when they were in the same room, and once they finally let it, it was explosive. 😍 Their love, I knew was going to be epic..it was felt from the very first moments they met, but the relationship they built to get there was so worth the journey.
Paper Hearts is exactly like was moment Taio tells Charlie he reads romance and I'm going to paraphrase; The real world isn't always the best, things don't always work out, bad stuff happens, but in a romance book everything works out by the end and it doesn't matter if the people are flawed or broken, because I'm guaranteed a happy ending. Everyone finds love. 😍❤️ He knew in his heart that his story was beginning with her when things began clicking into place and he allowed himself to fall, which was so beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You belong to yourself more than you belong to them.”
I always know I’m in for a story that’s going to crack me open and leave me swimming in my feelings when I pick up a book by this author. I’ve been eagerly waiting for Paper Hearts ever since I finished Role Play last year, and let me tell you—it absolutely delivers. This book is pure angsty brilliance, built on two characters you can’t help but connect to, root for, and feel every single emotion with. Once I started, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
“Taio is inspiring me. Just by being here. Just be listening. Just by looking at me like I’m worth his time even without a return on investment.”
My heart ached for both Charlie and Taio. They’re each carrying so much heaviness, so much emptiness, and yet they’re still trying to move through the world like they’re fine. Charlie might be a pop star with fame, followers, and a spotlight that never turns off, but inside she’s lost—disconnected from her music, drowning in expectations, and living a life shaped by everyone else’s opinions instead of her own desires. Taio once had everything he wanted, until his world shattered. Now he’s working as an escort, trying to repay the people hurt by his family’s actions, trapped in a cycle that feels impossible to escape.
"You might not be my first, Charlie, but I have a feeling you’re something much bigger.”
When these two collide by chance, something shifts. They recognize pieces of themselves in each other—pain, loneliness, longing, and the desperate need to be understood without judgment. What grows between them is a quiet, powerful connection built on listening, honesty, and the kind of support neither of them has had in far too long. They start to feel seen again. They start to breathe again. They start to reclaim pieces of their lives that felt lost.
“You just let me know anytime the world feels too big, Charlie Riley. I’ll shrink it for you.”
I absolutely loved the bond that forms between these two vulnerable souls. Charlie and Taio open up to each other with such raw, unfiltered honesty that it’s impossible not to feel every beat of their connection. Their tenderness, their instant support, their courage to let someone in—it’s everything. This story hums with fierce longing, emotional depth, and the slow, steady rebuilding of two people who desperately needed someone to choose them.
“You made me want my own story. That’s everything, Charlie. The whole damn point.”
Paper Hearts wraps itself around your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s emotional, intimate, and beautifully human, and it will leave you deep in your feelings in the best possible way.
I always know I’m in for a story that’s going to crack me open and leave me swimming in my feelings when I pick up a book by this author. I’ve been eagerly waiting for Paper Hearts ever since I finished Role Play last year, and let me tell you—it absolutely delivers. This book is pure angsty brilliance, built on two characters you can’t help but connect to, root for, and feel every single emotion with. Once I started, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
“Taio is inspiring me. Just by being here. Just be listening. Just by looking at me like I’m worth his time even without a return on investment.”
My heart ached for both Charlie and Taio. They’re each carrying so much heaviness, so much emptiness, and yet they’re still trying to move through the world like they’re fine. Charlie might be a pop star with fame, followers, and a spotlight that never turns off, but inside she’s lost—disconnected from her music, drowning in expectations, and living a life shaped by everyone else’s opinions instead of her own desires. Taio once had everything he wanted, until his world shattered. Now he’s working as an escort, trying to repay the people hurt by his family’s actions, trapped in a cycle that feels impossible to escape.
"You might not be my first, Charlie, but I have a feeling you’re something much bigger.”
When these two collide by chance, something shifts. They recognize pieces of themselves in each other—pain, loneliness, longing, and the desperate need to be understood without judgment. What grows between them is a quiet, powerful connection built on listening, honesty, and the kind of support neither of them has had in far too long. They start to feel seen again. They start to breathe again. They start to reclaim pieces of their lives that felt lost.
“You just let me know anytime the world feels too big, Charlie Riley. I’ll shrink it for you.”
I absolutely loved the bond that forms between these two vulnerable souls. Charlie and Taio open up to each other with such raw, unfiltered honesty that it’s impossible not to feel every beat of their connection. Their tenderness, their instant support, their courage to let someone in—it’s everything. This story hums with fierce longing, emotional depth, and the slow, steady rebuilding of two people who desperately needed someone to choose them.
“You made me want my own story. That’s everything, Charlie. The whole damn point.”
Paper Hearts wraps itself around your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s emotional, intimate, and beautifully human, and it will leave you deep in your feelings in the best possible way.
March 17, 2026
5⭐️
So, I was so invested reading Charlie and Taio, that I didn’t even noticed when I was in the final chapters of the book 😩🧡 this was so good!! I just couldn’t stop resend them, I enjoyed every second I spent in Charlie and Taio’s story 🧡
Charlie is a pop singer that’s been dealing with the discovery of a secret that her mom kept from her her whole life, and months later when she’s in the middle of her show, she collapses in the stage risking her whole tour, due to Taio 🙂↔️ he’s an escort that’s been carrying the crimes of her dad in his shoulders because he has the biggest heart in the world, her mom left, her girlfriend left him too, his whole life changed in a moment and now he’s trying to fix his dad’s mistakes working as an escort, so one day destiny decided that it was the right moment to cross Taio’s and Charlie’s paths, so when Taio was attending a job, he ended up in Charlie’s penthouse with The Detonator (you need to read to understand this amazing reference 🙂↔️) and offering a good time 😂
The thing is, their connection was beyond perfect, they shared their secrets and fears and they understood each other when no one else could, the catch was, a paparazzi took a picture of them hugging and now Taio has to be her fake bodyguard because she already has a fake boyfriend (hate the guy btw) and so their story begins 🥹✨ and it was such a beautiful story! How Taio was always there to help Charlie, making her feel safe and comforted and seen and cared and valued and loved 😩❤️🩹 he is such a kind hearted man and he showed for her when it most mattered, he left her walls down for her, he let her in and let her love him even when he thought he wasn’t good enough for her thanks to his past and his job, but also he came alive again the moment he met her and it was so sweet and beautiful ✨
And Charlie, oh my his I love her, the fact she tried to seduce Taio dancing bless her heart 😂🧡 she can’t dance to save her life and I love her for that, she’s so fierce and brave and funny and I love her chaos and how much she wants to make everyone happy even when she’s trifling to find again her love for music and performing, I love how she managed to make her shows what she really wanted thanks to the confident she found in herself with Taio’s help, I love that she as always yelling and showing Taio he was more than enough for her, she made him feel safe too, and valued and seen and she helped him to deal with the guilt he felt thanks to his father, I loved that they found each other exactly when they needed the most, and it was such a pleasure to read their story 🥹🧡
So, I was so invested reading Charlie and Taio, that I didn’t even noticed when I was in the final chapters of the book 😩🧡 this was so good!! I just couldn’t stop resend them, I enjoyed every second I spent in Charlie and Taio’s story 🧡
Charlie is a pop singer that’s been dealing with the discovery of a secret that her mom kept from her her whole life, and months later when she’s in the middle of her show, she collapses in the stage risking her whole tour, due to Taio 🙂↔️ he’s an escort that’s been carrying the crimes of her dad in his shoulders because he has the biggest heart in the world, her mom left, her girlfriend left him too, his whole life changed in a moment and now he’s trying to fix his dad’s mistakes working as an escort, so one day destiny decided that it was the right moment to cross Taio’s and Charlie’s paths, so when Taio was attending a job, he ended up in Charlie’s penthouse with The Detonator (you need to read to understand this amazing reference 🙂↔️) and offering a good time 😂
The thing is, their connection was beyond perfect, they shared their secrets and fears and they understood each other when no one else could, the catch was, a paparazzi took a picture of them hugging and now Taio has to be her fake bodyguard because she already has a fake boyfriend (hate the guy btw) and so their story begins 🥹✨ and it was such a beautiful story! How Taio was always there to help Charlie, making her feel safe and comforted and seen and cared and valued and loved 😩❤️🩹 he is such a kind hearted man and he showed for her when it most mattered, he left her walls down for her, he let her in and let her love him even when he thought he wasn’t good enough for her thanks to his past and his job, but also he came alive again the moment he met her and it was so sweet and beautiful ✨
And Charlie, oh my his I love her, the fact she tried to seduce Taio dancing bless her heart 😂🧡 she can’t dance to save her life and I love her for that, she’s so fierce and brave and funny and I love her chaos and how much she wants to make everyone happy even when she’s trifling to find again her love for music and performing, I love how she managed to make her shows what she really wanted thanks to the confident she found in herself with Taio’s help, I love that she as always yelling and showing Taio he was more than enough for her, she made him feel safe too, and valued and seen and she helped him to deal with the guilt he felt thanks to his father, I loved that they found each other exactly when they needed the most, and it was such a pleasure to read their story 🥹🧡
March 26, 2026
I’m loving this series SO much y’all! It’s so clever and sexy and heartfelt and most of all just so creatively UNIQUE! The premise? Fresh and original. Chemistry? Authentic and meaningful. The flags? GREEN AF. And lately, all I want is a down bad, green flags, dreamy leading man. Taio is that and then some. A slow burning, feel-good romance that’s brimming with charisma and chemistry, delightful banter, and a dreamy love story that’s the perfect balance of heart and heat.
I ADORED Role Play, so I was so excited to get Taoi’s story. And he’s everything I needed. He’s kind, selfless, thoughtful and devoted, and basically the textbook definition of a green flag (blanket forts? say less 🥹). And he’s a cat dad?! JUST MELT MY HEART. And Charlie is also such a charming sweetheart. I felt so much of her story, and she’s so easy to root for. Even if her life is unique and unrelatable (I mean she’s famous lol), her journey and her emotional arc felt SO relatable.
I love them together. SO authentic and sweet. And GASP- I love good communication. Sexy AF. Their story kicks off with a chaotic, adorable meet-cute that turns into something deeper that is developed really thoughtfully. Despite fake relationships, complicated lives, and all the pressure of fame, what grows between them feels effortless when they’re alone… but the real world isn’t so simple, and makes it challenging. I loved seeing them grow together. Sweet, funny, and full of tension, this book builds slowly into something emotional and explosive. The emotional intimacy here is what makes this story so special (same for book 1 too), and these two are SO easy to fall for.
If you love messy fame, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that blurs the line between performance and reality with fake dating done in a meaningful way, this ones for you!
🖤What to expect🖤
• Fake dating / PR relationship
• Virgin Heroine
• Celebrity romance/ pop star heroine
• Male Escort x Pop Star
• Friends to lovers vibes
• “Lessons in intimacy” 😏
• Bodyguard trope (with a twist)
• Slow burn + emotional angst
• Protective, Green Flag Hero
• Grumpy x Sunshine Vibes
After a public meltdown, a pop star is forced into a fake relationship with a Hollywood actor—but things spiral when she forms a real connection with the wrong man… and suddenly, nothing feels fake anymore.
I ADORED Role Play, so I was so excited to get Taoi’s story. And he’s everything I needed. He’s kind, selfless, thoughtful and devoted, and basically the textbook definition of a green flag (blanket forts? say less 🥹). And he’s a cat dad?! JUST MELT MY HEART. And Charlie is also such a charming sweetheart. I felt so much of her story, and she’s so easy to root for. Even if her life is unique and unrelatable (I mean she’s famous lol), her journey and her emotional arc felt SO relatable.
I love them together. SO authentic and sweet. And GASP- I love good communication. Sexy AF. Their story kicks off with a chaotic, adorable meet-cute that turns into something deeper that is developed really thoughtfully. Despite fake relationships, complicated lives, and all the pressure of fame, what grows between them feels effortless when they’re alone… but the real world isn’t so simple, and makes it challenging. I loved seeing them grow together. Sweet, funny, and full of tension, this book builds slowly into something emotional and explosive. The emotional intimacy here is what makes this story so special (same for book 1 too), and these two are SO easy to fall for.
If you love messy fame, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that blurs the line between performance and reality with fake dating done in a meaningful way, this ones for you!
🖤What to expect🖤
• Fake dating / PR relationship
• Virgin Heroine
• Celebrity romance/ pop star heroine
• Male Escort x Pop Star
• Friends to lovers vibes
• “Lessons in intimacy” 😏
• Bodyguard trope (with a twist)
• Slow burn + emotional angst
• Protective, Green Flag Hero
• Grumpy x Sunshine Vibes
After a public meltdown, a pop star is forced into a fake relationship with a Hollywood actor—but things spiral when she forms a real connection with the wrong man… and suddenly, nothing feels fake anymore.
March 27, 2026
Paper Hearts Review 🎤💪🏻
I received an ARC for this book, so I want to thank Kay Cove and Valentine PR for sending it to me. I will say that I was drawn to this book because of the cover. It was cute, it was beautiful, and it reminded me of the queen herself, Taylor Swift.
In this book, we have Charlie, the girl we met in Selfie, but now she is 23 and a famous pop star who is losing her love for performing. Her record label has put her in a box that she no longer fits into, and she doesn’t know how to get out.
And we have Taio. We met him in the previous book. He is Forrest’s former roommate, a walking green flag. He likes to read, he is loyal to a fault, and he is working as an escort to try to pay back the money his father stole from many families, including the family of his ex-girlfriend.
Their meeting happens by mistake, and they can thank autocorrect for that, but it ends up being one of the best things that ever happened in their lives. Again, I loved how Taio doesn’t hide what he does for work from Charlie, and how well she takes it.
In this book, instead of a fake boyfriend trope, we have a fake bodyguard trope. They need to end the rumor of a romance between them, and the best way is to put them together as bodyguard and client during Charlie’s tour.
Taio is so sweet. He supports Charlie with his words and his actions. In every way he can, he tries to make her see that she is talented, that she deserves the fame she has, that she is beautiful, and that she is a good person.
Charlie’s innocence is refreshing. She wants Taio, and she doesn’t want to hide him. She cares about the tabloids when it comes to her tour, her voice, and her dancing, but when it comes to Taio, she doesn’t care at all.
Taio is extremely loyal. He is loyal to his undeserving father, to Charlie, to his ex-girlfriend, and to all the people his father’s actions hurt. When he cares about someone, he will go to the ends of the world for them.
This was another amazing book from Kay. As I said before, I am obsessed and excited to read everything she writes. This is a 5 ⭐ read for me without a second thought.🎤💪🏻
I received an ARC for this book, so I want to thank Kay Cove and Valentine PR for sending it to me. I will say that I was drawn to this book because of the cover. It was cute, it was beautiful, and it reminded me of the queen herself, Taylor Swift.
In this book, we have Charlie, the girl we met in Selfie, but now she is 23 and a famous pop star who is losing her love for performing. Her record label has put her in a box that she no longer fits into, and she doesn’t know how to get out.
And we have Taio. We met him in the previous book. He is Forrest’s former roommate, a walking green flag. He likes to read, he is loyal to a fault, and he is working as an escort to try to pay back the money his father stole from many families, including the family of his ex-girlfriend.
Their meeting happens by mistake, and they can thank autocorrect for that, but it ends up being one of the best things that ever happened in their lives. Again, I loved how Taio doesn’t hide what he does for work from Charlie, and how well she takes it.
In this book, instead of a fake boyfriend trope, we have a fake bodyguard trope. They need to end the rumor of a romance between them, and the best way is to put them together as bodyguard and client during Charlie’s tour.
Taio is so sweet. He supports Charlie with his words and his actions. In every way he can, he tries to make her see that she is talented, that she deserves the fame she has, that she is beautiful, and that she is a good person.
Charlie’s innocence is refreshing. She wants Taio, and she doesn’t want to hide him. She cares about the tabloids when it comes to her tour, her voice, and her dancing, but when it comes to Taio, she doesn’t care at all.
Taio is extremely loyal. He is loyal to his undeserving father, to Charlie, to his ex-girlfriend, and to all the people his father’s actions hurt. When he cares about someone, he will go to the ends of the world for them.
This was another amazing book from Kay. As I said before, I am obsessed and excited to read everything she writes. This is a 5 ⭐ read for me without a second thought.🎤💪🏻
March 14, 2026
Charlie and Taio were absolutely the best in this book. The instant connection these two had was cute but so funny at the same time. I loved how much I was laughing at how quick witted Charlie was and Taio had no words sometimes to clap back. This book is about two people who have no idea who they are to themselves, which cuts the deepest sometimes.
Charlie Riley is America’s sweetheart, a pop star princess who is embarking on a world tour. During one of the shows, she has a complete meltdown. She doesn’t know if she’s doing what she loves anymore. Is it for herself or for every one else? Taio is an escort who dabbles on the side, just to make ends meet to help with his father’s trial. He’s holding onto what his dad did as his own guilt, when he shouldn’t have to. A chance encounter between Charlie and Taio starts a ripple effect that affects each other’s lives and what could be.
I loved getting to see Charlie as a grown up. We first meet her in Selfie, as Spencer’s very talented little sister. Getting to see what became of her was amazing. Also, getting to read Nate be a dad were some of my favorite parts of this book. We also get to see the vulnerability of being in the spotlight all the time, how it’s not just lavish things. These people are real and have real emotions. Taio coming into Charlie’s life, loved every part of them forming this impenetrable bond of two people who figure things out together. The way that Charlie describes how she feels for Taio as overwhelming, I felt that. Sometimes your person just existing, it’s overwhelming, especially that you get to call them yours.
I LOVED the slow burn in this. The tension building and the friendship that was created, the absolute intimacy of it all. I love smut like the next woman but true intimacy, that’s hard to write and Kay Cove did it.
Thank you to Kay Cove and Valentine PR for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
✨Pop star x bodyguard
✨Secret relationship
✨Opposites attract
✨V!rgin heroine
✨Intimacy lessons
✨Male escort
✨Forced proximity
✨Angsty
Charlie Riley is America’s sweetheart, a pop star princess who is embarking on a world tour. During one of the shows, she has a complete meltdown. She doesn’t know if she’s doing what she loves anymore. Is it for herself or for every one else? Taio is an escort who dabbles on the side, just to make ends meet to help with his father’s trial. He’s holding onto what his dad did as his own guilt, when he shouldn’t have to. A chance encounter between Charlie and Taio starts a ripple effect that affects each other’s lives and what could be.
I loved getting to see Charlie as a grown up. We first meet her in Selfie, as Spencer’s very talented little sister. Getting to see what became of her was amazing. Also, getting to read Nate be a dad were some of my favorite parts of this book. We also get to see the vulnerability of being in the spotlight all the time, how it’s not just lavish things. These people are real and have real emotions. Taio coming into Charlie’s life, loved every part of them forming this impenetrable bond of two people who figure things out together. The way that Charlie describes how she feels for Taio as overwhelming, I felt that. Sometimes your person just existing, it’s overwhelming, especially that you get to call them yours.
I LOVED the slow burn in this. The tension building and the friendship that was created, the absolute intimacy of it all. I love smut like the next woman but true intimacy, that’s hard to write and Kay Cove did it.
Thank you to Kay Cove and Valentine PR for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
✨Pop star x bodyguard
✨Secret relationship
✨Opposites attract
✨V!rgin heroine
✨Intimacy lessons
✨Male escort
✨Forced proximity
✨Angsty
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charlie and Taio. These two were achingly sweet and hilarious at the same time. What a beautiful story about self-discovery, self-love, and authenticity.
Charlie Riley is a pop star princess in the midst of a world tour when she breaks down on stage and begins to question her passion for music and whether or not she’s living a life true to herself.
Taio Wilkes. This dude… he’s an escort because he’s trying to right the wrongs of his father but also make ends meet to foot the bill for his dad’s legal team. A chance, almost rom-com like encounter between Charlie and Taio brings together two people who on paper, live in completely opposite worlds but in reality might get each other more than anyone else. Their relationship buildup is very organic and filled with true emotional intimacy that’s a beautiful reminder to us all about what exactly does love feel like.
To watch Charlie evolve into a woman who boldly recognizes her worth and claims the life she wants for herself was very rewarding. She’s a little unhinged in the funniest way and her banter with Taio is so cute. Charlie’s inner monologue was so relatable and I think many people will feel seen with her.
And gosh… Taio. He’s so kind to everyone but himsel. To see his journey in this book after interacting with Charlie, and realize that he does deserve love and happiness despite what his father did was so beautiful. Also.. he’s protective, takes care of her, and READS romance books?! Walking green flag.
Kay Cove does a masterful job at reminding us through these characters and story to stop living for the approval of others. To find that sparkle within ourselves instead of seeking it from other people. That letting people in to see the imperfections we so desperately try to hide is what builds the most genuine connections.
this book healed a little bit of the recovering people pleaser in me, hands down.
I can’t wait for Gray Area to come out!
4.5⭐️
What to expect..
🧡virgin FMC
🎶pop star x bodyguard
🧡 fake dating
Charlie Riley is a pop star princess in the midst of a world tour when she breaks down on stage and begins to question her passion for music and whether or not she’s living a life true to herself.
Taio Wilkes. This dude… he’s an escort because he’s trying to right the wrongs of his father but also make ends meet to foot the bill for his dad’s legal team. A chance, almost rom-com like encounter between Charlie and Taio brings together two people who on paper, live in completely opposite worlds but in reality might get each other more than anyone else. Their relationship buildup is very organic and filled with true emotional intimacy that’s a beautiful reminder to us all about what exactly does love feel like.
To watch Charlie evolve into a woman who boldly recognizes her worth and claims the life she wants for herself was very rewarding. She’s a little unhinged in the funniest way and her banter with Taio is so cute. Charlie’s inner monologue was so relatable and I think many people will feel seen with her.
And gosh… Taio. He’s so kind to everyone but himsel. To see his journey in this book after interacting with Charlie, and realize that he does deserve love and happiness despite what his father did was so beautiful. Also.. he’s protective, takes care of her, and READS romance books?! Walking green flag.
Kay Cove does a masterful job at reminding us through these characters and story to stop living for the approval of others. To find that sparkle within ourselves instead of seeking it from other people. That letting people in to see the imperfections we so desperately try to hide is what builds the most genuine connections.
this book healed a little bit of the recovering people pleaser in me, hands down.
I can’t wait for Gray Area to come out!
4.5⭐️
What to expect..
🧡virgin FMC
🎶pop star x bodyguard
🧡 fake dating
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