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The next book in the Lockhart Brothers series is the story of Justin Lockhart, the youngest of the five brothers.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2017

45 people are currently reading
425 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Rothert

89 books2,278 followers
Brenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,671 reviews460 followers
April 26, 2017
***PLEASE DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT DETAILED SPOILERS. AND DON’T BE PISSED AT ME IF YOU READ THEM THEN KNOW WHAT HAPPENS BECAUSE THIS IS A DETAILED SPOILER REVIEW***

Have you ever read a book you were really looking forward to only to be disappointed? Or looked at reviews, once you were done and wondered did you read the same book? That is me right now.


Most of my friends know me. I usually try to be a little positive in my reviews. Hardly ever do I go on a rant. I'm going to be honest with my review here. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. And I’m going to rant…sorry but everyone has an opinion on each book they read. For me, this one did not work in hardly any way, shape or form.

The first 30% Justin and Elle were only together twice: once her attack and once when Justin goes to see her at the hospital to make sure she's alright. Oh, and she still has a fiancé at this point. The first 50% was Elle feeling sorry for herself and had more interaction with her friend, bodyguard, parents and nurses than Justin. He was hardly even what I would call a friend. Then “BOOM” they’re together. I must have missed something because they hardly spend any time together at all. Justin is a great hero. He could have been so much more so if they had had more time together…to really see their relationship. What we do see of him I absolutely love. I just don’t think this book did him justice.

Then just when we're getting somewhere at 60%. Guess what..."Surprise you're a daddy even though I was on the pill and you used condoms one time 4 years ago and I’ve waited for you now we can be together"


Oh but don't worry….she doesn’t even cause problems later even though she lied about the pill and poked holes in the condom because “they were meant to be together”. Oh Justin’s not having any part of that and wants joint custody of his kid, rightfully so. But she agrees to it later…never a word out of her even after the stunt she pulled…Seriously? Why the hell even make her seem psycho if nothing is ever going to come of it??

So, 80% they FINALLY have sex and it was just over. I had to go back and reread to see if I actually missed some pages or something.


So Elle’s crazed fan is on the loose….no one can find him. Then he pops up, she punches him with a self-defense ring, the security guard comes in and shoots him. After everything, it was kind of anti-climactic and was over in a few sentences.

And to top it all off, Elle gets pissed at Justin because he didn’t tell her a FUCKING month ago that said attacker, was spotted in the area. He did it because he felt she didn’t need the stress and was waiting for more confirmation. So what does she do? She leaves him…yep! Flies off to France in the middle of the night without so much as a good-bye, kiss my ass or fuck-off to Justin. He sees photos and headlines on social media the next day that she left. Oh but don’t worry…he texts her for days then stops and she’s all “I’m still mad but I still want him to text me”.


But don’t feel bad because she does an interview on live TV, tells everyone she loves him and is moving back to Lovely and hopes they get married. He doesn’t see it of course. But she shows up at a family gathering, walks in, says hey, I love you and bought our house. All’s forgiven. THE FUCKING END.

I don’t think I have ever been so disappointed in a book I was looking forward to before. I liked the third book better and that heroine had double dipped with the hero's brother. At least in that one I felt they actually developed a relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,104 reviews1,420 followers
April 27, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Hidden Depth is the fourth installment in Brenda Rothert’s Lockhart Series. This book can be read as a standalone since each book focuses on a different Lockhart sibling. If you have been following the series, then you are well aware Justin Lockhart is the last sibling left unpaired. So what does Brenda Rothert have in store for Justin? Will this Lockhart find the one person that he wants to lock his heart to?

#HiddenDepth

Elle Tyler had it all. Fame, beauty, and tons of adoring fans but one incident changed it all. Everything came to an abrupt halt when she was attacked and left bleeding on a bathroom floor that was until a stranger found and helped her. Justin Lockhart was that stranger who helped Elle Tyler.

There was just something about Elle that captivated Justin. It wasn’t the fact that she was a celebrity but the fact that her beauty and strength from within was calling to him. He found her beautiful beyond the physical scars left from the attack. As Justin showed Elle how beautiful she is inside as well as outside, Elle begins to discover something that was hidden. Her strength and most importantly real love. As these two lovebirds begins their romance, what happens when Elle’s attacker is still on the loose? Will this time he finish the job that he started?

#HiddenDepth1

Hidden Depth is an uncut, raw, and honest love story that explores the depths of humanity. With her heartfelt prose, Brenda Rothert allows her readers to understand the heartbreak, the fears, the uncertainty, anger, and sadness that are associated with being assaulted like Elle was. Though this book could be all sad and dreary, Rothert did not do that. She allowed readers to see that Elle’s attack didn’t destroy her but allowed her to unmasked her hidden strength. Her voice. Her freedom. Her happiness. In addition with the help of Justin Lockhart, Brenda showcased the true depth of love, new beginnings, second chances and healing. So if you are looking for a book that was beautifully well written and full of raw emotions then this book is for you.

 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg Brenda Rothert

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Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,544 reviews100 followers
October 6, 2017
4.5 out of 5

And now we come to the end of this series about the Lockhart brothers. There are actually four brothers but Mason is the only one who has been happily married throughout the series. This is the youngest brother, Justin’s turn to find love. We haven’t ‘met’ Justin yet, just heard about him. He’s been away at law school throughout the series. But now he’s finished law school and on his way back to Lovely to work at the family law firm. He’s just finishing up his time at the law firm he’s been articling with.

Elle Tyler is his love interest. She is a young successful singer/actress. She has just finished a successful show and is her way to her next stop when she is brutally assaulted in the hotel washroom and left unconscious. Justin Lockhart happened to be nearby and notice a strange man coming out of the wormem’s washroom, thought that was odd and went in. He found Elle and immediately went into rescue mode, had Elle’s assistant call 911 and held her tight to stop the bleeding.

Elle is rushed to the hospital and immediately put into lockdown. Since she is very famous, her team doesn’t want the paparazzi knowing what’s going on.
Although Justin helped rescue her, he’s kind of out of the loop but can’t forget the young woman he rescued. And Elle has vague memories of the handsome, as in Scott Eastwood handsome guy who rescued her. Normally I’m not a fan of a hero being described as looking like so and so – but is the case of Scott Eastwood, can’t say I mind that image at all.

So after signing released and confidentiality agreements, the two meet again in her hospital room. One of the results of the attack is Elle has a nasty scar on her face and feels ugly and self-conscious about it. But Justin doesn’t even see it. He just sees her as beautiful.

The lunatic who attacked Elle hasn’t been caught so when she’s about to be released, she kind of wants somewhere she can hide in so that he won’t find her. By this time she and Justin are friends and with a strong attraction to each other, something else percolating. Justin suggests she head to Lovely, a small town, as in the theme song from Cheers, everyone knows your name. A stranger would stick out like a sore thumb. So things are set.

I can’t say I have a favourite in this book, my favourite is the book I was currently reading, but this one was my favourite while reading it. Considering her fame and wealth and success, Elle is a very down to earth young woman and very likeable. And Justin, besides looking like Scott Eastwood, is an A+ hero. It was nice getting to know him from the beginning since we didn’t know much about him before this book.

I’m sad to come to the end of this series. Every one of the Lockhart brothers were great. I loved the relationships between them all. They would bicker and trash talk each other but were they for each other when needed. All the heroines were great too.
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,553 reviews356 followers
April 28, 2017
Hidden Depth may start off with a traumatic and violent event, but at its heart, it's a sweet country boy and city girl romance. The story centers around Justin, the youngest Lockhart sibling, and pop star, Elle. This is book 4 in the interconnected stand alone Lockhart Brothers series.

On paper, Elle and Justin couldn't be more different. It's only after the world Elle knew falls apart around her, that she realizes that what she had may not actually be what she wants or needs. Honestly, Elle wasn't my favorite heroine. She definitely grew as a character through the story, but for the majority of it, she felt sorry for herself and I got whiplash from her back and forth decisions at the end. Although Justin is wonderfully swoony most of the time, I just never connected to him or Elle. I didn't feel like I really got to know either of them and their relationship was instalove at mach speed. I understand that trauma can heighten emotions, but they just seemed to go from meeting to professing their undying love in the blink of an eye. Add in the continued threat of a deranged stalker and a hometown "surprise" from another mentally questionable individual and I just felt it all seemed too unbelievable and disjointed. The secondary characters were enjoyable, however, especially Andre, and had I read the previous books in this series, I would have probably enjoyed the Lockhart sibling cameos and easter eggs more.

I have loved the other books that I have read from this author, but sadly, I just didn't connect with this one. Overall, this is still a cute romance though and I rooted for these two to get their happily ever after.

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,293 reviews59 followers
April 26, 2017
Hidden Depth is a cute story about a pop star, who is suddenly faced with a horrific event and the sudden relationship she develops with the man, the stranger who saves her. An unexpected kind of romance that is sweet and is an easy read. I read the prior books in the series and have enjoyed getting to know the Lockhart brothers and their roads to happiness.

I will say that this one is probably the weakest of the bunch. I'm not sure why but I honestly couldn't connect with either of the main characters. I liked Elle Tyler and felt for her, in the bubble of stardom and her time in the hospital. Justin is a keeper and I'm happy they found each other. However, there was not enough substance for me to sink my teeth into and in the end it just fell flat. I needed a bit more angst for it to work. I will say the secondary characters did add a good touch but even with them I felt as if more was needed.

Even when I'm not in total love with one of her books, Brenda Rothert consistently writes them well and for that I will always be a fan.

3 stars.
Profile Image for Joanne T.
332 reviews14 followers
May 8, 2017
This book is like a homecoming of sorts, in more ways than one. Not only is the youngest Lockhart brother, Justin, ready to leave St. Louis and return to his hometown of Lovely, MO, but fans of Brenda Rothert and especially this series, have been anxious to revisit this family as well.

The story begins when Justin stumbles upon a severely beaten woman in a hotel restroom. Doing what any honorable man and Good Samaritan would, he assists in any capacity he can. He soon discovers that the woman he assisted is none other than superstar Elle Tyler.

It’s during Elle’s recovery that she takes the time to reflect on her life, the direction it is going and the people in it. Being an A-list star with an overbearing mother and a crazed fan/stalker adds to the heavy weight on her shoulders. It is during these reflections that she befriends the man who saved her.

Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted story. Aside from the initial attack, which Ms. Rothert handles gracefully, the climax and event that threatens to break them apart is not what I had been expecting. Once again I was thrown for a curve-ball by Brenda’s exceptional plotting skills.
Profile Image for Chantal.
480 reviews19 followers
April 23, 2017
Justin and Elle's story. A terrifying event brings them together. Elle the victim, attacked and left for dead. Justin, the saviour, there at the right time at the right place. And something bonded him to her, something not even he can explain.

What starts out as a friendship between the victim and her hero turns quickly into a more emotional relationship. But with Elle's traumatic scars and Justin's unexpected surprise from his past they have a lot of hurdles to overcome.

But it's not the hurdles that threatens to break them apart but a secret that Justin kept from Elle. Will she be able to forgive him?

Another amazing captivating story in this series. I fell in love with the characters from the get go.
Elle's struggle to overcome her horrific attack, letting herself fall into a hole tears at once emotions to try and give her the strength she needs to overcome this.
Justin's determination and commitment to bring Elle back to the person she was before is undeniably admirable.

Brenda yet again did not disappoint. A five star read and definite recommend.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews218 followers
April 27, 2017
5 star Review Hidden Depth (Lockhart Brothers #4) by Brenda Rothert

This was the first book I have read in the Lockhart Brothers series so I was a tad concerned that I would not be able to follow. Boy was I wrong!.

This is Justin Lockhart and Elle Tyler's story and what a story it was. Hidden Depth was heartbreaking, sad, uplifting and hopeful all at the same time. Simply put I was on the edge of my seat throughout my read of this book.

I fell for both of these characters as well as the Lockhart family, so much so that I am now off to purchase the other books in the series. The chemistry between Justin and Elle was exceptional. This book was all about finding yourself after tragedy, of learning to trust and believe in love and having the courage to take that leap of faith back into life.

I would love to see Chloe and Andre get their own stories, even if they are novellas.
Profile Image for Janell Wheeler.
954 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2017
I was intrigued how these two characters were going to meet. I wasn't sure how their stories would combine. As much as it was due to something horrible I liked the way their relationship built and grew. I was worried that the brothers weren't going to be in this but they were. I was happy that they eventually lead the story back to his home town and the family. This was a good concluding book. I liked where they took the story and how it all played out. I liked the involvement of his family and the other newer secondary characters. Overall this was a great series. Yes you are left with unanswered questions but that just seems to be the nature of this author. Either way I'm glad I got to read this series and I will probably do it again sometime in the future. I hope you enjoy it too.
Profile Image for Karin Gesell.
1,907 reviews41 followers
April 23, 2017
Wow, that's only way I could think to start this. The first chapter truly gets your heart pumping, and then it just takes off from there. As much as I love the Lockhart brothers, I think this was the quickest I fell for one. Justin is the absolute man! My hearts a flutter over him. And Elle is an amazing strong woman that you also love instantly. In case you couldn't tell, I loved this book, and these characters, and of course Lovely. Feel the love and grab this now!!
Profile Image for Denise - Shh Mom's Reading®.
965 reviews394 followers
Want to read
February 16, 2017
Whoo hoo look what's available for preorder! http://amzn.to/2kM01XD
I love the Lockhart Brothers world of Lovely, Missouri, home to Gene's diner, Grieves House and Miss Dee Dee's Dance World.
Readers will get Justin Lockhart's story in this book, the youngest of the brothers. :)

Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
April 27, 2017
Hidden Depth is the latest book in ‘Lockhart Brothers Series’ by Brenda Rothert. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but I didn’t feel I was missing important information to enjoy this book. Hidden Depth tells the story of famous Elle and upcoming lawyer Justin. I love their story.
“Silence settles over the room. It’s nice, because right now, I don’t want to talk to anyone about anything.”

As a singer, model and actress, Elle is a famous young woman who’s known across the world. Her life is full of constant travel, performances and paparazzi, but she loves her work. The downside of being famous is Elle can never be sure if a person wants to know famous Elle, or normal Elle. Having learned that lesson over the years the hard way she doesn’t let people get close, besides a select little group. When Elle’s life is turned upside down after a horrible attack, she knows she’s no longer the old, carefree Elle. While recovering she gets close with the man who found her after the attack, and slowly she allows herself to feel again.
“I set the phone down, my dreamy smile drifting away as I start to fall asleep. I’m going to need a little nap before spending the evening with Justin, who feels more and more like my man every day.”

Justin is at a crossroad in his life. On one side, he enjoys his work and time in St. Louis, but on the other side he feels lonely without his siblings, who he’s very close to. Recently he has decided to go back to his hometown and start working for the family law firm. When Justin finds a battered woman and helps her like any other person would do, to his surprise he learns she’s Elle, the woman everybody knows. He knows he’s just her savior, but he needs to hear from her how she’s doing. Soon he doesn’t see the injured woman, but only Elle.
“Elle, I’m Justin,” I say, offering her my hand. When she takes my hand and shakes it, I feel like someone knocked the wind out of me. Her skin is soft, and her eyes are a warm, radiant amber. Even in her injured state, she’s beautiful.”

To say Elle and Justin meet under bad circumstances is a big, big understatement. Elle has just been horribly attacked and Justin is the guy who finds her. Being in the hospital gives Elle time to think her life over, and she comes to the conclusion she wants things to change. Also, she starts to get feelings for Justin, one of the few people outside her tight circle who comes to visit her. Justin knows Elle has been through a lot, but he can’t help his growing feelings for her. Although their timing is a bit off because of the attack, Elle and Justin just feel right together.

Despite Elle’s horrible ordeal, Hidden Depth is a sweet book about two young people falling for each other. Yes, they have a few bumps in the road to their Happily Ever After, but nothing over-the-top. Even the whole situation with Justin and his past (which easily could have caused major drama), is solved… realistic. I’m glad the author wrote it this way and didn’t add extra drama for Elle and Justin. The aftermath of her attack is more than enough to handle. I haven’t read the other books in this series yet, but Hidden Depth made me curious for the other Lockhart brothers and their stories…
“So let’s start moving into our house today,” I say. “Now that I know I’m going to spend forever with you, I’m ready for forever to start.” She smiles up at me. “Me too. And I know our forever will be absolutely lovely.”

I’ve enjoyed the story of Elle and Justin. I give Hidden Depth 4 stars.
Profile Image for Laura Hampton.
641 reviews36 followers
May 1, 2017
I have been a fan of Brenda Rothert since I first read her Fire and Ice series. I have been lucky enough to review the three previous books in this series as well. You might say she is one of my go to authors. I have always enjoyed her storytelling and her ability to suck me in. Although I enjoyed the fourth installment to the Lockhart Brothers Series, it might just be my least favorite of them all. Don't get me wrong, it is a solid read, it just didn't captivate my attention like the others in this series did. With that said...here is my review.

Elle Tyler has the world at her fingertips. She has worked hard to get where she is today. Spending a great deal of time traveling and auditioning at a relatively young age. Now that she has reached her goals, she can check, actress, model and singer off her list. She is finally living the life she always dreamed about. When one traumatizing event leaves her broken and bleeding on the bathroom floor. All of the sudden the fame and fortune don't mean a thing. If it weren't for the kind, caring man who came to her rescue that evening the outcome may have been different. Now she needs to find a way to put herself and her life back together. With the help of Justin Lockhart, she just might be able to put that terrible night behind her and find the true happiness that she thought she once had. Fame and fortune are not everything and do not always bring true happiness, but the unconditional love, caring and understanding from this sweet, sexy, protective man, may just show her that what she has now is better than the life she had before.

Justin Lockhart is the youngest of the four boys. Finishing up his law degree has been all he has thought about. He then plans on returning home to Lovely to join the family business. When he finds a young woman beaten, broken and bleeding, Justin has no idea who she is at first. Now he finds himself surrounded by the press and he soon realizes just who it is that he saved. Wanting to make sure that she is ok, he takes a chance and goes to see her in the hospital. What began as a horrific ordeal begins to develop into this amazing friendship. From the moment Justin sees Elle he feels this connection, this need to protect and care for her. Can Justin protect her from the man who left her fighting for her life? Can he show her what it means to truly be happy and content with ones life? Or will the brutal attack she suffered be undoing?

I really did enjoy Hidden Depth. I thought it was well written and I did like the characters, I just didn't feel the same connection that I have with the past books. I loved that we got to see the other Lockhart boys in this book as well. They are all pretty swoon worthy. I enjoyed Justine's character more than Elle's. But they fit together perfectly. I loved how supportive and caring Justin was. He could have just walked away once he knew who he had saved. But the need to make sure she was safe and cared for drove him to check on her.

Hidden Depth is a quick read. Some material may be a trigger for those that don't deal well with attacks. All the books in the series are standalone's, so reading the previous three books in the series is not necessary. As with all of Rothert's books, I look forward to reading what she has coming out next.
Profile Image for Lisa.
132 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2017
Hidden Depth is the fourth book in the Lockhart Brothers series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I'd highly recommend starting from the beginning. Why? Because the Lockhart boys are sinfully hot, and you won't want to miss a single one of them. But if you're okay missing out on 3 of the most genetically gifted brothers in the history of forever, then that's fine too. ;)

Justin Lockhart is the baby of the family, but there was still plenty of swoon left when he was born. I don't know what their gene pool, but they should bottle it up and sell it. Instant wealth, that's what that would be. Justin is just wrapping up his post-law school internship in St. Louis, and getting ready to pack up shop and head back home to Lovely, where he'll join the family business.

Elle Tyler is a pop-star who's fame has risen to epic proportions. Currently on a US tour, Elle rocked St. Louis and is getting ready to board the bus and head toward her next stop in Chicago. What she doesn't realize is a brutal attack will leave her sense of safety shattered, and her clinging to life.

In the right place at the right time, Justin is the first to discover Elle, and is integral in saving her life. It isn't until after the fact, when he is thrust into the spotlight, that he realizes who he had saved. Unable to get her off his mind, he stops by to visit her in the hospital, and a tentative friendship is born.

As time goes on, Elle and Justin bond while she recovers in the hospital in St. Louis. She learns to navigate her new normal, and he keeps her late night burger cravings at bay. I really enjoyed the relationship between Elle and Justin, and thought they brought a nice balance to one another. I loved that she trusted him to be a good guy, and he was a rock for her as she recovered.

I also really loved Elle's assistant, Chloe, and bodyguard, Andre. Early in the story I was afraid that one (or both) of them would have nefarious intentions (you just never know), but they both turned out to be solid friends to Elle and great supporting characters in this story.

In the end, I would have liked to see a little more wrap-up in the story, specifically regarding Chloe, Andre, and the situation Justin faces (I'm being intentionally vague here). But overall, I really loved this book, and it kept me up until all sorts of weird hours of the night devouring it. I'm sad that we're out of Lockhart brothers, but at least I know I can come visit them anytime.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews53 followers
May 2, 2017
Brenda Rothert’s HIDDEN DEPTH is a heartwarming and moving read. This is the story of the youngest Lockhart brother, Justin, and model, singer and actress, Elle Tyler. This contemporary romance takes place in St. Louis, Missouri and Lovely, Missouri.

First, my son’s name is Justin. So, I automatically like Justin Lockhart because of his name. That being said, I do like his character. He is protective and kind. He has good values. Elle is a sweet character. I love how she interacts with her fans. She is a good person, that has had some bad things happen to her. I appreciate that Justin and Elle like each other for the people they are and not who they are.

Chloe Michaels is an awesome assistant and friend to Elle. I love how she looks out for her. Andre is a faithful bodyguard. I appreciate that the two truly care about Elle and are more than employees. They felt horrible and responsible about what happened even though it was not their fault.

I love that Miss Dee Dee once again makes an appearance in this series. She is the perfect person for Elle to befriend.

From a story perspective, I like how Justin and Elle meet. What happens is horrible but it makes a fantastic plot. Her situation with Gary Beasley was traumatic and chilling. Justin faces some interesting situations in the story. I like how he handles them. I adore how the story ended. It fell well concluded. Once again, Brenda Rothert did an amazing job with this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Angie McGuire.
1,127 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2017
Awesome read

In truly love this series!! Getting Justin's story was great, but watching him fall in love was prefect. Elle just makes the story better.

Seeing a gruesome attack with its aftermath is not something you truly get over, but living through it is that much worse. Elle and Justin's story is off the charts, and I'm so glad that the brothers also played a part in this storyline too, which is always great when they are bickering back and forth. This book was a quick, easy full of love story. Congrats to BR on such a great story.

46 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2017
Reading this series makes me wish there was a Lovely, Missouri to move to and become the best of friends with the Lockharts and their wives! Brenda Rothert wrote another wonderful story that captivated me. She is an author that writes beautifully and I want more of the story when it's over!
489 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2017
Brenda Rothert is one of my go to authors and she has definitely scored a win with this book. The author captivated my mind and heart with her wonderful words and characters.
Profile Image for Paige Smith.
686 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2017
Hidden Depth is another great read by my favorite go-to author, Brenda Rothert. Justin and Elle's story of friends to lovers is so captivating and will leave you wanting more from Ms. Rothert.
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
May 4, 2017
4 Stars

Hidden Depth is the fourth title in the Lockhart Brothers series and features the youngest of the Lockhart brothers Justin. Justin and Elle's story is a friends to lovers romance, with completely captivating and endearing characters.

Strong themes of love, family, survival, suspense, loss and danger evolve throughout the story line.

Elle is an incredibly strong character, a survivor who not only endures after a brutal attack, but thrives with Justin's attention and affection.

I adored Justin's character a completely well meaning, good guy with a heart of gold.

A sweet romance, with twists and turns that kept me enthralled and engaged. Another well written romance, from Brenda Rothert and I eagerly anticipate more of her work in the future.



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Profile Image for Laurie.
1,016 reviews51 followers
April 29, 2017
Stop me if you have heard this one before…. But the moment I have received each one of the books in Brenda Rothert’s Lockhart Brothers series, I stop whatever I am doing and get completely lost in the stories until their end. Brenda has woven a tapestry of family, resilience and love, centered mostly in a small town that lives up to its name. Hidden Depth was no different. I loved this amazing book, not only for its storyline, but for the gift of Elle Tyler, a phoenix whose strength and perseverance gave this story wings.
Elle Tyler and Justin Lockhart are first connected through the most harrowing circumstances, that had had my heart racing. Brenda allows us to see Elle at her most vulnerable and allows us to shadow her she works through all that she experienced. I felt every single emotion and Brenda pulled zero punches here, we see the good, the bad and the ugly of her physical and emotional recovery. Within here are powerful messages about strength and recovery – none of which are easily found, but they are there in ways big and small. Elle Tyler is a badass. There are moments in this story where she may not feel it, but even on her worst days, is there like a beacon, taking charge and care of others. I loved that this was not a miracle recovery story. Elle may have been knocked down, but she saw that she needed time and space to fully recover; which we get to see.
As the youngest of the Lockhart brothers, Justin has all of the best qualities of his older brothers, he is a good man with super-hero tendencies and it is impossible not to adore him. He was no saint, but I loved his patience with Elle so much.
Lovely Missouri is the sun and moon of this series and lives up to its name. From Miss Dee-Dee to Gene and Margie, the proprietors of the local diner, these are the people who make their homes in the town are a cast of characters that you would love to have in your corner any day of the week. It feels as though this little town still has stories to tell and I can’t wait to read them.
Perhaps my only issue with Hidden Depth is that I wanted more of this story and these characters. This doesn’t detract from how much I loved it, but there were moments where I wanted more of the story or a scene.
I will say it again -- If you haven’t yet read the Lockhart Brothers series, make the time and be prepared, because while you will adore these brothers, it is each one of the heroine are nothing short of amazing. Hidden Depth is an amazing additional to this series – add it to your must read list today!!
Enjoy!!
Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Tracey.
981 reviews18 followers
May 10, 2017
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I've been a Brenda Rothert fan for ages, and have read and enjoyed the earlier books in her Lockhart Brothers series. I knew that there was one more Lockhart brother to get to know a little bit better, but thought for sure that his story couldn't top the others. I mean, Brenda handled some very touchy subjects with grace, passion, and redemption there, and how do you match that? Well, if you're Brenda, you write HIDDEN DEPTH, that's how.

I fell in love with Elle and Justin from the very beginning of their story. Beyond the horror, the loss, and the life changes that both had to endure, there was acceptance, compassion, friendship, and a sense of being home. Elle and Justin are two very special people, and their ability to just be themselves and be there for each other made my heart happy.

Is it crazy to think that a man from a small town and a wildly famous entertainer might just be able to find each other in this world and make a go of it? The romantic in me says heck, no, and cheered Justin and Elle on from beginning to end. I could not have been happier with their journey, but I am always happy to see some 'down the road' details, so, Brenda, if you decide to visit Lovely, MO, for some more Lockhart family time, I'm totally down with it.

HIDDEN DEPTH is an endearing, sexy, uplifting 4.5-star read for me, and joins the other books in this series in sharing some of my favorite of Brenda's characters. I highly recommend making a trip to Lovely and getting to know the Lockart family. It's a trip worth taking.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
April 26, 2017
Wow, Brenda has always got us in some bigger than ever events for those Lockhart boys. This time it's youngest brother, Justin. He finds superstar Elle in a lady's restroom after a horrible attack leaving her stabbed and with a badly broken leg. It seems a nightmare but many good people are placed in Elle's path including Justin. Sweet love story.
706 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2017
Another great story in this series! I wasn't sure what to expect in this book, but I loved it! There was drama when needed, but nothing unnecessary. I loved the strength of Elle and Justin was absolutely swoon worthy!
Profile Image for Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews.
850 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2017
I have been waiting for this book. I've loved the Lockhart Brothers since the beginning. This is the fourth book in the series and is Justin and Elle's story. Justin is the youngest Lockheart brother.

Eh Elle was an ok character. But she did give me whiplash at the beginning of the book. I get she was dealing with a tragic event that happened to her. But she was kind of just stuck on herself, and selfish, and whiny. But I did like watching her grow as a person. I did like her more towards the end.

As I said above Justin is the youngest Lockhart brother and the one we known the least about. And the one we have seen the least of in the other books. Though we have seen him make appearances in the other books. I was looking forward to get to knowing him better. Not quite sure if we got that in this book.

I did find this to be an enjoyable read. I did find that there just seemed to be something missing. I think I expected more than what we got. .

I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!

***I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy for my honest opinion***
Profile Image for CandaceReads.
111 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2017
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

My Review in a Nutshell:

I will cry big tears if this is the last book for Lovely, Missouri. The atmosphere of Lovely is enchanting, to say the least. From Dee Dee’s Dance Depot to Gene’s Diner, everything screams personality. As well as the inhabitants of the town, quirky people they are, shining right off the pages.

But to the actual story! Elle and Justin are both lovable characters, Justin may be my favorite brother! It’s a toss of between him and Reed, but i’m on the Justin Train for now.

I was surprised by the amounts of twists and turns; at one point, I had to set my book down and regain composure. I would honestly say this novel is partially a thriller/suspense. Which are my FAVORITE kinds of romances!

My Favorite Quotes:

“Blessings grow when shared.”

For more bookish fun: www.candacereads.com
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
May 6, 2017
Elle is a country singer, actress, and model that has everything then the unthinkable happens. Justin is a lawyer who happens to be in the right place at the right time. Elle doesn't know much about the guy who saved her but Justin wants to make sure she is okay. Elle and Justin are drawn to each other and Justin and his hometown may be just what Elle needs to put her life back together.

I loved Hidden Depth!!! Elle and Justin meet when Elle is going through a traumatic time in her life. Even though she is going through some things she cannot deny the attraction they both feel for one another. I was really drawn into both of their characters. I love this series!! I can't wait to read more from this author!!!
Profile Image for Sonal.
1,091 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2017
Hidden Depth is the fourth and I guess the last book in the Lockhart Brothers series. This is a standalone but the whole series is worth reading.

Ellie has it all, the fame, fortune and worldwide recognition. She's a model, singer and an actress. During a concert trip, a violent act by a lunatic fan shatters her perfect life. Justin Lockhart was just at a right place at a right time. He rescues this broken, badly injured girl and now he can't stop thinking about how she's handling all this. When Ellie meets her rescuer, she forms a deep friendship with him and soon that turns into something serious. Justin not only helps Ellie heal physically but also helps her deal with her tragedy.

A sweet and instant love kind of story.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2018
BOOM!!!!
I have no words for the last book in this series.
I love Justin Lockhart!!!! I believe at this point I can't choose which brother is my favorite. Justin really is awesome. He came home Lovely so he can work at the family law practice. What he didn't except was to fine a world famous celebrity bleeding to death in the ladies of a hotel.
That alone made me love Justin. But he just kept getting better.
I did love Elle to. she lived in the lime light for so long. Brave beyond words. My favorite part was when Justin insisted she go home with him to Lovely. It was the best HEA!!!!
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,221 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2017
Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I am a huge fan of Brenda Rothert. I love reading her books. I'm a huge fan of this series, and once again: They keep getting better and better. Justin was down right perfect. And our heroine, Elle, is someone you root for to get her man in the end. Brenda did an amazing job with creating the characters and the storyline. i think Justin and Elle is my favorite couple out of this series. This is a must read. I highly recommend this book.
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