Restrained

Sterling Family #3

by Nicole Dykes

Grief can hold us back. Sorrow can make us stop enjoying our lives for fear of being too happy when what we truly want is never possible.
Lola Sterling has deprived herself of living for a long time. Remaining laser-focused on everyone and trying to fit their pieces back together.
But can someone from the past repair her?
Could he help her heart break free from the painful restraints put there from a devastating loss?
Can the Sterling family ever come back from the tragedy?
Time will only tell.

***It is highly recommended to read Regrets and Restrictions before reading Restrained to get the full Sterling experience!!!

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Workplace Romance, Romance

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2020

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Mehaque Khanum · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ve never experimented with drugs. I’ve never had a problem with alcohol. I don’t have an unhealthy addiction to food. But . . . Hayden West. I definitely have a problem when it comes to him. One I don’t want to solve."

First of all, I finished this book within 2 hours. This book was just not about Lola but almost felt like a therapy book for everyone. I liked how all characters and their life was shown through Lola as she's really controlling and tries to make everyone happy and healthy. She's a pure cutie but thankfully in the end, she understood that people need to feel and if anybody else requires her help, they'll come to her eventually.

"Waking up in Hayden’s bed, his warmth around me should feel completely wrong, but it doesn’t. I hate that we started on a lie, but if I'm completely honest with myself, who doesn’t? Everyone hides a piece of themselves when they first start dating. Hell, some married people don’t truly know their spouses."

Restrained is about Lola Sterlings, the eldest Sterling kid and the most worrisome and controlling one. She ignored her siblings and what they went through during her childhood as she was driven to impress her father as being the elder of them all but after the death of her brother Colt, she finally broke free of the chain and actually saw what was going on around her. Now she tries to make every one of her siblings and mother happy and tries to meddle everywhere, tries to control their sadness or hurting but alas she can't really do that, and here comes Hayden who made her realize that.

"You made me feel again. Now all I want to do is feel. I want to feel everything with you.”

I loved how easy it was to love each other in Lola and Hayden's case. They just...connected. And Hayden as a character who is so understanding and mature. Even when he did a lie of omission, I understood that and in his place, I would've done the same thing honestly. I loved how Lola didn't banish him after that lol. She's a pure cutie.

"We’re on our way to being as whole as we can be, and although bittersweet, it’s mostly sweet."

It was a healing book where many of them got closure and my heart soared seeing that. You can't help but love the Sterlings especially Lola. Everybody needs a Lola in their life who would always try to make her family happy. *smh while sipping coffee*

"You make me want to laugh. You really make me want to make you laugh.”

Lola is so cute. I'm probably repeating this so many times BUT SHE IS SO CUTE.

"Yeah, she wants to fix everything and drives herself crazy, but that’s just Lola. She’s a fixer. She makes everything in this world better. And I meant what I said, I'll be spending the rest of my life trying to keep up because all I want is her."

I can't wait to read Restorations to see how Asher would finally get his happy ending...or would he? Ahhhh I'm gonna start THAT BOOK RIGHT NOW.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Love Should Be Easy. But Love's Never Met The Sterlings!
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Lola is a fixer. She lives and breathes the family motto; regret and guilt. But now it's time to put herself first. There's one man she can't fix, but he can try to fix her.

Third Nicole Dykes read and DAMN. She's stellar. Fast-paced. This was entertaining - more so than the other books that had angsty levels of 1000%. It was softer than the previous books with the main couple, but the other couples stirred their usual drama in the back. I love how nicely the author incorporates all the storylines, giving everyone time to evolve.
I'm not Lola's biggest fan although I tried. I really did. I enjoyed Hayden more smh. But together, they had intense chemistry and they provided some good downtime from the drama in book 2. I guessed the big twist this time around before it happened, but it didn't bother me since once it was revealed, all hell broke loose and it was an entertaining road to get there and past it.
That final chapter had me all emotional. I am rooting for these characters so much. I'm addicted to these stories and I want to know what happens next!
I recommend this to all the forbidden lovers, angsty suckers and family drama obsessed readers.

ORIGINAL COMMENT:
Sheesh. Sheesh. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh. Not as angsty with the main couple as the previous books but holy whaaaat. I can't. I need the next book like ASAP. Asher is evolving slowly but he's evolving. There's so much going on in this family!

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[Lilith *EUPHORIA_READS_* · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK RESTRAINED BY NICOLE DYKES.




GENRE:CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:NICOLE DYKES.
TYPE:Book #3... STANDALONE..
POV: DUAL POV..
MY RATING: 5 STARS..

Wow...I am reading all the books in this series back to back and you have no idea how much emotions I am feeling right now...
I can say that this book was not that angsty as the previous two books in the series but this has a lighter edge to it that I desperately welcome after book 1 and 2.

Lola was THE most selfless character I have ever read...She left everything to start her life over and just wants to mend her family from all the tragedies they have encountered. But that has also affected 2Lola too..She has become this strong, controlling woman who is closed off from the world. She has made so many walls around her heart that its almost impossible for someone to let them down. Enters our broody yet caring character Hayden...I love their chemistry...and the slow yet intense....the tension was so thick that it oozes out from the pages...

I am seriously addicted to this series...I never want it to end...Wish me luck guys...I am going on to the next and the last book...The drams continue...
Let's bring on Asher and Viv...

[gretareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restrained brings us a book all about Lola. As the oldest sister and one who tries to hold everyone together she deserves the happiest of ever afters. Working as an interior designer she meets Hayden. From the start he seems to be holding something back but still she cannot resist his charms. He seemed so gruff but is a total teddy bear! I loved Hayden for her and while we are used to the authors angsty romances theirs is not. It is easy and steamy and a great read. Also there are bits and pieces of the couple we are still dying to read, Asher and Viv. The Sterlings are quite the family and I love every bit of their drama! I enjoyed this book like the other two in this series and am looking forward to reading more!

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳ Rate: 4 / 5 stars

Lola and Hayden's story was sexy and sweet with some surprises in the mix. And although I enjoyed it a lot and I'm happy Lola found her soulmate, her story and what happened only managed to have more of a mess about Asher and Viv. These two will be the death of me. I have a feeling their last book is gonna be ten times worst than what we have already seen. I'm scared. Asher is broken and he isn't doing any of the growing up he needs to in order for them to work things out. I'm sure they are gonna hurt each other a lot before things get better. I still hate that Viv and Swayer are a thing.

I did love to see Penelope and Linc and how happy they were despite everything. And as always Baz was a complete joy, he's my favorite ever.

Restrained is the story of Lola, the oldest Sterling, and Hayden, her newest client who she desperately needs for her and P's business to stay afloat. Hayden is hiding a few things that will shock everyone. He is just what Lola needed and he proves himself to be the perfect addition to the family. Can't wait to see how these two will be in the last book. I have a feeling Hayden and Asher are gonna be great friends and that these two (Lola&Hayden) will be a key help for Viv and Asher. Thank Christ we don't have to wait that long for the next book because I have been dying and after that preview it's gotten worse.

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US

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[Varya · Rating 4 out of 5]

We know Lola from previous books and this is her story. It was different from the previous two books, actually. There was betrayal and angst but the fun side was dominant. There was a lot of family drama and am just more geared up for Asher's story. I know it will be reallyyyy good. Lola and Hayden's chemistry was good and I loved how Hayden wanted to be indifferent to Lola but couldn't help but get sucked in her life and love.

Lola is the oldest sibling among the Sterling children and she carries her share of guilt for Cole's death too, just like the others. She channels it into her work and tries to become the best in her interior design business. Being a control freak, and also having a lot of love for her family, she takes it upon herself to "fix" everthing and save her family anymore pain.

But she can't do that, can she? She comes to know that through Hayden. I loved Hayden's character. At first, he appears to be the typical arrogant, rich and handsome businessman who likes control of every thing and every situation but it soon changes as we move further in the story. He is witty, sexy, kind and just wholly amazing.

Hayden hires Lola's company to work their magic on his new hotels. But is that all it is? Or is their an alternate agenda? What is Hayden hiding? Why is he getting close to Lola but is still obsessed with Penelope? Are Lola and Hayden good for each other?

It was a sweet read! Waiting for Asher's story in the next book desperately xx

[nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I am loving this series! The Sterling’s have reeled me in and I don’t want them to ever let me go. After the angst and emotion of the first two books, RESTRAINED a was actually a welcome break - that’s not to say it’s drama free, because it certainly isn’t, but it’s nowhere near on the level of Lincoln or Asher’s books.

Lola is the oldest and only sister, and she’s also the one who is constantly trying to hold her family together. When she meets Hayden it’s time for her to finally think about herself. I absolutely adored these two, and the passion between them was electric!

Nicole Dykes was a “new to me” author until very recently, but it’s fair to say I’ve quickly fallen in love with her work!

[Paula White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this one - Lola and Hayden were great and it was nice to have a break from the angst. No breakup to cause drama, talking things through and acting like grown ups - refreshing! There was a twist, I picked up on it early but loved how it played out. The Asher and Viv situation was bubbling in the background - still do not like these two together, so the next book should be interesting!

[Aundi Living That Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Acceptance Crowns

Nicole has crafted an utterly addictive and completely immersive series. Every book and every word are handled with such care and precision that you can’t help but become engrossed in the stories. And Hayden and Lola are no different.

Lola is the oldest sibling of the Sterling clan, and I have wondered about her from the start. She left home early to go to college and make something of herself leaving the others behind and becoming consumed with her future and her plans. I don’t think she really even realized she was doing it until after tragedy struck and even then she left again because everything became too much. I thought maybe she’d be cold and closed off, but the opposite is true. She feels too much and it’s those feelings that lead her to essentially run away from her family. But now that she’s back all she wants is for her family to be happy. And in her control freak way she attempts to make that happen. Not realizing that it isn’t up to her, it’s their lives and their choices. It’s not until she meets Hayden and really allows herself to let go and be free does she see that.

Hayden wow, let me tell you this man is Alpha possessive hot. He knows what he wants and has a laser focus to achieve that goal. He came from nothing and made himself a King. He too is a control freak and so focused on his plan that he doesn’t have time to have fun and let loose. Not until Lola comes into his life and essentially throws a huge wrench in his plans. The passion and fire that burns from these two lost but lonely souls it enough to set your kindle on fire. They are pure heat and flame igniting every time they are in the same room. And it’s that fire and the connection that you can feel that really brings this story together. Their souls called to each other sensing a kindred spirit in the other.

I feel like Nicole has lulled us into a false sense of contentment with this story. It was the least angsty of all the books so far, it’s still amazing and oh so hot, but the angst level was not bad in the slightest. And I feel like she did this on purpose because the next book is going to shred us (I got my eyes on you Nicole) LOL. I loved this story I think Hayden and Lola are perfect together their passion and commitment knows no limits and even though they haven’t known each other long, you can feel their bond burn from the pages.

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this story,the 3rd book in this series and oldest sibling Lola Spencer's book.Restrained had me within its grasp from the very beginning, and has minimum angst which was such a lovely gesture for Nicole Dykes to give her readers.Because the 2 previous books before are one big rollercoaster of angst,so Lola was a reprieve and such a pleasure to read.
Still a story full of surprises and it certainly does NOT lack in Sexy times.Hayden West is quite the guy all moody and broody and seriously sexy he is definately authentic book boyfriend material of the best kind.
I really like Lola I saw some of myself in her trying to be perfect and fix everyone and their problems sacrificing her happiness for others.But like all the Sterlings she is flawed too,and so is Hayden and they are perfect for one another, believe me he has quite the Secret that could destroy his Romance with Lola before it's even started.
I Love this series and being in this messed up world Nicole has created and I am really enjoying meeting the Sterling family One by one and learning what makes them tick they are a very dysfunctional drama filled bunch thats for sure. But grief is a major factor in all the Sterlings problems even Lola's who on the outside appears in control because she is busy and interfering with everyone else's lives with good intentions ,but somehow only makes things worse.Hayden is the one who helps her overcome her fears and the need to be everyone elses fixer.
Restrained is another winner for me Nicoles storytelling seems to just get better and better with each book and I find myself eager for the next one each time.
The Hot Romance between Lola and Hayden really made my heart happy I am so glad she found her equal in Hayden...and I Loved the fact there was less drama for Lola.
I adored this book it is a Must read that I highly recommend.

[KeelyReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola is always trying to care for her family or working on her business. She never takes time for herself. Enter rich and successful Hayden West. He hires Lola’s company to do the interior design of his 3 new hotels. I love how surly, demanding and alpha he is. Lola has finally met her match, but Hayden is hiding something. He’s instantly attracted to Lola but he’s a client and they try to keep it professional. That doesn’t last long 😏. These 2 are hot and I love how tough Lola is. She doesn’t take any shit from Hayden and when she finds out what he lied about, she makes him answer her and explain himself. She also doesn’t leave him, which is what he’s worried about. People he loved have left him his whole life. They realize they fell in love without meaning to and they’re a perfect match. Meanwhile, Viv and Sawyer’s relationship is progressing and Ash shows up because he misses Baz. As you would expect it’s a shitshow in true Sterling fashion. Lincoln and Penelope finally get married and Ash has to cause a scene. Hayden is so good with Ash though. He recognizes the hurt and fear in Ash’s eyes. Nicole did it again and I’m so excited for book 4! This series is one of my top series of 2020!

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah Lola and Hayden how I adored thee omg these two were just everything! I loved how this book offered a level of insight into all the different characters from the other Sterling siblings to all of their love interests but into characters like Mrs Sterling I just loved that so much!

Lola is a is a bit of a control freak and watching her let her pretty lil blonde head of hair down just made me so happy 🥺.
Hayden oof whata guy he ended up surprising me though he is always an alpha wink winks ;). His story/plot was just wow I loved it so much.

The two together while their love was maybe a little to instant something I normally can’t stand but with them it just fit them as characters so well! They were so cute and hot and just gah I loved them🥺.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we are getting to read Lola’s storyline. She has always been the mom to the Sterling boys and has to fully take on that role when their mother is unable to fulfill this duty. Lola is a perfectionist in every sense of the word and she wants to make her family back to being happy. Hayden comes into the picture with secrets he’s keeping, hiring Lola and Penelope to help with the interior design of his hotels, and using this for ulterior motives. Little did they know that the time they spent together, the more the secrets come out and the bond got stronger. This book kinda ends with a cliffy, but more so from Asher and Viv’s book. Can’t wait to see how the story ends.

[Lost in Book World · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author really knows how to grab onto those heart strings and play them so well that you get emotionally invested with each and every one of the Sterlings finding their happy ending...

This family has experienced so much heartache in their lives that has had a profound impact on who they are as people and how they live.... a beautifully chaotic mess of grief, love and family bonds that leaves you aching along with them as they muddle through and try to navigate a path to happy.

Lola is the oldest sister, the one who always felt she needed to prove herself and hold everybody else together while doing what she thought was best for them. Somewhere along the way though, she lost herself and forgot to seek her own healing and happiness. Enter hot business man Hayden who hires Lola and P to work for him, a man who knows what it’s like to feel unwanted, unloved and lonely but also to triumph over the events of the past - and they both unknowingly hold the key to helping each other move forward. When they come together it’s a beautifully HOT story of finding your other half and standing behind one another as each find their steady ground. There are hurdles and unexpected twists, appearances from old favourites and an adorable little man, a wedding and even a few fists thrown... but through them all, the love between these two shines. It’s a little more light hearted than the other books of the series which is almost like the calm before the storm I’m sure 🤣

I will say that the appearances of Viv, Baz and Asher continued to play on my mind throughout the book and I am anxiously awaiting the fourth book of this series - actually a bit scared for how my heart is going to make it if it doesn’t go the way I hope. This author has me absolutely hooked. This series is raw, hot, emotional, real and a must read.

[TheMommaBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restrained [The Sterlings Series, Book Three] by Nicole Dykes

𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦. 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘩. 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥-𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦.
*~*~*~*
𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖: Lola has spent the last few years trying to make up for running away from her brothers when they needed her the most. She’s constantly trying to “fix” their lives in order to keep them from feeling the pain she always felt while growing up. Now that things are a bit more settled, she needs to focus on her interior design business and bring in more revenue. Even if it means working for a shady jerk like Hayden West.

Hayden is looking for a particular designer to add luxurious finishes to his three new hotels. What he gets instead is Lola Sterling—a woman who both infuriates and intrigues him.

As these two spend more time together they can’t help but feel their hate starting to morph into lust. Will the secrets they keep push them apart or bring them closer together?
*~*~*~*
𝕊𝕖𝕩 𝕊𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤: HOLY HOTNESS. This steamy enemies to lovers romance gives you all kinds of tension before these two learn to let go of their stubborn control. PHEW! The alpha goodness, the description, and the frequency gives this a 🔥🔥🔥🔥.5/5! I also love how they were kinda keeping it a secret—giving it a pseudo-taboo vibe! 👌🏻👌🏻
*~*~*~*
【$】: FREE on KU! This series so far has been jam packed with kindle-clenching levels of angst; HOWEVER, the two leads in this book give us a bit of a break. The author has me so well conditioned that I was constantly waiting for the proverbial feces to hit the fan when I noticed that I was 97% through! 🤣 That’s not to say you won’t get sizzling tension, steamy encounters, and a bit of a mystery all wrapped up in this fabulous romance read. Go for the DL!

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Dykes does it again!
.
Another in to the middle of the night can’t put the book down read from her and shaking the phone when the pages run out because you know the next book isn’t written yet.
.
This is the third book in the Sterling Family and like the others you are so invested in the story and the characters. After the gut wrenching cliff hanger on Viv and Ash’s story we are given Lola’S story. She’s trying to keep her business afloat with out calling on her daddy when a to good to be true job lands in her lap. After meeting the man who wants to open the hotels it’s hate and first sight but she’s determined to remain professional and discover what his secrets are. However, the continuing angsty battle of Ash and Viv is still present and still wrecking you along the way. This book has a few surprises I don’t think any ones sees coming but still gives you all the feels and some pretty steamy moments! This series is everything you could hope for and more!
.

Editing to add my audio review

I freak I love this story and these narrators are beyond phenomenal. I mean seriously both could melt butter with the sultriness of their voices and they do so well with each voice of every character you can tell them all apart with out having to hear who it is. And this story that was so emotionally gripping as a read is beyond elevated with these narrators. Seriously I got lost in the world and I could listen to these to talk all night. And for them to be reading such a great story just makes it all the more better. This series is 100% a must read binge worthy forget your adulting series!

[Keri Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Lola!! I absolutely love this series! Lola is the tough independent bada** of the Sterling family. She always feels as the oldest its her job to fix all the family drama, and never took time to find love herself. Then comes Hayden West. Rich jerk who hires her to design his hotels. But he's hiding a secret. A big one. This book was a fun break from the emotional rollercoasters Nicole usually has us on. Hayden and Lola are HOT! And the steamy scenes are NOT lacking in this book! Plus we get to see all the rest of our Sterling favorites and whats going on with them throughout the story. And a wedding!!!! I am on pins and needles waiting for the last book in this series to see how it will all play out! Another 5 star must read!

[Kandace Denys (bookish_kayy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh. This family is making me crazy, I swear!
I love the Sterlings, and Lola was the one I felt I knew the least about. That’s changed now. She’s just a genuine hearted person, trying to do the right thing for her whole family. I get it. She feels the pressure from everywhere, trying to keep everyone happy and make them make the right decisions. A true control freak.
But whew, she let her hair down, let her man in, and it was so beautiful to watch. And he could not be better for her if he tried. Just effortlessly, he slid in, supporting her and keeping her grounded.
This really was an excellent angst break, but I know there’s more to come & I can’t wait!

[Stephenie McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of drama

There was a lot of drama in this book, but I actually enjoyed that. There was substance to this, reasons for why people did what they did. Can’t wait to see if Asher pulls his head out of his arse.....

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Forgive me.”

Her hands slide under the back of my t-shirt, her nails raking over my back. “Earn it.”

Restrictions by Nicole Dykes is book three in this series and was a much needed more light hearted romance compared to books one and two.

We are following Lola, the oldest of the Sterling children. She has broken away from the mold her father has forced on her her entire life. She is building a new company doing something she loves: interior design/decorating. She runs her company beside best friend and younger brother’s fiancé Penelope. And her new client Hayden? Well he’s an asshole, but a gorgeous one. He’s also an asshole with a huge secret....

“And then you came along. And pissed me off.”
I wonder where he’s going with this as he blows across the wetness between my clenched thighs.
“And made me feel again. Now all I want to do is feel.” His tongue slides down my wet slit and I groan, leaning my head back, my hands threading through his hair. “I want to feel everything with you.”

I found this to be kind of a palate cleanser between Viv and Asher’s books. We still got to see them and of course sweet little Baz but they were not the focus. As stated above it was much needed. Between Viv/Asher and Linc/Penelope and the heavy angst? It was nice and fun to just sit back with Hayden and Lola. Don’t get me wrong. We still see the trauma and grief that the Sterling family is going through and it can feel emotionally heavy at times.

The only thing was that I knew what the secret was pretty much from the very beginning. So the shock factor wasn’t really there. It was anticlimactic. But just like with previous Nicole Dykes reads, I was hooked from page one and I couldn’t stop reading. Her writing always manages to suck me in. And I KNOW book four is going to wreck me and I’m going to be saying “thank you” for all of it.

Overall rating 4 stars
Steaminess 3 stars

[CowtownReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restrained is Book 3 of the Sterling series was as much of a page turner as the first 2. The way that Nicole tells stories just draws me, hooks me and keeps me prisoner until the end. You will need to read the first 2 of the series to fully appreciate this story. While it is Lola’s stand-alone book, I don’t recommend reading it as a stand-alone due to the continuation of the story from book #2 that weaves through in the background of this book.

Lola is smart, beautiful and ambitious - the fixer of the Sterling family. She’s constantly had the weight of her shoulders to please and carry the burden of each individual family member. She’s started to place her needs first with the quitting of her high paying job at her father’s company and has established her own interior design business in California.

Hayden is a broody, arrogant real estate mogul who hires Lola’s company to help him design the interiors for 3 of his new hotels. Lola takes on the job but clashes early and often with her new domineering client. Little does she know when she signs the contract that Hayden has a secret past that may complicate things in the Sterling family even further.

I genuinely liked everything about this story. It is low(er) angst compared to the last two books - she doesn’t build the tension to the size of Mount Everest like she did in Regrets and Restrictions but you do get a little enemies to lovers feel for the first 25% of the book (which I loved). Hayden is amazing - loved him so much. Lola - loved her two. And the two of them were just incredibly hot. I honestly don’t know if there’s a book where I’ve truly liked every single character and how they’re developed. Nicole’s blown me away.

This series is amazing, friends. The hype is real. Others have seen the light and love it just as much.

[SELINA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restrained (The Sterlings, #3) By Nicole Dykes. (2020/08/28)
Rating 3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from Wildfire Marketing Solutions and Nicole Dykes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
TW: Child abuse

This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book 1 and to because it will make the experience of reading this book so much better. Although if you haven’t read the first book in this series you will not be lost.

I absolutely adored this book. This story had a lot less angst compared to books 1&2 but that did not deter my enjoyment of the novel. This story follows Lola and Hayden. Lola the eldest sterling and she holds a lot of guilty for what happened to her brother. She is an interior designer and gets hired by Hayden West to decorate his three of his hotels.

Hayden is very secretive and has a very complex past. In the beginning the two of them do not get along but as they slowly become friends, they start to fall for each other. I really liked the chemistry and banter between the hero and heroine. It was very entertaining. It was also great to see Lola finally grow and fall for someone. I really like the suspense element that was thrown into the story; it definitely kept me captivated from start to finish.

What I loved about this story was that there was so much growth between all the characters. However, I wish we had gotten to see Lola, Vivienne and Penelope bond together. I feel like their relationships were mentioned a lot but there were hardly scenes together with just the three of them.

Overall, I've been loving reading this series and I think it's a perfect summer read. I am feeling very bittersweet about the next book, but I cannot wait to read it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG!!!! What did I just read???? Restrained deserves ALLLLL the stars, it was fanfreakingtastic!!! I really liked Lola, and I felt so bad for her, just because you grow up with money, doesn't mean everything is all roses and sunshine, Lola can certainly attest to that!! She is the oldest of the Sterling siblings and she's a fixer, and wants everyone to be happy. Sometimes that's just not possible though, and Lola will soon realize that the people that she loves most have to find their own happiness. She meets Hayden when he hires her and Penelope for a job, Lola thinks he's an asshole, and at first so did I and wanted to kick his ass!! Of course Hayden is gorgeous and sexy as sin, and there is am immediate attraction on both sides, even though Lola thinks he's an asshole Lol. So in the course of working together they start to open up to each other and one thing leads to another...there are some OMFG, what the hell did Nicole do moments...and there are some holy shit moments because there are some secrets that come out, will those secrets be the end before anything really even starts? You'll just have to read this amazing book to find out!! This is book #3 so I do advise reading the first 2 books in the series first, believe me when I say you'll really want to!! Nicole is one of my auto click authors, and I never regret reading her books...I just kinda hate her for a little bit, especially when she makes me cry....damn her!!! Read this series... you'll love it!!

[Suzy (readaholicmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear....This author truly knows how to write a story that pulls at your soul. Nicole Dykes does it yet again with Restrained, the third book of The Sterlings series.

We saw glimpses of Lola in the first two books but in Restrained, we see and understand her character a lot more since this book is about her. Her inability of happiness comes from a long line of guilt and suffering, from a broken family that is ridden with pain from the loss of a loved one.

Lola didn't see happiness in the near future, that is until she meets the handsome jerk that hires her company to design his hotels. Hayden was everything she hated in a man, his coldness towards her only infused her dislike of him. Until layers of his walls started to crumble, leaving a teddy bear of a man behind his cold persona.

I loved, loved, loved Hayden and Lola together. Not only was he the right person for her but was also the right person to help her see her worth. This story literally melted my heart. Not only did we see all the character together, we also got a glimpse of what is to come next with Asher and Viv's continuation.

I was given an early advanced copy of Restrained by wildfire marketing solution for an honest review. All thoughts where my own.

[j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect with Lola’s book. I wasn’t sure if we had met her love interest previously or not, so without ruining it I will say that I was pleasantly surprised!
This was a less angsty read than the first two in the series but that’s not to say that it wasn’t as emotional. I really enjoyed the push/pull between Lola and Hayden and I’m so happy that Lola found her soul mate in Hayden.

The first 80% of the book was binge worthy but unfortunately I did find the last 20% more of a struggle to get through. Everything seemed to happen so quickly and the story sort of drifted away from Lola and Hayden as a couple. But this was of course to set up the next book where we will be getting another round of Asher and Viv. My heart hurts for them and I need them to get their HEA or I might actually riot.

Overall 4 stars and I recommend everyone start this series! Also I will say that I really admire Nicole’s talent to write such outstanding male characters! She’s definitely one of my favourite authors for this.

[Cori Eckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Nicole you never know what you will get once you open her books, and Lola and Hayden’s story was no different!

Hidden identity, betrayal, and secrets.

Lola the eldest Sterling sibling had always strived for perfection. She attempts to fix all around her and hold her family together all the while not allowing herself the happiness she also deserves.
Lola Meets Hayden and the sexual tension is out of this world..... and the fact they dislike each other makes it even more steamy!

With true Nicole fashion we get some heartache but the angst is low key.
This book is the 3rd in the series and is recommended you read all the books in the series from the beginning to get a feel for each and every character.

[Elle (literary.ya) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my sweet, sweet Lola girl, such a fixer. I love her heart. I love her soul. I just love her. And Hayden. He was exactly what she needed!! Their story was fierce, their story was hot & their story was swoon worthy.

Book 3 in the Summer of Sterlings is definitely an angst break, but Nicole still brings her A game. She knows how to write a family that sucks you in & makes you feel like you’re home.

*audiobook update* NARRATION WAS PERFECT! I absolutely loved listening to Lola & Hayden’s story!!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the STARS!!!!!

Nicole does it again !!! My goodness this was so good. It takes skill to write a particular story yet fully incorporate side characters that you completely love! Lola & Hayden are delicious. Their love and connection is absolutely beautiful. I love how they see it and accept it in spite of some angst and drama. And then there's Asher and Viv whose story continues next but there are tantalizing bits and pieces in this one. This was beautifully written and I can't wait for the next part!! Nicole is a phenomenal writer and we see it in all her stories.

[Kaitlyn (heartoflane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with the entire Sterling family bit reading about Lola, and Hayden was satisfying. Watching Lola become less controlling and stiff, and more in the moment, was terrific. Hayden brought out the best version of her. Also, seeing Hayden meet a blood-relative and letting his guard down was beautiful, especially after learning how alone he was. This was a beautiful story, and I one I can't wait to continue reading about in the next book!

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally fell in love with Lola & Hayden. My heart melts bc Lola tried to fix everyone before herself. I love the way Hayden loves her. I absolutely enjoyed this book! Ready for the next one now.