Haunted Hearts

Friends of Friends #4

by Leighton Greene

He’s an arrogant, prickly, critical jerk…and I’m falling for him.

After a disastrous first weekend as his service sub while he's on a working vacation in LA, I give in to the pleas of my friends and return to try again.

Haughty Hottie, I call him.

Never in his hearing, or I’d get another five infractions marked down in the little card of punishments he's tied around my wrist.

The more time we spend together, the more his icy exterior seems to melt.
But as hot and haughty as he is, he’s also haunted...
And he won’t share his heart.

After the Halloween masquerade, he'll be gone. Back to England, back to his lonely life.

Can I persuade him to open up before then, or is he already planning to ghost me?

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Contemporary, M M Romance, LGBT, Halloween

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2022

About the author

Leighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.

After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.

Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.

(Source: Amazon.com)

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure that I was going to like this one to begin with. Right off we are the guest at a Halloween week of fun and kink, that will end with a grand celebration gala, for the very carefully selected guests, which included Elliot, the Lord of somewhere in England that I've forgotten (sorry).

Elliott is a composer who has been hired to write a score for a Hollywood film...not because he actually wanted to write anything for a movie, but he loves composing music, and it will make him enough money to keep his mansion in England from going bankrupt for at least another couple of years. He's also trying to recover from the man who was his submissive, his boy, and was to be his husband... who literally left him at the altar, 2 years ago on what was supposed to be their wedding day....so saying he is NOT a happy man by any stretch of the imagination, would be putting it mildly.

Then Oliver enters the picture. I wanted to shake Oliver at times and hug him at other times. He is a very overworked hotel concierge, that has been promised a big promotion for his efforts. He's also trying to find his place as a submissive. Everyone is now gathered at this luxurious home of these two friends of Elliott and all the other guests. If you've read any of this series, you will remember having met everyone in all the other books.

Oliver has taken the two weekends, of the Halloween Party off from his job and has signed a contract to be a "service sub" to the dominate guests. To his delight as well as at times his confusion he finds that his service is to be entirely... at Elliott's request..., ONLY to Elliott. At times Elliot is cold and abrupt, and Oliver is a way too sassy to be a good service sub, but he's learning, and Elliott is more than happy to be his teacher.

Eventually Oliver begins to thaw Elliot’s heart, but things are still touch and go through the majority of the story. Oliver does find total serenity in his service to Elliott., and the two of them really do have amazing chemistry together. The story is incredibly sexy and at times very sweet, almost like a Halloween-themed movie with a heavy side of kink, just minus the monsters and ghosts.

Both men grow as the story progresses, and the ending is really amazing. This series of 5 books really needs be read in order sine all the characters wander throughout each story. Sorry to see this one end.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I love stories with service submission. It’s quite different. I found their on again off again relationship kind of tiring and I certainly hate a last minute break up. However, I still enjoyed the story quite a bit. This was my fourth book in this series so obviously I like them.

[S.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never really understood the whole service kink thing so I went into this wanting to learn. And boy howdy, did I learn! This book steamed right through my expectations and showed me exactly what’s so sexy about service.

I adored Oliver – I thought he was an honest, straight-forward, cool guy. But I LOVED Lord Elliott. I haven’t read any of the other Friends of Friends books, but I will definitely be adding them to my list because I was blown away by this book. The pain Lord Arden was suffering from was apparent in every word he spoke and every move he made, but so too was his instant attraction to Oliver and his desire to find a way out of the rut he had found himself in. I had tears in my eyes on more than one occasion, but I think it was the walks in the maze and the music that really touched me the most – this book really surprised me in so many ways.

I liked how respectful of each other they were – and how they were both willing to admit to their failings when they messed up – and their honesty was refreshing. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to shake both of them, but it wasn’t through lack of effort on either of them – it was about reality and how things don’t always come tied up in a sweet little bow, perfectly fitting in with your plans.

I have enjoyed Leighton Greene’s mafia series previously and this definitely reached the same heights – really pleased I read this and open to the idea of reading more about service.

I received an ARC from GRR.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS read, absolutely breathtaking, it was everything I could ask for of a BDSM story.
It’s hugely sensual, gosh, I’m a bit speechless.

Elliot is a concert pianist and a composer and the theme song he needs to compose is far from finished, he suffers a block. Meeting his service sub for the BDSM weekend opens up his creative mind. Not only his creative mind but also his heart.
A shame he can’t look at Oliver’s face because a red silk mask covers his face, only his lips are visible.

Elliot Barrington-Thwaite, Earl of Arden Yes, an aristocrat from England, is an irritatingly haughty demanding Dom. In Oliver’s head, he’s a Haughty Hottie. The scenes are everything Oliver could ask for. He has to keep his heart protected. Elliot will leave LA back to England, and Oliver has to return to his real life.

Most of the story is serene, and sensual, with the best BDSM scenes and circumstances, the heartache is palpable.
Elliot and Oliver are beautifully portrayed. The story is consistently written.
The music woven with the story was so so good!
For me a fabulous satisfying story!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver signs on for a weekend to fill a service kink as a submissive to Lord Elliot Arden. He is terrible at it but the two warm to each other and he returns for another weekend. This is an exotic, unreal setting for play in L.A. There is BDSM, hot scenes and tender feelings intermixed with complicated emotions and insecurities on both sides. Poor Elliot, Dominant, seems so lost and broken behind his aristocratic appearance . Oliver, though submissive is confident and secure in his worth. These two complete each other where no one else has been able to. Though Oliver's likes don't appeal to me, they were described well and always appeared consensual. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Hearts is the fourth book in the Friends of Friends series. It can be read as a standalone but previous characters do make an appearance. Elliot is the Earl of Arden. He’s a concert pianist. He also composes but he is blocked mentally. Being a Dom to Oliver allows him to let go and opens his mind up. Oliver is a sub whose face is covered, except for his lips. I wasn’t sure of Elliot at first, he was a total grump! But he grew on me. This story was freakin fantastic!! Swoon worthy. Well written with fantastic pacing. It sucked me into the story and didn’t let me go!

[Joy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greene delivers again. She creates an atmosphere where a young man who is a crazy good concierge at a swanky LA hotel turns into a "gazelle that wants to be eaten" when faced with a dominant composer. No, our concierge is not a pushover. Greene makes the composer fight for the privilege of having him. The dance is delightful to witness as they whirl around each other, each holding on to the bit of reality that really haunts them. Our concierge is determined to excel at his job so he can be considered for management. The composer is committed to whatever it takes to save his family home. When it is over, you really are surprised to find yourself no longer in their world. Another triumph by Greene.

[The Corniest Flake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to rate this book, it was a mixed experience for me. I liked the author's writing style and will check other books from her in the future, so that's a plus. Kink-wise, protocol and service aren't my thing, so it didn't quite work for me on that end, but that's just personal preference. There's impact and pain play, which are kinks I love. My main issue with the book was the Dom MC, which I never warmed up to. He can be very entitled and self-centered, and some of his attitudes (especially towards the end) would have been deal-breakers for me relationship-wise, so the romance didn't work for me overall.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

I'm not sure why this worked so well for me because the connection between them was kind of tenuous, but it just did. I believed that they worked for each other, and I enjoyed them together so much that I was willing to overlook the little things that bugged me a bit. I really loved seeing Elliott open his heart not only to Oliver but to his friends and others in his life. I also liked Oliver finding out about himself and what really mattered to him. I loved that he wasn't willing to just throw away everything he'd been working toward, though.

Overall this was probably my favorite of this series.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first met Lord Arden I thought he was a horrible grump, but as his and Oliver's story progressed I grew to love him all the same. I probably should have read the other books in this series before I started this one, but even without knowing the events that came before I thought this romance worked well as a standalone. I was fascinated by the dynamic Oliver developed with Elliot during his time serving, and even though they were never meant to be more than strangers, I was thrilled to see a deep connection spark to life between them. What started as a scared submissive learning his way around service turned into so much more, and I loved seeing Oliver drop his professional mask to be his true self with Elliot. I don't think anyone could have made Elliot less demanding and passionate than he was from the start, but I did see him lose his sharp edges and open his heart to Oliver as they spent more time together. One weekend of masked submission turned into two, and even as Oliver's work/life balance put strain on his time with Elliot, they still found ways to make it work together. I loved watching them fall head over heels for each other, and even in their limited time together I could really feel the depth of their feelings. I knew their lives were going in different directions, but that still didn't prepare me for the heartbreak of their separation. Luckily fate decided to give them a second chance to reunite, and they were both smart enough not to let go of their second chance.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted Hearts is the fourth book in the Friends of Friends series, which is a series of loosely connected books that focus on different types of kink. I’ve enjoyed all the books in the series so far, but Haunted Hearts might be my favorite. This one explores service kink, and our two main characters are Oliver and Elliot.

Oliver is an experienced sub, but is new to service submission and while he’s eager to learn, he’s not sure if service is his thing. Elliot, or Lord Arden, is a rather arrogant and grumpy British aristocrat that Oliver is assigned to serve for a weekend. Things between them are not all smooth sailing, but the chemistry is there early on and there’s something about this story that felt very romantic and sweet and gentle (though it’s certainly spicy as well!).

Elliot’s background and his way of speaking, as well as the service element, gave this book an almost historical vibe, which I really liked. And while our two MCs definitely experienced some miscommunication along the way, it felt natural here, with how different their lives and backgrounds were and how much they had to learn about each other.

I would’ve loved to see the kink explored even further, but all in all I very much enjoyed this one. It’s set around Halloween, so it’s perfect to read at this time of the year (though it’s not spooky at all!), and I had a really good time seeing the romance between Oliver and Elliot unfold.

I now only have one novella left in this series, but I already own several books in some other Leighton Greene series, which I’m excited to eventually check out.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver gives things a second try with Lord Arden after their first weekend together goes badly, only to find himself increasingly drawn to the man beneath the icy, demanding exterior. As their dynamic softens into something deeper, Oliver senses Arden’s loneliness and the ghosts he refuses to share. With Arden set to return to England after the Halloween masquerade, Oliver must figure out whether he can reach the guarded man he’s falling for — or if Arden is already preparing to disappear from his life.

I loved this story where Lord Arden was the kind of character who steals the spotlight the moment he appears — all sharp edges, exacting standards, and a perfectly controlled exterior that dares anyone to get too close. Watching Oliver navigate that intensity is both thrilling and nerve‑wracking, because Arden’s emotional distance has the very real potential to break his heart. What makes the story so compelling is the tension between Arden’s rigid self‑containment and Oliver’s growing feelings. Every small crack in Arden’s armour feels monumental, and every moment of softness hints at the possibility that he might actually fall just as hard. The question of whether he’ll let himself do it keeps the pages turning. A deliciously prickly, emotionally charged romance where vulnerability is the ultimate risk — and the ultimate reward. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I super enjoyed this book! There are a couple of off-hand references to Pride and Prejudice quotes, but it doesn't go whole hog trying to be too much of an adaptation, but Elliot is very much if an awkward repressed Mr. Darcy type were a dom. It's also got modern day English house party vibes with a campy Upstairs, Downstairs feeling, too.

Also, the kink is very swoony. At first, their kinks seem a little incompatible, but as time goes on, Oliver starts to appreciate what Elliot wants from him as a sub. I haven't read something this romantic in a while. The story is quite well structured, plot wise, and feels almost . . . cinematic, in some places. I could totally see this being a movie.

I will say, it does have a "several weeks later" epilogue, which I usually am not a big fan of. HOWEVER, because all the rest of the story took place in a pretty structured, heightened reality type space, and the epilogue is more of giving us a glimpse of how they'll operate in a more real-world situation, it worked for this story. The end of the epilogue was fairy tale perfect, and I definitely teared up a few times while reading.

I received an copy for review from Gay Romance Reviews, and these are my honest opinions.

[Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Haunted Hearts! It’s a really lovely story about Elliot, a composer who’s lost his ability to write music, and Oliver, a hotel concierge who’s trying to find his place as a submissive. Elliot’s a British Lord who’s fallen on hard times financially, so he agrees to compose the score for a big-budget Hollywood film. He comes to LA to rekindle his passion for composing and stays with his kinky friends in their mansion. He meets Oliver, a submissive who’s been contracted to provide service to those at the house. Elliot is cold and abrupt at times, and Oliver is a bit sassy for a service sub. However, Oliver thaws Elliot’s heart as the story progresses, and Oliver learns to find serenity in serving. The two of them have amazing chemistry together, and I love their banter. It’s incredibly sexy and at times very sweet, almost like a Halloween-themed Hallmark movie with a side of kink. Both men grow as the story progresses, and the ending is really satisfying.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliott and Oliver’s story is a beautiful blend of sensuality, emotion, and relationship development. In addition to seriously strong chemistry and aligning kinks, there’s a strong emotional compatibility that surprises them both, I think, in its intensity. As much as this book celebrates how well these two fit together, I also liked the depth with which the author allows readers to see the characters as individuals as well: they’re both layered, interesting people with strengths, weaknesses, and quirks and they’re both also remarkably self-aware about it (most of the time). I liked Oliver from the start, whereas Elliott took me a bit longer: the “Haughty Hottie” has plenty of sharp edges, but seeing them soften a little bit for Oliver is definitely a rewarding experience. Overall, a really enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I read a glowing review that got my interest, but I normally get bored reading about formal bdsm, negotiations and rules etc (no judgement of irl kinky people/communities intended here - it's just not my thing). I also had basically the same perception of service submission as Oliver does at the beginning (i.e. that it sounds like a lot of work without much benefit), so it was interesting to see how his view changes over time as he gets more experience with Elliot and starts to really value that. The main characters really grow together and it's just very romantic! Love the ending with Elliot putting his collar on Oliver - one of those moments that is totally not for me, but totally perfect for this couple.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while I take a punt on a new author (to me) and I was so glad I did. I cannot stress how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. Turns out I love the dynamic between a stiff MC - all pomp and circumstance - and one who is the complete opposite. And of course, underneath all the pomp and circumstance is quite a gentle, fragile heart which just makes you melt. They make complete sense and will take you along their emotional journey. Can't recommend enough.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A service kink is something I knew nothing about. Im not sure I understand it still. However, I really enjoyed the way this story went. While I could predict the ending... I loved seeing Oliver and Elliott fall for oneanother. I loved how Elliott, would calm and relax Oliver after his stressful days at work...how Oliver worked to find a way to do his day job and be there for Elliott.

Even as Elliotts eyes were opened, allowing him to see how to help his home and how he had been treating people, Oliver being by his side did more for him than he ever expected.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

No wonder Elliot has composers block, he's so tightly wound trying to stay behind those walls and not feel anything for another person. Finding Oliver for the weekend to be his sub has allowed him to safely interact, take on the Dom persona and get out of his head for a while which gets his creative juices flowing again. Poor Oliver falls fast but he and we as readers wonder for a good bit whether Elliot is going to be able to let his guard down. When that starts to happen it's beautifully done and we see a lovely relationship develop.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of mutual self-discovery.
Two men who are not so opposite. Oliver trying to find his worth in his kink society and the real world in general and for Elliott to reconnect with his music through an unexpected discovery. Elliott's muse abandoned him when Martin, his "ex", betrayed him but he reconnected. Oliver though younger gave off a more mature personality and realistic outlook on life. This is my voluntary review for the book I received.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Elliot’s transformation! From his first meeting with Oliver to their HeA you saw the man go from the hurting, inconsiderate man to the man who adored Oliver and was willing to sacrifice to keep him happy. This book was warm and sweet, at times, it was cold and hard at others, but the two seemed to come together in a beautiful relationship that just made you feel good. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween Hotness and so much naughty goodness!
Everything you might expect from this heated book filled with BDSM and so much more you didn't. So many tracks of sensuality. A concert pianist whose music has its own physical vibe, and a man wearing a red silk mask.
All the pieces coming together for some fantastic moments from beginning to end.


**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[brownsoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurt comfort with BDSM. Elliot a with standoffish and grumpy behaviour meets his match in Oliver. I enjoyed we see the layers of pain the surround Elliott and how they are chipped away. I like how their relationship progressed from strangers. This first one in the series I have read and I think can be a standalone. I enjoyed myself and will finish the series. A received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews. This is my review

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Elliott and Oliver. It is the 4th book in the Friends of Friends series. Please read the trigger warnings. I would suggest that you read them in order, makes it so much better. It is written wonderfully with amazing characters. I love the journey and the transformation in Elliott. Their chemistry is sizzling. Definitely recommended and my favourite of the series.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[Louise Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fluffy bdsm book. 

I really enjoyed this series, it was fun, easy, hot... Perfect summer read! Or holiday read if you like :)

I really enjoy Leighton Greene's writing, now that I read a few of her books. I like how her characters feel real and are easy to love. The romances between the MMC feel believable and are so sweet. Not to mention the steamy parts, which are very well written and super hot! 

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, aside from the overuse of italicized words to denote emphasis in sentences.

Also instead of Haughty Hottie I called him Haughty McHottie in my head every time. No idea why.

Highly recommend. It’s a great story.

I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot is a concert pianist and a composer who is experiencing a creative block.
Oliver is a hotel concierge who’s trying to find his place as a submissive.
Together these guys have amazing chemistry.
While Elliot is a bit cold and emotionally unavailable he is unable to keep from gravitating towards Oliver who is light and bright.
I enjoyed this addition to the Friends of Friends series.

[J.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't 100% buy-in to the romantic aspect of the relationship that develops between the two heroes of this book, but I was completely invested in the power dynamic aspect of it and how that bound these two men together. Greene does an excellent job of showing the appeal of service kink from both sides, which in turn made me root for the happily ever after.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is maybe my favorite of the series so far. I didn't think I'd like Oliver (he was pretty obnoxious in the previous books) but getting into his head made him a more well-rounded character for me. The push and pull of his foray into service submission was a joy to read and honestly, I loved every page of this story.

[Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a lovely story and I fell in love with both Oliver and Elliot. Elliot had been hurt in a prior relationship and is not an easy man to deal with, however he meets Oliver during a kinky get together weekend and he can't stop thinking about him. I loved how Elliot slowly opens up and decides to love again. These too together were so hot!

tags: grumpy/sunshine, bdsm, kinky