Wicked Heart

The Hearts of Sawyers Bend #5

by Ivy Layne

Finn Sawyer hates everything about being back in Sawyers Bend. He walked away from his family years before, living off his wits and skills in the kitchen, refining his craft as he worked his way across Europe. Then the father who left him for dead is murdered, and the will offers Finn a chance at his dream. If he can live in Heartstone Manor with his siblings for five years, he'll end up with enough cash to set up his own restaurant. Now Finn is back in Heartstone’s kitchens, the only place he ever felt at home.
Just one Savannah Miles. She’s bossy, annoyingly organized, and the only thing that keeps Heartstone Manor running. Oh, and she hates him. Good reason to keep his distance. But Finn can’t forget the way it felt to kiss her, to hold her in his arms. If she was forbidden then, now she's untouchable. When he looks at Savannah, all he wants to do is touch.

Wicked Heart is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It’s fifth in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, featuring the Sawyer family of Sawyers Bend.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

Ivy Layne has had her nose stuck in a book since she first learned to decipher the English language. Sometime in her early teens, she stumbled across her first Romance, and the die was cast. Though she pretended to pay attention to her creative writing professors, she dreamed of writing steamy romance instead of literary fiction. These days, she’s neck deep in alpha heroes and the smart, sexy women who love them.

Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.

Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group

Reviews

[Mia Mølgaard Westerberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This was another great book. I can’t believe how much misery the Sawyer’s have gone through at Heartstone Manor especially since their father was murdered and still pulling the strings from the grave. Finn’s early childhood was good until his mother passed away when he was ten. His father treated him horrible and he acted up and got in trouble. He had been awful to Savannah in high school. After a couple of years at college he disappeared and didn’t come back until he was forced to by the will. Finn had such a chip on his shoulder, but when you find out why you will understand. Let’s just say it shocked me! I loved how Finn and Savannah were thrown together. You know the saying that there is a fine line between love and hate! I loved hearing about the manor and knowing more about the people living there. It broke my heart how Savannah had to be so strong to protect her sweet son because of her ex mother-in-law. She was a piece of work! There were a few tense times that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Yvonne S · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all Ivy's books, the writing was top-notch. I was looking forward to reading Finn and Savannah's story, but - sorry to say - it was a letdown. And not because of poor writing.

Finn and Savannah's story was light on romance and heavy on mundane stuff. Their relationship took too long to develop. Eighty percent into the book and their relationship still lacked romance, feelings and connection. They were sleeping together, yes, but that was all it was - two people finding pleasure in each other's bodies. I didn't see the emotional bonds develop; their relationship played out in the background (with mundane day-to-day activities taking center stage), and the reader was told about it. Their inner thoughts were too drawn out with page after page of monologue. Because of this (and other things), I did not find their love believable.

I felt that Savannah was too hung up on her first husband, even though she had a crush on Finn since see was a teenager. Finn was supposedly always on her mind during the ten years they were apart, and yet, at the same time, she was "so in love" with Oliver (her first husband). This was a contradiction in my view. How could she know that she was 'always going to be with Finn" but then marry another man, professing to have genuinely loved the other guy? Also, according to Savannah, only Finn ever brought out certain emotions in her, and yet she truly loved her first husband. This did not gel for me.

Finn at one point revealed that he was in love before and had an eight-month long relationship with another woman. Then, towards the end of the book, he claims that he had never spent the night with the same woman for multiple weeks in a row (except Savannah, of course). This did not add up for me.

The pacing was very slow, with more focus on mundane details as opposed to the relationship development. The few spicy scenes were almost over before it began and was a bit on the dull side.

I liked Finn and Savannah well enough, but they were not the focus of their own romance.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon

Finn's begrudgingly back home. He's definitely not happy about the circumstances that brought him back, and he seems determined to spread his misery to everyone around him - his family and especially to his childhood nemesis, Savannah. But there's a whole lot more to their history than just antagonism, and being in close proximity will have these two seeing each other in a whole new light.



Savannah knew Finn was coming back home, but was unprepared for just how much he'd still affect her. Not only does he drive her crazy, she's still so, so attracted to him. Perhaps now is the time to let their attraction be consummated to get him out of her system.

I have to say that I wasn't feeling Finn at first, but when his backstory came out - dang!! I wanted to give him a big hug. He and Savannah were destined to fall in love, and their connection only deepened with every page. Their chemistry singed my Kindle, and I love how not only did Finn soften toward his family, Savannah and Nicky, they welcomed him with loving arms. These Sawyers have been through a lot, now I cannot wait for the next Sawyer to fall in love.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

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[Kerri Bonvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those series for me that is a one-click must. As soon as the next Sawyer Bend books come out I have to read it immediately. This can be read as a stand-alone however to truly understand the entire backstory to this story start with book 1. You won’t regret it. The series has a mystery that runs through it and after 5 books I still have questions.

I have read all five books. Four brothers and one sister and by far Finn is my favorite. I thought Griffen had been through it but none of them can compare to what Finn has been through is A LOT! I completely understand why he never wanted to come back to Heartstone Manor. Why he HATED Prentice and Ford Sawyer, and why he has never visited Ford in jail until this book. Prentice Sawyer was ruthless and after this book, I am fine with Ford being blamed for his murder.

I love Savannah. I have loved her for 5 books. She is organized, prideful, and a wonderful mom. Getting her back story was pivotal to understand her disdain for Finn. Knowing what a tool he was in high school you understand why she dislikes him. Until she puts all the pieces together. However, while this is all going on she is also dealing with a grieving psychotic mother-in-law and Finn is the only one who can read her and knows what is going on. How these two lean on each other and grow together is beautiful. I got all the feels from these three. Three? Yes, because Finn is amazing with Savannah’s son Nicky. Finn is simply the perfect man even with his flaws, or maybe because of them. This is a must read, but do yourself a favor and start at book 1. The mysteries of Sawyer Bend are worth it.
Ivy Layne

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Savannah Miles (the current house manager and daughter of the former) and Finn Sawyer (the moody chef). The pacing of their relationship was perfect and never felt rushed. They went from adversaries to wary colleagues to friends to a HEA. I loved the growing respect and friendship they developed in the scenes of them [and Savannah’s mother (Martha)] down in the kitchens around the staff’s dining table.

Finn’s story has been building and in the last book it went beyond his bratty and moody behavior. We found out he’d been kidnapped and his father refused to pay the ransom. I liked Savannah and her young son Nicky but it was Finn who had me in this book. His vulnerability. His hesitance with his siblings and especially Griffen. Not knowing who knew about the kidnapping and didn’t care. I also felt some satisfaction finally getting a scene with Ford. I never could get a visual of him in prison and what he’s like today. I’m not sure what I was expecting but I’m anticipating a much needed redemption arc.

I can’t believe this is already the 5th book in the series and probably about halfway through the mystery of who killed the Sawyer family patriarch (he needed killin’). There are so many family members to go or haven’t really had any scenes (Quinn, Avery, Sterling, Brax, Ford) and I want to see more of those we’ve already met (Griffin/ Hope, Royal/Daisy, Tenn/Scarlett, Parker/Nash). Plus the side characters - Cole, West, the Inn’s CFO who was involved with Sterling and I’m blanking on his name, and Hawk. There’s now a nanny who looks like someone and we all know what that means.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next in the series is Finn’s story. Finn Sawyer didn’t want to come back home. It was all bad memories. When his father’s death brought them all back, it was different. He didn’t know his siblings anymore and now they are all having to learn about each other. But he was a thorn in the side of Savannah. She was tasked to run Hearthstone Manor and making sure the kitchen was moving. Finn was doing nothing but causing problems with each cook. He finally got his wish though, he was now in charge of making the meals. These two had a long history but it never seemed to be the right time and place. He was always teasing Savannah. She wanted nothing more than the throttle him. These two have a hot connection. Prentice was a piece of work. That man showed no love for his children. He hurt them all. We learn about how cruel he was to Finn and how Finn has trust issues. He is such a sweetheart but he is going to need Savannah to break through to his heart. Lydia was a piece of work. Man, to have a mother-in-law like that. Thank goodness Savannah had the Sawyers to watch her back. Griffin and Hope welcomed their new baby into the Sawyer clan. I am not saying that the name of the baby but I am so happy for them. We have a few things that came to light and honestly, Ford is hiding something. There is also a mystery person now added. There is so much mystery with Prentice’s death. With the family slowly moving forward with their lives, we need a break. Ivy you have definitely done it again. The story is getting more intense as we go. I can’t wait till we finally know what really happened between Ford and Prentice.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th story in The Hearts of Sawyers Bend Series where we get to see the fall out of Finn and Savannah’s love/hate relationship from childhood to adults along with the dark cloud still hanging over Heartstone Manor since they all returned with the wills stipulation - 5 years and they get their inheritance. As we know Savannah grew up with the Sawyers by a loving mom who ran the Manor also helped raise the Sawyer children after their mothers were gone. Finn had a difficult time dealing with his loss and became a mean troubled teenager later being kidnapped where the details are not known until years later. Finn had one man, the previous chef of the manor who went above and beyond for Finn and gave him a 2nd chance at life in France becoming a proud man. It’s wonderful to see how Finn and Savannah build a relationship, Finn going all out for her son, Nicky on Halloween, leaving chocolate treats and the hot kiss that starts it all. When Savannah has to face her ex mother in law her fierceness disappears and she lets the worry become danger by not dealing with it. The residents in the manor stand by one another and have a wedding and birth of a new baby bringing them all together. Finn helps Savannah deal with her past and doing what is necessary to protect Nicky. Another piece of information is revealed about why Ford was framed for their fathers death!

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

MEMORABLE -MYSTERY-SUSPENSE & ROMANCE

Wicked Heart is a fast-paced read with stormy emotions, engaging characters, and Finn's clever antics in the Manor's kitchen. Molten hot romance left me breathless. Nightmarish moments brought tears to my eyes, while the happy forever made me cheer. 

Finn Sawyer at 19 years old suffered a violent act because his father thought him worthless! He hasn’t seen or spoken to his siblings in ten years, believing they wrote him off. He goes home for his murdered dad’s funeral and learns he left him a trust fund with 5-year stipulations to attain it. His weakness is Savannah Miles, who runs Heartstone Manor with competence, organized skills and still finds time to be a great single mom to her son. Finn's longing to claim her as his intensifies with the memory of their shared kiss as teenagers. They confront some challenges before achieving their happy forever.

Memorable intriguing storyline with fantastic scene descriptions and one mystery solved. Backstories bring you closer to the characters. Finn is full of heart-melting surprises. The romance is genuine. Received a pre-release copy of this book; look forward to the next book in this series.

[Trina Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gone but sadly not forgotten

Finn’s life growing up as a Sawyer was anything but easy. Living through being kidnapped was almost easier than realizing that his father didn’t care enough to try to save him. He still remembered his father’s words, “I don’t care what you do to him. He’s nothing to me.” Now Finn is back at his childhood home after a decade of making a new life for himself and his world is changing so fast it’s making his head spin.

Savannah is looking forward to her new job. She knows this place like the back of her hand. She should, she practically grew up in this place. The biggest difference is the head of the household and that Has to be a good thing. The worst part is that her arch nemesis will be living here also. She is sure she can deal with the likes of Finn Sawyer after everything she has dealt with.

‘Wicked Heart’ , the fifth book in The Hearts of SawyersBend series, is definitely worth reading. It is funny, exciting and sweet all the way through.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Liked:
The single parent trope is one that I enjoy every once in a while. It was sweet how quickly Finn took to Savannah's son Nicky and actively made an effort to do constructive things with him and help out whenever he could. A lot of people will likely be able to relate to Savannah's character that is constantly taking on too much to try to get everything done. She is a classic caregiver that always things of others before herself.

What Bothered Me:
Finn's character arc wasn't my favorite because his conflict was essentially based on lack of communication with his family members. As a mother, it wasn't my favorite that the six-year-old Nicky was at the center for the primary suspense element.

Overall:
Wicked Heart wasn't my favorite of the Hearts of Sawyers Bend series, but I still like Ivy Layne's romantic suspense stories. Each book has a standalone romance but there is an underlying suspense plot that slowly makes progress through the series. The primary suspense element of Wicked Heart is actually unrelated to the mysterious Sawyer family situation though so maybe that's why it didn't feel quite as connected to the others despite getting updates on the couples that got together in the previous books.

[Carolyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Savannah from the first time I read about her with her no-nonsense vibe, inner confidence and humble competence, but I didn't know what to make of Finn. Obvioulsy, there was more than met the eye, but bam, what a surprise! He probably became my favourite Sawyer! What a hearthrob! He and Savannah started off with a heapful of friction, but it resulted in sparks that eventually turned into searing flames! I enjoyed every single one of their scenes together and totally melted with Finn's unlikely sweet attention to Savannah's son Nicky. I also am quite enamored with Heartstone Manor and its residents, as well as utterly entertained by the unraveling mystery behind the patriarch's murder, the town treasure, and the squirrel conspiracy! All in all, Wicked Heart was exhilirating to read and I flew through the pages without seeing the time pass at all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series, and this is Funn and Savannah’s journey. Finn is focused on achieving his dreams to open his own restaurant, and he walked away from his family years before, but he is now returning when his father is murdered. Finn needs to stay in his family home “Heartstone Manor” for 5-years to get the money required to achieve his dream. Savannah is bossy and organized, and she has been Finn’s nemesis since childhood, but she has “Heartstone Manor” running like a well-oiled machine.
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with suspense, mystery, family, friendships, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, haunting, tragic, and twisted, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!

I loved this story of Finn and Savannah!! Savannah grew up in Heartstone Manor as daughter of the help. Finn is a Sawyer and after his mother died when he was 10, he grew up there and was a cocky punk. He was interested in Savannah even when they were in high school, and he started rumors about her so no other boy would touch her. Then he disappeared his sophomore year of college. He only came back after his father was murdered. They are both attracted to each other but fight constantly. Until a kiss, then sparks fly!! Their chemistry is undeniable! I love these two together! Love this book and the whole series!! I cannot wait for Quinn and Hawk's story!! I highly recommend this book and anything by Ivy Layne. If you love hot alpha heroes and the sassy strong heroines they love, then you will love everything she writes. You will not be disappointed! I love all the books!

[Haidee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Finn and Savannah story; they are a fantastic couple. It starts with a look into them as teenagers growing up in the same household. Even though we have had seen Savannah in the other books and have had a feel for the love for her mother, son and the great friendship she has with Hope, it is not until now that we see how strong she is an all she has had to overcome.
Like all the other Sawyer siblings Finn was not the exception to Prentice cruelty. In this book we get to see his immature side or better yet the kid that had to grow up ahead of time. But most importantly we see how he survived all life thrown at him
The mysteries and secrets surrounding Heartstone Manor, and the assassination of Prentice is still ongoing making you want to scream for the next installment.

Love this series follows the other siblings’ lives can’t for the next instalment. Will it be Ford’s Story? I guess we will have to wait and see.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation to the Heartstone saga that keeps getting better! Savannah and Finn have had a Love Hate relationship since they were teenagers but now it comes down to who can control who? The kitchens at the manor are under the control of Savannah who manages the household but Finn is playing games with the cooks. When he finally manages to become the only cook in the kitchen it throw’s Savannah into his line of sight even more and he Loves it. Savannah is diligently working to get the house back in order, help Hope with preparing for the baby while helping Scarlet to plan a wedding. If that’s not enough her wicked ex mother in law has stepped back into the picture trying to take Nicky. Will finding answers in unlikely places make or break the Sawyer clan? Will outside threats harm anyone in the family? Grab the book to find out. I definitely can’t wait for the next installment!

[Christina Astorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.8 stars! Finn and Savannah are a fantastic couple. I loved the prologue where we meet them when they're younger. Savannah has been in the other books and she has been a character that you genuinely like. She's a good person, hard worker and doesn't put up with nonsense. In her story, you see her love for her son, her family, job but you see her vulnerability. She had a rough go and she came out of it stronger but also more aware. Finn, he's been there all along as well but more like the annoying sibling. Finn grows in this book and you see how he coped with his upbringing. You literally see him blossom in front of you and I absolutely loved it. You don't get to see that a lot in books with the male characters.

The way this author writes her books and weaves the story together is just wonderful. I truly enjoy every book. I cannot wait to see who we get next. Will this person get with that person? Who's the bad guy in the next one? Is this side character a bad guy or is he a hero? I LOVE it!!!

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Heart: The Hearts of Sawyers Bend book 5 written by Ivy Layne. I love the continuing mystery and the feeling of family that you find at Heartstone Manor in Sawyers Bend. Finn Sawyer has been the bane of Savannah’s existence since they were children. Now back at the Manor all together, they are butting heads like mountain goats! Okay, maybe not quite like goats, but you get my meaning! I was enchanted with the mystery always surrounding the family when we were first introduced to Sawyers Bend so long ago. Now we get another question for each answer we seem to find. I read it until long after I should be sleeping and I am considering a complete re-read of The Hearts of Sawyers Bend series. That should tell you how good it really is!! Come take a trip to Sawyers Bend with me and let me know how you feel about it.

[Miss Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved books by Ivy Layne since the first I read. I’ve had my favorite of her leading men and tho I’ve loved them all it’s been hard to reach the top rated “favorite leading man” category. But Finn truly did that.

I loved reading this story.

The hate/love relationship between Savannah and Finn is amazing. Their build up is beyond. I loved reading how Finn grows as a person and the tiny bit where he reconnects with parts of his family is so good.

It’s a great read.

And what I love best of all is that this book has its own story but it’s still part of the bigger storyline for the entire series. This was something I felt was missing in the previous book but we’re 100% back on track with this book and story.

I can’t wait too see/read where Ivy Layne takes this family from here.

I’ve received this book as an ARC and is reviewing for free.

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Savannah

Sensational, and sensual...Finn and Savannah had to figure out why they rubbed each other wrong until they figured out how to rub each other...

This was a sexy book set in Heartstone Manor in Sawyers Bend, North Carolina . It's book number 5 and we still aren't any closer to figuring out who killed Prentice , or who framed Ford. We are getting a closer look at the family dynamics, and the more I read about Prentice, the more I realize I don't like him, at all. His children survived some screwy mental abuse , but they lived to tell their stories.

I loved the way Ms. Lane wrote Finn's character. You could see him, and feel him physically changing on the page. Savannah"s internal thoughts gave away her emotions but she held them close when she was out and about in Heartstone Manor.

A great addition to the series. Next up is Hawk and Quinn.

[Anita Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one day!

I discovered the Hearts of Sawyer Bend series last year and have read all 5 books now. Each one is better than the last! I am glad that we are finally getting closer to solving the mystery of who killed Prentiss. I love the romance and the passion in the Sawyer's Bend books but I do wish Ivy Layne would remember that alot of us are waiting for the murder mystery to be solved. Having said that I am not a fan of romance books usually because they tend to be boring and predictable. But the Sawyer family saga is neither!
The characters are well written and believable. And there is NEVER a dull moment. My favorite book in the series is always the one I just read lol. I can't recommend these books enough. If you like passion, suspense, and beautiful well written romance, then you want to discover the Sawyer family!

[marshas_world_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so ready to see how Finn and Savannah’s story would turn out and I was not disappointed. With all the fighting between them over the last four books I expected them to be volatile at first, but was surprised at Finn’s behavior. It was the complete opposite of what I was expecting and I loved it. It made me fall madly for Finn. It was a given that I’d love Savannah, since I already did before this one. Being able to see more of her and learn more of her backstory was something I didn’t realize I needed. Add in Nicky and you can’t help but melt over this story. The three of them together made a book of perfection. As always Ivy delivers the angst, drama, a bit of suspense, and all the steamy goodness. This book is a must read!

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah and Finn’s story is one full of love and hate that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Finn’s past still haunts him and when he thought he got away he is back to the one place he never wanted to return to. Savannah is hard working and has her own past that haunts her as well, but she does her best to keep moving forward. My heart hurt for Finn because he honestly didn’t feel like he was a good guy when all we see is him being more than amazing. Can Savannah and Finn stop fighting against their chemistry long enough to see what is in front of them or will they continue to butt heads at every corner? This amazing story was full of fun banter, emotions from tragic pasts that hurt your heart, and chemistry that is off the charts amazing.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Finn and Savannah’s journey, the 5th book in the Sawyers Bend series. It was so worth the wait! This book continues with the unraveling mystery of Prentice’s murder. I still have questions. Oh, and the ending! Finn and Savannah have both been in the other books. Tension rising in each book, until it explodes oh so good in Wicked Heart. There are so many twists and turns in this book. You get a glimpse into the other characters as well as, see what both main characters families are up to. This book has all the feels. An entertaining page-turner. The way the author writes her books is simply wonderful. I can't wait for the next book to be released! I received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about Finn and Savannah. He has come home to his childhood home and wants to cook. He doesn't ask to cook, which shows how broken he is, he gets the chef fired so he has to cook. He has a crush on the housekeeper. She was his childhood nemeses. She hasn't forgotten him or forgiven him.

Savannah has grown up and she has a small boy, Nikki. She takes care of the manor and everything in it so Griffen has stated that anyone bothering her will go before she does. Finn can't help himself; he's attracted to her in ways that he can't figure out, but he knows he wants her.

The family is all around them as they move Savannah into her new home in the guesthouse. She has been given her ultimate home there.

[Arti · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 67%
Such a disappointment, as I usually love this author and have been invested in this series. So many things I disliked, especially how we just swept past the awful actions of Finn in HS. I guess you can say horrible things about a girl if you secretly like her and then pretend that's no reason for her to be mad?! The last straw for me is the poor single mother against the mean rich family that will take my precious baby trope. Not a first from Lane, unfortunately, but will not be something I read again - it's just so ridiculously dramatic, unrealistic, and contrived. And where is the murder mystery that has been the overarching theme of this series - at 67% it was nowhere to be found.

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming characters and an engaging storyline with twists and turns and full of emotions, family, and romance. One mystery was finally solved and more secrets are out in the open, I cannot wait for the next book and more to be revealed. The chemistry between Finn and Savannah was outstanding and the evolvement of his character through the story was so good. He has quickly become my favorite sibling. I loved his interactions with Savannah’s son and the development of their relationship. So many heart-warming moments to enjoy and a lot of pain and anger to overcome for them both to be free and find their happiness. Fantastic story!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really anxiously awaiting Finn’s story owing to his aura as a bad boy. However I found a man who was deeply hurt by his uncaring father but this isn’t news because Prentice sure messed his family very much. That being said I was really pleasantly surprised by the entire plot of the book. As a matter of fact it’s not only focused on Finn’s and Savannah’s love story, which by the way is enthralling, but it continues with the unraveling mystery of Prentice’s murder. The book has all the right ingredients. It is very involving and the romanticism is a guarantee. I just simply loved it.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Heart is the 5th book in the Sawyers Bend series. Finn and Savannah's story is a both wonderfully sweet and tender romance, where love silently steals into their hearts and lives. There's a great cast of supporting characters, not least the adorable Nicky, who will steal anyone's heart. Add in suspense and a bit of mystery and you have a highly entertaining page-turner of a book. I can't wait for the next story to come!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Savannah and Finn's story may just be my favorite so far. It was a slow burn as far as romance, but it was years in the making for them both. I enjoy how this was Savannah and Finn's story, but the previous stories continue to play out surrounded my mystery and intrigue that all the books in this series have had. I truly enjoy this series and the author's writing style and look forward to the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for my honest opinion