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Cocky Hero Club
Heartbreaker
Holden Whittaker broke my heart when I was eighteen. What kind of guy stands up his prom date and leaves her hanging, waiting for him to show up? A total jerk, that’s who.
Never mind. I left my tiny nowhere town and moved to New York to follow my dream of becoming an actress.
Ten years later, my dream hasn’t happened, and I’m working as the office supply girl at Morgan Financial Holdings, doing my best to keep my paycheck and not get fired by the world’s most terrifying boss. Life couldn’t get much worse, until I get stuck in an elevator and guess who comes to rescue me? In a city of eight million people, it’s Holden.
Turns out he’s moved to New York, too, to be an EMT. I don’t want to see my teenage nemesis as one of the good guys, but he’s out saving lives every day, and he’s still gorgeous and cocky. I could fall for him all over again, and that’s a problem. Because it’s only a matter of time before Holden crushes me again.
My hometown heartbreaker isn’t the guy I left behind anymore. If I could stop hating him, I might belong with him. The question is, which one of us will get hurt first?
Never mind. I left my tiny nowhere town and moved to New York to follow my dream of becoming an actress.
Ten years later, my dream hasn’t happened, and I’m working as the office supply girl at Morgan Financial Holdings, doing my best to keep my paycheck and not get fired by the world’s most terrifying boss. Life couldn’t get much worse, until I get stuck in an elevator and guess who comes to rescue me? In a city of eight million people, it’s Holden.
Turns out he’s moved to New York, too, to be an EMT. I don’t want to see my teenage nemesis as one of the good guys, but he’s out saving lives every day, and he’s still gorgeous and cocky. I could fall for him all over again, and that’s a problem. Because it’s only a matter of time before Holden crushes me again.
My hometown heartbreaker isn’t the guy I left behind anymore. If I could stop hating him, I might belong with him. The question is, which one of us will get hurt first?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2020
77 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 21, 2020
3 You Naked Like Him Stars ⭐
Ten years is a long time to dwell on being stood up. Granted it was prom night which might make it a little more traumatic. But here is my dilemma. For somebody to have kept a grudge that long; how uneventful is your life? And as I called it is how our heroine Mina appeared.
Mina left her hometown for New York to pave a career in theatre, that hasn’t paid off. She is now working as an office supply girl to make ends meet and of course hates. When the elevator at her apartment breaks down, it’s her high school lothario that comes to her aid.
"Even though I was trapped in this dingy elevator, it was like a Magic Mike show had descended in front of me for those few precious seconds. I savoured the sight like only a girl who gets laid twice a year, if she’s lucky, can do."
Holden Whittaker is a good guy. One that has secrets and regrets. He just hadn't expected them to haunt him a decade later. As you would imagine he had his reasons for behaving like he did. Fortunately he now has an opportunity to make amends.
Heartbreaker had the perfect recipe to be a goodie. A hot, sexy EMT groveling to a girl he once wronged and a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator. Wow I had been counting down to this… However, this book was really underwhelming. Considering I have adored all books by Julie Kriss, this just lacked the spark and gritty characters I have loved in the past.
Ten years is a long time to dwell on being stood up. Granted it was prom night which might make it a little more traumatic. But here is my dilemma. For somebody to have kept a grudge that long; how uneventful is your life? And as I called it is how our heroine Mina appeared.
Mina left her hometown for New York to pave a career in theatre, that hasn’t paid off. She is now working as an office supply girl to make ends meet and of course hates. When the elevator at her apartment breaks down, it’s her high school lothario that comes to her aid.
"Even though I was trapped in this dingy elevator, it was like a Magic Mike show had descended in front of me for those few precious seconds. I savoured the sight like only a girl who gets laid twice a year, if she’s lucky, can do."
Holden Whittaker is a good guy. One that has secrets and regrets. He just hadn't expected them to haunt him a decade later. As you would imagine he had his reasons for behaving like he did. Fortunately he now has an opportunity to make amends.
Heartbreaker had the perfect recipe to be a goodie. A hot, sexy EMT groveling to a girl he once wronged and a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator. Wow I had been counting down to this… However, this book was really underwhelming. Considering I have adored all books by Julie Kriss, this just lacked the spark and gritty characters I have loved in the past.
July 27, 2020
I loved this fun, enchanting and sexy little read.
Whilst Heartbreaker may have been a little cheesy and occasionally cliched, it did it in a very endearing and totally made me melt way. The mood it created was the perfect foil to this gentle, uplifting and touching second chance tale, making it an immensely enjoyable read. Mina is smart and cute but has confidence issues, Holden is sexy, caring and determined to earn her forgiveness. I loved them both, despite how eighteen year old Holden's stupidity had destroyed Mina's sense of self worth. Slipping into this story is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug
Julie Kriss writes real people, no-one in her books is perfect, or stunning or too amazing for words. Instead her characters could be people you would bump into walking down the street. They feel like friends and I soon find myself invested in their relationship and HEA. Her past stories have captivated me from the very first chapter and kept me entertained throughout. Heartbreaker easily maintained that record and was very much a read-in-one-sitting book. It's a low angst story, a lighter read with a fun feel to it and one that easily held my attention throughout.
If you're looking for a well written romance, light in feel, steamy and with two great characters, then look no further. I recommend trying this one.
Whilst Heartbreaker may have been a little cheesy and occasionally cliched, it did it in a very endearing and totally made me melt way. The mood it created was the perfect foil to this gentle, uplifting and touching second chance tale, making it an immensely enjoyable read. Mina is smart and cute but has confidence issues, Holden is sexy, caring and determined to earn her forgiveness. I loved them both, despite how eighteen year old Holden's stupidity had destroyed Mina's sense of self worth. Slipping into this story is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug
Julie Kriss writes real people, no-one in her books is perfect, or stunning or too amazing for words. Instead her characters could be people you would bump into walking down the street. They feel like friends and I soon find myself invested in their relationship and HEA. Her past stories have captivated me from the very first chapter and kept me entertained throughout. Heartbreaker easily maintained that record and was very much a read-in-one-sitting book. It's a low angst story, a lighter read with a fun feel to it and one that easily held my attention throughout.
If you're looking for a well written romance, light in feel, steamy and with two great characters, then look no further. I recommend trying this one.
July 29, 2020
Okay, this was a LOT better than my last book. I'm happy that this series is getting better again.
Heartbreaker was beyond addicting. I really liked getting to meet Mina and Holden. Even if they had a past with one another and Holden was hiding some secrets too. They ended up working together. That doesn't mean that they didn't deal with their fair share of drama.. because they sure did.
For example, crazy Helen. I honestly couldn't stop laughing after that because everyone, including her own family, called her that. Oh mean, I died. But really.. she was crazy and obsessive over Holden and she barely met the guy.
Other than that, the romance was hot in this one. I definitely enjoyed their chemistry because they were just adorable. Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Heartbreaker was beyond addicting. I really liked getting to meet Mina and Holden. Even if they had a past with one another and Holden was hiding some secrets too. They ended up working together. That doesn't mean that they didn't deal with their fair share of drama.. because they sure did.
For example, crazy Helen. I honestly couldn't stop laughing after that because everyone, including her own family, called her that. Oh mean, I died. But really.. she was crazy and obsessive over Holden and she barely met the guy.
Other than that, the romance was hot in this one. I definitely enjoyed their chemistry because they were just adorable. Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!
July 19, 2020
Outstanding!!
Absolute feel-good swoonfest that will have you smiling for hours or even days after you are finished.
I needed this read tonight!
Absolute feel-good swoonfest that will have you smiling for hours or even days after you are finished.
I needed this read tonight!
July 27, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
'Heartbreaker' is another standalone novel in the Cocky Hero club universe , by the author Julie Kriss. This book seemed to hit right on the second chance Romance theme and was an amazing one time read!!
Mina and Holden had a relationship full of regrets and mistakes in the past. Mina , our heroine was one helm of a grudge holder. She got stood up on her prom night by the hero , and that is when the Grudge started. However life gave them a second chance to make amends.
Holden wasn't your evil manipulator hero. He was a decent guy who had made mistakes. He regretted his choices and considered himself lucky to gget to make amends. A chance encounter of being stuck in an elevator was what finay made these two souls realise ,that they should give each other another shot!
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I must say that I like her style of writing! I will definitely be checking more of her books and am recommending this book to all the second chance romance lovers out there , who are addicted to themes like redemption and lost opportunities!
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July 20, 2020
For all the Stuck-Up Suit fans, if you want to catch a glimpse of Graham and Soraya's story from a different perspective, this is your book.
It follows Mina, a woman that wants a break (acting, singing - she doesn't care) but is currently working as the office supply girl at ... yep Graham's business.
She is rescued from being stuck in an elevator by the guy that broke her heart her senior year of high school, Holden.
Holden has his reasons but didn't really want to divulge. Mina, bless her, isn't like me and won't find out the reasons on her own. Instead, she patiently waits for Holden to tell her on his own.
This story had a different feel than what I'm used to from Julie Kriss. I'm used to the angst and the drama and the hot as hell romance. Heartbreaker was more of a cute love story.
It was good and it had some drama but I think my favorite parts were more of Graham and Mina than Holden and Mina.
I think those that read Stuck-Up Suit will enjoy Heartbreaker far more than those that haven't.
It follows Mina, a woman that wants a break (acting, singing - she doesn't care) but is currently working as the office supply girl at ... yep Graham's business.
She is rescued from being stuck in an elevator by the guy that broke her heart her senior year of high school, Holden.
Holden has his reasons but didn't really want to divulge. Mina, bless her, isn't like me and won't find out the reasons on her own. Instead, she patiently waits for Holden to tell her on his own.
This story had a different feel than what I'm used to from Julie Kriss. I'm used to the angst and the drama and the hot as hell romance. Heartbreaker was more of a cute love story.
It was good and it had some drama but I think my favorite parts were more of Graham and Mina than Holden and Mina.
I think those that read Stuck-Up Suit will enjoy Heartbreaker far more than those that haven't.
September 26, 2020
Heartbreaker by Julie Kriss is another story written in the Cocky Hero World. Mina and Holden have history. In fact Holden stood her up 10 years ago on prom night and she’s never forgotten or forgiven him. To me 10 years is a long time to hold a grudge. I had trouble connecting to the characters. There were however a few side characters I loved that added humor to the story. Overall there were sweet moments and good chemistry. I didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it either.
July 19, 2020
Whoop whoop. I totally loved this story. I love a second chance romance and this was so so good.
Holden broke Minas heart at high school. Ten years later fate brings Holden back into her life. She’s still upset at how much he hurt her. Can Holden redeem himself?
I found this to be a fun and sexy read that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Holden broke Minas heart at high school. Ten years later fate brings Holden back into her life. She’s still upset at how much he hurt her. Can Holden redeem himself?
I found this to be a fun and sexy read that I enjoyed from start to finish.
July 10, 2020
Heartbreaker was an addictive addition to the Cocky Hero Club, one that pulled me in and ensured I devoured it in a single sitting. From the start, I was hooked on the characters, and the more I read the deeper in love I fell.
It’s a sweet story with humour and emotion thrown in, one sure to grab you in many ways. You easily fall in love with the characters, you’re desperate to gain all the details, and the combination ensures you cannot put the book down. Although I found some of the details a bit on the predictable side, it was not enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story.
Without a doubt, this is a fabulous addition to the Cocky Hero Club that is sure to have readers devouring it.
It’s a sweet story with humour and emotion thrown in, one sure to grab you in many ways. You easily fall in love with the characters, you’re desperate to gain all the details, and the combination ensures you cannot put the book down. Although I found some of the details a bit on the predictable side, it was not enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story.
Without a doubt, this is a fabulous addition to the Cocky Hero Club that is sure to have readers devouring it.
November 26, 2023
A great addition to the Cocky Hero Club is Mina and Holden.
It is a second chance romance that was years in the making. Holden and Mina had a high school attraction but a misunderstanding and several circumstances beyond their control has brought them to this point years later. Holden has to come clean or he may never have the chance he let slip through his fingers so many years ago. Mina does not forgive easily especially when the hurt was so deep but she may have to hear the whole story to see the big picture.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
It is a second chance romance that was years in the making. Holden and Mina had a high school attraction but a misunderstanding and several circumstances beyond their control has brought them to this point years later. Holden has to come clean or he may never have the chance he let slip through his fingers so many years ago. Mina does not forgive easily especially when the hurt was so deep but she may have to hear the whole story to see the big picture.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
July 19, 2020
Literally devoured this second chance romance between two young adults who missed their chance in high school and come crashing back into each other's lives in the most unfortunate way.
Mina Marple said goodbye to her small town and moved to New York for her dreams. She re-built up her broken heart and lives through romance novels.
She hasn't gotten time for men. Holden Whittaker destroyed her and she isn't still over it And when opporunity presents herself to revoke some revenge ten years later she does so in hilarious fashion and opens up a can of worms.
It's easy to see that Mina isn't over Holden and is lost at first. She wants to forgive but I love how she is petty for her revenge. She built up the problem for only ten years and poor Holden
Holden is pretty persistent guy and I love how he worked his way back into her life and made up for everything that happened.
It's not a pretty reason why he stood up and he has been ashamed about it as Mina was the girl that got away. So he does his best to get rid of the Heartbreaker title and win her back.
This was sweet and they were so wholesome despite their pasts. I love tenderness between these two and I wanted more. This was too fast for my liking as these two need more drama so I could swoon longer. As the drama was good what we did get and made everything tied up so well. Kriss has a new fan here and I want more of this writing this book. She had both of them down to a pat and evoke the full range of emotions whilst I read this book .
Mina Marple said goodbye to her small town and moved to New York for her dreams. She re-built up her broken heart and lives through romance novels.
She hasn't gotten time for men. Holden Whittaker destroyed her and she isn't still over it And when opporunity presents herself to revoke some revenge ten years later she does so in hilarious fashion and opens up a can of worms.
It's easy to see that Mina isn't over Holden and is lost at first. She wants to forgive but I love how she is petty for her revenge. She built up the problem for only ten years and poor Holden
Holden is pretty persistent guy and I love how he worked his way back into her life and made up for everything that happened.
It's not a pretty reason why he stood up and he has been ashamed about it as Mina was the girl that got away. So he does his best to get rid of the Heartbreaker title and win her back.
This was sweet and they were so wholesome despite their pasts. I love tenderness between these two and I wanted more. This was too fast for my liking as these two need more drama so I could swoon longer. As the drama was good what we did get and made everything tied up so well. Kriss has a new fan here and I want more of this writing this book. She had both of them down to a pat and evoke the full range of emotions whilst I read this book .
July 19, 2020
Mina Maple has had to put her dreams on hold. The author will make you feel sorry for how she sees herself. And the fact that she sees someone from her past just makes things worse.
Holden Whittaker is very sneaky about going after what he wants. The author has done such a great job with his character that I can picture him working the streets of New York during this crazy time our world is in. She's made him to be a man that knows when to be humble and when he needs to man up.
Our author created a couple of great secondary characters that I found myself hoping to see again. Nothing in the story gets too heavy and there's just the right amount of steam that you may find it difficult to put down. If you've never read her work before than you may find this a great introduction that you'll want to check out what you've missed.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Holden Whittaker is very sneaky about going after what he wants. The author has done such a great job with his character that I can picture him working the streets of New York during this crazy time our world is in. She's made him to be a man that knows when to be humble and when he needs to man up.
Our author created a couple of great secondary characters that I found myself hoping to see again. Nothing in the story gets too heavy and there's just the right amount of steam that you may find it difficult to put down. If you've never read her work before than you may find this a great introduction that you'll want to check out what you've missed.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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July 15, 2020
Heartbreaker is a sweet second chance romance. This was a pretty quick read and I easily finished it in one sitting.
Mina isn’t happy with her job as an office supply girl, plus her boss is horrible. She has Broadway dreams. She gets a surprise when the boy who stood her up at prom shows up to rescue her. Holden may have been the popular kid in school, however, no one really knew what he was dealing with at home. When he see’s Mina again, it is his second chance to apologize and make things right. Will Mina be able to forgive Holden for something that happened years prior?
I loved Mina and Holden’s relationship. They have chemistry. I loved seeing their relationship change throughout the story. I loved Mina’s instant friendship with Tess and how much those two meant to each other. There are little bits of Graham, since Mina does work for his company.
Heartbreaker is a fun, second chance romance that is a fairly quick read.
Mina isn’t happy with her job as an office supply girl, plus her boss is horrible. She has Broadway dreams. She gets a surprise when the boy who stood her up at prom shows up to rescue her. Holden may have been the popular kid in school, however, no one really knew what he was dealing with at home. When he see’s Mina again, it is his second chance to apologize and make things right. Will Mina be able to forgive Holden for something that happened years prior?
I loved Mina and Holden’s relationship. They have chemistry. I loved seeing their relationship change throughout the story. I loved Mina’s instant friendship with Tess and how much those two meant to each other. There are little bits of Graham, since Mina does work for his company.
Heartbreaker is a fun, second chance romance that is a fairly quick read.
July 18, 2020
This was a really sweet, emotional, albeit predictable read, but I definitely enjoyed it. It's easily the best installment in the latest of the Cocky Hero Club world.
Mina is a beautiful, amazing woman who isn't living the life that she thought she would. She's an aspiring Broadway actress, but her dreams have yet to come true. She has self - esteem issues that started when her high school crush stood her up at prom and just escalated from there. When she gets stuck in an elevator, she's pleasantly surprised by how hot her rescuer.. until she realizes it's Holden, the boy who stood her up.
Holden has always regretted standing Mina up at prom, and has always wanted to reach out and apologized but stopped at the last minute. He was infatuated with her in high school, and now this is his chance to not only make things right, but make her his. But will she let him?
I really did enjoy this emotional, second chance romance! I will definitely be reading more this author!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Mina is a beautiful, amazing woman who isn't living the life that she thought she would. She's an aspiring Broadway actress, but her dreams have yet to come true. She has self - esteem issues that started when her high school crush stood her up at prom and just escalated from there. When she gets stuck in an elevator, she's pleasantly surprised by how hot her rescuer.. until she realizes it's Holden, the boy who stood her up.
Holden has always regretted standing Mina up at prom, and has always wanted to reach out and apologized but stopped at the last minute. He was infatuated with her in high school, and now this is his chance to not only make things right, but make her his. But will she let him?
I really did enjoy this emotional, second chance romance! I will definitely be reading more this author!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
July 15, 2020
Second Chance! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. Heartbreaker is another awesome book in the Cocky Hero Club series. This is my first time reading a book from Julie Kriss. It definitely won't be my last one either. This is Holden and Mina's story. They knew each other from high school. Holden broke Mina's heart back then. Now after ten years, they see each to her because Mina is stuck in an elevator and Holden is the one to save her. I love her reaction to him. Can Holden redeem himself what he done to her? Can they finally get a chance to be together? I couldn't put it down. I read in a matter of a couple hours. Now I can't wait to read more from Julie Kriss. Keep up the awesome job. If you love reading about second chances then this is one for you. I recommend this ONE!
August 31, 2020
Good book. When Holden didn’t show up to take Mina to the Prom she was heartbroken. She thought it was all a joke because the kids at School picked on her and Holden was doing it to.
But, that what happen. I was expecting a big reveal of Prom night and why Holden didn’t show up. But, it didn’t happen.
A little disappointed there.
I loved Mina & Tess the neighbors little sister. They were fun together.
But, that what happen. I was expecting a big reveal of Prom night and why Holden didn’t show up. But, it didn’t happen.
A little disappointed there.
I loved Mina & Tess the neighbors little sister. They were fun together.
July 13, 2020
Mina’s life hasn’t exactly envisioned the way she planned as rather than working as an actress she finds herself ordering supplies with a tyrant for a boss. Getting stuck in the elevator was bad enough but being rescued by the man who stood her up for their prom with no explanation or further contact only made it that much worse.
Holden is now an EMT and regrets what happened on the night of their prom. He wants to right the wrong of the pasts but convincing her to see him again may be the biggest challenge of all.
Between Holden’s past and Mina’s self-doubts they had a few obstacles to overcome but it is finally their time and they are so much stronger together than apart.
Holden is now an EMT and regrets what happened on the night of their prom. He wants to right the wrong of the pasts but convincing her to see him again may be the biggest challenge of all.
Between Holden’s past and Mina’s self-doubts they had a few obstacles to overcome but it is finally their time and they are so much stronger together than apart.
January 23, 2022
Ten Tear Reunion
Holden stood Mina up on their high school prom and ten years later he is the end who rescues her when she is stuck in the elevator in her apartment in New York City. They were meant for each other and they have to forgive the mistakes of the past. This is a charming read.
Holden stood Mina up on their high school prom and ten years later he is the end who rescues her when she is stuck in the elevator in her apartment in New York City. They were meant for each other and they have to forgive the mistakes of the past. This is a charming read.
July 15, 2020
A fun second chance love story between Mina and Holden.
They knew each other in high school but things didn't turn out well after he stood her up for the prom. When Mina gets stuck in an elevator, of course it is Holden who rescues her.
There's a nice does of humor in addition to the romance as Mina and Holden get to know each other again as adults. This was my first read by Julie Kriss and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
They knew each other in high school but things didn't turn out well after he stood her up for the prom. When Mina gets stuck in an elevator, of course it is Holden who rescues her.
There's a nice does of humor in addition to the romance as Mina and Holden get to know each other again as adults. This was my first read by Julie Kriss and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
July 19, 2020
Kriss reaches into the heart and grabs hold little by little. HeartBreaker is a tale of misunderstandings and new beginnings that has been years in the making. Beneath all the pain resides an enduring love story that will threaten to swallow you whole, if given half the chance.
July 13, 2020
This is a decent second chance romance. The hero is a hot EMT. The plot is nice. It wants to be really smut but it's just good in that "department". Like he's supposed to be, of course. Beside some secrets from the past and a bitch boss, the story is just the classic second chance romance where the hot guy messed up, and try to win her over. To find out the dynamic of how it goes there, read the book!
*ARC kindly provided by the author of exchange for an honest review*
*ARC kindly provided by the author of exchange for an honest review*
July 20, 2020
4.5 STARS REVIEW
Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance
First Person, Dual-POV
This book is part of the Cocky Hero Club: original works from various authors inspired by Keeland and Ward's New York Times bestselling Cocky Bastard series. This is a standalone story inspired by Stuck-Up Suit. There are cameo appearances of Graham and a glimpse of Soraya.
A suit that you might say was intimidating, terrifying, or if you were feeling particularly brave stuck-up. Because it was Graham Morgan's suit.
by Mina
As a follower of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's work, I've truly enjoyed the idea of this collection.
I think Stuck-Up Suit was my favorite book of the Cocky Hero series. So, any glimpse of Soraya and Graham makes me happy. The fact the author created this story to take place at the same time Graham and Soraya's romance was happening was the cherry on the cake for me. I loved it!!!
This is a very well written second chance romance, with relatable characters and cute romance.
Beautiful love story!!!
32/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 3.5 Freshness: 3.5 Plot: 5 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 5
Action 1/5 Angst 4/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 4/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 1/5
Would I recommend? Yes!
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? Yeah, I love Ms. Kriss work.
Addictiveness: 5/5 This was an easy one sitting read. It was fast paced, fun, sweet, hot and sad all in the same package. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 Complex characters with good background and great story arch.
Mina was a superb heroine. She was sweet and fun. She had insecurities that she had carried along from high school, but she was a breath of fresh air. She was good to the ones around her, and I loved her "friendship"with Graham.
Holden was a true hero. He was na EMT and saved lives daily. He was also a very multidimensional character. He felt like easy going, good friend, stable work, but he had a lot of sadness and regrets from his past. When he was a teenager he used to have a facade of this happy, has it all kid, when in reality his castle was made of cards. No matter what, the way he dealt with Mina when they were teens was very wrong. He was very young too and at the time he felt he needed his masks on to survive high school. I loved how he story arch evolved and the man he became. He was really sexy too!
Secondary characters I really like how the author writes real people. Nobody is perfect, they all had flaws and strengths. I can say Graham was a pretty important one. Holden's roommates were also all nice characters.
Villain/antagonists there is one antagonist, and it was well constructed. It was an addendum of the real problems of the past, but it felt like a good subplot.
All characters were easy to love, connect and understand.
Plot: believable 5/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Superb opening and exciting ending. Extremely believable plot, with sexy dialogues and great pace. Great setting, with good twists and interesting subplot. Highest level of enjoyment!
I love a well written second chance romance. At the same time, we all know what will happen, it always feels unique when is well written. I also loved how this felt believable.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 5/5 Mina was a lover of book boyfriends. She adored the really smut reads and unrealistic heroes. The moment she saw her EMT, she truly gave wings to her raunchy thoughts. :) This EMT ended being someone she had a crush while in high school. So, this was filled of steam and heat, but also had lots of love and sweet moments. A great balance of heat and love. Hot romance!!! (Can I just say, I don't think I could ever let my husband read aloud my books to me!)
Writing Style: 5/5 Multifaceted characters, enchanting romance, well written plot, cohesive writing. What is not to like? Words of a wordsmith!!!
Cover: art 3.5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 4/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This one was ok. Too generic for me. What really attracted me was the title, the author and the fact that was part of the Cocky Hero Club. I missed a subtitle or something that gave me more of a glimpse of this particular story. I would probably buy this book by its cover, but I had to read the blurb.
Freshness: 3.5/5 This was a second chance romance with all the usual clichés and cheesy moments. But in a sea of books, they can't all be out-of-this-world original. This was well written, and I love a good formula for a love story. As fresh as iced tea during summer!!!
You MAY read this because you love the original series; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy the author; you MUST read this because it is fun and sexy!!!
I was just a dumb kid who made a big mistake, then never owned up to it. That's all. I'm not a hero.
by Holden
July 4, 2020
This was a great romance about a young friendship that could have been so much more but wasn’t due to unexpected circumstances. Holden and Mina went to high school together. They were supposed to go to prom together but Holden never showed to pick Mina up. She was devastated. She thought Holden was different from the other kids in school. But then she just assumed he was the same.
Ten years later he ends up saving her from an elevator and he is determined to explain what happened and show her he is truly different. She’s nervous and very hesitant but slowly these two start to build something beautiful.
I honestly thought his reason for standing her up was going to be much worse than what it was. But I’m glad these two were able to clear the air and find love.
Ten years later he ends up saving her from an elevator and he is determined to explain what happened and show her he is truly different. She’s nervous and very hesitant but slowly these two start to build something beautiful.
I honestly thought his reason for standing her up was going to be much worse than what it was. But I’m glad these two were able to clear the air and find love.
June 23, 2020
Holden is a bossy one, "his eyes were dark and very, very serious. “I do not want to effing sleep,” he said. “Take your clothes off.” I liked this book, I liked Holden.
August 4, 2020
I’m so loving all of The Cocky Hero books and this one was no exception. Loved Holden and Mina. Mina has dreamed of becoming an actor, a singer and being on Broadway, so after high school she decides to move to New York to make that happen, but sometimes dreams are just that, dreams.
Working in a finance company ordering supplies is not quite her dream, but it pays the rent. She hates her job, her boss, she yearns for more. When unexpectedly getting stuck in her apartment elevator brings her face to face with the boy, now a man who stood her up on prom night, she loses her mind.
Both surprised, Holden can’t believe the girl he crushed on was right in front of him and not happy to see him. He hurt her deeply and had some explaining to do if she’d even listen.
I’ve always loved this author's writing skills. Mina and Holden are both likeable characters and real, so much so you kind of picture them in your head while you’re reading. Mina is funny, witty, tells it like it is and she’s curvy in all the right places. Holden is everything she’s ever wanted but her insecurities keep getting in the way. Awesome read, loved it and received a copy of this book.
Working in a finance company ordering supplies is not quite her dream, but it pays the rent. She hates her job, her boss, she yearns for more. When unexpectedly getting stuck in her apartment elevator brings her face to face with the boy, now a man who stood her up on prom night, she loses her mind.
Both surprised, Holden can’t believe the girl he crushed on was right in front of him and not happy to see him. He hurt her deeply and had some explaining to do if she’d even listen.
I’ve always loved this author's writing skills. Mina and Holden are both likeable characters and real, so much so you kind of picture them in your head while you’re reading. Mina is funny, witty, tells it like it is and she’s curvy in all the right places. Holden is everything she’s ever wanted but her insecurities keep getting in the way. Awesome read, loved it and received a copy of this book.
March 21, 2023
This isn’t my favourite Julie Kriss book but I did give it 4 stars the first time I read it. I didn’t really remember this one, thus the reread. But I’m dropping it to 3 stars as I’ve read so many more better books by her since first reading this one.
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Julie Kriss is one of my top authors. I gush about her. As such, when I see she has a new book out I don’t even stop long enough to read what it’s about. I automatically go for the buy now button and read the synopsis after the purchase.
Hard Pass is shorter in length but that doesn’t bother me, I enjoy her shorter stories too. In this tale Mina was stood up for her high school prom by a boy she was crushing on. What made it tougher is Mina is not your slim skinny type and she had body issues so she was devastated when he didn’t show and left town very soon after that. She is now living in the big city of New York and life hasn’t worked out the way she hoped it would. She wanted to be an actress but is still trying. Instead of acting, she is working for a company where her immediate supervisor is bitch to work for. She lives in more of a closet than an apartment. But things take a turn for the worse when she’s stuck in an elevator and low and behold the same boy she had a crush on so many years ago and who stood her up, is the guy who rescues her from the elevator. And all her anger and insecurities come racing back.
There’s no question Noah did a really shitty thing to Mina and he’s felt bad ever since it happened. But once he has a chance to tell her about that night and about the kind of life he really lived and not the glamorous one everyone in their town thought he did, we can sympathize with him and hope that Mina forgives him and gives him another chance.
Another winner from the Pen of Julie Kriss, this book about second chances is sweet and tender and funny with great characters. And yep, like all the other books I have by this author, I’ll be reading it again.
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Julie Kriss is one of my top authors. I gush about her. As such, when I see she has a new book out I don’t even stop long enough to read what it’s about. I automatically go for the buy now button and read the synopsis after the purchase.
Hard Pass is shorter in length but that doesn’t bother me, I enjoy her shorter stories too. In this tale Mina was stood up for her high school prom by a boy she was crushing on. What made it tougher is Mina is not your slim skinny type and she had body issues so she was devastated when he didn’t show and left town very soon after that. She is now living in the big city of New York and life hasn’t worked out the way she hoped it would. She wanted to be an actress but is still trying. Instead of acting, she is working for a company where her immediate supervisor is bitch to work for. She lives in more of a closet than an apartment. But things take a turn for the worse when she’s stuck in an elevator and low and behold the same boy she had a crush on so many years ago and who stood her up, is the guy who rescues her from the elevator. And all her anger and insecurities come racing back.
There’s no question Noah did a really shitty thing to Mina and he’s felt bad ever since it happened. But once he has a chance to tell her about that night and about the kind of life he really lived and not the glamorous one everyone in their town thought he did, we can sympathize with him and hope that Mina forgives him and gives him another chance.
Another winner from the Pen of Julie Kriss, this book about second chances is sweet and tender and funny with great characters. And yep, like all the other books I have by this author, I’ll be reading it again.
July 12, 2020
Overcoming misconceptions can give you another chance at love: Heartbreaker by Julie Kriss
COVER REVEAL AT BOTTOM OF POST
What you need to know about Heartbreaker:
✔ Second-chance romance
✔ Complete stand-alone
✔ Office supply worker with Broadway dreams
✔ Sexy EMT
✔ If you loved Stuck Up Suit by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, you will get to see more of Soraya and Graham.
Mina and Holden went to high school together where, for a time, they were close friends. Mina has this misconception that she was thought of as the “fat girl” and that Holden was “the popular one”.
“Boys didn’t give me the time of day in high school. Then Holden asked to be his prom date. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was so excited....He stood me up. He didn’t answer his phone and never called.”
Mina moves away from her home town after that and doesn’t see Holden again until ten years later in New York City, when her elevator gets stuck and he is the EMT that is sent in to make sure she’s okay. She lets Holden and his co-workers know that she hates him. Holden comes over to Mina’s apartment later to apologize and to try to explain about prom. Mina has always been Holden’s “dream girl” and standing her up for prom was one of the worst things he’s ever done. Mina didn’t know what Holden was really dealing with at the time.
Holden and Mina try to weave their way through the stumbling blocks of a new relationship, jobs that hardly let them see each other, crazy roommates, and insane co-workers, all while uncovering the ghosts of the past. Do they stand a chance? Or will Mina let fear win?
Graham tells Mina, “ Your problem is fear...That fear when you’re falling for someone, when you know that they could hurt you if they chose to.”
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 3/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 45
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3/5
ROMANCE: 4/5
HEAT: 4/5
Many thanks to Give Me Books Promotions, the Cocky Hero Club, and Julie Kriss for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of “Heartbreaker”. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.
Description: “Holden Whittaker broke my heart when I was 18. What kind of guy stands up his prom date and leaves her hanging, waiting for him to show up? A total jerk, that’s who.
Never mind. I left my tiny nowhere town and moved to New York to follow my dream of becoming an actress.
Ten years later, my dream hasn’t happened, and I’m working as the office supply girl at Morgan Financial Holdings, doing my best to keep my pay check and not get fired by the world’s most terrifying boss. Life couldn’t get much worse, until I get stuck in an elevator and guess who comes to rescue me? In a city of eight million people, it’s Holden.
Turns out he’s moved to New York, too, to be an EMT. I don’t want to see my teenage nemesis as one of the good guys, but he’s out saving lives every day, and he’s still gorgeous and cocky. I could fall for him all over again, and that’s a problem. Because it’s only a matter of time before Holden crushes me again.
My hometown heartbreaker isn’t the guy I left behind anymore. If I could stop hating him, I might belong with him. The question is, which one of us will get hurt first?”
COVER REVEAL AT BOTTOM OF POST
What you need to know about Heartbreaker:
✔ Second-chance romance
✔ Complete stand-alone
✔ Office supply worker with Broadway dreams
✔ Sexy EMT
✔ If you loved Stuck Up Suit by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, you will get to see more of Soraya and Graham.
Mina and Holden went to high school together where, for a time, they were close friends. Mina has this misconception that she was thought of as the “fat girl” and that Holden was “the popular one”.
“Boys didn’t give me the time of day in high school. Then Holden asked to be his prom date. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was so excited....He stood me up. He didn’t answer his phone and never called.”
Mina moves away from her home town after that and doesn’t see Holden again until ten years later in New York City, when her elevator gets stuck and he is the EMT that is sent in to make sure she’s okay. She lets Holden and his co-workers know that she hates him. Holden comes over to Mina’s apartment later to apologize and to try to explain about prom. Mina has always been Holden’s “dream girl” and standing her up for prom was one of the worst things he’s ever done. Mina didn’t know what Holden was really dealing with at the time.
Holden and Mina try to weave their way through the stumbling blocks of a new relationship, jobs that hardly let them see each other, crazy roommates, and insane co-workers, all while uncovering the ghosts of the past. Do they stand a chance? Or will Mina let fear win?
Graham tells Mina, “ Your problem is fear...That fear when you’re falling for someone, when you know that they could hurt you if they chose to.”
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 3/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 45
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3/5
ROMANCE: 4/5
HEAT: 4/5
Many thanks to Give Me Books Promotions, the Cocky Hero Club, and Julie Kriss for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of “Heartbreaker”. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.
Description: “Holden Whittaker broke my heart when I was 18. What kind of guy stands up his prom date and leaves her hanging, waiting for him to show up? A total jerk, that’s who.
Never mind. I left my tiny nowhere town and moved to New York to follow my dream of becoming an actress.
Ten years later, my dream hasn’t happened, and I’m working as the office supply girl at Morgan Financial Holdings, doing my best to keep my pay check and not get fired by the world’s most terrifying boss. Life couldn’t get much worse, until I get stuck in an elevator and guess who comes to rescue me? In a city of eight million people, it’s Holden.
Turns out he’s moved to New York, too, to be an EMT. I don’t want to see my teenage nemesis as one of the good guys, but he’s out saving lives every day, and he’s still gorgeous and cocky. I could fall for him all over again, and that’s a problem. Because it’s only a matter of time before Holden crushes me again.
My hometown heartbreaker isn’t the guy I left behind anymore. If I could stop hating him, I might belong with him. The question is, which one of us will get hurt first?”
Read
March 17, 2021So it's now 5 months after I finished the book - 3/16/21 ...
BUT! I remember some of it! :X not enough to confidently grade it ...
And also I didn't realize/notice what "Cocky Hero Club" was - kinda like the ~new "Kindle worlds" or whatever? So I was like "DUDE IS SO FAMILIAR DID ... WHAT?" So yeah - it's ~connected to the [Vi Keeland?] book?
Which I didn't realize/know for sure I think until almost finishing it and googling?
It took me a while to finish this book. I think this was when I started slumping; text-wise...
But - in whatever "small town" 🙄 I can't remember if he was the rich boy and she was the poor girl 🙄 or not - but anyway - he asked her to prom, and stood her up - and she's REALLY not actually over it.
Which ... yeah - TBR I'm not sure how I'd feel if someone stood me up for prom. If we're all being honest we'd all still probably feel Some Type of Way.
Especially when there was no closure or clearing of the air.
Guy DID actually have a ~good reason - or one that made sense and would make you sympathetic.
I liked that Holden's roommate/coworkers ragged on him for it.
[Quick note - the 🙄 of Mina reading like "trashy romances" - LOL yes FIVE MONTHS IN THAT STILL BOTHERS ME. Literally your reader OBVIOUSLY reads romances SO WHY ARE YOU SHITTING ON THEM/THE GENRE?!]
I think there were some more misunderstandings - omg right; her WTF boss and latching on to Holden and the ambush blind double date.
I think Mina dances and teaches?
It was kiiinnda weird a little borderline creepy how she latches on to her much younger neighbor - who is like a teen? tween? And Mina starts treating her like a bestie/gets almost "life coaching" from the kid ...
So yeah Mina is a bit of a mess.
And Holden has a LOT of baggage ...
They do work some of it out - [all of it?] :X can't remember.
It starts sloooooowww - which is why I left it for nearly 2 weeks ...
So yeah - can't grade it. Can't recall if it'd be C or D range.
BUT! I remember some of it! :X not enough to confidently grade it ...
And also I didn't realize/notice what "Cocky Hero Club" was - kinda like the ~new "Kindle worlds" or whatever? So I was like "DUDE IS SO FAMILIAR DID ... WHAT?" So yeah - it's ~connected to the [Vi Keeland?] book?
Which I didn't realize/know for sure I think until almost finishing it and googling?
It took me a while to finish this book. I think this was when I started slumping; text-wise...
But - in whatever "small town" 🙄 I can't remember if he was the rich boy and she was the poor girl 🙄 or not - but anyway - he asked her to prom, and stood her up - and she's REALLY not actually over it.
Which ... yeah - TBR I'm not sure how I'd feel if someone stood me up for prom. If we're all being honest we'd all still probably feel Some Type of Way.
Especially when there was no closure or clearing of the air.
Guy DID actually have a ~good reason - or one that made sense and would make you sympathetic.
I liked that Holden's roommate/coworkers ragged on him for it.
[Quick note - the 🙄 of Mina reading like "trashy romances" - LOL yes FIVE MONTHS IN THAT STILL BOTHERS ME. Literally your reader OBVIOUSLY reads romances SO WHY ARE YOU SHITTING ON THEM/THE GENRE?!]
I think there were some more misunderstandings - omg right; her WTF boss and latching on to Holden and the ambush blind double date.
I think Mina dances and teaches?
It was kiiinnda weird a little borderline creepy how she latches on to her much younger neighbor - who is like a teen? tween? And Mina starts treating her like a bestie/gets almost "life coaching" from the kid ...
So yeah Mina is a bit of a mess.
And Holden has a LOT of baggage ...
They do work some of it out - [all of it?] :X can't remember.
It starts sloooooowww - which is why I left it for nearly 2 weeks ...
So yeah - can't grade it. Can't recall if it'd be C or D range.
July 13, 2020
This was a sweet and touching romance with a lot of feels. It is about misunderstandings, the power of forgiveness, letting go, and healing.
Mina Maple is just existing. She is working at Morgan Financial managing the stock when she really wants to sing and dance on Broadway. She has been to several auditions but sadly has been unsuccessful. She has body image and self-esteem issues and never got over being stood up for prom by the popular guy, Holden Whittaker. That one event set in motion years of insecurity for her. When she finds herself stuck alone in the elevator at her apartment building, a sexy firefighter comes to the rescue. She can't help but admire his assets as he is climbing down the ladder into the elevator. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that it is none other than her high school crush and heartbreaker, Holden Whittaker. She can't believe her bad luck. Of all the people who could rescue her, it had to be him. He is the last person she wants to see, and she lets him have it.
Holden Whittaker was popular in high school but never had a steady girlfriend. He was a player. He went to school with Mina Maple. She was his lab partner. He always secretly admired her curves and thought she was beautiful. He decides to ask her to prom but something happens and he ends up standing her up with no explanation and no apology. He wanted to apologize but let too much time pass and chickened out. Years later, he is the one to come to her rescue. He can't believe it's her and she is even more beautiful than before. This is his opportunity to apologize as he should have but when he tries, she isn't letting him off the hook that easy. He feels horrible about what happened and just wants a chance to apologize and explain. Will Holden be able to convince Mina to accept his apology? He is willing to do anything he can to get a second chance. Can he convince her to listen and possibly give him a second chance?
This was a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club. It is one of my favorites. It was a quick read but manages to pack an emotional punch and delivers a great message. It was very well-written with an engaging plot. It is predictable at times but this doesn't detract from the overall story. I loved the characters. Holden was super swoony and sweet. I recommend reading this book.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Mina Maple is just existing. She is working at Morgan Financial managing the stock when she really wants to sing and dance on Broadway. She has been to several auditions but sadly has been unsuccessful. She has body image and self-esteem issues and never got over being stood up for prom by the popular guy, Holden Whittaker. That one event set in motion years of insecurity for her. When she finds herself stuck alone in the elevator at her apartment building, a sexy firefighter comes to the rescue. She can't help but admire his assets as he is climbing down the ladder into the elevator. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that it is none other than her high school crush and heartbreaker, Holden Whittaker. She can't believe her bad luck. Of all the people who could rescue her, it had to be him. He is the last person she wants to see, and she lets him have it.
Holden Whittaker was popular in high school but never had a steady girlfriend. He was a player. He went to school with Mina Maple. She was his lab partner. He always secretly admired her curves and thought she was beautiful. He decides to ask her to prom but something happens and he ends up standing her up with no explanation and no apology. He wanted to apologize but let too much time pass and chickened out. Years later, he is the one to come to her rescue. He can't believe it's her and she is even more beautiful than before. This is his opportunity to apologize as he should have but when he tries, she isn't letting him off the hook that easy. He feels horrible about what happened and just wants a chance to apologize and explain. Will Holden be able to convince Mina to accept his apology? He is willing to do anything he can to get a second chance. Can he convince her to listen and possibly give him a second chance?
This was a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club. It is one of my favorites. It was a quick read but manages to pack an emotional punch and delivers a great message. It was very well-written with an engaging plot. It is predictable at times but this doesn't detract from the overall story. I loved the characters. Holden was super swoony and sweet. I recommend reading this book.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
July 18, 2020
"I'm not going to admit to him, but I had, in fact fantasized about this very thing dozens of times when I was in high school. Okay, maybe hundreds of times."
4 Taken by the EMT Stars!! Super cute, fun, fast read!!
Mina is what you'd call a scorned lover, if you will. She's got a nasty taste in her mouth regarding men and relationships after being stood up years ago by her prom date. After high school she moved far away from Wisconsin and settles in New York. Where she works for Morgan Financial, while dreaming of being a dancer on Broadway. One night after getting stuck in an elevator, she's rescued by the boy who broke her heart. Holden, also left after graduation and fled to New York, where's he's now an EMT. Beyond annoyed she's being rescued by the very boy who stood her up, she's curious as to why he left her that night. They agree to meet up, but she wants him to leave something with her to make sure he shows up. Holden has his reasons for standing her up but he's not ready to come out and tell her. Little does she know he's not the jerk she's made him out to be... but is she ready to open her heart up to the boy who broke her heart?
I love a second chance at romance story. And this was so sweet and well put together. You feel for Mina and the reason why she has a wall up around her heart, because you also feel humiliated like her. And when you find out why Holden didn't show up that night, and the reason why he decided on being an EMT it will shatter your heart. Such a great addition to the Cocky World!!
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