A review by mkm_bookloverarchivistreader
Stealing Hearts by Lex Martin

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Stealing Hearts by author Lex Martin begins the Wild at Heart series, an exceptional tale. Lex Martins writes a brilliant and heartwarming love story. The MMC Rhett was best friends with the FMC’s brother Danny. History makes them enemies playing into the plot of enemies to lovers. Paige has recently graduated college, and due to injury can’t take her intended job. Rhett is working to dig the family ranch, but mystery is interwoven into the plot in an interesting and thriller manner. Author Lex Martin writes a character driven story with a stunning and exciting mix of plot entwined with the focus of the characters growth being the main driving factor. What works is the plots not forgotten and is riveting. I could not put this stellar read down. Rhett and Paige's story is one of forgiveness and trust not just of an event seen in the prologue but of one’s self. The elements of drama are only part of what leads to the growth of Rhett and Paige as a couple and individuals. The main tropes for Stealing hearts are enemies to lovers, age gap, brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience, single dad and forced proximity. If you want to know the plot of Stealing Heart I positively recommend this novel as a 2025 read if you love any of the tropes mentioned or are simply a romance reader open to trying out a new author. The biggest draw to make a reader want to continue is an important seven year gap between the prologue and the rest of the story.