I really loved Painted Hearts and it completely swept me into the world of Indigo Lake. From the very first chapter I was invested in Winnie as she rebuilt her life after escaping an abusive relationship. Her warmth, humour and determination made her so easy to cheer for and I loved watching her slowly find a place where she truly belonged.
The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Winnie and Everett was everything I wanted. Their banter had me laughing, their chemistry felt natural and the slow burn romance was beautifully paced. Beneath Everett’s gruff exterior is a thoughtful, caring man and seeing him gradually let Winnie in was incredibly rewarding. Their relationship was built on trust, patience and genuine support, which made every milestone between them feel earned.
Indigo Lake is the kind of small town you wish was real. Between the quirky community, the book club, local events and all the wonderfully eccentric side characters, the setting felt vibrant and lived in. Juniper and Chase were absolute standouts, bringing plenty of humour and heart and of course there’s Gavin the goose, whose chaotic antics had me smiling every time he appeared.
What really impressed me was how well the story balanced light-hearted rom-com moments with an underlying suspense plot. The emotional themes were handled with care, giving the story real depth without losing its warmth or sense of hope.
With memorable characters, plenty of laughs, emotional depth and a romance that had me smiling from beginning to end, Painted Hearts is a fantastic start to what I’m sure will be an addictive series. I already can’t wait to return to Indigo Lake.
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Publisher: Bec George
Format: Paperback 330 pages
ISBN: 978-1764607216
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Here’s the synopsis
Two rival businesses. One very inconvenient address.
Winnie is starting over. After arriving in Indigo Lake, she’s ready for a fresh chapter – beginning with Bubbles & Brushes, the charming paint-and-sip art studio she’s always dreamed of opening.
But there’s one thing in her way.
Everett. Her gruff, no-nonsense next-door neighbor, whose whiskey bar shares a wall with Winnie.
When Winnie paints her side of the building a bright, bubblegum pink, chaos (and competition) takes hold. Not only do they share the same building – they also share the same customer base.
As the pair butt heads over everything from noise levels to paint swatches, an undeniable spark begins to smolder. But both have reasons for guarding their hearts, and Everett is harboring secrets of his own.
As their rivalry spills from business into their apartments (that are also awkwardly connected), sparks fly in this laugh-out-loud grumpy sunshine romance about two people who need therapy – but find each other instead.
What Caz Read 