Hidden Bonds (Splintered Hearts Book 4)

I’ve never in my entire life craved frosting the way I did during this book and yes, I definitely mean that in a sexual context. The twists and turns were non-stop. I loved how Sophie created such complex layers for both Aiden and Sawyer. This book also had such a beautiful focus on grief. Losing anyone is hard, but losing a parent who was your rock is next-level, especially when they had such a stunning mother-son relationship. She’s the reason Sawyer got into baking and the reason he finally takes the risk to accept help from his silly, unserious, goofy bestie, Noah. (The man who I’m pretty sure doesn’t own a full-length shirt. Not complaining!) CUE our grumpy, jaded storm cloud of a man, Aiden. AH, this man had me absolutely drooling at his toxicity. Red flags? Who needs red? All I see is a man so loyal he’s willing to let the only person he’s ever had feelings for slip through his fingers. He’s trapped in a dark family that wants to keep him locked in the shadows for their unlawful activities, and he would do anything, even ruin his only shot at happiness, just to save his sister. Speaking of family, I love how this group of friends is perfectly intertwined from the past books without making it feel like you're missing giant chunks. It really highlights the importance of having people in your corner who will truly stand by you. And oh, sweet, sweet Sawyer... how I LOOOOOVED him! He is the definition of an introvert who just wants to make sweet treats, keep his…

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Aiden and Sawyer… whew. To say I was excited for this book is an understatement. I needed Bakery Booty🧁 and Angry Aiden in my life, and let me tell you, Angry Aiden did not disappoint. This one leans heavily into hurt/comfort, and Aiden’s story honestly hurt. From neglectful parents to basically being unpaid labor for his abusive stepfather, adjacent sorta?, he’s been dealt a terrible hand. Getting more insight into his guarded, cash-only lifestyle added so much depth to his character. And then there’s Sawyer. We already know and love him from earlier books, and after that failed date with Bo, I was rooting HARD for him to finally get his HEA. Between losing his mother and trying to handle his business alone, he’s been carrying so much, and it shows. 😢 What really worked for me here was the slow burn. Watching Aiden figure out who he is and what love can look like was emotional in the best way. At the same time, seeing Sawyer finally let his guard down and allow himself to be vulnerable? Yeah… that had me in my feelings. The angst is definitely there, but it’s the good kind just enough to keep you hooked without being overwhelming. I almost got frustrated during the big conflict, but then I had to pause and admit… maybe I’m the problem because I didn’t think it was that bad 😅 The drama was .... Very much giving telenovela energy, and I ate it UP. I couldn't put it down because I neeeeeded to know what happened next Finally, my good people, can we…