bookaddict_fanatic's review
4.0
Hidden Depth is a love story between two people who couldn't be more different but found each other through a brutal attack. Justin is the sexy, swoon worthy lawyer who saves the beautiful pop superstar Elle in more ways than one. This read pulls at the heart strings but you will definitely fall in love with these characters and this book.
bookbruin's review
3.0
Hidden Depth may start off with a traumatic and violent event, but at its heart, it's a sweet country boy and city girl romance. The story centers around Justin, the youngest Lockhart sibling, and pop star, Elle. This is book 4 in the interconnected stand alone Lockhart Brothers series.
On paper, Elle and Justin couldn't be more different. It's only after the world Elle knew falls apart around her, that she realizes that what she had may not actually be what she wants or needs. Honestly, Elle wasn't my favorite heroine. She definitely grew as a character through the story, but for the majority of it, she felt sorry for herself and I got whiplash from her back and forth decisions at the end. Although Justin is wonderfully swoony most of the time, I just never connected to him or Elle. I didn't feel like I really got to know either of them and their relationship was instalove at mach speed. I understand that trauma can heighten emotions, but they just seemed to go from meeting to professing their undying love in the blink of an eye. Add in the continued threat of a deranged stalker and a hometown "surprise" from another mentally questionable individual and I just felt it all seemed too unbelievable and disjointed. The secondary characters were enjoyable, however, especially Andre, and had I read the previous books in this series, I would have probably enjoyed the Lockhart sibling cameos and easter eggs more.
I have loved the other books that I have read from this author, but sadly, I just didn't connect with this one. Overall, this is still a cute romance though and I rooted for these two to get their happily ever after.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
On paper, Elle and Justin couldn't be more different. It's only after the world Elle knew falls apart around her, that she realizes that what she had may not actually be what she wants or needs. Honestly, Elle wasn't my favorite heroine. She definitely grew as a character through the story, but for the majority of it, she felt sorry for herself and I got whiplash from her back and forth decisions at the end. Although Justin is wonderfully swoony most of the time, I just never connected to him or Elle. I didn't feel like I really got to know either of them and their relationship was instalove at mach speed. I understand that trauma can heighten emotions, but they just seemed to go from meeting to professing their undying love in the blink of an eye. Add in the continued threat of a deranged stalker and a hometown "surprise" from another mentally questionable individual and I just felt it all seemed too unbelievable and disjointed. The secondary characters were enjoyable, however, especially Andre, and had I read the previous books in this series, I would have probably enjoyed the Lockhart sibling cameos and easter eggs more.
I have loved the other books that I have read from this author, but sadly, I just didn't connect with this one. Overall, this is still a cute romance though and I rooted for these two to get their happily ever after.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
bookbae96's review
5.0
I've been a Brenda Rothert fan for ages, and have read and enjoyed the earlier books in her Lockhart Brothers series. I knew that there was one more Lockhart brother to get to know a little bit better, but thought for sure that his story couldn't top the others. I mean, Brenda handled some very touchy subjects with grace, passion, and redemption there, and how do you match that? Well, if you're Brenda, you write HIDDEN DEPTH, that's how.
I fell in love with Elle and Justin from the very beginning of their story. Beyond the horror, the loss, and the life changes that both had to endure, there was acceptance, compassion, friendship, and a sense of being home. Elle and Justin are two very special people, and their ability to just be themselves and be there for each other made my heart happy.
Is it crazy to think that a man from a small town and a wildly famous entertainer might just be able to find each other in this world and make a go of it? The romantic in me says heck, no, and cheered Justin and Elle on from beginning to end. I could not have been happier with their journey, but I am always happy to see some 'down the road' details, so, Brenda, if you decide to visit Lovely, MO, for some more Lockhart family time, I'm totally down with it.
HIDDEN DEPTH is an endearing, sexy, uplifting 4.5-star read for me, and joins the other books in this series in sharing some of my favorite of Brenda's characters. I highly recommend making a trip to Lovely and getting to know the Lockart family. It's a trip worth taking.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
myownbookshelves's review
5.0
The previous Lockhart Brothers did not disappoint. I'm a huge fan of this series, and once again: They keep getting better and better. Justin was down right perfect. And our heroine, Elle, is someone you root for to get her man in the end.
Now, pause here as I'm going to shock some of you. Yes, I believe this can be read as a complete standalone. You can even start here and go backwards. Although you are introduced to the other brothers and their significant others, there isn't too much too spoilery that would ruin going backwards. NOT THAT I'M SAYING TO DO THAT. But you could.
Back to the book.
Justin is one of those men you can relate to. Not looking for love and HEA, but when someone comes into his life he can't stay away from, he just doesn't. And he always has her best interests at heart. I do worry when I read about celebrities and relationships with a non-celebrity. But how Ms Rothert crafted the story had you believing this Hollywood HEA could happen. This story was everything in a romance read I want and need. Definitely a re-read for me!
Yep, I'm going to say it: Whether or not you've read Brenda Rothert before or any of the series, this is one I highly recommend. You'll love the path the characters follow. The drama doesn't leave you drained and you finish with a perfect read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Now, pause here as I'm going to shock some of you. Yes, I believe this can be read as a complete standalone. You can even start here and go backwards. Although you are introduced to the other brothers and their significant others, there isn't too much too spoilery that would ruin going backwards. NOT THAT I'M SAYING TO DO THAT. But you could.
Back to the book.
Justin is one of those men you can relate to. Not looking for love and HEA, but when someone comes into his life he can't stay away from, he just doesn't. And he always has her best interests at heart. I do worry when I read about celebrities and relationships with a non-celebrity. But how Ms Rothert crafted the story had you believing this Hollywood HEA could happen. This story was everything in a romance read I want and need. Definitely a re-read for me!
Yep, I'm going to say it: Whether or not you've read Brenda Rothert before or any of the series, this is one I highly recommend. You'll love the path the characters follow. The drama doesn't leave you drained and you finish with a perfect read. 5 out of 5 stars.
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