Reviews

What the Heart Wants by Nikki Ash

brandiisaak's review against another edition

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5.0

Two hot men who instantly fall for a curvy single mom? What's not to like! This was a very cute story but that prologue... rip my heart out why don't you! Lol Another awesome book from Nikki

tvloe's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

shannahaun's review

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

3.75

amanduh_reads's review

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some of the dialogue was a little cringy. I don't mind fast pace/insta love sometimes, but when they have only met face to face one or 2 times and are already throwing around phrases like, "I want her heart," that's just a little much. 

elettra_passerini's review

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

reading_with_2_book_lovers's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh what a story, brody, Hayden and vree gave me all the feels. I devoured dthis story and very much enjoyed this book highly recommended

kfriend's review against another edition

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4.0

What a sugary sweet and delectably sexy love story! What the Heart Wants is packed with tenderness, heartfelt feeling, butterfly inducing swoons, and so much charm! Nikki Ash always delivers endearing and gentle romantic escapes- and oh my did this polyamorous love story deliver her trademark feel-good magic. This was an easy and delicious one-sit read- as enticing and satisfying as a one of Bree’s baked treats.

What’s better than one Nikki Ash cinnamon roll hero? UHM TWO! I already knew I’d love Brody since we got to see him as a teen in No Strings, and gah I loved seeing the man he became. Thoughtful, emotionally available, considerate and so authentic- he was a TOTAL dreamboat from page one- he’s the tender, swoony, caring guy every girl deserves. PLUS, I loved getting to check in with his parents and their cameos in this story. And Hayden was magnetically delicious. He’s got a bit more edge, and the conflict mostly revolves around him and his baggage, but I loved how passionate and endearing he is with Bree. And not only are these guys the most epically swoony in the wooing, but damn they are hot in the sheets! Nikki brings the heat in this one as these two all out worship Bree, the curvy single mom that captures their interest immediately. We’ve got a lot of insta attraction, but Nikki ensures we have meaningful and emotional moments solo with each guy to grow the relationships. I mean who wouldn’t want to be with two mouth-watering and sweet besties?! And then with the kiddos?! DAYUM.

And Bree is a really relatable heroine. This story starts with a heart-hurting emotional bang, and I really loved how Nikki handled Bree as a widow- she gives her a loving, good husband that isn’t forgotten or replaced, and I loved that so much. Bree is a great mom and a passionate business owner, and I just found her so likable and charming, even in her moments of insecurity. She deserves all the love she gets in this story, and I love how committed she is to her mutual love of both men. She knows what the heart wants- and I love how she never backs down on that.

I really loved their story overall- this does have a third act break-up/conflict element, which in and of itself we saw coming. I did feel like it felt a bit short changed/resolved too quickly - and I wanted a bit more groveling and resolution for this after all the relationship development before we dove straight into HEA. I needed more individual reconciliation between them all.

I truly love Nikki Ash’s take on poly romance. Each one feels different and unique- each arrangement defined by the characters themselves. It feels like a really authentic and character-driven approach, and most of all I love how she doesn’t shy away from her characters grappling with and coming to terms with how to define their own relationship in a world where it might not be seen as conventional. Nikki always writes stories where characters open their hearts and actually communicate, and that played out so much in this story- characters communicating their insecurities, their desires, and together defining how their relationship works in a way that works for them and Bree’s kids. I love that layer of vulnerability and realness Nikki brings- to all stories but especially her poly ones. And as always, we have that characteristic Nikki Ash heartwarming charm alongside it. This one is a real feel-good read, and I gobbled it right up.

lisamh68's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it.

marissahux's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this book a lot! I got choked up right off the bat and several times throughout.
The spice was really good as well!

Aubree is an amazing mom living out her dreams of baking and running the family business that was left to her. She hits so many hurdles in her life. But boy, does she get a surprise when these two guys pop into her life.

The two main male characters are completely infatuated with her. They are the freaking cutest with her kids. Melted my heart big time.

Lots of hard, real-life moments. But also the everyday nitty gritty. Such a good read. I will definitely be going back and reading her other book.

justinegreads's review

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4.0

another single parent trope added to the favorites! this is one of the coziest, sweetest, warmest books I’ve read this year, it’s also the first single parent romance I’ve read that is paired up with MFM which I absolutely loved!

the topic of loss and moving on was beautifully written in this one, the support system Aubree has is so heartwarming (especially my queen Lacey), Brody and Haden are to die for, the way these men are so patient and understanding of Aubree’s situation, not to mention how much they worship her AND her twins

this is my first Nikki Ash book and it definitely won’t be the last! the story flow and writing was great, there’s a perfect balance of humor, where I giggled too many times to count, so much love was felt in these pages, not only romantically but with friends and family too, there was mature confrontations and exchanges which I liked a lot!

happy release day to the story that’s sweeter than brownies, cupcakes, and cookies! it’s available NOW to read for free with KU or to buy the paperback in Amazon