I'm not really a fan of enemies to lovers storylines as they usually involve a lot of contrivance and this is the case at the beginning of this book. Easton being Henley's work mentor is surely a red flag, but then again she was the boss's daughter, so it could've ended very badly. The book improved for me as the story developed, but it was a bit samey as previous books. I'll still read the next in the series though.

Laura Pavlov is officially an auto-buy author for me. Her writing just sucks me right in and I am not complaining. Being in the Magnolia Falls series and now Rosewood River is just filling my heart.

If you like:

🏠Small town
⚔️Enemies-to-lovers
💖Workplace romance
👑Calls her princess
💼Boss's Daughter

Then this book will A B S O L U T E L Y be for you. I adored Easton Chadwick. His grumpy-arse was just too loveable right from the start. I could see through the grumpy facade and I knew he was going to be an overprotective, loveable teddy bear.

Henley and Easton have my heart. Both are going through their own traumas yet they have each others backs - they’re support is unfathomable. Henley definitely challenged Easton throughout the book but she was also so caring and patient with him. She is a strong, independent woman who isn’t allowing life to get her down.

A huge thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book. You’ve set me on my way for another spectacular small town romance series. It’s going to be binge-able.

*Steal My Heart* by Laura Pavlov is a contemporary romance that starts off incredibly engaging, pulling you into the story with a compelling setup and likable characters. The first half is filled with emotional tension and chemistry that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Easton, the male lead, is your classic brooding, closed-off type—handsome and mysterious, but sometimes a bit too emotionally unavailable to really root for. Henley, on the other hand, brings a lot more energy and fun to the story. She’s vibrant and adds a much-needed spark that balances out Easton’s intensity. The dynamic between them works well for a while, but as the story progresses, the plot starts to feel a bit too predictable. It falls into familiar romance tropes, and I found myself gradually losing interest because the tension fizzled out once you could pretty much guess how everything was going to unfold. That said, Pavlov’s writing is very approachable—it’s smooth, easy to follow, and doesn’t get bogged down in overly dramatic or flowery language, which makes it a great pick if you're in the mood for something light and comforting. Overall, it’s a solid read with a strong start, even if it doesn’t quite maintain that momentum all the way through.

🗂️📑 Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov 📑🗂️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Henley is the boss’ daughter and is being treated like she is, she’s the only new grad in the office who is given an actual office and not just a cubicle, Easton immediately begrudges her being there. However, Henley is determined to prove she earned her place at her father’s law firm and she knows Easton is the guy she’s got to prove it to…. And he’s hot.

I’ve never read #MagnoliaFalls but I think I might now I’ve enjoyed this one. It was easy and predictable with a bit of what which is exactly what I like in a book. It has grumpy x sunshine and forbidden romance vibes. A perfect summer read to add to your list!

The first book in the Rosewood River series is Henley and Easton's emotional story. Easton is a successful lawyer and resents having to mentor the boss' daughter, but he soon discovers she is every bit as talented as he is and shares his driven work ethic. The attraction between the couple is hot. Moving from enemies to lovers in a workplace setting is complex in many ways, but both have emotional issues that they hide and threaten their chances of a lifetime of happiness. I like the characters, the spicy romance, the intensity of the romance and the Rosewood River setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I liked steal my heart but I didn’t love it. The main mc’s initial dislike for the FMC felt so off, perhaps it wouldn’t if I had read the previous series, and then them slowly getting together was nice but I wasn’t excited. There wasn’t a hook to keep me interested. I will likely continue the series though so a solid 3.5 from me.

Book review 🩷

Steal my heart by Laura Pavlov

This is my first read from this author and I need more immediately, I loved this book, I also listened to it on audible and wow does it enhance the experience. The 2 main characters Easton and Henley are amazing and the character development was outstanding. I need more books like this, and I will be picking up every book this author writes.
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

This review can also be found on Instagram under the username itsmekl_reads.

The first book in a new series, and it was so lovely. Small town romance with enemies to lovers, it was just perfection. I cannot wait to read the next!

I’ve recently heard someone say that with some small town books not much happens but you just follow along with them living life and that is exactly what this book is. You get to see two people fall in love after meeting through work. There is no big gripping event to keep you hooked, but there is plenty of character growth. There were a couple of times where I wanted to just give Easton a shake and tell him to just open up and communicate with Henley. After previously meeting Easton in Beating Heart, I was very intrigued to see how his book would go, he’s very career driven and doesn’t do relationships. The ‘Enemies’ aspect of this book doesn’t last very long as they work well together and have great banter.

I’m excited to meet more of the Chadwick family in further books but this one was 3.5 stars for me.

WOW, I’ve wanted to read a Laura Pavlov book for a really long time but it just never happened. The start of a new series seemed like the perfect time.
I honestly loved this book from start to finish and I cannot wait for the rest of the series now. I love how we met all of Easton’s family and I’m so inrogued to see who ends up with who! I think the hint near the end of the book gives away our next couple but I am all here for it! - no spoilers!! It had everything that I loved in a small town romance book. I laughed and cried - I couldn’t put it down! Absolutely perfect, hope the series continues the same!
Im going to read the full magnolia falls series as it does connect and I cannot wait to see how and who else.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Release Date - 20th March 2025

The moment I saw Laura Pavlov's name I knew I would love this book!

Now I adore a small-town romance, and enemies to lovers... and this book brought both of those to the table.

Our leading man in this story has been through some trauma, after losing his childhood love in a tragic car accident, and since that awful day has refused to date on a serious level. But as you can imagine, that soon begins to change when our FMC walks into his life.

She is strong willed, very independent and knows very little about the inhabitants in the small town she has just moved to, but as she begins working for her Dads company, she finds herself face to face with a man who ultimately turns her life upside down.

A beautiful, yet heart-breaking read I will be recommending to everyone!.

*Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins and Laura Pavlov for my ARC of this book in return for my honest review.*

Small town romance. Work place romance, energies to lovers. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It had me laughing and crying.

The mmc struggles after losing his childhood sweetheart in a car accident. He hasn’t dated seriously since then. Throughout the book he has to manage panic attacked and overcome his anxiety about losing people he loves.

The fmc is a strong independent woman who recently moved to town for a job. She works with the mmc in the company that is owned by her dad.

This book was heartbreaking and sweet. The character development was amazing and I really enjoyed the family dynamic. Would recommend reading this cute small town romance.

Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov is a delightful, irresistible blend of workplace romance, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and forbidden attraction. This contemporary romance has all the elements that make for a swoon-worthy read, from the sparks between the main characters to the tension-filled workplace setting.

Henley Holloway is the last person Alexander Bishop wants to mentor. She’s his boss’s daughter, and Alexander is determined to remain focused on his goal of becoming a partner at the firm. He has no interest in babysitting the “little princess,” but when the opportunity is presented as the final hurdle in his career, he begrudgingly agrees to take Henley under his wing. His plan is simple: work her so hard that she’ll beg him to leave her alone.

But from the moment Henley walks into the office and accidentally spills scalding hot coffee on his chest, Alexander’s resolve begins to waver. Henley is no ordinary employee—she’s a Harvard graduate, quick-witted, and as driven as he is. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and despite his best efforts to resist, Alexander finds himself drawn to her in ways he never expected.

Henley’s presence becomes a constant in Alexander’s life, and he can’t seem to stay away, even though he has a strict rule about not dating his boss’s daughter. But as their relationship evolves, so do their feelings for one another. Soon, the lines between professional and personal blur, and Alexander realises that he might be in deeper than he ever anticipated.

Steal My Heart offers a heartwarming and emotional journey of two people who are thrown together by circumstance, only to discover that the connection between them is far more than they bargained for. Pavlov's writing is charming, with a perfect mix of tension, humour, and heart. The chemistry between Henley and Alexander is electric, and their transition from dislike to lovers is both satisfying and swoon-worthy.

This book is an absolute treat for fans of workplace romance, grumpy sunshine pairings, and forbidden love. If you love a story about two people trying to fight their attraction but ultimately falling for each other most delightfully, Steal My Heart is a must-read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

After previously receiving an ARC of Pavlovs Magnolia Falls ‘Beating Heart’ I fell in love with her writing and small town romances! I couldn’t wait to read this new book.
‘Steal my Heart’ is the first book in the Rosewood River series and what a welcome this was - this series is going to become a new obsession!

We first met a Chadwick in Magnolia Falls… We now meet Eastson - Emmy’s twin brother, a successful attorney and leading lawyer with hopes of partnership at a top law firm. The last thing Easton wants is to ‘babysit’ new recruit Henley the boss’ daughter.

Initial rivalry offers Henley got her position because of ‘daddy’ but she proves her worth very quickly having achieved top of the class, perfect LSATs.

Easton doesn’t date - well not anymore! “I didn’t expect anyone to steal my heart, because I honestly didn’t know I still had one. But here we are. She has it. “ His girlfriend was killed in an accident before law school and his heart closed off to love - well until he met Henley!

Henley doesn’t want to give Easton her heart until he proves she won’t get hurt. Initially sneaking around in their little office romance, the pair develop an intensified bond until they’re no longer a secret. Easton is protective over Henley and the thought of anything happening to her re-triggers past trauma and fear. An accident involving the Chadwick family and Henley spiral Easton out of control, will he come back from this?

I absolutely loved ‘Steal My Heart’ I can not wait to read the rest of the series. I loved the addition of ‘The Taylor Tea’ spilling the tea on Rosewood River - very Bridgerton / Gossip Girl Vibes.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

Easton and Henley's story had all the makings of a great romance but something just fell slightly short for me and I can't quite put my finger on it. I do love Laura Pavlov though, so I'm putting this down to being more of a 'me' problem than the actual book.

🌟 4/5
🌶️ 2/5

Tropes:
✨workplace romance
✨boss’ daughter
✨forbidden romance
✨small town
✨enemies to lovers

Easton Chadwick is termed “the shark” of the courtroom, the best lawyer at her dad’s company, and that is how Henley Holloway starts shadowing Easton fresh out of grad school.

He unfairly judges her, thinking she’s got a spot in the company purely because her daddy is boss. But boyyyy does she show him her abilities, her work ethic rivals his.

It starts off as flirty rivalry. But once he gets an insight into the real Henley, he wants more. One problem, she’s his boss’ daughter and off limits. But, he’s willing to forfeit his name on the wall as a company partner to be her partner in life. He’s protective, and so defensive of her when tiny toxic men are undermining her.

The story took such an emotional turn when we found out Easton’s reason for being married to the job. It’s unimaginable what he’s been through, my heart really tugged for him. I found Henley to be so patient with him!! Lovely to see!

I’m excited for more from these Chadwick brothers, the group chat was such a fun addition to the story!

My first Laura Pavlov book and definitely won’t be my last. I’m a sucker for a small town romance add in grumpy x sunshine and workplace too? I’m totally sold. I loved the banter between Henley and Easton. Overall a solid 3.5 stars

Small town/Office Romance.

This was the first Laura Pavlov book i’ve read and it was a cute read but nothing wowed me about it!

I think it lacked a little excitement and nothing about the couple made me fall in love with them unfortunately.

If you need something quick and easy to read as a gap filler i think this book would work for you but i personally found myself skipping a lot.

another series from laura, another great book! i genuinely feel like laura is SUCH an underrated author. she writes the best small town romances! after reading the magnolia falls series, i just knew i was going to fall in love with everyone in rosewood river!
i loveee workplace romances and this gave everything i wanted it to give. it was such a fun, flirty little romance. easton had me swooningggg. i loved him in book 4 of the magnolia falls series but after learning his backstory in his book, my heart ached for him. he's such a precious soul and everything about him made me swoon.
thank you so much to HQ publishers & netgalley for sending me an e-arc! it publishes on 20/03/25

waaait, i've been enjoying this! this is my first book from laura pavlov, and i want to explore more of her books!

the relationship between henley and easton is so cute, this got me soft. and i'm proud for easton for telling his anxiety and panic attacks.

but my complain is that the ‘enemies’ in question (since the author put it as enemies to lovers as a trope), is only short-lived. yes, the banter is here. but for me, they already been friends (even though they need to act professionally in their work.) some of the words got repetitive. also, i need more tension for both mc's.

definitely continuing the series because the author hinted already who's the main character in her next book (i have no clue who is her love interest, but i'm excited though 🤭)