Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Written on My Heart

SERIES: My Heart #1

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 178 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 26, 2018

BLURB:

Garrett Sullivan’s heart was broken when he learned that the man he was secretly in love with, his best friend, Akio, was head over heels for someone else. Romance writer by trade, starry-eyed dreamer by design, Garrett leaves Chicago to mend his broken heart. After months of wallowing in his own misery, Garrett barely recognizes himself anymore. With only two weeks until he has to return home, he sets off for the beautiful island of Maui, hoping the sand, sea and sun will help him pull himself together.

Dean Wilder has worked very hard to become a household name and for his roles as a leading man in the biggest action films to grace the big screen. Considered one of Hollywood’s sexiest bachelors, Dean has had a string of meaningless relationships. The only thing his past partners have taken seriously are his fame, his fortune and the status they gain by being his plus one. Fed up with playing unfulfilling characters, frustrated and tired of being alone, he longs for serious film roles and a meaningful relationship. Desperate for a break, Dean sets off for his vacation home along a private stretch of beach in Maui.

Sparks fly when Garrett and Dean see each other for the first time, and after a wild night of passion, they agree to spend their vacations together, exploring the island and each other. But what begins as a bit of harmless fun soon turns into so much more than either man bargained for, and they must face some difficult decisions; about their lives, their careers and their hearts.

REVIEW:

I was a bit leery of this book and had stalled since Garrett was the one that kissed Akio but I should have known that it would win me over even more than I could have expected!!!

After finally baring his heart and feelings to his best friend Akio and getting shot down, Garrett Sullivan takes off to his grandparent’s cabin in Tennessee to heal his heart and try to get his next book written. He’s on a deadline with his publisher and nothing is coming to him on his book. When Travis, one of the the four best friends/roommates from college, called and demanded that he got his behind back home for Morgan’s birthday, it was the call he so desperately needed. After spending months locked away in the cabin, drinking and feeling bad about himself, Garrett cleans himself up and books himself a trip to Maui to get some color and get into a better frame of mind before heading back to his friends and family. Little did he realize that his life was going to change big time. Dean Wilder, aka Vincent Wilder, one of Hollywood’s biggest action heroes and heartthrobs, needs a getaway to destress and figure out what he’s going to do next with his career. So he jets off in his private plane to his Maui mansion. A couple weeks of sun and no stress is exactly what he needs…or so he thought until he spots the gorgeous man sitting on his porch down the beach! Now he needs to meet the man. But how can a Hollywood superstar and a very private writer make a go of it after a two week vacation hookup?

I will admit, I had mixed feeling about Garrett going into this. Although he had been Akio’s closest friend he had never let on how he felt and when he ran away he left everyone with hurt hearts. But I hadn’t realized the depth of his feelings and how much he hurt when Akio brushed him aside for Morgan. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love Morgan and Akio and love that they had gotten their much deserved HEA. BUT, Garrett tore at my heartstrings big time. He’s a sweet, quiet kind of guy and he finally took a chance and it failed miserably. Did his running away hurt everyone involved. Yes, of course it did, but it was what he needed at that time in his life. He couldn’t have stood there and watch Akio find his true love when he had thought he was supposed to be his one. And trying to explain what happened to Travis and Morgan would have been even more embarrassing and humiliating, so his only option, in his mind, was to run away and nurse his wounds. I am just thankful that Travis took the bull by the horns and demanded he get himself back to them. It was the wake up call that he so desperately needed to get out of his self imposed slump and back to everyone. He was loved and missed!

Watching Dean get to be “just Dean” with Garrett was the refreshing break he truly needed. It allowed him to be himself and enjoy life again. And those two men were the perfect match. Dean helped bring Garrett out of his cocoon and try new, daring things. And Garret gave Dean the chance to be his true self, without judgement or expectations. Although Dean would have an almost impossible time picking up and moving because of his film commitments, Garrett could write anywhere as the successful author he is. Yes, it would difficult to give up his family and friends in Chicago, however he would be able to be with his one true love.

The only thing that I disagree with the author is that Oahu is the best island in the chain not Maui but I might be bias since it’s where I chose to live! Any of the islands are amazing and simply paradise and the west sides are always the best sides. You get brilliant sunrises and they are less rainy.

I think I feel even more in love with Garrett and Dean than I thought would be possible. I have become a huge fan of the “Souls of Chicago” series and didn’t think I could be pulled away from those family and friends but Garrett and Dean showed me the way. It was nice to see and catch up with some of my favorite couples and triad. I can’t wait to see more of the “Hearts” group and see where they lead! Great book and I can’t wait for more!!!

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

Amazon