The Hearts We Break (The Alphaletes #3) by Katelyn TaylorInterconnected Standalone * Friends to Lovers * Football * Sibling’s Best Friend * MF Romance * MFM Scene * Cancer * Fertility Issues * Loss of a Parent * Workplace Romance * Caretaking * 288 pages * 9h10This one started off a little slow for me. I wasn’t quite sure where things were heading, but that may also be because I jumped into this interconnected series at book three. I have a feeling that starting from the beginning might have made those early chapters more immediately captivating. That said, the book was never dull, and as the story progressed, I found myself completely drawn in and really falling in love with the level of attention and care shown on the page.Although this is technically a sports (football) romance, the football itself takes more of a backseat. The heart of this story revolves around heartbreak, sickness, grief, and learning how to let go while prioritizing what truly matters. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists, and I highly recommend checking trigger warnings beforehand, as it tackles several heavy themes.There is plenty of spice in this book, and yes, there is a ménage à trois scene. That part definitely surprised me, and I’m still not entirely convinced it was necessary, as it felt a little out of character for her. But… it WAS hot, so I won’t complain too much. Sometimes you just let the steam rise and roll with it.Now, I know nicknames can be hit or miss for readers, but I absolutely adored the nickname he gives his best friend "Bubbles". The meaning behind it, rooted in their childhood, was genuinely sweet: “Blow your fears into the bubble, and when it pops, your fears leave with it.” Or something along those lines. Either way, I loved it and was fully here for the emotional depth it added.The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Dane Anderson and Stephanie Kay, who handled both the emotional weight and the spice perfectly.

I enjoyed this series. Easy listen.