Sweet Little Hearts

From New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes a deeply heartfelt romance about the tragedies that put our lives on hold--and the love that makes us want to start again.

Javier Valdez hasn't had much luck with nannies, and he can't imagine this one will be any different. Octavia Klein is all sass to his stoicism, free spirit to his hard work. But he's a widower, and with a career in the NBA, he can't keep doing this alone.

Despite Javier's reservations, Octavia turns out to be the best thing for his four-year-old daughter...and for him. But he's reluctant to admit it. Javier swore off love after his wife died, and Octavia has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.

As their bond deepens far past professionalism or even friendship, it's hard to deny the crackling tension of something more. They're both toeing lines they said they wouldn't cross--and when their pasts come rushing back, there's no telling which way they'll fall.

With old wounds reopened, can Javier and Octavia overcome the pain once again? Or will their future together become just another scar?

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Published Dec 30, 2025

319 pages

Average rating: 7.8

5 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

@sweettea_and_a_book
Jan 13, 2026
8/10 stars
“Tell me you love me every day so I can repeat the same words to you.” 💟 I took a booksta posting hiatus for a few weeks, but I was watching all of the posts about SLH and had FOMO! I had to see for myself if I could join in the hype. Yes, absolutely, yes I’m joining the hype. About 30% in I really started to love the story and it was up from there. And when all of the unexpected drama begin to unfold I was “sat” and sealed. I loved how Javier became emotionally spent, and how Tavia stepped in to help in his time of distress. Javier, Tavia and Aleesa were meant to be. They became such a sweet little family who protected each other, treated each other with such tender loving care, and fit snuggly into each other’s hearts. The narration was good. The male narrator gave a great performance! He brought so much raw emotion into being a protective dad, loving brother, suave lover and man in distress. It took some time for the woman narrator’s voice to grow on me, but I do feel she was the perfect person to give voice to a playful character, Tavia. The little girl’s voice she did was good, but ehhh😖 I would’ve loved more scenes with T&J that didn’t involve parenting; more dates/heartfelt conversations and learning each other on a deeper level. I loved this one so much more than BBH, and look forward to seeing who will find love next! Read if you enjoy: 💜Interracial Basketball romance 💜Grumpy dad/fun loving nanny 💜Emotional depth and love that heals 💜 Love and grief 💜Spicy scenes

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