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Hearts Won't Break
When Gabi Anderson left Brooklyn when she graduated high school, she never thought that she would return home with her tail tucked between her legs and a newborn baby. Freshly divorced, Gabi didn’t think she’d see the inside of her childhood bedroom ever again. Part of her knew her marriage was over before it started. When she found the first broken condom in her BMW, she should have left. Instead, she decided to stick it out, and it landed her back in Canarsie, Brooklyn. With a brand new baby, a new position at a prestigious law firm, and judgmental parents, Gabi doesn’t know if she’s coming or going.
Taj Berkshire is the youngest Black partner at the law firm. He’s handsome, smart and has the job that some of his colleagues have been trying to get their entire career. Everything is perfect in Taj’s life, except his love life. His fiancée left him at the alter two years ago, and his heart still has a bitter sting to it. Women are something to do, not for getting to know. When Gabi Anderson is put on a high profile case with him, he has no choice but to get to know the beautiful single mother with the natural hair.
Taj Berkshire is the youngest Black partner at the law firm. He’s handsome, smart and has the job that some of his colleagues have been trying to get their entire career. Everything is perfect in Taj’s life, except his love life. His fiancée left him at the alter two years ago, and his heart still has a bitter sting to it. Women are something to do, not for getting to know. When Gabi Anderson is put on a high profile case with him, he has no choice but to get to know the beautiful single mother with the natural hair.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 6, 2025
Hearts Won’t Break was a solid, heartfelt read. Gabi coming back home as a single mom felt so real, and I loved how Jahquel showed her trying to juggle her new baby, a demanding career, and her family’s opinions. She was strong, but you could feel the weight on her shoulders.
Then there’s Taj. On the outside, he’s this successful lawyer with everything together, but underneath he’s still nursing heartbreak of his own. The way he and Gabi connected two people who weren’t really looking for love but found it anyway made their story feel natural. This one was steady, emotional, and gave me a reminder that even after broken hearts, love can still find its way back around.
Then there’s Taj. On the outside, he’s this successful lawyer with everything together, but underneath he’s still nursing heartbreak of his own. The way he and Gabi connected two people who weren’t really looking for love but found it anyway made their story feel natural. This one was steady, emotional, and gave me a reminder that even after broken hearts, love can still find its way back around.
July 18, 2025
okay.
The instalove-est of instalove stories but with a great premise. Gabrielle is back at her parent’s house recovering from an emotionally traumatic marriage when she meets Taj, a high flying divorce lawyer at her firm. But their mutual attraction mirrors her previous relationship with her toxic husband and she doesn’t trust it. Meanwhile, Taj is vehemently off love until the second he meets Gabi.
For me, I think Taj came on too strong given he was Gabi’s boss. He came on too strong too quickly and I don’t think Gabi was at the stage of healing to be in love with anyone. For these reasons, this didn’t sit well with me and it was hard to trust their budding HEA. That said, a good premise and for a short, good execution.
The instalove-est of instalove stories but with a great premise. Gabrielle is back at her parent’s house recovering from an emotionally traumatic marriage when she meets Taj, a high flying divorce lawyer at her firm. But their mutual attraction mirrors her previous relationship with her toxic husband and she doesn’t trust it. Meanwhile, Taj is vehemently off love until the second he meets Gabi.
For me, I think Taj came on too strong given he was Gabi’s boss. He came on too strong too quickly and I don’t think Gabi was at the stage of healing to be in love with anyone. For these reasons, this didn’t sit well with me and it was hard to trust their budding HEA. That said, a good premise and for a short, good execution.
October 13, 2026
✍🏽 Hearts Won't Break Book Review ✍🏽
Author: Jahquel J.
Genre: Urban Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: This was a sweet, emotional read about finding love again after heartbreak and learning that your past doesn't have to determine your future.
Gabi had so much on her plate. She's dealing with a divorce, adjusting to life as a new mother, starting a new job, and trying to figure out what her future is going to look like. I felt for her because sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we planned, and we have to find the strength to start over even when we're still healing.
Then there's Taj! ❤️ He's successful, handsome, and has his career together, but when it comes to love, he's still carrying the pain of his past. I enjoyed the idea of two people who have been hurt finding each other when neither one is really looking for love.
I also liked the message about choosing yourself and knowing your worth. Gabi had to figure out what was best for her and her daughter instead of allowing other people's expectations and promises to determine her future.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE! The story had so much potential, and I would have loved more time seeing Gabi and Taj build their relationship. Some parts felt a little rushed, but overall, it was a heartfelt story with a beautiful message.
My biggest takeaway: A broken heart doesn't mean you're broken forever. Sometimes a new beginning is exactly what you need to discover the love and happiness you deserve.
Author: Jahquel J.
Genre: Urban Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: This was a sweet, emotional read about finding love again after heartbreak and learning that your past doesn't have to determine your future.
Gabi had so much on her plate. She's dealing with a divorce, adjusting to life as a new mother, starting a new job, and trying to figure out what her future is going to look like. I felt for her because sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we planned, and we have to find the strength to start over even when we're still healing.
Then there's Taj! ❤️ He's successful, handsome, and has his career together, but when it comes to love, he's still carrying the pain of his past. I enjoyed the idea of two people who have been hurt finding each other when neither one is really looking for love.
I also liked the message about choosing yourself and knowing your worth. Gabi had to figure out what was best for her and her daughter instead of allowing other people's expectations and promises to determine her future.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE! The story had so much potential, and I would have loved more time seeing Gabi and Taj build their relationship. Some parts felt a little rushed, but overall, it was a heartfelt story with a beautiful message.
My biggest takeaway: A broken heart doesn't mean you're broken forever. Sometimes a new beginning is exactly what you need to discover the love and happiness you deserve.
March 23, 2023
The Happiness They Both Deserved!!
Gabi doesn't want to disappoint anybody. Safar and his people thought she was going to move back to California because he promised her the house, money, and the nanny so she could study for the bar. Safar always had an agenda. I feel he didn't want Gia, he wanted her to please his mama. She was going be in a trick bag. Gabi mama couldn't Safar or his parents. Taj wouldn't let anybody get close to him when they brought up being in a relationship. Melanie really did a number on him. Taj knew from the moment he seen Gabi in that office he wanted her. She chose herself.
Gabi doesn't want to disappoint anybody. Safar and his people thought she was going to move back to California because he promised her the house, money, and the nanny so she could study for the bar. Safar always had an agenda. I feel he didn't want Gia, he wanted her to please his mama. She was going be in a trick bag. Gabi mama couldn't Safar or his parents. Taj wouldn't let anybody get close to him when they brought up being in a relationship. Melanie really did a number on him. Taj knew from the moment he seen Gabi in that office he wanted her. She chose herself.
April 2, 2023
Slow but sweet
Although the story was slowly paced, I enjoyed the way the story did not drag, nor did I feel the need to skim. I liked Taj Berkshire, but for some reason, I cannot recall his description. Oh well, anyway, he was the standout in their story. Gabi was sweet and a pushover for her no good trifling husband until, she'd had enough. Enough should have happen long before the latex in her car. I wish more time between the new couple was spent being a couple. Overall, the story was uplifting.
Although the story was slowly paced, I enjoyed the way the story did not drag, nor did I feel the need to skim. I liked Taj Berkshire, but for some reason, I cannot recall his description. Oh well, anyway, he was the standout in their story. Gabi was sweet and a pushover for her no good trifling husband until, she'd had enough. Enough should have happen long before the latex in her car. I wish more time between the new couple was spent being a couple. Overall, the story was uplifting.
April 16, 2023
Cute
A cute little read, with likeable characters. The title of this book describes the story within. With a realistic storyline that's lot of people go through. A ex husband that wants to control the relationship that his parents want more then he does with his child. A child that he is not really interested in. A ex wife that finally realizes that if she's not happy, her child won't be either. Definitely a story with a message.
A cute little read, with likeable characters. The title of this book describes the story within. With a realistic storyline that's lot of people go through. A ex husband that wants to control the relationship that his parents want more then he does with his child. A child that he is not really interested in. A ex wife that finally realizes that if she's not happy, her child won't be either. Definitely a story with a message.
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down.
Gabi kinda irritated me at the beginning, but she definitely got better by the end. Thank heavens. Because this was a short story, I don't have too much to say about the characters, outside of Safar and his people being assholes. Taj was coo and I'm happy he was no longer the grinch about love. LOL Gabi had his heart beating again, although the timing confused me a bit.
Overall, good quick read.
Gabi kinda irritated me at the beginning, but she definitely got better by the end. Thank heavens. Because this was a short story, I don't have too much to say about the characters, outside of Safar and his people being assholes. Taj was coo and I'm happy he was no longer the grinch about love. LOL Gabi had his heart beating again, although the timing confused me a bit.
Overall, good quick read.
April 13, 2023
Very good!!!
This one was short and sweet. I loved how Gabi met her true love in the same way she met her ex-husband, she almost let him get away but she caught him. Safar was the worst but you can't fault a person when you continue to let them do what they wanna do in a marriage!!! Loved it!!!
This one was short and sweet. I loved how Gabi met her true love in the same way she met her ex-husband, she almost let him get away but she caught him. Safar was the worst but you can't fault a person when you continue to let them do what they wanna do in a marriage!!! Loved it!!!
August 15, 2023
This Book was Okayy
I feel as though it was a little rushed! She lost ambition after having a baby and was about to reconsider her ex -husbands offer at the expense of money. She didn’t have a coming to moment until he announced his engagement! She wanted a better life for her and Gia and to be independent but didn’t wanna take the bar! Make it make sense smh I was over HER!
I feel as though it was a little rushed! She lost ambition after having a baby and was about to reconsider her ex -husbands offer at the expense of money. She didn’t have a coming to moment until he announced his engagement! She wanted a better life for her and Gia and to be independent but didn’t wanna take the bar! Make it make sense smh I was over HER!
May 8, 2025
Gabi and Taj
I'm glad Gabi chose to stay where she knew she would be loved and appreciated and not listen to the empty promises of her ex husband. I love how her parents had her back no matter what. Taj was really a good dude that was done wrong by the woman he wanted to spend his life with. I'm glad he and Gabi found each other.💓💓
I'm glad Gabi chose to stay where she knew she would be loved and appreciated and not listen to the empty promises of her ex husband. I love how her parents had her back no matter what. Taj was really a good dude that was done wrong by the woman he wanted to spend his life with. I'm glad he and Gabi found each other.💓💓
May 29, 2026
Love After Divorce
Gabi Anderson Is fresh off a divorce from her lawyer husband who has cheated on her numerous of times, plus they have a new baby to add to the drama.
Taj Berkshire and a divorce lawyer in Atlanta, Taj is getting over being left at the alter. Great story from Jahquel J.
Gabi Anderson Is fresh off a divorce from her lawyer husband who has cheated on her numerous of times, plus they have a new baby to add to the drama.
Taj Berkshire and a divorce lawyer in Atlanta, Taj is getting over being left at the alter. Great story from Jahquel J.
June 16, 2026
This was a good palette cleanser lol reader version
I enjoy the build up of the characters and how they both suffer hurt . I like that the author didn’t leave out humanistic aspects of relationships, thought patterns or choices. I wish it was a tab bit longer but I I would read it again and again
I enjoy the build up of the characters and how they both suffer hurt . I like that the author didn’t leave out humanistic aspects of relationships, thought patterns or choices. I wish it was a tab bit longer but I I would read it again and again
October 5, 2026
Hearts Won’t Break
Safar said all the right things to Gabrielle but didn’t mean any of it. The saying goes when you’re finally tired, you’ll stop making excuses and leave. That’s what Gabrielle finally did. Taj has been wounded by love and not looking for anything serious until he meets Gabrielle. Two people, two wounded hearts and time.
Safar said all the right things to Gabrielle but didn’t mean any of it. The saying goes when you’re finally tired, you’ll stop making excuses and leave. That’s what Gabrielle finally did. Taj has been wounded by love and not looking for anything serious until he meets Gabrielle. Two people, two wounded hearts and time.
March 19, 2023
Awesome love story!
Its about time Gabi pur her foot down with those people. She deserved that happiness and Taj was just the man for the job.
Thank you for being a wonderful author and giving us awesome book! 💖💖
Its about time Gabi pur her foot down with those people. She deserved that happiness and Taj was just the man for the job.
Thank you for being a wonderful author and giving us awesome book! 💖💖
March 21, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good read. Taj gave up on love until he met Gabi. Safar was such a selfish man who thought he could bribe her with money. I'm so glad she stood up for herself. And went after her man.
Good read. Taj gave up on love until he met Gabi. Safar was such a selfish man who thought he could bribe her with money. I'm so glad she stood up for herself. And went after her man.
April 11, 2023
Mend
We all experienced a broken heart at one point in our lives. We can either hold onto the heartache allowing our hearts to turn into stone or find happiness that will chip away the hardening that started when our hearts were broken.
Jahquel J. I need more on Gabi and Taj.
We all experienced a broken heart at one point in our lives. We can either hold onto the heartache allowing our hearts to turn into stone or find happiness that will chip away the hardening that started when our hearts were broken.
Jahquel J. I need more on Gabi and Taj.
April 16, 2023
Good read
The book flowed well. Although I would have loved to haveore of the relationship foe Taj and Gabi. I was happy with the ending. Overall everyone deserves a second chance at real love.
The book flowed well. Although I would have loved to haveore of the relationship foe Taj and Gabi. I was happy with the ending. Overall everyone deserves a second chance at real love.
April 25, 2023
never disappoint
First let me say I love Jahquel she’s a dope author who continues to give her readers refreshing books to read be it a novella or a novel she delivers. I haven’t read a book yet that I didn’t like this one is no different. Read the book it’s a excellent read.
First let me say I love Jahquel she’s a dope author who continues to give her readers refreshing books to read be it a novella or a novel she delivers. I haven’t read a book yet that I didn’t like this one is no different. Read the book it’s a excellent read.
June 29, 2023
Yess Gabi
Loved this . Her ex husband made me so mad. Glad she held to her word and didn’t fall for his BS . Taj gonna make her happy and push her to take the bar.. like always great job
Loved this . Her ex husband made me so mad. Glad she held to her word and didn’t fall for his BS . Taj gonna make her happy and push her to take the bar.. like always great job
July 22, 2023
A love story!!
This book was soooo good. I love a good love story and the way Taj and Gabi found each other after heartbreak is beautiful. This book reminds you that it is possible to find love after heartbreak if you open up a little. This is a must read!!
This book was soooo good. I love a good love story and the way Taj and Gabi found each other after heartbreak is beautiful. This book reminds you that it is possible to find love after heartbreak if you open up a little. This is a must read!!
October 22, 2025
Enjoyed
This was an enjoyable read. Taj was a good man whom Gabi deserved. Safar sucked as a husband and father and with his new marriage I just know it won't work. Whatever Taj and Gabi build I know it's going to last because of communication and honesty. Goodread
This was an enjoyable read. Taj was a good man whom Gabi deserved. Safar sucked as a husband and father and with his new marriage I just know it won't work. Whatever Taj and Gabi build I know it's going to last because of communication and honesty. Goodread
March 7, 2026
Ok this was a cute read! Gabi and Taj both went through somethings relationally and I believe that their paths crossed at a perfect time! They can support each other in career and just professional development! This was a perfect story and I loved this short read!
March 21, 2023
Taj and Gabi
Aww I loved this book. I loved me some Taj. He knew what he wanted and he wanted Gabi. Gabi finally realized the same!!!
Aww I loved this book. I loved me some Taj. He knew what he wanted and he wanted Gabi. Gabi finally realized the same!!!
April 10, 2023
Jahquel
Another great book. I love all of your work. You are definitely a beast when it comes to the pen game.
Another great book. I love all of your work. You are definitely a beast when it comes to the pen game.
May 6, 2023
😍😍😍😍😍
Whew Lord Taj ! ! ! I’m glad Gabi came to her senses and went and got her man ! ! ! Safar next need to be his karma ! ! !
Whew Lord Taj ! ! ! I’m glad Gabi came to her senses and went and got her man ! ! ! Safar next need to be his karma ! ! !
May 18, 2023
Not enough
I wish this hadn’t ended like this. It was such a beautiful story but there should be more. The ending leaves so much to think about. I need more.
I wish this hadn’t ended like this. It was such a beautiful story but there should be more. The ending leaves so much to think about. I need more.
July 5, 2023
I WANTED MORE!
Lovrd it. It was a good read that left me wanting more. I'll definitely check for Jahquel J's other books.
Lovrd it. It was a good read that left me wanting more. I'll definitely check for Jahquel J's other books.
August 8, 2026
good quick romance!!
As expected even with this being a quick burn, I loved every moment of it! Jahquel has yet to disappoint me.
As expected even with this being a quick burn, I loved every moment of it! Jahquel has yet to disappoint me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews