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Blossoming Beginnings #2
Bleeding Hearts
Love.
A four letter word describing a feeling that most children grow up surrounded by. I didn’t.
Until Asher Gray. The guy always up for a good time. The friend I could always rely on. The man who also happened to be my brother’s best friend.
He made me feel more cherished than anyone else ever had. I’d gotten used to our friendship, regardless of how attracted to him I was. I never thought we could be anything more.
Until the look in his eyes changed, and I realized that maybe we were never really friends at all. Maybe the love I always longed for was standing right in front of me.
But now my past is coming back to haunt me and suddenly I don’t know how to protect the man I love from it. I don’t even know how to protect myself. All I do know is that I want him by my side through it all.
A four letter word describing a feeling that most children grow up surrounded by. I didn’t.
Until Asher Gray. The guy always up for a good time. The friend I could always rely on. The man who also happened to be my brother’s best friend.
He made me feel more cherished than anyone else ever had. I’d gotten used to our friendship, regardless of how attracted to him I was. I never thought we could be anything more.
Until the look in his eyes changed, and I realized that maybe we were never really friends at all. Maybe the love I always longed for was standing right in front of me.
But now my past is coming back to haunt me and suddenly I don’t know how to protect the man I love from it. I don’t even know how to protect myself. All I do know is that I want him by my side through it all.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2023
30 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 15, 2023
Just finished beta reading and I cannot wait for you all to read it 🥹❤️ demi & asher are the cutest
July 24, 2023
➼4⭐
~This. Book. The first 20% of this book was a bit rough to get through but i am currently in a summer slump which I absolutely hate but whatever. I thought this book was going to be like any other book with the brother's best friend trope (we don't talk about ugly love guys pls) but it wasn't! for once the brother didn't take the information that they love each other (this isn't a spoiler be honest they always do) to heart. Other books make it seem like the brother's life is absolutely ruined because two people that he loves started dating and loving each other instead, like please sit down. The tropes in this book and the fact that no she hasn't been in love with her brother's best friend since she came out of her mum's thingy-wang or saw him randomly on a Tuesday and started drooling over him just makes it better!
➴Demi won't lie and say that she doesn't find her brother's best friend attractive because he is and he knows he is. But Demi wants to find love, something she's never found, and Ash doesn't want to settle down because he believes that one can die at any moment and at least he would have lived the way he wanted. They're both attracted to each other, anyone can see it but because of their different goals in life, they decide on a friendship. Demi is now his wing woman, going with him to bars where he finds a one night stand.
➳Asher. Bejesus he is cute. I found myself kicking my feet whenever he came up in the book because yes. This man can tie me up with the cheapest rope he finds, place me in the middle of the street, run me over with his non-existent car (demi drives him everywhere) and I'd die happy and still in love with him. He is a player who ends up licking the floor demi walks in. He is very bad for my 'i can change him' delusions.
His family was so sweet. I liked that the author didn't put in the most heartbreaking family background because not every fictional male character should have been traumatized by his parents not letting him eat a waffle before sunday church. At this point, demi better watch out for her man because I will be driving in the streets trying to find him (I live in an entirely different continent). You can't blame me for loving him. He has tattoos and knows how to cook which i am very well aware that my standards are low but i cant do anything about that because of the males that are currently roaming the earth.
I'd beg this man to hold me captive in his basement because i truly love him. HE SAID SHE COULD BE WEARING A TRASH BAG AND STILL BE STUNNING. watch me spawn into a trash bag.
➳Demi. Demi, demi, demi. Me and her are enemies (she doesn't know of my existence) because it is my mission to take her husband. Demi reminded me of myself in this book. I am a biiiig people pleaser and demi stayed for people even when they tore her apart and watched her be torn apart into pieces which is something i a guilty of doing as well. The fact that she didn't give up on her dream of becoming a chef was so inspirational. She definitely found a new family in this group and i love that for her (i want her husband).
For some reason she reminds me of ice spice. If you don't like ice spice (jail) forget i said that she reminds me of her and read the book. jagvxfuyd. Also the fact that demi was described so... realistically was a bonus. Guys I'm sorry but she doesn't have hips that can tear down walls or breasts that you can be stuck in forever or blue ores. DEAL WITH IT.
Demi does receive bonus points for watching gossip girl because as a part of the female population i talk on every woman's behalf that a woman who watches gossip girl should and shall be trusted by other females. and the fact that she was going to force asher into binging gossip girl is perfection (istillwanthim).
⇻ now who would i be if i didn't write an entire section dedicated for the smut in this book? iloveit.
HOLD ME HOSTAGE PLS. if that quote doesn't make you want to read this you have no taste when it comes to smut. he also did take her into his childhood room where he never to any woman and well let's just say he wasn't playing with toys there anymore (i apologize for anyone traumatized) (idon't) This man drove to a convention with her so that she wouldn't have to go alone 🛐 and then called the receptionist to tell them that they'd be checking out late because yes (i will not be explaining what they were doing any further). The smut was just so smuttỹ. but the smut was nice (take your kinks out of here) it wasn't overwhelming because between my love for asher and the book is was balanced. the scene in the tattoo shop left me silenced...
thank you if you have reached this stage and heard my entire rant on this book. in conclusion please read it but remember asher is mine.
instagram post
"We sing and we laugh together, living life to the fullest without worry or embarrassment"
~This. Book. The first 20% of this book was a bit rough to get through but i am currently in a summer slump which I absolutely hate but whatever. I thought this book was going to be like any other book with the brother's best friend trope (we don't talk about ugly love guys pls) but it wasn't! for once the brother didn't take the information that they love each other (this isn't a spoiler be honest they always do) to heart. Other books make it seem like the brother's life is absolutely ruined because two people that he loves started dating and loving each other instead, like please sit down. The tropes in this book and the fact that no she hasn't been in love with her brother's best friend since she came out of her mum's thingy-wang or saw him randomly on a Tuesday and started drooling over him just makes it better!
➴Demi won't lie and say that she doesn't find her brother's best friend attractive because he is and he knows he is. But Demi wants to find love, something she's never found, and Ash doesn't want to settle down because he believes that one can die at any moment and at least he would have lived the way he wanted. They're both attracted to each other, anyone can see it but because of their different goals in life, they decide on a friendship. Demi is now his wing woman, going with him to bars where he finds a one night stand.
➳Asher. Bejesus he is cute. I found myself kicking my feet whenever he came up in the book because yes. This man can tie me up with the cheapest rope he finds, place me in the middle of the street, run me over with his non-existent car (demi drives him everywhere) and I'd die happy and still in love with him. He is a player who ends up licking the floor demi walks in. He is very bad for my 'i can change him' delusions.
"She's not just any woman. She's the woman."
His family was so sweet. I liked that the author didn't put in the most heartbreaking family background because not every fictional male character should have been traumatized by his parents not letting him eat a waffle before sunday church. At this point, demi better watch out for her man because I will be driving in the streets trying to find him (I live in an entirely different continent). You can't blame me for loving him. He has tattoos and knows how to cook which i am very well aware that my standards are low but i cant do anything about that because of the males that are currently roaming the earth.
"She smiles before turning to walk out the door, knowing I'll follow her. I always do."
I'd beg this man to hold me captive in his basement because i truly love him. HE SAID SHE COULD BE WEARING A TRASH BAG AND STILL BE STUNNING. watch me spawn into a trash bag.
➳Demi. Demi, demi, demi. Me and her are enemies (she doesn't know of my existence) because it is my mission to take her husband. Demi reminded me of myself in this book. I am a biiiig people pleaser and demi stayed for people even when they tore her apart and watched her be torn apart into pieces which is something i a guilty of doing as well. The fact that she didn't give up on her dream of becoming a chef was so inspirational. She definitely found a new family in this group and i love that for her (i want her husband).
"i never knew what it was to have someone that thought I could achieve anything and everything in the world. But that's how Asher acts. Like he really believes I could touch the sky if I only tried"
For some reason she reminds me of ice spice. If you don't like ice spice (jail) forget i said that she reminds me of her and read the book. jagvxfuyd. Also the fact that demi was described so... realistically was a bonus. Guys I'm sorry but she doesn't have hips that can tear down walls or breasts that you can be stuck in forever or blue ores. DEAL WITH IT.
"he makes me feel like I'm the most special person in his life"
Demi does receive bonus points for watching gossip girl because as a part of the female population i talk on every woman's behalf that a woman who watches gossip girl should and shall be trusted by other females. and the fact that she was going to force asher into binging gossip girl is perfection (istillwanthim).
⇻ now who would i be if i didn't write an entire section dedicated for the smut in this book? iloveit.
"'Oh my god,'
'Not God. Just me, baby'"
HOLD ME HOSTAGE PLS. if that quote doesn't make you want to read this you have no taste when it comes to smut. he also did take her into his childhood room where he never to any woman and well let's just say he wasn't playing with toys there anymore (i apologize for anyone traumatized) (idon't) This man drove to a convention with her so that she wouldn't have to go alone 🛐 and then called the receptionist to tell them that they'd be checking out late because yes (i will not be explaining what they were doing any further). The smut was just so smuttỹ. but the smut was nice (take your kinks out of here) it wasn't overwhelming because between my love for asher and the book is was balanced. the scene in the tattoo shop left me silenced...
thank you if you have reached this stage and heard my entire rant on this book. in conclusion please read it but remember asher is mine.
instagram post
July 6, 2023
When it comes to love, I only look for something that seemed hard to find, something I know somewhere out there a man possesses and it’s quite simple. Asher Gray is the epitome of green flag, and my dream man, he is the most attentive and caring person you will ever meet in a sense that he gets her a coffee from a shop she loves, even though he can just make it himself because he knows she will enjoy it more, he cares for her even in the most subtle ways possible. He is the kind of man who cheers when she achieves something, the kind of man to utters words of affirmation whenever she feels doubtful of herself, a man who was always there to speak up and stand up for her, and a man that is genuinely happy to make her the happiest person. Such an absolute delight to be able to meet this man because his and Demi’s relationship is the most beautiful thing I have ever read in a book.
Despite the traumatizing childhood that Demi grew up in, I see her as someone who possesses great strength in character to be able to fight off her demons and to stand up to the monster that tormented her life. I’ve always found her relationship with Asher to be mature and healthy because of the way they handle misunderstandings between them and not just that but how they treat each other as well, they communicate and relay their feelings with no secrets and I think that is such a beautiful pillar to establish in a relationship. Seeing them go from friends and eventually lovers was such a good feeling I love them with all my heart, seeing how Asher’s thoughtfulness, and sincerity just shows how he is as a person.
This book dealt with such heavy topics of Abuse so please do check TW before proceeding but the way the story unfolded was just phenomenal, the writing and its pacing were done at the right pace. Honestly, Jess Taylor delivered this book, it is beautiful, riveting, and worth reading because I myself just read this in 1 day that was how delectable this book was. The characters here were strong, driven, and passionate and you will just feel happy with them with the things they occupy themselves with. I never knew I would feel so much for this book but here I am absolutely in love with it, I choked from my own emotions upon reading that epilogue because it’s just so beautiful, the kind of future they both deserve. Such a huge contrast with how the prologue introduced us to the story and for me, that is where the fantastic writing enters and how their story was delivered with ease. I probably will daydream about Asher for quite a while so do add this fantastic book to your tbr and meet the greenest green flag this coming July 11!!
Despite the traumatizing childhood that Demi grew up in, I see her as someone who possesses great strength in character to be able to fight off her demons and to stand up to the monster that tormented her life. I’ve always found her relationship with Asher to be mature and healthy because of the way they handle misunderstandings between them and not just that but how they treat each other as well, they communicate and relay their feelings with no secrets and I think that is such a beautiful pillar to establish in a relationship. Seeing them go from friends and eventually lovers was such a good feeling I love them with all my heart, seeing how Asher’s thoughtfulness, and sincerity just shows how he is as a person.
This book dealt with such heavy topics of Abuse so please do check TW before proceeding but the way the story unfolded was just phenomenal, the writing and its pacing were done at the right pace. Honestly, Jess Taylor delivered this book, it is beautiful, riveting, and worth reading because I myself just read this in 1 day that was how delectable this book was. The characters here were strong, driven, and passionate and you will just feel happy with them with the things they occupy themselves with. I never knew I would feel so much for this book but here I am absolutely in love with it, I choked from my own emotions upon reading that epilogue because it’s just so beautiful, the kind of future they both deserve. Such a huge contrast with how the prologue introduced us to the story and for me, that is where the fantastic writing enters and how their story was delivered with ease. I probably will daydream about Asher for quite a while so do add this fantastic book to your tbr and meet the greenest green flag this coming July 11!!
July 30, 2023
okay it literally took me a whole week to read this book, something that hasn’t happened in a while, but trust me not because i didn’t enjoy it. i love this book so so much, i’m on vacation and have a whole lot of things planned and reading couldn’t fit my busy schedule unfortunately, because if it could i would have finished this one a while ago !!
once again it was so so good, i loved forget me not so much and was so excited to read this one and i’m so happy i enjoyed it that much !
demi and asher are literally the cutest ever i love them with all my heart. and i loved the way the timeline worked.
i missing them already. <3
i laughed i cried it was so so good ❤️❤️❤️
i need book 3 right now !!!
once again it was so so good, i loved forget me not so much and was so excited to read this one and i’m so happy i enjoyed it that much !
demi and asher are literally the cutest ever i love them with all my heart. and i loved the way the timeline worked.
i missing them already. <3
i laughed i cried it was so so good ❤️❤️❤️
i need book 3 right now !!!
August 6, 2024
so first of all this is a solid book. and some people would probably love this but I have so things I didn’t particularly enjoy.
I felt like I was pushed into the story and where they are already in love with each other. I got the sense that the author just pushed it in my face instead of showing it in their actions. It was also insta love which is a theme for this author apparently
I felt like I was pushed into the story and where they are already in love with each other. I got the sense that the author just pushed it in my face instead of showing it in their actions. It was also insta love which is a theme for this author apparently
July 13, 2023
This was such a good read and I'd like to give a big thanks to Grey's Promotions and the author for an ARC copy.
One of my favorite things about this story was being able to see the buildup of the friendship between Demi and Asher before the exploration into a romantic relationship began. I feel like this story is a great example of the friends to lovers trope. I appreciated that the two of them didn't let their pasts get in the way of what they wanted and their future, insteading confiding in each other and learning to grow. Asher really encouraged Demi to follow her dreams and supported her no matter what, sometimes doing things without her knowing to help her move forward. I really loved them together and really enjoyed the extended epilogue. Also shoutout to no third act breakup!!
One of my favorite things about this story was being able to see the buildup of the friendship between Demi and Asher before the exploration into a romantic relationship began. I feel like this story is a great example of the friends to lovers trope. I appreciated that the two of them didn't let their pasts get in the way of what they wanted and their future, insteading confiding in each other and learning to grow. Asher really encouraged Demi to follow her dreams and supported her no matter what, sometimes doing things without her knowing to help her move forward. I really loved them together and really enjoyed the extended epilogue. Also shoutout to no third act breakup!!
August 29, 2023
4.5!!
there are themes of abuse in this story, so please check TWs before reading!
i really loved this book! i think i preferred demi & asher's story to logan & kade's.
demi, my sweet, loving, poor demi. i loved that girl and i just want to give her the biggest hug. she has been through hell and back, and still manages to be the light in the room. she was optimistic, overly-trusting, funny, sweet, and overall extremely genuine & relatable. she is extremely caring, protective, and strong. her character carries such a depth and backstory that broke my heart. her story and her character was so well written and so well done, for such a tough subject, i think jess taylor did a great job at portraying it!
asher was such a great character. he had his own depth that i truthfully didn't expect given the way he was portrayed in forget me not, BUT THATS ALWAYS THE BEST THING. i loved him! he was so sweet, funny, caring, and genuine. his own past was heartbreaking, he was strong, gentle and protective. he cares strongly for those in his life and would put his life on the line for those he loves. he balanced demi's character out soso well. the reformed playboy trope ALWAYS gets me and i think jess did a great job with it in this story!
demi and asher's relationship was adorable and so well done. the pacing of this book was great, the flirting, the banter, the tension and chemistry, the bond, and the overall special love that they shared was so beautiful. they both cared so deeply for each other, were honest and communicative, and just understood each other in a way no one else did. i love love love them!!!!
this is a friends to lovers, reformed playboy x sunshine girl, forced proximity, brothers best friend romance.
AGAIN!! please check TWs before reading!!!
there are themes of abuse in this story, so please check TWs before reading!
i really loved this book! i think i preferred demi & asher's story to logan & kade's.
demi, my sweet, loving, poor demi. i loved that girl and i just want to give her the biggest hug. she has been through hell and back, and still manages to be the light in the room. she was optimistic, overly-trusting, funny, sweet, and overall extremely genuine & relatable. she is extremely caring, protective, and strong. her character carries such a depth and backstory that broke my heart. her story and her character was so well written and so well done, for such a tough subject, i think jess taylor did a great job at portraying it!
asher was such a great character. he had his own depth that i truthfully didn't expect given the way he was portrayed in forget me not, BUT THATS ALWAYS THE BEST THING. i loved him! he was so sweet, funny, caring, and genuine. his own past was heartbreaking, he was strong, gentle and protective. he cares strongly for those in his life and would put his life on the line for those he loves. he balanced demi's character out soso well. the reformed playboy trope ALWAYS gets me and i think jess did a great job with it in this story!
demi and asher's relationship was adorable and so well done. the pacing of this book was great, the flirting, the banter, the tension and chemistry, the bond, and the overall special love that they shared was so beautiful. they both cared so deeply for each other, were honest and communicative, and just understood each other in a way no one else did. i love love love them!!!!
this is a friends to lovers, reformed playboy x sunshine girl, forced proximity, brothers best friend romance.
AGAIN!! please check TWs before reading!!!
October 25, 2023
A friends to lovers, brother’s best friend involving an aspiring chef & tattoo artist become close friends. In between are daily hangouts, late night eats, & fun text messages that are indications of letting your guard down & falling in love with your friend.
The dynamic & buildup to their relationship was really cute. Asher & Demi displayed a healthy relationship that I loved reading. They held onto one another strong and didn’t run away whenever they had a disagreement.
Demi held an incredible amount of strength. Despite what had happened to her, she still composed herself as kind & selfless; something I admired. I loved reading about her healing her inner child with Asher’s family, who was welcoming & loving.
The dynamic & buildup to their relationship was really cute. Asher & Demi displayed a healthy relationship that I loved reading. They held onto one another strong and didn’t run away whenever they had a disagreement.
Demi held an incredible amount of strength. Despite what had happened to her, she still composed herself as kind & selfless; something I admired. I loved reading about her healing her inner child with Asher’s family, who was welcoming & loving.
July 7, 2023
when it comes to reading new-to-me authors, it’s either hit or miss for me. so going into this book, my first by jess taylor i didn’t know what to expect. that being said, i did indeed enjoy this book. right from the start i found myself invested and couldn’t wait to see where this story would go.
demi and asher captured my attention from the get go, i was absolutely smitten with them. i adored them individually and loved them even more as a couple. they made each other better and were just a perfect fit for one another. also, i’m a sucker for nicknames and the amount of nicknames asher had for demi were fantastic.
bleeding hearts had me in my feels. this friends to lovers romance was *chef’s kiss* i absolutely loved demi and asher and couldn’t get enough of them and of their story. i had a fun time reading this book and really enjoyed it, and i can’t wait to read more from this author.
*thank you grey’s promotions for an arc of this book*
demi and asher captured my attention from the get go, i was absolutely smitten with them. i adored them individually and loved them even more as a couple. they made each other better and were just a perfect fit for one another. also, i’m a sucker for nicknames and the amount of nicknames asher had for demi were fantastic.
bleeding hearts had me in my feels. this friends to lovers romance was *chef’s kiss* i absolutely loved demi and asher and couldn’t get enough of them and of their story. i had a fun time reading this book and really enjoyed it, and i can’t wait to read more from this author.
*thank you grey’s promotions for an arc of this book*
July 3, 2023
i loved this one so much !! after reading forget me not i was so excited for demi and asher’s story and i was not disappointed!!
the thing i loved most about this book was demi. she was such a sweet, strong and caring fmc. her story was so emotional and heartbreaking i wanted to hug her !! i also loved the friends to lovers and development of the relationship from the crumbs in the first book to the story throughout this one.
also can we just mention how STUNNING the cover is ??
thank you grey’s promotions and jess taylor for an arc !! <3
bleeding hearts out july 11th 💗
the thing i loved most about this book was demi. she was such a sweet, strong and caring fmc. her story was so emotional and heartbreaking i wanted to hug her !! i also loved the friends to lovers and development of the relationship from the crumbs in the first book to the story throughout this one.
also can we just mention how STUNNING the cover is ??
thank you grey’s promotions and jess taylor for an arc !! <3
bleeding hearts out july 11th 💗
July 21, 2023
Bleeding Hearts is proof why friends to lovers is a SUPERIOR trope. I'd die for Demi and Asher. They are just so fckn sweet. And ASHER?! With his filthy mouth!!
This was SO lovely to read!
This was SO lovely to read!
October 8, 2025
I truly have no words 🥹 this book had such a big impact on me I almost cried I had to keep putting the book down this book was so beautiful and watching Asher & Demi both get what they deserved was absolutely everything!! Let’s start of with Asher at first he’s a bit of a fu**boy but soon as he made a bet with Demi he never touched another woman again and let me tell you guys he’s willing to do absolutely anything for Demi he’s a new book boyfriend to add to the list 🤭 he fights for her too! But Asher does also have a deep back story and when I found out it was heart breaking but you can see how much he’s overcome also the tattoo as well 🥰 Demi wow she’s everything I can relate to her in so many ways this is why I almost cried and it’s inspiring to see her outcome Demi is so sweet and kind and she’s a girl who knows what she wants she’s so hesitant being with Asher because it’s his brothers best friend but soon as Asher & Demi turned into best friends she wasn’t turning back I loved witnessing Asher and Demi become more because you see them start off as best friend then to lovers ahhh 😫 I loved it so much! Also the ending of this book was so wholesome and it was a perfect way to end the book it’s so sweet and they got what they wanted 🥹
Please check trigger warnings as it may disturb so readers! 🤍
Quotes I loved:
“I've never been more sure about anything in my life. Let me be there for you, Demi."
"I've played this moment over a million times in my mind since I met you. I want this, Ash.”
"You can call it whatever you want, but we're together. That's all that matters to me."
Tropes:
💗 Brother’s best friend
🌷 One bed
💗 Best friends to lovers
🌷 She falls first & he falls harder
💗 She’s a chef & he’s a tattoo artist
Please check trigger warnings as it may disturb so readers! 🤍
Quotes I loved:
“I've never been more sure about anything in my life. Let me be there for you, Demi."
"I've played this moment over a million times in my mind since I met you. I want this, Ash.”
"You can call it whatever you want, but we're together. That's all that matters to me."
Tropes:
💗 Brother’s best friend
🌷 One bed
💗 Best friends to lovers
🌷 She falls first & he falls harder
💗 She’s a chef & he’s a tattoo artist
May 24, 2024
4.5⭐️ This was such a cute friends to lovers book! Demi and Asher were written perfectly for each other. I loved how the beginning had their POVs from the first book and then connected to the current timeline with text messages. Jess Taylor is definitely an auto buy author. I love how her writing is easy to read and how her stories are so captivating!
"There's always a risk of pain, but you can decide that happiness, love, is worth the risk."
"You have a bleeding heart, you're overwhelming kind, but that's not a weakness."
"There's always a risk of pain, but you can decide that happiness, love, is worth the risk."
"You have a bleeding heart, you're overwhelming kind, but that's not a weakness."
July 7, 2023
— 3.5 Stars ✩
"The things I'd do for a Demi Smile."
— Asher Gray, Bleeding Hearts by Jess Taylor
What a cute, spicy read !! I haven't read a book in one sitting in a very long time; there's just something about the flow in her writing style that stops you from putting the book down. I don't typically enjoy friends to lovers but this one I loved so much !! It was adorable and entertaining all in one. I highly recommend it :))
"The things I'd do for a Demi Smile."
— Asher Gray, Bleeding Hearts by Jess Taylor
What a cute, spicy read !! I haven't read a book in one sitting in a very long time; there's just something about the flow in her writing style that stops you from putting the book down. I don't typically enjoy friends to lovers but this one I loved so much !! It was adorable and entertaining all in one. I highly recommend it :))
August 8, 2023
i had the best time reading Demi & Asher’s story. As soon as they were introduced in Book 1 i knew that they should be together and that i would love them.
Demi’s character went through so much and she deserves the world and Asher would do anything to give that to her. Everything about this book was chefs kiss, Asher is definitely one of my new book boyfriends 🥰
Demi’s character went through so much and she deserves the world and Asher would do anything to give that to her. Everything about this book was chefs kiss, Asher is definitely one of my new book boyfriends 🥰
August 24, 2024
4 / 5 🌷🎀🤍
This was such a short and sweet friends to lovers story (although please check TWs prior to reading)! Asher and Demi were so cute, loved the no third act breakup and watching them fall. He fell first and harder and it was perfect.
This was such a short and sweet friends to lovers story (although please check TWs prior to reading)! Asher and Demi were so cute, loved the no third act breakup and watching them fall. He fell first and harder and it was perfect.
April 29, 2025
i think these books are just very simple and short and good to read if u just wanna read something. i don’t understand why the epilogue had a eight year time skip and idk but it was a bobstandard book. nothing special really but it was cute
October 13, 2025
Demi and Asher are SO cute fr. I was waiting to read there story.
November 14, 2023
When he’s a reformed player falling for his best friend 🤭
"You’re impossible not to love, Demi Rhodes."
BLEEDING HEARTS by Jess Taylor is such a cute treat! It’s an angsty friends to lovers romance between a chef heroine and a tattooed hero! And the angst… 😭 Ugh, I want to wrap Demi Rhodes in a bubble and protect her forever. 🩷
"I never knew what it was to have someone that thought I could achieve anything and everything in the world. But that's how Asher acts. Like he really believes I could touch the sky if I only tried."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Friends to Lovers
- Brother's Best Friend
- Only One Bed
- He's a Tattoo Artist
- She's a Chef
- Angsty Romance
- She Falls First; He Falls Harder
- Reformed Player
- Found Family
"We sing and we laugh together, living life to the fullest without worry or embarrassment."
"You’re impossible not to love, Demi Rhodes."
BLEEDING HEARTS by Jess Taylor is such a cute treat! It’s an angsty friends to lovers romance between a chef heroine and a tattooed hero! And the angst… 😭 Ugh, I want to wrap Demi Rhodes in a bubble and protect her forever. 🩷
"I never knew what it was to have someone that thought I could achieve anything and everything in the world. But that's how Asher acts. Like he really believes I could touch the sky if I only tried."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Friends to Lovers
- Brother's Best Friend
- Only One Bed
- He's a Tattoo Artist
- She's a Chef
- Angsty Romance
- She Falls First; He Falls Harder
- Reformed Player
- Found Family
"We sing and we laugh together, living life to the fullest without worry or embarrassment."
August 5, 2024
Really good!
I really loved the best friends to lovers trope in this book and how the abuse part wasnt super over the top.
I really loved the best friends to lovers trope in this book and how the abuse part wasnt super over the top.
November 11, 2023
Thank you so much, Grey's Promotions and Jess Taylor for sending me an ARC!!
I was super amped for Bleeding Hearts. Romances are always such a thing to gobble down but the pacing and plot points in bleeding hearts was a little different, which I appreciated a lot.
First of all, it's written in first person. It's my favourite point of perspective, so yay!! Also, the writing style is easy to grasp.
The first chapter jumps immediately into an important part of Demi's backstory. I believe Demi radiates such a powerful force and I felt so much stronger just by reading that first chapter.
Demi has been through a lot, and so I am, to see that kind of representation is something I value a lot. (have to say it makes me a little delulu but hope is always a good thing right?) Demi has a passion for cooking and everything that has to do with the kitchen.
There's no third act conflict, hell yes, because after reading many romances third act conflicts can be so repetitive.
Asher is something completely new. He's almost a mix between good guy (bringing home to see mommy and daddy) and privately dirty guy (we all love those don't we?). Asher is best friend of the half-brother of Demi, and the main male love interest in the book. He is a tattoo artist with a complicated past which I haven't read about before and it was super refreshing.
Something that's really 'bleeding hearts' is the magnitude of hilarious weird (according to Demi) nicknames for Demi by Asher.
Beside the fact that this was such good book, there are a few points where I thought it was almost a bit too much smoochyness that made it cringe. And after 70% it was pretty predictable where the story was going. But honestly I finished this book? I haven't been able to finish one in over a month because of my semi slump combined with my toxic trait of being uninterested after a while. So, that's a total praise? right? yes!!
I was super amped for Bleeding Hearts. Romances are always such a thing to gobble down but the pacing and plot points in bleeding hearts was a little different, which I appreciated a lot.
First of all, it's written in first person. It's my favourite point of perspective, so yay!! Also, the writing style is easy to grasp.
The first chapter jumps immediately into an important part of Demi's backstory. I believe Demi radiates such a powerful force and I felt so much stronger just by reading that first chapter.
Demi has been through a lot, and so I am, to see that kind of representation is something I value a lot. (have to say it makes me a little delulu but hope is always a good thing right?) Demi has a passion for cooking and everything that has to do with the kitchen.
There's no third act conflict, hell yes, because after reading many romances third act conflicts can be so repetitive.
Asher is something completely new. He's almost a mix between good guy (bringing home to see mommy and daddy) and privately dirty guy (we all love those don't we?). Asher is best friend of the half-brother of Demi, and the main male love interest in the book. He is a tattoo artist with a complicated past which I haven't read about before and it was super refreshing.
Something that's really 'bleeding hearts' is the magnitude of hilarious weird (according to Demi) nicknames for Demi by Asher.
Beside the fact that this was such good book, there are a few points where I thought it was almost a bit too much smoochyness that made it cringe. And after 70% it was pretty predictable where the story was going. But honestly I finished this book? I haven't been able to finish one in over a month because of my semi slump combined with my toxic trait of being uninterested after a while. So, that's a total praise? right? yes!!
July 8, 2023
3.5⭐️
Read if you like:
- brother’s best friend
- friends to lovers
- reformed player
- one bed
I really liked Asher and Demi as individual characters but had a hard time connecting to their love story. I also loved the extras the author spent time on, like text messages, the specials menu and a visual of Asher’s tattoo.
The book was well written but the pacing and plot of the story just felt off to me. It felt like there was too much going on, which made it hard to focus on their relationship evolving. Like the one bed scene was really short and I didn’t feel like it added anything besides saying this book had the one bed trope — and it’s a trope I love! It also, to me, felt like there was nothing keeping them apart from getting together earlier in the story besides just them not communicating, which I’m typically not a fan of.
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promo for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read if you like:
- brother’s best friend
- friends to lovers
- reformed player
- one bed
I really liked Asher and Demi as individual characters but had a hard time connecting to their love story. I also loved the extras the author spent time on, like text messages, the specials menu and a visual of Asher’s tattoo.
The book was well written but the pacing and plot of the story just felt off to me. It felt like there was too much going on, which made it hard to focus on their relationship evolving. Like the one bed scene was really short and I didn’t feel like it added anything besides saying this book had the one bed trope — and it’s a trope I love! It also, to me, felt like there was nothing keeping them apart from getting together earlier in the story besides just them not communicating, which I’m typically not a fan of.
Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promo for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2023
Another WOW from me and this series.
I fell in love with Asher & Demi in book 1 (Forget Me Not). BUT THE WAY I FELL IN LOVE EVEN MORE IN THIS BOOK ?!?!
Demi deserves the whole freaking world & thank you Asher for giving it to her 😭 you learn a lot about Demi’s story in book one but this definitely goes more into depth & I wish I could jump in the pages to hug her. & Asher ?!? Reformed playboy, tattoo artist, doesn’t fall first but my god does he fall the hardest !!! I love him so much.
Please please read this series !! It’s so freaking good & got me out my slump. I read both books in less then 48hrs. I just couldn’t put them down !
•Brothers best-friend
•One bed
•Reformed playboy
•She falls first but he falls harder
•Friends to lovers
•No third act breakup
Thank you so so much to Greys Promotions for the ARC & pleaseeee Jess keep the books coming because I will no doubt eat each up !!!
I fell in love with Asher & Demi in book 1 (Forget Me Not). BUT THE WAY I FELL IN LOVE EVEN MORE IN THIS BOOK ?!?!
Demi deserves the whole freaking world & thank you Asher for giving it to her 😭 you learn a lot about Demi’s story in book one but this definitely goes more into depth & I wish I could jump in the pages to hug her. & Asher ?!? Reformed playboy, tattoo artist, doesn’t fall first but my god does he fall the hardest !!! I love him so much.
Please please read this series !! It’s so freaking good & got me out my slump. I read both books in less then 48hrs. I just couldn’t put them down !
•Brothers best-friend
•One bed
•Reformed playboy
•She falls first but he falls harder
•Friends to lovers
•No third act breakup
Thank you so so much to Greys Promotions for the ARC & pleaseeee Jess keep the books coming because I will no doubt eat each up !!!
July 4, 2023
ahhh this book was sooo good 😭😭 bleeding hearts is a brothers best friend, friends to lovers romance with only one bed, no third act breakup, she falls first but he falls harder and he’s a reformed player. i mean how could you not love this book. oh and she’s a chef and he’s a tatto artist. i mean my gosh my heart. the angst and tension was crazy. i love asher so freaking much like may i please have him? demi is also such a strong woman and i loved her kindness so much. i really liked getting to know demi’s past and i loved how much asher was so caring and supportive. the ending was so sweet and it was the perfect happily ever after for demi and asher! i cannot wait to read more from jess and the other books in this series!!!
thank you so much jess for an arc!!
thank you so much jess for an arc!!
July 11, 2023
Review:
5⭐️
4.5🌶️
“You know, I’ve never been a possessive man. In fact, I probably haven’t cared about most people in my life nearly enough as I should’ve. But with you, fuck if there isn’t a single line I wouldn’t cross for you, Demi.”
Y’all. This book.. I honestly love this story so much. From the character development, to the plot, the angst, and the spice? Perfection.
Demi, you precious soul. You deserve the world. She’s honestly one of my favorite characters. And Asher, you fine, protective & possessive man.. you are a saint.
The emotions I went through were all over the place but I loved every bit of it. This is my second read by this author and she does not disappoint. I highly recommend her books!
*ARC for honest review*
5⭐️
4.5🌶️
“You know, I’ve never been a possessive man. In fact, I probably haven’t cared about most people in my life nearly enough as I should’ve. But with you, fuck if there isn’t a single line I wouldn’t cross for you, Demi.”
Y’all. This book.. I honestly love this story so much. From the character development, to the plot, the angst, and the spice? Perfection.
Demi, you precious soul. You deserve the world. She’s honestly one of my favorite characters. And Asher, you fine, protective & possessive man.. you are a saint.
The emotions I went through were all over the place but I loved every bit of it. This is my second read by this author and she does not disappoint. I highly recommend her books!
*ARC for honest review*
July 11, 2023
Bleeding Hearts is a brother's best friend, friends to lovers, one bed, and she falls first, but he falls harder romance. Asher and Demi are two characters that are so easy to fall in love with. We first meet them in book one which is Forget Me Not, but Bleeding Hearts had me falling more in love with them and their story. Demi is the sweetest person with a beautiful soul. She absolutely deserves the world, and a very possessive and protective Asher makes damn sure that she gets just that. I was so hooked on this story because I LOVED the characters, the storyline, and everything this book had to offer.
May 16, 2023
Wow. Jess did it again.
Thank you for allowing me to beta read this.
Forget me not is one of my favorite books of the head. And bleeding hearts has now entered the chat!
This was a beautiful story, but the TENSION! Ugh! I already loved Asher but I literally love him and want to protect him forever 🥹
Thank you for allowing me to beta read this.
Forget me not is one of my favorite books of the head. And bleeding hearts has now entered the chat!
This was a beautiful story, but the TENSION! Ugh! I already loved Asher but I literally love him and want to protect him forever 🥹
July 13, 2023
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS ARC !!!!
I actually enjoyed myself I went through all types of emotions. I cackled, I cringed, I felt sad for the fmc, they were witty and I enjoyed it. It’s a quick refreshing read and I had fun ☺️
3.25
I actually enjoyed myself I went through all types of emotions. I cackled, I cringed, I felt sad for the fmc, they were witty and I enjoyed it. It’s a quick refreshing read and I had fun ☺️
3.25
August 28, 2023
4.5/5*
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