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Hearts of Texas #2
Hearts to Mend
Rico Rodriguez was my first friend, first kiss, and first love. Then he was my first heartbreak.
Seven years ago, he left me and this small town to join the Army. Now he’s back, a single dad in search of a second chance.
But I’m not the girl he left behind, and I have no interest in taking a walk down memory lane.
It will take more than his sexy smile, sweet son, and meddling mom to mend this broken heart.
Hearts to Mend is a sexy, full-length, small town, second chance romance with an own-voices depiction of surviving a major medical crisis. Featuring a single dad hero and a firefighter heroine, Hearts to Mend is Book Two of the Hearts of Texas series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Seven years ago, he left me and this small town to join the Army. Now he’s back, a single dad in search of a second chance.
But I’m not the girl he left behind, and I have no interest in taking a walk down memory lane.
It will take more than his sexy smile, sweet son, and meddling mom to mend this broken heart.
Hearts to Mend is a sexy, full-length, small town, second chance romance with an own-voices depiction of surviving a major medical crisis. Featuring a single dad hero and a firefighter heroine, Hearts to Mend is Book Two of the Hearts of Texas series, but it can be read as a standalone.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
208 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Christina Berry
12 books411 followersChristina Berry is an award-winning author of smart, smutty romance. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Christina is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently resides in Austin, Texas. When not writing, she can be found helping her husband with their never-ending home remodeling adventure or spoiling their amazing dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 30, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book and now I very much enjoy this second chance romance too. I’ve never been that big on second chance romance but the last two books have me pondering I need to get more into this trope.
Dee and Rico have been best friends since they were six and then they became so much more. But Rico really screwed things up when he thought he needed to widen his world, signed up and went to fight in Afghanistan. Dee is completely wrecked when she gets a letter from him ending their relationship and telling her to move on. But she can’t really. Rico has been her whole life. She has a great job she loves as a firefighter but her personal life is almost non existent.
Rico returns home ten years later with a young son. He knows how badly he fucked up but he’s never stopped loving Dee and wants her back. But Dee is having none of it. Though she bonds quickly with young Mattie, it’s even more painful for her that not only did Rico leave her, he married someone else. It doesn’t change how she feels when she finds out the marriage didn’t work out and the mother is no longer in the picture. He is determined to win back the love of his life.
Both Dee and Rico are great characters and I loved them both. Dee is tough as nails but as we read the book we see that she’s had to be. She’s an only child and both her parents failed her. Nico was her person. She’s since made her coworkers her family and I love their camaraderie. Nico feels true remorse for the pain he’s caused and has such regrets. He and Mattie are living temporarily with his mother and Inez is another well written character. And Mattie is adorable. I have a somewhat hesitant feeling about young children in romance. For me they often make or break a book and Mattie is a maker.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the first book Hearts on Fire. They are both on KU. I look forward to reading more books by Christina Berry.
Dee and Rico have been best friends since they were six and then they became so much more. But Rico really screwed things up when he thought he needed to widen his world, signed up and went to fight in Afghanistan. Dee is completely wrecked when she gets a letter from him ending their relationship and telling her to move on. But she can’t really. Rico has been her whole life. She has a great job she loves as a firefighter but her personal life is almost non existent.
Rico returns home ten years later with a young son. He knows how badly he fucked up but he’s never stopped loving Dee and wants her back. But Dee is having none of it. Though she bonds quickly with young Mattie, it’s even more painful for her that not only did Rico leave her, he married someone else. It doesn’t change how she feels when she finds out the marriage didn’t work out and the mother is no longer in the picture. He is determined to win back the love of his life.
Both Dee and Rico are great characters and I loved them both. Dee is tough as nails but as we read the book we see that she’s had to be. She’s an only child and both her parents failed her. Nico was her person. She’s since made her coworkers her family and I love their camaraderie. Nico feels true remorse for the pain he’s caused and has such regrets. He and Mattie are living temporarily with his mother and Inez is another well written character. And Mattie is adorable. I have a somewhat hesitant feeling about young children in romance. For me they often make or break a book and Mattie is a maker.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the first book Hearts on Fire. They are both on KU. I look forward to reading more books by Christina Berry.
September 17, 2023
What a book. Rico and Dee take us on an emotional journey. There is so much love but also anger, hurt and a need for forgiveness.
Dee is one tough cookies, she is hurt, holding onto a lot of anger but still loves Rico with all her heart.
Rico is a single dad and who has some things from the past he regrets and is trying to resolve.
Rico and Dee have some much love and passion for one another…it takes a life changing event for them to finally realize they need one another and need to be together…forever.
Great read!!
Dee is one tough cookies, she is hurt, holding onto a lot of anger but still loves Rico with all her heart.
Rico is a single dad and who has some things from the past he regrets and is trying to resolve.
Rico and Dee have some much love and passion for one another…it takes a life changing event for them to finally realize they need one another and need to be together…forever.
Great read!!
September 27, 2023
Rico is back after seven years with his son Mateo. He was her first friend and all her other first , but while he was in the military he broke up through a letter. Rico wants a second chance, but Dee will not risk her heart again. The attraction between them is intense. One night changes everything and Dee starts to feel the walks around her heart lower. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. Love Dee and Rico and their dynamic, and Mateo just stole the show. Great supporting cast. This book has all the feels sarcasm, angst, and the spice is so good.
September 16, 2023
Love, love, love this book! Of course, Christina Berry is one of my favorite authors, so I love all her books, but something about Dee's vulnerability really got to me. And Rico? He was vulnerable, too, and certainly didn't hesitate to show it. Plus, I have a soft spot for dads.
The story is all classic Berry--angst and hurt and passion and heat--in all the good ways. If you're looking for something to warm you up as the nights get cooler, I'd suggest checking this book out!
The story is all classic Berry--angst and hurt and passion and heat--in all the good ways. If you're looking for something to warm you up as the nights get cooler, I'd suggest checking this book out!
September 19, 2023
I was glad to have the opportunity to read an ARC of Hearts to Mend since I enjoyed the first book in the series. Both novels feature hot firefighters and cats … What’s not to love?
July 19, 2023
Another fabulous book by Christina Berry. A better review is to come, but for now, just know this: You won't be disappointed!
September 23, 2023
－ＢＯＯＫ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ－
Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry
“Seeing you that day—that was my earthquake. It shook me to my core because in an instant, I knew I’d never stopped loving you, and I never will.”
Back to small town Texas, this time featuring Rico and Dee. These MCs were childhood friends and first loves, until Rico decided to enlist and spent years at war in Afghanistan. And he let go of his hold on Dee with one letter telling her not to wait for him. But now he’s back home, as a single dad with a young son, and there’s no avoiding facing the heartbreak he left behind.
Second chance can be a tough trope to make believable. I loved that there was conscious language to emphasize responsibility and accountability in what drove these two apart. Dee may have been left behind but she didn’t sit back on her heels pining for Rico after he made his choice. And when Rico makes his apology but Dee isn’t ready to accept it, he respects her boundaries. But, you know it’s a small town and they can’t just avoid each other - especially when he’s a newspaper reporter and she’s a firefighter. These characters felt real, and Dee conveyed genuine internal conflict over whether she was willing to open her heart to Rico again.
I was invested in seeing how these two reconciled from the start. It does take a significant health event (stroke) to cement their emotional reconnection, though they’ve already physically come together. There’s a fair amount of information on strokes and recovery, given that this is an “own voices” story. While it provided helpful context, it was very technical and a shift in voice that felt a bit disjointed from the characters POV.
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 2.5 / 5 🔥
Tropes:
Second chance
Small town
Single dad
Own voice’s story
Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry
“Seeing you that day—that was my earthquake. It shook me to my core because in an instant, I knew I’d never stopped loving you, and I never will.”
Back to small town Texas, this time featuring Rico and Dee. These MCs were childhood friends and first loves, until Rico decided to enlist and spent years at war in Afghanistan. And he let go of his hold on Dee with one letter telling her not to wait for him. But now he’s back home, as a single dad with a young son, and there’s no avoiding facing the heartbreak he left behind.
Second chance can be a tough trope to make believable. I loved that there was conscious language to emphasize responsibility and accountability in what drove these two apart. Dee may have been left behind but she didn’t sit back on her heels pining for Rico after he made his choice. And when Rico makes his apology but Dee isn’t ready to accept it, he respects her boundaries. But, you know it’s a small town and they can’t just avoid each other - especially when he’s a newspaper reporter and she’s a firefighter. These characters felt real, and Dee conveyed genuine internal conflict over whether she was willing to open her heart to Rico again.
I was invested in seeing how these two reconciled from the start. It does take a significant health event (stroke) to cement their emotional reconnection, though they’ve already physically come together. There’s a fair amount of information on strokes and recovery, given that this is an “own voices” story. While it provided helpful context, it was very technical and a shift in voice that felt a bit disjointed from the characters POV.
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 2.5 / 5 🔥
Tropes:
Second chance
Small town
Single dad
Own voice’s story
September 28, 2023
I received an ARC of Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry, a new to me author.
Hearts to Mend is Rico and Dee’s story. It is a standalone and written in dual POV.
Rico & Dee met when they were 8, became best friends and grew into more as they got older.
Then Rico enlisted in the army at 18 and left. While he was deployed, he made a decision that broke Dee’s heart. Now he’s moved back to town, and he has a son.
Dee is struggling with her feelings towards him, but Rico has always loved Dee.
This is a small town second chance romance. It was a good read. I was entertained with it. I really enjoyed the realism of certain events and the way they were written.
While I understand that Dee was hurt and didn’t want to trust Rico because she didn’t want to get hurt again, I didn’t really like the way Dee treated Rico. It was a constant tug of war of “I don’t need you; I want you. I hate you; I don’t want to admit I love you.” She was struggling with her feelings, but it felt like she was stringing him along until she had to make a choice of whether to forgive him or let him go. Yes, Rico’s lack of communication started it, but it felt like Dee was using Rico in a way.
There’s a lot of hurt, a lot of anger and quite a bit of steam as Dee & Rico try to figure out if they can leave the past behind and move forward.
Great supporting cast.
Hearts to Mend is Rico and Dee’s story. It is a standalone and written in dual POV.
Rico & Dee met when they were 8, became best friends and grew into more as they got older.
Then Rico enlisted in the army at 18 and left. While he was deployed, he made a decision that broke Dee’s heart. Now he’s moved back to town, and he has a son.
Dee is struggling with her feelings towards him, but Rico has always loved Dee.
This is a small town second chance romance. It was a good read. I was entertained with it. I really enjoyed the realism of certain events and the way they were written.
While I understand that Dee was hurt and didn’t want to trust Rico because she didn’t want to get hurt again, I didn’t really like the way Dee treated Rico. It was a constant tug of war of “I don’t need you; I want you. I hate you; I don’t want to admit I love you.” She was struggling with her feelings, but it felt like she was stringing him along until she had to make a choice of whether to forgive him or let him go. Yes, Rico’s lack of communication started it, but it felt like Dee was using Rico in a way.
There’s a lot of hurt, a lot of anger and quite a bit of steam as Dee & Rico try to figure out if they can leave the past behind and move forward.
Great supporting cast.
September 28, 2023
Another stellar read! This second chance romance comes with the cutest little boy and feisty red head and an x military man on a mission to prove he can be a good man. These characters are full of personality and Berry always popes so much love into her books. This is one still hits some serious issues that face the world but it also brings some awareness to health problems that aren’t normally spoken of. I have so much respect and admiration for the author who took what was such a scary time in her life and used it to create just the most beautiful story.
September 21, 2023
I consider myself very fortunate to have received an ARC of Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry. I discovered her writing through her book Up for Air, which is one of my top reads of 2023. I then proceeded to read everything she's published to date, including Hearts on Fire, the first book in this series. If you read the author's note at the end of Hearts to Mend, you will learn that it was Heart on Fire was never meant to be a series. However, the author had a major life event that spurred her to write Hearts to Mend. As you read this second chance romance, you can feel the author's "truth" in the writing, which is my favorite type of fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves well written romance.
September 28, 2023
What a beautiful story of second chances. Rico left Dee to go serve and Dee felt abandoned. She poured herself into being the best firefighter and giving up on love and a family. When Rico returns years later he jumps through hoops to prove he will never leave her again. Received a free copy.
September 22, 2023
A LADY FIREFIGHTER! Where she does all the rescuing!!!! This is a second-chance, single dad romance. The groveling is great and the spice is excellent.
September 20, 2023
I enjoyed the writer's style and dual perspectives. I wasn't a huge fan of the characters themselves (their actions, motives) but they are well written. If a man did half the things the female lead did, I would be pissed. So, to me, it's not okay how she treats the male lead, right up until a near death experience. Lucky for him, or else he might not have gotten her forgiveness. Seemed shallow to me.
But that is just my opinion, and like I said, it is very solid writing. And hey, I got so into it that I started dissecting fictional people. That's a win. Definitely 4 / 5.
But that is just my opinion, and like I said, it is very solid writing. And hey, I got so into it that I started dissecting fictional people. That's a win. Definitely 4 / 5.
March 11, 2024
Exquisite!!!
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review. I absolutely love this book so so much. This book is about second chance love That I absolutely devoured. Rico and Dee are phenomenal for each other. Dee is a very stubborn woman and I got to the point where I just wanted her to just let down her walls. Christina, you have become one of my new favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more of your fabulous books. You walked a story that captured my attention from start to finish.
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review. I absolutely love this book so so much. This book is about second chance love That I absolutely devoured. Rico and Dee are phenomenal for each other. Dee is a very stubborn woman and I got to the point where I just wanted her to just let down her walls. Christina, you have become one of my new favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more of your fabulous books. You walked a story that captured my attention from start to finish.
November 3, 2025
Rating: 3/5 stars
POV: Dual 1st person
Length: Novel
Relationship: MF
Primary Tropes/Features: Second chance, Firefighter romance (FMC), Single Dad, Small town, Own Voice story
Secondary Tropes/Features: Childhood sweethearts, Ex-military hero
Micro Tropes: Enthusiastic consent
Content warning: A content warning is included at the start of the book. This book includes:
Hearts to Mend is an own voice story that delivered a lighthearted love story with an easy read reconciliation and just a little angst.
I found Dee and Rico to be likeable characters that I was interested in learning more about as I progressed through the book. Dee was a confident and stubborn heroine who had clearly found her home and family in her firehouse. I loved her friendship with her closest friends and how they interacted which showed the fun and humour that Dee possessed. Rico was a proud and flirty hero whose past had obviously shaped him as an individual and I loved how deep the love for his son went. He was a steadfast individual through and through but I enjoyed the depiction of his vulnerability and worry which made him a more multi faceted character. They both had their faults which were explored a little through the book but their faults were something that could be looked past and didn’t ruin the book.
Their second chance at romance was an easy one considering they had never stopped loving one another but the events of their breakup and their lives between then and now created some light angst through combating and coming to terms with emotions, both good and bad, that had been buried. I enjoyed the conscious effort and consistent use of communication to emphasise responsibility and accountability through acknowledgement of their past and clear wants about the future. As well as the genuine conflict Dee felt over whether she could accept Rico back into her life. However there were a few moments when I was torn between my pride for Dee at protecting herself and the annoyance at her being a little hot and cold with Rico and toying with his emotions. But overall it didn’t feel unnecessarily drawn out and didn’t change the tone of the book.
The secondary characters largely revolved around members of Dee’s firehouse and Rico’s family. All were likeable with a few of my standout scenes from this book revolving around them. I thought they added to the book well bringing in a small feel of the ‘found family’ trope and their own humour and deep care. The secondary plots were minimal but felt like they had a thought out space in the book and served a purpose with one feeling like it had the potential to have been present over the multiple books in this series but this is a series where you don’t have to read them all for things to make sense.
This was my first book by Berry and one I enjoyed. I will keep this series in mind when I’m looking for a light and easy read as I do have an interest in reading books 1 & 3.
Favourite Quote(s):
“You were my first, you’ll be my last. You’re my always”
POV: Dual 1st person
Length: Novel
Relationship: MF
Primary Tropes/Features: Second chance, Firefighter romance (FMC), Single Dad, Small town, Own Voice story
Secondary Tropes/Features: Childhood sweethearts, Ex-military hero
Micro Tropes: Enthusiastic consent
Content warning: A content warning is included at the start of the book. This book includes:
Hearts to Mend is an own voice story that delivered a lighthearted love story with an easy read reconciliation and just a little angst.
I found Dee and Rico to be likeable characters that I was interested in learning more about as I progressed through the book. Dee was a confident and stubborn heroine who had clearly found her home and family in her firehouse. I loved her friendship with her closest friends and how they interacted which showed the fun and humour that Dee possessed. Rico was a proud and flirty hero whose past had obviously shaped him as an individual and I loved how deep the love for his son went. He was a steadfast individual through and through but I enjoyed the depiction of his vulnerability and worry which made him a more multi faceted character. They both had their faults which were explored a little through the book but their faults were something that could be looked past and didn’t ruin the book.
Their second chance at romance was an easy one considering they had never stopped loving one another but the events of their breakup and their lives between then and now created some light angst through combating and coming to terms with emotions, both good and bad, that had been buried. I enjoyed the conscious effort and consistent use of communication to emphasise responsibility and accountability through acknowledgement of their past and clear wants about the future. As well as the genuine conflict Dee felt over whether she could accept Rico back into her life. However there were a few moments when I was torn between my pride for Dee at protecting herself and the annoyance at her being a little hot and cold with Rico and toying with his emotions. But overall it didn’t feel unnecessarily drawn out and didn’t change the tone of the book.
The secondary characters largely revolved around members of Dee’s firehouse and Rico’s family. All were likeable with a few of my standout scenes from this book revolving around them. I thought they added to the book well bringing in a small feel of the ‘found family’ trope and their own humour and deep care. The secondary plots were minimal but felt like they had a thought out space in the book and served a purpose with one feeling like it had the potential to have been present over the multiple books in this series but this is a series where you don’t have to read them all for things to make sense.
This was my first book by Berry and one I enjoyed. I will keep this series in mind when I’m looking for a light and easy read as I do have an interest in reading books 1 & 3.
Favourite Quote(s):
“You were my first, you’ll be my last. You’re my always”
October 1, 2023
This is my first book by Christina Berry, and I was not disappointed. Since ‘Hearts to Mend’ is the second book in the ‘Hearts of Texas’ series I was a bit worried I would have to read the first book to understand the characters. If that is something you are worried about as well, I have some good news for you as that is something you don’t need to worry about at all. Christina was able to tie the two books together but made it so that they don’t fully rely on each other. But after reading ‘Hearts to Mend’ I know I am 100 percent going to pick up the first book of this series and other books that Christina has written.
‘Hearts to Mend’ really is something that grabbed my attention and was able to have spice along with heart throughout the book. The heart in this book makes you feel for these characters. Now some moments will make you chuckle. The moment that stuck with me throughout the book was when Rico was talking to his boss at the paper. Since his boss has a four-year-old daughter and a swear jar at home he says the word beep instead of swearing and even does this when he’s talking at the office. For some reason this made me chuck and have a smile on my face.
Now if you like watching shows like ‘911: Lone Star’ I think ‘Hearts to Mend’ is the right book for you. When I was reading this book, I felt like this could have been part of the show and it reminded me of the show. And just like in the show there was action to go along with the story and this action had me on the edge of my seat going holy cow.
The spice level of this book is a three. The spice was very well written and was put into the story at just the right moments. I will also say Christina sure does know how to write the spice and you will not be disappointed in it.
Overall ‘Hearts to Mend’ is a solid Four-star book. This book is for sure going to be on my I will re-read TBR list. You will enjoy the spice, the heart-to-heart, and the action of this book. Once you finish the book Christina Berry will be on your favorite author list. I know she is for me now. This book was just released and is available wherever you get your books. If you are a Kindle Unlimited member ‘Hearts to Mend’ is included in your membership and you can get the book here.
**I would like to thank Christina Berry for the ARC copy of this book. Getting the ARC Copy did not influence my thoughts on the book as they are all my own.**
‘Hearts to Mend’ really is something that grabbed my attention and was able to have spice along with heart throughout the book. The heart in this book makes you feel for these characters. Now some moments will make you chuckle. The moment that stuck with me throughout the book was when Rico was talking to his boss at the paper. Since his boss has a four-year-old daughter and a swear jar at home he says the word beep instead of swearing and even does this when he’s talking at the office. For some reason this made me chuck and have a smile on my face.
Now if you like watching shows like ‘911: Lone Star’ I think ‘Hearts to Mend’ is the right book for you. When I was reading this book, I felt like this could have been part of the show and it reminded me of the show. And just like in the show there was action to go along with the story and this action had me on the edge of my seat going holy cow.
The spice level of this book is a three. The spice was very well written and was put into the story at just the right moments. I will also say Christina sure does know how to write the spice and you will not be disappointed in it.
Overall ‘Hearts to Mend’ is a solid Four-star book. This book is for sure going to be on my I will re-read TBR list. You will enjoy the spice, the heart-to-heart, and the action of this book. Once you finish the book Christina Berry will be on your favorite author list. I know she is for me now. This book was just released and is available wherever you get your books. If you are a Kindle Unlimited member ‘Hearts to Mend’ is included in your membership and you can get the book here.
**I would like to thank Christina Berry for the ARC copy of this book. Getting the ARC Copy did not influence my thoughts on the book as they are all my own.**
October 23, 2023
Loved it, but hated it!
Why do I do this to myself? Why do I read books that break my heart a little?
This is a second chance romance novel involving Rico, a war veteran who served in Afghanistan, and Dee, a small town girl who works as a firefighter. The two were childhood sweethearts, high school lovers... until they weren't. Deciding to explore the world, to see what else was out there, he left his small little town, and Dee, to join the military. After an attack on his troop, he wrote a letter breaking it off with Dee, telling her to move on.
Seven years later, Dee discovers that Rico is back in town. Not just by himself, either... but with a son. Her emotions are rightfully all over the place, but angry trumps considering it's the first time she's seen or heard from him since he left and wrote her that letter that changed both of their lives.
In the end, she understands why he left, and I get it, too. It doesn't mean that I'm not still mad at him! I really do get it - the small little community he was born and raised in was all he knew. He wanted to travel and see the world rather than be locked down so early. By doing so, though, both of them were hurt, went through unnecessary pain and trauma, and wasted so much time they could have had together. It also kind of bothers me that they 'gained experience' during that time with other people. I'm a romantic type who loves love and hate when people who belong together, AREN'T. It saddens me that they were with other people. BUT - That's just the way of this trope. It's a second chance! They had to go their own ways to experience life to realize just how precious what they had and could have again really was.
So, 5 stars! A great story, great characters, made me feel things (even if I don't love feeling them!), and it earns full marks!
Why do I do this to myself? Why do I read books that break my heart a little?
This is a second chance romance novel involving Rico, a war veteran who served in Afghanistan, and Dee, a small town girl who works as a firefighter. The two were childhood sweethearts, high school lovers... until they weren't. Deciding to explore the world, to see what else was out there, he left his small little town, and Dee, to join the military. After an attack on his troop, he wrote a letter breaking it off with Dee, telling her to move on.
Seven years later, Dee discovers that Rico is back in town. Not just by himself, either... but with a son. Her emotions are rightfully all over the place, but angry trumps considering it's the first time she's seen or heard from him since he left and wrote her that letter that changed both of their lives.
In the end, she understands why he left, and I get it, too. It doesn't mean that I'm not still mad at him! I really do get it - the small little community he was born and raised in was all he knew. He wanted to travel and see the world rather than be locked down so early. By doing so, though, both of them were hurt, went through unnecessary pain and trauma, and wasted so much time they could have had together. It also kind of bothers me that they 'gained experience' during that time with other people. I'm a romantic type who loves love and hate when people who belong together, AREN'T. It saddens me that they were with other people. BUT - That's just the way of this trope. It's a second chance! They had to go their own ways to experience life to realize just how precious what they had and could have again really was.
So, 5 stars! A great story, great characters, made me feel things (even if I don't love feeling them!), and it earns full marks!
October 9, 2023
I have been a huge fan of Ms. Berry since day one and I have read all of her books, and I can tell you her writing and storylines get better and better. Hearts to Mend is a second-chance romance that hits all the feels. Her writing is beautifully done and her storylines are addictive, emotional and addictive and Hearts to Mend hits all those points.
Ms. Berry has Rico moving back home after leaving the Army with his son but he has to face the woman, Dee whose heart he shattered. Dee is not the person he left and broke up with through a letter. She is a firefighter and strong but underneath she is really still dealing with a broken heart that has never mended. Seeing Rico was difficult for so many reasons. She is still hurt, and angry but deep down she is still in love with him. Rico has never stopped loving her but he had his reason for what he did and he is praying that she will understand and forgive him. When a health scare happens to Rico, everyone's feelings to the surface and they are just too strong to ignore. Adding to that is the fact that his son Matteo has Dee wrapped around his finger adds a little in for Rico to get Dee back.
Ms. Berry's personal life had an influence in writing this book and having that little bit of insight had me feeling even more emotions while reading this book. Is this book a must-read? Yes. Will you fall in love with the characters? Yes. Do I recommend that you pick this book up today? Most definitely.
Ms. Berry has Rico moving back home after leaving the Army with his son but he has to face the woman, Dee whose heart he shattered. Dee is not the person he left and broke up with through a letter. She is a firefighter and strong but underneath she is really still dealing with a broken heart that has never mended. Seeing Rico was difficult for so many reasons. She is still hurt, and angry but deep down she is still in love with him. Rico has never stopped loving her but he had his reason for what he did and he is praying that she will understand and forgive him. When a health scare happens to Rico, everyone's feelings to the surface and they are just too strong to ignore. Adding to that is the fact that his son Matteo has Dee wrapped around his finger adds a little in for Rico to get Dee back.
Ms. Berry's personal life had an influence in writing this book and having that little bit of insight had me feeling even more emotions while reading this book. Is this book a must-read? Yes. Will you fall in love with the characters? Yes. Do I recommend that you pick this book up today? Most definitely.
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December 15, 2024Since this is only my second book by this author and the first book was great, I am floored by so many inconsistencies. Dee claims she thinks of Drew as a younger brother but he told us he was almost 30 and she'd be about 26 or 27. The two MCs are the same age but then Dee states Rico is 29. The "rental" was called Ricky's house not Rico, but how did he own a house as a teenager? Drew claimed "Ricky" moved to San Antonio but now they're saying he joined the army. Rico says how his brothers went off on adventures but Inez has 12 grandchildren and only one of them belongs to Rico. Then his brothers arrive when he has his stroke and stay weeks and there's no mention of kids. In Book 1 Dee was Deanna, now she's Deidre. This book also gave us repetitiveness and a bunch of words we don't need. Also the MMC told the FMC that after an explosion he returned to duty and that he was deployed still after his son was born and wasn't discharged until a few years later and he got full custody of his son, but then 3/4 of the way though Dee asks about shrapnel in his shoulder and if he was discharged after the explosion (no) and if he has full custody of his son (yes) lol are we sure she wasn't the stroke victim? Lol I'm a bit afraid to read Roosters story because while most authors get better, this author is getting worse. Or at least worse than her other book. I'm stuck on my rating.
September 30, 2023
A love/hate relationship
I have a love/hate relationship. I love the warm feelings I have when I finish a Christina Berry romance novel, but I hate that the story is over! Her dialogue is so believable, her characters are so real and so lovable, I want to hop in the car and drive over to the Texas Hill Country to meet them in person! Her latest, Hearts to Mend, has that problem covered with an extended epilogue! That was a sweet surprise.
Hearts to Mend follows the lives of the very coolest souls in the town of Krause, TX. In particular, the lives and baggage of Dee and Rico. Their sizzling hot as fire/cold as ice romance begs to be read.
In this book, we get to know all of the firefighters in their station. Also, precious Inez, Chloe's neighbor from book one, is given rich background. You cannot help but adore her and wish you could have one of her hugs and pumpkin empanadas! Most delightful of all, we meet Mateo. I won't spoil it for you but you will love that character.
And of course, there is a generous helping of good, old fashioned, sexy, sizzling, passion. This book is as hot as ever and you will enjoy it.
With lots of real life trials, tribulations and joy, I loved this book. Grab or download your copy of Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry soon! It's the second in the Hearts of Texas series, and I can't wait to read Drew's story next. ❤️
I have a love/hate relationship. I love the warm feelings I have when I finish a Christina Berry romance novel, but I hate that the story is over! Her dialogue is so believable, her characters are so real and so lovable, I want to hop in the car and drive over to the Texas Hill Country to meet them in person! Her latest, Hearts to Mend, has that problem covered with an extended epilogue! That was a sweet surprise.
Hearts to Mend follows the lives of the very coolest souls in the town of Krause, TX. In particular, the lives and baggage of Dee and Rico. Their sizzling hot as fire/cold as ice romance begs to be read.
In this book, we get to know all of the firefighters in their station. Also, precious Inez, Chloe's neighbor from book one, is given rich background. You cannot help but adore her and wish you could have one of her hugs and pumpkin empanadas! Most delightful of all, we meet Mateo. I won't spoil it for you but you will love that character.
And of course, there is a generous helping of good, old fashioned, sexy, sizzling, passion. This book is as hot as ever and you will enjoy it.
With lots of real life trials, tribulations and joy, I loved this book. Grab or download your copy of Hearts to Mend by Christina Berry soon! It's the second in the Hearts of Texas series, and I can't wait to read Drew's story next. ❤️
October 27, 2023
🐚 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐚
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: single dad, second chance, small town, firefighter
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: alcoholism, dr*g abuse, elder & child neglet, animal suffering
Hearts to Mend is not only a book about love, but also about anger, hurt, forgiveness and healing.
This book is so beautiful, emotional and makes you go through all possible feelings. I just loved it from the start to the end!
Dee is such a strong character. She still feels hurt, full of anger about how her former relationship ended, but deep down she still loves Rico.
In order to reconquer her, he must grovel, but his plans are overturned by a health problem. But this makes them spend more time together. The fact that Dee was on the verge of losing Rico made her start fighting for a new possible relationship.
Rico is a single father, who went through a lot while he was in the army and now he wants to solve the regrets he has from the past.
Dee and Rico have an indescribable relationship. Although Rico is not very well, he flirts and tries to win Dee over, and she takes care of him, falling straight into his arms again. Sometimes maybe it only takes a life changing event to realize that you need that person forever.
Thank you Christina Berry for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was received via BookSirens.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: single dad, second chance, small town, firefighter
𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: alcoholism, dr*g abuse, elder & child neglet, animal suffering
Hearts to Mend is not only a book about love, but also about anger, hurt, forgiveness and healing.
This book is so beautiful, emotional and makes you go through all possible feelings. I just loved it from the start to the end!
Dee is such a strong character. She still feels hurt, full of anger about how her former relationship ended, but deep down she still loves Rico.
In order to reconquer her, he must grovel, but his plans are overturned by a health problem. But this makes them spend more time together. The fact that Dee was on the verge of losing Rico made her start fighting for a new possible relationship.
Rico is a single father, who went through a lot while he was in the army and now he wants to solve the regrets he has from the past.
Dee and Rico have an indescribable relationship. Although Rico is not very well, he flirts and tries to win Dee over, and she takes care of him, falling straight into his arms again. Sometimes maybe it only takes a life changing event to realize that you need that person forever.
Thank you Christina Berry for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was received via BookSirens.
January 1, 2024
After the 1st book, I was looking forward to this one. No such luck.
This story is about Dee, a hilarious, talented, and strong woman firefighter from the 1st book, and Rico, the dude who left her behind.
Dee, who was such a strong and admirable character previously, spends this book regressing into a snarky, bitter, angry girl child who loves/hates Rico. This would be marginally acceptable, but she is now portrayed in a juvenile and high schoolish fashion at every turn. Gone is the awesome secondary character we met previously. This is now a new immature girl who can't make the slightest effort to face facts and whose 8 year grudge consumes everything.
Rico is a disaster of a male lead. His inability to communicate AT ALL has cost him much, yet he continues to do just that and then feel miserable. The author uses a young son as a device to get past the real work of evolving and making amends/improvements as adults should. Really hate that trope. Rico's weak, pathetic excuses as to why he one day bolted from their small town, leaving Dee and all his family behind, doesn't hold water at all, yet no one seems to question that.
I skipped ahead a ton when I realized this was not going to be a fulfilling story. Not sure if I'll move forward in the series. These characters were such a disappointment.
This story is about Dee, a hilarious, talented, and strong woman firefighter from the 1st book, and Rico, the dude who left her behind.
Dee, who was such a strong and admirable character previously, spends this book regressing into a snarky, bitter, angry girl child who loves/hates Rico. This would be marginally acceptable, but she is now portrayed in a juvenile and high schoolish fashion at every turn. Gone is the awesome secondary character we met previously. This is now a new immature girl who can't make the slightest effort to face facts and whose 8 year grudge consumes everything.
Rico is a disaster of a male lead. His inability to communicate AT ALL has cost him much, yet he continues to do just that and then feel miserable. The author uses a young son as a device to get past the real work of evolving and making amends/improvements as adults should. Really hate that trope. Rico's weak, pathetic excuses as to why he one day bolted from their small town, leaving Dee and all his family behind, doesn't hold water at all, yet no one seems to question that.
I skipped ahead a ton when I realized this was not going to be a fulfilling story. Not sure if I'll move forward in the series. These characters were such a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
Honestly, fuck the MMC. Ditches her because he wants an adventure, and then dumps her through a letter like an absolute asshole after the same event where he just happens to meet and "start to care for" someone else, who he almost immediately gets pregnate? Oh, and now that he's a single dad with full custody of the kid and living in his childhood bedroom, he suddenly wants everything he gave up before? He DID fuck up, beyond what's forgiveable.
I was perpetually annoyed at the FMC for giving him the time of day, and this entire book is just chance after chance. And NOTHING is resolved. She fucks him for no reason; she realizes she loves him and might as well just forgive him when he has a medical emergency; and she just kind of accepts caring for the kid he had with someone else a year after dumping her without a single discussion. He doesn't do a fucking thing to earn her giving one single shit about him.
Some quotes that sum things up nicely:
“What I still don’t understand is why.”
“Why what?”
“Why you left me to go fuck someone else.”
“That’s not why I—”
“I know you think you left for some noble reason."
“I never stopped loving you.”
Dee groans. “You married another woman.”
“I fucked another woman and got her pregnant, so we got married."
I was perpetually annoyed at the FMC for giving him the time of day, and this entire book is just chance after chance. And NOTHING is resolved. She fucks him for no reason; she realizes she loves him and might as well just forgive him when he has a medical emergency; and she just kind of accepts caring for the kid he had with someone else a year after dumping her without a single discussion. He doesn't do a fucking thing to earn her giving one single shit about him.
Some quotes that sum things up nicely:
“What I still don’t understand is why.”
“Why what?”
“Why you left me to go fuck someone else.”
“That’s not why I—”
“I know you think you left for some noble reason."
“I never stopped loving you.”
Dee groans. “You married another woman.”
“I fucked another woman and got her pregnant, so we got married."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
4/5 stars
2/5 spice
A second chance romance with all the angst.
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Single dad
Veteran hero
Firefighter FMC
Never stopped loving you
Latinx representation
Trauma/healing
Dual POV
It's clear Dee and Rico had a lot of mending to do but also that they never stopped loving each other. Although I felt like Dee was in her right to be mad, I didn't agree with how she treated Rico. Also, she didn't take into account the absolute horrors of war and what it can do to a person's mental health. Dee only focused on what he did to her and not what happened to him... at least not until waaaay later. Although we got an HEA in the end, that was my only issue with how things developed. Maybe that's just my issue because they had such great chemistry (eye fucking each other all the time) and I wanted them to be together already! Ugh... 🤪 and the spice... all the emotions! Anger, lust, love, and joy...
Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of second chance romance full of angst.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Death of parent (past tense), drug overdose (past tense), drug use (side character), incarceration (side character), alcoholism, brief descriptions of war and death, medical content/trauma, injury details, sexual content, explicit language
2/5 spice
A second chance romance with all the angst.
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Single dad
Veteran hero
Firefighter FMC
Never stopped loving you
Latinx representation
Trauma/healing
Dual POV
It's clear Dee and Rico had a lot of mending to do but also that they never stopped loving each other. Although I felt like Dee was in her right to be mad, I didn't agree with how she treated Rico. Also, she didn't take into account the absolute horrors of war and what it can do to a person's mental health. Dee only focused on what he did to her and not what happened to him... at least not until waaaay later. Although we got an HEA in the end, that was my only issue with how things developed. Maybe that's just my issue because they had such great chemistry (eye fucking each other all the time) and I wanted them to be together already! Ugh... 🤪 and the spice... all the emotions! Anger, lust, love, and joy...
Overall, I highly recommend this book for fans of second chance romance full of angst.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Death of parent (past tense), drug overdose (past tense), drug use (side character), incarceration (side character), alcoholism, brief descriptions of war and death, medical content/trauma, injury details, sexual content, explicit language
September 28, 2023
When Ricardo “Rico” Rodriguez left to join the military, Deidre “Dee” Marie Fletcher was sad, but knew that he was looking for something more than what their small town had to offer. It was his letter she received telling her not to wait for him that really broke her heart. They had been best friends since they were children, why had he ended their relationship in a letter? Moving on, Dee is now an EMT and firefighter with the town department. When called to assist an injured boy at the school, she meets young Mateo and then at the hospital, his father, Rico. When he tries to explain the letter, she is not ready to listen or forgive. She is fearless in her career and being injured on the job gives her time to reflect about Rico, their past and possible future. Will a health scare give him the opportunity to plead his case for a second chance with her? Will anything he has to say make a difference? A heartfelt story filled with hot romance, friends and family. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
January 17, 2026
Great Story...
Writer Christina describes herself as a writer of "smart smutty" books. It fits.
The story is great, the research shows, plus there are plenty of layers to her people and her plot to immerse ourselves in. I absolutely loved the story--5 stars for that.
The pacing and timing made the story shine. A shout out to the proofreaders and editors, too: the text itself shine.
As to the "smutty," Writer Christina's main character Dee voices the difference between casual and love filled intimacy beautifully. I skim past the love scenes, but the sentence or two I caught weren't smutty at all, and were full of Dee and Rico's emotions. I am impressed that Writer Christina did not use the many "open door" scenes as filler—the story is not compromised one whit. That's rare!
I did subtract one star because I felt the story was marred by the strong focus on sexuality, to the point it nearly upstaged what Christina and Rico were going through personally and situationally.
Writer Christina describes herself as a writer of "smart smutty" books. It fits.
The story is great, the research shows, plus there are plenty of layers to her people and her plot to immerse ourselves in. I absolutely loved the story--5 stars for that.
The pacing and timing made the story shine. A shout out to the proofreaders and editors, too: the text itself shine.
As to the "smutty," Writer Christina's main character Dee voices the difference between casual and love filled intimacy beautifully. I skim past the love scenes, but the sentence or two I caught weren't smutty at all, and were full of Dee and Rico's emotions. I am impressed that Writer Christina did not use the many "open door" scenes as filler—the story is not compromised one whit. That's rare!
I did subtract one star because I felt the story was marred by the strong focus on sexuality, to the point it nearly upstaged what Christina and Rico were going through personally and situationally.
July 31, 2024
When we’re young we think we need all these experiences before settling down into our lives. “See the world” & all that jazz. Rico made a decision 8 years ago to do just that & like most things tend to do, it turned out much different than what he was expecting.
He left behind the one person in the world that he’s ever truly loved & broke her heart in the process. Dee has not been able to forgive Rico for leaving her all those years ago.
Now in a much different place in his life & needing help he moves back home with his 6 year old son Matteo, Rico is determined to right the wrongs of his past. When he left he took Dee’s heart with him & when he ended their relationship he broke it. How do you mend a broken heart? How do you know it can be saved?
A heart can be broken but it keeps on beating just the same. Dee & Rico’s story is a raw & emotional journey that shows the challenges of heartbreak & the strength it requires to move on. Will they be able to mend their broken heart & move on together or will they remain broken?
I absolutely loved this story. As always Christina manages to write a story so real that you can just feel all of the feelings you’re reading on the pages inside yourself. Just absolutely incredible.
He left behind the one person in the world that he’s ever truly loved & broke her heart in the process. Dee has not been able to forgive Rico for leaving her all those years ago.
Now in a much different place in his life & needing help he moves back home with his 6 year old son Matteo, Rico is determined to right the wrongs of his past. When he left he took Dee’s heart with him & when he ended their relationship he broke it. How do you mend a broken heart? How do you know it can be saved?
A heart can be broken but it keeps on beating just the same. Dee & Rico’s story is a raw & emotional journey that shows the challenges of heartbreak & the strength it requires to move on. Will they be able to mend their broken heart & move on together or will they remain broken?
I absolutely loved this story. As always Christina manages to write a story so real that you can just feel all of the feelings you’re reading on the pages inside yourself. Just absolutely incredible.
October 14, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but this book was easy to follow so I don’t think reading the other books was needed. This story follows Rico and Dee, Rico has just come back to his hometown, after being away at war, and he reunites with his first love while Dee learns that while Rico was away he had a child with another person ( they were broken up)
Though its rocky tit’s a really cute love story and it’s a really cute second chance story .
There was nothing wrong with this book I actually really enjoyed it. I think just for me because the ending finished so fast I felt that there was more that could’ve been said or it was unfinished. That’s the only reason that I gave it three stars instead of four.
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but this book was easy to follow so I don’t think reading the other books was needed. This story follows Rico and Dee, Rico has just come back to his hometown, after being away at war, and he reunites with his first love while Dee learns that while Rico was away he had a child with another person ( they were broken up)
Though its rocky tit’s a really cute love story and it’s a really cute second chance story .
There was nothing wrong with this book I actually really enjoyed it. I think just for me because the ending finished so fast I felt that there was more that could’ve been said or it was unfinished. That’s the only reason that I gave it three stars instead of four.
September 30, 2023
Hearts to Mend is such an amazing, heartfelt story. I fell in love with Dee and Rico, childhood friend who were each other’s first everything. But that ended when Rico joined the military and sent Dee a letter saying don’t wait for him. Now he is back 7 years later with his son, asking to explain.
Dee is amazing. She is a strong, fierce woman who didn’t sit around lining for Rico. She put her heart and soul into her career and is now an ETM/firefighter. Rico is a reporter, so they are bound to run into each other in their small town.
When a medical emergency sidelines Dee, will Rico finally get his chance to explain his letter and will Dee let her walls down?
Dee is amazing. She is a strong, fierce woman who didn’t sit around lining for Rico. She put her heart and soul into her career and is now an ETM/firefighter. Rico is a reporter, so they are bound to run into each other in their small town.
When a medical emergency sidelines Dee, will Rico finally get his chance to explain his letter and will Dee let her walls down?
October 27, 2023
****4.5 Mend it Stars****
This was my first read by this author I was not disappointed. This was a breeze to read. Rico and Dee were childhood friends each other’s first loves until everything changed. Rico enlisted and ended things with Dee then spent years in at war after witnessing something he decided to let Dee go so she could find her happy ending. Fast word seven years later Rico comes home with his son and Dee still just as angry with as she was seven years ago. Rico wants Dee back in his life even if it’s reserved friendship. Will Dee Let Rico back in? Can Rico just accept friendship with Dee?
*****ARC from Book Sirens for review*****
This was my first read by this author I was not disappointed. This was a breeze to read. Rico and Dee were childhood friends each other’s first loves until everything changed. Rico enlisted and ended things with Dee then spent years in at war after witnessing something he decided to let Dee go so she could find her happy ending. Fast word seven years later Rico comes home with his son and Dee still just as angry with as she was seven years ago. Rico wants Dee back in his life even if it’s reserved friendship. Will Dee Let Rico back in? Can Rico just accept friendship with Dee?
*****ARC from Book Sirens for review*****
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