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The Heart #1
By Iris Bolling Once You've Touched The Heart [Paperback]
Jeffrey Harrison is anointed with the looks, charisma and political connections to go far. He doesn't realize how far until he meets the one woman who touches his heart like no other. Tracy Washington's innocence and purity overwhelms him and even though she's his sister's best friend, he can't stop thinking about her. The forces of nature bring the two together and the sky is the limit for this couple. The trials and tribulations that Jeffrey and Tracy endure on their journey together bring them closer, to a place where neither of them imagined. But will their dreams be derailed by jealous people, family skeletons and his dangerous career?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2008
66 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Iris Bolling
55 books414 followersIris Bolling is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of five series totaling over thirty romantic suspense novels. In addition to writing, she has produced and directed several books to film projects, and scriptwriting projects for other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 24, 2013
So detailed! Hard to believe this was her first story with an amazing cast of characters that really keeps you guessing. The makings of a fantastic series!
April 22, 2012
JD and Tracy's love affair was awesome. Tracy and Ashley's friendship was one to treasure. They were there for each other. JD and the fellows (Calvin, Brian, and Doug) had a bond that ran deep. Cynthia with the bad attitude. Turned out alright. Rosaline was just a team player no matter what. Carolyn and Gavin are two of a kind and deserve one another. Lena what a mother. Turk (Al Day), was not to be played with. James and Ashley I'm cheering for them.
This was my first read by Iris Bolling and she did a great job. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. During this read I laughed, cried and shook my head. I like how each character had there own issues but were there for one another during all the trials.
This was my first read by Iris Bolling and she did a great job. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. During this read I laughed, cried and shook my head. I like how each character had there own issues but were there for one another during all the trials.
October 21, 2011
This is quite possibly the longest romance novel ever! But it is well worth the time it takes to read. The story is complete from beginning to end, and there is never a dull moment. At no point did I get bored or want to stop reading this book. Tracy's story starts from nearly the beginning of her life, but really gets started when she goes to college and meets her soon to be bff Ashley. I loved the bond Tracy and Ashley formed from the very beginning. Its the type of relationship that all best friends should have. Tracy and JD's meeting was like kismet from the start. These two characters were written so well, and you could just feel the connection and chemistry every time they shared a scene. Tracy's relationship with her brother Turk was also awesome. He was her protector throughout her life, and made the ultimate sacrifice for Tracy which sealed his fate. Ultimately this is a must read, and a wonderful debut from this author.
October 3, 2011
Really GREAT story.....GREAT can't wait to start the next one...
June 19, 2012
For years I listened to friends rant and rave about this series from Iris Bolling. Finally I took the plunge and boy am I glad I did. Tracy Washington's young life was alive of hard knocks. The only person that showed her love was here brother Al. Lena Washington treated her youngest child like trash. Tracy being the bright quiet child she was left home at eighteen afro college. Ashley Harrison beautiful outgoing and from a. Idle class family becomes her roommate and they become inseparable. Too find out what happens from here you have to read the book like I did and become entranced with this wonderful series. On to the next book.
July 3, 2012
Excellent page turning Romantic Drama! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! Bravo to Iris Bolling for writing this fresh drama filled romance. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I instantly fell in love with all of the characters and needed to know what happen to them. I was so intrigued that I immediately purchased and read all of the books in the Heart Series in less than a week
November 8, 2024
It must be love
Tracy was a brilliant young woman who knew little to nothing about happiness or love. Jeffrey was an incredible young man who had been surrounded by love and the joy of great family. Little did the two know that their forever began when their lives intersected. Real this wonderfully written story of their life and love.
Tracy was a brilliant young woman who knew little to nothing about happiness or love. Jeffrey was an incredible young man who had been surrounded by love and the joy of great family. Little did the two know that their forever began when their lives intersected. Real this wonderfully written story of their life and love.
May 2, 2018
Entertaining!!
November 12, 2011
FIRST CLASS READING!
WARNING: Not Your typical 1990's romance!
Love and Politics set the stage here as the leading male and female characters, JD and Tracy find their soul mate within each other. With his possible ticket to the Democratic Party, and her successful rising business gaining the right attention, these two have earned their silver wings and are about to take off!
But will a jealous ex from JD's past, and Tracy's family's questionable activities snip their wings?
Romance, drama, politics, intrigue, suspense, and jealousy, all sizzle between the pages of this recommended novel. An intriguing supporting cast of friends, family, enemies and lovers, who are noticeably distinctly developed characters. Non stop action is dished out within a timely well polished storyline. Yes, this means it's a GOOD story!
It's refreshing to read about a male character that follows his heart, although temptation is waving a red flag at every corner! This novel really did touch my heart!
Iris Bolling has put her personal literary spell on the typical 1990's romance and brought it full throttle into the new age where we all know there's no such thing as easy sailing when it comes to love!
A highly recommended read!
Locksie October 1st 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****
WARNING: Not Your typical 1990's romance!
Love and Politics set the stage here as the leading male and female characters, JD and Tracy find their soul mate within each other. With his possible ticket to the Democratic Party, and her successful rising business gaining the right attention, these two have earned their silver wings and are about to take off!
But will a jealous ex from JD's past, and Tracy's family's questionable activities snip their wings?
Romance, drama, politics, intrigue, suspense, and jealousy, all sizzle between the pages of this recommended novel. An intriguing supporting cast of friends, family, enemies and lovers, who are noticeably distinctly developed characters. Non stop action is dished out within a timely well polished storyline. Yes, this means it's a GOOD story!
It's refreshing to read about a male character that follows his heart, although temptation is waving a red flag at every corner! This novel really did touch my heart!
Iris Bolling has put her personal literary spell on the typical 1990's romance and brought it full throttle into the new age where we all know there's no such thing as easy sailing when it comes to love!
A highly recommended read!
Locksie October 1st 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****
January 14, 2012
Jeffrey Harrison is anointed with the looks, charisma and political connections to go far. He doesn't realize how far until he meets the one woman who touches his heart like no other.
Tracy Washington's innocence and purity overwhelms him and even though she's his sister's best friend, he can't stop thinking about her.
Predominantly set in the heart of Richmond, Virginia JD and Tracy are like night and day. The forces of nature bring the two together and the sky is the limit for this couple. The trials and tribulations that Jeffrey and Tracy endure on their journey together bring them closer, to a place where neither of them imagined.
Will their dreams be derailed by jealous people, family skeletons and his dangerous career?
Author Iris Bolling penned a world most dare to enter: politics, scandal, social climbing and most of all, justice. It is a realm sensationalized by the media but Bolling finessed bringing matters to the reader in a page-turning manner sure to captivate your heart. Whether you cheer for JD and Tracy, despise Carolyn Roth or simply wonder what binds them together, this debut does not disappoint.
Tracy Washington's innocence and purity overwhelms him and even though she's his sister's best friend, he can't stop thinking about her.
Predominantly set in the heart of Richmond, Virginia JD and Tracy are like night and day. The forces of nature bring the two together and the sky is the limit for this couple. The trials and tribulations that Jeffrey and Tracy endure on their journey together bring them closer, to a place where neither of them imagined.
Will their dreams be derailed by jealous people, family skeletons and his dangerous career?
Author Iris Bolling penned a world most dare to enter: politics, scandal, social climbing and most of all, justice. It is a realm sensationalized by the media but Bolling finessed bringing matters to the reader in a page-turning manner sure to captivate your heart. Whether you cheer for JD and Tracy, despise Carolyn Roth or simply wonder what binds them together, this debut does not disappoint.
April 24, 2013
What a wonderful book! In this first book of the Heart Series Tracy is a young woman who has lived a very lonely life because of her upbringing. She goes away to college and meets Ashley an outgoing young woman who seems to have it all. On their springbreak Ashley invites Tracy to spend it with her at her brother Jeffery JD Harrison's home and when they first meet the sparks fly. She is some 6 years his jr. and he feels like even though they have instant chemistry, she is just to young so even though they share an explosive first kiss he decides he has to walk away. Fast forward some 6 years and once again they meet up under not the greatest of circumstances and JD decides he cannot let her get away a 2nd time and there begins a wonderful love story. What I so love about Iris is she not only gives you the romance, she gives you the suspense as well. I was introduced to her by another fan of her work and decided to see what the hype was all about. I can truly say I was not disappointed and I will be reading the entire series. Great read Iris keep up the great work and thanks Sista Tea for introducing me to such a wonderful author!
October 6, 2011
OMG! Can you say long? This was a long story. Now I will admit it may have been my kindle that made it appear that it was a long story (not sure because the font kept changing throughout the story). Either way, I felt like I knew these people. I don’t recall laughing at anything they said but I was in love with the heroine’s brother. Only because I loved how he loved his sister (the best way that he knew how).
The heroine bother me a little bit because they tried to make her seems extremely intelligent however she was lacking common sense (which I’m told is now uncommon sense – LOL). The lack of common sense bothered me at times. Also, there were some unanswered questions that I'm assuming will be revealed in the other "Heart" series books. Other than that, I liked the story therefore it gets an “I liked it” rating.
The heroine bother me a little bit because they tried to make her seems extremely intelligent however she was lacking common sense (which I’m told is now uncommon sense – LOL). The lack of common sense bothered me at times. Also, there were some unanswered questions that I'm assuming will be revealed in the other "Heart" series books. Other than that, I liked the story therefore it gets an “I liked it” rating.
June 15, 2009
What an AMAZING story...once I started reading, "Once You've Touched the Heart" I could NOT put it down...I was CAUGHT UP from the very first page...I found myself LOL, crying, sighing, and cheering throughout...talk about a thrilling and HIGHLY emotional roller coaster ride...it's an ENGAGING storyline...full of drama, politics, mystery/suspense and of course a SWEET and SENSUAL romance...she creates a first rate cast of characters, main and secondary...they are ALL quite MEMORABLE...and I look forward to reading more about the Harrison family, their circle of friends and their enemies, too...definitely a WORTHWHILE debut...I can hardly wait to get my hands on the sequel...KUDOS to you, Mrs. Bolling for crafting such an INTRIGUING novel!
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. My only issue (and this isn't really the writing or the story) is how JD felt like his decisions, over Tracy's, was more relevant in certain areas. For instance her family issues are HER issues and if she told him that she didn't deal with her family, that was her right. He had NO right to go behind her back and try to "fix" shit as if he knew her situation better than she did. I get it. He's an alpha male, but I felt like he did things that really didn't consider her feelings (IE, continuously putting her in the line of his exes who were NASTY towards her and not really checking them) and then keeping the truth of her paternity from her. At the very least, he should have given her the option to know or not before deciding she shouldn't know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2012
My heart has been touched by this novel. I was sweep away into the journey of JD and Tracey from page one with the romance, politics, and suspense. There were sleepless nights and neglect of school work reading this novel because I had to know what would happen next with JD, Tracey, and supportive characters. JD had a fierce love for Tracey and was not ashamed to express his feelings. I am now a fan of Ms. Bolling. Bravo in writing such a unique romance novel. Dont sleep on Ms. Bolling...or you will miss out on an adventure.
February 20, 2013
This was my first Iris Bolling book and I LOVED every page. I loved the details, nothing was left unspoken. I loved the friendship, I loved the love story between JD & Tracy, I loved how the had each others back, I loved how Tracy did let a lot of the people bring her down. I love JD's unconditional love for Tracy This was a awesome read! I hope there is a Part 2
August 26, 2020
When I first read this book I gave it 5 stars, after a 2nd read I will give it 4 stars. I love this story but too many unresolved issues to be solved in other books, so this is not a true standalone.
The hardest part about reading this again was trying to ignore the physical characters from the movie (which was terrible) they did not match the description in the book.
The hardest part about reading this again was trying to ignore the physical characters from the movie (which was terrible) they did not match the description in the book.
December 27, 2013
This book was off the chain, before I finished reading it, I had gone to Amazon.com to down load the other books in the series. These characters jumped off the pages and set on coach with me that how real they were.
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September 10, 2012Final Rating 5 Stars
June 8, 2024
My favorite Heart Book!!!
June 9, 2022
My favorite Heart Book!!!
July 28, 2017
Loving the Love
I am a fan of Iris Bolling. I like the plots in her stories. The books all tie in together! I am in a book reading club. We decided to start at the beginning to see how all the characters are intertwined. I have this whole Heart series. The only thing I do not understand are the references to God's Grace in the midst of ungodly actions! One of the characters - Tracy? - said the same thing to - JD??. How can you mention God and in the same breath swear His Name? I cannot tune it out, but I am still reading. Hypocritical?? Yes! I promised I would see this to the end. When my turn comes to pick a book, it will be by a Christian Author. Thanks so much!
I am a fan of Iris Bolling. I like the plots in her stories. The books all tie in together! I am in a book reading club. We decided to start at the beginning to see how all the characters are intertwined. I have this whole Heart series. The only thing I do not understand are the references to God's Grace in the midst of ungodly actions! One of the characters - Tracy? - said the same thing to - JD??. How can you mention God and in the same breath swear His Name? I cannot tune it out, but I am still reading. Hypocritical?? Yes! I promised I would see this to the end. When my turn comes to pick a book, it will be by a Christian Author. Thanks so much!
July 23, 2018
Unrealistic novel
I’m sorry. I just can’t give this a rating above 2 stars. This book was too long. Some points she wrote as a summary but others she detailed out and those were the parts that could have been summarized. I was happy to finally finish it and it was a little bit too much of a fairytale for me. Beautiful girl marries Beautiful guy. They made her out to be so naive that practically the whole town wanted to protect her.
The book didn’t get interesting until around 85%
I’m sorry. I just can’t give this a rating above 2 stars. This book was too long. Some points she wrote as a summary but others she detailed out and those were the parts that could have been summarized. I was happy to finally finish it and it was a little bit too much of a fairytale for me. Beautiful girl marries Beautiful guy. They made her out to be so naive that practically the whole town wanted to protect her.
The book didn’t get interesting until around 85%
November 30, 2022
Love this series
I've had a chance to read this entire series from beginning to end and loved every single book. Being from the same area the series is set in was exciting to read, the dialog and chemistry between all the characters was the icing on the cake. I love connecting books and Ms. Bolling exceeded my expectations with each of them. The stories are filled with love and compassion, drama and nail biting twists. Highly recommend this series!
I've had a chance to read this entire series from beginning to end and loved every single book. Being from the same area the series is set in was exciting to read, the dialog and chemistry between all the characters was the icing on the cake. I love connecting books and Ms. Bolling exceeded my expectations with each of them. The stories are filled with love and compassion, drama and nail biting twists. Highly recommend this series!
July 1, 2018
When Love touches the heart and soul
Whew!!! What a ride! This book has it all, but at the center of it all is the power of love. How love, true love changes your perspective and has the ability to make you a better you. I can’t wait for the back stories of the rest of JD and Tracy’s circle of friends.
Whew!!! What a ride! This book has it all, but at the center of it all is the power of love. How love, true love changes your perspective and has the ability to make you a better you. I can’t wait for the back stories of the rest of JD and Tracy’s circle of friends.
February 14, 2023
Lord, now I have to read the whole series, I’m so confused. It was great however I know now what happens in the future but it was great to see how Jeffrey Harrison meets an falls in love with his intelligent Sister’s Room mate an best friend brilliant Tracy Washington. Don’t let them quiet ones fool you. This book was a great gift.
June 5, 2019
MsLady
I am truly enjoying this new author iris bolling can’t wait to the next book in the series the Heart. Love the way Iris had mystery,intrigue,drama,and love in her books. I give this book A+
I am truly enjoying this new author iris bolling can’t wait to the next book in the series the Heart. Love the way Iris had mystery,intrigue,drama,and love in her books. I give this book A+
October 23, 2020
Awesome
What a love story. I fell in love with Tracy and Jeffrey. I love all the friends connected to them. Friendship is beautiful when you have their love and support through all trials in your life.
What a love story. I fell in love with Tracy and Jeffrey. I love all the friends connected to them. Friendship is beautiful when you have their love and support through all trials in your life.
February 4, 2021
This Story Touch My Heart
JD and Tracey’s love for one another is so special. When reading this story it as if you are feeling their emotions. I can’t wait to see what life is like in the Harrison household in this Heart series.
JD and Tracey’s love for one another is so special. When reading this story it as if you are feeling their emotions. I can’t wait to see what life is like in the Harrison household in this Heart series.
July 19, 2021
Pure love and intrigue!
Wow! This was an extremely great read. Each character has enough baggage to warrant their own saga. Kept you on the edge of your seat throughout. I want some more of this series! On to the next!
Wow! This was an extremely great read. Each character has enough baggage to warrant their own saga. Kept you on the edge of your seat throughout. I want some more of this series! On to the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews