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Conflicting Hearts
Rachel Hayward hoped to have a quiet thirtieth birthday alone. Instead, fate had different plans.
Caught in traffic and late for work, she can do nothing except wait for the freeway gridlock to ease. A three-car pileup has caused the snarl. Just as cars begin to move at a faster clip, Rachel takes her eyes off the road to gawk at the accident and rear-ends the car in front of her.
Sick over having ruined her day, she lowers her head onto the steering wheel and waits for the driver to begin a tirade over her stupidity. Instead, a kind man taps on her window showing genuine concern about her welfare. The brief colliding encounter suddenly starts a relationship between two strangers that takes off under odd circumstances.
When the couple gets to know each other on a more intimate level, their relationship turns into a conflicting set of desires and needs. Rachel is bound by a shameful, dark childhood. After she falls in love with the handsome Ian Richards, she is faced with the decision to leave him or finally confront her demons to obtain the one thing in life she's always needed--healing from the sexual abuse she endured as a little girl.
Caught in traffic and late for work, she can do nothing except wait for the freeway gridlock to ease. A three-car pileup has caused the snarl. Just as cars begin to move at a faster clip, Rachel takes her eyes off the road to gawk at the accident and rear-ends the car in front of her.
Sick over having ruined her day, she lowers her head onto the steering wheel and waits for the driver to begin a tirade over her stupidity. Instead, a kind man taps on her window showing genuine concern about her welfare. The brief colliding encounter suddenly starts a relationship between two strangers that takes off under odd circumstances.
When the couple gets to know each other on a more intimate level, their relationship turns into a conflicting set of desires and needs. Rachel is bound by a shameful, dark childhood. After she falls in love with the handsome Ian Richards, she is faced with the decision to leave him or finally confront her demons to obtain the one thing in life she's always needed--healing from the sexual abuse she endured as a little girl.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2012
26 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Burrows
2 books26 followersReaders’ Favorite is proud to announce that “Conflicting Hearts” by J. D. Burrows won the Finalist Award in the Fiction – Social Issues category.
Conflicting Hearts is a true tale of childhood sexual abuse set within a fictional world. It's a taboo subject, but sadly true that one out of four little girls in today's society will be sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday. The selfish act has a profound effect upon the mind of a child. As a result of the trauma, the little girl within grows into a woman who struggles with a variety of painful issues and poor relationships.
Conflicting Hearts is available the following formats: eBook, print, and audio. Award Finalist 2017 Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest - Fiction/Social Issues
Conflicting Hearts is a true tale of childhood sexual abuse set within a fictional world. It's a taboo subject, but sadly true that one out of four little girls in today's society will be sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday. The selfish act has a profound effect upon the mind of a child. As a result of the trauma, the little girl within grows into a woman who struggles with a variety of painful issues and poor relationships.
Conflicting Hearts is available the following formats: eBook, print, and audio. Award Finalist 2017 Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest - Fiction/Social Issues
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 30, 2019
4.25 Stars! Pretty much listened all night without stopping. Very good listen, but could have triggers for some people. (Child sexual abuse survivor) Still, it was,for me, a good romance. And as always, narration by Andi Arndt was 5 stars for me. She's just the best and a favorite of mine. Part of the Audible Romance Package.
March 11, 2013
Dear J.D.Burrows;
Even without the clip about your this story based off your real-life abuse, I would have thought you were writing from experience. This was really a great read.
You delve deep into the very serious issue of sexual abuse. I experienced the thoughts and fears of your main character as she spirals from darkness of self-loathing into a healthy young woman dealing with her issues.
Usually, I really don't like stories about abused women, but this character felt very real and likable without being whinny or unbelievable. Wonderful writing.
I really appreciate you bringing your main character from down to up. Bringing this story to light was a best thing you could have done! You had a message, you said it well, and I applaud your bravery for putting it out there. It's one of those inspiring stories that make women believe they can take their power back. Thank you.
Even without the clip about your this story based off your real-life abuse, I would have thought you were writing from experience. This was really a great read.
You delve deep into the very serious issue of sexual abuse. I experienced the thoughts and fears of your main character as she spirals from darkness of self-loathing into a healthy young woman dealing with her issues.
Usually, I really don't like stories about abused women, but this character felt very real and likable without being whinny or unbelievable. Wonderful writing.
I really appreciate you bringing your main character from down to up. Bringing this story to light was a best thing you could have done! You had a message, you said it well, and I applaud your bravery for putting it out there. It's one of those inspiring stories that make women believe they can take their power back. Thank you.
January 5, 2017
I got it this novel for free on Kindle, thankfully for it would have been more disappointing to have actually bought it. I had digitally shelved it for months after I first acquired it and decided to crack it open last night. It only took two hours to read, and mainly because I was racing to see if any of the characters developed more depth. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book. I do have a soft spot for melodramatic, modern damsel-in-emotional distress stories but one major aspect of this book bothered me.
The main character, Rachel contributes her need for bondage and BDSM activities to orgasm to her childhood sexual abuse. This is a "major" conflict in her new relationship with a cookie cutter "nice-guy" Ian (who happens to be a rich lawyer)(...Right). Ian's character is just as bland and unimaginative as Rachel is self-depreciating and immature. The only time I actually liked Ian's character is when Rachel actually TELLS HIM what she wants sexually and he gives it to her rough. But of course, we can let women believe that it is okay for them to tell their men how they want sex so, Ian becomes mad that she asked him to do that and she runs away like a teenager.
Through-out the entire novel Rachel struggles with her "sexual demons" and need for rough sex, but never once thinks that maybe, just maybe, she would have enjoyed BDSM even without her sexual abuse. The entire time I wanted her to < b>DUMP the vanilla Ian and find a comforting Dom type from one of Cherise Sinclair's novels. Only one character acknowledges that BDSM is a sexual lifestyle that is between consenting adults and is a normal sexual activity, and only at the very end of the novel. I find this book an uneducated look at sexuality, and plays into the common misconception that for a person to want rough sex (or play in BDSM) they must have been damaged emotionally or sexually to engage in those activities. It is just one of plethora of novels that is following the trend of self-deprecating "broken" women that miraculously find the strength to "fix" themselves for a relationship.
March 18, 2014
I listened to the audio version of this fantastic novel, as that's the format I prefer when I'm busy. I figured I would listen a little each day during some free moments. That didn't happen! I couldn't put it down and listened to the entire book in one day!
A fender-bender on the road, brings Rachel (an administrative assistant) and Ian (a promininant attorney) together by accident. Ian persues a relationship with the very reluctant Rachel, and finally succeeds in winning her trust. But when they attempt to consummate their relationship, he finds that loving her may not be enough to overcome her dark and haunting secrets. Yes...she is broken, but not ruined. The ensuing struggle to make this relationship work, not only awakened memories and nightmares from my own past, but it also touched my soul.
I never expected such a poignant and indepth journey into the mind and soul of a sexual abuse victim. This author captures the essence and nuances of a taboo subject, yet weaves them into a beautiful, gripping story of love, hope, pain, and rebirth, that stays with you long after you've finished the book. I had to ponder and digest my overwhelming and raw feelings for a few days, before I could write this review. The author brings to the forefront, a view of the damage left behind by a child abuser; the struggle to overcome, and the fight to be normal...whatever that is. It's also a peek into the dark programming such abuse does to a child's mind; a program that unfortunately, cannot ever be deleted.
The scenes and situations concerning the abuse are not described in graphic detail; they are written tastefully, placed appropriately, and with blatant honesty. However, they may have a triggering effect on some readers. Overall, the scene descriptions, the likeable and believeable characters, and the message of hope and healing are beautifully depicted. The author's grasp of the suffering, shame, and secrecy is spot on!
I highly recommend this beautifully written, believable, and powerful love story. It will open your eyes and touch your heart!
BRAVO JD Burrows...I'm forever a fan! Well done!
A fender-bender on the road, brings Rachel (an administrative assistant) and Ian (a promininant attorney) together by accident. Ian persues a relationship with the very reluctant Rachel, and finally succeeds in winning her trust. But when they attempt to consummate their relationship, he finds that loving her may not be enough to overcome her dark and haunting secrets. Yes...she is broken, but not ruined. The ensuing struggle to make this relationship work, not only awakened memories and nightmares from my own past, but it also touched my soul.
I never expected such a poignant and indepth journey into the mind and soul of a sexual abuse victim. This author captures the essence and nuances of a taboo subject, yet weaves them into a beautiful, gripping story of love, hope, pain, and rebirth, that stays with you long after you've finished the book. I had to ponder and digest my overwhelming and raw feelings for a few days, before I could write this review. The author brings to the forefront, a view of the damage left behind by a child abuser; the struggle to overcome, and the fight to be normal...whatever that is. It's also a peek into the dark programming such abuse does to a child's mind; a program that unfortunately, cannot ever be deleted.
The scenes and situations concerning the abuse are not described in graphic detail; they are written tastefully, placed appropriately, and with blatant honesty. However, they may have a triggering effect on some readers. Overall, the scene descriptions, the likeable and believeable characters, and the message of hope and healing are beautifully depicted. The author's grasp of the suffering, shame, and secrecy is spot on!
I highly recommend this beautifully written, believable, and powerful love story. It will open your eyes and touch your heart!
BRAVO JD Burrows...I'm forever a fan! Well done!
March 2, 2013
I won this book from the Goodreads giveaway.
This was a nice book about overcoming a bad childhood and opening yourself up to new relationships. While I did enjoy that aspect of the story, I had a hard time getting into the characters and the relationship seemed very rushed and not really developed. Ian should have been a great character but he wasn't ever fully developed beyond being a nice guy but he came off as a nice guy with no sustance which was a big let down.
This was a nice book about overcoming a bad childhood and opening yourself up to new relationships. While I did enjoy that aspect of the story, I had a hard time getting into the characters and the relationship seemed very rushed and not really developed. Ian should have been a great character but he wasn't ever fully developed beyond being a nice guy but he came off as a nice guy with no sustance which was a big let down.
October 14, 2015
I'm torn with this book the romance between broken Racheal and gentleman Ian had a great story concept I just found both characters a little boring and repetitive and sometimes stagnant, plus there was a bit to much reference to God for me, the only thing that saved it was the narrator Andi Arndt that is always brilliant.
January 11, 2015
Author J.D. Burrows does a great job portraying the conflicting emotions of an abuse victim in “Conflicting Hearts.”
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 22, 2024
A blend of romance and serious drama. In lesser hands, such as the weird erotica I thought it might become, it could have been in bad taste.
But the child abuse is put front and center, as it should be. It becomes more important than the romance itself.
However, the prose, style and ultimate denouement are unabashedly romance. The 'why don't they get together?' just has a greater significance and kick.
My beef is that the main character, despite repeatedly telling us she is a basket case, is full, from the beginning, of an understanding that literally feels like it comes from the therapist's mouth. Her first line on the therapist's couch sounds like she is a therapist herself, one who has had the wisdom and self-healing she needs.
But the child abuse is put front and center, as it should be. It becomes more important than the romance itself.
However, the prose, style and ultimate denouement are unabashedly romance. The 'why don't they get together?' just has a greater significance and kick.
My beef is that the main character, despite repeatedly telling us she is a basket case, is full, from the beginning, of an understanding that literally feels like it comes from the therapist's mouth. Her first line on the therapist's couch sounds like she is a therapist herself, one who has had the wisdom and self-healing she needs.
August 4, 2013
Quite a tough book to read as the lead character Rachel, who is only 30, is trying to come to terms with having been abused since she was a child. Having met her share of wrong men she cannot believe that Ian really is as good as he seems.
It's handled pretty well, it's more about emotions than it is sex, and the counselling sessions are interesting without being too detailed.
Predictable ending but I enjoyed the book.
It's handled pretty well, it's more about emotions than it is sex, and the counselling sessions are interesting without being too detailed.
Predictable ending but I enjoyed the book.
August 2, 2013
This was a refreshing, honestly written book, the subjects covered, abuse and mental health were dealt with really well and the story of Ian and Rachel was lovely to read, I really felt for Rachel and what she had been through, I was rooting for her through all her challenges she faces to deal with her past, hopeful she can then have a future with Ian, so glad i read it, definate TBR.
August 31, 2013
This is one of the toughest book I've read so far. The thought of someone like Rachel experienced it in a very young age really traumatized her. I broke my heart and most of the time I can't help myself to cry to her. For Ian who stays for her through out the end I admire him and so lucky they bumped into each other. At the end I'm happy for Rachel for her own happy ending come true.
August 7, 2013
It was a tough book to read but it was a great read. Love Ian and how he is towards Rachel. I read it and it just breaks my heart to know that things like what Rachel has gone through, people out there has gone thru.
September 1, 2013
Good book with an interesting storyline. Absolutely adored the love between Ian & Rachel!! He saw who she was faults and all and she wanted to be ok because he loved her!! Would definitely recommend!!
November 14, 2012
Every women should read this book. No child or women should every be abused. This was a great love story also. I started reading it last night and couldn't put it down.
December 28, 2012
Great story about overcoming ones past to move forward into a healthy relationship. Wish it had Ian's point of view though would really like to read that.
Want to read
September 7, 2013Amazon Freebie 8/2/13
December 18, 2013
It's a really great story with a a woman trying to love since her abuse. Worth the read, you would not be disappointed.
January 3, 2015
Very good read.
The characters were very believable. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had never read this author. Now I will be looking for other books by J.D. Borrows.
The characters were very believable. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had never read this author. Now I will be looking for other books by J.D. Borrows.
March 4, 2015
Love
Love how 2different people from 2 different kind of world meet and made it work! Read the whole book in 1 setting!
Love how 2different people from 2 different kind of world meet and made it work! Read the whole book in 1 setting!
September 8, 2015
dnf. got 80% through it but couldn't finish it.. i got bored with her issues.
November 3, 2015
Loved it!
I loved this book. It was filled with romance, sadness, and happiness. I haven't read a book in a while and I'm glad I choose this book. It was everything and more.
I loved this book. It was filled with romance, sadness, and happiness. I haven't read a book in a while and I'm glad I choose this book. It was everything and more.
August 6, 2016
Heartbreakingly beautiful!
Ian & Rachel's story is definitely an eye opener. It is one that will absolutely stick with me. Author did amazing bringing this love story to fruition.
Ian & Rachel's story is definitely an eye opener. It is one that will absolutely stick with me. Author did amazing bringing this love story to fruition.
April 5, 2013
Intense story about surviving and moving on after abuse.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews