What do you think?
Rate this book
When the Heart Lies
The biggest secrets have a habit of catching up with you…
Romance novelist Kinsley Wentworth, a young mother who occasionally suffers from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, has a knack for approaching life as if she were a character in one of her novels. Although never diagnosed, bipolar disorder has been suspected. A second opinion found that the anti-depressants given postpartum might have caused her mania, although she would need further evaluation for a conclusive diagnosis. But one thing is certain; she is desperately in need of love, the one thing missing from her marriage.
Bad decisions can have terrifying consequences…
After a failed attempt at reconciliation with her estranged husband Nick, Kinsley meets Wayde online, and they develop a friendship. He’s allegedly searching for her missing brother. Wayde convinces Kinsley that he will help her find her brother if she moves to Florida with her young son, but Kinsley soon finds herself trapped in an abusive and potentially life-threatening situation.
A knight in shining armor…
Unknown to Kinsley, she is not totally alone; she has a protector. Jackson, a private investigator hired to watch over her and her son, is always close at hand. A little too close, Jackson is falling for a woman in a hopeless situation.
A fairytale happily ever after?
Kinsley is convinced she can forgo her own need for love to provide her son with a traditional family. But Jackson is determined to give Kinsley the space and time she needs, confident she will figure out that he is the reality she has been looking for all along.
Romance novelist Kinsley Wentworth, a young mother who occasionally suffers from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, has a knack for approaching life as if she were a character in one of her novels. Although never diagnosed, bipolar disorder has been suspected. A second opinion found that the anti-depressants given postpartum might have caused her mania, although she would need further evaluation for a conclusive diagnosis. But one thing is certain; she is desperately in need of love, the one thing missing from her marriage.
Bad decisions can have terrifying consequences…
After a failed attempt at reconciliation with her estranged husband Nick, Kinsley meets Wayde online, and they develop a friendship. He’s allegedly searching for her missing brother. Wayde convinces Kinsley that he will help her find her brother if she moves to Florida with her young son, but Kinsley soon finds herself trapped in an abusive and potentially life-threatening situation.
A knight in shining armor…
Unknown to Kinsley, she is not totally alone; she has a protector. Jackson, a private investigator hired to watch over her and her son, is always close at hand. A little too close, Jackson is falling for a woman in a hopeless situation.
A fairytale happily ever after?
Kinsley is convinced she can forgo her own need for love to provide her son with a traditional family. But Jackson is determined to give Kinsley the space and time she needs, confident she will figure out that he is the reality she has been looking for all along.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2013
25 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 29, 2013
OK, this is a review from a guy, who is not the most romantic creature on the Earth - at least my wife says so. I like this book for two reasons.
One: Kinsley, the heroine took revenge on thea$$holes bad guys. This is what Jack Reacher would do (if you know who I'm talking about). The bastards who beguile, deceit and finally kidnap her are finally punished. The good wins, and gets away with it.
Two: the chemistry between Jackson and Kinsley worked surprisingly well for me. There was wanting, there were obstacles, there were fighting emotions, there were misunderstandings. I'm not an expert in romance, but I found myself turning pages more quickly when they found the love in each other. You know what I mean.
Three (it just came into my mind, so I like the book for three reasons): there were some twists and turns I didn't expect. I don't want to spoil the book, you will have to read it yourself, but there are surprises along the story.
At first I found Kinsley week in character, indecisive, not knowing what she wanted, but later I realised that this is her personality, this is why she made bad decisions, and this is why she had a chance to stand up and get out of the trouble. Besides, who said a protagonist always has to be a strong-willed one?
One: Kinsley, the heroine took revenge on the
Two: the chemistry between Jackson and Kinsley worked surprisingly well for me. There was wanting, there were obstacles, there were fighting emotions, there were misunderstandings. I'm not an expert in romance, but I found myself turning pages more quickly when they found the love in each other. You know what I mean.
Three (it just came into my mind, so I like the book for three reasons): there were some twists and turns I didn't expect. I don't want to spoil the book, you will have to read it yourself, but there are surprises along the story.
At first I found Kinsley week in character, indecisive, not knowing what she wanted, but later I realised that this is her personality, this is why she made bad decisions, and this is why she had a chance to stand up and get out of the trouble. Besides, who said a protagonist always has to be a strong-willed one?
August 12, 2013
I picked this book up during its promotional period and am so glad I did. When the Heart Lies is a beautiful story of heartbreak, family, and love. I was so drawn to Kinsley's story, I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to finish it. Initially, I was frustrated with Kinsley's weakness. I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her. I waited in frustration for Jackson or Xavier to swoop in and drag her out of the horrible situation she'd put herself in. This didn't ruin the book for me, but was definitely a source of frustration. Who says the heroine has to be strong? Who says she has to be saved by the hero? I think Ms. North achieved the perfect compromise as she shared Kinsley's emotional journey and brought her story to a satisfying conclusion.
Jackson is wickedly delicious and his chemistry with Kinsley is undeniable. The bad guys are easy to hate. Some of the situations are definitely talk show or soap opera worthy. The secrets are intriguing. The characters are well-developed. The editing could use some polish, but wasn't too distracting. Overall, I would highly recommend reading When the Heart Lies if you enjoy romantic dramas.
Jackson is wickedly delicious and his chemistry with Kinsley is undeniable. The bad guys are easy to hate. Some of the situations are definitely talk show or soap opera worthy. The secrets are intriguing. The characters are well-developed. The editing could use some polish, but wasn't too distracting. Overall, I would highly recommend reading When the Heart Lies if you enjoy romantic dramas.
December 31, 2012
I was delighted to receive a copy of When The Heart Lies from the author, Christina North, in return for my frank and honest review.
I almost hate leaving five star reviews for books that I have received in exchange for a review – to anyone who doesn’t know me, it looks as though I’m humouring an author in return for a freebie. Those who know me, however, know that I’m always honest about what I read, and don’t pull my literary punches. I hope you’ll take my word for this, because this was a truly amazing book.
With characters you can not only empathise with, and a plot that twists and turns like a wild rollercoaster ride, When The Heart Lies is possibly one of the best debut novels I have ever read. No exaggeration. I’m not saying I haven’t read a book this good before – I have – but for an author to have such an enjoyable, mature writing style for their first novel – that’s something special.
I won’t say too much about the plot, though there are several sub-plots running alongside it, and each with its own twists and turns, but it truly is a compelling read, that had me up until 2.00am, unable to tear myself away from it without finding out how it ended.
I would sincerely recommend this, even to people who think 'oh, romance isn't for me'. It's a thriller as much as a romance novel, with a healthy dollop of well-developed suspsense thrown in for good measure. I guarentee you will not be disappointed!
I almost hate leaving five star reviews for books that I have received in exchange for a review – to anyone who doesn’t know me, it looks as though I’m humouring an author in return for a freebie. Those who know me, however, know that I’m always honest about what I read, and don’t pull my literary punches. I hope you’ll take my word for this, because this was a truly amazing book.
With characters you can not only empathise with, and a plot that twists and turns like a wild rollercoaster ride, When The Heart Lies is possibly one of the best debut novels I have ever read. No exaggeration. I’m not saying I haven’t read a book this good before – I have – but for an author to have such an enjoyable, mature writing style for their first novel – that’s something special.
I won’t say too much about the plot, though there are several sub-plots running alongside it, and each with its own twists and turns, but it truly is a compelling read, that had me up until 2.00am, unable to tear myself away from it without finding out how it ended.
I would sincerely recommend this, even to people who think 'oh, romance isn't for me'. It's a thriller as much as a romance novel, with a healthy dollop of well-developed suspsense thrown in for good measure. I guarentee you will not be disappointed!
freebie
July 20, 2013
FREEBIE!!
Romance novelist Kinsley Wentworth has a knack for approaching life as if she were a character in one of her novels. Kinsley is desperately in need of love, the one thing missing from her marriage.
Bad decisions can have terrifying consequences…
After a failed attempt at reconciliation with her estranged husband Nick, Kinsley meets Wayde online, and they develop a friendship. He’s allegedly searching for her missing brother. Wayde convinces Kinsley that he will help her find her brother if she moves to Florida with her young son, but Kinsley soon finds herself trapped in an abusive and potentially life-threatening situation.
A knight in shining armor…
Unknown to Kinsley, she is not totally alone; she has a protector. Jackson, a private investigator hired to watch over her and her son, is always close at hand. A little too close, Jackson is falling for a woman in a hopeless situation.
A fairytale happily ever after?
Kinsley is convinced she can forgo her own need for love to provide her son with a traditional family. But Jackson is determined to give Kinsley the space and time she needs, confident she will figure out that he is the reality she has been looking for all along.
Romance novelist Kinsley Wentworth has a knack for approaching life as if she were a character in one of her novels. Kinsley is desperately in need of love, the one thing missing from her marriage.
Bad decisions can have terrifying consequences…
After a failed attempt at reconciliation with her estranged husband Nick, Kinsley meets Wayde online, and they develop a friendship. He’s allegedly searching for her missing brother. Wayde convinces Kinsley that he will help her find her brother if she moves to Florida with her young son, but Kinsley soon finds herself trapped in an abusive and potentially life-threatening situation.
A knight in shining armor…
Unknown to Kinsley, she is not totally alone; she has a protector. Jackson, a private investigator hired to watch over her and her son, is always close at hand. A little too close, Jackson is falling for a woman in a hopeless situation.
A fairytale happily ever after?
Kinsley is convinced she can forgo her own need for love to provide her son with a traditional family. But Jackson is determined to give Kinsley the space and time she needs, confident she will figure out that he is the reality she has been looking for all along.
January 6, 2013
Wow! This was a really GREAT read!!! I know I have been saying that ALOT lately, but I am honest in my opinions, and I have been on a great reading roll lately! LOL
Anyway, I just finished WHEN the HEART LIES by CHRISTINA NORTH. I was given a copy by the author, Thank you again Ms. North.
Ok, all that being said, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK! I was unsure if it would be my cup of tea, but as I soon found out, this book is flexible in it's genre. I could not put this book down! I can't say too much or I might give something away, but you really, really, really will like this one, and make sure you have a hiding place to read it, so that nobody bothers you, because you will not want to put it down until the end! ;)
Anyway, I just finished WHEN the HEART LIES by CHRISTINA NORTH. I was given a copy by the author, Thank you again Ms. North.
Ok, all that being said, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK! I was unsure if it would be my cup of tea, but as I soon found out, this book is flexible in it's genre. I could not put this book down! I can't say too much or I might give something away, but you really, really, really will like this one, and make sure you have a hiding place to read it, so that nobody bothers you, because you will not want to put it down until the end! ;)
February 1, 2014
I'm guilty of always thinking I have the story figured out, and as a reviewer who reads a book a day, I usually do! But North kept me guessing, throwing every plot twist in front of the characters in a really artful way. The writing was great and the story line a lot of fun!
February 20, 2013
WHEN THE HEART LIES by Christina North
Released January 15, 2013
REVIEW: WHEN THE HEART LIES is not your typical romance novel. If anything, it is a contemporary suspense novel with a little bit of romance and a little bit of sex and a whole lot of betrayal, revenge and heartbreaking pain.
When The Heart Lies is a study in bad family dynamics-the Wentworth family take the title of dysfunctional family to a whole other dimension. Stuck in a loveless marriage to a man who continues to drink and womanize, Kinsley Wentworth searches for a way out-but she soon finds herself a virtual prisoner to an abusive man she met on the internet. And to complicate matters, she has taken her young son with her hoping for a fresh start and a new beginning.
As the storyline develops we uncover the many sides of Kinsley Wentworth-a woman who wants desperately to be loved but finds a different kind of love in all of the wrong places. Kinsley is a woman familiar to many people but at the same time, we would probably throw our hands in the air and give up trying to help. Placing herself into a situation that risks both her life and her son’s forces a close family member to hire a private investigator to keep an eye out for her safety. But all too soon, Kinsley will begin to fall in love with the man sent to guard and protect her from her own life choices. And the reality of her situation worsens when she becomes a prisoner in a war of blackmail and revenge.
WHEN THE HEART LIES is a well-written, heartbreaking, introspective and suspense filled storyline that will have many readers angry at some of the choices our heroine makes. It was difficult at times to watch as she placed her young son in jeopardy by refusing to get help when every means available to her were at her disposal. She could almost be diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder with her feelings of emptiness, impulsiveness and attempts at self-injury. We watch as Kinsley struggles to accept that her relationship with her husband is not built on love or trust, yet she continues to flail in her current emotionally abusive and highly dangerous situation without so much as attempting to ask for help from the people she meets in the small Florida town.
My only complaint-the first half of the story was slow. So slow that at times I considered not finishing the novel. But this is where the build up of Kinsley’s current situation began to take hold. At times I wondered why and how but in the end, everything will be explained and the agonizing revelations and truths –although I guessed earlier on in the story about each and everyone- are surprising and not without some head shaking and heart breaking pain. WHEN THE HEART LIES is an amazing debut novel by Christina North.
Copy supplied by the author.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
Released January 15, 2013
REVIEW: WHEN THE HEART LIES is not your typical romance novel. If anything, it is a contemporary suspense novel with a little bit of romance and a little bit of sex and a whole lot of betrayal, revenge and heartbreaking pain.
When The Heart Lies is a study in bad family dynamics-the Wentworth family take the title of dysfunctional family to a whole other dimension. Stuck in a loveless marriage to a man who continues to drink and womanize, Kinsley Wentworth searches for a way out-but she soon finds herself a virtual prisoner to an abusive man she met on the internet. And to complicate matters, she has taken her young son with her hoping for a fresh start and a new beginning.
As the storyline develops we uncover the many sides of Kinsley Wentworth-a woman who wants desperately to be loved but finds a different kind of love in all of the wrong places. Kinsley is a woman familiar to many people but at the same time, we would probably throw our hands in the air and give up trying to help. Placing herself into a situation that risks both her life and her son’s forces a close family member to hire a private investigator to keep an eye out for her safety. But all too soon, Kinsley will begin to fall in love with the man sent to guard and protect her from her own life choices. And the reality of her situation worsens when she becomes a prisoner in a war of blackmail and revenge.
WHEN THE HEART LIES is a well-written, heartbreaking, introspective and suspense filled storyline that will have many readers angry at some of the choices our heroine makes. It was difficult at times to watch as she placed her young son in jeopardy by refusing to get help when every means available to her were at her disposal. She could almost be diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder with her feelings of emptiness, impulsiveness and attempts at self-injury. We watch as Kinsley struggles to accept that her relationship with her husband is not built on love or trust, yet she continues to flail in her current emotionally abusive and highly dangerous situation without so much as attempting to ask for help from the people she meets in the small Florida town.
My only complaint-the first half of the story was slow. So slow that at times I considered not finishing the novel. But this is where the build up of Kinsley’s current situation began to take hold. At times I wondered why and how but in the end, everything will be explained and the agonizing revelations and truths –although I guessed earlier on in the story about each and everyone- are surprising and not without some head shaking and heart breaking pain. WHEN THE HEART LIES is an amazing debut novel by Christina North.
Copy supplied by the author.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
February 19, 2013
** I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review **
Christina North’s gives a bitter sweet romance in her debut novel.
“When the Heart Lies” is really about finding true happiness. Kinsley Wentworth is in a failed marriage looking for space to get perspective. When She meets Wayde, an ex military man, who claims he can help her find her brother she jumps at the opportunity. Unfortunately for her Wayde is not what he appears to be and she ends up unhappy in an abusive relationship that she can not escape. All the while in the back round is Jackson, a private investigator, which was hired to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.
I have really mixed feelings on this book.
With out a doubt Christina North has the ability to write. Her characterizations are superbly vivid while the dialogue is just amazing. There is a strong current of sexual desire between Kinsley and Jackson and a few unambiguous encounters that go a long way to proving that point. When she talks about Wayde and his nicotine stained hands I was cringing right along with Kinsley. The strength of this story is the personal relationships and the emotions derived from the situation.
What I question is North’s story telling ability. The book climaxed about two third of the way through, leaving the remainder to pull all the pieces together and explaining why everything came to fruition. I personally felt as though the chapters weren’t in the right order. While North is so outstanding in her romantic writing I found it lacking in on the side of the abuse. I questioned for sometime why Kinsley was so afraid of Wayde. Why doesn’t she just pick up and go. I had a hard time feeling the true threat until almost the climax.
Please don’t get me wrong, there is a strong story here with a few twists and revelations that can rival anything written for a day time soap opera. It is an emotionally charged modern day drama.
Christina North’s gives a bitter sweet romance in her debut novel.
“When the Heart Lies” is really about finding true happiness. Kinsley Wentworth is in a failed marriage looking for space to get perspective. When She meets Wayde, an ex military man, who claims he can help her find her brother she jumps at the opportunity. Unfortunately for her Wayde is not what he appears to be and she ends up unhappy in an abusive relationship that she can not escape. All the while in the back round is Jackson, a private investigator, which was hired to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.
I have really mixed feelings on this book.
With out a doubt Christina North has the ability to write. Her characterizations are superbly vivid while the dialogue is just amazing. There is a strong current of sexual desire between Kinsley and Jackson and a few unambiguous encounters that go a long way to proving that point. When she talks about Wayde and his nicotine stained hands I was cringing right along with Kinsley. The strength of this story is the personal relationships and the emotions derived from the situation.
What I question is North’s story telling ability. The book climaxed about two third of the way through, leaving the remainder to pull all the pieces together and explaining why everything came to fruition. I personally felt as though the chapters weren’t in the right order. While North is so outstanding in her romantic writing I found it lacking in on the side of the abuse. I questioned for sometime why Kinsley was so afraid of Wayde. Why doesn’t she just pick up and go. I had a hard time feeling the true threat until almost the climax.
Please don’t get me wrong, there is a strong story here with a few twists and revelations that can rival anything written for a day time soap opera. It is an emotionally charged modern day drama.
May 10, 2014
Overall this was a good book. My biggest issue was that there were so many sub-plots left without an ending. All the characters were woven together but yet they weren't connecting. Kinsley is married and her husband is the ultimate douchebag. They separate and she meets someone online who claims to know her brother who has been missing since returning from war. She packs up herself and her son to go live with this stranger. This was the unrealistic part. This lands her with an abusive man who pretty much keeps her prisoner. Her philandering husband doesn't seem to even care though he professes to loving her. Doesn't even seem worried about his son. The father-in-law steps in to hire a PI - Jackson - to watch over her and her son. Everyone seems to suspect something but cannot come up with enough to intervene. There are several other characters that are involved whose stories are just as crazy messed up and you get no closure on them nor much of a history. I can overlook some of the unrealistic actions taken by the heroine but there were just so many it became too hard. Again I was left with too many questions at the end of the book. Too many loose ends not tied up. I give this 3 stars. Not horrible but not a favorite.
May 23, 2013
I received an ebook copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review and as promised, here is my honest opinion - sorry, Christina!
Normally I read a book in 2-3 days but this novel took me almost a month as I couldn't connect with ANY of the characters or feel that they were fully developed and kept putting it aside to read something else. It read as though it were two separate books.
The first section of the novel was trying to be a thriller without any of the compelling action to drive you onward - and the attempt at romance in the first 12 chapters sidelined what could have been a good read. There were too many secrets hinted at that added nothing to the tale but served as a segue into what I feel should have been a second novel.
Once the thriller portion of the novel ended, it became a pure romance driven story. However, the characters at this point were actually developed enough to resemble real people with real back stories (even if some were quite far-fetched), but the ending was too easy for my liking. I do like an upbeat ending but the happily-ever-after here was sadly not believable after all the long hidden secrets that were exposed.
Normally I read a book in 2-3 days but this novel took me almost a month as I couldn't connect with ANY of the characters or feel that they were fully developed and kept putting it aside to read something else. It read as though it were two separate books.
The first section of the novel was trying to be a thriller without any of the compelling action to drive you onward - and the attempt at romance in the first 12 chapters sidelined what could have been a good read. There were too many secrets hinted at that added nothing to the tale but served as a segue into what I feel should have been a second novel.
Once the thriller portion of the novel ended, it became a pure romance driven story. However, the characters at this point were actually developed enough to resemble real people with real back stories (even if some were quite far-fetched), but the ending was too easy for my liking. I do like an upbeat ending but the happily-ever-after here was sadly not believable after all the long hidden secrets that were exposed.
August 11, 2013
3 1/2 stars
this was a really good debut novel. I really like the authors writing style.
I'm a sucker for a good "true love" story. just enough drama & suspense to keep me from putting it down. loved the twists & turns along the way.
minus one star because some parts just weren't believable enough
spoilers¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
ending was too sudden
-kinsley was portrayed as a good mom but yet she left her child's father and ran off with a dangerous stranger
-I didnt see wayde as a big enough threat. sure he was a jerk and got aggressive but I couldnt understand why kinsley was so afraid to leave. she had opportunity. instead she subjected her son to those living conditions longer
I would definitely read more from this author
this was a really good debut novel. I really like the authors writing style.
I'm a sucker for a good "true love" story. just enough drama & suspense to keep me from putting it down. loved the twists & turns along the way.
minus one star because some parts just weren't believable enough
spoilers¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
ending was too sudden
-kinsley was portrayed as a good mom but yet she left her child's father and ran off with a dangerous stranger
-I didnt see wayde as a big enough threat. sure he was a jerk and got aggressive but I couldnt understand why kinsley was so afraid to leave. she had opportunity. instead she subjected her son to those living conditions longer
I would definitely read more from this author
August 17, 2013
I have just finished reading "When the Heart Lies" and I loved it. I cried while reading the final chapter and I have nothing but praise for Christina North. She inspires me to want to write better, and she stirs my heart with a story that has substance and characters that seem so real. There are twists and turns in the story that I found intriguing and I highly recommend this book to anyone that has a romantic bone in their body. I love to be moved by words, and Christina achieved that.. Good luck and I have a feeling you will find many adoring readers.
December 27, 2013
I loved this story, the characters had a lot of of issues that were keeping them emotionally bound. It really showed how how things like regret, depression and fear can keep you in a cycle of bad decision making. The climax, or what you think is the climax is exciting, but the emotional climax at the end blows you away as everything becomes clear. Can't wait to read more from this author.
September 21, 2013
I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to follow and I especially loved the twists and turns of events. Never a dull moment. Ms. North, I look forward to reading your next book!
September 2, 2013
Great book...loved that it was a complete story with no cliffhanger!! Storyline was well written with lots of twists and turns. Characters were great and fit the storyline perfectly. Was thrilled that Jackson & Kinsley worked it out and got their happily ever after!!
December 19, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book as I had never read this author before. I was pleasantly surprised and loved this book. From page one I just couldn't put it down. I will be looking for more to read from this author.
February 8, 2013
This is a wonderful, captivating book. This is definitely one of those book that is a MUST READ.
Christina your are wonderful writer. I can't wait till read your next book.
Christina your are wonderful writer. I can't wait till read your next book.
May 1, 2013
Kept me in the dark as to how this was going to end. Characters and little to twisted for me.
August 4, 2013
Incredible read with incredible twist and the truth that comes out -got me saying "omg!" Love the book and story! Worth reading!!!!
August 3, 2013
I loved the ending of this book. It was such a surprise. I will read it again and recommend it as a good read. Thanks for writing it Christina North.
August 9, 2013
This book was beyond one of the best books I've ever read. I could not put it down! This book is one that I know I will read over and over again! Absoultely LOVED it!!!
purchased-but-haven-t-started
September 30, 2013free on Amazon 9/30/13
December 10, 2013
I did not see many reviews, but it is a hidden gem worth reading. It's a romance novel with twists and turns....so good, it's a must read
June 7, 2014
this book just didn't really jive with me. something about the way the story was told bugged me. i felt somewhat disconnected from the characters. although the plot was okay.
June 12, 2014
I loved this book. It was wonderfully written and I can't wait to read more from this author.
not-for-me-previewed
November 21, 2015Previewed, not for me
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews