Untangle My Heart

Tangled Hearts #1

by Maria K. Alexander

When her marriage ended in tragedy, Kate DiFrancesco rebuilt her life, but has never gotten over the pain of what she lost. Seeking the help of an ex-lover ignites feelings she's promised never to have again. She'll need to untangle herself from dangers in her past in order to break the hard shell around her heart.

Edward Weston has a lot to prove, both to his stuffy upper-crust British family, and to himself. Working alongside Kate, a woman he had a casual relationship with, stirs unexpected feelings. Helping her family makes him realize what he's missing. For the first time, he wants more than a one-night stand.

When Kate is threatened, Edward must overcome feeling unworthy to protect the woman he loves and fight for the family he never thought he'd have.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Suspense, Fiction

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2013

About the author

A romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.

Maria is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.

You can keep in touch with her at: http://mariakalexander.com.

Reviews

[Michele Mannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward and Kate are two characters that will stay with me for a long time. The sparks between them are HOT! I love that Maria K. Alexander writes from the heart, that these characters and their conflict is so real, you're breathlessly waiting to read what happens next to them. I love the hometown spin, as well. Makes me want to head over to the closest Italian bakery for a cannoli, and some hot romance!

Highly recommend "Untangle My Heart" to readers looking for the perfect romance to cuddle up with.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: 3/5

This book was deeper than I was expecting. Edward and Kate both come to the table with complex trauma that controls how they interact with eachother. While I think their chemistry is solid throughout, I did feel like the story was a bit predictable. Also the fights/misunderstandings were very unnecessary and seemed childish. Side characters and writing were strong though so I think that I'd come back to read another book if the series continued.

ARC* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diana Quincy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect mix of sensuality and passion, on one hand, and family warmth, tradition and togetherness on the other. Maria K. Alexander seamlessly interweaves it all together into a heart-felt, super-sexy love story. To say much more would be to give away some of the surprises that occur along the way - and it is these unexpected turns that get us in the gut and make "Untangle My Heart" a story to savor.

[RoseAnn DeFranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untangle My Heart is a super sexy and intriguing read. Edward and Kate sizzle together. It is interesting, and a times heartbreaking, to watch them overcome previous demons in order to move on with their lives. The only thing hotter than this couple together is the food and Kate’s extended family. I’m looking forward to more stories from this promising debut author, hopefully one about Nick, Kate’s impossibly yummy brother!

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first books where the backstory was actually tragic enough to justify the characters issues. I loved how Kate and Edward worked out their issues. My only complaint is I felt I missed a previous book or two because of the mentions of the relationships of Charles and Meg and Karen and Kyle.

[CharmaineW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Edward..what a dynamic couple :-)
So much heartache in kate's life she deserves happiness. oh Edward..what a hunk just what kate needs once he sorts himself out. so happy lucas was taken care of.
would love to see a follow up book regarding the other characters Vicki. .nick..vinnie etc also Edward kate and lucas
HIGHLY RECOMMEND X

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I really felt for the heroine in this story. I was very glad it's a romance because I wanted a Happy Ever After for this heroine in the worst way. I actually cried when she got it, and I rarely cry over books. Great job.

[Joanna Shupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is a spitfire and Edward is a British playboy struggling with some issues of his own. I like the family dynamics in this one and the way they both made each other better in the end. A fun, quick read!

[J.B.]

Lots of touching moments! I found myself all teary—twice! The importance of family—old and new—in this book, is a main theme, and so integral to what makes this book wonderful! Plus, I adored tough, smart-aleck Kate (the heroine).

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing:
This was the first book in the series, however it felt as if it started midway with a number of occurrences from the past being referenced without much backstory and it was as we were expected to already know what had already transpired. Apparently this book has been lightly edited and the series is being republished. Unfortunately I think it could have been reworked further as it fell flat for me. The characters came off as two dimensional and I wish I could have gotten to know them more deeply, as opposed to just being told about them. Furthermore Edward was supposed to be British but his "voice" was decidedly American, with the odd "luv" thrown in for good measure.
Although I felt sorry for Kate given her past, I grew frustrated with her oscillating and the way these two kept running hot and cold.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid, good storyline about a wealthy, little older, attractive young man Ed who is attracted to a younger, stubborn Italian young lady Kate. Kate makes herself appear stubborn and cold because of all the emotional and physical pain she had while married to Mario. Her son, Tony, died because of Mario..she lost them both in the same car accident.

Beside Edward in this new chapter in Kate’s life a little orphan, Lukas, who was same age as Tony when he passed, have become close and adopted. Plenty of drama from Ex-husband Ed, and evil, prisoner and sleezy and oily brother in law Sal.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Untangle My Heart is an emotional action packed story full of so many feels that the reader cannot put this book down. This book is packed with trauma, angst, loss, stalkers and a family so strong you wish they were yours. The big Italian family that Kate come froms keeps her grounded and crazy at the same time. This author nails all of the conflicting emotions and drama that lives in Kate's life and then with Edward added in the story takes on a life of its own. This story was a slow starter for me and then I connected with the characters. Well done.

[Brendee Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The steam coming off of the pages is due to the story of Edward and Kate. I love when an authors includes aspects that you can see in yourself and for me that was the family mixed into the plot. This story was heart-wrenching at times when you feel the characters navigate those same memories and scars that we battle to move forward in life. The characters will have you turning pages from the spice, but also fall in love with the characters because of their story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate and Edward's story is certainly packed full of emotions, actions and romance. There's real family, and found family. There's angst, and fear, and love and hope. There are miracles. So many ingredients that make this a truly fabulous read. Keep your tissues handy, and be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat and possibly lose a fingernail or two…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty fast read you will meet Kate and Edward. Kate has to go back to Philly to help her family decide how to rebuild their restaurant. They enlist Edward to help as well. Kate's past keeps her from moving forward in her life and Edward hopes to break through that barrier.
A family that stays together is the base of this book

[Mary Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about Edward and Kate. Both of them don’t think they are ready for anything serious. Kate has a lot of personal trauma that holds her back and Edward never thought he was cut out for marriage and family. Kate meets Lucas, an orphan and he manages to heal both her and Edward. Great ending.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Edward had a fling when he was visiting from England. But then returns to work with his brother as her boss. Kate halts anything going forward. Edward however can't get her out of his mind. He was always a playboy but with Kate things feel different. Kate is adopting a Lucas, a six-year-old boy. Does this end things or can they all get what they want? A somewhat steamy read.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable story. The novel explores grief, vulnerability, and second chances with sincerity. Kate’s journey through loss and emotional recovery is portrayed well; at the same Edward struggles to engage in vulnerability . Their chemistry and interactions build with a backdrop of a stalker and renewal.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very emotional. This Italian family has been through a lot of trauma, especially Kate. What she has gone through would test anyone's emotional health. Edward is British, and her boss can help her if she lets him. It's worth reading over again. There's a lot of drama, chaos, revenge, and so much more. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

added to faves

This is the first book I´ve read from this author but it surely won´t be the last, I liked how Maria made me connect with her characters instantly and Edward and Kate´s story really touched my heart.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is awesome, a lot happening, Kate and Edward struggling coming together both in their own way.It’s written very vividly and heartfelt. Kate’s family is wonderful and Edwards brother is his best friend. Will they find their way to each other. You will have to read this story.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that got better and better as it progressed! I enjoyed the family dynamic and seeing two "difficult" (in different ways)characters who weren't looking to fall in love do so!

[Megan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting HEA

Started this read and realised it is part of a series 🤦🏼‍♀️it was still good as a stand alone. Love the character development.

[Helen Lohman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Pelican Bay series by Maria, this was a little different. The story line pulls at your heart strings. Kate is closed off to love and wants nothing to do with Edward now that he lives in the US. Kate’s past is something we see her struggle to over come. Edward is unfamiliar with the feelings of love and unsure what he wants. An orphan boy and a family restaurant, which Edward helps renovate, brings up loads of emotions for both Kate and Edward. Watching their story unfold had me on edge and not able to put the book down! Excited to read the rest of this series.

[Lisa ~ Books Are My Drugs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate had lost her young son, her unborn child & her abusive husband all in the same accident. Caused by her abusive husband chasing after her. After that, she swore to herself to keep her emotions in check & not let herself be vulnerable to another man. She & Edward had a brief fling the previous summer & as hot as the fling was it was enough. But now she's finding that stronger feelings for Edward seem to be developing, but she can't trust that Edward would be open to more than just a physical relationship. He's always been the love 'em & leave 'em type before.

Edward had a very cold childhood. Brought up for the most part by servants, always made to feel like second best, he doesn't know how to love. Since his summer fling with Kate & a bout with cancer, he's not been interested in other women. It's been an experience adjusting to her loud boisterous Italian family, but he finds that he likes it & wants more of it.

When Kate meets Lucas, a young orphaned boy who lost his entire family to a car accident, she knows that he's the path to her healing from the loss of her own son. Little does she know that adopting Lucas will also be the path to healing for Edward as well.

I really enjoyed this book, although I kept feeling like I was missing out on the stories of 2 other couples - Mark & Karen and Charles & Meghan. This really felt like a sequel to their stories.

[Michelle Joyce Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Edward sweeps in to help Kate and her family design a new family restaurant, Kate is completely set against becoming involved with the dashing Brit again. But their short fling is blooming into something more as Edward is drawn closer and closer to her. This is despite Kate’s dark past: an abusive marriage that ended in tragedy. Kate is afraid to risk her heart again, but Edward is determined to win her over. Her strength and the warmth of her close family are things Edward is missing in his life, the history of his own cold, British upbringing leaving wanting for something more. Will he be able to untangle her past and win her heart?

I fell in love not only with Alexander’s complex characters but with the family life she depicts in this heartfelt, sexy novel. There is a subplot in which Kate is considering adopting an orphaned boy that really tugged at my heartstrings. Both Kate and Edward are working through their pasts, and it was wonderful to watch them develop together, growing into one another.

Something that really set Alexander’s writing apart was the tension created by and underlying threat that ran through the book. Kate is being stalked, and as her past catches up with her, both she and Edward will need to fight against it.

UNTANGLE MY HEART builds to a gripping, satisfying conclusion. Don’t miss this powerful love story!

[Whispers From · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed.....

Disappointed.....

Kate and Edward has a brief affair over the summer. He wants more but she doesn't want a relationship. Her ex was abusive and while chasing her in a car, crashed into her killing himself and their 2 yr old son. Then Edward doesn't want a permanent relationship. It goes back and forth like this. She wants him but doesn't. He wants her but doesn't. I felt sorry for Edward because she was a pure witch. Then half way thru he starts being a prick. I started not to finish it but I did. Steamy, tear- jerker, and 2 jerks, who should have just walked away.

[Aliss (gracedby_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Slow Burn but Spicy
British Accent
Workplace romance
Enemies to Lovers
Crazy Family
Chemistry
Tension
Sassy FMC

I need to hear Edward's accent!

This would be an amazing audiobook. Must be the month of heavy ARCs and healing.
The cover of book can be misleading, but its the best surprise at the same time. Kate and Edward story is one that readers what to fight for will reading the book. It was easy to read and follow along at the same time.
Maria did an amazing job of creating the crazy chaos of side characters that just made the story line even better.
The spice is AMZAING just enough to keep my attention and also turning the page with my clicker a lot faster.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with romance, a bit of danger, and a large Italian family. I loved Kate and Edward and was glad that we didn't have to wait too long to understand why she was so hesitant to begin a relationship with Edward. Their relationship was realistic and had just the right amounts of passion and tension. While reading I assumed this was the second book in a series because of the way other characters and relationships were described, but it seems this is actually the first in the series. I'm excited to read more by this author.

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

I loved the characters in this story, and it had promise of a good romance. I did find it choppy in places and a little too drawn out in others. It has a really good base for the plot line though. For some this will be exactly the kind of romance you love to read, but for me this was too far from my genre to be considered a favorite. I do recommend this book however to all the people who love a sweet romance.