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Hardened Hearts: A Psychological Fiction of Secrets and Shattered Trusts
EVEN THE STRONGEST SURVIVORS CAN SHATTER
Parrish has built a life of perfect control. As a domestic violence advocate and newly engaged bride-to-be, she is the pillar of her community. But when her own sister is murdered by an abusive partner’s "other woman," the pillar begins to crumble. The system Parrish served has failed her family, and grief is quickly turning into a cold, calculated rage.
Dillon, the shelter’s art therapist, has always used her trauma as armor. But she’s haunted by a client who returned to a monster—and a child whose "accidental" injuries tell a much darker story. Dillon knows the truth, but the law is powerless to intervene.
Bound by a shared desperation, the two friends realize that if they want justice, they’ll have to take it. But as they cross the line from protectors to vigilantes, they discover that some secrets were meant to stay buried.
When the world ignores the cries for help, Parrish and Dillon will make sure they are finally heard—even if it costs them everything.
Hardened Hearts is a gripping psychological suspense that asks: how far would you go to protect the person no one else will save?
Parrish has built a life of perfect control. As a domestic violence advocate and newly engaged bride-to-be, she is the pillar of her community. But when her own sister is murdered by an abusive partner’s "other woman," the pillar begins to crumble. The system Parrish served has failed her family, and grief is quickly turning into a cold, calculated rage.
Dillon, the shelter’s art therapist, has always used her trauma as armor. But she’s haunted by a client who returned to a monster—and a child whose "accidental" injuries tell a much darker story. Dillon knows the truth, but the law is powerless to intervene.
Bound by a shared desperation, the two friends realize that if they want justice, they’ll have to take it. But as they cross the line from protectors to vigilantes, they discover that some secrets were meant to stay buried.
When the world ignores the cries for help, Parrish and Dillon will make sure they are finally heard—even if it costs them everything.
Hardened Hearts is a gripping psychological suspense that asks: how far would you go to protect the person no one else will save?
- GenresPsychological Thriller
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2024
57 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 25, 2024
I like how they came together because of their childhood trauma. I liked that you gave a lot of detail into their childhood and how it carried on to their adulthood. Took a while to build up to “the plan”, which is what I was waiting for. A little more than halfway through is where it got really good for me, once the plan was put in motion! An emotional ending!
March 20, 2024
This book touches on so many important issues. I feel you learn so much about generational domestic violence. The excuses that the abused uses to justify being abused, is really sad.
March 11, 2024
This is the second book by Ms. Alexander that I have read. I liked this one. You gotta catch me in the beginning of a book for me to stay interested and I think she definitely did that. For me, it got straight to the point of what we're getting into, who the main characters and backgrounds were. I love an author that can give me development and keep a story going so I don't realize I'm learning about the histories. Ace with that. I think I'm still unraveling emotions and feelings on this one. Mainly, without spoilers. I enjoyed the story it gave a bit of generational trauma in how to (and not to cope) with things because that's how it's been done. It was a really good read for me. I think the pacing was pretty good. Minimal dragging points. I wasn't a fan of the ending but the book in its entirety makes up for that. Pick it up give Parrish & Dillion a chance! Another thing. These names girl! 😩
March 6, 2024
wow it all comes full circle
I give Hardened Hearts 5 out of 5 stars. This book covered generational curses, toxic love, domestic abuse and murder to name a few.
These women had hard childhoods filled with violence. Even though they lived to be adult women with great jobs their personal lives were a hot mess. They never dealt with the root of their issues and tried to cover it up at all costs. What is done in the dark will come out in the light eventually. The one thing that was sad in this story is how their childhood affected others who were innocent and cared about them. This team although they looked different were similar and would die to protect one another. Their jobs were to protect and not harm women and children. Sometimes we’re not the best people for the job.
I give Hardened Hearts 5 out of 5 stars. This book covered generational curses, toxic love, domestic abuse and murder to name a few.
These women had hard childhoods filled with violence. Even though they lived to be adult women with great jobs their personal lives were a hot mess. They never dealt with the root of their issues and tried to cover it up at all costs. What is done in the dark will come out in the light eventually. The one thing that was sad in this story is how their childhood affected others who were innocent and cared about them. This team although they looked different were similar and would die to protect one another. Their jobs were to protect and not harm women and children. Sometimes we’re not the best people for the job.
February 13, 2024
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Oh my goodness, I’m just overwhelmed😔😢🥺‼️ “Hardened Hearts: A Mind-Blowing Psychological Drama” evoked a plethora of emotions from me. Honestly, I’m not ready to submit an objective review. My brain is still processing all that transpired in this read😮💨. Nonetheless, my heart aches for children and woman that are subjected to any type of abuse. More so, to convince yourself ANY abuse was deserved and that the cowardly perpetrator (male friend, spouse, family member, stranger and or foe) has more rights or entitlement to justifiably inflict punishment on someone is inherently insane & equally disturbing. 😦‼️
Oh my goodness, I’m just overwhelmed😔😢🥺‼️ “Hardened Hearts: A Mind-Blowing Psychological Drama” evoked a plethora of emotions from me. Honestly, I’m not ready to submit an objective review. My brain is still processing all that transpired in this read😮💨. Nonetheless, my heart aches for children and woman that are subjected to any type of abuse. More so, to convince yourself ANY abuse was deserved and that the cowardly perpetrator (male friend, spouse, family member, stranger and or foe) has more rights or entitlement to justifiably inflict punishment on someone is inherently insane & equally disturbing. 😦‼️
February 5, 2024
Wow
This was a phenomenal read. The author did an outstanding job highlighting the effects of trauma and just how far it can go. The story had a slow build but once it got going it did not stop. Wow. There is a lot to unpack and process with this book. I am blown away and I cannot wait to read another book by this author!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a phenomenal read. The author did an outstanding job highlighting the effects of trauma and just how far it can go. The story had a slow build but once it got going it did not stop. Wow. There is a lot to unpack and process with this book. I am blown away and I cannot wait to read another book by this author!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
October 5, 2025
What a story!
It took me a while to finally read this book because other reviews talked about how it was a "slow burn" and I'm not a slow burn kind of gal. But I don't feel like this was that because it was moving the whole time - like the story was being told in that deeply psychological way Samyra has of telling a story. My attention was held quite literally the entire time and I wasn't mad. When you're done with one of her books, you should fully understand the characters' motives and all of the psychology that drove them to make whatever messed up choices they did.
What got me was reading about the horror that Dillon faced literally her entire life and somehow finding the strength and desire to fight in THAT manner for OTHER people, seeing THEM worthy of the fight but not seeing HERSELF as deserving of safety & salvation. Did folks make some questionable decisions that weren't that smart? Absolutely. But don't we all. I really enjoyed the book, but if you are sensitive to certain types of violence, check the trigger warnings.
It took me a while to finally read this book because other reviews talked about how it was a "slow burn" and I'm not a slow burn kind of gal. But I don't feel like this was that because it was moving the whole time - like the story was being told in that deeply psychological way Samyra has of telling a story. My attention was held quite literally the entire time and I wasn't mad. When you're done with one of her books, you should fully understand the characters' motives and all of the psychology that drove them to make whatever messed up choices they did.
What got me was reading about the horror that Dillon faced literally her entire life and somehow finding the strength and desire to fight in THAT manner for OTHER people, seeing THEM worthy of the fight but not seeing HERSELF as deserving of safety & salvation. Did folks make some questionable decisions that weren't that smart? Absolutely. But don't we all. I really enjoyed the book, but if you are sensitive to certain types of violence, check the trigger warnings.
March 16, 2024
Wow! Wasn’t expecting this novel to go down the way it did. A lot of trauma filled things happening but a good storyline nonetheless. This books really highlights the different forms of trauma and abuse without it making you feel uncomfortable. This was definitely a story that needed to be told! I love the different points of view. They intertwined so beautifully that it wasn’t confusing at all. Thanks to the author Samyra for letting me read it in exchange for a review! Definitely worth reading!
March 5, 2024
TO BE REAL
Is the question I can’t tell you how much of my own emotions spilled out with this story. For Parrish and Dillon the “shattered survivors my heart aches for your life of pain. Mental health should never be smoothed over. Triggers and tears for the wrongs done to all the children in this story. So much suspense I couldn’t sleep had to get to a place of peace in the story which was so short lived. Without giving spoilers I loved it thank you Samyra 🌹
Is the question I can’t tell you how much of my own emotions spilled out with this story. For Parrish and Dillon the “shattered survivors my heart aches for your life of pain. Mental health should never be smoothed over. Triggers and tears for the wrongs done to all the children in this story. So much suspense I couldn’t sleep had to get to a place of peace in the story which was so short lived. Without giving spoilers I loved it thank you Samyra 🌹
May 18, 2024
The book explores the lasting effects of a violent childhood on two women who, despite achieving professional success, struggle with chaotic personal lives. It addresses how situations like generational trauma, toxic relationships, and domestic violence that go untreated can affect one's adult life. It shows how these childhood experiences can cause challenges in their roles as protectors of the innocent. Although this read was sad emotionally it was still a great read with just enough details and multiple POVs to paint the picture of what needed to be portrayed
September 26, 2025
Good from the start…
Very good! I was hooked from the start of the book. I loved the characters and the plot development! I didn’t see the connection of the two protagonists in the beginning, but as the store moved along everything came into focus.
Very good! I was hooked from the start of the book. I loved the characters and the plot development! I didn’t see the connection of the two protagonists in the beginning, but as the store moved along everything came into focus.
March 22, 2025
Parrish and Dillion are two women who were present to domestic violence as children. It does appear to impact them in various ways, but regardless of the difference the domestic violence they witnessed does impact them and shows in their womanhood. I appreciate the light that is brought to that within the story along with in the author's note. Every part of this story hurt me.
October 22, 2025
It was an ok read. I would’ve liked to have found out Latice and Emmanuel’s reaction to when they were notified of what happened in the end. (I don’t want to say too much) I was definitely Not expecting things to turn out the way they did, given Parrish and Dillions behavior and conduct in the beginning. I’d recommend this book to others.
January 3, 2025
Dillon and Parrish, two women both exposed to domestic violence at young ages, work together in the same women's shelter to aid those who have suffered similar fates to their own. Both refuse to accept or acknowledge their own thoughts/beliefs regarding DV and their current situations, and ultimately become involved in a vigilante scheme after each experiencing a final situation sending them over the edge.
This book was beautifully horrific. A GREAT representation of the lasting impacts of DV can have on young children into adulthood, especially when it goes unchecked/untreated. Dillon and Parrish each face their own consequences of someone else's actions, both being detrimental to the women and their mental health. My heart broke for them, and their character arcs made total sense as you watch this story unfold. There is no happily ever after in any of this story, which adds to the greatness in this story telling as well as adding more of the reality of these issues. Thank you to the author for bringing these issues to light - definitely a book i highly recommend everyone getting their hands on.
This book was beautifully horrific. A GREAT representation of the lasting impacts of DV can have on young children into adulthood, especially when it goes unchecked/untreated. Dillon and Parrish each face their own consequences of someone else's actions, both being detrimental to the women and their mental health. My heart broke for them, and their character arcs made total sense as you watch this story unfold. There is no happily ever after in any of this story, which adds to the greatness in this story telling as well as adding more of the reality of these issues. Thank you to the author for bringing these issues to light - definitely a book i highly recommend everyone getting their hands on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
YOU WILL NOT STOP READING UNTIL THE FINAL PAGE IS TURNED!
Samyra Alexander did it again! I read this story, and I tell you it takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. It evokes the feeling of watching a 90's African American film, where you connected with all the characters—the good guys, the sensible, and the troubled.
The story followed the lives of Parrish and Dillon, two young women grappling with the lasting effects of unresolved childhood trauma. As adults, these two were brought together by a coincidental happening that we can only explain as fate.
Living a life of endless emotional hardships and continued trauma, these women tired of putting on the brave façade and decided to heal their wounds and find justice for their pain in their own unique way. Will this antidote be their healing stone or their destruction? I tell you the final chapters-you will not stop reading until the final page is turned and , Whoa! Taking about anxiety at the end...I had to eat an emotional snack when I turned that kindle off 🤣🤣.
Samyra Alexander did it again! I read this story, and I tell you it takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. It evokes the feeling of watching a 90's African American film, where you connected with all the characters—the good guys, the sensible, and the troubled.
The story followed the lives of Parrish and Dillon, two young women grappling with the lasting effects of unresolved childhood trauma. As adults, these two were brought together by a coincidental happening that we can only explain as fate.
Living a life of endless emotional hardships and continued trauma, these women tired of putting on the brave façade and decided to heal their wounds and find justice for their pain in their own unique way. Will this antidote be their healing stone or their destruction? I tell you the final chapters-you will not stop reading until the final page is turned and , Whoa! Taking about anxiety at the end...I had to eat an emotional snack when I turned that kindle off 🤣🤣.
March 11, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this psychological/suspense drama. Am glad that the author had an warning regarding triggers. The title told it all and i was glued to my seat for the day reading a chapter taking a break due to the sadness that i felt for some of the chaaracters. The story was very capativating and held my attention till the end. I enjoyed how the author told the stories of each character and created a space for each one without judgement. I usually dont read psychological books but an glad that one caught my attention and i admired how the author weaved in and out of her characters with such grace.
December 23, 2024
4.25⭐️ The Heart Wants What It Wants!
Hardened Hearts exhibits how the human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9) This psychological drama delves into the drastic effects of unhealed trauma and touched on so many biblical teachings regarding the heart! Parrish and Dillon’s story is an example of how the heart wants what it wants, when in fact, the heart wants the wrong things that will ultimately lead to destruction. Every single one of Samyra Alexander’s characters haunt me and stay with me forever. This mind-blowing psychological drama will have you rooting for Parrish and Dillon until the very end.
Hardened Hearts exhibits how the human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9) This psychological drama delves into the drastic effects of unhealed trauma and touched on so many biblical teachings regarding the heart! Parrish and Dillon’s story is an example of how the heart wants what it wants, when in fact, the heart wants the wrong things that will ultimately lead to destruction. Every single one of Samyra Alexander’s characters haunt me and stay with me forever. This mind-blowing psychological drama will have you rooting for Parrish and Dillon until the very end.
November 5, 2024
5 stars ⭐️: Now Ms. Alexander!!!! 😭 First of all, hats off to you for this phenomenal story. You hit on so many important and controversial topics.
I absolutely love the writing style, as well as the dual POV.
Dillon’s way of thinking made me want to reach through the book and shake her!! And Parrish should’ve known everything was going to happen the way it did! This was a true representation of trauma bonding 😭😭
I highly recommend this book, but please check the trigger warnings pertaining to DV ⚠️ My heart goes out to anyone dealing or have dealt with such.
I absolutely love the writing style, as well as the dual POV.
Dillon’s way of thinking made me want to reach through the book and shake her!! And Parrish should’ve known everything was going to happen the way it did! This was a true representation of trauma bonding 😭😭
I highly recommend this book, but please check the trigger warnings pertaining to DV ⚠️ My heart goes out to anyone dealing or have dealt with such.
May 4, 2025
Hardened Hearts Review
This book was excellent. It actually touched on psychological issues which people actually suffer from. When the reader starts reading the book it starts slow but as the story goes it gets more and more interesting. The reader will wonder if Parrish will go and get help or is she will snap. Will Parrish and Latrice get married or will he get enough of Parrish? I could not put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happened next. Read the book and you will be fully invested in finishing the book.
Denise Hadnot
This book was excellent. It actually touched on psychological issues which people actually suffer from. When the reader starts reading the book it starts slow but as the story goes it gets more and more interesting. The reader will wonder if Parrish will go and get help or is she will snap. Will Parrish and Latrice get married or will he get enough of Parrish? I could not put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happened next. Read the book and you will be fully invested in finishing the book.
Denise Hadnot
January 2, 2025
One of my favorites by the author! The characters in this were a trip! The book gives a good job at detailing what happens when trauma goes unresolved, and also what happens when you keep picking with people who mean well! It’s a good read for trips! I suggest a road trip or a 4plus hour trip. Get ready for twists and turns!
January 11, 2025
Parrish and Dillon were truly products of their environments. This book shows that kids do experience trauma from watching DV in the household, and often carry it into adulthood. The blame game the characters played in this book was infuriating, and made it hard to understand their motives at times. Good read!
October 14, 2024
This book was raw, I loved it, exciting all the way through!!
January 21, 2025
ok
Just an ok book. It could have been better. Too many grammatical errors. Mixing up genders in the sentences. Bad
Just an ok book. It could have been better. Too many grammatical errors. Mixing up genders in the sentences. Bad
August 5, 2025
HH Review
The book was very fast paced. I’m not going to lie the ending is very suspenseful I had to read it twice
The book was very fast paced. I’m not going to lie the ending is very suspenseful I had to read it twice
September 2, 2024
Parrish and Dillon are a cautionary tale for the harmful effects of unresolved/unhealed trauma. I was really rooting for them to find healing as if they were real people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews