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Estranged Heart
Side effects they don't list with a heart Lusting after a man you've never met before.
On the verge of losing my life, I'm doing my best to accept my fate. Then I receive a message from the hospital. A second chance, an organ donor. A man who has a zero chance of waking up from a bad car crash turns out to be the perfect match.
I’ll get to live the life he lost.
My wife thinks it's a miracle, a dream come true. She wants me as much as the day we first met, but it's no longer her face I see when I close my eyes at night.
To me, it feels like we're strangers playing house. Her touch isn't the same as it once was, and the only person my body aches for is someone I normally would never go for.
I don't know him, but my dreams, thoughts, and heart do. Somehow, I’m being led to every place he’s been. Places that feel like ones we've been to together. It's impossible, I know, but also the only thing that makes sense.
It might have been his husband who brought us together but he's the reason I keep coming back. Too bad me being straight and married aren’t the only obstacles getting in my way of staying.
On the verge of losing my life, I'm doing my best to accept my fate. Then I receive a message from the hospital. A second chance, an organ donor. A man who has a zero chance of waking up from a bad car crash turns out to be the perfect match.
I’ll get to live the life he lost.
My wife thinks it's a miracle, a dream come true. She wants me as much as the day we first met, but it's no longer her face I see when I close my eyes at night.
To me, it feels like we're strangers playing house. Her touch isn't the same as it once was, and the only person my body aches for is someone I normally would never go for.
I don't know him, but my dreams, thoughts, and heart do. Somehow, I’m being led to every place he’s been. Places that feel like ones we've been to together. It's impossible, I know, but also the only thing that makes sense.
It might have been his husband who brought us together but he's the reason I keep coming back. Too bad me being straight and married aren’t the only obstacles getting in my way of staying.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2025
152 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Ashlynn Mills
61 books378 followersAshlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 4, 2025
You know what I hate? I hate the word home wrecker and what it implies. Always have. In my opinion the cheater themself is the home wrecker and the one responsible, no one else. There. I said it.
Not the point here tho. This one definitely had an interesting premise. I mean, MEMORY TRANSFER from a heart transplant?? When Silas, one of the MCs, googled it, I did too. And from what I gathered, it’s a phenomenon that actually happens for some heart transplant recipients—probably not to the extend it did for Silas, but still. I can’t decide if I find that fascinating or creepy af—the heart memory thing. Damn.
Anyhow. I liked the first half of the book for the most part (I considered 4 stars at that point) but I didn’t like the second at all. I don’t know if it was poor writing/story telling skills or if the main characters’ actions were just tasteless. Add [SPOILER] that the wife embodies all the evil you can think of and the dead husband wasn’t all that great compared to the new guy after all [SPOILER END] —all the meaningless fucking certainly didn’t help matters here and there you have it. It just all was kinda tasteless.
Ugh, reading this book really made me feel uncomfortable. So much so I didn’t even stay for the HEA.
TW/CW: dead spouse and cheating on spouse
Not the point here tho. This one definitely had an interesting premise. I mean, MEMORY TRANSFER from a heart transplant?? When Silas, one of the MCs, googled it, I did too. And from what I gathered, it’s a phenomenon that actually happens for some heart transplant recipients—probably not to the extend it did for Silas, but still. I can’t decide if I find that fascinating or creepy af—the heart memory thing. Damn.
Anyhow. I liked the first half of the book for the most part (I considered 4 stars at that point) but I didn’t like the second at all. I don’t know if it was poor writing/story telling skills or if the main characters’ actions were just tasteless. Add [SPOILER] that the wife embodies all the evil you can think of and the dead husband wasn’t all that great compared to the new guy after all [SPOILER END] —all the meaningless fucking certainly didn’t help matters here and there you have it. It just all was kinda tasteless.
Ugh, reading this book really made me feel uncomfortable. So much so I didn’t even stay for the HEA.
TW/CW: dead spouse and cheating on spouse
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February 5, 2025DNF 70%
I can’t say I liked anyone in this book—I just didn’t want to know them. Skimmed to see the ending, and it was as bland as the rest. Too bad, because the premise had so much potential.
So many things left me uncomfortable and thinking, WTF?
I can handle cheating (as long as it’s not between the main couple), but the lack of guilt and the overall ick factor made it unbearable.
The laundry room and the wife room? Yeah, that final scene sealed the deal.
I can’t say I liked anyone in this book—I just didn’t want to know them. Skimmed to see the ending, and it was as bland as the rest. Too bad, because the premise had so much potential.
So many things left me uncomfortable and thinking, WTF?
I can handle cheating (as long as it’s not between the main couple), but the lack of guilt and the overall ick factor made it unbearable.
The laundry room and the wife room? Yeah, that final scene sealed the deal.
January 18, 2025
Estranged Heart is a fantastic emotional romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love the relationship between Elijah and Silas. They have a strong instant connection that surprises both given their circumstances, but they cannot stay away. They are drawn to one another, which creates a beautiful romance that has so much heart while navigating their more than complicated situation.
Overall I loved this story, its characters, and the many surprises along the way. Elijah and Silas go through so much and I love how their HEA is hard-won and so moving.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall I loved this story, its characters, and the many surprises along the way. Elijah and Silas go through so much and I love how their HEA is hard-won and so moving.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
March 23, 2025
Well it's a dramatic plot overall
This legit could've been qualified as action.
I don't like the circumstances they were brought under because Silas and Elijah meet-cute and their interactions just felt so natural I'd argue even without some of the main plots it still make a cute rom-com with their interactions alone but I'm not complaining about that part of the plot because usually it just unnecessary but it kinda was at least it's not boring and it still keep me on my toes.
This legit could've been qualified as action.
I don't like the circumstances they were brought under because Silas and Elijah meet-cute and their interactions just felt so natural I'd argue even without some of the main plots it still make a cute rom-com with their interactions alone but I'm not complaining about that part of the plot because usually it just unnecessary but it kinda was at least it's not boring and it still keep me on my toes.
October 17, 2025
4 stars✨
I’ve been in a slump and for some reason this sounded good. And it was! Although, it’s a bit heavy. I’m surprised I even finished while slumping but I was binginggg this.
I’ve been in a slump and for some reason this sounded good. And it was! Although, it’s a bit heavy. I’m surprised I even finished while slumping but I was binginggg this.
February 20, 2025
I don't even know where to begin with this one!
A very sick man receives a new heart and quickly changes a lot. different tastes and ideas on how he used to be. like the new heart changes him. His feelings for his wife doesn't even seem to be the same. Then he meets someone that he instantly feels a connection with and wow what a crazy story. highly intense and so different from anything i've read.
A very sick man receives a new heart and quickly changes a lot. different tastes and ideas on how he used to be. like the new heart changes him. His feelings for his wife doesn't even seem to be the same. Then he meets someone that he instantly feels a connection with and wow what a crazy story. highly intense and so different from anything i've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
I have waited years to be able to read this book. I have read the blurb and fell in love right away.
Silas has had coronary heart disease all his life, but now as an adult it has gotten worse. He is married to a woman who cares about him. But the situation is now life or death. One night, they call with the news that a heart is available for transplant. With the new heart comes feelings, memories and dreams of the donor.
Elijah and Landon are happy. They are in the middle of a date when disaster strikes. Elijah survives, but Landon does not. From this moment on, Landon's secrets begin to surface.
Fate pushes Silas and Elijah together again and again.
I loved it. It is very well written, the characters very well developed. There is demi rep and a very well done bi awakening.
There is cheating, but not between the main characters. The author does it very well, because she shows a marriage going down the drain, with little details, before Elijah shows up.
It seems that this universe continues with two secondary characters and promises a painful love story. I am looking forward to reading it.
Silas has had coronary heart disease all his life, but now as an adult it has gotten worse. He is married to a woman who cares about him. But the situation is now life or death. One night, they call with the news that a heart is available for transplant. With the new heart comes feelings, memories and dreams of the donor.
Elijah and Landon are happy. They are in the middle of a date when disaster strikes. Elijah survives, but Landon does not. From this moment on, Landon's secrets begin to surface.
Fate pushes Silas and Elijah together again and again.
I loved it. It is very well written, the characters very well developed. There is demi rep and a very well done bi awakening.
There is cheating, but not between the main characters. The author does it very well, because she shows a marriage going down the drain, with little details, before Elijah shows up.
It seems that this universe continues with two secondary characters and promises a painful love story. I am looking forward to reading it.
January 31, 2025
I could hardly put this book down. Estranged Heart has the the intrigue of a thriller, the scandal of a dark romance, the eeriness of a ghost story, and the tenderness of a rom com. I gave up trying to box this book into one genre. This story is A Lot in the best way. I am so here for the drama of it all.
I loved the high spice. These two cannot get their hands off each other. Sometimes insta-love doesn't work for me, but it makes perfect sense in this scenario. The taboo nature of Elijah and Silas's relationship makes their tension all the more palpable. I also really appreciated the demi-, pan-, and bisexual representation.
I'm so grateful to the author for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I loved the high spice. These two cannot get their hands off each other. Sometimes insta-love doesn't work for me, but it makes perfect sense in this scenario. The taboo nature of Elijah and Silas's relationship makes their tension all the more palpable. I also really appreciated the demi-, pan-, and bisexual representation.
I'm so grateful to the author for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
February 3, 2025
was hard to be honest
I think this story is one of those stories that is really hard to read if I’m being honest. As I finished the book I just felt like there was alot of issues. Silas never came forth of his knowledge or confided in Elijah about his heart and memories so Elijah never got to really know what had happened to his husband. If you read into his memories it’s honestly so sad and to keep that from Elijah of how that’s how his husband felt in his final moments.
Also I was not a fan of how the author made Landon to be this bad person so we wouldn’t feel bad about him dying and having his heart given to Silas cause in the end he did love Elijah a lot.
I think as you read the story and find out how Silas and Elijah get together in reality there would be too much heart pain to stay together. The fact they got together so quick I felt like honestly they both needed therapy to work through their issues cause Elijah loved all the things Silas gotten from Landon.
Overall I love Ashylnn mills books but this one was meh. I just couldn’t like either characters, if both of them were real people they’d be horrible people.
I think this story is one of those stories that is really hard to read if I’m being honest. As I finished the book I just felt like there was alot of issues. Silas never came forth of his knowledge or confided in Elijah about his heart and memories so Elijah never got to really know what had happened to his husband. If you read into his memories it’s honestly so sad and to keep that from Elijah of how that’s how his husband felt in his final moments.
Also I was not a fan of how the author made Landon to be this bad person so we wouldn’t feel bad about him dying and having his heart given to Silas cause in the end he did love Elijah a lot.
I think as you read the story and find out how Silas and Elijah get together in reality there would be too much heart pain to stay together. The fact they got together so quick I felt like honestly they both needed therapy to work through their issues cause Elijah loved all the things Silas gotten from Landon.
Overall I love Ashylnn mills books but this one was meh. I just couldn’t like either characters, if both of them were real people they’d be horrible people.
February 2, 2025
Oh my gosh, where do I even start with this book?! I have NEVER experienced a story that’s so gripping and yet oozes romance and filthy yet emotional s3x like this one! Seriously, get ready to feel ALL the feels! The emotional brain buster paired with some seriously steamy and emotional scenes will have you blushing, crying AND cheering for the characters all at once. I mean, can we talk about that first time they went all the way? Oh, that was organic but thrilling and just a little bit dangerous. Easily one of my fav first time s3x scenes between a new couple…erm…situation-ship? Also, don’t even get me started on Elijah sweeping Silas off his feet by the back of his thighs and straight onto his desk—swoon! 😍
Now, here’s the thing: the plot is a wild ride! It had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how on earth these two would find their happily ever after. I mean, I knew they would have ofc, but it was the question how that was going to happen. This was such a sensitive obstacle. I felt for both of them so deeply, and —OMG—I just fell head over heels for them as a couple. Their chemistry? Off the charts! Everything felt seamless, like they were destined to be together.
And talk about declarations of love! Give me MORE of that! The way they express their feelings is everything. I was just basking in the sweetness, mixed with all the jaw-dropping steaminess that left me gasping for breath. I promise you, every single scene hit just right. If you’re looking for a book that’s bursting with passion and plot twists that'll keep you guessing, then dive into this one. You won’t regret it! 🥵✨📚
>b/b<
I’ve never seen a rimming job described in such sexy detail as it was here take a peak >i<“Adding another finger he scissors then both inside me and his tongue darts in and out between the two digits. I’ve never known a pleasure quite like this.”>\i<
Now, here’s the thing: the plot is a wild ride! It had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how on earth these two would find their happily ever after. I mean, I knew they would have ofc, but it was the question how that was going to happen. This was such a sensitive obstacle. I felt for both of them so deeply, and —OMG—I just fell head over heels for them as a couple. Their chemistry? Off the charts! Everything felt seamless, like they were destined to be together.
And talk about declarations of love! Give me MORE of that! The way they express their feelings is everything. I was just basking in the sweetness, mixed with all the jaw-dropping steaminess that left me gasping for breath. I promise you, every single scene hit just right. If you’re looking for a book that’s bursting with passion and plot twists that'll keep you guessing, then dive into this one. You won’t regret it! 🥵✨📚
>b/b<
I’ve never seen a rimming job described in such sexy detail as it was here take a peak >i<“Adding another finger he scissors then both inside me and his tongue darts in and out between the two digits. I’ve never known a pleasure quite like this.”>\i<
February 26, 2025
i love my gay men, and i loved their relationship but damn wtf did i read -murder, trafficking, and romance!
February 4, 2025
I don’t know him, but something inside me does, and it’s calling for him to come closer.
The premise of this was so fascinating and it fully delivered for me!
Silas needs a new heart and when he gets one he also gets strange dreams that feel like memories. Running into the man in his dreams only makes things more confusing but these two keep constantly running into each other and their connection is more than just inherited memories.
Cheating, murder, organ trafficking, and plenty of secrets make this book dark but captivating. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The premise of this was so fascinating and it fully delivered for me!
Silas needs a new heart and when he gets one he also gets strange dreams that feel like memories. Running into the man in his dreams only makes things more confusing but these two keep constantly running into each other and their connection is more than just inherited memories.
Cheating, murder, organ trafficking, and plenty of secrets make this book dark but captivating. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
February 24, 2025
As a couple I did think Elijah and Silas complement each other so well. Silas is an absolute sweetheart and managed to get Elijah out of his comfort zone. But to get there, there were questionable decisions that I understand could be hard no for some people.
I did love Silas and Elijah as a couple and was rooting for them from the moment they met.
Definitely read with caution if cheating and death of a spouse triggers you.
I did love Silas and Elijah as a couple and was rooting for them from the moment they met.
Definitely read with caution if cheating and death of a spouse triggers you.
February 6, 2025
I was super intrigued at the start but around the halfway point it really fell apart for me. Way too much smut and all the drama in the second half felt way OTT and ridiculous. The cheating and total lack of guilt and just how it all played out was not cute. I wish more time was spent showing us these two falling in love for who *they* are and less time in each other’s pants.
February 17, 2025
Difficult
I had an unusually difficult time not skimming through this book. There was something missing for me. Maybe more dialogue between the characters and less inner dialogue? It was like wading in molasses. I loved the concept of the plot. The execution of it just didn’t work for me. Sorry.
I had an unusually difficult time not skimming through this book. There was something missing for me. Maybe more dialogue between the characters and less inner dialogue? It was like wading in molasses. I loved the concept of the plot. The execution of it just didn’t work for me. Sorry.
February 2, 2025
Great beginning, but it quickly devolves into a never ending smut fest with a nonsense wrapped up ending that was highly unsatisfying.
The book spent more chapters on characters having sex than bringing to light and stopping an organ trafficking ring.
What a disappointment!
The book spent more chapters on characters having sex than bringing to light and stopping an organ trafficking ring.
What a disappointment!
February 24, 2025
4.5 stars
I've waited for this book for a long time and I'm very happy the author finally published it.
It was a complicated love story, where the MCs had to deal with conflicted emotions, when the grief for the loss of a beloved lover is mixed with guilt, creating a combination of feelings that were not so easy to deal with nor to overcome.
Elijah is happily in love with his husband, Landon, they have a good life, until an accident at the lake, during a romantic evening, will take Landon away, leaving Elijah alone, hurt and confused about what really happened.
Silas has been sick his whole life: his heart has reached the end and he's not high in the list of recipients, so he's reisigned to die. His wife takes care of him, works 2 jobs to make ends meet and she's not ready to loose him.
The two men met a couple of months after Silas received a new heart.
Let's clarifying something that could put a lot of readers off this book: Silas is a cheater.
Yes, his marriage was not happy, his wife had a toxic behaviour that he started to notice only after the transplant (even if there have been hints before that he didn't entirely acknowledge).
Yes, his attraction for Elijah was a heart memory, out of his control.
But he chose to pursue the other man, before ending his marriage, so yes, Silas is a cheater.
And he's also one of the most wonderful character written in MM romance.
I adored him, he's precious and brave, he didn't understand what was happening to him, but he wasn't scared to ask for more. When he felt that Elijah meant so much to him, that what he was feeling was strong, he didn't hesitate to put an end to his marriage to be with him and he never hid him.
Elijah is devasted by the loss of his husband, but Silas made him feel alive: Silas may have been the more fragile between the two of them, but he also had the ability of pushing Elijah out of his comfort zone. Elijah is completely smitten and he doesn't understand how it's possible to feel so much so soon. I loved his protective and caring side.
Their relationship is truly amazing. The connection, the banter, the chemistry, the ability to understand and support each other (and that had nothing to do with Silas' new heart), their intimacy and the feelings they had for each other.
Every little touch, every look or kiss is sweet and powerful at the same time.
The sex scenes are on another level, strong, consuming and so so intimate: Elijah is a little more dominant and Silas is totally under his spell. They melt into each other and nothing can break their connection (literally nothing or no one! The scene in the laundry was intense!). None of these scene was just sex, it was so much more since the first kiss.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
I almost gave it 4 stars because there are too many things about the darker part of this book that were left unsaid and that I would have liked to be explained instead.
For example, Moreover
But the part that bothered me the most was the fact that
I would have love for him to be more determined about that, to give the other man the reassurance he needed, because Silas was amazing and him being so perfect for Elijah had nothing to do with his dead husband's heart.
The heart brought them together, but it was not the reason for their love: this should have been said more explicitly.
Anyway, it was a really great book: the author is planning another book featuring two secondary characters of this story, I hope we'll have glimpses of Silas and Elijah too, because, honestly, I want so much more of them.
Highly recommended.
I've waited for this book for a long time and I'm very happy the author finally published it.
It was a complicated love story, where the MCs had to deal with conflicted emotions, when the grief for the loss of a beloved lover is mixed with guilt, creating a combination of feelings that were not so easy to deal with nor to overcome.
Elijah is happily in love with his husband, Landon, they have a good life, until an accident at the lake, during a romantic evening, will take Landon away, leaving Elijah alone, hurt and confused about what really happened.
Silas has been sick his whole life: his heart has reached the end and he's not high in the list of recipients, so he's reisigned to die. His wife takes care of him, works 2 jobs to make ends meet and she's not ready to loose him.
The two men met a couple of months after Silas received a new heart.
Let's clarifying something that could put a lot of readers off this book: Silas is a cheater.
Yes, his marriage was not happy, his wife had a toxic behaviour that he started to notice only after the transplant (even if there have been hints before that he didn't entirely acknowledge).
Yes, his attraction for Elijah was a heart memory, out of his control.
But he chose to pursue the other man, before ending his marriage, so yes, Silas is a cheater.
And he's also one of the most wonderful character written in MM romance.
I adored him, he's precious and brave, he didn't understand what was happening to him, but he wasn't scared to ask for more. When he felt that Elijah meant so much to him, that what he was feeling was strong, he didn't hesitate to put an end to his marriage to be with him and he never hid him.
Elijah is devasted by the loss of his husband, but Silas made him feel alive: Silas may have been the more fragile between the two of them, but he also had the ability of pushing Elijah out of his comfort zone. Elijah is completely smitten and he doesn't understand how it's possible to feel so much so soon. I loved his protective and caring side.
Their relationship is truly amazing. The connection, the banter, the chemistry, the ability to understand and support each other (and that had nothing to do with Silas' new heart), their intimacy and the feelings they had for each other.
Every little touch, every look or kiss is sweet and powerful at the same time.
The sex scenes are on another level, strong, consuming and so so intimate: Elijah is a little more dominant and Silas is totally under his spell. They melt into each other and nothing can break their connection (literally nothing or no one! The scene in the laundry was intense!). None of these scene was just sex, it was so much more since the first kiss.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
I almost gave it 4 stars because there are too many things about the darker part of this book that were left unsaid and that I would have liked to be explained instead.
For example, Moreover
But the part that bothered me the most was the fact that
I would have love for him to be more determined about that, to give the other man the reassurance he needed, because Silas was amazing and him being so perfect for Elijah had nothing to do with his dead husband's heart.
The heart brought them together, but it was not the reason for their love: this should have been said more explicitly.
Anyway, it was a really great book: the author is planning another book featuring two secondary characters of this story, I hope we'll have glimpses of Silas and Elijah too, because, honestly, I want so much more of them.
Highly recommended.
January 16, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I raged - all indicators of a fantastic story. Ashlynn Mills knocked this one out of the park.
Silas has been battling heart issues his whole life. Only a transplant will save him. His wife has been working herself ragged taking care of him, and all he wants is to build a life with her that they imagined. But, when the day comes that a new heart is available…everything changes. Elijah just lost his husband, and he knows there’s more to it than everyone is telling him. But it’s hard to dwell on that when a handsome stranger keeps popping up everywhere he goes.
I want to rave about so many specifics of this book. But, I don’t want to give anything away. Anyone who reads Ashlynn Mills regularly knows that she does dark exceptionally well. This book is definitely different from her usual, but it still contains those trademark darker elements. The premise is intriguing - a person gaining cellular memory, and it’s something I will definitely be reading more about. The story itself is gritty and emotional, a roller coaster at times. It’s got betrayal and secrets, romance and heat. The chemistry between Silas and Elijah is intense and so well written. I intended to read a few chapters before bed and ended up binging the book in one sitting. It takes place in the same universe as Nerds and Cartels, and I loved getting a little glimpse of AJ.
This was a great book to begin the year, and i definitely recommend it!
January 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! WHAT A READ! I have this book 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down and was intensely attached to the MMCs. Silas & Elijah stole my heart (see what I did there? LOL) from the beginning of the book and didn’t let me go until the end. They each are special to me in their own ways & I loved their relationship… every heart stopping step. The amount of tears I shed reading this was probably the most I have in a long time. This book hit me RIGHT in the center of my chest.
The story itself was good too! There were a couple things I couldn’t get on board with, but as a whole? I really enjoyed it! This book is another one of those books where the plot is just something I have never read before. It’s so unique in nature how can you be totally engrossed in it!? 🥹
WOW! WHAT A READ! I have this book 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down and was intensely attached to the MMCs. Silas & Elijah stole my heart (see what I did there? LOL) from the beginning of the book and didn’t let me go until the end. They each are special to me in their own ways & I loved their relationship… every heart stopping step. The amount of tears I shed reading this was probably the most I have in a long time. This book hit me RIGHT in the center of my chest.
The story itself was good too! There were a couple things I couldn’t get on board with, but as a whole? I really enjoyed it! This book is another one of those books where the plot is just something I have never read before. It’s so unique in nature how can you be totally engrossed in it!? 🥹
February 9, 2025
My heart!!! I’m in love with this story. No rushed plotline, no loose ends, smut, heartbreaking moments and a bit dark elements of course. It’s Ashlynn Mills after all
April 22, 2025
2.5⭐️ While the plot sounded intriguing, it quickly veered toward the ridiculously dramatic. Additionally, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. They kinda seemed all over the place and pretty flat. It wasn’t a DNF but I’d probably skip it.
January 31, 2025
I couldn’t quite suspend disbelief enough to enjoy this book.
February 2, 2025
Wow wow wow! This book just blew me away! No 5 stars bc one of the tropes/taboo plot points wasn’t my fave but that’s just bc it’s not my kind of jam and not bc it’s bad or anything!
February 18, 2025
Loved the premise and had such promise. Started strong but quickly dwindled into a cheesy insta-love mess. DNF
Read
April 28, 2025DNF at about 18% -- just not for me. I could feel myself getting dubious already and I only have this one life to live.
March 25, 2025
This was a super steamy and dark read! Silas has suffered from a heart condition all his life, and his wife, Stacey, is the only saving grace as his health continues to deteriorate. When he almost dies due to his condition, he is so thankful that he was able to receive a heart transplant at the right time. The only problem is that he now keeps having nightmares that make no sense, his tastes have changed, and in the rare moments he has good dreams, they are about a man he doesn't know but yet feels inexplicably close to. What begins as curiosity turns to fiery passion as Silas gets to know Elijah, the man from his dreams. And while Elijah is facing his own demons, desperate to find the killers who murdered his husband, he, too, can't deny the feeling that he knows Silas on a deeper level than he should. Soon they are both on the cusp of falling in love, but the secrets they're keeping from each other could destroy everything in a heartbeat.
The premise for this book was literally so amazing. I was instantly pulled in from the first page. To say I was surprised with the direction it ended up going was an understatement! I figured this was going to be a fluffy little feel good book--and it did have its sweet moments--but it was actually rather dark and had a great plot! I wish it had spanned more time, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book covering more characters.
I really liked Elijah. I felt that his personality was very real and realistic. He was hesitant for good reason, but as the boys said, he needed a little good to go with his bad. I also liked Silas, and I enjoyed seeing how he changed over time. I got bad vibes from Stacey from the get go, so I was glad to see him find a relationship that didn't hold him back. I LOVED how they supported each other no matter what, and I liked that their happily ever after was hard won. The trajectory of their relationship was really sweet and made me love them so much.
The spice was pretty hot throughout this book! Silas and Elijah definitely had no chill once they got started lol. My favorite scene was probably when they did it in the kitchen and had to hide in the laundry room. I found that very hot! Having said that, I didn't feel completely satisfied with those scenes. I don't know if it was because they seemed so short or what. I found the fact that both Elijah and Silas chose to bottom for the first time in weird places to be a strange choice. I would have rather seen them do the prep work and have a more romantic moment, THEN do it on the counter or whatever. I also didn't find the hammock scene realistic and questioned whether physics existed in that moment (but then again, I've never tried it, so maybe my disbelief is without merit). Other than that, the spice was still super hot, and the plot more than made up for any shortcomings, in my opinion.
I wasn't sure the third-act breakup was necessary, but I liked that they came back together, a reflection of how they first met.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I wish that it had been longer and the plot even more robust (just because I liked it so much!). This book really kept me drawn in, and I hope to read more in this universe! 4/5 🌟
The premise for this book was literally so amazing. I was instantly pulled in from the first page. To say I was surprised with the direction it ended up going was an understatement! I figured this was going to be a fluffy little feel good book--and it did have its sweet moments--but it was actually rather dark and had a great plot! I wish it had spanned more time, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book covering more characters.
I really liked Elijah. I felt that his personality was very real and realistic. He was hesitant for good reason, but as the boys said, he needed a little good to go with his bad. I also liked Silas, and I enjoyed seeing how he changed over time. I got bad vibes from Stacey from the get go, so I was glad to see him find a relationship that didn't hold him back. I LOVED how they supported each other no matter what, and I liked that their happily ever after was hard won. The trajectory of their relationship was really sweet and made me love them so much.
The spice was pretty hot throughout this book! Silas and Elijah definitely had no chill once they got started lol. My favorite scene was probably when they did it in the kitchen and had to hide in the laundry room. I found that very hot! Having said that, I didn't feel completely satisfied with those scenes. I don't know if it was because they seemed so short or what. I found the fact that both Elijah and Silas chose to bottom for the first time in weird places to be a strange choice. I would have rather seen them do the prep work and have a more romantic moment, THEN do it on the counter or whatever. I also didn't find the hammock scene realistic and questioned whether physics existed in that moment (but then again, I've never tried it, so maybe my disbelief is without merit). Other than that, the spice was still super hot, and the plot more than made up for any shortcomings, in my opinion.
I wasn't sure the third-act breakup was necessary, but I liked that they came back together, a reflection of how they first met.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I wish that it had been longer and the plot even more robust (just because I liked it so much!). This book really kept me drawn in, and I hope to read more in this universe! 4/5 🌟
January 18, 2025
I want to start off with some of the trigger warning for this book, that way if any of them might bother you, you're aware of them ahead of time. Some of them being; depictions of heart failure, loss of a loved one in a brutal way, mentions of torture and organ removal, and cheating on a spouse...
I don't like when MC's cheat on the person they are with, even if their relationship isn't what it was before... I still think you should end that relationship before starting another one with someone else, however, it somehow worked here? Or maybe I was just less focused on that aspect after learning about what Stacey was doing.. Having said that, I did find this story to be a unique one, and the premise along with the characters kept me interested throughout the story.
At first I wasn't sure how to feel about Elijah and Silas becoming involved so soon after Elijah lost his husband... And honestly that uncertainty stuck with me throughout the story cause it felt a bit too fast. Although, it didn't keep me from reading more of the story to see how Elijah and Silas were going to work together. The concept of Silas not only receiving Landon's heart, but also obtaining some of his memories, hobbies, likes and dislikes, was all very interesting and was written well and in such a believable way.
One thing I wish there was less of is the steamy scenes, I wish there wasn't as many as there were. It seemed like every time Silas and Elijah were together a spicy scene occured, and that became what their relationship was. It felt as though those scenes were used as a filler of sorts to make the book longer, and I don't think all of them were necessary.
This is a darker romance story with some angst, but I feel as though it's worth the time to read it. This story stands out on its own because I don't think I've ever read anything like it before, it's completely unique to me in that way. Overall a decent story with an intriguing concept.
I don't like when MC's cheat on the person they are with, even if their relationship isn't what it was before... I still think you should end that relationship before starting another one with someone else, however, it somehow worked here? Or maybe I was just less focused on that aspect after learning about what Stacey was doing.. Having said that, I did find this story to be a unique one, and the premise along with the characters kept me interested throughout the story.
At first I wasn't sure how to feel about Elijah and Silas becoming involved so soon after Elijah lost his husband... And honestly that uncertainty stuck with me throughout the story cause it felt a bit too fast. Although, it didn't keep me from reading more of the story to see how Elijah and Silas were going to work together. The concept of Silas not only receiving Landon's heart, but also obtaining some of his memories, hobbies, likes and dislikes, was all very interesting and was written well and in such a believable way.
One thing I wish there was less of is the steamy scenes, I wish there wasn't as many as there were. It seemed like every time Silas and Elijah were together a spicy scene occured, and that became what their relationship was. It felt as though those scenes were used as a filler of sorts to make the book longer, and I don't think all of them were necessary.
This is a darker romance story with some angst, but I feel as though it's worth the time to read it. This story stands out on its own because I don't think I've ever read anything like it before, it's completely unique to me in that way. Overall a decent story with an intriguing concept.
September 8, 2025
Firstly, I finished this book five minutes ago and CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME, REMEMBER ONE OF THE MC’s NAMES (Jack?? Maybe??)… from now on he will be called “idiot heart receiver dude”
Secondly, this is 2 stars dropped down for a graphic SA early on in the book. Taking place before the husband of the MC is murdered. The story never gets Landon justice really, Elijah’s husband was kidnapped and horrifically sexually assaulted, he was then murdered scared and in pain and the MC who got his heart, “idiot heart receiver dude”, never tells Elijah. Just sits on that info the whole book! Yes, the trafficking ring gets taken down, but Landon feels forgotten by 50% in.
Actually the WHOLE plot fails in that “idiot heart receiver dude” starts sharing memories with Elijah’s murdered husband, Landon, and beyond those memories changing Idiot’s ENTIRE sexuality and leading him to Elijah, they serve ZERO help plot wise.
“idiot heart receiver dude”’s memories don’t help bring down the organ trafficking ring at all…actually a secondary character we don’t know at all that has a whole unexplained arc does that. They don’t help him build a bond with Elijah… they add little moments where Elijah is like “wow this is crazy, what a connection”- the plot is basically the same with or without the flashbacks… what was the point???
And you know what means? Landon’s sexual assault at the hands of the traffickers was completely unneeded for the plot in anyway.
The middle of the book is just sex, and not even like well written. I hoped “idiot heart receiver dude” since he had Landon’s heart would make the sex super special. NOPE, it’s all just super generic.
The ending made “idiot heart receiver dude”’s wife into a cartoon villian and veered so off the rails, it crashes into a brick wall.
It gets a star because it’s an awesome plot idea, it’s just too bad it was excuted so very poorly.
Secondly, this is 2 stars dropped down for a graphic SA early on in the book. Taking place before the husband of the MC is murdered. The story never gets Landon justice really, Elijah’s husband was kidnapped and horrifically sexually assaulted, he was then murdered scared and in pain and the MC who got his heart, “idiot heart receiver dude”, never tells Elijah. Just sits on that info the whole book! Yes, the trafficking ring gets taken down, but Landon feels forgotten by 50% in.
Actually the WHOLE plot fails in that “idiot heart receiver dude” starts sharing memories with Elijah’s murdered husband, Landon, and beyond those memories changing Idiot’s ENTIRE sexuality and leading him to Elijah, they serve ZERO help plot wise.
“idiot heart receiver dude”’s memories don’t help bring down the organ trafficking ring at all…actually a secondary character we don’t know at all that has a whole unexplained arc does that. They don’t help him build a bond with Elijah… they add little moments where Elijah is like “wow this is crazy, what a connection”- the plot is basically the same with or without the flashbacks… what was the point???
And you know what means? Landon’s sexual assault at the hands of the traffickers was completely unneeded for the plot in anyway.
The middle of the book is just sex, and not even like well written. I hoped “idiot heart receiver dude” since he had Landon’s heart would make the sex super special. NOPE, it’s all just super generic.
The ending made “idiot heart receiver dude”’s wife into a cartoon villian and veered so off the rails, it crashes into a brick wall.
It gets a star because it’s an awesome plot idea, it’s just too bad it was excuted so very poorly.
January 30, 2025
🖤💚 Estranged Heart // Ashlynn Mills 💚🖤
Wow! I have never read anything like this before. Ashlyn took such a special idea and made it such an emotional and beautiful book! Silas and Elijah meet in the most horrible of situations, but find love in a chemistry that transcends - what an absolutely stunning story!
🖤 MM Mystery Romance
💚 Emotional
🖤 Transplant Connection- Kismet
💚 Chronic Illness
🖤 Love After Loss
💚 Demi Rep
🖤 Cheating (not between MCs)
🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: No. Couple is Vers.
Dirty talk
Needy, begging
Somno - light
✅ book has listed trigger warning: Yes
Official Description:
Side effects they don't list with a heart transplant: Lusting after a man you've never met before.
On the verge of losing my life, I'm doing my best to accept my fate. Then I receive a message from the hospital. A second chance, an organ donor. A man who has a zero chance of waking up from a bad car crash turns out to be the perfect match.
I’ll get to live the life he lost.
My wife thinks it's a miracle, a dream come true. She wants me as much as the day we first met, but it's no longer her face I see when I close my eyes at night.
To me, it feels like we're strangers playing house. Her touch isn't the same as it once was, and the only person my body aches for is someone I normally would never go for.
I don't know him, but my dreams, thoughts, and heart do. Somehow, I’m being led to every place he’s been. Places that feel like ones we've been to together. It's impossible, I know, but also the only thing that makes sense.
It might have been his husband who brought us together but he's the reason I keep coming back. Too bad me being straight and married aren’t the only obstacles getting in my way of staying.
💋 @read.me.romance
Wow! I have never read anything like this before. Ashlyn took such a special idea and made it such an emotional and beautiful book! Silas and Elijah meet in the most horrible of situations, but find love in a chemistry that transcends - what an absolutely stunning story!
🖤 MM Mystery Romance
💚 Emotional
🖤 Transplant Connection- Kismet
💚 Chronic Illness
🖤 Love After Loss
💚 Demi Rep
🖤 Cheating (not between MCs)
🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: No. Couple is Vers.
Dirty talk
Needy, begging
Somno - light
✅ book has listed trigger warning: Yes
Official Description:
Side effects they don't list with a heart transplant: Lusting after a man you've never met before.
On the verge of losing my life, I'm doing my best to accept my fate. Then I receive a message from the hospital. A second chance, an organ donor. A man who has a zero chance of waking up from a bad car crash turns out to be the perfect match.
I’ll get to live the life he lost.
My wife thinks it's a miracle, a dream come true. She wants me as much as the day we first met, but it's no longer her face I see when I close my eyes at night.
To me, it feels like we're strangers playing house. Her touch isn't the same as it once was, and the only person my body aches for is someone I normally would never go for.
I don't know him, but my dreams, thoughts, and heart do. Somehow, I’m being led to every place he’s been. Places that feel like ones we've been to together. It's impossible, I know, but also the only thing that makes sense.
It might have been his husband who brought us together but he's the reason I keep coming back. Too bad me being straight and married aren’t the only obstacles getting in my way of staying.
💋 @read.me.romance
February 1, 2025
𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 // 𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝓎𝓃𝓃 ℳ𝒾𝓁𝓁𝓈 // ARC // Releases Jan 30th
🏊🏼 Review 🛼
Wow just wow…..
Don’t even know how to actually put it into words how beautiful this story was to me. Ashlynn truly has a way with words and the way she captured Silas and Elijah hard earned HEA.
Silas and Elijah met in what had to be their most horrible situation, but had this connection that neither of them could explain. It’s was like an invisible string being pulled together. They couldn’t stop from coming together even if they truly wanted to. As many times as they said “we shouldn’t be doing this” and still couldn’t walk away.
Ashlynn broke my heart into little pieces but truly put it back together in the best way.
FYI THERE IS CHEATING IN THIS BOOK (NOT BETWEEN MCs) SO IF CHEATING ISN’T YOUR THING THEN MOVE IT THE
f¥€k ALONG. BUT IF YOU WANT A BEAUTIFUL WRITTEN STORY THEN JUMP RIGHT IN.
Please ✔️ TRIGGER WARNINGS before jumping in. If you have none then just jump in 😉.
🏳️🌈 MM Romance
💜 Grumpish x Sunshine
🪻 Bi-Awakening
😈 Cheating (Not Between MCs)
💜 Memory Transfer Through Heart Transplant
🪻 Insta-Pull
😈 Demi Rep
💜 Accidental St@lk!ng
🪻 Spouse Death
😈 Dirty Talk
💜 New Adventures
🪻 Needy // Begging
😈 Somno - Light
💜 Organ Tr@ff!€k!ng
🔝 Strict Top // ⬇️ Strict Bottom (Nope)
Find Edit 👇🏼
🦄 IG: @love.2.readallmmromance
🏊🏼 Review 🛼
Wow just wow…..
Don’t even know how to actually put it into words how beautiful this story was to me. Ashlynn truly has a way with words and the way she captured Silas and Elijah hard earned HEA.
Silas and Elijah met in what had to be their most horrible situation, but had this connection that neither of them could explain. It’s was like an invisible string being pulled together. They couldn’t stop from coming together even if they truly wanted to. As many times as they said “we shouldn’t be doing this” and still couldn’t walk away.
Ashlynn broke my heart into little pieces but truly put it back together in the best way.
FYI THERE IS CHEATING IN THIS BOOK (NOT BETWEEN MCs) SO IF CHEATING ISN’T YOUR THING THEN MOVE IT THE
f¥€k ALONG. BUT IF YOU WANT A BEAUTIFUL WRITTEN STORY THEN JUMP RIGHT IN.
Please ✔️ TRIGGER WARNINGS before jumping in. If you have none then just jump in 😉.
🏳️🌈 MM Romance
💜 Grumpish x Sunshine
🪻 Bi-Awakening
😈 Cheating (Not Between MCs)
💜 Memory Transfer Through Heart Transplant
🪻 Insta-Pull
😈 Demi Rep
💜 Accidental St@lk!ng
🪻 Spouse Death
😈 Dirty Talk
💜 New Adventures
🪻 Needy // Begging
😈 Somno - Light
💜 Organ Tr@ff!€k!ng
🔝 Strict Top // ⬇️ Strict Bottom (Nope)
Find Edit 👇🏼
🦄 IG: @love.2.readallmmromance
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