Demons in your heart

Demons #2

by Jessica Girke

Haunted by a mission that went tragically wrong, CIA Agent and former Navy SEAL Nate Sheppard was left with PTSD, panic attacks, and nightmares. The CIA’s new doctor Lynn Summers was the one to finally make a breakthrough in his recovery. Together they fought and silenced the demons in his mind. Along the way they fell in love, the warmth of Lynn’s touch able to melt the ice around Nate’s heart, and after eleven years he was finally happy and smiling once more. Until a series of strange messages on Lynn’s phone sent Nate spiraling straight back down his rabbit hole.

After the incidents in “Demons in your mind”, Nate and Lynn find themselves in a difficult situation. With dates and therapy sessions they try hard to rebuild the trust between them. They’re sure about their feelings but is love enough for a healthy relationship?

Is their relationship strong enough to survive the demons of Nate’s past and will they both finally get the happy ending they so desperately desire?

This is book 2 of the "Demons Series"

Genres: Military Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2024

About the author

Jessica Girke is a contemporary romance author that writes real and raw love stories. Her books often include mental and physical health topics and she is not too shy to write it in all details.

Reviews

[nettysbooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to meet Nate and Lynn again and especially following the events from book 1 (Demons in your mind) to see how they’ll fight against the trust issues after an incident occurred. Both are such strong characters and here they’ve grown even more in my eyes reading this. The wall of trust issues and how both are handling it with such care to keep their love strong and healthy, the good communication to always handle things with respect and understanding. Nate and Lynn are such great examples of true love, that no matter what you’re going through in life, love is always healing 🤍

As much as this story is filled with love, Nate being an absolute teddy bear (cuteness overload from this man 🥹), it’s also heartbreaking with sensitive topics and him dealing with his PTSD from his earlier life. Emotions are filled to the brim but in the end, Jessica knows how to approach these with care and make the characters really speak to you and connect with them. They’re such a power couple and they deserve all the happiness in the world.

Thank you Jessica for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book. Never stop believing in yourself, you’re amazing and ily 🤍

Available now on Amazon and KU!

[Cindy Henriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my dear Jessica, you have absolutely killed it with this book, I was expecting drama (lots of it) ans you delivered!! I still hate seeing Nate fighting with his extremely loud demons in this book but watching him overcome them was an incredibly beautiful experience for me. 🥰 Ohhhh that plot twist with Lynn made me want to DIE, I felt for Nate and cried with him and broke with him and suffered every second with him. I admire the way that you talk about such sensitive topics, how you shine light on things that are always kept in the dark but the majority of the people and that is an amazing gift to have. The way you have made Nate and Lynn come to life for me has been captivating and I can’t wait for me. 🥹 They have become my favorite couple, I am so invested and can’t wait to see what you have in store for them !!! AHHHHHHH and the ENDING !!!! TOTAL chefs kiss 🤌🏻

I can’t express how much I love their relationship and the idea that they are soulmates simply because they are each others sunshine and support system and everything especially throughout the hardest moments of each others lives. 🖤

[Saumya Vasdev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so let's talk about this book—it's the second one in the series, and can I just say, I liked it even more than the first! The way it dives into mental health stuff is just 🤌🏻 perfect.

And can we talk about Nate and Lynn's love story? It's seriously the cutest thing ever! Nate dealing with PTSD and all that heavy stuff, and Lynn being there for him every step of the way—my heart can't handle it! Plus, the characters all growing and becoming better friends? I'm here for it! 🥹

Oh, and don't even get me started on the romance scenes—they're not too spicy, but they're super sweet and just make you go "aww" every time! 🤭

Seriously, if you're into second chances at love, mental health representation, workplace romances, or grumpy characters falling for sunshine types, this book is a must-read! Trust me, you won't regret it!

[Gigi ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Lynn they have my heart. I can't!!!!

I don't think I have the words to describe this book and these two!

While reading this book all i wanted was to hug Nate so tight.....

His whole life was a battle, ever since he was a kid, later on the SEALs and later in the CIA as well. Scars (both physical and mental) were made, baggages obtained and demons were living in his mind after everything he was through.... But Lynn came into his life like tornado or more like a sunshine as he called her and made it all better, she was the reason he wanted to become a better person..... Love can work wonders indeed

Lynn my sweet sunshine. She's for real the most caring person ever, always there for everyone but more importantly for Nate. These two are the definition of "meant to be" They're like yin and Yang, completing and complimenting eachother!!!

There were so many scenes that i loved and were so important!!!!

The first date, their spicy scenes, the cute love cards, Nate's happiness and breakdowns and apology, the hospital scenes and everything in between....

The chapter names and journal style entries were so refreshing and cute!

This for book for real worths a read, it's not your typical romance story.... It's so much more!

Jessica really wrote a powerful story.... Again!

Thank you Jessica for this ARC and everything else!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5

Demons in Your Heart is the second book in the Demons series. Picking up where the first book in the series left off, we rejoin Nate Sheppard and Lynn Summers after the incident that occurred. Nate has suffered for PTSD following a mission gone terrible wrong and Lynn was the only one able to bring him out of his downward spiral, but after the truth is reveal he’s had a backslide back into the rabbit hole. With hope and determination, Lynn and Nate are determined to get back to where they were before. Will they be able to make the progress or will the secret that was between them be too much?

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was really interested to see where this book would go after the cliffhanger at the end of the first. I was pleasantly surprised! This book has the same great characters, the mental health rep and the same strong story. I liked being able to see the redemption in this story and see how Lynn and Nate fought to get back to where they were before. I really enjoy the writing in this series and like how not everything is always sunshine and rainbows like some romances. If you are looking for a heavier romance read that makes you think, but is inspiring, give this series a try!

[Beth (bethsbookshelfx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating : ☆☆☆☆

———

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘹 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.

———

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :

- 𝙂𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙮 𝙓 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚
- 𝙃𝙪𝙧𝙩/𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩
- 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨
- 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 & 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮
- 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨

✔️ Available On KU

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This one was super cute. I enjoyed this more than ‘Demons In Your Mind’ as I felt there was more happening and even more depth into the relationship of Nate and Lynn.

This book really took us in all avenues in regards to feels. Also, the way they really fought for their love, shows how deep their love goes.

Nate overcome so many of his fears to show his love for Lynn & Lynn managed to break through his walls to regain the trust that was lost.

I love the friendship group with Lynn, Nate, Marta and Oliver. They are so ride or die for eachother and I love that.

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jessica With this book you totally won me over, once again, even more so than the first... there's a lot of drama but I didn't expect otherwise! I grieve as if I were seeing a friend when I read about Nate still battling his inner demons. I can't say what happens but what heartbreaking moments and what twists and turns. As I told you in the first one, I love how you deal with such delicate topics that many censor and keep hidden... There should be more books like this... Nate and Lynn have thus become my favourites, I love how they give support to each other, I I felt so involved with their whole story that I would like 5 more books with them...your books are 5 stars because they are the reality of many people and you give them a voice...I repeat 5 stars

[Jasmin ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Jessica for letting me be an ARC reader. I really like how Jessica represents mental health in her books and I’m so happy for Nate and Lynn to have found a way to fight their demons together. I truly enjoyed their love story, and I really loved the friendship between Oliver, Marta, Nate and Lynn - they just made me smile a lot. Though I have to say, I felt like the first book of the series had me hooked a little more than the second one.

The reason this is only a 3 star review is because I couldn’t quite feel the emotions while reading it. And while this could be because of the point of view it was written in, it could also just be a “me-thing”. Nevertheless, it was a cute book that I enjoyed.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dives into mental health and PTSD in a way that is both tragic and hopeful. This story is about love, sacrifice, and the necessity of trust. How to recover from broken trust and broken hearts all while healing from the inside out. There is something for everyone in this book including war, sex, and everything in between.

[Courtney Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MISS JESSICA GIRKE...YOU.ARE.KILLING ME!!! Ugh, this book was everything! Gives all the emotions 💜😤😭. I just am obsessed with the 'Demons duet' concept and subject matter. I have no more words...just run and read!

"You were the reason I felt normal again."

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Demons In Your Heart more than In Your Mind. I actually gasped out loud when Lynne got hurt. I was worried about her. This story had spice to it. Great spice, and I loved every detail! My favorite part had to be the character growth with Butch because I was rooting for him in book one. It was an overall nice love story.

A big thank you to @haylingbookstorm & @jessicagirkeauthor for giving me the chance to be on the ARC team. ⁣

[Tamara Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pleased to say I enjoyed reading about Nate and Lynn. It was sad, happy, and everything in between. I’m all for second chances. The heartache and trauma these two have gone through and will go through could easily end any passionate affair or the feeling to love… lies, secrets, blackmail, death, all these scream failure… but will it be the end of Nate and Lynn or will they be able to conquer everything thrown at them? Will they be able to rid those demons setting in once and for all, or will they succumb to them? Read Jessica Girke‘s contemporary romance and find out for yourself. You‘ll be glad you did. Happy reading!

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second instalment in Lynn and Nate’s story. After finishing the first book,I was itching to know how their relationship will develop further. I would say this one was more raw,giving PTSD and mental heath a more in depth approach into both of the MC’s traumas.It was sad,it was happy,kept me on the edge of my seat a fair bit of times,and it left me with tears of joy.

Check TW before you dive in ♥️

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
CIA Agent and former Navy SEAL Nate Sheppard was left with PTSD, panic attacks, and nightmares. With the help of the new CIA doctor, Lynn Summers, they make a breakthrough in his recovery, and they go on to silence the demons in his mind.

After the results of Demons in Your Mind, Nate and Lynn are on some rocky ground, but they’re determined to try dates and therapy to get back to where they were. They both believe that you can slowly rebuild trust after it has been broken.

Is their relationship strong enough to survive the demons of Nate’s past and will they both finally get the happy ending they so desperately desire?

Thoughts:
Jess’s writing is always so beautiful and full of heart, and it just comes through on each page and I just love reading all her books. This is her third book, and the second full length novel. I really enjoyed getting to know Nate and Lynn more in this book, it was fantastic. There has been tremendous growth in Jess as an author over the course of her writing career. Jess is German yet her English writing is wonderful. When she was getting started there were some minor mistakes here and there, but she was learning! Now, you would be hard pressed to think she wasn’t a native English speaker, and it really shows in her writing!

Like in her other books, Jess explores mental health along with the romance storyline and it was a wild ride not without ups and downs, and it was a wild ride. In this book we work through Nate’s PTSD, panic attacks and nightmares. He is only able to do so with the help of Lynn and it was truly a sight to behold.

This book does pick up where book one, Demons in Your Mind, left off, so you will want to read it first, this isn’t a standalone series. It was hard to stand by and watch both Lynn and Nate suffer as they dealt with their own illnesses, and I kept hoping they would get there happily ever after. I won’t say if it works out, because I don’t want to spoil the book, but the ending was satisfactory, and I wasn’t left wanting for more; things wrapped up nicely.

This book does have a few spicy scenes, they are short and sweet, but they were good and didn’t need to be drawn out. Their connection is just so beautiful, and the spice just brought their love to the next level.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters within the CIA compound and the operations that have taken place. I hope in the next book(s) we get to travel outside the walls and get out into the world! That would be exciting and I’m excited to see what Jess has up next for us.

As always, thank you so much to @jessicagirkeauthor for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This review will be published to my blog, speedreadstagram.com, during publication week.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓎: 🌶️🌶️/5

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

I’m so glad that I discovered Jessica and her books! What I really love about Jessica is how beautifully she writes her books! She also focuses a lot on mental heath rep which I absolutely love! While reading this series I also noticed that, Jessica, as an author has evolved so much!

If you haven’t read the book one yet, I highly recommend you do as this book picks up right after book one.

This book bought me joy, tears and so many other emotions, it indeed was an emotional roller coaster for me. Nate (MMC), who suffers from panic attacks, PTSD and nightmares and the only one who can help him overcome it is Lynn (FMC), who was also dealing with mental illness. In “Demons In Your Heart”, we get to experience how Nate and Lynn are fighting their own demons and all the ups and downs in their relationship.

This book had few spicy scenes but it wasn’t anything extreme! It was really sweet and short. Also, I really loved the chemistry between the main characters. They now truly have a really special place in my heart.

Overall, all I have to say is.. add this series to your TBR right now! I promise, you won’t be disappointed. The storyline, the ending, the climax, the writing, the characters… everything was so perfectly written!

I highly recommend you to read it, if you love mental health rep, second chances romances and few spicy scenes then you should definitely check it out!

[bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book friend recommended Jessica Girke's Demons Duet to me and I had the privilege of reading the second book, Demons In Your Heart, as an ARC. Thanks for that.

What is the story about?
Nate is a CIA agent and ex-Navy Seal who was captured and tortured several years ago. He still bears the scars from that time on his body and soul. Lynn is the new doctor on the CIA compound. Can she help Nate overcome his trauma and be happy again?

What I liked:
the friendship between Nate & Oliver
some of the side characters were really sweet
understanding and protectiveness of Nate’s situation
Nates selflessness in book 2
“memorial dinners” - they cook meals that reminds them of their past
adorable and shy MMC - I just wanted to hug and protect him
forehead kisses

What I didn’t like:
certain expressions and phrases are repeated very often
they cry a little too much for my liking
the MMC appears weak and helpless, which he is not
certain things are not sufficiently developed

This book duet is very character driven. If that’s your jam then this might be the perfect duet for you.


Triggers:
Emotional trauma (grief, death, torture), PTSD, anxiety and panic attack, physical and mental violence, detailed descriptions of accidents and injuries, blood, toxic behavior from parents, loss of close family members, suicide, kidnapping (in the past)

[Bells · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Reading “Demons in Your Heart” felt like diving into a sea of emotions. Nate’s and Lynn’s story hit close to home, with their love tested by betrayal and loss. As Nate, the ex-Navy Seal now with the CIA, and Lynn, the doctor and his therapist, try to mend their relationship, I found myself rooting for them. Their pain over Lynn’s sister’s death and the way they leaned on each other was deeply moving.

What I loved about this book was the balance between the heavy emotional load and the light-hearted moments. Their dates were adorable, filled with laughter and consent, which is so important. The banter between them often had me tearing up with laughter. It’s rare to find a story that captures the essence of romance and humor so well.

Jessica has done an incredible job with the details, making the CIA and medical aspects so vivid, it’s like they jump off the page. The intensity of the story had me pacing around my house, gasping and clutching my chest. It’s a book that leaves a mark, making you pause and reflect on the characters’ journey to recovery. I need some time to recover from this amazing story, but it’s a reminder that we all have demons to fight, and sometimes, love is the best weapon we have.

[Jenna Crumpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jessica for the ARC of your book for an honest review!

I was happy to finally get the next book with Nate and Lynn’s story especially with the way the first book ended! The characters in this book go through so much during this book and Jessica does such an amazing job with each and every scene from talking about mental health to PTSD and panic attacks. You can always tell how much research she truly puts into her books! I loved watching all the characters help each other throughout all the ups and downs and being there for each other. I was so happy with how things ended for our two main characters! Im very proud of Jessica and the little world she has created and I’m definitely excited to see what Jessica comes up with next!

[Anh Duong · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 🌟
Have you read any book that impact you in such a strong and emotional feel to your heart.

Demons in your heart do that to me, the ways Jess building and crafting Nate and Lyn and how they fight their own inner difficulty, they way they complete each other being tear to my eyes. They have gone through so much and I’m so happy that they found each other.

Nate and Lynn will always my favorite and influence in me in a way that so power that make me feel for them, cry for them, happy for them.

Jessica is really amazing authors with powerful writing that can bring every emotions to you.

Demons duet consist “Demons in your mind” and “Demons in your heart” is must read book for anyone looking for emotional, aesthetic, gentle yet powerful story.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 ♥️ Demons in your Heart ♥️ 💜

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Nate and Lynn both have their problems. One lived through torture and kidnapping…the other lived through the horrific death of a sibling. Individually these events have destroyed them. Together are they strong enough to overcome what’s thrown their way? Or is the past just too strong.

Demons in your Heart gave me ALLL the feels. I cried, I laughed, I was sad, I was happy, I was shocked, and I was even a little bit worried! It is a well written book that touches on so many important topics. From PTSD to miscarriages these sensitive topics are handled with such finesse. I enjoyed this book and found that I just wanted to keep reading

[Colbygirl13reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons in your Heart was thoroughly enjoyable. I love the mental health that Jessica incorporates in her stories. Lynn and Nate both have physical and mental trauma they need to overcome. Together can they heal? Can they overcome the trauma, deception and death they have encountered? Together can they rid their demons?
The character development was phenomenal and Nate’s emotional growth was so welcomed. I truly felt emotional while reading this book, happiness, devastation, sadness, frustration. You name it I felt it. If you like second chance contemporary romance stories this is a must read. Thank you for the ARC copy @haylingbookstorm.

[Catie Snowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first book, I was super excited to receive an ARC of the second books. I love the relationship portrayed through Nate and Lynn. Not a lot of books talk about mental health and forgiveness after betrayal. I think this book does a great job of expressing both of those ideas. I did give a 3 star because I felt that some chapters dragged on a little too long to get the point across.

[Amy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Demons Duet.
After the invents that happened in Demons in your Mind, both Nate & Lynn struggle to get back on track with their relationship.
With dates & therapy will their love be strong enough to survive his Demons.

An easy, sweet read with plenty of character growth & the smallest amount of spice.
Nate can be quite in his own head at times which started to get frustrating but push through the tense excitement is about to begin.

[Mia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from the author Jessica Girke . This is an AMAZING read. If you haven’t read part 1 then you need to go grab it now. This is a not a typical romance a navy seal with PTSD and a doctor battling her own demons have to overcome their own minds to find love together. I love how beautifully it’s written and how realistic it feels when you read it. A definite highly recommend.

[Ainsely Layden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book jumps into psychological well-being and PTSD in a manner that is both lamentable and confident. This story is about adoration, penance, and the need of trust. The most effective method to recuperate from broken trust and broken hearts all while mending from the back to front. There is something for everybody in this book including war, sex, and in the middle between.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get into book 2. I felt like what Lynn did to betray the CIA was somewhat understandable and I get why Nate would feel betrayed, HOWEVER, Nate was such a whiner in my eyes. I feel like an ex SEAL would not cry and pout as much as he did. Idk.

[ABurch74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demons in Your Heart

I haven’t read the first book in this series; however, that did not keep me from enjoying this story. The author does a good job with character development and addressing the mental struggles associated with past trauma. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before this one because I feel knowing the backstory would have enhanced the beginning of the story. However, this was a very enjoyable read.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that it’s easy to relate to Nate! Also love the way the characters grow and become friends it was absolutely an amazing read!

[Aubrey Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But it matters to me."

Again Jessica Girke proves why mental health is so important in our stories. She takes the tale of Nate and Lynn to new heights with this heartbreakingly beautiful story about resistance, kindness and learning to love each other through every hard turn life gives us.

Nate and Lynn are going to have a last impact on my heart.

If you have the chance and want something that will make you feel everything, grab this duet. It's incredible.

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Nate and Lynn🖤
ARC Review ✨️
*Heavy PTSD and mental health topics, check cw before reading*🖤
OH MY GOODNESSS😭😭😭 This story was super emotional, and my heart was breaking for Nate and Lynn. Demons In Your Heart is the Duet to Demons In Your Mind. This book follows right along with where we left off in book one. We get to learn more about our main characters and how much trauma they've had to endure. Jessica did such a beautiful job at really pouring out her heart into this book! These 2 books definitely left a mark on me, and I will forever cherish the story and the beautiful characters😭😍🖤 I certainly will be re-reading these in the near future✨️