Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hearts Aligned

Rate this book
Arianna Taylor recently left her abusive boyfriend. Being the CEO of Angels for Heros, she immersed herself in her work. She vowed that she wanted nothing to do with men until she nearly collides with a beautiful stranger at a benefit for her organization.

Landon Holt is a retired Marine and the Chief Executive at the local military hospital. Since he’d come home from war Landon was battling his own demons until the day he met Arianna. He didn’t understand it but in those thirty seconds in her presence he felt at peace. He knew there was something about her and he needed her in his life.

Can they overcome their own personal battles to find love, and with a shadow looming even closer, will their affection be enough to overcome all the obstacles?
















































































..

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2024

7 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Cheri Marie

21 books1,028 followers
Cheri Marie is an author, reader, event organizer and most importantly a fur-mama. She is a Florida girl, currently residing in beautiful North Carolina. A lover of animals, it’s no surprise that Cheri has what some would call, a zoo of animals. When she isn't writing stories that transport you to another world, or wearing one of her many hats, she enjoys photography and music. Also on her down time, she enjoys spending a day on the water, fishing with her brothers.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
24 (38%)
4 stars
18 (29%)
3 stars
13 (20%)
2 stars
7 (11%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah B.
60 reviews49 followers
February 14, 2016
Before I know it, we're intertwined. All hands, tongues and feverish kisses.

I struggled with the star rating for this, I couldn't come up with one until last minute and after a discussion with Ash. It's a very strong three stars for me, almost moving into a four, but then is it quite a four? I think I've decided to go with a three stars - but I'm giving it plus meaning that it's so, so, so very close to being a four for me. I really enjoyed this author and feel that we can expect some really great things from her. I'm being picky and fussy, but only because as I've said before, erotica and romance are my favorite genres - so my reviews are in respect of everything I've read. So while Cheri Marie, for me, is good, she's not quite 4* like Jessica Scott, Christine Feehan or Sherrilyn Kenyon- yet.

The storyline is sweet and endearing. Arianna runs a company that helps military men and their families after they've finished active duty called Angels for Heroes. At the beginning of the book she has an emotionally and then physically abusive boyfriend Liam. Things turn nasty with Liam and while going through a messy break up, Arianna tries to hold it all together and keep dedicating herself to her work. Despite everything going on, she puts on her favourite dress (the one Liam said she was too fat for), slaps some makeup on and goes to the fundraiser she's arranged for her Angels. There she runs into a gorgeous man named Landon and the attraction is instant.

As I've said in a previous review (Torn by Scarlet le Clair) erotica has the issue of repetition. Here it's not actually too bad; it's certain words rather than phrases. I found the words nip, flick and slam in almost every sex scene. As for the actually sex scenes, they’re very steamy and well written. Outside of these scenes the other repeated words were giggling/giggled and wink/ winked. It feels like someone giggles or winks in every chapter. However, I'm not sure if this is done slightly tongue in cheek as the author, Cheri Marie, appears to be aware that she's repeating words as she often adds in 'giggled again'. It works in the context it’s in, as Arianna is nervous and Landon super confident but I think it’s one of those things the author needs to keep an eye out for.

Another issue that I had was with the Landon/Liam characters. They are both possessive and at times, aggressive (certainly Liam). If we weren’t offered Landon’s perspective then I think that it may feel like Arianna was trading one abusive relationship for another, slightly less abusive relationship. But because we have Landon’s viewpoint, we know that he’s fallen hard for Arianna and would do anything to protect her and make her feel beautiful. This takes the abusive edge off for me, but only just. There's a thin line between sexy alpha male and possessive controller.

Which leads me on to something that I love reading about in books: normal women! Arianna is self-conscious, doesn’t have the perfect body and questions the things about herself that others love. Landon does everything he can to convince her and make sure that she knows she’s beautiful. This is easy to relate to and I think it adds extra charm to the character. Overall it’s a good debut novel, I liked the storyline, loved the chemistry and I would recommend it as a quick, easy read.

You can read this review and others like it at pageonebooks.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2016
let me first say this before I start my review.....No woman should ever have to endure abuse. Verbal or physical. Get the help you need as soon as you can. Find a shelter, turn to you best friend. Just get the help..
Landon Holt is a Marine. He did tours in the middle east. He has need discharged due to PTSD. He is in a very bad place at this time of his life.
Arianna Taylor is a beautiful woman who has self esteem issues die to her relationship with Liam. Liam is handsome, but is the biggest asshole to walk the face of this earth. He constantly rips Arianna apart.
One day Arianna walks out on Liam because he is accusing her of cheating. When she comes things go from bad to worse with Liam and she throws him out......
This book has a lot of WOW factors in it. It broke my heart quite a few times. I was so happy for Arianna a lot in this story. She never felt herself worthy of happiness because of the things Liam would tell her.
Her best friend Ashlin is amazing and reminds me a lot of my BFF.
Profile Image for Kearstyn Kutik.
46 reviews
August 12, 2024
Landon and Arianna have my entire HEART. that’s all I have to say. loved this book!
Profile Image for Shannon.
96 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2016
DNF at 65%. First of all, I HATE not finishing a book and will usually power through, but I just couldn't do it anymore. I have no idea if it is just me or if the readers that rated this book so high just have much different expectations for books that I do. I did give it 2 stars, because the storyline was a good one. However, it just did not live up to expectations. There were a multitude of problems, some of which are spoilers, so I will hide them as much as I can during my review.

First of all, the heroine meets the Hero the day after a supposedly huge breakup with her current boyfriend. After meeting for the first time, there was over-the-top insta-love. I usually have no problem with insta-love in books, but their meeting was so short and had such little detail, I didn't buy it with this couple. I think the heroine would have been a bit more hesitant after just breaking up with her abusive ex. Then there was the inconsistent time frame. In my opinion, there was zero chemistry between the main characters and the writing was very choppy. There were lots of missed punctuation marks (mostly commas) which led to poor flow of sentences. And, LOTS of talk about the Hero's perfect body and his "pecks". The muscle is the pectoralis major, the abbreviation is pecs, not pecks! This alone would not have caused a rant, but it was my breaking point. I will not be finishing this one or recommending to my friends.
Profile Image for Roanne Germaine.
864 reviews15 followers
February 13, 2016
Arianna was a battered girlfriend. She was abused , not only physically but also emotionally and mentally within the confines of her home. But to the outside world, she was a successful CEO of an organization that helps rebuild the broken lives of war vets and their families. During one benefit event she organized, she almost collided with a mysterious handsome man in a classy suit, and he took her breath away.

Landon was a former Marine, whose PTSD had left him broken and feeling worthless. But as a very wealthy man and the successful CEO of a military hospital, he decided to attend a charity event to help his fellow soldiers. When he saw the beautiful and curvy Arianna, she had sparked a light inside of him, and he knew, just then, that he was saved.

Both Arianna and Landon had tragic pasts that still haunted them, literally. Their hearts became aligned by a common cause, and that is, to help war heroes live a normal lives again. But in the end, they also became each other's heroes. Their love for each other saved them and gave them their happily ever after .

The plot and characters of Hearts Aligned moved and affected me , especially in those episodes between Arianna and her ex-boyfriend , and Landon's internal conflicts. But Landon was a really a very sweet , generous , protective and passionate lover. He did so many swoon-worthy things to Arriana , I was even a bit jealous of her in those moments.

Cherie Marie , as an author, has potential for stardom. She's very talented . Be that as it may, there is also definitely a room for improvement , like lesser redundant phrasing and a more elucidation of the main characters' backstory when necessary, to evoke more understanding on why they are what they are. For instance, if Landon's backstory had been narrated in the first chapter or as a prologue before he attended that benefit event, it would be more astounding to me as a reader , and this book would have been more phenomenal, in my opinion.

HEARTS ALIGNED is a beautiful DEBUT novel. Cherie Marie has a lot of potential because of her ability to pull heartstrings through her words. This book certainly did. It's sweet, sexy, and heart-warming at the same time. For a first novel, this is a really good one, and I'm looking forward to read her next book.

N.B. An advanced copy was provided to me for an honest review.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2016
This is the first time in reading this author for me with her also being new to me. What drew me to the novel was the description. Softie for military of any kind I tend to jump on them in a minute. She starts it out by introducing Arianna who is getting ready to go into work, her job is impressive as a CEO for Angels for Heroes which she started. She also seems to be in a relationship with a questionable guy by his behavior. She gets a real eye opener soon though and makes a good decision about him it would seem none to soon. She has a good friend also though who will help her. Shortly after that though she will meet someone new who will be a big donor at a fund raiser she hosts that will be the beginning of a new direction for her. Landon has met someone that touched a spot in him no other has at just the right time when he bumps into Arianna. This author will take you on their journey as they begin something for them both that will be worth reading about. He is a ex marine and works at hospital in the administrative part. It will not be easy for him to get her to make that first step but it will be made. She has not had a good relationship with it being abusive at times but thank goodness she escaped. He though has his secrets or left overs as you can call them from his past in the military but he is positive about her. He is one that has a big heart and all the characteristics you would want in a guy that lassoed your heart. They will not have a easy journey though because her ex will not let go. There are some suspenseful moments that this author will give that could truly and has happened in this type of a relationship. He will show her raw passionate love none like she has known before while she will be his saving grace. Very appropriate title to what you will read. Thanks to him too her friend will get lucky in the romance department with his friend which will give a balance that makes a good flow in this. They will be rewarded with a gift in a relationship that can be one of the finest. All in all I really enjoyed reading this and so glad I did not miss it.
5 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2016
WOW!!! What an amazing debut by Cheri Marie. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

Here goes: Cheri Marie nailed it on her debut. This book has a wonderful story line and I feel like it flowed very well. One of the best things about the book is that the heroine Arianna is not weak or spineless. She’s independent and doesn’t need anyone to take care of her; she can do that all on her own. She's smart, educated and a very successful CEO of an amazing Charity Organization that helps Veterans. Most romance novels portray the women as weak and needs a man. This was not the case for Arianna. Even though Arianna was coming from an abusive past relationship she still stood strong and didn't let it beat her down. She kept her head held high. I think her character is someone other women would and could look up to.

Our HERO Landon is a Veteran Marine who is suffering with PTSD. He also serves as a CEO of a Veteran Hospital. He feels lost and broken and not sure what he's living for.

A fated "collision" brings these two together. At a Charity luncheon that Arianna’s company puts on. The sight of Landon takes Arianna's breath away, but it also does something to Landon, it lets him know that he's not alone and just maybe there is something worth living for.
Both Arianna & Landon have a tragic past that they're both trying to overcome. They soon find out that they are much better together than alone. The love that these two finally opened themselves up for was beautiful and heartfelt. I loved the protector in Landon. He was sweet, kind, caring and very compassionate. I think the journey that these two had was beautifully written and I can’t wait to see what else Cheri Marie has in store for us.

I really hope Cheri Marie continues on this journey. I see a lot of great potential for her and I’m looking forward to hearing more about Landon & Arianna in upcoming books. Hopefully Xavier is one of those books.
I strongly suggest you give the book a try you won’t regret it. It’s an amazing journey, of finding one self, redemption, love and being free.
Profile Image for Dana Fetters.
13 reviews
February 15, 2016
I will start by saying this book has a wonderful story line, and I feel the author has great potential. I absolutely LOVED that Arianna was so strong and independent. Most romance novels portray a weak female character, but Cheri Marie went against the grain not only with this woman's independence, but because Arianna is a plus sized woman. I do feel that Cheri Marie has a lot of growth to look forward to as she continues to write. Many of the details in the book were irrelevant (didn't help the book progress, or help develop her characters more), and the writing was a bit choppy. The sentences seemed to flow a little better the farther I got into the story. I would also recommend scene breaks throughout the book. There were times that I was reading, and because there was no transitional break from one scene to another, I would have to go back and read some again to clear up confusion. The editing was mostly spot on. There were less than a handful of errors as far as the words go (typos, missed/wrong words, etc.), but there were numerous places where commas or even semicolons should have been placed. Generally, I enjoy a dual POV book as it tends to enhance the story. However, through much of this book, I felt that Landon's POV simply reiterated what Arianna had already stated without adding much to the scene. Overall, I think it is a wonderful first effort, and look forward to seeing how much the author grows in her next release.
2,446 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2016
This book left me feeling really confused. The author was so inconsistent with her writing. For instance:
She had Arianna's secretary calling her Ms. Taylor at the beginning of the book and then all of a sudden she starts calling her by her first name. It didn't make any sense.
Landon bought Ari a dog for Christmas but after she opened the gift it was never mentioned again. C'mon a puppy tears up everything but that dog never made another peep.
Landon was so in love with Ari that he proposes after only a few months but the minute she tells him she is pregnant he runs. I could understand if it was a few hours but this was days. I'd a kicked his ass to the curb!
Everything in this book felt to rushed. Ari is in an abusive relationship and mere days later she is already hooking up with Landon. Most abused people are afraid to trust new people in their life and she just lets him right in and practically moves him into her house from the get go.
This could have been a great story. The author just needs a little more experience on how to tell a story and to be consistent in the telling. Don't change a habit in the middle of the book if you have started telling it one way keep it going throughout the whole book unless you follow it up with some kind of explanation for the change.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,408 reviews119 followers
November 7, 2016
SNSBAH Rating: 4.5

~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This is a beautiful story of second chances, of finding emotional healing, of learning to trust again. Landon is a wounded warrior with a heart so weighted down with guilt, regret and hopelessness that he contemplates ending his life. When Arianna meets Landon, she has just escaped an abusive boyfriend and has built a wall around her heart determined to never again be vulnerable in another relationship. Their hearts are strongly drawn together like magnets but their minds are frozen with painful memories. The journey is entertaining as they struggle with their pain, trying to align their hearts with their minds. One will feel the tenderness of romantic declarations and the tears of bliss. There are also emotions of fear, terror, a sense of helplessness, frustration and anger. Very well done!

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

A heart-wrenching read that will suck you in and then spit you out. It is definitely on my list of favorite books so far this year.
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
June 26, 2016
***Copy received in exchange for an honest and Unbiased review***

omg Landon is one of my top 5 book boyfriends. Landon is a retired Marine and a executive of a VA facility. Things haven't been easy for him dealing with past demons but one encounter and his whole world changes, he knew within the first 30 seconds of seeing Arianna that she would save him, he just didn't know that he would save her as well. Arianna has always had trouble with self confidence but when your not small and have everyone on your ear about do this, don't eat that and even a lousy boyfriend who is abusive and berated her every chance, Arianna is a do good er she runs a organization that helps VETS find work, housing. Starting up Angels for Heros was the best thing in her life til she meets Landon, he makes her feel beautiful. They both are damaged but different scars will lean on each other or let the demons win. I loved this story so much. definitely a 5 star must read.
Profile Image for Jillian.
171 reviews12 followers
January 12, 2016
Okay, this story.....
This is a must read debut. What impressed me first was Arianna. She is a smart, beautiful and successful woman. She isn't afraid to be a go getter and is very comfortable in her own skin, which to me is very realistic. Her only issue is her self esteem when in an emotionally abusive relationship. Will this make her strong and give her the strength she needs to make her see she deserves more in life?
Now we meet our Landon, oh boy! This sexy ex Marine is the real deal, the player, tatted up bad boy in a suit. I love this man for sure, let's not forget thought there are times we want to beat him, as with most of our favorite leading men. They make it so worth it right?
Landon has a heart of gold, a deep soul.....and other qualities that pop in here and there. Keep the Kleenex handy and a bottle of Moscato will go nicely ;)
Profile Image for Jennifer Lloyd.
22 reviews
January 26, 2016
Where to even begin with this book, at first it took me a bit to get into it but once you're in, you're in for one heck of a journey!!! Ari is an amazing strong woman who in my opinion has a hard time seeing her own worth. After an emotionally and physically abusive relationship Ari kind of loses hope in relationships but can you blame her? She meets Landon and its instalove. Landon is a former Marine who wants to give up on life until he meets Ari and find his reason for breathing. The characters are well developed and the further into the book I got I felt what Ari was feeling. Their road was a rocky one but definitely worth the journey Cheri takes you on. I can't wait for another book. Best debut book I've read in a while. Thank you!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
668 reviews
February 15, 2016
What a debut! Wow!
When we were first introduced to Arianna, I was so impressed with her. So beautiful, strong and successful! But with her self esteem hurting, running into Landon was like her knight in shining armor. The ex-Marine, tatted suit wearing man man has his eyes set on her and nothing will get in his way. He made me swoon so much through this book with his heart of gold and love for Arianna that made me tear up and times! Absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait for more from this new author!!!
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,188 reviews20 followers
February 14, 2016
A unique story of turning obstacles into life lessons with beautiful consequences! A heart wrenching, heartwarming story with the most deserving happily ever after. This is a book where I developed a crush on the female heroine Arianna. She was fat shamed and abused by her loser boyfriend Liam. She takes matters into her own hands and brakes things off, showing that no one is worthy of that behavior, and even abused women are more powerful than we know. She meets Logan a retired Marine with his own demons and together they give each other love, friendship and hope about happily ever afters.
Profile Image for Jesika Gray.
1 review
January 20, 2016
I loved it!! I couldn't put it down read it in one night can't wait to read more!!
Profile Image for Tonya.
854 reviews33 followers
April 2, 2017
New author

This was a new author for me and I believe her debut novel. I think this is the start of a good career for her. This was a very promising beginning.
Profile Image for Laura Swift .
166 reviews
May 7, 2018
This was the first novel I’ve read by Cheri Marie and I’m happy I made the leap! This is such a cute and sweet love story; I really enjoyed reading about Ari and Landon! I instantly fell in love with Ari and the other characters and really enjoyed the story; definitely a fun read!
Profile Image for Amie M.
84 reviews15 followers
September 28, 2017
Hearts Aligned by Cheri Marie is a Love Story of a different kind... Story about two people from different worlds, backards. Arianna Taylor is not your typical skinny blonde blue eyed chick you read about... To me this story rings true to heart because it takes you into the difference of how People from ALL walks of life can find Love... Finding love despite the recent dark times they have been through. Landon Holt in ALL his possessive ways shows Arianna that she is worth more then she give herself credit for. His hardcore outter shell tries to be the manly man of his Marine days, but he soon comes to realize, his old way are no match for this beautiful women he as layed eyes on. Battling their fears and insecurities they find a way to let LOVE in . Arianna is a Pure Beauty with a Heart as Big as Anything. Stay Turned and watch this story and there lives unfold. As a first time Published Author Cheri Marie kept me wanting more.. This book comes with ALL THE FEELS... Job Well Done Cheri Marie... Job Well done!
Profile Image for Roisin Black.
Author 14 books93 followers
February 25, 2016
Hearts Aligned by Cheri Marie is a great story about two people who find love despite the recent dark times they have been through. Arianna Taylor and Landon Holt battle their fears and insecurities to find a future together. Arianna is a very well developed character with curves to die for and a heart of gold. I came away from the story feeling like I wanted to know more about Landon. He is most certainly possessive, protective and persistent but I would have liked a bit more of a peek at the internal workings of his mind... His reaction to a major event in the story certainly took me by surprise! So much so, in fact, I was afraid the story was about to head in a whole other direction! There are a number of other characters introduced in the story and I certainly hope Cheri Marie is working on developing these storylines as I write. I'm looking forward to reading Ashlan and Tristan's stories too.
Profile Image for EscapeNBooks.
809 reviews
February 14, 2016
3.5-4 stars
Guest Review by Tammy Cole
This is a debut novel and I was really excited to read this one. I love the cover and the blurb had me hooked. I did enjoy many aspects of this story. I loved how Arianna was a woman with a curvier figure than most. It was a refreshing detail that you don't read to much about. Arianna has been in a relationship that is not a healthy one and she is finally ready to say goodbye to it. She meets Landon and he is the extreme opposite of what she is use to. Landon is your alpha male who is instantly drawn to Arianna and the way he loves her will have you swooning. I really did enjoy this book, but my only complaint was that the dialogue to me sometimes didn't flow in my opinion. This didn't stop me from finishing the book and I am curious to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Nicole Strycharz.
Author 28 books425 followers
March 30, 2016
This story and the people in it give you no choice but to be pulled in by the collar. The Author gives life and breath to her people in a way that you can't avoid living and loving. The romance between Arianna and Landon is quick and hot but the trial in the end, you are sure will break them, is what to me makes the book EXTREMELY profound. It's a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and hope that I think will stay with me for a long while.

I must add The love of veterans in this book and the support for men and women in uniform is whispered throughout and it made me fall harder for the book. It's like a little tribute to the people we owe our freedom to wrapped in a delectable and sweet romance! I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Brittany Whitmire.
38 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2016
Cheri Marie Cheri Marie I loved this book. I fell in love with the main characters from the time they met. Arianna reminds me of myself in some cases with her not being comfortable with her body. It took a great man in Landon to show her that it doesn't matter what she looks like on the outside but how he sees her heart and the compassion that she has for those who served their country and were struggling once they returned home.

I can't wait to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chianti Summers.
Author 11 books41 followers
April 11, 2016
Received a copy. I love a great military romance. Cheri Marie gave me strong characters. Arianna is a female character that you can get behind. She is strong, independent and knows what she wants and what she is doing. Landon is a man that has served his country and suffers from PTSD. We never know when our lives will cross paths with just the right person at the right time. The impact can be extraordinary. Hearts Aligned is a great debut. Cheri Marie gave me a great story with some fun, heated sexy times and characters to fall for from beginning to end. Love all the side characters as well. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.