Hearts Held by Barbed Wire

by Deanne Dietz

Brielle Holberry finds herself in a complicated mess when she moves to a new city to scrub herself of her past. Though she becomes the nurse to the notorious Afton 'Adders'. The family has earned their name throughout Lockham, England, for being ruthless Peaky Blinders. Her circumstances turn grave as she falls into the crosshairs of Everett Afton, and he refuses to let his newfound obsession go. Once he learns of her dark secret, will she be struck by the top Adder himself?

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Audiobook, Dark, Historical Fiction, Historical, Mafia Romance

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

D.E. Dietz is a preeminent author and nurse, who first began writing during COVID-19 as a coping mechanism to battle the negativity of the pandemic. As she cared for COVID patients, writing became an outlet for her mental health and an inspiration to write her second book about burnout within the medical field. Since then, she has explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her latest releases. With a large imagination and vast inspiration, she continues to push literary boundaries such as modern-day Viking lore, Fragments of Asgard and World War I fiction; Hearts Held by Barbed Wire. (The Afton Adders series).

D.E. Dietz continues to be a nurse. Connect today!

Instagram & TikTok: @ddietz.author
www.authordeannedietz.com

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin? I am not ok! I just finished this incredible book. To say peaky blinders vibes is not my thing is an understatement. Something was pulling me and I had to know. Once I started I could not put it down. I ignored my husband and dog because they were interfering with the love affair I was having with Everett and Brielle. Children... who are they ? I tossed them aside, fend for yourself dinner has never been more real!

Baba and Piggy you are forever etched in my heart! Quite frankly I am voting for a story based on Baba. I could only imagine the things in her past. Literal Chills!

If you think you know where this story is headed.. wrong.. you don't! Truthfully, this is a book that I will recommend time and time again. It is wild, painful and loving. I went through the feels. Vicious writer. Just Read it! Get your snacky snacks, iced coffee, Spotify play list going and cozy blanket, settle in and just fall in love! Be in the world with Everett and Brielle! Enjoy!

‘I’m friends with the devil, we have tea every Tuesday, my heart. Plus, it is a problem I have solved for you, someone you’ll want to be rid of for the future.”

“You’ll find that either of your dogs will listen to any of your commands. Tell me what you’d like me to do, darling. Order me, Demand me.”

“But my feelings have changed and the spirit inside me is no longer anxious. No. It is angry. It wants redemption”

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peaky Blinders meets Dramione. 😍

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Held by Barbed Wire
By Deanne Dietz
Narrated by James Joseph, Allie Rose

Are you ready for an amazing listen that not only has a romance to root for, but so many twists and turns, it had me surprised more than once! This has peaky blinder feels, as we meet Everett. Taken with Adder's nurse, Brielle, his obsession just keeps growing. Brielle came to town trying to start fresh, never thinking her skills would land her in a mafia family. And while their love grows, we get to know Baba(love her and her advice), Bobby and many others. This starts out slow, painting the picture and then takes off! It's engaging, suspenseful, passionate and oh so good! This is one that should not be missed.

James Joseph and Allie Rose bring this story alive with a spectacular performance. I love Joseph, but in this narration, his vast amount of different voices and accents are outstanding. Allie Rose is new to me, and she too, found the perfect voice to each woman. Together the spot on sound of the cast of characters, and the amazing story made the time fly by like a movie in my mind. Loved it!

[Dee | myliteraryera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came back for a comfort listen and was reminded how good this is!

The forbidden romance, yearning, secrets, suspense and the accents! Omg the accents ❤️‍🔥
I had listened to this as an ALC just before Christmas and completely ran out of time to jot my thoughts.
As a refresher I listened to this beauty again and omg. The pieces clicked instantly. I loved absolutely everything in this. Peaky Blinders but with a twist 😌

There is so much emotional grappling, found family and resilience in this. The narrators brought to life a gripping, powerful piece of a novel!

If you like anything remotely to PEAKY BLINDERS. Read/listen to this! 🖤🖤🖤🫶🏽

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn, Savage Heat

This had me hooked from page one. It’s gritty, raw, and laced with suspense—but don’t let that fool you, the sass and snarky humor kept things deliciously fun. Everett and Brielle was a slow burn that turned into wildfire. You could feel the tension crackling long before their explosive connection finally ignited. Dark, intense, and irresistibly spicy—this story doesn't just pull at your heart, it claws its way in.

[Olivia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first gangster/mafia romance and I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did! I fell in love with the Afton Adders, Brielle, Tilley, Baba and of course Piggy.

Brielle’s character development surprised me and I did not expect that from her. She loves hard but is also a complete bad bitch if she needs to be, the perfect combo!

I was hooked from the beginning and was kept on my toes the entire book! I went through a whirlwind of emotions—happiness, anxiety, sadness (okay tbh I was completely sobbing), relief and shock. I love when a book has this effect on me and I cannot wait to read the next one!

[Heidi Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the you think it is going this way but bam it is going a different way. The characters are so well written. This book is a true page turner the sound track was such a wonderful addition to the story. You will love this story and all the pieces. Looking forward to book two.

[Lauren Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! ❤️BEAUTIFUL!! ❤️100% recommend!!!
Y’all this story beautifully written and tugs on all your emotions in the best way! I couldn’t put this book down.
I was laughing through all the banter between Brielle, Tilly and the Adders.
Crying through all their triumphs and tribulations, especially Brielle’s.
Brielle is a beautiful badass character filled with love, strength, and fire. When you read the book you get pulled into Brielle’s life and adventures, feeling everything she is going through as you are her.

I could say so much more but I don’t want to spoil anything. So don’t wait! grab this book when it comes out September 1st, you won’t regret it!!

[Abeera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely fan-fiction coded, it read like a Peaky Blinders/Dramione/Fifty Shades fan-fiction. I read it because it was all over my feed being recommended as having Peaky Blinders vibes. The only thing Peaky Blinders-y about this book is the setting of it. It also definitely needed better editing and proofreading. Gave it 2 stars only because it started off well.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters forged by hardship and trauma.
Relationships built on love and loyalty, clashing against those rife with greed and deceit.
A world where motives are murky, pain is plentiful, and glimmers of joy are treasures to be cherished.

That’s what awaits you in “Hearts Held by Barbed Wire.”

Dietz crafted a story that feels rich and detailed, thrusting you into the intertwining lives of Brielle and Everett, two strangers whose love story unfolds in the torrid underbelly of 1920’s England. While the first bit of the book focuses on introducing the places, people, and powers that compromise the notorious Afton Adders, once the wheeling and dealing gets started, the plot grips you like a runaway train.

I laughed, gasped, and cheered my way through the majority of the book and am already impatient for its second installment. I cannot wait for Bobby’s story to be shared in book 2, but until then, Everett is sure to hold a special place in readers’ hearts.

If you like your romance historic, dark, snarky, and with intense touch her and die vibes, I’d strongly recommend you read “Hearts Held by Barbed Wire!”

[Tawny Xu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every move is a gamble, and power is currency.

Expect:
🌹 Historical Romance
🌹 Peaky Blinders Vibes
🌹 Touch Her & ☠️
🌹 He's Soft Only For Her
🌹 Trauma/Healing
🌹 Broody & Grumpy Romance
🌹 Murder Mystery


Set in a post-war landscape in England, this novel crackles with Peaky Blinders grit. D. E. Dietz weaves ambition and survival amidst grief and loss, and approaches her strong and complex characters as they delve into the complexities of navigating post-war life shrouded in PTSD all the while trying to uncover the mysteries unfolding all around them, and navigating new and, at times strained, relationships.

Crafting razor-strong banter alongside impeccable pacing, this story is relentlessly engaging. There are a few plot twists and characters/back stories I would absolutely love to see more of.

While there is spice in this book, it doesn't overshadow the plot or current events and doesn't become a prominent feature of the book. It is expected and predictable and is done in ways that are relatable.

5/⭐ - 2.5/🌶️

I have edited this for 5-stars because I cannot stop thinking about it

[Sierra Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and am reviewing it of my own free will (thoughts and feelings are my own)

Okay, so I'm not usually a big fan of romance.

Usually.

This book changed my mind.

I decided to try and read it because of the peaky blinders vibes, and the mystery aspects ( mystery is one of my favorite genres) and found myself in love with the characters.

So many of the characters were adorable and I LOVE them (Baba is amazing, Piggy holds my heart) The banter between characters is impeccable and I found myself laughing many times. The characters that are meant to be disliked are perfectly unlikeable. (Without spoilers).

While there is some spice in the book, it doesn’t overshadow the plot (something I greatly enjoyed), and the relationship between Everett and Brielle is adorable and I love to see how Everett helps Brielle to be more confident.

Poor Brielle goes through it in this book (pour one out for our girl 😔) and there were plot twists right up to the last chapter that left me constantly guessing and so surprised.

I’m willing to bet this will not end how you expect.

[Teddi Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
2.5/5 peppers
1/5 buzz buzz

She had be at "peaky Blinders" vibes and I didn't turn back. Two souls come together in a world that says they wouldn't survive. When Brielle saves the life of an Adder boy, her path would be forever changed. But when middle brother and big boss Everett lays eyes on her, the world around him stops and there is nothing that will stop him from consuming everything about her. Brielle knows that she should step away, turn away from the life of an Adder, but when her own dark soul cries for freedom, Everett wants nothing more than to grant that freedom.

I cried, several times.
I blushed a few times.
I wanted to stay in that world forever.

I wanted more and I am so excited to see where the Adder family goes next. Everett could open my soul any time and I'd say thank you every time. My baby Bobby I just want to wrap him in a tight hug and tell him that he's going to be fine and never let go. I loved this book so much that I wanted re-read again and again.

[Mandy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not believe what a ride that was. First of all, I got on the ALC list and am so happy to have this as my first ALC. I am a HUGE James Joseph fan. The female narrator was a first time listen for me but she did awesome. These two were so awesome as changing voices for different characters and the emotions and feelings they conveyed. I loved the story too! I loved Baba and Bobby and of course, Everett. Also, pig!! I had such a wide range of emotions with this read. I laughed, i gasped, I was in shock, I smiled, I had all the gooey feels and even teared up a few times. I loved that there was mystery to it too. Trying to figure out what was happening. Looking forward to the next book!! 5 stars for story and narration. 🌶️ not much spice, but it was hot!

[Emily Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the book wanting and looking for more, and cannot wait for the second book to come out!! Overall, the character(s) development throughout the book was incredible. There were times where i literally laughed out loud, had my heart strings pulled on and too many gasps to count. Simply to state, i strongly recommend this book :)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format AUDIOBOOK ALC
NARRATORS. Allie Rose and James

Brielle and Everett

This has a Peaky Blinders feel. If you like Peaky Blinders you will love this. Old England, gangs, mafia, love and secrets.

Author and narrators are new to me and I enjoyed the story and the narrators performances.

I hope for more.

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning of the book especially when Bri starts to grow a spine, but the twist was unexpected (not in a good way). There needed to be more foreshadowing. Some of the dual POV scenes were useless. We don’t need to relive the same scene from multiple POVs when it’s fairly obvious what’s going on. Do all mob/mafia/gangster romances require the FMC to be kidnapped?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
🌶🌶🌶/5

I read this in one sitting! Fantastic book

Will provide full review shortly

*ARC kindly given for an honest review

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so many emotions while reading this book. I love when books can do that. This was a great read, it is dark and spicy, and action packed. I would love to see more of this family in another book.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

DID NOT expect that twist at the end 😱😱

[Hettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had potential. I loved the setting and some of the plot but the writing felt amateur and some of it was way too cringy and messy. It needed some serious editing and proofreading.

[Love and Magic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’m the newest member of the Afton Adders fan club! This story, which combines elements of mafia and Peaky Blinders, draws you in right from the beginning. Sometimes, historical romances can be hit or miss, often delving too deeply into historical details and losing the plot in the process. However, that's not the case here. All the details are seamlessly woven into the storyline and help develop the characters' layers. The build-up and slow burn melt the pages.

The book features various points of view and some plot twists that truly left me speechless.

I can't wait to start the next book in the series and add a trophy for my collection!

[Precious Book Gal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Held by Barbed Wire by D.E. Dietz is a gripping historical romance set in post-WWII London. Brielle, a nurse fresh out of the war and recovering from a terrible marriage, meets Everette, a man deeply tied to the gangster world. From the moment they meet, the chemistry is electric, and the story takes off with twists and turns that had me gasping out loud.

Dietz kept me on my toes the entire time. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, another shocker hit me. It was refreshing to read a historical romance with so much suspense and unexpected surprises. Everette’s possessiveness was a definite highlight for me, adding heat to the romance, and the way James Joseph brought him to life was absolutely perfect.

The narration by James Joseph and Allie Rose was fantastic. James’s voice fit Everette perfectly, and his accent was spot on. I’m not sure what James’s real-life accent sounds like, but whatever he used here was amazing. He gave each male character a unique voice, showing incredible range. Allie Rose did an equally great job voicing Brielle and the other characters. My only tiny issue was that her pacing was slower than James’s, so I had to adjust the speed a little during her chapters.

This story is well-written, with characters that all play an important role. Dietz clearly planned this book out carefully because everything tied together so well. The twists, the romance, and Brielle’s growth from a timid woman to a strong, badass heroine made this an easy five-star listen for me.

If you like historical romances with suspense, morally grey men, strong heroines, and spice, this one is a must-listen! It’s definitely going on my list of top listens for 2024.

[Lyndsi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an AMAZING experience this book was. I was absolutely floored as I reached the end, recounting how I got there, and just in awe of the journey. This is an historical fiction DARK mafia romance, set post-WW1. A strong Peaky Blinders feel, the MMC (Everett) is the head of the Afton Adders and the FMC (Brielle) is a nurse at the local hospital. After fixing up an injured Adder during a late night shift, she’s then recruited by the group to be their personal nurse.

As the story develops, we experience the PTSD that Everett and Brielle are both dealing with. Their past traumas make them hesitant to open their hearts to each other, while also showing the reader why they are how they are.

The first half of the book spends a lot of time character and environment building. The second half is where it all starts to come together and things get dark. It’s a beautiful love story, evidenced by a variety of sacrifices. I was completely spellbound during the second part of the book, and absolutely did not want to put it down! The plot thickens and becomes twisty-turvy, completely blindsiding you. As I reflected on it I could see how the author pushed us down that fork in the road, but it was not at all how I expected it to come together.

I loved everything about this story, and will probably read it again! It’s raw, emotional, enticing, and beautiful all throughout. I highly recommend you check this out.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a hot minute since I read/listed to a romance set in history. I'm a contemporary girl. But, 𝙳.𝙴. 𝙳𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚣'𝚜 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒊𝒓𝒆 was a refreshing break from my contemporary listens. I am a huge fan of anything 1920s, so I devoured this one!
‌
𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 fans, this one is for you(us)! I am obsessed with the show, so getting to have that vibe in this book, as we watch Everett's obsession with Brielle unfold, it was absolutely addicting! The mafia of Lockham, England are absolutely powerful!
‌
𝙳𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚣 adds the perfect amount of intrigue & angst with this one. From the murder mystery elements to the brooding, boy obsessed vibes of Everett, to the blossoming mafia queen that was Brielle, every second of this story kept me on the edge of my seat!
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Let's talk about 𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑠𝑒'𝑠 narration. She is new to me and I absolutely loved her. She put her whole self into bringing us Brielle and I am now a fan! 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐽𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑝ℎ.....my heart! It's been a bit since I listened to him narrate a story and it was like coming home! He truly brought the grumpy Everett to life for me. His voice is....*chef's kiss*! Together, these two narrators were a powerhouse duet!
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Again, I say if you're a fan of 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, then you'll want this one in your library. It's instense, it's captivating, it's beautiful. From the banter between the characters to the plot line, to perfect amount of spice, this is one ride, I'm glad I went on!

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearts Held by Barbed Wire by D. Dietz is a captivating historical romance set in 1920s England, weaving a tale of love, trauma, and redemption against the backdrop of a post-war society.
Brielle, a nurse with a haunting past of tending to soldiers during the war, carries the weight of witnessing countless lives lost. She dreams of a new beginning in America, until a chance encounter with Everett, a former POW scarred by his experiences with German soldiers, changes her fate. Everett, now the leader of a gang, recruits Brielle for her medical expertise.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Brielle, after a fateful night with Everett, finds herself reluctantly becoming the gang's personal nurse. Her strong feelings about the gang's practices often put her at odds with Everett.
As Brielle moves into Everett's residence, the story evolves into a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and unexpected twists. This story is beautifully complemented by the narrators Allie Rose and James Joseph, who breathe life into the characters and elevate the storytelling.
Hearts Held by Barbed Wire is a stunning love story meshed with suspense and spice, culminating in a twist that left ne speechless. This is my first experience with both the author and the narrators, and I was thoroughly impressed. Though it took a few chapters to get hooked, once I was, there was no turning back.

[Amanda Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my 1st book from this author. I dont normally do any historical reading. BUT I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It 100% gave peaky blinders feels. I love that both characters carried their scars on the inside and outside. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Breezi.ocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has had me in a choke hold for the past 3 days.

I want to start this review by confessing my love for BABA. She is and always will be my favorite. I will never underestimate her again!

Honestly though every character in this story has a place in my heart.. well minus a few (I can’t tell you name cause I’m not a spoiler). There is so much depth, thought and care put into the characters you can’t help but fall in love with them.

Along with easy to love characters this story has such a good plot. It was way to follow which still having so much depth. Every time I picked the book back up I easily dove right back in the story. I never had to take a moment to recall what was going on when I put the book down.

THE PLOT TWISTS (you heard me right there were multiple) were wild. I am still here in awe of what I just read.

Overall I adore this story, fell in love with the world building as well as many of the characters. I’ll just be here patiently waiting for book 2 because my goodness I need more BABA and Piggy in my life❤️

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️

I am really struggling to put my thoughts into words. I am also wondering if maybe I am just not a historical romance girlie. I do think this book had a lot going for it, but minor things got in the way of really enjoying it.

So let’s start with what I liked. I really loved the characters and the plot line. I did feel connected and got so mad when something happened to one of them. This book was also face paced and kept my attention.

Now the hard part-what I didn’t like. It felt like there was a lot thrown in all at once. Every chapter had some new twist in it. It was hard to keep track of on occasion. The accents and dialect also felt inconsistent and rushed. There were a few grammar and spelling issues. We were told as ARC readers we didn’t get the final edited copy, so some of this may have changed.

All of that said this was a strong debut and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

Thank you Luna Literacy Management and D.E. Dietz for allowing me to be on your ARC team. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts held by barbed wire is the first book in the series by the wonderful author D. E Dietz. Brielle is a nurse trying to survive after losing a family member in the war, meets Bobby who is an Afton Adder and begins to work for the gang that is run by Everette Afton. She meets Everette and he becomes obsessed with her after thinking he would never fall for anyone (we all know how that normal turns out right?! 😉!! ). This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every second of it!

This book was performed in duet narration by Allie Rose and James Joseph. It was incredible!!! This was my first time listening to Allie and she brought Brielle’s badassery to life. James has always been a favorite narrator of mine so when I saw he was the MMC I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I could feel the emotions all of the characters had and could distinguish which character was being voiced and to me that makes a great audiobook.
To say I am ready for the next book (Bobby’s story) is an understatement. Come on 2025! 😆