Accelerated Hearts

by Jacqueline Scarlett

When love comes around again, it’s not a repeat performance; it’s an encore, louder and more beautiful than the first."
- UNKNOWNTheir relationship starts out as a mutual attraction, strengthened when Janeiro is there for her during Zaria’s most vulnerable moment. The connection is instant, but timing causes them to put everything on pause, much to Janeiro’s dismay.

Two years later, those feelings are still fresh and resurface during a chance encounter at a raceway. Reuniting just feels right. As they support each other through some personal and professional challenges, it’s like the time lost never happened.

Will their brief reunion lead them to the place they should’ve remained all along?

**This story does have some language, mature content and descriptions of grief and loss**

Genres: Novella

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2024

About the author

A little about me; I am from Texas, born and raised. I have been writing since I was 10 years old. When I was younger I used to write fan fiction(hey b2klovesyou.com). My first book was published in 2017.

I write emotionally charged Black Romance/Women’s Fiction with a sprinkle of my real experiences added in. If I'm not writing, I'm reading, decorating my Kindles(it's an addiction) or spending time with my family.

Reviews

[Rashawnda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went in with zero expectations and came out on the other side absolutely in love with this couple!! Ugh!!! This was short but packed a punch! Won’t be my last read by this NTMA!! 4.5✨’s

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

☺️

I was in a crazy mood where I couldn’t focus to read and I picked up Accelerated Hearts and it gave me what I needed. Short, heartwarming, and true love between two deserving hearts. I enjoyed this one.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this short and super cute romance.

When Zaria had to run out of her mother's Homegoing Service, because she was so upset, she couldn't breathe, Janeiro drove her away from the church, so she could escape the overwhelming heart-break.

When Zaria asked him how long it took for him to get over his brother's death, (it had been a few years ago), I will never forget his answer. "ANY DAY NOW." (As soon as I wipe away these tears, I will finish this review.)

Okay. I really loved their mutual friends and the fun they all had driving at the raceway that Janeiro and his family owns. Awesome story!!!!

[Kenna McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced second-chance love story! 💨❤️

I really enjoyed everything about this novella I got during BRAE. Zaria was going through a deeply traumatic time in her life when Janerio came along. Grief can be incredibly tough to overcome, but with time comes healing—and Zaria’s journey reflects that beautifully. Once she finally healed, the love between her and Janerio only grew stronger and more meaningful.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a “it was always you”/“I’ll wait for you” story. This was so sweet. I could feel the connection & chemistry between the two of them. I absolutely loved how tender Janeiro was with Zaria. Anytime a man asks “what do you need?” and serves as a soft space for you…yeah he’s a winner. He was patient & understanding given her grief. I also like that after they reconnected, she also poured into him as well. This was a new to me author discovered during BRAE2025, and I’m intrigued to dive deeper into her catalogue.

[Rowdy Rooksy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Sweet. Well Written.

One of my first reads from BRAE 2025 and it did not disappoint. This quick read had all the pieces that make up a great novella. I don’t do spoilers but if you’re looking for a well written short story to cleanse your pallet from the darker, wilders stories, this is a great option.
This was a new to me author. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

[Sassha Reads❤️❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Janeiro and Zaria’s love journey back to each other. At the beginning of their relationship Zaria’s mother passed away and she needed time to grieve and heal so Janeiro gave her the space that she needed to do so. Janeiro and Zaria’s reconnection was so sweet and they basically picked up right where they left off. I so wanted them to have a baby of their own named after his brother or her mother.

[Tamekia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearts

First book by the author and it was very cute! I liked the story line and the HEA. As for someone who recently lost a parent some parts hit harder. Will definitely read other books by you..

[Celesté · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for Novella November. I flew right through this. Super short, but packed with all the feels ❤️

Janeiro’s patience is exactly what Zaria needed to get through. He was so gentle with Zaria, it made my heart melt 🥰

#BRAE

[denise j. patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patience is a Virtue

This novella was short and sweet at an accelerated pace 😁. I enjoyed Zaria and Janiero's story. Loved how Janiero was willing to wait patiently for " the one" until she was ready for the inevitable... This is my first read by this author. I'll be looking/waiting for more stories.
I obtained this book thru BRAE 2025.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author. Quick read - to the point but cool story. It felt exciting since it’s based around racing. I could definitely get down with black nascar lol I think this was a BRAE freebie or something. Definitely checking out her other book I picked up!

[SDWhite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short read. 4.5⭐️

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janeiro 😍

This was a cute quick straight to the point story. I love how Janeiro
waited for her and was still in her corner.

[LaurenReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short read! I got this book during BRAE2025, definitely not disappointed!

[Aniyahhh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good short story!! I got this book during the BRAE 2025 event and went in with little expectations but I loved it. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author ☺️.

[She'Rika Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very short read where the MMC was there for the FMC while she healed from a very hard loss. the second chance came back around and they got it right.

[Fareeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute fast paced novella. Second chance romance. I enjoyed reading.

[Kia Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was short and sweet

[Jess Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a grown and sexy themed novella. The FMC and MMC both were giving real boss energy. I would love more from their story. This novella felt like late night R&B vibes. I liked it a lot.

[Briana Cleary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute short read. Janeiro was a man who had his heart set on Zaria from the beginning and I loved every minute of it! He was a man that was persistent (in a good way) and made sure to be there during one of the most troubled times of her life. Such a nice read.