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Distant Hearts
Love doesn’t care for distances… or does it?
Ryan's an investigative journalist and a nerdy nomad
I’ve got rules—relationships don’t last longer than three days. It keeps life simple when you’re a globe-trotting journalist. But then there’s Christine, with her emojis, late-night texts, and a way of making me feel things I swore I wouldn’t. Falling for her? Not part of the plan. And yet, here I am, questioning everything.
Christine's a stay-at-home mom
My marriage hasn't been working for a long time, but my daughter's my whole world. Ryan wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a distraction—a voice on the other side of the screen. But his words feel like a lifeline, pulling me closer every day. And now? Now I don’t know how to let go.
We don't talk about our feelings because it's better to let things be, right? We believe that until a tragedy throws everything into chaos.
Will the distant hearts finally beat as one... or will they remain at a distance forever?
Ryan's an investigative journalist and a nerdy nomad
I’ve got rules—relationships don’t last longer than three days. It keeps life simple when you’re a globe-trotting journalist. But then there’s Christine, with her emojis, late-night texts, and a way of making me feel things I swore I wouldn’t. Falling for her? Not part of the plan. And yet, here I am, questioning everything.
Christine's a stay-at-home mom
My marriage hasn't been working for a long time, but my daughter's my whole world. Ryan wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a distraction—a voice on the other side of the screen. But his words feel like a lifeline, pulling me closer every day. And now? Now I don’t know how to let go.
We don't talk about our feelings because it's better to let things be, right? We believe that until a tragedy throws everything into chaos.
Will the distant hearts finally beat as one... or will they remain at a distance forever?
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2024
4 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Turner
5 books12 followersCiara Turner is a queer author who writes romantic suspense novels of different flavors. Her books combine thrills, heart, heat, and unforgettable characters. One of her main goals is to promote diversity and inclusivity in the reading space, so all her books consist of queer and BIPOC characters. Her debut queer novella was a second-chances sapphic romance, but since then, she has shifted focus to suspense. She is currently working on the third book in the Mafia Misfits series. In the future, she plans to develop a heist series and a cyber vigilante series. If you like your books to thrill you while also hit you right in the feels, watch out for what she has in store. Ciara lives with her rescue pup and binges funny animal videos while plotting her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 13, 2025
Distant Hearts by Ciara Turner is a beautifully crafted romance that explores the beloved "friends to lovers" theme with heartfelt authenticity. The chemistry between the protagonists, friends turned romantic partners, is electric from the start, making their gradual shift from platonic to romantic tension irresistible. Turner masterfully weaves their emotional journey, capturing the fear, longing and sweet moments of realization that accompany such a transformation.
It is a compelling, emotional journey through love, loss, and personal growth. The story revolves around two main characters, each carrying emotional scars that have shaped their views on relationships and life. The author does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of their evolving connection, building a romance that feels real and raw.
What stands out most is Turner’s ability to delve deeply into the emotions and inner turmoil of the protagonists. That turmoil came expressive in this quote "Life will never be the same because losing your kids is like a prison sentence, only instead of a physical jail, you’re tapped within the four walls of grief. But the marriage… it was like blinds on the only window in this prison cell. Now, at least I can open the blinds and let some light in."
The writing is heartfelt and authentic, offering a blend of tender moments and steamy chemistry that keeps readers engaged. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with the tension between the characters building steadily before culminating in satisfying, albeit sometimes bittersweet, moments.
Moment of care by Ryan for Sabi expressed well, "She’s quiet for a while, and my heart hammers as I worry about the hundreds of b ad things that can happen."
The supporting cast Andy also adds depth to the narrative, and while the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Themes of healing and personal transformation are woven throughout, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere.
However, there are a few predictable elements, especially when it comes to the romantic tropes, that might feel familiar to fans of the genre. Some readers may also feel that certain conflicts could have been explored more deeply or resolved in a more nuanced way. But life has its own route, like, "It’s not Andy’s fault. It’s not mine, either. It’s just… life. And sometimes, life takes everything you thought you could count on and tears it to shreds."
In addition, some points that I didn't like is a habit of taking thing for granted even if it is for a small reason. one can't be like saying or demanding something and want other to defend the relationship. if you want to be in a relationship then accept it, don't desire it from your partner while behaving like you wouldn't have your own say in it. Here quoting that from book "I wasn’t expecting this. I thought there would be tears or arguments or one of us trying to convince the other to hold on a little longer. But instead, there’s just this overwhelming sense of relief. Like we’re finally letting go of the weight we’ve been carrying for months."
Overall, Distant Hearts is a beautiful, heartfelt read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story filled with emotion and character growth. While it’s not entirely flawless, it certainly offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy stories of love and redemption. The way this book started and ran through different phases of both Ryan and Christine (Sabi), it is perfect, allowing its readers to feel the slow burn and eventual passion. With well-developed characters and a touching narrative, Distant Hearts is a must-read for fans of this trope. A near-perfect 4.5 stars!
My Amazon review
It is a compelling, emotional journey through love, loss, and personal growth. The story revolves around two main characters, each carrying emotional scars that have shaped their views on relationships and life. The author does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of their evolving connection, building a romance that feels real and raw.
What stands out most is Turner’s ability to delve deeply into the emotions and inner turmoil of the protagonists. That turmoil came expressive in this quote "Life will never be the same because losing your kids is like a prison sentence, only instead of a physical jail, you’re tapped within the four walls of grief. But the marriage… it was like blinds on the only window in this prison cell. Now, at least I can open the blinds and let some light in."
The writing is heartfelt and authentic, offering a blend of tender moments and steamy chemistry that keeps readers engaged. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with the tension between the characters building steadily before culminating in satisfying, albeit sometimes bittersweet, moments.
Moment of care by Ryan for Sabi expressed well, "She’s quiet for a while, and my heart hammers as I worry about the hundreds of b ad things that can happen."
The supporting cast Andy also adds depth to the narrative, and while the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Themes of healing and personal transformation are woven throughout, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere.
However, there are a few predictable elements, especially when it comes to the romantic tropes, that might feel familiar to fans of the genre. Some readers may also feel that certain conflicts could have been explored more deeply or resolved in a more nuanced way. But life has its own route, like, "It’s not Andy’s fault. It’s not mine, either. It’s just… life. And sometimes, life takes everything you thought you could count on and tears it to shreds."
In addition, some points that I didn't like is a habit of taking thing for granted even if it is for a small reason. one can't be like saying or demanding something and want other to defend the relationship. if you want to be in a relationship then accept it, don't desire it from your partner while behaving like you wouldn't have your own say in it. Here quoting that from book "I wasn’t expecting this. I thought there would be tears or arguments or one of us trying to convince the other to hold on a little longer. But instead, there’s just this overwhelming sense of relief. Like we’re finally letting go of the weight we’ve been carrying for months."
Overall, Distant Hearts is a beautiful, heartfelt read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story filled with emotion and character growth. While it’s not entirely flawless, it certainly offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy stories of love and redemption. The way this book started and ran through different phases of both Ryan and Christine (Sabi), it is perfect, allowing its readers to feel the slow burn and eventual passion. With well-developed characters and a touching narrative, Distant Hearts is a must-read for fans of this trope. A near-perfect 4.5 stars!
My Amazon review
January 13, 2025
Distant Hearts by Ciara Turner is a beautifully crafted romance that explores the beloved "friends to lovers" theme with heartfelt authenticity. The chemistry between the protagonists, friends turned romantic partners, is electric from the start, making their gradual shift from platonic to romantic tension irresistible. Turner masterfully weaves their emotional journey, capturing the fear, longing and sweet moments of realization that accompany such a transformation.
It is a compelling, emotional journey through love, loss, and personal growth. The story revolves around two main characters, each carrying emotional scars that have shaped their views on relationships and life. The author does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of their evolving connection, building a romance that feels real and raw.
What stands out most is Turner’s ability to delve deeply into the emotions and inner turmoil of the protagonists. That turmoil came expressive in this quote "Life will never be the same because losing your kids is like a prison sentence, only instead of a physical jail, you’re tapped within the four walls of grief. But the marriage… it was like blinds on the only window in this prison cell. Now, at least I can open the blinds and let some light in."
The writing is heartfelt and authentic, offering a blend of tender moments and steamy chemistry that keeps readers engaged. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with the tension between the characters building steadily before culminating in satisfying, albeit sometimes bittersweet, moments.
Moment of care by Ryan for Sabi expressed well, "She’s quiet for a while, and my heart hammers as I worry about the hundreds of b ad things that can happen."
The supporting cast Andy also adds depth to the narrative, and while the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Themes of healing and personal transformation are woven throughout, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere.
However, there are a few predictable elements, especially when it comes to the romantic tropes, that might feel familiar to fans of the genre. Some readers may also feel that certain conflicts could have been explored more deeply or resolved in a more nuanced way. But life has its own route, like, "It’s not Andy’s fault. It’s not mine, either. It’s just… life. And sometimes, life takes everything you thought you could count on and tears it to shreds."
In addition, some points that I didn't like is a habit of taking thing for granted even if it is for a small reason. one can't be like saying or demanding something and want other to defend the relationship. if you want to be in a relationship then accept it, don't desire it from your partner while behaving like you wouldn't have your own say in it. Here quoting that from book "I wasn’t expecting this. I thought there would be tears or arguments or one of us trying to convince the other to hold on a little longer. But instead, there’s just this overwhelming sense of relief. Like we’re finally letting go of the weight we’ve been carrying for months."
Overall, Distant Hearts is a beautiful, heartfelt read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story filled with emotion and character growth. While it’s not entirely flawless, it certainly offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy stories of love and redemption. The way this book started and ran through different phases of both Ryan and Christine (Sabi), it is perfect, allowing its readers to feel the slow burn and eventual passion. With well-developed characters and a touching narrative, Distant Hearts is a must-read for fans of this trope. A near-perfect 4.5 stars!
My Amazon review
It is a compelling, emotional journey through love, loss, and personal growth. The story revolves around two main characters, each carrying emotional scars that have shaped their views on relationships and life. The author does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of their evolving connection, building a romance that feels real and raw.
What stands out most is Turner’s ability to delve deeply into the emotions and inner turmoil of the protagonists. That turmoil came expressive in this quote "Life will never be the same because losing your kids is like a prison sentence, only instead of a physical jail, you’re tapped within the four walls of grief. But the marriage… it was like blinds on the only window in this prison cell. Now, at least I can open the blinds and let some light in."
The writing is heartfelt and authentic, offering a blend of tender moments and steamy chemistry that keeps readers engaged. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with the tension between the characters building steadily before culminating in satisfying, albeit sometimes bittersweet, moments.
Moment of care by Ryan for Sabi expressed well, "She’s quiet for a while, and my heart hammers as I worry about the hundreds of b ad things that can happen."
The supporting cast Andy also adds depth to the narrative, and while the plot isn’t ground-breaking, it offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. Themes of healing and personal transformation are woven throughout, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere.
However, there are a few predictable elements, especially when it comes to the romantic tropes, that might feel familiar to fans of the genre. Some readers may also feel that certain conflicts could have been explored more deeply or resolved in a more nuanced way. But life has its own route, like, "It’s not Andy’s fault. It’s not mine, either. It’s just… life. And sometimes, life takes everything you thought you could count on and tears it to shreds."
In addition, some points that I didn't like is a habit of taking thing for granted even if it is for a small reason. one can't be like saying or demanding something and want other to defend the relationship. if you want to be in a relationship then accept it, don't desire it from your partner while behaving like you wouldn't have your own say in it. Here quoting that from book "I wasn’t expecting this. I thought there would be tears or arguments or one of us trying to convince the other to hold on a little longer. But instead, there’s just this overwhelming sense of relief. Like we’re finally letting go of the weight we’ve been carrying for months."
Overall, Distant Hearts is a beautiful, heartfelt read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story filled with emotion and character growth. While it’s not entirely flawless, it certainly offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy stories of love and redemption. The way this book started and ran through different phases of both Ryan and Christine (Sabi), it is perfect, allowing its readers to feel the slow burn and eventual passion. With well-developed characters and a touching narrative, Distant Hearts is a must-read for fans of this trope. A near-perfect 4.5 stars!
My Amazon review
February 3, 2025
In just a few pages, Ciara Turner’s characters made me frustrated, giddy, and sob. That alone is enough for me to give this five stars.
This book offers a realistic look at a marriage falling apart, feelings developing for a friend, and an unimaginable tragedy.
But it’s also a story of hope and healing—the strength to stand back up when life knocks you down and the courage to accept love again after heartache.
Ciara Turner is incredibly talented, and I love how each of her books brings a different vibe. I can’t wait for more!
This book offers a realistic look at a marriage falling apart, feelings developing for a friend, and an unimaginable tragedy.
But it’s also a story of hope and healing—the strength to stand back up when life knocks you down and the courage to accept love again after heartache.
Ciara Turner is incredibly talented, and I love how each of her books brings a different vibe. I can’t wait for more!
March 4, 2025
Blurb:
Love doesn’t care for distances… or does it?
Ryan's an investigative journalist and a nerdy nomad
I’ve got rules—relationships don’t last longer than three days. It keeps life simple when you’re a globe-trotting journalist. But then there’s Christine, with her emojis, late-night texts, and a way of making me feel things I swore I wouldn’t. Falling for her? Not part of the plan. And yet, here I am, questioning everything.
Christine's a stay-at-home mom
My marriage hasn't been working for a long time, but my daughter's my whole world. Ryan wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a distraction—a voice on the other side of the screen. But his words feel like a lifeline, pulling me closer every day. And now? Now I don’t know how to let go.
We don't talk about our feelings because it's better to let things be, right? We believe that until a tragedy throws everything into chaos.
Will the distant hearts finally beat as one... or will they remain at a distance forever?
Review:
This book is a welcome change to the typical happy-go-lucky romance. The slow burn of developing feelings and discovering what is really important makes this book a must-read.
The author skillfully develops the relationship between Christine and Ryan as her marriage dies a slow death. I look forward to following this series in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love doesn’t care for distances… or does it?
Ryan's an investigative journalist and a nerdy nomad
I’ve got rules—relationships don’t last longer than three days. It keeps life simple when you’re a globe-trotting journalist. But then there’s Christine, with her emojis, late-night texts, and a way of making me feel things I swore I wouldn’t. Falling for her? Not part of the plan. And yet, here I am, questioning everything.
Christine's a stay-at-home mom
My marriage hasn't been working for a long time, but my daughter's my whole world. Ryan wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a distraction—a voice on the other side of the screen. But his words feel like a lifeline, pulling me closer every day. And now? Now I don’t know how to let go.
We don't talk about our feelings because it's better to let things be, right? We believe that until a tragedy throws everything into chaos.
Will the distant hearts finally beat as one... or will they remain at a distance forever?
Review:
This book is a welcome change to the typical happy-go-lucky romance. The slow burn of developing feelings and discovering what is really important makes this book a must-read.
The author skillfully develops the relationship between Christine and Ryan as her marriage dies a slow death. I look forward to following this series in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2025
I was reaaally excited about this book, having previously read an amazing book from this author.
Unfortunately, this story wasn’t for me at all.
I wasn’t exactly a big fan of the relationship Ryan and Christine had.
Being a married woman, with a child, I found it a bit absurd that Christine was crushing on Ryan - I understand that her marriage was in trouble, and that Andy, her husband was controlling in his own way, but it still didn’t justify her feelings for Ryan.
Ryan, knowing that Christine was married, didn’t try to initiate anything until Christine gave him the green flag, and I respect that.
Personally, I think that they should have stayed away from each other.
Christine knew she was married, she knew she was starting to develop feelings for Ryan, because of this she should have stepped away from the “friendship.”
The same goes for Ryan. He knew Christine was married, and he knew he was starting to develop feelings for her. He should have stepped away.
Towards the end, when tragedy occurred and Christine and Andy finally came to the conclusion that they weren’t right for each other, I found it a bit weird that Christine wasn’t mourning everything she had lost (and she did in fact lose a lot) - instead she jumped at the opportunity to be with Ryan.
Honestly, I don’t know, the story just didn’t sit right with me - it almost felt like / seemed like Christine was “cheating” on Andy.
The writing style was good, and Chiara Turner manages to bring emotions into her writing, but the plot just wasn’t it for me in this story.
Not my type of book at all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️
Unfortunately, this story wasn’t for me at all.
I wasn’t exactly a big fan of the relationship Ryan and Christine had.
Being a married woman, with a child, I found it a bit absurd that Christine was crushing on Ryan - I understand that her marriage was in trouble, and that Andy, her husband was controlling in his own way, but it still didn’t justify her feelings for Ryan.
Ryan, knowing that Christine was married, didn’t try to initiate anything until Christine gave him the green flag, and I respect that.
Personally, I think that they should have stayed away from each other.
Christine knew she was married, she knew she was starting to develop feelings for Ryan, because of this she should have stepped away from the “friendship.”
The same goes for Ryan. He knew Christine was married, and he knew he was starting to develop feelings for her. He should have stepped away.
Towards the end, when tragedy occurred and Christine and Andy finally came to the conclusion that they weren’t right for each other, I found it a bit weird that Christine wasn’t mourning everything she had lost (and she did in fact lose a lot) - instead she jumped at the opportunity to be with Ryan.
Honestly, I don’t know, the story just didn’t sit right with me - it almost felt like / seemed like Christine was “cheating” on Andy.
The writing style was good, and Chiara Turner manages to bring emotions into her writing, but the plot just wasn’t it for me in this story.
Not my type of book at all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️
January 17, 2025
Distant Hearts is a quick read but wow does it pack a punch and leave you reeling. Christine and Ryan are friends, separated by distance but feeling a growing connection as they keep in touch via text. Christine's questioning if her marriage is over and Ryan is a supportive friend who doesn't ask for anything, but could he be something more? An unimaginable tragedy strikes and brings them together. This was such a heartbreaking, and yet somehow still uplifting, romance story.
January 18, 2025
Thank you to Booksprout for the free copy and the opportunity to read this book. This is a story between Ryan and a married mom, Christine, who is in an unhappy marriage. They have feelings for each other but due to Christine’s marriage, they do not take it further. You can feel the emotions of the characters throughout the writing. However, I had difficulty following how much time elapsed between chapters. ( whether days, hours, or months have passed). This is a quick read.
January 5, 2025
This was so beautiful and heartwarming. I loved how it was written, i loved how Christine and Ryan characters complimented each other, how they each described what the other person was like instead of their being a narrator that describes the characters.
This story explored real life problems that are often not spoke about. This story was relatable for many people and may brings comfort to anyone going through what these characters are experiencing. This story represents that difficult times do not last forever! And that there will always be someone there willing to listen.
This was a beautiful story and is definitely worth a read!
This story explored real life problems that are often not spoke about. This story was relatable for many people and may brings comfort to anyone going through what these characters are experiencing. This story represents that difficult times do not last forever! And that there will always be someone there willing to listen.
This was a beautiful story and is definitely worth a read!
January 31, 2025
This book wasn’t for me. The description of someone being depressed was pretty good but the story was just to sad for me and didn’t give me a good feeling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2025
A great short and quick friend to lovers story!
Even though it’s a quick read the author is still able to take you on an adventure laced with grief, love and new beginnings.
Even though it’s a quick read the author is still able to take you on an adventure laced with grief, love and new beginnings.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews