Connect the Hearts

by Tara Frejas

Connect the Hearts is a collection of four short stories that explore the many ways we find, forge, and foster our relationships using the technology available to us.

Tech Week Makes the Heart Grow Fonder is about Erin and Ramon (Waiting in the Wings) navigating a semi-long distance relationship for a week when they work on separate theatre productions in busy, traffic-riddled Metro Manila.

In Best Days Ever, an invitation to celebrate a dog’s last day on earth reunites childhood friends David and Gita, who now live starkly different lives thousands of miles apart.

Forever-busy talent manager Cleo Gascon meets an unexpected match in Finding Mr. Swipe Right when she goes on a rage-swiping spree upon learning her date wasn’t going to show up.

And finally, Happy Endings Please, and Thank You has Pio and Audrey (Like Nobody’s Watching) checking in on each other during the 2020 lockdown via video call. (This is the script to Episode 4 of #RomanceClass’ Hello Ever After series produced in 2020.)

Content warnings
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on people's lives are discussed in the stories, which also explore themes of grief, anxiety, and frustration. More detailed content warnings appear at the beginning of each short story.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

About the author

Tara Frejas is a cloud-walker who needs caffeine to fuel her travels. By day, she works in project management and events, and she writes down her daydreams at night. She began publishing fiction for public consumption in 2004, posting her pieces on various online channels like fan forums and Blogspot, eventually exploring other avenues like Livejournal, Soomp!, Tumblr, and most recently, Wattpad.

Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a 6-month-old male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes.

Fun fact: She's a Piscean. Go figure.

Reviews

[Diane RB (booksandthensome) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: June 11

(book tour stop posted at instagram June 7)

Connect the Hearts by Tara Frejas delivers full on kilig capital K-I-L-I-G! This heartfelt, relatable, bingeable and super entertaining collection from a Romance Class author is so worth the time I spent reading.

This book features four romance short stories, told mostly through chat fiction. Love that unconventional way of depicting romance- also because we all have gone through message exchanges with our romantic partners- or would be partners.

Three ways I connected with the book:

I connected with the characters and cultural nuances.

I was instantly drawn to the strong, independent female leads and their green-flag male counterparts. They are everyday people- intriguing characters who navigate adulting, being fur-parents, finding the one, and love during the pandemic. All settings and references feel so familiar or were so easy to immerse in.

I connected with the dialogue and stories.

The chat fiction style makes the conversations so believable, it is like eavesdropping on real life. Just like how my hubby and I used to be more thank 23 years ago. Texting all day everyday, even at work 🤣 I felt nostalgic over such thrilling feelings and somehow relived the kilig through the stories.

I connected with the chemistry and happy endings.

In a few pages, Tara successfully crafted couples who felt to be a good fit for each other. I felt the chemistry with their every message exchange. I also appreciate- and this goes for romance class books, how sensitive they are in handling serious or possibly triggering themes.

There are a few scenarios that made me tear up- which shows how evocative Tara’s writing is. And of course, I smiled so wide and giddily turned the page as I anticipated where the stories are going.

Overall, I love the relatable characters, variety of themes, and the chat-fiction format felt fresh for me! This book left my heart full. It also left me yearning for more text exchanges from these characters ❤️❤️❤️

My favorite story, hands down, is Finding Mr. Swipe Right. Simply cannot.get.enough of Cleo and Ace 🥰 I super love Best Days Ever too - so touching!

These stories are short, but they hit hard too. Read Connect the Hearts for a quick, happy and kilig ride that will leave your heart full.

———

June 3

Super kilig and totally bingeable. Chat fic supremacy ❤️ The author nailed this! More thoughts to come soon in time for our book tour.

Tech Week Makes the Heart Grow Fonder 4/5
Best Days Ever 4.5/5
Finding Mr. Swipe Right 5/5
Happy Endings, Please, and Thank You 3.5/5

Overall Rating
4.25/5

[Avy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Connect the Hearts – A Review✨

In this collection of stories that explore love in the digital age, Connect the Hearts is both heartwarming and painfully relatable. Each story dives into different ways we connect—through long-distance relationships, rekindled friendships, dating apps, and virtual calls. The emotions feel real, and the writing captures both the joys and struggles of modern love. Some stories hit harder than others, but overall, it’s a solid read for romantics and realists alike. A great reminder that love finds a way—even through bad Wi-Fi. 💕📱

⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5

---

🎭 Tech Week Makes the Heart Grow Fonder – 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

Look, I love theatre, but Erin irritated the heck out of me. 😤 The stress of tech week was real, but her communication with Ramon felt frustrating, and I found myself sympathizing with him more. The story does a great job showing how distance (even if it's just Metro Manila traffic) affects relationships, but it didn’t hit as emotionally deep for me. That said, theatre kids will definitely relate to the chaos, and the writing is still engaging. Just… Erin, please. 🫠

---

🐶 Best Days Ever – 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one wrecked me. 😭 The premise of childhood friends reuniting for a beloved dog’s last day is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. David and Gita’s story beautifully explores how friendships evolve (or fade) over time, but also how some bonds never really break. And the spice!!!! A perfect reminder that sometimes, the best goodbyes lead to new beginnings. 🐾💔

---

💘 Finding Mr. Swipe Right – 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cleo’s rage-swiping was something someone really could see in today's modern-day dating. 😂 This story hilariously captures the frustration of online dating, but also delivers a fun and charming romance. Cleo’s character is bold, independent, and a total boss, which makes her unexpected connection even more satisfying to watch unfold. The chemistry was great, the banter was sharp, and the ending left me grinning. Definitely a fun, feel-good read! 🩷📱

---

📹 Happy Endings Please, and Thank You – 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pio and Audrey’s lockdown video calls felt so real—sweet, nostalgic, and comforting. The story perfectly captured the emotions of 2020, proving that even distance and uncertainty can’t stop love from thriving. The only reason this isn’t 5 stars? BITIN. 😩 I needed more of them! But even with the short length, it was heartfelt and left me wanting to rewatch Hello Ever After. 🥺💻

[Arystine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book consists of four short stories that uses technology as the link that brought the MCs closer.💘

Tech Week Makes the Heart Fonder:

Theater actors Erin and Ramon are working on different parts of the metro; Ramon on the north, Erin on the south. Add the long hours of rehearsals and horrendous traffic, Erin and Ramon communicates via chat, privately or on group chat with fellow theater actors.😊

I felt different kinds of emotions.. Kilig at the constant reminders, happy at the easy banters on group chats, exasperated with one of the hard-headed MCs.😁 Still, this is a heart-melting novella that will make you reminisce the exhilirating first few months of couplehood.💕
Rating: 3.5⭐️

Best Days Ever:

Gita sent out an invitation via email to her childhood friends to celebrate her dog’s last day on Earth. She did not expect that David, her Totga, would fly miles to join her on this difficult moment.🥹

Honestly, I read this story last.😞 The blurb at the back of the book warned me already about the trigger—pet’s death. Still, I felt I have to overcome this feeling and I’m glad I did.🥲 I love the emotional, second chance romance between Gita and David and how they dealt with grief from loss of pet. This is a healing story that will pinch your heart.
Rating: 4⭐️

Finding Mr. Swipe

Talent manager Cleo Gascon got stood up on her supposed first date with a man she met on dating app, Kilig Finder. Enraged with her date’s lame excuse, Cleo went on a swiping spree at Kilig Finder. She found an unexpected match with Ace and the night was not wasted after all.😍

This short story should be a standalone novel! I just can’t get enough of Cleo and Ace.💕 I was smiling non-stop while reading, have to stop once in awhile because of the kilig overload.😆 The reason why I did not give this a perfect rating is because I was so bitin. I got too attached to the characters haha Warning: Don’t read this in public lest you be caught several times with that foolish smile.😂
Rating: 4.5⭐️

Happy Endings Please, and Thank You:

Couple Pio and Audrey talk to each other thru video call during the 2020 lockdown. It’s nighttime already, and they’re both in their pyjamas.🤭

The story was told script-style. Despite this, the story was so visual, I can imagine that I’m Audrey talking to a hot guy in his jammies.😆 I love the shifts in their conversation, from teasing, to serious, to slightly seductive, to caring, to malandi (flirty) 😂 This story perfect capped off Connect the Hearts.💖
Rating: 4⭐️

Overall rating: 4/5⭐️

[Joalan Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from Tara Frejas and oh my it did not disappoint, in fact it left me wanting for more - more kilig & definitely more stories from her! 💖Making her quickly my “autobuy” author from now on!

Connect the hearts is a collection of four short stories that explore the many ways we find, forge & foster out relationships using the technology available to us.

1st : Tech Week Makes the heart Grow Fonder: Excuse me? The long distance scenario + the friend group with pang-aasar? Oh my! Definitely made me kilig. I just love how caring & supportive Ramon is!
Kilig meter: 💖💖💖

2nd: Best Days Ever: David, Gita & Pichi! A cute little story of how Pichi brought David & Gita close & confront their status! I love how they spent their time together! And Pichi’s poster? Ugh! So cute!!!
Kilig meter: 💖💖💖

3rd: Finding Mr. Swipe: Oh my Gosh! Ace & Cleo!!!! 🤭 Their initial conversation? *chef’s kiss* I love how it doesn’t sound forced or cringe! And how their conversation towards the end? EXCUSE ME, Let me just be a substitute to Cleo!!! 🤭 definitely my favorite! As I see myself with Cleo, hard working & a bit of swipe here & there. Haha! Anyway, DEFINITELY LOVE their Story! 🥰
Kilig meter: 💖💖💖💖

4th: Happy Endings please and Thank You: Pio & Audrey during the lockdown, what a nostalgic memory. I like how they navigate their relationship during the pandemic & with its uncertainty. Although this one feels a bit bitin.
Kilig meter: 💖💖


Okay, but overall I really loved reading Connect The Hearts! I’ve been itching to read an easy but super kilig romance & this is the cure! ☺️ The feelings I felt while reading this book, brought a lot of old memories I felt & been wanting to feel if I’m being honest. I love that all female characters are strong, willful & independent while the male characters are all green flags - can we have more of them in real life? Haha! Thank you Ms Tara for this enjoyable read!

Rating: 💖💖💖💖

[Tess Blanch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connect The Hearts is composed of four short stories that tackles relationship, on how we grow and foster it using the technology available to us in the present day.

In Tech Week Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, we see first time couple Erin and Ramon works in different parts of the Metro and tries to make their long distance relationship works.
Best Day Ever talks about an invitation to celebrate Gita’s dog last day on earth, who gets to reunite with her childhood now a Hollywood superstar.
In Finding Mr Swipe Right, Cleo gets stood up by her date she met on a dating app. She goes on swiping spree and immediately meets a match, who incidentally sitting on the same cafe she is in.
Lastly, We see Pio and Audrey in Happy Endings, Please and Thank You as they check on each other and rehearse each other lines during the first global lockdown due to Covid.

Do you still remember the feeling when you just start exchanging text messages with your boyfriends or girlfriends? That butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling, the fluttering of your heart when you hear his voice or the tingling excitement when you see a message. That feeling or kilig in Tagalog is the trademark of this book. You can’t help but reminisce your first date, first call, first text message, first disagreement, first of everything. I just get giddy writing and thinking about it, lol!

This is a quick and easy read. What makes it more fun is most comes in chat text format, making me feel I’m reading my own text. And somehow you can identify yourself being them at one point in your relationships.

I also like that before the start of each story, the author briefly mentions where the characters appear and its content warning that explore sensitive topics on grief, losing a pet, anxiety and frustrations, covid pandemic and its effects on our lives.

[Joyce AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology is such a quick, light, and feel-good read that will definitely leave you wanting more. This one’s perfect for anyone who’s had technology play a role in their love story. Whether it’s the ups and downs of LDR life, reconnecting with someone special, or starting something new through dating apps or social media, there’s a story here you’ll vibe with.

Connection 1: Tech Week
Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
A feel-good read about modern love, missed calls, and late-night chats as Erin and Ramon try to keep the kilig alive while caught in the chaos of separate stage productions.
It shows the everyday struggles of staying connected amid busy schedules. I liked how it captured the misunderstandings that happen over chat cause it's something many couples usually go through. It was also nice to see Erin and Ramon making sincere extra efforts to make each other feel valued and keep their relationship intact despite the distance.


Connection 2: Best Days Ever
When a beloved dog's last days bring David and Gita back together, old memories resurface and unspoken emotions stir. Now living worlds apart, they must face the weight of time, distance, and what was left unsaid.
This story will resonate deeply with pet lovers, as it beautifully captures how the loss of a beloved dog can unexpectedly bring people back together. I loved how the dog's farewell became a meaningful turning point for David and Gita, gently pushing them to confront the past and rediscover what truly matters. It's a heartwarming and hopeful read, showing two people finally ready to commit into a deeper level of relationship.

Connection 3: Finding Mr. Swipe Right
When workaholic talent manager Cleo Gascon gets stood up on a date, a frustration-fueled swiping spree leads to an unexpected match.
I enjoyed this story the most! It has the thrill of surprise that lead to something truly worthwhile. Cleo and Ace's connection is overflowing with kilig flirty moments, this will surely resonate with those brave enough to venture into the world of dating apps. Hoping these MCs will have their stand-alone book. I felt greedy when the story ended and I needed to know how this unexpected connection would unfold.


Connection 4: Happy Endings Please, and Thank You
Pio and Audrey find comfort in connection in video calls during the pandemic lockdown. As they check in on each other, their conversations reveal care and warmth. This script from Episode 4 of #RomanceClass' Hello Ever After series captures the beauty of staying close even when the world keeps everyone apart.
I truly enjoyed this glimpse into Pio and Audrey's world. There's something heartwarming and relatable about their casual yet meaningful video call moments during lockdown. It shows how acts of checking in and constant communication can maintain the relationship. A simple story with quiet kilig that lingers.

[April Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute romance anthology that will make you swoon! Here are my ratings for the these romance short stories

Tech Week Makes the Heart Grow Fonder - 4/5
Best Days Ever - 4/5
Finding Mr. Swipe Right - 5/5
Happy Endings, Please, and Thank You - 3/5

Overall Rating
4/5

My fave is Finding Mr. Swipe Right. I am super kilig at Cleo and Ace. I wish their story is a full length novel. This is my first book that I've read from Tara Frejas and I look forward to read more of her works.