An arranged marriage. A silent girl. And a man who was never supposed to care.
Shivani Singh Rathore has spent her life being controlled—silenced and broken by the very people meant to protect her. Forced into a marriage, she expects nothing but another prison.
But Rudraksh Malhotra isn’t the cruel stranger she imagined. He’s calm, patient, and far too observant for her comfort.
Because Shivani doesn’t know what to do with kindness. She doesn’t know how to be seen—or loved.
Yet Rudraksh sees her. And he cares when he shouldn’t.
In a marriage neither chose, between two guarded hearts—can something tender still take root?
I don't like to give low ratings or bad reviews, especially for authors who are beginning their career. But neither do I like to be misled (as a reader) by other readers' ratings and reviews, so I feel compelled to honesty here.
I should start by saying that I came across this book by chance and I probably don't fit in the profile of intended reader. That's to say that, although I didn't like this at all, maybe other readers with different backgrounds or expectations may find it great... That's part of the beauty of books, there's always something for everyone.
Why did I decide to read it? It follows a marriage of convenience trope in a contemporary setting between two Indian (perhaps I should say Hindu) people. My experience is that, while marriages of convenience tend to work very well in historical romance, they are usually disappointing or simply absurd in contemporary Western settings. So I was curious to see if this trope worked better in an alternative cultural setting where arranged marriages are still happening. I guess I'll have to wait for another occasion to know the answer.
A positive aspect of the book is that the author addresses a very tough topic (physical and emotional abuse) trying to convey the positive message that long-term trauma can be overcome and a happy life is possible for the victims.
As for the negative aspects, I regret that found a few. - The characters are one-dimensional (either black or white) and, while the two protagonists (especially the husband) feel stereotypical, the supporting characters are little more than sketches, not really developed. - The supposed banter and innuendo in the dialogues fall short of blatant or rude sexual references, nothing particularly intelligent, and the supposedly romantic lines are more on the side of soppy. - The romance isn't very convincing either: he's besotted almost from the beginning, without much cause (at least, apparently) and she falls for him almost immediately. The sex scenes don't help much, either in terms of character or relationship development; mostly, they are confusing, because the characters act like two different people, one when they were interacting "normally" and a completely different one when they were having sex (or talking about having sex). And, to be honest, the sex itself was quite formulaic and a bit cringe. I'm also quite irritated and worried because, despite the explicit sex, with the usual references to erogenous parts (not with these exact words, of course) or "dirty talk", there seems to be a lack of basic sexual education: 1) loosing your virginity need not hurt, 2) a man's sperm can't survive longer than 1 hour outside the body at room temperature and, 3) a sexually active couple not using proper contraception is implicitly accepting the possibility of a pregnancy (and, if they don't want children, they'd better use something more effective than the occasional withdrawal). Do the intended readers of this book know this? I hope so, because the author certainly doesn't seem to know it and, instead, perpetuates false myths and contributes to misconceptions. - The plot starts reasonably well but after a while it goes bonkers and in the end it doesn't make much sense (at least to me). At some point, I was baffled: I had understood that the male protagonist was a successful and ruthless businessman, but then he became something like an underworld lord or mafia leader... and it seems that, wherever this is supposed to happen, rich people are a law onto themselves and they can go around killing, torturing or holding other people prisoners without any consequences. - Last but not least, the writing style is amateurish. Besides the formulaic parts, I found the penning quite poor. It reminded me of the advice I give my students: "you're not Shakespeare/Cervantes; write short sentences and don't try to use words you don't know to avoid getting muddled". Of course, my students write technical reports, not novels.
A final thought. The book includes a "Dicktionary" [sic], which is a list of the five "chapters containing smut" "for readers who prefer to skip or fast-forward through intimate scenes". While I appreciate the thought, my (surely faulty) logic is: if the sex scenes (even the whole chapters) can be skipped, then they don't add anything to the story. But, if they don't add anything to the story, they shouldn't have been written in the first place. Ergo, five chapters of the book shouldn't be there at all (?!) Again, this is probably just me not being the right audience for this book.
Heal My Heart by S. C. Jain is a heartfelt Indian arranged marriage romance that beautifully intertwines love and self-healing, with found family vibes. Shivani Singh Rathore, scarred by childhood domestic violence, is forced into a marriage she never wanted, while Rudraksh Malhotra, betrayed by love, reluctantly considers marriage at his mother’s insistence.
Their journey is captivating, with Shivani’s insecurities soothed by Rudraksh’s unwavering confidence. Her innocence balances his flirtatious nature, while his trust issues are eased by her selfless love. Their slow-burn relationship, rooted in healing and trust, forms the soul of the novel. Shivani’s personal growth shines as she transforms from a timid woman to one who confidently expresses herself, ultimately completing her first novel. The author’s subtle focus on mental health and India’s therapy stigma adds depth to the narrative.
Rudraksh's family and friends are pure wholesomeness! Can I be adopted by them, please? I would love to see each of them get their own stories—pleads with puppy eyes! And Madhav Uncle? An absolute gem! 😭😭✨
The story beautifully highlights Shivani’s passion for writing but leaves her journey unfinished, making the absence of her published success feel unsatisfying.
Despite this, Heal My Heart is a must-read for those who love emotionally rich romances, strong character development, and healing through love. This a story that shall stay with you long after you have turned the final page!
So the author decided to give every possible trauma to the FMC of this book. At one point I was like just stoppp !! The story was below fine. The plot was fine but afterwards no efforts were put into it. The characters were bland. Rudra is your typical book boyfriend but a boring one. Shivani was too shy & meek for me. Writing was amateurish and so was the story. I just don’t like desi side characters teasing the MCs or making sexual jokes about them in front of their parents because that is so gross and unrealistic.
Shivani and Rudraksh are everything 🥹❤ I love how Rudraksh loved shivani even after thinking that their marriage will be loveless. How shivani got the family she deserves and always craves for (I need a Malhotra family too😭) I love the bond between shivani and her in laws.A Rudraksh being jealous of their cat is my favorite of all😂 (Btw give me rudraksh's best friends or brother-😌🤚)
And the confession scene😭 I was crying because how could I not. The epilogue 🥹🤌 my babies have their own babies😭❤ I was already in love with sc Jain's writing and books and now I can't wait for the next book in series 🥹🩷
Hi. just finished heal my heart in two days.. I'm loving arranged marriage plot if you ever.. Found rudraaksh just pack me him.. I'm just thinking how can man who has his own ugly past still stay with his girl.. In every step.. The way he build library, the way he buy pani puri stall and the way he takes things slowly . It just pure bliss to have understanding hubby like him.. The way he get jealous over simbu.. Its cute. Apart all of them.. Every now and ten he stands for shivani, fights her demons.. Thank you so much for writing a mmc like this. I 'm so glad atleast I got ebook version ftom my friends to read can't wait to read.. Protect my heart.
Ok, Where to even start!?! This book, is just soooooo beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. We start with our FMC, Shivani and boy oh boy, I was not expecting this much hurt and trauma 😭😭 and instantly I was drawn and connected with her character. Imagine coming from hell of a home and then getting married to someone you don't even know!! For me, this story remained about her and her life throughout. Her struggles, her pain, her love, her strength ❤️ And here enters our MMC, Rudraksh Malhotra, the swoon worthy businessman. I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical about him in the beginning, as if expecting him to do something questionable, that he is caring for her just for the show but he won me over completely. The story progresses over with their married life, and how he and his family is there for her at every step, every time. How he observes everything about her, loves her, cares for her and most importantly understands her. Did I mention he gifts her a cat🫠 and encourages her to fulfill her dream of becoming an author 🥺. We need more men like Rudraksh if I'm being honest 🥺❤️ We also get to know about his backstory and how he'll burn the world for her, literally. And also buy her the whole gol gappe stall because she is self-conscious🫠❤️ Apart from little confusions due to time jump in between, this book was a perfect package-action, banter, emotion, drama, love, and everything in between. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I want to see this story on the big screen. Somebody pls make it happen 🙏 And alsooo, if you don't know, her 2nd book in the Woven Hearts series, Protect My Heart is out now on KU which follows Aarav, Rudraksh's brother and Anika, his childhood best friend. So don't walk, runnnn 🏃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the absolute honor of being chosen as an alpha reader for Heal My Heart by S.C. Jain — and right from the first page, I knew this one was going to stay with me.
The story grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. It’s raw, emotional, and surprisingly tender in all the right places. The pacing is tight, the writing flows effortlessly, and the emotional intensity is something I genuinely didn’t expect — in the best way.
🩷The male lead, Rudraksh, is the kind of character that takes hold of your attention and never lets go. He’s arranged to marry Shivani, and from the very first moment he lays eyes on her, there’s this deep, possessive pull. But it’s not just obsession — it’s layered with protectiveness, vulnerability, and an almost primal need to keep her safe and make her his. You feel every bit of it.
🩷Shivani, on the other hand, isn’t just a placeholder in this love story — she’s strong, grounded, and someone whose emotional arc is just as powerful. Watching her journey unfold with Rudraksh was deeply satisfying and full of moments that made me pause, smile, and sometimes ache.
If you're into arranged marriage setups with intense, emotionally charged heroes and heroines who hold their ground, Heal My Heart delivers all of that and more. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain — it lingers.
Highly recommend it for fans of emotionally rich romance, powerful character chemistry, and stories where obsession turns into devotion.
Heal My Heart by S.C. Jain is one of those quietly powerful novels that doesn’t rely on grand drama or exaggerated twists to leave an impact. Instead, it works gently, steadily, and emotionally, seeping into your heart with its portrayal of pain, healing, vulnerability, and the slow, fragile process of learning to love again 💔🌱. It is a story that feels deeply human, rooted in emotional realism rather than cinematic fantasy, and that is precisely what makes it so hauntingly beautiful ✨.
At its core, Heal My Heart is a story about broken people trying to put themselves back together 🧩. The characters are not perfect, nor are they meant to be. They carry wounds that are invisible to the outside world but painfully loud within. S.C. Jain handles these emotional scars with immense sensitivity. There is no rush to “fix” the characters. Healing in this book is portrayed as slow, messy, uncomfortable, and at times, even regressive, exactly how it is in real life 💭.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its emotional depth. The author is exceptionally skilled at capturing inner turmoil, those quiet moments of doubt, guilt, loneliness, and longing that often go unspoken 🥀. You don’t just read what the characters are feeling; you experience it with them. Their silences speak loudly. Their fears feel familiar. Their hope, when it finally surfaces, feels earned 🌤️.
The writing style is simple yet evocative. S.C. Jain does not rely on overly flowery prose, but the emotions land with impact because of their honesty. The dialogues feel natural and unforced, and the internal monologues are deeply introspective without becoming overwhelming. This makes the book accessible while still carrying emotional weight 📖.
The romance in Heal My Heart is not the typical fairytale kind 💕. It is vulnerable, careful, and hesitant. It grows through shared pain, mutual understanding, and emotional safety rather than instant attraction. The relationship develops organically, built on trust rather than fantasy. This makes it incredibly relatable. The love story is not about grand gestures, it’s about quiet support, staying when it’s hard, and choosing someone even with fear in your heart 🤍.
Another beautiful element of the novel is how it deals with trauma and emotional baggage. The author does not romanticize pain, nor does she rush recovery. There are moments when characters make poor decisions, retreat into themselves, or push people away, and those moments feel authentic rather than frustrating. It highlights how trauma doesn’t simply disappear with love; it requires time, patience, and self-forgiveness 🌙.
The supporting characters, too, play a meaningful role. They are not just fillers in the background but serve as emotional anchors, mirrors, and sometimes even triggers for the protagonists’ growth. Their presence adds layers to the story and makes the world of Heal My Heart feel fuller and more realistic 🌸.
What truly sets this book apart is its emotional sincerity. It doesn’t try to impress. It tries to connect, and it succeeds 💞. Readers who have ever struggled with self-worth, heartbreak, emotional abandonment, or the fear of loving again will find pieces of themselves in these pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and quietly ache in the best way possible 🥺.
However, if one is looking for fast-paced drama, intense thrill, or heavy plot twists, this novel may feel slower. The strength of Heal My Heart lies in its emotional journey rather than in high-stakes external conflict. It is a character-driven story, and the pace reflects that introspective nature 🕊️.
In conclusion, Heal My Heart by S.C. Jain is a tender, emotionally rich novel that reminds us that healing is not linear, love is not perfect, and broken hearts are not beyond repair 💖. It is a story about second chances, not just in love, but in self-belief. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it quietly sits with you, holds your emotional hand, and reminds you that even the deepest wounds can learn how to breathe again 🌷.
If you enjoy slow-burn romance, emotionally layered characters, and stories that focus on inner growth and healing, Heal My Heart is a beautiful and fulfilling read that will stay with you long after the last page 📚✨.
Y’all. Heal My Heart? It straight-up wrecked me and stitched me back together with a nose ring and a wedding lehenga. I started this thinking I’d get soft desi vibes and maybe a little angst—NOPE. What I got was an emotionally intense, high-key obsessive, soul-healing ride I was not prepared for. S.C. Jain said trauma, but make it romantic. And I ate it up.
Let’s talk about Rudraksh because sir. The man is possessive, protective, and on his knees (literally and emotionally) for Shivani from day ONE. We’re talking “touch her and I’ll destroy you” energy, and honestly? Where’s my arranged marriage?? His soft but intense love language, the way he sees her, the “replace that pillow with me” line??? Plz, I want to be a pillow so bad rn.
And Shivani—my sweet, strong girl—she’s been through it. The trauma, the grief, the betrayal?? She had every reason to shut down, but she fought. She matched Rudraksh’s energy, opened her heart, and let herself heal. Watching them open up to each other with no miscommunication BS?? Pure serotonin.
This book had Wattpad-level nostalgia with grown-up depth. The arranged marriage trope mixed with the whole big fat Indian family vibe, blended with raw emotional healing??? S.C. Jain brought back my entire Indian romance era but upgraded. It’s giving found family, it’s giving healing touch, and it’s giving chaotic desi aunties with secret tears. Also, bonus points for no stupid plot twists—just two people choosing each other again and again, while Shivani’s awful parents make us collectively rage.
Final thoughts? This book doesn’t just heal hearts, it owns them. Rudraksh is my new fictional husband, Shivani deserves the world, and SC Jain just became a certified one-click author for me. 4/5 stars, no notes, except maybe give me an epilogue with Rudraksh as a girl dad ASAP.
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⚠️ Trigger Warnings: • Parental neglect & abuse • Emotional trauma • Death of loved ones (off-page) • Gaslighting • Manipulation • Grief/loss • Mental health themes
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💫 Tropes: • Arranged (forced) marriage • Desi romance / cultural family dynamics • Billionaire MMC • Protective MMC / possessive energy • Damaged heroine • Hurt/comfort • No miscommunication • Instant attraction • Wattpad nostalgia-core • Found family vibes • Girl dad foreshadowing (👀 manifesting sequel pls) • HEA 💍
Let’s just say… if Rudraksh knelt in front of me with a ring, I’d be saying “I do” before he even finished the sentence. 💅
* ARC was provided in the exchange of honest Review*
This book left me craving for more of their story. I would willingly read another 50 chapters or more if she writes. Seriously it's that good. This book healed me and wrapped my heart in a warm hug.
I was expecting a marriage of convenience, arranged marriage in a desi setting. but man oh man!! The emotional rollercoaster ride it took me through the book, Oh god!!! the writer did an amazing job with the story pacing and her narration, it was an unputdownable page turner for me. I could for the life of me stop reading it.
Through out the story I was blushing, giggling and squealing for Rudraksh's antics. So much for a brooding, serious, Businessman. He is so whipped for her and would bring the world to her feet if asked. He is the perfect standards that we shouldn't have IRL ;) He is possessive, protective and very Devoted to Shivani. he could unalive a person if even looked her in the wrong way. he is so obsessed about her that he is jealous of a pet cat (which he gifted by the way cause she wanted one when she is a kid) and I loved every bit of it.
Coming to Shivani, I don't think she is weak or vulnerable. she is very strong and Lovable. the amount of trauma she went through and the ab*se she went through because of her so-called parents would have broken her if not for her strong personality and her silent support of madhav uncle.
Though her journey towards Rudraksh started as a escape route to her from her home, it was the best decision she could have taken (not that she was given a choice) because he is what she needed in her life. the family, friends and their connections were added charm to the story. I love how Rudraksh was devoted to her from the very beginning and how she supported her, given her the freedom she deserved and constantly backing up her confidence and letting her open up. Their story was so heart warming and comforting to see how her character grew and How she now is able to open up to him and be herself honestly brought tears to my eyes.
This story is definitely going to stay in my heart forever and Also please do let me know what should I do to get a husband like Rudraksh?? Because now I can't have anyone except for him or some one like him? Goshhh the Standards............
❤️✨HEAL MY HEART✨❤️ ARC REVIEW ✨ 🤌🏻 ❤️ Heal My Heart is not just a romance novel....it is a cathartic journey through pain, healing, and love so profound, it lingers in your veins long after the last page. It is the kind of story that finds the most shattered parts of you and gently whispers, you are still worthy of love.
SHIVANI my precious warrior. Her journey broke me into pieces. She’s the kind of heroine who doesn't ask for your sympathy😭...she earns your admiration. Abused, overlooked, and constantly belittled by the very people who should have protected her....her strength lies not just in surviving but in still believing in love, in dreaming of being an author, in holding onto her softness despite the world hardening around her.❤️😭🤌🏻
I cried so much i sobbed so much while reading... thinking how bad she might have gone through...how worst she might be feeling...how much she might have suffered when she said "since I have memory" i was unable to understand why this book name is HEAL My HEART now I totally understand the meaning of this book name...🥺😭
RUDRAKSH...Let’s talk about this man. Protective, emotionally available, endlessly patient...he didn’t save Shivani eventually He saw her... He saw every wound...He saw every scar. He saw every quiet cry for affection. And he didn’t even flinch and He stood next to her...fought for her happiness, cherished her like she was the center of his universe.🥹😋❤️
This wasn’t so called love. This was earned by them... Built slowly on stolen glances, comforting silences, gentle touches, and the kind of raw honesty that only comes when you’ve been broken and are finally safe. Shivani and Rudraksh didn’t just fall in love ...they chose each other, every single day, against all odds, without miscommunication or unnecessary drama. Just two people learning to heal in each other's That's what I wanted.🫶🏻❤️🥹
This book has healed me...The feminine urge to get a man like him is purely heaven...Maybe this book just increased my standards more!!!🥹😭
When I read last page of this book I was a spiral of emotions, because how could I not be? This book broke my heart into pieces just to mend it back, and heal a part of me I didn't want to acknowledge was broken.
Hectic schedule it was for past two months, but still if I could read 2 pages of this book it was all worth it. The character arc was so well written that sometimes I just wanted to dive into the book and hug a character and slap the other. And can we talk about the author? If you've read her debut and then heal my heart, I bet you can't say it is written by the same author. From a cute college romance to an intense arrange marriage. She slayed in every aspect. Now I can't wait for s.c. jain to write a mafia romance, because now that I've seen her versatility I wanna see more of it, more of her.
The fmc- shivani- if I could, I would hug her so tight that she would forget every pain, and I swear if I were her, I would have lost the will to live. To hope. But her, she's a warrior and unlike she thinks, every reader of this book at some point wanted to be like her- strong, unbreakable. I'm not saying she wasn't broken, she was scattered but she was strong enough to collect all of her pieces back and make herself again, with the help of our lover boy- Rudraksh.
I have no idea what to say about him, because he has left me speechless. The way he was with shivani even when he didn't want to. The way he became her comfort, her home. Every girl deserves a Rudraksh. His possessiveness and jealousy towards simbu? Please, I was so sold. *doe eyes*. I am a girl who's kinda scared of marriage, because why won't I be? But if arrange marriage looks like this, I'm all ready.
I'm never getting over this book and I never want to, because this story is something helps people to get through their darkest times of life, this book is hope. Hope of light at the end of the darkest tunnel. Hope of everything falling into pieces, hope of finding ourselves back. Cheers to our hearts which were broken, but didn't loose hope.
this book just pulls at your heartstrings and doesn't let go. it's raw, emotional, empowering and atcthe same time funny moments at the right time. the pace is effortless and there's not a single dull moment. this is arrange marriage done in right ways and just gives you a hops that arrange marriage might not be bad after all.
shivani is strong, grounded and yet she has the vulnerable side hidden beneath who just wants her parents love. the things she went through are so heartbreaking, her insecurities and her never eating much because of her body just made me cry. her parents are truly the worse kind. they didn't deserve the pure child like her. her growth from the soft timid girl to the outspoken girl, confident one was done so well, moving in a steady pace. also the fact that she loves novels and she writes, too.
rudraksh just entered my heart from the very first page. he is supposed to be cold hearted businessman but he has the soft side for his family members. there are layers to his past but i loved how he didn't behave like typical ml with fmc. he knew she was not at any fault and behaved so decently and god he really did fall in love at first sight. his family is so wholesome, the way they love him, the way they are all with eachother and the way they accepted shivani and made her feel like theirs was so sweet.
their relationship is my fav. there was chemistry present since the first meet and i loved how devoted, protective he was simce their first meet. and how she was able to just communicate her thoughts so freely. she accepted his demons and he accepted hers and just made a home out of eachother. he supported her against everything, reassured her, helped her build her confidence and would do anything for her. nobody could come close to his type of devotion.
this is a must read. they just do not marry but choose each other in all ways and just shows how actual love should be. if you are into a romance full of healing, love with strong vulnerable heroine and intense loving hero, then this is for you. their love makes you want to fall in love.
Heal My Heart is a soft romance about Shivani, a young woman trapped in a toxic household and forced into marriage for her parents’ selfish gain, and Rudraksh, a cold and ruthless businessman who suddenly finds himself having to marry her.
I just finished the book and—I am literally speechless. This story had me giggling, kicking my feet, and gasping every two sentences. It was so good I ended up flooding @authorscjain’s DMs just to rant about it. That’s how obsessed I was.
Shivani has completely stolen my heart. And when I say she’s the embodiment of me (minus the abusive parents), I mean it. I saw so much of myself in her that she’s officially my comfort character now. Her constant insecurity absolutely broke me—but in the best, most emotional way.
And Rudraksh. Oh. My. God. He is the dream guy. From the moment he appeared in the book, he was one walking, talking green flag. Every interaction with him had me melting. But what made me fall head over heels was how he never let Shivani feel less than. He always made her feel beautiful, constantly lifted her up, and knew exactly how to brighten her mood—even with his adorably cheesy flirting.
Their relationship? Top tier. Absolute perfection. A match made in heaven. They brought out the best in each other, supported one another endlessly, and made me want a love like theirs when I grow up.
Now let’s talk villains—Shivani’s parents. I’ve never hated fictional characters so quickly. From chapter one, I wanted to throw hands. But on the brighter side, Rudraksh’s family? Pure sunshine. They were so warm and supportive, and the way they embraced Shivani made my heart feel full.
So, if you're looking for a romance that’s sweet, a little steamy, full of heartwarming and hilarious moments, with a dash of drama and action—Heal My Heart might just be your next favorite read.
Before writing the review I just wanna say THIS BOOK IS REALLY SPECIAL FOR ME.
The story revolves around two people Shivani Singh Rathore and Rudraksh Malhotra. They are forced into marriage by their family. Will they be able to find their forever or will they always live with each other as strangers?
Shivani Singh Rathore has spent her life being controlled — silenced and broken by the very people meant to protect her. Forced into marriage, she expects nothing but another prison.
Rudraksh Malhotra a man of few words has a past from which he isn't able to move on, doesn't believe in love but is getting married because of his family. This marriage is just for the family but is it true he will be able to overcome his past?
Review:- This book is one of my favourite books I have ever read. This book has everything which a reader craves. A man who does everything for his girl. Rudraksh Malhotra has my heart. This guy does so many things for her from claiming her mine to be with her forever. He helped her overcome her insecurities. He buys panipuri stalls just because she hates eating in public and there are so many other things he does for her which are so cute.
Shivani Singh Rathore helped him by healing his heart she helped him to move on from his past. She was always there to listen to him when no one was there.
While reading this book I felt all types of emotions. I laughed when they were laughing. I cried whenever Shivani cried. I giggled when something cute happened. In the whole book the way Rudraksh kept saying that she was beautiful my god my heart melt every time 😩🥺. I just wanted to read this without keeping it down. I didn't even realise when it ended it was like I just started reading this book.
Thank You for this book and for making me part of your team. This book was so amazing that I wanna to experience the whole feeling again.❤️
5/5 stars – A soul-shattering, healing masterpiece. Don't be deceived by the name, yes it says heal your heart but it's going to wreck it so damn bad before it fixes.
A girl who feels like she's broken and will never be good enough meets a man who vows to give her everything she wants because she deserves the world.
From the first page, I felt seen. And by the end, I felt held.
Shivani, my baby girl's journey—surviving abuse, shame, and the crushing weight of never being “enough” for her parents—mirrored my own in ways I wasn’t ready for. Every cruel comment, every flinch, every attempt to stay invisible just to feel safe... it felt like the author reached into my past and wrapped it in gold-threaded words.
And then there was him. Rudraksh. Gentle, fierce, protective in all the right ways. The kind of man who speaks to every wounded part of you and says, “You are worthy. You are safe now.” For someone who swore to never love again boy was a goner from the start. The love languages in this book were insane be it physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service or gifts!! The way he was obsessed with her right from the start with just her smile and laugh ohh my god it was so damn dreamy and it'd exactly what obsession should be like.
I’ve highlighted half the book just to keep his words close. He isn’t just a book boyfriend—he’s a blueprint for what love should feel like. Uncompromising, warm, present. The way he touched her, looked at her, believed in her—it wasn’t just romance. It was reparenting. It was soul-healing. There's no wonder I want @authorscjain to be my personal love story writer 😭
This wasn't just a romance book for me, it was more of a healing arc. It was extremely triggering for me at points but putting down was not an option as that would've been just shutting it down, so I let myself feel and heal.
Genuinely, from the very first page, I was hooked and loved the characters.
Shivani is stuck in a toxic family who forces her into a marriage with Rudraksh. At first, I expected the typical grumpy, morally grey type character from the way he was described. But he ended up surprising me in the best way. He was actually compassionate with her and protective. Despite his ruthlessness, he cares deeply about family and he never once made Shivani feel like she wasn't a part of his family
I just finished the book as I write this review and I am feeling so many things. Shock, anger, grief, joy, understanding, love, laughter... the emotional roller coaster that was this book is insane.
Shivani is a character i related to on many levels and she made my heart ache. Her trauma was heartwrenching, but Rudraksh and his family helped her feel alive again and making her stronger by having a safe space 💖
Rudraksh is my newest obsession. He was PERFECT from the very beginning. At least to me. He's incredibly gentle and soothing when he wants to be, but it doesn't stop him from being ruthless and intense when he wants/needs to.
The story pulled at my heartstrings in every way. I laughed like an idiot. My heart ached. I smiled. I was in shock and had to stare at the wall (i still do not forgive the author for one of the most heartbreaking scenes in this book. My eyes got so blurry i couldn't see the words anymore).
I fell in love with their relationship on page one. It was perfect. Adorable, emotionally powerful and just absolute perfection
If anyone needs a book to get them out of a reading slump, READ THIS
I'VE NEVER SOBBED OVER A BOOK LIKE THIS FROM THE BEGINNING OF IT. It was something that had torn my heart into a million pieces with just words, and if I could recommend only one book to someone, then this would be THE ONE. It was the first book I finished in less than 12 hours, so that says it all and how I couldn't put this down.
The story grabs your heart from the first chapter and doesn't let go till the very last page. You will laugh, cry, sob, and giggle in the span of a few pages. Even though it will feel like the title kind of contrasts with most of the story, it is definitely worth the read. EACH AND EVERY PAGE.
I still think the love I had for this story, Shivani, and Rudraksh, could never be described in words, it's just they are hand-printed on my soul.
Rudraksh is the epitome of a perfect book boyfriend. He's gentle, protective and obsessed with Shivani from the start. for the man who said he would never fall in love, he fell head over heels for her from the start, and I enjoyed his Pov A LOT. He not only healed the wounds of Shivani, with his actions and words, but mine too. And THAT revenge!!! omg!!! (I'm not going to say anything to spoil anyone's reading experience, but it was so satisfying)
Shivani's character development and how she found a family that she truly deserves was just the cherry on top. I love how she overcame all her fears and insecurities, and her bond with her maa and every member of the Malhotra family was the sweetest thing. at one point in the book, I just want to dive in somehow and just save her from everything she's experiencing that NO ONE should ever feel.
I love the author's obsession with pani-puris, as it was mentioned in this book and even in her last book as well, and I loved the scenes in both.
IF ANYONE IS READING THIS REVIEW (which is more of my love letter to heal my heart), READ THIS ASAP OR RIGHT NOW!!
How can I express what I felt while reading this book? This was such a sweet emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I felt all kind of emotions that you could feel in a book. This book was a perfect mix of Romance, spice, emotions, plot everything the author has written it so perfectly that you cannot point out anything wrong in it. So the book starts with our characters Shivani and Rudraksh. Shivani is a cute girl with little dreams. She loves to read books and she also wants to become a author, but her parents do not appreciate it. She has done everything to receive the appreciation of her parents. But for some reason her parents don't love her back and I always criticising her because of her weight and her looks and always bashes her beats her physically mentally abuses her with Rudraksh who is very rich businessman, and he has a very sweet family, sweet brother sister and very sweet friends everything in his life seems perfect. Now they have arranged marriage arranged by their parents and they decide to go along with that. They felt solace in each other's arms. They felt peace with each other. They felt like missing puzzle pieces which felt together randomly, and now they cannot be separated again, but as the stories go on, we see the plot and why Shivani's parents always hate her. There is a big big reason and to be honest, Shivani has faced so many things in her life that my heart really bleeds for her, but the moment she found Rudraksh, he has done everything to make her feel special to make her feel loved and cherishes her to the fullest. they both are perfect together, and they are my favourite couple right now and a special request to author Please please please please find me a Rudraksh please.👉🏻👈🏻
So I finished this in one sitting ,I stumbled upon this book in my KU .
First of all am glad I gave it a try,this is second desi romance book which i genuinely liked this year without getting cringed.
The Arrange marriage theme in big families are always there and yes they are forced.The setup and all was really well explained.The way Shivani suffered silently for years was heartbreaking to read.I will tell you I have seen people around me go through same shit ,Some parents are Dominant but the truth was else & I had my doubts.
Am glad there was someone like Rudraksh for Shivani ,who understood her ,who embraced her flaws ,who took stand for her,hell even took revenge for her.I mean we wanted a Indian Billionaire Ruthless version & Author understood the assignment.A man who can do anything for her woman🤌🏻🤌🏻.
How to forget his family ,Manifesting a family like that for myself 🙏🏼.
Am not the type of person who likes to clear stuff I see in negative comments but here I felt like ,I should.So the Arrange marriage thing is still around and is so real ,if you’re an Indian you will know it is super common here and if you’re not read a mafia book or billionaire Romance book where there is forced Arrange Marriage.For the thing people saying it got mafia theme in the end,No it happens in India to I mean I don’t have proof but we used to talk like my Dad use to,All those billionaires are someway connected with underworld people.Excuse me sorry to break some people bubble Mafia is just a word there are such thing happening everywhere,Gangs are everywhere with different names.
♾️/5 read for me. Heal my heart by author s.c. jain is a sweet and soft, painful and relatable tale of two totally opposite souls who doesn't know what real love means. Shivani, who is writer and a dreamer who searches for an escape from her toxic household and found the only way in an arranged marriage by her parents. Tough and bold, Rudrakash, who believes in his business meeting and envy his parents love.
As a teenager, the story and the character development or Shivani was so relatable for me. Her household, her emotion, her pain- I guess I'm living in it. Of course, being a girl who wants to live a dreamy life weaves many struggling stories and this book beautifully described it.
The writing style, the story description, the scenes, the characters development and the spice were equally beautiful and just chef's kiss. If lobe sounds like "Heal my heart" then please throw this love at me. I cried, I laughed, I blushed and even smiled but my emotions were pure for the characters.
Aarav and Aditi were equally beautiful. Their plot, character and everything was just perfect. I really really enjoyed reading this and even though this book was just of 393 pages, I still wanted more to read.
Each and every chapter was interesting. I loved the portray of arrange marriage with innocent love and of course hopeless romantic.
Definitely a good start of June for me. I lived with this book again.
HEAL My Heart isn’t just a love story—it’s an emotional journey that truly touched my soul. From the very first pages, I was pulled into Shivani’s world—a world filled with pain, past scars, and silent suffering. The rawness of her emotions and the depth of her trauma felt so real that I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Some parts resonated with me on such a personal level that it felt like I wasn’t just reading about Shivani—I was Shivani. Shivani’s strength and silent suffering broke my heart, but also made me admire her.
And then there’s Rudraksh. What a man! He isn’t just loving—he’s healing. He didn’t only love Shivani; he stood by her, supported her, and helped her heal in the most beautiful way. Rudraksh is not just a green flag—he’s a walking green forest. Gentle, patient, understanding, and everything anyone could ever wish for in a partner. He truly is a ten out of ten.
S. C. Jain, thank you for writing such a heartfelt and powerful story. Your words made me cry, smile, and feel deeply. You created characters that were real, relatable, and unforgettable. You reminded us that love isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing, growth, and being seen for who you truly are.
This book has everything: emotion, depth, love, healing, and hope. It made me feel whole. I’m so happy for Shivani and Rudraksh, and I’ll carry their story with me for a long time.
Thank you again, S. C. Jain. I loved HEAL My Heart with all my heart.
" Heal My Heart " ~ A desi arranged marriage romance which had my heart in thousand ways. This story is about a man who's scared to love again and a girl who never got love, even from her own parents. Rudraksh Malhotra, A cold hearted businessman who loves his family and his business. There's no space of anyone in his heart and Shivani Singh Rathore, a chubby girl who has her own set of Insecurities due to her parents, who never loved her. They both are bound in an arrange marriage. This book is all about Rudraksh learning how to love and Shivani getting away with her insecurities. I am a chubby girl myself and I understand how it feels to be called names and sometimes your own family members don't realise that they're words have hurted you. But to get someone like Rudraksh, it's like a blessing. The way he loves all her flaws and finds beauty in everything she does.
I just loved the way this book tells us that a person with a little flaws can be loved.
Though I really wanted to read more about Shivani's parents and I felt so bad when She got to know about her father after his death. I still really loved it.
All in all, I'm in love with this book and Rudraksh ofcourse. Thank you so much @authorscjain for writing this book. I am really in love with it.
Favourite Dialogue: " I'd drink the damm marinade if it helped"
SC Jain - girl, seriously, you wrote it so well! I could imagine the entire book playing in my head like a movie, and so many scenes felt so real (okay, not some MANY). And Rudra taking revenge for Shivani?? I still have that tingling sensation in my nails
And don't even get me started on Shivani and Rudraksh. Shivani - I'm in awe of your strength. This girl went through the worst life could throw at someone, and still rose with love, hope, and patience in her heart. And Rudraksh - BOY. I expected an arrogant businessman with a soft corner for close ones, but this level of love, care, respect, protectiveness, and possessiveness?? You're raising the bar way too high. SC, I need a Rudraksh in my life now. Manifesting.
🚨🚨🚨 Spoiler alert! Read forward at your own risk A Here are just a few major things I loved throughout the story:
❤️🔥Shivani, body-shamed all her life, learns to love herself
❤️🔥She reads and writes Dark Romance (and he reads it just because it's her fav genre - chef's kiss)
❤️🔥Rudraksh is the true "I'll burn the world for you" kind of hero
❤️🔥He builds her a library
❤️🔥He's jealous of the pet cat he gifted her. Yes, really.
If you're a romance fan - YOU NEED TO READ THIS. Okay tata byebye, I'm off to go giggle over all the cute scenes (and probably cry again at the ones that hit too hard).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book surprised me in the best way. It’s an arranged marriage romance, but what really stood out to me was how beautifully it blended love, healing, and found family. Shivani and Rudraksh aren’t your usual leads, both are carrying their own kind of pain, yet watching them slowly find comfort in each other felt so real and tender.
Shivani’s past broke my heart, but seeing her slowly rediscover herself, gain confidence, and even finish her first novel? That was such a satisfying part of her journey. And Rudraksh… his mix of charm, loyalty, and quiet vulnerability made him so easy to root for. I loved how her innocence balanced his guarded nature it wasn’t forced, it just worked.
Also, can we talk about Rudraksh’s family for a second? They’re pure gold. Madhav Uncle especially deserves his own book. Actually, give the entire family their own spin-offs, please! 🥺
If I had to nitpick, I wish we got more closure on Shivani’s writing journey. I really wanted to see that moment of success after everything she’d been through. But even with that, the story left me with a full heart.
Heal My Heart isn’t just about romance it’s about healing, learning to trust again, and finding people who make you feel safe enough to grow. Definitely one of those stories that lingers long after you’ve finished it. ❤️🩹
Arranged marriage troopes have been a weakness but this book had me in a grip I wasn't able to move out of , the more you enter lives of rudraksh and Shivani the more you see the real world hidden behind smiles and cameras though the book is heavy on fiction but realism is equally balanced , truths and lies, past and present , need and desire , empathy and apathy all merge into one story and it would be healthy my heart , story of shivani will give you hope and story of rudraksh the will to move out of any obstacle , they are fictional indeed but hey learning good things from characters in books won't trouble us much would it 🤭 Also for me the story also subtly highlights the gender bias evident in homes but not so evident in the eyes of society , vice and vengeance which grips people and tears them apart in name of feeding their ego is also well highlighted also the themes of child abuse , physical harm and parental neglect which can be triggering for some are included in the book my request will be to pl go throught the trigger warnings first prior to reading this book your mental health is our definite priority .
I just know that S C Jain will never ever disappoint me with her writing ….. I love love love how she write the characters who are perfectly strong but broken at the same time which makes it feel real ….. Rudraksh was in no way real and I will always try to find him in my future partner …. Not because he great but because how he understands Shivani …. He definitely knows that Loyalty, trust, understanding is base of any relationship and he was just so perfect …. Literally too good to be true and sometimes you need that …. I needed something like that and I got it at the most perfect time !!!! Loved it so much !!! Okayyy enough ranting about it … just pick up the book you won’t be disappointed at all !!
Writing : 5/5 Characters :5/5 Story : 6/5 Side characters : 100/5 ( loved them so much )
Overall an easy 5/5 read 🤭🫶🏻
I literally love how Shivani worshipped Bholenath and she got a man named Rudraksh . It was like Bholenath literally gifted a Rudraksh ( it’s a sacred bead in India, Lord Shiva wears it ) to Shivani. A match made by Bholenath 😭🫶🏻
This book is absolutely heartwarming. Rudraksh and Shivani's journey is hopeful and emotional. Though their marriage was arranged, they navigate through their relationship and find love. Shivani is always controlled and tortured by her parents, she is insecure about herself but she is kind and strong in her own way. I loved that about her and also that she is an avid reader. Rudraksh on the other hand is a gentleman, perfect, sweetest. I love love him. He treats her with so much respect and loves her so much. He has my heart, period. He is one of a kind, supporting Shivani all the way and cheering for her. I loved how Rudraksh's family cared and adored Shivani, the found family trope was perfectly done here. Overall the story, the writing, the characters, everything was so good.
Oh Rudra the man you are! He can be cold and ruthless while at the same time sweet, caring and loving with his close loved ones.
And Shivani, omg what all you've been through but you always stood back up and got through it all. My heart breaks for you but I'm so glad to see you find the family you always wanted and deserved.
This is an amazing, perfect billionaire romance novel with found family and a guy who would do anything to keep the FMC safe.
The Cutest, Sweetest, and one of the bestest arranged marriage book it is❤❤❤❤❤ The storyline, characters, trope, setting everything was so so perfect and amazing. I just love Rudraa for him I would happily agree to have an arrange cum love marriage 😍😍 and I loved how shivani's character was so shown and how she come to love herself 😘😘😘 soo it's a must must must try book you should definitely read ittt😇🤭