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The Healing Hearts #2

Curious Hearts: A Steamy Slow Burn Sapphic Romance

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What if everything you thought you wanted was exactly what you didn't need?

Investment banker Jessica Taylor has spent her entire life checking Ivy League education ✓, corner office ✓, London promotion pending ✓. The last thing on her list is inheriting seven cats and a crumbling Victorian house from the great-aunt her family considered an embarrassment.

Dr. Ali Ritchie knows about starting over. After her own devastating breakdown, she's rebuilt her life around healing wounded animals and keeping humans at arm's length. But there's something about the perfectly controlled banker slowly melting under the influence of seven demanding cats that makes Ali want to risk her carefully guarded heart.

As litter boxes replace boardrooms and cat hair ruins designer suits, Jessica discovers that some of life's best gifts come with claws attached. But when the career opportunity she's worked toward her entire life finally arrives, she'll have to choose between the future she planned and the love she never saw coming.

Because sometimes the family you inherit is exactly the one you need.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

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Ruby Scott

33 books154 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for JAYNE.
241 reviews17 followers
June 14, 2025
Curious Hearts by Ruby Scott is the second in The Healing Hearts Series. This romance novel masterfully blends opposites attract, incorporating witty banter and captivating main characters that immediately drew me in, making me deeply invested in their journey from beginning to end.
In a stunning display of artistic synergy, the cover art beautifully and completely reflects the narrative and spirit of the book itself.
900 reviews20 followers
June 27, 2025
Wow wow wow Ruby Scott captures you attention from first page till the last the characters in this story were described with so much depth, with laughter and serious topic issues described their struggles and they found their strength to fight for them both and all the fur babies a must-read congratulations
Profile Image for Misha.
1,834 reviews74 followers
August 14, 2025
This was my first Ruby Scott book, and it was fun, but I honestly just expected more than it delivered. The characterisation is fairly shallow, and the interesting premise of having to deal with seven cats with varying levels of their own trauma and needs was never really explored. In fact, it felt more like three cats in a subplot in this book, while the main conflict is a silly miscommunication and misunderstanding, which I don't think anyone enjoys.

I think part of the issue for me was also that the main characters have known each other for three months and have been dating for weeks at best out of this time, and yet we are at the junction of heavy feelings (told, not shown) and making life-altering decisions based on this very new relationship.

I was hoping for more of a contemporary book about a woman dealing with taking care of a whole bunch of grumpy cats, along with an experienced former vet slash animal therapy expert as she heals her life, but we switch really quickly to the romance, which is just not as compelling to me here as the premise.

Anyway, an easy read and a fun one with a fair bit of spice for those interested, but not really wowing me, unfortunately.
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
916 reviews47 followers
June 23, 2025
I loved the start and the humour. There were some stand out lines and phrases. Just when things were going along, perhaps too smoothly (for pacing) the relationship bump we know from the blurb happens. Although I could guess the decision that would be made, the tension was well done.... (the other main didn't know she was in a romance that would have an hea. )
My only criticism was the intimate scenes, totally personal preference, and others may love the variety!
Profile Image for Jennabeebs79.
643 reviews35 followers
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Curious Hearts is the second book in the Healing Hearts series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I highly recommend picking up Rescue Hearts before, during, or after, so you can fully appreciate Fenna and Kristi’s journey (and get a little extra time with the unforgettable Yaya).

The writing is layered, emotionally resonant, and full of heart (pun absolutely intended). There’s a beautiful balance between vivid details and authentic dialogue, making each interaction feel both intimate and real. The emotional depth is never heavy-handed; instead, it gently pulls you in, letting you feel every moment right alongside the characters. And while the story doesn’t shy away from pain or vulnerability, it’s also infused with warmth, wit, and just the right amount of humor, especially when it comes to the cat’s perfectly timed chaos. The result is a story that feels lived-in, honest, and ultimately hopeful.

There’s some truly insightful commentary throughout the story about love, family, and the messy, beautiful complexities of relationships. I found myself highlighting so many lines, words of wisdom that I know I’ll return to again and again. One of my favorite moments comes from this gem: “Legacy isn’t what you leave behind in bank accounts or achievements. It’s the love you cultivate, the joy you create, the authenticity you dare to live with. The greatest act of courage is to live an honest life in a world that rewards conformity.” That quote alone captures the emotional depth and quiet power of this story, and it lingers long after the final page.

On the surface, Ali and Jessica couldn’t be more different, but beneath that contrast lies a connection that feels effortless and deeply genuine. Their chemistry is palpable from the very first moment, and watching their relationship unfold is something truly special. I loved how their conversations shift and deepen as they grow closer with each one revealing more of who they are. Ali’s gentle, compassionate nature creates space for reserved Jessica to lower her defenses and step into vulnerability. Jessica’s struggle with external expectations is portrayed with such nuance, offering a more tender, complex view of her character. And Ali’s recovery from a devastating setback is a quiet but powerful testament to her strength and resilience.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I absolutely adore Yaya. Her fierce spirit, sharp wit, boundless compassion, and unwavering love bring so much heart to this story. She’s the kind of character who quietly steals every scene she’s in and leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.

Curious Hearts is a heartfelt, beautifully written story full of warmth, wit, and emotional depth. With memorable characters, a swoonworthy romance, and moments of both laughter and reflection, it’s a book that lingers in all the best ways. Whether you're here for the slow-burn love story, the tender family dynamics, or the mischievous cats, there’s something in this novel that will speak to your heart. It’s a celebration of vulnerability, connection, and choosing love, even when it’s messy or unexpected. I adored every page and can’t recommend it enough.

I received an ARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jay.
104 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2025
My two cents on this book...

This one’s a cozy queer romance full of cats, slow-burn tension, and some really thoughtful character work. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but Ruby Scott does a great job balancing warmth, humor, and just enough emotional mess to keep things real.

The premise is wild in the best way. Jessica, who’s basically allergic to feelings and fur, inherits a house and seven cats from her eccentric aunt. Along with them comes Ali, an animal behaviorist who’s way too charming for Jessica’s tightly controlled world. What follows is a story that’s more about emotional unpacking than big drama, and honestly, it works.

Is it spicy? No, not really. This isn’t that kind of romance. But it is intimate in a quieter, deeper way—which actually worked for me. The slow-burn thing here doesn’t feel dragged out; it feels like it earns the payoff.

The cats kind of steal the show, to be honest. Mr. Darcy, Chairman Meow, Scout, Zelda... the names are hilarious, and the personalities are so well done, they actually feel like part of the cast. Every time Mr. Darcy showed up to cause drama, I couldn’t stop smiling.

If I had to nitpick, some of the pacing dips a bit, especially in the middle when Jessica’s family stuff takes center stage. And I kinda wanted a touch more tension between her and Ali before they clicked emotionally. But that’s a small thing.

Jessica’s character arc is the highlight. Watching her go from emotionally shutdown to someone who actually cares deeply (and awkwardly) is super satisfying. Ali’s vibe is warm and grounded, the perfect contrast. They really complement each other without it feeling too neat.

All in all, it’s a feel-good, soft queer romance that doesn’t try too hard and still lands. Definitely recommended if you like grumpy-sunshine pairings, found family, or just want to read something where cats casually take over a corporate exec’s life. I’d absolutely read a spin-off if Ruby ever writes one set at Healing Paws or even a Mr. Darcy POV chapter, just saying.


I received the ARC copy of the book in exchange of an unbiased review.
34 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
Ruby Scott just keeps getting better and better
Sometimes I wish I was a writer so I could write a review that could really do justice to the book. What can I say? I love, love, loved it. It was great to catch up with Kristi and Fenna from ‘Rescuing Hearts’ and see how their lives have changed since we left them and that they were integral to the storyline. OMG I wish Yaya were my adopted granny. The wit, the comedic timing and the sharpness of that mind really bring her character to life. 🥰🥰 As for Ali and Jessica? Oil and water to begin with, having such different upbringings, social status, career paths, financial security and yet they could both feel the attraction at once. I love that they should not work together but they do. That Jessica must come apart almost, to become less put together and competent so that Ali could step in and help her when she’s used to being so controlled and independent. I love that even though Ali is the confident, take charge one showing Jessica how to deal with the animals, when they become involved, Ali is prepared to, in fact she’s happy to let Jessica be the more dominant one. I just love how in Ruby’s books, she manages to get humour, sadness, lust, love, frustration, confusion, doubt, clarity, anger, acceptance and oh so many more emotions packed in, that send the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. Hot under the collar one minute, crying with a character the next and laughing out loud next. I love it all. Cannot wait to see what Ruby has in store next 🥰 I also agree with another reviewer, the inscription in the book, the wrapping and all the little personal touches are so nice. Thank you
Profile Image for Jiske.
53 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2025
Curious Hearts is a delightful and uplifting romance that hooked me right from the very first page. It has the right blend of humor and heart, and there’s just enough chaos, largely thanks to seven rascally cats.

When career-minded investment banker Jessica Taylor inherits an old Victorian home with seven furry creatures, there are, of course, specific terms. What comes next is the gradual and gorgeous unraveling of her (nearly) perfect life, especially once Dr. Ali Ritchie enters the picture. To see Jessica finally soften and allow herself to blossom in the most unlikely place was an absolute delight.

Loved this sweet, cat-filled romance. Jessica’s transformation from controlling to chaotic was hilarious and touching, and she has killer chemistry with Ali. My favorite scene was when Ali broke through a door (won’t say more, not to ruin the plot); it was so gallant and also a little ridiculous! (In a good way) An engaging novel about love, healing, and learning to let go of the life you thought you wanted.

This one is a cozy, romantic story, full of character (of the feline variety, especially). If you love stories of discovery and love right under one’s nose, then Curious Hearts is for you.
Profile Image for JP Munroe .
77 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2025
Curious Hearts by Ruby Scott is like a warm hug in book form and I so didn’t want it to end. Scott’s writing is full of humour, heartfelt emotions and romance. I was hooked from the opening line and I really didn’t want to leave these characters at the end of the book.

This book is fairly low angst and very character driven. Animals play a significant role in the romance and Scott’s portrayal of the many cats is so well observed they almost steal the show! I caught myself chuckling out loud several times at their antics!

There is a delicious but delicate tension between the two main characters, Jessica and Ali and this book is a must for fans of the opposites attract and grumpy/sunshine tropes. I loved Jessica’s emotional arc. It’s organic, sublime and gorgeous to read. Ruby Scott takes her from total icy control to embracing the mess and chaos love brings with empathy and impressive narrative control.

This is less spicy than some of Ruby Scott’s more erotic novels, but Curious Hearts delivers on a more romantic and intimate level. The perfect summer read.
Profile Image for Maria Magdalena.
842 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2026
We are back in the mountains of Colorado. The story this time centers around local Ali, animal behaviorist and friends with Fenna's extended family. Into town comes Jessica, a rich, successful career woman who just inherited a house with 7 cats. Jessica does not like cats and will do anything to get rid of them and sell the house, in order to move back to her high paying job and chance of promotion. But great-aunt Vivian had it all worked out. Jessica needs to live in the house, with the cats, and accept the help of the local Dr who has been helping out with the behavior problems of the 7 cats. OK, so this one is with cats, not dogs. At least I like cats. They are funny, at least the way Ruby Scott writes about them. Then of course we have old meddling Yaya popping up again, and poor Jess's overbearing meddling mother - who needs to ruin it all for the 'maybe' happy couple.
Profile Image for Emma Taylor.
160 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2025
If ‘Rescuing Hearts’ was about hope, then ‘Curious Hearts’ is about bravery.

This book has it all; humour, tension, and the slow piercing of even the toughest exteriors. Sometimes you just find that one special book with a MC that you resonate with a little too closely. For me, that was Jessica, and it felt like both validation and promise in watching how her story unfolded.

The characters in this book are just fantastic. From ever-present friends to a fast-growing family and of course, Yaya! I’ll definitely return to this book again and again. The ultimate comfort read.

I also have a sneaky suspicion that Ruby Scott is hiding a serious talent for the Ice Queen trope! I really hope that is explored further at some point because I’m totally here for it…
224 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
Absolutely wonderful book from cover to cover. Every sentence is like a breath of fresh air. This is definitely a step up from some that I have been reading lately. The story moves along without constant repeating. The main characters are two lovely women who make you hope for them to fall in love. I loved the addition of all the inherited cats, quirky personalities and all. I'm not too fond of Jessica's controlling mom but just like real life it's not always sunshine and rainbows. So, if you love to read about the journey of two women falling in love with the right amount of sex and a happy ending on top... this book is well worth the money.
Profile Image for LOR.
12 reviews
August 1, 2025
Absolutely brilliant! I loved this story. Its's so heartwarming and Jessica and Ali are great main characters, opposites that fit together perfectly. Ruby Scott draws you into their world filled with love, humour, good sex and just the right amount of tension without it being too stressful. It's a world I would happily live in. The supporting friends and family are great too (maybe with the exception of Jessica's mother😆) and the whole story is clever, captivating and filled with quirky characters both human and feline. It's one I will read over and over. Just a fab feel good story and worth every penny. Read it, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Dani Kass.
783 reviews35 followers
January 7, 2026
oh how i love a book with a healthy relationship! and drama with the couple coming together rather than jumping to conclusions or allowing things to fester. ali and jessica were the sweetest. the cats were so perfectly catlike. and the second epilogue! what a joy.

my big issue about this book is that (unless there is something about the author that i couldn’t find online), it’s a white woman writing about the pressures of being a woman of color dealing with culture-based family expectations. having the old latina woman as a wise sage was uncomfortable, no matter how much i loved yaya.
Profile Image for MS J.
189 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2025
Loved this latest book from Ruby Scott. This one is more up my street than other books by Ruby, but that's just a personal choice on my part. I do enjoy a slow burn story with pets involved and main characters that are on the surface scarred by previous experiences in life. That being said I can never fault the writing ability of Ruby, she always seems to weave a story together with the inclusion of interesting, quirky supporting cast members.
54 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2025
I started out of order, but I am hooked!

Jessica and Ali's journey is amazing! Strong, tender, resilient, and sexy! I have just ordered Fenna and Kristi's tale, and can't wait to get started. I am hoping eventually we will get to hear the tale of Vivian and Josephine! The writing is beautiful And draws you into the tale, I can't recommend this journey enough! Completely a new fan And will buy all the other books!
Profile Image for Marian.
358 reviews
June 10, 2025
What a lovely, described characters:) Ali and Jessica are lovely in their own way and the characters of b1 coming through in this book as well. Lovely to see. And the animals, how great all those lovely characters. It very humoristic and laughter about their antics:) The book is full of humor, serious topics, lots of food (the food described very yum) and many more……😊. A lovely story.
569 reviews12 followers
June 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it is not only diverse with one of the MC Indian and Black and her girlfriend white, but heartwarming and very little angst, it is the comfort read that helps you escape the harsh reality. This is friends to lovers and opposite attract romance, with tons of adorable cats! The couple's chemistry feels real and their mature attitude toward love is admirable!
19 reviews
July 21, 2025
Fantastic

This book is fantastic! I wish I had an Aunt Vivian! The story sucks you right in. I hope there is a check in a few years down the road!



572 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
Wonderful story, engaging and dynamic characters, and just a great way to forget the chaotice moments we are in. Ruby is such a wonderful writer that putting her books down is nearly impossible.
10 reviews
April 3, 2026
Loved the book. The cats were very entertaining lol. Just got to love cats.
Profile Image for Zyssa.
399 reviews4 followers
Did Not Finish
May 3, 2026
17% — I don’t care enough about cats to put myself through this
Profile Image for Nia.
475 reviews21 followers
November 26, 2025
Es ist süß, rührend und besonders Liebhaber von Fellnasen kommen hier voll auf ihre Kosten.
Beide Hauptcharaktere sind sympathisch und obwohl Jessica unnahbar erscheint, wird
schnell klar, dass sie einen weichen Kern hat!
Diesen entdeckt die super süße Dr. Alison Ritchie besonders schnell und dazu kommt noch, dass Jessica Taylor heiß ist!
Das kann Ali sowieso nicht übersehen, obwohl ihre Aufmerksamkeit den sieben Katzen gelten soll die mit Jessicas Erbe einhergehen!
Um diese wird sich natürlich auch gesorgt und sie sind echt witzig, niedlich und herausfordernd!
Jessica würde das Ganze anfänglich natürlich nicht so beschreiben, denn sie sieht es als großes Übel an.
Ein Übel, an das sie sich jedoch merkwürdig schnell gewöhnt.
Oder ist es doch Ali die sie dazu bringt?
Die süße, chaotische und wirklich attraktive Ali, die ihr nicht mehr aus dem Kopf geht...
Liebesgeschichten mit vielen quirligen Haustieren sind einfach was für Herz und wärmen die Seele und "Die Heilende Herz Reihe" von Ruby Scott, bietet da eine Menge!
Vielen Dank für das ARC der deutschen Übersetzung an die Autorin Ruby Scott!
Profile Image for Samantha Holder-Venter.
155 reviews
September 4, 2025
This is a truly heartwarming story, a feel-good romance filled with love. I cannot resist a book that features animals, even less so when they're rescued, and this one definitely delivers on that front. I fell in love with Jessica literally from her first appearance, and I honestly don't think it's possible not to love Ali. A SapphFic romance with rescues, hot women, and family drama—what more could one want?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews