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Bleeding Hearts : A Dark Second Chance Mafia Romance
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26Some memories fade. Others come back to kill you.
Six years ago, Dimitri Mikhailov. A man forged in the shadows. Lost everything to betrayal. Now his past rises from the embers of a deadly battle, dragging him back into a war he thought he’d buried.
And at the centre of it… stands the woman he once would’ve carved his heart open for.
Annalise Sallow lives in the hollow echo of a night she can’t grasp. But when danger knocks at her door, the man with liquid silver eyes appears. Claiming she was part of a life stolen from her.
And the enemy who shattered them once is moving again.
He wants answers.
She wants the truth.
And their enemy wants to tear them apart—again.
As old memories stir and long-buried grief tightens around them, Dimitri and Annalise must confront the truths hiding in the spaces between who they were… and who they’ve become.
Some hearts don’t just break.
They bleed.
Six years ago, Dimitri Mikhailov. A man forged in the shadows. Lost everything to betrayal. Now his past rises from the embers of a deadly battle, dragging him back into a war he thought he’d buried.
And at the centre of it… stands the woman he once would’ve carved his heart open for.
Annalise Sallow lives in the hollow echo of a night she can’t grasp. But when danger knocks at her door, the man with liquid silver eyes appears. Claiming she was part of a life stolen from her.
And the enemy who shattered them once is moving again.
He wants answers.
She wants the truth.
And their enemy wants to tear them apart—again.
As old memories stir and long-buried grief tightens around them, Dimitri and Annalise must confront the truths hiding in the spaces between who they were… and who they’ve become.
Some hearts don’t just break.
They bleed.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 19, 2026
9 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
J.D Ray
4 books11 followersHi, I’m J.D. Ray, a spicy romance author with a love for happily-ever-afters and stories that leave you breathless. My tales weave together dark romance, secret agents, espionage, and the dangerous allure of the mafia, creating passionate, suspense-filled adventures.
While I’m drawn to the shadows of crime and forbidden love, my heart also beats for the supernatural. Paranormal romance holds a special place in my soul, and I can’t wait to bring you stories that merge the seductive and the otherworldly.
Reading has always been my escape, and now, I invite you to escape with me.
As a daydreamer, I’m constantly creating new characters and twists, thrilled to share them with you. Where anything is possible—and nothing is off-limits.
Ready to dive into a world of spice, suspense, and romance? Let’s get lost in a story together!
You can find me on
Instagram @jdrayauthor
TikTok @jdrayauthor
While I’m drawn to the shadows of crime and forbidden love, my heart also beats for the supernatural. Paranormal romance holds a special place in my soul, and I can’t wait to bring you stories that merge the seductive and the otherworldly.
Reading has always been my escape, and now, I invite you to escape with me.
As a daydreamer, I’m constantly creating new characters and twists, thrilled to share them with you. Where anything is possible—and nothing is off-limits.
Ready to dive into a world of spice, suspense, and romance? Let’s get lost in a story together!
You can find me on
Instagram @jdrayauthor
TikTok @jdrayauthor
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second installment of the Blaze of Shadows series and it does not disappoint. Even though I did not read the first book in the series I was able to follow the story easily. The author has plenty of flash back moments that provided the necessary scenes to make the story easy to follow.
Dimitri has lost all whom he loves the most. His best friend, father figure and love of his life. Feeling betrayed he was forced to take a step back from the case that brought destruction into his life. But when the past runs into him head on, he is thrust into all that was left behind. He must navigate the path set before him and discover the real truth to take down an evil mastermind.
Annalise is hiding. Has been for 6 years. With no memories of how she came to be hurt in a hospital she resets life and hides from a past unknown with the help of her friend Donovan. When a case she is working on brings threats and danger, she doesn't know who to turn to. So when she runs into someone that seems familiar but she doesn't know, she begins to question everything. Can she get to the bottom of who is threatening her or will she be next?
This book has it all. Thrills, Chills and romance. There is a lot of violence and triggers that may not be suitable for some readers. This dark romance has a lot of heat. It is a twisted web full of lies and murder. I love all the dark elements and the book is an amazing dark tale. Will the bad guys come out on top? Guess you will have to read it to find out....
Dimitri has lost all whom he loves the most. His best friend, father figure and love of his life. Feeling betrayed he was forced to take a step back from the case that brought destruction into his life. But when the past runs into him head on, he is thrust into all that was left behind. He must navigate the path set before him and discover the real truth to take down an evil mastermind.
Annalise is hiding. Has been for 6 years. With no memories of how she came to be hurt in a hospital she resets life and hides from a past unknown with the help of her friend Donovan. When a case she is working on brings threats and danger, she doesn't know who to turn to. So when she runs into someone that seems familiar but she doesn't know, she begins to question everything. Can she get to the bottom of who is threatening her or will she be next?
This book has it all. Thrills, Chills and romance. There is a lot of violence and triggers that may not be suitable for some readers. This dark romance has a lot of heat. It is a twisted web full of lies and murder. I love all the dark elements and the book is an amazing dark tale. Will the bad guys come out on top? Guess you will have to read it to find out....
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not read the first book in the series before jumping into book two but I wish I would have! I was able to understand the concept and characters fine without BUT agree it would have added to the overall understanding of the characters and world!
The book starts action packed on page 1! Annalise and Dimitri go through so much loss and interconnected history. They each have a different version of events regarding their history and their years apart didn’t diminish their desire and love for one another. Their redemption story is action packed throughout the entire book. I loved how they shared the turbulence of emotions they both experienced throughout and who doesn’t love the villain getting exactly what they deserve!! Overall very good, wonderful balance of action, spice, redemption, healing, and of course a HEA!
The book starts action packed on page 1! Annalise and Dimitri go through so much loss and interconnected history. They each have a different version of events regarding their history and their years apart didn’t diminish their desire and love for one another. Their redemption story is action packed throughout the entire book. I loved how they shared the turbulence of emotions they both experienced throughout and who doesn’t love the villain getting exactly what they deserve!! Overall very good, wonderful balance of action, spice, redemption, healing, and of course a HEA!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book ... I honestly wish I had read book 2 first but this book didn't disappoint...
I got pulled into Dimitri and Annalise story real fast...They have history although she took their past one way and he took it another...he lost her she lost him and so much more...
when they come back together they come out stronger then before. The end left me wanting more and I am excited to see what is next in this series...I highly recommend this book make sure you check your triggers and definitely read book one first...I know I will be reading book 1 and I will re read this one...
thank you J.D. Ray for this opportunity you did your thing on this book and you definitely put a lot of time,love and energy in this..
I got pulled into Dimitri and Annalise story real fast...They have history although she took their past one way and he took it another...he lost her she lost him and so much more...
when they come back together they come out stronger then before. The end left me wanting more and I am excited to see what is next in this series...I highly recommend this book make sure you check your triggers and definitely read book one first...I know I will be reading book 1 and I will re read this one...
thank you J.D. Ray for this opportunity you did your thing on this book and you definitely put a lot of time,love and energy in this..
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author
Having read the first book in the Blaze of Shadows series, I was hoping for the same pace and intensity. And boy, Bleeding Hearts did NOT disappoint!
From the very start, the story grabs you by the throat and pulls you in, the momentum is fast-paced and intense through to the very end, and it leaves you almost crying out for more.
This is a raw, compelling and emotional story with off-the-charts chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri 🔥🌶️
This book is a must read!
Can't wait for the next in the series, Donovan and Penny's story!
Having read the first book in the Blaze of Shadows series, I was hoping for the same pace and intensity. And boy, Bleeding Hearts did NOT disappoint!
From the very start, the story grabs you by the throat and pulls you in, the momentum is fast-paced and intense through to the very end, and it leaves you almost crying out for more.
This is a raw, compelling and emotional story with off-the-charts chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri 🔥🌶️
This book is a must read!
Can't wait for the next in the series, Donovan and Penny's story!
March 3, 2026
This fast paced story is all go from beginning to end. It is set in the current world, largely between New York and London. In addition to lots of action, the steamy romance between Dimitri and Annalise is 🌶️🌶️. I love Dimitri’s role in helping Annalise recover her lost past, their reconnection and history. The support characters are strong and active. I try not to review with spoilers but do be sure to heed the trigger warnings. Please read this one! I’m looking forward to book 3.
March 10, 2026
ARC Review: Bleeding Hearts was a good book! I didn’t get the chance to read the first book in the series. I would agree you don’t need to read the first book but I am thinking you would get more character development of side characters in this book. I found myself kind of confused with some of the plot/timeline of the book. Again could be contributed back to not reading the first one. I would give it a light gray color in the dark romance scale and 🌶️🌶️ for spice. Overall good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
6 years ago, Dimitri lost everyone he loves most; Annalise woke up in an Hospital with no memory of how she got there or what happened to her...
She starts a new life and their paths collide again, their story becomes one of redemption, healing, and second chances and... revenge against those who wronged them!
The book is action-packed from beginning to end, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
The chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri is intense—definitely 🔥🌶️.
I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand.
6 years ago, Dimitri lost everyone he loves most; Annalise woke up in an Hospital with no memory of how she got there or what happened to her...
She starts a new life and their paths collide again, their story becomes one of redemption, healing, and second chances and... revenge against those who wronged them!
The book is action-packed from beginning to end, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
The chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri is intense—definitely 🔥🌶️.
I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC review/Street team
I read book 1 (Deadly Distractions) of the blaze of shadow series before reading book 2. But you don’t need to read it prior to be able to understand the story line.
The story is fast paced from the get go, and the story did not disappoint. There was lots of action, lots of steamy smutty scenes 🤭
Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I can’t wait for book 3 👀
I read book 1 (Deadly Distractions) of the blaze of shadow series before reading book 2. But you don’t need to read it prior to be able to understand the story line.
The story is fast paced from the get go, and the story did not disappoint. There was lots of action, lots of steamy smutty scenes 🤭
Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I can’t wait for book 3 👀
March 14, 2026
Loved this book. I did not read the first one but understood the story. I will go back and read the first book just to see what I might have missed. I loved the mystery to it and of course the MMC who will burn the world down. I recommend this book for anyone wanting a dark romance.
March 16, 2026
Loved it! I don't normally start a series on book 2 but this did not disappoint and not make me feel like I missed something. definitely going to read the first one and hoping for a book 3.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews