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Collateral Hearts
Jameson Carter came home early from deployment, thinking distance was the hardest part of war. He was wrong.
One night. One open door. One betrayal that shatters everything he believed awaited him. With his marriage in ruins and his trust destroyed, Jameson struggles to find himself without the uniform, without the life he fought to return to. Anger shields him. Isolation protects him. Love is no longer an option, just another risk he won’t take.
Then he meets Kaylee. She’s not part of his past. She’s not trying to fix him. And she isn’t afraid of his scars.
What begins as something simple, uncomplicated, unpromised, slowly becomes something Jameson never expected: a reason to breathe again. But healing isn’t linear, and ghosts don’t disappear just because someone new walks in.
As Jameson confronts betrayal, grief, and the terrifying possibility of starting over, he must decide if love is worth risking his heart one last time or if some wounds were never meant to heal.
Collateral Hearts is a gripping, emotional romance about betrayal, rebuilding, and the woman who helps a broken soldier find his way back to himself.
One night. One open door. One betrayal that shatters everything he believed awaited him. With his marriage in ruins and his trust destroyed, Jameson struggles to find himself without the uniform, without the life he fought to return to. Anger shields him. Isolation protects him. Love is no longer an option, just another risk he won’t take.
Then he meets Kaylee. She’s not part of his past. She’s not trying to fix him. And she isn’t afraid of his scars.
What begins as something simple, uncomplicated, unpromised, slowly becomes something Jameson never expected: a reason to breathe again. But healing isn’t linear, and ghosts don’t disappear just because someone new walks in.
As Jameson confronts betrayal, grief, and the terrifying possibility of starting over, he must decide if love is worth risking his heart one last time or if some wounds were never meant to heal.
Collateral Hearts is a gripping, emotional romance about betrayal, rebuilding, and the woman who helps a broken soldier find his way back to himself.
Hardcover
Published March 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 31, 2026
I feel like there was opportunity missed with this book. I understand slowly falling in love. But going weeks without talking/seeing her is making him look obsessive. Went into descriptive detail with girls at the bar but only went as far as kissing Kaylee. Kaylee also wasn’t introduced until half way through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of Collateral Hearts, the first book in the Collateral Damage series.
This was an emotional military romance with imperfect characters and plenty of feelings. I enjoyed seeing how the story developed without knowing exactly where it would go.
The narrator was fantastic and brought the characters and their emotions to life. His performance made the listening experience even better.
Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional romances with characters who have a lot to work through.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDg9qoLS/
This was an emotional military romance with imperfect characters and plenty of feelings. I enjoyed seeing how the story developed without knowing exactly where it would go.
The narrator was fantastic and brought the characters and their emotions to life. His performance made the listening experience even better.
Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional romances with characters who have a lot to work through.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDg9qoLS/
June 8, 2026
As a military spouse this story hits differently. I’ve seen so many wives and heard stories like this!
This was a hard put down read, full of anger angst and some “fun”. Walking in on a lover is diabolical!!
Totally a pick up and read in one sitting! Great job Kayla!!
This was a hard put down read, full of anger angst and some “fun”. Walking in on a lover is diabolical!!
Totally a pick up and read in one sitting! Great job Kayla!!
April 30, 2026
Poor Jameson; he deserved better from his first love Whitney, but he truly found his home when he met Kaylee. They fit perfectly together and they both get happily ever after
June 9, 2026
Collateral Hearts was heartbreakingly good ❤️
The story begins with Jameson, a soldier currently deployed overseas, who can feel his marriage slowly slipping away. With every text and phone call, his wife seems more distant, and the worry about what’s happening back home begins to take a serious toll on his mental health.
Things become so bad that his struggles start affecting his work, and he’s sent home on six months leave to focus on himself and recover. What follows absolutely broke my heart.
Jameson returns home only to have his world completely shattered. Everything he thought he knew falls apart, and watching him spiral was devastating. He turns to alcohol, meaningless hookups, and anything else he can use to avoid facing the reality of his pain. This man truly goes through it. Then he meets Kaylee.
Kaylee has her own scars from a past relationship and isn’t exactly eager to jump into something new. But there’s an undeniable connection between them from the start. They’re drawn to each other, finding comfort, understanding, and support when they need it most.
One of my favourite parts of this story was watching Jameson realise that if he wants a future with Kaylee, he has to start healing himself. He has to become the man he wants to be again. Together, they help each other grow, heal, and move forward.
These two were so good for one another. Their relationship was built on patience, understanding, and genuine care. Even when life throws more obstacles in their path, they continue to choose each other.
This story is filled with heartbreak, betrayal, emotional healing, mental health struggles, and ultimately, love. It definitely put me through the wringer, but I loved every second of it 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🎖️ Military MMC x Nurse FMC
💔 Betrayal
🧠 PTSD Representation
👥 Dual POV
🐌 Slow Burn
💍 Marriage Collapse
😡 Rage & Redemption
❤️🩹 Healing After Devastation
Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️
The story begins with Jameson, a soldier currently deployed overseas, who can feel his marriage slowly slipping away. With every text and phone call, his wife seems more distant, and the worry about what’s happening back home begins to take a serious toll on his mental health.
Things become so bad that his struggles start affecting his work, and he’s sent home on six months leave to focus on himself and recover. What follows absolutely broke my heart.
Jameson returns home only to have his world completely shattered. Everything he thought he knew falls apart, and watching him spiral was devastating. He turns to alcohol, meaningless hookups, and anything else he can use to avoid facing the reality of his pain. This man truly goes through it. Then he meets Kaylee.
Kaylee has her own scars from a past relationship and isn’t exactly eager to jump into something new. But there’s an undeniable connection between them from the start. They’re drawn to each other, finding comfort, understanding, and support when they need it most.
One of my favourite parts of this story was watching Jameson realise that if he wants a future with Kaylee, he has to start healing himself. He has to become the man he wants to be again. Together, they help each other grow, heal, and move forward.
These two were so good for one another. Their relationship was built on patience, understanding, and genuine care. Even when life throws more obstacles in their path, they continue to choose each other.
This story is filled with heartbreak, betrayal, emotional healing, mental health struggles, and ultimately, love. It definitely put me through the wringer, but I loved every second of it 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🎖️ Military MMC x Nurse FMC
💔 Betrayal
🧠 PTSD Representation
👥 Dual POV
🐌 Slow Burn
💍 Marriage Collapse
😡 Rage & Redemption
❤️🩹 Healing After Devastation
Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️
August 9, 2026
Thank you to Kayla Johns for the Audio ARC of Collateral Hearts!!
As soon as I pressed play on this audiobook, I just couldn’t put it down. Austin Taylor Smith did a phenomenal job at narrating both our MMC & FMC during their different point of views. You could feel the pain and emotion from Jameson’s character when he came home early to find his marriage ruined and trust broken.
The raw emotion and realistic steps of Jameson finding himself again, healing, and growing into the person he wanted to be again was my favorite part about this whole book. I love that Kayla didn’t skip over this part or leave out the details, which are not always pretty in these situations, it was all real and honest steps anyone might need to take.
This is my first Kayla Johns book, but it will not be my last! I truly loved this one and cannot wait to see what comes next. If you’re looking for a story about healing, angst and tension, and the healing process this is for you!
Great job Kayla and thank you for the opportunity to listen to this ARC early in return for my honest review!
As soon as I pressed play on this audiobook, I just couldn’t put it down. Austin Taylor Smith did a phenomenal job at narrating both our MMC & FMC during their different point of views. You could feel the pain and emotion from Jameson’s character when he came home early to find his marriage ruined and trust broken.
The raw emotion and realistic steps of Jameson finding himself again, healing, and growing into the person he wanted to be again was my favorite part about this whole book. I love that Kayla didn’t skip over this part or leave out the details, which are not always pretty in these situations, it was all real and honest steps anyone might need to take.
This is my first Kayla Johns book, but it will not be my last! I truly loved this one and cannot wait to see what comes next. If you’re looking for a story about healing, angst and tension, and the healing process this is for you!
Great job Kayla and thank you for the opportunity to listen to this ARC early in return for my honest review!
September 18, 2026
I am writing my review after listening to the audio version of this book.
Collateral Hearts is a gripping, emotional romance about betrayal, rebuilding, and the woman who helps a broken soldier find his way back to himself. The story tells what happens when Jameson Carter comes home early from deployment, thinking distance was the hardest part of war to discover his wife and his best friend together.
He snapped, told them both to leave his house, applied for a divorce the very next day and then tried to hide inside a bottle and feel something with a stream of anonymous women. He stopped living; that is, until he saw Kaylee. He didn't know who she was or how to get to know her; he just knew he wanted to.
When he and Kaylee do finally meet, his whole life changes.
No more spoilers from me - download this one if you like emotional rollercoaster rides!
The narration is well done by Austin Taylor Smith a new voice actor for me, but one I will watch for going forward.
Collateral Hearts is a gripping, emotional romance about betrayal, rebuilding, and the woman who helps a broken soldier find his way back to himself. The story tells what happens when Jameson Carter comes home early from deployment, thinking distance was the hardest part of war to discover his wife and his best friend together.
He snapped, told them both to leave his house, applied for a divorce the very next day and then tried to hide inside a bottle and feel something with a stream of anonymous women. He stopped living; that is, until he saw Kaylee. He didn't know who she was or how to get to know her; he just knew he wanted to.
When he and Kaylee do finally meet, his whole life changes.
No more spoilers from me - download this one if you like emotional rollercoaster rides!
The narration is well done by Austin Taylor Smith a new voice actor for me, but one I will watch for going forward.
February 1, 2026
Jameson is deployed and has a wife at home. During his time there his heart starts to get heavy from being apart. Jameson makes it back to the states and loses everything he had, his marriage, and his sole identity as a military man.
Jameson meets Kaylee. Well he sees Kaylee after some mind numbing days at the bar. Kaylee is a short term answer to a long term problem. Read their story to find out if Jamesons long term wounds heal.
The beginning of this book made me feel sad and a little depressed, knowing that this story could be true for many military men and women.
Some of what is written is overly stated, but I think that really goes to show how mind numbing and what it is like to go through the motions of day to day life when you are in that emotional state. She really shows the emotional experience and toll these situations can have on the body and it’s described so much you can really put yourself in those shoes of how one just gets by in those situations.
This book was a quick read and an attention grabber right away. Read if you want a finding yourself romance, where you try learn how to love after loss and how to trust people again. Military and nurse.
Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a fun, emotional read.
Jameson meets Kaylee. Well he sees Kaylee after some mind numbing days at the bar. Kaylee is a short term answer to a long term problem. Read their story to find out if Jamesons long term wounds heal.
The beginning of this book made me feel sad and a little depressed, knowing that this story could be true for many military men and women.
Some of what is written is overly stated, but I think that really goes to show how mind numbing and what it is like to go through the motions of day to day life when you are in that emotional state. She really shows the emotional experience and toll these situations can have on the body and it’s described so much you can really put yourself in those shoes of how one just gets by in those situations.
This book was a quick read and an attention grabber right away. Read if you want a finding yourself romance, where you try learn how to love after loss and how to trust people again. Military and nurse.
Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a fun, emotional read.
June 8, 2026
3.75 stars rounded to 4 stars
First, thank you to the author for allowing me to read & review with my opinion of the book.
I enjoyed the story of Jameson finding himself again after returning from deployment to find his wife had been unfaithful. I really enjoyed the authors way of telling the story, the multiple POV’s were also enjoyable to transition between. I felt that though this was a love story between Kaylee and Jameson, it actually felt like more of a love story with Jameson finding himself and his love of life again. The relationship between the two MC’s felt a little rushed, kind of surface level, and a little dramatic with only a month of separation between the two, but I liked the way they connected immediately. I liked the ending a lot and thought that it was a great way to wrap up their story.
Overall, a story of healing, growth and allowing yourself to be vulnerable again, oh and falling in love!
Thanks again,
Kali
First, thank you to the author for allowing me to read & review with my opinion of the book.
I enjoyed the story of Jameson finding himself again after returning from deployment to find his wife had been unfaithful. I really enjoyed the authors way of telling the story, the multiple POV’s were also enjoyable to transition between. I felt that though this was a love story between Kaylee and Jameson, it actually felt like more of a love story with Jameson finding himself and his love of life again. The relationship between the two MC’s felt a little rushed, kind of surface level, and a little dramatic with only a month of separation between the two, but I liked the way they connected immediately. I liked the ending a lot and thought that it was a great way to wrap up their story.
Overall, a story of healing, growth and allowing yourself to be vulnerable again, oh and falling in love!
Thanks again,
Kali
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
From the very first page, Collateral Hearts had me hooked. It tells the story of Jameson, whose life unravels while on military deployment, his wife cheats on him, and he struggles to figure out how to start over. The emotional rollercoaster had me feeling everything, even tearing up at times over all Jameson endured. His slow journey toward healing begins after meeting nurse Kaylee in the hospital following a bar fight. Kaylee, dealing with her own recent breakup, is wary of Jameson but feels an undeniable pull toward him. Will they find their way to each other, and can Jameson get a second chance at love? This is a must read for anyone who loves sweet, emotionally charged, and healing stories.
June 10, 2026
A second chance love that goes through a number of heavy topics quickly while still trying to let the emotion show. The book paid careful attention to those emotions but didn't bring you down to wallow in them. Jameson deserved so much more than what Whit had to offer him. I truly enjoyed the fact that she was barely part of the book and only the effects of her were threaded through. It easy to see why the infidelity would cause him to spiral, if only for the ability to put Kaylee into his life. I loved the way they fit together and just found love in the little moments. Nothing big or grand; little texts, voicemails, things that made you laugh and stories from your day. It made this book feel more real life than many others I've read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great 2nd chance love story. Jameson is deployed and his wife is pulling away, he's given leave to get his head on straight and walks into his wife and his best friend together. Jameson spirals into a haze of drinking, fighting and meaningless sex. Until the day a pair of green eyes captivate him. Now he's on a mission to find her. Kaylee is an ER nurse and just got out of a relationship where her ex decided she was a commodity not a person. Kaylee patches him up after a bar fight and then take things slow, like really slow. Will she wait for him? Will he keep it together and believe in her? Great quick read about 2nd chances and when love hits without looking for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jameson and Kaylee
On deployment and wife cheats with best friend - you know it’s coming, but the gut punch!!!!
It was hard reading about his actions after - he was a bit of a man-h.o. It honestly made me wonder how (And where) he would get a HEA…
However, this book was essentially broken into parts.
Before Whitney and BFF, then after Whitney, where he found his inner ‘bro’, followed by After Kaylee, where he learns that there are still good people (non-users).
It ended up being sweet. Like I said, a bit of a difficult one to read and review, but worth the attempt if you want to sink into something with a gut punch.
On deployment and wife cheats with best friend - you know it’s coming, but the gut punch!!!!
It was hard reading about his actions after - he was a bit of a man-h.o. It honestly made me wonder how (And where) he would get a HEA…
However, this book was essentially broken into parts.
Before Whitney and BFF, then after Whitney, where he found his inner ‘bro’, followed by After Kaylee, where he learns that there are still good people (non-users).
It ended up being sweet. Like I said, a bit of a difficult one to read and review, but worth the attempt if you want to sink into something with a gut punch.
April 21, 2026
This book was giving you me as an ARC here is my honest review.
This book had me from the beginning I couldn’t put it down. The slow pace, second chance and the falling in love it just made me really love reading this book 📕. This story balances romance and heartbreak beautifully, wanting to trust again , being scared of letting go and feeling alone. I will definitely recommend reading this book 📕. This book had everything, heartbreak, passion, and the kind of messy, complicated connection that keeps you turning pages. ❤️❤️❤️
This book had me from the beginning I couldn’t put it down. The slow pace, second chance and the falling in love it just made me really love reading this book 📕. This story balances romance and heartbreak beautifully, wanting to trust again , being scared of letting go and feeling alone. I will definitely recommend reading this book 📕. This book had everything, heartbreak, passion, and the kind of messy, complicated connection that keeps you turning pages. ❤️❤️❤️
August 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my first military ALC! it was good but gave me such anxiety when Jameson got sent home on leave for 6 months but decided to not tell his wife who he knew something was up she was changing. Jameson noticed the changes and still went home to “surprise” her. Boy oh Boy what a surprise! Jameson makes moves quickly not wasting time. The meaning less sex was spicy 🌶️ 🌶️!!! As always the rest you’re gonna have to find out when you read it or listen on audibles! Love the narrator! He did a great job with multiple pov’s and he even sounded like a military guy!!
September 27, 2026
Whitney, you’re a despicable woman. How dare you? I know this type of situation occurs in real life often… but damn! Jameson didn’t deserve it.
The trauma he suffers after, followed by his “bar stage” made me feel sorry for him. We have all been there post break up trying to drown our sorrow and make bad decisions.
I loved Kaylee, but wanted more of her back story. We never did find out why she was so guarded and I wanted to know more! That’s why I’m giving it 4 stars.
The audio was amazing!
The trauma he suffers after, followed by his “bar stage” made me feel sorry for him. We have all been there post break up trying to drown our sorrow and make bad decisions.
I loved Kaylee, but wanted more of her back story. We never did find out why she was so guarded and I wanted to know more! That’s why I’m giving it 4 stars.
The audio was amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was so cute! It started out interesting right in the beginning and I couldn't stop! The only flaws I have is I feel like things are listed a little too much. Feelings and when describing things. And it needed more going on, I was hoping for her ex to show up or something to happen while he had to go back. But the overall story was adorable!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Collateral Hearts by Kayla Johns is an emotional, heartfelt read that balances romance with real stakes. The characters feel raw and believable, and the story does a great job exploring how love can grow in the middle of chaos and consequences. Tender, intense, and easy to get invested in. this one will stick with you after the final page.
April 21, 2026
I loved this book! I’ve been obsessed with Kayla since I read Irresistible sin! BUTTTT this book was completely different and I absolutely loved it! I’ve very particular on my second chance romance and this one checked all my boxes. Yearning, emotions, finding yourself and so much more! It’s one you get cozy and spend all day reading!
August 10, 2026
Let me just say, Whitney is a capital C U Next Tuesday. 😂 But honestly, in the grand scheme of things, it all worked out because it led Jameson straight to Kaylee, and those two are SO good for each other. Sometimes the trash takes itself out and accidentally delivers you your soulmate.
September 29, 2026
This book had me wanting to cry and laugh in such a sort time frame.
I feel like this book did such a great job showing all the emotions and easy it is to fall into a depression. It takes little steps to get out of that dark hole and sometimes it just takes a glimpses of whats waiting for you
I feel like this book did such a great job showing all the emotions and easy it is to fall into a depression. It takes little steps to get out of that dark hole and sometimes it just takes a glimpses of whats waiting for you
April 26, 2026
I loved his pull to her! She braved his trauma for a chance at love! Only thing making it four stars instead of five was the beginning could have been cut to less pages, leaving more for their story!
June 28, 2026
I wasn't impressed. The idea was there but the writer missed the plot completely. It was there n all but it was like they didn't have time to write it out thoroughly and see it through.
August 10, 2026
military romance
This book was a arc for me and it was a great military romance of betrayal and new beginnings worth the read if you like simple romance and easy reads
This book was a arc for me and it was a great military romance of betrayal and new beginnings worth the read if you like simple romance and easy reads
August 14, 2026
This book is so emotional. There’s so much hurt that needs addressing so this hero can move on. Luckily he is strong enough to truly look at himself and get help. A heartfelt performance.
December 9, 2025
Guys, girls, readers!!! I’m a beta reader for this book so it’s not finalized but it has such a good story line and the author writes well it’s like stepping into a book much like a Nicholas Sparks book and feel! Completely am enjoying it and you will too! It’s about damaged hearts and healing together I’ve read it twice in a week already!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews