Hearts Edge

by K.E. Noel

Aayla Matos is hardworking, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others — especially in her career as an ER nurse. To most people, she appears to have her life together, but hidden beneath the surface is a painful past she’s spent years trying to overcome.
Ivan Novacki is an accountant by day. Ordinary. Predictable. But when night falls, he becomes the kind of man everyone notices — confident, charming, and impossible to resist. Living a carefree playboy lifestyle, Ivan moves from one woman to the next without a second thought, using and discarding them like last weeks trash.
Until her.
Fate has a way of bringing two broken people together, but the demons of their pasts may be strong enough to tear them apart. As secrets unravel and emotions intensify, Aayla and Ivan must decide whether they can truly accept each other for who they are once all their truths are revealed.
This dual point of view secret relationship romance, delivers emotional twists, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of spice. Their story will leave you should they walk away before they get hurt, or grab one another’s hand and leap over the edge together?

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Email: authork.e.noel@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Candi Ratliff]

Such a great follow up to unmasked hearts. I fell in love with the characters. Thanks K E for another fantastic book. Can't wait for book 3!!!
Candi

[storieswithlizzy]

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me in a chokehold from page one.

K.E. Noel somehow took found family, heartbreak, healing, secrets, banter, and enough spice to set off smoke alarms and blended them into a story I couldn’t put down.

Aayla is a hardworking ER nurse carrying the weight of a painful past, while Ivan spends his days as an ordinary accountant and his nights hiding behind a carefully crafted reputation. When fate and a whole lot of secrets pulls them together, they’re forced to decide if their growing connection is worth risking everything they’ve worked so hard to protect.

Aayla and Ivan felt real to me. Messy. Imperfect. Carrying baggage. Trying anyway. Those are the characters that always stick with me long after I finish a book.

The found family in this series continues to be one of its biggest strengths. Every time these characters show up for each other, I become even more emotionally invested. At this point I’d probably help them hide a body and ask questions later.

Was the ending a little faster than I expected? Sure. But by then I was so invested in these characters that I was willing to follow K.E. Noel wherever she wanted to take me.

The twists landed. The emotions landed. The spice definitely landed.

Five stars and yet another reminder that K.E. Noel knows exactly how to write stories that feel like coming home while simultaneously wrecking your emotions.

[Saritza]

ARC Review – Advance Reader Copy

K.E. Noel did it again with Hearts Edge.

Ivan and Aayla’s story completely pulled me in. The way their pasts, their pain, their history, and their individual journeys all intertwined to shape who they are today was beautifully done. Every revelation felt meaningful, every emotion felt real, and every connection between them carried weight.

One of the things I love most about K.E. Noel’s writing is her ability to make her characters feel alive. She doesn’t just tell a story, she makes you live it alongside the characters. I laughed, I hurt, I rooted for them, and I found myself completely invested in every step of their journey.

The emotional depth in this book was incredible. Watching Ivan and Aayla navigate their history while building something meaningful in the present was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional connection and character growth that truly stole my heart.

K.E. Noel has a gift for bringing stories to life in a way that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. Her writing is immersive, emotional, and impossible to put down. Hearts Edge is another reminder of why she’s one of my favorite authors, and I already can’t wait to see what she gives us next.

[Ashley Griffin]

Hearts Edge by K.E. Noel is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from the very first page. The author weaves a beautifully intricate narrative filled with emotional depth and compelling characters that feel incredibly real.
The plot is a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and personal growth, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I turned each page. K.E. Noel’s writing is both poetic and engaging, making it impossible to put the book down. The way the characters evolve throughout the story is nothing short of remarkable; I found myself deeply invested in their journeys and rooting for their happiness.
What I particularly loved about "Hearts Edge" was the exploration of complex themes such as love, loss, and redemption. The author tackles these subjects with sensitivity and grace, leaving a lasting impact long after I finished reading.
Overall, "Hearts Edge" is a beautifully crafted story that resonates with the heart. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a poignant and unforgettable read. K.E. Noel has truly outdone herself!

[Helene Gulbrandsen]

I absolutely loved book one, so I really wanted to love this one too… but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

I felt like book two was a little too similar to the first one, and some of the chapters in the beginning ended in very similar ways, which made the story feel repetitive.

I found myself getting a little bored and ended up reading about 40% before skimming through the rest💔

Sadly, this one just didn’t hit the same for me 🖤

[Amber Gerhart]

Yet another absolute masterpiece for the mind of K.E. Noel. After reading the first book inthis series I was begging her for more. And yes I cried in this one too. Noel has a writing style that makes you fall in love with the characters so deeply that we connect with them on a personal level. I wont give too much information because of spoilers but have your tissues ready because this one will break you in the most beautiful of ways.

[Cassie]

ARC review:

This book was absolute gold in my opinion. I was honored to get this book early and it did not disappoint. This book takes you on a complete rollercoaster ride. The MMC is someone you want to hate but I absolutely loved him. The FMC has a past that haunts her. The whole time I was constantly speculating and never guessed. K.E Noel knows how to keep you guessing for her just to come out of nowhere with some crazy plot twist. Heart’s Edge gave me all the emotions. It was such an amazing read.

It’s an interconnected standalone but I highly recommend reading UnMasked Hearts first because they take place in the same timeline. In my opinion reading them in order makes the experience better.

[Nolan Haley]

KE hits it out of the park with this next installment of her Hearts of New York series. Hearts Edge brings a unique story about finding love that heals in the most unexpected ways all while bringing the spice!

[Tanika Vearing]

Hearts Edge

Absolutely loved this book so much!! It made me laugh and it made me cry but it was worth every bit! 😁

[Angela]

If you thought the first book was good you will go head over heels for this one! The story, characters, everything was pure perfection

[Migdalia Cans]

Heart’s Edge by K.E. Noel is an amazing read that I couldn’t put down! I absolutely loved the story from beginning to end. It’s beautifully written, with unforgettable characters and plenty of spice that kept me hooked. K.E. Noel is an incredibly talented writer, and this book is another fantastic addition to her work. I highly recommend Heart’s Edge to anyone who enjoys a captivating romance. This is an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me!

[Madison]

4.75

[Tania]

Another amazing arc read by K.E Noel
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page! Aayla and Ivan are beautifully flawed, their chemistry is electric, and the emotional depth hit me right in the heart. Packed with secrets, angst, spice, and unforgettable twists, this is the kind of romance that keeps you turning pages long into the night. I couldn’t put it down! 💕📚🌶️

[Kaitie Loar]

ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) review

Thank you to K.E. Noel for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heart’s Edge was such a beautiful continuation of this series. Ayla and Ivan’s story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what stood out most was the emotional depth and growth throughout the story.

K.E. Noel once again delivered characters that felt real, heartfelt moments that tugged at my emotions, and a story that kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to sleep.

If you love protective MMCs, emotional romance, character growth, and stories that leave a lasting impression, Heart’s Edge is definitely worth picking up.

[Richelle Vyhnalek]

Another great book! Looking forward to another great read from you!

[Merissa]

Let’s start with the fact that K.E. Noel is an absolute genius. Seriously... the "DICKS" abbreviation? I was kicking my feet over how clever that was. 😂

This story had my attention from the very first page and never let go. I loved how everything slowly unraveled, allowing us to see both sides of the characters' broken pasts and truly understand why they became the people they are. Their growth felt authentic, and it made me even more invested in their journey.

And can we talk about the spice? Because it was SPICING. 🥵 The plot? It was absolutely plotting. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, K.E. Noel said, "Think again." I laughed, I cried, I wanted to shake these characters more than once, and I was completely invested in every second of their journey.

Seeing them finally get their happily ever after made every bit of emotional damage worth it. ❤️

At this point, K.E. Noel has earned my trust. If she writes it, I'm reading it—no questions asked. I seriously can't wait to see what she gives us next because if it's anything like Heart's Edge, we're all in for another incredible ride.

[Rachel]

ARC REVIEW:

In this book we meet the next set of friends that was introduced in Unmasked Hearts: Ivan and Aayla.
Ivan is immediately dislikable with his playboy attitude and reckless behavior with women, but when you find out his past history you develop an understanding of where he came from and when meeting Aayla, where his character was going to develop and grow. I could not guess what in Aayla's past was haunting her so that was a surprise as well. Her healing journey, along with Ivan's, is emotional and heart touching. I was not expecting a couple of the twists in the book and the last part definitely was action packed and a whirlwind!
This book was SPICY (check your trigger warnings), had a great storyline, and had relatable characters that you could empathize with. The character growth for both MMC and FMC was phenomenal. K.E. definitely had me tearing up a couple times and laughing throughout the book. This book is fast paced, emotional, humorous, heartbreaking, suspenseful, and deeply satisfying. I can't wait for the release of Hearts Edge so everyone can delve into the Hearts of NY world.

[Read.with.britt]

I Liked Darius, but I LOVE Ivan. K.E. has done it again. She smashed this book out of the park and not only made me fall in love with a man but a man that's an accountant?! If I hadn’t read the first book I would’ve never seen it coming. If you know about her writing you know that we can’t really talk about the plot without giving a lot away but the plot continues to plot and the spice continues to spice. This is the second book in the interconnected stand alone series so you don’t need to read the first one but if you haven’t you're really missing out.
This book truly has it all. I laughed, I cried, I yearned for more.
After the end of the book all I’ve got to say is “Hey girl, when do we get Kendrick’s and Cal’s books?”

[Cheyanna Curry]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Hearts Edge, and this book is an easy 5 stars from me.

The spice was good, but what really stood out to me was the plot. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, another twist came along and proved me wrong. The story kept me guessing from beginning to end.

K.E. Noel has a way of keeping the story moving without ever feeling rushed. Her writing keeps you engaged, invested in the characters, and eager to see what happens next.

If you’re looking for a romance with great spice, plenty of twists, and a story that will keep you turning pages, Hearts Edge is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Diana]

I thought I loved the first book, but this one did it for me. I loved how it gave me all the feels from anger to happiness to sadness and so forth. The way I was able to relate to the two main characters Aayla and Ivan when they were younger is so surreal. Then the way the story took a crazy turn had me on edge and hoping for the best. The friendships with the characters were so interesting, real and genuine. The spice in this book was so Deliciously enticing, and I loved the attention and care given, it wasn't over the top and felt natural. This is a must read after reading Unmasked Hearts. I cannot wait to read the next book and for the release of this book.

[Shanice Felipe]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!!!

K.E Noel did it again with another 5 star book!! This is the second book of the Hearts of New York Series.

This book follows our FMC Aayla and our MMC Ivan. From the beginning to the end of the book I felt all the emotions. Both characters go through a rough past but their growth and connection throughout the book is so beautiful.

There’s a perfect balance of spice and plot. And let me say the spice is HOT!! Ivan the man that you are!! It had me giggling.

Remember to always check your trigger warnings. Add this book to your TBR and #READTHEDAMNBOOK!!

[Angela Funk]

Hearts Edge by K.E. Noel completely pulled me in. The characters had me invested from the start, and I loved the mix of emotion, tension, and romance. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” way too many times.

And can we talk about that twist?! I was totally not expecting it, and my jaw definitely hit the floor. 😳

If you enjoy stories that keep your heart engaged and leave you thinking about the characters long after you finish, this one is worth adding to your TBR.

[Sarah Mickus]

K.E. did it again. You will not be disappointed. This book two of an interconnected series follows another two members of our friends groups from unmasked hearts. We get to hear Ivan’s story and learn about who he is and what made him the way he is. Then we also learn about Aayla. She is one of Maddie’s best friends and works as a nurse as well. We learn about her troubled past with bad relationships and what made her.

[Kayleigh Ridgewell]

Loved this! Aayla is Madisons friend and works with her in the ER, and she ends up meeting Ivan and the romance that blooms from them is not your typical romance. As their past comes out, you get to understand the characters wants and reactions more and I fell in love with Ivan! There is a great twist in this and I devoured every moment with tears and laughter! READ THE DAMN BOOK!

[Danielle Farley]

SPOILER ALERT. If you loved Unmasked Hearts you’ll love Hearts Edge as well!! Love story unfolds in a secret love where he unexpectedly sweeps her off her feet and she claims it as fate. He changes his ways for her and she falls hard and fast after trying to fight it. It’s short and sweet just like Unmasked Hearts where the plot plots and the spice spices.

[Mette]

Sweet and emotional love story, the characters have flaws and feel real. I had a hard time liking the mmc in the first few chapters, he was being a bit of a jerk and not my type of character. But he and the fmc are just perfekt for each other and so sweet together. Over all I really enjoyed the book.

[Mac23]

An amazing addition to the series that did not disappoint. No spoilers here but if you’ve not delved into the world that KE Noel has created, you’re missing out! Once again, she’s written a story that touches the heart and leaves you more than satisfied! In the words of the author “just read the damn book” :)

[Kristan (Twistedsistersreviews)]

Reviewed as An ARC

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Heart's Edge

Heart's Edge had me pulled in from the very beginning. Ivan and Aayla have a love story filled with tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Watching their relationship evolve felt natural and emotional, making every moment between them worth the journey.

Both characters carry deep emotional scars, and I loved how their individual healing became intertwined. Their growth felt authentic, and seeing them learn to trust and lean on each other was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Without giving away any spoilers, this book is packed with unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it surprised me again.

If you enjoy emotional romances with complex characters, plenty of tension, heartfelt healing, and a storyline that keeps you guessing, I definitely recommend Heart's Edge. It's an unforgettable read that stayed with me long after I finished the last page. ❤️📚



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[Natalia Ann Blakey]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Spoiler Free

I loved every page of this book. The plot was amazing and the spice was top notch :) K.E. never repeats her spicy moments every moment is unique and I love it. I will definitely be reading every book in this series ❤️❤️❤️

[Micayla Morsman]

Honestly. Best smutty book I ever read. It has the perfect amount of smutty for me. The subjects that your sensitive are done in a respectful and appropriate manner. She does have the TW written in the first few pages. I fell for Aayla and Ian ❤️