Bleeding Heart

by Breanne R. Winkle

Scarlett’s sixteenth birthday is the end of her normal life. Vivid nightmares revolving around her own death plague her each night. Normally open to any conversation, her mother is elusive on this topic. Scarlett’s questions are left unanswered until she stumbles across Castle Meridian, a massive structure hidden within the forest around her hometown. Immersed in a world of vampires, lycanthrope, werewolves, sorcerers, and even a leshii she begins to realize her destiny as the Guardian. With her enemies ruthlessly hunting her, Scarlett is faced with the reality of mortality and must decide if she is willing to give into the darkness or embrace her warrior destiny and fight back.

192 pages, Unknown Binding

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Breanne R. Winkle grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. From an early age she developed a love for the expressive arts and science. Curiosity led her to the University of Montana where she earned her BA in Forensic Anthropology and a certificate in Forensic Studies after two years of study. From there she plans to attend graduate school for International Security Studies. Her hobbies include dancing with no skill, bending in yoga, reading ravenously, and playing or listening to music of any variety. Bleeding Heart is the first installment in her Guardian Chronicles series and her first novel.

Reviews

[Tytan Faiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

SLAY REPORT: Bleeding Heart by Brianna Riddle Is Literally a 5-Star Masterpiece, Period.
Alright, besties, gather 'round because we need to have a serious talk about the book that is currently living in my head rent-free: Bleeding Heart by Brianna Riddle. If you’ve been sleeping on this, consider this your official wake-up call. I’m not just recommending it; I’m anointing it. This isn't just a book; it's a whole entire mood, a whole entire vibe, and it absolutely, unequivocally, without a shadow of a doubt, deserves ALL the stars.

The Gag Is, It's Actually So Good

First off, let's talk about the plot. We're thrown into this world with our main character, and honestly, the emotional whiplash is everything. The title Bleeding Heart is not just for show, honey. It’s a raw, messy, and beautiful exploration of what it means to feel everything so deeply. The angst? The pining? The slow-burn that makes you want to throw your book against the wall and then immediately pick it up and cuddle it? It’s all there. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel seen, even if your life isn't a fantastical drama. The emotional stakes are so high, and I was literally gasping, kicking my feet, and clutching my pearls.

The Slay: Characters & World-Building

Brianna Riddle didn't come to play. The characters are so well-crafted it's almost criminal. The witty banter? The snappy comebacks? The moments of vulnerability that just hit you right in the feels? It's a whole recipe for success. And the love interest? Don't even get me started. The tension between them could be cut with a knife, and I am so here for it. It's the kind of romance that feels earned, where every look and every touch means something. The world-building is immersive and lush, creating the perfect backdrop for this emotional rollercoaster.

The Verdict: It's Giving 5-Star Perfection

Look, I'm not here to gatekeep. Bleeding Heart is the kind of book that you devour in one sitting and then immediately think about re-reading. It’s a testament to the fact that stories with cute protagonists can be epic, heart-wrenching, and utterly unapologetic. It’s validating, it's empowering, and it’s just so damn fun to read.

So, is it worth a 5-star review? Honey, it's worth a 5-star review, a standing ovation, a parade, and its own national holiday. It’s giving main character energy, it’s giving literary slay, and it’s giving everything you need in a book right now. Run, don't walk, to get your hands on Bleeding Heart. It’s a certified banger, and I will not be taking any questions at this time.

Slayyyyy.

[Crew Broadbent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bleeding Heart by Breanne R. Winkle is literally everything. Like I’m not even exaggerating—this book had me feeling like I just stepped out of a dramatic, slightly unhinged, but totally iconic main character era. The romance? Obsessed. The tension? Eating it up. The whole dark, mysterious energy?? I was living for it. Every page felt like I was being personally attacked (in a good way), and I could not put it down even when I absolutely should have been doing something else. It’s giving angst, it’s giving emotional damage, it’s giving ✨main character✨ and I loved every second.

Also can we talk about the characters??? Because hello??? I’m actually in love. Like, respectfully, but also not respectfully at all. The chemistry was insane, the drama was dramatic (as it SHOULD be), and I was just sitting there like “yes queen, make terrible decisions, I support you.” It’s one of those books that makes you want to stare out a window and rethink your entire life while listening to sad music. 10/10, no notes, absolutely iconic. If you haven’t read it yet… what are you doing? Fix that immediately 💅

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently Barnes & Noble refunded my order, so now I have no way of reading it legally. It was good tho. I only got to chapter eight, but I was invested in the lore and Scarlett's history. Anyway, I hope more people get the chance to read it!

[Conrad Tribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

so exicited to read! :)

[Breanne Winkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it so I might be just a little biased :)