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Fragile hearts
ALEXIS Moving back to the town where my brother died was something I never envisioned,
especially not when his murderer had never been caught.
Unfortunately, I don’t always make smart decisions.
I’m prepared to spend my days alone, ignoring the curious glances from people in town while trying to make peace with my brother’s death.
Until I meet Carson, the man with beautiful, saddened eyes.
He sees me for more than the woman with the scar on her throat.
And when I find out he’s my neighbor, I realize I might not be so alone after all.
CARSON I see dead people. Not many, just two, and only when I’m dreaming.
Ever since I lost two of my best friends, their faces have been plaguing my dreams. I shut out my family almost completely to stop them from worrying.
But then I meet Alexis.
Everyone here in town knows what happened to her all those years ago.
She sees past my facade and makes it her personal mission to help me.
When her past catches up to her, it’s up to me to protect her, which might be my biggest task yet.
especially not when his murderer had never been caught.
Unfortunately, I don’t always make smart decisions.
I’m prepared to spend my days alone, ignoring the curious glances from people in town while trying to make peace with my brother’s death.
Until I meet Carson, the man with beautiful, saddened eyes.
He sees me for more than the woman with the scar on her throat.
And when I find out he’s my neighbor, I realize I might not be so alone after all.
CARSON I see dead people. Not many, just two, and only when I’m dreaming.
Ever since I lost two of my best friends, their faces have been plaguing my dreams. I shut out my family almost completely to stop them from worrying.
But then I meet Alexis.
Everyone here in town knows what happened to her all those years ago.
She sees past my facade and makes it her personal mission to help me.
When her past catches up to her, it’s up to me to protect her, which might be my biggest task yet.
- GenresRomance
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 12, 2026
A beautiful love story that needed a little more polishing (and a LOT of therapy) 💔
⭐ **Rating: 3.5/5**
🌶️ **Spice: 2/5**
This is one of those books where I genuinely loved the idea behind the story, but unfortunately, the execution left quite a bit to be desired.
Alexis and Carson were such kindhearted characters. After everything Alexis had been through, I loved that she hadn't lost her kindness. And Carson? That man absolutely adored her. He was gentle, caring, and determined to show her that he wasn't going anywhere. Their chemistry was lovely, and their relationship was easily my favorite part of the book.
However, my biggest issue was the writing. It was incredibly repetitive. We were constantly reminded of Alexis's traumatic childhood, Micah, and Carson's determination to protect her. So many inner monologues repeated essentially the same thoughts, just with slightly different wording.
I also struggled with Carson's characterization. We were told he was an introvert who struggled with social interactions, especially with women, but we never really got to see that side of him. The dialogue sometimes felt more like conversations between teenagers than two 23-year-olds, and the numerous grammatical errors didn't help.
As for the mystery, I honestly wasn't particularly invested in finding out who the murderer was. Even the surprising revelations lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for.
And can we PLEASE talk about therapy? 😭 Because these two desperately need it. I loved their relationship, but love alone doesn't heal years of trauma. Carson's fear of losing Alexis was understandable, but neither of them seemed to have healthy coping mechanisms. I genuinely worry about how their relationship would work in the long run.
Overall, *Fragile Hearts* had a beautiful message and a sweet romance. I can see Jenna Caden's potential as an author, but the writing and character development needed more polishing.
---
**📖 Tropes**
⭐ **Rating: 3.5/5**
🌶️ **Spice: 2/5**
This is one of those books where I genuinely loved the idea behind the story, but unfortunately, the execution left quite a bit to be desired.
Alexis and Carson were such kindhearted characters. After everything Alexis had been through, I loved that she hadn't lost her kindness. And Carson? That man absolutely adored her. He was gentle, caring, and determined to show her that he wasn't going anywhere. Their chemistry was lovely, and their relationship was easily my favorite part of the book.
However, my biggest issue was the writing. It was incredibly repetitive. We were constantly reminded of Alexis's traumatic childhood, Micah, and Carson's determination to protect her. So many inner monologues repeated essentially the same thoughts, just with slightly different wording.
I also struggled with Carson's characterization. We were told he was an introvert who struggled with social interactions, especially with women, but we never really got to see that side of him. The dialogue sometimes felt more like conversations between teenagers than two 23-year-olds, and the numerous grammatical errors didn't help.
As for the mystery, I honestly wasn't particularly invested in finding out who the murderer was. Even the surprising revelations lacked the emotional impact I had hoped for.
And can we PLEASE talk about therapy? 😭 Because these two desperately need it. I loved their relationship, but love alone doesn't heal years of trauma. Carson's fear of losing Alexis was understandable, but neither of them seemed to have healthy coping mechanisms. I genuinely worry about how their relationship would work in the long run.
Overall, *Fragile Hearts* had a beautiful message and a sweet romance. I can see Jenna Caden's potential as an author, but the writing and character development needed more polishing.
---
**📖 Tropes**
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟🌟🌟🌟.✨✨
Jenna!!!!!! I really enjoyed the book overall. I think the writing was well written and easy to follow. The trauma in this book was introduced perfectly in my opinion. Alexis had lived through so much and still finds the love that Loves her the most. Her and Carson were made for each other. They help heal one another in the best way. The introduction and the storyline between the best friends and Carson’s brother was really good and I honestly cannot wait to see what more comes about when it comes to their story. I definitely was an emotional reading this when to the ending about Alexis, Brother and her mother. This book low key has a twist in it that you will never see coming! Definitely worth the read. You get the love, trauma, healing, need to love and the twist all in one book! I can actually say I learned a few things about foster care kids in this book. And any time I’m able to learn more than I know is a good thing.
Jenna Girl, I’m giving you your 💐 and a round of 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾! You did your thing with this book! And I mean that! I was going through the motions in this book and that’s what I love the most feeling connected to the characters, storyline and catches!
Jenna!!!!!! I really enjoyed the book overall. I think the writing was well written and easy to follow. The trauma in this book was introduced perfectly in my opinion. Alexis had lived through so much and still finds the love that Loves her the most. Her and Carson were made for each other. They help heal one another in the best way. The introduction and the storyline between the best friends and Carson’s brother was really good and I honestly cannot wait to see what more comes about when it comes to their story. I definitely was an emotional reading this when to the ending about Alexis, Brother and her mother. This book low key has a twist in it that you will never see coming! Definitely worth the read. You get the love, trauma, healing, need to love and the twist all in one book! I can actually say I learned a few things about foster care kids in this book. And any time I’m able to learn more than I know is a good thing.
Jenna Girl, I’m giving you your 💐 and a round of 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾! You did your thing with this book! And I mean that! I was going through the motions in this book and that’s what I love the most feeling connected to the characters, storyline and catches!
November 13, 2026
This book had a lot of potential, and there were definitely some sweet and emotional moments throughout the story. However, I found it difficult to fully connect with the characters and their relationship.
This book had so much potential, with some genuinely sweet and emotional moments. Alexis's story was heartbreaking, and I admired how kind and caring she remained despite everything she had been through. Carson was also such a sweet character, and his own grief added another emotional layer to the story.
My biggest issue was the writing. If their ages hadn't been mentioned, I genuinely would have assumed they were around 19 or 20. Their dialogue and interactions felt quite childish at times, making it hard to picture them as 23-year-olds. This was especially noticeable with Carson, considering he was a firefighter. His profession and responsibilities made his lack of maturity even more noticeable.
I'm giving this 2.5 stars. If the characters had been written with more maturity, I think this could have easily been a much higher rating. The story had the potential, but the execution fell short for me.
This book had so much potential, with some genuinely sweet and emotional moments. Alexis's story was heartbreaking, and I admired how kind and caring she remained despite everything she had been through. Carson was also such a sweet character, and his own grief added another emotional layer to the story.
My biggest issue was the writing. If their ages hadn't been mentioned, I genuinely would have assumed they were around 19 or 20. Their dialogue and interactions felt quite childish at times, making it hard to picture them as 23-year-olds. This was especially noticeable with Carson, considering he was a firefighter. His profession and responsibilities made his lack of maturity even more noticeable.
I'm giving this 2.5 stars. If the characters had been written with more maturity, I think this could have easily been a much higher rating. The story had the potential, but the execution fell short for me.
Review of advance copy
What a beautiful love story between two fragile souls!
Alexis did not have an easy life. Period. She was hurt, traumatized, and alone for most of her life
She lost the only person who meant anything to her and normalized very traumatic events since she didnt know otherwise.
Carson came from such a loving and tight knit family. In one night, his life, and his brother Connor's, lives changed. He was traumatized by the loss of his really good friends and had issues with speaking up for his own healing.
These two find their way to each other. First through genuine friendship and the through love. I really enjoyed how supportive they were of each other and how much they just understood what the other needed.
It was a really sweet story and hopefully, we see more of the other characters' stories in the future.
Alexis did not have an easy life. Period. She was hurt, traumatized, and alone for most of her life
She lost the only person who meant anything to her and normalized very traumatic events since she didnt know otherwise.
Carson came from such a loving and tight knit family. In one night, his life, and his brother Connor's, lives changed. He was traumatized by the loss of his really good friends and had issues with speaking up for his own healing.
These two find their way to each other. First through genuine friendship and the through love. I really enjoyed how supportive they were of each other and how much they just understood what the other needed.
It was a really sweet story and hopefully, we see more of the other characters' stories in the future.
October 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
I finished this book SOBBING. 😭💔
I honestly wasn't prepared for how emotional this story would make me. Alexis and Micah's story absolutely broke my heart. That revelation near the end made an already heartbreaking story even more devastating and had me sobbing even harder. 💔😭
And Carson's story hurt just as much. These characters have been through so much, and my heart hurts for all of them.
Five stars, without a doubt. I loved this book, but my heart definitely needs a break after that ending. ❤️
I'm also really invested in Connor, Killian and little Colton now, and I'd absolutely love to see more of their relationship in the future! 🥹❤️
Thank you to the author for the ARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I finished this book SOBBING. 😭💔
I honestly wasn't prepared for how emotional this story would make me. Alexis and Micah's story absolutely broke my heart. That revelation near the end made an already heartbreaking story even more devastating and had me sobbing even harder. 💔😭
And Carson's story hurt just as much. These characters have been through so much, and my heart hurts for all of them.
Five stars, without a doubt. I loved this book, but my heart definitely needs a break after that ending. ❤️
I'm also really invested in Connor, Killian and little Colton now, and I'd absolutely love to see more of their relationship in the future! 🥹❤️
Thank you to the author for the ARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 27, 2026
Alexis has a lot waiting for her when she moves back to a place connected to some of the worst parts of her past, and I was curious about her story pretty much from the beginning.
I liked Alexis and Carson together. Their relationship wasn't rushed, and I enjoyed watching them slowly get closer while getting to know each other. They both had things they were dealing with, which gave the story a more emotional side without taking away from the romance.
There was also enough going on outside their relationship to keep me curious, and a few things caught me completely by surprise. I enjoyed the side characters too and wouldn't mind seeing more of them.
Sweet, emotional and heavier than I expected in places.
Thank you so much Jenna for letting me be a part of your team.🌺♥️
I liked Alexis and Carson together. Their relationship wasn't rushed, and I enjoyed watching them slowly get closer while getting to know each other. They both had things they were dealing with, which gave the story a more emotional side without taking away from the romance.
There was also enough going on outside their relationship to keep me curious, and a few things caught me completely by surprise. I enjoyed the side characters too and wouldn't mind seeing more of them.
Sweet, emotional and heavier than I expected in places.
Thank you so much Jenna for letting me be a part of your team.🌺♥️
October 13, 2026
ARC Review…
I lived the way that Alexis was written and how despite everything she went through she still had a positive outlook and was willing to help anyone. She was written as a strong woman who did let her past define her. I enjoyed Carson as well and how he just yearned for her from the second he met her. The story was a little all over the place in areas which I could tell was in a way trying to set up for future book. It was an enjoyable read and I loved the twist near the end I was definitely not expecting that outcome that’s for sure but I think it made for a really good conclusion to the storyline.
I lived the way that Alexis was written and how despite everything she went through she still had a positive outlook and was willing to help anyone. She was written as a strong woman who did let her past define her. I enjoyed Carson as well and how he just yearned for her from the second he met her. The story was a little all over the place in areas which I could tell was in a way trying to set up for future book. It was an enjoyable read and I loved the twist near the end I was definitely not expecting that outcome that’s for sure but I think it made for a really good conclusion to the storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had an arc copy of this book.
I want to start by saying that this book was a rollercoaster of emotions! It had me in the feels and laughing and crying all within five mins of each other.
The two of them have baggage and trauma but are written well with all of their MH issues! I love a hurt comfort scene and this book did not disappoint!
If you love a trope then this book of most definitely for you! You could play trope bingo with how many are thrown into the story but many of them work well together! I was hooked for most of the story! It took me a little while to get into!
Their story will definitely live on in my brain!
I want to start by saying that this book was a rollercoaster of emotions! It had me in the feels and laughing and crying all within five mins of each other.
The two of them have baggage and trauma but are written well with all of their MH issues! I love a hurt comfort scene and this book did not disappoint!
If you love a trope then this book of most definitely for you! You could play trope bingo with how many are thrown into the story but many of them work well together! I was hooked for most of the story! It took me a little while to get into!
Their story will definitely live on in my brain!
October 24, 2026
I was lucky to be given an advanced reader copy of this book and OMG. I love Alexis and Carson's story so much. It's so beautiful yet so heartbreaking. Poor Alexis and Mickey. The flashbacks were breaking my heart and tearing it into pieces. They didn't deserve what happened to them at all. I loved the neighbours to lovers and then both helping eachother heal. The plot twist had me gasping at the end of the book. I also couldn't stop laughing when Carson and his friends met Asher for the first time. It was so funny seeing them so excited and about to faint. I also loved Colton he's so adorable and I see you Connor and Killian. I would love to read their story next.
November 4, 2026
I kept seeing this book float by on my FYP’s and was super intrigued by the snippets I kept seeing. Ultimately I was a bit disappointed with the book though. I think it has the potential for such a good and powerful story but it’s just not written well. The number of grammatical errors is honestly the worst I’ve seen in any book. And the writing just seems pretty low level. It feels like a rough draft of something and not the finished novel. Like there are enjoyable pieces to it but it’s in need of some edits first. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did but it unfortunately did not live up to the hype for me.
October 9, 2026
This book had so much potential, and there were definitely some sweet and genuinely emotional moments, but unfortunately, the writing let it down massively for me.
Alexis’s story was heartbreaking. Despite everything she survived, she was still so lovely and helpful to everyone around her.
Carson was honestly so sweet. 🥹 His own grief added another emotional layer to the story, and I really did appreciate the heavier themes woven throughout.
Unfortunately, the writing just didn’t work for me. Both characters are 23, but the dialogue and the way they interacted with each other often made them feel much younger, almost like teenagers. It pulled me out of the story and made it difficult to fully invest in their relationship.
There were some lovely, emotional moments here, and I can see what the author was going for, but the execution just missed the mark for me.
Thank you for the ARC.
Alexis’s story was heartbreaking. Despite everything she survived, she was still so lovely and helpful to everyone around her.
Carson was honestly so sweet. 🥹 His own grief added another emotional layer to the story, and I really did appreciate the heavier themes woven throughout.
Unfortunately, the writing just didn’t work for me. Both characters are 23, but the dialogue and the way they interacted with each other often made them feel much younger, almost like teenagers. It pulled me out of the story and made it difficult to fully invest in their relationship.
There were some lovely, emotional moments here, and I can see what the author was going for, but the execution just missed the mark for me.
Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lovedddd reading this little cutesy heartbreaking book. I loved the plot, the characters, the dynamic between Carson and Alexis. I also loved that you got to know what happened in their life and how they deal with their trauma. It was lovely to read about two fragile souls who found their way to each other, who you get to see heal.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of moments that made me feel like I was on a roller coaster of emotions. Loved everything about this book and the lil twist in the end. I 100% recommend you read this book, thank you🥰☺️
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of moments that made me feel like I was on a roller coaster of emotions. Loved everything about this book and the lil twist in the end. I 100% recommend you read this book, thank you🥰☺️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
The way Alexis and Carson found friendship was so sweet. Honestly Alexis being such a ray of light given her backstory was beautiful, and I loved the way Carson saw and cherished that about her. This story is vulnerable but also funny because wait until you meet Killian! Such a fun read and can’t wait for others to have the chance!
The way Alexis and Carson found friendship was so sweet. Honestly Alexis being such a ray of light given her backstory was beautiful, and I loved the way Carson saw and cherished that about her. This story is vulnerable but also funny because wait until you meet Killian! Such a fun read and can’t wait for others to have the chance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
A good wholehearted book with a lot of potential but I did struggle with some of the writing and formatting throughout.
Felt like it needed slightly more editing of the final draft to make the story easier to follow and flow through.
A good storyline with some high emotional points but the overall format let it down.
A good wholehearted book with a lot of potential but I did struggle with some of the writing and formatting throughout.
Felt like it needed slightly more editing of the final draft to make the story easier to follow and flow through.
A good storyline with some high emotional points but the overall format let it down.
November 10, 2026
perfect
This is honestly the most heartbreaking book ive read to date but also the most loving i love the fact that teo people who needed someone found eachother and loved eachother with everything they have an a love built on friendship first helping eachother with past trauma its soo worth the read
This is honestly the most heartbreaking book ive read to date but also the most loving i love the fact that teo people who needed someone found eachother and loved eachother with everything they have an a love built on friendship first helping eachother with past trauma its soo worth the read
October 20, 2026
absolutely beautiful
such a heartbreaking but somehow light book. they both went through something so traumatic and still found a way to be happy. i would love to see a Connor and Killian book
such a heartbreaking but somehow light book. they both went through something so traumatic and still found a way to be happy. i would love to see a Connor and Killian book
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing, I consumed it in under 24 hours! Alexis and Carson, oh my heart. This book does not disappoint, you want to reach through the book and give them both a hug.
October 21, 2026
Love this book. I hope there is more coming with this series. I would love to find out the rest of the story lines endings. E.g Connor and killian 🤞🏼
October 23, 2026
Such a promising premise. The characters were right up my alley. But the writing was just too bad, grammatically speaking.
October 28, 2026
DNF…
A lot of rambling wanted to push through since she is a newer author wanted to give her a chance, but she lost me at the brother and the best friend 🙄
A lot of rambling wanted to push through since she is a newer author wanted to give her a chance, but she lost me at the brother and the best friend 🙄
November 6, 2026
Solo quería que ambos fueran felices.
October 12, 2026
Let me tell you something the book is so good and it had me cheesing in my room to myself and i’m just over the moon excited to actually purchase this book i call myself extremely lucky to be an arc reader and have the ability to read this book there are no words to accurately describe how freaking good this book is so buy this book on october 20th 2026 don’t run SPRINT
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews