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Secondhand Hearts
One shot and she was gone forever.
One moment.
One decision.
I was no longer living.
Fading.
Dying.
My past and my present were stolen.
Lost.
Misled.
My heart was broken that day.
Damaged.
Shattered.
But Secondhand Hearts can be mended.
Treasured.
Loved.
Forgiven.
One moment.
One decision.
I was no longer living.
Fading.
Dying.
My past and my present were stolen.
Lost.
Misled.
My heart was broken that day.
Damaged.
Shattered.
But Secondhand Hearts can be mended.
Treasured.
Loved.
Forgiven.
- GenresContemporary RomanceDark
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2016
4 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 20, 2016
Great debut !
If your looking for a read that will rip your heart right out of your chest, then slowly piece by piece put the pieces back together again then read this book!!!
The fist of this book gets your attention, then it does slow down quite a bit a few times I thought I wouldn't make it through but I couldn't not finish it at the same time if that makes any sense. I had to know what was to become of these two very emotionally broken people. This story is filled with heartbreak, angst, and second chances.
Kessler and Tavyn definitely have an attraction to one another. This is not a over night whirlwind romance. There relationship builds over time with ups and downs. My heart ached for both of them.
Overall I really enjoyed Secondhand Hearts. The characters was great, the plot was good. The twist was shocking. HIGHLY RECOMMEND..
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
Arc provided in exchange for my honest review
If your looking for a read that will rip your heart right out of your chest, then slowly piece by piece put the pieces back together again then read this book!!!
The fist of this book gets your attention, then it does slow down quite a bit a few times I thought I wouldn't make it through but I couldn't not finish it at the same time if that makes any sense. I had to know what was to become of these two very emotionally broken people. This story is filled with heartbreak, angst, and second chances.
Kessler and Tavyn definitely have an attraction to one another. This is not a over night whirlwind romance. There relationship builds over time with ups and downs. My heart ached for both of them.
Overall I really enjoyed Secondhand Hearts. The characters was great, the plot was good. The twist was shocking. HIGHLY RECOMMEND..
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
Arc provided in exchange for my honest review
February 5, 2016
I will forever and always be a sucker for the heavy, gut-wrenching reads. To me they're the ones that really truly mean something to me. They make me think and feel and are unapologetic about it. So imagine my true joy and surprise to find out that Secondhand Hearts just happened to be one of those books. This book tells the story of Kessler, a man who after a deeply tragic occurrence looses the love of his life. This one moment leads to an emotional downward spiral that we find Kessler in the throws of upon meeting him. Running parallel to Kessler's story, is Tavyn's. As we the reader meet Tavyn we begin to realize that she has also experienced tragedy and is muddling through life the best way she knows how. Eventually these two intersect and a relationship blossoms between the two.
Now, when I say relationship I don't mean that these two make eyes at each other for 3 paragraphs and then fall into bed together. I mean that Wilson creates a friendship between the two before romance is even brought into the picture. Are they in lust with one another? Of course. But Wilson allows that lust to build into something more and deeper. And to me this is SO necessary considering where these two characters come from emotionally to begin with. My biggest and only complaint was that we didn't get to see this more. Many times I felt that we the reader didn't get to see all the little things that led to this bond that they formed over the first 2/3rd's of the book. At many times it felt like each character was existing in a vacuum and only interacted with each other minimally. As the reader I so was craving being able to see those small moments, no matter what they were.
My other favorite thing about this book was Wilson's writing style. As a reader I find that many first time writers have a hard time finding the right cadence when it comes to how they should write. Many first time books, in my opinion, come out choppy or staccato until that author is able to work through how they want their words to flow. I didn't get that at all here. The flow of the writing reminds me very much of Morgan Parker or Tarryn Fisher. It feels almost like you're reading the most easy-going conversation between lovers and it just happens to be laced with beautiful poetry.
All-in-all I thought this was great first outing from this author and I can't wait to see what comes next. 4 stars.
***I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author for my honest review.***
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November 20, 2015**grabby hands**
March 22, 2016
Panty Scorching-1
Storyline-4
Angst-4
Tissues-4
Overall Rating-4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Stephanie
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book but what I got was a very well written, highly emotional, sometimes overwhelmingly heavy second chance story. A story of two people who experienced such life altering losses in their lives that the burden they carry is almost suffocating. I feel like I do have to say they there are some very touchy subjects in this book they can be triggers. The first couple pages of this book were very hard to read but as the story goes on you really connect with the characters and want them to have a second chance at life, at love.
Kessler was happy, he had the love of his life and a great job. He was thinking things couldn’t possibly be better until one afternoon when one shot changed everything.
“She was an unexpected blip on my map of life that gave me direction and set me on coarse.”
Now he was just a shell of the man he once was, trying to make sense of what happened. The sadness and overwhelming guilt he feels is slowly killing him. His heart shattered into a million pieces and his life as he knew it is over. Not being able to handle the scattered remains of his life before that tragic day he finds a new job at a local gym. He chooses to speak to no one and basically lives his life in solitude. The sadness and despair he feels bleeds off the pages throughout this whole story and I can almost see him walking with his eyes down cast and shoulders hunched in while he carries the weight of his burdens. My heart broke for him so many times.
“There’s a saying that time heals all wounds. But what if the wound is too big? The gaping hole in my heart is too great for time, repelling it, taunting it to try. I don’t have a damaged heart or a broken heart. I have an unsalvageable heart.”
If anyone knows that guilt can break you it’s Tavyn. A split second decision ruined her once care free life. Now she carries the heavy load of a broken heart. Careful to never let anyone close again besides her best friend. What she didn’t expect is to one day see Kessler in the gym she goes to. She is drawn to him right away, she knows pain and sees that he is hiding something. He won’t look at her or anyone for that matter. But it’s like there is an invisible line bringing her to him and she tries to get beyond the wall he has put up.
“You think you’ve been hiding from me, never wanting to look me in the eyes and avoiding any real conversations? Well, I see you, Kessler! I. Fucking. SEE.YOU!”
This story is about a second chance for two people who feel like they in no way deserve one. It’s filled with anguish and heartache. But also has hope and love. It’s for sure not an easy read, but is well worth it.
“Even secondhand hearts can be mended and brought back to life.”
http://wp.me/p61UnB-1va
Storyline-4
Angst-4
Tissues-4
Overall Rating-4
Kindle eARC
Reviewed by Stephanie
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book but what I got was a very well written, highly emotional, sometimes overwhelmingly heavy second chance story. A story of two people who experienced such life altering losses in their lives that the burden they carry is almost suffocating. I feel like I do have to say they there are some very touchy subjects in this book they can be triggers. The first couple pages of this book were very hard to read but as the story goes on you really connect with the characters and want them to have a second chance at life, at love.
Kessler was happy, he had the love of his life and a great job. He was thinking things couldn’t possibly be better until one afternoon when one shot changed everything.
“She was an unexpected blip on my map of life that gave me direction and set me on coarse.”
Now he was just a shell of the man he once was, trying to make sense of what happened. The sadness and overwhelming guilt he feels is slowly killing him. His heart shattered into a million pieces and his life as he knew it is over. Not being able to handle the scattered remains of his life before that tragic day he finds a new job at a local gym. He chooses to speak to no one and basically lives his life in solitude. The sadness and despair he feels bleeds off the pages throughout this whole story and I can almost see him walking with his eyes down cast and shoulders hunched in while he carries the weight of his burdens. My heart broke for him so many times.
“There’s a saying that time heals all wounds. But what if the wound is too big? The gaping hole in my heart is too great for time, repelling it, taunting it to try. I don’t have a damaged heart or a broken heart. I have an unsalvageable heart.”
If anyone knows that guilt can break you it’s Tavyn. A split second decision ruined her once care free life. Now she carries the heavy load of a broken heart. Careful to never let anyone close again besides her best friend. What she didn’t expect is to one day see Kessler in the gym she goes to. She is drawn to him right away, she knows pain and sees that he is hiding something. He won’t look at her or anyone for that matter. But it’s like there is an invisible line bringing her to him and she tries to get beyond the wall he has put up.
“You think you’ve been hiding from me, never wanting to look me in the eyes and avoiding any real conversations? Well, I see you, Kessler! I. Fucking. SEE.YOU!”
This story is about a second chance for two people who feel like they in no way deserve one. It’s filled with anguish and heartache. But also has hope and love. It’s for sure not an easy read, but is well worth it.
“Even secondhand hearts can be mended and brought back to life.”
http://wp.me/p61UnB-1va
February 15, 2016
So let me just start off by saying this….. WHAT A FANPHUCKINGTASTIC debut.
Just after the first few sentences, I was hooked. The prologue is from a completely different perspective which was amazing, then you read that first chapter and you are ABSOLUTLEY GUTTED. ------------ GUTTED!
You have Kessler, who lived through a horrible, horrific and unimaginable tragedy. Kessler struggles to move forward with his life. He is going through the motions but he is stuck in a dark hole and the only thing that keeps him going is the strenuous workout he puts his body through after hours just so he can feel the pain but at the same time numb himself from the guilt.
Then there is Tavyn, who has also struggled with losing someone she loves and like Kessler, she has more guilt than she knows what to do with. In her case, it is the people who are supposed to love and support her that keep her drowning in her guilt.
What happens when two lost souls and two shattered hearts come together? One heartbreaking and angsty- ass beautiful story.
Kess swore he would never love again, ever. He has shut his emotions off to not only his family but his friends too. He has become a hermit and a robot that is until he meets Tavyn. There is something about her that makes him FEEL again and it scares the ever living shit out of him.
Tavyn hasn’t has it easy. She is constantly reminded of her loss and a mistake she made. She too has some walls up and when she meets Keeler, there is the same pain in his eyes. You know the saying, misery loves company. I truly believe that their paths crossed for a reason.
Slowly, Kessler starts to open up and feel again. He is happy when he is with Tav but the minute he feels that happiness is the minute the guilt starts to creep back in. Tavyn spills her guts to Kess. She knows there is something special going on between them and she also knows how much Kess is hurting.
Things between them are awkward, then great, then horrible and when Kessler lets his past collide with his present, he finally sees a bright and happy future with a woman he let walk out of his life.
Life is always teaching us harsh lessons. For some, the journey is easy with some minor bumps in the road but for others, it is a natural disaster.
The struggles of that both characters in this book endure are very real. The feelings that this author brought out…..simply breathtaking.
Yvonne Wilson is definitely an author to follow, I have a feeling she has wonderful stories in store for us.
Just after the first few sentences, I was hooked. The prologue is from a completely different perspective which was amazing, then you read that first chapter and you are ABSOLUTLEY GUTTED. ------------ GUTTED!
You have Kessler, who lived through a horrible, horrific and unimaginable tragedy. Kessler struggles to move forward with his life. He is going through the motions but he is stuck in a dark hole and the only thing that keeps him going is the strenuous workout he puts his body through after hours just so he can feel the pain but at the same time numb himself from the guilt.
Then there is Tavyn, who has also struggled with losing someone she loves and like Kessler, she has more guilt than she knows what to do with. In her case, it is the people who are supposed to love and support her that keep her drowning in her guilt.
What happens when two lost souls and two shattered hearts come together? One heartbreaking and angsty- ass beautiful story.
Kess swore he would never love again, ever. He has shut his emotions off to not only his family but his friends too. He has become a hermit and a robot that is until he meets Tavyn. There is something about her that makes him FEEL again and it scares the ever living shit out of him.
Tavyn hasn’t has it easy. She is constantly reminded of her loss and a mistake she made. She too has some walls up and when she meets Keeler, there is the same pain in his eyes. You know the saying, misery loves company. I truly believe that their paths crossed for a reason.
Slowly, Kessler starts to open up and feel again. He is happy when he is with Tav but the minute he feels that happiness is the minute the guilt starts to creep back in. Tavyn spills her guts to Kess. She knows there is something special going on between them and she also knows how much Kess is hurting.
Things between them are awkward, then great, then horrible and when Kessler lets his past collide with his present, he finally sees a bright and happy future with a woman he let walk out of his life.
Life is always teaching us harsh lessons. For some, the journey is easy with some minor bumps in the road but for others, it is a natural disaster.
The struggles of that both characters in this book endure are very real. The feelings that this author brought out…..simply breathtaking.
Yvonne Wilson is definitely an author to follow, I have a feeling she has wonderful stories in store for us.
March 3, 2016
Wow what an emotional ride of lose and second chances at love. I had a hard time reading the start to this book. There is a heavy sadness that I felt for Kessler that almost made it too difficult to read but trust me keep going and you will be rewarded.
Kessler
The story starts starts out with Kessler a counselor losing everything he holds dear just steps away in front of him. He struggles with the knowledge of not being able to save the women he loves and feeling responsible for not seeing the signs to help stop that horrific day from taking place. 261 days and he still struggles to live his life going through day to day life with his eyes cast down avoiding people at all cost. He refuses to move on, the doesn't want to feel anything for someone new. He doesn't want to live without the women from his past. The women he loved.
“I love you, baby. Come back and take me with you. Do you hear me? I fucking love you, but I hate you more.”
Tavyn
She has been living with a loss so deep, blaming herself not allowing herself a future because she feels responsible. She has lost not just her future but also her boyfriend and her family as well. She feels alone with the only one person left standing besides her, her friend Mila. When Tavyn sees Kessler for the first time she is instantly drawn to him in a way she's not used to. She know that they share a loss. She can see it in his eyes “The eyes see everything” she sees the same loss in his that are in her own.
Kessler and Tavyn struggle to form a relationship. He still holding back not wanting to forget his past while Tavyn tries to not push him too fast. Then a past that links them together tries to end what they have slowly started to develop. Will they find a way back to each other? Will they learn that they are worthy of love a second time around.
I loved this book!!! What an emotional roller coaster of loss and love. Wow the writing was done perfectly and the story flowed from start to finish. The story does deal with some triggers of rape and suicide but not in a graphic way. It's a must read!
review by Kristina
Kessler
The story starts starts out with Kessler a counselor losing everything he holds dear just steps away in front of him. He struggles with the knowledge of not being able to save the women he loves and feeling responsible for not seeing the signs to help stop that horrific day from taking place. 261 days and he still struggles to live his life going through day to day life with his eyes cast down avoiding people at all cost. He refuses to move on, the doesn't want to feel anything for someone new. He doesn't want to live without the women from his past. The women he loved.
“I love you, baby. Come back and take me with you. Do you hear me? I fucking love you, but I hate you more.”
Tavyn
She has been living with a loss so deep, blaming herself not allowing herself a future because she feels responsible. She has lost not just her future but also her boyfriend and her family as well. She feels alone with the only one person left standing besides her, her friend Mila. When Tavyn sees Kessler for the first time she is instantly drawn to him in a way she's not used to. She know that they share a loss. She can see it in his eyes “The eyes see everything” she sees the same loss in his that are in her own.
Kessler and Tavyn struggle to form a relationship. He still holding back not wanting to forget his past while Tavyn tries to not push him too fast. Then a past that links them together tries to end what they have slowly started to develop. Will they find a way back to each other? Will they learn that they are worthy of love a second time around.
I loved this book!!! What an emotional roller coaster of loss and love. Wow the writing was done perfectly and the story flowed from start to finish. The story does deal with some triggers of rape and suicide but not in a graphic way. It's a must read!
review by Kristina
February 3, 2016
A simply wonderful debut! Yvonne Wilson has written a beautiful story of redemption that is filled with hope for two souls deeply wounded by life.
Tavyn and Kessler have both known horrible tragedy and never really feel as if they can move on or even deserve to for that matter. But something underneath the sadness that both wear as a perpetual mask attracts them to each other and maybe together they can find a way to be happy once again.
Their road is not an easy one and just when Tavyn and Kessler start to feel again, when they begin to accept that perhaps there can be some light in all the dark, a memory will come crashing down, and they relive the pain once again. Moving forward is not easy for either of them.
This book felt very real, very true to life. I enjoyed getting to know both Tavyn and Kessler and felt their turmoil right along with them. Although at times it was hard being in their heads as they thought about the horror that both had experienced, it was at the same time almost cathartic to at least try to get past it. For them and for me. Both Tavyn and Kessler dealt as best as they could and the author handled that aspect well. She didn't sugarcoat nor did she try to make it easy for her characters. It is raw at times but necessary to fully relay the story as it unfolds and truths are laid bare.
The author adds the right amount of humor and passion to make the story come to life. So yes, there are some lighter moments successfully mixed in as well. In addition, the narrator of this book so to speak, whose voice is heard in both the prologue and epilogue, is a character we never get to fully meet. Yet her words are very powerful and provide the perfect backdrop to what this journey is all about. I can only hope we get her tale one day too and see if she took her own advice.
Overall, a solid first effort for this new author. I enjoyed Secondhand Hearts and look forward to more from Yvonne Wilson.
4 stars!!!
Tavyn and Kessler have both known horrible tragedy and never really feel as if they can move on or even deserve to for that matter. But something underneath the sadness that both wear as a perpetual mask attracts them to each other and maybe together they can find a way to be happy once again.
Their road is not an easy one and just when Tavyn and Kessler start to feel again, when they begin to accept that perhaps there can be some light in all the dark, a memory will come crashing down, and they relive the pain once again. Moving forward is not easy for either of them.
This book felt very real, very true to life. I enjoyed getting to know both Tavyn and Kessler and felt their turmoil right along with them. Although at times it was hard being in their heads as they thought about the horror that both had experienced, it was at the same time almost cathartic to at least try to get past it. For them and for me. Both Tavyn and Kessler dealt as best as they could and the author handled that aspect well. She didn't sugarcoat nor did she try to make it easy for her characters. It is raw at times but necessary to fully relay the story as it unfolds and truths are laid bare.
The author adds the right amount of humor and passion to make the story come to life. So yes, there are some lighter moments successfully mixed in as well. In addition, the narrator of this book so to speak, whose voice is heard in both the prologue and epilogue, is a character we never get to fully meet. Yet her words are very powerful and provide the perfect backdrop to what this journey is all about. I can only hope we get her tale one day too and see if she took her own advice.
Overall, a solid first effort for this new author. I enjoyed Secondhand Hearts and look forward to more from Yvonne Wilson.
4 stars!!!
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March 23, 2016When Heather Hamilton had a baby daughter at 17 she was called every name in the book but her daughter managed to mend her "secondhand heart". When Jaina dies at 24 Heather knows that Jaina's boyfriend, Kessler Wells, will need his "secondhand heart" mended as he really deserves to be loved again.
Tavyn McCall internally feels like she wants to give up the fight but knows she can't due to the memory of her brother AJ. She believes that she is not worth anything and doesn't deserved to be loved, but when she meets Kessler she begins to question her internal goals and maybe she is worth loving after all.
This was a beautiful story about forgiveness and second chances at life. Kessler has so much guilt after Jaina dies and why he wasn't enough for her and feels so guilty for living. So he attempts to stay in the past with her memory and not move on.
I think one of the saddest parts is definitely the reasons behind Jaina's death and how she felt so trapped by it. I can't ruin anything by saying anything but so heartbreaking that she didn't tell Kessler.
I loved Tavyn and completely understood her guilt yet wanted to smack her parents upside the head for how they treated her. I also really liked Mila and how supportive she was of Tavyn and how she really wanted her to live her life for herself and move on from her guilt.
This was a wonderful book and I look forward to more from the author!
Tavyn McCall internally feels like she wants to give up the fight but knows she can't due to the memory of her brother AJ. She believes that she is not worth anything and doesn't deserved to be loved, but when she meets Kessler she begins to question her internal goals and maybe she is worth loving after all.
This was a beautiful story about forgiveness and second chances at life. Kessler has so much guilt after Jaina dies and why he wasn't enough for her and feels so guilty for living. So he attempts to stay in the past with her memory and not move on.
I think one of the saddest parts is definitely the reasons behind Jaina's death and how she felt so trapped by it. I can't ruin anything by saying anything but so heartbreaking that she didn't tell Kessler.
I loved Tavyn and completely understood her guilt yet wanted to smack her parents upside the head for how they treated her. I also really liked Mila and how supportive she was of Tavyn and how she really wanted her to live her life for herself and move on from her guilt.
This was a wonderful book and I look forward to more from the author!
March 24, 2016
***Reviewed on behalf of Amo’s Book Corner ***
What is it about books that really rip your heart out, crush it completely and then puts you back together again….
This book did exactly that! From the prologue I knew this was going to be a tearjerker. Kessler completely stole my heart.
Secondhand hearts is a story of reclaiming your life after everything is gone, after your heart has been smashed to smithereens and that one person comes along that can jumpstart your heart again. This was a gut wrenching tale of guilt, hurt and sadness and broken hearts.
Kessler and Tavyn literary bump into each other while out running, at a point in their lives when they don’t feel like they can go on, but as we know the fates align and it’s out of our hands.
I read this book in one sitting literally…I couldn’t put it down. I don’t have enough words to begin to tell you how I felt when reading this book, all I can say is read it. You’ll fall in love with Kessler and Tavyn.
5 heart breaking stars!!
Reviewed by Sarah!
What is it about books that really rip your heart out, crush it completely and then puts you back together again….
This book did exactly that! From the prologue I knew this was going to be a tearjerker. Kessler completely stole my heart.
Secondhand hearts is a story of reclaiming your life after everything is gone, after your heart has been smashed to smithereens and that one person comes along that can jumpstart your heart again. This was a gut wrenching tale of guilt, hurt and sadness and broken hearts.
Kessler and Tavyn literary bump into each other while out running, at a point in their lives when they don’t feel like they can go on, but as we know the fates align and it’s out of our hands.
I read this book in one sitting literally…I couldn’t put it down. I don’t have enough words to begin to tell you how I felt when reading this book, all I can say is read it. You’ll fall in love with Kessler and Tavyn.
5 heart breaking stars!!
Reviewed by Sarah!
August 5, 2016
Kessler killed his girlfriend. At least, that is what he believes. By taking her own life, Jaina took Kessler's life as well. He allows the anger and grief to control him now. He merely exists. Tavyn killed her little brother. She believes this and her parents have only confirmed her guilt. She tries to move on, but she limits herself to what she feels she deserves. One day, two broken hearts begin to heal.
Yvonne Wilson brings readers into the feelings of the grief of these characters. The first 30-ish% of the book is nothing but darkness. Honestly, it is almost too much. By the time the characters are ready to give the other a chance, I was wondering if there was going to be anything for them to salvage. I did enjoy the relationship between Mila and Tavyn, despite the constant "girlie" and "bestie" references. It reminded me a lot of the relationship I have with my best friend. The twist at the end was unexpected and appreciated; it really tied together Kessler's story. Overall, this story is dark, but there is light at the end.
Yvonne Wilson brings readers into the feelings of the grief of these characters. The first 30-ish% of the book is nothing but darkness. Honestly, it is almost too much. By the time the characters are ready to give the other a chance, I was wondering if there was going to be anything for them to salvage. I did enjoy the relationship between Mila and Tavyn, despite the constant "girlie" and "bestie" references. It reminded me a lot of the relationship I have with my best friend. The twist at the end was unexpected and appreciated; it really tied together Kessler's story. Overall, this story is dark, but there is light at the end.
February 6, 2016
If you are looking for a book that will break your heart and put it back together, then this book is for you. Two people should never have to endure so much heartache in a lifetime. But then again maybe it leads to a love that will last a lifetime. I really like a book with a lot of angst and build up that will have you not wanting to put the book down because you need to know what happens next and get all the answers you need. When i read this book, my first thought was, WOW this author knows how to write emotions in such a perfect way !!!. And when this story unfolds, it will BLOW your mind. I don't like to give much away when I review a book because I want the reader to get sucked in like I do. You will love this book for all the emotions and the OMG moments and its heartbreaking story !!!!!!
February 3, 2022
This was a beautiful story about forgiveness and second chances at life. Kessler has so much guilt after Jaina dies and why he wasn't enough for her and feels so guilty for living. So he attempts to stay in the past with her memory and not move on.
I think one of the saddest parts is definitely the reasons behind Jaina's death and how she felt so trapped by it. I can't ruin anything by saying anything but so heartbreaking that she didn't tell Kessler.
I loved Tavyn and completely understood her guilt yet wanted to smack her parents upside the head for how they treated her. I also really liked Mila and how supportive she was of Tavyn and how she really wanted her to live her life for herself and move on from her guilt.
This was a wonderful book and I look forward to more from the author!
I think one of the saddest parts is definitely the reasons behind Jaina's death and how she felt so trapped by it. I can't ruin anything by saying anything but so heartbreaking that she didn't tell Kessler.
I loved Tavyn and completely understood her guilt yet wanted to smack her parents upside the head for how they treated her. I also really liked Mila and how supportive she was of Tavyn and how she really wanted her to live her life for herself and move on from her guilt.
This was a wonderful book and I look forward to more from the author!
February 1, 2016
I went into this book totally blind. This book was very different than what I normally read. There are some sensitive issues in this book that might make some readers uncomfortable to read. Let's start with Kessler , the devastation he witnessed god my heart hurt for him, the pain and guilt he was carrying around with him was truly heartbreaking. Tavyn, even though she had her own guilt she was living with she tried to stay as positive as she could. She saw and recognized the turmoil in his eyes because she had the same look in hers. Sometimes things aren't as they seem. The author captured my attention right from the beginning of this book. It had me on the edge the whole time reading it.
March 17, 2016
Sometimes unimaginable things happen to people and there is no explanation as to why they happen. Maybe you find out down the road. Maybe you accept and find closure. And maybe there is a reason that you never find out.
This is the case with Kessler and Tavyn. Both have had significant traumas brought onto them by loved ones. The blame that each of them hold on each other is stifling. When these two lost souls collide - literally - they will take the steps to help each other get themselves back so they can move on - hopefully together.
The twist in the plot is heartbreaking yet IMO trivial in Kessler's healing process.
This is my confession: If you love a good friends-before-lovers, slow burn book, than this is the one for you.
This is the case with Kessler and Tavyn. Both have had significant traumas brought onto them by loved ones. The blame that each of them hold on each other is stifling. When these two lost souls collide - literally - they will take the steps to help each other get themselves back so they can move on - hopefully together.
The twist in the plot is heartbreaking yet IMO trivial in Kessler's healing process.
This is my confession: If you love a good friends-before-lovers, slow burn book, than this is the one for you.
February 9, 2016
Ffuuuccckk .... In readers terms ... You need to read this book!
I was fortunate to be able to read this wonderfully written story by Yvonne Wilson before the rest of the world. Secondhand Hearts is Yvonne's novel debut and she knocks it out of the park. She is able to take such a dark and life altering event and turn it into one amazing story.
Kessler has everything going for him ,a counselor using all he was taught in college, a great girlfriend and one night that all comes crashing down around him. His life has no meaning until he meets Tavyn. Tavyn is living with skeletons of her own.Will she be the one to bring Kessler back or is it too late?
I was fortunate to be able to read this wonderfully written story by Yvonne Wilson before the rest of the world. Secondhand Hearts is Yvonne's novel debut and she knocks it out of the park. She is able to take such a dark and life altering event and turn it into one amazing story.
Kessler has everything going for him ,a counselor using all he was taught in college, a great girlfriend and one night that all comes crashing down around him. His life has no meaning until he meets Tavyn. Tavyn is living with skeletons of her own.Will she be the one to bring Kessler back or is it too late?
March 21, 2016
Beautiful, gut wrenching, sad story of love, loss and second chances. This is the story Kessler and Tavy who are both emotionally stuck in limbo following their own tragic events. When they meet, they recognize there's something there, but they're so emotionally paralyzed they can't move past it. A twisted occurrence helps to force them to understand the fragility of a broken heart, which is what bound them to find love again.
Want to read
August 8, 2014 New book coming this Fall. Sounds good!
One shot and she was gone forever.
One moment.
One decision.
I was no longer living.
Fading.
Dying.
My past and my present were stolen.
Lost.
Misled.
My heart was broken that day.
Damaged.
Shattered.
But Secondhand Hearts can be mended.
Treasured.
Loved.
Forgiven.
One shot and she was gone forever.
One moment.
One decision.
I was no longer living.
Fading.
Dying.
My past and my present were stolen.
Lost.
Misled.
My heart was broken that day.
Damaged.
Shattered.
But Secondhand Hearts can be mended.
Treasured.
Loved.
Forgiven.
March 22, 2016
I received a copy of this book exchange for an honest review. Kessler and Tavyn story was emotional and heart wrecking but an amazing chemistry between two people who are half of a whole with a big heart to have their happiness. Love the flow of the story and how the author capture the story the feels and energy of how they felt and fought for each other.
February 16, 2016
This was a ok read for me purely because for most of the story you read about the main characters grieving , and it gets quite depressing after a while but then you get a good twist and some action ,then all is ok in the world.
March 23, 2016
5 Stars!! This book was amazing!! Review to come on Shelly's Book Corner.
May 18, 2016
What an amazingly heart wrenching debut by Yvonne Wilson. This book starts out tearing you a part. Get ready for a lot of angst, a lot of tissues and a story ultimately about the reclamation of your life that you get from opening up yourself and letting love back in after heartache and pain.
I'm not a big angst person, so this book was a little hard for me to get through. I had to take breaks and walk away because I felt so much for Tavyn and Kessler - two people who had gone through so much pain, victims of their own circumstance, feeling like they aren't worthy of love.
The book is not all heartache. Yvonne had a nice mix of light hearted moments, so you aren't left as a total heap on the floor, but just know going in she will rip you to pieces and put you back together is a beautifully haunting way.
An incredible debut and looking forward to more stories ahead from Yvonne.
4.5 Stars
I'm not a big angst person, so this book was a little hard for me to get through. I had to take breaks and walk away because I felt so much for Tavyn and Kessler - two people who had gone through so much pain, victims of their own circumstance, feeling like they aren't worthy of love.
The book is not all heartache. Yvonne had a nice mix of light hearted moments, so you aren't left as a total heap on the floor, but just know going in she will rip you to pieces and put you back together is a beautifully haunting way.
An incredible debut and looking forward to more stories ahead from Yvonne.
4.5 Stars
May 17, 2016
Stunning Debut!!!
Yvonne Wilson has burst onto the scene with a stunning and thoughtful debut novel of two very broken people who have become the victims of their own circumstance. Wilson deftly explores the burden they have taken on, as she leads the reader and her two main characters, Tavyn and Kessler, down a path from surviving to living. Wilson's exceptional prose is lyrical at times, as it pulls the reader into both Tavyn and Kessler's worlds to experience their heartache and to root for their salvation and happiness. This book is a breath of fresh air and originality in a sea of same-old/same-old and copycats, and I look forward to more exceptional works from Ms. Wilson in the future.
Yvonne Wilson has burst onto the scene with a stunning and thoughtful debut novel of two very broken people who have become the victims of their own circumstance. Wilson deftly explores the burden they have taken on, as she leads the reader and her two main characters, Tavyn and Kessler, down a path from surviving to living. Wilson's exceptional prose is lyrical at times, as it pulls the reader into both Tavyn and Kessler's worlds to experience their heartache and to root for their salvation and happiness. This book is a breath of fresh air and originality in a sea of same-old/same-old and copycats, and I look forward to more exceptional works from Ms. Wilson in the future.
April 10, 2016
Both Kessler and Tavyn are living in deep pain and grief. Days turn into months, and the pain increases instead of decreasing. The emotions that come through they are sometimes like riding a rollercoaster. Their friendship helps them feel good in the midst of pain and sorrow but it soon grows into love. Kessler’s lustful feelings make him feel guilty – immensely, soul-crushingly, heart-stoppingly guilty… When they are together, it feels like everything is fearful and complicated. But, they also seem to be in sync residing on the same wavelength, turning their heart back on again and believing they are worth loving after all. Unfortunately, Kessler’s past comes to haunt the present and his relationship with Tavyn. Can secondhand hearts be mended?
Secondhand Hearts was a good story that I enjoyed reading but I didn't think Kessler and Tavyn had a crazy chemistry, so the romance wasn't satisfying and electric. Also, things seemed to have moved way too fast with the romantic affair between them.
There was also tenderness between them and I loved that Tavyn was there for Kessler when truths from his past came to light. The author believably put intense emotions and depth into her work. I did like the writing. Also, the mystery aspect was chilling and engrossing at the same time. There was also a bittersweet love story in the background but I was glad Kessler and Tavyn finally got the chance to be together. All in all, it was a very good read with lots of hot romance and suspense, a really well-developed plot.
Complimentary copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Secondhand Hearts was a good story that I enjoyed reading but I didn't think Kessler and Tavyn had a crazy chemistry, so the romance wasn't satisfying and electric. Also, things seemed to have moved way too fast with the romantic affair between them.
There was also tenderness between them and I loved that Tavyn was there for Kessler when truths from his past came to light. The author believably put intense emotions and depth into her work. I did like the writing. Also, the mystery aspect was chilling and engrossing at the same time. There was also a bittersweet love story in the background but I was glad Kessler and Tavyn finally got the chance to be together. All in all, it was a very good read with lots of hot romance and suspense, a really well-developed plot.
Complimentary copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2017
Secondhand Hearts
Yvonne Wilson
Tavyn McCall has had it rough, actually rough is an understatement. She has had severe turmoil and complete lost. She has no self esteem and always looks for the negative in life, because life has done her wrong in so many ways. However Tavyn is smart, beautiful and caring. So then she meets him….
Kessler Wells he is equally hurting in his life with an horrible lost that will always be a part of him. Kessler tries and run because of his pain but the pain just follows him. He has no interest in moving on. He feels he deserves every bit of pain he feels. Kessler has more skills than he can admit, he is strong, he does care and he is very attractive.
Yvonne Wilson novel titled Secondhand Hearts. This is Yvonne’s debut novel although it threw me straight to the ground. This novel gutted me, however I couldn’t put it down. This author totally has a great understanding in connecting the reader to the context. The characters will have you caring one min, ready to throw your kindle in the next. But when you pull for them to make it. This is for sure a tear fest and rollercoaster ride. Yvonne also writing technique is stellar and it reads so easily like she has been writing for years. The plot is amazing and I loved how every chapter I kept saying I would pause. I read this book in one sitting. I promise you there is no pausing. If you love second chance novels you will love this one. I give this novel a 5 out 5 for a debut novel for me is rare but it was just that good.
Solitude is painful when one is young, but delightful when one is more mature. ~ Albert Einstein
Yvonne Wilson
Tavyn McCall has had it rough, actually rough is an understatement. She has had severe turmoil and complete lost. She has no self esteem and always looks for the negative in life, because life has done her wrong in so many ways. However Tavyn is smart, beautiful and caring. So then she meets him….
Kessler Wells he is equally hurting in his life with an horrible lost that will always be a part of him. Kessler tries and run because of his pain but the pain just follows him. He has no interest in moving on. He feels he deserves every bit of pain he feels. Kessler has more skills than he can admit, he is strong, he does care and he is very attractive.
Yvonne Wilson novel titled Secondhand Hearts. This is Yvonne’s debut novel although it threw me straight to the ground. This novel gutted me, however I couldn’t put it down. This author totally has a great understanding in connecting the reader to the context. The characters will have you caring one min, ready to throw your kindle in the next. But when you pull for them to make it. This is for sure a tear fest and rollercoaster ride. Yvonne also writing technique is stellar and it reads so easily like she has been writing for years. The plot is amazing and I loved how every chapter I kept saying I would pause. I read this book in one sitting. I promise you there is no pausing. If you love second chance novels you will love this one. I give this novel a 5 out 5 for a debut novel for me is rare but it was just that good.
Solitude is painful when one is young, but delightful when one is more mature. ~ Albert Einstein
December 20, 2016
Lol! I lived in the townhouse complex Tavyn lives in. It was pretty cool to hear all the references of the neighborhood parks and restaurants. Felt a little bit rushed at the end but I enjoyed the read nonetheless!
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