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The Heart Knows: El Corazón Sabe
From the author of Haunted, The Rock Season, and Teacher: The Hollywood Rock and Romance Trilogy comes a new love story sure to tug on your heartstrings. R.L. Merrill presents El Corazón Sabe –The Heart Knows…
My name is Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and I teach English from mi corazón - my heart. My fragile students are my purpose in life and I give them my all every day. At least I did, until a violent act of retaliation nearly ended my life. I became a shell of a woman, paralyzed with grief, hiding in my closet with my booze-of-the-day wishing the pain would just disappear.
But no self-respecting Latina is allowed to let life get her down, not in mi familia. They scooped me up out of my miserable existence and forced me to face my demons until I was well enough to move on. Which I did—cross country to a new town, new school, and new purpose.
I’d never expected to like Iowa. I definitely never thought I’d have room in my life for a tall, goofy, blond, gringo Science teacher. The first time he hit me with a door, a chain-reaction began and I suddenly found clarity after months of despair. The more we collide, the more conflicted he becomes after experiencing his own devastating loss. Pero cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows—it’s time to listen.
For Mature Readers
This is Book One of a planned trilogy
My name is Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and I teach English from mi corazón - my heart. My fragile students are my purpose in life and I give them my all every day. At least I did, until a violent act of retaliation nearly ended my life. I became a shell of a woman, paralyzed with grief, hiding in my closet with my booze-of-the-day wishing the pain would just disappear.
But no self-respecting Latina is allowed to let life get her down, not in mi familia. They scooped me up out of my miserable existence and forced me to face my demons until I was well enough to move on. Which I did—cross country to a new town, new school, and new purpose.
I’d never expected to like Iowa. I definitely never thought I’d have room in my life for a tall, goofy, blond, gringo Science teacher. The first time he hit me with a door, a chain-reaction began and I suddenly found clarity after months of despair. The more we collide, the more conflicted he becomes after experiencing his own devastating loss. Pero cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows—it’s time to listen.
For Mature Readers
This is Book One of a planned trilogy
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2016
About the author
R.L. Merrill
83 books716 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 25, 2025
3.5 stars
**Author's Warning:** The content contains themes of violence, substance abuse, loss and grief, sexual content, and candid discussions on racism.
R. L. Merrill's The Heart Knows is an authentic story. It explores the themes of healing and finding your soulmate. This tale is full of emotions.
There were times when I wanted to knock some sense into them and then wrap them in cotton wool at the same time. My heart broke for them, while their best friends, Crystal and Curtis, provided plenty of laughs—they're hilarious.
Fate seems to have its plans, as the characters keep running into each other repeatedly.
Enjoy.
**Author's Warning:** The content contains themes of violence, substance abuse, loss and grief, sexual content, and candid discussions on racism.
R. L. Merrill's The Heart Knows is an authentic story. It explores the themes of healing and finding your soulmate. This tale is full of emotions.
There were times when I wanted to knock some sense into them and then wrap them in cotton wool at the same time. My heart broke for them, while their best friends, Crystal and Curtis, provided plenty of laughs—they're hilarious.
Fate seems to have its plans, as the characters keep running into each other repeatedly.
Enjoy.
February 14, 2016
I was fortunate to be an ARC reader on this book and again for R.l.Merrill. This book, wow, what do I say about this book...... it is well written, held my attention from the first chapter right down to the last words of the boook! I admitted to R. l. Merrill already that I was like, What!? No more to read? I kept trying to turn the last page, but there was no more. So with that said, the story begins with Leah who is a teacher. A very real and serious tragedy occurs and Leah needs a new life in a new town with her BFF from teacher college. Let's just say that Leah's life becomes anything but boring! Many funny parts I would read and bust out laughing and my hubby would look at me like I lost it! This book is a definite must. A must be on my book shelf kind of book instead of in my kindle. !DiosMio! You just gotta read it! !Pronto!
February 13, 2016
What an amazing new story! I absolutely loved it! Definitely different from her other writing but just as awesome! Two broken hearts coming together as one! Can't wait for the next book!
September 1, 2017
This is one of those books that sits with you for awhile. The author has weaved a story that is heartbreaking, sweet, and real. The story is filled with complex characters that are believable, as well as likable. The story will have you laughing one minute, then crying the next. This is a story well worth reading. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 25, 2025
This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Told from the very likeable and relatable English teacher Leah’s point of view, I felt invested in her romance with science teacher Donovan. Leah loved being a teacher and her students were her purpose in life until a violent act of retaliation nearly killed her. Following the attack Leah became paralysed with fear and grief, she started drinking daily and would hide away from those that loved her. However, her friends and family were determined not to let life get her down.
After a period of facing her demons and healing Leah feels able to move on. She moves cross country to start a new life in Iowa with a new purpose. The first time she meets Donovan he literally hits her with a door! Not the best start to a romance but they keep getting drawn to one another and a relationship develops. However, Donovan is conflicted by his feelings for Leah as he has experienced his own devastating loss.
I was captivated throughout by this emotional and engaging story. It does have content warnings as it deals with some difficult subjects, all of which are part of the overall story and are dealt with sensitively. I felt fully immersed in the story and I like how Leah’s voice comes across loud and clear from the books pages!
After a period of facing her demons and healing Leah feels able to move on. She moves cross country to start a new life in Iowa with a new purpose. The first time she meets Donovan he literally hits her with a door! Not the best start to a romance but they keep getting drawn to one another and a relationship develops. However, Donovan is conflicted by his feelings for Leah as he has experienced his own devastating loss.
I was captivated throughout by this emotional and engaging story. It does have content warnings as it deals with some difficult subjects, all of which are part of the overall story and are dealt with sensitively. I felt fully immersed in the story and I like how Leah’s voice comes across loud and clear from the books pages!
January 23, 2016
I received an early copy of this from the author, what a great book! It is a bit different from the others she has written, but still fantastic! It is a fast moving story of a teacher trying to escape her past, moving to the middle of the country from her California home to take a new job. She meets a fellow teacher who she seems to connect with, and I love how things develop! I am hoping this will become a series, I would love to see what happens!
February 13, 2016
Another awesome book by RL Merrill!
If you enjoy books where the heroine has a bit of struggle to get through in order to get the guy this one is perfect for you! I will say that the male interest (Donovan) was unlike what I expected for this story.
The book ended too early for me though!! I wanted so much more to happen before the ending came! I am one of those readers though that when it comes to RL Merrill's books I tend to open the book and fall right on in.
If you enjoy books where the heroine has a bit of struggle to get through in order to get the guy this one is perfect for you! I will say that the male interest (Donovan) was unlike what I expected for this story.
The book ended too early for me though!! I wanted so much more to happen before the ending came! I am one of those readers though that when it comes to RL Merrill's books I tend to open the book and fall right on in.
February 14, 2016
This book is heartbreaking, intense an funny at times. Leah an Donovan find each other at a time in their lives that they needed to. Both facing heartbreaking pasts an watching them learn to deal with then together makes this story one of the best I have read in a long time.
January 30, 2016
What an amazing new story! I absolutely loved it! Definitely different from her other writing but just as awesome! Two broken hearts coming together as one! Can't wait for the next book!
September 2, 2017
R.L. Merrill never disappoints me, this book was definitely a great read. It was a tear jerker about a woman trying to move on with her life after she suffers from a trauma. She moves to a new place trying to start over and meets a man who also suffered in his life. Can they move on together or is it too soon to start up a relationship while they're still trying to find their footing?
Everyone deals with things differently and these 2 come together with a shared history of sadness. They can lean on each other, but it may not seem healthy to others.
There is also humor in this book, when Leah and Donovan get together they can't stop hurting each other, usually it's Donovan hurting Leah. It's definitely laugh out loud. Add into the mix, a town that has some angry in laws, hormonal friends, and racist neighbors and it's a very interesting book.
Everyone deals with things differently and these 2 come together with a shared history of sadness. They can lean on each other, but it may not seem healthy to others.
There is also humor in this book, when Leah and Donovan get together they can't stop hurting each other, usually it's Donovan hurting Leah. It's definitely laugh out loud. Add into the mix, a town that has some angry in laws, hormonal friends, and racist neighbors and it's a very interesting book.
August 20, 2026
Cute love story.
Excerpt:
She’d done this before, this uncanny, seer-type talk. She continued, getting more animated as she spoke.
“See, people like you are put here by God to take care of us and teach us to be better people. The Lord put this trial in front of you, and you need to pass His test before you can find your peace, your path. Don’t neglect your prayer right now, Ms. Roberts. God will guide you.”
I smiled at her and grasped her hand. “Thank you. You’ve been too kind to me. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save him.”.
Excerpt:
She’d done this before, this uncanny, seer-type talk. She continued, getting more animated as she spoke.
“See, people like you are put here by God to take care of us and teach us to be better people. The Lord put this trial in front of you, and you need to pass His test before you can find your peace, your path. Don’t neglect your prayer right now, Ms. Roberts. God will guide you.”
I smiled at her and grasped her hand. “Thank you. You’ve been too kind to me. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save him.”.
September 4, 2017
I have yet to be disappointed by this author. I loved that this book was a bit diffrent than others that I have read by R.L. Merrill. It's fast-paced and filled with lots of emotion while still being relateable. The characters are so easy to love and the storyline holds your attention from beginning to end. I loved this book so much. A must read!
September 4, 2017
Sigue siendo mi corazón: Be still my heart
Moving past traumatic life circumstances can seem almost impossible. Many turn to addictive and harmful substances to numb the pain. Sometimes the only reason we survive is intervention by friends and family. Beautiful story of healing and moving on.
Moving past traumatic life circumstances can seem almost impossible. Many turn to addictive and harmful substances to numb the pain. Sometimes the only reason we survive is intervention by friends and family. Beautiful story of healing and moving on.
September 14, 2017
A great story that has love, and a little mystery. You will love all the characters and be cheering for everything to come out for them. You will laugh and cry along with the characters. This is one of my fav authors, and as usual she has delivered a great story!
February 27, 2016
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows, is such a beautiful and powerful story.
The story starts with a little introduction of who the main character is, Leah. She is a latin woman working as a teacher on a school in the USA, that on a terrible day suffers a tragedy that changed and marked her life forever. After this incident she is traumatized and inmerse herself in depression. She blames herself for what it happened and doesn't know how to get ouf that dark hole, she stops going to work, paying rent and living her life, until one day, her mom comes to get her, and takes her to live with her mom's family. She stars seeing a therapist and step by step she climbs out ouf the depression and shock she was in and makes the decision to rebuild her life. But she can't do it there so she decides to move away, start a new life in Iowa, with the help of her best friends: Crystal and Curtis, she comes to live with them on an mini apartment that they have in their house there. They both work as teachers in that little town, so they managed to find spot for Leah there.
And with that, Leah starts rebuilding her life, her confidence, and her future, little by little. On the way she finds herself involved with one of the best heroes that exist on books, Donovan. He is a blonde and hansome guy who has a lot of baggage with him. He went through a tragedy as well and he's also trying to live again. They complement each other. Their relationship starts with a friendship but soon it becomes something more. The hard part is that they both have a past they are not comfortable with, and neither of them know to get through it without feeling guilt, how to continue living their lives without the ones they lost.
These two characters are haunted by their past lives, by the tragedies that struck them and tore them apart. But they realize that maybe they belong together, and they want to be together but the guilt and the suffering they've had doesn't let them. As they struggle with their feelings, they also struggle with what's the people going to say. Interracial issued. And none of them is accepting that of course. Donovan wants to protect Leah from that, and from any harm that comes her way. He can make her ghosts and nightmares go away, and she makes him want to live again, to let himself find love again.
It's amazing how the author managed to create a story with a big amount of reality in it. It teaches about how we can't judge people about their looks, or about the way they live in, we have no right doing it. It teaches about faith and hope, how important it is to live with this values so when a tragedy strucks you, you have to ability to get up and keep fighting, and never give up. It also teaches a lesson about love and how powerful it can be, how it heals, how it makes it all better, and how important it is to have it, with yourself and with the others around you.
Leah, Donovan, Crystal and Curtis, they are all amazing characters. This makes you feel a part of them. I swear I want to be friends with them. They are cool people. Intelligent, kind, gentle, caring, loving, fun and SO SUPPORTIVE. This story is about how life can change in a minute or two, and how will you get past that. Their friendship was an important catalyst in the develop of the story. They were always supporting each other, and worrying about the others. They are strong and complex characters, that give us a lesson on the values everybody should have.
I loved this story, I loved everything about it, the characters, the plot, the twists and turns in it, and all the valuable lessons it teaches us.
Can't wait for book 2!
The story starts with a little introduction of who the main character is, Leah. She is a latin woman working as a teacher on a school in the USA, that on a terrible day suffers a tragedy that changed and marked her life forever. After this incident she is traumatized and inmerse herself in depression. She blames herself for what it happened and doesn't know how to get ouf that dark hole, she stops going to work, paying rent and living her life, until one day, her mom comes to get her, and takes her to live with her mom's family. She stars seeing a therapist and step by step she climbs out ouf the depression and shock she was in and makes the decision to rebuild her life. But she can't do it there so she decides to move away, start a new life in Iowa, with the help of her best friends: Crystal and Curtis, she comes to live with them on an mini apartment that they have in their house there. They both work as teachers in that little town, so they managed to find spot for Leah there.
And with that, Leah starts rebuilding her life, her confidence, and her future, little by little. On the way she finds herself involved with one of the best heroes that exist on books, Donovan. He is a blonde and hansome guy who has a lot of baggage with him. He went through a tragedy as well and he's also trying to live again. They complement each other. Their relationship starts with a friendship but soon it becomes something more. The hard part is that they both have a past they are not comfortable with, and neither of them know to get through it without feeling guilt, how to continue living their lives without the ones they lost.
These two characters are haunted by their past lives, by the tragedies that struck them and tore them apart. But they realize that maybe they belong together, and they want to be together but the guilt and the suffering they've had doesn't let them. As they struggle with their feelings, they also struggle with what's the people going to say. Interracial issued. And none of them is accepting that of course. Donovan wants to protect Leah from that, and from any harm that comes her way. He can make her ghosts and nightmares go away, and she makes him want to live again, to let himself find love again.
It's amazing how the author managed to create a story with a big amount of reality in it. It teaches about how we can't judge people about their looks, or about the way they live in, we have no right doing it. It teaches about faith and hope, how important it is to live with this values so when a tragedy strucks you, you have to ability to get up and keep fighting, and never give up. It also teaches a lesson about love and how powerful it can be, how it heals, how it makes it all better, and how important it is to have it, with yourself and with the others around you.
Leah, Donovan, Crystal and Curtis, they are all amazing characters. This makes you feel a part of them. I swear I want to be friends with them. They are cool people. Intelligent, kind, gentle, caring, loving, fun and SO SUPPORTIVE. This story is about how life can change in a minute or two, and how will you get past that. Their friendship was an important catalyst in the develop of the story. They were always supporting each other, and worrying about the others. They are strong and complex characters, that give us a lesson on the values everybody should have.
I loved this story, I loved everything about it, the characters, the plot, the twists and turns in it, and all the valuable lessons it teaches us.
Can't wait for book 2!
February 23, 2016
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I have read all of author R.L. Merrill's books and this one is so completely unlike any of her others that I was skeptical about it....turns out there was no need to be! She has proven herself as a versatile author with this one! The book hooks the reader right from the start and never lets them go, even after it ends. The reader continues to argue with their kindle that NO - that couldn't be the end of the book, there needs to be more! It is a losing battle on the readers end as that really was the end....for now! With that being said, I hope that the wait isn't too long for book 2 in this planned trilogy!!
This book starts out with a BANG - literally, a gunshot bang and continues on with a myriad of other kinds of bangs....The plot is quick moving, it flows seamlessly and it leaves the reader with a ton of conflicting emotions as they zoom through the book. The characters reach inside of the reader and grab them and don't let go. The author does such an amazing job with the details of this story that the reader feels like they jumped right into the pages of the book and are experiencing all of the emotions of the characters....you will laugh, cry, ugly cry, yell, get angry and then you will start all of those emotions and feelings all over again. The author really puts the reader through the wringer in this one and even though the reader doesn't want to, they love the author for evoking feelings this strongly from them.
Leah can't run from her past, but she can work to make a future - and that future includes a guy who may be just as damaged as her....the reader will root for the couple throughout all of the twists, turns, loops and curves of this book. They can't help but love Crystal and Curtis as well and the author makes all of her characters so incredibly real that the reader wants to be friends with them in everyday life.
Don't skip this one by author R.L. Merrill - this may be one of her best yet! Different doesn't mean not as good - in this case it may mean a master at all of the genres! I am looking forward to book 2 and also to what project this author has in store for us next! Don't be surprised to find author R.L. Merrill's name on the best-selling list some day soon!! Enjoy this book and all of her others - they are can't miss, must reads!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I have read all of author R.L. Merrill's books and this one is so completely unlike any of her others that I was skeptical about it....turns out there was no need to be! She has proven herself as a versatile author with this one! The book hooks the reader right from the start and never lets them go, even after it ends. The reader continues to argue with their kindle that NO - that couldn't be the end of the book, there needs to be more! It is a losing battle on the readers end as that really was the end....for now! With that being said, I hope that the wait isn't too long for book 2 in this planned trilogy!!
This book starts out with a BANG - literally, a gunshot bang and continues on with a myriad of other kinds of bangs....The plot is quick moving, it flows seamlessly and it leaves the reader with a ton of conflicting emotions as they zoom through the book. The characters reach inside of the reader and grab them and don't let go. The author does such an amazing job with the details of this story that the reader feels like they jumped right into the pages of the book and are experiencing all of the emotions of the characters....you will laugh, cry, ugly cry, yell, get angry and then you will start all of those emotions and feelings all over again. The author really puts the reader through the wringer in this one and even though the reader doesn't want to, they love the author for evoking feelings this strongly from them.
Leah can't run from her past, but she can work to make a future - and that future includes a guy who may be just as damaged as her....the reader will root for the couple throughout all of the twists, turns, loops and curves of this book. They can't help but love Crystal and Curtis as well and the author makes all of her characters so incredibly real that the reader wants to be friends with them in everyday life.
Don't skip this one by author R.L. Merrill - this may be one of her best yet! Different doesn't mean not as good - in this case it may mean a master at all of the genres! I am looking forward to book 2 and also to what project this author has in store for us next! Don't be surprised to find author R.L. Merrill's name on the best-selling list some day soon!! Enjoy this book and all of her others - they are can't miss, must reads!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
July 20, 2016
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.
*I was provided a copy of El Corazón Sabe by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
English teacher Leah Roberts grew up in the barrio, so she’s no stranger to gangs and violence. But when she’s caught in the middle of gunfire and seriously wounded, she becomes a shell of the woman she once was. Starting her life over in Iowa with her best friend is the perfect solution. Leah accepts a teaching position at a new school where she doesn’t exactly fit in, and on her first day a goofy science teacher literally bumps his way into her life. She doesn’t think Donovan could be her type, and they both have demons to overcome, but perhaps Leah has finally found her place in this world so far away from everything she’s ever known.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is book one in a planned trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone book. This book focuses on the background of both main characters and their budding romance while they each overcome their issues. Although there was instant attraction, the pace of the romance felt natural with both characters taking their time to get to know the other before entering a serious relationship. I appreciated the contrast between cultures and races and also how Leah had to adapt to life in small town Iowa.
Unfortunately, much of the story fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional. Leah went from a successful, outgoing teacher to the bottom of a bottle and a dark closet, and then pretty quickly picked herself back up and went back to where she started. Although she had some lingering issues, that part of the plot didn’t feel very well fleshed out. Donovan was either happy and goofy or sad and guilty about his wife who passed away with nothing else to round out his characterization.
The writing style left some things to be desired as well. The story moved a little too slowly for my taste, and many scenes felt like bits of dialogue with a lot of telling instead of action. There were some inconsistencies, and the plot could have used a little more focus outside the blossoming relationship.
The story has a good base, but just didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have liked.
*I was provided a copy of El Corazón Sabe by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
English teacher Leah Roberts grew up in the barrio, so she’s no stranger to gangs and violence. But when she’s caught in the middle of gunfire and seriously wounded, she becomes a shell of the woman she once was. Starting her life over in Iowa with her best friend is the perfect solution. Leah accepts a teaching position at a new school where she doesn’t exactly fit in, and on her first day a goofy science teacher literally bumps his way into her life. She doesn’t think Donovan could be her type, and they both have demons to overcome, but perhaps Leah has finally found her place in this world so far away from everything she’s ever known.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is book one in a planned trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone book. This book focuses on the background of both main characters and their budding romance while they each overcome their issues. Although there was instant attraction, the pace of the romance felt natural with both characters taking their time to get to know the other before entering a serious relationship. I appreciated the contrast between cultures and races and also how Leah had to adapt to life in small town Iowa.
Unfortunately, much of the story fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional. Leah went from a successful, outgoing teacher to the bottom of a bottle and a dark closet, and then pretty quickly picked herself back up and went back to where she started. Although she had some lingering issues, that part of the plot didn’t feel very well fleshed out. Donovan was either happy and goofy or sad and guilty about his wife who passed away with nothing else to round out his characterization.
The writing style left some things to be desired as well. The story moved a little too slowly for my taste, and many scenes felt like bits of dialogue with a lot of telling instead of action. There were some inconsistencies, and the plot could have used a little more focus outside the blossoming relationship.
The story has a good base, but just didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have liked.
July 25, 2025
With The Heart Knows, R.L. Merrill delivers a deeply emotional and culturally rich romance that explores grief, healing, and second chances. Revised, expanded, and newly polished from its original 2015 edition, this novel stands as a poignant tribute to resilience—and to the unpredictable, beautiful mess of falling in love when you least expect it.
Told in the voice of Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts, an English teacher with a broken past and a heart full of fight, the story centers around her journey back from the brink. After surviving a violent act of retaliation that nearly ends her life and spirit, Leah spirals into grief, depression, and substance use, hiding from the world—and herself. But her family, strong in their cultural roots and unrelenting in their love, refuse to let her disappear. With their support, Leah begins again, relocating to Iowa in hopes of finding peace, purpose, and distance from her pain.
What she finds instead is a quirky, blond science teacher who literally knocks her off her feet—first by accident, then with his quiet persistence. Their chemistry is unlikely, but undeniable. As their bond grows, both Leah and her new love interest confront their past traumas, slowly peeling away the emotional armor they’ve built to survive. Merrill balances humor with heartbreak, using each collision between the characters—both literal and emotional—to build a story that’s tender, messy, and authentic.
One of the novel’s strongest elements is its cultural voice. Leah is unapologetically Latina, and her identity, language, and family are integral to the story. Merrill doesn’t water down her Spanglish or her cultural perspective, and that authenticity brings depth and vibrancy to Leah’s narration. The phrase “cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows” becomes a refrain not just about love, but about self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the quiet courage to keep going.
The Heart Knows is more than a romance—it’s a story of survival, of rediscovery, and of the unexpected joy that follows devastation. Merrill’s prose is honest and warm, with a voice that feels lived-in and real. Readers looking for a love story grounded in emotional truth, diverse characters, and heartfelt redemption will find much to love here.
Told in the voice of Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts, an English teacher with a broken past and a heart full of fight, the story centers around her journey back from the brink. After surviving a violent act of retaliation that nearly ends her life and spirit, Leah spirals into grief, depression, and substance use, hiding from the world—and herself. But her family, strong in their cultural roots and unrelenting in their love, refuse to let her disappear. With their support, Leah begins again, relocating to Iowa in hopes of finding peace, purpose, and distance from her pain.
What she finds instead is a quirky, blond science teacher who literally knocks her off her feet—first by accident, then with his quiet persistence. Their chemistry is unlikely, but undeniable. As their bond grows, both Leah and her new love interest confront their past traumas, slowly peeling away the emotional armor they’ve built to survive. Merrill balances humor with heartbreak, using each collision between the characters—both literal and emotional—to build a story that’s tender, messy, and authentic.
One of the novel’s strongest elements is its cultural voice. Leah is unapologetically Latina, and her identity, language, and family are integral to the story. Merrill doesn’t water down her Spanglish or her cultural perspective, and that authenticity brings depth and vibrancy to Leah’s narration. The phrase “cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows” becomes a refrain not just about love, but about self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the quiet courage to keep going.
The Heart Knows is more than a romance—it’s a story of survival, of rediscovery, and of the unexpected joy that follows devastation. Merrill’s prose is honest and warm, with a voice that feels lived-in and real. Readers looking for a love story grounded in emotional truth, diverse characters, and heartfelt redemption will find much to love here.
May 14, 2025
Leah Roberts had the best job ever she was a teacher helping low income kids. Until the day she was shot trying to help one of her students. She became a shell of a woman , not the vibrant teacher until her family got involved , got her a job in of all places Iowa. She she moved to a new place knowing only 2 people and started over . Then life throws her a curve ball after literally running into a tall blonde science teacher and getting hit by a door. Who knew that event would lead to a relationship of healing and finding your other half. It is always time to listen to your heart because the heart knows.
Leah wow this girl has been through so much, coming from a tight Latina family of all women she is one strong woman. But things have not been kind to her and she has shut down and is wallowing. She does start to bounce back and realize that the hurt she has is hard to work through but with help from her friends she starts to become the person she use to be. Donovan is a sweet goofy guy who is really hurting inside. He has lost his wife a year ago to cancer and has just been living day to day since then. He is torn between his family and the new English teacher that ran into him on the first day. As we read we see them both heal and fall in love. There were moments where you wanted to knock their heads together over and over. Their best friends Crystal and Curtis, who are hilarious by the way, they truly find each other and fall in love. Each character is well written and you will fall each of them.
This is one of those books that you pick up and start reading and then two hrs later you are done . The author has a fun way of taking her characters and putting them in a situation that will either make you laugh out loud or shed a tear. The characters are well written and you can't help but love them. This was a fun read and if you want a fun read for your summer check it out.
Leah wow this girl has been through so much, coming from a tight Latina family of all women she is one strong woman. But things have not been kind to her and she has shut down and is wallowing. She does start to bounce back and realize that the hurt she has is hard to work through but with help from her friends she starts to become the person she use to be. Donovan is a sweet goofy guy who is really hurting inside. He has lost his wife a year ago to cancer and has just been living day to day since then. He is torn between his family and the new English teacher that ran into him on the first day. As we read we see them both heal and fall in love. There were moments where you wanted to knock their heads together over and over. Their best friends Crystal and Curtis, who are hilarious by the way, they truly find each other and fall in love. Each character is well written and you will fall each of them.
This is one of those books that you pick up and start reading and then two hrs later you are done . The author has a fun way of taking her characters and putting them in a situation that will either make you laugh out loud or shed a tear. The characters are well written and you can't help but love them. This was a fun read and if you want a fun read for your summer check it out.
May 5, 2016
Once again R.L. Merrill delivers a story with a very unique premise and even more unique characters. She considers both emotional and social subject matter with grace and compassion.. Her characters are complex with many layers and unique motivators. Merrill does not shy away from taking on heavy subjects, but she balances by giving us characters who can be awkward, that have biting humor (a.k.a. snark) , and who are courageous.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is about second chances in many different forms. The main character, Leah is recovering from a traumatic event and takes a job as a teacher in a smallish in American town in farm country. This alone is a huge change for her, but she when she finds herself very magnetically drawn to a peer, she’s challenged to open up herself up to new possibilities. Donovan, said peer, is completely charming but finds himself fighting his own emotional battle. Together, they have so much possibility. They get up to some shenanigans and even in the humor of it Merrill’s writing is poetic:
There’s a bit of angst as Donovan works through his past and the “...many obstacles…” they face. While they have a very clear connection, they experience that slow-burn, going from one step to the next with thoughtful consideration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of secondary characters that provide each personal support and help them contemplate life together. Crystal and Curtis provide comedic relief and give Leah a sense of belonging.
El Corazon Sabe is smart read and I can’t stress enough how skillfully Merrill takes on PTSD, grief, school violence, and forgiveness. I LOVE the concept of Leah and Donovans “Magnetic Pull” and I’m very excited for book 2.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is about second chances in many different forms. The main character, Leah is recovering from a traumatic event and takes a job as a teacher in a smallish in American town in farm country. This alone is a huge change for her, but she when she finds herself very magnetically drawn to a peer, she’s challenged to open up herself up to new possibilities. Donovan, said peer, is completely charming but finds himself fighting his own emotional battle. Together, they have so much possibility. They get up to some shenanigans and even in the humor of it Merrill’s writing is poetic:
“The wind howled outside the truck, even rocking us a bit, but it was nothing compared to the storm brewing between us.”
There’s a bit of angst as Donovan works through his past and the “...many obstacles…” they face. While they have a very clear connection, they experience that slow-burn, going from one step to the next with thoughtful consideration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of secondary characters that provide each personal support and help them contemplate life together. Crystal and Curtis provide comedic relief and give Leah a sense of belonging.
El Corazon Sabe is smart read and I can’t stress enough how skillfully Merrill takes on PTSD, grief, school violence, and forgiveness. I LOVE the concept of Leah and Donovans “Magnetic Pull” and I’m very excited for book 2.
July 21, 2025
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is a sweet and spicy contemporary romance that pulled at my heartstrings!
Leah is a teacher at a school for at-risk teens in California. Some students are rumored to be in gangs, but they adore Ms. Roberts. She loves them, and they know it. She is offering them a chance at success in life. Tragedy strikes one March day, and Leah’s life will never be the same. After experiencing some really dark times, she moved to Iowa to be near her college friend and start anew. She had no clue her life would change yet again.
Donovan is a science teacher at the new school where Leah will be teaching, and he is good friends with her college friend, Crystal, and her husband, Curtis. Like Leah, tragedy has also visited his doorstep. Neither one of them is looking for love, but as the title suggests, “the heart knows.”
I not only loved Leah and Donovan, but I respected them. Both of them went through some dark times involving loss and grief. I enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another and just being a support to each other as well. Merrill did an outstanding job of making me feel their pain and their joy in learning to live again.
This was so much more than a romance. It was about grief, loss, hope, friendship, and building a community. It discusses racism in such a loving way. It stresses the importance of building bridges instead of burning them down, and when it is all said and done, we are all human, deserving of love and acceptance. Fantastic book!!!!!
Leah is a teacher at a school for at-risk teens in California. Some students are rumored to be in gangs, but they adore Ms. Roberts. She loves them, and they know it. She is offering them a chance at success in life. Tragedy strikes one March day, and Leah’s life will never be the same. After experiencing some really dark times, she moved to Iowa to be near her college friend and start anew. She had no clue her life would change yet again.
Donovan is a science teacher at the new school where Leah will be teaching, and he is good friends with her college friend, Crystal, and her husband, Curtis. Like Leah, tragedy has also visited his doorstep. Neither one of them is looking for love, but as the title suggests, “the heart knows.”
I not only loved Leah and Donovan, but I respected them. Both of them went through some dark times involving loss and grief. I enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another and just being a support to each other as well. Merrill did an outstanding job of making me feel their pain and their joy in learning to live again.
This was so much more than a romance. It was about grief, loss, hope, friendship, and building a community. It discusses racism in such a loving way. It stresses the importance of building bridges instead of burning them down, and when it is all said and done, we are all human, deserving of love and acceptance. Fantastic book!!!!!
February 14, 2016
As you can probably tell from the blurb, this is an ugly cry, at least at the beginning. It was actually more of an emotional rollercoaster than I expected. The very first line, “ ‘Today feels wrong,’ ” sets the stage. As a former teacher, the first several chapters were a tough read for me, but they were worth it. This is a wonderful story about healing, both physical and spiritual.
The author is very talented with characterization. I couldn’t believe how quickly I fell in love with each character. Seriously, she had me within a paragraph of describing each of them, which made some of the story even more heartbreaking, especially knowing how realistic the plot is. I’m really glad I stuck with the book because it was worthwhile to see the healing and the strength of character of the heroine, Leah. I felt total empathy for her struggle with the after effects of the “incident.”
I loved that the author was able to bring humor into the story and lighten it up some once Leah moved to Iowa. The hero, Donovan, has a tragic backstory of his own and has his own healing to do. Although they both face obstacles, from their pasts and the present, they are able to help each other overcome them. It was so rewarding watching Leah get her strength back and rebuild her confidence, one step at a time, and to see Donovan allow himself to love again.
The author is very talented with characterization. I couldn’t believe how quickly I fell in love with each character. Seriously, she had me within a paragraph of describing each of them, which made some of the story even more heartbreaking, especially knowing how realistic the plot is. I’m really glad I stuck with the book because it was worthwhile to see the healing and the strength of character of the heroine, Leah. I felt total empathy for her struggle with the after effects of the “incident.”
I loved that the author was able to bring humor into the story and lighten it up some once Leah moved to Iowa. The hero, Donovan, has a tragic backstory of his own and has his own healing to do. Although they both face obstacles, from their pasts and the present, they are able to help each other overcome them. It was so rewarding watching Leah get her strength back and rebuild her confidence, one step at a time, and to see Donovan allow himself to love again.
July 22, 2025
This was a really emotional story about healing, moving on and finding love and peace. There are trigger warnings in this book as it deals with things such as grief, trauma, substance abuse, sexual content among other things. That being said the story itself is really powerful and moving and it was inspiring seeing the characters growth and their healing journey.
Leah Roberts was a happy person living her dream doing the job she loved as a teacher. When a incident happened when she was helping a student it shatters Leah's world and also shatters the person she was. Now she is a shell of the person she once was and she decides to move away and restart.
As she struggles to go through the healing process and rebuild herself the last thing she was thinking about was falling in love. Until Donovan walks into her life.
Donovan has his own issues to deal with namely coming to terms with the loss of his wife to cancer. Since then he hasn't been living just surviving day to day until he meets the new teacher.
Can they help each other heal? Will they be exactly what the other needs to heal and move forward with their lives?
I loved seeing this couples story play out and seeing them grow out of their despair towards the light of love. They are such a great couple that complements and supports each other through all their traumas and issues.
Leah Roberts was a happy person living her dream doing the job she loved as a teacher. When a incident happened when she was helping a student it shatters Leah's world and also shatters the person she was. Now she is a shell of the person she once was and she decides to move away and restart.
As she struggles to go through the healing process and rebuild herself the last thing she was thinking about was falling in love. Until Donovan walks into her life.
Donovan has his own issues to deal with namely coming to terms with the loss of his wife to cancer. Since then he hasn't been living just surviving day to day until he meets the new teacher.
Can they help each other heal? Will they be exactly what the other needs to heal and move forward with their lives?
I loved seeing this couples story play out and seeing them grow out of their despair towards the light of love. They are such a great couple that complements and supports each other through all their traumas and issues.
June 18, 2025
Reading this book broke my heart in so many ways. It also deals very tastefully with real-life tragedies that many of us (myself included) have experienced or worry we may experience in our lives.
Leah experiences a tragedy that so many teachers and parents worry about when it comes to their students and schools. Afterwards, it's a downward spiral of fear, anger, pain, and alcohol to numb everything. Moving to Iowa is her chance at a fresh start away from the memories, the pain, and so far away from the drama that is all the women in her large family!
Distance and a new start are just what Leah needed. But also the new man that keeps crashing into her is starting to become equally important in helping Leah overcome her nightmare experience. But is Leah ready to bring another person into all her struggles? Is she really ready to leave California behind forever?
I loved this book because not only does Donovan help Leah heal and realize just how important her love for her job and students is, but Leah helps Donovan move beyond just being a widower, something that everyone in the small town seems to see him as.
Leah experiences a tragedy that so many teachers and parents worry about when it comes to their students and schools. Afterwards, it's a downward spiral of fear, anger, pain, and alcohol to numb everything. Moving to Iowa is her chance at a fresh start away from the memories, the pain, and so far away from the drama that is all the women in her large family!
Distance and a new start are just what Leah needed. But also the new man that keeps crashing into her is starting to become equally important in helping Leah overcome her nightmare experience. But is Leah ready to bring another person into all her struggles? Is she really ready to leave California behind forever?
I loved this book because not only does Donovan help Leah heal and realize just how important her love for her job and students is, but Leah helps Donovan move beyond just being a widower, something that everyone in the small town seems to see him as.
July 2, 2016
Amazing Read....Get ready for a collision that will have the stairs rattling and lights breaking!
After a very unfortunate incident left Leah rattled and clinging to life, something had to give or she was going to lose herself. She had faced enough loss in her life. It was up to her familia to shake her by the collar and bring her out of her funk. Just as Leah was starting to become reestablished, her nearest and dearest friend called to check in. During which Crystal mentioned an opening at her school. The timing was perfect, Leah knew she had to make a change and what could be more of a change than moving from Del Norte, CA to Ayre Valley, IA? Leah had such a passion for teaching that she jumped at the opportunity, though she did fear being accepted. It was more her self doubt and battered shell that had her concerned. But with her two best friends by her side she was sure to feel at home and be introduced to new people.
On the first day on orientation, Leah met the other new teachers she'd be working with as well as a few me!beds of the faculty.
After a very unfortunate incident left Leah rattled and clinging to life, something had to give or she was going to lose herself. She had faced enough loss in her life. It was up to her familia to shake her by the collar and bring her out of her funk. Just as Leah was starting to become reestablished, her nearest and dearest friend called to check in. During which Crystal mentioned an opening at her school. The timing was perfect, Leah knew she had to make a change and what could be more of a change than moving from Del Norte, CA to Ayre Valley, IA? Leah had such a passion for teaching that she jumped at the opportunity, though she did fear being accepted. It was more her self doubt and battered shell that had her concerned. But with her two best friends by her side she was sure to feel at home and be introduced to new people.
On the first day on orientation, Leah met the other new teachers she'd be working with as well as a few me!beds of the faculty.
June 21, 2025
The Heart Knows
by R.L. Merrill
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is definitely worth the read. I must admit I do get a bit guarded when reading a book by a new author. I will say that it did take me a few chapters to get into the storyline as for me it started off a bit slow. However, I will also say that one the book picked up in pace, I found myself eager to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. I feel that this book had been well written and like I said before
it is definitely worth grabbing a copy to read.
So, any way we have Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and Donavon Masters as the stars of this book.
Both are teachers, both have sad pasts that they are trying to move on from, both have different backgrounds. Leah is trying to move on from being shot and the loss of one of her students. Donovan is trying to move on from the death of his wife from breast cancer. As the title of the book says the heart knows, but will Leah and Donovan know or act upon what the heart wants?
by R.L. Merrill
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is definitely worth the read. I must admit I do get a bit guarded when reading a book by a new author. I will say that it did take me a few chapters to get into the storyline as for me it started off a bit slow. However, I will also say that one the book picked up in pace, I found myself eager to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. I feel that this book had been well written and like I said before
it is definitely worth grabbing a copy to read.
So, any way we have Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and Donavon Masters as the stars of this book.
Both are teachers, both have sad pasts that they are trying to move on from, both have different backgrounds. Leah is trying to move on from being shot and the loss of one of her students. Donovan is trying to move on from the death of his wife from breast cancer. As the title of the book says the heart knows, but will Leah and Donovan know or act upon what the heart wants?
July 7, 2025
The Heart Knows
by R.L. Merrill
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is definitely worth the read. I must admit I do get a bit guarded when reading a book by a new author. I will say that it did take me a few chapters to get into the storyline as for me it started off a bit slow. However, I will also say that one the book picked up in pace, I found myself eager to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. I feel that this book had been well written and like I said before
it is definitely worth grabbing a copy to read.
So, any way we have Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and Donavon Masters as the stars of this book.
Both are teachers, both have sad pasts that they are trying to move on from, both have different backgrounds. Leah is trying to move on from being shot and the loss of one of her students. Donovan is trying to move on from the death of his wife from breast cancer. As the title of the book says the heart knows, but will Leah and Donovan know or act upon what the heart wants?
by R.L. Merrill
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is definitely worth the read. I must admit I do get a bit guarded when reading a book by a new author. I will say that it did take me a few chapters to get into the storyline as for me it started off a bit slow. However, I will also say that one the book picked up in pace, I found myself eager to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. I feel that this book had been well written and like I said before
it is definitely worth grabbing a copy to read.
So, any way we have Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and Donavon Masters as the stars of this book.
Both are teachers, both have sad pasts that they are trying to move on from, both have different backgrounds. Leah is trying to move on from being shot and the loss of one of her students. Donovan is trying to move on from the death of his wife from breast cancer. As the title of the book says the heart knows, but will Leah and Donovan know or act upon what the heart wants?
June 19, 2025
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a story that will warm your heart and pull at your heartstrings at the same time. I enjoyed this author’s ability to pull me into the character’s world from the start and kept me coming back for more. This is a story about an English teacher and a Science teacher and their conflicting their relationship. Leah thought she needed a new start but what she didn’t expect to find is him. They both have one thing in common, they both need healing. Will they listen to what fate and their hearts are saying to them? I enjoyed the characters in this story and how connectable they are. Their growth was great to watch throughout which made this easy to read. One of the things that stuck out the most is how supportive of each other they were. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is hard to put down and one I enjoyed reading. This is a great story and I highly recommend this story.
July 4, 2025
The Heart Knows: A Rock 'n' Romance Story (Rock 'N' Romance Series) by R. L. Merrill. This is the 4th book in A Rock 'N' Romance and my favorite so far. It's the story of Leah who is a teacher and she loves her job more than anything. She loves her students so much that she gets very involved in their lives almost to the point of losing her own life. She suffers a life changing incident that still haunts her. Trying to get over her trauma and move on she decides to literally move to another town and as she does she gets a new job teaching English and she is finally feeling like she is getting her life back. The Science teacher at the new school's name is Donovan and he is trying to get over the loss of his wife to breast cancer. They click instantly and even though neither is looking for love they may have very well found it. There are several trigger warnings for this book so be mindful.
July 6, 2025
The Heart Knows by R.L. Merrill is an achingly heartfelt and beautifully hopeful story about rediscovering life and love after unimaginable loss. Leah Roberts, an English teacher with an unbreakable spirit, fights her way back from the depths of trauma and grief with the unwavering support of her fierce, loving family. Her journey from despair to a fresh start in Iowa is as inspiring as it is raw, and her unexpected connection with a kind, clumsy science teacher brings a spark of light and laughter into her healing heart. Merrill writes with warmth and authenticity, capturing the messy, miraculous way love can find us when we least expect it. Uplifting, deeply emotional, and rich with cultural pride, The Heart Knows is a moving testament to resilience, family, and the quiet power of letting the heart lead the way. I definitely suggest reading the trigger warnings before diving in, though!
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