The Heart's Shrapnel

by S.J. Lynn

Phillip McClintock is currently serving as a Sergeant in the United States Army. But he's hiding a secret that no one, other than his close friends, can know. And this secret . . . it's personal. But, one problem turns into the next in this romantic suspense. His job can be dangerous. He has the scars to prove it. Which is exactly why he doesn't want this beauty, a surgeon's assistant, to get too close to him. Problem? He can't seem to stay away from her.
Jane Summers set out to Germany as a volunteer for the Army hospital. She's excited about the extra hands-on training. But, trouble arises when she falls for, Phillip, the sexy soldier that spells danger. After her Ex, Kevin, she swore never to get involved with another soldier again. However, there's something about Phillip that she finds herself being drawn to.
Will she give in to what her heart wants, or will she learn from past experiences? As these two start to grapple with their feeling for each other, the world around them begins to unravel. Can they both set aside the past to have a future...one with each other?

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Medical, Suspense, Contemporary, Adult

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2016

About the author

S. J. Lynn is a romance author with varying subgenres. She loves creating stories that grab her reader's attention from beginning to end... Stories that take you right into the world of her characters. Love, hope, loss, betrayal, action, suspense, mystery, thriller... She strives to do it all.
Walls of Ainsley is her latest novel to reach the top 10 in the psychological thriller genre with its sequel "Heart of Ainsley".
Every story has had a tremendous loving reaction from her readers that fuels her desire to keep on doing what she loves.
Lynn invites you to connect with her on social media where she loves to get to know her fans.

Reviews

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane is willing to do anything to get away from her ex, even accepting a job as a Military volunteer. She knows she can help there and she knows she won't find attraction there. That is, until a handsome man with a nearly fatal wound finds himself in her care.
Phillip has a dangerous job and is on a serious mission, he's keeping more secrets than anyone realize's, but the angel he remembers from the hospital is one he cannot forget. He doesn't allow anyone to get too close, protecting them from the dangers he knows exist, but he can't stay away from Jane.
As tensions rise and fear seeps into their lives Jane and Phillip find themselves gravitating towards one another. Their lives may take other paths though, paths that would keep them apart forever.

That face. He's even more handsome than I remembered. Really handsome-the kind you stay away from.

S.J. Lynn totally took me by surprise with The Heart's Shrapnel, it's so much more than just a military romance. Told in dual POV, Jane and Philip are sort of the least likely to work out couple, they butt heads, but only due to their intense attraction to one another. They're both enigmatic characters, with intense pasts that have shaped them into different people than they probably ever wanted to be. Yet, they both push on, striving to make things right in their own lives. I really loved that about both of them, how similar, and also different, they were. Their romance is not one of ease, filled with flowers and flourished words, but rather an intense pull that neither can ignore during a time of heightened fear. The war is not the place to find love, especially when one of them has a secret, but these two find it anyway. Mixing in the military world and the heightened suspense of Philip's job, as well as Jane's ex, was totally perfect for me, I loved not knowing what might happen next. I never once felt like I was guessing what was coming, except for their chemistry of course.

The way her skin felt, pressed firmly against mine, was like a drug, and gave me the only peace I've felt in a long while. It reminded me what I'm missing. But, I just couldn't do it.

I really fell in love with Phillip and Jane as a couple, I could read more books about them any time! Unfortunately, The Heart's Shrapnel wraps up fairly quickly at the end and lacks what I think could have been an excellent epilogue. I feel like I am missing closure on these two and their happily ever after, even though we get a glimpse of their future plans. They're just very dynamic and their relationship evolved during high-stress, high suspense times, we never get to see them during downtime being a couple. So, all I can say is, S.J. Lynn, give me more!

He towers above me. A powerhouse. A shelter.

The Heart's Shrapnel is definitely a hit and I am looking forward to reading more from S.J. Lynn. The writing is fantastic, I could easily picture every scene and experience every emotion alongside the characters. If you love military and suspense, as well as a whole lot of hot romance, this book is for you.

Merged review:

4.25 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Dark and mysterious, Walls of Ainsley holds within its pages a story of secrets, desperation, fear, and even romance. Told from alternating POV's, the main characters, Brigham and Scarlet, want to get to the bottom of the mystery, but for entirely different reasons. Scarlet is driven, to the point of being slightly obsessed, but her POV is the most enlightening because of that determination. I loved that she was fierce in her want for Brigham, but also in her want for the truth. I love that she uncovered the secrets, that she knew even more than those who were living within the house. Brigham is a heartbreaking character, the kind you both avoid and want to wrap your arms around. I was torn about my feelings for him, because you see how much he's been effected by the past and his current circumstances, you ache for his loneliness, but the reader also sees the sinister secrets in the shadows and the alarm surrounding him as a character is very real. The secondary characters are driven by their single-mindedness, they thing only of themselves and sway those surrounding them into believing it is for the greater good. While the characters left me torn in several directions, the suspenseful thriller kept me hanging on to every word. The reader is left in the dark, only shown glimpses of the horrors that wrought the old orphanage, but as Scarlet uncovers the truth the readers are taken on a twisted journey where more questions are unveiled than answers.

S.J. Lynn gifts the reader with her eloquent writing, intriguing characters, and a mystery that will give you the creepy crawlies from the very first page. While the book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, the story is complete and S.J. Lynn ends on a perfect moment, with the reader given a handful of information that will leave them horrified by their assumptions of what the truth really is. I really enjoyed this suspenseful mystery and I cannot wait for the sequel.

[Brittney Sahin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the other author's books, but this is my fave- I love thrillers, and this book delivers! You feel as though you are in England alongside the characters, especially because the male protagonist has grown up in seclusion, and you find yourself falling for the slightly disturbed sexy British man who you'd think is from the 1800s--from his clothing to speech. This is not your typical thriller, as it is laced with a story of romance, as two characters find themselves with troubled pasts, and the need to put their better foot forward. But Brigham has secrets- some he isn't even aware he's carrying. As the mystery unfolds, you'll be finding yourself guessing what will happen next- but then the plot twists another way, blowing you off course with delightful surprises at each turn.

Do yourself a favor and read this hot new thriller. I cannot wait to read the conclusion of the story in the sequel!

[J.A. Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my usual choice. I enjoyed S.J. Lynn's debut novel and was curious about her new release. She didn't disappoint. Great opening scene, strong characters and a fast paced storyline, caught my interest from the start. I was intrigued and Lynn kept me guessing with several sub-plots that were clever and complicated. Jane the lead character, leaves her home to volenteer her mecidcal services in the army. There she meets Philip, a Sergeant on a mission. Fighting the attraction they feel for each other, outside factors keep them at a distance. I was rooting for them as the story twisted and turned. Lynn ends the book well and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Merged review:

This was a book full of surprises for me. I have to say the story kept me intrigued and because of that, I raced through until the end. Scarlet wants her big break and travels to England to pursue an explosive story- Brigham Ainsley, the son of the most notorious mass murderer in Surrey and believed to be dead. Scarlet's luck holds as she gets an invitation into the former orphanage which is now a home. The mystery owner and Scarlet are drawn to each other and as she gets to know him she suspects he is not who he claims. Deeply troubled, she tries to heal him but as the book twist and turns, the full horror of his past is revealed and Scarlet must deal with forces beyond her control. I loved the ending, cliffhanger and all! I look forward to book 2.

[Brittney Sahin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved S.J.'s first book, Through the Fog, and I love her new release just as much! This is a military romance with enough steam to frost your glasses (if you wear them, of course!). The main characters developed over the course of the book in such a great way, and it was interesting to see how they came to each other. There were so many moments where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next (which is why I love romantic suspense novels). Phillip & Jane now have a special place in my heart, and I am so happy I read this book. The writer really draws you right into the scenes & makes you feel like you are there! I also really liked the subplots/side characters- it made the story that much more engaging! I look forward to the next book by this author!

[Soccergypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't enjoy an alpha macho military hero with a romantic side? What an absolutely delightful mystery/suspense novel that takes place during the tribulations of military service. Such colorful characters and a realistic setting. Be prepared for gut wrenching sadness and heartbreaking longing.

Merged review:

** I volunteered to read an advance reader copy of this book. **

I like a good suspenseful story and this did not disappoint. I found myself trying to figure out the mystery as it unraveled only to be surprised by a turn of the page. An edge-of-your-seat, heart rate accelerating, erotically charged read.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Kaitlyn Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot twist

Has a good storyline and strong protagonist . Start off kind of slow but once it starts heating up, you can't put it down.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of suspense, then I recommend checking out this book. Scarlett, a young journalism graduate has been fascinated with the story of the Ainsley’s and their orphanage ever since she first read about the tragedy that happened there. Her journalist radar was triggered and she felt there was more to the story. After graduating, she travels from San Fransisco, California to Surrey, England and somehow winds up staying at the scene of the crime. While there she meets Brigham Ainsley, though at first she doesn’t know. Brigham is the son and sole survivor of the events that happened there. He is a broken, shell of a man with a lot of issues. When she finally learns the truth, she doesn’t do what everyone it telling her too (leave), she stays and ends up falling in love with Brigham.
I couldn’t stop reading. This book drew me in and kept me locked inside. I had to know more about Brigham’s past. I needed to know if he would be able to finally heal. I wanted to see him whole. I still don’t have that answer. I do need to say that this book ends on a cliffhanger and I was not happy about that, I wanted all the answers. Now, to wait for the next book. Ms. Lynn is a new to me author, so I will be checking out her other work as well.

[Pamela Greving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not like any other that I have read. Scarlet is just out of college with debt she knows she can't repay. The only way that she can keep from getting caught back up in her past is to get a good job right out of college. What better way than to put to rest the story of the Ainsley's orphanage.

No one from the Manor has returned her phone calls for interviews, so she decides to show up in person. Will this be Scarlet's ending? Will she get the story before she meets the same fate as the Ainsleys?

This story is written in the third person POV from the two main characters. The writing style did trip me up a few times trying to get a hold of who was saying what. Scarlet was a strong female lead, but still had a history of her own that made her compassionate. Roxi was a great addition to the story as a friend to Scarlet. Overall, I liked The Walls of Ainsley a lot and will be reading the Heart of Ainsley. I have to know the whole story. With that being said I am giving The Walls of Ainsley 4.5 stars. It took a little bit for me to latch onto the story, but once I did, I was hooked. The ending wasn't what I expected and that is what I love. Are you ready for your tour inside The Walls of Ainsley, and will you make it out?

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Summers is running away from a past, and she has no intention of looking back. Trained as a surgeon, Jane volunteers in an army hospital in Germany. She is not looking for love, but when she meets Sergeant Philip McClintock, she can not stop the butterflies in her stomach. But Philip is hiding a dark secret, and he must not allow himself to fall in love with the beautiful Jane from Baltimore.

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I could not resist when I saw the cover of The Heart's Shrapnel by S.J. Lynn. This book has been on my to-read list forever, but finally, after many months, I found the time to read it.

I am pleased to say that the story lived up to the cover. I was utterly enthralled by the story of Jane and Philip. It was one of those books that I could not wait to get back to every evening!

I adored the characterisation of both Jane and Philip. Their story is both compelling and captivating. The plot is incredibly fast-paced, and I did not notice as the time flew by.

There are one or two plot twists that I did not see coming, and I am not going to reveal any spoilers, but I will say, you will be surprised at the end.

Great cover. Great Romance. Great Story. Great Book.

I Highly Recommend.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Phillip at the beginning of the book. Who is he? What has happened to him? Who is Ryan? Where are they at in the world? Why? When Ryan and Phillip go to meet up with Leonard and Dylan, what happens to Phillip while he's speaking with Leonard privately? When we read about Jane, who is she? What is she doing at the base? Why is she there? Why was she selected? When she is approached by her superior, what is she asked to do if she is willing? What does she say to the request. Right after that request, Phillip shows up and speaks with her supervisor. What does he tell her? What does she agree to? When she next speaks with her supervisor, what happens? We hear a little bit about a man named Kevin and that leads us to why Jane is where she is. What happens when she runs into him at her new location after leaving Germany? When it is discovered there is a mole in the CID unit, what happens? Who is it? Why did they do it? This book is full of twists and turns, not all of them good, but some of them incredible! Enjoy the read! I did.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Ann Meemken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane is a surgeon and volunteered to help at an Army hospital. She ended a relationship with her ex Kevin and vowed never to get involved with a military man. Her first day on duty she performs surgery on sergeant Phillip. She feels an immediate pull to him but also senses danger in him. She is afraid to put her heart on the line.

Phillip is on a dangerous mission and keeping many secrets from those around him. When he starts having feelings for Jane he keeps her at a distance. He has to keep his guard up so she does not find out what he is hiding and blow his mission. He does not want the mission to put her in danger.

This was a great story. I loved the mystery of Philip's mission along with the military setting. It left me guessing what was coming next which I enjoyed. I thought I had it figured out at one point but I was wrong. This is the first book by SJ Lynn that I have read and I loved it.

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was interesting to me, as I didn't guess most of the plot twists until later in the book. I really enjoy mystery/thriller plots that keep me guessing, and this was definitely one. The characters -primary and secondary - were easy to love and root for during the story. I felt all the feels while reading the book; I laughed, I got frustrated, and I was scared. In the end, I was happy and satisfied with the ending. I'm not sure if the author intends to have a second book with some of the secondary characters, but I feel the story was strong enough to support it, if she chooses to do so.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good story that keeps you flipping pages.

[Sarah Northwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part one of a two book series, which is fabulously suspenseful. The romantic element keeps you sated in this first book, but it is a story that you will need to read the second for the conclusion. The vivid imagery of Ainsley Manor makes you feel like you can step into the story and I found that this thriller delivered plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading. I confess to being disappointed that there were not more of my questions resolved in this first book, but only because the story was so brilliantly constructed that I wanted to know what happened. I may have just become hooked!

[Kayla Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

*~* I received a copy in return for a true, honest and unbiased review *~*

First off let me say this author is new to me and a military isn't something I can honestly say I've ever thought about reading but this has definitely swayed me. There's so much depth characters through out all the pages, the story line is gripping and intense with many twists and turns. I actually loved it! Will be looking out for this author is the future

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out a little confusing for me but it did not take long for me to become vested in the stories of Jane and Phillip. Both have secrets that they are reluctant to share as their relationship grows but soon they come to depend on the strength each one has t0o make their way. There were quite a few twists and surprises but I definitely enjoyed this book.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip is a sergeant in the military. He's hiding a secret that only his friends know. His work is very dangerous. He's not sure he can love again... that's until he meets this nurse named Jane. Can they both let go of their past to find new love with each other?

Merged review:

Oh my!!! I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat but it was so very suspenseful and had a great storyline. I can't wait for book 2. It was amazing

[Cath Erine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of ups and downs. It keeps you guessing from the beginning to the end. The characters are mysterious. Jane has her secrets and Wes is living his brother's life. The how and why that surrounds their mystery is what keeps you reading. It was a "who done it, love story" that I enjoyed reading.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane, a surgeon, signs up to volunteer for the Army. There she meets a a man y the name of Phillip. Philip has some secrets....so does Jane... so these secrets surface.

This was pretty good story. The writing at the beginning of the story was a bit confusing die to all the characters. The story moved long. I did feel at the end it seemed to move at a much faster pace. Overall a good story.

[Crystal Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. Personally it took time for me to get into it. There is nothing wrong with the book, just not really my cup of tea. The ending was unexpected though! I would recommend this to anyone who likes military romances.

[Nancy Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome book! It's suspenseful and dramatic. Scarlet and Brigham are very deep characters, each with their own demons. I can't wait to read book 2! This is a must read!!

[J.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first read of S.J. Lynn's books and I'm eager to read the second in this series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are a surgeon and sent to assist with the military in mid east, and you fall for a very private soldier. Oh your abusive boy friend shows up and kidnaps you.