What do you think?
Rate this book
Combat Hearts #1
Stitched Up Heart
As an Air Force medic, Bree Marks saw the worst the War on Terror had to dish out. Now a physical therapist, she uses her experience to help other veterans heal from their physical wounds; while she battles her own emotional damage.
Blaming himself for his best friend’s suicide, former Army Ranger Jase Larken, retreated from life. To honor his best friend’s memory and assuage his guilt, he started an outdoor adventure company to help veterans with PTSD.
Bree had better things to do than catch her cheating fiancé in bed with another woman. Jase is something better - for a night at least. For the first time in years, Jase wanted more. When he finds her again, he doesn’t give her another chance to run.
Jase’s possessiveness grates on Bree’s independent nature. She’s dealt with her fair share of alpha-male, door kickers and doesn’t need one telling her what to do now. But as a new danger emerges, Bree and Jase must face their pasts, before someone's obsession with Bree destroys any chance they have of a future.
Blaming himself for his best friend’s suicide, former Army Ranger Jase Larken, retreated from life. To honor his best friend’s memory and assuage his guilt, he started an outdoor adventure company to help veterans with PTSD.
Bree had better things to do than catch her cheating fiancé in bed with another woman. Jase is something better - for a night at least. For the first time in years, Jase wanted more. When he finds her again, he doesn’t give her another chance to run.
Jase’s possessiveness grates on Bree’s independent nature. She’s dealt with her fair share of alpha-male, door kickers and doesn’t need one telling her what to do now. But as a new danger emerges, Bree and Jase must face their pasts, before someone's obsession with Bree destroys any chance they have of a future.
286 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2016
1073 people are currently reading
1346 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Captain Caveman Stars
"Oh my god. I just creamed my panties." Bree nudged Denise and tilted her head in the direction she was looking. "Sweet, merciful Jesus, that man is a walking orgasm. How tall do you think he is?"-Bree and Denise
May have Mild Spoilers
Stitched Up Heart was a special find for me. An undiscovered gem that I just fell in love with. I call it an undiscovered gem because I have never heard of this author. When I finished this book I looked her up to try to find more books by her and all I found was this one. So I am guessing she is a new author and this is her debut novel. There was nothing about this book that I didn't love. Nothing I would change. I enjoyed every minute of this read. Tarina Deaton has an amazing writing style that really worked for me. She just got herself a fangirl!
"I'm leaving. Bree's not. You fuck with her and I will hunt you down, chop you up in my meat grinder, and feed you to my dogs. The cops will have to dig through their shit to identify your DNA. We good?"-Denise to Jase
"I want to come." "Oh, you will. You're going to come all over my face. Then you're going to come all over my cock as I bury it deep inside this pretty pussy." "Oh my god." She lifted her head to look down her body at him. Her core clenched at the sight of his head buried between her legs. "Are you going to fuck me or talk me to death?" Jase looked up at her from his position between thighs. "I'm going to find something more useful for that dirty mouth to do, you keep it up."-Bree and Jase
I have a serious weakness for (ex)military men. They hold a special place in my heart for all they and their families give up for our freedom and our country. Plus they are brave, strong and sexy as hell. Jase the ex Army Ranger was no different. Jase oozed sexiness. He was all yummy alpha and bossy. He had this protective, sexy caveman side that could melt panties. I loved the way he would just throw Bree over his shoulder and carry her around. I also loved that he was all in with Bree. He wanted her and he was gonna have her. Supportive and strong he was a great hero! Stitched Up Heart gave me something else I really love reading. A strong, kick-ass heroine. Bree was awesome. She was ex Air Force, now VA physical therapist. She was funny, sassy, loyal, caring, and she could totally take care of herself! I loved that even though she was a strong woman she would give Jase what he needed when he would get overprotective. She also had a vulnerable side under the tough girl that was very endearing.
"We're not done with this conversation," Jase said. "We didn't actually have a conversation. You just threatened to spank me and made me come." He quirked an eyebrow. "Did you get my meaning?"-Jase and Bree
"Bree. I will fight for this. I will fight to be in every compartment you create. But I need to know you're going to fight too."-Jase
Let me just tell you Jase and Bree had massive chemistry. From the moment they laid eyes on each other it was a done deal. And their passion was burning up my kindle. I loved that they also were very supportive of each other. Something else I really enjoyed was Bree and her friendship with BF and ex military woman Denise. They were so funny together. They were like sisters. They had been to hell and back together. They had a deep supportive friendship that really came through the pages. It's nice to see women being portrayed as strong, smart, caring and supportive of each other and not being catty backstabbers that can't be friends with other women.
"He's only been gone a few days. It's ridiculous. I feel ridiculous and I don't know what to do. I'm being all..... what's the word for it?" "Girly." "Girly!" Bree snapped her fingers and pointed at Denise like she had just solved the world's energy crisis. "How do I quit being all girly and emotional?" "Don't look at me. I haven't done girly since I went through puberty. I'm void of emotions." "You do emotions," Bree said. Denise lifted the latch on the half door and entered the stall. The dog's tail thumped on the ground as Denise knelt next to her head. "I do some emotions, none of which are girly emotions. My emotions usually involve fireballs and razing insurgent strongholds to the ground."-Bree and Denise
Jase and Chris stepped into the living room and froze, jaws agape, a look of absolute horror on their faces at the sight of Channing Tatum grinding, semi-naked, on the large screen. Chris dropped his bad and shouted, "Let it rain!" He undulated his hips in a way that put Channing Tatum to shame. Bree and Denise laughed and whooped when Chris turned and shook his butt at them.
The drama of the story that kept the action going came from a source outside of the couple and their relationship which I loved. That gave me tons of romance and relationship building without all the angsty push/pull. The thing I think I love the most about this book was that the author touched on a subject that is real, heartbreaking and normally not talked about. In a respectful way she put a spotlight on it. PTSD and Veteran suicide. It's a very real and very big problem and the more it is talked about the more people it reaches. Understanding the pain and struggles they go through when they get home and finding ways to help them is important and it all starts with talking about the problem. I love me some military romances and this book gave me plenty to love. I really hope that the next book is Denise's story. Tarina Deaton has great talent and I can't wait to get my hands on more of her books. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Military romances, and sexy and strong heroes/heroines. Give this book a try and I hope you all love it as much as I did!!!
"Jase, I know you're worried, so I'm trying to see this overprotectiveness as cute rather than annoying and overbearing." She set her hands on her hips. "But I swear to almighty god, if you don't stop talking to me like I'm an idiot, I'm going to punch you in the balls again." He stepped coser, but kept his hand on the door. "You like my balls." She tilted her head back to maintain eye contact. "I do. So it would be a shame if I couldn't use them because they had to be surgically extracted."-Bree and Jase
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
"Oh my god. I just creamed my panties." Bree nudged Denise and tilted her head in the direction she was looking. "Sweet, merciful Jesus, that man is a walking orgasm. How tall do you think he is?"-Bree and Denise
May have Mild Spoilers
Stitched Up Heart was a special find for me. An undiscovered gem that I just fell in love with. I call it an undiscovered gem because I have never heard of this author. When I finished this book I looked her up to try to find more books by her and all I found was this one. So I am guessing she is a new author and this is her debut novel. There was nothing about this book that I didn't love. Nothing I would change. I enjoyed every minute of this read. Tarina Deaton has an amazing writing style that really worked for me. She just got herself a fangirl!
"I'm leaving. Bree's not. You fuck with her and I will hunt you down, chop you up in my meat grinder, and feed you to my dogs. The cops will have to dig through their shit to identify your DNA. We good?"-Denise to Jase
"I want to come." "Oh, you will. You're going to come all over my face. Then you're going to come all over my cock as I bury it deep inside this pretty pussy." "Oh my god." She lifted her head to look down her body at him. Her core clenched at the sight of his head buried between her legs. "Are you going to fuck me or talk me to death?" Jase looked up at her from his position between thighs. "I'm going to find something more useful for that dirty mouth to do, you keep it up."-Bree and Jase
I have a serious weakness for (ex)military men. They hold a special place in my heart for all they and their families give up for our freedom and our country. Plus they are brave, strong and sexy as hell. Jase the ex Army Ranger was no different. Jase oozed sexiness. He was all yummy alpha and bossy. He had this protective, sexy caveman side that could melt panties. I loved the way he would just throw Bree over his shoulder and carry her around. I also loved that he was all in with Bree. He wanted her and he was gonna have her. Supportive and strong he was a great hero! Stitched Up Heart gave me something else I really love reading. A strong, kick-ass heroine. Bree was awesome. She was ex Air Force, now VA physical therapist. She was funny, sassy, loyal, caring, and she could totally take care of herself! I loved that even though she was a strong woman she would give Jase what he needed when he would get overprotective. She also had a vulnerable side under the tough girl that was very endearing.
"We're not done with this conversation," Jase said. "We didn't actually have a conversation. You just threatened to spank me and made me come." He quirked an eyebrow. "Did you get my meaning?"-Jase and Bree
"Bree. I will fight for this. I will fight to be in every compartment you create. But I need to know you're going to fight too."-Jase
Let me just tell you Jase and Bree had massive chemistry. From the moment they laid eyes on each other it was a done deal. And their passion was burning up my kindle. I loved that they also were very supportive of each other. Something else I really enjoyed was Bree and her friendship with BF and ex military woman Denise. They were so funny together. They were like sisters. They had been to hell and back together. They had a deep supportive friendship that really came through the pages. It's nice to see women being portrayed as strong, smart, caring and supportive of each other and not being catty backstabbers that can't be friends with other women.
"He's only been gone a few days. It's ridiculous. I feel ridiculous and I don't know what to do. I'm being all..... what's the word for it?" "Girly." "Girly!" Bree snapped her fingers and pointed at Denise like she had just solved the world's energy crisis. "How do I quit being all girly and emotional?" "Don't look at me. I haven't done girly since I went through puberty. I'm void of emotions." "You do emotions," Bree said. Denise lifted the latch on the half door and entered the stall. The dog's tail thumped on the ground as Denise knelt next to her head. "I do some emotions, none of which are girly emotions. My emotions usually involve fireballs and razing insurgent strongholds to the ground."-Bree and Denise
Jase and Chris stepped into the living room and froze, jaws agape, a look of absolute horror on their faces at the sight of Channing Tatum grinding, semi-naked, on the large screen. Chris dropped his bad and shouted, "Let it rain!" He undulated his hips in a way that put Channing Tatum to shame. Bree and Denise laughed and whooped when Chris turned and shook his butt at them.
The drama of the story that kept the action going came from a source outside of the couple and their relationship which I loved. That gave me tons of romance and relationship building without all the angsty push/pull. The thing I think I love the most about this book was that the author touched on a subject that is real, heartbreaking and normally not talked about. In a respectful way she put a spotlight on it. PTSD and Veteran suicide. It's a very real and very big problem and the more it is talked about the more people it reaches. Understanding the pain and struggles they go through when they get home and finding ways to help them is important and it all starts with talking about the problem. I love me some military romances and this book gave me plenty to love. I really hope that the next book is Denise's story. Tarina Deaton has great talent and I can't wait to get my hands on more of her books. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Military romances, and sexy and strong heroes/heroines. Give this book a try and I hope you all love it as much as I did!!!
"Jase, I know you're worried, so I'm trying to see this overprotectiveness as cute rather than annoying and overbearing." She set her hands on her hips. "But I swear to almighty god, if you don't stop talking to me like I'm an idiot, I'm going to punch you in the balls again." He stepped coser, but kept his hand on the door. "You like my balls." She tilted her head back to maintain eye contact. "I do. So it would be a shame if I couldn't use them because they had to be surgically extracted."-Bree and Jase
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
October 1, 2016
***3,5 "Type-A, alpha-male, door-kicker vibe" stars***
I have two days that I've finished this book and to be honest, i was a little bit comfused of how i will rate it!!!
And why was that???
Damn, this story was very good!!! The characters were the best!!! The actions were amazing!!!
But something was a little bit off for me and i'm afraid that something was that the things were moving super fast between the two heroes and that was a little bit stressful for me....
Overall, it was a very good reading with a very good plot...
Bree is a plyshical therapist. She was serving in Air Force and she made a purpose of life to help soldiers who was suffering from PTSD and other complications... She has devoted her life in this purpose because she knows how hard it is to come back in the real world when you had witnessed the horible actions of war...
Jase had been a Ranger for a long time, but after he lost his best friend in the aftermath of the battle, he had opened a company who is helping ex soldiers with PTSD and more through some activities, such as hunting and camping, to adapt better in their present life...
For Jase, the loss of his friend, was a big shock whi forced him to change his ways in life...
At this moment, Bree is caughting her fiancee cheating on her and she and her girl, Denise, are deciding to get out for the night to have fun and to forget of that a$$hole.
There, Bree is meeting Jase and from the first moment, the attraction is too big...
So this is leading to a super sexy night stand, but the other day Bree is missing from Jase's side!!!And that is pissing him off very much!!!
But that won't be the last time that they will meet and then everything will change between them...
“This is going really fast.”
“This or us?”
“Us,” she whispered.
“You scared?”...
“Yes.”
“Good.... If you weren’t scared, it wouldn’t be real.”
I really loved both Jase and Bree...
Jase was a little bit of a caveman... Bossy, determined, a rough alpha male!!! But there were times that he could be sweet and caring... The only sure thing is that he was very protective of Bree and with a good reason...
Bree was a kick ass heroine. She was kind, generous, sweet, but at the same time she was fierce, strong and independent... Bree was afraid to let herself fall in love with Jase, but as much as she tried to resist, it was impossible...
Those two were having so much chemistry...
They were hot as hell together and they could understand each other better than anyone else...
They were having lots of things to deal with themselves, but at the same time, there was lurking a danger that bound them even more...
“You can’t ever leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.”
As you can understand, i enjoyed this story very much and if the things were moving a little bit slower, my rating would be higher...
I also have to say that i liked very much Gran, Denise and Chris...
And i can't wait to read Denise's story because i think that she has lots of things to give!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
I have two days that I've finished this book and to be honest, i was a little bit comfused of how i will rate it!!!
And why was that???
Damn, this story was very good!!! The characters were the best!!! The actions were amazing!!!
But something was a little bit off for me and i'm afraid that something was that the things were moving super fast between the two heroes and that was a little bit stressful for me....
Overall, it was a very good reading with a very good plot...
Bree is a plyshical therapist. She was serving in Air Force and she made a purpose of life to help soldiers who was suffering from PTSD and other complications... She has devoted her life in this purpose because she knows how hard it is to come back in the real world when you had witnessed the horible actions of war...
Jase had been a Ranger for a long time, but after he lost his best friend in the aftermath of the battle, he had opened a company who is helping ex soldiers with PTSD and more through some activities, such as hunting and camping, to adapt better in their present life...
For Jase, the loss of his friend, was a big shock whi forced him to change his ways in life...
At this moment, Bree is caughting her fiancee cheating on her and she and her girl, Denise, are deciding to get out for the night to have fun and to forget of that a$$hole.
There, Bree is meeting Jase and from the first moment, the attraction is too big...
So this is leading to a super sexy night stand, but the other day Bree is missing from Jase's side!!!And that is pissing him off very much!!!
But that won't be the last time that they will meet and then everything will change between them...
“This is going really fast.”
“This or us?”
“Us,” she whispered.
“You scared?”...
“Yes.”
“Good.... If you weren’t scared, it wouldn’t be real.”
I really loved both Jase and Bree...
Jase was a little bit of a caveman... Bossy, determined, a rough alpha male!!! But there were times that he could be sweet and caring... The only sure thing is that he was very protective of Bree and with a good reason...
Bree was a kick ass heroine. She was kind, generous, sweet, but at the same time she was fierce, strong and independent... Bree was afraid to let herself fall in love with Jase, but as much as she tried to resist, it was impossible...
Those two were having so much chemistry...
They were hot as hell together and they could understand each other better than anyone else...
They were having lots of things to deal with themselves, but at the same time, there was lurking a danger that bound them even more...
“You can’t ever leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.”
As you can understand, i enjoyed this story very much and if the things were moving a little bit slower, my rating would be higher...
I also have to say that i liked very much Gran, Denise and Chris...
And i can't wait to read Denise's story because i think that she has lots of things to give!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
April 14, 2017
Reread April 2017
I actually enjoyed this more on reread so I'm bumping up my rating to 5 Stars. I adore Jase. He's an awesome hero all alpha and possessive like I love.
Original review September 2016
**4 “I love you, snot bubbles and all” stars**
After finding her fiancé in a compromising position, Bree dumps his ass and decides a night with her friend, Denise is in order. Upon arriving at the bar, she’s immediately snatched up by Jase who’s there with friends. After a glorious night of hot sex, Bree sneaks out without leaving any information for Jase to find her and Jase is furious! At a chance, meeting for both of their work, the relationship takes off and Jase isn’t taking no for an answer.
This was a nice little surprise. The writing flowed well and it held my interest. I enjoyed both mc’s as well as the side characters and can’t wait to read their stories. I loved that, though there was some sexy times between the two, there was an actual story as well. I thought I had the baddie figured out early on but there was enough doubt that I questioned myself a couple of times.
I loved Jase. He was that super bossy, alpha caveman that I love in heroes. But he also knew how to take care of his woman. Bree was a great heroine. She was a decorated through the Air Force for her bravery and was one tough cookie but she also had that soft, feminine, and vulnerable side that I like to see.
This deals with a lot of subjects including PTSD, stalkers and suicide. I felt it was nicely done and believable. Jase dealt with his pain from his tour with booze and women. It was just a short mention and totally believable given his situation. Unlike some man whores in books today who just screw for the fun of it, he used the booze and sex to try to forget. He gets his act together and has been clean well before he ever meets Bree. This is brought up one or two times and is just a blip on the radar. Bree had her own type of PTSD and while she handled it differently than Jase, it too was totally believable. There were times when my heart just broke for the two of them in all that they endured. They both deserved a HEA.
I gotta say right here, I took off half a star because there was no epilogue…*sigh* this seems to be the norm lately with books. I realize there will be more in this series and I do look forward to those books. However, I do like to see the couple later on to ensure they have indeed gotten their HEA for years to come.
I actually enjoyed this more on reread so I'm bumping up my rating to 5 Stars. I adore Jase. He's an awesome hero all alpha and possessive like I love.
Original review September 2016
**4 “I love you, snot bubbles and all” stars**
After finding her fiancé in a compromising position, Bree dumps his ass and decides a night with her friend, Denise is in order. Upon arriving at the bar, she’s immediately snatched up by Jase who’s there with friends. After a glorious night of hot sex, Bree sneaks out without leaving any information for Jase to find her and Jase is furious! At a chance, meeting for both of their work, the relationship takes off and Jase isn’t taking no for an answer.
This was a nice little surprise. The writing flowed well and it held my interest. I enjoyed both mc’s as well as the side characters and can’t wait to read their stories. I loved that, though there was some sexy times between the two, there was an actual story as well. I thought I had the baddie figured out early on but there was enough doubt that I questioned myself a couple of times.
I loved Jase. He was that super bossy, alpha caveman that I love in heroes. But he also knew how to take care of his woman. Bree was a great heroine. She was a decorated through the Air Force for her bravery and was one tough cookie but she also had that soft, feminine, and vulnerable side that I like to see.
This deals with a lot of subjects including PTSD, stalkers and suicide. I felt it was nicely done and believable. Jase dealt with his pain from his tour with booze and women. It was just a short mention and totally believable given his situation. Unlike some man whores in books today who just screw for the fun of it, he used the booze and sex to try to forget. He gets his act together and has been clean well before he ever meets Bree. This is brought up one or two times and is just a blip on the radar. Bree had her own type of PTSD and while she handled it differently than Jase, it too was totally believable. There were times when my heart just broke for the two of them in all that they endured. They both deserved a HEA.
I gotta say right here, I took off half a star because there was no epilogue…*sigh* this seems to be the norm lately with books. I realize there will be more in this series and I do look forward to those books. However, I do like to see the couple later on to ensure they have indeed gotten their HEA for years to come.
October 3, 2016
Well, this was a nice surprise. I am really bad at reading the books I get from Netgalley. Not sure why! This is a debut novel from this author and it was very good. I loved both the main characters, Jase and Bree.
Both war veterans but have left their army careers behind. Strong characters. He was a bit of an Alpha ass, always wanting to protect her. Nothing wrong with that but Bree is a strong, independent woman and cannot handle it.
Great secondary characters. Look forward to reading about Denise. Maybe in the next book?
The story really flowed. Throw in a bit of murder, suspense and Bob's your uncle. I was happy!
Sex scenes were hot. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
ARC received from Netgalley! Thanks.
Both war veterans but have left their army careers behind. Strong characters. He was a bit of an Alpha ass, always wanting to protect her. Nothing wrong with that but Bree is a strong, independent woman and cannot handle it.
"I know this is new. For both of us. I get the sense your ex didn't treat you the way you should be treated ... he was a fuckwit who didn't appreciate what he had. Didn't protect it like he should've. I'm grateful he fucked up because it means I got a shot at you."
Great secondary characters. Look forward to reading about Denise. Maybe in the next book?
The story really flowed. Throw in a bit of murder, suspense and Bob's your uncle. I was happy!
Sex scenes were hot. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
ARC received from Netgalley! Thanks.
December 18, 2024
“You can’t ever leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.”
4 solid stars for this passionate and emotional story!!
Stitched Up Heart is my first book by Tarina Deaton and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful and heart-warming story that tugged at my heart. Love the way the author handled successfully challenging themes like veteran PTSD, suicide and loss.
I instantly connected with Jase, the former Army Ranger who runs an outdoor company to help veterans with PTSD and Bree, the physical therapist and former Air Force medic. Two endearing and down to earth characters I found myself liking as individuals and as a couple. The chemistry between them was off-the-charts hot and I felt their fiery connection which was certainly steamy and all-consuming.
I recommend this wonderfully written, hot, sexy, emotional and addictive romance with a hint of mystery and a message that needs to be heard.
4 solid stars for this passionate and emotional story!!
Stitched Up Heart is my first book by Tarina Deaton and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful and heart-warming story that tugged at my heart. Love the way the author handled successfully challenging themes like veteran PTSD, suicide and loss.
I instantly connected with Jase, the former Army Ranger who runs an outdoor company to help veterans with PTSD and Bree, the physical therapist and former Air Force medic. Two endearing and down to earth characters I found myself liking as individuals and as a couple. The chemistry between them was off-the-charts hot and I felt their fiery connection which was certainly steamy and all-consuming.
I recommend this wonderfully written, hot, sexy, emotional and addictive romance with a hint of mystery and a message that needs to be heard.
October 28, 2016
Uh just saying .... I about gave myself whiplash checking out the author to discover this is her debut. I bloody loved every single word of this book, it's been a long time since a book with low to no angst has grabbed me like Stitched Up Heart has.
What a fantastic read this was with everything in it that I love - great side characters, romantic suspense, military background, tight writing/pacing, a hot alpha male that’s all about his woman and actually LISTENS to her, a bloody kickass strong heroine that has the softest centre and doesn't try to emasculate the hero. These two together are utter perfection, with no ridiculous push and pull. Total. Book. Nirvana.
I wish there had been a peek into their future with some sort of epilogue, although that wasn’t really a huge issue for me because I’m guessing we’re going to be seeing more of Bree and Jase in other books in what I hope is going to be a long series, and I’m so going to be stalking the author in anticipation of the next time she hits publish.
4.75 stars
What a fantastic read this was with everything in it that I love - great side characters, romantic suspense, military background, tight writing/pacing, a hot alpha male that’s all about his woman and actually LISTENS to her, a bloody kickass strong heroine that has the softest centre and doesn't try to emasculate the hero. These two together are utter perfection, with no ridiculous push and pull. Total. Book. Nirvana.
I wish there had been a peek into their future with some sort of epilogue, although that wasn’t really a huge issue for me because I’m guessing we’re going to be seeing more of Bree and Jase in other books in what I hope is going to be a long series, and I’m so going to be stalking the author in anticipation of the next time she hits publish.
4.75 stars
October 15, 2018
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: Ehhh, not going on my favorites shelf. I didn't hate it or anything, but it just kinda fell flat. The suspenseful aspects were unexpected. I didn't feel any mystery behind it, because I figured out who it was from the start. I didn't fully get their jump into feelings of love, as it felt a little too "insta" for me. The ending also was lackluster with no epilogue. BUT! I did appreciate the military aspect to this, and especially the fact that the h was a war hero with her own trauma she was dealing with. I also liked the service dogs. The mcs were both likable. So, I'm going with a little bit higher than a "just okay" 3 star rating here.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bree and Jase's story. Bree finds her fiancé in her house with another woman and when kicking herself for not ending things sooner with him like she had planned, her and her best friend decide to hit up the local bar. There she meets Jase and has a hot ONS. After sneaking out the next morning, they are both shocked to meet again in a professional setting. Jase won't let her sneak out of his life again, especially when a string of murders start popping up that are linked to her somehow. There are some sad moments, some sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Bree and Jase in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It felt slow in some parts, but never so much that I skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of. I didn't fully get their progression into stronger feelings (other than sexual chemistry), but that could just be a me thing.
H rating: 4 stars. Jase. I liked him. He was pushy alpha, but also sweet and damaged = a good combo for me!
h rating: 4.5 stars. Bree. I really liked her. I appreciated that she was strong and how she acknowledged and worked on her own weaknesses.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed -- but I did see in many reviews that others cried in this 🤷🏻♀️
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation:Not really. Once the are together they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended abruptly with what I would call a HFN ending. I felt like we needed more of a concrete commitment, and why not an actual epilogue?!
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Ehhh, not going on my favorites shelf. I didn't hate it or anything, but it just kinda fell flat. The suspenseful aspects were unexpected. I didn't feel any mystery behind it, because I figured out who it was from the start. I didn't fully get their jump into feelings of love, as it felt a little too "insta" for me. The ending also was lackluster with no epilogue. BUT! I did appreciate the military aspect to this, and especially the fact that the h was a war hero with her own trauma she was dealing with. I also liked the service dogs. The mcs were both likable. So, I'm going with a little bit higher than a "just okay" 3 star rating here.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bree and Jase's story. Bree finds her fiancé in her house with another woman and when kicking herself for not ending things sooner with him like she had planned, her and her best friend decide to hit up the local bar. There she meets Jase and has a hot ONS. After sneaking out the next morning, they are both shocked to meet again in a professional setting. Jase won't let her sneak out of his life again, especially when a string of murders start popping up that are linked to her somehow. There are some sad moments, some sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Bree and Jase in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It felt slow in some parts, but never so much that I skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of. I didn't fully get their progression into stronger feelings (other than sexual chemistry), but that could just be a me thing.
H rating: 4 stars. Jase. I liked him. He was pushy alpha, but also sweet and damaged = a good combo for me!
h rating: 4.5 stars. Bree. I really liked her. I appreciated that she was strong and how she acknowledged and worked on her own weaknesses.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed -- but I did see in many reviews that others cried in this 🤷🏻♀️
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation:Not really. Once the are together they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended abruptly with what I would call a HFN ending. I felt like we needed more of a concrete commitment, and why not an actual epilogue?!
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 3, 2017
Wow , this story was amazing. Everything about it was just so good. There is something so beautiful about a story where you actually feel step by step the love grow..and deepen. Then throw in humor, suspense, and deeply emotional family and friendship connections. Jase was so wonderful, protective, affectionate and possessive. Those are total alpha traits I need. Bree was the perfect balance of feminity and strength. I really hope we get Denise and possibly Chris as a future story.
As a mother of a Marine..I'd like to add thank you to this author for her service and her continued support of our military and for bringing life to a very emotional subject.. PTSD and all the effects of it.
definitely author stalking coming up soon.
#safe
As a mother of a Marine..I'd like to add thank you to this author for her service and her continued support of our military and for bringing life to a very emotional subject.. PTSD and all the effects of it.
definitely author stalking coming up soon.
#safe
January 9, 2017
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and /or publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I was captivated from the very beginning of this book. There were a few tiny details that I trust the author to fix before release day to make this book perfect, PERFECT!! I loved this book, can you tell? Hot hero- poignant topic- flipping AWESOME suspenseful back-story. Incredible book from a new to me author.
I was captivated from the very beginning of this book. There were a few tiny details that I trust the author to fix before release day to make this book perfect, PERFECT!! I loved this book, can you tell? Hot hero- poignant topic- flipping AWESOME suspenseful back-story. Incredible book from a new to me author.
September 20, 2016
**4 type-A alpha male door kicking stars**
I have to say, for a debut book, I really enjoyed this! It touched so many different feelings for me. It was a hot and sexy romance with suspense thrown in. I liked that the angst of the story was primarily from outside sources, not their relationship. Once they got together, they stayed together. I love that!
Jack was a fantastic hero. He was caring, loving, kind and oh so alpha. He was an Army Ranger who had seen too much devastation during his career. He let it get the best of him for a while, living a life of hard partying and women. When a devastating event rocked his life, he took that as a cue to change the way he had been behaving. He cleaned up his act but rarely let anyone in...until he met Bree.
Bree was an amazing heroine. She was strong, loving and witty. She was in a dead end relationship that ended badly. She was not in love with her ex and knew she should have ended it much sooner. After breaking up with him, she has a one night stand with a hot guy she met in a bar (you guessed it, Jase). She bolted the next morning to avoid awkwardness, not knowing that Jase was her forever.
There was great secondary characters who have potential for future stories. Especially Bree's BFF Denise.
One flaw was a complete lack of epilogue. I was so disappointed when the story just ended. It would have been a 5 star read for me if there had been an epilogue. I've said it before and I'll say it again, EPILOGUES ARE A MUST!
A few possible trigger/safety warnings:
I have to say, for a debut book, I really enjoyed this! It touched so many different feelings for me. It was a hot and sexy romance with suspense thrown in. I liked that the angst of the story was primarily from outside sources, not their relationship. Once they got together, they stayed together. I love that!
Jack was a fantastic hero. He was caring, loving, kind and oh so alpha. He was an Army Ranger who had seen too much devastation during his career. He let it get the best of him for a while, living a life of hard partying and women. When a devastating event rocked his life, he took that as a cue to change the way he had been behaving. He cleaned up his act but rarely let anyone in...until he met Bree.
Bree was an amazing heroine. She was strong, loving and witty. She was in a dead end relationship that ended badly. She was not in love with her ex and knew she should have ended it much sooner. After breaking up with him, she has a one night stand with a hot guy she met in a bar (you guessed it, Jase). She bolted the next morning to avoid awkwardness, not knowing that Jase was her forever.
There was great secondary characters who have potential for future stories. Especially Bree's BFF Denise.
One flaw was a complete lack of epilogue. I was so disappointed when the story just ended. It would have been a 5 star read for me if there had been an epilogue. I've said it before and I'll say it again, EPILOGUES ARE A MUST!
A few possible trigger/safety warnings:
November 29, 2017
Gotta say I loved this book. Was it perfect? No. Do I care? Hell no!
I loved the characters, the story, the awesome heroine, the hero, the dogs....everything. It made me smile and cry a little. I thought it totally did justice to our service men and women. It did not dwell but it did not sugar coat or have miraculous cures.
I totally felt the connection, and believed the story. I was “all in” the entire book. Cannot wait to read the next one!!!
I loved the characters, the story, the awesome heroine, the hero, the dogs....everything. It made me smile and cry a little. I thought it totally did justice to our service men and women. It did not dwell but it did not sugar coat or have miraculous cures.
I totally felt the connection, and believed the story. I was “all in” the entire book. Cannot wait to read the next one!!!
March 16, 2018
New author to me.
I never read anything by the author and really enjoyed it.
Our heroine is badass and the hero is alpha male.
The two former military and suffering from PTSD.
The secondary characters are very interesting.
I'll keep an eye on the author.
I recommend!
I never read anything by the author and really enjoyed it.
Our heroine is badass and the hero is alpha male.
The two former military and suffering from PTSD.
The secondary characters are very interesting.
I'll keep an eye on the author.
I recommend!
“How exactly did the women folk end up in the kitchen?” “Tale as old as time,” Bree replied. Denise turned from her salad preparation. “Did you just quote Beauty and the Beast to me?” Bree grinned. “It seemed appropriate.”
April 21, 2017
Stitched Up Heart is really good. The highlight of this book is definitely the standout characters. Recommend if you want a hot ex-military romance with a strong heroine and an awesome alpha.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High
August 6, 2017
This book has all the feels!
I couldn't admire Jase or Bree anymore! They suffered so much and strove for better. I loved their relationship, from tender to scorching hot!
Will continue reading books from this series!
I couldn't admire Jase or Bree anymore! They suffered so much and strove for better. I loved their relationship, from tender to scorching hot!
Will continue reading books from this series!
March 2, 2019
Una muy buena historia de soldados que tienen que recomponer sus vidas después de dejar el ejército. Un amor muy intenso al que acompaña un criminal obsesionado con ella.
October 2, 2016
As readers, taking a chance on a new author is akin to going on a blind date. You check everything possible beforehand hoping it’s in a genre you like to read, the synopsis sounds like your kind of book and of course, you check out the cover…they do say a picture is worth a thousand words! Unfortunately, this method of selecting what to read next can be hit and miss. Lately, my new to me author selections haven’t turned out to be all that great.
So color me shocked when the hype surrounding this new to me author, not only blew my socks off but I really enjoyed it! Stitched Up Heart has reminded me of the reason we embrace potential new authors–because there is always the chance you’ll find a gem of an author like Tarina Denton
Both Bree and Jase gained my admiration. Military vets with some lingering issues, they each ended up doing their part to help out vets in need which in turn helped them beat back their own demons. Bree, a physical therapist for the military spent her days helping to make veterans whole again when they come home, and Jase helped them cope after leaving the military with his program that brought vets together to camp, hunt, decompress and enjoy some camaraderie with other vets who know what they’ve been through.
Jase was everything I loved rolled up into an alpha, bossy and, as Bree so aptly referred to him, a “walking orgasm”. Bree was strong, independent and driven. She didn’t do anything stupid when under pressure, and could take care of business if needed.
Although there was immediate chemistry between these two that ended in an exceedingly hot and sweaty one night stand, there was not insta-love. That’s not to say they didn’t go from 0 to 60 so fast relationship wise it was like one of the guys from the Gas Monkey Garage was driving the car. There was no immediate declarations of undying love, just a lot of grown up conversations, well plus some more hot, sweaty, sexy shenanigans.
I was also treated to some of the best supporting characters I’ve read in awhile. Bree’s best friend Denise had me chuckling and smiling despite a headache I was battling while reading the book. Jase’s brother Tim and his army buddy Chris had me smiling too. The banter between all of them was witty, funny, and never felt forced.
As far as I can tell, this is the author’s first book, which is amazing since it was well written, decently edited, with great characters and an interesting plot. Ms. Deaton, you’ve gained a new fan. I’m hoping you are writing Denise’s story next. Can’t wait.
4.5 Book Buzz Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So color me shocked when the hype surrounding this new to me author, not only blew my socks off but I really enjoyed it! Stitched Up Heart has reminded me of the reason we embrace potential new authors–because there is always the chance you’ll find a gem of an author like Tarina Denton
Both Bree and Jase gained my admiration. Military vets with some lingering issues, they each ended up doing their part to help out vets in need which in turn helped them beat back their own demons. Bree, a physical therapist for the military spent her days helping to make veterans whole again when they come home, and Jase helped them cope after leaving the military with his program that brought vets together to camp, hunt, decompress and enjoy some camaraderie with other vets who know what they’ve been through.
Jase was everything I loved rolled up into an alpha, bossy and, as Bree so aptly referred to him, a “walking orgasm”. Bree was strong, independent and driven. She didn’t do anything stupid when under pressure, and could take care of business if needed.
Although there was immediate chemistry between these two that ended in an exceedingly hot and sweaty one night stand, there was not insta-love. That’s not to say they didn’t go from 0 to 60 so fast relationship wise it was like one of the guys from the Gas Monkey Garage was driving the car. There was no immediate declarations of undying love, just a lot of grown up conversations, well plus some more hot, sweaty, sexy shenanigans.
I was also treated to some of the best supporting characters I’ve read in awhile. Bree’s best friend Denise had me chuckling and smiling despite a headache I was battling while reading the book. Jase’s brother Tim and his army buddy Chris had me smiling too. The banter between all of them was witty, funny, and never felt forced.
As far as I can tell, this is the author’s first book, which is amazing since it was well written, decently edited, with great characters and an interesting plot. Ms. Deaton, you’ve gained a new fan. I’m hoping you are writing Denise’s story next. Can’t wait.
4.5 Book Buzz Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2019
Corazon Remendado es el primer tomo de la saga Corazones De Combate y es el primer libro que leo de la autora, Tarina Deaton.
Los romances con suspense son una de mis tematicas favoritas y si ademas le añades un protagonista que sea soldado, es casi seguro que yo caere en la trampa y le dare una oportunidad a la historia.
Corazon Remendado fue una novela que me dejo bastante dividida, por una parte, la trama no se desarrollo como yo esperaba que lo hiciera y aunque esa no fue necesariamente una mala sorpresa, si que es cierto que me desilusiono un poco, no obstante, en los puntos positivos debo nombrar que hubieron varios detalles de esta lectura que me agradaron por su originalidad.
Me gusto que la protagonista femenina no fuera una flor delicada. Tiene caracter y es valiente, caracteristicas que hicieron que me cayera bien desde el principio, en cuanto a Jase, admito que esperaba mas de su personaje, no hay nada en concreto de el que me desagradara, es simplemente que lo esperaba mas memorable, y la verdad es que me dejo indiferente.
A grandes rasgos, la historia es entretenida y se lee de forma fluida, sin embargo, no termino de encantarme, particularmente porque en varias ocasiones senti que la trama daba vueltas y vueltas sobre lo mismo sin realmente avanzar.
En fin, Corazon Remendado no destaca por ser novedosa o sorprendente, pero pese a eso es ligera de leer, lo que la hace ideal para cualquier momento en el que no sepas que leer.
P. D. : Voy a continuar leyendo el siguiente, mas que nada porque tengo curiosidad por leer la historia de los amigos de estos protagonistas, luego ya decidire si continuo o no con los siguientes tomos.
2.25 Estrellas!
June 12, 2020
Sometimes the best books are the ones that a reader just snaps up randomly without even reading the synopsis. In Stitched Up Heart the author handles the subjects of PTSD, suicide, and loss. The main female protagonist is former Air Force medic now turned physical therapist
Bree Marks. When Bree discovers her fiancee cheating, she and her best friend, Denise head out on a girl's night out and that is when she meets former Army Ranger, Jase Larken. After a passionate one night stand, Bree thinks that will be the last time the two meet, but it is really only the beginning. As the two try to sort out what exactly their relationship is, it appears that someone is killing women in the town and pinning notes with Bree's name on them. Will the police be able to find the person they are looking for or will Bree be the next victim?
So this book took me totally by surprise because I thought it was just going to be a lighthearted romance, but my goodness it had so much more going on. That's why we should never judge a book by its cover, ladies and gentlemen. I also loved how Tarina Deaton writes her female characters as strong independent women and I would now count Bree and Denise among my favorites. I will have to take note that I need to read the other three books in the series.
Goodreads review 12/06/20
Bree Marks. When Bree discovers her fiancee cheating, she and her best friend, Denise head out on a girl's night out and that is when she meets former Army Ranger, Jase Larken. After a passionate one night stand, Bree thinks that will be the last time the two meet, but it is really only the beginning. As the two try to sort out what exactly their relationship is, it appears that someone is killing women in the town and pinning notes with Bree's name on them. Will the police be able to find the person they are looking for or will Bree be the next victim?
So this book took me totally by surprise because I thought it was just going to be a lighthearted romance, but my goodness it had so much more going on. That's why we should never judge a book by its cover, ladies and gentlemen. I also loved how Tarina Deaton writes her female characters as strong independent women and I would now count Bree and Denise among my favorites. I will have to take note that I need to read the other three books in the series.
Goodreads review 12/06/20
January 29, 2017
I read this book several books ago, so forgive me because this isn't going to be a full review because I don't remember everything.
This was a sweet book. Like almost too sweet and too perfect with a side of serial killer. I found those two aspects, perfect but with looming danger, strange to read. Not that it hasn't been done in other books, but in this particular book the sweet and perfect aspect of the book was too much for me. I liked all the characters; the insta lust/love aspect is always one of my favorites, and the sex was hot; however, I found the perfectness of the book a little too unrealistic, but overall it's still an enjoyable read.
This was a sweet book. Like almost too sweet and too perfect with a side of serial killer. I found those two aspects, perfect but with looming danger, strange to read. Not that it hasn't been done in other books, but in this particular book the sweet and perfect aspect of the book was too much for me. I liked all the characters; the insta lust/love aspect is always one of my favorites, and the sex was hot; however, I found the perfectness of the book a little too unrealistic, but overall it's still an enjoyable read.
January 25, 2019
2,5 stars but not 3
Here are my reasons why this book didn't work out for me:
- There is a bit slut-shaming at the beginning, which leaves a bitter taste and I don't like it.
- The heroine walks in her fiancé banging a girl in her own house. The bastard didn't even think of taking the girl to his house. She yells at him, saying it is over and he should go. And that's it. She doesn't ask his keys back. She doesn't throw away his things over the window. His photos are still in the frames in the house the next day. Oh, you get the picture, she was too passive for me. I wanted her to react more...
Also, she didn't want to be with him, she didn't want to be engaged to him but she stayed with him for longer than necessary. I don't like it when women stay with men they don't want to be with.
Actually, she was going to meet him and break up with him finally on the day she found out that he was cheating on her.
*********************************************
- The writing is not good enough for me, it is 3rd person point of view and when it is written in this way, I usually have a hard time feeling it unless it is written very successfully.
Here, I didn't feel it. I couldn't connect with the heroine, I didn't feel her insta-attraction and for a woman who does slut-shaming, she didn't see anything wrong with having a one-night stand with a stranger (not that it is wrong but she was the one slut-shaming so it was a contradiction).
- There is a suspense theme going on and it was a bit too clear who committed all those murders.
- There was also a PTSD theme going on, so the book didn't focus on one thing but way too many things and therefore it felt like out of focus to me.
*********************************************
All in all, the book couldn't keep my interest for all the above reasons. I thought of DNF'ing it a few times and finally, I skimmed and scanned it to get to the end. I liked the ending, though and I liked that it was not a conventional HEA (married with kids). It was a happy end full of future promises, the way I like them.
As far as safety goes, there is no cheating between the MCs and the hero is the main pursuer of the relationship. There is no separation.
Here are my reasons why this book didn't work out for me:
- There is a bit slut-shaming at the beginning, which leaves a bitter taste and I don't like it.
- The heroine walks in her fiancé banging a girl in her own house. The bastard didn't even think of taking the girl to his house. She yells at him, saying it is over and he should go. And that's it. She doesn't ask his keys back. She doesn't throw away his things over the window. His photos are still in the frames in the house the next day. Oh, you get the picture, she was too passive for me. I wanted her to react more...
Also, she didn't want to be with him, she didn't want to be engaged to him but she stayed with him for longer than necessary. I don't like it when women stay with men they don't want to be with.
Actually, she was going to meet him and break up with him finally on the day she found out that he was cheating on her.
*********************************************
- The writing is not good enough for me, it is 3rd person point of view and when it is written in this way, I usually have a hard time feeling it unless it is written very successfully.
Here, I didn't feel it. I couldn't connect with the heroine, I didn't feel her insta-attraction and for a woman who does slut-shaming, she didn't see anything wrong with having a one-night stand with a stranger (not that it is wrong but she was the one slut-shaming so it was a contradiction).
- There is a suspense theme going on and it was a bit too clear who committed all those murders.
- There was also a PTSD theme going on, so the book didn't focus on one thing but way too many things and therefore it felt like out of focus to me.
*********************************************
All in all, the book couldn't keep my interest for all the above reasons. I thought of DNF'ing it a few times and finally, I skimmed and scanned it to get to the end. I liked the ending, though and I liked that it was not a conventional HEA (married with kids). It was a happy end full of future promises, the way I like them.
As far as safety goes, there is no cheating between the MCs and the hero is the main pursuer of the relationship. There is no separation.
November 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Another book I should have reviewed sooner......
This one is landing on my liked it but didn't love it shelf. While I did enjoy the story and the characters, I think it was missing a bit of conflict and angst that would have had me a bit more invested.
It was a sweet story (maybe a little too sweet) and it is a story about love and the forgiveness of oneself.
Another book I should have reviewed sooner......
This one is landing on my liked it but didn't love it shelf. While I did enjoy the story and the characters, I think it was missing a bit of conflict and angst that would have had me a bit more invested.
It was a sweet story (maybe a little too sweet) and it is a story about love and the forgiveness of oneself.
October 12, 2016
I love this one.
The hero almost perfect but I love the heroine more:)
Everything about her just incredible and unusual, lucky Jase to landed a girl like her!:)
The hero almost perfect but I love the heroine more:)
Everything about her just incredible and unusual, lucky Jase to landed a girl like her!:)
February 7, 2017
Arriving home from work and finding your fiance bonking another chick in your bed is not an ideal end to the day. Bree soon kicks cheating Brad to the curb and kind of feels relieved the relationship is over. It was never going to go anywhere long term.
This is how she ends up in a biker bar with her best friend one night, catching the eye of Jase. He hasn’t seen her before and knows he would have remembered her if he had. There is definitely something there between them and Bree decides to live in the moment, going home with Jase for the hottest sex of her life.
Jase is shocked to wake up alone the next day, and to make things worse he has no way of contacting Bree or ever finding her again. Jase can’t get this woman out of his head and when she walks into his business a few days later it’s like fate has stepped in to bring them back together.
Jase runs a programme helping ex –army veterans dealing with PTSD after losing one of his best mates to suicide after their return from overseas deployment. Bree has also worked in the military and is now a physical therapist, helping veterans with their injuries.
There is no way that Jase is going to let Bree away from him again, he feels such a strong, intense connection with her and just knows she could be the one for him. However, Bree is fiercely independent and having a man hover around, going all alpha on her life is not something she is happy about. On the one hand it’s nice to have a guy care so much for her but on the other she is a grown adult, quite capable of looking after herself.
There is trouble lurking in the background though, big trouble, that becomes life threatening trouble and it’s making Bree begin to feel quite grateful to have a man like Jase around.
I quite liked how this went from a instant attraction, alpha male taking a woman back to his cave story to a bit of mystery and suspense. Definitely kept my interest up right until the end. Tarina is a new author to me and I’m really glad I took a chance on this book.
This is how she ends up in a biker bar with her best friend one night, catching the eye of Jase. He hasn’t seen her before and knows he would have remembered her if he had. There is definitely something there between them and Bree decides to live in the moment, going home with Jase for the hottest sex of her life.
Jase is shocked to wake up alone the next day, and to make things worse he has no way of contacting Bree or ever finding her again. Jase can’t get this woman out of his head and when she walks into his business a few days later it’s like fate has stepped in to bring them back together.
Jase runs a programme helping ex –army veterans dealing with PTSD after losing one of his best mates to suicide after their return from overseas deployment. Bree has also worked in the military and is now a physical therapist, helping veterans with their injuries.
There is no way that Jase is going to let Bree away from him again, he feels such a strong, intense connection with her and just knows she could be the one for him. However, Bree is fiercely independent and having a man hover around, going all alpha on her life is not something she is happy about. On the one hand it’s nice to have a guy care so much for her but on the other she is a grown adult, quite capable of looking after herself.
There is trouble lurking in the background though, big trouble, that becomes life threatening trouble and it’s making Bree begin to feel quite grateful to have a man like Jase around.
I quite liked how this went from a instant attraction, alpha male taking a woman back to his cave story to a bit of mystery and suspense. Definitely kept my interest up right until the end. Tarina is a new author to me and I’m really glad I took a chance on this book.
August 1, 2017
May have some spoilers.
5 Why can’t we hogtie Bree? Stars.
I’m blown away by this book, by this author and by the characters, not just the main characters but all the characters. I really do not know where to start. But I can say that this book is epic. Yes. EPIC. Guess what? It is the author's debut, crazy right? There aren't enough stars to give this book. Okay so fangirled enough. Now my review.
Bree Marks is a secret bad arse. We first meet her when she comes home and her reaction is hilarious I was cheering her on.
She leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb and crossed her arms, drawing on the stillness. “Hey, Chad, sweetie. Are you busy?”
“Bree! Shit! What are you doing home? You’re early. This isn’t what it looks like.” “One, I live here, seeing as how it’s my house and all. And two, you’re really going to go with ‘this isn’t what it looks like’? Did you slip and fall and this lovely woman was nice enough to catch you with her vagina?”
I nearly peed my pants at that moment but it kept on getting better and better.
Bree Marks is a fantastic heroine. She is strong, sassy, intelligent and hard working. To me she is real. This is refreshing as most heroines can come across fake. She is successful and rich but doesn’t live beyond her means. As a physical therapist she now helps those who come back from war. She was special ops and is a total kick arse lady. I want to be her when I grow up. She is scary yet sweet. On a side note how awesome is her gun safe? Bloody awesome.
Jase ‘the walking orgasm’ Larken is everything you want in a Hero. Strong, bossy, caveman but adorable all at the same time. He is currently trying to get his company off the ground V.E.T Adventures. To off a safe haven for those who have problems adjusting after their service is finished. It is a personal matter for him to see this flourish. But it isn’t about easing is conscience no matter his regrets.
After a cheating ex not that she was really bothered about it, Denise her best friend does what any best friend would do. Get drunk, makes an offhand remark. Let the chase begin.
After a night of passion and things not wanting to be awkward Bree does a runner, Jase is NOT happy. But he wants what he tasted although he isn’t sure.
“Shit, I don’t know what the hell it was. It was just…different. The way she handled herself last night. You know how we can be, especially when we’re drinking. Loud and obnoxious.” “You mean drunken jackasses.”
But there is a high level of suspense for me anyway. I was constantly trying to guess who dunnit and well doubts were sowed to whether or not I got it right. As an alpha male what is the most logical thing to do? Yes get her to move in with you.
This book shows deep rooted pain, guilt but there are tender moments it is all so well balanced even the banter and sex scenes hot by the way. I want give the down and dirty but here is some sweet.
Until the night you walked into The Deck. You laughed, and it fixed something. Like sewing a wound back together. *Sigh, major sigh*
Here is some banter with more sweet.
Bree snorted and blew out a snot bubble. Denise threw her head back and laughed while Bree glared at her. “Get me a tissue, you cow.”
“I love you. Snot bubbles and all.”
“You can’t leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.” Tears welled up again. She blew another snot bubble.
There is a serious side to this book one where it hits me straight to the heart. The author knows what she is talking about you can tell there is no false BS going on here. Quite the opposite. Nothing is ever gender specific and Ms. Deaton shows that here.
For me there is always that one book that stays with you. Last year it was Athica Lane by Brynne Asher. This year Stitched up Heart shot straight to the top of the list.
I can’t wait to read more by this author. A must read if I do say so myself.
Book received by Between the Sheets PR in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
5 Why can’t we hogtie Bree? Stars.
I’m blown away by this book, by this author and by the characters, not just the main characters but all the characters. I really do not know where to start. But I can say that this book is epic. Yes. EPIC. Guess what? It is the author's debut, crazy right? There aren't enough stars to give this book. Okay so fangirled enough. Now my review.
Bree Marks is a secret bad arse. We first meet her when she comes home and her reaction is hilarious I was cheering her on.
She leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb and crossed her arms, drawing on the stillness. “Hey, Chad, sweetie. Are you busy?”
“Bree! Shit! What are you doing home? You’re early. This isn’t what it looks like.” “One, I live here, seeing as how it’s my house and all. And two, you’re really going to go with ‘this isn’t what it looks like’? Did you slip and fall and this lovely woman was nice enough to catch you with her vagina?”
I nearly peed my pants at that moment but it kept on getting better and better.
Bree Marks is a fantastic heroine. She is strong, sassy, intelligent and hard working. To me she is real. This is refreshing as most heroines can come across fake. She is successful and rich but doesn’t live beyond her means. As a physical therapist she now helps those who come back from war. She was special ops and is a total kick arse lady. I want to be her when I grow up. She is scary yet sweet. On a side note how awesome is her gun safe? Bloody awesome.
Jase ‘the walking orgasm’ Larken is everything you want in a Hero. Strong, bossy, caveman but adorable all at the same time. He is currently trying to get his company off the ground V.E.T Adventures. To off a safe haven for those who have problems adjusting after their service is finished. It is a personal matter for him to see this flourish. But it isn’t about easing is conscience no matter his regrets.
After a cheating ex not that she was really bothered about it, Denise her best friend does what any best friend would do. Get drunk, makes an offhand remark. Let the chase begin.
After a night of passion and things not wanting to be awkward Bree does a runner, Jase is NOT happy. But he wants what he tasted although he isn’t sure.
“Shit, I don’t know what the hell it was. It was just…different. The way she handled herself last night. You know how we can be, especially when we’re drinking. Loud and obnoxious.” “You mean drunken jackasses.”
But there is a high level of suspense for me anyway. I was constantly trying to guess who dunnit and well doubts were sowed to whether or not I got it right. As an alpha male what is the most logical thing to do? Yes get her to move in with you.
This book shows deep rooted pain, guilt but there are tender moments it is all so well balanced even the banter and sex scenes hot by the way. I want give the down and dirty but here is some sweet.
Until the night you walked into The Deck. You laughed, and it fixed something. Like sewing a wound back together. *Sigh, major sigh*
Here is some banter with more sweet.
Bree snorted and blew out a snot bubble. Denise threw her head back and laughed while Bree glared at her. “Get me a tissue, you cow.”
“I love you. Snot bubbles and all.”
“You can’t leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.” Tears welled up again. She blew another snot bubble.
There is a serious side to this book one where it hits me straight to the heart. The author knows what she is talking about you can tell there is no false BS going on here. Quite the opposite. Nothing is ever gender specific and Ms. Deaton shows that here.
For me there is always that one book that stays with you. Last year it was Athica Lane by Brynne Asher. This year Stitched up Heart shot straight to the top of the list.
I can’t wait to read more by this author. A must read if I do say so myself.
Book received by Between the Sheets PR in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
September 8, 2017
This was a nice surprise. One of my GR friends read this and commented that she "LA LA LA Loved it" so being a sucker for hot alpha door kickers, I gave it a whirl. Great writing, kick ass heroine and witty dialogue and add the suspense/mystery aspect and I am one happy reader! Bree and her friend Denise were badasses and Jase, umm where can I order one of him? I will definitely check out the novella about Denise and Jase's BF Chris. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 17, 2016
Stitched Up Heart by (Book Review)
4 of 5
Adult Romance/Military Romance (Contains PTSD)
ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
Brianna “Bree” is a physical therapist. She served in the military and enjoys being able to help other soldiers who are recovering from combat. She is smart, driven and sassy. As of recently, her life has been a blur and change is needed. After walking into her fiancé having sex with another woman, she finally sees the change and cuts ties with him. Taking a chance, she goes out to a local bar with her best friend to forget the disastrous night. She doesn’t expect to meet a tall, strong and handsome man who can help her forget everything and bring down her walls.
Jason “Jase” used to be in the military and knows how difficult it can be coming back and having to deal with horrific and tragic situations experienced while serving. In fact he has lost a few people in his life and has learned to cope by going to the bar and choosing a new woman each time. When he goes out with some buddies he notices a beautiful and sassy woman at the bar that makes him feel things that he has never felt before.
Bree never thought she could just have a one night stand. Jase always wanted one night stands… until Bree. He will not let her get away…
This steamy read with make you laugh out loud, fidget in your seat and grin constantly with the funny (and sometimes awkward) situations and conversations between Alpha Jase and sassy Bree. Their hot chemistry will also make your heart flutter! I would say their chemistry and interactions were my favorite parts of this book. I really like how Bree was driven, strong and didn’t take anything from anyone. I like how strong Jase was but at times felt that his “alpha-ness” was a bit too much and came off a little controlling BUT it still made for some fun scenes! Another great thing about this book is it’s more than just a romance. It’s a thriller and mystery WITH hot romance. The plot is very detailed and moves steadily which kept me captivated to the very end. The mystery kept me guessing!
Check out this thrilling read!
Kellybookblog.com
4 of 5
Adult Romance/Military Romance (Contains PTSD)
ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
Brianna “Bree” is a physical therapist. She served in the military and enjoys being able to help other soldiers who are recovering from combat. She is smart, driven and sassy. As of recently, her life has been a blur and change is needed. After walking into her fiancé having sex with another woman, she finally sees the change and cuts ties with him. Taking a chance, she goes out to a local bar with her best friend to forget the disastrous night. She doesn’t expect to meet a tall, strong and handsome man who can help her forget everything and bring down her walls.
Jason “Jase” used to be in the military and knows how difficult it can be coming back and having to deal with horrific and tragic situations experienced while serving. In fact he has lost a few people in his life and has learned to cope by going to the bar and choosing a new woman each time. When he goes out with some buddies he notices a beautiful and sassy woman at the bar that makes him feel things that he has never felt before.
Bree never thought she could just have a one night stand. Jase always wanted one night stands… until Bree. He will not let her get away…
This steamy read with make you laugh out loud, fidget in your seat and grin constantly with the funny (and sometimes awkward) situations and conversations between Alpha Jase and sassy Bree. Their hot chemistry will also make your heart flutter! I would say their chemistry and interactions were my favorite parts of this book. I really like how Bree was driven, strong and didn’t take anything from anyone. I like how strong Jase was but at times felt that his “alpha-ness” was a bit too much and came off a little controlling BUT it still made for some fun scenes! Another great thing about this book is it’s more than just a romance. It’s a thriller and mystery WITH hot romance. The plot is very detailed and moves steadily which kept me captivated to the very end. The mystery kept me guessing!
Check out this thrilling read!
Kellybookblog.com
September 18, 2016
**I received Stitched Up Heart by Tarina Deaton from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
Stitched Up Heart is a fantastic story and I hope that there will be many more in this series. If I could I'd give it 10 stars because of its heartfelt love story between Jase (Jason) and Bree (Brianna) plus the sassy Denise who asks her if she "needs to bring a shovel" when Bree catches her fiance with another woman is awesome. Its really the best line in the book plus their friendship that the two women have.
Brianna is a physical therapist at her local VA hospital but she also is dealing with PTSD from her last deployment when their convoy was ambushed. When she catches her fiance, Chad, with another woman, she tosses him out of her apartment. After called Denise to celebrate her being single again the go to their local watering hole, The Deck. But when Jase and his friends walk in the sparks literally combust between Bree and Jase leading to a one night of the best sex she's ever had. When she leaves before he wakes, Jase does everything he can to find her again. But when her ex's bed partners start turning up dead with notes on their bodies with her name on them, she accepts Jase and his cop brother, Tim's help to solve the case.
Jason a former Army Ranger who runs V.E.T. Adventures and now takes veterans out for a week-end of hunting, fishing, camping trips and just hanging out letting them be with other former military vets. When Bree shows up in his office to learn more about his company he knows that what they shared is more than just one night. But can they find the killer in time in time before they come after Bree? When he tells her that she would never understand PTSD, Bree tells him about how she suffers everyday with how she couldn't save everyone who were injured in the IED blast.
I loved Stitched Up Heart because the heroine is the one with PTSD which is rare because a lot of books just tell you about the male vets not the women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan too. I can't wait for the next book !
Stitched Up Heart is a fantastic story and I hope that there will be many more in this series. If I could I'd give it 10 stars because of its heartfelt love story between Jase (Jason) and Bree (Brianna) plus the sassy Denise who asks her if she "needs to bring a shovel" when Bree catches her fiance with another woman is awesome. Its really the best line in the book plus their friendship that the two women have.
Brianna is a physical therapist at her local VA hospital but she also is dealing with PTSD from her last deployment when their convoy was ambushed. When she catches her fiance, Chad, with another woman, she tosses him out of her apartment. After called Denise to celebrate her being single again the go to their local watering hole, The Deck. But when Jase and his friends walk in the sparks literally combust between Bree and Jase leading to a one night of the best sex she's ever had. When she leaves before he wakes, Jase does everything he can to find her again. But when her ex's bed partners start turning up dead with notes on their bodies with her name on them, she accepts Jase and his cop brother, Tim's help to solve the case.
Jason a former Army Ranger who runs V.E.T. Adventures and now takes veterans out for a week-end of hunting, fishing, camping trips and just hanging out letting them be with other former military vets. When Bree shows up in his office to learn more about his company he knows that what they shared is more than just one night. But can they find the killer in time in time before they come after Bree? When he tells her that she would never understand PTSD, Bree tells him about how she suffers everyday with how she couldn't save everyone who were injured in the IED blast.
I loved Stitched Up Heart because the heroine is the one with PTSD which is rare because a lot of books just tell you about the male vets not the women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan too. I can't wait for the next book !
September 20, 2016
3.75 stars!
This was pretty good! I loved how the H chased the h. It would've been 10x better had he not been such a whore before. We hear about it a couple times but it definitely took the rating down for me.
This was pretty good! I loved how the H chased the h. It would've been 10x better had he not been such a whore before. We hear about it a couple times but it definitely took the rating down for me.
September 14, 2016
I loved this book! This is one I will read again. I will be watching for future books from this author.
Jase is ex-military, dealing with some PTSD, an alpha male, kind, caring, considerate, just a nice guy.
Bree is also ex-military, dealing with some PTSD, independent, self sufficient, sweet, caring and totally selfless. She is wealthy, but lives small, gives lots to charity and doesn’t draw attention to herself.
These two together are awesome. They have chemistry, passion, and are supportive of each other. The story just draws you in. I have so many favorite quotes from Jase:
“I think doing anything for you is going to make me happy.”
“He was a fuckwit (her ex) who didn’t appreciate what he had. Didn’t protect it like he should’ve. I’m glad he fucked up because it means I got a shot at you. I know what I have. I see it in everything you do.”
“You can’t ever leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.” These are only a few of the awesome things he says.
They each have things they are dealing with, but instead of tearing them apart, it pulls them together. I loved watching their relationship develop. I hope their story continues in the next book because while ends on a HFN, I want them to have a HEA.
The supporting characters in this story are awesome too. Denise, Bree’s best friend, Chris, Jase’s best friend, and so many more! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Jase is ex-military, dealing with some PTSD, an alpha male, kind, caring, considerate, just a nice guy.
Bree is also ex-military, dealing with some PTSD, independent, self sufficient, sweet, caring and totally selfless. She is wealthy, but lives small, gives lots to charity and doesn’t draw attention to herself.
These two together are awesome. They have chemistry, passion, and are supportive of each other. The story just draws you in. I have so many favorite quotes from Jase:
“I think doing anything for you is going to make me happy.”
“He was a fuckwit (her ex) who didn’t appreciate what he had. Didn’t protect it like he should’ve. I’m glad he fucked up because it means I got a shot at you. I know what I have. I see it in everything you do.”
“You can’t ever leave me, Bree. For any reason. You hold my heart together.” These are only a few of the awesome things he says.
They each have things they are dealing with, but instead of tearing them apart, it pulls them together. I loved watching their relationship develop. I hope their story continues in the next book because while ends on a HFN, I want them to have a HEA.
The supporting characters in this story are awesome too. Denise, Bree’s best friend, Chris, Jase’s best friend, and so many more! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
This a story everyone should read. It honors a woman who risked her life, gave up her safe sanity, to rescue her fellow military partners. There are many like her and we fail to recognize all the heroes let alone the female heroes.
The story is hot and steamy. Did I mention the story is hot and steamy? Yet, under the heat and lust is a feeling few are fortunate enough to experience. Jase runs an outdoor retreat for Vets. Bree is a physical therapist for Vets and active duty personnel. Both have traumas to deal with, and pasts to outlive. Now, there is a killer out to avenge Bree from her scuzzy ex. Making a relationship work in a normal world is hard enough. How can they possibly make this budding romance bloom?
While the mystery and danger keep the story moving, it is the developing relationship of the couple as well as their friends and patients and their stories, how they cope, that keeps you awake to read just one more chapter--of course, the chapter that calls to the reader is the last one.
Unless you are opposed to a man known as the walking O and a gorgeous strong woman enjoying each other, don't miss this one. I strongly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On.
The story is hot and steamy. Did I mention the story is hot and steamy? Yet, under the heat and lust is a feeling few are fortunate enough to experience. Jase runs an outdoor retreat for Vets. Bree is a physical therapist for Vets and active duty personnel. Both have traumas to deal with, and pasts to outlive. Now, there is a killer out to avenge Bree from her scuzzy ex. Making a relationship work in a normal world is hard enough. How can they possibly make this budding romance bloom?
While the mystery and danger keep the story moving, it is the developing relationship of the couple as well as their friends and patients and their stories, how they cope, that keeps you awake to read just one more chapter--of course, the chapter that calls to the reader is the last one.
Unless you are opposed to a man known as the walking O and a gorgeous strong woman enjoying each other, don't miss this one. I strongly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews