Bleeding Hearts: The Complete Duet

Bleeding Hearts #1-2

by A. Zavarelli

How far would you go to save someone you love? Would you give up your body? Your mind? Your heart?

I did and it cost me everything.

He says he owns me. And it’s true.

I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know. Five years he’s been planning this. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But my blackmailer serves it up white hot. He’s addicted to my innocence, and I’m addicted to him.

He likes to hurt me. I love to let him. He brings me to life. He sets me free. He makes my heart feel things it shouldn’t.

But he also scares me. He holds the fate of my brother’s life in his hands. A life behind bars for crimes I know he didn’t commit. My blackmailer can’t give up his revenge on my family, and I can’t be with him if he doesn’t. But I’m nothing more than a butterfly caught in his net. Do I really have a choice?

*A Dark Romance Duet. Titles available individually as Echo & Stutter*

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, BDSM, Enemies To Lovers, Adult

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2017

About the author

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.


Facebook Page- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAuthor

Facebook Reader Group- https://geni.us/FemmeFatales

Mailing List: https://geni.us/ucfAZH1

Instagram- https://geni.us/AZavarelliInstagram

Amazon- https://geni.us/AZavarelliAmazon

Bookbub- https://geni.us/AZavarelliBookbub

Twitter- https://geni.us/AZavarelliTwitter

Website- https://www.azavarelli.com

Reviews

[Paganalexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 08/10/19: Each book was a solid 4 stars, but getting this complete story in the boxset, earns it 5 stars. If you like dark stories, and/or Daddy-Dom themes, this might be for you.

02/13/19 currently free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0788M39VN

[hugsandcookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story started off with revenge....

This series is a whirlwind of revenge hate, lust secrets and hearts. Although I didn't like Ryland and Brighton at first cause both their characters gave off vibes that were annoying I did however like them in the second book. A Zaverelli never disappoints with her dark stories and I'm always a fan of them, but I wished sometimes and epilogue included both POVs.

[Jae Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

An addicting, riveting puzzle of a book that once you believe you have the pieces sorted out to conclude the masterpiece, a twist a turn is rooted and you are thrown to sort it out yet again.

Bleeding Hearts Duet is one of A. Zavarelli’s epic masterpieces. As a fan of her work, this duet has left me speechless. It’s gritty, dark and full of revenge with a twist of love!

To begin, Echo introduces Ryland and Brighton. The tug of war of emotions for Brighton of “who is this man” to “where did he go” baffle her at the age of 16. We see the interlocking web that Ryland, 21, make in Brighton’s young life and the hatred he has on her family. Throughout the journey, we figure out his true quest behind is antics for his anger/torment and ways. Then rolling over in Stutter, the fantastic conclusion. We learn the true unraveling of secrets, deceit and mind numbing twists of past occurrences. Brighton separated from Ryland, must make a hard decision in the end.

Brighton is a over the top control freak. Possessive, protective but pairs well to Ryland's sweet, innocent nature. Zavarelli’s second characters play an important role at bringing shine to this Duet.

She produces characters that you fall in love with and who will all become second nature to you.

This is one daunting thrill ride you must take. Zavarelli never holds back in her writing, creativeness and emotions. Mesmerized throughout, I couldn’t catch my breath until the end. A beautiful story that I hope will impact you as it did me.

“When he stutters, I stuttered. When his heart beat, mine would always echo. It wasn’t even love. It transcended love.”

Be completely stuttered by Bleeding Hearts!

5 Stars

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echo
Meeting someone at 16 who leaves a lasting impression...one that you cant get out of your head... Its like trying to solve a rubik's cube... Who was that man, How does he know my family, What was he doing at our house... Each and every turn you make in solving the cube, comes up with more questions. The colors never really connect together and you keep spinning the cube hoping that you will get it...
This is what 21 year old Brighton has been dealing with... 5 yrs ago this man walked into her life then disappeared. Not a day goes by that she hasnt thought of him...
Ryland, Billionaire... Hot super Hot... Knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Is he out for revenge or love? Will love make him seek out revenge or will revenge make him seek out love.
This story was a gripping story full of twists and turns. Must immediately dive into book 2 after the ending!!!
Stutter
What a great conclusion to this duet!
How in the world will Brighton ever forgive what has happened? Now pregnant and moved out of the apartment. Unwilling to talk to Ryland because she will cave...she just knows she will. But how can she after surviving the accident he ordered.
We learn in this book the background of these players. Find out that people who seem to want to dance with you because they want to be friends, are not necessarily friends you should hang with.
A couple twists and you have the conclusion.
Good thrilling ride!!!


Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was one wild roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, twists and turns everywhere. Ryland was one complex guy you loved to hate. At times I wanted to stab him in the heart, other times he made my heart race. The chemistry between him and Brighton were off the charts. There is plenty of drama and family issues in this story, but the main star is Ryland who you will probably fall in love with. Great author.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (9/25/18)!💝

Blurb:
How far would you go to save someone you love? Would you give up your body? Your mind? Your heart?

I did and it cost me everything.

He says he owns me. And it’s true.

I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know. Five years he’s been planning this. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But my blackmailer serves it up white hot. He’s addicted to my innocence, and I’m addicted to him.

He likes to hurt me. I love to let him. He brings me to life. He sets me free. He makes my heart feel things it shouldn’t.

But he also scares me. He holds the fate of my brother’s life in his hands. A life behind bars for crimes I know he didn’t commit. My blackmailer can’t give up his revenge on my family, and I can’t be with him if he doesn’t. But I’m nothing more than a butterfly caught in his net. Do I really have a choice?

[Seis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, dark, hot, and even had its warped sweet moments! The second story wasn't nearly as good as the first, but wow that first story just sucks you right in. LOVE Zavarelli!

[Bwmurf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll assuming this is the same story that was in Echo and Stutter, if it’s not please let me know. It’s a pretty good story.

[Ana Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four or Five Stars?

I started to read three different books that were utter crap before I started on this one. Bleeding Hearts is probably one of my favorite Zavarelli books. I fell in love with the characters, and didn’t feel the story carried on for too long. Very good.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo
This story was so dark and intense I never would've imagined the outcome! Lies and deaths and heartbreaking revelations. Brighton is so trusting and has many things to deal with. But when she tries to branch out and start a life of her own things go horribly wrong. This story crushed me. And I'm quickly moving on to Stutter because I need to see how her story unfolds!
Stutter
Wow! This author keeps every chapter so intense I did not want to put it down. Brighton and Ryland can stand against any storm. Definitely an emotional read. I love it when I feel connected to the characters. Brighton never thought she'd experience all of the issues that she did. But damn if she didn't excel in the face of danger. Ryland promises to always keep her safe but some things cannot be forseen. Another excellent read from this author. I will definitely one click all of her releases!

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love A. Zavarelli and her books. I originally read Echo and Stutter when they first came out and fell in love with Brayden, Brighton, and Ryland. These characters are flawed, controlling, loved, sensational, complicated, and everything in between. I loved it.

Ryland and Brighton are hard characters to love sometimes, but that is what makes this story so wonderful. They are flawed and charismatic but the story is so deep that you have to read it and you have to finish it. If you have never read an A. Zavarelli book this is a great one to wet your appetite. #oneclick this bad boy.

[London · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this writer's work. I found her through the Boston Underworld series and this, while it isn't that, has the beautiful writing and dark AF characters that's something of a trademark for her.

The relationship between Brighton and Ryland is dirty, a lottle bit toxic and hot.

A winner for sure.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists & turns on my

There is so much content in this story. Just when you think you have it figured out she throws in another twist. That's the thing with murders, junkies, and low lives you never know who else offered a better deal, it's all about the Benjamin's. AJM

[Wazeeha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Safety
Enemies to lovers
Dark romance
BDSM
H(29), h(21)
Virgin h
HEA

[Nietra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what an amazing duet.
this author has knocked these 2 stories out of the park.
this is a complete duet set so Make sure you snap them up.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book

[k m · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love A. Zavarelli and her books. I originally read Echo and Stutter when they first came out and fell in love with them. These characters are complicated but special and everything in between.
and this is what makes this story so wonderful!
This is a Must Read
4.5⭐

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a two book series combined into one fantastic book. The first part of the duet is Echo and is told from Brighton's point of view. You meet Brighton and Ryland and learn about their twisted life together. It will make you question what would you do in order to protect a family member. The second part is Stutter and is told in duel point of view. It will keep you reading to find out what happens and heal your heart.

Favorite quote: Brighton ~ “When he stutters, I stuttered. When his heart beat, mine would always echo. It wasn’t even love. It transcended love.”

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[AMC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointing as a whole

This series consists of two books that do not seem to be in sync at all. The first book is dark, suspenseful, leads to cliffhanger and keeps you interested in the story and its characters. The second book is the exact opposite totally predictable, bland storyline, not a hint of darkness or suspense and loaded with sex scenes as if to fill in for lack of better ideas. The attempt at the plot is weak, there are too many events mentioned and not enough time to develop them properly and incorporate into the whole. That might have been possible if the heroes did not want CONSTANTLY live or be inside one another.

Although I liked book one, which I would give 4 stars, and expected similar development I was quite disappointed in the second book. Either the whole series follow one or the other direction otherwise there is no sync I'm afraid.

[Melissa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this duet! Super intense and sexy! This story had it all! I enjoyed the story of Brighton and Ryland! There are moments of mystery, insane sexiness, intriguing history and moments of undying love!

[Debra Johnson]

Purchase Amazon Feb 15, 2019

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a duel review - Echo & Stutter - The Bleeding Hearts Duet

“I wanted to break you. I never expected to like you.”

Echo
Brighton Valentine is young, naive and beautiful. She is devastated when her twin brother is sent to prison at age 16. Five years later an opportunity presents itself. Prison life is difficult for her brother Brayden. Brighton will do anything to help her brother so she accepts this proposal.

I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know.

Ryland Bennett is a hot, successful, wealthy CEO. He is mysterious and controlling. He uses information that can free Brighton’s brother from prison to get what he wants. And what he wants is Brighton in every way possible.

The story is mysterious in the beginning. Who is Ryland? Everyone seems to know except Brighton. There are plot twists and turns. Some are predictable and some not. The sex is hot! And there is a lot of it! Brighton is sweet and loving. Always thinking the best of people. She also likes to be independent.

My default setting was awkward and shy, and my experience with men was limited.

Ryland is a whole lot of hot and kinky! He wants Brighton for revenge but remember you should always be careful of what you ask for. He is drawn to her. Together they scorch up the pages of the book. She becomes his addiction, his obsession. What starts out as a well thought out plan turns out to be anything but….

“I never could have known how addicting it would be. I want to see how far I can take you. How much you will let me do.”

As the story concludes, secrets are revealed. Pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Choices must be made. Lives are at stake. The web continues to weave. I loved it! The story kept me engaged. The mystery of how they are tied together is finally revealed. But secrets come at a cost.

Stutter is the conclusion of the Bleeding Hearts Duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. You must read Echo (book #1), first. This review will contain spoilers if you have not read Echo.

The situation comes to a head between Ryland and Brayden at the end of Echo, and Brighton is caught in the crossfire. The hatred between her brother and boyfriend is more than Brighton can handle. Added to that is an unexpected complication. She needs space from both of them.

“You can both keep playing this twisted game,” I cried. “But I am done. I’m out. I have nothing left to give to anymore.”

Ryland is devastated. He doesn’t give up. But he feels so much guilt because she was in the car that he had run off the road. He expected it to only contain Brayden. He gives Brighton her “space” while trying to come to terms with his actions.

How do you get someone to forgive the unspeakable?

How do you look at yourself knowing you almost killed the woman you love?

His grief is turned to anger when he discovers her unexpected complication. Ryland is even more devastated. He is empty and broken. He pulls back emotionally. Brighton tries to take her mind off of recent events. But the push and pull between Brighton and Ryland is too great. Once the spark is ignited, the flame roars.

“He was my soul mate. He was my everything, and I wouldn’t change a minute of what had happened between us because it brought us to where we were.”

The web continues to weave. The pieces continue to fall. Both Brighton and Ryland grow together and become closer. There are still many twists and turns to come. The road gets very bumpy. There are added complications. Ryland really evolves in this story. The two learn to communicate and really relate even more to each other. Her light to his dark. Of course there is plenty of wild, crazy sex as well! Stutter compliments Echo, completing it. Although I did enjoy Echo more, I was still happy with the ending.

4 stars overall

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

The Bleeding Hearts Duet was a fun read. I really enjoyed Brighton and Ryland's story.

Alright, the first part of this duet, was...yeah. I did really enjoy this read even if there were moments when I was like really Brighton? But it was great.

Brighton's twin brother went to prison for a crime she is sure he didn't commit. She feels terrible that he is rotting away in there and would do anything to help him. When she receives an offer of freeing her brother in exchange for handing her life, body, decision, everything over to a stranger for six months she doesn't think that long about it. She is certain she can do this so her brother can finally get out of jail. After all, he is a great person and doesn't deserve to be in there.

Ryland is a guy Brighton first met briefly when she was 16, and now she works for him. She is strangely drawn to him even though he is older and she doesn't know why. Now 21 she has fantasies of getting down and dirty with him, but he doesn't seem to remember that kiss they shared forever ago.

When Brighton finds out Ryland is her mystery monster things are a bit rocky, but they work themselves out. Only Ryland is definitely keeping things from her, he won't talk about himself much, his past, anything really. She falls for him hard, but she doesn't even know if he is in this for more than their arrangement or if he cares for her as well.

Now Brighton's brother also doesn't tell her things. She doesn't know why he pleads guilty to the charges brought against him when she is certain he is innocent. She doesn't know what he was getting up to before he was sent away and he won't tell her. Add in her "friend" Nicole who is obviously part of this with Ryland, and co-worker Matt, who knows more than he will tell, and she is left in the dark by everyone. By those who claim to care about her. Man, I don't know how she put up with it. Really, I wouldn't have. Because if you really cared about me you would tell me what was going on. But it was a fun read. Super hot sexy times and Ryland and Brighton were good together. You can see he cares even if he doesn't want to. He is not all monster.

No Brighton does make some stupid decision towards the end of this first part, some things that I was just like really Brighton? You are going to stick with this even after you learn everything? You can't understand why someone would act the way they are acting?

Then on to the second part of this duet. Now I was hoping that Brighton wouldn't just forgive everything and be a doormat, and luckily she wasn't! Ryland definitely makes some mistakes with her along the way, but then he learns from them. He doesn't want to keep making them. He wants to fix things and be with her because he does love her. And she is not perfect either. It wasn't easy with these two, but I really loved this second part of the story. The two of them are perfect for each other if only they can work everything out. Don't want to say too much more as I don't want to spoil anything, but it was a fun read. Through all the ups and downs these two were great. They are imperfect people, but they try and be better than they are. Together they can be. I loved it.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration

[Shelbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a page turner. There is so much suspense and trill that both of these stories becomes additive. I was seriously stuck from beginning to end. Each page just got better and better and had me glued to my seat! Everything about both stories flowed perfectly. I love that it was not predictable and it always kept me on my toes.

Echo
Brighten is this young woman just looking to make it by in life. She grew up in the lower harder parts of Illinois with her twin brother Bryaden and her troubled mother Norma-Jean. It's safe to say she had a tough up bringing. But despite all that she had made a promise to her brother before he went away, that she would make it out of the life they lived and never look back. She never anticipated that everything she was about to come encounter with was all a plot of revenge on her absent father's past. Brighten was very oblivious to her surroundings. So when she started a job in California at a high end company owned by an extremely handsome alpha male named Ryland, she couldn't predict that she would soon be blackmailed into helping her brother. Desperate for answers and her brothers freedom she would have to adapt to the terms of the agreement and see it through no matter what. But in the middle of all this she found her self falling crazy in love with her tormentor.

Stutter
So much has changed. Brighten is now experiencing her life in a whole new way. Although she Is furious with Ryland and Bryaden, she needs to do what is best for her and the new changes she is about to endor. So much deception has played a factor in her relationship and with her family that she is stuck feeling like she is constantly being
desived by the ones she loves the most. Answers are what she needs and won't stop until she gets them. But it's what she fears that is constantly on her mind. Challenge after challenge she seeks to overcome but the danger she faces can be life threatening to the one person that she can't live without.

This was the first time I read an A.Zavarelli book, and I was very impressed. I really enjoy how she added the darker type twist to not only the plot of the story but also the intimate encounters between Brighten and Rylan. I can never get enough of a dark romance personally. So I felt like it made the book all the more intriguing. I did not give to much spoiler alerts because there are so many twist and turns, I felt like anymore detail would give to much of this amazing duet away. I will most definitely be reading more her her stories. This book comes highly recommend from me. Trust me you will want to check it out for your self.

[Thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I read by A Zavarelli (is a duet) and WOW!!! I love her writing even more...

I didn't know anything about the story and it was an incredible surprise.. the story is divided in two books Echo and Stutter but i'm going to talk about the Duet in general..

I love Ryland he is super mega hot, alpha male, controlling and possessive as hell.

The story of Ryland and Brighton started when she was just a teenager, when she didn't know who he was and what he was doing in her house.. the only thing she knew is that he stole her heart and a kiss that will remind her of him for years to come... he was full of hate and wanted to destroy Brighton's Family but what he didn't expect was to meet her and find her there, he wasn't prepare for that kiss that will change him forever..

Brighton was desperate for a job when her good friend Nicole offers to help, but Brighton didn't know what o who was waiting for her in that interview.. when she saw him all her dreams came alive.. she've been wanting for this moment to happen some day and now he was there more handsome than ever..

The story of Ryland and Brighton was not easy, there were so many secrets specially on Ryland's part, there was hatred between him and Brighton's brother.. from an old family wound.. he wanted to end the whole Family but life change and plans change and love can change everything .. Ryland may have to reconsider his plans of vengeance if he wants to keep the love of his life..

lies and secrets can destroy this beautiful relationship, this beautiful love but only them can save their feelings, only them have the key to stay together and make this work..

I love Brighton even thou sometimes i wanted to scream NOOOOO!! but she was bold and strong and didn't take any S... from anybody.. her love was so strong and pure for Ryland.. i really felt the connection between them and i love how their relationship slowly grew but at the same time was fast and consuming..

Ryland was stubborn, controlling and determine he didn't really know what he wanted at first but at the same time he knew he wanted her.. in his life forever.. he won't stop until he gets whats he wants, until Brightons belongs to him.. even thou she belonged to him from the first moment they saw each other..

A great story with great characters.. i love also the other secondary characters that helped so much to build this story, Nicole and Matt their love was also beautiful.. to see them grow at the same time with Ryland and Brighton.. even the story of Norma.. it was nice to see how she recovered herself and try to make amends, tried to be someone new and found love with Ted .. i didn't like Brightons brother.. he was a pain in the a... all the time causing troubles and just wanted revenge .. he was just full of hate..

They're so many great things that i like about the story.. the sex is great, the dirty talking is Amazing and the love between them is the best... it really love this Duet and i can't wait to read more from A. Zavarelli..

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this Duet when they were separate novels ~ 'Echo' & the conclusion, 'Stutter', so the chance to re-read them in the same book was too good to be true!!

Brighton was brought up in a trailer park with nothing but an alcoholic Mum & her twin brother, Brayden, for the first 16 years of her life but then everything changed!!

Her brother is going to Prison, the next day, for Murder & death whilst drink driving. She knows he's innocent, he HAS to be but he says he's not. That same night she meets a friend of his for the first time. He kissed her like he needed her more than anything in this world but then he walked away & she doesn't see him again for 5 years & in all that time she never forgot his gorgeous face or that searing kiss!!

Ryland is a Tech Billionaire with huge secrets & dark desires he's been keeping in check for the past 5 years. Things have now fallen into place & all of his maneuvers to take his revenge are finally lined up. The last piece is in place ... Brighton is in San Francisco working for his Company & completely dependent on her salary, namely him!! It's time to make his final moves to get his vengeance & give his family it's final peace!!

Brighton is blackmailed into a sexually submissive, pain & pleasure based relationship. She has no power within it, to her knowledge. All of this is to get her blackmailer to release proof he holds that her brothers innocent!! Brighton starts to crave the darkness & pain that this man brings to her, she can't keep her heart out of this twisted relationship. His verbal rejection & coldness hurts more than his belt!!

Ryland is ruthless at the best of times but when he realises he's been the cause of her very real & serious physical pain it nearly destroys them both & ends what they'd started!! Now Brighton is in grave danger from elsewhere & Ryland will stop at nothing to protect the light in his dark world. How far will he need to go?

This Duet is dark & delious with deviant tendencies. As it progresses it turns into a dark romance of obsessive love that burns deep & true. Lies come to light, truths are told & horrors unearthed that shatter hearts. It has a wonderful epilogue that let's your heart soar free, which is deserved after the rollercoaster it's endured throughout the 'Bleeding Hearts Duet'!! A first class twisted tale 😎

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit, what did I just read?! The Bleeding Hearts Duet is a twisted, steamy mass of betrayal, pain, secrets, love and sex.

Echo starts off when Brighton is 16 and about to say goodbye to her brother Brayden, when she meets one of his so called friends. Said friend lays a steamy kiss on her, one that she never forgets. She doesn't get the guy's name, but she remembers his face and that kiss. Cue 5 years later and Brighton is interviewing at the Bennett Corporation and meets the man whose face has haunted her for the past 5 years. Unfortunately for her, he doesn't seem to remember her or their kiss. Also unfortunately for her, he happens to be her new boss. But all that will be forgotten as Brighton ends up making a deal with the devil, so to speak, in exchange for evidence that proves her brother is innocent. Lots of sexy, kinky times follow, and Brighton learns that she's got dark desires, thanks to the devil she made a deal with to own her for the next 6 months.

Stutter starts off right after the end of Echo. Brighton has decided she's done with both her brother and Ryland. But, when she gets some significant news, how will that affect her and the choices she must now make? How can she live without the man for whom she's fallen, but who made decisions that almost cost her her life? Stutter is a fitting conclusion for Brighton and Ryland. It's just as steamy, just as twisted as Echo, but it's got threads of something lighter for our couple. I love how much both Brighton and Ryland evolved, and how their relationship changed. Its intensity never lessened, but it changed and evolved for the better and both Brighton and Ryland did some of their own personal growth.

Even though Ryland is a class A jackass, and is alpha af, I couldn't help but fall for him, just as Brighton did. And Brighton? Wow, she's more than equal to Ryland. She's sweet, she's smart, and she's strong, so strong. I loved their story; so twisted, so dark, but so sexy and emotional!

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Fee96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I absolutely adore Ashleigh Zavarelli. She had me at Crow about a year and a half ago. I have anxiously anticipated each of her new books like a total addict. Usually nothing prepares my soul for the onslaught of emotions brought on by her writing. Utter brilliance. Every read, every word of every book!

Brighton and Ryland are PER-FEC-TION. Gritty. Dark. Tantalizing. Consuming. Captivating. Suspenseful. Breathtaking. Powerful. Climactic.

So many secrets amongst the complex web of characters. How intertwined and thrilling this storyline becomes had me holding my breath, making guesses on who is who and who is responsible for what. None of my guesses were correct mind you. Engrossing me even more every step of the way.

Book 1 is all in Brighton's pov. We get a good look at her relationships and upbringing. Brighton has been dealt an absolutely tragic hand. The person she loves the most, her twin brother Brayden, is going off to prison. She has a junkie for a mother. Never had a relationship with her father. She is innocent and naïve but on her own for the first time and has to take care of herself.

In book 2 we also get Ryland's pov. Love dual pov. Needed to get into the heads of these characters. Creates depth and takes this book to another level. Ryland is the type of character you know is nothing but heartbreak and trouble. A villain for sure. One encounter was all it took to seal Brighton's fate. Although I know his reappearance in her life years later is not an accident - I was on the edge of my seat to find out why. He has this redeeming quality that has you rooting for him along the way despite his the deception and ulterior motives.

It has been a while since a book had me completely riveted! Bleeding Hearts had me so wrapped up. I tuned the world out around me from cover to cover. Hated every moment while we were apart - adulting got in my way. I stayed up until 2 am one night because I absolutely couldn't stop! So worth it! There are a handful of really exciting parts that I wanted a support group or read a long buddy to talk to. Gah but I will not quote and spoil it.

I can't recommend this book and author enough!

[Debbie Loader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I liked this, and having both books as one was a dark delight.

Brighton and her brother Brayden are twins. We enter their lives as Brayden is about to be jailed, he is taking the fall and knows he will be jailed in the morning. Brighton tries to be happy but wanders out onto the deck behind the trailer and meets Ryland. She is captivated by his dark looks and when he grabs and kisses her she is lost. Her brother finds them and tells her to never look at that man again and in some shock she agrees.
Five years pass and Brighton finds herself in San Francisco where she meets Nicole who not only offers her a spare room but also gets her an interview as an intern at The Bennett Corporation.
The CEO of Bennett is non other than the dark man she has dreaming of, its Ryland but he doesn't seem to remember her.
Then Brighton finds herself blackmailed into a 6 month relationship with a complete stranger who in return will provide her with the information that is needed to get her brother released from prison. Her lover is rough, impatient and as they become more deeply involved she learns who he is.
Then we discover who the Lockharts were, we discover exactly what Braydon did and didn't do and why.

Book 2 gives us Ryland and Brighton at odds, she cannot forgive him for what he has done but equally she still loves him and she has one hell of a secret she is keeping. She has forgiven Nicole and Matt their parts in what had been going on.

Unknown to her Ryland started a ball rolling 6 years ago, in revenge for the death of his family not realising that the one thing that would come to mean the most to him would be the target.

Lots of back story comes in this book, as loyalties shift and patterns are reformed. This is dark and light at its most extreme. Who will survive, read it, it is so worth it.

[amaareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This duet? It is a LOT. It is too much. It is also exactly enough chaos to keep me reading at 3 AM when I should have been sleeping.

If you thought your dating life was tragic, please meet Tansey and Luca. Tansey is trying to survive, and Luca is… well, Luca is a walking, talking moral dilemma wrapped in a tailored suit.

The premise is classic! He’s dangerous, she’s struggling, worlds collide. But bestie, the amount of trauma these two pack into a duet? It’s not baggage; it’s a cargo ship.

The "I Lost My Mind" Moments:

1. The Communication Skills: Or rather, the lack thereof. If these two had just sat down for five minutes and had an honest conversation, half this plot would vanish. Instead, we get secrets, lies, and "I'm doing this to protect you" nonsense that had me screaming at my Kindle.

2. The Drama: It is high-octane, telenovela-level drama. We have betrayals! We have shocking twists! We have people coming back from the dead (metaphorically... or not? I won't spoil). At one point I put the book down and said out loud, "Are you serious right now?"

Now, about Luca. Look, I love a possessive anti-hero as much as the next person who needs therapy, but sometimes this man? SIR. Take a breath. His version of love is intense, borderline suffocating, and occasionally makes me want to call HR.

And Tansey... honey. I love you, but your decision-making skills? Questionable. The number of times she walked directly into a trap because she was being "brave" (read: reckless) took years off my life.

Read this if you enjoy romance that hurts your feelings, high-stakes mafia drama, and screaming "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER" at fictional characters.