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Heart

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Your first love is not always the first person you kiss.
It’s the one you compare to everyone else.
The one you can’t forget.
The one you never got over.

Luke Harris left the small Texas town he grew up in fourteen years ago, walking away from the only girl he ever loved.
Now he’s a rock star cardiologist in the heart of L.A.
He has it all;
The money.
The house in the hills.
The fancy car.
The success.
But his world’s about to be rocked when the one who got away drops a bomb in his lap.

Small town girl Sarah Harris never got over him.
She knew she married the wrong brother, but built a simple life for her and her daughter, despite her broken heart.
When Sarah’s forced to reveal her deepest secret, she needs to trust the man who let her down.

Sins from the past always find a way of catching up to us. But sometimes it’s the innocent who pays.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2018

52 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Kelley

7 books1,193 followers
JM Kelley loves to write steamy hot romance almost as much as she loves to read it. She grew up in Long Island New York, and just recently, took the Florida plunge with her husband of thirty years(real-life book boyfriend). She has three, extremely handsome sons, and taught each one of them the difference between a curveball and a fastball. She is a lover of baseball and has been a Yankee fan, wearing pinstripes since the day she was born. If you can’t find her reading or writing, she’s probably in Disney World since that’s her favorite place to be on earth.

Find all my social media here:

✦ FB: http://bit.ly/2OjOFIN
✦ Instagram: https://bit.ly/2wqxulD
✦ Twitter: https://bit.ly/2UxEXal
✦ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3dt1yh2
✦ Website: https://bit.ly/39mjqac
✦ BookBub: https://bit.ly/39fH0oL
✦ Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2xTmvSj
✦ JM’s Book Jungle: https://bit.ly/2x2RpHu

Find all my books here:

✦ Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bxhgpV

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5 stars
28 (33%)
4 stars
23 (27%)
3 stars
20 (24%)
2 stars
7 (8%)
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5 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,642 reviews
January 6, 2019
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review

This is my first book from JM Kelley and I was not disappointed. This book had everything, unforbidden love, heartbreak, second chance and some hot sex. If you love second chance books, then this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
January 30, 2019
I received an ARC for this story and these are my thoughts...

JM Kelley is a new author for me, and I love finding new stories from authors I've not read before.

Luke fell in love with Sarah when his brother Ben brings her home. He watches from the side-lines when Ben continues to be the man-whore and steps out on Sarah. What can he do? Tell her? He knows she picked the wrong brother but she has her reasons. He'll be leaving soon, Medical school and he can't wait to see the back of this town. His only regret will be Sarah and leaving her behind.

Sarah knows Ben has cheated behind her back, but she continues to forgive him. It's a small town so word does get around. When Ben enlists she's hoping things will change. Ben I think is also hoping that the military will knock some sense into him. But growing up with two parents who were drunk more often than not, it's not like they had any good role models.

The night before Luke leaves though things change. Catching his brother with another woman he finally lets him have it. Sarah knows something went down but shes got other things to worry about. A sick mom who she looks after. This is her life. Even if she wanted more there's not much she can do. It's Luke taking her home afterwards that the something happens. He finally confesses his feelings. Begging her to come with him. Sarah though knows he's destined for bigger things. She won't hold him back. All they have is tonight.

Its years later, Luke is now a successful doctor in another state. Sarah is still in there hometown, one he's been back to twice since that night. No longer married to his brother. She runs a business with her best friend Harper and life seems to be going okay for her. But when her daughter falls ill, she has to make a choice. One that could destroy the lives of the people around her. Her secret that shes kept all these years is out. Now she has to hope that the people she loves can forgive her.

The story moved steadily, sometimes too fast I thought but apart from that I enjoyed this second chance at love. It left wondering of the what ifs but I think life happens for a reason and the way this played out was how it was suppose to. They had to wait their chance.
Profile Image for Jennifer D..
728 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2019
This is the first book by J.M. Kelley I have read and was not disappointed. I enjoyed that it was a quick read without a lot of angst. Second chances are my favorite genre and I liked the author's take on it. It did feel a bit rushed in places but didn't take away from the storyline. There are moments when your heart breaks for the characters but it makes you appreciate their HEA even more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,347 reviews27 followers
November 25, 2018
A beautifully crafted story about life and circumstances causing you to lose the love of your life. While life moved forward for Brad and he lived out his dream of being a doctor; Sarah moved on into a loveless marriage. There are twists and turns in the story that I won't spoil. Years later a secret brings them back together, can their undying love for each other reconcile their shattered hearts? Read to find out
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,565 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2019
What do you do when your heart wants one thing but your mind is telling you another?? You do everything to push away the one that shattered your heart so it won’t happen again.

Luke left his hometown 14 years ago, only returning twice since then until he gets a call from the one woman he has been in-love with since the day they met. When she drops a bomb onto him, his life changes and he decides to fight for his family.

Sarah knew deep down she married the wrong brother 14 years ago. Her heart has always belonged to one man and now she needs his help to save her daughter. When they are finally face to face again years later will she continue to try and protect her heart or finally let herself to be truly happy??

This is the first book I’ve read by J.M. Kelley and I loved it. This is a sweet, second chance love story of two people who come together under difficult conditions but over come everything with the unconditional love they have for each other. 🖤🖤
1,149 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2019
Luke left Texas 14 years ago to prove to the world he was somebody and to escape watching the girl he loved with his brother. Sarah was Ben’s girlfriend but Luke knew that Ben would never be faithful or give her the life she deserved. Luke hasn’t seen Sarah for years until she blindsides him with news he can’t ignore.

Heart has some heartbreak and devastation for the characters but the author manages to turn all that pain into a beautiful story. Loved that Sarah has become such a strong woman. I had my doubts in the beginning with her tolerance of Ben’s ways. This was a quick and easy read. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
February 7, 2019
This is a new author to me, and my word, she is certainly an author to look out for in the future. Luke left town leaving the love of his life behind. Sarah married the wrong brother, and now that Luke is back in town, is this the time to confess her secret? No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is heartbreaking, forbidden, and has secrets, twists, and second chances. The only downside in my opinion is that sometimes the main characters name was Luke or Brad, and I was unsure of which is the correct name.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
February 5, 2019
I liked this short read but felt it could have been more. What was a juicy, emotional and meaty story idea was deeply impacted by the short length of the read. Now, do not get me wrong, it was still enjoyable but in the end I was left envision how incredible this could have been if there had just been more content to delve deeper into it all. At its heart it is a heat filled, poignant, second chance at love. Luke and Sarah are complex characters and they share a complicated past. This is my frank, freely posted review.
Profile Image for Natalie Hughes.
717 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2019
I voluntarily read this ARC.

This is a first from this author. I enjoyed the story but found it somewhat rushed in places. It truly is a story of how love does not fade over time or distance and how faith will somehow bring people back together.
Worth reading very fast paced which isn't a bad thing but i felt I didn't totally know the characters because of it.
2,617 reviews25 followers
January 21, 2019
omg this book was amazing! talk about breaking my heart. he left the only girl he ever loved. she married the wrong brother. now years later she needs his help. first she must revel a secret she has been keeping to him. it will blow you away!
Profile Image for J.M. Kelley.
Author 7 books1,193 followers
Read
February 5, 2019
Heart is now LIVE!!

It is Exclusively on Amazon and FREE in Kindle Unlimited.
Get your copy here: http://mybook.to/Heart

I'm so excited for you to meet LUKE and Sarah! Heart is a sexy second-chance romance. It is a re-release of my Drazen Kindle Worlds Novella. New cover, new names and minor details, same title, same steamy hotness! Heart is a steamy second-chance romance! #novella #standalone #happyending

Here's a little naughty excerpt:

My sex is slick and ready for him. His words travel straight to my core. Who needs foreplay? I’m starving for him. I wiggle myself around, still in his arms, and lock eyes with him.
“I want you too.”
I’m aching to feel his thick cock inside me, one more time. The heat between us smolders too hot for me to resist. I don’t have a prayer, not that I want one. One more time and then we're done. His dark gaze, the raging bulge in his pants, and his possessive kiss tell me how much he wants it too.
“Is this for me?” he growls, sliding his fingers into my soaking wet pussy.
“Yes, always you.”
The fire between our bodies is blisteringly hot, and I struggle to answer him.“I love that you’re always so wet for me.” He swoops me up by my ass with his muscular arms in one swift motion and sets me on the kitchen table.
His eyes pierce into mine for the longest time, as if he’s trying to decide what to do with me. My legs are still wrapped around his waist, not wanting him to escape. I’m breathing like I just ran a marathon from the way he’s eyeing me. His gaze borders on half desire, half crazy, and in an instant, he’s on me. Capturing my mouth in a savage kiss. Claiming me.
The kiss is sloppy, needy, consuming, and neither one of us can get enough. I’ve never in my life known passion like this. Never needed it, never wanted it, but with Luke, I crave it like a junkie craves a fix.
Profile Image for A Book Obsessed Brit.
559 reviews67 followers
January 25, 2019
I came across JM Kelley through her novella Safeguard which is part of the Meet Me In Savannah Collection, after enjoying that I was looking forward to reading more and Heart did not disappoint!

Heart is a fantastic second chance romance with a good balance between emotion, storyline and heat. We start in the past and understand that Brad is in love with his brothers girl Sarah. The emotion is set up from the start in Brad's POV and how he despises his brother for cheating on his girlfriend, while wishing Sarah was his girl so he could give her the life she deserves. That night a series of events lead to a honest and tender moment between Sarah and Ben; but that is the last they see of each other for a number of years.

Skip to the present and Brad is now a successful Cardiologist who has lost touch with his Marine brother, his wife (Sarah) and their daughter. When a phone call out of the blue flips his world up side down and brings him home, a secret held for years needs to be told and it brings Sarah and Brad together again. Their chemistry is clear and when our two leading characters reconnect the heat is off the chart, Jean-Marie can write a damn good sex scene! Brad and Sarah's story felt organic, realistic and well developed.

Heart was an enjoyable read that I devoured quickly, with likeable characters and a good storyline, with the right balance of conflict and a Hero with a huge heart that just makes you swoon! I look forward to more work from JM Kelley in the future.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,653 reviews76 followers
January 5, 2019
Luke is determined to leave town. He cannot stay and see Sarah marry his jerk of a brother. The night before he leaves, he catches his brother in a broom closet with another woman. He ends up giving Sarah a ride home and begs her to come with him. Her mom is ill, she can't up and leave her no matter how much she cares for Luke. They give into their feelings but reality strikes. Flash forward fourteen years and Sarah calls Luke out of the blue. Will her news destroy them both or give them the future they deserve?

Right from the get go, you know that Luke is in a horrible position. He loves Sarah but she is with his brother. He is going off to medical school and she can't leave her mom even though she cares for him so much. When she calls fourteen years later and he comes home, he is angry at first. But that quickly dissipates as he knows that he is just as responsible for the situation as Sarah. It totally fits his personality that he sees this as an opportunity and he is not going to let her go again. Sarah runs hot and cold, giving mixed signals but again it is totally understandable given the situation and her past. I read this in one sitting as I needed to see these two get a happy ever after, desperately. I really enjoyed Heart, it deserves 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
784 reviews55 followers
February 5, 2019
* I received an advanced copy of this book to review.

Luke Harris is a man on a mission, to get out of the one horse town he lives in and away from the life he has there. Somehow, his brother has ended up with the girl he himself has loved since day one. Life isn't fair, but who ever said it was. Watching them together is killing him, even more for the fact that his brother Ben is a drunk and a cheater yet Sarah stays with him anyway. His last night in town ends in an unexpected way, sweet but sad, but it's time to move on without looking back.

Luke moves to California, becomes the doctor he was meant to be, but not living a happy life, just existing without the girl he could have loved. Then years later, he receives a shocking phone call that will change his life in so many ways.

This is sweet and poignant story, a little bit second chance, a little forbidden love with some serious steamy times mixed in. It is about 16 chapters long, although feels like more since the story is told well and keeps your interest. I love finding a quick, easy to enjoy love story and this one was just that with a HEA and glimpse into the future that Luke could have never predicted. This book will keep you warm on a cold winter's night😍.
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,656 reviews44 followers
January 4, 2019
* I received an ARC but am leaving a voluntary and honest review *

Wow, wow, WOW! This book is all kinds of hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sarah - an amazing heroine. Broken, caring and beautiful.
Luke - hot as hell (seriously, where can I find one?) 😉 loving, sexy and sweet.

Their story is not the usual boy meets girl, they fall in love and they live happily ever after. It is far more complex than that.

Luke is in love with his brother's girlfriend, no, fiancé. A forbidden love. His brother is a dick though, so I kinda didn't care about the cheating factor involved.

After years apart a medical emergency reveals that there is more connecting them than he realised.

Upon his return things heat up again and their chemistry is insane! I wish I had that kind of passion and craving in my life (yup, I'm jealous of imaginary people!)

Throw in some awesome supporting characters, a few hiccups, happy surprises
and some more hot AF sex and you have this amazing book.

If you haven't read JM Kelley's work before then take a chance with this one, it is well worth reading.

Thanks for sharing your story with me, I freaking loved it ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
545 reviews
February 6, 2018
Brad Thorensen has been in love with Sarah since the day his brother Ben brought her home. The only problem was she was Ben's girl. One night, after Brad found Ben in the closet with a waitress right under Sarah's nose, he's had enough and punches Ben telling him he doesn't deserve Sarah. As he is helping get his brother home, Ben slips and Sarah finds out about his betrayal.

Sarah feels trapped and without any other options except marrying Ben. But when Brad drives Sarah home, he offers to take her with him to California. She feels she must stay to take care of her mom, that she has no other choice.

After all she has put up with from Ben and his cheating ways, Brad and Sarah have one night together before he leaves. A night that has lasting complications. Can Brad and Sarah find their way back to each other and possibly a future, or is she destined to stay with the wrong brother.

I enjoyed this story by J.M. Kelley and look forward to reading more of her stories.
Profile Image for Queenie.
234 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2018
I liked the premise of the story. Dr. T still has feelings about the girl he left behind. One day she calls for help and he's there. I'm not giving away spoilers, but. the sex scenes were hot and I couldn’t wait to get to the next one. Brad was a hot doctor, a dreamboat, a man who always put his woman first. Sarah was the stalwart super-mom, works hard but lives for her daughter's happiness. This is hard to say, but the author needs to know. She should have had someone read/edit the book for consistency and continuity. There were not that many spots where it was jarring, but definitely one too many. However, if you can put that stuff aside you will enjoy the book.
Profile Image for KarenLou NorthandSouthBlog.
348 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2019
I loved it!

The prologue on its own nearly had me crying, it was intense. You could feel lukes heart breaking!

I genuinely feel for Sarah sometimes, but other times you just want to shake her and be like what is wrong with you, in a good way of course.


Luke is in love with Sarah, but he can’t have her as she is with his brother! So chooses to leave town, years down the line one phone call brings him back, to news that shocks everyone.

Will they get their HEA?
4,149 reviews46 followers
January 16, 2019
Sarah married Ben and his brother Luke left town because he couldn't deal with that because he loved Sarah. So much drama and suspense in this book. Twists and turns and secrets to keep it exciting. Couldn't put it down once I started it. Fast forward many years and Sarah reaches out to Luke because she needs something. hats where the story really gets interesting. Loved every page. Better than 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
602 reviews29 followers
January 7, 2019
Luke leaves his small hometown because Sarah, the love of his life, is with his brother. Years later, Luke returns back home due to unseen circumstances. Secrets are revealed and lives are changed. I enjoyed this second chance short story. It’s got angst and complications.

Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
2,700 reviews25 followers
January 11, 2019
3 1/2*
Sarah knew she should of married Luke but instead married his brother Ben. Years later a phone call from Sarah changes his dull life but can he help & will he get the girl this time?
A new author for me & I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
874 reviews25 followers
February 8, 2019
Sweet second chance

Luke has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Sarah, for years. After an unexpected night together, he leaves town, knowing he will never have her heart. Fourteen years later he receives an urgent phone call from Sarah asking him to come home. She has no choice but to reveal the secret that could finally make her lose Luke forever. Will Luke let Sarah go a second time, or will he stay & finally fight for his girl? A sweet second chance romance!
3,174 reviews
February 9, 2019
A quick sweet read.

This was a quick and sweet that made for an enjoyable read. Luke and Sarah has a complicated history when secrets are reviled emotions once lay dormant comes rushing out. I loved the characters in this story, their circumstance was relatable and real. My first read by the author and it did not disappoint but I do have to agree with others that I would have wanted more in the story to give it a full 5 stars read.
1,393 reviews15 followers
January 5, 2019
Second chance for their relationship. She has known that her daughter might be his. She calls him out of the blue. She needs him her daughter is sick n needs a bone marrow transplant. It was amazing. Her daughter is very accepting of him and all of the secrets. It was amazing
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,458 reviews61 followers
January 30, 2019
This one has a whole lot of heart.

A wonderful ride of lost love found again with a few little, or perhaps big obstacles in the way.

Hot sexy times.
Profile Image for Kellane Ayanna Mitchener.
451 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2019
I enjoyed this small town romance between Sarah and Luke even though they had to deal with some major obstacles they were reunited in the end. I loved Ashley she's a great daughter to have and Sarah's bff Harper was a great sounding board and a great partner. I hope she will get her own story too.
Profile Image for Susana Soto.
220 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2019
This is my first book from this author. I really enjoyed this story since it shows how real love doesnt fade with time and distance even if life throws a few curve balls you could still have your HEA.
Profile Image for Esha Aeron.
40 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2019
3.5 stars
Great story... a little rushed.. but overall i liked it..
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