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Hearts #2

Hearts and Flowers

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Nora
He broke me.
He gave me everything I never knew I wanted then in one moment destroyed all my happiness.
Now I’m back in Araminta to finish senior year before I move on and leave this town full of fake and corrupted people behind.
I don’t expect him to chase me. To change the game. He wants my heart but it’s destroyed. Even as we fight back against his enemies who want to ruin his name, he puts me above all else.
He wants to protect me. Fix me. Claim me. Too bad I’m not the same girl I was. I can’t forgive him....

Darrian
I’m sober.
So fuckin sober.
I’m broken and bruised but the only pain I feel is watching her and knowing I can’t have her. Danger lurks around us. My enemies are growing in numbers. I need to keep her safe and untouched by the chaos I created. I will destroy the walls around her heart and prove to both of us that I am the man she wanted me to be. She wants to breeze in and fade out...not this time. She’s back and she will be mine. I can’t live without her.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2019

152 people are currently reading
444 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Brooks

11 books1,081 followers
Author also writes under Ashton Brooks

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5 stars
130 (35%)
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113 (30%)
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80 (21%)
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28 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Ana Laura.
486 reviews258 followers
Read
August 22, 2019


Yep, just as I anticipated. Unfortunately one more author wasting the opportunity to be original. Just another handbook explaining to young people how to be fickle, weak, selfish and pathetic. I hope the young people reading this crap don't take it as an example.

Original comments:
Oh! Oh! He treats me like shit so I'm so broken I can't be happy anymoooooore! But he is so beautiful and unforgettable because he has done nothing but being stupid and treat me like a piece of trash, yet he makes me so wet that I am broken for any other maaaan!
Oh, I'm a broken man so of course, that gives me the perfect excuse to treat women like a piece of shit .. But actually I love her and I'm so scared so I have another great excuse to treat her like a piece of shit and cheat on her!
Oh! Noooo! She left me!! Now I'm so fucked and sorry, but I know I have a golden dick and I will win her back!
Oh I don't want him, he hurt me a lot, he cheated on me and rubbed it in my face, but he's so unforgettable and I understand him! I know he is sorry and he didn't want to do what he did! And among the millions of men out there only he who knows how to treat me like garbage and can make me happy! WHAT-A - F * KING - JOKE! Let's make another bet?
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,399 reviews42 followers
August 21, 2019
5 HEARTS AND FLOWERS STARS!! I love Darrian and Nora!! This book picks up where Hearts and Bruises ends. There story was all over the place with feels, drama, suspense and love. These two are so perfect for each other you feel it in your heart. A.M. Brooks has won me over with her storytelling and I can't wait for the next book. You definitely need to 1-Click these two book.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,234 reviews613 followers
Read
September 8, 2019
Hmm... I don't know what to say. I'm not sure if I liked it not. Everything felt so dramatic and OVER THE TOP!!

No-one can say that I didn't complete the dang book because I did. I don't like to DNF a book unless it's horrifically bad.
I read it book and I didn't like.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,886 reviews214 followers
August 21, 2019


Darrian is sober now and of course full of regrets for how things went down with Nora. He also wants to protect her from his past, from the people and things who want to hurt her because of him. Will Nora allow him in? Is a second chance anywhere in the realm of possibility? Or is Darrian doomed to love her from afar?

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Nora just wants to get through her last year with her head down. She knows she has to face Darrian at some point, but does it have to be now? Sigh...

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Damn! This conclusion to Darrian and Nora's story was pretty brutal and angsty. Darrian really did a number on Nora's poor heart and I loved seeing her keep him at a distance for a bit. And I loved how much he really groveled to her, to get her to forgive him and allow him back into her heart. I have to admit, though, that if I had been her, I probably would have kicked him to the curb and wouldn't have let him back in. But I'm vindictive and Nora isn't so...

I really liked Hearts and Flowers. Darrian and Nora make for a compelling, interesting couple. As second chance romantic suspense goes, this one is pretty damn great.

COMING SOON-3

ARC via The Next Step PR for an honest review.

Review/Release Promotions ---> Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Michele.
1,712 reviews
August 20, 2019
In Hearts and Flowers, both Nora and Darrian mature and grown up....thankfully. Even though I don't think I could personally ever forgive my significant other if they did the things to me that Darrian did to Nora, I'm glad that they are able to work through it all. I'm equally glad that she makes him work for her forgiveness. She let him get away with a few too many things in the first book and then she'd forgive him way too easily.

Darrian had to work through his own demons before he could truly be there for Nora. I think that is the difference in this book versus the first one. Darrian has finally learned to manage his own issues and is ready to move forward as a responsible adult. He doesn't seem as quick to overreact and jump to conclusions as he did previously. Also, he understands how his actions have affected others, particularly Nora.

Nora had to learn that she couldn't be the one to "fix" everyone else at the expense of herself. She managed to figure out how to prioritize herself and not be the pushover she'd been in the past. Sadly, it really did take her a while to feel as if she could trust others again, particularly Darrian. She had been extremely traumatized by some of the stunts he had pulled in the past. One situation in particular was pretty unforgivable and continued to haunt her through a good portion of this book. However, once she found her confidence, it was wonderful to see her moving forward in her life and not depending on Darrian for her happiness. Also, at that point she could put the past behind and not let her fears and anxieties weigh her down.

I really liked this series and look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Cromwell.
219 reviews180 followers
December 20, 2019
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to Darrian and Nora’s story! It was amazing to see how much Darrian’s character grew in this book.

He was hot and cold with Nora in Hearts and Bruises, but in this book, after going to rehab, he fully opens his eyes to what he’s done and he’s ready to fight to get back into Nora’s life, no matter what it takes. You can literally just feel the love he has for Nora oozing off the pages and several times I cried happy tears because I was just so gosh darn overjoyed!!!

AM Brooks this is a wonderful book! Thank you for giving us Nora and Darrian’s story, it will forever hold a very special place in my heart =)

*I was provided with an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.*


♥ I’m on Bookstagram! -> Http://www.instagram.com/Emily.reads_
Profile Image for Shea Breier.
33 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2019
I was given the opportunity to beta read this book. Honestly, because I am not familiar with the authors work I was not sure what to expect. I was absolutely blown away by her writing style and fantastic content of this book. While young adult is not what I typically go towards it was such a refreshing change of pace. Despite not having read the first book I spent the entire time completely aware of what was going on and never felt like I was missing anything. I really can’t recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
August 16, 2019
I love second chance romances and this one definitely hit the spot. We left off with Darrian King destroying Nora’s heart. This book we find out the truth about everything. We see a whole new side to Darrian which I love! Nora is in danger and the last people she wants to help her are there. This isn’t all romance it’s about trust and forgiving and getting the help you need to change your life around. I loved every page and intense moment in this duet. I wish we could have all the other characters stories as well! 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Linnie.
39 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2019
Hearts and Flowers by A.M. Brooks
(Hearts series book 2)
LABookLove Rating | 3.5 palm trees

ARC kindly provided in exchange of an honest review.

Review | Hearts and Flowers is the second book in the Hearts series by A.M. Brooks and is the conclusion to Nora and Darrian’s story that unfolded in book one, Hearts and Bruises. It’s a second chance romance written in dual prospective. H&F focused on Darrian’s attempts to win Nora back after completely demolishing their relationship at the end of book one. The Kings and Trent also work to protect Nora from any retaliation planned by the Zero-Thirteen gang after her tipping of the police to their dealing drugs among students. Darian and Nora are both faced with important decision to make regarding their futures including where each will attend college the following year.

Darrians character grows more mature now that he is sober and can reflect on how his actions while using caused so much pain to those around him, especially Nora. Nora moves back after the summer to begin her senior year at Araminta High. Once Darrian makes his intentions of protecting Nora known she begins to take cautious and, at times, standoffish approach towards Darrian’s presence. Even though it frustrates him that he has lost her trust and friendship he understands it’s his actions that put him in this situation. Slowly, painfully slowly, he wiggles his way back into Nora’s life through determination, patience, and understanding.

The relationship between Mr. Sutton and Jodi continues to develop, strengthening the family dynamic in the Sutton household. Trent, Olivia, Shane, Lily, Ethan, and Elijah all continue to be a big part of Nora’s life throughout the book. An unforeseen twist is revealed about the twins and you definitely see a darker side of Ethan, the previous softy of the King men.

The chemistry between Nora and Darrian is very different from Hearts and Bruises. While the first book was packed full of angst and heartbreak the second book is more of a slow burn. There’s much more caution and work put into their relationship this time around.

There weren’t any tears or tissues for me in the second book like the first, just a fulfillment of a happily ever after for two characters who definitely had to work at rekindling their trust and relationship.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2019
HEARTS & FLOWERS, A. M. BROOKS is book 2 in the Hearts Series. This continues the story of Darrian and Nora, so you really should read the previous book 'Hearts and Bruises' first.
Darrian had issues in the last book that made him make very bad decisions and acted in a way that truly hurt Nora. But in this book he comes back to a goal to get Nora back, pay for his mistakes and do all he can to protect Nora. Nora felt that should could fix anything and that did lead to her being more open to Darrian in the a last book but in this book she isn't going forward with that attitude. Darrian hurt her and she plans to be done with him but of course her feelings and Darrian don't seem to be getting the message.
Overall enjoyed their story.

Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,873 reviews88 followers
August 21, 2019
AM Brooks left us with so many questions after the first book. She broke me and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to forgive Darrian’s actions in Hearts and Bruises.

Darrian and Nora were toxic together but somehow had a connection that worked. Once that toxicity was cleared up they became perfect together.

There was plenty of suspense, angst and love throughout the book. I kept picturing myself at their age to see how I would have reacted to all that was happening. Nora and Darrian were far from perfect but AM Brooks made us feel for them. This second chance romance is a must read.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,110 reviews
August 15, 2019
This book is the conclusion to Hearts and Bruises. I love this series so much. I read this book in one sitting. I was so captivated by this story and these characters. Nora and Darrian have so much bad between them in just the year The have known one another. Love, hate, drugs, bullies and so much more. This is one series that will absolutely be staying with me for a long time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
1 review
August 14, 2019
Absolutely amazing. I loved twists and turns. It kept me wanting to read more, beautifully written. I love this author.
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,863 reviews31 followers
August 21, 2019



This is the continuation of Hearts and Bruises. Hearts and Flowers is not a standalone. This 4 star story had me reading it in one sitting.

Nora and Darrian story continues. Will they get the HEA they deserve?

This was an highly entertaining story that was full of drama. It was never dull. I read it in one sitting because I had to see how it would end. I would safely say it was addicting. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star was purely subjective. This was a storyline made for YA. I personally tend to stay away from those storylines but since I had already read the first part, I wanted to read the rest.

The author really knows how to addict a reader to the writing and the amazing characters that were created. A duet worth reading. Told in a dual POV
Profile Image for Lorena  Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog.
1,823 reviews59 followers
August 20, 2019
I absolutely love second chance stories because whoever messes up has a chance to redeem themselves and Darrian definitely redeemed himself in Hearts and Flowers.

I get it, Darrian was a major jerk to Nora in the first book BUT he thought he had a reason to hate her and in the process of hating her, he fell in love with her and when he found out the truth, it was too late for him to go back and explain to Nora why he did what he did because Nora had left and wasn't planning on coming back.

Darrian will do anything in his power to try and win his girl back. We learn a lot about Darrian in this book and I totally was on board with him rectifying his mistakes and showing Nora that he truly did love her.

Ms. Brooks has totally made me a fan of her writing and I can't wait to see what she has planned for us next!

5 Stars

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Michelle.
303 reviews28 followers
September 5, 2019
This is another story I kind of wish the heroine chose someone else. I don’t know if I could forgive Darrian for what he did. To me there was no redemption on his part. He said he was sorry a lot but other than protecting her and paying for a few thing what did he really do to show he had remorse. I almost felt like Darrian was Nora’s addiction. He can treat her like crap and she kept going back for more. She tried to stay away but her thoughts ate about wanting him.

I think also the story is not relatable as we have teenagers who are barely 18 y/o coming up with plans to bring down a drug gang, making grown up decisions and handling it like it’s common occurrence. I don’t know.

The story itself was engaging...but it was hard to read as I have a 16 year. I kept thinking they should have been older.

Just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Athena D..
977 reviews59 followers
August 21, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS

Love is never easy and this second chance romance proves just how tough it can be.

Hearts and Flowers is book two in the Hearts Series by A.M. Brooks. This story begins where the first book left us with Darrian absolutely breaking Nora with his actions. I was gutted for Nora after Hearts and Bruises ended, so going into this book I needed to find out what happened. I felt Darrian was able to redeem himself and protect Nora at the same time from the danger she unknowingly was in. Overall, I loved the journey and outcome of this book.

If you’re looking for angst, suspense, and a second chance romance, pick up this MUST read series. Hearts and Flowers by A.M. Brooks will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
Profile Image for Laura.
366 reviews
August 21, 2019
I voluntarily received a copy of this for an honest review!

I have to say after getting the first book in this series I was quite excited to get the next one too. Darrin and Nora’s story picks up right where it left off. You don’t feel like you’ve missed anything. There is many other little couples and tales going on in this book. But it doesn’t take away from anything, in fact it adds to the exhilarating and suspense filled drama that rotates around these two lovers/enemies.
I want a Trent book. Please tell me there is a chance!
Profile Image for Heather 'Confessions Of A Bibliophile' Creighton.
360 reviews153 followers
August 22, 2019
5 STARS

Hearts & Flowers is book two in the Hearts Series by new author A.M Brooks. Told in dual POV we continue with the conclusion of Nora Sutton & Darrian King’s story. H&F is a two-part story so Hearts and Bruises MUST be read first. This review may contain spoilers from Hearts and Bruises if you have not read book one yet, proceed with caution.



After that heart-dropping cliffhanger book one ended with I have been on pins and needles waiting for this one! A.M Brooks did NOT disappoint! YA/NA is one of my favorite tropes and A.M. Books is most definitely a new author to watch for in that category!

In Hearts and Bruises, we see Nora finally leave Darrian for good. He wanted her father and her out of town so he completely broke her heart to make damn sure it happened. But now that her father was found innocent, he realizes it was all for nothing. Darrian is determined to win back the girl of his dreams BUT this time, it’s gonna take a whole lot more than a few pretty words for Darrian to get back in Nora’s good graces.



There was so much back and forth with Darrian and Nora in Hearts & Bruises, they were completely toxic together. But in Hearts & Flowers, Darrian is clean, and his eyes are wide open. Darrian is finally ready to face the consequences of his actions (even though legally there won’t be many thanks to dear ol’ Dad) but the point is the old Darrian wouldn’t have thought twice about how his actions harmed anyone but himself. Now he’s finally starting to get it, and he has a whole lot of making up to do to Nora, the person he hurt the most.

After what happened with Roman and Zero-Thirteen Nora’s life is in danger, and the one person that can protect her, she won’t let even come near her. But Darrian isn’t giving up that easy and he won’t stop until the girl he loves is safe.

But what if it’s too late?

Darrian is ready to fight for Nora but after all the hurt he’s caused can Nora forgive him yet AGAIN?



A.M. Brooks has done it again. I am still blown away that Hearts and Bruises was her first release! She has killed it with Hearts & Flowers. This plot, these characters, ALL OF IT!



Nora, I really wasn’t loving after book one. I was just so tired of her letting Darrian walk all over her, time and time again and then all he had to do was throw a few pretty lines at her and all was forgiven. NOT THIS TIME! Nora is done with his crap and she’s making him pay his dues before even considering getting back together.
“She was magnetic and I was attracted to her force.”


Darrian I absolutely hated. But Darrian has come a long, long way. He’s went to rehab and he seems to really have his head on straight now without all the drugs clouding his mind. I was so, so proud of him in a couple of scenes when he could have thrown away all his hard work but he was committed and he stuck with it. The way he “wooed” Nora this time around *SIGH* I never thought I would say this but Darrian King turned into book boyfriend material! PLUS I loved that it was dual POV this time around so we actually were able to get in his head and understand his side of things a bit more.
“Please heal me. Keep me. Fight for us with me.”


These two together, at first I would have said NOPE, wayyy to toxic. But Darrian has really turned it around. There was so, so much more character development this time around and I loved the new improved Darrian, and I’m sure Nora did too. These two together can go either way, it can be like fire and gasoline or they can be like peanut butter and jelly. We saw fire and gasoline in Hearts and Bruises but we saw peanut butter and jelly in Hearts & Flowers. The only thing I would have liked to see a bit more of is detail to the sexy scenes. I understand it’s a YA/NA so there is a fine line but I would have liked a little more description.

I honestly could not ask for a better ending than that epilogue! It was everything! *SIGH*

I can NOT wait to see what A.M. Brooks comes up with next… maybe Trent & all the crazy stuff he’s got going on?? I would be fine with either of the secondary characters honestly I’m just not ready to say goodbye to this crew yet!

I highly recommend checking out the Heart Series!

“Our love is terrifying, exciting, and real. It may not always be story-book ending beautiful, but it’s us. It’s our story.”

Confessions Review ARCBlog|Facebook|Instagram|Goodreads|BookBub|Amazon

Profile Image for Laura ( Latteandbookz ).
1,386 reviews12 followers
August 19, 2019
This is the conclusion to the first book Hearts and Bruises. I’m a sucker for second chance romances.

I was able to read this book in one sitting because I wanted to know what was going to happen considering what happened in the last one. Darrian I didn’t like in the first one, in this one he grew up a lot an I loved reading his growth. Rehab helped him a lot, I was hoping he would change and he did for the better.

The back and forth that happened with Darrian and Nora I think was necessary because of the way he treated her in book one. When there together in this one it has a different feel. It wasn’t as “edgy”.
This book was about forgiveness and we were able to get and experience that with Nora.
Profile Image for c a r í.
917 reviews176 followers
September 17, 2020
I really like how Nora takes her time to forgive and get back together with Darrian, tho I'm not rooting for them to end up with each other, cheating is unacceptable mistake, yes we weren't perfect, but IRL, if your partner cheated on you there's always a chance that he/she will do it again, as the old adage says "Once a cheater, always a cheater." Nevertheless I like how the author did not rush everything especially on Nora's side, its building slowly. And I'm glad that Darr change for the better not only for Nora but especially for himself.
Profile Image for Lady Lauren Explorer.
849 reviews41 followers
July 3, 2023
🫥

I was very hyped about the continuation of the story and it worked for a little while but I want to say at 54%. I said it to lose my intrigue.

I felt everything was a little off kilter and just became boring after a while. Around 70% is when I just finally realize that she needed to finish the book in order to figure out the ending.

I’m glad that he was still in treatment and staying sober and I’m also happy that Nora showed resistance when it came to jumping back into a relationship with him.

I found the gang plot to be very weird and unrealistic and also how it end it was just like a bowtie ending trope, which I don’t think would happen in real life.
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,540 reviews
August 22, 2019
Hearts and Flowers is the second book in the Hearts series and picks up where the first book ends. This story had it all, drama, suspense, danger and will give you all the feels. Its a story about trust, forgiveness and getting the help needed to make life changes. This second chance romance was given to us in dual POV and had some twists and turns you won't see coming. With amazing characters and a griping storyline that will have you hooked Heart and Flowers was a fantastic read and I would recommend it to all lovers of YA romances.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,105 reviews62 followers
June 16, 2024
Darrian definitely redeems himself

I enjoyed this book so much better than the first. I didn't consider Nora a pushover this time around. Also Darrian makes up for all the foolishness of the first book.

Leaves you hanging about Trent though.
Profile Image for Rosanna.
804 reviews15 followers
August 23, 2019
Wow!! Seriously I loved this book!! The first one was good but the second one was awesome!! We have Darrian after the accident. Getting sober. Nora coming back from the summer away from all the gossip and the hate that happened before.
It was super well written. The characters were amazing too. The continuation of the story was awesome. It jumped right back into when Darrian had the accident. I was ready to kill Darrian in the last book because of what he did to Nora and her family. I was ready to hate on him right from the first page. But I understood things that were going on in the other book better.

Nora came up a winner in this book too. I thought she was spineless in the other book. I didn’t like her too much either. You know how much can a girl get screwed over in life and by the same guy too. I’m glad she distanced herself in this one and it was necessary for her well being. Darrian melted my heart even if I was skeptical at the beginning. I thought honestly that he was playing her again. And the twins... hopefully they’ll get their own story too and Trent. Have the big feels for him too! He needs to have a great ending too because he crashed and burned in this book. There must be something going on there.

Loved it and can’t wait for more!!
Profile Image for Amy Stephens.
Author 118 books551 followers
August 21, 2019
AM Brooks has redeemed herself!

I totally had forgotten I'd read the first book, Hearts and Bruises, so when I got started on Hearts and Flowers, I realized how familiar the characters were. Then, I remembered the storyline, Brooks's writing style that I loved, and the cliffhanger from hell...yes, THAT cliffhanger!

Nora and Darrian's story goes much deeper in book two, and where I'd been on the fence with them in the first book, this time I saw them in a different way. The drama was still at an all-time high, but I loved the way things played out. Their maturity and actions were so different and things were at a much slower pace, a slow-burn if you'd like to call it that. The depth of Darrian's love for Nora is definitely heartfelt, unlike before.

Hearts and Flowers has that redeeming quality that I admire in stories. Second chances are some of my favorite reads and this one proves that two people can work things out with hard work and determination. Brooks gave these two the ending they definitely deserved!!
Profile Image for (Ellie) ReadtoRamble.
444 reviews29 followers
August 25, 2019
When I first read Hearts and Bruises I didn't know that it was a series and when I finished the book and saw that a second installment was coming out in Aigust I was so happy ! I absolutely adored the first in the series and even more the second ! I sont really want to say anything about the plot because I don't want to spoil anyone but it's awesome! It follows from the end of the 1st book when Darrian wakes up in hospital after his accident. Nora comes back to Araminta and doesn't want anything to do with the Kings but Darrian won't give up on her that easily ! The second book is even more heartfelt than the first, I read it so fast, and it filled in a lot if the blanks from the first book perfectly. I definitely recommend this series to anyone !
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
August 21, 2019
“Honestly I fell in love with Darrian and Nora love story. Hearts and Flowers is book two in the Hearts series, you definitely need to read book one cause this one starts right where Heart and Bruises end. Drama, suspense and lots of love. Their were a match made in heaven, their connection and chemistry made me remember how butterflies feel like. A.M wrote an outstanding second chance romance. This story is a must read!”
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