What do you think?
Rate this book
Surviving Love #1
Kismet Heart
A woman with a destiny. The man who vows to protect her.
Malerie recognizes death. It whispered in her ear twice without taking her. She’s the only survivor of a bombing which left her an orphan at the age of seven. Then a crazed gunman kills her beloved guardian on her eighteenth birthday.
Malerie suspects there may be more to her survival than luck.
Ace knows more about security systems than women. His job as a bodyguard entails one thing—earn his pay by guarding the girl. She’s one feisty female who ignites feelings he never knew he existed.
Now, someone is out to kill his newest assignment. Protecting her might cost his heart.
She knows her first love might be her last. He knows he’d do anything to save her.
**This book was previously published under the title Chasing Luck.
The Surviving Love series:
Kismet Heart
Reckless Soul
Magnetic Love
Malerie recognizes death. It whispered in her ear twice without taking her. She’s the only survivor of a bombing which left her an orphan at the age of seven. Then a crazed gunman kills her beloved guardian on her eighteenth birthday.
Malerie suspects there may be more to her survival than luck.
Ace knows more about security systems than women. His job as a bodyguard entails one thing—earn his pay by guarding the girl. She’s one feisty female who ignites feelings he never knew he existed.
Now, someone is out to kill his newest assignment. Protecting her might cost his heart.
She knows her first love might be her last. He knows he’d do anything to save her.
**This book was previously published under the title Chasing Luck.
The Surviving Love series:
Kismet Heart
Reckless Soul
Magnetic Love
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2020
464 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Brinda Berry
24 books689 followersBrinda Berry lives in the southern US with her family. Brinda is obsessed with cairn terriers, Kings of Leon, illustrated cookbooks, new technology and sandy beaches. She dreams of finding the perfect pillow--no small feat. She's also terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality.
Join Brinda Berry's Readers Group: https://brindaberry.com/mailing-list/
More ways to connect:
Website: www.brindaberry.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BrindaBerryAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/Brinda_Berry
Email: brinda@brindaberry.com
Join Brinda Berry's Readers Group: https://brindaberry.com/mailing-list/
More ways to connect:
Website: www.brindaberry.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BrindaBerryAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/Brinda_Berry
Email: brinda@brindaberry.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 28, 2021
Review of Kismet Heart by Brinda Berry
I don't like to write poor reviews. However, this book just had too many problems. I forced my way to 55% before I gave up. When Malerie was 7 years old, her mother took her to her work to pick something up. They got delayed in leaving, and the mother was killed when a bomb went off in the building. Malerie was lost in the rubble for 24 hours before she was dug out. Since that time she lived with her uncle, and was agoraphobic, although this is never specifically explained. She never leaves the house, yet she does leave to go jogging. When she is constantly worried about all the dangers around her? When she's so afraid that all the lights have to be on at night, and all the inside doors have to be open? Her uncle has a heart attack the night someone tries to kill Malerie, and suddenly, despite already being agoraphobic, and having just been shot at, she's okay to go to the hospital to visit her uncle? And then to go to the airport, get on a plane, and go traipsing around San Francisco? Come on. People who are agoraphobic don't behave that way. Mental health is a serious issue and should be treated with respect, and I'm sorry, but this book isn't it. If a mental illness is going to be the main point in the storyline, make it realistic and believable. Also, there are some points where this girl is just airheaded. For example, someone is trying to kill her, and at the hotel, she couldn't sleep without Ace practically on top of her? Yet the next morning she has no problem going by herself to the gift shop. Being agoraphobic, and with someone trying to kill her. I really tried, but this book just has too many issues for me to even finish. I rarely DNF a book, but this one I did.
I don't like to write poor reviews. However, this book just had too many problems. I forced my way to 55% before I gave up. When Malerie was 7 years old, her mother took her to her work to pick something up. They got delayed in leaving, and the mother was killed when a bomb went off in the building. Malerie was lost in the rubble for 24 hours before she was dug out. Since that time she lived with her uncle, and was agoraphobic, although this is never specifically explained. She never leaves the house, yet she does leave to go jogging. When she is constantly worried about all the dangers around her? When she's so afraid that all the lights have to be on at night, and all the inside doors have to be open? Her uncle has a heart attack the night someone tries to kill Malerie, and suddenly, despite already being agoraphobic, and having just been shot at, she's okay to go to the hospital to visit her uncle? And then to go to the airport, get on a plane, and go traipsing around San Francisco? Come on. People who are agoraphobic don't behave that way. Mental health is a serious issue and should be treated with respect, and I'm sorry, but this book isn't it. If a mental illness is going to be the main point in the storyline, make it realistic and believable. Also, there are some points where this girl is just airheaded. For example, someone is trying to kill her, and at the hotel, she couldn't sleep without Ace practically on top of her? Yet the next morning she has no problem going by herself to the gift shop. Being agoraphobic, and with someone trying to kill her. I really tried, but this book just has too many issues for me to even finish. I rarely DNF a book, but this one I did.
October 28, 2020
Kismet Heart by Brinda Berry a fantastic five-star read. This is number one in the Surviving Love series and I can’t wait to survive more. Malerie could have come across so differently, but Brinda Berry made her feel so real, you could feel her pain, her confusion and her loss. But despite all that she has this way about her that sucks you in and shows you her strength and spark, shows you that she is a woman not the child that tragedy happened too, she may enjoy her own company and shy away from others but who wouldn’t give her circumstances, but will she be able to open up to the right people? Ace brings something extra to the story as well, he shows us a different side of strength and adds more mystery to the story, this was a great romance and one that will keep you on your toes.
October 24, 2020
Books like this make me wish I could give more than five stars. This is my first book from this author, and I cannot wait time finish this series and look for more. Different from my normal genres of choice, but so so good
October 27, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry is a contemporary romance suspense story that will often have you laughing out loud. It is a wonderful tale of tragedy and loss, pain and suffering and love but there is also healing and humour. It is a story that will stay with you after you have finished and giving you all the feels. Brinda has done a great job of giving us something a little different to the normal contemporary romance that is engaging and interesting. The story is told in dual POV which I love as it enriches the story having more than one perspective. Tragedy strikes not once but twice with our leading lady and completely changes her life forever.
January 8, 2026
There was no romance, no real depth to any of the characters, and the writing was awkward.
November 5, 2020
We start with Malorie recounting the most traumatic experience she ever had when she was the lone survivor of a bombing and the loss of her mother and the after effects this has had on her. We then move to Malorie having dinner with her uncle JT for her 18th birthday, they are discussing Malorie going to college and leaving home, well, Malorie is expressly saying she doesn’t want to go and JT is on his phone, that is until Malorie goes to the bathroom to get away from it all. On her way, she bumps into a guy outside the bathroom where he knocks into her, he drops his phone and as Malorie reaches down to get it,she is bumped into by someone coming out of the mens and is pushed backward by the door. This leads to an awkward conversation with the guy and a panic attack in the toilet when she got there. Thinking no more about the event, she returns to the table in time for cake, where JT insists that she makes a wish as she blows out the candles, then as she is cutting the cake, she is surprised when someone joins them at the table, her uncle had invited someone to talk about work with to her birthday celebration! When the realisation hits that it is the guy from the bathroom incident, she doesn’t know what to do. When her uncle introduces him as Ace, they briefly discuss the work offer JT gave him and JT tries to press a bit more about his character, Ace does not feel comfortable with this and so decides to leave the restaurant, the offer and the others to their dinner.
As he gets to his car, Ace realises he can’t find his keys, as he is looking for them, he sees a suspicious man hangin around outside the venue, once he decides that he has left his keys inside the restaurant, he goes back in to find them. This is when all hell breaks loose and the guy from outside is now inside and threatening the hostess at the door. As JT starts to give Malorie her present and the explanation which goes along with it, she hears shouting and as Malorie looks around, hearing all of the commotion, she turns to see the gunman and starts to panic again, JT tries to reassure her when she hears a sound like a car backfiring and the next thing she knows, JT is lurching out of his chair and she can see the blood on his shirt, when her brain catches up and she realises it is a gunshot. As she is about to go over to him, an arm grabs her, she falls to the floor, feels the injuries sustained in the fall and the table she was just sitting at being flipped over, she is trying to reach JT, but when another shot rings out close to her hand, she is pulled away and when she turns to see Ace there, she is confused as to why. She again tries to get to JT, but when she can’t, she tries to get the gift he was going to give her, she can’t leave that last connection to him behind! She starts to hear sirens in the background, but again, the gunman starts to shout and Malorie turns towards him instead of running away, he threatens to kill more people and that just snaps Malorie into action, she rushes him screaming and attacks him, this gives the police enough time to get there, but she has been shot in the action and blacks out.
As she gets rushed to hospital, Ace accompanies her with the gift and stays until she is out of surgery, he also meets another family member of Malories, hands over the gift bag into their safekeeping and leaves the hospital. This is where Ace thinks that he will never see either Malorie or the other man again, but both of their stories have begun to intertwine and they will not be separated again, he becomes her bodyguard, but things will never again be straight forward for either of them.
This is a story of love, death, despair and hope and the only way of knowing which prevails is to read the book and follow in their path.
As he gets to his car, Ace realises he can’t find his keys, as he is looking for them, he sees a suspicious man hangin around outside the venue, once he decides that he has left his keys inside the restaurant, he goes back in to find them. This is when all hell breaks loose and the guy from outside is now inside and threatening the hostess at the door. As JT starts to give Malorie her present and the explanation which goes along with it, she hears shouting and as Malorie looks around, hearing all of the commotion, she turns to see the gunman and starts to panic again, JT tries to reassure her when she hears a sound like a car backfiring and the next thing she knows, JT is lurching out of his chair and she can see the blood on his shirt, when her brain catches up and she realises it is a gunshot. As she is about to go over to him, an arm grabs her, she falls to the floor, feels the injuries sustained in the fall and the table she was just sitting at being flipped over, she is trying to reach JT, but when another shot rings out close to her hand, she is pulled away and when she turns to see Ace there, she is confused as to why. She again tries to get to JT, but when she can’t, she tries to get the gift he was going to give her, she can’t leave that last connection to him behind! She starts to hear sirens in the background, but again, the gunman starts to shout and Malorie turns towards him instead of running away, he threatens to kill more people and that just snaps Malorie into action, she rushes him screaming and attacks him, this gives the police enough time to get there, but she has been shot in the action and blacks out.
As she gets rushed to hospital, Ace accompanies her with the gift and stays until she is out of surgery, he also meets another family member of Malories, hands over the gift bag into their safekeeping and leaves the hospital. This is where Ace thinks that he will never see either Malorie or the other man again, but both of their stories have begun to intertwine and they will not be separated again, he becomes her bodyguard, but things will never again be straight forward for either of them.
This is a story of love, death, despair and hope and the only way of knowing which prevails is to read the book and follow in their path.
November 3, 2020
I loved the way this started, the pace and urgency was just phew…it was all spot on and tugged me in with the gravitational pull of a small moon, but then I got to chapter one and it changed tense to the present. I’m not a big fan of this writing style, I couldn’t tell you why, but any story I have read with this tense I’ve found a bit hard going to get through. But I’ll admit, I was pleasantly surprised, Berry’s writing is just, I’ve got to say it, awesome and the tug of the small moon remained.
There was sarcasm to Berry’s writing that I adored; rather than being told that Malerie was feisty and quippy, I felt it, the voice of the character feeling so real and vibrant. I will say though that Malerie at times felt a lot older than her 18 years, maybe that was a deliberate move on Berry’s part, especially considering all the character has been through, but when I was reading her she felt more like she was in her late 20’s, just that little bit more bitter than the average 18-year-old.
Ace, urgh Ace. The girl sniffer (as creepy as it sounds) who goes around assuming that people who eat together sleep together. I’m sorry about the venom but Ace had to grow on me over the course of the book and even then, I wasn’t sure whether I really liked him or not. I don’t know why but from the first sentence I read of his POV, he rubbed me up the wrong way and the only time I found him even remotely endearing was when he was being described from Malerie’s POV. However, this did not make me hate the story, or want to stop reading, in fact, I loved the story. Instead of wanting to put the book down I got weirdly protective of Malerie and was insisting, quite crazily, that she, a fictional character, could do way better than someone with a name like Achilles. The characters aren’t forgettable, aren’t cookie-cutter meh. Polarised as they may be with my love for Malerie and hate for Ace, I still feel something about them and because I felt something for them, I cared what happened to them.
Malerie and Ace are drawn together by what can only be described as fate, strings of chance tangling them together and sending them on an adventure that tests both of them, making them rethink their boundaries and helping them work through the issues that they had previously thought would be part of who they were forever. The twist in this book did feel a tad obvious to me but in light of all the other awesomeness, this didn't really matter.
This book was really enjoyable to read, and I would recommend both this and any other books by Berry. She is a fantastic writer who knows how to set the scene and write her characters. Will read any more of her work in a heartbeat, and you should too.
There was sarcasm to Berry’s writing that I adored; rather than being told that Malerie was feisty and quippy, I felt it, the voice of the character feeling so real and vibrant. I will say though that Malerie at times felt a lot older than her 18 years, maybe that was a deliberate move on Berry’s part, especially considering all the character has been through, but when I was reading her she felt more like she was in her late 20’s, just that little bit more bitter than the average 18-year-old.
Ace, urgh Ace. The girl sniffer (as creepy as it sounds) who goes around assuming that people who eat together sleep together. I’m sorry about the venom but Ace had to grow on me over the course of the book and even then, I wasn’t sure whether I really liked him or not. I don’t know why but from the first sentence I read of his POV, he rubbed me up the wrong way and the only time I found him even remotely endearing was when he was being described from Malerie’s POV. However, this did not make me hate the story, or want to stop reading, in fact, I loved the story. Instead of wanting to put the book down I got weirdly protective of Malerie and was insisting, quite crazily, that she, a fictional character, could do way better than someone with a name like Achilles. The characters aren’t forgettable, aren’t cookie-cutter meh. Polarised as they may be with my love for Malerie and hate for Ace, I still feel something about them and because I felt something for them, I cared what happened to them.
Malerie and Ace are drawn together by what can only be described as fate, strings of chance tangling them together and sending them on an adventure that tests both of them, making them rethink their boundaries and helping them work through the issues that they had previously thought would be part of who they were forever. The twist in this book did feel a tad obvious to me but in light of all the other awesomeness, this didn't really matter.
This book was really enjoyable to read, and I would recommend both this and any other books by Berry. She is a fantastic writer who knows how to set the scene and write her characters. Will read any more of her work in a heartbeat, and you should too.
September 26, 2020
Malerie Toombs, was the sole survivor of a bombing when she was just seven years old. Losing the only family she knew, when a wealthy uncle, John Toombs, stepped in to take care of her. Eleven years later, celebrating her eighteenth birthday with her uncle at the restaurant they frequent often. Surviving the bombing has left Malerie emotionally scarred, excusing herself and deep in thought, she smacks into a guy.
The guy, is Ace Sloan, who turns up at their table. Ace has his own security business, he delivers his estimate to JT, and immediately gets ordered to eat some birthday cake! After too many personal questions, Ace decides he doesn't want the job and leaves. He discovers he lost his keys and heads back into the restaurant only to be ensnared as chaos erupts. The aftermath leaves JT is dead, and Malerie injured.
Ace is offered a job by JT's personal assistant, William 'Billy' Vandol, and begrudgingly accepts. Before he has time to pack, he gets an urgent call that Malerie is gone. Ace finds himself in a situation, where Malerie needs his protection. After finding her birthday gift by JT, Malerie is adamant the gift tells her past, present, & future. She's convinced the clock is ticking, that she sees something that Ace doesn't.
I, absolutely loved this book! The beginning grabbed my attention with the mother's boss following the alarm blaring that it's not a drill! A situation, where it was supposed to be a quick stop that left a seven year old, an orphan, and sole survivor. Despite, Malerie having issues from the past, she's got spunk and lots of snarky comebacks. Ace is left in a position that he didn't want, because he is fighting his attraction to Malerie. One he is losing! I enjoyed how the story was told from two perspectives, where I got to know both protagonists. I loved the banter between the two of them. I have to admit, my favorites were Tom & Jerry! Ace is sure one of them saw him as a Scooby snack, and would rather prefer them to be called "Satan and Beelzebub". The encounters with Tom & Jerry had me laughing out loud. A mystery, romance and laughs make a great read!
I received a complimentary copy, and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
The guy, is Ace Sloan, who turns up at their table. Ace has his own security business, he delivers his estimate to JT, and immediately gets ordered to eat some birthday cake! After too many personal questions, Ace decides he doesn't want the job and leaves. He discovers he lost his keys and heads back into the restaurant only to be ensnared as chaos erupts. The aftermath leaves JT is dead, and Malerie injured.
Ace is offered a job by JT's personal assistant, William 'Billy' Vandol, and begrudgingly accepts. Before he has time to pack, he gets an urgent call that Malerie is gone. Ace finds himself in a situation, where Malerie needs his protection. After finding her birthday gift by JT, Malerie is adamant the gift tells her past, present, & future. She's convinced the clock is ticking, that she sees something that Ace doesn't.
I, absolutely loved this book! The beginning grabbed my attention with the mother's boss following the alarm blaring that it's not a drill! A situation, where it was supposed to be a quick stop that left a seven year old, an orphan, and sole survivor. Despite, Malerie having issues from the past, she's got spunk and lots of snarky comebacks. Ace is left in a position that he didn't want, because he is fighting his attraction to Malerie. One he is losing! I enjoyed how the story was told from two perspectives, where I got to know both protagonists. I loved the banter between the two of them. I have to admit, my favorites were Tom & Jerry! Ace is sure one of them saw him as a Scooby snack, and would rather prefer them to be called "Satan and Beelzebub". The encounters with Tom & Jerry had me laughing out loud. A mystery, romance and laughs make a great read!
I received a complimentary copy, and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
October 29, 2020
A contemporary romance which had me hooked from the beginning to the very last page. Written from both of the main characters, Malerie and Ace’s point of view this was an enjoyable and engaging read. Malerie has unluckily faced death twice but has luckily also escaped death twice. Once at the age of seven when she was left an orphan but was the only survivor of a bombing and then on her eighteenth birthday when her much loved guardian was killed by a crazed gunman. Now someone is out to kill Malerie and she suspects that there may be more to her previous survival than just luck. Bodyguard Ace is being paid to guard Malerie however she soon turns out to be more than just another client to him and he vows to protect her. Ace is surprised when the feisty girl he has to protect actually ignites feelings in him that he did not know existed but he soon fears that although he will do anything to protect her he might loose his heart to her. Malerie knows that although Ace is her first love he might also be her last if the unknown person out to kill her succeeds. I loved Malerie and Ace as they were both well defined characters who were realistic and relatable. The chemistry between them really came across and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The author has a way of making the reader care about the characters through her detailed descriptions of both them and their feelings. The storyline flowed easily and the plot has plenty of action and suspense in it along with the romance. I found this to be a fairly fast paced story and the narrative took me on an emotional rollercoaster as I found myself immersed in Malerie and Ace’s world. A five star read and one which I found hard to put down!
November 5, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry
5 Stars
So i seriously loved this book, it wasn't anything like I thought it was going to be, and I could not put it down. This doesn't surprise me since it's not my first book by this author. I've loved everything I've read so far.
Malerie...Sigh….. My heart broke through most of this story for this young girl that just turned 18. Not going to give away any of the storyline but I was so completely invested in her and when she came out with her sassy spunk I fell in love with her.
Along comes Ace who is hired to protect her, and seeing as he plays a part in a pivotal moment in the beginning of the book he is as wrapped up in this story as ever. Whether he likes it or not..
I had some suspicions through a few parts and then questioned my suspicions until the very end. This author has such a way with weaving her stories that you really never know what will happen next. I stayed pretty confused regarding some of the codes and such on the boxes but that did not sway me in any way from loving every single thing about this book. I loved the friendship between Malerie and Collin and although a small part I loved his part in this book and can not wait to read his story in the next of this series. I'm hoping we will still get to check in with Malerie and Ace as well.
Awesome book, I highly recommend reading it!
5 Stars
So i seriously loved this book, it wasn't anything like I thought it was going to be, and I could not put it down. This doesn't surprise me since it's not my first book by this author. I've loved everything I've read so far.
Malerie...Sigh….. My heart broke through most of this story for this young girl that just turned 18. Not going to give away any of the storyline but I was so completely invested in her and when she came out with her sassy spunk I fell in love with her.
Along comes Ace who is hired to protect her, and seeing as he plays a part in a pivotal moment in the beginning of the book he is as wrapped up in this story as ever. Whether he likes it or not..
I had some suspicions through a few parts and then questioned my suspicions until the very end. This author has such a way with weaving her stories that you really never know what will happen next. I stayed pretty confused regarding some of the codes and such on the boxes but that did not sway me in any way from loving every single thing about this book. I loved the friendship between Malerie and Collin and although a small part I loved his part in this book and can not wait to read his story in the next of this series. I'm hoping we will still get to check in with Malerie and Ace as well.
Awesome book, I highly recommend reading it!
October 23, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1)
By Brinda Berry
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry. It is a story that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Malerie and Ace. Malerie is a young woman who has survived tragedy in her life. First when she was a child and then again on her 18th birthday. Malerie is intelligent, feisty, and working on venturing out into the world. She also is finding herself attracted to Ace. Ace is hired to keep Malerie safe. He is trying to keep himself at arm’s length as he feels an attraction to Malerie. What does the future hold for Malerie and Ace? Will Ace be able to protect Malerie? Will they act on their feelings for one another? Read this book to find out. This is a story that at times had me wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading about the bantering back and forth between Ace and Malerie. They are characters that I grew to care about and I wanted them to find happiness. The author does an amazing job of writing a story that I didn’t want to put down until the final page. The characters came alive and I felt like I was right there with them. Don’t miss out on a book that is exciting and entertaining. I highly recommend reading this story.
By Brinda Berry
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry. It is a story that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters of Malerie and Ace. Malerie is a young woman who has survived tragedy in her life. First when she was a child and then again on her 18th birthday. Malerie is intelligent, feisty, and working on venturing out into the world. She also is finding herself attracted to Ace. Ace is hired to keep Malerie safe. He is trying to keep himself at arm’s length as he feels an attraction to Malerie. What does the future hold for Malerie and Ace? Will Ace be able to protect Malerie? Will they act on their feelings for one another? Read this book to find out. This is a story that at times had me wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading about the bantering back and forth between Ace and Malerie. They are characters that I grew to care about and I wanted them to find happiness. The author does an amazing job of writing a story that I didn’t want to put down until the final page. The characters came alive and I felt like I was right there with them. Don’t miss out on a book that is exciting and entertaining. I highly recommend reading this story.
October 26, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance by Brinda Berry is the first book in the Surviving Love series. It was my first time reading a book written by this author, but I will definitely look out for more, particularly in this series, in the future.
The book follows Malerie. This eighteen year old girl has been through much more than most people would go through in a lifetime. After surviving the bombing that left her as an orphan Malerie lives a somewhat reclusive life, shying away from others in favour of the safety of her home.
When her guardian is killed in front of her during a birthday meal Malerie knows her life has changed again. One of her uncle's last tasks was to arrange a security companion for Malerie, in the hope of helping her live her life more fully.
Ace was hired to protect Malerie, and the spark between them is pretty much instantaneous. Whilst running from whoever has their sights set on Malerie the two form a strong bond and it’s much more than friendship.
This story is fast paced and action packed. I love the bond between Malerie and Ace. The author does a wonderful job at filling the reader in on the back story and the need-to-know information, my only complaint is that I don’t feel as though I got to know the characters very well, I know all the facts about them...but there’s so much more to learn.
The book follows Malerie. This eighteen year old girl has been through much more than most people would go through in a lifetime. After surviving the bombing that left her as an orphan Malerie lives a somewhat reclusive life, shying away from others in favour of the safety of her home.
When her guardian is killed in front of her during a birthday meal Malerie knows her life has changed again. One of her uncle's last tasks was to arrange a security companion for Malerie, in the hope of helping her live her life more fully.
Ace was hired to protect Malerie, and the spark between them is pretty much instantaneous. Whilst running from whoever has their sights set on Malerie the two form a strong bond and it’s much more than friendship.
This story is fast paced and action packed. I love the bond between Malerie and Ace. The author does a wonderful job at filling the reader in on the back story and the need-to-know information, my only complaint is that I don’t feel as though I got to know the characters very well, I know all the facts about them...but there’s so much more to learn.
November 5, 2020
Kismet Heart is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. I had never read any of this author’s work before reading this book so was unsure of what to expect from this book but I liked what I had read in the blurb so was willing to give it a try. I’m really glad that I decided to take a chance on this book as I really enjoyed it.
Malerie Toombs was the only survivor of a bombing as a child and has lived a very sheltered life as she has been too anxious to go out. On her 18th Birthday her Uncle is murdered at her birthday dinner and her guardian hires Ace Sloan as her security as she is now a very wealthy heiress.
I love both the characters of Malerie and Ace. Ace is confident and knows what he wants whereas Malerie is very anxious and struggles with going out. It’s great to see Malerie bloom into a slightly more confident person as the story progresses.
As well as the budding romance between Ace and Malerie this book has so much angst, danger and intrigue. The story is very well written and flows very well and the characters are very realistic and believable.
As this is just the first book in this series, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Brinda Berry has in store for us in the rest of this series.
Malerie Toombs was the only survivor of a bombing as a child and has lived a very sheltered life as she has been too anxious to go out. On her 18th Birthday her Uncle is murdered at her birthday dinner and her guardian hires Ace Sloan as her security as she is now a very wealthy heiress.
I love both the characters of Malerie and Ace. Ace is confident and knows what he wants whereas Malerie is very anxious and struggles with going out. It’s great to see Malerie bloom into a slightly more confident person as the story progresses.
As well as the budding romance between Ace and Malerie this book has so much angst, danger and intrigue. The story is very well written and flows very well and the characters are very realistic and believable.
As this is just the first book in this series, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Brinda Berry has in store for us in the rest of this series.
November 5, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1)
by Brinda Berry was a good 4 star read.
It took me just a bit in the beginning to get pulled in, once I got past a certain point I couldn’t put it down. Malerie has a heartbreaking childhood full of loss, she ends up being raised by her uncle.but encounters more heartache when she turns 18. There are moments that trigger PTSD for Malerie as well, from what she encountered with her mother.
There is a need to protect her, but from what?
Ace has his own security business and is hired to keep Malerie safe. Will he be able to keep things professional?
Who is after Malerie and can Ace keep her safe?
Overall this was a good read. The characters were good but it took me a bit to warm up to Ace. There was something about him that I wasn’t so sure about at first. But Malerie liked him and had an instant connection with him. We get so much in this story suspense, romance, heartache and so much more. The story is told in dual POV which I enjoyed so we could see what each of them were thinking. If you're looking for a good suspense series, 1-click and get started today on book one.
by Brinda Berry was a good 4 star read.
It took me just a bit in the beginning to get pulled in, once I got past a certain point I couldn’t put it down. Malerie has a heartbreaking childhood full of loss, she ends up being raised by her uncle.but encounters more heartache when she turns 18. There are moments that trigger PTSD for Malerie as well, from what she encountered with her mother.
There is a need to protect her, but from what?
Ace has his own security business and is hired to keep Malerie safe. Will he be able to keep things professional?
Who is after Malerie and can Ace keep her safe?
Overall this was a good read. The characters were good but it took me a bit to warm up to Ace. There was something about him that I wasn’t so sure about at first. But Malerie liked him and had an instant connection with him. We get so much in this story suspense, romance, heartache and so much more. The story is told in dual POV which I enjoyed so we could see what each of them were thinking. If you're looking for a good suspense series, 1-click and get started today on book one.
November 6, 2020
5/5 Stars
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel #1) by Brinda Berry
This is the first book by Berry, but it won't be my last by Berry. She did a fan-freaking-tastic job on this book. It had me hanging on wanting more.
Malerie is the girl who survived a bombing that happened when she was eleven. When something happens on her eighteenth birthday she decides that she needs help. Something is going on. The quote I chose for Malerie is: “It doesn’t matter. UNIX is an older computer operating system. The point is what the numbers mean to me. It translates to the exact date and time of the bombing that happened when I was a little girl. The building collapsed and everyone died. Well, except for one.”
Ace, the security guy is now a bodyguard. What Malerie doesn't know is he's her bodyguard. He is falling, but doesn't want to let her know. The quote I chose for Ace is: “What about someone offering them a nice juicy steak? Rare and fresh from the butcher’s shop with a raw aroma they can smell three yards away. Would they leave Gertrude for the food?”
Highly recommended for contemporary romance lovers.
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel #1) by Brinda Berry
This is the first book by Berry, but it won't be my last by Berry. She did a fan-freaking-tastic job on this book. It had me hanging on wanting more.
Malerie is the girl who survived a bombing that happened when she was eleven. When something happens on her eighteenth birthday she decides that she needs help. Something is going on. The quote I chose for Malerie is: “It doesn’t matter. UNIX is an older computer operating system. The point is what the numbers mean to me. It translates to the exact date and time of the bombing that happened when I was a little girl. The building collapsed and everyone died. Well, except for one.”
Ace, the security guy is now a bodyguard. What Malerie doesn't know is he's her bodyguard. He is falling, but doesn't want to let her know. The quote I chose for Ace is: “What about someone offering them a nice juicy steak? Rare and fresh from the butcher’s shop with a raw aroma they can smell three yards away. Would they leave Gertrude for the food?”
Highly recommended for contemporary romance lovers.
November 2, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. I hadn't read her work before, but the book summary drew me in and I wanted to read it. Right from the start, I couldn't put the book down. The story is so capturing, from the characters, to their history, to the mystery treasure hunt feel. Ace and Malerie are good leads and work together well. Malerie has quite the spunk and flirt for someone who never ventures outside. And Ace is quite mysterious but also very sweet and protective. The book was very well written, but the ending totally disappointed me. I felt like there was such a work up and intensity, and then it just cut off. I guess I was hoping for some big reveal, some twist, etc and it wasn't how I expected it to end. Despite that, I still highly recommend the book because it was a great story. The character's chemistry is perfectly built and it has a good level of mystery and suspense. I will definitely read more of Berry's work.
January 20, 2021
Kismet Heart is the first book in Brinda Berry’s Surviving Love series. In this book, Ms. Berry weaves together threads of murder, mystery, romance, and a splash of the supernatural in this romantic suspense tale. Readers are introduced to two dynamic protagonists, Malerie Toombs, a young wealthy reclusive, and Ace Sloan, a young bodyguard and security expert. As their story unfolds, readers witness the evolution of these two. I liked the way Ms. Berry chose to use a dual point of view perspective. In doing so, readers gain insight into Malerie and Ace. This was a very clever use of this literary device. I also enjoyed the way Ms. Berry used dialog, both conversational and internal, to move her plot along. Their witty and often snippy comments contribute to the smooth, yet riveting, pace. I also appreciated the blended story conflict, Ms. Berry selected person versus person (Malorie and Ace versus Billy Vandor) and person versus person (Malerie and Ace (individually) facing their inner demons. All these factors contribute to a delightful and captivating read. Well done, Ms. Berry.
October 23, 2020
I enjoyed this romance-suspense story. This is a story that pulled me in right from the beginning. It is full of romance and action. I had no problems connecting to the characters as they brought the story to life. This is a well developed story that has details that made me feel as if I was part of the story. This is a fast paced, engaging story that I had a hard time putting down. This is a story about Malerie who has a past but has escaped death a few times. Is it luck or has her luck just run out? Ace is a body guard with one mission, protecting Malerie. As feelings are building so is her safety. Will he lose more than just his heart in this assignment? I enjoyed their chemistry as well as watching them grow throughout the story. They made great characters as they made the story easy to read. I highly recommend this book.
October 28, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry. Eeeekkk! Ok so now that I got that out let me tell you how much I loved this story. I’ve read this author before so from the get go I was sure I’d enjoy this story, but I absolutely loved it! The characters are complex and relatable, they pulled me so completely into their world I forgot I was reading words. The author has a way of making words come alive from the pages and play like a movie before your eyes. The characters were so easy to connect with and the storyline had me on the edge of my seat more than once. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. If I could give it more than five stars I totally would but just know I’m giving it the biggest five stars I can. Go add this incredible story to you reading list.
November 4, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance by Brinda Barry
Four Stars
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely not the last. I look forward to reading the next two books in this series. This book flowed from beginning to end. I lost sleep reading this book because I just couldn’t put it down. I have to say, it was well worth the loss of sleep.
Malerie and Ace are well defined characters. Malerie has know tragedy, both when she was seven and again when she was eighteen. Ace is a body guard and he feels the need to protect Malerie. The chemistry between the two is amazing, and the witty dialog really brought these characters to life. This was a great story and i can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Four Stars
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely not the last. I look forward to reading the next two books in this series. This book flowed from beginning to end. I lost sleep reading this book because I just couldn’t put it down. I have to say, it was well worth the loss of sleep.
Malerie and Ace are well defined characters. Malerie has know tragedy, both when she was seven and again when she was eighteen. Ace is a body guard and he feels the need to protect Malerie. The chemistry between the two is amazing, and the witty dialog really brought these characters to life. This was a great story and i can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
October 23, 2020
Kismet Heart
By Brinda Berry
4 stars
I have read a few books by this author now so I never hesitate to pick up one when I see them and as soon as I read the synopsis for Kismet Heart I knew I wanted to dive right in. It was as I expected a great read, full of action, emotion and more! The beginning of the story grabbed my attention straight away and it was held the entire way through. I loved Malorie, I really felt for her after everything she went through and she was such a great character to read about – I loved the banter between her and Ace! Ace was also a great character, the connection between him and Malorie, there was an instant attraction even if she was intent on fighting it!
As always a great read by this author and I look forward to more in the future!!
By Brinda Berry
4 stars
I have read a few books by this author now so I never hesitate to pick up one when I see them and as soon as I read the synopsis for Kismet Heart I knew I wanted to dive right in. It was as I expected a great read, full of action, emotion and more! The beginning of the story grabbed my attention straight away and it was held the entire way through. I loved Malorie, I really felt for her after everything she went through and she was such a great character to read about – I loved the banter between her and Ace! Ace was also a great character, the connection between him and Malorie, there was an instant attraction even if she was intent on fighting it!
As always a great read by this author and I look forward to more in the future!!
November 2, 2020
Kismet heart: A Protector Romance by Brinda Berry is the first book in the Surviving Love novel. This is a book that is full of action and is fast paced and exciting. I loved the characters in this book – they had a strong connection and worked really well together. Each complimented the other and added so much to the story.
I haven’t read too much by this author but I do really enjoy her writing style. I like the way the story is built up slowly, nothing feeling forced or rushed and yet still having that exciting feeling to it. This book highlights this style really well and definitely makes me want to read even more by this author. Overall this was an enjoyable book with great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I haven’t read too much by this author but I do really enjoy her writing style. I like the way the story is built up slowly, nothing feeling forced or rushed and yet still having that exciting feeling to it. This book highlights this style really well and definitely makes me want to read even more by this author. Overall this was an enjoyable book with great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 6, 2021
Saved!
When a tycoon contacts Ace to give him an estimate to hype up security in his mansion for he and his niece, Ace isn't prepared for this wealthy man to arrange for him to join he and his niece for dessert on her eighteenth birthday. Nothing about that evening turns out as expected and Ace lands in the middle of family crisis he could never have envisioned!
An edge of the seat read, where danger lurks around every corner and their lives are at constantly at stake. Finally in an effort to get ahead of the unknown villains, he and his 18 year old boss go on a mission to stop a predicted disaster!
This is one book that will deliver a fast paced plot and fascinating characters. Well written and edited!
When a tycoon contacts Ace to give him an estimate to hype up security in his mansion for he and his niece, Ace isn't prepared for this wealthy man to arrange for him to join he and his niece for dessert on her eighteenth birthday. Nothing about that evening turns out as expected and Ace lands in the middle of family crisis he could never have envisioned!
An edge of the seat read, where danger lurks around every corner and their lives are at constantly at stake. Finally in an effort to get ahead of the unknown villains, he and his 18 year old boss go on a mission to stop a predicted disaster!
This is one book that will deliver a fast paced plot and fascinating characters. Well written and edited!
October 27, 2020
This was a brilliant story that had me gripped from beginning to end. The love story in it is classic and you can't help but find yourself falling in love with the characters.
Malerie has had a traumatic start in life and which has left her with scars that run so deep they control her life. Things don't get any better when her guardian passes.
Now all alone the last person in her life hires Ace to protect her. What does she need protecting from? And is Ace qualified for the job?
Ace's one aim is to protect Malerie from what ever seeks to harm her but as they feelings for each other grow is he at risk of putting more than his life on the line for her?
Malerie has had a traumatic start in life and which has left her with scars that run so deep they control her life. Things don't get any better when her guardian passes.
Now all alone the last person in her life hires Ace to protect her. What does she need protecting from? And is Ace qualified for the job?
Ace's one aim is to protect Malerie from what ever seeks to harm her but as they feelings for each other grow is he at risk of putting more than his life on the line for her?
November 1, 2020
This story is almost non-stop action! I loved it! This easily kept my interest and I kept reading right along. The characters are mysterious and different. As the story moves along little bits and pieces come out...just enough to keep me turning that one more page.
I love Ace’s real name. How unique! He brings some security and thoughtfulness to Malerie’s life. Malerie is the one to keep an eye on though. She has had a tragic and strange life. She always makes me wonder “what is going on in her head”.
Over all it’s a story that brings action and mystery to the forefront. It will make you curious, hopeful and maybe a bit crazy.
I love Ace’s real name. How unique! He brings some security and thoughtfulness to Malerie’s life. Malerie is the one to keep an eye on though. She has had a tragic and strange life. She always makes me wonder “what is going on in her head”.
Over all it’s a story that brings action and mystery to the forefront. It will make you curious, hopeful and maybe a bit crazy.
November 3, 2020
5 Stars
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the “Surviving Love” series by Brinda Berry. It is a fast paced, action-packed romantic suspense- full of mystery and intrigue. The story has a wonderful blend of nail-biting action and suspense, which is then balanced with some emotion and a little humour.
Malerie has seen so much tragedy in her short life- and things are about to get even more intense. Ace is assigned to keep her safe- which becomes more complicated than he first expected- and so the story takes off.
Well worth the read. It was quite and intense ride.
Thank you, Brinda Berry!
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the “Surviving Love” series by Brinda Berry. It is a fast paced, action-packed romantic suspense- full of mystery and intrigue. The story has a wonderful blend of nail-biting action and suspense, which is then balanced with some emotion and a little humour.
Malerie has seen so much tragedy in her short life- and things are about to get even more intense. Ace is assigned to keep her safe- which becomes more complicated than he first expected- and so the story takes off.
Well worth the read. It was quite and intense ride.
Thank you, Brinda Berry!
November 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book alot. I thought it was a good romantic suspense story that filled my evening with a book that pulled me in from page one. There was suspense, Romance and action. I enjoyed all of the main characters and enjoyed watching their story unfold. The main charcters name is Malerie and she has one heck of a past and alot that still haunts her to this very day. Ace is in charge of protecting Malerie and he has his work cut out for him. As the story progresses we see the characters grow and they both over come alot throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and I would recommend this to a friend!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
October 28, 2020
Book Review: Kismet Heart
Author: Brinda Berry
Four STARS
This book is definately something else. Malerie is trying to figure out why bad things keep happening to those around her and now that she is 18 and a legal adult, she doesn't know what to do. She has been protected and coddled since she was a little girl and now, what happens now.
Ace has been hired to increase the security and help protect the naive Malerie. This job is well paying but proving to be a mystery and a dangerous one at that.
This book will keep you guessing and wondering what is going on.
Good read.
KLH
Author: Brinda Berry
Four STARS
This book is definately something else. Malerie is trying to figure out why bad things keep happening to those around her and now that she is 18 and a legal adult, she doesn't know what to do. She has been protected and coddled since she was a little girl and now, what happens now.
Ace has been hired to increase the security and help protect the naive Malerie. This job is well paying but proving to be a mystery and a dangerous one at that.
This book will keep you guessing and wondering what is going on.
Good read.
KLH
November 7, 2020
Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. I have not read anything from this author yet and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Malerie is an amazing character, even with everything she has been thru she still has this spark about her. Ace is hired to protect Malerie. But can he do his job when the two have a connection? What will happen between them? All the characters in this story brought this book to life and kept it alive. You will love this story!
October 30, 2020
This is the first book in the A Surviving Love series. This story follows Malerie, a bombing survivor, and Ace, her new bodyguard. Malerie knows all about death – she was the only survivor of a bombing at seven years old and then someone kills her guardian, Uncle John, on her 18th birthday. She is starting to feel that maybe these are not random happenings. Ace starts to develop feelings for her, but he tries his hardest to stamp those down. Will it work?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews