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My Heart #2
Etched on My Heart
Everyone has secrets. Things about themselves they keep hidden out of shame or fear. Some secrets are so painful, so loathsome that leaving them in the past is the only way to move forward. But there’s one universal truth…secrets always have a way of coming out.
Outwardly, I look like a guy who has it all. I live in one of the greatest cities in the world, run my own successful tattoo shop, and have an amazing group of friends I can count on for anything. But even they don’t know my deepest, darkest secret. No one does and I plan on keeping it that way. That is until Maksim Benenati walks into my life.
Maks was supposed to be a simple one and done, the only thing I’ve ever allowed myself. But things become more complicated when he suddenly shows up at my shop looking as tall, dark, and stunningly gorgeous as the night we met. Just like that night, he’s sexy and charming, but he’s also stubborn and extremely determined when there’s something he wants. And what he wants, is me.
Little by little, Maks begins wearing me down until what started out as a random hookup turns into so much more. After years of keeping everyone at arm’s length, I find myself in danger of losing my heart for the very first time.
Outwardly, I look like a guy who has it all. I live in one of the greatest cities in the world, run my own successful tattoo shop, and have an amazing group of friends I can count on for anything. But even they don’t know my deepest, darkest secret. No one does and I plan on keeping it that way. That is until Maksim Benenati walks into my life.
Maks was supposed to be a simple one and done, the only thing I’ve ever allowed myself. But things become more complicated when he suddenly shows up at my shop looking as tall, dark, and stunningly gorgeous as the night we met. Just like that night, he’s sexy and charming, but he’s also stubborn and extremely determined when there’s something he wants. And what he wants, is me.
Little by little, Maks begins wearing me down until what started out as a random hookup turns into so much more. After years of keeping everyone at arm’s length, I find myself in danger of losing my heart for the very first time.
- GenresM M RomanceAbuse
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2022
61 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 22, 2022
I hate how I felt about this book because Annabella Michaels has always been an author I could look to for a great comfort read. Her Souls of Chicago series was wonderful! But I didn’t feel any connection between these two MCs at all.
The whole story felt rushed and too short. There were a few opportunities to see Jasper and Maks interact with family and friends, to build their relationship, and instead of having a whole scene, we got things like “The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of conversation, jokes, and storytelling” or “The rest of the evening flew by in a blur of laughter, conversation, and delicious food.” Their sex scenes were certainly filled with detail. They had chemistry, but we never got to witness them spending time together getting to know each other.
Jasper’s whole “secret” that he kept from his friends for years was also well detailed. But still, there was no time spent developing any relationships. I don’t know how or why Jasper felt comfortable telling Maks his trauma when he hadn’t even shared it with his best friends whom he’d had for years. Then they’re suddenly declaring forever love and my mind was blown. 🤯🤯🤯
I remember enjoying the first book in this series. Perhaps that book was similar and I just don’t remember. This felt like it should have belonged to the Hamilton’s Heroes series instead of this series since Maks works for Hamilton Security.
Overall, I was very disappointed in this book. It was too short, lacked a connection between the two MCs, and contained a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors. There needed to be more “show” and less “tell.”
Side note: I find it interesting that this is priced at $4.99 for under 200 pages. I just read a great series, each book was over 400 pages and they were priced at $2.99. Much better stories and plot development. Go figure.
The whole story felt rushed and too short. There were a few opportunities to see Jasper and Maks interact with family and friends, to build their relationship, and instead of having a whole scene, we got things like “The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of conversation, jokes, and storytelling” or “The rest of the evening flew by in a blur of laughter, conversation, and delicious food.” Their sex scenes were certainly filled with detail. They had chemistry, but we never got to witness them spending time together getting to know each other.
Jasper’s whole “secret” that he kept from his friends for years was also well detailed. But still, there was no time spent developing any relationships. I don’t know how or why Jasper felt comfortable telling Maks his trauma when he hadn’t even shared it with his best friends whom he’d had for years. Then they’re suddenly declaring forever love and my mind was blown. 🤯🤯🤯
I remember enjoying the first book in this series. Perhaps that book was similar and I just don’t remember. This felt like it should have belonged to the Hamilton’s Heroes series instead of this series since Maks works for Hamilton Security.
Overall, I was very disappointed in this book. It was too short, lacked a connection between the two MCs, and contained a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors. There needed to be more “show” and less “tell.”
Side note: I find it interesting that this is priced at $4.99 for under 200 pages. I just read a great series, each book was over 400 pages and they were priced at $2.99. Much better stories and plot development. Go figure.
April 17, 2024
La Sra Michaels podía haberse evitado el trabajo de escribirlo y así los lectores nos evitaríamos el trabajo de leerlo.....y el tiempo perdido .
Aunque trabajar lo que se dice trabajar no hizo mucho, reunió en su cabeza trocitos de historias que ya conocía, lo pegó con conectores, le puso secundarios de libros suyos anteriores y lo pasó al ordenador...¡Vaya originalidad!
Aunque trabajar lo que se dice trabajar no hizo mucho, reunió en su cabeza trocitos de historias que ya conocía, lo pegó con conectores, le puso secundarios de libros suyos anteriores y lo pasó al ordenador...¡Vaya originalidad!
May 24, 2022
I was so excited about this book and be able to catch up with these awesome group of guys and read their stories. So happy that Ms. Michaels heard my pleas, lol. And she did not disappoint.
Jasper story is full of pain and raw emotions that will tear you down and make you ugly cry. He had so much pain bottled up and defense walls build up high to protect himself. But then Maks enters into his life and slowly crumbles his walls and gives him a safe place to release that pain. There was no easy and quick fix, the author did a wonderful job of giving the respect that Jasper's pain, suffering, and emotional damage deserved. Love that his strength to face his inner demons was not given to Maks appearance, but highlighted and credited all to Jasper. Maks was so patient, tender, and provided unjudgemental love, everything Jasper needed to blossom beautifully. There are much needed humorous moments, allowing the reader to breath and not become overwhelmed. There's also the hot, steamy moments that melt your kindle when they get together (so hot!!)
And as Maks and Jasper's relationship further evolves, our hearts (Jasper's and the readers) is lovingly and tenderly pieced back together, soothing our souls.
I'm so addicted to these wonderful, funny, and loveable guys. I can't wait for the next book ❤️❤️
Jasper story is full of pain and raw emotions that will tear you down and make you ugly cry. He had so much pain bottled up and defense walls build up high to protect himself. But then Maks enters into his life and slowly crumbles his walls and gives him a safe place to release that pain. There was no easy and quick fix, the author did a wonderful job of giving the respect that Jasper's pain, suffering, and emotional damage deserved. Love that his strength to face his inner demons was not given to Maks appearance, but highlighted and credited all to Jasper. Maks was so patient, tender, and provided unjudgemental love, everything Jasper needed to blossom beautifully. There are much needed humorous moments, allowing the reader to breath and not become overwhelmed. There's also the hot, steamy moments that melt your kindle when they get together (so hot!!)
And as Maks and Jasper's relationship further evolves, our hearts (Jasper's and the readers) is lovingly and tenderly pieced back together, soothing our souls.
I'm so addicted to these wonderful, funny, and loveable guys. I can't wait for the next book ❤️❤️
April 16, 2023
Jasper and Maks!
Rating: 3.5
The storyline for this couple was great and emotional. Maks was perfect for Jasper and he was determined to get and support his man! The trigger warnings right at the beginning are important and please don't skip it. It was hard to get through even with the knowledge it was coming, but there was a strong resolution and HEA.
I'm not giving this book more stars because of a few things unfortunately. There were several misspellings and grammar issues that jar you out of the story. Also, they kept referring to Akio's parents as being the loving family figures once the boys met, but in the first book it was Garrett's parents. At the end it says both Garrett and Akio had great parents that treated the group like their own children. Either way it was mentioned several times and really threw me as I was reading.
Verse: No, due to trama
HEA: Yes
Rating: 3.5
The storyline for this couple was great and emotional. Maks was perfect for Jasper and he was determined to get and support his man! The trigger warnings right at the beginning are important and please don't skip it. It was hard to get through even with the knowledge it was coming, but there was a strong resolution and HEA.
I'm not giving this book more stars because of a few things unfortunately. There were several misspellings and grammar issues that jar you out of the story. Also, they kept referring to Akio's parents as being the loving family figures once the boys met, but in the first book it was Garrett's parents. At the end it says both Garrett and Akio had great parents that treated the group like their own children. Either way it was mentioned several times and really threw me as I was reading.
Verse: No, due to trama
HEA: Yes
May 21, 2022
Book 2 was every bit as good as Book 1 fantastic
This is a great love story about a guy that was very abused and mistreated by his parents and his dads Buss partner who over came the abuse and found love with a former marine who would not give up on him and showed him enough love and kindness to help him overcome alot of his past life issues and find true love that he surely deserves it also helped alot that that he had 3 very loyal friends that were like brothers to help him along the way I give this book 5 plus stars a d would recommend it to anyone who loves a great love story
This is a great love story about a guy that was very abused and mistreated by his parents and his dads Buss partner who over came the abuse and found love with a former marine who would not give up on him and showed him enough love and kindness to help him overcome alot of his past life issues and find true love that he surely deserves it also helped alot that that he had 3 very loyal friends that were like brothers to help him along the way I give this book 5 plus stars a d would recommend it to anyone who loves a great love story
April 20, 2023
I was pulled in by Maks and Jasper's story. It was sexy, yet heartfelt. I love the way Maks courted him and didn't take no for an answer. Their relationship started with an agreed 1 night stand, but turned into so much more. Maks was so patient and caring with Jasper. I love that Jasper let him in. Glad for the trigger warnings at the beginning, but it was still hard to read. Jasper was so scarred from his past life, leaving him with rules to protect himself. Thankfully, Makes was persistent enough be what he needed. This book had all the emotions. I laughed and cried. I was angry and sad... The trial was so hard, but was a necessary evil to help Jasper move on... A good love story.
September 24, 2023
Maks and Jasper
This was much better than the first. It has typical Annabella Michael’s all over it. Now, with that said, you can’t say that she doesn’t warn readers about triggers she says it at the beginning that there are trigger warnings and just because she doesn’t go into detail on what they are shouldn’t mean that readers can blame her not informing. So there are triggers in here for some readers and very serious triggers, sexual assault that is pretty detailed. I did like this book though and enjoyed their journey even though it was short because I cared about them and wanted to see their happy ever after.
This was much better than the first. It has typical Annabella Michael’s all over it. Now, with that said, you can’t say that she doesn’t warn readers about triggers she says it at the beginning that there are trigger warnings and just because she doesn’t go into detail on what they are shouldn’t mean that readers can blame her not informing. So there are triggers in here for some readers and very serious triggers, sexual assault that is pretty detailed. I did like this book though and enjoyed their journey even though it was short because I cared about them and wanted to see their happy ever after.
November 19, 2024
These three stars are all for the way Jasper's secret was handled because his way of dealing with life made a lot of sense and I appreciated that. I thought Maks was a darling while still being rather bland and I understand why Jasper was so drawn to him but I never really understood why Maks was attracted to Jasper. I am surprised that Jasper had such a close relationship with his "brothers" but did not share his secret with them first and then Maks. I do understand why it came up because Jasper was having to let his walls down to let Maks in but? So I felt it had a really good premise but a rather so so follow through. Also please take mention of any triggers seriously.
May 19, 2022
Pure love
Jasper and Maks were a very unlikely couple until you understand Maks. I just love how Annabella can take two very strong people and make them a better person.
Jasper had it very rough early in life but he has the strongest support group in his friends and the total support of the one who loves him. Everyone should be so blessed to have a Maks in their life. Nope I am not giving any secrets away so you will just have to read it for yourself and enjoy all the love on your own!
Jasper and Maks were a very unlikely couple until you understand Maks. I just love how Annabella can take two very strong people and make them a better person.
Jasper had it very rough early in life but he has the strongest support group in his friends and the total support of the one who loves him. Everyone should be so blessed to have a Maks in their life. Nope I am not giving any secrets away so you will just have to read it for yourself and enjoy all the love on your own!
June 19, 2022
Story of betrayl, surviving and grabbing on to the best life has to offer - fairytale!
Jasper- has endured horrific past, betrayl and unthinkable crimes against children. To grow up to be the amazing man he was is simply amazing. Mak served his Country and is looking for his future. He is going to pour his heart out & wait for its rewards. MM romance. Warning trigger abuse past.
Jasper- has endured horrific past, betrayl and unthinkable crimes against children. To grow up to be the amazing man he was is simply amazing. Mak served his Country and is looking for his future. He is going to pour his heart out & wait for its rewards. MM romance. Warning trigger abuse past.
April 15, 2022
jasper and maks were such fascinating strong characters I loved reading about them and following there beautiful but emotional journey
they stole my heart so completely
I felt every emotion jasper and maks were going through
my heart soared realising how strong jasper and maks was I just loved them
they stole my heart so completely
I felt every emotion jasper and maks were going through
my heart soared realising how strong jasper and maks was I just loved them
May 12, 2022
Great read.
This was a great read and I loved Maks and Jasper. There was sweetness, emotion, heat and angst in this story, and the trigger warning at the front of the book should not be ignored, because it was a big part of the story. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
This was a great read and I loved Maks and Jasper. There was sweetness, emotion, heat and angst in this story, and the trigger warning at the front of the book should not be ignored, because it was a big part of the story. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
May 29, 2022
Great book
I loved Soul's friends/brothers from the moment they were introduced. It was wonderful seeing another one of them get their happy ever after. My heart broke for Jasper. Maks was exactly who he needed to overcome the trauma of his past. Theirs was a beautiful love story. I can't wait for Travis' story.
I loved Soul's friends/brothers from the moment they were introduced. It was wonderful seeing another one of them get their happy ever after. My heart broke for Jasper. Maks was exactly who he needed to overcome the trauma of his past. Theirs was a beautiful love story. I can't wait for Travis' story.
June 2, 2022
Sweet romance with a side of childhood trauma
Maks is really the perfect partner in this love story and he is crazy supportive and patient with Jasper, who has quite a bit of childhood abuse and neglect to process.
Maks is really the perfect partner in this love story and he is crazy supportive and patient with Jasper, who has quite a bit of childhood abuse and neglect to process.
April 15, 2022
Short easy read. Good series.
April 21, 2022
Good story line.
This story line is more about internal angst, more than anything. I don't mind internal angst but I like my drama. Cute and sweet story.
This story line is more about internal angst, more than anything. I don't mind internal angst but I like my drama. Cute and sweet story.
April 21, 2022
Great book. Can't wait for Travis' book
April 30, 2022
Did not finish. Started good but it wasn't it for me.
June 15, 2022
Loving This Series
It is so sad what happened to Jared during his childhood. I love how Maks would not give up on him. They are so cute together.
It is so sad what happened to Jared during his childhood. I love how Maks would not give up on him. They are so cute together.
November 10, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
April 30, 2022
I love that we are back in the Chicago Universe, and we see Jasper finally find a HEA. So much has kept him from opening up to his friends, which is heartbreaking. I love that Maks is so patient with him and takes the time to get to know Jasper for who he is. I loved this book and this series. I want to reread them all.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews