Heart Crimes: A Second Chance Romance in the Pacific Northwest

World Wide Media #2

by Sandy J. Mcneill

Dr Cara Braithwaite was at the top of her game in the operating room, until one mistake rocked her world and sent her running.Now she's starting over in Seattle, hoping to leave her past behind.

In comes reluctant heartthrob and single father, Miles Masterson. As their romance ignites, a dark cloud looms over Cara, and unresolved issues from Miles' past threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be strong enough to withstand the complexities of their lives, or will it come crashing down? Heart Crimes is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and second chances told from a dual perspective that will leave you breathless. For fans of emotional rollercoasters and steamy romances, this is a must-read.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Sandy J Mcneill is an avid reader and sometimes writer who has turned over nearly half a library in her lifetime.
Her early exposure to African folklore, Greek, Norse and Roman mythology as well as American and European literary classics helped to feed her already vivid imagination.

Reviews

[Krystal Monro · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s one thing I love in a romance book, is a man like Miles. I am a sucker for a single dad trope, and this didn’t disappoint.
Miles and Cara meet after Miles’s daughter ends up in the car of Cara in the emergency department. You could say it was love at first sight, but Miles is the one that falls quickly and hard for Cara.
With the vibe of a slow burn, this book packs a punch with classical romance and wooing, a billionaire that’s a walking green flag, love making and a little spice. I love the gentleness of Miles and Cara’s relationship, and I particularly love the attentiveness he shows towards her after her attack.

Sandy has done such a superb job in making my heart skip a beat. Heart Crimes is such a beautiful love story with the added twist of a crime.


Please be advised this book mentions kidnapping, sexual assault and rape. Reader discretion is advised.


Thank you to Sandy J McNeil and Luna Literary for this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Elos_book_hoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest, I struggled at the start of this book. I would probably rate it about a 4.5, due to that. But I am so glad I decided to keep going. I really enjoyed reading this book, I loved the way that Cara and Miles relationship grew so naturally. The way he was there for her and was able to make everything easier at her worst was the sweetest. "She has easily become my everything." He loves her the way every woman wants to be loved.

It showed me that as long as you keep fighting for that person you love as long as you keep showing up, if there's still a hint of their feelings for you, there is a chance.
I loved reading about Caras journey through healing and opening up. This book showed that healing is not linear. It takes its own path for each person who experiences the horrible parts of life. These two have a well deserved HEA after all the twist and turns.

[Catarina Águas]

DNF at 22%
I just couldn't continue. I made it to 22% and that was a lot. The insta lust or love turned me off immediately, I don't like that in books, it's too sudden and I just can't.
And I didn't like Cara. Maybe my opinion would have changed through out the book but I just couldn't read anymore. I found her annoying and I hated the way she judged Miles just because he was rich and when he didn't give her any reason to think bad about him.
And the forbidden aspect? Maybe it's just me because I'm not a doctor so I wouldn't know how it works, but I don't think being his daughter's patient once and never being it again counts. I mean, it was once, it was not permanent, how is that forbidden? And after it made the 4 month jump, less forbidden it is. Like I said, maybe it was me but the forbidden part didn't feel like it, it felt more like an excuse

[Katherine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story encompasses the rough road Miles and Cara have until their happily ever after. Cara is a doctor from England who experienced a lot of loss in her life. After a misstep, professionally, leaves everything she knows she’s moves to Seattle. Miles is the COO of Worldwide Media and runs it with his brother. The two first meet when his daughter is in the ER. He is enthralled with her but she turns him down. Fast forward a few months later and they meet again. Things start to heat up but her life is anything but calm. A stalker, a manipulative ex, and grief play a big role for both of them. Can they get over these hurdles together or will they tear them apart?

I really loved Miles and how patient and understanding he is. His daughter is adorable too. Cara really has walls up and I feel for her, but I also thought she could have been easier on him a few times. This was a good romance with suspense and a lot going on behind the scenes of their relationship.

[Richel Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Braithwaite (Doctor) and Miles Masterson (a billionaire) have a very quick insta lust. Cara takes care of Miles daughter after she falls down and bumps her head on a field trip. As soon as they lay eyes on one another it’s over, they both feel a connection but they don’t know if the other does. Miles is very persistent about wanted to go out and get to know the Cara. She is super hesitant because her last relationship almost cost her the job she’s always wanted and made things very awkward. After Miles finally wears her down she ends up with a stalker and Miles ex wife who is causing problems. The suspense of everything happening keeps you in your toes and wanting to find out what happens. Miles always shows up for Cara and is always trying to help take care of her through everything going on. The spicy scenes are 🥵 but this isn’t the typical romance novel please check trigger warnings!

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical love story but it definitely lures you in. Who doesn’t love a medical romance? Miles met Cara after his daughter Maxie suffered a minor head injury and Kara was her doctor. Miles fell in love at first sight. You could already tell it is a slow burn but when you get to the good stuff, it does not disappoint. The way Miles is tentative towards Kara just gives you all the feels and the crime in the book makes the book interesting twist on love. We love how these mixed together and you see how these two end up falling for each other at the perfect time in their life and sometimes that’s all we need to happen to find our person. Give this book a read and let me know your thoughts.

Xoxo

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and I didn’t want to finish it (literally kept trying to put off reading the last 30 pages because I didn’t want it to end)

This book follows the story of Cara an amazing Pediatric Dr from London and Miles, a billionaire who has his own share of demons and trouble.

From the moment Miles’ daughter Maxie was in the ER and he met Cara it was game over because all he could see was heart eyes. From there it follows their story of getting to know each other all while dealing with a stalker, Miles’ ex wife and the balance of work (and dealing with mental health)

Just when you think that you’re ending the book, the author throws you for a twist. (I’m not going to lie I definitely panicked a little)

All in all, this is definitely going to be a comfort read.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Sophie-Leigh Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart Crimes was such a heart wrenching and beautiful read, the characters were real and had true depth especially Cara.

I did find the romance scenes were a little rushed and maybe a bit choppy but that's just personal preference.

I find "love/lust at first sight" really tricky to get into but the story line was incredible, I loved how 'dark' the story could get while still being realistic and it shows a real representation of trauma responses.

Will definitely recommend and I can't wait to read more by Sandy 🤩

[Kelly Michiels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this book beforehand. The first book was an emotional rollercoaster and i knew i wanted to read her next one. I had a certain thought on how it was going to go but then i read it and it did not go like i imagined it. A lot of emotions ran through my body while reading it. A couple of curses passed my lips as well but such a good and well written story. Some details were harder to read then others but i felt it with Miles and Cara. If you have not read any of her stories, please do. I know now whatever she writes, i will read.

[Lauren Oswald · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review! I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to read this book!

For an ARC I liked this book! The characters were all really engaging and fun to read about and the plot was pretty simple and predictable. The only thing that stood out to me in not the greatest of ways was that the author seemed to do a little bit too much research when it came to world building and creating the setting. For instance, Seattle (the setting of the book) is not widely referred to as “The Emerald City,” Especially by its residents. Other than that I thought that this was a good read, and I was also fairly surprised by the 🌶️ content.

[Lauren Curley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level

Cara and Miles meet in the ER when his daughter Maxie has a minor injury. Miles is immediately in Instalust for Cara. He tries to get a date from her days later, but she keeps turning him down. He finally wears her down, and they start to date. Miles is a billionaire, and Cara is on a pediatric rotation to become a pediatric cardiologist. Cara ends up with a stalker and also the ex-wife of Miles causes trouble.

The book had some twists and turns when it came to the stalker and some of the ex-wife's behavior. Miles kept showing up for Cara even when she wanted to back away with security, private dates, etc. There were definitely some smeggsy scenes, but I enjoyed the story more. Miles was literally the Golden Retriever and so gone for Cara. ❤️❤️

I'm interested in more from this author.

⚠️Please read all trigger warnings ⚠️

Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: October 29, 2024

[River]

DNFed at 23%

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a lot of spicy scenes but the plot itself was really good. I think Cara and Miles are perfect for each other. Miles is such a walking green flag because he is such a good father to his daughter but also tries to give Cara the attention that she needs so that she can feel safe especially after the incident with her stalker. Miles is so patient with Cara during her recovery and notices her body language.

I recommend reading this book!

[Wandering Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by Sandy J. McNeill, and was unsure what to expect.

I struggled to get into this book to start with, but I was determined to finish it. Normally I love a single dad story. I also love a good crime/suspense story. This had both in it but I was left feeling disappointed in it.

Miles, the single dad CEO, is the ultimate Golden Retriever in this story. He will literally do anything for Cara, who is a paediatric doctor from London who moved to Seattle to start anew after a death happened on her operating table back home. Her brother and his family live in Seattle too, so it was an easy decision to move closer to him.

When Cara ends up treating Miles's daughter (who is absolutely adorable the whole way through) in the ER after she hit her head, he is hit with insta-lust and she turns him down constantly. He's determined to get to know her though on a personal level and eventually she gives him a chance. During their courtship though, she encounters a stalker, while his ex-wife suddenly comes back into their lives causing problems.

Both Miles and Cara have had tragic and eventful pasts and it takes them both some time to move on from them.

The story definitely had it's moments that I really enjoyed, but I think it was a little too slow for me. I felt like I had been reading forever, to only find I was no more than 35% of the way through. Sometimes I think when the author was trying to make the banter funny, it felt more cringe than anything else. Cara certainly annoyed me a lot of the time too, and I felt for Clay, Miles's driver and ex-police officer, who tried to help her and she was just stupid about it all.

I know plenty of people who would absolutely love this book and I will certainly let them know about it. For me though, the writing didn't really hit the mark for me.

Please give the trigger warnings a read before you start this book though, especially when the SA portion is on page, not off of it.

3 stars

Tropes: single dad CEO/doctor, slow burn, he falls first (and hard), golden retriever MMC, dual POV, standalone in a series, crime romance, medical romance, instalust

Triggers: death of patient (off page), death of parent (in past), death of child (in past), ex-wife drama, stalker, kidnapping, sexual assault (on page), violence, beatings, hospitals, grief

[Booksnliftsdiary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐️/5

“Note to self: Don’t kick a man when he’s down.”

Heart Crimes, the second book in the Worldwide Media Duology, is a standalone story about second chances and healing. Dr. Cara Braithwaite, a former surgeon, relocates to Seattle after a mistake shatters her confidence and forces her to leave her career behind. There, she meets Miles Masterson, a divorced single dad, when his daughter ends up in Cara’s car during a medical emergency. Their first encounter sparks an undeniable connection. As a doctor, Cara is used to keeping her emotions in check, but it’s Miles who quickly finds himself falling for her, captivated by her strength and compassion. Their relationship develops gradually, built on shared moments of vulnerability, tender care, and simmering chemistry. Miles’ unwavering support for Cara during her darkest times illustrates the power of second chances and love, even after hardship.

With themes of second chances, forbidden love, and personal growth, Heart Crimes beautifully explores the healing power of love and the possibility of new beginnings, showing that even in the most difficult moments, love has the ability to mend both hearts and souls.

A big thanks to DS Book Promotions and Carolyn Delaney for sending me a digital ARC of this book!

Released date: 10/29/2024.

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance story with a twist between Cara and Miles who meet each other within a hospital setting (after his daughter, Maxie has an accident) where Cara works as a paediatric emergency doctor.

There’s a romantic connection between Cara and Miles as they navigate a challenging interaction when he offers to take her out, but she declines due to believing he’s arrogant and full of himself.

Over time, she realises there’s a deeper and warmer layer to Miles, while also realising she has a stalker and fears going out.

When Cara and Miles finally get together, the stalking seems to have stopped. They’re happy together until a tragic incident occurs. Other obstacles get in the way of their new-found bliss, but Miles is determined to fight for Cara despite her need to give up on the relationship.

I found the story to be entertaining, sad, and page-turning, with strong themes of grief and loss. It’s a heartwarming story about people’s experiences of familial loss and eventual joy. I especially enjoyed the prologue that foreshadowed the traumatic experience to come. It’s highly recommended.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara moves from London to Seattle after a surgery that went wrong. Though she is proven to be not at fault, she continues to feel guilty about it and it leads her to change her focus and become a paediatrician instead. One day, she meets Miles while she is on ER duty.

Due to her past experience, she doesn’t allow Miles in. Meanwhile, danger looms in the background as she realises that she has a stalker. Months passes by and she meets Miles again. This time she lets him into her life and that starts a new phase in their lives. But can they escape from the imminent danger? Read this to find out.

The book is more angsty than I expected and there are quite a number of scenes which caused me to shed tears. So do check out my comments for potential triggers.

On a side note, Maxie is so cute and I loved those few scenes which the three of them spent together. Their trips and hikes together were also amazing dates which allowed Miles and Cara to get to know each other better. Overall, this was a lovely read, peppered with slice and lots of tears.

[Morgan Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5⭐️


So this book was a little different for me as I went into it blind (don’t ask me why), but I’m glad I did.

It’s the second book in the worldwide media series, but you don’t need to read the first book to understand it.

So I’m going to be completely honest and say this book starts off slow. But once it picks up it’s so good.

Cara has been through some shit. It starts off with a traumatic event for her and she decides to move to start fresh. She’s learning to trust her instincts both professionally and personally. And she does so much growing. It was definitely a treat to watch. But man the events that had to happen in order for her to get there is just heartbreaking.

Miles is sexy, smart, and the absolute best single dad out there. When he meets Cara he knows he has to have her. But Cara doesn’t persuade easily. Good thing Miles is persistent. For someone that has everything, he did some growing too, which was amazing to see. And he had some shit going on too. But couples that can overcome all obstacles are that power couple that everyone loves to see.

This is a suspense romance. But every twist and turn, I did not see coming but one of them. It will keeping you wanting more. Go check it out, it’s available now!

[Shyanne Blankenship · Rating 2 out of 5]

I unfortunately did not love this.

From the get go, I was irritated by Cara. Some people are not meant to date single parents. And I wholly believe Cara is one of those people. She wanted any and every thing to be about her. She wanted Miles to drop everything for her. But that’s not how it works with single parents

She also made horrible decisions (such as not wanting to call the cops about her door) and drags other people into those bad decisions (I’m so sorry clay, you deserve better than Cara’s shit)

The third act breakup was unnecessary and yucky. Third act breakups sometimes have a tendency to make a character suck in my opinion. And my opinion of Cara already wasn’t great so that just added to it

The best part of this story was the suspense and action with the stalker storyline (I cackled at the pee part) and Maxie, who doesn’t love an adorable kid in a book

[Madelaine Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart Crimes is a delish romance by @sandyj.author

Rating; 3.75 ⭐️/5
Spice; 3 🌶️/5

We are introduced to Miles a single billionaire dad. Whose only concern has been for the care and well being of his daughter. Till she ends up in the hospital and he meets Cara.

Cara is a doctor from the UK, who’s moved to Seattle to escape a traumatic history back home. But what happens when that history follows you?!

Miles and Cara have a brilliant slow burn to open door romance. That you cannot help but fall for each other them! The protectiveness and admiration of how they are with each other’s family. It’s real romance with a hint of mysterious suspense.

Please read the TW before this book as it does contain closed door SA, and stalking.

thank you @lunaliterary.management for the opportunity to read and review

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

"Heart Crimes" starts as a story of insta lust between two wounded main characters with a touch of a forbidden romance. In the time following the first time Miles and Cara meet we are treated to suspense (courtesy of Cara's stalker) with some extra angst (courtesy of the stalker again, but also other factors including Cara's workplace rules and Miles' ex-wife).
You need to bear in mind, that this isn't a kind of romance story that can serve as a balm for the soul and a cozy blanket with some cocoa. This story will keep you on your toes and beside the bliss of the romance between the main characters you will also get to feel their pain, the angst and maybe even some frustration. But it actually made me like it, as it was a bit different than most of the romance novels I came across recently.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Bookreader B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚🌶

There are sensitive topics discussed in this book including: stalking, kidnapping, on page assualt so please check before reading.

Heart Crimes is the 2nd book in this series, but I highly recommend reading the first since there are references and background that come from it.

Cara is a doctor in the operating room when one mistake led to a loss of a patient. Miles is a divorced single father who meets and is instantly attracted to Cara. Cara is trying to find some calm in the storm of her life. Miles continues to be there for her through everything she is currently through.

Sandy J. McNeil does another amazing job in the series! She did not disappoint and I am loving that Miles got his story!!

[shanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author and it was not a bad book I will read more by them.
I will start by saying that as someone who lives in Washington, I loved how they described seattle. I have only been to seattle in the summer so it wasn't raining then but I have heard that the rain there is no joke. As someone who works in healthcare, I was able to relate to the fmc struggles and understand why she would want to be careful with how she presented herself. I enjoyed the mmc and how he was kind of obsessed with the fmc, but it didn't come off as a cheesey instalove type deal. The suspense of the story was good, and the growth of the fmc was enjoyable.

I got this book as an ARC but all my thoughts are completely my own.

[Marissa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating on this fluctuates from 3.5 to 4 stars but overall, it was a solid read. Watching Cara deal with her own personal setbacks felt very real, and I liked that she didn’t immediately give in to Miles and his persuasion of her. There were parts of this book that felt very heavy, and I think they were handled well. The suspense aspect of this book also kept my attention enough that I needed to know exactly what I was going to happen. I will admit there were small portions of this book that couldn’t hold my attention, but I’m glad I read through until the end. I will say if you plan on reading this book, I would check on trigger warnings because there are scenes that could be hard to read with no prior notice.

[KyrieMacReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's talk Heart Crimes:

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶🌶 (Few intimate scenes, not overly explicit)

Tropes: Single Parent, Forbidden-ish Relationship, Insta-Love

TW: Child Loss, Parental Loss, Sexual Assault

I'll be honest, I wasn't overly impressed by this story. I wasn't overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Just whelmed. Cara is a doctor who moved over (was forced to move) to peds after a surgery gone wrong. Miles meets her once in the ER and decides he needs to have her. I wasn't a fan of the FMC. Cara resists him at every turn and made quick, emotional decisions. There is a 3rd Act breakup, as well as Sexual Assault, so mind your trigger warnings. Overall, for me, it was just ok.

[Vanessa Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book on the World Wide Media Series and it is told in a dual POV but can be read as a standalone. The was a suspenseful romance that was hard to put down and I just wanted to finish it in one day! Heart Crimes will definitely break your heart and still put it back together lol. If you love a single dad, stalker, doctor x ceo tropes please give this a read. You will fall in love with Miles and Cara. Miles is so patient and understanding with Cara.

Thank you to the author Sandy and Luna Literary for the arc! Book is now available for everyone to read! <3

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

💫ARC Review💫

🩵 billionaire x doctor 🩵
🩵 british fmc 🩵
🩵 set in Seattle 🩵
🩵 protective mmc 🩵
🩵 trauma bonding 🩵
🩵 she has a stalker 🩵
🩵 single dad mmc 🩵
🩵 insta love 🩵

I feel like this book was different from the ones I usually read. I suppose it wasn’t that different since it’s a romance, but the FMC, Cara, is a doctor, and I’ve never read anything medical before. All that being said, I loved it! It got and kept my attention immediately, and the characters are so easy to like.
I have to caution potential readers as to the content. Cara has a stalker, and without spoiling anything, it gets graphic. On page SA and severe violence is not shied away from. The author’s note at the beginning mentions “familial demise, stalking, and violence,” but I wasn’t totally prepared for the on page attack. Luckily, I’m able to handle stuff like that, but I was surprised there wasn’t more of a warning.
Anyway, Miles is a great MMC— he’s down bad instantly for Cara, and she tries to resist him, but like me if I were in her situation, she fails. And that’s good for us cause their love story is just the sweetest! This was the first book I’ve read from this author, even though it’s technically the second in a series. It works as a standalone too, and I never felt confused or anything. I’ll definitely be reading more by Sandy J McNeill! 💙

[Jazmyne Janai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, it has every trope that I love, but for me it was a bit slow. If you love a slow burn this is for you! I did really love Miles and I think he is one of the most perfect book boyfriends. He was always there for her whenever she needed and even when she didn’t realize she needed. They both had past that kept them from a relationship and then coming together was perfect.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤍ARC REVIEW🤍
Heart Crimes was over all a good read! It had a good story line with heart wrenching moments. I really enjoyed Miles he was always there for Cara. I will note that Heart Crimes contains tough topics so please check the trigger warning. Get ready for a slow burn with all the suspense!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Heart Crimes is NOW AVAILABLE

Thank you Sandy and Luna Lit for allowing me to read Heart Crimes!

[Madyson Parrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such an amazing read. I was so excited to see that it was set in the PNW and included so many wonderful places such as hiking spots. This book was so entrancing and i couldn’t put it down until i was done reading it!
This book had turns at every chapter that had me feeling all of the emotions. I was so happy at the end of the book seeing everyone together. I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for the next book, i’m going to have to re-read the book each week!