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Bleeding Hearts : A Dark Second Chance Mafia Romance
Some memories fade. Others come back to kill you.
Six years ago, Dimitri Mikhailov. A man forged in the shadows. Lost everything to betrayal. Now his past rises from the embers of a deadly battle, dragging him back into a war he thought he’d buried.
And at the centre of it… stands the woman he once would’ve carved his heart open for.
Annalise Sallow lives in the hollow echo of a night she can’t grasp. But when danger knocks at her door, the man with liquid silver eyes appears. Claiming she was part of a life stolen from her.
And the enemy who shattered them once is moving again.
He wants answers.
She wants the truth.
And their enemy wants to tear them apart—again.
As old memories stir and long-buried grief tightens around them, Dimitri and Annalise must confront the truths hiding in the spaces between who they were… and who they’ve become.
Some hearts don’t just break.
They bleed.
Six years ago, Dimitri Mikhailov. A man forged in the shadows. Lost everything to betrayal. Now his past rises from the embers of a deadly battle, dragging him back into a war he thought he’d buried.
And at the centre of it… stands the woman he once would’ve carved his heart open for.
Annalise Sallow lives in the hollow echo of a night she can’t grasp. But when danger knocks at her door, the man with liquid silver eyes appears. Claiming she was part of a life stolen from her.
And the enemy who shattered them once is moving again.
He wants answers.
She wants the truth.
And their enemy wants to tear them apart—again.
As old memories stir and long-buried grief tightens around them, Dimitri and Annalise must confront the truths hiding in the spaces between who they were… and who they’ve become.
Some hearts don’t just break.
They bleed.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2026
9 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
J.D Ray
5 books12 followersHi, I’m J.D. Ray, a spicy romance author with a love for happily-ever-afters and stories that leave you breathless. My tales weave together dark romance, secret agents, espionage, and the dangerous allure of the mafia, creating passionate, suspense-filled adventures.
While I’m drawn to the shadows of crime and forbidden love, my heart also beats for the supernatural. Paranormal romance holds a special place in my soul, and I can’t wait to bring you stories that merge the seductive and the otherworldly.
Reading has always been my escape, and now, I invite you to escape with me.
As a daydreamer, I’m constantly creating new characters and twists, thrilled to share them with you. Where anything is possible—and nothing is off-limits.
Ready to dive into a world of spice, suspense, and romance? Let’s get lost in a story together!
You can find me on
Instagram @jdrayauthor
TikTok @jdrayauthor
While I’m drawn to the shadows of crime and forbidden love, my heart also beats for the supernatural. Paranormal romance holds a special place in my soul, and I can’t wait to bring you stories that merge the seductive and the otherworldly.
Reading has always been my escape, and now, I invite you to escape with me.
As a daydreamer, I’m constantly creating new characters and twists, thrilled to share them with you. Where anything is possible—and nothing is off-limits.
Ready to dive into a world of spice, suspense, and romance? Let’s get lost in a story together!
You can find me on
Instagram @jdrayauthor
TikTok @jdrayauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 19, 2026
Meet Annalise and Dimitri. These two had love and lost it. They see their past through their own eyes and it’s a beautiful story as they find their way back together. The interplay between these two doesn’t disappoint. Love the storyline and I was totally invested from the first page!I didn’t read book 1 but was able to catch up on the story. It didn’t take away from this storyline at all. New author for me- and a huge fan. Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second installment of the Blaze of Shadows series and it does not disappoint. Even though I did not read the first book in the series I was able to follow the story easily. The author has plenty of flash back moments that provided the necessary scenes to make the story easy to follow.
Dimitri has lost all whom he loves the most. His best friend, father figure and love of his life. Feeling betrayed he was forced to take a step back from the case that brought destruction into his life. But when the past runs into him head on, he is thrust into all that was left behind. He must navigate the path set before him and discover the real truth to take down an evil mastermind.
Annalise is hiding. Has been for 6 years. With no memories of how she came to be hurt in a hospital she resets life and hides from a past unknown with the help of her friend Donovan. When a case she is working on brings threats and danger, she doesn't know who to turn to. So when she runs into someone that seems familiar but she doesn't know, she begins to question everything. Can she get to the bottom of who is threatening her or will she be next?
This book has it all. Thrills, Chills and romance. There is a lot of violence and triggers that may not be suitable for some readers. This dark romance has a lot of heat. It is a twisted web full of lies and murder. I love all the dark elements and the book is an amazing dark tale. Will the bad guys come out on top? Guess you will have to read it to find out....
Dimitri has lost all whom he loves the most. His best friend, father figure and love of his life. Feeling betrayed he was forced to take a step back from the case that brought destruction into his life. But when the past runs into him head on, he is thrust into all that was left behind. He must navigate the path set before him and discover the real truth to take down an evil mastermind.
Annalise is hiding. Has been for 6 years. With no memories of how she came to be hurt in a hospital she resets life and hides from a past unknown with the help of her friend Donovan. When a case she is working on brings threats and danger, she doesn't know who to turn to. So when she runs into someone that seems familiar but she doesn't know, she begins to question everything. Can she get to the bottom of who is threatening her or will she be next?
This book has it all. Thrills, Chills and romance. There is a lot of violence and triggers that may not be suitable for some readers. This dark romance has a lot of heat. It is a twisted web full of lies and murder. I love all the dark elements and the book is an amazing dark tale. Will the bad guys come out on top? Guess you will have to read it to find out....
March 19, 2026
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is my first by this author and I didn't have any issues following the story. Lots of flashbacks to previous book to keep us in the know. This was surprising so good and I didn't want to put it down. This is definitely a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This book is about Annalise and Dimitri a couple torn apart by loss and unforeseen foes from 6 years ago. Annalise is a lawyer now going by a different name and missing a lot of memories from six years ago including everything of Dimitri. Dimitri is a part of an underground organization and their goal is to get rid of terrible people like the one that killed Annalise's father and two brothers. Their journey is about bringing them down and finding each other again.
Annalise and Dimitri went through so much together and apart. Separated for six years they each went through different versions of events regarding their history but their love and desire for each other didn't go away in all that time. Once they were together again they were stronger than ever before. The chemistry between them leapt from the pages and it really felt like they were soulmates.
This book offers so much and was very unexpected. It was emotional, intense and a very engaging story. The characters were relatable and layered. The story and plot unfolded in smooth but intense and vulnerable ways. Very interesting story indeed! I'm very much looking forward to Donovan's book!
This book is about Annalise and Dimitri a couple torn apart by loss and unforeseen foes from 6 years ago. Annalise is a lawyer now going by a different name and missing a lot of memories from six years ago including everything of Dimitri. Dimitri is a part of an underground organization and their goal is to get rid of terrible people like the one that killed Annalise's father and two brothers. Their journey is about bringing them down and finding each other again.
Annalise and Dimitri went through so much together and apart. Separated for six years they each went through different versions of events regarding their history but their love and desire for each other didn't go away in all that time. Once they were together again they were stronger than ever before. The chemistry between them leapt from the pages and it really felt like they were soulmates.
This book offers so much and was very unexpected. It was emotional, intense and a very engaging story. The characters were relatable and layered. The story and plot unfolded in smooth but intense and vulnerable ways. Very interesting story indeed! I'm very much looking forward to Donovan's book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to J. D. Ray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bleeding Hearts is an emotionally driven story that blends intensity, vulnerability, and character-focused storytelling into an engaging read.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles feel real, and the way their journeys unfold adds meaning and weight to the narrative.
The story carries a steady pace while building tension, allowing both the emotional moments and the plot to develop naturally. This balance keeps the reader invested from beginning to end.
For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because the story was heartfelt and engaging, though there were a few moments where I would have liked a bit more exploration of certain scenes.
This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:
• the emotional themes add depth to the story
• the characters feel layered and relatable
• the tension keeps the narrative engaging
• the pacing allows the story to unfold smoothly
Emotional. Intense. Engaging.
Read this book if you like:
• emotional romance
• character-driven stories
• intense and vulnerable narratives
• relationship-focused storytelling
Bleeding Hearts is an emotionally driven story that blends intensity, vulnerability, and character-focused storytelling into an engaging read.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their struggles feel real, and the way their journeys unfold adds meaning and weight to the narrative.
The story carries a steady pace while building tension, allowing both the emotional moments and the plot to develop naturally. This balance keeps the reader invested from beginning to end.
For me, this lands at 4 ⭐ because the story was heartfelt and engaging, though there were a few moments where I would have liked a bit more exploration of certain scenes.
This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:
• the emotional themes add depth to the story
• the characters feel layered and relatable
• the tension keeps the narrative engaging
• the pacing allows the story to unfold smoothly
Emotional. Intense. Engaging.
Read this book if you like:
• emotional romance
• character-driven stories
• intense and vulnerable narratives
• relationship-focused storytelling
March 19, 2026
This book had its share of tragedies. Heartbreaking tragedies. But somehow they get through the hard stuff. The MMC is a big idiot because of some misinformation and is very possessive. The FMC suffers, but is very smart and brave. Six years later they come across one another again. This book was well organized and easy to follow. It also moved along at a good pace. The two main characters were easy to like and I wanted them to succeed. The spice was really good and there was just the right amount. There is intrigue, mystery and suspense in this story throughout the book. Parts were intense, but it levels out in other areas of the novel. It’s definitely a page turner. I loved it. There is love and forgiveness in this story as well. Oh, and there is a bit of groveling about half way, as well, though IMO not enough. LOL. The secondary characters are really likeable, too (most of them). I loved the ending and cannot wait for the next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not read the first book in the series before jumping into book two but I wish I would have! I was able to understand the concept and characters fine without BUT agree it would have added to the overall understanding of the characters and world!
The book starts action packed on page 1! Annalise and Dimitri go through so much loss and interconnected history. They each have a different version of events regarding their history and their years apart didn’t diminish their desire and love for one another. Their redemption story is action packed throughout the entire book. I loved how they shared the turbulence of emotions they both experienced throughout and who doesn’t love the villain getting exactly what they deserve!! Overall very good, wonderful balance of action, spice, redemption, healing, and of course a HEA!
The book starts action packed on page 1! Annalise and Dimitri go through so much loss and interconnected history. They each have a different version of events regarding their history and their years apart didn’t diminish their desire and love for one another. Their redemption story is action packed throughout the entire book. I loved how they shared the turbulence of emotions they both experienced throughout and who doesn’t love the villain getting exactly what they deserve!! Overall very good, wonderful balance of action, spice, redemption, healing, and of course a HEA!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book ... I honestly wish I had read book 2 first but this book didn't disappoint...
I got pulled into Dimitri and Annalise story real fast...They have history although she took their past one way and he took it another...he lost her she lost him and so much more...
when they come back together they come out stronger then before. The end left me wanting more and I am excited to see what is next in this series...I highly recommend this book make sure you check your triggers and definitely read book one first...I know I will be reading book 1 and I will re read this one...
thank you J.D. Ray for this opportunity you did your thing on this book and you definitely put a lot of time,love and energy in this..
I got pulled into Dimitri and Annalise story real fast...They have history although she took their past one way and he took it another...he lost her she lost him and so much more...
when they come back together they come out stronger then before. The end left me wanting more and I am excited to see what is next in this series...I highly recommend this book make sure you check your triggers and definitely read book one first...I know I will be reading book 1 and I will re read this one...
thank you J.D. Ray for this opportunity you did your thing on this book and you definitely put a lot of time,love and energy in this..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy cow!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Literally. The character dynamics, the plot, and the spice! Chefs kiss! Dimitri and Annalise are a cute and loveable couple. Annalise is a lawyer and she is great at what she does. Dimitri is apart of a underground organization: their main goal is to rid the Earth of terrible people. Annalise's brother was also apart of this organization. This book definitely had my attention from the beginning. The author has an amazing way with words and you can keep up with the story that is being told. I have no lies to tell: I finished this book in about 3 days. I HAD to know what happened. You have just the right amount of spice without it being to much. This book is written well and I will definitely recommend reading it!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Literally. The character dynamics, the plot, and the spice! Chefs kiss! Dimitri and Annalise are a cute and loveable couple. Annalise is a lawyer and she is great at what she does. Dimitri is apart of a underground organization: their main goal is to rid the Earth of terrible people. Annalise's brother was also apart of this organization. This book definitely had my attention from the beginning. The author has an amazing way with words and you can keep up with the story that is being told. I have no lies to tell: I finished this book in about 3 days. I HAD to know what happened. You have just the right amount of spice without it being to much. This book is written well and I will definitely recommend reading it!
March 20, 2026
Omg!! I love Annalise and Dimitri. One I love Dimitri from book 1. I found him completely fascinating especially with him essentially helping Nina. She got her happy ending and it seems its time for Dimitri. I found his history and version of the betrayal intresting to say the least. Then being in Annelise's head I saw a completely different version of events. I loved watching them trying to unravel their version of events, the truth, and them trying to fight their attraction to each other. Im so glad I took the advice in the beginning and went back to read book 1. I think I would have missed a lot of the history and details that made this book so great.
March 20, 2026
First time author for me, but this is the 2nd book in the series. I didn't read the first book; however, the flashbacks provided enough context that I didn't get lost or miss out on anything important.
Annalise, a lawyer, and Dimitri, part of an underground vigilante group, reconnect after a 6-year connection. Annalise has some memory loss/gaps, and she is unsure how she is currently affected. Once they reconnect, they work together as a team to untangle the mystery. The story is nicely past with enough drama, chemistry, and action to keep the story interesting.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Annalise, a lawyer, and Dimitri, part of an underground vigilante group, reconnect after a 6-year connection. Annalise has some memory loss/gaps, and she is unsure how she is currently affected. Once they reconnect, they work together as a team to untangle the mystery. The story is nicely past with enough drama, chemistry, and action to keep the story interesting.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author
Having read the first book in the Blaze of Shadows series, I was hoping for the same pace and intensity. And boy, Bleeding Hearts did NOT disappoint!
From the very start, the story grabs you by the throat and pulls you in, the momentum is fast-paced and intense through to the very end, and it leaves you almost crying out for more.
This is a raw, compelling and emotional story with off-the-charts chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri 🔥🌶️
This book is a must read!
Can't wait for the next in the series, Donovan and Penny's story!
Having read the first book in the Blaze of Shadows series, I was hoping for the same pace and intensity. And boy, Bleeding Hearts did NOT disappoint!
From the very start, the story grabs you by the throat and pulls you in, the momentum is fast-paced and intense through to the very end, and it leaves you almost crying out for more.
This is a raw, compelling and emotional story with off-the-charts chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri 🔥🌶️
This book is a must read!
Can't wait for the next in the series, Donovan and Penny's story!
March 3, 2026
This fast paced story is all go from beginning to end. It is set in the current world, largely between New York and London. In addition to lots of action, the steamy romance between Dimitri and Annalise is 🌶️🌶️. I love Dimitri’s role in helping Annalise recover her lost past, their reconnection and history. The support characters are strong and active. I try not to review with spoilers but do be sure to heed the trigger warnings. Please read this one! I’m looking forward to book 3.
March 10, 2026
ARC Review: Bleeding Hearts was a good book! I didn’t get the chance to read the first book in the series. I would agree you don’t need to read the first book but I am thinking you would get more character development of side characters in this book. I found myself kind of confused with some of the plot/timeline of the book. Again could be contributed back to not reading the first one. I would give it a light gray color in the dark romance scale and 🌶️🌶️ for spice. Overall good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
6 years ago, Dimitri lost everyone he loves most; Annalise woke up in an Hospital with no memory of how she got there or what happened to her...
She starts a new life and their paths collide again, their story becomes one of redemption, healing, and second chances and... revenge against those who wronged them!
The book is action-packed from beginning to end, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
The chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri is intense—definitely 🔥🌶️.
I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand.
6 years ago, Dimitri lost everyone he loves most; Annalise woke up in an Hospital with no memory of how she got there or what happened to her...
She starts a new life and their paths collide again, their story becomes one of redemption, healing, and second chances and... revenge against those who wronged them!
The book is action-packed from beginning to end, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
The chemistry between Annalise and Dimitri is intense—definitely 🔥🌶️.
I highly recommend this book, but be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand.
March 19, 2026
I was provided by an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I wish I would have loved it, because I really enjoyed the first one of this series. But I ended it closing it at 47% and finally never wanted to pick it up again.
Something was off in the dialogues and all the too many
« ! » all over the text ended up annoying me.
I did not like the main character interactions and the weird memory loss and regain.
This was not a book for me unfortunately.
I wish I would have loved it, because I really enjoyed the first one of this series. But I ended it closing it at 47% and finally never wanted to pick it up again.
Something was off in the dialogues and all the too many
« ! » all over the text ended up annoying me.
I did not like the main character interactions and the weird memory loss and regain.
This was not a book for me unfortunately.
March 22, 2026
Annalise is a lawyer whose memory from six years ago is missing. People and names. One being is Dimitri. A man who is part of a underground organisation. The goal of the organisation is to rid the world of evil and cruel people. People who had killed Annalise's father and her two brothers. Six years later the two reconnected and start their story again. The chemistry never died and the past helps with the future.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC review/Street team
I read book 1 (Deadly Distractions) of the blaze of shadow series before reading book 2. But you don’t need to read it prior to be able to understand the story line.
The story is fast paced from the get go, and the story did not disappoint. There was lots of action, lots of steamy smutty scenes 🤭
Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I can’t wait for book 3 👀
I read book 1 (Deadly Distractions) of the blaze of shadow series before reading book 2. But you don’t need to read it prior to be able to understand the story line.
The story is fast paced from the get go, and the story did not disappoint. There was lots of action, lots of steamy smutty scenes 🤭
Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I can’t wait for book 3 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yeah… this one is DARK dark 👀
We’re talking obsession, pain, messy emotions, and that kind of love that probably needs therapy 😮💨 but you can’t look away.
The tension?? Insane. The vibes?? Toxic but addictive.
It’s one of those books where you’re like “this is a bad idea…” and keep reading anyway 🫠
Definitely not for everyone, but if you love dark, twisted romance with heavy emotions… you’ll eat this up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We’re talking obsession, pain, messy emotions, and that kind of love that probably needs therapy 😮💨 but you can’t look away.
The tension?? Insane. The vibes?? Toxic but addictive.
It’s one of those books where you’re like “this is a bad idea…” and keep reading anyway 🫠
Definitely not for everyone, but if you love dark, twisted romance with heavy emotions… you’ll eat this up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2026
This is an ARC I've recieved!!
This is the best book so far from this amazing author. This is the 2nd book I have recieved and read via ARC and cannot be disappointed. The characters are 🔥🔥 and the spice of its chart but the storyline is the most better out of all. Thank you J.D Ray for an amazing opportunity to read your beautiful books❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is the best book so far from this amazing author. This is the 2nd book I have recieved and read via ARC and cannot be disappointed. The characters are 🔥🔥 and the spice of its chart but the storyline is the most better out of all. Thank you J.D Ray for an amazing opportunity to read your beautiful books❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 14, 2026
Loved this book. I did not read the first one but understood the story. I will go back and read the first book just to see what I might have missed. I loved the mystery to it and of course the MMC who will burn the world down. I recommend this book for anyone wanting a dark romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bleeding Hearts is a fast‑paced, addictive read. Annalise and Dimitri cross paths again after six years apart, and the pull between them is impossible to ignore. The story is tense, action‑packed, and perfectly spiced, making it so easy to keep flipping the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dimitri grabs you immediately and won't let you go until he's done. The action, reconnection, spice, and revenge keeps you wanting more. Love Dimitri and his queen Annalise who he'll do anything or remove any obstacle for her.
March 17, 2026
Wow, this book was great! I did not read the first book as I got this as an ARC but I definitely plan to go ahead and read that one as well!
definitely going to recommend to a few I know who personally will love this 😁
definitely going to recommend to a few I know who personally will love this 😁
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC
I am so in love with this series! The drama, moments of heart stopping scenes and the spice is great! They mesh so well together and the writing is just amazing. I am so excited to be able to read this and Deadly distractions again!
I am so in love with this series! The drama, moments of heart stopping scenes and the spice is great! They mesh so well together and the writing is just amazing. I am so excited to be able to read this and Deadly distractions again!
March 20, 2026
This is book two in the Blaze Of Shadows series. I enjoyed Annalise and Dimitri’s story. It’s a very interesting second chance romance. It’s an emotional story with drama, action and intense chemistry. I was drawn in from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading. An excellent story.
March 16, 2026
Loved it! I don't normally start a series on book 2 but this did not disappoint and not make me feel like I missed something. definitely going to read the first one and hoping for a book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a story! Dark romance, suspense and action. I was hooked on the first page and I couldn't put the book down. Simply brilliant if you're into dark romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
i was lucky to read this as an arc and here is my honest opinion. I really loved it! i was unable to put it down after starting it! The story drags you in and twist and turns! loved it!
March 19, 2026
The characters got me hooked. I loved how the book flower from start to finish
March 19, 2026
A well written book to a series that keeps getting better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews