What do you think?
Rate this book
Mending Hearts #2
Jaded Love
They can pretend they’re fine…
Moving to NYC is supposed to be the fresh start Kristy Andrews so desperately needs, but she can't seem to shake the after-effects of having been kidnapped last year.
Detective Jackson Reed never meant to kill an innocent man, but knowing that doesn’t change the guilt he lives with every single day.
But they can’t hide forever…
When Kristy and Jackson meet, the connection is instantaneous, but neither is ready to open up about their pasts. Can love and trust conquer their demons?
In order to have a future, they’ll have to face their past…
When Kristy starts receiving threatening messages, her anxiety kicks into overdrive, but the last thing she wants is Jackson worrying about her.
Jackson may doubt his ability to return to active duty, but he has no doubts about his instincts concerning Kristy. Someone is trying to hurt her, and he refuses to let that happen, even if it means going back to work; something he wasn’t sure he’d do.
As the threats increase, Jackson shows Kristy that strength doesn’t mean facing her fears alone, and Kristy shows Jackson that forgiveness starts from within. Can they save each other before it’s too late? Or will the past come back to haunt them?
Moving to NYC is supposed to be the fresh start Kristy Andrews so desperately needs, but she can't seem to shake the after-effects of having been kidnapped last year.
Detective Jackson Reed never meant to kill an innocent man, but knowing that doesn’t change the guilt he lives with every single day.
But they can’t hide forever…
When Kristy and Jackson meet, the connection is instantaneous, but neither is ready to open up about their pasts. Can love and trust conquer their demons?
In order to have a future, they’ll have to face their past…
When Kristy starts receiving threatening messages, her anxiety kicks into overdrive, but the last thing she wants is Jackson worrying about her.
Jackson may doubt his ability to return to active duty, but he has no doubts about his instincts concerning Kristy. Someone is trying to hurt her, and he refuses to let that happen, even if it means going back to work; something he wasn’t sure he’d do.
As the threats increase, Jackson shows Kristy that strength doesn’t mean facing her fears alone, and Kristy shows Jackson that forgiveness starts from within. Can they save each other before it’s too late? Or will the past come back to haunt them?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2016
About the author
Kara Leigh Miller
31 books263 followersBorn and raised in the small town of Mexico, New York, Kara Leigh Miller was an only child who was forced to find ways to entertain herself. Playing make believe with her Barbie dolls and stuffed animals was her first real taste of storytelling before she became old enough to develop a love affair with the written word.
She began her venture into the publishing world as a wet behind the years author back in 2010. She started her career writing erotic romance, but in 2014, she had an awakening of sorts... Realizing the adult market wasn't for her, she shifted focus and began writing Christian romantic suspense. Dangerous Love and Jaded Love were her first published Christian novels. Now, she's shifting focus again and devoting her time to writing young adult novels.
Kara now lives in Michigan with her husband, four (of five) kids, four pit bulls, and two cats. She's a master multi-tasker!
She began her venture into the publishing world as a wet behind the years author back in 2010. She started her career writing erotic romance, but in 2014, she had an awakening of sorts... Realizing the adult market wasn't for her, she shifted focus and began writing Christian romantic suspense. Dangerous Love and Jaded Love were her first published Christian novels. Now, she's shifting focus again and devoting her time to writing young adult novels.
Kara now lives in Michigan with her husband, four (of five) kids, four pit bulls, and two cats. She's a master multi-tasker!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 19, 2017
Jaded Love is proof positive that a romance novel doesn't need sex scenes to be a fantastic book. Great characters, a good story line, a little suspense, a little romance are enough. This is the follow-up to Dangerous Love. Kristy has decided to stay in New York after surviving being kidnapped and almost killed. She is still dealing with the memories, the trauma, as she finds her way in a new city with the help of her friends Alessa and Amanda and her job at the FDA.
She first meets Jackson, a police detective, at the church as he was leaving a support group. He just a shell after accidentally killing someone. Something clicks between them but he is too far gone to act upon it.
No matter how hard he tries, he keeps bumping into her. Jackson realizes it is all out of his control when she joins the same support group. The relationship starts of slowly. With time feelings become stronger. But nothing in a book is that simple.
The suspense comes into the story when Kristy starts receiving threatening letters. Her mom receive a call warning Kristy off the case she is working. Her purse is stolen. When someone breaks into her home Jackson takes control, becoming alpha cop, over protective. I was clueless. I couldn't figure it out.
As the mystery unravels Kristy is knee deep in danger. As the danger grows, Jackson admits his feelings, desires. The hero saves the day. The hero get the girl. The hero finds his way back to the police department. They get there happy ever after.
She first meets Jackson, a police detective, at the church as he was leaving a support group. He just a shell after accidentally killing someone. Something clicks between them but he is too far gone to act upon it.
No matter how hard he tries, he keeps bumping into her. Jackson realizes it is all out of his control when she joins the same support group. The relationship starts of slowly. With time feelings become stronger. But nothing in a book is that simple.
The suspense comes into the story when Kristy starts receiving threatening letters. Her mom receive a call warning Kristy off the case she is working. Her purse is stolen. When someone breaks into her home Jackson takes control, becoming alpha cop, over protective. I was clueless. I couldn't figure it out.
As the mystery unravels Kristy is knee deep in danger. As the danger grows, Jackson admits his feelings, desires. The hero saves the day. The hero get the girl. The hero finds his way back to the police department. They get there happy ever after.
December 22, 2017
A powerful story of the injustice, and guilt that Kristy and Jackson felt of what they had gone thru. How meeting in a support group, getting a bite to eat afterwards. How the group supports and.encourages them. It was the messages Kristy was getting, that made him want to protect her..The things she said, made him realize he was a cop, a good cop, his instincts were good. For Kristy she wanted a normal life, to live everyday to walk, ride an elevator, what ever it took. Readers will find a good plot and look at a group of survivors.
December 26, 2017
Seriously? This is one of the most incredible novels I've ever read! Kara and Jodi did an unbelievable job! The romance had my toes curling from the beginning. The suspense was a little more subtle in this one but came with no less punch. I love this book, as I loved the first one in the series, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves an excellent book.
January 2, 2018
Another winner! Kristy and Jackson are both trying to get over past trauma, and it was interesting to see each do so in their own way. I love seeing their relationship grow. The plot was intriguing and kept my attention the entire time. I plan on looking for more books by this author!
February 27, 2018
I thought there was good romantic tension and a solid element of suspense. I would recommend this book to others.
December 19, 2017
About the book:
Kristy has recently moved to New York where she works for the FDA. She reviews files with the aim of approving or denying products and additives. Her life is in danger as she begins receiving threatening notes. Someone doesn't want her thwarting their plans to make big money in pharmaceuticals.
Jackson is a police detective who is on leave from his high pressure job. He is trying to work his way through feelings of guilt and incompetence after having shot and killed an innocent man. He'd been set up to make the kill and had only done what he'd been trained to do. Nonetheless, he still struggled with returning to his job.
Kristy and Jackson meet and they both feel sparks right away. Jackson has a compelling desire to protect Kristy from harm. Their relationship hits roadblocks as they both try to work through their past trauma.
My review:
Kristy's character was a bit puzzling to me. She had been kidnapped in a previous novel and her behavior reflects that experience. She wouldn't sit with her back to people in a crowded restaurant, for example. Yet she was more than willing to walk the streets of New York after work in the dark without fear. She also thwarts Jackson's attempts to keep her safe which seemed out of character for one so traumatized. She has a stubborn streak but lacks the wisdom that should go along with it. I was conflicted about Kristy, not sure I liked her.
I was also puzzled by an action near the end of the book. The police show up in the nick of time at the location where they are needed. One of the detectives says about those they are trying to find, “...I know exactly where they're going.” I wanted to know how he knew that but we are never told. It just seemed like a little piece of the plot was missing.
This is a romance centering around healing from past hurts and moving on. Faith in God is an important element of the novel although some of the characters struggle with it. There is not very much suspense, just a little at the end. I recommend this novel to those who like a straight forward romance.
This is the second in the Mending Heart series and, while this novel will stand alone, I think one would appreciate it better if the first one, Dangerous Love, was read before this one. There is enough back story provided here but much of Kristy's character and behavior in this novel finds its roots in the first one.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Kristy has recently moved to New York where she works for the FDA. She reviews files with the aim of approving or denying products and additives. Her life is in danger as she begins receiving threatening notes. Someone doesn't want her thwarting their plans to make big money in pharmaceuticals.
Jackson is a police detective who is on leave from his high pressure job. He is trying to work his way through feelings of guilt and incompetence after having shot and killed an innocent man. He'd been set up to make the kill and had only done what he'd been trained to do. Nonetheless, he still struggled with returning to his job.
Kristy and Jackson meet and they both feel sparks right away. Jackson has a compelling desire to protect Kristy from harm. Their relationship hits roadblocks as they both try to work through their past trauma.
My review:
Kristy's character was a bit puzzling to me. She had been kidnapped in a previous novel and her behavior reflects that experience. She wouldn't sit with her back to people in a crowded restaurant, for example. Yet she was more than willing to walk the streets of New York after work in the dark without fear. She also thwarts Jackson's attempts to keep her safe which seemed out of character for one so traumatized. She has a stubborn streak but lacks the wisdom that should go along with it. I was conflicted about Kristy, not sure I liked her.
I was also puzzled by an action near the end of the book. The police show up in the nick of time at the location where they are needed. One of the detectives says about those they are trying to find, “...I know exactly where they're going.” I wanted to know how he knew that but we are never told. It just seemed like a little piece of the plot was missing.
This is a romance centering around healing from past hurts and moving on. Faith in God is an important element of the novel although some of the characters struggle with it. There is not very much suspense, just a little at the end. I recommend this novel to those who like a straight forward romance.
This is the second in the Mending Heart series and, while this novel will stand alone, I think one would appreciate it better if the first one, Dangerous Love, was read before this one. There is enough back story provided here but much of Kristy's character and behavior in this novel finds its roots in the first one.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
December 19, 2017
This is the second book in the Mending Hearts series by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford.
Kristy Andrews survived being kidnapped last year by an evil politician who wanted to kill her best friend, Alessa. She’s from Chicago but moved to New York City to be closer to Alessa and Alessa’s friends. Kristy doesn’t like to ask for help but it’s clear to her friends she’s not fine. She meets a handsome, moody stranger at the church she goes to and their connection is immediate.
NYPD Detective Jackson Reed attends group therapy sessions at the church because he accidently killed a criminal/informant in the line of duty. Though it was all an accident, he feels overwhelming guilt. He’s distant from everyone who matters to him and he took a leave of absence from his job.
Kristy and Jackson fit well together. Though neither of them is looking for a relationship, it just sort of happens between them and they help heal one another. When Kristy starts to receive threatening messages, Jackson’s instincts kick into gear.
While I liked the story, a few typos and inconsistencies with the first book stuck out at me. For example, the church in book 1 is Serenity Community Church and in book two it’s First Avenue Church. Maybe Pastor Ethan changed the name of the church in the year that separates the two books but I don’t think I read about that.
Anyway, I really liked Jackson and I understood his pain. I understood Kristy’s, too, but I couldn’t connect with her. She was in denial about the death threats and didn’t take the trouble she was in seriously. In my opinion, she put herself in needless danger.
I don’t read Inspirational books often but I enjoyed the scenes at the church because the main people involved are truly good, non-judgmental people (Alessa, Josh, Amanda, and Ethan). The story felt a little preachy at times but it didn’t distract from my enjoyment.
This is a sweet, romantic story about two people who needed help to move on with their lives. A lesson can definitely be learned from this book: no matter the darkness you endure, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes you just have to search for it.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – Thank you, Kara Leigh Miller, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Kristy Andrews survived being kidnapped last year by an evil politician who wanted to kill her best friend, Alessa. She’s from Chicago but moved to New York City to be closer to Alessa and Alessa’s friends. Kristy doesn’t like to ask for help but it’s clear to her friends she’s not fine. She meets a handsome, moody stranger at the church she goes to and their connection is immediate.
NYPD Detective Jackson Reed attends group therapy sessions at the church because he accidently killed a criminal/informant in the line of duty. Though it was all an accident, he feels overwhelming guilt. He’s distant from everyone who matters to him and he took a leave of absence from his job.
Kristy and Jackson fit well together. Though neither of them is looking for a relationship, it just sort of happens between them and they help heal one another. When Kristy starts to receive threatening messages, Jackson’s instincts kick into gear.
While I liked the story, a few typos and inconsistencies with the first book stuck out at me. For example, the church in book 1 is Serenity Community Church and in book two it’s First Avenue Church. Maybe Pastor Ethan changed the name of the church in the year that separates the two books but I don’t think I read about that.
Anyway, I really liked Jackson and I understood his pain. I understood Kristy’s, too, but I couldn’t connect with her. She was in denial about the death threats and didn’t take the trouble she was in seriously. In my opinion, she put herself in needless danger.
I don’t read Inspirational books often but I enjoyed the scenes at the church because the main people involved are truly good, non-judgmental people (Alessa, Josh, Amanda, and Ethan). The story felt a little preachy at times but it didn’t distract from my enjoyment.
This is a sweet, romantic story about two people who needed help to move on with their lives. A lesson can definitely be learned from this book: no matter the darkness you endure, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes you just have to search for it.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – Thank you, Kara Leigh Miller, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
March 9, 2016
This is the second book in the Mending Hearts series by Kara Leigh Miller and Jody Holford.
Kristy Andrews survived being kidnapped last year by an evil politician who wanted to kill her best friend, Alessa. She’s from Chicago but moved to New York City to be closer to Alessa and Alessa’s friends. Kristy doesn’t like to ask for help but it’s clear to her friends she’s not fine. She meets a handsome, moody stranger at the church she goes to and their connection is immediate.
NYPD Detective Jackson Reed attends group therapy sessions at the church because he accidently killed a criminal/informant in the line of duty. Though it was all an accident, he feels overwhelming guilt. He’s distant from everyone who matters to him and he took a leave of absence from his job.
Kristy and Jackson fit well together. Though neither of them is looking for a relationship, it just sort of happens between them and they help heal one another. When Kristy starts to receive threatening messages, Jackson’s instincts kick into gear.
While I liked the story, a few typos and inconsistencies with the first book stuck out at me. For example, the church in book 1 is Serenity Community Church and in book two it’s First Avenue Church. Maybe Pastor Ethan changed the name of the church in the year that separates the two books but I don’t think I read about that.
Anyway, I really liked Jackson and I understood his pain. I understood Kristy’s, too, but I couldn’t connect with her. She was in denial about the death threats and didn’t take the trouble she was in seriously. In my opinion, she put herself in needless danger.
I don’t read Inspirational books often but I enjoyed the scenes at the church because the main people involved are truly good, non-judgmental people (Alessa, Josh, Amanda, and Ethan). The story felt a little preachy at times but it didn’t distract from my enjoyment.
This is a sweet, romantic story about two people who needed help to move on with their lives. A lesson can definitely be learned from this book: no matter the darkness you endure, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes you just have to search for it.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – Thank you, Kara Leigh Miller, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Kristy Andrews survived being kidnapped last year by an evil politician who wanted to kill her best friend, Alessa. She’s from Chicago but moved to New York City to be closer to Alessa and Alessa’s friends. Kristy doesn’t like to ask for help but it’s clear to her friends she’s not fine. She meets a handsome, moody stranger at the church she goes to and their connection is immediate.
NYPD Detective Jackson Reed attends group therapy sessions at the church because he accidently killed a criminal/informant in the line of duty. Though it was all an accident, he feels overwhelming guilt. He’s distant from everyone who matters to him and he took a leave of absence from his job.
Kristy and Jackson fit well together. Though neither of them is looking for a relationship, it just sort of happens between them and they help heal one another. When Kristy starts to receive threatening messages, Jackson’s instincts kick into gear.
While I liked the story, a few typos and inconsistencies with the first book stuck out at me. For example, the church in book 1 is Serenity Community Church and in book two it’s First Avenue Church. Maybe Pastor Ethan changed the name of the church in the year that separates the two books but I don’t think I read about that.
Anyway, I really liked Jackson and I understood his pain. I understood Kristy’s, too, but I couldn’t connect with her. She was in denial about the death threats and didn’t take the trouble she was in seriously. In my opinion, she put herself in needless danger.
I don’t read Inspirational books often but I enjoyed the scenes at the church because the main people involved are truly good, non-judgmental people (Alessa, Josh, Amanda, and Ethan). The story felt a little preachy at times but it didn’t distract from my enjoyment.
This is a sweet, romantic story about two people who needed help to move on with their lives. A lesson can definitely be learned from this book: no matter the darkness you endure, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes you just have to search for it.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – Thank you, Kara Leigh Miller, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
March 2, 2016
This is book two in the Mending Hearts Series. I feel this is a stand alone novel, however if you read the first book, Dangerous Love, you will get to know some of the other characters better. Plus they are both great reads.
Kristy Andrews is trying to find a fresh start, after a very traumatizing event in her life. She is ready to move on, like so many of her friends, yet she continues to have panic attacks and doesn't want to be treated like a china doll. When she starts to receive threats will she be able to handle letting someone else help her, even if she may be putting her heart on the line?
Detective Jackson Reed has been through some trauma of his own, while trying to put his life back together, he never expected the feelings he has when Kristy walks into his world. Can he forgive himself and be the man she deserves, all while trying to protect her?
I loved the sizzle between Kristy and Jackson, they both have past to get over, and issues to deal with, yet they are fighting to find their 'normal'. Their dialogue throughout the novel is great. There is suspense, mystery, forgiveness, friendship and love woven throughout the book.
I was given a copy of this novel from the authors for my honest opinion.
Kristy Andrews is trying to find a fresh start, after a very traumatizing event in her life. She is ready to move on, like so many of her friends, yet she continues to have panic attacks and doesn't want to be treated like a china doll. When she starts to receive threats will she be able to handle letting someone else help her, even if she may be putting her heart on the line?
Detective Jackson Reed has been through some trauma of his own, while trying to put his life back together, he never expected the feelings he has when Kristy walks into his world. Can he forgive himself and be the man she deserves, all while trying to protect her?
I loved the sizzle between Kristy and Jackson, they both have past to get over, and issues to deal with, yet they are fighting to find their 'normal'. Their dialogue throughout the novel is great. There is suspense, mystery, forgiveness, friendship and love woven throughout the book.
I was given a copy of this novel from the authors for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews