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The Donnellys #4
Jaded Heart
Even jaded hearts can be tempted into trying again.
When Angela Donnelly heads to Arizona for a family event, she meets older and hotter-than-hell, Garrett James.
Garrett runs a small concert venue on the outskirts of Phoenix…and that’s about as close as he wants to come to the music biz. His hey-day in the late 90s, playing bass and singing with his band, Copper Seven, is long gone. Far from the limelight and willingly single, the only woman Garrett wants or needs in his life is his daughter.
That is until he meets the way too young for him, Angie. Long dark hair and long legs have always been his downfall and Garrett can’t keep his eyes, or his hands off of her.
Angie might be young, but she’s no fool. She knows a good thing when she’s found one—Garrett is a once-in-a-lifetime good thing for her.
But Garrett can’t seem to convince Angie that he’s not her once in a lifetime anything. As far as he’s concerned, he’s absolutely the wrong man for her with nothing to offer someone as promising as Angie.
Angie recognizes that Garrett has his heart fully guarded. But when he gives her everything she wants, except his heart, she knows this will be the fight of her life.
And Angie won’t back down. Or give up.
Warning: This book contains a very broken hero and a very determined heroine. An age gap, and a lot of angst.
On a more serious note, here’s the trigger warning: Jaded Heart goes into detail about what alcoholism and drug addiction can do to a person. It also touches on a past death as a result of an overdose and the effect that has on family members.
When Angela Donnelly heads to Arizona for a family event, she meets older and hotter-than-hell, Garrett James.
Garrett runs a small concert venue on the outskirts of Phoenix…and that’s about as close as he wants to come to the music biz. His hey-day in the late 90s, playing bass and singing with his band, Copper Seven, is long gone. Far from the limelight and willingly single, the only woman Garrett wants or needs in his life is his daughter.
That is until he meets the way too young for him, Angie. Long dark hair and long legs have always been his downfall and Garrett can’t keep his eyes, or his hands off of her.
Angie might be young, but she’s no fool. She knows a good thing when she’s found one—Garrett is a once-in-a-lifetime good thing for her.
But Garrett can’t seem to convince Angie that he’s not her once in a lifetime anything. As far as he’s concerned, he’s absolutely the wrong man for her with nothing to offer someone as promising as Angie.
Angie recognizes that Garrett has his heart fully guarded. But when he gives her everything she wants, except his heart, she knows this will be the fight of her life.
And Angie won’t back down. Or give up.
Warning: This book contains a very broken hero and a very determined heroine. An age gap, and a lot of angst.
On a more serious note, here’s the trigger warning: Jaded Heart goes into detail about what alcoholism and drug addiction can do to a person. It also touches on a past death as a result of an overdose and the effect that has on family members.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
6 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy F. Shaw
21 books752 followersGet in bed (and read) with your favorite redhead!
Dorothy F. Shaw lives in Arizona, where the weather is hot, and the sunsets are always beautiful. She’s a self-proclaimed sex scene snob and is proud of it. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing.
With her ever-open heart, bright red hair, and many colorful tattoos, she truly lives and loves in Technicolor!
Dorothy welcomes emails at: dorothyfshaw@gmail.com
Facebook.com/authordorothyfshaw
Bluesky: @dorothyfshaw.bsky.social
Instagram: AuthorDorothyFShaw
TikTok: @AuthorDorothyFShaw
Sign up for her newsletter: bit.ly/DFSeNews
www.dorothyfshaw.com
Dorothy F. Shaw lives in Arizona, where the weather is hot, and the sunsets are always beautiful. She’s a self-proclaimed sex scene snob and is proud of it. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing.
With her ever-open heart, bright red hair, and many colorful tattoos, she truly lives and loves in Technicolor!
Dorothy welcomes emails at: dorothyfshaw@gmail.com
Facebook.com/authordorothyfshaw
Bluesky: @dorothyfshaw.bsky.social
Instagram: AuthorDorothyFShaw
TikTok: @AuthorDorothyFShaw
Sign up for her newsletter: bit.ly/DFSeNews
www.dorothyfshaw.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 5, 2022
The concept of this novel is really good, and the age gap made this novel enticing. However, the actual storyline was covered in about twenty-five of the novel and the rest of the book was taken up with an over-emphasis on the physical act and crude language, which I found offensive. Facing up to past mistakes can only make one stronger and dealing with those issues brings out the hero in Garrett. Being a doormat was Angela's failing and yet it made her like so many women until such time as they grow up and take a stand against being taken for granted. Fortunately, the novel does end on a positive note. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 10, 2022
Jaded Heart is an age gap romance between Angie and Garrett. They meet each other, sparks fly, and now they have to work to their HEA.
The things that worked for me here was her family- their love for each other and their acceptance of the relationship and how the the author touched on alcoholism.
The things that didn't work however were the sadly the rest of the book. I am not a fan of insta-luv but I don't mind it much if a good relationship is subsequently built from it. I saw none of that in this book. The only place these 2 worked for the entire length was in bed. That does not a good relationship make. Garrett annoyed me by being a really terrible communicator who didn't change despite repeated talks. He showed no growth in virtually any area until the end when they had the big reunion. I mean it's bad when 80% in a book, the hero is still expressing the SAME DOUBTS he had been expressing since about 15%!!! And OMG Angie was even more annoying. She showed a lack of self respect that was infuriating! She was also incredibly pushy. TBH none of the leads endeared me and I simply didn't care for their HEA.
Thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
The things that worked for me here was her family- their love for each other and their acceptance of the relationship and how the the author touched on alcoholism.
The things that didn't work however were the sadly the rest of the book. I am not a fan of insta-luv but I don't mind it much if a good relationship is subsequently built from it. I saw none of that in this book. The only place these 2 worked for the entire length was in bed. That does not a good relationship make. Garrett annoyed me by being a really terrible communicator who didn't change despite repeated talks. He showed no growth in virtually any area until the end when they had the big reunion. I mean it's bad when 80% in a book, the hero is still expressing the SAME DOUBTS he had been expressing since about 15%!!! And OMG Angie was even more annoying. She showed a lack of self respect that was infuriating! She was also incredibly pushy. TBH none of the leads endeared me and I simply didn't care for their HEA.
Thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
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September 1, 2025She’s younger and full of energy, he’s older and determined to keep his guard up, and neither of them was looking for a relationship—but attraction has a way of ignoring the rules. Dorothy F. Shaw’s Jade Heart begins with Angela “Angie” Donnelly, a music reviewer, visiting her family in Arizona. She decides to go out with her sister one night and encounters a man she can’t take her eyes off of behind the bar. That man, Garrett James, a former band member and owner of a concert venue, has built many walls around him, but is instantly attracted to her in return. They both struggle with the age gap and the fact that she’s almost the same age as his daughter at first, but Angie manages to convince him to give them a chance. Their chemistry is undeniable, but should they stay together despite the trials and tribulations they go through, or should they give in to life’s pressures and end it entirely?
Fire. That’s the word that comes to my mind when I think about Jaded Heart by Dorothy F. Shaw. Angie and Garrett’s relationship sparks from the very beginning, and I loved every single second of it. I was able to picture the story because of Shaw’s brilliant writing. There were times when I was so frustrated (in the best way possible) with both of them, but at different times and for different reasons. What stood out to me most was how believable and relatable they felt. They’re stubborn and imperfect, and I totally understand their concerns about their age difference; however, I was rooting for them from the start. Shaw also weaves in deeper themes of family, trust, and finding the courage to open your heart again, which I think gave the romance even more depth. I was completely hooked to see how this book ended. My favorite part was when he surprised her at the airport. I didn’t see it coming at all, and that’s why it was so fantastic! So, if you like romance that sizzles, then this is the novel for you. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fire. That’s the word that comes to my mind when I think about Jaded Heart by Dorothy F. Shaw. Angie and Garrett’s relationship sparks from the very beginning, and I loved every single second of it. I was able to picture the story because of Shaw’s brilliant writing. There were times when I was so frustrated (in the best way possible) with both of them, but at different times and for different reasons. What stood out to me most was how believable and relatable they felt. They’re stubborn and imperfect, and I totally understand their concerns about their age difference; however, I was rooting for them from the start. Shaw also weaves in deeper themes of family, trust, and finding the courage to open your heart again, which I think gave the romance even more depth. I was completely hooked to see how this book ended. My favorite part was when he surprised her at the airport. I didn’t see it coming at all, and that’s why it was so fantastic! So, if you like romance that sizzles, then this is the novel for you. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2022
Angela Donnelly is an indie music reviewer on a month long vacation to visit her family. She has taken a year break on dating so she is ready to get back out there. But little did she know that she would find a guy that she would want to be with if only he would let her.
Garrett James was a rock star and then his life crashed around him. He turned his life around and now he owns a bar/ music venue. Garrett has tried to stay away from relationships after how his marriage went and the after effects. But when Angie walks into his bar and is completely his type he tries to avoid her at all costs. Will they work out as a couple or will they not?
This book says that it is book 4 in the series but I felt that I knew enough I was able to read it as a standalone and not get lost at all. Angie’s family was described well enough it seemed like you knew them all. It was written in a way that I got very emotional reading it, most books don’t make me cry. This one did.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Garrett James was a rock star and then his life crashed around him. He turned his life around and now he owns a bar/ music venue. Garrett has tried to stay away from relationships after how his marriage went and the after effects. But when Angie walks into his bar and is completely his type he tries to avoid her at all costs. Will they work out as a couple or will they not?
This book says that it is book 4 in the series but I felt that I knew enough I was able to read it as a standalone and not get lost at all. Angie’s family was described well enough it seemed like you knew them all. It was written in a way that I got very emotional reading it, most books don’t make me cry. This one did.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
November 28, 2022
The book is quite interesting but the hero and heroine were very much annoying. Angie went for a family event and met an older man, Garrett, who was a former rock star. They were instantly and mutually attracted to each other and she believed they could have a relationship but Garrett was in doubt because of his past life and addiction and also because of their age difference but Angie thought otherwise and fought for what she wanted. But the annoying part was that Angie was still going back to the relationship despite the fact that Garrett seems not to value her and didn't much care for her except in bed, this is a typical example of an abusive relationship. Well, they were able to sort out their differences on the long run and have their hea but I really felt for Angie and she deserved more than she settled for. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
February 22, 2026
The Donnellys #4: Jaded Heart by Dorothy F. Shaw is an emotionally charged contemporary romance that explores second chances, broken hearts, and redemption. Set in Arizona, the story follows Angela Donnelly as she meets Garrett James, a former musician turned devoted single father. Garrett’s guarded heart and past struggles with addiction create tension and depth, while Angela’s determination and compassion drive the romance forward.
The novel balances steamy, age-gap romance with heavier themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and family loss. Shaw crafts characters who are flawed yet relatable, creating a story that is both heartfelt and suspenseful. Readers are drawn into Garrett’s struggle to trust and Angela’s fight to win his heart, making this installment a compelling and emotionally resonant addition to the Donnellys series.
The novel balances steamy, age-gap romance with heavier themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and family loss. Shaw crafts characters who are flawed yet relatable, creating a story that is both heartfelt and suspenseful. Readers are drawn into Garrett’s struggle to trust and Angela’s fight to win his heart, making this installment a compelling and emotionally resonant addition to the Donnellys series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews