The Wrong Heart

From the first chapter that had me broken-hearted and sobbing to the epilogue that had me shedding tears of happiness and heartache, this is a beautifully woven tale of the greatest of losses, consisting of well-developed, beautifully broken characters and a heartbreakingly hopeful story that not only turned my emotions inside out and upside down, but forever changed me because it was so impactful! Parker is such a flawed hero, who at times made me want to smack him for being a "douche-waffle" (best word ever) but despite his flaws, has a magnetism that draws you to his grumpy, leave-me-alone personality until you peel back all his layers and find out what he hides at his core. But like an onion, he takes a whole lot of peeling to find out who he is and why he acts the way he does. Parker resists having people anywhere near him and opening up in the slightest, but when he does, he is the most amazing hero I've read to date! Melody is a burst of the brightest sunlight wrapped tightly up in grief like a mummy. Despite the wrappings of her grief, you are hit with the explosion of someone with the warmest, purest hearts that I've read, despite the trauma she's experienced. Grief and loss have woven themselves around her, but she still smiles often, radiating the warmth of the sun. When she and Parker crash into each other's worlds, you can imagine the pull and resistance of darkness and light, night and day. It's a beautifully complicated explosion of two people needing so much, yet never believing they'd find what they need in the other. This book has everything - light vs. dark, love vs. loss, grief vs. living, broken vs. whole, sadness vs. happiness, a grumpy, sirly hero, and a beautiful sunshiny heroine. Jennifer does an incredible job of making the reader feel like we are living inside the book, watching Parker and Melody's story and their interactions with others, and we feel what the characters are feeling. An adorable hamster and a sad old dog round out this story perfectly. Both these animals show what happens when you shower love and affection on them - and the same is true for humans. You may be broken or damaged, but when someone shows you love and affection, you can bloom into someone truly magnificent. And Parker and Melody's story certainly demonstrates this. I can't recommend this book enough! It is absolutely incredible - the best book I've read in 2021!!!

This was great writing. Beautiful story. Not as good as still beating. Maybe if I had read this first it would have been 5 stars.

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it from beginning to end without taking a break. It grabs ahold of you and makes you feel like you’re right there living it with the characters. A must read book for anyone who loves a good romance novel.

First off let me just begin by saying that this book has been written in such a beautiful way that it truly touches your heart right from the start. Jennifer Hartmann has become one of my favorite authors for her beautiful stories. She has a way with words guaranteed to pull on your heartstring, her stories are compelling, and intriguing in every way. When choosing to read this book please be aware of all the trigger warnings since it is dealing with suicide, loss and grief. By the last two chapters of this book I knew I would need to get the tissue box ready and with the epilogue last words it just allowed the flood gates of tears to flow nonstop. Bravo 👏 to Ms. Hatrmann for writing this beautiful book and helping us understand that no matter the fear, doubt and grief we might face, there is love, compassion and most of all a light that will help us see past the darkness around us.

I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Jennifer Hartmann. This one was no exception. It was heartbreaking and sad and uplifting and hopeful and I couldn’t put it down. Still beating will never be topped but this was a close second. Excellent read!

Great story you just want the best for the poor souls. Book is heavy emotionally but such a eye opener..... for as the author points out the fleeting moments . also had a good level of spice .

Jennifer Hartman is a new author to me and The Wrong Heart caught my eye. I was in need of a deep lethargic cry and let me tell you, the overview and all of the five star reviews lived up to its promise. For several hours I read this book straight through; I couldn’t put it down and was so engrossed with where the author was taking me. I cried quiet a few times but also felt hopeful. I’ve read over 5000 books and Parker is at the top of my list for the most curmudgeony. The author spares no detail in his devastatingly painful upbringing and humanizes him with her beautiful poignant words. He meets our heroine, Melody in a self-help group for those suffering from depression and/or suicidal ideation, so buyer beware, there are triggers in this book. Melody is recently widowed and is feeling tremendous loss and pain, but also guilt. Even though she is depressed, she is optimistic and such a breath of fresh air. Melody is sunshine where he is a dark gloomy cloud, and she can’t help but be drawn to him and want to help. Parker’s directness and honesty is funny/not funny and is one of the most guarded characters I have ever read. He lets people know straight up how he feels and makes no excuses. But Melody hangs in there, she doesn’t allow him to mistreat her, but doesn’t give up hope that she can get through to him someone. Through a series of events outside of the group session, they meet and start to form, dare I say–a friendship? Honestly, this story really broke me how they slowly got to know one another and share parts of themselves. I loved how his foster sister never gave up on him either and was such a positive influence in his life. There is a twist at the end that I did not see coming, and while I always think I am clever and can figure everything out, this one caught me by surprise. This book does have a very happy ending and I felt such relief and jubilation for Parker and Melody. And the best part of all is that the author gifts us with TWO epilogues. The second one is way into the future and let me tell you, I cried and cried it was that emotionally moving and beautiful. The Wrong Heart was powerful and their love story will stay with me a long, long time.

Powerful story, beautifully writen. The author has a gift, she is incredible conveying every emotion. It's been two hours since I finished reading and my heart is still squized and shank to the size of a prune. The final chapter killed me.

“We hold the key to our own happiness, and what we put on the other side of that door is entirely up to us.” Well, I know if I will love a book at the beginning. This book took my breath away! This story was a poetry and had so much power, caring and love. The characters were built with so much personality. Thank you author for sharing this amazing story!

What an emotional and beautiful journey ! I really really loved this amazing book. The epilogue really touched my heart. It was so different and special. Thank you Jennifer Hartmann!

I am a fan for a long time now and I pre-ordered the book. You never disappoint. The story was so deep, so beautifully written und the characters were so deep developed. I loved the dynamic between Parker and Melody , I so loved it... I am always afraid that I will lose my boyfriend, because sometimes happiness is so overwhelming that you get used to it, you take it for granted-especially when you find your other half in an early age and you are one of the lucky ones who don't have to search for long-. All it takes is a fateful moment and everything can be taken away from you. I so much sympathized with Melody, I don't know how I would react if something like that happened to me... it made think... it made me feel... So thank you. Thank you really, because your books and especially this one taught me things. I will appreciate more. I promise to Charlie 😊

I finished this book the same way I started it, crying. Don’t worry though, I cried in the middle of the book too. I may have been a tad emotional. The book is just beautifully written. I loved the storytelling and I was so engrossed that I finished it in one sitting. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn’t get off the ride. There are some parts of the story I could have done without, but it was an enjoyable read overall. I’d rather not spoil it so if you are looking for an emotional, tragic yet sweet and happy love story, take a chance on this book. 4.5/5