CHOSEN HEART (The Hart Series #1) by ANN STEWART & STEPHANIE NASH

The prologue of Chosen Heart dragged me into this story immediately. It was beautifully descriptive and set me on a mission to uncover exactly what it was that led to the events of that day.

Secrets, non-disclosures, a clandestine relationship, office gossip, hidden pasts, baggage aplenty, miscommunication, frustration, trust issues and an attraction that sizzles off the pages.  This was Chosen Heart and I was sucked in completely.

“Being with you makes me forget everything and I guess that’s what scares me.”

We first meet Elyssa and Alex when they first exchange heated glances at a petrol station.  Their paths once again cross and the mutual attraction between the two is electric.  No denying that!

Elyssa and Alex both carry a lot of baggage; both have secrets from their pasts which they would prefer stay hidden.  For these two, breaking down the walls, communicating, trusting and opening to one another is foreign concept and on both sides the trust issues are major and destructive.

“Fuck,” he breathes. “I never want to be without you again. Never again…promise me?”

For a couple with such intense attraction and feelings, keeping their relationship a secret in the workplace is extremely difficult.  The jealousy, the possessiveness, the want…..it’s all bubbling below the surface, just waiting to escape. But hidden it must stay to ensure they adhere to the company’s strict non fraternisation code. Easier said than done right?

“She’s mine. You put your hands on her again and I’ll fucking break them.”

I revelled in the slow dance between these two. The anticipation was played out in an excruciatingly slow manner to allow us to savour every minute as we learn the issues that have plagued both Elyssa and Alex. But even when their pasts are brought to light, dealing and moving on will prove difficult. There is much standing in the way of their happiness and working their way through it isn’t easy and every moment is exposed slowly to capture every heartbreaking moment.

‘I’d die a thousand deaths for him to continue to look at me this way.”

I thought I had most things worked out but I have to say, I surprised at some.  Mr Alexander James.  What this man does to a suit! Whoa!  Where to start with this guy!   The enigmatic, demanding, stubborn, impatient, possessive Mr James was divine! He was certainly intense and he did keep me on my toes. Geez, could this man spin his emotions on a penny!

‘I know he’s acutely aware of how attractive he is. You can tell in his posture, the way he leaves his jacket partially unbuttoned revealing just enough of his slim waits and tight ass, his smug smirk. He has to know what he does to me.’

For everything Elyssa had been dealt in her life she is still quite naïve and nowhere near as worldly as Alexander James. This man is completely career driven and nothing gets in his way.  Meeting Elyssa, the feisty no nonsense girl who defies all women before her completely blindsides him and letting her in could mean opening up old wounds.

I did find a few parts of the story dragged towards the end, some scenes were a little repetitive and I did feel it could have been condensed down some. There were a few misspelt words /typos here and there but these in no detracted from my overall enjoyment of Chosen Heart.

Chosen Heart is a great debut from these two authors. They provided me with a story that kept me engaged, entertained and yes….very frustrated at times and you can guarantee I’ll be picking up Shattered Hearts when it is released.  This does end with a cliffy of sorts. It wasn’t a huge one for me and I’m quite happy to wait for book two, but I will be onto it as soon as it’s released.  Whilst the theme is certainly similar to a lot of books out there, the story and the characters felt original and I can’t wait for more.