Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Heart Strain

SERIES: Interlocking Fragments #1

AUTHOR: Michele Notaro & Sammi Cee

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 262 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 22, 2019

BLURB:

Holden~

When I get a call that my twin brother’s been shot, I’m in shock as I head back to Baltimore to be with him. Seeing him in a coma is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do; sitting here not knowing whether he’s going to live or die is the worst thing I can imagine. But at least Jameson is with me—he makes it more bearable, and I don’t feel like I’m in this alone. With everything going on, I probably shouldn’t be checking out my brother’s work partner, but I can’t seem to help it. Jameson’s been so sweet and kind and considerate; not to mention he’s so sexy I can’t keep my eyes off him.

Jameson~

My partner getting shot and ending up in a coma brings everything in my world to a screeching halt. He’s not only my partner on the police force, but my best friend and confidant. When I see his twin brother, Holden, sitting in the waiting room, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that he neither blames me nor pushes me away. Now I’m doing my best to take care of him and support him; if only I’d stop noticing how his emotions reflect in his eyes and wondering how it would feel to touch him. 

Will the bonding that takes place during their long bedside vigils become more than they expected? Can they be honest enough with themselves and each other to take it to the next level? And if they do, will Holden be willing to sacrifice the life he loves for the brother he’s kept at arm’s length for almost ten years and the man who could end up being his everything? 

Heart Strain is the first book in the Interlocking Fragments series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the whole series. This is a contemporary romance intended for 18+.

REVIEW:

Man, the title of this book is so appropriate. Holy geez. This sucker pulls every tear out of you and then squeezes some more. Wow. It’s is extremely emotional and as a warning, there is some talk of verbal abuse and emotional as well. Bad families, bad pasts. And this book starts out…well, bad.

Holden was pretty happy where he was. He had his best friend, Gaven, who was his family and he loved his job as a vet. Everything was alright for the most part, until he got a phone call. His brother has been shot in the line of duty and may not make it out alive. And if he does, he may not walk or other things. Holden immediately leaves and gets there waiting for news from his brother’s surgery. While he’s trying to keep it together, he hears his old nickname that he hates, being called and looks up to see, James. Or Jameson as he’s called now. He had no idea he was his brother’s cop partner and was there when it happened. Jameson can’t help but feel guilty. If he was just a bit faster. But Holden and everyone assures him, it wasn’t his fault. Well, until his asshole uncle and the other stooges show up. But they ignore them and concentrate on Drix. Everyday, they visit and stay. Talking to him, trying to make things feel normal and make him fight to wake up from his coma. Eventually he does, but it’s going to be a long road and Drix is not a happy patient. During this Jameson and Holden get to know each other better as well and learn about each other’s pasts and why they are the way they are. As their friendship grows, it turns into something more. But Jameson is afraid Holden is going to leave again. And doesn’t know if he can live with it if he does.

Gah! Drix being shot. Holden and Jameson’s pasts, and even Gaven’s. The guilt, the pain of watching Drix in the coma, the pain of revealing the pasts. The pain of dealing with asshole family. And man, that’s just a small part. Well, pretty big over all but definitely not all. It’s a lot to take in. But it’s so damn good. You learn in this book who and what true family is. And that secrets can harm instead of help. I swear this is another one of those books I wish I could reach in and slap some people lol. Oh my gah. 

But what I love, is no matter how hard each day was, even when Drix woke, they persevered. They may not have wanted to, but they did. They got up and kept fighting. They cried, they yelled, they grieved, but they kept getting back up. And that’s what’s important. Not to give up. Drix tries, but they don’t let him. Everyone has to keep going and be glad they made it out alive.

It’s a hard story. It’s not a happy, happy, joy, joy book. It doesn’t pull punches. It gives you the nitty gritty. But it’s worth every page and so good. And the way it ended, yeah I’m ready to see who’s next. I have a funny feeling, but we will see.

RATING:

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