Review: Expected More But Was Left Disappointed
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 02 11, 2014
I rarely give two star reviews but I believe in giving honest critique that is beneficial to both the author and the reader. I was very much anticipating book two in the Jaded Hearts series. After the cliffhanger ending in book one, I couldn't wait for Ms. Linden to reveal who kidnapped Jade and Julian and why. I also held out hope that John wasn't behind it all. The set up for this love triangle was fantastic and although Jade was broken, I was very much willing to give her a pass as a heroine because she was fresh off a breakup and she didn't have a great support system to help her through rough patches. Her best friend turned out to be backstabbing and conniving which didn't help matters.In Only Her Heart, I was thoroughly let down by the characters. For me, the tone of the book seemed a bit disjointed. Not a single central character had redeeming or likable qualities. The John I became so intrigued by and fell in lust with seemed self centered and at times aloof. Jade, was ridiculously indecisive and weak to me. Julian, who I was never really a fan of suddenly did an about face and was this concerned and somewhat sensitive soul. What?! That absolutely came out of left field since his demeanor in book one was brash now he's trying to show Jade he truly cares for her? He just didn't come across as authentic. The addition of other characters (Lana, Dane, Alicia etc.) didn't add much to the story for me as I didn't find myself caring to know more about any of them. This book was disappointing for me because I saw serious potential with Jaded Hearts and Only Her Heart seemed to stagger the momentum of the first book as opposed to propelling it forward. Ms. Linden is an extremely talented writer but I think because of the pressure to have a great followup and the feedback from the masses, this book suffered. I have high hopes that her next release will give her back the groove that made me love her work. Although I cannot say that I will recommend this book to others, I will definitely be looking forward to Ms. Linden's next release. Write from your heart and write the stories as you see them Ms. Linden and you will always have a fan in me.