Review: Hearts on Fire (Heart's Revenge Series #2) by Cole Jaimes

Aidan

Of course it was never going to be perfect.

Of course it was always going to be wrong.

When Essie Floyd snuck out of his apartment in the early hours of the morning, Aidan Callahan pretended he was still out cold. The truth was he’d never even fallen asleep. How could he, when the girl he should never have developed feelings for, a girl he never thought he’d get, was finally lying in his arms?

It was obvious she was going to run.

Ever since she walked into his office, she’s playing games.

Now only one question remains:

Will she stop playing long enough to realize this thing between them is real?

ESSIE

How could she do it?

How could she enjoy it?

Guilt is a wicked thing. It will never leave Essie be. It’s not the intense, incredible sex that’s tearing her apart, though. Sex has always been a weapon, a tool, something to be used as and when necessary. No, it’s not the sex.

It’s how she felt when Aidan was inside her. How she felt when he kissed her so deeply. How safe she felt when she woke in his arms.

Her wretched heart has betrayed her, and not only that. It’s betrayed her brother, too. Now, the only way to make amends is to focus on her original plan:

She must break Aidan Callahan at all costs. If she doesn’t, she’ll never be able to forgive herself.

I've been not-so-patiently waiting for the conclusion of the Heart's Revenge series. The first book left an open wound with Essie continuing her quest for revenge. Essie had dedicated five years seeking out revenge for her brother. It took over her life, it engulfed her and left her in a bad place. Essie's brother had been her world, her security and safety and when it was quickly taken away she had nothing left. Aiden had lost his family as well but as he was forced to take over the family business where he was able to find solace. 

Essie is so far lost that she can't move past her plans for revenge. Her spirit is truly broken. Aiden is a symbol of strength and  fortitude but can he be enough to bring back Essie from the brink of despair? 
  
The story is refreshing. It doesn't center around deceit but understanding. Aiden is well aware of Essie. He knows that she's has a reason for coming forward but his heart wants what it wants. He understands he pain and does what he can to move them forward together.

Cole Jaimes put his heart on his sleeve with his story of strength, forgiveness and love. Essie's journey is a difficult one but fate intervened and provided her with the closure and forgiveness she needed to move past despair. The best was saved for last with the steamy Epilogue. 4 Stars!