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Damaged Hearts #1
Her Defiant Heart
Life can feel like a cruel joke. I grew up poor and motherless, with a father who never got over his wife’s abandonment. But now he's gone too, and I'm dead set on finding the woman who so carelessly tossed me aside when I was a baby.
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either…
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either…
200 pages, ebook
First published March 29, 2018
About the author
Monica Murphy
96 books16.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 3, 2019
Cliff hanger, bring on the next book!!!
This was a good read, not my favorite by this author, but I'll definitely be checking out the next books to see what happens!!
This was a good read, not my favorite by this author, but I'll definitely be checking out the next books to see what happens!!
March 9, 2019
***3,75 "Too good to be true???" stars***
This was a nice and decent story... It didn't blew me up, but i will definitely read the next two parts of this story, because I'm way too curious after the cliffy in here!!!
This was a story of revenge... But, was it really???
It was a story about finding love in the most unexpectent place!!!!
And that damn cliffy??? Wow!!!! I'm dying to see what will happen next!!!! So, i think that the writer fullfilled her purpose!!!
Well, Jensen had changed town, identity and goals in the name of revenge...
And who is in the other end of her sights??? Her mother who abandon her and her daddy, when she was still a baby... But her wrath had to face all her mother's new family...
So, a mean to an end is Rhett Montgomery and she had set her sights upon him...
And he is taking the bait!!!!
Technically, Rhett is her stepbrother, but he is also a way to get closer to the person that she wants to take revenge, her mother!!!!
But what will happen when Rhett will come closer to her and she will discover that he is nothing like she was imagining him to be???
What will happen when her cruel heart is starting to beat rapindly in his presence???
What will happen when all her lies will be revealed???
Well, I'm not really sure if i liked Jen very much... I think that her plan was lacking of many things...
She was appearing indifferent and cold, but i don't thing that was the deal... She was playing it like she was a tough chick and in an extent, she was, but she was just angry... Angry about her mother who abandon them and she created a new family... And angry about her father who never get over her mother!!! And irrationally angry with Rhett, because she thought that he had what it was rightfully hers... The love and approval of her mother...
Rhett was rich and popular, but he was such a nice guy!!!! Really, guys!!! He was too good to be true, but i don't think that he was purprosefully that way... This was just the way he was!!!! And i think that even what Jen was believing, he had his own issues with her stepmother and other things!!!! He was just easygoing and he could win you over in just only moments!!!
And that was the problem with Jen... He just threw her out of her game with his wonderful ways and thoughtful actions...
Well, as i told you above, i wasn't head over heels with this book, but i still enjoyed it!!!
And the author managed to built a decent story which i want to discover till the very end!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review ***
This was a nice and decent story... It didn't blew me up, but i will definitely read the next two parts of this story, because I'm way too curious after the cliffy in here!!!
This was a story of revenge... But, was it really???
It was a story about finding love in the most unexpectent place!!!!
And that damn cliffy??? Wow!!!! I'm dying to see what will happen next!!!! So, i think that the writer fullfilled her purpose!!!
Well, Jensen had changed town, identity and goals in the name of revenge...
And who is in the other end of her sights??? Her mother who abandon her and her daddy, when she was still a baby... But her wrath had to face all her mother's new family...
So, a mean to an end is Rhett Montgomery and she had set her sights upon him...
And he is taking the bait!!!!
Technically, Rhett is her stepbrother, but he is also a way to get closer to the person that she wants to take revenge, her mother!!!!
But what will happen when Rhett will come closer to her and she will discover that he is nothing like she was imagining him to be???
What will happen when her cruel heart is starting to beat rapindly in his presence???
What will happen when all her lies will be revealed???
Well, I'm not really sure if i liked Jen very much... I think that her plan was lacking of many things...
She was appearing indifferent and cold, but i don't thing that was the deal... She was playing it like she was a tough chick and in an extent, she was, but she was just angry... Angry about her mother who abandon them and she created a new family... And angry about her father who never get over her mother!!! And irrationally angry with Rhett, because she thought that he had what it was rightfully hers... The love and approval of her mother...
Rhett was rich and popular, but he was such a nice guy!!!! Really, guys!!! He was too good to be true, but i don't think that he was purprosefully that way... This was just the way he was!!!! And i think that even what Jen was believing, he had his own issues with her stepmother and other things!!!! He was just easygoing and he could win you over in just only moments!!!
And that was the problem with Jen... He just threw her out of her game with his wonderful ways and thoughtful actions...
Well, as i told you above, i wasn't head over heels with this book, but i still enjoyed it!!!
And the author managed to built a decent story which i want to discover till the very end!!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review ***
March 14, 2018
I love when a book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Monica murphy’s latest release captures what it’s like to feel cast aside and consumed by revenge.
Who better to help Jennifer Fanelli with her plan than someone close to her target—the super-hot-makes-your-panties-drop Rhett Montgomery. Her one tie to the mother that abandoned her.
What follows is a story that will have you flipping pages dying to find out how Jennifer’s plan will play out.
Her Defiant Heart is the first book of Monica’s upcoming trilogy, and WOW, I couldn’t put it down! This series starts with a bang and I’m anxiously awaiting His Wasted Heart and Damaged Hearts. Can’t come soon enough!!
April 4, 2018
❤️4 STARS❤️
This was a decent read for me, it started really well with an interesting story, a great romance starting with the heroine wanting to dislike the hero.The plot was great and I couldn't put it down but I can't say that I loved it so much or I hate it!
"What just happened felt so good, so right. But it isn't right.
It shouldn't feel right. What we just did, is wrong."
I liked Jensen and found myself feeling sorry for her.Rhett is sweet and lovely hero!It was a great read!It's full of angst and sometimes I wanted to shout out to both characters!The ending was one of the best parts in the story.I can't wait for the next one, I'm intrigued to see what will happen and if they'll have their happy ending!
This was a decent read for me, it started really well with an interesting story, a great romance starting with the heroine wanting to dislike the hero.The plot was great and I couldn't put it down but I can't say that I loved it so much or I hate it!
"What just happened felt so good, so right. But it isn't right.
It shouldn't feel right. What we just did, is wrong."
I liked Jensen and found myself feeling sorry for her.Rhett is sweet and lovely hero!It was a great read!It's full of angst and sometimes I wanted to shout out to both characters!The ending was one of the best parts in the story.I can't wait for the next one, I'm intrigued to see what will happen and if they'll have their happy ending!
May 21, 2019
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
In Monica Murphy’s latest new release, Her Defiant Heart, she takes readers on a woman’s quest for revenge. In this calculated move of plotting revenge, a daughter quest to get back at the mother who abandoned her father and her takes an abrupt turn when Jensen falls for Rhett Montgomery, her mother’s step-son. Rhett was supposed to be a means to get closer to her mom but what she didn’t expect was Rhett to be sweet and a person whom she cares for. So what happens when Jensen must decide to continue her revenge or not? Does love outweigh revenge?
I cannot wait to see what happens next and what awaits Jensen and Rhett. So if you are looking for a fast paced read that has secrets, revenge, and love woven into the storyline then this book is for you. Another amazing read by Monica Murphy.
Monica Murphy
In Monica Murphy’s latest new release, Her Defiant Heart, she takes readers on a woman’s quest for revenge. In this calculated move of plotting revenge, a daughter quest to get back at the mother who abandoned her father and her takes an abrupt turn when Jensen falls for Rhett Montgomery, her mother’s step-son. Rhett was supposed to be a means to get closer to her mom but what she didn’t expect was Rhett to be sweet and a person whom she cares for. So what happens when Jensen must decide to continue her revenge or not? Does love outweigh revenge?
I cannot wait to see what happens next and what awaits Jensen and Rhett. So if you are looking for a fast paced read that has secrets, revenge, and love woven into the storyline then this book is for you. Another amazing read by Monica Murphy.
Monica Murphy
July 29, 2019
Jensen will Rache - Rache dafür das ihre Mutter sie vor 20 Jahren verlassen hat, doch diese Rache führt sie nach und nach zur Liebe ihres Lebens. Rhett Montgomery, der Stiefsohn ihrer Mutter soll das Mittel zum Zweck sein. Doch was sie nicht geplant hat, was sich genau in ihn zu verlieben, in den Mann, der sie sie sieht, wer sie wirklich ist, der hinter ihre Fassade schaut und sie zum Beben bringt. Wird sie Rhett verraten, um endlich Rache an ihrer Mutter zu üben und all das zu bekommen, was sie nicht hatte? Oder wird sie ihre Pläne über Bord werfen und ein Leben beginnen ohne Hass, Rache und mit dafür mit Liebe und Zuversicht? Nach dem Tod ihres Vaters kann Jensen endlich atmen, die Autorin erlaubt der Protagonistin endlich aufzustehen und zu kämpfen, sich von Altlasten zu befreien und sich um sich selbst zu kümmern. Ich fand es wunderbar mit ansehen zu dürfen wie aus Jensen eine mutige junge Frau wird, die ihr Leben anpackt und dennoch versucht einen Rest ihrer selbst zu verbergen. Rhett ist der Erste, der hinter diese Fassade schaut. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden ist zwar nicht von Anfang an perfekt, dennoch hatte sie die ganze Zeit ein Prickeln inne und lies mich verträumt dahinlesen. Da Rhett der Stiefsohn ihrer Mutter ist, will und kann Jensen eigentlich keine Gefühle zu ihm aufbauen und auch diesen Konflikt hat die Autorin wirklich toll beschrieben und herausgearbeitet. Zum Ende hin, kommt es dann zum großen Knall und wir erleben dass nicht nur Jensen einige Geheimnisse hat die sie noch nicht lüften will oder kann. Auch Rhett hat noch einiges zu verbergen und so freue ich mich schon auf den zweiten Teil, in dem es dann bestimmt zu einigen Konflikten kommen wird. Ich bin begeistert und brauche definitiv mehr.
March 30, 2018
Her Defiant Heart (Damaged Hearts #1) by Monica Murphy
3.5 stars!!!
Her Defiant Heart is the first book in a trilogy and is a genre step for Monica Murphy as she tackles, one again, New Adult Contemporary Romance. I love this authors YA books and I couldn’t wait to dive into something a little hotter and Monica Murphy didn’t disappoint.
Jennifer Fanelli uproots her life with one thing in mind…revenge, but is revenge a dish best served cold? Deserted by her mother as an infant and with her father passed, Jennifer is all alone in the world, but the woman that deserted her is living the high-life with a whole new step-family. To wreak the revenge she wants, Jennifer decides her best course of action is to get close to one of her mother’s step-sons, but she didn’t bet on Rhett Montgomery. Nothing she expected or ever knew she wanted.
Rhett Montgomery, not the frat boy that everyone expects. He has the perfect façade for his friends, but when he meets Jennifer a totally new side is exposed, and Jennifer is not immune to his charms. Rhett is still deeply affected by the death of his mother and it is something that he has never got over, despite his step-mothers attempts to charm him and raise him. Rhett was totally smitten with Jennifer, extremely protective and these two just got along. But, Jennifer is not from the affluent lifestyle and the choices she makes just to survive, may come back to bite her, in more ways than one.
This was a great start and really sets the tone for what is to come. This book read really quick, I’m not sure what the page count is, but I just felt I needed more at the end, to really understand these characters and achieve that character connection that I crave. I wanted a little more depth to them. This may come as the trilogy progresses and I can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens between these two.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!!
“I’ll deserve an Academy Award for my performance by the time I’m through.”
Her Defiant Heart is the first book in a trilogy and is a genre step for Monica Murphy as she tackles, one again, New Adult Contemporary Romance. I love this authors YA books and I couldn’t wait to dive into something a little hotter and Monica Murphy didn’t disappoint.
Jennifer Fanelli uproots her life with one thing in mind…revenge, but is revenge a dish best served cold? Deserted by her mother as an infant and with her father passed, Jennifer is all alone in the world, but the woman that deserted her is living the high-life with a whole new step-family. To wreak the revenge she wants, Jennifer decides her best course of action is to get close to one of her mother’s step-sons, but she didn’t bet on Rhett Montgomery. Nothing she expected or ever knew she wanted.
Rhett Montgomery, not the frat boy that everyone expects. He has the perfect façade for his friends, but when he meets Jennifer a totally new side is exposed, and Jennifer is not immune to his charms. Rhett is still deeply affected by the death of his mother and it is something that he has never got over, despite his step-mothers attempts to charm him and raise him. Rhett was totally smitten with Jennifer, extremely protective and these two just got along. But, Jennifer is not from the affluent lifestyle and the choices she makes just to survive, may come back to bite her, in more ways than one.
This was a great start and really sets the tone for what is to come. This book read really quick, I’m not sure what the page count is, but I just felt I needed more at the end, to really understand these characters and achieve that character connection that I crave. I wanted a little more depth to them. This may come as the trilogy progresses and I can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens between these two.
www.theromancecover.com
April 4, 2018
J'aime les romans de Monica Murphy et en lisant le résumé de Her defiant heart, j'avais envie de me laisser emporter par cette nouvelle saga et ce fut le cas car le personnage de Jen est très prenant et on a envie de savoir comment elle va parvenir à ses fins ou réussir sa vengeance.
j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec cette nouvelle saga qui sera publiée en trois tomes sur iBooks. Le prochain tome sort le 26 avril et le dernier tome fin juin. Monica Murphy pose ici les bases d'une romance qui s'annonce électrique. Le temps des choix est venu et il s'agira pour Rhett mais aussi pour Jen de ne pas se tromper. L'intrigue est posée et le dénouement est loin d'être proche , ce qui nous donne évidemment envie de connaître la suite .
Chronique complète http://thelovelyteacheraddictions.blo...
j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec cette nouvelle saga qui sera publiée en trois tomes sur iBooks. Le prochain tome sort le 26 avril et le dernier tome fin juin. Monica Murphy pose ici les bases d'une romance qui s'annonce électrique. Le temps des choix est venu et il s'agira pour Rhett mais aussi pour Jen de ne pas se tromper. L'intrigue est posée et le dénouement est loin d'être proche , ce qui nous donne évidemment envie de connaître la suite .
Chronique complète http://thelovelyteacheraddictions.blo...
March 6, 2019
The characters in this one are a hot mess. I get why Jen wants to get to know Rhett, but you just know it's going to blow up in her face. The first step of which happened right at the end, hello cliff hanger. I look forward to reading the next on to see if Rhett reacts like how I think he will.
August 14, 2018
I love a good revenge story, and Monica Murphy’s Her Defiant Heart had me pretty excited for the Damaged Hearts series. I went in hoping for an addictive revenge series, one I could devour; only to be given something I wasn’t crazy about.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an okay read. I can see the appeal and can understand why some will really enjoy it. However, for me, the story did not provide what I had been expecting. The revenge aspect, the aspect I was most interested in, felt extremely weak to me. It was never taken to the level I had hoped for, offering a story that would have been interesting were I not expecting something much more.
In truth, my rating is more of a two-point-five-star rating. I did consider rounding this up to a three-star rating, as there were some points in the story where I found myself really invested in what was happening, but in the end I found I couldn’t quite bring myself to round this rating up. Too many of the things that played out were predictable, and the cliff-hanger of an ending left me uncaring of what came next – in fact, I’m sure I can create my own answers and they will be pretty close to the truth.
Overall, Her Defiant Heart was not the story of revenge I’d been hoping for.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an okay read. I can see the appeal and can understand why some will really enjoy it. However, for me, the story did not provide what I had been expecting. The revenge aspect, the aspect I was most interested in, felt extremely weak to me. It was never taken to the level I had hoped for, offering a story that would have been interesting were I not expecting something much more.
In truth, my rating is more of a two-point-five-star rating. I did consider rounding this up to a three-star rating, as there were some points in the story where I found myself really invested in what was happening, but in the end I found I couldn’t quite bring myself to round this rating up. Too many of the things that played out were predictable, and the cliff-hanger of an ending left me uncaring of what came next – in fact, I’m sure I can create my own answers and they will be pretty close to the truth.
Overall, Her Defiant Heart was not the story of revenge I’d been hoping for.
March 25, 2018
This storyline is nothing like I’ve ever read before. Yes it’s about revenge, but the players in the game aren’t typical.
Jensen wants to find her mom and she feels Rhett Montgomery is the key to her revenge plot for her mother. As the first part of the story, there was so much that happened here. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, always wanting to see where the story went to next.
I cannot wait to get the next part of the story.
Jensen wants to find her mom and she feels Rhett Montgomery is the key to her revenge plot for her mother. As the first part of the story, there was so much that happened here. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, always wanting to see where the story went to next.
I cannot wait to get the next part of the story.
April 4, 2018
This is a story about a woman, Jennifer Fanelli aka Jensen who is out for revenge. She has been living a challenging life thanks to the struggles she was brought up in. She is at a point where she wants to get back at her mother that left her and her dad when she was young and never looked back.
Cue in Rhett Montgomery, a frat boy who is part of the mix of her plotting vengeance. Keeping her enemy close and having him fall head over heels for her. When all is said and the plan is set into place she would throw him into a loop that will utterly surprise him with her reveal.
However, what she did not expect is someone who is not the typical college boy that everyone assumes him to be and begins ending up to be something more. Feelings that she is not used too. The question remains...to follow through with her plan or not?
Although there were moments that were predictable the overall story line was one that I surprisingly enjoyed and keep me intrigue on everything playing out. Rhett definitely had me swooning with his romantic and sweet ways. Jensen is a woman broken with a past that is hard for her to get past. As the plot progressed the change in her was one that will you rooting for more in life for her personally and hopefully be able to move on. This was a great start to the series and looking forward to seeing how this story will play.
Cue in Rhett Montgomery, a frat boy who is part of the mix of her plotting vengeance. Keeping her enemy close and having him fall head over heels for her. When all is said and the plan is set into place she would throw him into a loop that will utterly surprise him with her reveal.
However, what she did not expect is someone who is not the typical college boy that everyone assumes him to be and begins ending up to be something more. Feelings that she is not used too. The question remains...to follow through with her plan or not?
Although there were moments that were predictable the overall story line was one that I surprisingly enjoyed and keep me intrigue on everything playing out. Rhett definitely had me swooning with his romantic and sweet ways. Jensen is a woman broken with a past that is hard for her to get past. As the plot progressed the change in her was one that will you rooting for more in life for her personally and hopefully be able to move on. This was a great start to the series and looking forward to seeing how this story will play.
Want to read
July 21, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (7/21/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Life can feel like a cruel joke. I grew up poor and motherless, with a father who never got over his wife’s abandonment. But now he's gone too, and I'm dead set on finding the woman who so carelessly tossed me aside when I was a baby.
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either…
Blurb:
Life can feel like a cruel joke. I grew up poor and motherless, with a father who never got over his wife’s abandonment. But now he's gone too, and I'm dead set on finding the woman who so carelessly tossed me aside when I was a baby.
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either…
April 3, 2018
Talk about pain. Jen is swimming in it. She's out for revenge and she needs help getting to the mother who abandoned her. She reinvents herself and finds the best way to get to her mom is through her step son - the ultra rich and handsome Rhett. But then things don't go as plan. Rhett is charming and there is actually another side of him that no one else sees except her.
Now this is a three part book series, so book one is really the set up. That being said, you will still be turning the pages faster to see what happens next. I love Monica and how she gets you invested in her characters before you can even blink. Can't wait for books two and three... this is going to be a great series.
Now this is a three part book series, so book one is really the set up. That being said, you will still be turning the pages faster to see what happens next. I love Monica and how she gets you invested in her characters before you can even blink. Can't wait for books two and three... this is going to be a great series.
March 5, 2019
Monica Murphy knows how to do taboo. I usually don’t like taboo, i won’t lie, but after reading her Never duet, I knew I could trust her to do this book justice. There is a major cliffhanger and of course I need to know what happens between Jensen and Rhett. Jensen is so angry and getting a glimpse at her childhood, we can see exactly why she holds such a grudge against her mother. I am very interested in learning Rhett’s story because i feel like there is much more to him that meets the eye. Can’t wait to continue this series.
May 14, 2019
4.5 beautiful stars!! Wow! What a way to kick off a new trilogy!! This book took me on an incredibly emotional rollercoaster ride. My heart ached for Jensen & Rhett and all of things that they'd had to endure throughout their lives. Couldn't put it down once I started.
April 23, 2018
I really liked this, it does end on a cliffhanger which i didn't know, I'll be waiting for the next 2 to come out before i carry on reading.
Shelved as 'tbr-already-own'
January 28, 2020(included in the "Love in the Dark" romance collection)
June 25, 2018
Disclaimer: IBooks freebie, more of a novella length than a novel. IBooks often offers the first book of a series free so the reader gets hooked and purchases the rest, however, in this case I won’t be tempted.
The pros: author writes steamy sex scene very well but uses male oriented language. Uses words like clit and pussy which came off sounding like a man was writing sex scenes for a woman rather than a woman.
The protagonist for me was unlikeable and as a narrator, untrustworthy. She had no moral code, inner thoughts nor dreams beyond revenge. Absolutely so self awareness. The cliffhanger was not a surprise, could see that one coming in the first 10 pages.
The pros: author writes steamy sex scene very well but uses male oriented language. Uses words like clit and pussy which came off sounding like a man was writing sex scenes for a woman rather than a woman.
The protagonist for me was unlikeable and as a narrator, untrustworthy. She had no moral code, inner thoughts nor dreams beyond revenge. Absolutely so self awareness. The cliffhanger was not a surprise, could see that one coming in the first 10 pages.
March 29, 2018
4 stars—
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2018
Life can feel like a cruel joke. I grew up poor and motherless, with a father who never got over his wife’s abandonment. But now he's gone too, and I'm dead set on finding the woman who so carelessly tossed me aside when I was a baby.
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either.
•••••••••
REVIEW: HER DEFIANT HEART is the first instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, new adult DAMAGED HEARTS romance trilogy focusing on college students Rhett Montgomery, and Jennifer ‘Jensen’ Fanelli.
Told from first person point of view (Jensen) using preesent day and memories from the past, HER DEFIANT HEART follows our heroine as she sets a plan into motion to destroy the mother she knew nothing about. At almost two years of age Jennifer Fanelli lost her mother when the woman she no longer remembers walked away without looking back. Years of hardship and her father’s inability to let go of the past found our heroine planning to confront the woman her destroyed her life, beginning with befriending a young man she knows to be her mother’s step-son. Enter Rhett Montgomery, fellow college student and all-around popular guy, and the man with whom Jen would fall in love. What ensues is Rhett’s pursuit of the woman he knows as Jensen, and the potential fall-out as Jennifer’s secrets are about to be revealed.
Jensen, as she calls herself, struggles on a daily basis but having battled an alcoholic father for most of her life, wants revenge against the woman who broke her father’s heart. Getting close to Rhett Montgomery meant one step closer to her ultimate goal but Jensen never thought she would lose her heart along the way.
The relationship between Jensen and Rhett is one of immediate attraction although Jensen never expected to lose her heart to the man in question. Rhett is the perfect boyfriend, not what Jensen thought him to be, which makes her ambition to destroy her mother’s life, that much more questionable and confusing. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text.
The world building focuses on the growing lies Jensen tells to keep secret about the path upon which she has embarked. We learn how Jensen’s earlier years were filled with a mother’s rejection, a father’s loss of control, and a childhood marred by emotional abuse, and thoughts of being unwanted and unloved. Jaded and tired our heroine battles between head and heart wondering if vengeance is the most important direction in her life.
HER DEFIANT HEART is a story of struggle and rejection; hatred and vengeance; secrets, lies and moving on from the past. The premise is heart breaking; the characters are broken, colorful and charismatic; the romance struggles with Jensen’s inability to let go of the past.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2018
Life can feel like a cruel joke. I grew up poor and motherless, with a father who never got over his wife’s abandonment. But now he's gone too, and I'm dead set on finding the woman who so carelessly tossed me aside when I was a baby.
I want revenge. And I'm going to get back at my mother any way that I can.
I change my name. Start my new life in college, and just happen to cross paths with the gorgeous, ultra-rich Rhett Montgomery. He's immediately interested in me, not that I'm surprised.
You see, I planned it that way. I meant for him to find me. He's the one connection to my mother, and I'm using him, so I can destroy her. But I didn't plan on Rhett being so charming. Sweet. Sexy.
And I definitely didn't plan on falling for him either.
•••••••••
REVIEW: HER DEFIANT HEART is the first instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, new adult DAMAGED HEARTS romance trilogy focusing on college students Rhett Montgomery, and Jennifer ‘Jensen’ Fanelli.
Told from first person point of view (Jensen) using preesent day and memories from the past, HER DEFIANT HEART follows our heroine as she sets a plan into motion to destroy the mother she knew nothing about. At almost two years of age Jennifer Fanelli lost her mother when the woman she no longer remembers walked away without looking back. Years of hardship and her father’s inability to let go of the past found our heroine planning to confront the woman her destroyed her life, beginning with befriending a young man she knows to be her mother’s step-son. Enter Rhett Montgomery, fellow college student and all-around popular guy, and the man with whom Jen would fall in love. What ensues is Rhett’s pursuit of the woman he knows as Jensen, and the potential fall-out as Jennifer’s secrets are about to be revealed.
Jensen, as she calls herself, struggles on a daily basis but having battled an alcoholic father for most of her life, wants revenge against the woman who broke her father’s heart. Getting close to Rhett Montgomery meant one step closer to her ultimate goal but Jensen never thought she would lose her heart along the way.
The relationship between Jensen and Rhett is one of immediate attraction although Jensen never expected to lose her heart to the man in question. Rhett is the perfect boyfriend, not what Jensen thought him to be, which makes her ambition to destroy her mother’s life, that much more questionable and confusing. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text.
The world building focuses on the growing lies Jensen tells to keep secret about the path upon which she has embarked. We learn how Jensen’s earlier years were filled with a mother’s rejection, a father’s loss of control, and a childhood marred by emotional abuse, and thoughts of being unwanted and unloved. Jaded and tired our heroine battles between head and heart wondering if vengeance is the most important direction in her life.
HER DEFIANT HEART is a story of struggle and rejection; hatred and vengeance; secrets, lies and moving on from the past. The premise is heart breaking; the characters are broken, colorful and charismatic; the romance struggles with Jensen’s inability to let go of the past.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 30, 2018
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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When Monica Murphy first announced her upcoming Damaged Hearts series I was so freaking excited because I have read and loved many of her past releases, but nothing could have prepared me for this story.
Her Defiant Heart is the kind of story that captures you whole body and soul right from the very beginning and holds on for dear life. This is not a story filled with love, hope and happiness, but rather a story fueled by revenge and hate. Revenge plays a crucial part in this series and I am anticipating that it will certainly grow from one book to the next.
Jensen is driven by revenge and it is directed towards her mother, the mother that abandoned her at a young age only to go off and raise another family with children who are not her own. That realization is a bitter pill to swallow and she is engulfed in rage. She devises a plan to get to her mother through Rhett Montgomery, but what she doesn't anticipate is developing feelings for him. Suddenly, she must make a decision...to continue her plan...or to let it go and move on.
I devoured this story in only a few short hours and now I cannot wait to dive into His Wasted Hearts, book 2 in the Damaged Hearts series when it releases because I need to know what is next for Jensen and Rhett, especially after that intense ending!
When Monica Murphy first announced her upcoming Damaged Hearts series I was so freaking excited because I have read and loved many of her past releases, but nothing could have prepared me for this story.
Her Defiant Heart is the kind of story that captures you whole body and soul right from the very beginning and holds on for dear life. This is not a story filled with love, hope and happiness, but rather a story fueled by revenge and hate. Revenge plays a crucial part in this series and I am anticipating that it will certainly grow from one book to the next.
Jensen is driven by revenge and it is directed towards her mother, the mother that abandoned her at a young age only to go off and raise another family with children who are not her own. That realization is a bitter pill to swallow and she is engulfed in rage. She devises a plan to get to her mother through Rhett Montgomery, but what she doesn't anticipate is developing feelings for him. Suddenly, she must make a decision...to continue her plan...or to let it go and move on.
I devoured this story in only a few short hours and now I cannot wait to dive into His Wasted Hearts, book 2 in the Damaged Hearts series when it releases because I need to know what is next for Jensen and Rhett, especially after that intense ending!
March 29, 2018
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 5 Revengeful Stars ~
How far would you go to get revenge??
The answer to that question is in Monica Murphy’s latest book….Her Defiant Heart. This book will take you on a hate filled emotional ride. She will show you what it’s like to feel cast aside by someone you love and the lengths at which someone will go to get revenge on that person.
This was such an intriguing storyline. I was captivated right from the start and I am dying to read the next book in the series. Yes this book does end on a cliffhanger but it isn’t one that will make you pull your hair out. Monica just leaves you wanting MORE!!!
In this book we follow the revenge plan of Jennifer Fanelli (Jensen) as she becomes friends and subsequently seduces someone close to her target. I don’t want to give to much away because this is a book you need to read for yourself and watch how everything starts to unfold. This story will pull at your heartstrings, for everything Jensen has gone through. It will also having you sitting on the edge of your seat just dying to see where the author is going to take us.
Her Defiant Heart is the first book in Monica’s newest trilogy. This is NOT a standalone novel, you will be left on a cliffhanger. So if you don’t like cliffhangers you might want to wait for all three books to be released. Luckily there isn’t much time in between each book. Her Defiant Heart is told solely from Jensen’s POV. I know I can’t wait to read the next book His Wasted Heart which is told in the male POV.
I would recommend this book to all of Monica’s fans. This is a book you don’t want to miss. I think this trilogy is off to a GREAT start!!!!
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~ 5 Revengeful Stars ~
How far would you go to get revenge??
The answer to that question is in Monica Murphy’s latest book….Her Defiant Heart. This book will take you on a hate filled emotional ride. She will show you what it’s like to feel cast aside by someone you love and the lengths at which someone will go to get revenge on that person.
This was such an intriguing storyline. I was captivated right from the start and I am dying to read the next book in the series. Yes this book does end on a cliffhanger but it isn’t one that will make you pull your hair out. Monica just leaves you wanting MORE!!!
In this book we follow the revenge plan of Jennifer Fanelli (Jensen) as she becomes friends and subsequently seduces someone close to her target. I don’t want to give to much away because this is a book you need to read for yourself and watch how everything starts to unfold. This story will pull at your heartstrings, for everything Jensen has gone through. It will also having you sitting on the edge of your seat just dying to see where the author is going to take us.
Her Defiant Heart is the first book in Monica’s newest trilogy. This is NOT a standalone novel, you will be left on a cliffhanger. So if you don’t like cliffhangers you might want to wait for all three books to be released. Luckily there isn’t much time in between each book. Her Defiant Heart is told solely from Jensen’s POV. I know I can’t wait to read the next book His Wasted Heart which is told in the male POV.
I would recommend this book to all of Monica’s fans. This is a book you don’t want to miss. I think this trilogy is off to a GREAT start!!!!
Follow Us at :: Book Bitches Blog | Facebook | Twitter
April 2, 2018
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¸.•´¸.•⭐´¨) ¸.•⭐'¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
❤~🌟~❤4 ANGSTY STARS!❤~🌟~❤
HER DEFIANT HEART by Monica Murphy starts off a trilogy that takes you on a emotional roller coaster ride. We are introduced to Jensen in this first book, she has one focus in mind, revenge. She has had a very difficult childhood and has pretty much raised herself. She blames one person for her lost childhood, her mother.
Jensen goes through extensive preparation to seek revenge against her mother. At times this a very emotional time for the reader. We get to see all the pain she has been through.
She believes her road to revenge starts with Rhett Montgomery. He happens to be her mother's stepson.
For me Rhett was written beautifully, you meet a young man that has had his own share of pain and is in no way over it.
This book will keep you wanting more, since it is a part of a trilogy it ends on a cliff hanger. I'm looking forward to the next part of this series and highly recommend it if you enjoy young adult, college romances.
#ERRNA
¸.•´¸.•⭐´¨) ¸.•⭐'¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
❤~🌟~❤4 ANGSTY STARS!❤~🌟~❤
HER DEFIANT HEART by Monica Murphy starts off a trilogy that takes you on a emotional roller coaster ride. We are introduced to Jensen in this first book, she has one focus in mind, revenge. She has had a very difficult childhood and has pretty much raised herself. She blames one person for her lost childhood, her mother.
Jensen goes through extensive preparation to seek revenge against her mother. At times this a very emotional time for the reader. We get to see all the pain she has been through.
She believes her road to revenge starts with Rhett Montgomery. He happens to be her mother's stepson.
For me Rhett was written beautifully, you meet a young man that has had his own share of pain and is in no way over it.
This book will keep you wanting more, since it is a part of a trilogy it ends on a cliff hanger. I'm looking forward to the next part of this series and highly recommend it if you enjoy young adult, college romances.
#ERRNA
March 18, 2019
4 Revenge Stars
Confession .. I may be obsessd with Monica Murphy!i have almost read everything she has ever written. I have never written her version of revenge tho! This story is about Jensen who has changed her name to hunt down and ruin Rhett Montgomery since her mom left her for his family. Her entire plan is to make Rhett fall in love with her ( her stepbrother) and then introduce her to his mother for the ultimate revenge slap in the face.
My mother turned me into this. I'm a slut, a whore, a user, a manipulator, a woman bent on revenge. All because of her.
Revenge has slowly ruined Jensen because Rhett is the perfect book boyfriend and she is realizing that her revenge is convoluted. I need book 2 so therefore you know.. the plot twist and the lack of answers is killing me!!! I just finished this ARC and was like damn how long do I have to wait for this series to release.. to then discovered ALL 3 books are out already!!! So that’s awesome when I get a chance to return to the series!
Confession .. I may be obsessd with Monica Murphy!i have almost read everything she has ever written. I have never written her version of revenge tho! This story is about Jensen who has changed her name to hunt down and ruin Rhett Montgomery since her mom left her for his family. Her entire plan is to make Rhett fall in love with her ( her stepbrother) and then introduce her to his mother for the ultimate revenge slap in the face.
My mother turned me into this. I'm a slut, a whore, a user, a manipulator, a woman bent on revenge. All because of her.
Revenge has slowly ruined Jensen because Rhett is the perfect book boyfriend and she is realizing that her revenge is convoluted. I need book 2 so therefore you know.. the plot twist and the lack of answers is killing me!!! I just finished this ARC and was like damn how long do I have to wait for this series to release.. to then discovered ALL 3 books are out already!!! So that’s awesome when I get a chance to return to the series!
April 3, 2018
In Her Defiant Heart, the first book in the Damaged Hearts series, by Monica Murphy, we find an emotional roller coaster of a journey. The story of a woman who is lost, feels rejected and is set on a path leading to revenge.
Jennifer Fanelli wants revenge on the person who abandoned her, her mother. All her life she felt the absence of her mother, who left when she was very young. Every day that hole was felt in her home, as her father never recovered from his wife leaving. Now completely alone, Jennifer comes up with a plan to make her mother pay for walking away from them.
Rhett Montgomery, the stepson to Jennifer’s mother new family, comes from a wealthy family and is popular at his college. But he is also struggling with the loss of his own mother. He was not what you would expect. He was so caring and protective.
When Rhett meets Jensen (Jennifer), he is smitten. But he does not know her secrets. What Jensen did not expect was Rhett’s effect on her. But when you are so bent on revenge, can you see what is in front of you? My heart just broke for Jensen. We see her struggle with so much and learn so much about her and her life. How broken she really is.
Her Defiant Heart was heartbreaking at times. Jensen never expected to find love, but can she put her plan for revenge aside and let Rhett in fully? When her lies are revealed, will she lose more than she bargained for? I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Jennifer Fanelli wants revenge on the person who abandoned her, her mother. All her life she felt the absence of her mother, who left when she was very young. Every day that hole was felt in her home, as her father never recovered from his wife leaving. Now completely alone, Jennifer comes up with a plan to make her mother pay for walking away from them.
Rhett Montgomery, the stepson to Jennifer’s mother new family, comes from a wealthy family and is popular at his college. But he is also struggling with the loss of his own mother. He was not what you would expect. He was so caring and protective.
When Rhett meets Jensen (Jennifer), he is smitten. But he does not know her secrets. What Jensen did not expect was Rhett’s effect on her. But when you are so bent on revenge, can you see what is in front of you? My heart just broke for Jensen. We see her struggle with so much and learn so much about her and her life. How broken she really is.
Her Defiant Heart was heartbreaking at times. Jensen never expected to find love, but can she put her plan for revenge aside and let Rhett in fully? When her lies are revealed, will she lose more than she bargained for? I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
March 2, 2019
tl; dr: Revenge doesn't mix well with love but is a great counterpart to lust.
This book is the first in a three-part series about a young woman who wants her birth mother to pay. She starts a relationship with her step brother to make her plan come to fruition. This book is part of a genre of NA romance that is all action and little character growth. I can't say if I liked or disliked the book. There just wasn't enough there to judge. I think if you want a super fast read, and you are into the stepbrother genre, try this.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the first in a three-part series about a young woman who wants her birth mother to pay. She starts a relationship with her step brother to make her plan come to fruition. This book is part of a genre of NA romance that is all action and little character growth. I can't say if I liked or disliked the book. There just wasn't enough there to judge. I think if you want a super fast read, and you are into the stepbrother genre, try this.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2018
I was into it at first, but as the book went on, I didn’t feel as connected the the H and h’s relationship. I was more interested in the relationship between the h and her mother, and of course it ends on a cliffhanger. So I guess the author accomplished her job of getting me interested in the second book, but it’s not for the H and h, but for the h and her mom. Hopefully there will be more clarification in the second novel.
April 2, 2018
Her Defiant Heart is a revenge story that will consume you from the start. From the moment I met Jensen and heard her background story, I was pulling for her. Oddly, I wasn't put off by her plan and supported it. A wounded and shattered heart will can make some of the greatest revenge plans.
Jensen's plan is to go after Rhett. He's her mother's stepson. The mother that abandon her years ago and has raised another family without her. Everything she's done at college is to make sure that Rhett notices her. Falls for her. The one flaw in her plan? She didn't expect him to stir the feelings in her like he has. Now she has to decide how to move forward.
I think that Murphy set up the storyline nicely. This is book one in the series and it does end in a cliffhanger and I'm totally OK with that. I was left wanting more and the entire time I was reading it, I just wanted to know what was going to happen between Rhett and Jensen.
Rhett is shaping out to be the perfect gentleman. Gah, he's so sweet and so caring. He generally cares for Jensen and wants to make sure she feels comfortable and protected. I found myself falling for him just like she did.
I would like to find out how Jensen really is. We get a glimpse into how she is calculated is and what she is doing to captivate Rhett but I don't really know who she is yet.
Overall, I enjoyed Her Defiant Heart and I look forward to the next books in the series. If you are looking for a revenge story that just might backfire, then this is the book for you!
Jensen's plan is to go after Rhett. He's her mother's stepson. The mother that abandon her years ago and has raised another family without her. Everything she's done at college is to make sure that Rhett notices her. Falls for her. The one flaw in her plan? She didn't expect him to stir the feelings in her like he has. Now she has to decide how to move forward.
I think that Murphy set up the storyline nicely. This is book one in the series and it does end in a cliffhanger and I'm totally OK with that. I was left wanting more and the entire time I was reading it, I just wanted to know what was going to happen between Rhett and Jensen.
Rhett is shaping out to be the perfect gentleman. Gah, he's so sweet and so caring. He generally cares for Jensen and wants to make sure she feels comfortable and protected. I found myself falling for him just like she did.
I would like to find out how Jensen really is. We get a glimpse into how she is calculated is and what she is doing to captivate Rhett but I don't really know who she is yet.
Overall, I enjoyed Her Defiant Heart and I look forward to the next books in the series. If you are looking for a revenge story that just might backfire, then this is the book for you!
April 20, 2018
Review to come but I'm loving it so far and I was so sad when it was over! I need more! Jensen is as trip but I understand her motivations even if they're super twisted and Rhett? Be still my swooning heart. He just seems to be too good but I've got faith and hope in him. He's a good one. The two of them together, are just the perfect amount of push and pull.
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