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Scarred Hearts #3

A Heart Restrained

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Caleb Zeno, a wealthy and successful media mogul, refuses to allow emotions into any aspect of his life, especially his entertainment corporation. When his company's lifestyle website runs into competition from a small boutique company, the most logical solution is to buy out his rival. Fiona Hamilton's lifestyle website succeeds due to her loving and caring treatment of her clients, who have become like family to her. She has no desire to sell to anyone, much less a tattooed, muscled, automaton. At odds professionally, Caleb and Fiona come together as a favor for Caleb's sister. Sparks fly and sexual chemistry abounds. But Caleb can't let go of his abusive past and be the man Fiona needs, and she is unwilling to risk independence and financial security for anything less than a perfect happily ever after. Can they put their differences aside to find a viral kind of love?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2023

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About the author

Jennifer Wilck

30 books453 followers
Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.

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5 stars
21 (67%)
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7 (22%)
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2 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Gina  Mitchell.
1,155 reviews73 followers
April 10, 2023
"A Heart Restrained" is a book in the Scarred Hearts series by Jennifer Wilck. While each book can be read as a standalone, it's enjoyable to catch up with characters from the earlier books.

This contemporary romance tells the story of Fiona and Caleb, who are complete opposites. Fiona is caring, loving, vibrant, and outgoing, while Caleb has spent his entire life protecting his loved ones, but has closed himself off emotionally. When they come together, sparks fly and the sexual tension is intense.

When Caleb, an entertainment mogul, decides to buy Fiona's boutique website, they are on a collision course. Adding to this, Fiona becomes Caleb's sister's neighbor, and they are frequently thrown together in social situations, making their lives even more interesting.

It took a while for me to warm up to Caleb as he comes across as cold and bit manipulative. As the story progressed, I began to see chinks in his self-protective armor. You just know there is a damaged sound inside all that tattooed gruffness.

Fiona is an absolute joy from page one. I can relate to her love of color and helping people. She also has a great sense of worth, as she has built her business from the ground up against the predictions of failure.

The side characters in this story are endearing. If you have read the earlier books in the series, go find them now. You won’t be sorry.

I highly recommend this story to fans of contemporary romance, opposites attract, and well-written stories about relatable people.

4.5/5

I received a digital copy of the book for a tour. This review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karen Swoffer.
396 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2023
A phenomenal emotional must read.

A Heart Restrained is an opposites attract romance that tells the story of a sassy heroine and an emotionally broken hero.
Written with a plethora of complex characteristics, Caleb is protective, successful, handsome, and lacks the ability to show his emotions. Starting at a young age, Caleb believed it was his job to protect those he loved. As he became a successful businessman, owning his own media company brought him much success and wealth. He never lost that notion that he needed to take care of everyone. His emotionless walls are put into place to protect those he loves. Learning at a young age that emotions will get you hurt, he spent his entire life fighting his emotions while not letting anyone tear down the walls.
Fiona, a sassy, beautiful, successful entrepreneur wears her emotions on her sleeve. Running a prosperous lifestyle website, Fiona has a great repore with people. A friendly, caring personality who understands what her clients need. She’s a firm believer in showing emotions to create a stronger bond between her and her clients and with those she cares about.
A Heart Restrained grabs you by the heart strings and doesn’t let go. Filled with a budding romance, two strong willed characters, great chemistry and personal growth, you will be transported to a world you wish you could be a part of.
This is the third book in the amazing Scarred Hearts series. Each book is a standalone but I recommend that they be read in order since the lives of the main characters are interconnected with each other.
Profile Image for Mommy’s Book Escape .
306 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2023
A phenomenal emotional must read.

A Heart Restrained is an opposites attract romance that tells the story of a sassy heroine and an emotionally broken hero.
Written with a plethora of complex characteristics, Caleb is protective, successful, handsome, and lacks the ability to show his emotions. Starting at a young age, Caleb believed it was his job to protect those he loved. As he became a successful businessman, owning his own media company brought him much success and wealth. He never lost that notion that he needed to take care of everyone. His emotionless walls are put into place to protect those he loves. Learning at a young age that emotions will get you hurt, he spent his entire life fighting his emotions while not letting anyone tear down the walls.
Fiona, a sassy, beautiful, successful entrepreneur wears her emotions on her sleeve. Running a prosperous lifestyle website, Fiona has a great repore with people. A friendly, caring personality who understands what her clients need. She’s a firm believer in showing emotions to create a stronger bond between her and her clients and with those she cares about.
A Heart Restrained grabs you by the heart strings and doesn’t let go. Filled with a budding romance, two strong willed characters, great chemistry and personal growth, you will be transported to a world you wish you could be a part of.
This is the third book in the amazing Scarred Hearts series. Each book is a standalone but I recommend that they be read in order since the lives of the main characters are interconnected with each other.
222 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2023
She refuses to sell him her company; will she give him her heart?

About the Book: Caleb Zeno, a wealthy and successful media mogul, refuses to allow emotions into any aspect of his life, especially his entertainment corporation. When his company’s lifestyle website runs into competition from a small boutique company, the most logical solution is to buy out his rival.
Fiona Hamilton’s lifestyle website succeeds due to her loving and caring treatment of her clients, who have become like family to her. She has no desire to sell to anyone, much less a tattooed, muscled, automaton.
At odds professionally, Caleb and Fiona come together as a favor for Caleb’s sister. Sparks fly and sexual chemistry abounds. But Caleb can't let go of his abusive past and be the man Fiona needs, and she is unwilling to risk independence and financial security for anything less than a perfect happily ever after. Can they put their differences aside to find a viral kind of love?
Our Review: Author Wilck’s ability to create compelling conflict between two characters is surpassed by the infusion of lifelong effects brought on by domestic abuse—past and present. Caleb is astounding for his strength and compulsion to protect those around him. Fiona is remarkable for her ability to recognize what others need—then offer it to them without strings. In essence, she is a healer. This is a beautiful story with compelling characters battling serious social issues. Well done!
On a scale of 1-5, A Heart Restrained merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books1,982 followers
April 3, 2023
Business rivals find unexpected love, but can they release the past to form a great future together? A Heart Restrained is a new release by Jennifer Wilck, one of my favorite authors, and I couldn’t get enough. The storyline may be familiar to moviegoers, but Jennifer Wilck puts her own spin on it. The emotional tension between Caleb and Fiona makes for entertaining reading. The romance is complex and extremely well-written.

In this romance, it starts and ends with the characters. I connected so much with Fiona. As a little fish in a big pond business owner, I could relate to Fiona and her dilemma. Caleb is big business and she’s not. Fiona is a wonderfully-drawn heroine who deserves a man who’ll treat her right and love her without restraint. But can Caleb be that man?

The writing drawn in the reader with its descriptive narration. Every emotion, every nuance is poignantly detailed. It’s a very emotional tale with just the right amount of conflict, tension, and romance. You will be rooting for this couple.

Jennifer Wilck has penned another beautiful romance. Brilliantly written, A Heart Restrained will tug at your heartstrings. I strongly recommend this book to all romance readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Riet.
61 reviews
March 27, 2023
I so loved this book! Certainly a 5* read. I enjoyed Caleb, he is really kind and very protective and I adored Fiona, her feistiness and integrity. A very enjoyable read, indeed!
This what it’s about:
Caleb Zeno, a wealthy and successful media mogul, refuses to allow emotions into any aspect of his life, especially his entertainment corporation. When his company’s lifestyle website runs into competition from a small boutique company, the most logical solution is to buy out his rival.
Fiona Hamilton’s lifestyle website succeeds due to her loving and caring treatment of her clients, who have become like family to her. She has no desire to sell to anyone, much less a tattooed, muscled, automaton.
At odds professionally, Caleb and Fiona come together as a favor for Caleb’s sister. Sparks fly and sexual chemistry abounds. But Caleb can't let go of his abusive past and be the man Fiona needs, and she is unwilling to risk independence and financial security for anything less than a perfect happily ever after. Can they put their differences aside to find a viral kind of love?
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books325 followers
April 16, 2023
A competition between two lifestyle brand companies. His company was losing to hers. The only way to eliminate the competition was to buy-out. He wants to buy her company, but she refuses to sell. The attraction between the two was instantaneous, but the attraction was ignored with business in the mix. And it was also kind of hard to hate each other when constantly thrusted together in social situations. They would never be interested in each other. Total opposites. Well, a nosy sister would make them like each other by setting them up on a date.

The charged tension between the characters was amusing. Whether he wanted to show it or not, Caleb had a sweet, soft side to him, which Fiona seemed to be taken by.

The narrative was easy and witty. It was a little slow in some areas with too many emphatic repetitions. The language was very romantic, and it was nice seeing the defenses go down with the characters. Can you really mix business with pleasure? Not without it getting messy.

A nice read with good drama and sweet romance. It’s like a telenovela.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,302 reviews25 followers
April 25, 2023
Boy oh boy do Caleb and Fiona clash when they first meet and well the next few times after that hahahaha but thanks to Caleb's sweet meddling sister Lexi they keep trying to at least be civil with each other. This is definitely a slow burn which it needed to be for Calen and Fiona as they have lots to work through and also see the sense in how they are meant for each other just like Lexi believed. There were quiet a few times when I wanted to shake sense into them both and thought they blew it with each other as they are as stubborn as each other, they do give you plenty of laughs though as well as a bit of a rollercoaster ride of feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
139 reviews
June 2, 2023
Emotion is difficult!

Caleb saw Fiona for the first time on television! He wondered "... If she were this passionate about a television show, how passionate would she be if...". If what? Would she be passionate about kissing, or maybe baseball, or her business?

Fiona fought "... no one had prepared her for meeting with…with…him....". Why had no one prepared her? What is going on? Enjoy this third book of scarred hearts and prepare to laugh, cry and be astounded.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,142 reviews17 followers
March 15, 2024
I liked Caleb even though he is so closed off to everyone but his sister. He wants Fiona's company, but she is not willing to sell. There are sparks between them, but she isn't sure how he feels. He is so stoic and seems afraid to let anyone in. Will he ever let Fiona know his feelings? Can he ever let his feelings out? When he is with Fiona, all the feelings overwhelm him, and he isn't sure he can let loose.
3,810 reviews28 followers
April 25, 2023
A Heart Restrained by Jennifer Wilck is a good, and enjoyable romance read. The story has a great story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining emotional romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
170 reviews
March 27, 2023
I love these stories from Jennifer and enjoyed reading about Caleb’s story. The chemistry between him and Caleb was amazing.
Had you gripped from the first page onwards.
It’s a must read if you want to hide away for a few hours. Didn’t want the book to end.
Profile Image for Karen Swoffer.
396 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2023
A phenomenal emotional must read.

A Heart Restrained is an opposites attract romance that tells the story of a sassy heroine and an emotionally broken hero.
Written with a plethora of complex characteristics, Caleb is protective, successful, handsome, and lacks the ability to show his emotions. Starting at a young age, Caleb believed it was his job to protect those he loved. As he became a successful businessman, owning his own media company brought him much success and wealth. He never lost that notion that he needed to take care of everyone. His emotionless walls are put into place to protect those he loves. Learning at a young age that emotions will get you hurt, he spent his entire life fighting his emotions while not letting anyone tear down the walls.
Fiona, a sassy, beautiful, successful entrepreneur wears her emotions on her sleeve. Running a prosperous lifestyle website, Fiona has a great repore with people. A friendly, caring personality who understands what her clients need. She’s a firm believer in showing emotions to create a stronger bond between her and her clients and with those she cares about.
A Heart Restrained grabs you by the heart strings and doesn’t let go. Filled with a budding romance, two strong willed characters, great chemistry and personal growth, you will be transported to a world you wish you could be a part of.
This is the third book in the amazing Scarred Hearts series. Each book is a standalone but I recommend that they be read in order since the lives of the main characters are interconnected with each other.
Profile Image for Mommy’s Book Escape .
306 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2023
A phenomenal emotional must read.

A Heart Restrained is an opposites attract romance that tells the story of a sassy heroine and an emotionally broken hero.
Written with a plethora of complex characteristics, Caleb is protective, successful, handsome, and lacks the ability to show his emotions. Starting at a young age, Caleb believed it was his job to protect those he loved. As he became a successful businessman, owning his own media company brought him much success and wealth. He never lost that notion that he needed to take care of everyone. His emotionless walls are put into place to protect those he loves. Learning at a young age that emotions will get you hurt, he spent his entire life fighting his emotions while not letting anyone tear down the walls.
Fiona, a sassy, beautiful, successful entrepreneur wears her emotions on her sleeve. Running a prosperous lifestyle website, Fiona has a great repore with people. A friendly, caring personality who understands what her clients need. She’s a firm believer in showing emotions to create a stronger bond between her and her clients and with those she cares about.
A Heart Restrained grabs you by the heart strings and doesn’t let go. Filled with a budding romance, two strong willed characters, great chemistry and personal growth, you will be transported to a world you wish you could be a part of.
This is the third book in the amazing Scarred Hearts series. Each book is a standalone but I recommend that they be read in order since the lives of the main characters are interconnected with each other.
Profile Image for Anastasia Abboud.
Author 5 books174 followers
March 28, 2023
She’s all about feelings. He’s all about control. And neither of them is prepared to give in.

After an emotional train wreck of a childhood, billionaire businessman Caleb Zeno enforces a rigid self-control upon himself. He doesn’t show emotion, doesn’t share his feelings with anyone. It might be good for business, but it’s left him closed-off and lonely.

Fiona Hamilton stirs feelings in him that he doesn’t know how to handle. How can he let her in and expose himself to potential devastation?

The name of Fiona Hamilton’s boutique business – Live, Laugh, Love -- sums up her life philosophy. Sensitive, intuitive, and caring, Fiona’s personal touch is what has makes her lifestyle website and business successful.

She knows that Caleb is a good man. She knows he is wounded. Can she break through his defenses? Does she even want to try?

Can they resist their attraction?

I absolutely loved A Heart Restrained and, in fact, all the books in the Scarred Hearts series. Jennifer Wilck does not shy away from difficult topics such as emotional trauma or abuse. With great sensitivity and pacing, she reveals her characters’ humanity – their struggles, their fears, and their hopes.

If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt, beautiful romance, get your copy of A Heart Restrained.
3,248 reviews29 followers
April 5, 2023
This is book three in The Scarred Hearts series and it is Caleb and Fiona’s story. Caleb and Fiona are the total opposite of each other as he is a wealthy and successful media mogul and thinks everyone should do as he wants and she deals with a lifestyle website that is successful because of how she treats her clients who are important to her. When Caleb and Fiona meet there attraction and chemistry is off the charts hot and sparks fly when ever they are near each other but will Caleb be able to let go of his past and see what is in front of him or will he keep his distance and miss out on something really special as Fiona will not settle for anything other than true commitment and the happy ending that she deserves so where does that leave them other than a stalemate position with neither being able to move forward, well only time will tell what the outcome will be for them. Another great book in this series that I couldn’t put down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and I can’t wait to read more books in the future by this author.
Profile Image for Darlene Fredette.
Author 13 books54 followers
March 28, 2023
This book was such a good read. The plot was solid and filled with a heavy punch of emotion. Caleb struggles with his father’s abusive impact on their family, which created a hero whom readers want to see happy. Fiona is a strong lead and brings colour to Caleb’s life. Their chemistry sparks the moment they meet. The dialogue is fun and moves the story at a smooth pace. This is the third book in the Scarred Hearts series, and while I would have liked to have read the first two before this one, Caleb and Fiona stood well on their own. However, I enjoyed this book so much, I now want to read about Caleb’s friends, Simon and Ted, and I hope there will be another installment with Alex. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
Profile Image for Susan Hutchinson.
Author 2 books15 followers
March 27, 2023
Great Read

Caleb and Fiona couldn’t be any different. He owns a huge media conglomerate; she owns a small but highly popular website. He keeps his emotions locked down; she is the epitome of expressive with hers. Wilck, as always, paints her characters with a detailed brush and delivers a masterpiece of a story. The book is filled with wit, charm, and, most of all, emotion that will carry you through from the first meeting of these two through the turmoil they survive to get to their well deserved HEA. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Haney Hayes Promotions.
337 reviews63 followers
January 20, 2024
This was an incredibly emotional read but, at the same time, completely worth it. You get the emotionally broken hero but with the sassy FMC. Then add in opposites attract. Just so much that was great. I love Fiona so much, but I connect more with Caleb. I understand his thought process. How he always believed it was his job to protect his loved ones. Be prepared this book will pull at your heartstrings and drag you through it all.
Profile Image for Barbara.
17.8k reviews8 followers
Read
April 23, 2023
The third book in the Scarred Hearts series another very good story. Caleb Zeno has somethings in his past he has to overcome if he is going to move forward with Fiona Hamilton. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest throughout. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending and finding out why he was like he was. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,336 reviews28 followers
April 21, 2023
Caleb is a successful unemotional businessman due his upbringing. Fiona is an open loving successful businesswoman. This two very different people are drawn to each other and Fiona knows that under all his armor Caleb has a loving heart and she is willing to stick around to find it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,489 reviews116 followers
April 28, 2023
This is the fifth book I've read written by Jennifer Wilck; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Scarred Hearts Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Fiona & Caleb.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for George .
254 reviews
May 7, 2023
An amazing book

Those book describes the scarred heart of Caleb; who because of his experience with an emotionally abusive father, closest off his emotions . But when he meets Fiona, his hiding his emotions sabotage their burgeoning relationship. The book describes Caleb's journey to not biding his emotions. An exceptional story!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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