This was my first book by Jennifer Hartmann and I absolutely was NOT prepared. Like normal, I went into this one completely blind, and oh my god. Going into a book blind has never been so fucked up. ☠️

This book follows Melody and Parker. After the loss of her husband, Melody is struggling with grief and it eating her alive. At her support group, she meets Parker - who struggles with his own sense of issues. He’s usually grumpy, bitter, mean, and stays far away from anyone that isn’t his foster sister.

Knowing that her husband’s heart was donated to someone, she thinks she found the person who got his heart and starts a little “online friendship” with him via email and instant messaging.

For the love of all that’s great, please make sure you read the trigger warnings. This one is dark, has a lot of triggering components like self harm, miscarriage, child abuse, and lots and lots of grief.

This little dark gem was spicy and a great way to get lost in a book. I also love that Melody goes from being someone’s sunshine / sun, to someone’s moon because it shows that we can continue to grow and that change isn’t a bad thing.

The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann was an emotional read. If you like opposites attract, scarred MMC, grieving widow, organ donor, opposites attract, trauma, slow burn, HEA, spicy, contemporary romances then you will love this book.

This book takes you on a journey with Melody as she is dealing with the loss of her husband. It was a realistic look at what it’s like to deal with losing your husband and the grief that takes over. Her husband’s heart went to someone in need. Melody meets Parker, who has her husband’s heart, at a suicide prevention group. Parker has had a rough life, is grumpy, and he is completely broken. His solution to not feel or get hurt, cut off as much human interaction he can. As different as Melody and Parker are and against Parker’s protests he lets Melody in. They are able to heal each other in ways no one else could.

Hartmann writes amazing stories that take you through emotional and healing journeys. She writes stories with amazing storylines and plots. They are authentic, raw, gut wrenching, beautiful, and spicy. She goes straight for the heart breaks it into a millions pieces then she eventually puts back together. I would recommend this book to anyone and the audiobook adds to the story even more. Thank you to Bloom Book and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This was my first book by Jennifer Hartmann and I can't wait to pick up her others! Wow! This one had me feeling so many emotions. I felt deeply connected to the characters and their stories. This book broke my heart so many times, but had me smiling just as much. This author does an incredible job with detail. Highly recommend!

I've read several books by Jennifer Hartmann and have enjoyed all of them. This one was no exception. There were several things I liked about this story. The complete opposites attract aspect, both back stories, their interactions with each other.

However, one thing really bothered me. Parker was gruff and stoic -- which fit his personality. He didn't speak eloquently and was often tongue-tied. But then he's suddenly poetic and has these running monologues... It just didn't jive. I wish he had been clumsy when he tried to talk to her instead of suddenly seeming like a different person.

This is the first book I read by Jennifer Hartmann and man this one was so good but also so tough to read.
Jennifer brakes my heart multiple times with this story but also puts it together in the most beautiful way.
Melody and Parker are amazingly described so are the side characters (especially Walden). This comes from the dual point of view (my fav) the book is written in. Otherwise, I’m not able to love Parker this much and he is not easy to love (but worth it).
You think this book can be shorter? No. It takes baby steps and therefore a long time until Parker learns how to love Melody.
The Epilogue(s) is (are) amazing by showing how much the human soul can overcome and be happy again.

The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann is an emotional rollercoaster that hits you right in the feels. The story is raw, beautifully written, and filled with heartbreak and healing. The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable, making their journey all the more impactful. I was completely drawn into the themes of grief, love, and second chances, and it kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s a poignant and powerful read that lingers long after the final page.

The Wrong Heart is an absolute gut wrenching novel. @author.jenniferhartmann always gets me with the seriousness of her topics and the way she handles them, but this one truly sets itself apart. It’s been a long time since I loved a book as much as I loved Still Beating*. This one is definitely tied for being my favorite.

Melody and Parker are such a study in grief and trauma. It was absolutely gutting to read what they went through and how both of them were dealing with it. I am so glad that we got to watch them find each other and learn how to move past it all.

*Other than the angst, this is book is nothing like Still Beating.

Definitely recommend for anyone looking for heavy topics, including mental health and grief. Please check the trigger warnings before starting.

*******TW--- Suicide***********

wow.... that was quite a ride. This was alot of feelings. Im not usually triggered by suicide but i felt that this was so emotionally charged and i was not in the best mind space.

I feel that if i write more, it would give things away. I feel that you need to go in somewhat blind to fully appreciate this book.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

THIS BOOK WAS SO PAINFULLY BEAUTIFUL.. I don't think there are any other words to describe it that sums it up so perfectly.
I haven't read anything else this year.. it put me in a slump because once again, Jennifer has put me in a state of wonder and confusion that has me re-evaluating my life.

I really enjoyed this. It was my first of this author and she writes such an emotional story! I really enjoyed the twists that this had as well. I would definitely recommend this book to friends!

This book absolutely wrecked me I can't express enough how much I loved it. I cried, I laughed, I cheered, I mourned, I celebrated. If you’re looking for a tear-jerking, heartwarming, and hope-filled romance, look no further. This book was a beautifully devastating ride from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, Jennifer Hartmann never misses for me. As always, her books hit every emotional chord I possibly have. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and felt with some very heavy topics. I laughed, I cried, I grieved. Parker and Melody deserve all the love in the world. Owen is so precious and I loved the almost big brother like relationship Parker developed with him. The little twist I honestly didn’t see coming. The ending had me choking down tears while also smiling. Just beautiful.

This was such a beautifully written story of love and loss. It touched on sensitive subjects like mental health and suicide, which are rarely addressed in books especially in the romance genre and I deeply appreciated that. The complexity of the characters added so much depth to the story, and I found myself truly captivated by the journey.

The narration was incredible, bringing every emotion love, grief, loss, sadness, and heartbreak to life. Jennifer’s writing never fails to amaze me, and this book was no exception. It’s a story that I’ll carry with me for a long time. I especially loved how the narrative gave us both the beginning and the end. So often, we’re left to wonder about the characters’ futures, but this story provided a full circle resolution, which I found incredibly satisfying.

While I occasionally felt frustrated with the characters, it only underscored how deeply invested I was in their journey. The character development was exceptional. We see these individuals go from being broken and lost to becoming the best versions of themselves. It’s rare to notice such a clear and intentional transformation in a story, but in this book, it was beautifully evident.

The relationship dynamic between the main characters was heartbreaking yet profoundly beautiful. Reading from the perspective of a grieving character added a layer of realism that was both eye opening and deeply moving. It’s a reminder that trauma and loss can touch any of us and that resilience and healing are possible.

The biggest takeaway for me was the powerful message to keep fighting, no matter how dark things may feel. This book is a poignant reminder that, even in our darkest moments, the sun will shine again.

Jennifer Hartmann did not disappoint. Her books always make me questions what I would do in that situation and she doesn’t care to push social boundaries.

This is a story that will stick with me long after reading it. Jennifer Hartmann is becoming one of my favorites. The Wrong Heart is about two people who are both overcoming heartbreak and trauma, and how they decide to keep on living.

TW: suicide & grief

Melody is grieving her husband and first love, while clinging on to the one thing he left behind- his heart. Parker has never experienced love after growing up in an abusive home. The two meet at a suicide support group and slowly start forming connections.

I love to get my feelings hurt so I will read everything JH ever writes. If you like angsty & emotional romances read this book.

༺𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠༻
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɪɴ KU: Yes
ᴘᴀɢᴇs: 392

The Wrong Heart is an emotional ride that dives deep into grief, healing, and unexpected love. Melody is lost after the death of her husband, struggling to find her footing in a world that feels empty without him. Desperate for a connection, she reaches out anonymously to the man who received his heart. At the same time, she joins a suicide prevention group, where she meets Parker—a man who’s as closed off and broken as she is.
Parker isn’t your typical hero. He’s blunt, brooding, and a bit of an ass, but his raw honesty is exactly what Melody needs. Their chemistry is messy and complicated, with plenty of push and pull as they work through their pain. The way their relationship evolves feels real—messy but meaningful—and watching them grow together is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
This book doesn’t hold back from tough topics, touching on loss, self-harm, and the struggle to find purpose again. But it’s not all heavy. There are glimmers of humor, warmth from secondary characters, and a slow realization that even the most broken pieces can be put back together.
Hartmann’s storytelling is raw and captivating, pulling you right into Melody and Parker’s world. While some parts felt a bit rushed toward the end, the emotional journey is worth it. If you’re a fan of angsty, character-driven romance that hits you right in the feels, this one’s for you.

᪥ Age Gap
᪥ Enemies To Lovers
᪥ Grumpy x Sunshine
᪥ Tortured Hero
᪥ Darker
᪥ Dual POV

If you plan to read this then please read the trigger warnings. It is not meant to be a lightheaded book, it's about loss and grief so read with caution.

The Wrong Heart follows Melody whose life had changed when husband had died in tragic accident and she hasn't been the same since. Consumed by grief, she nearly kills herself but decides that she isn't ready. At a suicide prevention group, she soon meets Parker, whose walls are up way too high and dealing with his own demons. But despite finding her infuriating, he can't help but find himself drawn to her. Jennifer Hartmann wrote this so beautifully, tugging on all the right heartstrings. This book will take you on a emotional rollercoaster.

Their relationship is messy, constantly going one step forward and two steps back. Parker is such a complex character, struggling to let anyone in due to the childhood he endured. At the start of the book, he definitely is not likeable but he does grow on you the further you get into the book and understand what he's been through. His character development is phenomenal and I loved reading about both of their healing journeys.

Trigger Warnings: Grief, Self Harm, Suicide, Suicide Attempts, Child Abuse

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann is a deeply moving and beautifully written contemporary romance that left a lasting impression on me. It explores profound themes of loss, grief, and healing, intertwining these with a story of hope and unexpected connections.

The premise is both unique and emotional, revolving around the widow of a heart donor who reaches out to the recipient of her late husband's heart. What follows is an angst-filled journey that is as heartfelt as it is compelling.

Hartmann’s writing is excellent, drawing readers into the raw emotions of the characters. The connection between the protagonists feels authentic, and their struggles are portrayed with sensitivity. There were moments that caught me off guard with unexpected twists, keeping the story engaging and thought-provoking.

The book had a significant emotional impact on me, even bringing tears to my eyes at times. I found myself fully invested in the characters' journeys and rooting for their healing and happiness.

Despite its heavy themes, The Wrong Heart manages to balance pain with hope, offering a story that feels both cathartic and uplifting. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels that delve into deeper, more complex emotions.

A solid 4 stars for this emotionally resonant and well-crafted read.

Please check your trigger warnings before reading this novel. It has some pretty heavy topics.

This is a beautiful novel about grief when melodys husband gets hit by a car trying to get her purse back from a snatcher. She is absolutely inconsolable after his accident and tries to die by suicide. She changes her mind when the email comes through from the man the received her husbands heart.

Parker is a challenging survivor who deals with mental health issues. He meets melody at a support group he doesn't want to be in.

This story blooms so beautifully from here. It is a good but heavy read. So be warned. Melody just seems like a friend you need! Her character was written so perfectly I fell in love with her right away.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC

Thank you for this ARC copy!

This book has love and loss. Friends and loneliness. Grief and happiness. This was such a beautiful story.
It just reminds you to live life to the fullest and don’t take anything for granted.