Review by Sahani Nimandra -- Heartaches 2 by H.M. Irwing

[Sahani Nimandra]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Heartaches 2" by H.M. Irwing.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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First and foremost it is tremendously important to note that the content in this book deals with mature subject matter; thus, I strongly recommend this book to an adult audience. The content consists of abuse (physical and mental), sexual violence and drug deals in a critical nature. The author very skilfully uses love as a tool to heal broken hearts; with a twist of strong bonds formed over friendship, to give out a fascinating reading experience to the reader.

Heartaches 2 by H. M. Irwing is the second book of its trilogy series which bring out the raw honesty of its victims. The book consists of 262 standard pages divided into 13 chapters with a prologue used as a beginning tool to keep up the continuous flow from its earlier book. Heartaches 2 belong to the romance genre; but with a twist of betrayal, hard-core and vengeance.

The novel speaks about the shy and naive, Anna Simmons who learned about the sweet and the bitterness of love, and the depth of hate through the hard way by losing something valuable. Haunted by her past Anna encounters a man who also had to endure so much in life that his dark past haunts him in his dreams. Through him, Anna recognized a reason to fight back what she had lost and to live for him.

What I enjoyed throughout this book is the descriptive detail given about love and pain. A pain centered around sexual violence (abuse) in which it influences the victim and the people involved in the victim's life physically and mentally. With all these emotions revolving around such a tedious act, there lies the hidden innocence of a person still believing the idea of a happily ever after.

Many may consider this book a Chick Lit as there is romance, passion and copious scenes of steamy erotica, all written very well indeed. What I found fascinating is the fact that Irwing's protagonists suffer from their bruised past. Rape (sole and gang) plays a significant role in this book, but that is not the drive: the point is finding solace and overcoming the past by finding a mate who will have a forgiving and an understanding heart. Through Anna, Irwing shows that people are not perpetually who they seem: who we adore the most may choose to abandon us in an unforgivable way.

Characters give a whole new meaning to this exciting and passionate, suspenseful read. The love between Anna and Rafael is beautiful which is growing strong as the two protect each other. Unfortunately, absurd dramas and extreme emotions demean the standard of the book. Yes! Ardent love exists with fearsome hate, and these characters know how to show it, but one has to wonder if the emotions displayed are above limitations. The scenario is the same when Anna and Rafael are dealing with the dramas of their loved one’s relationships throughout the plot making it extremely vague.

The plot is a well written read developed by including the perspective of multiple characters. The language used is simple and easy-going without any hindrance. This book is not a stand-alone read; thus, it is essential to read as it is otherwise there is a high chance of getting lost (with experience). I believe the social – political comments about gay marriage, the victim – blaming and rape stated in this book were favorable in maintaining my interest. It offers an emotional and a psychological complex read which is important in maintaining the reader's attention towards the book. Considering the above experience that I got from this book, I award it a 3 out of 4 stars.

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Heartaches 2
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Like Sahani Nimandra's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kwame1977]

Sexual abuse, physical and mental violence as well as drug deals are truly not pleasant scenes but am glad the reviewer has cautioned that its for only adult. Am not a fun of such books. A goog review.

[Ashiyya Tariq]

Exactly, the book contains many sensitive scenes and drug business. And Anna and Rafe were the victim of this whole gang. Well, it's an emotional read. Thanks for your review.

[Sahani Nimandra]

Thank you for commenting, it is truly as it seems! @Sarah @kwame

[ritah]

This book sounds like an intense read. Thanks for the review.

[Sahani Nimandra]

It sure is. Thank you for commenting Ritah!

[Chelsy Scherba]

I really appreciate your review and all the warnings about the content. I try to avoid books with a lot of that, so it was awesome to read your review!

[Sahani Nimandra]

I really appreciate your review and all the warnings about the content. I try to avoid books with a lot of that, so it was awesome to read your review!

Thank you for commenting, I am happy that you found my review resourceful!

[qsusan]

I also found the emotions of the characters to be rather extreme. Anna often declares to herself just how much she loves Rafe or how tormented she is by her past, her feelings are true but the author failed to make me 'feel' her emotions or empathize with her.

[Sahani Nimandra]

I also found the emotions of the characters to be rather extreme. Anna often declares to herself just how much she loves Rafe or how tormented she is by her past, her feelings are true but the author failed to make me 'feel' her emotions or empathize with her.

Its more like "needy baby, greedy baby" policy, she's complaining to get noticed. We know she has face problems and abuse, we know she loves Rafe but repeatedly saying it is overwhelming so you are right! Thank you for commenting!

[CommMayo]

I'm not a fan of this author, but I'm glad that you enjoyed this book enough to give it three stars.

[Sahani Nimandra]

I'm not a fan of this author, but I'm glad that you enjoyed this book enough to give it three stars.

Thank you for commenting CommMayo!

[Sahani Nimandra]

I read the review of Heartaches 3 (A Little Lost A Little Found) by H.M. Irwing, written by Sahani Nimandra.
I feel so sad to know that reviewer felt so deeply about the violence caused to Anna and Rafe. Actually when a girl is caught to a victim of such exploitation in the absence of any help and support , what she should do? The first love of Anna was not base on sincerity so the disappointments lead to the further failure. How can she accommodate herself in such a situation? Anyway I liked the love story of Anna and Rafe who both collectively made efforts to compete with the extreme situations of violence and tried to meet each other with the help of their supporters. So the story contains love and romance which sometimes diverts from the real situation of the story.

A Little Lost A Little Found is another book of HM Irwing, it does not belong to the Heartaches - Bad Boy Vibes series. True, Anna and Rafe found comfort in each other to move away from there past. It's true what they say about love heals pain. Thank you for commenting!

[Fozia-Bajwa]

I have read and written the review of Heartaches 2 by I.M Irwing. Anna Walters-Simmons acts as protagonist character in the story who suffered from cruelty, rapist and remorseless behaviors from her closely linked people. She is passing from a very poor condition full of grief but also trying to come back to its normal position with the desire of vengeance. Raphael Russo Brown, often called Rafe is the boyfriend of Anna and remains with in all of the difficulties suffered by her because all the conditions had also been suffered by him. The erroneous and disturbed mental conditions of both members bring them to a unity and match. Thanks for your great review.

[Sahani Nimandra]

I have read and written the review of Heartaches 2 by I.M Irwing. Anna Walters-Simmons acts as protagonist character in the story who suffered from cruelty, rapist and remorseless behaviors from her closely linked people. She is passing from a very poor condition full of grief but also trying to come back to its normal position with the desire of vengeance. Raphael Russo Brown, often called Rafe is the boyfriend of Anna and remains with in all of the difficulties suffered by her because all the conditions had also been suffered by him. The erroneous and disturbed mental conditions of both members bring them to a unity and match. Thanks for your great review.

Thank you for summoning that up!