Review of A Heart At War (Matters Of The Heart series, Book 2)

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Heart At War (Matters Of The Heart series, Book 2)" by Jenay Balderas.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Tori has always had it together. She married her devoted husband at a young age and built her medical career independently. To an outsider’s eyes, she had a perfect life, that is, until she discovers her husband’s infidelity. In one moment, her whole world came crashing down. She realized that the life she spent twenty years building was all a lie. When Lance steps into her office with his pregnant sister, Tori’s world tilts. She must now fight two wars in her heart: whether to let Lamont go and if she should give Lance a chance. But Lance is also fighting a war of his own. When his wife, Noel, died seven years ago, his heart died with her and their unborn child. Now he must decide if he can let Tori heal his wounds. The broken lovers will have to decide if their newfound love is worth fighting for or if the shards of the past caused wounds too deep to heal.

I enjoyed the simplistic love story that is A Heart at War. It is Book 2 of the Matters of the Heart series. Jenay Balderas wrote this book with a natural flow and clear storyline, and it read to me like a classic Tyler Perry movie that celebrates Black love and healing. It was easy to connect with Tori, and I understood all the emotional trauma she went through. The author wrote in a way that absorbed me in all the scenes regardless of how simple the plot was. I laughed so much at Lamont’s audacity. He made demands that were just hilarious. I was glad for the unintentional comic breaks.

I appreciated how this book celebrates Black women. With this story, the author sends a message that many Black women need to be reminded of: your past pain doesn’t define you, and if you’re hoping for love, you deserve the very best. I enjoyed seeing Tori’s strength shine through her vulnerability. I listened to the audiobook on Audible, and it made my reading experience much more entertaining. The Black accent that Alexis Stewart used allowed me to sink deeper into the story. Both Tori and Lance told their stories in the first person, and Stewart successfully imitated their voices. I was pleasantly surprised when she nailed Lance’s deep voice. Even the female characters had different voices from each other.

However, this book had little to no suspense. I could predict most of the events before they happened. Readers that are looking for a well-developed, complex plot may not enjoy this book. But if you enjoy simplistic romance stories, then you’ll love reading about Tori and Lance. There are swear words in the book, and the sex scenes are steamy, which may make readers who are uncomfortable with such squirm. But the story of hope and overcoming pain is heartwarming.

I was uncomfortable with the moaning sounds that came on during some erotic scenes. I also found some scenes cheesy and a little cliché. I felt that Lance’s conversational skill was a bit underdeveloped. But I will still rate A Heart at War four out of four stars because I believe it is perfect for its intended audience, and it is nicely written and exceptionally narrated. Pick up this book if you like corny love stories and stories about Black love!

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A Heart At War (Matters Of The Heart series, Book 2)
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[José Cortez]

A book that celebrates black women would definitely make an amazing read for me! Thank you!

[Mbal33]

Very captivating story line. A reminder that we don't have to stay in pain as woman and that healing should be a priority. We lose our sense of worth in the unwillingness to heal the parts of us that need healing. Thank you for the excellent review.

[Akangbe Opeyemi]

This is intriguing. When life comes crashing down on us, we need to find the strength and will to heal from the pain. Wonderful review

[Elendu Ekechukwu]

I wonder why someone would cheat on their wife

[janeadika]

this happens every time to our african ladies, again it brings about the Tyler Perry's kinda theme.
it's true that: your past pain doesn’t define you, and if you’re hoping for love, you deserve the very best

[Nathaniel Edna]

i appreciate how this book celebrates Black women. Thanks for the review

[Sharon uwera]

I just love how black is celebrated. You know most people think black people don't know how to love.this is amaizing