DarbyI’m here. Back in the same town I ran from years ago and the man I left behind. Pierce Kendrick, the man I’ve never stopped loving.The day he walked up to me with his cocky smile, everything changed.Now, I don’t recognize the cold, harsh, bitter man that stands in his place. It’s time Pierce knows why I left, and the secrets that drove me away. Nothing could prepare me for what happens next. prepare me for what happens next.
The man I loved reappears. This time, he’s a powerhouse, determined to get back what we lost.
Can it be that simple?
Pierce
She’s home.
Darby Graham, the woman who ruined me, has returned.
She rolls back into town, stirring up memories and feelings that I buried long ago.
One look at her and I know she’s been hiding something.
What I don’t expect is for the truth to rock my world.
For a second time in my life, I’m helpless against the power Darby holds over me.
She’s mine.
Her resistance fuels my determination.
My insistence drives her wild.
She says we’re impossible.
I say she’s wrong.
And I’m going to prove it.
Darby Graham thinks I’m crazy.
She’s about to see how crazy things can be.
more
First book I’ve read by Ahren and it blew me away!! The heartache that Darby and Pierce experience as young lovers leaves them at a loss in their lives and relationship. Fast forward 12 years and a heartbroken Pierce learns she’s back in town. His anger towards Darby is strong as is the love that never left him. Secrets from the past come out and threaten to dismantle a second chance for the two of them. Definitely a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this one but we’ll worth it!!
WOW This is only the second book I have read from this author but she has completely blown me away with this one. This one certainly pierced my heart reading this emotion second-chance romance.
Ahren has given us some beautiful characters in this one, she has done a brilliant job telling their story embedding themselves in my heart.
Darby and Pierce were childhood sweethearts and have never gotten over each other, they have suffered for years and now they are finally getting the chance to hash things out, to say what needs to be said but I’m not sure if this will heal or break them more. Peirce is determined not to let her get away again. The chemistry between them is still palpable and electrifying.
After this strong start to this series I am excited to see where this series goes next.
All the feels! Pierced Hearts by Ahren Sanders is a beautifully written, second chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
Pierced Hearts by Ahren Sanders is the first book in her brand new Southern Charmers series. This is the first book I have read by Ahren Sanders but it won’t be the last. The complexity and depth of the story that unfolds between Pierce and Darby was phenomenal! So much emotion and angst and history between these two characters and the gentle tease of information as the reader delves further into the story was well-timed. The characters were flawed and human but the story was rich with hope for the future. Each scene was set well – so much so I can almost picture the “shed” and the bakery and the town. Loved it! Enjoy!
This is the third book I’ve read by Ahren Sanders, and this is the third time she has blown me away with her incredible storytelling. Richly detailed and full of every single feel, Sanders has a way of developing her characters that enables her readers to truly get to know them. The effort and care she takes in progressing her plots and stories, in laying them out and building the anticipation, is evident on every page. It’s easy to get lost in her stories, swept right up in them and invested in her characters. Sanders always makes the journey, even the painful parts, worth every single step of the way. I devoured Pierced Hearts in a day, hushing my family when they tried to talk to me, ignoring texts and phone calls, and cooking dinner with my Kindle in one hand.
A deeply moving second-chance romance, Pierced Hearts rekindles the first-loves romance between Darby and Pierce. This couple has suffered mightily, and neither one of them has gotten over the other or moved on. I don’t want to say to much about this story, I think it is important for readers going into it to experience everything as it unfolds. But I will say that this was one of the most emotional second-chance romances I’ve ever read. My heart was in my throat when it wasn’t aching or breaking for all that this couple went through. The misunderstandings, mistakes, lapses in judgment all snapped together to build what felt like an impenetrable wall between this young couple.
Twelve years later, they’re finally hashing everything out, clearing the air, and they are gutted by the realizations they make. So much has changed, and while Darby is stronger now than she’s ever been, she still has a fragility about her. While they may have talked it all through, Darby thinks what is between them in the present is insurmountable and Pierce is determined not to let her get away again. They have so much more than their own personal demons to battle, though, and Sanders takes readers along on their journey, painstakingly detailing every single gut-wrenching and heart-healing step of the way.
Ahren Sanders may have ran me through the emotional wringer through most of Pierced Hearts, but she put me back together, too. This was no easy-to-read love story, it was raw, devastating and painful, but it was also beautiful, hopeful and romantic. Sanders filled the pages with a steamy, hard-fought-and-earned, second-chance romance, and this story that will stay with me for a long time to come. Five smooches from me for Pierced Hearts by Ahren Sanders!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
“I may have lived without you, but I wasn’t really living, not until that day in May when my heart started beating again because you were back.”
Would it be rude if I mention how surprised I was by how amazing this book is? Not that any of her previous works were not good, but damn, this one is sooooo amazing it needs to be elevated and appreciated appropriately, you know? I floved it…hard.
Pierced Hearts is about childhood sweethearts who never got over each other. She walked away from the love of her life ten years ago and neither of them has been the same since. There are so many unresolved feelings and words that need to be spoken. But, if that happens, so does the pain. Not that either of them has been able to hide their brokeness from those close to them. So, it makes perfect sense that when she comes back home she does so covertly, trying to stay under his radar to avoid a confrontation. How fun it was waiting for him to finally figure out she was there and find her!
Ten years ago Pierce was young and dumb. That’s the only explanation I can give for him letting her go and not going after her. When she left she took his heart with her, along with his mind. Yeah, if letting her go was a bad decision, what he does next takes the cake. SMDH
Can I just say, the chemistry between these two is so strong that everyone in their vicinity feels the vibration when they’re in the same room together? I wanted to start a betting pool for how long it would take them to finally give in and give it another go, cuz you know I got a big book addiction that needs funding.
Oh, and another thing, young dumb Pierce turned into big, buff, bossy, alpha Pierce. Another reason I’d have a good chance at winning that bet, right? And then there’s the fact that young, impulsive, Darby is all grown up and gorgeous and is not a pushover. Nope, she’s badass and can give as good as she gets. I gave her a virtual fist bump for this one… “One thing you need to learn about the adult Darby is that threatening me with anything that involves sex is never a threat.” You go girl!
There are so many things I want to gush over and share with you, but you need to dig in and enjoy it for yourself. I just know that y’all are going to love this story, along with the colorful support characters, as much as I do. I’m so thrilled that it’s only the beginning of the Southern Charmers series and there is more goodness to come. The line forms here…
I loved every single thing about this book from the tragedy of the hero’s and heroine’s past to the undying love they shared. To the crazy ex (for lack of a better word) that was determined to keep them apart, to the kids, and to the somewhat (with good intentions) manipulative Mothers that gave a little push when needed. I loved Pierce’s dirty mouth and the so-hot-they-were-scorching-the-pages sex scenes! But in addition to that was a story that will both make your heart hurt and make it soar! This couple went through so much and had so many obstacles in their path, that at times, I doubted the possibility of a happy ending. The growth of the characters from beginning to end was a thing of beauty. The author’s ability to weave a tale so perfect and so touching left me dying for more. This was my first book by Ahren Sanders but it will not be my last!
Wow just wow is what I have to say about Ahern Sanders latest book Pierced Hearts. Darby and Pierce have an undeniable connection that began in high school and twelve years later no one can deny no matter how much time has gone by or bad blood between them that they belong together. This book of second chances takes you on a journey of Darby and Pierce confronting the past to move forward in the future and is both unique and refreshing. I cannot remember the last time I read a book that had me so engaged and not a clue what was to come next. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading and missing these friends of yours. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
I really enjoyed this book, it was also my first from this author. Really great writing, chemistry and characters. Cannot wait to read more.
**Please note, I was given an ARC for each of these books for an honest review of them. These reviews are my own thoughts and feelings and I have had no financial compensation to provide these reviews to you**
Darby and Pierce have a heck of a history. And having gone through some of what Darby has dealt with, I can understand her fear and reluctance to become involved with Pierce again, especially given the fact that baby mama, Connie, is such a witch. When Darby makes some choices about her career, I adore that Pierce, now that he is aware of the reasons behind Darby’s flight from Charleston, is totally there and supports her, even going so far as to buy her building and re-doing the building so she can have the bakery of her dreams. What a bumpy path for these two and Connie’s tricks just ticked me the heck off, but they do get their HEA!
It’s been forever since I read an Ahren Sanders novel and let me tell you this her best book yet. I missed her writing so much. Pierced Hearts was breathtakingly beautiful, it was painful at times but such an incredible story of redemption, forgiveness and seconds chances.
From the minute I opened this book I was hooked to these characters and their story. The way Ahren tells the story of their past I could literally feel my heart breaking for the love that was lost when these two separated 12 years earlier.
Pierce—what a beautiful, protective man he is. He knew right from the beginning when he reconnects with Darby that she is his end game and there is no way he is leaving her again. Darby on the other hand takes a lot more convincing but she wasn’t bitter or hateful towards him. She was genuinely scared of letting her mind believe in their love again and it makes you want to hug her and reassure it will all work out because you know it has to. There is no other option. I loved how caring, sweet and compassionate she is. The success she has made for herself with her business is inspiring. Pierce and Darby have one of the most passionate, beautiful love stories that I have read in a long time. It is real, raw and beautiful. The chemistry between these two is insatiable and so addicting and oh so steamy! It will have your kindle burning up.
I also have so much love for the secondary characters in this book. Darby’s best friend Stephanie, loved her so much. She was the supportive best friend every woman should have in their corner. Evin, Darby’s brother was fiercely protective of her and I just loved that too. Both parents were rooting for these two from the beginning and I just loved the support and advice they offer them. I absolutely cannot wait for more from this series and would give this 10 stars if I could.
Thank you Give Me Books PR and Ahren Sanders for generously providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review.
I had been so excited for this new story and series from Ahren Sanders. When I read this emotional and extremely romantic book I realized it had been worth the wait! Pierce and Darby were the quintessential couple. Their love affair was one for the history books but tragedy struck and they would be separated by loss and those scheming to tear them apart. Fast forward twelve years and fate has brought these two back together but not all that has transpired is water under the bridge and they are faced with some of their biggest obstacles yet. I am in love with this couple, fighting with them through their trials and quickly falling for others in the story line that I hope to read in future books in this series. Ahren Sanders has proven to me once again that I will always come back for more of her tales.
I had been so excited for this new story and series from Ahren Sanders. When I read this emotional and extremely romantic book I realized it had been worth the wait! Pierce and Darby were the quintessential couple. Their love affair was one for the history books but tragedy struck and they would be separated by loss and those scheming to tear them apart. Fast forward twelve years and fate has brought these two back together but not all that has transpired is water under the bridge and they are faced with some of their biggest obstacles yet. I am in love with this couple, fighting with them through their trials and quickly falling for others in the story line that I hope to read in future books in this series. Ahren Sanders has proven to me once again that I will always come back for more of her tales.
Holy angsty emotional rollercoaster! What a ride this one was. Darby and Pierce seemed to have it all, until a tragic series of events separates them. After 12 years, Darby returns to her home town. Much to her dismay, she runs into Pierce. Here starts the unfolding of all the things that caused their separation and how each of them were under some pretty heavy misconceptions. Their journey to a happily ever after wasn’t easy, but it was real and beautiful. The secondary characters, the families were amazing. I can’t wait for more from this series!!!
it was amazing
There is so much to say about this book, I have read all of Aherns books and this is truly my favorite
I loved Darby and Pierce…I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM….Darby Graham is just amazing she really blew me away….I get all the hurt that happened in the past and the sting she felt with Pierce. But in all honesty I feel she is a true warrior. She was shattered and niot going to lie I get. BUT where she was wrong was she should have told Pierce about the conversation she over heard his family having.
Pierce may have gone about things wrong and true he never moved on from Darby. but he did get something that was wonderful….THIS IS A MUST READ
This book is a stunning second chance romance that has your heart breaking but also mended by the time you are finished. All the past pain comes to surface with Darby as she comes home. Pierce is a force to be reckoned with as these two collide again. Old hurts bubble up. New issues throw them for a loop. But their love never waivers. There is a lot of push and pull in this book but also how much their love has stood the test of time no matter what happened.
One thing that I loved about this book is the realistic feel with the kids. How much things can be twisted and that children take in what they hear or are told. My heart broke for those two but I loved how things mended in the long run. This story has some interesting ups and downs that will keep you fully engrossed and not want to put it down!
Darby is back in town but only temporarily. She could not avoid returning after her mother had the accident and needed a hip replacement. Helping her was all she could think about. The only problem was trying to stay under the public radar in order to avoid seeing Pierce. He was the one for her, or so she thought years ago. They were engaged to marry and then everything fell apart. When she left town, she could only focus on healing herself. She hoped he would wait for her, even though she never told him why she was leaving. No matter. He went ahead and moved on with someone else and now has two children. He broke her heart!
Pierce has been living in hell. Ever since Darby dumped him, he has not had a happy day except for when his children were born or when he has them with him. The worst mistake of his life was to succumb to Connie’s advances when he was drunk and drugged. TWICE! Two one night stands that resulted in her getting pregnant. What are the odds? He always suspected she had made sure the condom did not work. Wouldn’t put it pass that witch! She kept insisting he marry her, but he could not do that. His heart still belonged to Darby.
Do not miss this book. Darby and Pierce are two characters that were meant to be together. Now, after all the years of separation and loss, they are about to face what really happened between them. It is time for them to face the facts and decide what their future will be.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Wowza, talk about being put through an emotional wringer! Man, I’m still trying to recover from finishing my read of Pierced Hearts, trying to piece my own heart back together after Darby and Pierce shredded it.
Darby and Pierce grew up together. Fell in love. Broke up—nearly destroying each other in the process. And have not seen each other in twelve years. Until Darby returns to her beloved hometown of Charleston.
To face her past so she can finally have the future she’s worked so damn hard for. But it’s not going to be easy. Not with all the history between them.
History that Pierce and Darby need to rewrite to get to the truth. And to find a way to face the future together.
“I may have lived without you, but I wasn’t really living, not until that day in May when my heart started beating again because you were back.”
But it’s not easy—not when family and friends are working against them. Not when circumstances and time have allowed for their feelings and the truth to be hidden and buried for so long.
But so worth it in the end. Pierced Hearts takes us along for the very bumpy ride—through when the secrets and lies are finally revealed. Through when Darby and Pierce finally overcome their hurt and anger to see what their future really can be. Through just about every emotion—happiness, sadness, shock, anger, happiness, relief, faith, hope and love. So much love. And it’s an emotional, poignant, worthy ride.
Well if you’re looking for a book full of angst then this is your book! holy wow this author blew me away with this story, it had so many twist and turns that I wasn’t expecting! so yes expect the unexpected!
This book was so good I devoured it in one day. I have always enjoyed Ahren Sanders’ books but there was just something about Darby and Pierce’s story that captivated me. I will admit I was pissed at Darby for falling back into bed with Pierce so quickly but I understood why she did it even though it had no chance of ever playing out the way she thought it would. Pierce was gunning to get her back and she wanted closure, guess I don’t have to tell you which way things worked out now do I, lol. I will admit that a twelve year separation is a LONG TIME but with the chemistry these two have it made not one bit of difference whatsoever. They can’t be in a room together without wanting to tear each others clothes off, which isn’t a bad thing but it does make things a bit uncomfortable if there are other people in the room 😉
Pierce and Darby have a lot to overcome before they can even think of a second chance. There is a LOT of hurt behind their original breakup and the years that have since passed haven’t been kind to either one of their hearts but with the UGLY truth about certain events out in the open there is finally hope for the two of them….well that is until someone starts wreaking havoc on them.
This book had me feeling every emotion possible which is why I couldn’t put it down, the story had me so engrossed hours had passed and I had no concept of time. I was crying one minute, laughing the next, I was wanting to smack someone at a few points and I wanted to hug others at the same time. SO MANY EMOTIONS! Such a great story! If you enjoy second chance romances that is a must read for you. I would recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary romance over the age of 17 due to content. I’m so excited that this is going to be a series and we are going to get to see, hopefully, all of the secondary characters find their own HEAs.
Happy Reading!!