Taking Heart (Healing Harts, #2)

by T. J. Kline

• ISBN10: 0062396552
• ISBN13: 9780062396556
• Publish Date: 23 June 2015 (first published 2 June 2015)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 13 March 2021
• Imprint: Avon Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

4½ Stars

All the previous books I have read by T.J. Kline are beautifully written and Taking Hearts is no exception. It is a heartwarming book filled with hope whilst tackling a difficult topic with such sensitivity and compassion.

I instantly grew attached to Dylan Granger's character as his story begins to unfold. Struggling with PTSD, he's just about given up hope...not able to see any future as he battles with nightmares and flashbacks. However, it is admirable that he finds the strength to try out his younger brother Gage's suggestion, even though he has no faith at all in his idea. The positive decision taken grudgingly alters the course of his life, offering a future he never dreamed would be within his reach again.

Julia Hart takes great pleasure in knowing that the therapy dogs she trains really make a difference to their new owners. Something she's learned from personal experience too, when a relationship ended badly resulting in her fighting for her life. Now with her constant four-legged friend by her side, Julia relishes her re-found freedom, knowing her protective family are always close. Everyone is on high alert when her new client and his brother arrive to find a therapy dog, only Julia sees beyond the prickly facade of the veteran soldier.


The attraction between Dylan and Julia is instant, although never felt forced or rushed. Both protagonists have a common, traumatic link that acts as a positive trait as both are able to understand each other and the struggles they both face on a daily basis. This becomes most apparent as they deal with a stalker from Julia's past that resurfaces and puts them both in danger. Their close connection and understanding of each others likely reactions, helps to keep them one step ahead of the perpetrator.

Like all the authors' other books I have read, Taking Hearts has a well researched plot offering something extra to the readers. This attention to detail adds that extra sparkle to what is already a fabulous read. This a touching, enlightening, sexy story, with some added angst. Not forgetting Julia and Dylan's story is built on trust, hope and of course love. Highly recommend!

[kimbacaffeinate]

Taking Heart works wonderfully as a standalone and it appears each book focuses on a Hart sibling. Julia Hart trains therapy dogs a career that is helping her overcome her own issues. Dylan is a former solider, who suffers from PTSD, and has been living with his younger brother since his discharge. Between recovering from his scars, overcoming a pain medication addiction, and dealing with his flashbacks, Dylan is in a bad place. For his brother’s sake, he agrees to give dog therapy a chance, and what he finds may give him the life he thought he had lost.

While at times this was a little insta-lovey, Kline had me connecting to both Julia and Dylan. You could feel the sparks between them, and I loved the way they opened up and shared about their past. I felt the author did a fine job of highlighting the effects of PTSD and the helplessness iof the victim and those around them. I am glad the author drew attention to the use of animals for therapy and the impact they have on the patient. Kline weaves humor, banter and delicious heat into their story and I quickly became caught up in wanting them to get their happily-ever-after.

Taking Heart also delivers some suspense as Julia’s past brings danger making Taking Heart a romantic suspense. It accomplished a few things such as driving the two together and forcing both of them to face their issues head on. All of which pulled at my heartstrings. The last one-third of the book had me flipping the pages at a maddening rate as the outside world melted away.

The dogs in the story had a strong presence and added tender moments and humor from hogging the bed to alerting them to danger. Kline did such a great job of sharing how these dogs aid PTSD victims, assist in finding missing persons and why everyone should own a furry friend. I love that they made me laugh. Kline obviously has pets because she nailed the humor of daily life with animals.

We meet other Hart siblings in Taking Heart, and I love the family interaction. After meeting the couple from Heart's Desire, I know I will need to go back and read their story, just as I know I will pick up Close to Heart, next book in the Healing Harts series.

Copy provided publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer