I had so many different thoughts and emotions whilst reading this book, and after the first few chapters, and the slow start, I didn't think that I would end up absolutely loving this book as much as I did. The progression and development of the the characters, was what made it for me.

 

The characters just felt real to me, they were multi-faceted human beings like the rest of us. As people, we all change in different situations and with different people, and although I got annoyed that Jenny was going against her strong beliefs in the book, I soon began to realise that it was just the reality of the world that I was reading about. It was nice to have a strong willed independant woman character that isn't intimidated by the first man that she meets as you get with a lot of romance novels.

 

The characters realness really made me think about a lot of things, but the book itself was extremely thought provoking. Laced in with the storyline, there were moments where the characters would reflect upon themselves and their actions in a casual internal dialogue manner. These moments were some of my favourite in the book as they not only relate to the story and the characters but to the real life, and any book that can make you think is a winner in my books. (I've also got a few good quotes highlighted from these sections as well!)

 

I have mixed feelings about the way the story was handled however. It progressed with regards to the mystery, yes, but sometimes I felt as though it was pushed to the side for the romance or the interactions between the "romancees" to be at the forefront. Personally I thought how the romance started was a little random (and a bit horrible on Jenny's side) but I have to admit that it wasn't in your face and was handled in a classy manner alongside the suspence.

 

The writing was suspenceful but laid back if not a little too wordy at times. I found it was padded out with a lot of unnecesary descriptions, but in my opinion that isn't anything too drastic to worry about.

 

I don't think I can fully describe in a cohesive way how I feel about this book as I have so many different opinions that aren't easily worded. However, overall, Hearts Under Fire was a rollercoaster of a read. Emotions flaring everywhere, suspence, romance, and reality. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone. Oh, and the twist at the end was AWESOME!