4.5 Gripping & Unputdownable Stars to JAR OF HEARTS!

JAR OF HEARTS by JENNIFER HILLIER is an intense, chilling, dark and twisted psychological thriller novel that grabbed my attention very quickly and had me totally invested throughout this whole story.

JENNIFER HILLIER delivers a unique, well-written and very descriptive read here with characters that were not all that likeable but they were definitely compelling to read about though. I found the storyline and some scenes quite disturbing and unsettling but nonetheless it was a thrilling, entertaining and exciting book for me to read.

I thought that the reveals were perfectly timed and the way that the story developed and was presented to us was quite the impressive storytelling and very appealing to this reader. I think that is one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story so much!

Cautionary Warning: There is some disturbing content and scenes that might be sensitive for some readers.

To sum it all up it was an enjoyable, fast-paced, concisely written, thought-provoking, and a cringe worthy read with an ending that took me a little by surprise. Would recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jennifer Hillier for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

5 Star Must Read for those who love a good edge of seat kind of thriller!! If mysteriously awesome reads are your jam, this is the book for you!!!

Truly grips you from page one and doesn’t let go!! Fast paced with an ending I just didn’t see coming!

Thank you Netgalley & Minotaur for this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! I found a new author to love!

The cover was the first thing that pulled me in to this book, followed by the intriguing description. Dealing with two different timelines can be tricky, but Hillier did a nice job—I really enjoyed how the story of the past intertwined with what was currently happening, with both storylines peaking at the same time. Very well thought out. I also wondered for the longest time if the title had any significance, or if it was just a reference to the Christina Perri song. It turned out to be an important motif in the last two sections, and I like how it came together and was woven in to both the past and present storylines.

However, it was a little difficult for me to get into this book. It's written in present tense, which I generally find jarring. Personal preference, I suppose. Part one of the book just wasn't at all riveting to me. I didn't really care what happened; the characters came off as flat—particularly Geo, who seemed so blasé about going to prison that I just didn't find it believable. Although she had been anticipating her arrest for 14 years, I would still expect a rich, snobby executive to freak out a lot more—if not right away, at least when prison became a reality. So I read the first few chapters, got bored, and picked it back up again a few weeks later.

Then things started to get good. When the narration shifts to Kai, it was like the story was waking up. Things felt more real, more urgent. The perspective change wasn't jarring (the story's told in third person rather than first, which helps the shift feel more natural) or confusing, because Kai had such a different voice. It felt like the characters were becoming more distinctive, taking on shape. When Geo picks up the story again, she becomes more lifelike as well—her emotions over Cat, her inner conflict, her feelings about Kai, etc.

I did have to suspend my disbelief at times because something was a bit over-the-top dramatic, didn't seem realistic, or was wrapped up a bit too easily/neatly. There were a few info dumps in the dialogue as well—mostly extraneous details; I suppose to make the tertiary characters more real (though mostly it wasn’t necessary). That said, I was glad to see that the meat of the story was not among the info dumps, and instead, these details were sprinkled throughout the book. Once I started Part II, I also started reading much faster—things started happening quickly, I got more connected to the characters, and I finished the book pretty quickly after that!

3.5 stars overall

If I think too hard about this then I'll decide parts are a little too absurd for me to fully get on board, but overall this was an enjoyable read.

Jar Of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier was a roller coaster ride from the first page right up until the very last page with an ending I didn’t see coming. Told in the present day with flashbacks leading up to the horrific night where choices made will have negative consequences for years to come because secrets never stay hidden or buried.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my ARC

Oh my Jennifer Hillier...Wow… While it's hard to have an absolute favorite book of all time, when they're so many good ones, this book is at the tippy top!!! I thought about how to describe this book and to give a synopsis,however it would not be fair to ruin any little detail of this intense, page turning, story. I plan on reading every book ever written by Jennifer Hillier ASAP, because her story telling ability is second to none. I was immediately sucked in by this story and it consumed me. I couldn't put this book down and cannot stop thinking about it. There's murder, love, sadness, and friendship and that's as much as I'll say. My moral code was tested this entire book as the main character, Georgina or Geo, is hard not to love.

**THANK YOU THANK YOU NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me an advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was maxing!**

First love: so undefined yet all consuming...

Where the line between love and obsession often becomes blurred, and when the bad doesn't seem so bad, because it's its own twisted version of love.

The plot could have been taken off of any nighttime news show. A missing girl's body is finally found dead after many years, with ties to a serial killer(Calvin) and even worse, her best friend at the time and the serial killer's girlfriend. (Geo)

Told from Geo's point of view, the story bounces between past and present, leading up to the horrible day that changed Geo's life forever. At times I really liked Geo, and at others I was appalled....Getting to see how Geo got to where she was in life and the decisions she made to bring her there kept me riveted. In fact if I'm honest, I much preferred the past story line over the present, which is what held me back from rating this higher.

One of the things I like about this author is that she writes authentically flawed characters that make sense to me. They may be damaged, dark, narcissistic, and much worse, but they are portrayed realistically, at times even showing a vulnerable side that I find intriguing.

This is a well written mystery that I think any mystery lover will respond well to!

This story line is very brutal in places, including a rape scene. But I could not put the book down. I had to find out where the story was going and who did it. Lots of twists--and I was wrong about who did it

Even though what Geo did was despicable, she is still endearing and you can't help wanting good things for her. The twist at the end made the book. It was an intense read that is hard to put down.

JAR OF HEARTS introduces readers to Georgina “GEO” Shaw, a successful pharmaceutical executive, with a dark secret she has kept hidden for 14 years. Now her secret is out and Geo faces the end of her career as well as her upcoming nuptials with only the prospect of several years in jail in the foreseeable future.

This is a tale of psychological suspense fueled by disturbing obsession coupled with sex, lies, deception and murder. Author, Jennifer Hillier, tears into the narrative with the energy of a hungry animal giving the reader plenty of shocking twists and turns to digest. Just when you when you think you have it all figured out, someone throws in a monkey wrench that opens up old wounds and memories in this shocking page turner.

This novel moved like a fast train, making me wonder: what happened to Geo in the past, and how do those events impact what's happening now? Geo is arrested for her part in the murder of her friend, but we don't really get to know the details until the end. Part thriller, part mystery, the book keeps you wondering and guessing.

I don't want to spoil the plot twists (though they're not too shocking for the avid mystery reader), but I will say that this novel had me torn. I loved the pace and thriller aspect, but I didn't like the graphic elements of the crime (which did nothing for the story), nor the 'twist' in the end, which made me thoroughly dislike the main character Geo.

A good mystery if you like a juicy, shocking read. Not so recommended if you read for character...

Thank you for this Advanced Readers Copy!

This book is incredible. It is a complex plot as an easy read. Although the main character was caught up in some difficult issues, you couldn't help by cheer her on and wish for her peace. This book will have you guessing until the very end! Highly recommended. I will definitely be reading more Jennifer Hillier books!

“The past is always with you, whether you choose to think about it or not, whether you take responsibility for it or not. You carry the past with you because it transforms you. You can try to bury it and pretend it never happened, but that doesn’t work. Geo knows that from experience. Because buried things can, and do, come back.”

Jar of Hearts gripped me from the start! A story that pulls all kinds of emotions, it’s honest and real, it’s shocking, and it’s full of twists that keep you engrossed to the end.

This story gives you mixed emotions. The writing is very detailed and leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s precise and well written. I enjoyed the way it was broken into parts. I especially enjoyed how the mystery is slowly revealed through these parts and pieces. The author does a great job of making you feel everything Georgina Shaw goes through throughout this story. Georgina’s past is catching up with her, but all the details of that fateful night have not yet been uncovered. As details emerge, and the story unfolds, these complex characters leave you stunned.

“But the guilt? It never leaves. It hangs around like a bad smell that no amount of bleach can eliminate. You can get yourself a new life, get yourself a new love, go to jail for the terrible thing you helped do…but the guilt is still there, stinking like an invisible piece of rotting garbage underneath your bed that won’t go away no matter how many attempts you make to clean it. Because that smell-of rotting flesh, of rotting soul-is you.”

I really enjoyed this book. The story was solid all throughout the book and it ended with a bang! Really good twists and turns - some of which you could see coming with all the build up/some of which were totally shocking! This is my first book from this author, but I will definitely be checking out more of her works.

This was a fun mystery! Kept me wanting to find out more. In the beginning i wanted to hate the protagonist, but in the end, it all turned around. Bravo, good read!

This review is also posted in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/2018/04/30/jar-of-hearts/

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Net Galley for a free copy of this book in trade for an honest review

It’s a complete story of love triangle, betrayal, the foolishness of youth, spiced with jealousy that leads to murder and story about second chances in life all written in a perfect package. Supporting the story is characters with emotional burdens that makes me feel sometimes sympathize, angry, or confused. This is a story that part of it you could relate to. Whether you’re the popular girl (like Angela Wong), or the unnoticed beauty (like Geo) or the helplessly falling in love but get no response (like Kaiser), or the cute guy with mental issue (like Calvin), each reader could emotionally attached to it.

Since the beginning, the story is getting back and forth between the past and the present. The story opens with the trial of Calvin James and Geo is sitting in the witness stand. She’s been hiding the secret of Angela’s death for 14 years and finally has to paid for her sins. Along the way, we got an insight on how Geo’s life in prison and what happen on the past. The story is easy to read and the transition between the present and past is done smoothly. But with each step, the past is revealed little by little that lead to the night of murder.

At first the plot is quite straight and easy, but it get twisted when there are 2 murders that looks like the Sweetbay Strangler style. Did Calvin do this? The clues are thrown in the previous chapter and the truth comes out later. I think this is a drama with a crime twist.

Characters are both strong and weak, as well as sick and sane, this book got the complete package. Geo as the main character is pictured as the popular pretty girl, independent but somehow falls with the wrong guy. But she came out strong and dare to take what life offers her: a second chance in love and life, making things right. Kaiser is your boy next door, someone nice, honest and dedicated to what he believed. He’s as tormented as Geo about Angela’s disappearance and death. He’s more tormented to see that Geo is more interested in Calvin than in him. Calvin is a conflicted character, there are things unconnected between his behavior. He could kill women by choking and raping them, but he can’t bear the sight of blood when he buried Angela’s body. This is a killer with a heart? Not sure how to categorize this guy though.

The end is quite surprising. Never see it coming. This is the first book from Jennifer Hillier that I read, but I would love to read other books from her.

Recommend for those who love a good crime and mystery story with a twisty plot and lots of drama.

The description of Jennifer Hillier’s “Jar of Hearts” intrigued me, and I believed I was in for a treat. Reading the novel, however, soon blunted this feeling.

There are pages and pages of the author telling us how the characters feel, but little of the emotions show in the action, making it difficult to embrace the people we’re supposed to care about. It’s not that the author didn’t offer the information. It’s there, but the presentation is what transform the potential of an exciting scene into a vanilla blandness. On occasion, this bled into the dialogue, leaving the characters with unrealistic conversations.

Many instances contradict with my personal knowledge of how prisons are run. Inmates (especially in multiples) living in Maximum Security would find it almost miraculous to escape, Maximum Security is not “gen pop,” and Max inmates do not live in dormitory-style settings (perhaps there have been instances of maximum security inmates living this way, but it is hard to imagine it being allowed to happen). Questioning suspects by officers not allowed to offer Miranda rights wouldn’t occur (at least, not in the random manner described) and daily listening to lawyer-inmate phone conversations would constitute violations of lawyer-client privilege. The idea of paying a prison officer $100 a month for information that could be obtained at no cost – especially to a police officer working an active case – doesn’t make sense, though it is more believable than a Maximum Security inmate being given sharp objects and allowed to work in the prison barber shop or kitchen. I could go on, but you get the idea. A few hours of deeper research could have legitimized much of the background the author presented. The creation of a fictional prison didn’t bother me in the least. Twisting and bending normal prison procedures did.

Authors at times strive for whatever will inject a high level of surprising events, the “twist” that at times provides high satisfaction to readers. Sometimes, the best plots are those that contain the most simplistic elements. I felt enough suspense that the simplistic plotline would have succeeded. Ms. Hillier performed well in this area, the flip-flop of past and current events neatly dovetailing as she worked toward the climax. The multiple twists inserted at the end didn’t work for me, and the explanation to justify a major change in direction seemed rushed. Additionally, the abrupt change-in-direction of the major characters did not ring true, especially with those who I would label as psychopaths.

I completed the book because I was caught up in the suspense aspect I previously mentioned. I truly expected “Jar of Hearts” would finish with more power and believability than it did. Coupled with the elements listed above, this is an offering that will appeal to some readers as well as Ms. Hillier’s most devoted fans. Two-and-a-half (rounded to three) stars.

Really riveting book. One of those books you don’t want to put down and don’t want to do anything else until you’ve finished it. Really liked this one. Haven’t read a book that grabbed me and held my interest in a really long time.

When Geo was 16, her best friend was murdered by Geo's boyfriend. Geo unwillingly played a role in the crime and as a woman in her early 30s, spends time in prison. While she is in prison, her ex-boyfriend escapes. Murders begin and they are eerilly similar to the murder of Geo's friend. Geo is set to be released and she believes these murders to be a warning to her.

The book flashes back to the past, where we see the relationship unfold and understand more about the original crime. It also focuses in the present time, where detectives are working to solve the current crimes.

The book is a dark, edgy ,shocking, deeply terrifying psychological thriller. It is very fast paced. I found it to be a unique book, very different from the usual thriller. I couldn't put it down!

Thank you to Macmillan/ Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read Jar of Hearts, by Jennifer Hillier.

As Georgia, aka Geo, and her best friend, Angela, head to a high school party for fun and excitement, they don’t have any idea how exciting the evening will be. One of the girls will not make it home and the other girl lives with the secret of that night for years. Calvin, the handsome older boy, has won the heart of one of these girls, and will change her life forever. The reader is kept in suspense wondering what really happened that night, who will be missing next, and how will anyone survive this terror in a small town. This book is a real page turner, keeping you guessing right up to the end. What an exciting read!