Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne

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Title: Heart Smart
Author: Emma Lee Jayne
Series: Work For It #2
Published by: Smartypants Romance
Release Date: March 2, 2021
Format: eARC
Pages: 270
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Source: Smartypants Romance
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2021 COYER Winter, Lenoreo's 2021 Diversity Reading Challenge
Find it: Goodreads ✩ Amazon ✩ IndieBound ✩ Book Depository
My rating:

Blurb:

Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has a problem…

I’m a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees. “Misanthropic asshole” is the term I hear most often.

I don’t care what other people think as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn’t enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.

Except, I’ve been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I’ll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.

Yeah. None of that is going to happen.

Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a “make over,” help me write the speeches, and manage my social media.

But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.

And Holly is the solution…

I’m a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I’m used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.

But I’m good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.

When Max’s boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.

It’ll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant.

What I can’t handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.

This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat …

‘Heart Smart’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

My Review:

I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4.5 stars — Wow.  This one just grabbed me, sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go…I kind of love that feeling.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with a grumpy/jerk hero, b/c that’s not something I gravitate towards AT ALL.  But there was SO MUCH going on underneath Max, he was kind of fascinating to get to know.  Don’t get me wrong, he was a jerk…and sometimes there were no excuses.  But other times he was hiding a tender heart that was afraid and confused.  It was so interesting being in his head, and seeing him completely miss certain social cues and such — and to see how he had interpreted things along the way in his life.  I genuinely didn’t expect to fall in love with him, but I did…right alongside Holly.  When Holly pushed him enough and he got over himself, he was observant, kind, and desperately deserving of love.

Holly, on the other hand, I probably fell in love with right away.  I’m loving seeing these characters with ADHD, b/c I’m suddenly starting to recognize myself in parts of them.  She was so earnest, and with such a HUGE heart.  I LOVED how tenacious she was when she wanted something, and how she could see past facades at times, so wasn’t put off at first push.  She was sassy, adorable, smart, and just so easy to love.  I LOVED how much she wanted to help lift others up, knowing how hard it can be to start with disadvantages.

Now don’t get me wrong, they were both wrapped up in their own perceived deficiencies, with strong walls protecting themselves…but I was okay with the timeline for watching those crumble and seeing them figure things out.  It was immensely satisfying.  Because honestly?  They were so cute together.  I loved the way they pushed and challenged one another.  I loved the way they teased.  Oh yeah, and their chemistry was pretty freaking amazing as well.

Lots of really interesting side characters in this one too…like, LOTS.  From Max’s grad students, to his sister Tavey, to Lily MacPherson, to Holly’s friend Liz…it was a really interesting cast, and I’m desperate for more books from ANY OF THEM.

While the connections with the Smartypants Romance Universe were pretty high level, and not as woven in as in other books in the SPRU, this one fit just in the way the book made me feel.  It seriously gave me HUGE Laws of Physics vibes — with quirky and unique characters you can’t help but love and root for.

What can I say?  I’m in love.  I need more.  Like yesterday.  Get on it Ms. Jayne!  😉