Review of 'House of Hearts' by Amber Jakeman (Book 2)
Review of Amber Jakeman’s House of Hearts
Book 2 House of Hearts of the House of Jewels series is just as captivating as Book 1 House of Diamonds but Amber takes us a little deeper into the life of the most famous and youngest of the Huntley Jewellery family. In doing so, she knocks the lid off social practices gone awry: over-drinking and compulsive gambling. Despite the seriousness of the topic, House of Hearts still delivers a joyful feel good story. We know from House of Diamonds that Will lives in Las Vegas (his older brother drops in on him to discuss his spending habits).This thread is picked up in Book 2 and developed fully. Will’s original trip to the US to drum up more business has turned into a sham. He gets side-tracked by the bright lights and tempting casinos. House of Hearts takes us completely into Will’s world where we learn of his gambling and drinking problem and that he has checked into a recovery facility—a move orchestrated by his mother.
Amber’s research skills shine even brighter in this novel as she explores, through her character Will, the many unpleasant aspects of addiction: mainly in gambling and alcohol binging. We learn what drives some individuals to develop such unfortunate destructive behaviour. More importantly, in Will, we see how he seeks to overcome these problems. In this testy journey of self-discovery, he realises who he has been but also what he hopes to become. This process includes his aspirations to derail the bad boy public image, created by a vengeful ex-girlfriend.
One might say a rehabilitation centre in Las Vegas is a good location to test one’s gambling issues. It is here Will’s focus changes dramatically once he meets assisting therapist Lisa Bakker (we met in Book 1). She works hard along with the lead therapist to keep Will on track. Through two points of views (Lisa’s and Will’s), we get a full picture of what is happening in Will’s life: what has driven him to this place of addiction, how he faces the demons and who inspires him to become a better man—one that must put others’ needs and wants ahead of his own. Will has been in the headlines so often and seen as an uncaring Playboy-Heartbreaker. Lisa wonders: are all these stories true? Is he really a bad boy who loves to break the rules at anyone’s expense? But what happens when the rules change? There’s a lot of self-exploration on both sides, not only with Will but also with Lisa who tells her side of the story, too. For she is attracted to this known bad boy and constantly battles her senses and professional code. And although she hears bad press about Will and knows that a client cannot get involved with a patient, her heart pulls her in a direction she does not want to go.
Will has named Lisa the Queen of Hearts and for him she fits the name. But has Will traded in one addiction for another? He is set on winning Lisa’s heart and goes about initially doing all the right things. Eventually he realises he must not only be a better man for Lisa but also for himself; not dependent on others for happiness—forge his own way so to speak—become a success in his own right. Which is why he wants to start a new venture, separate from the Huntleys when he has graduated from the rehabilitation centre.
This story explores how even love can be an addiction, an intoxication, a desire that the heart craves when it is driven to be with the other person. But when does it cross the line and become an obsession? Read the book and find out! One clue: in House of Hearts, it is a love that fuels change in a spoiled heart—for this story has a happy ending. Yet do not be deceived for this romance has depth and clearly shows the realistic challenges one would encounter in such a situation.
Amber’s understanding of human behaviour once again is as clear as diamonds. The novel’s topic is heavier than the first book, but even though it is more serious in nature, it is wonderfully punctuated with many humorous scenes, or at least ones that make you smile at the progress of this couple—even with all the setbacks they encounter.
Characterisation is strong in this novel along with setting, plot and tension. The character growth for Will is massive and even Lisa stretches some, too. Love becomes the motivator especially for Will. He begins to care for himself and rebuild his life during the time he must wait for Lisa. It is true, one must heal first to care for another. And yes, there is a strange paradox that healing comes when we help others, putting their needs ahead of ours. It is a full circle, facing fears, introspection, analysation, steps to recovery— a need for balance that leads to wholeness. Lisa and Will are great instruments and examples of this process.
House of Hearts is worth your time, handled well, full of questions and heart-felt answers. Sometimes we have to wait to obtain what our heart desires— especially if we want something pure and lasting. Also, everything is not always as it appears. There are layers in each person to unravel and heal but with patience and endurance a genuine relationship can spring forth and flower into beauty. A recovering person can put their best foot forward and start a new life and love in a stronger position. It is a story of hope that makes you think long and hard about addiction, appearances, second chances and love in all its many seasonal phases. I highly recommend this novel. 4.5 Stars
Many thanks to Amber for a review copy of House of Hearts. Visit Amber’s website for more details on her books.
To read my review of House of Diamonds (Book 1) follow link.