Confused Hearts

A Hometown Jasper Novel

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Knox

Let me get one thing straight. 

I am not in love with my best friend. My heart isn’t broken, and there is no "he" who’s going to swoop in and magically make it all better. Whatever that crazy psychic says, it’s not true! 

I’m Knox MacKenzie, and I’m straight as an arrow. I like girls - even though they don’t always like me back. If my heart beats a little faster and my tummy gets a bit wobbly when the local bartender sets his fascinating eyes on me, it’s no one’s business but my own.

Lucky

Unrequited love might suck, but it brought Jasper, the loneliest man in small town, to my brewery. Knox has no idea how transparent he is - even when the batty old psychic tells him the truth to his face. 

But Knox is convinced he’s straight. He’s convinced she’s confused. Well, I’m convinced those looks we share mean more. 

What Knox needs is a friend to help him forget his broken heart and figure out who he truly is.

A low-angst, bisexual awakening, MM romance novel.

©2020 Nicky James (P)2021 Nicky James

A sweet opposites attract, friends to lovers romance

This was a sweet opposites attract, friends to lovers, liw angst, bisexual awakening.

Knox and Lucky were absolutely amazing together and I loved listening to their story.

The storyline was engaging and the characters were likeable and well fleshed out.

Nick Russo gave the characters their own voices his audio delivery and narration was smooth and enjoyable.

A definite recommend overall.

Surprise in Jasper!

After the initial book, I was a little leery of the next one; however, I was surprised in the story and the characters that were untraditional for this genre. Demi and "confused" was not my first choice, but I sure enjoyed the story and the development over the 9 hours of audio. Kept my sitting in Atlanta rush-hour traffic occupied and happy.

Knox and his Lucky

I enjoy books where one characters comes to a stark realization. It happens in real life. You’ve spent your whole life living the way you’re supposed to and suddenly you realize you’ve missed something that’s right in front of you.

I met Knox in Clashing Hearts and was a little irritated with him. He was so protective of his best friend Easton that he couldn’t see city slicker Lachlan might be good for East. That the two men might be meant for each other. That theirs was destined to be a forever kind of love. Knox has kept waiting for Lachlan to tire of the little town of Jasper and to take off. Back to the big city of Edmonton. But Lachlan knows what he wants – and that’s a life with Easton and for them to adopt Percy, a little boy the men both adore. A cute little family in a nice new house Lachlan built just for Easton.

Knox is beginning to see the writing on the wall.

So when East asks him to be best man, he agrees. He’s missed his friend and he vows to try to suck it up. But his heart is broken. And he doesn’t know why.

Then he meets Lucky and everything changes. Lucky has bi-coloured eyes that enchant. A winning smile that makes Knox’ belly flutter. And a generous spirit that has Knox visiting the bar where Lucky works. In fact he soon becomes a regular. But Lucky needs a friend right now and although he is close to the town gossip (better known as the reporter), he feels drawn to Knox. When he finally reveals his secret, Knox is there to support him.
Then there’s the batty old psychic whose predictions eerily come true.

Knox is afraid to see what’s right in front of him. Lucky. Because he’s attracted to women, right? Okay, hasn’t always worked out. Okay, maybe never worked out. But that’s because he’s short and, in his opinion, a little heavy. Of course Lucky sees him as perfect. He doesn’t see the perceived flaws, he sees the beautiful generous caring man underneath. So the questions are – can Knox admit he’s attracted to Lucky and can Lucky solve a problem that has doggedly followed him his entire life? I’m in his position, so I really wanted him to have a good outcome. And he had one I found satisfying, so thank you Ms. James.

In case you can’t tell, I really enjoyed this book. Watching Knox struggle was made all the sweeter when he got his head out of his ass. And the set up for the next book is great. And it just came out on audio, so guess what I’m doing next?

Finally, I love Nick J. Russo. He does a great job with these books and I honestly can’t wait for the next one.

Love is for everyone

Confused Hearts is the second book in the A Hometown Jasper series. This series should be read in order, as it mentions characters from the previous story. I have been so excited to read this series, as I fell in love with the town of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, after vacationing in the area many times. This series is a departure from Nicky’s previous series Trials of Fear. This series is sweet, low angst, stories about discovering your true self and what makes you happy.
In Confused Hearts we meet Knox and Lucky. Knox is Easton’s best friend – who we met in book one, Clashing Hearts. As Easton and Lachlan’s relationship grows, Knox becomes more and more confused about his reactions to them as a couple. To distance himself from Easton, he starts hanging out frequently at a local bar, where Lucky works. Knox has always thought he was straight, but if he is straight, why is he so upset about Easton’s relationship with Lachlan. Lucky knows what is eating at Knox, but until Knox’s comes to terms with his feelings for Easton, they can only be friends. Lucky tries to keep things light, but Knox may be finally ready to explore these new feelings. But is Lucky going to let down his guard and let Knox in? Will Knox be able to repair his relationship with Easton? Will Knox and Lucky find their true selves? When they do will they find the happiness they deserve? All these answers and more can be found when you listen this wonderful edition to this series.
I love how Nicky develops her characters and the world they live in. Reading about Jasper brought back so many wonderful memories for me. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in this series. Nicky always brings her special touch to all her stories, with the realism of normal life and how nobody is perfect, but there is a perfect for you, person out there.
This book as with the previous book in this series, is narrated by Nick J Russo. Nick does such a great job of bringing to life the characters in this story. While still maintaining the previous books characters. All the voices are distinct and match each character perfectly. Nick channels each character’s energy and brings it to life. I genuinely loved his performance of this book. Not only was this five star read, it is a five star listen. I encourage you to check this one out.

outstanding performance

THE STORY:
Hometown Jasper series is a low angst series from one of my favourite authors.
Mrs James has given us a break from her high angst and is visiting all my favourite tropes. Confused Hearts is Knox's bi-awakening story.

We met Knox in Clashing Hearts where his dislike for his best friend's boyfriend was evident. Knox is shy, self-conscious and so very confused!!
Nicky James's pairing is spot on!! Lucky is just what Knox needed. Someone who was patient, understanding and down right irresistible.
Confused Hearts is a well written, slow burn, bi-awakening, friends to lovers book that had me swooning. I loved all the quirky small-town characters that we revisited in Jasper.

Although Confused Heart can be read as a standalone, I would definitely suggest reading Clashing Hearts first so you get a better read on Knox and his friendship with his bestie (Easton).
I am loving this series, and can't wait for the next book!!

THE NARRATION:
Nick Russo did an amazing job with this book!! He did a great job with the drawls and I loved how he was able to capture Lucky's laidback personality.
I can't wait to hear what he does with the rest of this series!!!

Perfect!!!

Nick J Russo just NAILED this audio! This was already my favorite in the series and hearing it brought to life by Nick was amazing! He captured Knox's insecurities and uncertainty to perfection. He made those tender moments between Knox and Lucky so special...he was just fabulous!

When one of your absolute favorite authors writes a book with your absolute favorite tropes in it, you know it's going to be amazing and boy was this book just everything I wanted and more! It is a delicious, slow burn, sexual awakening story that had me hooked from the first page. I read it straight through and enjoyed every bit of it!

We met Knox in book 1, Easton's grumpy, cranky best friend who we knew had a story behind all that crass. My heart broke for Knox in this book. He struggled so much with insecurities...about his height, his weight, his self worth, his sexuality...it held him back from dating, from forming relationships with people, and from being happy. Enter Lucky, who I liked from the first moment we met him, who slowly brought Knox out of his shell and helped him learn to accept himself. Their slow dance to friendship, acceptance, and love was glorious to watch unfold.

Nicky James is the master of story development and such an amazing writer. I was just submersed right back into the sweet little town of Jasper with its cast of fabulous townspeople and didn't ever want to leave. I fell in love with Knox and Lucky and the progression of their relationship just unfolded so naturally, so organically, and with so much heart...it was splendid. The moments with Knox and Easton really touched my heart as well. Their friendship had been suffering since Lachlan entered the picture in book 1 and those struggles continued here. There were some really wonderful interactions between them as Easton helped Knox discover the truth about himself and who he really was, and the 2 men mended the riff in their 20 year friendship, it really made me smile!

Let's talk for a minute about the first kiss between Lucky and Knox...I may have gone back and reread that 3 or 5 times...it was so swoony and gave me all the feels! Then let's talk about the first time they were intimate together, OMG it was just so well done. It was so romantic, so tender, so loving...Lucky was so patient and understanding about Knox's insecurities and nervousness about the first time being with a man. As someone who has struggled with body issues my whole life, I teared up at Lucky's words to Knox when he wanted the lights off and was trying to cover up his body...his reassurances to Knox about what he saw when he looked at him just made my heart melt into a pile of goo in the very best way!

There was not a single thing I didn't like about this book, except when it ended. I adore this town of Jasper and all the wonderful people in it. I am so excited for Josiah's book and a little scared that I am understanding him more and more, even if he doesn't speak in complete sentences! Take a trip to this wonderful town of Jasper, you wont regret it!

PERFECT

Omg, I IMMEDIATELY loved this. Bi-awakening and amazing Pan & demisexual rep. Ugh, perfect. Immediately going to the next!

Wasn't my favorite out of the series but solid

I like how all of these books intertwine.
The love story of Knox and Lucky was a very slow burn and the first half of the book filled with a lot of unnecessary plot points.

Once they finally get past the threshold and decide to have a romance I really enjoyed it.
There have been complaints that Knox has low self-esteem and complains a lot.

As someone who has been in the closet and dated men in the closet it was uncanny that is how men behave.

I enjoyed Knox and I came to like him but in the beginning I didn't think he had any redeeming qualities. At the end of the novel I was happy that they found love.

I think it accurately depicts someone who is confused in their sexuality. these decisions are made overnight and I appreciated the realism but it doesn't make for a good read.

Overall it's a good book just be patient with it just like Lucky was with Knox.

The narration was as always immaculate and flawless it was also nice to see Easton and Lachlan.

From confusion to clarity.

Nicky James makes a series truly interesting by mixing various MCs stories in one small community. Cowboys, civil servants and a reporter, she makes a series entertaining from start to finish. No technical explanations of the writing style or what type of plot and how the story build-up, etc. Nicky James is a natural talent and I lóve her work. She delivers a finished product every time, from when the contents of a book/series is created in her mind, to editing, to the day that the book is launched. I as a fan only have to purchase and enjoy. That is why I strongly recommend her work. ❤️

first one was great second one exceptional.

I definitely loved the narrator. I really enjoyed book one and was excited to move on to book two. I have to say that I loved book two just as much if not more than book one.

Much more than just a sequel

I downloaded this book as I enjoyed the first in the series, I was expecting much of the same, an overall enjoyable story and a competent performance. However I found this instalment to have genuine stand alone quality. This story compliments the first and adds well to the community where the two stories are set.

Well worth the time

As good as the first book!

I really loved the first book of this series "Clashing Hearts" and thus really hoped "Confused Hearts" would be as good. I wasn't disappointed!

The story is well written, very sweet and compelling from beginning to end. All characters are interesting and given space to be discovered on their own. I don't like when the main characters revolved only around their romantic relationship but it wasn't the case here. We have a good insight on their relationship with their friends and families as well.

It's great to have a following on the story of the first couple (Easton and Lachlan) but they're not overpowering the new romance.

Knox and Lucky have a really sweet relationship which develops slowly but fast enough not to get bored or down time in the book. It's great to have men with different body types as the main characters, changes a bit of the tall/toned/6pack men (even though I'm far from against it don't get me wrong ;-) ) which if we believe most of the M/M romance book is the only body type a gay man can have XD
A couple of hot sex scenes but they didn't take too much space in the book.

The performance of Nick J. Russo was on point again and both characters have very distinct voice so dialogues weren't confusing.

Definitely a 5 starts! I highly recommend it!

Bi awakening in Jasper.

The sweetest, heartwarming story! Only in a good way. I loved the slow progress in Nox’s and Lucky’s relationship which was necessary to make the story authentic.

I love the way Nick brings those people to life!

A lovely small-town romance

As much as I love Nicky's angsty books, this series has become my absolute favorite of hers. If the first book was all feisty enemies-to-lovers dialogue, Knox and Lucky's story captivated me in an entirely different way. From Nick Russo's spot-on interpretation of these men to the softer, sweeter pacing of their romance, this audio filled me up to the brim with warm, sated happiness.

I adored Knox and his country boy accent from the very beginning. My heart always aches for characters who feel insecure about themselves, and Knox was such a shy, self-doubting sweetheart. Seeing the way he talked down about himself made me want to sweep him away and shower him in all the confidence and self-love he deserved. On top of his confidence issues, Knox was so painfully unaware of his bisexuality that its revelation was a massive shock to his entire world. So much of this book centered around how hard it was for Knox to come to terms with his feelings, and I was surprised by how heartbreakingly believable his self-denial was. Lucky was the perfect person to break through all of Knox's insecurities and show him how special he really is.

What always impresses me about Nicky's books (and Nick's narration) is how many emotions they bring out in me while I'm listening. I found myself melting with sweetness as Lucky and Knox explored their new friendship, laughing hysterically as I watched Knox get flustered about his first date, crying with happiness during their first kiss, and aching at all the pent up sexual tension. I don't know how Nicky manages to write characters with such vibrancy, but I always connect so immediately to them and get wrapped up in their happiness right away. Knox and Lucky's story came to such a satisfying conclusion, but I was also devastated to leave them to their happily ever after because I didn't want to say goodbye.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

Beautiful Friends to Lovers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved.. This another amazing read by Nicky James and in audio it pulls you into the heartwarming beautiful story of Knox and Lucky its slow burn friends to lovers, Knox who's hurting insecure and in denial about his sexualty and with Lucky's patience tenderness and care they become friends. But there's no denying the chemistry between them are so adorable together. Nick J Russo done a fantastic job bringing these two to life and Knox voice so sexy. 💞💞💞💞💞

Love this romcom

I’m reviewing the audio edition. I love this series and this is a terrific addition to it. Knox finally admitting he is gay at thirty-six years old made this awakening fun and heartwarming. His original jealously of Lachlan and his best friend Easton is cute. Him finally figuring out his desire for Lucky gave me a couple laughs. Lucky having his own issues makes him that much more attractive. The narrator, Nick Russo is a great fit for these characters. He really brings to life.

Love love loooove this series!

I love this series so much, and the audio version is so, so good too!

The narrator's voice is so awesome and I love how he plays the characters differently. My favorite is still Josiah, I couldn't stop laughing when he was on the scene and just said 'You know...' . Best character ever! But this is not his book, so Josiah, stand in the corner please, thank you!

Lucky and Knox are two lovely character and the bisexual awakening is so well written. Knox is so blind to his own feelings and it's awesome to see him realize what he really feels toward his best friend and toward Lucky too. And Lucky's pansexual/demisexuality was so good too. I love both men, they are just perfect for each other.

Love the romance and the get-to-know-each-other-more scenes, it's slow burn, but oh so hot!

I could write about this for days without getting bored. This book is just so good both in written and audio format. I will definitely re-listen to it!

Congrats for both Nicky and Nick. Amazing product!

Knox & Lucky

I really enjoyed Knox and Lucky’s story, so much so I grabbed the audio when it came out as well. Nick Russo did an amazing job of bringing Knox and Lucky’s story to life. He brought so much emotion to Knox’s struggles with his sexuality. It really drew me into Knox’s turmoil as he reconciled his thoughts and feelings. I’m a big fan of bi-sexual awakening and this was done so well. We first met Knox in “Clashing Hearts” and you get the sense that Knox was unhappy with the direction his life was going. In reading his and Lucky’s story, you got to know him so much better and understand him and his feelings. I really liked Lucky and appreciated his patience with Knox as he started to find himself. Knox went through quite a bit of soul searching to realize he wasn’t as straight as he always assumed he was. I appreciated his slow slide into realization and the support he had in his best friend. I was glad that we got to see a bit more of East and Lachlan from the first book in this series, as well as getting to know Josiah more. I’m eager for the next book in this series as Josiah really piqued my interest from the beginning!

absolutely stunning

nick j russo gave us another phenomenal performance with bringing knox and lucky to life i loved every word and felt every emotion

i was so hooked listening to confused hearts and so looking forward to what emotion i was going to feel next

One hot mess of an MC

Story: one very confused guy and one perceptive bartender. I must admit that Knox's internal fights and complete denial were a test of my patience in some parts of the story. Overall though I liked the characters and it was an interesting approach to bisexual awakening. The location and secondary characters definitely make a great background for it too.
Narration: very good and easy to follow performance!