Sticks and stones may break bones, but words will break hearts.

Lucy, an introverted college student, left her troubled past with hope for the future. But soon, she finds old wounds can still bleed, taking away the little bit of spirit she has left. When a powerful company threatens to bulldoze her home and the small unhoused community she looks after, Lucy refuses to crumble in defeat. She enlists the help of a friend, who has one condition-work for Lucy's nemesis.

Marco, an ambitious real estate developer, knows the price of desire. As he tries to right the wrongs of his past, he becomes tenacious in his agenda. The last thing he wants is a relationship, but when he comes face-to-face with his best friend's stubborn sister, he doesn't know what to make of her. And he certainly doesn't understand her frustrating ability to shut him out while she lets everyone else in.

Sparks fly as they both fight against the pull of passion. But after they've been hurt in the past, can they learn to trust again? And could that trust build into something bigger?

The Weight of Our Hearts is a stand-alone, steamy, contemporary romance. If you love angst laced with raw emotion and sprinkled with a dirty talking hero, you'll love this debut by Nina Bloom.

Warning: Not suitable for ages under 18 due to graphic language and adult content, see full content warning inside. Reader discretion is advised.