Colombian Hearts by Shay Matthews | Book Review

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A powerful tale of love born from survival, Colombian Hearts by Shay Matthews delivers high-stakes romance and raw emotional redemption.

💚 Welcome!

Today, I’m diving into Colombian Hearts by Shay Matthews—a tightly woven romantic thriller that had me reading late into the night. Matthews is known for creating fast-paced, emotionally charged short stories where action and heart collide, and this book is no exception.

When Andrew sets off on what should be the adventure of a lifetime—a dream trip to Machu Picchu—fate cruelly intervenes. A simple layover in Bogotá turns into a nightmare when he’s wrongfully imprisoned. His days become a blur of fear and survival inside a crumbling Colombian jail. Yet even in the darkest corners of despair, Matthews reminds us that hope has a way of breaking through.

An unexpected twist throws Andrew into freedom—and into the path of Vanessa, a mysterious woman with secrets of her own. Together, they navigate danger, redemption, and a fragile spark of love that refuses to be extinguished.


📝 Book Info

Colombian Hearts by Shay Matthews – A Riveting Story of Survival, Redemption, and Unexpected LoveColombian Hearts
By Shay Matthews
Published by Independently Published on March 2025
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 118

Andrew had been eagerly anticipating this trip for years—a once-in-a-lifetime journey with his girlfriend and her parents to hike the legendary Machu Picchu. The adventure was finally within reach. But as soon as they stepped outside the terminal during a layover in Bogotá, his dream became a nightmare. Without warning, Andrew was arrested. No explanations, no attorney, and no way to defend himself.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Trapped in a decaying, overcrowded prison, Andrew battled despair, clinging to the hope that someone—anyone—would come to his aid. The stench of mold, the suffocating heat, and the constant threat of danger were his new reality. His future seemed sealed, a life condemned to a hell he didn’t understand.

Then, fate intervened. In an unexpected twist, Andrew is offered an opportunity—one that pulls him out of the depths of captivity and into the unknown. It is in this new chapter of his life that he meets Vanessa, a striking and enigmatic woman whose presence sparks the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Together, they navigate a treacherous path of danger, secrets, and redemption—where every step brings them closer to a truth neither could have imagined.

Colombian Hearts is a gripping tale of survival, love, and destiny. Each page unravels a new mystery, keeping you in suspense as Andrew and Vanessa’s journey unfolds in ways they never expected.

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📚 Where to Find Colombian Hearts

Available on Amazon

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🛒 KINDLE PAPERBACK 

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✨ My Thoughts on Colombian Hearts ✨

I read Colombian Hearts in one sitting and was absolutely riveted the entire time. Shay Matthews delivers a pulse-pounding story that blends gritty realism with tender emotional depth. From the opening pages, I was pulled into Andrew’s nightmare—wrongfully imprisoned in a foreign country, clinging to scraps of hope in the filth and fear of a decaying Colombian jail. Matthews captures every raw emotion with an intensity that made me feel like I was right there beside him.

What makes this story special is its heart. Amidst the danger and desperation, Colombian Hearts finds room for warmth, humanity, and connection. Andrew isn’t a flawless hero—he’s a man broken by circumstance yet strengthened by faith and determination. When Vanessa enters the story, her presence brings both mystery and light. Their slow-burn connection feels genuine and hard-earned, forged through shared pain and flickers of trust.

Matthews writes with a cinematic touch, every scene brims with tension, yet there’s always a thread of hope running through it. This book is short but emotionally potent, packing the punch of a full-length novel into a single, unforgettable journey. For readers who love stories of redemption, courage, and love’s persistence even in the darkest places, Colombian Hearts is a must-read.


Review at a Glance

Genre Romantic Suspense / Action Romance
Setting Colombia – from prison walls to mountain trails
Length Novella / Short Novel
Content Rating Moderate violence and sensuality
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 of 5)
Quick Take I read this in one sitting—an unputdownable romantic thriller full of heart, danger, and redemption.

I read the book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This review represents my honest and unbiased opinion.


More Shay Matthews Tales!

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✍️ Meet The Author

Author photo of Shay Matthews, a smiling man with short salt-and-pepper hair, light stubble, and confident expression. Used for the author bio section of the Colombian Hearts book review on ginaraemitchell.com.

Shay Matthews is a dynamic storyteller specializing in action-packed, hero-driven romance short stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a talent for blending high-stakes adventure, deep emotional connections, and unforgettable characters, Matthews crafts gripping tales of love, danger, and redemption. Passionate about creating narratives that break the mold, Shay delivers stories where heroes rise, love defies the odds, and every moment keeps readers hooked until the very last page.

Connect with Shay:

Amazon | Goodreads


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Posted 11/12/2025 by Gina in Book Reviews, Indie Authors, Romantic Suspense / 0 Comments

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