Two strangers. One couple's photoshoot. What could possibly go wrong?
I’m Elsie Faren and I hate love. Err, not hate, exactly. More like I no longer believe in it. After watching my parents divorce, then dumping my deadbeat boyfriend, I realized the idea of love is a fantasy.
For four years I’ve been perfectly content to remain single and alone, but now my best friend has tricked me into doing a couple’s photoshoot with a stranger. Unfortunately, that stranger, Jameson Beck, has somehow managed to worm his way into my life, convincing me to go on three dates with him.
I was so certain that my hardened heart would be immune to his sunshine demeanor and kind soul. Little did I know that between all my fears, our flirting, and some flying donuts, there would be a sizzling spark between us…one that would have my heart begging to be let out of its cage.
But I’ve seen the effects of broken love—and I can’t risk it—not even for Jameson. …Right?
The Heart Shot is a sweet, closed-door romantic comedy, full of laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling chemistry, and swoony kisses.
I fell in love with this story so.hard. It’s been on my mind ever since I finished it weeks ago, and I’m seriously considering a reread… 🥰 (Update: The reread was every bit as magical! 😍)
This story was like a cosy autumn Hallmark. You know, the ones with charmingly hilarious meet-cutes, Midwest small town vibes, an exorbitant amount of fall charm, but without the cheese. Think… 🍁 fall 🌻 sunflower fields 🎃 pumpkin patch & carving 🌽 corn maze 🌾 hay rides ✨ star gazing ☕️🍩 alllllll the fall hot beverages & cider doughnuts 💛 heartfelt, swoony, tender moments
Did I mention Elsie & Jameson are so.ridiculously.adorable.I.can’t.even?!?! 🥹
The premise of a strangers-pretending-to-be-a-couple photo shoot had me balking as fast as Elsie, haha, but it’s actually super clever. And it provides top-notch humour! 🤭
One of the things I love so much about fiction is that often I find my own insecurities (or things I think about myself but have never said out loud) inside the pages of these stories, and they leave me braver by knowing I’m not the only one. Elsie made me feel like that, and I have to confess to crying over this heartwarming romcom. 😭 I highly recommend hanging out with Elsie & Jameson this autumn! 💛
Where do i begin? This book was so good and i loved it! Elsie was definitely a complex character that has a lot of emotional experiences that brought a lot of new fears to her every day life. She was very stand-offish when it came to meeting new people and the dating life. She had built her walls up so high that nobody was ever able to break through.... until Jameson :) Jameson is perfect in every way. He is very swoon worthy and just really knows how to treat a woman. it was a one sided slow burn until about 60% into the book. but the tension building and the little brief brushes of their hands had me locked in a chokehold. The only thing i would have liked more from this book was the side characters and the dog.... i feel like there was barely any side characters and we really didn't get to see much of the dog even though its a pretty big part of Jameson's life.
This was my first book by this author and i will definitely be reading more from her.
“I’m not weak,” she whispered. “I would never dare to think so.” 😍
Five stars because I had a grin on my face for the majority of this book. The idea for this book is perfection. I love that the grumpy-sunshine was role reversed—FMC grumpy, MMC sunshine. She ends up being his sunshine 🥰🥰 Jameson is so smooth and I love him. I really liked Elsie and her quirks! Husbands and boyfriends—take notes. 😝 ALSO Elsie’s cat’s name! RHYS! HECK YEAH! 🫶🏼✨
I read this as an ARC for an honest review—and I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read this before it releases! I actually already pre-ordered it before she announced she was going to send out ARCs. The cover alone—GORGEOUS.
This one started off with such a unique and cute meet-cute! It was so fun and perfect way to start the story.
Loved the depth to Elsie and Jameson's relationship! I am not normally an instant connection trope fan but this was so much fun and worked so well. Love reverse grumpy/sunshine trope in this one too! Their story was so sweet and had some great character growth and angst. Mixed well with the funny moments and funny inner thoughts. I love that they are open with each other even though Elsie was always trying not to be. Jameson was such a great, romanctic MMC.
This story was well written and fun. I loved it very much and I am excited to read the rest of the series.
“It was too bad the guy turned out to be a turd bucket.”
“Thith ith amathing!” I exclaimed through a mouthful of cake. Clearly, I was the epitome of a lady.
“Then let me be your safe place.”
“His words were dangerous, weakening my resolve, sending it sliding away like sand in the ocean tide. And yet, it felt like a lifeline, like getting that first breath after being submerged under water for too long.”
This book was amazing! Jameson was the perfect sunshine for Elsie and her grumpy exterior. Prior life experiences had left Elsie avoiding love at all costs…until Jameson came into her life and broke down all her walls. From the moment they met at a photoshoot sparks were flying. Elsie was so stubborn about her no love rule that she almost ruined her chance for true happiness. Thanks to some tough love from her best friend, Maya, she decided to give Jameson a real chance. Elsie and Jameson realized that as long as they kept fighting for each other, than they could get through anything. I don’t want to spoil the ending, so I’ll just say that the Epilogue was *chef’s kiss*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a cute, swoony romance! 💕 Jameson is the perfect book boyfriend, I loved the quirky style and all the Midwest fall vibes, and the whole story just felt like a cozy, warm hug.
Reverse grumpy x sunshine for the win! I have always thought the idea of strangers pretending they’re in love for a photo shoot is such a fun idea, and I love that was the meet cute for the MC’s.
I fully understand and respect Elsie’s hesitation for love but it got to be a bit much… and somehow felt so long and over drawn yet so fast too? The pacing of the relationship was meh to me but the overall story was so cute I loved the characters I loved the plot, just idk if i needed more, like a longer story or what but something was missing/off.
Wow. Wow. Wow. How do I even put into words how much I loved this book?? I definitely was not expecting to love it as much as I do. Cheesy, cute, and gave me all the warm and fuzzies!! Two strangers meet for a random COUPLES photo shoot and the journey takes off from there. Gosh Emily Schneider what a magical love story you have written!!
This was such a sweet love story! I adored the way Elsie and Jameson met- posing for a couples photo shoot as strangers had me all sorts of tingly and swooning. The romance was so sweet and Jameson was such a great hero. I had a harder time liking Elsie, but overall it was still a good story.
After reading this lovely romance I want to sign up for a couples photoshoot with a stranger. I loved the chemistry between the characters.
Elsie hates love but after agreeing to three dates with Jameson. His shining and kind personality melts into her. I loved this story. It was utterly amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was so fun! I loved Elsie and Jameson's meet-cute, their relationship, and the hilarious, relatable narration. Elsie's narration and pov had me laughing more than once in her grumpy way, and Jameson's sunshine character was so sweet and refreshing. Definitely a great little rom-com!
Cute, sweet, clean rom-com, light on the "com," which I didn't mind... the comedy settings in contemporary rom-coms usually make me cringe instead of laugh. Nice that this didn't do that.
THE HEART SHOT is about strangers who meet at a photoshoot and fall in love. I loved the setting of the Midwest during autumn 🍁 Elsie doesn’t believe in love after watching her parents divorce. She has a tough exterior, but Jameson knows what he wants — and it’s Elsie.
The buildup of tension was done really well Jameson was the sweetest, most patient human 🫶
🌻 grumpy / sunshine reversed 🌻 small town romance 🌻 strangers to lovers 🌻 he falls first 🌻 meddling friend/family
Oh holy swooniness with all the feels Batman! Where do I even begin?! This book was AMAZING!
I hadn't even finished reading the description before I was downloading this baby. To say I was intrigued was an understatement. A reverse grumpy/sunshine? Strangers pretending to be in love? Why not give it a shot? Y'all. I am so glad that I did!
It didn't take very long for me to be transported to Meridel, IA where I became fully immersed in all things Elsie and Jameson. These two quickly made their way into my heart and I couldn't help but love them!
My heart ached for Elsie. She had been through so much. To keep her heart from being hurt again, she built her walls up so high in hopes that no one would ever break through them. But one look at Jameson and she knew she was going to be in trouble.
Jameson... *dreamy sigh* Y'all. He will have you swooning like no other. This man knows what he wants and he wants Elsie. There is just something about her that calls to him. He has no problem tearing down those walls to see into her heart, to see her.
Gah! I couldn't get enough of these two! Their chemistry, their banter, their sizzling, swoony kisses... *dreamy sigh* They were absolutely perfect for each other!
This is my first book by Ms. Schneider and it definitely will not be my last. Her writing style is so fun and I can see her personality shining through every single word she writes. I cannot wait to get my hands on Maya's book. I have a feeling I'm going to love it just as much as I did this one.
Y'all. Make sure you read the dedication of this book. It will hit you right in the feels. Best dedication I have read in a long time. 💗
And of course I can't forget my casting... *dreamy sigh* I had so much fun picking these two out! I don't know about you, but I'm in love! What do you think?
I haven’t read a Romcom in such a long time and I’m totally kicking myself and asking why? This book was swoon worthy! It was absolutely precious and had me sucked in! The idea of a stranger couples photo shoot is not my idea of a good time but it was so freaking cute! I love Jameson and Elsie so much!! I felt like I was the one in the relationship reading this book. It was perfection and I’m so glad I waited for a fall weekend to read it because the vibes were perfect! I seriously couldn’t put it down… also this book made me want donuts and cookies really bad lol
Yes, I did read the first 89 pages in 3 days, and the remaining 230 pages in 5hrs (this wasn’t because the beginning was slow (because it definitely wasn’t) but because I was busy). I’m pretty sure I could have read the whole book in one sitting which I hardly ever have time to do!
The Heart Shot was funny, cute, and romantic told from both Elsie and Jameson’s perspectives. A reverse grumpy-sunshine where he falls first and falls hard, and she tries so hard (and fails) not to fall due to past relationship trauma and it just works so so well.
It made me cry, like wiping my tears away crying, and I (almost) NEVER cry at books so here’s to you Ms Schneider [raises imaginary glass]
It was a perfect read for almost autumn, and I’d read it again at any time of the year!
I would highly recommend this book and I’m really looking forward to The Mistletoe Bluff later this year!
I’d also like to note that this was the first time I’ve annotated and tabbed a book and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! There was a lot of light purple (cuteness - I almost ran out of this colour tab!) at the beginning and a lot of pink (romance) at the end with blue (humour), dark purple (thoughts & ideas), orange (pretty imagery/words), and dark blue (doodles!) threaded throughout! I’ll definitely be annotating more books like this!
Though it may not seem like it from the dates read (cuz life), I devoured this book. 🌻
Let me start by saying I’m NOT a rom com reader. I prefer to escape reality with fantasy or historical fiction; I avoid present day stories (just my preference). But this one unexpectedly grabbed my heart.
Elsie’s been hurt by her past and has hardened her heart to love. She’s drowning in doubts and insecurities but secretly desires to be seen. Enter Jameson, her best friend’s cousin, via a couples photoshoot in a sunflower field. -swoon- Jameson is everything you want in a male romantic lead: charming (but not arrogant), understanding, and willing to fight for Elsie.
We’re given countless cute moments between the two, but also a real look at how past trauma can still affect the present. To quote part of Schneider’s note in the back: “Growth and healing aren’t always linear, and sometimes we take steps backward instead of forward.” Everyone has their own emotional baggage, and The Heart Shot shows that it simply makes you human, not unlovable.
Trust me, you need to pick up this book. It’s sweet, fun, and uplifting. And that dedication? 😭😭😭
But be warned: you’re going to want a Jameson for yourself. 😂
Swoon! I am in my romance era. And I love when the woman is a grumpy firecracker. It is a nice change of pace. Plus this whole stranger photo shoot idea was great. It was like love at first sight but not as corny as I anticipated. Nothing too steamy yet it still kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus there were tears! Actual tears flowed and a lot of them. I can’t remember the last time that a book made me cry like that. For a second there I was really worried that it was going to end in a way that would have been devastating! But nope! It came back around. I just love this cute couple and I can not get enough! I can’t wait to read more!
This reverse grumpy/sunshine romcom has wonderful fall vibes and made me desperately want apple cider and donuts! I loved it! The premise of two strangers who pretend to be in love for a photo shoot and then actually fall for each other is such a fun premise, and I enjoyed how it played out in the story!
Elsie and Jameson are so well written! I felt for Elsie and her past trauma that she had to deal with throughout the story. I wanted to give her a big hug! Her character development is very well done, and I was cheering for her to find happiness with Jameson! And Jameson is a wonderful hero and perfect for Elsie. I loved how supportive and patient he was with Elsie, and he’s an all-around good guy that immediately will make readers fall in love with him too.
I immensely enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it releases!
Content: Clean romance Past trauma from divorced parents and a horrible ex
First I have to say Romcoms are my love language and this particular romcom met all my expectations. I want to be swooned, I want tension, I want slow burn and clean romance and I got all of that plus more in this romcom. I got strangers to lovers trope, emotional baggage and fears and a twist on the grumpy sunshine. I really enjoyed every minute of this book. Our two main characters Elsie and Jameson are well developed and I loved having the duel point of view. The story keeps you going never dragging and I loved the humor in it. Emily has proven she can write anything from epic fantasy to romcom and it will always be a winner in my book.
Thank you @emilyschneiderwrites for the e-arc of The Heart Shot!
Here’s what I loved about this book: • a couple’s photoshoot with a stranger • the reverse grumpy x sunshine • hilarious banter • he falls first • all the fall vibes
This was such a bingeable read that would be the perfect read to cozy under a blanket with during the autumn season (or anytime really) and I can’t wait for more romance books from Emily Schneider!
★ ★ ★ ★/5 Steam: kissing TW: toxic ex, past death of a parent
I’m usually not a fan of romance books but by golly this was such a good read! I loved Elsie and Jameson’s love journey, and I was very pleased with the approach Emily Schneider took! It almost gives you Hallmark vibes, and I even got a few laughs out of it! I definitely recommend this for anyone that loves the grumpy/sunshine trope and I certainly look forward to reading more of Emily Schneider’s works in the future!