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Heart #1
Attraverso il cuore
Ainsley è entrata nella mia vita in una raffica di colori vibranti, illuminando il mio mondo quando tutto sembrava perduto. Non sono state le nostre notti tranquille vicino al torrente o i baci rubati circondati da un mare di cotone a salvarmi. Era lei. Era il mio conforto quando la vita mi gettava addosso una tragedia dopo l’altra. Finché non mi ha inferto il colpo più duro. Ora, l’abbandono, il tradimento e la morte oscurano ogni angolo della mia vita. La rabbia e il dolore bruciano dove un tempo vivevano l’amore e la fiducia. Ora, Ainsley è tornata. È diversa, ma riesco a vedere attraverso il suo cuore.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2016
550 people are currently reading
2426 people want to read
About the author
Amie Knight
28 books1,431 followersUSA Today bestselling author Amie Knight has been a reader for as long as she could remember and a romance lover since she could get her hands on her momma's books. She’s a dedicated wife and mother with a deep love of music, makeup, and house plants. When she isn't reading and writing, you can catch her jamming out in the car with her two kids and husband to '90s R&B, country, and showtunes. Amie draws inspiration from her childhood in Columbia, South Carolina, and can't imagine living anywhere other than the South.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
May 12, 2018
If you are in the mood for a ‘friends to lovers to enemies to lovers’ romance, geez what a mouthful, you picked the right book!
’How could I hate her and want her so damn much?’
The characters are spitfires with a whole lot of heart. Hearts that love so ferociously and ache to the point of destruction.
Ainsley, Loralie and Adrian ... three peas in a pod. Childhood friends who did everything together. They shared, they dreamed, they hoped for everything together. Unfortunately, their everything’s didn’t last and the three were no more.
The story starts when the characters are eight years old and progresses into their adulthood. The second half of the book is written in my favorite dual narrative, so that was icing on the cake. I really enjoyed, but sure could have done without the incessant ‘f’ bombs. Just so unnecessary.
Of course, I went in blind, and seeing as this was my first read by this author, it paid off.
November 12, 2016
****4 HEARTS****
This is one of those sweet books, you know the one that are written just to pull at your heart strings and make you want to fall in love again. That’s so this book, this story. It’s not filled with a crazy amount of drama, just a love story. This is a hearts and flower story.
This story centers around Ainsley and Adrian life.
Ainsley and Adrian met when they were 8 years old and Adrian moved in next door to Ainsley. You go through there childhood into adulthood in this story. Ainsley is literally “the girl next door”.
When Adrian comes into her life he’s dealing with a big loss, he’s broken. Lucky for him, Ainsley has one of those “fixer” personalities. So it works out for both parties, he needs fixing and she needs something or someone to fix.
And as all stories that begin with childhood friends – they grow up and fall in love. Awe, how sweet.
Adrian is handsome, sweet, loving, humble and everything in between. He is the perfect book boyfriend for those girls who like them sweet and wholesome. He does have little alpha man in there too.
Ainsley was everything to him for a long time and he thought he was everything to her, until she left. When shit got rough for her she left. When she needed fixing she left. She was a runner. One of the worst type of females there is, IMO.
She spent so much time trying to fix everyone else she never worked on herself, she forgot to love herself first. So when tragedy hit home she ran away from those who loved her without looking back.
When Ainsley finally decided to bring her little ass back – 4 years later – Adrian was still heartbroken but also still in love with her.
Men are different than women, they don’t know how to heal their hearts once they are broken. They try, but the fear of pain is too hard for them. Adrian never loved anyone after Ainsley left. He dated of course, a man still has to get his rocks off – but love, nah….wasn’t happening.
Oh, but when he became face to face with the one woman he ever loved and the same one who broke his heart, he didn’t know how to process it.
"As much as I wanted to hate Ainsley, I knew that a good part of me still loved her. That’s the thing with loving someone so deeply – it doesn’t go away simply because that person does something awful to you. It doesn’t just go away because you want it to."
So here lies the million dollar question….
Can he love her again?
Can he trust her again?
Can he give her his heart without fear of her breaking it?
Will she be a rider instead of a runner?
A man’s heart is fragile, more fragile than most women can begin to understand. He needed to know that she could trust him to be her rock when she needs it. He needed to know that she would allow him to fix her broken pieces and not run away when shit gets real. Without those things he knew he couldn’t give himself to her again. He would never recover.
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This is one of those sweet books, you know the one that are written just to pull at your heart strings and make you want to fall in love again. That’s so this book, this story. It’s not filled with a crazy amount of drama, just a love story. This is a hearts and flower story.
This story centers around Ainsley and Adrian life.
Ainsley and Adrian met when they were 8 years old and Adrian moved in next door to Ainsley. You go through there childhood into adulthood in this story. Ainsley is literally “the girl next door”.
When Adrian comes into her life he’s dealing with a big loss, he’s broken. Lucky for him, Ainsley has one of those “fixer” personalities. So it works out for both parties, he needs fixing and she needs something or someone to fix.
And as all stories that begin with childhood friends – they grow up and fall in love. Awe, how sweet.
Adrian is handsome, sweet, loving, humble and everything in between. He is the perfect book boyfriend for those girls who like them sweet and wholesome. He does have little alpha man in there too.
Ainsley was everything to him for a long time and he thought he was everything to her, until she left. When shit got rough for her she left. When she needed fixing she left. She was a runner. One of the worst type of females there is, IMO.
She spent so much time trying to fix everyone else she never worked on herself, she forgot to love herself first. So when tragedy hit home she ran away from those who loved her without looking back.
When Ainsley finally decided to bring her little ass back – 4 years later – Adrian was still heartbroken but also still in love with her.
Men are different than women, they don’t know how to heal their hearts once they are broken. They try, but the fear of pain is too hard for them. Adrian never loved anyone after Ainsley left. He dated of course, a man still has to get his rocks off – but love, nah….wasn’t happening.
Oh, but when he became face to face with the one woman he ever loved and the same one who broke his heart, he didn’t know how to process it.
"As much as I wanted to hate Ainsley, I knew that a good part of me still loved her. That’s the thing with loving someone so deeply – it doesn’t go away simply because that person does something awful to you. It doesn’t just go away because you want it to."
So here lies the million dollar question….
Can he love her again?
Can he trust her again?
Can he give her his heart without fear of her breaking it?
Will she be a rider instead of a runner?
A man’s heart is fragile, more fragile than most women can begin to understand. He needed to know that she could trust him to be her rock when she needs it. He needed to know that she would allow him to fix her broken pieces and not run away when shit gets real. Without those things he knew he couldn’t give himself to her again. He would never recover.
For my complete unfiltered review....https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
Follow all my crazy....
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November 10, 2016
3.75 ~ 4 STARS
Debut author Amie Knight delivers a heartfelt tale of friendship, loss, love, and forgiveness. Ainsley James is our lively young heroine who has a strong bond with her cousin Lori James. These two are raised as sisters after Lori’s mom gives up her legal rights. Ainsley and Lori are adorable little girls who both fall hard in so many ways for their cute blue-eyed neighbor Adrian.
The trio remains the very best of friends through their childhood years. Though their dynamic does change when they enter their teen years it’s in the sweetest of ways.
”Sunshine, I’m going to kiss you. I can’t stop. I know it will change everything. But I can’t not kiss you. Not for one more minute.” He ran his nose along mine. I felt my eyes flutter closed.”
Lori James starts to act out from her unhappiness and feelings of abandonment due to her mother’s absence in her life. No matter how hard Ainsley and Adrian show her that she is loved sometimes a person’s pain is just too much.
The story takes a heartbreaking turn and sadly Ainsley just can’t deal with it. She flees to start college and does not return home until four years later (which is where Part Two of the story begins) leaving Adrian hurt and angry in her wake. Ainsley returns home for her mother and now has to face those she has hurt, and the feelings she has tried to ignore for the past four years.
”Life isn’t a chick novel. Life is hard and mistakes are made that can’t be fixed. Ainsley made one of those mistakes, and now, she has to live with it. And, as hard as it still is to deal with, so do I. So do you. We all do.”
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Returning home turns out to be the best thing that could have happened for Ainsley though she has to face Adrian and all those feelings of love are still there between them. Ainsley will have to face her grief, find happiness in all her memories and let the love of her life in.
”Four years and four hundred and fifty miles had separated us, yet this man still held my heart in the palms of his hands. It was damn well time he knew it.”
The Author’s Note shows the aspects of the story that are fact and my heart goes out to Amie Knight and her family. This is a well written debut novel layered in love.
”I’d lost myself. I’d lost Adrian. But I’d finally found us. In one of the most obvious places ever…”
Debut author Amie Knight delivers a heartfelt tale of friendship, loss, love, and forgiveness. Ainsley James is our lively young heroine who has a strong bond with her cousin Lori James. These two are raised as sisters after Lori’s mom gives up her legal rights. Ainsley and Lori are adorable little girls who both fall hard in so many ways for their cute blue-eyed neighbor Adrian.
The trio remains the very best of friends through their childhood years. Though their dynamic does change when they enter their teen years it’s in the sweetest of ways.
”Sunshine, I’m going to kiss you. I can’t stop. I know it will change everything. But I can’t not kiss you. Not for one more minute.” He ran his nose along mine. I felt my eyes flutter closed.”
Lori James starts to act out from her unhappiness and feelings of abandonment due to her mother’s absence in her life. No matter how hard Ainsley and Adrian show her that she is loved sometimes a person’s pain is just too much.
The story takes a heartbreaking turn and sadly Ainsley just can’t deal with it. She flees to start college and does not return home until four years later (which is where Part Two of the story begins) leaving Adrian hurt and angry in her wake. Ainsley returns home for her mother and now has to face those she has hurt, and the feelings she has tried to ignore for the past four years.
”Life isn’t a chick novel. Life is hard and mistakes are made that can’t be fixed. Ainsley made one of those mistakes, and now, she has to live with it. And, as hard as it still is to deal with, so do I. So do you. We all do.”
[image error]
Returning home turns out to be the best thing that could have happened for Ainsley though she has to face Adrian and all those feelings of love are still there between them. Ainsley will have to face her grief, find happiness in all her memories and let the love of her life in.
”Four years and four hundred and fifty miles had separated us, yet this man still held my heart in the palms of his hands. It was damn well time he knew it.”
The Author’s Note shows the aspects of the story that are fact and my heart goes out to Amie Knight and her family. This is a well written debut novel layered in love.
”I’d lost myself. I’d lost Adrian. But I’d finally found us. In one of the most obvious places ever…”
October 19, 2016
5 Stars*****
Wow just wow
Majority of the time I'll be honest I pick books with my favourite authors because frankly I read for pleasure, and so yes absolutely I want to help and fangirl new releases out as much as I can. I love authors, I love that authors put their heart and sole into their books. But sometimes I will see a new author and want to help them as much as I can. Plus come on COVER WHORE: how beautiful is this one? I saw this pretty gem, read the blurb and it interested me so I thought why the hell not?! So I took the chance.. Well shock horror this book pulled me in from the very beginning. Totally unputtadownable read.
I'll be honest too I don't really know how to review this book without giving the plot away so I'm going to try my best to not explain the plot. What I will say is this, this is a book based on love and family and there are many levels of love. Many friendships that become family and that grows to love. Really this is one of the reasons why I love to read, it captured my heart and I went with it throughout the book.
There are two main characters Ainsley and Adrian, two best friends from the age of 8 and although they have heartache they fell, they picked themselves up and they had a mom and friends that were with them. I swooned because Adrian is devoted to his family, but he also grows into a strong Man with piercing blue vibrant blue eyes that tells a story in themselves. He was everything I want in my hero's gah he was loving, sexy, Damn hawt. But he was also sweet and caring.. Adrian was Deliciously PURRRFECTT..
Then Ainsley mmm a girl who fell for her best friend. A girl who didn't realise that she was in love with her best friend. And in a roundabout way only knew how to love one person... but took some time to work that out.
Really there is nothing else to say. This was a character driven story with a big story to tell. There is a main focus to the plot and I'll tell you this I will hold this book close to my chest, love and nurture these characters I really don't think you can't love them. You will want to hold them likewise. It was sexy too panty melting hawttt at times, I suppose I connected to them because it is a slow burn read and there's just something intimate, emotional and stunning about reads where truly get to know the characters slowly. Yet I read this FAST I could not put it down.
Overall this is a great start to this new authors career and I'll definitely be trying more from her when she writes again.
That. Is. All.
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest maybe a tad gushing review
For more reviews and blog posts
Wow just wow
Majority of the time I'll be honest I pick books with my favourite authors because frankly I read for pleasure, and so yes absolutely I want to help and fangirl new releases out as much as I can. I love authors, I love that authors put their heart and sole into their books. But sometimes I will see a new author and want to help them as much as I can. Plus come on COVER WHORE: how beautiful is this one? I saw this pretty gem, read the blurb and it interested me so I thought why the hell not?! So I took the chance.. Well shock horror this book pulled me in from the very beginning. Totally unputtadownable read.
I'll be honest too I don't really know how to review this book without giving the plot away so I'm going to try my best to not explain the plot. What I will say is this, this is a book based on love and family and there are many levels of love. Many friendships that become family and that grows to love. Really this is one of the reasons why I love to read, it captured my heart and I went with it throughout the book.
There are two main characters Ainsley and Adrian, two best friends from the age of 8 and although they have heartache they fell, they picked themselves up and they had a mom and friends that were with them. I swooned because Adrian is devoted to his family, but he also grows into a strong Man with piercing blue vibrant blue eyes that tells a story in themselves. He was everything I want in my hero's gah he was loving, sexy, Damn hawt. But he was also sweet and caring.. Adrian was Deliciously PURRRFECTT..
Then Ainsley mmm a girl who fell for her best friend. A girl who didn't realise that she was in love with her best friend. And in a roundabout way only knew how to love one person... but took some time to work that out.
Really there is nothing else to say. This was a character driven story with a big story to tell. There is a main focus to the plot and I'll tell you this I will hold this book close to my chest, love and nurture these characters I really don't think you can't love them. You will want to hold them likewise. It was sexy too panty melting hawttt at times, I suppose I connected to them because it is a slow burn read and there's just something intimate, emotional and stunning about reads where truly get to know the characters slowly. Yet I read this FAST I could not put it down.
Overall this is a great start to this new authors career and I'll definitely be trying more from her when she writes again.
That. Is. All.
ARC generously gifted in exchange for an honest maybe a tad gushing review
For more reviews and blog posts
October 20, 2020
I am expecting a swoony, dramatic, angst romance story. But i end up with immature romantic story. What i don't like about this book is the characters. Both of them are immature but yet declaring love each other. The way they push and pull also ridiculous immature.
I want to give this book 3 stars. But at the end i round it down to 2 stars. The story is also flat and dry. I think this book is aimed toward NA audience. But i still expecting more.
2 stars
I want to give this book 3 stars. But at the end i round it down to 2 stars. The story is also flat and dry. I think this book is aimed toward NA audience. But i still expecting more.
2 stars
November 2, 2016
TITLE: See Through Heart AUTHOR: Amie Knight
GENRE: Contemporary Romance.
CHAPTERS: Prologue |
RELEASE DATE: November 7th, 2016
SEE THROUGH HEART: This is Amie Knight's debut novel.. The 'Prologue' doesn't make sense but it sets you up with a deep feeling of trepidation of what's to come. I'm going to try my hardest to write up my review without any spoilers.
We're introduced to what I've termed 'The 3 Musketeers' three friends that bonded at the ripe age of eight, Ainsley, Adrian & Ainsley's cousin Lorelei, growing up in South Carolina, this does start off in the early stages within the YA genre and is spoken in 'Dual Perspectives' Ainsley & Adrian. These three have more upheavals thrown at them than any person ever should have to go through, so many hardships and battles each individual had to face.
Both girls loved the troubled boy next door, with his quirky dress sense, and his gorgeous looks, but none fell harder than Ainsley.
You could say this was a second chance romance, these two loved, and they loved hard, but that love wasn't worthy of either of them, both had some life experiences that threw them off course but they came out of it stronger, worthy, and better for it, their love stood the test of time.
November 9, 2016
"She could run from me, but what she couldn’t do was hide her heart. Whether she liked it or not, I owned it. It was mine." - Adrian
See Through Heart by Amie Knight is a wonderful love story that does nothing short of pull at your heartstrings from the first few pages to its rewarding conclusion. This is a story about second chances and forgiveness, about friendship, love and most of all redemption.
Once there were three friends: Ainsley, Lori and Adrian. They had been best friends since they were kids. While they didn’t share the same blood, they were family by heart. As time passed, Adrian and Ainsley’s friendship merged into sexual attraction and their relationship started to drift towards romance. The bond among the three was stronger than cement, when suddenly fate struck a heavy blow against them that eventually tore Adrian and Ainsley apart. And suddenly, it’s all over. Adrian never sees Ainsley again.
When their paths cross four years later, Ainsley has it still bad for Adrian. She doesn’t think he feels the same but eventually the lines become blurred for both of them. When Ainsley decided to leave the only life she'd ever known, she never thought she'd ever be back. Now, four years later she’s running straight back to the man she left behind. Her attempt to get away from her past somehow ended up right back where she started.
There are moments that are so heart-breaking that I found myself holding my hand to my chest because that’s what this book will do, it will make you hold your chest so your heart doesn’t shatter. Yes, it’s that kind of story.
The writing is flawless and the characters are filled with depth. I had this overwhelming need to protect them. Whilst reading I shared each and every emotion the characters went through. I cried, I laughed, I fell in love and had my heart broken and it was worth every second.
To put it simply, this book was a pleasure to read. This book will forever be one of my favorites, the author has made me cry and she has made me smile, she has given me the best roller coaster ride and I cannot wait for the next one!
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 5/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 5/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 4/5
December 4, 2016
4 - 4.5 ★'s
I saw angsty and that's all it took for me to take a chance on this book. I was immediately sucked in and couldn't stop reading, finishing in one day and then beating myself up because it was over!
Aidan and Ainsley meet when he moves in next door and catches her playing in the mud. They are eight years old. The story proceeds to enchant us with stories of them growing up with Ainsley's cousin, Lori, and her best friend, Miranda.
Naturally, when they hit their teens, a different need surfaces but there's a bit of teenage drama that Ainsley needs to deal with and they don't end up actually being boyfriend/girlfriend until they're sixteen.
Things are great for a while but then Lori starts rebelling. She's two years younger but starts hanging out with the wrong crowd. Ainsley and Aidan do as much as they think they can without pushing her away but then something traumatic happens.
Ainsley tries to deal but ultimately she cannot and leaves Aidan in the worse way. Fast forward four years and we're to Part Two of the story...when Ainsley returns.
This part is pretty angsty but I LOVED getting Aidan's POV. It was a must at this point. I loved getting inside his head especially because he has been through so much. He's an interesting character...good looking, of course, he wears glasses and suspenders (no lie!) and he's a great artist. And in the last four years, he's definitely become a man. Phewww!
Ainsley has matured as well but she has not grown. She's still being tortured by what happened in the past. She wants to be her true self though and that's a start. She's an amazing violinist and I love how she found peace in her playing.
They both still want each other but Aidan is very angry, obviously. It made me laugh how Miranda was always conniving to get them in the same place. Miranda's friendship with Aidan was also quite hilarious!
There's some unsurprising drama but with the help of talking to her Mom and Lori, Ainsley's able to go after what she wants. What she doesn't realize is that's exactly what he's waiting for!
The epilogue was just perfect. I loved how everything ended up but I was missing out on what was going on with Ainsley's college best friend, Kelly.
There's also a bit of the author's personal life that was developed into the story...and it is so heart breaking. I can't imagine going through that and I wish her all the best. ♥
I saw angsty and that's all it took for me to take a chance on this book. I was immediately sucked in and couldn't stop reading, finishing in one day and then beating myself up because it was over!
Aidan and Ainsley meet when he moves in next door and catches her playing in the mud. They are eight years old. The story proceeds to enchant us with stories of them growing up with Ainsley's cousin, Lori, and her best friend, Miranda.
Naturally, when they hit their teens, a different need surfaces but there's a bit of teenage drama that Ainsley needs to deal with and they don't end up actually being boyfriend/girlfriend until they're sixteen.
Things are great for a while but then Lori starts rebelling. She's two years younger but starts hanging out with the wrong crowd. Ainsley and Aidan do as much as they think they can without pushing her away but then something traumatic happens.
Ainsley tries to deal but ultimately she cannot and leaves Aidan in the worse way. Fast forward four years and we're to Part Two of the story...when Ainsley returns.
This part is pretty angsty but I LOVED getting Aidan's POV. It was a must at this point. I loved getting inside his head especially because he has been through so much. He's an interesting character...good looking, of course, he wears glasses and suspenders (no lie!) and he's a great artist. And in the last four years, he's definitely become a man. Phewww!
Ainsley has matured as well but she has not grown. She's still being tortured by what happened in the past. She wants to be her true self though and that's a start. She's an amazing violinist and I love how she found peace in her playing.
They both still want each other but Aidan is very angry, obviously. It made me laugh how Miranda was always conniving to get them in the same place. Miranda's friendship with Aidan was also quite hilarious!
There's some unsurprising drama but with the help of talking to her Mom and Lori, Ainsley's able to go after what she wants. What she doesn't realize is that's exactly what he's waiting for!
The epilogue was just perfect. I loved how everything ended up but I was missing out on what was going on with Ainsley's college best friend, Kelly.
There's also a bit of the author's personal life that was developed into the story...and it is so heart breaking. I can't imagine going through that and I wish her all the best. ♥
September 20, 2018
Loved, loved, loved this incredible friends to lovers story. Definitely one of my favorites this year.
October 13, 2016
Amazing debut novel! I laughed. I cried. I swooned. Loved it.
November 13, 2016
I wish there would be a possibility to rate the book separately for the author’s talent, the storyline and writing style, and solely for the main characters. Because in this case the story told was tragic and beautifully written, the author touched many topics we should think about and learn from them.
But… I didn’t like the main characters! Sue me, but the both MCs were just mean.
The h was the most selfish person, and not because she left the H (they were both young and yada-yada), but because she left her MOTHER – the woman who raised and loved her, the woman who suffered a tragic loss. I could argue about her behaviour toward the H, but there was NO excuse to abandon her mother!!!
And the H was just weak (in my opinion)…
“Why didn’t you come for me when I left? Momma knew where I was. Why didn’t you call? Why didn’t you text? Hell, why didn’t you even e-mail? Why, Adrian, why?” she begged, banging her small fist against my chest.
……….
I looked deeply into her eyes. “I didn’t come for you because I couldn’t. I couldn’t chase after you knowing you’d left me without a care.
Just read the book and read the author’s note.
And irrespective of you like it or not, just think about the storyline.
But… I didn’t like the main characters! Sue me, but the both MCs were just mean.
The h was the most selfish person, and not because she left the H (they were both young and yada-yada), but because she left her MOTHER – the woman who raised and loved her, the woman who suffered a tragic loss. I could argue about her behaviour toward the H, but there was NO excuse to abandon her mother!!!
And the H was just weak (in my opinion)…
“Why didn’t you come for me when I left? Momma knew where I was. Why didn’t you call? Why didn’t you text? Hell, why didn’t you even e-mail? Why, Adrian, why?” she begged, banging her small fist against my chest.
……….
I looked deeply into her eyes. “I didn’t come for you because I couldn’t. I couldn’t chase after you knowing you’d left me without a care.
Just read the book and read the author’s note.
And irrespective of you like it or not, just think about the storyline.
March 15, 2017
A beautiful story of first love and second chances.
4 stars and all the feels
I’m always a sucker for a story where childhood best friends fall in love – throw in a second chance romance and I’m like a moth to the flame! This is the debut novel for Amie Knight, and she has given us a book that is sweet, funny, emotional, gorgeously swoony, sexy and romantic, and I loved it!
The book begins in the past, introducing us to 8 year old Ainsley and her 6 year old cousin, Lori. As close as sisters, their childhood is a mostly happy one, and it only gets better when also-8 year old Adrian moves in next door. He and his father are new to town, moving in after the devastating loss of his mother and sister. He needed a friend, and the three of them quickly became each others’ whole world. They were the best of friends, spending every day – and some nights – together, sharing the highs and lows of life as they grew up.
Ainsley and Adrian, in particular, developed a special bond. Adrian’s home life was difficult, but Ainsley was a fixer and she was there for him whenever he needed her, and over time the connection they shared grew to become something so much more.
I love stories of first love! The friendship, the tingly feelings, the fear of the unknown, it’s all so exciting, and the fact that Adrian and Ainsley were already a huge part of each others’ lives made it so much more special.
*swoon*
But an unexpected tragedy changes everything and Ainsley, unable to cope, feels the only thing she can do is run. It’s four years later when bad news brings her running back home. Now 22, she is a broken shell of the bright, happy girl that she used to be, and she has put up walls to protect her heart, hiding her true self. She knows coming home means she will need to face up to the grief she has been running from for so long, and she knows it means she needs to face up to the man that she hurt so badly.
Adrian was shattered when Ainsley left him and he has tried his best to move on, but her place in his heart and his close ties to her family mean that he has never forgotten her. He is understandably furious at her sudden reappearance, and I could feel everything that he was feeling, and I loved that he holds nothing back from her.
OMG, the feeeeeeels!! I was so mad at Ainsley for leaving the way she did, and my heart broke for Adrian and all that she put him through. I could relate to everything he was thinking and feeling, and I ached for him as he battled his anger at her and his anger with himself at the fact that he still feels so strongly for her.
There is so much pain and anger between them, and they have a difficult, angsty road ahead of them, but I was glued to my kindle through every moment of it as they fought their way back to each other. It’s painful and emotional, but the connection is still so clearly between them, and their journey of healing is beautiful. The pacing is realistic, and there is laughter, sweetness and tears, as well as moments of incredible hotness and romance that made me swoon. It unfolds beautifully, and I loved it!
The story is written in dual POV, getting us into the heads of both characters, and though I enjoyed them both, it’s Adrian that made this book for me. He is absolutely utterly perfect – a wonderful mix of loving, sensitive and vulnerable, and pure alpha hotness. His capacity to forgive is amazing and his determination to get his girl back was absolutely fantastic, and he is sexy as all hell. It’s a potent combination, and absolutely irresistible.
There’s a great bunch of side characters, and they each bring a lot to the story. In particular, I loved Miranda and I laughed out loud so many times at her antics. There’s a glimpse there of a future story for her and I’m hoping she gets a book, because she’s not only an absolute riot, but she’s a mad romance fan and I love her!
This is a beautiful book. Adrian and Ainsley stole my heart, and I was blissfully caught up in their story. Pain, grief, healing, love and joy, I felt it all, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
I loved it - 4 stars.
4 stars and all the feels
I’m always a sucker for a story where childhood best friends fall in love – throw in a second chance romance and I’m like a moth to the flame! This is the debut novel for Amie Knight, and she has given us a book that is sweet, funny, emotional, gorgeously swoony, sexy and romantic, and I loved it!
The book begins in the past, introducing us to 8 year old Ainsley and her 6 year old cousin, Lori. As close as sisters, their childhood is a mostly happy one, and it only gets better when also-8 year old Adrian moves in next door. He and his father are new to town, moving in after the devastating loss of his mother and sister. He needed a friend, and the three of them quickly became each others’ whole world. They were the best of friends, spending every day – and some nights – together, sharing the highs and lows of life as they grew up.
Ainsley and Adrian, in particular, developed a special bond. Adrian’s home life was difficult, but Ainsley was a fixer and she was there for him whenever he needed her, and over time the connection they shared grew to become something so much more.
“Sunshine, I’m going to kiss you. I can’t stop. I know it will change everything. But I can’t not kiss you. Not for one more minute.”
I love stories of first love! The friendship, the tingly feelings, the fear of the unknown, it’s all so exciting, and the fact that Adrian and Ainsley were already a huge part of each others’ lives made it so much more special.
“I knew you’d taste like that,” he said…
“Like what?”…
“Like you’re mine.”
*swoon*
But an unexpected tragedy changes everything and Ainsley, unable to cope, feels the only thing she can do is run. It’s four years later when bad news brings her running back home. Now 22, she is a broken shell of the bright, happy girl that she used to be, and she has put up walls to protect her heart, hiding her true self. She knows coming home means she will need to face up to the grief she has been running from for so long, and she knows it means she needs to face up to the man that she hurt so badly.
Adrian was shattered when Ainsley left him and he has tried his best to move on, but her place in his heart and his close ties to her family mean that he has never forgotten her. He is understandably furious at her sudden reappearance, and I could feel everything that he was feeling, and I loved that he holds nothing back from her.
“I never expected you to willingly leave me, Ainsley. You weren’t supposed to do that. You were supposed to be there for me like you’d been for ten damn years. I couldn’t fucking come after you because you’d crushed me. I couldn’t come to you after that. I still can’t. I’m still too damn hurt.”
OMG, the feeeeeeels!! I was so mad at Ainsley for leaving the way she did, and my heart broke for Adrian and all that she put him through. I could relate to everything he was thinking and feeling, and I ached for him as he battled his anger at her and his anger with himself at the fact that he still feels so strongly for her.
“You’re still a fucking wreck, and it kills me that, even as shattered as you are right now, I still want you more than my next breath. Because I can see through all of this shit you try to cover up with. I see through straight to the heart of you. Straight to my Ainsley . The girl who rescued me time and time again as a kid. And I can’t help but still fucking love her. And I hate myself for it.”
There is so much pain and anger between them, and they have a difficult, angsty road ahead of them, but I was glued to my kindle through every moment of it as they fought their way back to each other. It’s painful and emotional, but the connection is still so clearly between them, and their journey of healing is beautiful. The pacing is realistic, and there is laughter, sweetness and tears, as well as moments of incredible hotness and romance that made me swoon. It unfolds beautifully, and I loved it!
That’s the thing with loving someone so deeply – it doesn’t go away simply because that person does something awful to you. It doesn’t just go away because you want it to. Love could be as cruel as it could be wonderful.
The story is written in dual POV, getting us into the heads of both characters, and though I enjoyed them both, it’s Adrian that made this book for me. He is absolutely utterly perfect – a wonderful mix of loving, sensitive and vulnerable, and pure alpha hotness. His capacity to forgive is amazing and his determination to get his girl back was absolutely fantastic, and he is sexy as all hell. It’s a potent combination, and absolutely irresistible.
I’m fucking coming for you, Sunshine.
There’s a great bunch of side characters, and they each bring a lot to the story. In particular, I loved Miranda and I laughed out loud so many times at her antics. There’s a glimpse there of a future story for her and I’m hoping she gets a book, because she’s not only an absolute riot, but she’s a mad romance fan and I love her!
“She needs you. Trust Me. You’re the Mr Darcy to her Elizabeth, the Deuce to her Eva, the Joe to her Violet. She needs you to heal. She needs back her epic love to make things right.”
This is a beautiful book. Adrian and Ainsley stole my heart, and I was blissfully caught up in their story. Pain, grief, healing, love and joy, I felt it all, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
“It’s always been you, Ainsley. For me, it’s always been you.”
I loved it - 4 stars.
October 17, 2016
5 STARS!
As a reviewer, I get to read a lot of debut novels. Some I adore and spark a love for a new author. Others may not be my cuppa, but I can see the author’s raw talent and know I’ll give them another shot. Occasionally one just won’t work for me at all. Then there are those rare few debut novels that affect me so deeply, I’m changed simply for having read it. Amie Knight’s See Through Heart is that type of novel.
From the first page, Knight’s words reached out, grasping my heart and slowly, painfully tearing it out. I was so very deeply affected by this book. Partly because it was just so well written and such a riveting story. But also, I guess part of it could be that there was a lot of truth on those pages, both for the author and for me. It wasn’t pretty, but the most beautiful stories never really are now, are they?
I really don’t want to give too much away in this review. I want readers to go into See Through Heart with nothing more than the blurb in their heads. I want them to experience it as I did, unknowingly watching it unfold in all it’s shocking and heart-breaking glory. I want them to feel the love as deeply as they do the pain. And then I want them to feel the sweet relief of healing through Knight’s moving, gripping words.
So, I’ll just sum it up by saying that this is no simple love story, but it is most definitely a love story. It’s a gut-wrenching, devastating depiction of love, in all its forms. But as deeply as love can sometimes cut, it can also heal, so remember that. At times sexy and sweet, at times heart-breakingly real, Amie Knight has given her readers a love story that will stay with them for a long time. It was gorgeous, it was genuine, and these types of stories are why I read romance. If this is the type of phenomenal writing Knight is giving us straight out of the gate, I’m just going to sit here at the edge of my seat waiting for more from her. Well done, Amie Knight, very well done.
As a reviewer, I get to read a lot of debut novels. Some I adore and spark a love for a new author. Others may not be my cuppa, but I can see the author’s raw talent and know I’ll give them another shot. Occasionally one just won’t work for me at all. Then there are those rare few debut novels that affect me so deeply, I’m changed simply for having read it. Amie Knight’s See Through Heart is that type of novel.
From the first page, Knight’s words reached out, grasping my heart and slowly, painfully tearing it out. I was so very deeply affected by this book. Partly because it was just so well written and such a riveting story. But also, I guess part of it could be that there was a lot of truth on those pages, both for the author and for me. It wasn’t pretty, but the most beautiful stories never really are now, are they?
I really don’t want to give too much away in this review. I want readers to go into See Through Heart with nothing more than the blurb in their heads. I want them to experience it as I did, unknowingly watching it unfold in all it’s shocking and heart-breaking glory. I want them to feel the love as deeply as they do the pain. And then I want them to feel the sweet relief of healing through Knight’s moving, gripping words.
So, I’ll just sum it up by saying that this is no simple love story, but it is most definitely a love story. It’s a gut-wrenching, devastating depiction of love, in all its forms. But as deeply as love can sometimes cut, it can also heal, so remember that. At times sexy and sweet, at times heart-breakingly real, Amie Knight has given her readers a love story that will stay with them for a long time. It was gorgeous, it was genuine, and these types of stories are why I read romance. If this is the type of phenomenal writing Knight is giving us straight out of the gate, I’m just going to sit here at the edge of my seat waiting for more from her. Well done, Amie Knight, very well done.
November 10, 2016
Some books you read and some books you feel, See Through Heart is an example of the latter. I read parts of this beautiful story with a lump in my throat, both Ainsley and Adrian had been through, and endured so much in their lives. Yet other parts I read with the biggest grin on my face, every low was balanced with the highest of highs.
It is so much more than just a friends-to-lovers story, it’s about second chances. Second chances in both life and love. It’s about not giving up, or giving in when life throws more at you than you think you can handle.
See Through Heart begins when Ainsley and Adrian are just 8 years old and, along with her cousin Lori, they form an unlikely friendship. Three children who are dealing with things that are beyond their tender years, yet through it all their friendship remains strong, and is often what carries them through.
I’m a huge fan of stories that start when the characters are young. As the reader you get to experience it all with them, from those first thoughts of wanting more than friendship, to the very adult feelings that hint at first love, and beyond. And that’s what you get with See Through Heart. As the reader you’re taken on a beautifully epic love story that spans a lifetime.
Amie Knight has written an amazing debut and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented author. ~ Tamara, 5 Stars
~~~
This is the first book I've read from this stellar author, and I know for a fact that it will not be the last. See Through Heart is an emotionally heart tugging story of love, acceptance, betrayal, forgiveness and repentance.
Ainsley & Adrian practically grew up together, ever since the day he and his daddy moved into the house next to Ainsley. From that moment on it was Ainsley, Adrian & Ainsley’s cousin Loralie. I loved reading about the mischief these three got into, as well as how strong their friendship grew.
Adrian had eyes only for Ainsley and he makes sure to let her know that she is his when the right moment presented itself. I loved seeing their friendship flourish and love grow as they grew older. I didn't realize that Adrian's love was the one thing that would help Ainsley as she goes through a dark moment in her life.
Fast forward 4 years later....and let me just say that Adrian gave Ainsley hell for her decision, and I didn't blame him, though at times I wanted to smack him and tell him to tone it down! Ainsley knows she did wrong and tries everything in her power to rectify the past but Adrian? He's a hard-headed Southern Man who makes sure Ainsley learns to never do that again. Adrian and Ainsley’s friend Miranda had me cracking up with her "words of wisdom". I know Ainsley appreciated having a loyal friend like Miranda.
No matter how much Adrian tries to deny the love he had for Ainsley, it’s clear that he's always loved her, and - no matter what - will love her til the end of time. Ainsley has never and could never love another man other than Adrian. Ms. Knight brought out an issue that affects many today and I appreciate that she gave us more info on where to go to get help. Be prepared to have you heart go through emotions that will feel like there is no end but there is, there always is. ~ Kara, 4.5 Stars
It is so much more than just a friends-to-lovers story, it’s about second chances. Second chances in both life and love. It’s about not giving up, or giving in when life throws more at you than you think you can handle.
See Through Heart begins when Ainsley and Adrian are just 8 years old and, along with her cousin Lori, they form an unlikely friendship. Three children who are dealing with things that are beyond their tender years, yet through it all their friendship remains strong, and is often what carries them through.
I’m a huge fan of stories that start when the characters are young. As the reader you get to experience it all with them, from those first thoughts of wanting more than friendship, to the very adult feelings that hint at first love, and beyond. And that’s what you get with See Through Heart. As the reader you’re taken on a beautifully epic love story that spans a lifetime.
Amie Knight has written an amazing debut and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented author. ~ Tamara, 5 Stars
~~~
This is the first book I've read from this stellar author, and I know for a fact that it will not be the last. See Through Heart is an emotionally heart tugging story of love, acceptance, betrayal, forgiveness and repentance.
Ainsley & Adrian practically grew up together, ever since the day he and his daddy moved into the house next to Ainsley. From that moment on it was Ainsley, Adrian & Ainsley’s cousin Loralie. I loved reading about the mischief these three got into, as well as how strong their friendship grew.
Adrian had eyes only for Ainsley and he makes sure to let her know that she is his when the right moment presented itself. I loved seeing their friendship flourish and love grow as they grew older. I didn't realize that Adrian's love was the one thing that would help Ainsley as she goes through a dark moment in her life.
Fast forward 4 years later....and let me just say that Adrian gave Ainsley hell for her decision, and I didn't blame him, though at times I wanted to smack him and tell him to tone it down! Ainsley knows she did wrong and tries everything in her power to rectify the past but Adrian? He's a hard-headed Southern Man who makes sure Ainsley learns to never do that again. Adrian and Ainsley’s friend Miranda had me cracking up with her "words of wisdom". I know Ainsley appreciated having a loyal friend like Miranda.
No matter how much Adrian tries to deny the love he had for Ainsley, it’s clear that he's always loved her, and - no matter what - will love her til the end of time. Ainsley has never and could never love another man other than Adrian. Ms. Knight brought out an issue that affects many today and I appreciate that she gave us more info on where to go to get help. Be prepared to have you heart go through emotions that will feel like there is no end but there is, there always is. ~ Kara, 4.5 Stars
April 10, 2020
what a beautiful cover...
this is a friend to lovers' childhood friends & neighbors romance...heartbreak...second chance romance... what a mouthful
if it is not clear- I didn't like it!!
when they were kids they are so mature or at least they are written and such they lose that as the years go by
and then they are together a couple in HS...something happens and heroine leaves hero moves and they don't have a contact for 4 years...she comes back...they get back together..still act immature THE END!!!
the reasoning for heroine leaving is an emotional one
I can reason that these are actions of 18 yo and later 22 yo so they deal with trauma in a way that is not good..but still, I am annoyed as hell...
I wouldn't recommend this book!!
1,5 stars
TW;
this is a friend to lovers' childhood friends & neighbors romance...heartbreak...second chance romance... what a mouthful
if it is not clear- I didn't like it!!
when they were kids they are so mature or at least they are written and such they lose that as the years go by
and then they are together a couple in HS...something happens and heroine leaves hero moves and they don't have a contact for 4 years...she comes back...they get back together..still act immature THE END!!!
the reasoning for heroine leaving is an emotional one
I can reason that these are actions of 18 yo and later 22 yo so they deal with trauma in a way that is not good..but still, I am annoyed as hell...
I wouldn't recommend this book!!
1,5 stars
TW;
November 7, 2016
See Through Heart by Amie Knight ~ 4.5 Stars
“I didn’t know how to stop loving her, but I didn’t know how to love her anymore, either.”
OMG!!! I just finished a incredible childhood friendship turned lovers and found out it was a debut novel – just amazing. Amie Knight definitely knocked it out of the park because this book will make you feel, rip out your heart, make you feel pain, cry, heal you and make you fall in love all over again. It was such an emotional and heart-warming read. For me, when a book makes me cry I know the writing is brilliant – and boy was I a sobbing mess. Everything from the storyline to the writing gripped my heart and captivated my mind, from the beginning until the end.
Right at the prologue, I knew this was going to be an emotional book. I was a bit puzzled at the end of it but let me make clear - this is not a love triangle. I promise this is a once in a life time soulmate kind of love -- you do not want to miss this.
The first few chapters of the book were about the childhood years of the main characters. Ainsley and cousin Lori grew up together. The girls were inseparable until Adrian moved in next door - the girls and Adrian instantly became fast friends. Adrian adores both of the cousins but he has his heart set on Ainsley. Unfortunately, life dealt them a big blow and the grief these young kids endured forever changed their life.
“Our destinies had been written the moment I’d laid eyes on her, and I wasn’t going to give her up ever again.”
Fast forward four years later Ainsley finally comes home. Adrian is no longer the young teenager she remembers. He is a sexy, dreamy, talented artist and is not short of women throwing themselves at him. Adrian has no interest in making amends with an old best friend who shattered his heart years ago. I love the relationship between Ainsley and Adrian. There is a fine line between love and hate with these two. Ainsley broke his heart by leaving (she has her reasons) but Adrian never went after her. Adrian is all sexy and alpha around Ainsley and he hates how she still affects him. Ainsley is sweet, caring, talented, but a little broken. These two were soulmates and destined to be together but can they forgive each other after the pain, the distance, and years apart? This story deals with some heavy issues (not the main plot) but there were plenty of light-hearted moments, fun banters between friends, lots of angst, teary moments, and of course super sexy romance. I enjoyed every single character in this book. Miranda and Kelley were awesome -- best girlfriends you wish you had. I am very curious if there will be a story for Kelley/Anthony. I also adore Miranda and I hope for a story of her and Holden.
“I’d lost myself. I’d lost Adrian. But I’d finally found us. In one of the most obvious places ever, tucked neatly inside Lori’s heart.”
See Through Heart is a beautiful love story guys. The cover is gorgeous, the story is heart-felt, and the writing is absolutely phenomenal for a debut novel. It was a fast read. After reading the acknowledgment, I realized the author wanted to get a very important issue across to the readers, however, I feel that it is not the main story of the book. It was mentioned early on but not in detail. So for me, this is a childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance genre. LOVED IT! I highly recommended.
Congratulations to author Amie Knight! What a wonderful debut novel. I cannot wait to read more of this author in the future.
“I didn’t know how to stop loving her, but I didn’t know how to love her anymore, either.”
OMG!!! I just finished a incredible childhood friendship turned lovers and found out it was a debut novel – just amazing. Amie Knight definitely knocked it out of the park because this book will make you feel, rip out your heart, make you feel pain, cry, heal you and make you fall in love all over again. It was such an emotional and heart-warming read. For me, when a book makes me cry I know the writing is brilliant – and boy was I a sobbing mess. Everything from the storyline to the writing gripped my heart and captivated my mind, from the beginning until the end.
Right at the prologue, I knew this was going to be an emotional book. I was a bit puzzled at the end of it but let me make clear - this is not a love triangle. I promise this is a once in a life time soulmate kind of love -- you do not want to miss this.
The first few chapters of the book were about the childhood years of the main characters. Ainsley and cousin Lori grew up together. The girls were inseparable until Adrian moved in next door - the girls and Adrian instantly became fast friends. Adrian adores both of the cousins but he has his heart set on Ainsley. Unfortunately, life dealt them a big blow and the grief these young kids endured forever changed their life.
“Our destinies had been written the moment I’d laid eyes on her, and I wasn’t going to give her up ever again.”
Fast forward four years later Ainsley finally comes home. Adrian is no longer the young teenager she remembers. He is a sexy, dreamy, talented artist and is not short of women throwing themselves at him. Adrian has no interest in making amends with an old best friend who shattered his heart years ago. I love the relationship between Ainsley and Adrian. There is a fine line between love and hate with these two. Ainsley broke his heart by leaving (she has her reasons) but Adrian never went after her. Adrian is all sexy and alpha around Ainsley and he hates how she still affects him. Ainsley is sweet, caring, talented, but a little broken. These two were soulmates and destined to be together but can they forgive each other after the pain, the distance, and years apart? This story deals with some heavy issues (not the main plot) but there were plenty of light-hearted moments, fun banters between friends, lots of angst, teary moments, and of course super sexy romance. I enjoyed every single character in this book. Miranda and Kelley were awesome -- best girlfriends you wish you had. I am very curious if there will be a story for Kelley/Anthony. I also adore Miranda and I hope for a story of her and Holden.
“I’d lost myself. I’d lost Adrian. But I’d finally found us. In one of the most obvious places ever, tucked neatly inside Lori’s heart.”
See Through Heart is a beautiful love story guys. The cover is gorgeous, the story is heart-felt, and the writing is absolutely phenomenal for a debut novel. It was a fast read. After reading the acknowledgment, I realized the author wanted to get a very important issue across to the readers, however, I feel that it is not the main story of the book. It was mentioned early on but not in detail. So for me, this is a childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance genre. LOVED IT! I highly recommended.
Congratulations to author Amie Knight! What a wonderful debut novel. I cannot wait to read more of this author in the future.
December 29, 2016
***** 5 "SUNSHINE THRU THE CLOUDS" Stars *****
I LOVE LOVE LOVED this good old fashioned love story filled with childhood fun and games, angst, drama, 2nd chance, heart twisting, happy with a side of tears and laughter.
This is the story of Ainsley and Adrain.
They met at a young age of 8 years old and became the best of friends instantly.
Their loves revolved around each other and Ainsley's cousin Lori who was two years younger than the two. They were inseparable from the get go and the trio spent their lives laughing and loving each other.
The three had the perfect relationship. Always there for each other thru the dark times that life thru at them. They had each other's back and nothing would separate the three.
But life doesn't stay perfect...at least not for Lori.
Her drug addicted mother gave her up at the age of 2 and Lori was taken in by Ainsley and her mother and they loved and doted on her from day one. She was family, she was a part of their heart. But their love couldn't save Lori from a destructive path of drugs and alcohol. A path that would not end well for anyone involved....especially the trio. Who thought their love could never be ruined.
Not able to deal with the present reminders of Lori, Ainsley does the only things she thinks will save her shattered heart. Only she shatters the hearts of the one man she has always loved.
When life throws another spin into Ainsley's carefully planned new life, she comes face to face with her past that she could never get over.
"I still want you more than my next breath. Because I can see through all of this shit you try to cover up with. I see through straight to the heart of you. Straight to my Ainsley."
For a debut novel...Amie Knight...you got it done right!! Absolutely LOVED the beauty of this one!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVED this good old fashioned love story filled with childhood fun and games, angst, drama, 2nd chance, heart twisting, happy with a side of tears and laughter.
This is the story of Ainsley and Adrain.
They met at a young age of 8 years old and became the best of friends instantly.
Their loves revolved around each other and Ainsley's cousin Lori who was two years younger than the two. They were inseparable from the get go and the trio spent their lives laughing and loving each other.
The three had the perfect relationship. Always there for each other thru the dark times that life thru at them. They had each other's back and nothing would separate the three.
But life doesn't stay perfect...at least not for Lori.
Her drug addicted mother gave her up at the age of 2 and Lori was taken in by Ainsley and her mother and they loved and doted on her from day one. She was family, she was a part of their heart. But their love couldn't save Lori from a destructive path of drugs and alcohol. A path that would not end well for anyone involved....especially the trio. Who thought their love could never be ruined.
Not able to deal with the present reminders of Lori, Ainsley does the only things she thinks will save her shattered heart. Only she shatters the hearts of the one man she has always loved.
When life throws another spin into Ainsley's carefully planned new life, she comes face to face with her past that she could never get over.
"I still want you more than my next breath. Because I can see through all of this shit you try to cover up with. I see through straight to the heart of you. Straight to my Ainsley."
For a debut novel...Amie Knight...you got it done right!! Absolutely LOVED the beauty of this one!!
avoid
May 2, 2018I loved the author’s last two books. She’s very talented. About the book content: I get it. Not every book will be safe, even from the same author. There are different kind of people in the world. It’s their story. Just not one I want engage myself in. I mean no disrespect.
May 25, 2018
A really beautiful, beautiful and emotional story!!! Amie Knight is new to me and her debut novel does not fail in bringing the emotion, heart, and romance that is so needed in the world. This book deals with some real life issues that ripped my heart out for 75% of the book. Even the ending was spectacular leaving it as a standalone that I would LOVE to hear updates about the characters. At first I was hesitant about how I was going to feel because some of the writing was a little too grown up for me when reading about an 8 year olds feelings but I was able to overlook that and really see the HEART of this story. Adrian, Ainsley, Lori, Miranda, Jessi, Kelly, and even Anthony are written to perfection as if I was reading a story about my friends and life. The Author's Note is not be overlooked because you gain so much more by reading it as well.
Provided this ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/Vaw5KAEnh6A
***2nd Time Review ***
This book completely destroyed me....AGAIN!! This time I listened to it as an audiobook. Let me just tell you....if you get a chance to listen to this book DO IT!! The narrators bring sooooo much emotion to these characters that there is NO WAY you should get to the end without shedding a few tears if not being a complete blubbering mess as I was. I made the connection with Ainsley because I could see myself in her. Her love of music with her violin, her need to momma her friends, and to struggle with dealing with loss....UGH I really, got her! I loved Adrian as well, he loves with this intensity that why wouldn't someone want to be with him.
Being that I have now read all of the books in this series of standalones, rereading this one and knowing the other characters stories just made it that much better. If you want to experience something truly special pick up this book and the other books written by Amie Knight because she truly is a very, very special author!!
This specific video review will be included in the May 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
Provided this ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
This specific video review: https://youtu.be/Vaw5KAEnh6A
***2nd Time Review ***
This book completely destroyed me....AGAIN!! This time I listened to it as an audiobook. Let me just tell you....if you get a chance to listen to this book DO IT!! The narrators bring sooooo much emotion to these characters that there is NO WAY you should get to the end without shedding a few tears if not being a complete blubbering mess as I was. I made the connection with Ainsley because I could see myself in her. Her love of music with her violin, her need to momma her friends, and to struggle with dealing with loss....UGH I really, got her! I loved Adrian as well, he loves with this intensity that why wouldn't someone want to be with him.
Being that I have now read all of the books in this series of standalones, rereading this one and knowing the other characters stories just made it that much better. If you want to experience something truly special pick up this book and the other books written by Amie Knight because she truly is a very, very special author!!
This specific video review will be included in the May 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
October 31, 2016
**In the spirit of transparency, Amie Knight is my co-blogger and my closest friend but that being said everything I say in this review is 100% true and I guarantee that if you take a chance on this debut novel you will in no way be disappointed. Also this review is posted to both my personal Goodreads as well as here on the blog's Goodreads**
I have been putting off this review for a while now. I wasn't sure how I could ever do justice to what I had just read. As an early reader I got an intimate glance into Ainsley and Adrian's lives. Utterly touching and poignant See Through Heart was everything and nothing I could have expected.
See Through Heart is the captivating tale of childhood bestfriends with too many odd against them. Adrian and Ainsley along with her cousin, Lorelei and her best friend, Miranda are growing up in South Carolina. They have all had too many hardships for kids so young but together they know they will get through it all.
We get to see them as kids, as teenagers and as adults. We the reader get the joy of watching them age and mature. But we also have to endure the hardship of watching tragedy strike and tear them apart.
Adrian and Ainsley are a pure classic love story. They go through it all. I will go ahead and warn you that tissues are a must when reading this but do not fear. While there are incredibly sad parts to this story there are also so many happy, sweet, hilarious and not to mention sexy moments too.
Actually, let's mention those. Adrian, oh Adrian. He is the dirty talking alpha of my dreams. As a teenager he made me swoon but as a man he makes me completely weak in the knees.
It is hard to believe that this is Amie Knight's debut book. The story is so perfectly thought out and the characters are beautifully complex and her writing is poignant and fluid. It is impossible not to get lost in the story and I promise you will find that you cannot put it down. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is definitely my personal top read of 2016.
~miranda
I have been putting off this review for a while now. I wasn't sure how I could ever do justice to what I had just read. As an early reader I got an intimate glance into Ainsley and Adrian's lives. Utterly touching and poignant See Through Heart was everything and nothing I could have expected.
See Through Heart is the captivating tale of childhood bestfriends with too many odd against them. Adrian and Ainsley along with her cousin, Lorelei and her best friend, Miranda are growing up in South Carolina. They have all had too many hardships for kids so young but together they know they will get through it all.
We get to see them as kids, as teenagers and as adults. We the reader get the joy of watching them age and mature. But we also have to endure the hardship of watching tragedy strike and tear them apart.
Adrian and Ainsley are a pure classic love story. They go through it all. I will go ahead and warn you that tissues are a must when reading this but do not fear. While there are incredibly sad parts to this story there are also so many happy, sweet, hilarious and not to mention sexy moments too.
Actually, let's mention those. Adrian, oh Adrian. He is the dirty talking alpha of my dreams. As a teenager he made me swoon but as a man he makes me completely weak in the knees.
It is hard to believe that this is Amie Knight's debut book. The story is so perfectly thought out and the characters are beautifully complex and her writing is poignant and fluid. It is impossible not to get lost in the story and I promise you will find that you cannot put it down. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is definitely my personal top read of 2016.
~miranda
October 14, 2016
** ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Powerful, Gripping and Emotional, this utterly additive story will captive you from the moment you begin to read.
Amie Knight did a phenomenal job in bringing to life these amazing characters and unforgettable story line. I was immersed into the story from the second I began to read and knew early now it was going to shatter me, I only prayed this talented author would restore the pieces of my broken heart at the end .. she DID !
So many elements go hand in hand in See Through Heart, where to start and where to end is nearly impossible for me. Friendship, betrayal, love, loss, heartbreak and second chances, it has something for everyone and you will be on a constant loop between crying, laughing and swooning.
As heavy as it got, Amie Knight made sure to follow it up with something uplifting. A lesson on every page.
Ainsley, I fell in love with this strong, kind hearted, sweet girl. She fell in love with the boy next door at the tender age of 8 years old, and through the years Ainsley and Adrian formed a bond so strong, that it withstood the test of time, trails and tribulations. Things were never easy for them, and it got harder the older they became, but love is resistant, patient and as cruel as it is .. kind as well. Watching them grow as individuals and as a couple was .. perfection.
I don't want to give away anything from the plot and feel like if I start getting into everything that is going in head my I will .. so I will say only this...
The characters in this story .. every single one .. will come to mean something to you, they all have a purpose and are core to the magical tale. Each one was developed so lovingly and thoroughly that you could feel their voice, their pain, their joys in your souls. If you are a lover of Romance and a believer in second chances .. then See through Heart is a ONE CLICK MUST.
Powerful, Gripping and Emotional, this utterly additive story will captive you from the moment you begin to read.
Amie Knight did a phenomenal job in bringing to life these amazing characters and unforgettable story line. I was immersed into the story from the second I began to read and knew early now it was going to shatter me, I only prayed this talented author would restore the pieces of my broken heart at the end .. she DID !
So many elements go hand in hand in See Through Heart, where to start and where to end is nearly impossible for me. Friendship, betrayal, love, loss, heartbreak and second chances, it has something for everyone and you will be on a constant loop between crying, laughing and swooning.
As heavy as it got, Amie Knight made sure to follow it up with something uplifting. A lesson on every page.
Ainsley, I fell in love with this strong, kind hearted, sweet girl. She fell in love with the boy next door at the tender age of 8 years old, and through the years Ainsley and Adrian formed a bond so strong, that it withstood the test of time, trails and tribulations. Things were never easy for them, and it got harder the older they became, but love is resistant, patient and as cruel as it is .. kind as well. Watching them grow as individuals and as a couple was .. perfection.
I don't want to give away anything from the plot and feel like if I start getting into everything that is going in head my I will .. so I will say only this...
The characters in this story .. every single one .. will come to mean something to you, they all have a purpose and are core to the magical tale. Each one was developed so lovingly and thoroughly that you could feel their voice, their pain, their joys in your souls. If you are a lover of Romance and a believer in second chances .. then See through Heart is a ONE CLICK MUST.
October 31, 2016
I have been putting off this review for a while now. I wasn't sure how I could ever do justice to what I had just read. As an early reader I got an intimate glance into Ainsley and Adrian's lives. Utterly touching and poignant See Through Heart was everything and nothing I could have expected.
See Through Heart is the captivating tale of childhood bestfriends with too many odd against them. Adrian and Ainsley along with her cousin, Lorelei and her best friend, Miranda are growing up in South Carolina. They have all had too many hardships for kids so young but together they know they will get through it all.
We get to see them as kids, as teenagers and as adults. We the reader get the joy of watching them age and mature. But we also have to endure the hardship of watching tragedy strike and tear them apart.
Adrian and Ainsley are a pure classic love story. They go through it all. I will go ahead and warn you that tissues are a must when reading this but do not fear. While there are incredibly sad parts to this story there are also so many happy, sweet, hilarious and not to mention sexy moments too.
Actually, let's mention those. Adrian, oh Adrian. He is the dirty talking alpha of my dreams. As a teenager he made me swoon but as a man he makes me completely weak in the knees.
It is hard to believe that this is Amie Knight's debut book. The story is so perfectly thought out and the characters are beautifully complex and her writing is poignant and fluid. It is impossible not to get lost in the story and I promise you will find that you cannot put it down. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is definitely my personal top read of 2016.
See Through Heart is the captivating tale of childhood bestfriends with too many odd against them. Adrian and Ainsley along with her cousin, Lorelei and her best friend, Miranda are growing up in South Carolina. They have all had too many hardships for kids so young but together they know they will get through it all.
We get to see them as kids, as teenagers and as adults. We the reader get the joy of watching them age and mature. But we also have to endure the hardship of watching tragedy strike and tear them apart.
Adrian and Ainsley are a pure classic love story. They go through it all. I will go ahead and warn you that tissues are a must when reading this but do not fear. While there are incredibly sad parts to this story there are also so many happy, sweet, hilarious and not to mention sexy moments too.
Actually, let's mention those. Adrian, oh Adrian. He is the dirty talking alpha of my dreams. As a teenager he made me swoon but as a man he makes me completely weak in the knees.
It is hard to believe that this is Amie Knight's debut book. The story is so perfectly thought out and the characters are beautifully complex and her writing is poignant and fluid. It is impossible not to get lost in the story and I promise you will find that you cannot put it down. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is definitely my personal top read of 2016.
November 7, 2016
See Through Heart by Amie Knight was a beautifully emotional debut novel that truly touched me on every level. This book was so well written, so deeply emotional, and such an all-around phenomenal book that completely swept me up into everything it had. From the very first page of this story I was beyond taken with Ainsely and Adrian’s story of love, life, and loss, and through it all I just feel deeper and harder for everything those two were sharing.
This story is one that will open your heart up wide, flood it with feels that will have you simultaneously melting and aching for these two and all that they share, and one that will literally steal your breath with all that it gives you.
Ainsley and Adrian’s story is real. It’s raw, it’s deeply emotional, and it will blow you away with everything that it has. The meaning and the power behind what you get with these two as you experience their story will have you laughing with them, crying with them, and feeling it all with them as their story unfolds. Amie Knight completely consumes you with the two of them with her phenomenal writing, and that connects you into everything you are reading in the most authentic and real way.
There are so many aspects that I loved about this book. I loved how much it made me felt, even when it hurt my heart for these two. I loved how deeply invested I became in their story as everything unfolded in front of my eyes and heart. I loved how exceptionally written and crafted this story was, and how that writing gave me these characters and their story so truly and deeply. But most of all, I just loved this book, wholeheartedly with everything I had and I truly can’t say that enough.
If I didn’t know it, I would never have guessed that this was a debut novel. Amie Knight’s writing is flawless, and the way that she completely puts you in this story with all of her characters was nothing short of spectacular. Her writing gave me it all while I was reading this book. It gave me these characters, it gave me their heart touching journey as they tried to get back to one another, and it gave me all of the feels with them as they went through it all. Amie Knight’s powerful writing is honest, raw, and will have you feeling beyond in this story because of how exceptionally and meaningfully she crafts every word and emotion, and it honestly doesn’t get better than that. I have no doubt that more amazing things are about to come from this author, and I can’t wait to get my hands on whatever she has in store for us all next.
I have to say that one of my favorite aspects of this book was getting to experience Adrian, Ainsley, Lorelei, and the many other phenomenal characters of this book throughout so many parts of their life. I met them as young children, I got to be there as their friendships grew and developed. I got to be there in the moments that things started to change, and I got to feel every ounce of emotion that went with all of that as they grew closer to one another, as they started to fall, and eventually as it all fell apart. Getting to experience all of that with these characters seared them all to my heart. It also invested me in them so deeply and truly, and it connected me to them on the deepest of levels because of everything I experienced with them. I got to see them all at their highest of highs, their lowest of lows and everywhere in between, and that gave my heart to theirs a million times over while reading this book. Experiencing every new event that came their way strengthened the bond I had to their characters, and I honestly can’t say that enough.
Now it is no secret that second chance romances are my jam. They are my all-time favorite storylines for a reason, and See Through Heart reminded me of that again and again. This story embodied what it means to have a second chance romance. It captured every hope, every fear, every heartache, every tear, and every feeling along the way as Ainsely and Adrian tried to put themselves and their hearts together again. Their story sure as hell wasn’t easy, but it was beyond worth it, and getting to be there every step of the way as they tried to see where a second chance might take them was everything. It was intense, it was full of their specific dynamic that I couldn’t get enough of, and it repeatedly reminded me why what they were sharing was so worth fighting for. The tenacity of these characters, their honesty and how they really went there as they saw what second chances could bring them both was unforgettable, emotional, intense and consuming, and I truly couldn’t get enough of it.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was how much I felt every single outstanding word of it. Amie Knight’s exceptional writing completely allowed me to feel what all of these characters were, and that put me in this book with them, feeling it all as the events of the story came their way. See Through Heart is a story you feel every word of. It’s a story that hurts you, that breaks you open, and one that will have you fighting tears as you experience what it brings to these characters. This story isn’t easy on any of these characters, but its deep emotion, honesty, and authenticity leaps from its pages in the most incredible way. So yes, this book will hurt you, but it will also give you it all with these characters and their journey together, and let me tell you, getting that with them is beyond worth it.
Amie Knight completely brings the relationships between all of the many outstanding characters in this book to life a way that makes them all feel beyond real. She lets you understand them, she lets you love them, and she lets you be there in the moments when their relationships grow and evolve. She lets you feel so much for them, and along the way she lets you understand every nuance of their relationships and connections. She allows you to understand their struggles as well, and that gives you the most honest and real connection to them all. Feeling that level of connection between these characters had me loving them even more, and had me knowing through every turn of that page that this story would be one I wouldn’t soon forget.
See Through Heart is a story about so many things. It is a story of what happens when things come into your life that you were never expecting. It’s a story about meeting that one person who can heal you and break you in the very same breath. It’s a story about love and loss and every single emotion that comes in between. It’s a story of sisters, love, and how one choice can change it all.
The power and the meaning behind all of the words in this story is something you won’t soon forget. With an incredibly honest level of emotion, a romance that will have your heart melting and aching and swooning on every single page, and a connection that just doesn’t quit between all of these characters, See Through Heart has it all. It has the characters you will love with your entire heart, it has relationships you will be invested in through every page, and it has the feels that will literally give you it all.
To say I loved and enjoyed this debut book is putting it too mildly. See Through Heart by Amie Knight is amazing. So beyond amazing, so beyond consuming, and so beyond all-feeling. I could say that a million times over, and it still wouldn’t be enough, and that is just part of what makes this such a phenomenal book.
This story is one that will open your heart up wide, flood it with feels that will have you simultaneously melting and aching for these two and all that they share, and one that will literally steal your breath with all that it gives you.
Ainsley and Adrian’s story is real. It’s raw, it’s deeply emotional, and it will blow you away with everything that it has. The meaning and the power behind what you get with these two as you experience their story will have you laughing with them, crying with them, and feeling it all with them as their story unfolds. Amie Knight completely consumes you with the two of them with her phenomenal writing, and that connects you into everything you are reading in the most authentic and real way.
There are so many aspects that I loved about this book. I loved how much it made me felt, even when it hurt my heart for these two. I loved how deeply invested I became in their story as everything unfolded in front of my eyes and heart. I loved how exceptionally written and crafted this story was, and how that writing gave me these characters and their story so truly and deeply. But most of all, I just loved this book, wholeheartedly with everything I had and I truly can’t say that enough.
If I didn’t know it, I would never have guessed that this was a debut novel. Amie Knight’s writing is flawless, and the way that she completely puts you in this story with all of her characters was nothing short of spectacular. Her writing gave me it all while I was reading this book. It gave me these characters, it gave me their heart touching journey as they tried to get back to one another, and it gave me all of the feels with them as they went through it all. Amie Knight’s powerful writing is honest, raw, and will have you feeling beyond in this story because of how exceptionally and meaningfully she crafts every word and emotion, and it honestly doesn’t get better than that. I have no doubt that more amazing things are about to come from this author, and I can’t wait to get my hands on whatever she has in store for us all next.
I have to say that one of my favorite aspects of this book was getting to experience Adrian, Ainsley, Lorelei, and the many other phenomenal characters of this book throughout so many parts of their life. I met them as young children, I got to be there as their friendships grew and developed. I got to be there in the moments that things started to change, and I got to feel every ounce of emotion that went with all of that as they grew closer to one another, as they started to fall, and eventually as it all fell apart. Getting to experience all of that with these characters seared them all to my heart. It also invested me in them so deeply and truly, and it connected me to them on the deepest of levels because of everything I experienced with them. I got to see them all at their highest of highs, their lowest of lows and everywhere in between, and that gave my heart to theirs a million times over while reading this book. Experiencing every new event that came their way strengthened the bond I had to their characters, and I honestly can’t say that enough.
Now it is no secret that second chance romances are my jam. They are my all-time favorite storylines for a reason, and See Through Heart reminded me of that again and again. This story embodied what it means to have a second chance romance. It captured every hope, every fear, every heartache, every tear, and every feeling along the way as Ainsely and Adrian tried to put themselves and their hearts together again. Their story sure as hell wasn’t easy, but it was beyond worth it, and getting to be there every step of the way as they tried to see where a second chance might take them was everything. It was intense, it was full of their specific dynamic that I couldn’t get enough of, and it repeatedly reminded me why what they were sharing was so worth fighting for. The tenacity of these characters, their honesty and how they really went there as they saw what second chances could bring them both was unforgettable, emotional, intense and consuming, and I truly couldn’t get enough of it.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was how much I felt every single outstanding word of it. Amie Knight’s exceptional writing completely allowed me to feel what all of these characters were, and that put me in this book with them, feeling it all as the events of the story came their way. See Through Heart is a story you feel every word of. It’s a story that hurts you, that breaks you open, and one that will have you fighting tears as you experience what it brings to these characters. This story isn’t easy on any of these characters, but its deep emotion, honesty, and authenticity leaps from its pages in the most incredible way. So yes, this book will hurt you, but it will also give you it all with these characters and their journey together, and let me tell you, getting that with them is beyond worth it.
Amie Knight completely brings the relationships between all of the many outstanding characters in this book to life a way that makes them all feel beyond real. She lets you understand them, she lets you love them, and she lets you be there in the moments when their relationships grow and evolve. She lets you feel so much for them, and along the way she lets you understand every nuance of their relationships and connections. She allows you to understand their struggles as well, and that gives you the most honest and real connection to them all. Feeling that level of connection between these characters had me loving them even more, and had me knowing through every turn of that page that this story would be one I wouldn’t soon forget.
See Through Heart is a story about so many things. It is a story of what happens when things come into your life that you were never expecting. It’s a story about meeting that one person who can heal you and break you in the very same breath. It’s a story about love and loss and every single emotion that comes in between. It’s a story of sisters, love, and how one choice can change it all.
The power and the meaning behind all of the words in this story is something you won’t soon forget. With an incredibly honest level of emotion, a romance that will have your heart melting and aching and swooning on every single page, and a connection that just doesn’t quit between all of these characters, See Through Heart has it all. It has the characters you will love with your entire heart, it has relationships you will be invested in through every page, and it has the feels that will literally give you it all.
To say I loved and enjoyed this debut book is putting it too mildly. See Through Heart by Amie Knight is amazing. So beyond amazing, so beyond consuming, and so beyond all-feeling. I could say that a million times over, and it still wouldn’t be enough, and that is just part of what makes this such a phenomenal book.
May 31, 2019
Another new to me author ~and I book I thoroughly enjoyed!!!! 4.5 stars!!!!! This checks off all the boxes that make for a story that hits you in the heart! Childhood best friends, kids that grow up with neglecting parents, friends step in and take care of them, hearts are broken, characters are scared of love, scared of commitment - but the love is there, always!
I found this to be a really quick read! definitely loved it - the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I just didn't find Adrian(or he and Ainsley) to be swoony to the max - which is a favorite book quality of mine! They were cute though and the BFF to lovers ride was very sweet!!!
I did not know this going in because it's not marked here on GR - but the author did go on to write 2 more books after this one - 1 about her childhood best friend Miranda and another about her college best friend Kelly! All available on KU!
I found this to be a really quick read! definitely loved it - the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is I just didn't find Adrian(or he and Ainsley) to be swoony to the max - which is a favorite book quality of mine! They were cute though and the BFF to lovers ride was very sweet!!!
I did not know this going in because it's not marked here on GR - but the author did go on to write 2 more books after this one - 1 about her childhood best friend Miranda and another about her college best friend Kelly! All available on KU!
October 17, 2016
I am blown away by this author! I stayed up all night reading this and I was very impressed. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
Read
November 27, 2016DNF at 53%. Loved the first half but then it fell flat for me. I no longer was liking Ainsley:((
November 11, 2016
Title: See Through Heart
Author: Amie Knight
Series: standalone
Genre: romantic drama
Themes: friends to lovers, second chance
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 3/5
For more of our reviews: www.summersevereads.wordpress.com
This is the debut release from author Amie Knight.
There was a lot of emotion in these pages. I'm not going to lie, I did cry once or twice, and it was absolutely not what I was expecting to happen when I started reading this book. It was interesting to see how tragedy affected the main characters, and how drama also managed to bring them back together.
Knight did an absolutely brilliant job of establishing this relationship, with the first half of the novel following the Ainsley and Adrian as they met as children and grew up, and the second half bringing them back together following these gut-wrenching events. I really cared for these characters, and I found their relationship beautiful.
Where I struggled a little bit was with Adrian's character. For some reason, he just didn't feel consistent enough to me, and I didn't quite believe that he wouldn't have gone after Ainsley when she left. Similarly, I felt like although the first half did a perfect job of setting everything up (before callously destroying it!), the second half seemed a little rushed for me. I wanted a little more pain, a little more tension, but instead it all worked out fairly easily and became more of a sweet read.
There were several subplots which just didn't go anywhere, such as Adrian and his father, and the subplot with Anthony and Kelley (though maybe the latter is being left for a sequel? Let's hope so).
A stellar effort for a first novel, the first half left me devastated while the second was just a little too fast for such an emotionally intense read. This is definitely an author to keep watching.
Author: Amie Knight
Series: standalone
Genre: romantic drama
Themes: friends to lovers, second chance
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 3/5
For more of our reviews: www.summersevereads.wordpress.com
This is the debut release from author Amie Knight.
I had never been kissed in my life, but I knew that this was special. I knew that kisses like this were rare and beautiful. A kiss like this was born from years of friendship and love.
There was a lot of emotion in these pages. I'm not going to lie, I did cry once or twice, and it was absolutely not what I was expecting to happen when I started reading this book. It was interesting to see how tragedy affected the main characters, and how drama also managed to bring them back together.
Knight did an absolutely brilliant job of establishing this relationship, with the first half of the novel following the Ainsley and Adrian as they met as children and grew up, and the second half bringing them back together following these gut-wrenching events. I really cared for these characters, and I found their relationship beautiful.
"Let's pretend we are just a boy and a girl in love. That our lives aren't encompassed in overwhelming sorrow and heartbreak. That we aren't swimming in a never-ending sea of grief. Please, let me have this. This moment of beautiful in all of this ugly."
Where I struggled a little bit was with Adrian's character. For some reason, he just didn't feel consistent enough to me, and I didn't quite believe that he wouldn't have gone after Ainsley when she left. Similarly, I felt like although the first half did a perfect job of setting everything up (before callously destroying it!), the second half seemed a little rushed for me. I wanted a little more pain, a little more tension, but instead it all worked out fairly easily and became more of a sweet read.
There were several subplots which just didn't go anywhere, such as Adrian and his father, and the subplot with Anthony and Kelley (though maybe the latter is being left for a sequel? Let's hope so).
She could run from me, but what she couldn't do was hide her heart. Whether she liked it or not, I owned it. It was mine.
A stellar effort for a first novel, the first half left me devastated while the second was just a little too fast for such an emotionally intense read. This is definitely an author to keep watching.
November 2, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
I had to admit I was flattered. I figured the reason for that was Anthony was from Hell and the devil had all kinds of Jedi mind tricks up his sleeve.
“You, my friend, are a ten.” She fisted her hands on her hips and asked while pointedly looking over at my painting, “Guess who else is a ten?” She plucked her bag off the futon and turned toward the door. “On that note, I’m out. When a girl makes an epic speech like that, she should follow it with a grand exit.”
What in the hell is wrong with you? Put that…. that… weapon of ass destruction away, man. Jesus, don’t you know that I can’t unsee that shit?
I stared down at her very tight, black pants that seemed to have donuts all over them. I mean, I could have been mistaken, so I studied them harder. Nope, still donuts. I laughed even harder. “Now is not the time to discuss how delicious and fashionable my leggings are, Adrian.”
“Lord, you have to be the absolute worse alpha in history… You were a complete….” She stopped like she was contemplating just how horrible of a person I was. Then she snapped her fingers and shouted out enthusiastically, “Alpha-hole! Yep, that’s you, an alpha-hole. You are ruining every book boyfriend I’ve ever read.”
My Review:
The agile layering and mesmerizing storytelling of See Through Heart grabbed me from the first page and held me fast throughout. My heart was already broken during the dramatic and devastating prologue so I knew full well this was going to be a tense and emotive read, but I didn’t even care as I could already see the exceptional quality and depth in the writing and was helplessly enmeshed. I was engrossed, engaged, and up to my eyeballs in this compelling book from beginning to end. I was unable and unwilling to put my Kindle down any longer than absolutely necessary and felt irritation and an urge to hiss at any disruption to my reading. While they weren’t always admirable, I adored these complex and vividly drawn characters and cheered and agonized for them as their story unfolded. Amie Knight has spectacular writing skills and had me smirking, sweating, gasping, cringing, and blinking as she mined all the feels with her nimble word-craft. She left me with a bruised heart, satisfied smile, and an unusually strong desire for biscuits and gravy.
I had to admit I was flattered. I figured the reason for that was Anthony was from Hell and the devil had all kinds of Jedi mind tricks up his sleeve.
“You, my friend, are a ten.” She fisted her hands on her hips and asked while pointedly looking over at my painting, “Guess who else is a ten?” She plucked her bag off the futon and turned toward the door. “On that note, I’m out. When a girl makes an epic speech like that, she should follow it with a grand exit.”
What in the hell is wrong with you? Put that…. that… weapon of ass destruction away, man. Jesus, don’t you know that I can’t unsee that shit?
I stared down at her very tight, black pants that seemed to have donuts all over them. I mean, I could have been mistaken, so I studied them harder. Nope, still donuts. I laughed even harder. “Now is not the time to discuss how delicious and fashionable my leggings are, Adrian.”
“Lord, you have to be the absolute worse alpha in history… You were a complete….” She stopped like she was contemplating just how horrible of a person I was. Then she snapped her fingers and shouted out enthusiastically, “Alpha-hole! Yep, that’s you, an alpha-hole. You are ruining every book boyfriend I’ve ever read.”
My Review:
The agile layering and mesmerizing storytelling of See Through Heart grabbed me from the first page and held me fast throughout. My heart was already broken during the dramatic and devastating prologue so I knew full well this was going to be a tense and emotive read, but I didn’t even care as I could already see the exceptional quality and depth in the writing and was helplessly enmeshed. I was engrossed, engaged, and up to my eyeballs in this compelling book from beginning to end. I was unable and unwilling to put my Kindle down any longer than absolutely necessary and felt irritation and an urge to hiss at any disruption to my reading. While they weren’t always admirable, I adored these complex and vividly drawn characters and cheered and agonized for them as their story unfolded. Amie Knight has spectacular writing skills and had me smirking, sweating, gasping, cringing, and blinking as she mined all the feels with her nimble word-craft. She left me with a bruised heart, satisfied smile, and an unusually strong desire for biscuits and gravy.
September 16, 2018
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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I generously received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review…
I had no idea what to expect going into this story, but the moment I sat down to read it I knew I was a goner. This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every single twist and turn I was thrown. Your heart will not only be broken, but repaired again right before your very eyes!
See Through Heart is the very first book that I've read from the author but it certainly won't be my last. Upon further investigation I learned that this story was actually her debut novel and for that I have to applaud her because I thought that there was no way she hadn't published anything before. This story is so well written and her character development is on point. I couldn't help but fall in love with not only the story, but the characters inside! Amie Knight you better watch out because you've got a new book stalker!
I generously received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review…
I had no idea what to expect going into this story, but the moment I sat down to read it I knew I was a goner. This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every single twist and turn I was thrown. Your heart will not only be broken, but repaired again right before your very eyes!
See Through Heart is the very first book that I've read from the author but it certainly won't be my last. Upon further investigation I learned that this story was actually her debut novel and for that I have to applaud her because I thought that there was no way she hadn't published anything before. This story is so well written and her character development is on point. I couldn't help but fall in love with not only the story, but the characters inside! Amie Knight you better watch out because you've got a new book stalker!
November 28, 2016
3,5 stars
I have seen this book on social media and I knew it was by a debut author but I couldn't resist the beautiful cover. I was drawn to it and I gave it a shot. I love discovering new authors and this one promises good stories to come.
This is a story full of angst, heartbreak, sorrow and love. It is not always easy to read it but the emotions poor from the pages.
Ainsley lives with her mother and her little cousin and spends her time doing things full of life and laughter.When she was only a little girl, she met the cute neighbor and their lives entwined forever. Time passes and we see the bond that blooms binding them all three.
Ainsley is in love with the cute boy and so is he, but her little cousin having been left by her mother has a connection to this boy also. Ainsley would do anything for her family, even denying the love of her life. As her little cousin, Loralie becomes a troubled teenager, Ainsley is torn between doing the right thing and protect her or getting herself free to love. Their love between Ainsley and Adrian though is stronger and their attraction cannot be fought.
When tragedy strikes, Ainsley runs leaving behind those she loves. The hurt chases her through the years and after four years, she has to go back home and face the love she left behind.
Ainsley was an easy character to like as kid. She was active, full of mischief and so supportive of her family and Adrian. She was always there for them. As she got older, I was sad that she was so broken that she left everything behind. She was depressed and couldn't appreciate clearly all the love Adrian gave her. I understood her pain but I didn't like how much she hurt him.
Adrian on the other hand was a cute boy that became a talented man. He was always clear about his feelings for Ainsley and even after four years, he was hurt but he had given all his heart to his girl.
I loved the beginning and the end of their story . It started so great and finished so romantically. As their story is full of angst, I would have loved to see more scenes between the couple that intensified their love relationship. The author passed fast forward the time and I missed the quiet times between them as boyfriend and girlfriend. They just jumped from friendship to lovers. Nonetheless , I felt their deep connection, I would just prefer not to see them hurt all the time.
I really liked the secondary characters, Ainsley's family and friends.Loralei was a tormented soul, you wanted to hug and save the little girl and Ainsley's friends gave the story a humorous aspect.
I think this book as a great start for a new author and if you want a story that will clench your heart and you love angst, grab this book.
http://elenasbookblog.com/new-review-...
I have seen this book on social media and I knew it was by a debut author but I couldn't resist the beautiful cover. I was drawn to it and I gave it a shot. I love discovering new authors and this one promises good stories to come.
This is a story full of angst, heartbreak, sorrow and love. It is not always easy to read it but the emotions poor from the pages.
Ainsley lives with her mother and her little cousin and spends her time doing things full of life and laughter.When she was only a little girl, she met the cute neighbor and their lives entwined forever. Time passes and we see the bond that blooms binding them all three.
Ainsley is in love with the cute boy and so is he, but her little cousin having been left by her mother has a connection to this boy also. Ainsley would do anything for her family, even denying the love of her life. As her little cousin, Loralie becomes a troubled teenager, Ainsley is torn between doing the right thing and protect her or getting herself free to love. Their love between Ainsley and Adrian though is stronger and their attraction cannot be fought.
When tragedy strikes, Ainsley runs leaving behind those she loves. The hurt chases her through the years and after four years, she has to go back home and face the love she left behind.
Ainsley was an easy character to like as kid. She was active, full of mischief and so supportive of her family and Adrian. She was always there for them. As she got older, I was sad that she was so broken that she left everything behind. She was depressed and couldn't appreciate clearly all the love Adrian gave her. I understood her pain but I didn't like how much she hurt him.
Adrian on the other hand was a cute boy that became a talented man. He was always clear about his feelings for Ainsley and even after four years, he was hurt but he had given all his heart to his girl.
I loved the beginning and the end of their story . It started so great and finished so romantically. As their story is full of angst, I would have loved to see more scenes between the couple that intensified their love relationship. The author passed fast forward the time and I missed the quiet times between them as boyfriend and girlfriend. They just jumped from friendship to lovers. Nonetheless , I felt their deep connection, I would just prefer not to see them hurt all the time.
I really liked the secondary characters, Ainsley's family and friends.Loralei was a tormented soul, you wanted to hug and save the little girl and Ainsley's friends gave the story a humorous aspect.
I think this book as a great start for a new author and if you want a story that will clench your heart and you love angst, grab this book.
http://elenasbookblog.com/new-review-...
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