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You Make My Heart Stop
A young woman with a life-threatening medical condition must decide between her life on earth and her soulmate—who she can only be with in the afterlife—in this "magical" exploration of loss, love, and fate—perfect for fans of Kirsty Greenwood and Jojo Moyes (Sarah J. Harris, author of Meet Me On the Bridge).
For years, Emery has lived with a condition that means her heart could literally stop at any second. While her friends and family try too hard to protect her, Emery refuses to live in perpetual fear. Besides, she has a secret—when her heart stops, Emery actually dies . . . and that’s the only time she can see Nick.
Nick is Emery’s constant—the man who exists in the space between life and death, helping souls cross over to whatever comes next. Usually, he meets people just once and for a fleeting moment. But Emery and Nick keep meeting, keep tilting each other’s worlds and pushing the limits of their time together.
Every brush with death brings Emery closer to a soulmate she can never have while she remains alive. Yet the universe seems determined to prove it still has a few surprises left for her—first kisses, second chances, and unexpected, world-changing opportunities. Emery could finally have a chance at a real future, but how can she give up the love of her afterlife to seize the life she has now?
For years, Emery has lived with a condition that means her heart could literally stop at any second. While her friends and family try too hard to protect her, Emery refuses to live in perpetual fear. Besides, she has a secret—when her heart stops, Emery actually dies . . . and that’s the only time she can see Nick.
Nick is Emery’s constant—the man who exists in the space between life and death, helping souls cross over to whatever comes next. Usually, he meets people just once and for a fleeting moment. But Emery and Nick keep meeting, keep tilting each other’s worlds and pushing the limits of their time together.
Every brush with death brings Emery closer to a soulmate she can never have while she remains alive. Yet the universe seems determined to prove it still has a few surprises left for her—first kisses, second chances, and unexpected, world-changing opportunities. Emery could finally have a chance at a real future, but how can she give up the love of her afterlife to seize the life she has now?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
10 people are currently reading
6061 people want to read
About the author
Becky Hunter
11 books77 followersBecky grew up in Berkshire, UK, and has loved reading since before she can remember. After studying social sciences at Cambridge university, this love of reading led her to a career in publishing, where she worked as a book publicist in London for several years before taking a career break and moving to Mozambique to volunteer with horses. It was here that she decided to give writing a proper go, though it was still a few years, a few more destinations, and a couple more jobs before she had the idea that would become ONE MOMENT, her debut novel. (source: amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 18, 2025
🎵IT'S ME, HI, I'M THE PROBLEM, IT'S ME🎵!!!!!! You Make My Heart Stop written by Becky Hunter wasn't for me at all. If you are looking for a cute cheesy romance story, this book won't be for you because it's not your typical romance story, the main character is in love with the afterlife. I know this is a magical realism book, but it just didn't work for me. I didn't like the main character at all, she was way too selfish for my liking. Unfortunately, Becky Hunter didn't make my heart stop with this novel. I know many readers will eat this book up, but it just didn't work for me. I really wanted to like this book because it has an adorable cover and the synopsis sounded so promising, but sadly it missed the mark for me. I didn't have an issue with the magical realism aspect, in fact I do enjoy this trope, but I just couldn't find a liking or a connection with the main character. Don't let my two star rating deter you from this book please, these are just my opinions and how I felt about this book. If you don't mind selfish and careless characters, then I suggest you mark your calendars for April 22nd, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on You Make My Heart Stop. I expected my heart to beat out of my chest or even shed a a few tears along the way, but none of those things happened, which left me feeling disappointed.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND FOREVER GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
"😇🤔So, what are you, an angel of death or something😇🤔?"
"💯Hitting your early twenties didn't heighten your sense of maturity💯".
"📢🎴You should never apologize for being yourself. Never📢🎴".
"😭There is no version of reality where I get to have you with me. So it's easier not to want it😭".
"💔Death will come, sooner or later, but you don't have to chase it💔".
"💖💫Every version of me would love every version of you💖💫".
"💝💌I believe our souls will find each other again💝💌".
For years, Emery Wilson has lived with a condition- reflex anoxic syndrome which is when the heart stops beating and she needs CPR. When her heart stops, Emery actually dies, but if she is administered CPR, she will come back to life within a matter of seconds. The first time Emery died she was just five years old, but continues to have this condition throughout her life. When she was just a child, Emery had a crush on her best friend Bonnie's brother- Colin, but that crush went no where. Emery is always the center of attention, and she's known as the problem child. In Emery's exact words, people that care about her are nightmares. Emery went to university for an art major, but not because she wanted to be an artist, she only went to make friends and go to parties to drink and have fun. Emery never wanted to be a burden to those who cared about her, but she always made the most careless decisions. The only time Emery's heart stops is when she's scared, surprised, and or in pain. Nick Ryemore is a thirty-five year old ghost or an angel of death with a Scottish accent. Nick is basically a guide for dead people. Nick is an angel, a ghost, or a spirit of some kind that only shows up when Emery dies. Nick was born during World War Two and died a week after he turned thirty five years old. Nick always promises Emery that it's going to be okay when they meet and every time he has to say goodbye to her. During their times together, Nick has a contagious laugh, he has light gray and green eyes, and chestnut brown hair. Nick only sees the moments before Emery dies and then he shows up with answers for her.
Emery Wilson is a selfish bitch. Nick and Emery attempt to flirt with each other during their very limited visits with each other, and soon later form a crush for each other, but the crush was often one sided whether is was Nick or Emery. When Nick appeared and shared something valuable with Emery, she always took everything he said as a joke. Despite this heart condition Emery had, I cheered her on because she never wanted to stop living her life, but Emery makes so many irrational and dumb choices despite having so many people around her that cared about her well-being. Emery thinks her angel of death- Nick is super hot, but their one sided crush never went anywhere. Nick appears only when Emery does something risky or impulsive. Together, Nick and Emery have philosophical debates whenever they had their limited time visits. Emery couldn't do things that other people could do because she was different. But, that never stopped her from living her life. Emery says she loves Nick, but she would always throw a tantrum and be bitter whenever Nick would lecture her about being careful or when they would see each other next. Despite having a love for Nick and being the only person that can see him, Emery never talked about Nick because people wouldn't believe her or they would think she's a crazy lunatic. I felt bad for Emery as she was navigating life with this heart condition, but in my opinion she should have been more careful and or made rational decisions, so she wouldn't get hurt. Nick was super sweet towards Emery during their timed visits, but I do believe he should have put his foot down more when Emery would throw a tantrum.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND FOREVER GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
"😇🤔So, what are you, an angel of death or something😇🤔?"
"💯Hitting your early twenties didn't heighten your sense of maturity💯".
"📢🎴You should never apologize for being yourself. Never📢🎴".
"😭There is no version of reality where I get to have you with me. So it's easier not to want it😭".
"💔Death will come, sooner or later, but you don't have to chase it💔".
"💖💫Every version of me would love every version of you💖💫".
"💝💌I believe our souls will find each other again💝💌".
For years, Emery Wilson has lived with a condition- reflex anoxic syndrome which is when the heart stops beating and she needs CPR. When her heart stops, Emery actually dies, but if she is administered CPR, she will come back to life within a matter of seconds. The first time Emery died she was just five years old, but continues to have this condition throughout her life. When she was just a child, Emery had a crush on her best friend Bonnie's brother- Colin, but that crush went no where. Emery is always the center of attention, and she's known as the problem child. In Emery's exact words, people that care about her are nightmares. Emery went to university for an art major, but not because she wanted to be an artist, she only went to make friends and go to parties to drink and have fun. Emery never wanted to be a burden to those who cared about her, but she always made the most careless decisions. The only time Emery's heart stops is when she's scared, surprised, and or in pain. Nick Ryemore is a thirty-five year old ghost or an angel of death with a Scottish accent. Nick is basically a guide for dead people. Nick is an angel, a ghost, or a spirit of some kind that only shows up when Emery dies. Nick was born during World War Two and died a week after he turned thirty five years old. Nick always promises Emery that it's going to be okay when they meet and every time he has to say goodbye to her. During their times together, Nick has a contagious laugh, he has light gray and green eyes, and chestnut brown hair. Nick only sees the moments before Emery dies and then he shows up with answers for her.
Emery Wilson is a selfish bitch. Nick and Emery attempt to flirt with each other during their very limited visits with each other, and soon later form a crush for each other, but the crush was often one sided whether is was Nick or Emery. When Nick appeared and shared something valuable with Emery, she always took everything he said as a joke. Despite this heart condition Emery had, I cheered her on because she never wanted to stop living her life, but Emery makes so many irrational and dumb choices despite having so many people around her that cared about her well-being. Emery thinks her angel of death- Nick is super hot, but their one sided crush never went anywhere. Nick appears only when Emery does something risky or impulsive. Together, Nick and Emery have philosophical debates whenever they had their limited time visits. Emery couldn't do things that other people could do because she was different. But, that never stopped her from living her life. Emery says she loves Nick, but she would always throw a tantrum and be bitter whenever Nick would lecture her about being careful or when they would see each other next. Despite having a love for Nick and being the only person that can see him, Emery never talked about Nick because people wouldn't believe her or they would think she's a crazy lunatic. I felt bad for Emery as she was navigating life with this heart condition, but in my opinion she should have been more careful and or made rational decisions, so she wouldn't get hurt. Nick was super sweet towards Emery during their timed visits, but I do believe he should have put his foot down more when Emery would throw a tantrum.
June 14, 2025
Such a amazing story loved it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 17, 2025
This was a quite a tragic love story with an ending I’m not completely satisfied with, but gosh, I was absolutely hooked. It left me with tears! Emery has a heart condition that causes her heart to stop in moments of stress. And in these near moments of death, she is transported to an in-between place where she meets Nick, an angel of sorts with a past of his own, living a lonely existence as he helps others cross over.
It’s a bit of a love triangle, but definitely a complicated, bittersweet one. Beginning when Emery is just five years old, there's multiple time jumps, each inevitably leading to the next moment her heart will stop. There are some great conversations about life and death, and overall, I really ached for Emery, her overprotective father, and this unique experience she is forced to live. Even knowing the risk, she continually pushes her limits, always with the underlying hope of seeing Nick again… gah! I ate it up!
(heat level: 2 very brief, very mild open-door scenes)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s a bit of a love triangle, but definitely a complicated, bittersweet one. Beginning when Emery is just five years old, there's multiple time jumps, each inevitably leading to the next moment her heart will stop. There are some great conversations about life and death, and overall, I really ached for Emery, her overprotective father, and this unique experience she is forced to live. Even knowing the risk, she continually pushes her limits, always with the underlying hope of seeing Nick again… gah! I ate it up!
(heat level: 2 very brief, very mild open-door scenes)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 20, 2025
You Make My Heart Stop is a very special, truly memorable, completely unconventional love story.
I had no idea they Becky Hunter also writes under a different name. Once I found out her alter ego, I knew I needed to read her Becky Hunter books and this one didn't disappoint.
I am not surprised it's an extremely emotional story, because she is a queen in crafting heartfelt stories. I am, however, extemely impressed in how this novel spans decades. That is not easy to do and I felt it was perfectly done.
I loved this story, it's so special.
I had no idea they Becky Hunter also writes under a different name. Once I found out her alter ego, I knew I needed to read her Becky Hunter books and this one didn't disappoint.
I am not surprised it's an extremely emotional story, because she is a queen in crafting heartfelt stories. I am, however, extemely impressed in how this novel spans decades. That is not easy to do and I felt it was perfectly done.
I loved this story, it's so special.
April 9, 2025
You Make My Heart Stop is a heartfelt novel based on a theme of second chances.
Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart stop at any given time, sending her into the afterlife for brief moments. It is in this afterlife that Emery meets Nick, the resident facilitator who helps “travelers” move on into the “light.”
Over the years, and numerous cardiac episodes, Emery and Nick develop a fondness for each other. But Emery has a life, a real life in the real world. Should she give up everything she has for a moment in time with Nick before moving on?
I thoroughly enjoyed You Make My Heart Stop. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but surprisingly good. The narrative ran a little slow at times, but overall the pacing was just right.
The story unfolds in a linear timeline. And it is told in dual points of view — Emery and Nick, with Emery being the primary MC of the story.
There were a number of different characters. But not so much that it got overwhelming. The primary characters were well developed with each having distinct personalities.
The whole premise of an afterlife was intriguing and author Hunter executed the story perfectly with the linear timelines and dual points of view.
With a poignant finale, there’s so much to love about the novel. Five stars.
I received a DRC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my thoughts and opinions.
Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart stop at any given time, sending her into the afterlife for brief moments. It is in this afterlife that Emery meets Nick, the resident facilitator who helps “travelers” move on into the “light.”
Over the years, and numerous cardiac episodes, Emery and Nick develop a fondness for each other. But Emery has a life, a real life in the real world. Should she give up everything she has for a moment in time with Nick before moving on?
I thoroughly enjoyed You Make My Heart Stop. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but surprisingly good. The narrative ran a little slow at times, but overall the pacing was just right.
The story unfolds in a linear timeline. And it is told in dual points of view — Emery and Nick, with Emery being the primary MC of the story.
There were a number of different characters. But not so much that it got overwhelming. The primary characters were well developed with each having distinct personalities.
The whole premise of an afterlife was intriguing and author Hunter executed the story perfectly with the linear timelines and dual points of view.
With a poignant finale, there’s so much to love about the novel. Five stars.
I received a DRC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my thoughts and opinions.
May 3, 2025
This latest from Becky Hunter (aka Emily Stone) is by far my new favorite! It's an emotional moving romance with a magical twist that also tackles living with a disability, loss, guilt, grief, mental health and SOOO much more.
Spanning decades, the story follows Emery, who has a fictional heart condition in which her heart can randomly stop and when it does she is whisked away into this other dimension for a short time. Here she meets Nick, a mysterious man/ghost with his own dark past who helps guide her through life and ultimately find the will to live and who Emery comes to believe is her soulmate.
Full of romance, heartbreak, friendship, sisterhood and more, this was great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like The Time traveler's wife and authors like Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Spanning decades, the story follows Emery, who has a fictional heart condition in which her heart can randomly stop and when it does she is whisked away into this other dimension for a short time. Here she meets Nick, a mysterious man/ghost with his own dark past who helps guide her through life and ultimately find the will to live and who Emery comes to believe is her soulmate.
Full of romance, heartbreak, friendship, sisterhood and more, this was great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like The Time traveler's wife and authors like Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Emery dies at the age of five when her heart stops. Her parents are on hand and restart her heart but her heart condition is one that could be triggered to stop at any given moment. Emery lives for those times it stops because she gets to see her friend, Nick, in a waiting place. As she grows so does her love for Nick, the only one who seems to see her for who she wants to be.
I adored Becky's previous novel, One Moment. It was so heartfelt and moving. Pretty sure it made me cry. And I was hoping for/expecting a similar experience. Unfortunately, it didn't hit me quite the same way. It's more women's fiction magical realism with a very minor romantic subplot. Also, could be my fault as I was on the wrong side of the love triangle and I was impatient for a happily-ever-after.
Becky puts her character through a gamut of trouble and the overall message is thoughtfully done. I'll definitely read another from her as she kept my attention throughout.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Emery dies at the age of five when her heart stops. Her parents are on hand and restart her heart but her heart condition is one that could be triggered to stop at any given moment. Emery lives for those times it stops because she gets to see her friend, Nick, in a waiting place. As she grows so does her love for Nick, the only one who seems to see her for who she wants to be.
I adored Becky's previous novel, One Moment. It was so heartfelt and moving. Pretty sure it made me cry. And I was hoping for/expecting a similar experience. Unfortunately, it didn't hit me quite the same way. It's more women's fiction magical realism with a very minor romantic subplot. Also, could be my fault as I was on the wrong side of the love triangle and I was impatient for a happily-ever-after.
Becky puts her character through a gamut of trouble and the overall message is thoughtfully done. I'll definitely read another from her as she kept my attention throughout.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 24, 2025
Wow. What a beautiful, heartbreaking and emotional book! Becky managed to create an entirely unique premise, and used magical realism to write a book that will stay on my mind for a really long time!
Emery has a condition where her heart can stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick in the space between life and death. His job is to guide souls into the afterlife. Emery is the only person who he continues to meet again and again, and eventually they fall in love. There's no way they can be together forever, and yet when Emery is given a chance to fix her heart condition, she wonders how she could possibly live without ever seeing him again.
Becky Hunter writes the most beautiful words! This book flowed so well, the characters leapt off the page, and I devoured every bit of it. I couldn't figure out how the story was going to wrap up, but I should have known that it would have the best possible resolution. I will say that I wish there could have been more of Nick scenes. A large part of the book didn't have him in it, since Emery only interacted with him when her heart stopped. And for that reason, it felt like the romance was secondary to other themes in the book. It was more of an exploration of grief, childhood trauma, family dynamics and guilt, with a focus on Emery as she grows up and comes to terms with her situation. And that wasn't a bad thing at all! This was definitely a book that made you think and question what you would do if you were in her situation.
I truly enjoyed reading this one, and highly recommend it, especially if you're someone who prefers your romance novels to be on the more emotional side.
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a signed ARC of her book. I will always treasure it! And thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for providing me with an e-arc as well.
Emery has a condition where her heart can stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick in the space between life and death. His job is to guide souls into the afterlife. Emery is the only person who he continues to meet again and again, and eventually they fall in love. There's no way they can be together forever, and yet when Emery is given a chance to fix her heart condition, she wonders how she could possibly live without ever seeing him again.
Becky Hunter writes the most beautiful words! This book flowed so well, the characters leapt off the page, and I devoured every bit of it. I couldn't figure out how the story was going to wrap up, but I should have known that it would have the best possible resolution. I will say that I wish there could have been more of Nick scenes. A large part of the book didn't have him in it, since Emery only interacted with him when her heart stopped. And for that reason, it felt like the romance was secondary to other themes in the book. It was more of an exploration of grief, childhood trauma, family dynamics and guilt, with a focus on Emery as she grows up and comes to terms with her situation. And that wasn't a bad thing at all! This was definitely a book that made you think and question what you would do if you were in her situation.
I truly enjoyed reading this one, and highly recommend it, especially if you're someone who prefers your romance novels to be on the more emotional side.
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a signed ARC of her book. I will always treasure it! And thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for providing me with an e-arc as well.
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June 26, 2025DNF'ed at 25%. Will not give a star rating.
I'm having a difficult time enjoying this. There's a great deal of fighting, strained relationships, and the repeated death of a young girl/woman (as she grows up). Yes, I did know about that last one going into to this book. 🤣 Ultimately, I'm not able to connect to the main character, and am having a hard time liking her at all. I'd rather stop reading a quarter of the way in and chalk this up to a different taste in books, rather than powering through and giving this a poor rating. Someone with varied sensibilities might like this just fine! The writing is solid, and the premise is fascinating. I'm just a fourth of the way in and can't get a toe hold.
I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I'm having a difficult time enjoying this. There's a great deal of fighting, strained relationships, and the repeated death of a young girl/woman (as she grows up). Yes, I did know about that last one going into to this book. 🤣 Ultimately, I'm not able to connect to the main character, and am having a hard time liking her at all. I'd rather stop reading a quarter of the way in and chalk this up to a different taste in books, rather than powering through and giving this a poor rating. Someone with varied sensibilities might like this just fine! The writing is solid, and the premise is fascinating. I'm just a fourth of the way in and can't get a toe hold.
I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 26, 2025
This broke me.
December 12, 2024
This is not a romance so if anyone tries saying it is I’ll say FUCK NOOOOOO!!! Emery sucked, the plot was repetitive as hell and IT WAS NOT A ROMANCE!! This girl had to grow up and she never did and what she did to her friends and family? ASS!!!! Nick also sucked
April 6, 2025
If you’re needing a good cry, pick up You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter! This emotional story will have you reading through your tears because you won’t want to put it down!
Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart occasionally stop at times of shock or stress. Each time she “dies,” she ends up in the space between life and death with her guide, Nick. This story is told over the course of Emery’s life, through the events that occur right before her heart stops and through her meetings in limbo with Nick.
Though this book triggered my anxiety and hit a little too close to home with some of the topics- like grief, trauma, and family dynamics- I couldn’t put it down. I appreciated how Emery’s condition affected how she approached life- and how her approach changed as she got older.
I loved that, because this story was women’s fiction, the romance wasn’t a typical love story, and there wasn’t a formulaic plot where you know for sure who she’ll end up with or even how the story will end. It did take me several days to sit on this story before I could decide on how I felt about the ending, because it had me so conflicted. While I can’t say I’m completely content, I think it was the best outcome.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for a NetGalley copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. You Make My Heart Stop comes out April 22, 2025.
4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart occasionally stop at times of shock or stress. Each time she “dies,” she ends up in the space between life and death with her guide, Nick. This story is told over the course of Emery’s life, through the events that occur right before her heart stops and through her meetings in limbo with Nick.
Though this book triggered my anxiety and hit a little too close to home with some of the topics- like grief, trauma, and family dynamics- I couldn’t put it down. I appreciated how Emery’s condition affected how she approached life- and how her approach changed as she got older.
I loved that, because this story was women’s fiction, the romance wasn’t a typical love story, and there wasn’t a formulaic plot where you know for sure who she’ll end up with or even how the story will end. It did take me several days to sit on this story before I could decide on how I felt about the ending, because it had me so conflicted. While I can’t say I’m completely content, I think it was the best outcome.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for a NetGalley copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. You Make My Heart Stop comes out April 22, 2025.
4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 10, 2025
Ugh, I’m struggling to decide between a 3.5 or a 4 for this book.
The plot was really interesting, but I had trouble connecting with the characters, especially the love interests. The idea of waiting 40+ years is wild 😭.
While I enjoyed the book and appreciated the unique concept, I wasn’t convinced by the chemistry between Nick and Emery. I also didn’t feel like Emery deserved Colin’s affection for as long as she had it. I get that "the one that got away" always lingers in the back of your mind, but still.
The relationship with Emery’s mom felt underdeveloped, and I didn’t think Nick and Emery had enough time to build the connection they did. Their relationship was also questionable, but the magical realism element made it somewhat more acceptable.
I also felt the fact that we never learn why Nick was chosen for the job was a missed opportunity. It could have added depth to the story.
While I usually crave more realistic representation in romances, this book has me questioning that stance. It felt almost too relatable at times, especially with the adulting struggles.
I understand how Emery’s condition and her relationship with her parents made her life difficult, but some of her actions, particularly toward Colin, felt odd to me.
Overall, I’d rate the first half of the book a solid 4, but the second half, especially the ending, brings it down to about a 3.5, if I’m being generous.
Thanks to Hachette Group Canada for sending me an advanced reader copy! <3
The plot was really interesting, but I had trouble connecting with the characters, especially the love interests. The idea of waiting 40+ years is wild 😭.
While I enjoyed the book and appreciated the unique concept, I wasn’t convinced by the chemistry between Nick and Emery. I also didn’t feel like Emery deserved Colin’s affection for as long as she had it. I get that "the one that got away" always lingers in the back of your mind, but still.
The relationship with Emery’s mom felt underdeveloped, and I didn’t think Nick and Emery had enough time to build the connection they did. Their relationship was also questionable, but the magical realism element made it somewhat more acceptable.
I also felt the fact that we never learn why Nick was chosen for the job was a missed opportunity. It could have added depth to the story.
While I usually crave more realistic representation in romances, this book has me questioning that stance. It felt almost too relatable at times, especially with the adulting struggles.
I understand how Emery’s condition and her relationship with her parents made her life difficult, but some of her actions, particularly toward Colin, felt odd to me.
Overall, I’d rate the first half of the book a solid 4, but the second half, especially the ending, brings it down to about a 3.5, if I’m being generous.
Thanks to Hachette Group Canada for sending me an advanced reader copy! <3
February 7, 2025
You Make My Heart Stop made my heart stop because I cried like a freakin’ baby at the end!
Emery— dear, sweet, conflicted Emery— is so very human and realistic to me. While her condition isn’t real, I think she is just as lost as any other human can be when faced with a life-altering illness. Becky Hunter did a wonderful job of making her both frustrating and endearing all at once, because while we’re rooting for her to live, we also kind of, maybe, want her to die so she can spend her afterlife with her “ghost man” - Nick.
The connection between Emery and Nick was beautiful, and sad, and honest. The ending hurt me so much, because as much as it was ambiguous, it was also realistic in some weird, afterlife sort of way.
I loved all of the family members and friends who were part of Emery’s life. I loved how she took risks even if it meant she might not make it through. I really appreciated how she didn’t feel a sense of disappointment at not having the same life as everyone else— but made her own even if it was later than the rest.
Thanks so much for Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
Emery— dear, sweet, conflicted Emery— is so very human and realistic to me. While her condition isn’t real, I think she is just as lost as any other human can be when faced with a life-altering illness. Becky Hunter did a wonderful job of making her both frustrating and endearing all at once, because while we’re rooting for her to live, we also kind of, maybe, want her to die so she can spend her afterlife with her “ghost man” - Nick.
The connection between Emery and Nick was beautiful, and sad, and honest. The ending hurt me so much, because as much as it was ambiguous, it was also realistic in some weird, afterlife sort of way.
I loved all of the family members and friends who were part of Emery’s life. I loved how she took risks even if it meant she might not make it through. I really appreciated how she didn’t feel a sense of disappointment at not having the same life as everyone else— but made her own even if it was later than the rest.
Thanks so much for Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
April 23, 2025
This is such an emotional and heartfelt story. A story of fate and love and second chances. It’s a very unique story line and deals with a little bit of magical realism. Emery has a rare heart condition that her heart stops at any moment. During these periods she travels to an in-between state almost like a comfort state for her. She meets Nick during these periods and they form a friendship and their connection grows each time she meets him. The story is told over the course of several years.
🎧The audiobook is narrated by Sophie Roberts and she does a great job narrating this story. I felt all the emotion and longing in Emery’s character.
🎧The audiobook is narrated by Sophie Roberts and she does a great job narrating this story. I felt all the emotion and longing in Emery’s character.
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September 3, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I was eager to read You Make My Heart Stop when it landed in my mailbox! I don’t read much magical realism romance but have loved what I read of this genre so I was eager to try something new. The premise sounded like something I would enjoy and I was eager to find out where the story would take us.
Unfortunately, I decided to DNF this story after 55%. My issue was not with the tropes or magical realism, but with the character development and plot. Despite being over halfway through the story, I did not feel connected to any characters or felt like I knew them at all.
I was eager to read You Make My Heart Stop when it landed in my mailbox! I don’t read much magical realism romance but have loved what I read of this genre so I was eager to try something new. The premise sounded like something I would enjoy and I was eager to find out where the story would take us.
Unfortunately, I decided to DNF this story after 55%. My issue was not with the tropes or magical realism, but with the character development and plot. Despite being over halfway through the story, I did not feel connected to any characters or felt like I knew them at all.
April 20, 2025
4.5 stars.
You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter is a brilliant novel with a clever storyline.
At the age of five, Emery dies for the first time due to an incurable heart condition. During her time hovering between life and death, she meets Nick, a guide of sorts to the next side. Never knowing when her heart will stop, Emery is irritated by her overprotective father. As an adult, she decides to live life on her terms. But as she grows older, will Emery regret the choices she did not make?
During her various cardiac events, Emery and Nick begin to get to know each other. Emery is endlessly curious about Nick but he is hesitant to reveal any details of his life before he died. As Emery learns more about his past, she becomes determined to help the man she is falling in love with.
You Make My Heart Stop is an emotional novel that tugs on readers’ heartstrings. The characters are vibrantly life-like with true to life ups and downs. Emery is stubborn and sometimes selfish, but she grows and evolves throughout the story. Her family is a bit of a mess as they experience life's joys, sorrows, and healing. Emery’s fate drives the compelling storyline and Becky Hunter brings this heartfelt novel to a poignant conclusion.
You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter is a brilliant novel with a clever storyline.
At the age of five, Emery dies for the first time due to an incurable heart condition. During her time hovering between life and death, she meets Nick, a guide of sorts to the next side. Never knowing when her heart will stop, Emery is irritated by her overprotective father. As an adult, she decides to live life on her terms. But as she grows older, will Emery regret the choices she did not make?
During her various cardiac events, Emery and Nick begin to get to know each other. Emery is endlessly curious about Nick but he is hesitant to reveal any details of his life before he died. As Emery learns more about his past, she becomes determined to help the man she is falling in love with.
You Make My Heart Stop is an emotional novel that tugs on readers’ heartstrings. The characters are vibrantly life-like with true to life ups and downs. Emery is stubborn and sometimes selfish, but she grows and evolves throughout the story. Her family is a bit of a mess as they experience life's joys, sorrows, and healing. Emery’s fate drives the compelling storyline and Becky Hunter brings this heartfelt novel to a poignant conclusion.
March 5, 2025
This book did trigger me a smidge on the topic it was about. I’m not entirely sure how I feel after reading it. I overall did enjoy it…the ending made me cry. I couldn’t imagine being Emery and having everyone worry and want to treat you like a porcelain doll all the time but at times I also felt she was slightly selfish and didn’t really think of others and how her decisions affected them? And I also am struggling a smidge with how she treated Colin..
March 31, 2025
Arc review
I really loved the plot of this book. It was super interesting to see emery and her condition and how she felt with it and how everyone around her treated her. The romance was good too, it is a sad but very good book! It comes out April 22nd!! Grab a copy!
I really loved the plot of this book. It was super interesting to see emery and her condition and how she felt with it and how everyone around her treated her. The romance was good too, it is a sad but very good book! It comes out April 22nd!! Grab a copy!
January 28, 2025
I’m sorry but this was a no for me. I was lead to believe this read would be similar to The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood (one of if not my favorite reads of all time). However that was not the case! Where is the romance? Where is the plot? It was like we were stuck in a time loop with no progress. Not only was I disappointed in the lack of plot but also had a hard time connecting with the characters. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
May 8, 2025
Thank you @beckyhunterbooks for my free copy and @readforeverpub @netgalley for the free e-arc 💖.
🗓️Out 4/22/25
✨What it is about:
Emery’s failing heart could stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick—a mysterious guide between life and death. As their connection deepens, so does their love. But when Emery gets a chance to live,she must choose: a future in the world of the living, or the love she found beyond it.✨
💭My thoughts:
This was a super emotional story that was truly heartbreaking in many ways. It explored themes of childhood trauma, grief, and guilt in a way that really pulled at my heartstrings. The concept felt very original—from the unique medical condition (loosely based on a real one), to the time lapses between real life and death. It evoked emotions similar to those I felt when I read The Time Traveler’s Wife. The idea of finding something as precious as a soulmate, only to have to keep letting it go, was difficult to wrap my head around…
While Emery and Nick’s relationship bordered on insta-love, it felt believable to me given the intense, traumatic events that brought them together, as these naturally tend to intensify emotions and fast-track closeness. Emery faced impossible choices time and time again and although I didn’t always agree with her decisions, I could understand how her experiences shaped them.
One thing that threw me off was the length of time the story covered, and how some things resolved with side characters—I won’t give anything away, but that aspect was hard for me to believe.
Overall, I think this was a thought provoking read, perfect for anyone drawn to stories about love, mortality, and the impossible choices we sometimes have to make in life. I really enjoyed it.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
💞Magical realism
💞Second chances
💞Dual POVs
💞Love triangle (kind of)
💞Complex family dynamics
💞Emotional reads
⚠️CW: Grief, abandonment, loss, death, life threatening cardiac medical condition, some sexual content.
🗓️Out 4/22/25
✨What it is about:
Emery’s failing heart could stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick—a mysterious guide between life and death. As their connection deepens, so does their love. But when Emery gets a chance to live,she must choose: a future in the world of the living, or the love she found beyond it.✨
💭My thoughts:
This was a super emotional story that was truly heartbreaking in many ways. It explored themes of childhood trauma, grief, and guilt in a way that really pulled at my heartstrings. The concept felt very original—from the unique medical condition (loosely based on a real one), to the time lapses between real life and death. It evoked emotions similar to those I felt when I read The Time Traveler’s Wife. The idea of finding something as precious as a soulmate, only to have to keep letting it go, was difficult to wrap my head around…
While Emery and Nick’s relationship bordered on insta-love, it felt believable to me given the intense, traumatic events that brought them together, as these naturally tend to intensify emotions and fast-track closeness. Emery faced impossible choices time and time again and although I didn’t always agree with her decisions, I could understand how her experiences shaped them.
One thing that threw me off was the length of time the story covered, and how some things resolved with side characters—I won’t give anything away, but that aspect was hard for me to believe.
Overall, I think this was a thought provoking read, perfect for anyone drawn to stories about love, mortality, and the impossible choices we sometimes have to make in life. I really enjoyed it.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
💞Magical realism
💞Second chances
💞Dual POVs
💞Love triangle (kind of)
💞Complex family dynamics
💞Emotional reads
⚠️CW: Grief, abandonment, loss, death, life threatening cardiac medical condition, some sexual content.
April 19, 2025
Becky Hunter (also known as Emily Stone) took my emotions through the wringer with this one!! 😭😭 Emery suffers from a heart condition where pain or a sudden shock can make her heart stop, and as long as someone is with her to perform CPR she can be brought back to life. But when she’s in the “in between” she meets Nick, a man who helps people accept death and ushers them to the other side. Except Emery doesn’t move on, but instead comes to meet him randomly as she grows up.
As they develop a friendship and her feelings start to become more, when Emery faces hard times in life she finds herself taking risks to run to Nick, but in order to do so she must leave the ones she loves and who love her so much.
Emery struggles with living her life in the moment because she knows it could end at any time, but also longing to be with Nick. She’s torn between living with those she loves in her real life, or making their time so traumatic watching her “die” over and over just so she can be with him in the in-between.
I loved seeing her deep connection with her sister and friends. I could understand how she was so torn, but also understand her family’s constant worry for her. I felt so many emotions throughout this story and end ending was so sweet, yet somewhat heartbreaking, too. I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a HEA, and it’s definitely not your typical romance as I didn’t consider the romance to be the main theme of the book. More so, I felt like it focused on family bonds, and living your life to the fullest, even when life is so difficult.
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Becky Hunter for allowing me to read an advance copy of You Make My Heart Stop. All opinions are my own.
As they develop a friendship and her feelings start to become more, when Emery faces hard times in life she finds herself taking risks to run to Nick, but in order to do so she must leave the ones she loves and who love her so much.
Emery struggles with living her life in the moment because she knows it could end at any time, but also longing to be with Nick. She’s torn between living with those she loves in her real life, or making their time so traumatic watching her “die” over and over just so she can be with him in the in-between.
I loved seeing her deep connection with her sister and friends. I could understand how she was so torn, but also understand her family’s constant worry for her. I felt so many emotions throughout this story and end ending was so sweet, yet somewhat heartbreaking, too. I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a HEA, and it’s definitely not your typical romance as I didn’t consider the romance to be the main theme of the book. More so, I felt like it focused on family bonds, and living your life to the fullest, even when life is so difficult.
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Becky Hunter for allowing me to read an advance copy of You Make My Heart Stop. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2025
I spent last night processing this book. This book is unlike any other book I’ve ever read, although I will say just like any other book she’s (Emily Stone (pen name)) written I sobbed. Becky has a way of emotionally connecting you to her characters and hitting you hard at that big moment in her books. She’s good at making your really think and out yourself in these scenarios. This book was no different.
This story was a wild ride of life, health scares, tragedies, family tensions and whole experience with the in between of life and death. In the in-between we meet Nick, a man who guides you to accepting your death. Well, what happens when you have a heart condition where you clinically die on occasion, but can be revived. At the age of 5 Emery’s family discovers she has a rare heart condition where instances of surprise or pain can cause her heart to spasm and stop, but as long as she has someone to revive her, she is just fine. You Make My Heart stop follows her through the many years of her life from childhood into adulthood, and the many instances where she meets Nick and builds a friendship/relationship. As life gets hard she wants to run to him, but to do that she would have to leave everyone she loves and who love her. The tension and tug and pull of her heart in this book is tragic and eye opening. While there was an underlying string of romance, it was clearly not the focal point. This book was about seeing the value of life and living.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Becky Hunter for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story was a wild ride of life, health scares, tragedies, family tensions and whole experience with the in between of life and death. In the in-between we meet Nick, a man who guides you to accepting your death. Well, what happens when you have a heart condition where you clinically die on occasion, but can be revived. At the age of 5 Emery’s family discovers she has a rare heart condition where instances of surprise or pain can cause her heart to spasm and stop, but as long as she has someone to revive her, she is just fine. You Make My Heart stop follows her through the many years of her life from childhood into adulthood, and the many instances where she meets Nick and builds a friendship/relationship. As life gets hard she wants to run to him, but to do that she would have to leave everyone she loves and who love her. The tension and tug and pull of her heart in this book is tragic and eye opening. While there was an underlying string of romance, it was clearly not the focal point. This book was about seeing the value of life and living.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Becky Hunter for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 19, 2025
Wow were there a lot of tears pouring out of my eyes at the end. I thought I was coming out okay knowing that it’s about grief and hardship, but I was reading it going into work and didn’t know if my eyes were gonna be super puffy but couldn’t NOT finish it!
If I’m honest, I wasn’t super gripped throughout at all because it was so long before she actually let herself be happy. It was so long before she let herself and Colin try. It was so obvious who she SHOULD have tried with and who was the one for her, but I was so frustrated at how she kept pushing him away even though he was very, very clear with his intentions. It was so painful seeing his hope over allll those years. I also know it was her trying to be selfless and dealing with her own guilt, but man was it long and painful. I almost stopped in the middle because I was so frustrated with Emery and how she was with her people, how selfish she seemed, but I know in the end she was trying to be selfless and finally was willing to let herself live without the guilt and try to have something for herself. So proud of her and can see that in all of us!
I was also hoping for something more resolution with mom and dad, but I know at least there was some reconciliation there. As a parent, I can understand the desire to keep our kids safe, especially when this happens at such a young age. I couldn’t help but put myself in their shoes and reminded myself to let my kids live. So overall, I enjoyed it though my eyes may say otherwise...
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
If I’m honest, I wasn’t super gripped throughout at all because it was so long before she actually let herself be happy. It was so long before she let herself and Colin try. It was so obvious who she SHOULD have tried with and who was the one for her, but I was so frustrated at how she kept pushing him away even though he was very, very clear with his intentions. It was so painful seeing his hope over allll those years. I also know it was her trying to be selfless and dealing with her own guilt, but man was it long and painful. I almost stopped in the middle because I was so frustrated with Emery and how she was with her people, how selfish she seemed, but I know in the end she was trying to be selfless and finally was willing to let herself live without the guilt and try to have something for herself. So proud of her and can see that in all of us!
I was also hoping for something more resolution with mom and dad, but I know at least there was some reconciliation there. As a parent, I can understand the desire to keep our kids safe, especially when this happens at such a young age. I couldn’t help but put myself in their shoes and reminded myself to let my kids live. So overall, I enjoyed it though my eyes may say otherwise...
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
First off, thank you NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Becky Hunter for the opportunity to read this book.
The premise of this book is so interesting. This idea that something as simple as the shock of a thorn prick could stop her heart. While I know that the condition that Emery has is a work of fiction, the concept still fascinated me. I do like that we get to grow with Emery and we literally see her every stage of her life, and get to grow with her. And coming along as well is Nick, her ghost/guide/soul mate who also gets to see Emery at every stage of her life.
What I appreciated most in the book was Nick. He never wanted Emery to stay with him. He always knew it wasn’t her time. He always wanted her to have more to her life than what he could offer her. It was interesting to see Emery try and sometimes fail at that, but I love that she tried.
There were so many things that I wanted to like in this book, but some things fell flat. There were times I wanted more of her relationship with Nick & also Colin. He was another constant in her life that I wanted more there. I loved the relationship with Amber in the first part of the book but towards the middle things just didn’t develop as much.
There were definitely things that worked in this book, and it kind of reminded me of the Time Travelers Wife at times. Thank you again, to NetGalley and the publishers for this book. I always appreciate the team at Forever sharing books with us.
The premise of this book is so interesting. This idea that something as simple as the shock of a thorn prick could stop her heart. While I know that the condition that Emery has is a work of fiction, the concept still fascinated me. I do like that we get to grow with Emery and we literally see her every stage of her life, and get to grow with her. And coming along as well is Nick, her ghost/guide/soul mate who also gets to see Emery at every stage of her life.
What I appreciated most in the book was Nick. He never wanted Emery to stay with him. He always knew it wasn’t her time. He always wanted her to have more to her life than what he could offer her. It was interesting to see Emery try and sometimes fail at that, but I love that she tried.
There were so many things that I wanted to like in this book, but some things fell flat. There were times I wanted more of her relationship with Nick & also Colin. He was another constant in her life that I wanted more there. I loved the relationship with Amber in the first part of the book but towards the middle things just didn’t develop as much.
There were definitely things that worked in this book, and it kind of reminded me of the Time Travelers Wife at times. Thank you again, to NetGalley and the publishers for this book. I always appreciate the team at Forever sharing books with us.
February 19, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was excited to read this novel after loving Becky Hunter’s previous novel, ONE MOMENT. However, YOU MAKE MY HEART STOP, did not hit the mark for me. I found myself only enjoying the chapters where Emery was with Nick. In the other chapters, the characters and their interactions felt forced. I am not sure if this was intentional, if the reader is supposed to feel that way toward the rest of Emery’s family and friends, but I found myself rushing through the chapters that involved them.
I did love the emphasis on Emery’s relationship with her sister, especially by the end of the book. However, I did find it strange that there is not that large of an age difference between the two sisters, and yet, at times it seemed like Emery was giving Amber credit for raising her. I do understand that their relationship with their mom was pretty much non-existent, but it felt off.
Even though this particular novel was not for me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I like the fact that the topics she writes about do not come up often in other novels.
I was excited to read this novel after loving Becky Hunter’s previous novel, ONE MOMENT. However, YOU MAKE MY HEART STOP, did not hit the mark for me. I found myself only enjoying the chapters where Emery was with Nick. In the other chapters, the characters and their interactions felt forced. I am not sure if this was intentional, if the reader is supposed to feel that way toward the rest of Emery’s family and friends, but I found myself rushing through the chapters that involved them.
I did love the emphasis on Emery’s relationship with her sister, especially by the end of the book. However, I did find it strange that there is not that large of an age difference between the two sisters, and yet, at times it seemed like Emery was giving Amber credit for raising her. I do understand that their relationship with their mom was pretty much non-existent, but it felt off.
Even though this particular novel was not for me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I like the fact that the topics she writes about do not come up often in other novels.
March 12, 2025
I picked this book up because of the interesting premise of a person dying over and over again throughout their life due to a heart condition. I didn’t know that this book would eventually wreck me, but in the best way.
Emery has a heart condition where stress can make her heart stop at random times. When she dies, she ends up in a mysterious in between place where a man is there to “guide” her. His job is to help people accept their death and move on, but Emery is the first person he’s encountered that returns multiple times. We follow her life and all of the instances where these two meet in the in between. Emery’s journey of finding herself and finding her place in this world despite having a piece of herself in the in between is so compelling and will keep you desperately wanting more.
This story addressed mortality, loneliness, guilt, and belonging in a way that was intriguing yet refreshing. I absolutely loved it and will carry this story with me for a long time. Be prepared to be emotionally drained at the end but in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. Thank you Becky for such a thought-provoking book.
Thank you so much to Forever Publishing for access to the eARC of this book!
Emery has a heart condition where stress can make her heart stop at random times. When she dies, she ends up in a mysterious in between place where a man is there to “guide” her. His job is to help people accept their death and move on, but Emery is the first person he’s encountered that returns multiple times. We follow her life and all of the instances where these two meet in the in between. Emery’s journey of finding herself and finding her place in this world despite having a piece of herself in the in between is so compelling and will keep you desperately wanting more.
This story addressed mortality, loneliness, guilt, and belonging in a way that was intriguing yet refreshing. I absolutely loved it and will carry this story with me for a long time. Be prepared to be emotionally drained at the end but in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. Thank you Becky for such a thought-provoking book.
Thank you so much to Forever Publishing for access to the eARC of this book!
April 18, 2025
Emery has a heart condition that makes her heart stop every few years, there is no predictability as to what will exacerbate her condition. When it occurs she is medically dead and spends time in the space between life and death with Nick, who is there to help souls move on. With the unpredictability of her condition, her friends and family often spend too much time protecting her, while she cannot wait for the next time she gets to spend time with Nick, her soulmate. As she learns more about Nick and his life on earth she falls more and more in love with him, making it harder to live her real life and see those who love her. Emery needs to choose between living her life and seeing her soulmate.
This oddly premised novel was actually very sweet and sad at times. The story touched on childhood trauma, grief, friendship and love. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it when I dug in, but I ended up really enjoying the storyline and the characters. While Emery annoyed me at times (she made some terrible life choices) - she grew throughout the book and learned from her experiences and it made her an empathetic character in the end. There were some elements of romance underlying the story, this is really about all types of love and how they can be tested and evolve over time.
This oddly premised novel was actually very sweet and sad at times. The story touched on childhood trauma, grief, friendship and love. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it when I dug in, but I ended up really enjoying the storyline and the characters. While Emery annoyed me at times (she made some terrible life choices) - she grew throughout the book and learned from her experiences and it made her an empathetic character in the end. There were some elements of romance underlying the story, this is really about all types of love and how they can be tested and evolve over time.
April 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This review hurts to write because the idea of the book is was so intriguing but the execution just wasn’t for me. Our MFC, Emery has a crazy rare heart condition where her heart just stops sometimes and she nearly dies every time. When that happens, she meets our MMC, Nick. He’s like an “angel of death” whose job is collecting souls. But Emery keeps surviving, and each near-death brings them closer together. (They meet when she’s like 4 years old and then every few years afterwards. )
I loved the overall idea. I think it was very original. There are some touching moments in the story as well as a couple funny parts too. However I didn’t like how they just were on the same loop over and over. Her heart stops and they meet very very briefly and then 3 years later they meet again for just a very small amount of time until her heart starts to beat again in the real world. I think it was hardly enough time for their relationship to grow in my opinion. Lastly, the ending was kind of nice but really leaves you hanging.
If you want a sweet paranormal romance that’s an easy read then definitely give this a shot but don’t expect a lot of depth to the world or their relationship too much.
I loved the overall idea. I think it was very original. There are some touching moments in the story as well as a couple funny parts too. However I didn’t like how they just were on the same loop over and over. Her heart stops and they meet very very briefly and then 3 years later they meet again for just a very small amount of time until her heart starts to beat again in the real world. I think it was hardly enough time for their relationship to grow in my opinion. Lastly, the ending was kind of nice but really leaves you hanging.
If you want a sweet paranormal romance that’s an easy read then definitely give this a shot but don’t expect a lot of depth to the world or their relationship too much.
February 25, 2025
2.5⭐️
I was really looking forward to this one from the description as I love when romance and women’s fiction meet. Unfortunately it was not a success for me. I didn’t find this to be romance at all and it left me feeling uncomfortable which is really hard to do as I don’t have any triggers.
I felt like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. I felt the prose was choppy at times and it just didn’t flow. Maybe it was a “me” issue as someone who lives with chronic illness. Having a completely made up disease for entertainment value just doesn’t sit well with me and I find it ableist.
I’m going to leave it at the above as others may find it enjoyable. I am thankful to have gotten the ARC for free from Forever Pub through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐��⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I was really looking forward to this one from the description as I love when romance and women’s fiction meet. Unfortunately it was not a success for me. I didn’t find this to be romance at all and it left me feeling uncomfortable which is really hard to do as I don’t have any triggers.
I felt like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. I felt the prose was choppy at times and it just didn’t flow. Maybe it was a “me” issue as someone who lives with chronic illness. Having a completely made up disease for entertainment value just doesn’t sit well with me and I find it ableist.
I’m going to leave it at the above as others may find it enjoyable. I am thankful to have gotten the ARC for free from Forever Pub through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐��⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
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