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53 Letters for My Lover #1.5
From His Lips
Troy Heathgate has it all - brains, brawn and the kind of smile that just begs a ribbon. Everything but the woman he loves. But now he’s back and determined to possess her. There’s just one catch - she’s married to another man.
This short story (90 pages) contains spoilers. It is meant to be read after the full length novel, 53 Letters For My Lover. For readers who want more from the hero's point of view. From His Lips (53 Letters #1.5) expands on some of the crucial scenes, and includes a few new ones.
This short story (90 pages) contains spoilers. It is meant to be read after the full length novel, 53 Letters For My Lover. For readers who want more from the hero's point of view. From His Lips (53 Letters #1.5) expands on some of the crucial scenes, and includes a few new ones.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2014
About the author
Leylah Attar
8 books2,723 followersLeylah Attar is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. A recipient of the Writer’s Digest Award and the Indie Reader Discovery Award, Leylah writes unique, emotionally compelling stories that range from rom-com to dark romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
June 9, 2014
★★★★ 1/2! From his lips, part 1.5 of 1.5. Swoon-worthy Troy Heathgate’s POV covering events in the epic love saga 53 Letters For My Lover!
“It’s strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, empty the rooms, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they’d brought.”
Books should be read in order:
Book 1: 53 Letters For My Lover
Part 1.5: From His Lips
The updated edition includes bonus chapters.
53 Letters For My Lover (book 1) is Troy Heathgate and Shayda Hijazi’s epic love saga spanning several decades. It followed them through life’s every day ups and downs while circumstances, events, secrets and traditions got in their way. It’s a love story with soul searching passion, redemption and an unending love…
From His Lips (part 1.5) are rare and priceless glimpses into the mind of the unforgettable Troy Heathgate during book 1. It was amazing to know his thoughts, feelings and struggles.
Yes it was brief, but it was perfection!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author Leylah Attar in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
I finally got the chance to hear his voice and get into his head. Brilliant!
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 28, 2024
Leylah Attar truly served this time. She gave us 80 pages from Troy's POV of all the pivotal scenes 🤭🤭 Jayne's wedding, their three days away in Canada, the cancer discovery, the final reunion scene… And we even got new scenes that weren't featured in the first book!! Suffice it to say that since I'm a slut for Troy Heathgate I ate it all up. I always knew he was selfless, but through this novella I saw the true extent of the sacrifices he made for Shayda. Once again God I'm begging you, please let me have a man like Troy Heathgate or at least tell me where I can find him 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
。 ゚☾ ゚⋆ QUOTES
🩷 She was my Beetroot Butterfly. She might stop to rest on my shoulder, let me hold her for a while, my palms outstretched, let me marvel at her fragile, fleeting wings, but the slightest breeze and she’d be gone, taking with her all my colors. Because she wasn’t mine to love. Or to have, or to hold. She wore a shiny gold band around her finger, and it wasn’t mine. She had worn it since the first time we’d met.
🩷 I might be down, but I’m not out, I reply. And I’m ready to go all the way to the gates of Hades for her.
🩷 My arms went around her and her cheek found my chest. And just like that, something fell into place.
All of my wild, crazy exuberance fit perfectly in the quiet crevices of her dreams. It was as if all my life, I had been running towards this moment, this diamond sharp clarity of being and belonging, this strange, intriguing girl with her rose breath and her broken wings.
🩷 It’s strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, empty the rooms, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they’d brought.
🩷 When you think you’ve reached the very edge of love, that you can’t possibly go any further, and then the circle gets stretched a little bigger. And the pain with it.
。 ゚☾ ゚⋆ QUOTES
🩷 She was my Beetroot Butterfly. She might stop to rest on my shoulder, let me hold her for a while, my palms outstretched, let me marvel at her fragile, fleeting wings, but the slightest breeze and she’d be gone, taking with her all my colors. Because she wasn’t mine to love. Or to have, or to hold. She wore a shiny gold band around her finger, and it wasn’t mine. She had worn it since the first time we’d met.
🩷 I might be down, but I’m not out, I reply. And I’m ready to go all the way to the gates of Hades for her.
🩷 My arms went around her and her cheek found my chest. And just like that, something fell into place.
All of my wild, crazy exuberance fit perfectly in the quiet crevices of her dreams. It was as if all my life, I had been running towards this moment, this diamond sharp clarity of being and belonging, this strange, intriguing girl with her rose breath and her broken wings.
🩷 It’s strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, empty the rooms, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they’d brought.
🩷 When you think you’ve reached the very edge of love, that you can’t possibly go any further, and then the circle gets stretched a little bigger. And the pain with it.
January 3, 2016
Not going to give a big review!! But I have loved every page and word.. Can Troy get any better?? Really loved being in his head and felt every ounce of hurt, pain and love he had for Shayda. I'll definitely recommend this novella to all lovers of 53 letters for my lover. But you MUST read that first, this isn't a standalone..
That. Is. All
Kisses xo
Reading order!!
That. Is. All
Kisses xo
Reading order!!
June 8, 2014
This was a short but intense accompanying novella to 53 Letters For My Lover. It's in Troy's pov, and if you haven't read the book, DONT READ THIS YET. Only after you've read 53 Letters, can you appreciate the sexy tsunami that is Troy Heathgate. When I was reading 53 Letters, I always wondered what Troy was thinking. The man was sexy, intense, brooding and delicious in every way possible. This was a gift because Troy does not disappoint.
A few select chapters told in his pov has made me fall for Troy all over again. His desire and need to inhabit Shayda are palpable. His love is pure, unwavering and gave me goosebumps. There's a scene when he first meets Shayda that hade me re-reading it again and again. It's such a beautifully poetic scene, making me feel like I was on the brink of something grand, something epic. And although this was short, it packs a wallop like no other. Troy Heathgate has joined the ranks of the best male characters EVER. This man has to be read to be appreciated.
53 Letters, the new and improved version, releases June 17, and it's highly recommended. Then you can devour this gem and bask in the glory that is Troy!
** Copy provided by the talented Leylah Attar for review **
A few select chapters told in his pov has made me fall for Troy all over again. His desire and need to inhabit Shayda are palpable. His love is pure, unwavering and gave me goosebumps. There's a scene when he first meets Shayda that hade me re-reading it again and again. It's such a beautifully poetic scene, making me feel like I was on the brink of something grand, something epic. And although this was short, it packs a wallop like no other. Troy Heathgate has joined the ranks of the best male characters EVER. This man has to be read to be appreciated.
53 Letters, the new and improved version, releases June 17, and it's highly recommended. Then you can devour this gem and bask in the glory that is Troy!
** Copy provided by the talented Leylah Attar for review **
August 24, 2020
The writing is emotional, sometimes intense, sometimes too flowery. Who thinks like that? Not a man, since this is from his perspective. Only a woman thinks like that.
Anyway, I read this novella to decide whether I wanted to read the novel from her POV. I don't. I prob don't want to read anything else this author writes. It's not the writing. The writing's fine. It's the plot.
Angsty to the max. I was EXHAUSTED just reading a novella! The push and pull and push and pull. Geez! I can't stand it! And the fact that she's MARRIED! And he's a womanizer! They finally get together and even get married in the end... so at least it's not a complete disaster. But, I can't deal with all the endless ANGST!
Gah!
Anyway, I read this novella to decide whether I wanted to read the novel from her POV. I don't. I prob don't want to read anything else this author writes. It's not the writing. The writing's fine. It's the plot.
Angsty to the max. I was EXHAUSTED just reading a novella! The push and pull and push and pull. Geez! I can't stand it! And the fact that she's MARRIED! And he's a womanizer! They finally get together and even get married in the end... so at least it's not a complete disaster. But, I can't deal with all the endless ANGST!
Gah!
August 3, 2014
Loving that this is in Troy's POV; I will be re-reading this in the near future cause I felt that it ending to abruptly for me. Maybe I got a bum copy, but regardless, I loved getting inside his head :D
Definite NEW fan to this author!
Definite NEW fan to this author!
January 7, 2019
You have to read this immediatly after book one, this was short but good. It was the perfect!! Only wished it was longer haha
Read
June 5, 2014Update *Nov 2nd, 2014* This novella has been expanded to include several new chapters.
January 22, 2015
To read Troy's POV was the ultimate ending for the journey of Troy and Shayda. After reading 53 Letters for My Lover, it is a must read! I am floored by both books.
June 24, 2014
But the moment I said her pet name, I knew I was done. She was my Beetroot Butterfly. She might stop to rest on my shoulder, let me hold her for a while, my palms outstretched, let me marvel at her fragile, fleeting wings, but the slightest breeze and she'd be gone, taking with her all my colors.
It was a few hours that one night, but I always remembered it as The Summer I Met Shayda Hijazi.
Have to say this story and this couple will stick with me forever.
It was a few hours that one night, but I always remembered it as The Summer I Met Shayda Hijazi.
Have to say this story and this couple will stick with me forever.
July 3, 2021
This did a great job of fleshing out some of the events from the main book. This is definitely required reading if you finish book one.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
August 21, 2015

Troy Heathgate knows how to swoon a lady and can't blame Shayda for falling in love with him.
I really enjoy reading this novella from the POV of Troy. This book tells us how he and Shayda first met, the instant spark or connection they felt and that, no matter how hard they try to avoid each other, the world will connive to make their path crossed.
I really love how Leylah Attar penned this book, short & concise! Loved it!!!
August 2, 2014
A quickie read in Troy's POV. And I LOVE to get in the hero's head. This was a nice recap of their story in his eyes. I'd highly recommend it after reading 53 Letters For My Lover. And a freebie on AMZ right now.
August 10, 2015
This author is phenomenal. I can't get enough of her words.
April 25, 2018
Title: From his lips
Author: Leylah Attar
Rating: 4.5 stars
HEA:
It's strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they'd brought.
One of the most charming male character I’ve ever read about.
One of the most unique voice out there.
This novella was everything, everything, I could have hoped for.
Once upon a time, Troy Heathgate stole my heart by showing a woman what a soulmate love was supposed to feel like. He loved her despite the circumstances, his parents’ expectations, her doubts and her fleeting attitude. He loved her with his organs and his lungs even after being left behind, bent as a pretzel, discarded on a curb.
He could love her for both of them, so he did.
I don't think I could have loved her more. How is that possible? When you think you've reached the very edge of love, that you can't possibly go any further, and then the circle stretched a little bigger. And the pain with it.
I loved his drive, his quirkiness, his intelligence, his cultural knowledge.
In 53 Letters I loved him even if I knew his personality was filtered through the lens of the heroine’s memories and her love-inducing descriptions.
This time tables are turned though.
Troy is the main point of view. He’s the man.
4,5 stars to an author who gave women a male symbol, someone to pine for and to root for.
A flawless writing and an unforgettable journey throughout three decades of an endless love story.
If you have not heard of this duo-logy yet, you are missing out. Big time.
Author: Leylah Attar
Rating: 4.5 stars
HEA:
It's strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they'd brought.
One of the most charming male character I’ve ever read about.
One of the most unique voice out there.
This novella was everything, everything, I could have hoped for.
Once upon a time, Troy Heathgate stole my heart by showing a woman what a soulmate love was supposed to feel like. He loved her despite the circumstances, his parents’ expectations, her doubts and her fleeting attitude. He loved her with his organs and his lungs even after being left behind, bent as a pretzel, discarded on a curb.
He could love her for both of them, so he did.
I don't think I could have loved her more. How is that possible? When you think you've reached the very edge of love, that you can't possibly go any further, and then the circle stretched a little bigger. And the pain with it.
I loved his drive, his quirkiness, his intelligence, his cultural knowledge.
In 53 Letters I loved him even if I knew his personality was filtered through the lens of the heroine’s memories and her love-inducing descriptions.
This time tables are turned though.
Troy is the main point of view. He’s the man.
4,5 stars to an author who gave women a male symbol, someone to pine for and to root for.
A flawless writing and an unforgettable journey throughout three decades of an endless love story.
If you have not heard of this duo-logy yet, you are missing out. Big time.
September 28, 2017
Oh Troy, sigh…I finished it but it wasn’t nearly enough. I loved his voice – so distinct and nothing like hers. It was the same story and some scenes were the same, but it was different at the same time. There were also scenes with his life before and after her which was interesting to see new things off pages in the 1st book. Beautifully written in typical Leylah Attar style. It’s a pity it was so short. I wish we had a full 400+ pages of his story. This was definitely a very memorable male character – powerful and determined, yet so loving and caring…ah…swoon and sigh some more!
June 30, 2014
5 stars. From His Lips is a short story meant to be a companion to the full-length novel 53 Letters For My Lover. Leylah Attar did a fantastic job of capturing several scenes of 53 Letters For My Lover from the point of view of the charismatic Troy Heathgate. The scenes found in the short story are not a strict retelling of the story from the novel. Instead, the author has expanded on these scenes, so readers are privy to conversations which take place away from the ears of Shayda Hijazi. This really added to my overall reading experience with 53 Letters For My Lover.
I now include 53 Letters For My Lover and From His Lips in my 2014 Favorites and All-Time Favorites bookshelves with Goodreads! Very impressive. I am truly delighted to have stumbled upon this love story and look forward to many more novels from Leylah Attar!
I now include 53 Letters For My Lover and From His Lips in my 2014 Favorites and All-Time Favorites bookshelves with Goodreads! Very impressive. I am truly delighted to have stumbled upon this love story and look forward to many more novels from Leylah Attar!
July 15, 2014
I love Troy! woohoo... so glad I get to read some scenes written on his pov. Even though this book is short, and I mean short, it doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, I was thinking which one would be better? Reading from Shayda's pov or Troy's? I'd say the latter. =)
Here, we get you read how hard Troy tries to avoid and bury his attraction/ feelings for Shayda, especially after knowing that she was already taken. But one can only do so much...
Too bad, Shayda. I'm done avoiding you. ***swoon***
Their connection is really sizzling... too hard to resist. Especially when Troy asked Are you happy, Shayda? I can only imagine the tension between them.
Loved this book, wish it was longer! (This is a companion read for 53 Letters to My Lover and is not recommended for reading if you haven't read the first book)
Here, we get you read how hard Troy tries to avoid and bury his attraction/ feelings for Shayda, especially after knowing that she was already taken. But one can only do so much...
Too bad, Shayda. I'm done avoiding you. ***swoon***
Their connection is really sizzling... too hard to resist. Especially when Troy asked Are you happy, Shayda? I can only imagine the tension between them.
Loved this book, wish it was longer! (This is a companion read for 53 Letters to My Lover and is not recommended for reading if you haven't read the first book)
September 6, 2017
4.25 BeetButt Stars
This little tidbit pushed me over the edge in love with, Troy! Gah... if only it could have been more...longer:( But totally worth it! If you read the 53 Letters, read this one too!
A few quotes from the hunk of burning love that is, Troy Heathgate:
“She was my Beetroot Butterfly. She might stop to rest on my shoulder, let me hold her for a while, my palms outstretched, let me marvel at her fragile, fleeting wings, but the slightest breeze and she’d be gone, taking with her all my colors.”
"Maybe if I looked closely enough I might unearth the root of our gnarled connection. We knew better, we knew to stay away, and still we crashed into this glass window, again and again, trying to get to the other side, like a pair of lost, disoriented birds.”
This little tidbit pushed me over the edge in love with, Troy! Gah... if only it could have been more...longer:( But totally worth it! If you read the 53 Letters, read this one too!
A few quotes from the hunk of burning love that is, Troy Heathgate:
“She was my Beetroot Butterfly. She might stop to rest on my shoulder, let me hold her for a while, my palms outstretched, let me marvel at her fragile, fleeting wings, but the slightest breeze and she’d be gone, taking with her all my colors.”
"Maybe if I looked closely enough I might unearth the root of our gnarled connection. We knew better, we knew to stay away, and still we crashed into this glass window, again and again, trying to get to the other side, like a pair of lost, disoriented birds.”
July 26, 2014
This short novella sits behind 53 letters, and gives purely Troy’s thoughts and feelings on signifiant events, partitioned as he saw the journey towards her soul.
His apparent bewitching is obvious, as well as his playful sense of humour.
Fantastic mindset, sadly over too soon :-(

His apparent bewitching is obvious, as well as his playful sense of humour.
”In my mind we were fucking. Gloriously, furiously fucking.”
Fantastic mindset, sadly over too soon :-(

March 14, 2016
As if I needed any reassurance of how much I adore Troy Heathgate, this novella has got me swooning all over again.
I love a story told from a male point of view and this one is perfection. The constant battle between Troy his conscience and fate is so brilliantly written it adds a whole new dimension to this utterly lovable character.
This book and 53 letters help to instil faith in the saying "what's meant for you will not pass you by" they may only be fiction but while I'm reading them I'm living them and that's good enough for me.
I love a story told from a male point of view and this one is perfection. The constant battle between Troy his conscience and fate is so brilliantly written it adds a whole new dimension to this utterly lovable character.
This book and 53 letters help to instil faith in the saying "what's meant for you will not pass you by" they may only be fiction but while I'm reading them I'm living them and that's good enough for me.
June 28, 2014
Short and sweet.
Wish it had been longer though could of read the whole story again from Troys POV.
I feel you get more of the overall story when told from both sides.
Troy Another awesome book boyfriend for me.
Wish it had been longer though could of read the whole story again from Troys POV.
I feel you get more of the overall story when told from both sides.
Troy Another awesome book boyfriend for me.
February 21, 2016
4 Stars!
So short but hit me right in the feels!
So short but hit me right in the feels!
December 28, 2025
3.5
oooohhh he want that cookie real bad
oooohhh he want that cookie real bad
September 26, 2015
And I love Troy Heathgate even more now!!! Third book by this author I have read, and I devoured each one!!! She takes you on a journey where pieces start fitting together, and every step of the way you feel it all!
FAV QUOTE:
"It's strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, empty the rooms, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they'd brought."
FAV QUOTE:
"It's strange how someone can walk into your life, shatter the windows, break down your doors, empty the rooms, scatter your belongings, and then walk away without having the slightest inkling of the storm they'd brought."
April 3, 2018
All of my wild, crazy exuberance fit
perfectly in the quiet crevices of her dreams. It was as if all my life, I had been running towards this moment, this diamond sharp clarity of being and belonging, this strange, intriguing girl with her rose breath and her broken wings.
Gahd! Troy's noble, steadfast ♡
perfectly in the quiet crevices of her dreams. It was as if all my life, I had been running towards this moment, this diamond sharp clarity of being and belonging, this strange, intriguing girl with her rose breath and her broken wings.
Gahd! Troy's noble, steadfast ♡
August 7, 2015
Fantastic follow up and I fell in love with Troy all over again. I adored being inside his head and hearing his most intimate thoughts and feelings. Leylah is just an incredible writer. Loved it!!!
August 12, 2015
I'm so in love with this authors writing!!
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