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Heartsick
A sweet and fast-paced contemporary teen romance from USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest
High school senior Margot Whitman is an intern at Healing Hearts Inc., the company that created the innovative pill that can erase a person’s heartbreak overnight. Every weekend, Margot witnesses patients get cured of their broken hearts. Meanwhile, she’s nursing a heartbreak of her own. With college on the horizon and their futures taking them in different directions, she and her ex Isaac recently called it quits. Margot has thought about taking a pill but erasing her love for Isaac doesn’t feel right. However, her heart breaks all over again when Isaac shows up to the Healing Hearts center, presumably seeking a pill to stop loving her.
As soon as Isaac Fisher walked through the Healing Hearts center doors, knew he’d made a mistake. Even though he’s struggling with heartbreak, he realized that doesn’t want to fall out of love with Margot. He’s surprised to see her working at the front desk, and of course she assumes he's there to get over her. It doesn’t seem like things could get much worse, but then Margot and Isaac accidentally overhear a terrible and harmful secret about the pill. When they’re caught eavesdropping and almost attacked by shady Healing Hearts executives and their guards, they have no choice but to flee. Now they have to work together to reveal the truth about the pill . . . and maybe, just maybe, repair each other’s hearts in the process.
High school senior Margot Whitman is an intern at Healing Hearts Inc., the company that created the innovative pill that can erase a person’s heartbreak overnight. Every weekend, Margot witnesses patients get cured of their broken hearts. Meanwhile, she’s nursing a heartbreak of her own. With college on the horizon and their futures taking them in different directions, she and her ex Isaac recently called it quits. Margot has thought about taking a pill but erasing her love for Isaac doesn’t feel right. However, her heart breaks all over again when Isaac shows up to the Healing Hearts center, presumably seeking a pill to stop loving her.
As soon as Isaac Fisher walked through the Healing Hearts center doors, knew he’d made a mistake. Even though he’s struggling with heartbreak, he realized that doesn’t want to fall out of love with Margot. He’s surprised to see her working at the front desk, and of course she assumes he's there to get over her. It doesn’t seem like things could get much worse, but then Margot and Isaac accidentally overhear a terrible and harmful secret about the pill. When they’re caught eavesdropping and almost attacked by shady Healing Hearts executives and their guards, they have no choice but to flee. Now they have to work together to reveal the truth about the pill . . . and maybe, just maybe, repair each other’s hearts in the process.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
51 people are currently reading
9253 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Forest
11 books2,730 followersKristina Forest is the USA Today bestselling author of romances for both teens and adults. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at The New School and she can often be found rearranging her bookshelf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
December 13, 2025
I've been thinking, is it totally unprofessional for me to be rating books honestly on this site??
TBH 3 stars rounded up to 4 because I love Kristina Forest, but I DNF'd this one
TBH 3 stars rounded up to 4 because I love Kristina Forest, but I DNF'd this one
June 5, 2025
So stinking cute!! I love Kristina Forest’s writing and Heartsick was no different. This is a YA romance my younger self would have truly enjoyed. Two highschool students planning for their futures realize they are moving at a different pace. They break up and attempt to move on. Enter Healing Hearts , a shady company where Margot is interning. The company claims to make a pill that can heal a broken heart. After overhearing some shady admissions Margot and Isaac have to work together to get to the bottom of what’s really going on at Healing Hearts.
I loved the mystery element of this book. I think it will really capture younger readers and keep them beyond just the romance element. Margot’s desire to be a journalist and Isaac’s talent for comic books was endearing and I loved hearing about their hobbies/passions. Also, the fact finders? Hilarious and I love what their conspiracy theories added to the story. Perfect for readers ages 13-17 or for anyone who enjoys a sweet YA romance.
I loved the mystery element of this book. I think it will really capture younger readers and keep them beyond just the romance element. Margot’s desire to be a journalist and Isaac’s talent for comic books was endearing and I loved hearing about their hobbies/passions. Also, the fact finders? Hilarious and I love what their conspiracy theories added to the story. Perfect for readers ages 13-17 or for anyone who enjoys a sweet YA romance.
September 25, 2025
3.5ish ⭐ - This was a cute, YA story which would be super relatable for middle & high schoolers. I liked how it leans in on how you wish heartbreak can just go away & be cured instantly ---with a pill or something! We've all had our heart broken (or thought so) some time in our teens. For that audience, this book may be catchy enough.
Some of the themes such as not knowing what career path to choose after graduation and going along with parent expectations vs what you want were appreciated! Being a teen is hard with lots of choices.
I did feel this one seemed to drag out a bit. The concept was nice, it just didn't really grab me after the "take down" part of the book. Things became a little far fetched 😂. The twists were easy to pinpoint for an adult.
Thank you to Penguin Group for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
Some of the themes such as not knowing what career path to choose after graduation and going along with parent expectations vs what you want were appreciated! Being a teen is hard with lots of choices.
I did feel this one seemed to drag out a bit. The concept was nice, it just didn't really grab me after the "take down" part of the book. Things became a little far fetched 😂. The twists were easy to pinpoint for an adult.
Thank you to Penguin Group for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
December 8, 2025
This story had an intriguing premise, a pill that can literally cure heartbreak, almost like popping an ibuprofen to get over someone. That concept alone grabbed my interest and set the tone for a story filled with emotional complexity and ethical questions.
Margot’s character development was a standout for me. Watching her grow, make difficult choices, and confront the realities behind this miracle pill added real depth to the story. Once corporate secrets started bubbling to the surface, both Margot and Isaac slid straight into junior sleuth territory, and their investigation led them into some unexpectedly dangerous situations.
Overall an entertaining and thought provoking read. Thank you Colored Pages Book tours & Penguin Teen for a gifted copy.
Margot’s character development was a standout for me. Watching her grow, make difficult choices, and confront the realities behind this miracle pill added real depth to the story. Once corporate secrets started bubbling to the surface, both Margot and Isaac slid straight into junior sleuth territory, and their investigation led them into some unexpectedly dangerous situations.
Overall an entertaining and thought provoking read. Thank you Colored Pages Book tours & Penguin Teen for a gifted copy.
July 16, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This could have been so fun, but something abt this book was holding it back. The biggest issue that I noticed was the writing style, which seems weird, but it made reading this book feel really off. It read almost like a picture book; there was something about the sentence structure and vocabulary that was used, but that’s the best way I can describe it. This writing style also made any modern language stand out, so it felt almost icky to read whenever certain words were used, even if they were normal words. Another thing I will say that kind of messed this book up was that the first half very obviously was trying to explore a philosophical argument, whether or not it would be right to take a pill to get rid of your heartbreak. Halfway through, the author seems to forget about these themes and focuses almost exclusively on the plot and character development. It was honestly disappointing. Themes and messaging are so important, and they’re the whole reason stories exist.
At least the romance was good. I liked how it was built up, and it was one of the few things about this book I actually liked. I also liked the character development and the pacing. It’s not perfect, but it makes sense with the story, and it felt mostly natural. I know I spent an entire paragraph hating, but this genuinely wasn’t that bad. It just wasn’t good either. It’s just saddening because this book had so much potential, the concept is such a unique idea, and I would have loved to have its themes explored more.
This could have been so fun, but something abt this book was holding it back. The biggest issue that I noticed was the writing style, which seems weird, but it made reading this book feel really off. It read almost like a picture book; there was something about the sentence structure and vocabulary that was used, but that’s the best way I can describe it. This writing style also made any modern language stand out, so it felt almost icky to read whenever certain words were used, even if they were normal words. Another thing I will say that kind of messed this book up was that the first half very obviously was trying to explore a philosophical argument, whether or not it would be right to take a pill to get rid of your heartbreak. Halfway through, the author seems to forget about these themes and focuses almost exclusively on the plot and character development. It was honestly disappointing. Themes and messaging are so important, and they’re the whole reason stories exist.
At least the romance was good. I liked how it was built up, and it was one of the few things about this book I actually liked. I also liked the character development and the pacing. It’s not perfect, but it makes sense with the story, and it felt mostly natural. I know I spent an entire paragraph hating, but this genuinely wasn’t that bad. It just wasn’t good either. It’s just saddening because this book had so much potential, the concept is such a unique idea, and I would have loved to have its themes explored more.
November 28, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚༉‧₊˚✧˚₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
ੈ♡˳ rating: 3/5 stars
ੈ♡˳ spice rating: n/a (ya)
ੈ♡˳ summary:
margot whitman is a high school senior interning at healing hearts inc., the company behind a pill that can erase heartbreak overnight. every weekend, she watches patients walk in devastated and leave healed, while she is still nursing her own breakup with her ex, isaac. when isaac shows up at the clinic as a patient, the two are forced back into each other’s lives. as they spend more time together, they uncover a dangerous secret about the heartbreak pill and have to decide what they are willing to risk to expose the truth and protect other people’s hearts, including their own. 
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
the concept of this book is actually so cool. a heartbreak clinic in new jersey with a pill that can erase your feelings overnight? that had me instantly interested. as someone from jersey, i was extra invested, and every time i recognized something from real life i got that little “omg i know that place” thrill. it made the world feel grounded even with the kind of sci fi heartbreak pill premise.
that being said, i feel like this book was trying to do a little too much at once. it is shelved as ya romance, but there is a pretty big mystery and almost thriller vibe woven through it. on its own, that could be fun, but sometimes it felt like the romance and the mystery were fighting each other for attention. i would get pulled into margot and isaac’s emotional stuff, and then suddenly we were back to “corporate secrets and shady science,” and it threw off the flow a bit.
i did like margot and isaac as characters, and i thought the idea of examining heartbreak in such a literal way was really smart. the book has a lot to say about pain, choice, and whether it is better to erase hurt or learn from it. but because there were so many threads happening at once, the emotional payoff did not hit as hard as it could have. it is like the bones of a five star book are there, but the execution got a little crowded.
overall, i am glad i read it, and i still think the premise is one of the most interesting ya ideas i have seen in a while. i just wish it had slowed down a bit and focused more on either the romance or the mystery instead of trying to be both at full volume.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ ya contemporary
ꕥ second chance
ꕥ exes to something more
ꕥ sci fi lite / speculative pill
ꕥ small town new jersey vibes
November 1, 2025
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!!
Yall? This was such a unique read!! While this was YA, the emotion, the yearning- I mean wow. I love the way Kristina Forest makes you feel her work, because I could feel how much Isaac missed Margot. While I was focused on the romance another plot of mystery came through, and wow I was not expecting that at all but I loved it!!! This was a great and quick read and was really immersive. Like UGHHHH I NEED ME AN ISAAC FR.
"I hadn't been able to get my fill of looking at her"
I do think it got a lillllll mundane during some parts, and I think I was having trouble staying focused, but I did really enjoy it overall!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!!
Yall? This was such a unique read!! While this was YA, the emotion, the yearning- I mean wow. I love the way Kristina Forest makes you feel her work, because I could feel how much Isaac missed Margot. While I was focused on the romance another plot of mystery came through, and wow I was not expecting that at all but I loved it!!! This was a great and quick read and was really immersive. Like UGHHHH I NEED ME AN ISAAC FR.
"I hadn't been able to get my fill of looking at her"
I do think it got a lillllll mundane during some parts, and I think I was having trouble staying focused, but I did really enjoy it overall!!
December 5, 2025
A pill that cures all heartbreak, that sounds like THE perfect solution but what happens if your ex walked into the heartbreak clinic you work in with the intention of curing his heartbreak?
This book will forever hold a fond place in my heart because it reminded me of one of the most memorable films I've seen, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind!
Margot and Isaac are two incredible main leads, they're so sweet and their love for each other is so precious.
I would love to see Kristina Forest write more YA because this was just amazing! :)
This book will forever hold a fond place in my heart because it reminded me of one of the most memorable films I've seen, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind!
Margot and Isaac are two incredible main leads, they're so sweet and their love for each other is so precious.
I would love to see Kristina Forest write more YA because this was just amazing! :)
October 26, 2025
Heartsick was a cute, fast-paced YA romance with a surprising mystery subplot! Despite reading the synopsis, I did not anticipate how suspenseful the story was going to be, and it was a fun little mystery!
I think this is a perfect book to pick up for people within its intended audience. There are important conversations surrounding romantic love, the priority we give it in life from a very young age, people's willingness to take very new, trendy medications without a lot of research, and how having large amounts of money behind these medications result in a complete lack of care for how it impacts the patients. Kristina Forest was a YA writer before her adult Greene Sisters series, and now I need to see her take on adult thrillers!
Margot and Issac dated and broke up in a way that was best for them at that time, but they both ached over. I feel like there aren't very many YA second chance romances (for obvious reasons LOL) but Heartsick did a great job keeping it realistic and secretly all-consuming as is normal for people that young! Their need to band together to put together the mystery provides time and space for things unsaid and feelings they can no longer hide.
Although I overall enjoyed it, I did think the mystery subplot was stretched out for too long and it becomes to detriment of the relationship development between Margot and Isaac. Sometimes when they come close to having important conversations, they're interrupted by some kind of news surrounding the mystery, which became jarring to the storytelling. Honestly a lot of the mystery was somewhat fantastical BUT I had fun! I also felt like more clarity about how the medicine worked was needed, because it was difficult for me to grasp how the medication makes you not be in love with someone anymore but it doesn't erase the relationship from your mind or remove those memories of being in love?
Thank you to Penguin Group, Penguin Young Readers Group, Kokila, and NetGalley for the ARC, and @coloredpagesbt, @penguinteen, and @kristinaforest_ for the free copy!
3.5 ⭐️s
#HeartsickTour #coloredpagesbooktours
I think this is a perfect book to pick up for people within its intended audience. There are important conversations surrounding romantic love, the priority we give it in life from a very young age, people's willingness to take very new, trendy medications without a lot of research, and how having large amounts of money behind these medications result in a complete lack of care for how it impacts the patients. Kristina Forest was a YA writer before her adult Greene Sisters series, and now I need to see her take on adult thrillers!
Margot and Issac dated and broke up in a way that was best for them at that time, but they both ached over. I feel like there aren't very many YA second chance romances (for obvious reasons LOL) but Heartsick did a great job keeping it realistic and secretly all-consuming as is normal for people that young! Their need to band together to put together the mystery provides time and space for things unsaid and feelings they can no longer hide.
Although I overall enjoyed it, I did think the mystery subplot was stretched out for too long and it becomes to detriment of the relationship development between Margot and Isaac. Sometimes when they come close to having important conversations, they're interrupted by some kind of news surrounding the mystery, which became jarring to the storytelling. Honestly a lot of the mystery was somewhat fantastical BUT I had fun! I also felt like more clarity about how the medicine worked was needed, because it was difficult for me to grasp how the medication makes you not be in love with someone anymore but it doesn't erase the relationship from your mind or remove those memories of being in love?
Thank you to Penguin Group, Penguin Young Readers Group, Kokila, and NetGalley for the ARC, and @coloredpagesbt, @penguinteen, and @kristinaforest_ for the free copy!
3.5 ⭐️s
#HeartsickTour #coloredpagesbooktours
November 9, 2025
In Heartsick a pharmaceutical startup has manufactured a pill that helps people get over heartbreak. They've since set up a few clinics around the country including one in Philadelphia where people can pay $500 to get their hands on this cure. Margot is working as an intern courtesy of her sister. One day her ex boyfriend Isaac comes in hoping to buy a pill. She of course is upset and when Isaac attempts to later apologize, they overhear some classified information. It turns out people are experiencing strange side effects from the pills ad the company is doing it's best to suppress negative publicity. This leads Magot and Isaac on a wild hunt across country to find and interview people who have seemingly been silenced.
Read review in full below
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Read review in full below
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September 8, 2025
SUPER CUTE! 5 stars of YA execution alone!
I was fortunate enough to receive this ARC from Kristina and I was not disappointed!
YA can sometimes be difficult to write as an adult, but she executes the youthful banter and situations so well! The whole concept of this story is so unique and like nothing I’ve ever read before. However I could see my youthful self in these characters.
The writing is clean, straightforward, and imaginative without seeming too childish. The vibe of teens setting out to prove a theory out against malpractice and sketchy science practices gave me “Stranger Things” vibes. There’s just something so cool about the teens getting ish done!
If you love coming of age love stories, rebellious, but intelligent young adults fighting back against ruthless adults, angst, and self-discovery…you’ll love this book!
I was fortunate enough to receive this ARC from Kristina and I was not disappointed!
YA can sometimes be difficult to write as an adult, but she executes the youthful banter and situations so well! The whole concept of this story is so unique and like nothing I’ve ever read before. However I could see my youthful self in these characters.
The writing is clean, straightforward, and imaginative without seeming too childish. The vibe of teens setting out to prove a theory out against malpractice and sketchy science practices gave me “Stranger Things” vibes. There’s just something so cool about the teens getting ish done!
If you love coming of age love stories, rebellious, but intelligent young adults fighting back against ruthless adults, angst, and self-discovery…you’ll love this book!
October 16, 2025
3.5/5! This was a cute YA novel that follows Margot and Isaac’s story of connection, growth, and self discovery as they navigate an unimaginable circumstance. While the pacing felt a little slow at times, the plot eventually picked back up and drew me in. I loved seeing both the FMC and MMC grow, not just together, but individually. This helped give the story a satisfying emotional depth.
What I appreciated most was that, while I expected a typical romance, this book offered more heart and introspection than I anticipated. Krista Forest’s writing style is always well written, beautiful and relatable. though this particular story didn’t grab me quite as much as some of her others. Still, I think YA readers, especially those who enjoy heartfelt coming of age love stories, will connect deeply with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I appreciated most was that, while I expected a typical romance, this book offered more heart and introspection than I anticipated. Krista Forest’s writing style is always well written, beautiful and relatable. though this particular story didn’t grab me quite as much as some of her others. Still, I think YA readers, especially those who enjoy heartfelt coming of age love stories, will connect deeply with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2025
This was such a fun read. I also let my 14 year old daughter read it and she liked it. Thank you to the publisher, the author, and colored pages book
Tours for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Have you ever seen the movie the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind? It’s one of my fave movies of all time and this is like the younger sweeter little sister of that movie.
If you had the opportunity would you erase all the memories of the person who broke your heart? Or would you rather solve a mystery with them?
This was cute and witty and warm. If you like YA cozy romcoms you don’t want to miss this one.
Tours for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Have you ever seen the movie the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind? It’s one of my fave movies of all time and this is like the younger sweeter little sister of that movie.
If you had the opportunity would you erase all the memories of the person who broke your heart? Or would you rather solve a mystery with them?
This was cute and witty and warm. If you like YA cozy romcoms you don’t want to miss this one.
December 10, 2025
Cute story.
October 21, 2025
One of the cutest things I’ve read this year! I love the unique approach the author took with the heartsick pills. The 2 main characters were so cute and very realistic. I highly recommend this for YA and teens and I will be sharing with the teens in my life.
September 14, 2025
4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Kokila, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Heartsick on October 7, 2025.
This was such a cute (and oddly thrilling?) YA romance. I definitely didn't read the blurb closely before I started the book, because I had no idea this story would take our teenage protagonists on a cross-country road trip in a quest to take down Big Pharma. But I honestly ate it up and really enjoyed the wild ride!
Our main characters are Margot and Isaac, who fell in love as high school juniors before a sudden breakup in their senior year. To get over the heartbreak, Isaac briefly considers taking this new pill from Healing Hearts, a pharma company Margot is interning for. But Margot and Isaac accidentally overhear the CEO talking about medical malpractice, and suddenly they're on the run from powerful executives.
As the two travel across the country collecting fellow patient testimonies, they start to remember why they fell in love in the first place, and the heartbreak between them eases. The romance was honestly super cute, and I loved both characters' growth throughout the story. Margot gains confidence in her journalistic abilities and realizes she doesn't have to be a picture-perfect daughter for her controlling parents. Isaac, adrift and unsure what's in store for his future, begins to chart his own path and find his passion.
The ending was super satisfying, and I love the hints we get at Margot and Isaac's future. I can't wait to pick up more from Kristina Forest in the future!
This was such a cute (and oddly thrilling?) YA romance. I definitely didn't read the blurb closely before I started the book, because I had no idea this story would take our teenage protagonists on a cross-country road trip in a quest to take down Big Pharma. But I honestly ate it up and really enjoyed the wild ride!
Our main characters are Margot and Isaac, who fell in love as high school juniors before a sudden breakup in their senior year. To get over the heartbreak, Isaac briefly considers taking this new pill from Healing Hearts, a pharma company Margot is interning for. But Margot and Isaac accidentally overhear the CEO talking about medical malpractice, and suddenly they're on the run from powerful executives.
As the two travel across the country collecting fellow patient testimonies, they start to remember why they fell in love in the first place, and the heartbreak between them eases. The romance was honestly super cute, and I loved both characters' growth throughout the story. Margot gains confidence in her journalistic abilities and realizes she doesn't have to be a picture-perfect daughter for her controlling parents. Isaac, adrift and unsure what's in store for his future, begins to chart his own path and find his passion.
The ending was super satisfying, and I love the hints we get at Margot and Isaac's future. I can't wait to pick up more from Kristina Forest in the future!
October 12, 2025
Would you take a pill that would make you fall out of love with your ex over night? This a story of two teens Margot and Isaac who are going thru a breakup and they overhear a secret about a pill that’s supposed to help people fall out of love overnight but it isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be ! They end up working together to uncover the truth as well as try to fix their relationship as well. This was a YA second chance romance filled with suspense . Great read I just would have liked more of the romance aspect for them !
October 15, 2025
I went into this book completely blind, I thought it was just a cute little romance. I had no idea about the concept of taking a pill to heal your heart after a breakup. Very unique story plot. I really enjoyed the characters because have some graduating seniors who need to figure out their next steps in life. We also watch their passions and interests lead them through obstacles with some twists in between. Definitely a quick and easy read would definitely recommend.
I did receive as an ARC on netgalley, late posting.
I did receive as an ARC on netgalley, late posting.
November 29, 2025
This was the cutest second chance romance. I loved that it had a little mystery that needed to be solved. I enjoyed the characters and the unique story line. I enjoy YA romance 💘.
August 26, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
I’m a little biased because Kristina Forest can do no wrong—her pen game is STRONG, and I’ll read anything she writes. I picked up Heartsick expecting something cute and funny… and then BAM! Suddenly, I was on a wild international spy adventure (well, not really, but it felt that intense!). This is exactly why I avoid reading excerpts—I love being genuinely surprised and taken on a rollercoaster when that’s the author’s intention.
I don’t usually read YA, but I devoured this in just a few hours! I adored the nerdy, awkward boy representation and all the comic book talk—please, let’s start reading comics again! The family dynamics were heartwarming, and the wrap-up at the end felt so satisfying.
The more I read, the more I thought: this would make a perfect Netflix movie!
I’m a little biased because Kristina Forest can do no wrong—her pen game is STRONG, and I’ll read anything she writes. I picked up Heartsick expecting something cute and funny… and then BAM! Suddenly, I was on a wild international spy adventure (well, not really, but it felt that intense!). This is exactly why I avoid reading excerpts—I love being genuinely surprised and taken on a rollercoaster when that’s the author’s intention.
I don’t usually read YA, but I devoured this in just a few hours! I adored the nerdy, awkward boy representation and all the comic book talk—please, let’s start reading comics again! The family dynamics were heartwarming, and the wrap-up at the end felt so satisfying.
The more I read, the more I thought: this would make a perfect Netflix movie!
October 7, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for the E-ARC! So cute! Loved the characters & banter. Great writing style too. Will read more from this author.
September 20, 2025
Heartsick is exactly as advertised: a short, sweet, and heartwarming second-chance YA romance. The main romance was super cute, and it was satisfying to see the way Margot and Isaac dealt with heartbreak as a catalyst for personal growth. I don’t see too many second-chance YA romances (which is probably a symptom of the age of the characters), so I liked how Margot and Isaac were able to fall (back) in love but with more emotional depth and maturity than the usual heart-fluttering first love. I thought both characters were relatable, especially Margot’s need to please her parents and Isaac’s uncertainty over his future academic/career prospects. It was nice reading how the two were able to challenge each other to move past their fear of failure and disappointment. However, I also found Margot and Isaac to lack a little depth outside of their relationship—both are characterized based on their main flaw that led to their break-up, but I felt like I didn’t get a good sense of who they were as individuals outside of their relationship with each other. This also applies to the side characters, who were all charming but didn’t really have personality or dimension outside of their relationship to Margot and Isaac.
I loved the concept of a pill to cure heartsickness and thought there was good potential to explore weighty topics like the capitalist commodification of emotion/love, greed, and even a creative metaphor for how Big Pharma disproportionately affects BIPOC communities. Disappointingly, however, Forest shies away from delving deeply into these topics and instead settles for the obvious and rather simple “greed is bad” theme. In particular, the villains felt far too moustache-twirling and read a little too much like caricatures, especially at the climax when they do some ridiculously over-the-top antagonist-y things. I wish Forest leaned more into the "contemporary" half of this book’s genre mash-up because there was definitely potential.
Despite the sometimes simplicity/one-dimensionality of the plot and characters, Heartsick is a sweet and poignant YA book with a big heart.
3.25/5 stars (rounded to 3)
Thank you to Kokila (Penguin Teen) for the e-ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the concept of a pill to cure heartsickness and thought there was good potential to explore weighty topics like the capitalist commodification of emotion/love, greed, and even a creative metaphor for how Big Pharma disproportionately affects BIPOC communities. Disappointingly, however, Forest shies away from delving deeply into these topics and instead settles for the obvious and rather simple “greed is bad” theme. In particular, the villains felt far too moustache-twirling and read a little too much like caricatures, especially at the climax when they do some ridiculously over-the-top antagonist-y things. I wish Forest leaned more into the "contemporary" half of this book’s genre mash-up because there was definitely potential.
Despite the sometimes simplicity/one-dimensionality of the plot and characters, Heartsick is a sweet and poignant YA book with a big heart.
3.25/5 stars (rounded to 3)
Thank you to Kokila (Penguin Teen) for the e-ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt @penguinteen for my gifted copy‼️
Kristina Forest delivers the perfect balance of suspense, sweetness, and romance. I knew we were getting a YA romance but I honestly wasn’t expecting the book to be so adventurous and action-packed.
Margot was interning at Healing Hearts Inc., the company that created the pill that cures heartbreak. She actually considered taking the pill herself to get over her break up with Issac. But she would never forgive herself if she actually went through with it. Until one day Issac shows up at the center seeking the pill himself leaving Margot in her feelings all over again. Luckily they both backed out of taking the pill before discovering the truth about its effects.
I loved Margot and Issac’s dynamic and chemistry. Although they had broken up it was their willingness to work together for a good cause that I felt was sweet. All of the side characters added depth to the story Ashton was the rebellious older sister that Margot admired and she looked out for her best interest. Darryl who was Issac’s smart conspiracy theorist cousin questioned everything and warned them both about Healing Hearts. Then we have the stubborn parents who never listen to their kids because they always know what’s best.
The plot unfolds through an exciting chain of events that puts everyone involved in danger. The story moved at an even pace and was very well-written and unpredictable. The mystery behind the pills kept me invested in finding out the truth. Exploring identity, first love, friendship dynamics, vulnerability, building trust, forgiveness, and following your heart. This was a cute fun read and I think it will resonate with many YA romance readers.
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Kristina Forest delivers the perfect balance of suspense, sweetness, and romance. I knew we were getting a YA romance but I honestly wasn’t expecting the book to be so adventurous and action-packed.
Margot was interning at Healing Hearts Inc., the company that created the pill that cures heartbreak. She actually considered taking the pill herself to get over her break up with Issac. But she would never forgive herself if she actually went through with it. Until one day Issac shows up at the center seeking the pill himself leaving Margot in her feelings all over again. Luckily they both backed out of taking the pill before discovering the truth about its effects.
I loved Margot and Issac’s dynamic and chemistry. Although they had broken up it was their willingness to work together for a good cause that I felt was sweet. All of the side characters added depth to the story Ashton was the rebellious older sister that Margot admired and she looked out for her best interest. Darryl who was Issac’s smart conspiracy theorist cousin questioned everything and warned them both about Healing Hearts. Then we have the stubborn parents who never listen to their kids because they always know what’s best.
The plot unfolds through an exciting chain of events that puts everyone involved in danger. The story moved at an even pace and was very well-written and unpredictable. The mystery behind the pills kept me invested in finding out the truth. Exploring identity, first love, friendship dynamics, vulnerability, building trust, forgiveness, and following your heart. This was a cute fun read and I think it will resonate with many YA romance readers.
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
October 2, 2025
This was a fun, fast-paced YA read that was very original and highly entertaining. I’ve loved Kristina Forest’s adult romances, so I had no hesitation in picking up this latest YA novel from her. I really enjoy her writing style and the characters she creates.
The whole concept of a “heartbreak pill” to help people move on faster from emotional pain was unique but also totally realistic to imagine as something on the horizon. It’s commonplace to look for a quick fix solution, so why not one for heartbreak? Margot and Isaac’s unexpected adventure came when side effects started occurring in former patients and Margot got wind of some information she wasn’t meant to know.
Adding to the stakes was the fact that, when the story opened, Margot and Isaac had been broken up for a couple months and Isaac was at the clinic to possibly take the pill himself. When they found themselves working together and chasing down sources to get the truth out, they had to face the cause of their breakup and what they’d been feeling in their time apart. It felt so authentic to a teenage relationship, both the reason for their argument and that it led straight to a breakup instead of a deeper conversation right away. They both ultimately showed a lot of maturity, particularly Isaac in the actions he took during their time apart.
There were a lot of interesting side characters who either helped along the way or simply encountered Margot and Isaac throughout their chase. Everyone added some spark to the story and really rounded things out.
If you’re looking for a quick escape with a couple of teens, this was such a fun time. Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group/Kokila for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The whole concept of a “heartbreak pill” to help people move on faster from emotional pain was unique but also totally realistic to imagine as something on the horizon. It’s commonplace to look for a quick fix solution, so why not one for heartbreak? Margot and Isaac’s unexpected adventure came when side effects started occurring in former patients and Margot got wind of some information she wasn’t meant to know.
Adding to the stakes was the fact that, when the story opened, Margot and Isaac had been broken up for a couple months and Isaac was at the clinic to possibly take the pill himself. When they found themselves working together and chasing down sources to get the truth out, they had to face the cause of their breakup and what they’d been feeling in their time apart. It felt so authentic to a teenage relationship, both the reason for their argument and that it led straight to a breakup instead of a deeper conversation right away. They both ultimately showed a lot of maturity, particularly Isaac in the actions he took during their time apart.
There were a lot of interesting side characters who either helped along the way or simply encountered Margot and Isaac throughout their chase. Everyone added some spark to the story and really rounded things out.
If you’re looking for a quick escape with a couple of teens, this was such a fun time. Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group/Kokila for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley and to Kristina Forest for this ARC!!❤️🔥 I love me some Kristina forest so I was so so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book💕
This is one of the easiest 5⭐️s I have given to a book in a long while! I first went into the book pretty neutral cause I have somewhat gotten used to reading adult fiction more than YA recently.... and it had been a minute since I read a book starring young adults, but when I say i left POSITIVELY SHOCKED I MEAN IT!
The setting of the book is so unique! It is a world where people can forget about their loved ones after taking a pill, and our main character Margot contemplates taking the pill to forget her ex Isaac (whom she still loves btw💜). It was dual POV (which I loveeeee) and we got to see Isaac ALSO STILL LOVES HER and is planning how to win her back the whole timee😩 To make things even better, this book tackles on themes I truly enjoy reading about:
✨navigating family expectations
✨choosing your dreams
✨forming a close knit bond with friends and family
✨finding love in yourself and in others
✨being brave!!
Isaac was such a cutie, like he was so down bad for Margot. I loved it😭💕 Margot was such a determined person I feel a lot of readers would be able to relate too! I espectially loved that all the side characters were given depth! Like i had a reason to root for EVERY character in this book, seriously i cant get enough!💕
If you were looking for a chill YA romance read, second chance romance with some mystery solving vibes, this is definitely the one for you!
This is one of the easiest 5⭐️s I have given to a book in a long while! I first went into the book pretty neutral cause I have somewhat gotten used to reading adult fiction more than YA recently.... and it had been a minute since I read a book starring young adults, but when I say i left POSITIVELY SHOCKED I MEAN IT!
The setting of the book is so unique! It is a world where people can forget about their loved ones after taking a pill, and our main character Margot contemplates taking the pill to forget her ex Isaac (whom she still loves btw💜). It was dual POV (which I loveeeee) and we got to see Isaac ALSO STILL LOVES HER and is planning how to win her back the whole timee😩 To make things even better, this book tackles on themes I truly enjoy reading about:
✨navigating family expectations
✨choosing your dreams
✨forming a close knit bond with friends and family
✨finding love in yourself and in others
✨being brave!!
Isaac was such a cutie, like he was so down bad for Margot. I loved it😭💕 Margot was such a determined person I feel a lot of readers would be able to relate too! I espectially loved that all the side characters were given depth! Like i had a reason to root for EVERY character in this book, seriously i cant get enough!💕
If you were looking for a chill YA romance read, second chance romance with some mystery solving vibes, this is definitely the one for you!
September 7, 2025
I didn’t realize my first Kristina Forest book would be YA considering I’ve had The Neighbor Favor ready to read for some time now, but I think this was a great place to start. Heartsick has such an interesting premise: what would the world be like if people could just get a pill to cure their heartbreak? This topic gets explored in the characters that have taken this pill and the stranger Margot meets on the train who has not, and I think it’s an interesting thought experiment. Heartbreak, be it through bad breakups or loss of a loved one, can be debilitating and prevent people from functioning normally. At the same time, essentially removing those feelings you had for someone in the past seems so weirdly clinical and kind of opposing the human condition; what does it mean to have loved and lost if you zap that feeling from your brain and body?
All that aside, I enjoyed getting to read both Margot and Isaac’s POV chapters, since it provides a clear look at how each of their insecurities and hang-ups have influenced the way they look at their breakup and the events leading up to it. They’re both so sweet and soft as people, and I eagerly looked forward to their reconciliation.
The wild journey they go on after Margot accidentally learns about a huge secret about Healing Hearts makes for a fun setting where we get to see how much Margot and Isaac mean to each other, how much they care about each other. They balance each other out so well despite not having much in common. I loved seeing them tackle problems together, with Isaac wanting to prove himself worthy of Margot and Margot having so much trust in him. It’s an unlikely and at times absurd chase they go on, but it makes their reconciliation feel so organic and satisfying. They’re both fairly mature—still teens, with some miscommunication that obviously led to their original breakup, but the way they clear up the misunderstandings made me cheer. Margot talking it out with her parents and being firm in what she wanted to study and Isaac figuring out he wanted to pursue art made me happy for them. These babies are precious.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!
All that aside, I enjoyed getting to read both Margot and Isaac’s POV chapters, since it provides a clear look at how each of their insecurities and hang-ups have influenced the way they look at their breakup and the events leading up to it. They’re both so sweet and soft as people, and I eagerly looked forward to their reconciliation.
The wild journey they go on after Margot accidentally learns about a huge secret about Healing Hearts makes for a fun setting where we get to see how much Margot and Isaac mean to each other, how much they care about each other. They balance each other out so well despite not having much in common. I loved seeing them tackle problems together, with Isaac wanting to prove himself worthy of Margot and Margot having so much trust in him. It’s an unlikely and at times absurd chase they go on, but it makes their reconciliation feel so organic and satisfying. They’re both fairly mature—still teens, with some miscommunication that obviously led to their original breakup, but the way they clear up the misunderstandings made me cheer. Margot talking it out with her parents and being firm in what she wanted to study and Isaac figuring out he wanted to pursue art made me happy for them. These babies are precious.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC!
December 16, 2025
3.75 - Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours, Penguin Teen, and Kristina Forest for my gifted copy.
Is there a heart in the house tonight? Is the song I keep hearing when thinking about this. A really cute read. Never read a book with a plot like this. So right away this captured my attention. Add in the suspense and mystery well now we have a party. What would you do to fix a broken heart?
Margot and Isaac are two really well written characters. From the moment Isaac came in to Healing Hearts the story takes off. I enjoyed the flashbacks of their love story and how it became with them broken up. On the journey of finding patients who have been silenced we get to see these two grow back towards each other. Have real conversation about their past and also what they feel towards their future after high school. Margot’s growth with finding her voice is refreshing because those parents were something else. She’s a young lady with a mission.
Isaac’s representation in the manner of not knowing for sure what a person wants to do after high school is very much real. It was great that he had someone like Margot around to inspire him. Really enjoyed how Kristina wrote the class/tax bracket difference between the two characters. Example: when they went shopping. These two balance each other and the love is for sure there.
Is there a heart in the house tonight? Is the song I keep hearing when thinking about this. A really cute read. Never read a book with a plot like this. So right away this captured my attention. Add in the suspense and mystery well now we have a party. What would you do to fix a broken heart?
Margot and Isaac are two really well written characters. From the moment Isaac came in to Healing Hearts the story takes off. I enjoyed the flashbacks of their love story and how it became with them broken up. On the journey of finding patients who have been silenced we get to see these two grow back towards each other. Have real conversation about their past and also what they feel towards their future after high school. Margot’s growth with finding her voice is refreshing because those parents were something else. She’s a young lady with a mission.
Isaac’s representation in the manner of not knowing for sure what a person wants to do after high school is very much real. It was great that he had someone like Margot around to inspire him. Really enjoyed how Kristina wrote the class/tax bracket difference between the two characters. Example: when they went shopping. These two balance each other and the love is for sure there.
October 17, 2025
Isaac and Margot were so cute! Even though they’d recently went through a break up, you could still feel the love and respect between them. This story takes you on a journey that’s part romance, part mystery, and all heart.💗
I really liked how Kristina Forest used the “heartbreak pill” as more than just a quick fix, it became a symbol for how people try to avoid pain instead of learning from it. The book has heart, depth, and a bit of suspense that kept me turning the pages.
Overall, Heartsick is a story about love, forgiveness, and learning to heal without erasing the parts of ourselves that hurt. I thought it was beautifully written and emotional, with characters you can’t help but root for.
Audiobook Thoughts 💭 🎧: I had a chance to add the audiobook to my reading and loved how the full cast brought the story to life the emotions, the tension, everything felt so real. The supporting characters were amazing especially those of cousin Darryl & “The fact Finder’s”, I found them to be a cute concept especially when brought to life via the audio.
Thanks to @netgalley & publishers for my ARC copy of this book! 💕
August 21, 2025
This books was such a delightful romp! Margot is a high school senior in the midst of a bad breakup with a new internship working for a company that invented a pill that can erase your heartbreak. She's never tempted to take the pill. Even though it hurts, she would never give up her memories of her time with Isaac ... and she's hoping they might get back together. But then Isaac comes into the center one day. But before he can take the pill -- if that's really why he was there -- Margot overhears the head of the company admit something is wrong with some of the pills and that some customers are having debilitating side effects. And when he realizes Margot heard him, he will do anything to stop her from going public with the news. With bodyguards chasing them and Margot's parents not believing her version of events, Margot and Isaac set off on a cross country trip to try to prove what happened. The speculative elements of the story add a philosophical depth to this second chance romance. The books is somehow deeply thoughtful, incredibly funny, and so romantic at the same time.
July 17, 2025
Huge thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
I’ve been super excited to read this. The premise of it was unlike anything I’ve heard of for a contemporary romance! And the story did not disappoint.
From the start we are on a fast paced ride of second chance love to some pretty cutthroat journalism, especially from a high schooler. I LOVED the idea of a pill in our modern day world that could cure heartbreak. Something like that doesn’t seem too far fetched for science today. I also enjoyed the talks of if that was a thing is that something that should society take part in or not. Feeling all our emotions, even heartbreak, is what makes us human.
I also very much loved our main characters Margot and Isaac! I was very happy to see it was dual POV I think it adds a lot more depth and understanding to the story. I had so much fun with this book and I’m excited for this author to hopefully write more YA. My only complaint is that the writing style was not my favorite. I found some of the descriptive details to be a little clunky and not flow that well but overall such a fun and heartfelt story.
I’ve been super excited to read this. The premise of it was unlike anything I’ve heard of for a contemporary romance! And the story did not disappoint.
From the start we are on a fast paced ride of second chance love to some pretty cutthroat journalism, especially from a high schooler. I LOVED the idea of a pill in our modern day world that could cure heartbreak. Something like that doesn’t seem too far fetched for science today. I also enjoyed the talks of if that was a thing is that something that should society take part in or not. Feeling all our emotions, even heartbreak, is what makes us human.
I also very much loved our main characters Margot and Isaac! I was very happy to see it was dual POV I think it adds a lot more depth and understanding to the story. I had so much fun with this book and I’m excited for this author to hopefully write more YA. My only complaint is that the writing style was not my favorite. I found some of the descriptive details to be a little clunky and not flow that well but overall such a fun and heartfelt story.
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