What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartstruck
Alli Castillo thought sophomore year at Carolina Coast University would be her fresh start—until anxiety attacks, sleepless nights, and empty Saturday nights leave her feeling more lost than ever. With her confidence unraveling and the weight of self-doubt creeping in, she’s about to give up on ever feeling like she belongs. Then Jared Collins transfers to CCU.
He’s the new football star with more problems than anyone realizes, and the last thing he wants is the constant attention from fangirls and rumors about his past. So, when Alli and Jared are randomly paired together as lab partners, it’s the last thing either of them expects. But when life gets messy, sometimes fake dating is the easiest option.
Late-night study sessions. Heart-to-heart conversations. Those stolen glances that say everything and nothing all at once. And they can only stretch it so much: the fake kisses and the charade begin to feel far too real and the sparks they’re trying to keep under control are threatening to explode.
He’s the new football star with more problems than anyone realizes, and the last thing he wants is the constant attention from fangirls and rumors about his past. So, when Alli and Jared are randomly paired together as lab partners, it’s the last thing either of them expects. But when life gets messy, sometimes fake dating is the easiest option.
Late-night study sessions. Heart-to-heart conversations. Those stolen glances that say everything and nothing all at once. And they can only stretch it so much: the fake kisses and the charade begin to feel far too real and the sparks they’re trying to keep under control are threatening to explode.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
8 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 4, 2025
This was average 🙂♥️. Neither good nor bad. Maybe its my semi reading slump but this was not all that 😐
This book follows Ali who's just joined university but she's finding it hard to cope and feels out of place. She's also dealing with a bitch of an aunt who doesn't know what boundaries are.🙂
Our MMC, Jared, who's a football star, transferred from his previous school because he was being stalked by a girl called Chelsea.
I honestly hoped that the author would have added it to the plot somehow at the end but she didn't. 😐 What the point was in mentioning it in the first place if you're not going to incorporate it? 🤷🏾♀️
Jared decides to help Ali get her confidence back by telling her that they should fake date🚶🏾♀️. The goal was for her to gain confidence to ask a guy in her bio class out. 🙂
At some point during the story we forgot about the guy 💀 and we focused on Jared and his baggage. 😭
I liked the book don't get me wrong but it's not something that I'll be remembering for years to come. 🙂
Thank you netgalley and bookbuzz for the Earc copy. 🎀🌸
This book follows Ali who's just joined university but she's finding it hard to cope and feels out of place. She's also dealing with a bitch of an aunt who doesn't know what boundaries are.🙂
Our MMC, Jared, who's a football star, transferred from his previous school because he was being stalked by a girl called Chelsea.
I honestly hoped that the author would have added it to the plot somehow at the end but she didn't. 😐 What the point was in mentioning it in the first place if you're not going to incorporate it? 🤷🏾♀️
Jared decides to help Ali get her confidence back by telling her that they should fake date🚶🏾♀️. The goal was for her to gain confidence to ask a guy in her bio class out. 🙂
At some point during the story we forgot about the guy 💀 and we focused on Jared and his baggage. 😭
I liked the book don't get me wrong but it's not something that I'll be remembering for years to come. 🙂
Thank you netgalley and bookbuzz for the Earc copy. 🎀🌸
July 31, 2025
This was such a cute read. I loved everything about this book. The story was cute and easy to follow and had a good mix of characters. This was a new author for me and I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it.
💜 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💜 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐
A dual POV, fake dating story with swoon worthy banter, spicy scenes, and dialogue that will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
This book was just what I needed! The relationship development between Alli and Jared felt raw and real, and the pacing kept me interested without feeling rushed. The balance between light-hearted moments and scenes full of emotional maturity was so refreshing to read. Both characters were well fleshed out, and their growth together felt so authentic. I definitely recommend picking this one up when it comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC!
A dual POV, fake dating story with swoon worthy banter, spicy scenes, and dialogue that will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
This book was just what I needed! The relationship development between Alli and Jared felt raw and real, and the pacing kept me interested without feeling rushed. The balance between light-hearted moments and scenes full of emotional maturity was so refreshing to read. Both characters were well fleshed out, and their growth together felt so authentic. I definitely recommend picking this one up when it comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC!
September 6, 2025
˗ˏˋ꒰💗꒱ 𝟮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
↠━༻◆༺━↞
ᴺᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ; [ 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙠 ] [ 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 ]
1:07 ——◦———— -4:05
↠ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ
» 。° .• ☕ ༄
Seraphina Chen's first book, Wonderstruck, was so cute and wholesome so I was excited to hear that she was coming out with Alli and Jared's book. I was intrigued by what little hints that were dropped in Wonderstruck, so when I started to read this book, my expectations weren't really met.
༄ 🍏 .• ° 。«
One of my main issues with this book is that it is falsely marketed. Alli and Jared maybe fake date for twenty percent of the book, and then the typical plot for the trope was crammed into ten percent. After that, it feels like you're reading a completely different book. And in my opinion, the fake dating wasn't done that well. The whole reason they "fake dated" was because Jared was getting harassed by girls and Alli wanted to gain confidence to talk to her crush. Alli quickly moves on from that guy. It wasn't even necessary to have the fake dating trope if it's not truly a fake dating book.
» 。° .• ☕ ༄
The writing also was a lot of telling and little to no showing. Being told how relationships and situations went and currently are doesn't give the reader a chance to piece that information together. It allows the reader to use their brain and makes them obsessed with the story. As I got further into reading, I found that I just didn't care because everything was being told to me like I was in my typical college lecture.
.。༅:*ﾟ𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ꒱
🟠 ·˚ 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 ˊˎ
༻————↠
Before the switch up in books, I liked Alli and related to her college struggles. It can be hard to balance schoolwork and a social life. After the plot shift, that was never touched again about gaining confidence and finding herself. I'm disappointed, because it would have been a good message to college girls like me about how you shouldn't allow school to be your life. Instead, the problem we focused on was her family telling her to life the way they wanted her to. That's a good plot to explore and I have nothing against that, but we were led to believe that Alli was going to work through her college struggles in a healthy way.
🟠 ·˚ 𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀 ˊˎ
༺————↞
I don't like Jared. He should not have been forgiven so easily during the third act breakup and should probably go to therapy before trying to be in a relationship with Alli. He fumbled TWICE and she still took him back. And also, I don't know why this book is marketed as football when Jared's games were not shown a lot. It wasn't a big focus on the story either. The blurb of the story was supposed to focus on Jared's problems with girls stalking him but then, halfway through, we focus on a new problem: his relationship with his mother.
↠━ 🍏 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ━↞
This book felt so messy for me, and I also did not like being told information instead of being shown it so I could make the connections myself. I really wanted to like this book since I enjoyed Wonderstruck. When it seems like I'm reading two different books in one, that's when you lose me.
💗 ––––———–––––———–┊༄
» 。° .• 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ༄
༻————↠
The first book was SO cute, and I was curious about these two characters after the hints we got before.
↠━༻◆༺━↞
ᴺᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ; [ 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙠 ] [ 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 ]
1:07 ——◦———— -4:05
↠ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ
» 。° .• ☕ ༄
Seraphina Chen's first book, Wonderstruck, was so cute and wholesome so I was excited to hear that she was coming out with Alli and Jared's book. I was intrigued by what little hints that were dropped in Wonderstruck, so when I started to read this book, my expectations weren't really met.
༄ 🍏 .• ° 。«
One of my main issues with this book is that it is falsely marketed. Alli and Jared maybe fake date for twenty percent of the book, and then the typical plot for the trope was crammed into ten percent. After that, it feels like you're reading a completely different book. And in my opinion, the fake dating wasn't done that well. The whole reason they "fake dated" was because Jared was getting harassed by girls and Alli wanted to gain confidence to talk to her crush. Alli quickly moves on from that guy. It wasn't even necessary to have the fake dating trope if it's not truly a fake dating book.
» 。° .• ☕ ༄
The writing also was a lot of telling and little to no showing. Being told how relationships and situations went and currently are doesn't give the reader a chance to piece that information together. It allows the reader to use their brain and makes them obsessed with the story. As I got further into reading, I found that I just didn't care because everything was being told to me like I was in my typical college lecture.
.。༅:*ﾟ𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ꒱
🟠 ·˚ 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼 ˊˎ
༻————↠
Before the switch up in books, I liked Alli and related to her college struggles. It can be hard to balance schoolwork and a social life. After the plot shift, that was never touched again about gaining confidence and finding herself. I'm disappointed, because it would have been a good message to college girls like me about how you shouldn't allow school to be your life. Instead, the problem we focused on was her family telling her to life the way they wanted her to. That's a good plot to explore and I have nothing against that, but we were led to believe that Alli was going to work through her college struggles in a healthy way.
🟠 ·˚ 𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀 ˊˎ
༺————↞
I don't like Jared. He should not have been forgiven so easily during the third act breakup and should probably go to therapy before trying to be in a relationship with Alli. He fumbled TWICE and she still took him back. And also, I don't know why this book is marketed as football when Jared's games were not shown a lot. It wasn't a big focus on the story either. The blurb of the story was supposed to focus on Jared's problems with girls stalking him but then, halfway through, we focus on a new problem: his relationship with his mother.
↠━ 🍏 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ━↞
This book felt so messy for me, and I also did not like being told information instead of being shown it so I could make the connections myself. I really wanted to like this book since I enjoyed Wonderstruck. When it seems like I'm reading two different books in one, that's when you lose me.
💗 ––––———–––––———–┊༄
» 。° .• 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ༄
༻————↠
The first book was SO cute, and I was curious about these two characters after the hints we got before.
August 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to red this as an arc.
Heartstruck follows sophomore Alli Castillo in her journey to finally have her fresh start in college. Everything changes for her when Jared Collins, an old acquaintance, transfers to the same college.
This was a very cute read, but unfortunately nothing memorable. The writing style felt a little weird, and the plot felt a little messy. There were details that were mentioned once and then picked up again way later, or completely forgotten or others that had no real purpose. Also, this is an open door romance but the scenes are written like they are supposed to be fade to black and sometimes they also seem like they are written in chunks and then put together. The different parts of the scene felt disconnected, that ended up being confusing because a few times it seemed like a jump to a completely different moment.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to red this as an arc.
Heartstruck follows sophomore Alli Castillo in her journey to finally have her fresh start in college. Everything changes for her when Jared Collins, an old acquaintance, transfers to the same college.
This was a very cute read, but unfortunately nothing memorable. The writing style felt a little weird, and the plot felt a little messy. There were details that were mentioned once and then picked up again way later, or completely forgotten or others that had no real purpose. Also, this is an open door romance but the scenes are written like they are supposed to be fade to black and sometimes they also seem like they are written in chunks and then put together. The different parts of the scene felt disconnected, that ended up being confusing because a few times it seemed like a jump to a completely different moment.
August 8, 2025
— ARC Review :2 stars ✰
⋆˚࿔ this book had potential but i felt like the author’s writing style is just not my cup of tea. it felt like something straight out of wattpad and a bit messy so it was difficult for me to stay interested. in the end i just skimmed through.
Thank you to Seraphina Chen & Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⋆˚࿔ this book had potential but i felt like the author’s writing style is just not my cup of tea. it felt like something straight out of wattpad and a bit messy so it was difficult for me to stay interested. in the end i just skimmed through.
Thank you to Seraphina Chen & Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBuzz for the e-ARC of Heartstruck by Seraphina Chen!
My rating: 2.5 stars
Fans of Hannah Grace and Elle Kennedy book series would enjoy this book!
Set on college campus Alli and Jared who have been friends since they were young had what Alli thought was the beginning of a romance as teenagers which ended in them not speaking for years. After meeting at university when Jared transfers due to previously being stalked, they meet and make a deal to fake date.
Alli is a high achieving student, and introvert and also a people pleaser who gets very overwhelmed, however she lacks confidence and can take criticism as a personal attack and lash out at those she cares about.
Jared in a football player who changed schools due to being stalked by girls at his previous college, he has a very fragile relationship with his mother who he feels abandoned by and this causes him a lot of self doubt and for him to become closed off.
The story explore not only their relationship but the relationship they have with their complicated families.
At times I found the writing a bit cliche and like a millennial trying to tell a story from a gen Z POV. I found the story quite unoriginal and not very memorable. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters that much and felt that Alli forgave Jared a bit too easily. This is my honest and real opinion of this book.
My rating: 2.5 stars
Fans of Hannah Grace and Elle Kennedy book series would enjoy this book!
Set on college campus Alli and Jared who have been friends since they were young had what Alli thought was the beginning of a romance as teenagers which ended in them not speaking for years. After meeting at university when Jared transfers due to previously being stalked, they meet and make a deal to fake date.
Alli is a high achieving student, and introvert and also a people pleaser who gets very overwhelmed, however she lacks confidence and can take criticism as a personal attack and lash out at those she cares about.
Jared in a football player who changed schools due to being stalked by girls at his previous college, he has a very fragile relationship with his mother who he feels abandoned by and this causes him a lot of self doubt and for him to become closed off.
The story explore not only their relationship but the relationship they have with their complicated families.
At times I found the writing a bit cliche and like a millennial trying to tell a story from a gen Z POV. I found the story quite unoriginal and not very memorable. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters that much and felt that Alli forgave Jared a bit too easily. This is my honest and real opinion of this book.
July 29, 2025
Books have always been my “happy place.” For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of traditional romance. Lately, I also become a huge fan of “sports romance,” so I was glad to get a chance to read this.
I am sometimes hesitant to read books from authors that I have not read before, as I sometimes have a hard time getting used to their writing style. Seeing that this was only the second book from the author increased that anxiety a little bit. I need not have worried too much, though. Although there were some minor things that bothered me, overall I had no issues.
I really did like the story, but I definitely was not a fan of the majority of the side characters. I started to realize that their main purposes were to add roadblocks and issues. Ultimately, I’m glad that they were able to overcome their issues.
I did like that this book has an epilogue; however, I would have liked it to be a bit further in the future. I feel like it didn’t give as much of a payoff as it could have.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I am sometimes hesitant to read books from authors that I have not read before, as I sometimes have a hard time getting used to their writing style. Seeing that this was only the second book from the author increased that anxiety a little bit. I need not have worried too much, though. Although there were some minor things that bothered me, overall I had no issues.
I really did like the story, but I definitely was not a fan of the majority of the side characters. I started to realize that their main purposes were to add roadblocks and issues. Ultimately, I’m glad that they were able to overcome their issues.
I did like that this book has an epilogue; however, I would have liked it to be a bit further in the future. I feel like it didn’t give as much of a payoff as it could have.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
September 4, 2025
4,25 ⭐
Such a cute read, I loved Alli and Jared so much!!! I looooved how they supported each other and made each other grow. I really enjoyed all of their small moments, you could really feel how deeply they cared about each other and how they were both slowly starting to fall for each other too.
The only thing i'm confused about is the fake dating trope. I'm not sure this was necessary? I actually forgot they were "fake dating" and it kinda felt more like a friends to lovers type of story. I also didn't really enjoy the side characters, felt like they were there to create more problems than anything else. Except the boys from the football team, loved how attentive and supportive they were with Jared.
That being said, I had such a fun time reading this book. I loved the more emotional, vulnerable and raw moments.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
Such a cute read, I loved Alli and Jared so much!!! I looooved how they supported each other and made each other grow. I really enjoyed all of their small moments, you could really feel how deeply they cared about each other and how they were both slowly starting to fall for each other too.
The only thing i'm confused about is the fake dating trope. I'm not sure this was necessary? I actually forgot they were "fake dating" and it kinda felt more like a friends to lovers type of story. I also didn't really enjoy the side characters, felt like they were there to create more problems than anything else. Except the boys from the football team, loved how attentive and supportive they were with Jared.
That being said, I had such a fun time reading this book. I loved the more emotional, vulnerable and raw moments.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
September 12, 2025
what a cute little ARC read!
Alli & Jareds story is SO cute. it's that fun little small town romances that becomes distant only to rekindle in college.
i loved the little stories lines that happened within the big story, Alli & her aunt, Jared & his mom. i feel like they added to much to the story!
i was sad that it wasn't more sport driven though because i do fear the cover had me going in expecting so much more of a football romance. (and yes, technically.. it is).
overall i had an absolute BLAST reading this story! i reallg enjoyed the whole book 🫶🏼
i wanna say thank you to the publishers for picking me as one of the ones to read this story! i had a lot of fun reading it!!
Alli & Jareds story is SO cute. it's that fun little small town romances that becomes distant only to rekindle in college.
i loved the little stories lines that happened within the big story, Alli & her aunt, Jared & his mom. i feel like they added to much to the story!
i was sad that it wasn't more sport driven though because i do fear the cover had me going in expecting so much more of a football romance. (and yes, technically.. it is).
overall i had an absolute BLAST reading this story! i reallg enjoyed the whole book 🫶🏼
i wanna say thank you to the publishers for picking me as one of the ones to read this story! i had a lot of fun reading it!!
August 20, 2025
Okay so this was cute, just not memorable. It read… I dunno? Felt like the writing assumed I couldn’t pick up on things. Like I was being told instead of shown? Just not my style of writing to read I suppose.
Thank you to the author & NetGalley for an eARC! Review & opinions are honest & my own!
Thank you to the author & NetGalley for an eARC! Review & opinions are honest & my own!
December 2, 2025
ARC copy
Ok so I read this book very fast, however I don't feel like I loved either character or felt the chemistry.
The spicy scenes felt awkwardly written and didn't really fit, like one minute I thought it would be closed door and the next it was open but a little messy.
The push and pull he had towards her annoyed me and the fact she was so quick to forgive after he broke her heart twice didn't seem believable to me!
Ok so I read this book very fast, however I don't feel like I loved either character or felt the chemistry.
The spicy scenes felt awkwardly written and didn't really fit, like one minute I thought it would be closed door and the next it was open but a little messy.
The push and pull he had towards her annoyed me and the fact she was so quick to forgive after he broke her heart twice didn't seem believable to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
You know a romance novel is good when it has you gushing and squealing “they are sooo cute” every 10 minutes. I had a lot of fun reading this book, which is, in, my opinion, the most important part. When I read cheesy YA romances, I want to fall in love with the process of these characters falling for each other and to live vicariously through them. I need something light-hearted but also engaging, and Heartstruck hit these points to perfection.
It tells the story of Alli and Jared, two former classmates with a history that suddenly find themselves sharing a college campus and a class once Jared transfers in from his old university. Alli is your stereotypical nerd and Jared is the newest star in the football team. Through a fake dating scheme that should have been mutually beneficial and definitely pretend, then the unthinkable happens and fake starts to become real.
It is an YA fake dating story, so I already expected it to be somewhat cliché. No problem with that, and it obviously includes a lot of popular tropes. What I do appreciate, however, is that Seraphina Chen did her best to bring some three-dimensionality to these characters. Alli is a nerd, true, but she is also riddled with anxiety and struggling with her family's expectations of her. Jared is the hot popular jock that all the girls want, but that too comes with its own set of complications, like too much unwanted attention and stalkers. All characters dealt with very real issues and eventually managed to open up and lean on each other for support. It made following their journey even more impactful, since I was also interested in watching them learn how to deal with their insecurities and baggage at the same time that a romance developed.
The only reason I am not rating Heartstruck a full five stars, is that I personally found their romance too fast-paced. From the start of their fake relationship to the acknowledgment of their feelings took seemingly no time at all. I also have personal dislike for characters that almost purposefully misconstrue and misunderstands what others say. I am not a fan of miscommunication in general, but I like it even less when it comes from a character's own insecurities instead of the circumstances. Regardless, I know it is a personal feeling and that a lot of readers enjoy the added conflict.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a cute and feel-good YA romance story, with engaging characters. Maybe a good choice for when you are feeling a bit down and just want to enjoy some fluff, with a healthy dose of angst and a dash of spice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Seraphina Chen for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
It tells the story of Alli and Jared, two former classmates with a history that suddenly find themselves sharing a college campus and a class once Jared transfers in from his old university. Alli is your stereotypical nerd and Jared is the newest star in the football team. Through a fake dating scheme that should have been mutually beneficial and definitely pretend, then the unthinkable happens and fake starts to become real.
It is an YA fake dating story, so I already expected it to be somewhat cliché. No problem with that, and it obviously includes a lot of popular tropes. What I do appreciate, however, is that Seraphina Chen did her best to bring some three-dimensionality to these characters. Alli is a nerd, true, but she is also riddled with anxiety and struggling with her family's expectations of her. Jared is the hot popular jock that all the girls want, but that too comes with its own set of complications, like too much unwanted attention and stalkers. All characters dealt with very real issues and eventually managed to open up and lean on each other for support. It made following their journey even more impactful, since I was also interested in watching them learn how to deal with their insecurities and baggage at the same time that a romance developed.
The only reason I am not rating Heartstruck a full five stars, is that I personally found their romance too fast-paced. From the start of their fake relationship to the acknowledgment of their feelings took seemingly no time at all. I also have personal dislike for characters that almost purposefully misconstrue and misunderstands what others say. I am not a fan of miscommunication in general, but I like it even less when it comes from a character's own insecurities instead of the circumstances. Regardless, I know it is a personal feeling and that a lot of readers enjoy the added conflict.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a cute and feel-good YA romance story, with engaging characters. Maybe a good choice for when you are feeling a bit down and just want to enjoy some fluff, with a healthy dose of angst and a dash of spice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Seraphina Chen for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
August 29, 2025
There is something about a couple helping the other through anxiety or panic attacks that just makes me giddy, which is why I picked up this book. Having had anxiety all my life, I’m very drawn to main characters that also experience it. This ended up being a cute quiet read. Most of the conflict is internal - each dealing with their own insecurities, anxieties and pasts, and needing to work through their issues, sometimes together, sometimes apart. External conflicts are low stakes, fights with family for Alli and Jared dealing with a lot of unwanted attention and his own family past. It's overall a pretty cozy book with low drama.
This is also a second chances book. While the book description doesn’t cover this, it quickly becomes evident that Jared and Alli know each other from high school. I went in thinking this was a stand alone, but it actually follows a book called Wonderstruck, which is about each of their respective best friends falling in love, so Jared and Alli played significant side characters in that book. It's also established early on that they had a one night stand a few years ago and it's pretty clear there are still a lot of feelings between them.
I wouldn’t say it's a problem, but the romance did feel like instalove. Jared is very quick to suggest the fake dating without a lot of reason and it is so clear that they are both on the edge of falling in love pretty much from the first chapters. Still, we got plenty of cute moments as they drew closer together and found quiet connection with each other. This is a book about two overwhelmed people finding peace and comfort with each other. As someone who also has anxiety, while this isn’t the most dramatic and intensive read, it definitely reflects what I want out of a realistic relationship.
While the author does catch us up to speed on what happened, I still had moments where I was confused about things that must have been established in the first book. I was kind of confused about Jared’s relationship to Alli’s best friend Serena who was the main character in the previous book, Wonderstruck. Early in the book he described her as his sister, but then made it clear she wasn’t his sister by blood, but also wasn’t mentioned as a step sister either. Eventually I pieced together that Serena was raised by her aunt who married Jared’s father, making them essentially step siblings but not quite. This was the biggest issue I had with not getting all the info, but there were other moments where it felt like I was missing some backstory, but overall it read as a standalone.
Rating - This was a solid 4 star for me. I’m a little torn, because it felt pretty low stakes, even when things got “bad” I never really questioned if it would all work out in the end. At the same time, sometimes that's what you really need in a book.
Tropes & Other Details -
Best Friend’s Brother
Friends to Lovers
Second Chances
Fake Dating
Campus Romance
Bonding over Puzzles
Thanks NetGalley for the book in exchange for a honest review
This is also a second chances book. While the book description doesn’t cover this, it quickly becomes evident that Jared and Alli know each other from high school. I went in thinking this was a stand alone, but it actually follows a book called Wonderstruck, which is about each of their respective best friends falling in love, so Jared and Alli played significant side characters in that book. It's also established early on that they had a one night stand a few years ago and it's pretty clear there are still a lot of feelings between them.
I wouldn’t say it's a problem, but the romance did feel like instalove. Jared is very quick to suggest the fake dating without a lot of reason and it is so clear that they are both on the edge of falling in love pretty much from the first chapters. Still, we got plenty of cute moments as they drew closer together and found quiet connection with each other. This is a book about two overwhelmed people finding peace and comfort with each other. As someone who also has anxiety, while this isn’t the most dramatic and intensive read, it definitely reflects what I want out of a realistic relationship.
While the author does catch us up to speed on what happened, I still had moments where I was confused about things that must have been established in the first book. I was kind of confused about Jared’s relationship to Alli’s best friend Serena who was the main character in the previous book, Wonderstruck. Early in the book he described her as his sister, but then made it clear she wasn’t his sister by blood, but also wasn’t mentioned as a step sister either. Eventually I pieced together that Serena was raised by her aunt who married Jared’s father, making them essentially step siblings but not quite. This was the biggest issue I had with not getting all the info, but there were other moments where it felt like I was missing some backstory, but overall it read as a standalone.
Rating - This was a solid 4 star for me. I’m a little torn, because it felt pretty low stakes, even when things got “bad” I never really questioned if it would all work out in the end. At the same time, sometimes that's what you really need in a book.
Tropes & Other Details -
Best Friend’s Brother
Friends to Lovers
Second Chances
Fake Dating
Campus Romance
Bonding over Puzzles
Thanks NetGalley for the book in exchange for a honest review
October 7, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Heartstruck by Seraphina Chen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Thank you, @netgalley, for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alli used to be confident growing up, but as she enters her second year of college, her self-esteem is at an all-time low, especially around her long-time crush, Ethan. The last person she expects to help her is Jared— her best friend’s brother, teenage crush, and the guy she lost her virginity to in high school.
Jared, a college football player who recently transferred to Alli’s campus after a messy stalking incident, is just as shocked to see her again. Wanting to keep things simple and avoid more drama, he suggests a fake relationship: she gets dating practice, and he gets the space he needs from unwanted attention from the girls on campus. But as they spend more time together, old sparks reignite, and their pretend relationship starts to feel a lot less fake.
This was my first book by Seraphina Chen, but I will definitely be reading more! I really connected with Alli, feeling like a stranger in her own skin as she navigated her new life away in college. From her completing puzzles (with Jared) and cleaning the apartment as coping mechanisms for her anxiety, to her awkwardness around Ethan, it was so easy for me to step into Alli's shoes.
And Ethan? I love that he wasn't portrayed as the standard football jock trying to make it to the NFL. It felt more subversive that he wanted to avoid fame and pursue a career in physical therapy. And his backstory with his mother broke my heart. I wanted to wrap him in a hug every time he thought he wasn't good enough.
If you are looking for a sweet second-chance college romance with fake dating antics and incredible heart, you will want to add this one to your TBR.
For fans of: 💞 Second chance | 🎭 Fake dating | 👦 Brother’s best friend | 🏈 Football romance | 🧩 Mental health rep | 🏛️ College romance
#ARCReview #Heartstruck #SeraphinaChen #NetGalley #CollegeRomance #FakeDating #SecondChanceRomance #BFFsBrother #FootballRomance #MentalHealthRep #RomanceBookstagram #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #NewAdultRomance #KindleUnlimited
Heartstruck by Seraphina Chen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Thank you, @netgalley, for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alli used to be confident growing up, but as she enters her second year of college, her self-esteem is at an all-time low, especially around her long-time crush, Ethan. The last person she expects to help her is Jared— her best friend’s brother, teenage crush, and the guy she lost her virginity to in high school.
Jared, a college football player who recently transferred to Alli’s campus after a messy stalking incident, is just as shocked to see her again. Wanting to keep things simple and avoid more drama, he suggests a fake relationship: she gets dating practice, and he gets the space he needs from unwanted attention from the girls on campus. But as they spend more time together, old sparks reignite, and their pretend relationship starts to feel a lot less fake.
This was my first book by Seraphina Chen, but I will definitely be reading more! I really connected with Alli, feeling like a stranger in her own skin as she navigated her new life away in college. From her completing puzzles (with Jared) and cleaning the apartment as coping mechanisms for her anxiety, to her awkwardness around Ethan, it was so easy for me to step into Alli's shoes.
And Ethan? I love that he wasn't portrayed as the standard football jock trying to make it to the NFL. It felt more subversive that he wanted to avoid fame and pursue a career in physical therapy. And his backstory with his mother broke my heart. I wanted to wrap him in a hug every time he thought he wasn't good enough.
If you are looking for a sweet second-chance college romance with fake dating antics and incredible heart, you will want to add this one to your TBR.
For fans of: 💞 Second chance | 🎭 Fake dating | 👦 Brother’s best friend | 🏈 Football romance | 🧩 Mental health rep | 🏛️ College romance
#ARCReview #Heartstruck #SeraphinaChen #NetGalley #CollegeRomance #FakeDating #SecondChanceRomance #BFFsBrother #FootballRomance #MentalHealthRep #RomanceBookstagram #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #NewAdultRomance #KindleUnlimited
August 2, 2025
This is my first novel with the author, not knowing there's a book prior to this one. This is a good one.
The pacing is good, the tropes are good, the lead-ins, the break, all that are good.
Jared Collins, wide receiver for the college football team, and Alli Castillo, former HS Cheerleader, now nose to the book nerd; reconnected at college. They both weren't exactly avoiding each other, but they weren't exactly thrilled to be back into the orbit. Their connector is Alli's BFF, also Jared's sister, Serena.
Unavoidable, they have classes together, and he realized she needed a confidence boost, and he needed the fight the girls off his back. His last school caused enough trouble for him to carry on. They came up with being fake boyfriend/girlfriend. Yet somehow the actions is more than fake, what's going on?!
They finally came together and this is an open-door. And they finally be honest, it was done so beautifully for them to be so honest and laid the cards out. Of course, drama ensues, he has baggages, she has baggages, and all of the planets aligned just right to tip off all the insecurities young people each carrying.
I will say, their break was done well, not in a useless way, but you can sense both of their insecurities and hope are tugging. I do appreciate the break to move the plot along, and them coming back together was yet another very honest, all-in kinda of conversation, which is very mature and very honest.
All that said, I'm glad Jaren has the football family that he has, who senses his needs and barge in anyway. Totally hates Alli's family, why the hell does her mom AND dad not stand up for her is beyond me. But family dynamics, amirite?!
Thanks to NetGalley & author for the ARC, truly enjoyed it.
The pacing is good, the tropes are good, the lead-ins, the break, all that are good.
Jared Collins, wide receiver for the college football team, and Alli Castillo, former HS Cheerleader, now nose to the book nerd; reconnected at college. They both weren't exactly avoiding each other, but they weren't exactly thrilled to be back into the orbit. Their connector is Alli's BFF, also Jared's sister, Serena.
Unavoidable, they have classes together, and he realized she needed a confidence boost, and he needed the fight the girls off his back. His last school caused enough trouble for him to carry on. They came up with being fake boyfriend/girlfriend. Yet somehow the actions is more than fake, what's going on?!
They finally came together and this is an open-door. And they finally be honest, it was done so beautifully for them to be so honest and laid the cards out. Of course, drama ensues, he has baggages, she has baggages, and all of the planets aligned just right to tip off all the insecurities young people each carrying.
I will say, their break was done well, not in a useless way, but you can sense both of their insecurities and hope are tugging. I do appreciate the break to move the plot along, and them coming back together was yet another very honest, all-in kinda of conversation, which is very mature and very honest.
All that said, I'm glad Jaren has the football family that he has, who senses his needs and barge in anyway. Totally hates Alli's family, why the hell does her mom AND dad not stand up for her is beyond me. But family dynamics, amirite?!
Thanks to NetGalley & author for the ARC, truly enjoyed it.
September 22, 2025
3.25⭐️/5
I would recommend this if you enjoy:
- College romances
- Sports romances
- Football player x biology student
- Fake dating
- Best friend's brother
- Spicy scenes
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book follows Alli and Jared who attend the same college but previously hooked up with one another prior to enrolling. Alli is content to ignore Jared but when they become lab partners, she can't stay away from him. Jared notices that Alli has a crush on a classmate so he offers to help her to become more confident around guys if she fake dates him.
I didn't expect this book to have such emotional depth but liked that it wasn't like every other college sports romance book I've ever read. It deals with things like st@lking and panic attacks that didn't feel like they were just thrown in there. They were integral to both the characters and the book.
I liked that the characters actually spent time with one another and it wasn't insta-love. They built a connection before evolving into more than friends. However, I didn't like that they were basically falling in love before the 50% point. It made the book seem like it should've ended there instead of another 20+ chapters. Although, the chapters were short and to the point which I did enjoy.
Overall, I would recommend this book because I liked the author's writing and I can tell that they are talented. I think it was a well-written book as well as the spicy scenes, which I felt like there was maybe one too many, and I would pick up another of their books.
I would recommend this if you enjoy:
- College romances
- Sports romances
- Football player x biology student
- Fake dating
- Best friend's brother
- Spicy scenes
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book follows Alli and Jared who attend the same college but previously hooked up with one another prior to enrolling. Alli is content to ignore Jared but when they become lab partners, she can't stay away from him. Jared notices that Alli has a crush on a classmate so he offers to help her to become more confident around guys if she fake dates him.
I didn't expect this book to have such emotional depth but liked that it wasn't like every other college sports romance book I've ever read. It deals with things like st@lking and panic attacks that didn't feel like they were just thrown in there. They were integral to both the characters and the book.
I liked that the characters actually spent time with one another and it wasn't insta-love. They built a connection before evolving into more than friends. However, I didn't like that they were basically falling in love before the 50% point. It made the book seem like it should've ended there instead of another 20+ chapters. Although, the chapters were short and to the point which I did enjoy.
Overall, I would recommend this book because I liked the author's writing and I can tell that they are talented. I think it was a well-written book as well as the spicy scenes, which I felt like there was maybe one too many, and I would pick up another of their books.
August 9, 2025
Start to Alli and Jared's romance was a bit confusing.
Hints of a shared past history were dropped in at the start of the book. However, It's fleshed out only in the middle.
What really confused me was Jared's relationship to Serena. Siblings but didn't get that they were step siblings till I got to the middle (see above).
Author does a good job with Jared's push/pull relationship with his estranged mom. Makes sense on how he feels conflicted in the present given the past. Not as clear is Alli's toxic relationship with the extended family matriarchal family member. Somewhat explained given Alli's mother own history. However, would have liked to seen that developed more at the start.
As the plot thickens, he mixed signals the main characters exchanged makes sense given their respective histories with family members. Felt author did better job though with Jared's character than Alli's. The latter feelings of inadequacy aren't explained as well as his. Also, felt he rather than she should have worked for forgiveness. Too often it's a male character who does the groveling and given Jared's more likeability would have liked Alli to step up.
This ARC was Independently Published and furnished via BookBuzz.net and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
#Heartstruck #NetGalley
Hints of a shared past history were dropped in at the start of the book. However, It's fleshed out only in the middle.
What really confused me was Jared's relationship to Serena. Siblings but didn't get that they were step siblings till I got to the middle (see above).
Author does a good job with Jared's push/pull relationship with his estranged mom. Makes sense on how he feels conflicted in the present given the past. Not as clear is Alli's toxic relationship with the extended family matriarchal family member. Somewhat explained given Alli's mother own history. However, would have liked to seen that developed more at the start.
As the plot thickens, he mixed signals the main characters exchanged makes sense given their respective histories with family members. Felt author did better job though with Jared's character than Alli's. The latter feelings of inadequacy aren't explained as well as his. Also, felt he rather than she should have worked for forgiveness. Too often it's a male character who does the groveling and given Jared's more likeability would have liked Alli to step up.
This ARC was Independently Published and furnished via BookBuzz.net and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
#Heartstruck #NetGalley
August 1, 2025
a friends to lovers story with a sprinkle of second chance. we follow alli, a college student who is stuck with family who judges the choices she makes and a ton of loss confidence, as she adventures another year at school. but, she finds herself in class with no other than her best friend’s brother, jared. who not only had to transfers school due to crazy stalker fan girls but was also the guy she was in love with growing up. when jared notices some issues that could be solved with the help of a fake relationship, they embark on a wholesome, steamy fake relationship together. feelings and puzzles ensue.
i thought this book was overall okay. it was cute in a sense that they had grown up together so knew each other. the beginning had a lot of heat due to their past but the way their relationship folded into one another was smooth. i didn’t think they were too memorable but i still thought they were interesting enough to read about. there were also a couple plot points that totally got dismissed and we never heard from again so like okay lol just a simple football x ex-cheerleader story and a lot of goofy conversations. i did enjoy their banter, it made their conversations sometimes easier to get through.
i thought this book was overall okay. it was cute in a sense that they had grown up together so knew each other. the beginning had a lot of heat due to their past but the way their relationship folded into one another was smooth. i didn’t think they were too memorable but i still thought they were interesting enough to read about. there were also a couple plot points that totally got dismissed and we never heard from again so like okay lol just a simple football x ex-cheerleader story and a lot of goofy conversations. i did enjoy their banter, it made their conversations sometimes easier to get through.
August 3, 2025
I was expecting this to be the traditional college romance but it was a little different and I have to say that I enjoyed it. Alli and Jared have such a sweet connection, that you couldn't help root for them.
Alli is part of a large Mexican family and seeing those relationships and the struggles that come from them, were greatly done. I come from a large Hispanic family and I could identify with so much of Alli's life and struggles. I loved seeing her learn to stand up for herself and set boundaries.
Jared is the first college football player that I have read that does not enjoy the attention and fame of being such a widely known athlete. It was refreshing to see that although football was something important for him, it wasn't everything.
A few things to note, there are a few phrases that are written in Spanish but the book doesn't provide the English translation for it. I am fluent in Spanish so it wasn't an issue for me but I could see how it might bother others. I don't think not knowing what those phrases mean deters from the overall story.
There is a 3rd act sort-of breakup. I know many people don't like that so just a heads up.
Overall, for me it was a great read. I enjoyed it and found it refreshing.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
Alli is part of a large Mexican family and seeing those relationships and the struggles that come from them, were greatly done. I come from a large Hispanic family and I could identify with so much of Alli's life and struggles. I loved seeing her learn to stand up for herself and set boundaries.
Jared is the first college football player that I have read that does not enjoy the attention and fame of being such a widely known athlete. It was refreshing to see that although football was something important for him, it wasn't everything.
A few things to note, there are a few phrases that are written in Spanish but the book doesn't provide the English translation for it. I am fluent in Spanish so it wasn't an issue for me but I could see how it might bother others. I don't think not knowing what those phrases mean deters from the overall story.
There is a 3rd act sort-of breakup. I know many people don't like that so just a heads up.
Overall, for me it was a great read. I enjoyed it and found it refreshing.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
August 14, 2025
A fake dating, childhood friends, best friend's brother, and second chance romance with two amazing and relatable characters. This story follows Alli and Jared, two university students, focusing on their personal struggles. Alli deals with her anxiety and a troubled relationship with some of her family, despite the love that exists there. Meanwhile, Jared faces the unwanted attention that comes with being a football player and a complicated relationship with his biological mother.
I really enjoyed reading this book - it was easy and pleasant. This was a book where the main character's struggles, especially Alli's, were the same as most people in their 20's, which made it believable and easy for the reader to understand their decisions. At the same time, the way the third-act breakup happened made sense, considering their problems, and instead of immediately making up, they took the time to reflect and understand their relationship better.
Having said all that, there were some minor faults, including some plot lines that were not explained properly or were left unsolved.
Overall, I consider this book a 4 star read and would absolutely recommend it to anyone that is looking for a cosy, down to earth romance. I will also keep my eye out for more books from this author.
I really enjoyed reading this book - it was easy and pleasant. This was a book where the main character's struggles, especially Alli's, were the same as most people in their 20's, which made it believable and easy for the reader to understand their decisions. At the same time, the way the third-act breakup happened made sense, considering their problems, and instead of immediately making up, they took the time to reflect and understand their relationship better.
Having said all that, there were some minor faults, including some plot lines that were not explained properly or were left unsolved.
Overall, I consider this book a 4 star read and would absolutely recommend it to anyone that is looking for a cosy, down to earth romance. I will also keep my eye out for more books from this author.
August 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and BookBuzz.net for the chance to read this ARC. I really wanted to love Heartstruck—on paper, it had so many elements I normally go for: fake dating, college sports, mental health rep, and a returning-to-hometown setup that usually tugs at my heart. But sadly, this one just didn’t click with me.
I made it about 35% through before deciding to put it down. The premise had potential, and I did appreciate how thoughtfully anxiety were woven into the main character’s arc. That part felt honest and handled with care. But overall, the writing style wasn’t for me—it felt a little too young and disjointed, and the pacing never quite found its rhythm. I kept waiting to connect with the characters, but that connection just never came.
Alli and Jared had moments that almost pulled me in, but I struggled with the tone shifts and some of the dialogue. It’s one of those reads where I really wanted to root for it, especially because I could see what the story was trying to do emotionally—but it just didn’t land.
That said, I know this book will resonate with readers who love quieter, emotionally introspective YA-leaning college romances with mental health themes.
I made it about 35% through before deciding to put it down. The premise had potential, and I did appreciate how thoughtfully anxiety were woven into the main character’s arc. That part felt honest and handled with care. But overall, the writing style wasn’t for me—it felt a little too young and disjointed, and the pacing never quite found its rhythm. I kept waiting to connect with the characters, but that connection just never came.
Alli and Jared had moments that almost pulled me in, but I struggled with the tone shifts and some of the dialogue. It’s one of those reads where I really wanted to root for it, especially because I could see what the story was trying to do emotionally—but it just didn’t land.
That said, I know this book will resonate with readers who love quieter, emotionally introspective YA-leaning college romances with mental health themes.
July 30, 2025
3.5 stars. This book was hard for me to rate. There were many parts in this book that I enjoyed. They had some cute banter and were there for each other. I loved how sweet Jared was, and how he would always show up and the little things that he did for Alli. I liked Alli too. She has a lot of emotions and really worked through them. She was sweet and did the little things for Jared as well. There were a few things that took away from the story. First, there seemed to be plot holes. They start as lab partners, they start because she crushes on another guy but half way through they don't mention much of any of that. Also, the history with Alli's mom and the history between Jared and Alli could have been explained better. I liked how this book had mental health rep. I thought parts to it were done very well, but other parts could have been better. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It had a little bit of everything from a college sports, fake dating, book.
Thank you Seraphina Chen and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Seraphina Chen and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
Heeheehee, this was so fun.
I always love a fake dating situation and this had a really good one. I think that the dynamics of these characters was just so much fun. These two characters have also known each other for a long time (basically, a childhood friends to lovers situation), so I felt like that really added a lot to their dynamic and how fun this was.
And yes, we get both POVs.
This book follows a fellow anxious girlie and the new football star at their university. The two start fake-dating and it turns not-so-fake. It gets a little messy, but in a fun and entertaining way. Sometimes, I find that the drama in romance books can be a bit annoying and childish, but this didn't feel that way to me.
Their dynamic was really just so great, they had some really nice wholesome moments that I adored. I think it matched with the tension of their chemistry really well.
This was super cute and I read it so fast. Would definitely recommend if you need a new romance read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I always love a fake dating situation and this had a really good one. I think that the dynamics of these characters was just so much fun. These two characters have also known each other for a long time (basically, a childhood friends to lovers situation), so I felt like that really added a lot to their dynamic and how fun this was.
And yes, we get both POVs.
This book follows a fellow anxious girlie and the new football star at their university. The two start fake-dating and it turns not-so-fake. It gets a little messy, but in a fun and entertaining way. Sometimes, I find that the drama in romance books can be a bit annoying and childish, but this didn't feel that way to me.
Their dynamic was really just so great, they had some really nice wholesome moments that I adored. I think it matched with the tension of their chemistry really well.
This was super cute and I read it so fast. Would definitely recommend if you need a new romance read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 5, 2025
Heartstruck immediately drew me in with its cute cover and promised some of my favorite tropes: fake dating, second chance romance, and a sprinkle of sports romance. The dual POV worked well, making it easy to get invested in both characters, and the banter and giggle-worthy dialogue kept things light and fun. The romance had its cute and spicy moments, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the leads.
That said, the “fake dating” aspect felt underdeveloped - I wanted more of it, as it was a key selling point. Some glimpses into Jared’s past were briefly mentioned, but exploring them further could have added depth and emotional weight. Overall, the story felt a little meh: not bad, but not particularly memorable either.
It gave me DUFF vibes with a fake dating twist, which was fun, but the story could have been stronger with more focus on the fake dating and character backstories. A light, enjoyable read, but it left me wanting a bit more.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
That said, the “fake dating” aspect felt underdeveloped - I wanted more of it, as it was a key selling point. Some glimpses into Jared’s past were briefly mentioned, but exploring them further could have added depth and emotional weight. Overall, the story felt a little meh: not bad, but not particularly memorable either.
It gave me DUFF vibes with a fake dating twist, which was fun, but the story could have been stronger with more focus on the fake dating and character backstories. A light, enjoyable read, but it left me wanting a bit more.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
August 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me and eARC to read *all thoughts and opinions are my own*
This book is a friends to lovers, fake dating college romance and had mental health rep in it.
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn’t a new favourite. I enjoyed the beginning a lot but my enjoyment levels went down. I connected with the fmc Alli but felt no connection to the mmc Jared.
The relationship felt forced and the third act breakup was annoying!
I did enjoy reading a college romance again but didn’t feel any connection with either of the friendship groups (which is what I normally enjoy aboth college romances,)
I appreciated the mental health rep that was included in this book and the different family dynamics.
I think the main reason I did not connect with this book is because I do not have a large family and didn’t relate to alli and her family struggles.
I would recommend this book to people who liked the deal for the fake dating part.
This book is a friends to lovers, fake dating college romance and had mental health rep in it.
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn’t a new favourite. I enjoyed the beginning a lot but my enjoyment levels went down. I connected with the fmc Alli but felt no connection to the mmc Jared.
The relationship felt forced and the third act breakup was annoying!
I did enjoy reading a college romance again but didn’t feel any connection with either of the friendship groups (which is what I normally enjoy aboth college romances,)
I appreciated the mental health rep that was included in this book and the different family dynamics.
I think the main reason I did not connect with this book is because I do not have a large family and didn’t relate to alli and her family struggles.
I would recommend this book to people who liked the deal for the fake dating part.
August 14, 2025
Thanks to the author and publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Allison and Jared are no strangers to each other but when they both find themselves at the same college they strike up a fake dating deal to help each other out. Inevitably during their fake dating lessons they begin to fall for each other.
This books deals with several topics and the characters are driven together by various issues. If you don’t like books with communication (or lack thereof) issues being the stem of the plot this probably isn’t for you. i tend to not mind communication issues driving plot because humans are complex beings and we have a lot of built in self protectors (denial etc.) that cause communication to be difficult sometimes. I found the characters relatable and lovable. They both go through a lot of growth and character development. The book was the perfect length for me, giving me what I needed out of the characters and plot without feeling like it drug on a ton.
Allison and Jared are no strangers to each other but when they both find themselves at the same college they strike up a fake dating deal to help each other out. Inevitably during their fake dating lessons they begin to fall for each other.
This books deals with several topics and the characters are driven together by various issues. If you don’t like books with communication (or lack thereof) issues being the stem of the plot this probably isn’t for you. i tend to not mind communication issues driving plot because humans are complex beings and we have a lot of built in self protectors (denial etc.) that cause communication to be difficult sometimes. I found the characters relatable and lovable. They both go through a lot of growth and character development. The book was the perfect length for me, giving me what I needed out of the characters and plot without feeling like it drug on a ton.
August 14, 2025
Enjoyment: 4.5
Start: 5
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Plot: 4
Ending: 3
Style: 4
Rating: 4.04
Heartstruck started out really cute and had a lot of promise, but one thing that confused me was constantly bringing up the information about Jared's stalker and then not really doing anything with it. That seemed to just be left in the wind. Also a bit of the dialogue seemed off or the POV was focused on the wrong character so hopefully that was fixed in the final version. The apology scene between Alli and Jared seems to be very one sided. While Jared was defiantly at some fault, Alli had some issues that seem to be overlooked. Overall, I enjoyed the book and Seraphina Chen does an excellent job with the development of her characters and the story as a whole. Looking forward to getting this book soon!
Start: 5
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Plot: 4
Ending: 3
Style: 4
Rating: 4.04
Heartstruck started out really cute and had a lot of promise, but one thing that confused me was constantly bringing up the information about Jared's stalker and then not really doing anything with it. That seemed to just be left in the wind. Also a bit of the dialogue seemed off or the POV was focused on the wrong character so hopefully that was fixed in the final version. The apology scene between Alli and Jared seems to be very one sided. While Jared was defiantly at some fault, Alli had some issues that seem to be overlooked. Overall, I enjoyed the book and Seraphina Chen does an excellent job with the development of her characters and the story as a whole. Looking forward to getting this book soon!
August 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Heartstruck is a soft, slow-burn college romance that blends fake dating with real emotional depth. Alli’s struggle with anxiety and Jared’s hidden wounds give the story a grounded, relatable feel. Their chemistry builds slowly but believably through quiet moments—late-night study sessions, vulnerable conversations, and kisses that blur the line between fake and real.
The pacing lags a bit in the middle, and some plot points feel familiar, but the heartfelt portrayal of mental health and the genuine connection between the leads make this a comforting, character-driven read. Not groundbreaking, but definitely endearing.
Great for fans of introspective love stories, messy emotions, and slow-burn tension with a satisfying emotional payoff.
Heartstruck is a soft, slow-burn college romance that blends fake dating with real emotional depth. Alli’s struggle with anxiety and Jared’s hidden wounds give the story a grounded, relatable feel. Their chemistry builds slowly but believably through quiet moments—late-night study sessions, vulnerable conversations, and kisses that blur the line between fake and real.
The pacing lags a bit in the middle, and some plot points feel familiar, but the heartfelt portrayal of mental health and the genuine connection between the leads make this a comforting, character-driven read. Not groundbreaking, but definitely endearing.
Great for fans of introspective love stories, messy emotions, and slow-burn tension with a satisfying emotional payoff.
August 12, 2025
This was a cute read! It definitely held my attention and I loved all of the mental health reps throughout. I love a good fake dating story and Jared and Alli’s history only made it better. I enjoyed the lead up to how they started their fake dating situation and the way it played out.
Personally, there were a couple things that kept this from being a four or five star for me! I had a couple scenes in mind, with this being a sports romance, that didn’t play out and felt like a couple of the plot lines just kinda disappeared. But, there was enough going on that those were more inconvenient to my own tastes than anything.
I would recommend this book and want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!
Personally, there were a couple things that kept this from being a four or five star for me! I had a couple scenes in mind, with this being a sports romance, that didn’t play out and felt like a couple of the plot lines just kinda disappeared. But, there was enough going on that those were more inconvenient to my own tastes than anything.
I would recommend this book and want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews