In a Heartbeat

The Heartbreak Chronicles #4

by Ali Novak

From Ali Novak, New York Times bestselling author of My Life with the Walter Boys, comes the final book in The Heartbreak Chronicles series, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Kasie West!

When so much is uncertain, how can love be the next step?

Even though her lymphoma is in remission, Cara Samuel feels anything but normal. After years of preparing for the worst, she has no idea what kind of life she wants, now that she's (probably? maybe?) going to live.So she hopes completing a "bucket list" she abandoned a few years ago will help her find herself again. She's already crossed one thing off the meeting her favorite band, the Heartbreakers. Well, it's only because her sister Stella's dating the lead singer, but it's a start.

It's not long before Cara's taken a polar plunge, started planning the tattoo she'll get, and also... is playing fake girlfriend to JJ Morris, the Heartbreaker's drummer. Okay, that definitely wasn't on her list, but weirdly enough, the band's brashest, most obnoxious member has turned out to be a surprisingly great listener and a sweet friend. And when he needs to get some distance from his tricky ex, Cara's happy to help out.

Trouble is, JJ's might be catching feelings, and while she'll never admit it, Cara is too. By now she knows better than to count on the future, and the last thing she wants is for him to get hurt. Can't they keep pretending there's nothing between them?

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Ali Novak is a Wisconsin native and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s creative writing program. She started writing her debut novel My Life with the Walter Boys when she was only fifteen. Her work has received more than 150 million reads online.

When she isn’t writing, Ali enjoys Netflix marathons, traveling with her husband Jared, and reading any type of fantasy novel she can get her hands on. You can follow her on Wattpad, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat @fallzswimmer.

Please note that I don't answer messages on Goodreads. Please feel free to contact me on Twitter or Instagram.

Reviews

[May]

pre-release
I’ve been waiting for Cara and JJ’s story for SEVEN years now. I’m SOOOO excited for this

[Jess Svajgert · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: August 25, 2026

I recently read the first three books in this series and was so happy to see there would be a fourth centered on JJ to finish out The Heartbreakers. This follows JJ and Cara and is the most mature book of the series so far (content and MCs). This is definitely older YA, with steamy make outs and sex off the page. I’m always a sucker for the fake dating trope, and loved getting to see this side of JJ. It was also nice to revisit Oliver and Stella, who played an important role in this one. They have both grown up so much since the first book and that was fun to watch along the way.

[sambavi (semi-ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ★

I read this series almost a decade ago when it was being updated on Wattpad and stopped right at JJ and Cara's story as that's when it was starting to be published. I've been waiting for this forever (and you know I went running to read this as soon as I got it) and JJ is hands down my favorite member from the band which made the anticipation all the more painful. I'm so thrilled to be able to read this and also sad that the series is finally over (years later I'm still not ready for this)

Themes and tropes to expect:
- fake dating
- drummer MMC x fangirl FMC
- life in remission (FMC has a history of NHL)
- finishing a bucket list

As seen in the other books, Cara, the FMC, is a triplet (her sister is dating the lead singer of the band, Oliver). Through her sister she's able to meet the Heartbreakers (her favorite band) and first encounters JJ. I really enjoyed the start to her story as it introduces off the bat multiple predicaments she faces such as her ongoing crush on her sister's boyfriend, fear of cancer recurrence, and trying to navigate adulthood after having missed out on her childhood. This leads her to embarking on an adventure to complete a bucket list she had wrote when she was younger in hopes of making up for those experiences by doing everything she wished to achieve. While embarking on this mission, JJ, the MMC, helps her with some of these tasks which naturally brings them together.

"The truth was I had no clue who I was anymore or what I wanted to do with whatever life I had left. Somewhere along the way, I'd lost the insight my younger self had. What did I have to do to get back to her?"

I found this story to be very thoughtful in how it handled topics of navigating fractured relationships and rediscovery of self-identity. I found JJ and Cara's relationship coming secondary to the plot as a large focus played on Cara learning to live her life to the fullest by overcoming her fears that hinder experiences such as engaging in relationships. The reader is able to see how she comes to this realization through completion of her bucket list, the help of her friends, and budding relationship with JJ. This was a fun read as Cara was 15 when she first wrote all the things she wanted to do, and as expected from her sheltered upbringing, the things she wishes to do are the most unexpected like doing a polar plunge, getting her license, and even going to Florida so she can hold a baby alligator. The pacing was quick and easy to follow, and it was all the more wholesome as I loved seeing more of Stella, Drew, and the Heartbreak boys (but Stella really did make me real annoyed at times...)

I did wish it was longer overall, the romance between JJ and Cara didn't shine as strongly as the relationships in the other stories for me but I still loved JJ and Cara all the same. The fake dating as well was a smaller part of the story relative to everything else? It was a nice bridging point for the two to push their friendship into something more romantic but I think it didn't carry the way it could have since everyone around them knew it wasn't a real relationship? It was super sweet that everyone was shipping them together and the Fourth of July moments were perfect in encapsulating that. I feel there also could have been a bit more that could have been expanded in the events leading up to Cara's realization that there was no harm in living life to the fullest as all events in life are unpredictable. The final portion of the story was a bit abrupt in that realization for me, I loved how she made that realization but I wish there was more than the abrupt few pages for that moment.

"All most people saw when they looked at him was the loud, brazen boy who liked to make people laugh, sometime sin a very crass way. But the more time I spent with JJ, the more I realized how little that described him. He was also caring and supportive and clever, and he knew how to push me outside my comfort zone in a way that wasn't scary."

All the same I felt bad for JJ and the hardships in his life (looking at you Layla), there was depth to his character and I would have loved to see his perspective on things because the way he helped Cara was absolutely adorable. He's portrayed as a playboy drummer throughout however the things he does to ensure Cara is able to complete her bucket list and be comfortable in engaging in experiences that she's missing out on shows how thoughtful he is. The same comes with how Cara navigates her relationship with Stella and her parents. It was such a realistic take on how she tries to gain her independence again in developing her identity as separate from her illness and this was explored so beautifully!

Overall I loved the ending, I think it was ideal for JJ and Cara and the avenues they went through navigating their relationship and how it ties so perfectly to the start of the book. This series is so dear to me and I'm so happy to be able to have the opportunity to read it!

Thank you so much to Ali Novak and Sourcebooks for the eARC!

[Always Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚-5 🌶️-2 🤬-3

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Judging a book by its cover worked out really, really well for me this time. I had no idea what this book was about, who the author was, or even that it was the fourth book in a series. Once it hit my Kindle, though, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

This is everything I want in a young adult novel. The writing felt mature without losing that YA charm, the characters were believable, and the emotions felt genuine. It had so much more depth than I was expecting. It completely sucked me in, and I devoured it in a single day. I was thoroughly invested in both JJ and Cara.

Cara is such a layered character. At first, I just appreciated her for who she was. It wasn’t until about a third of the way through the book that I realized just how stuck she’d become. The bucket list was such a fun way to push her outside of her comfort zone. Even though it was old, it gave her just enough motivation to start making changes. Watching her come alive was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. She was witty, kind, and adventurous, and seeing those parts of her grow felt really beautiful.

JJ is impossible not to love. I was rooting for him from the very beginning. He’s funny, doesn’t take life too seriously, and somehow manages to find fun in almost any situation. Even as a famous musician and heartthrob, he still felt incredibly down-to-earth. I also loved that he recognized how fortunate he was, while at the same time struggling with the idea that he wasn’t allowed to feel disappointed because of everything he had. That made him feel even more real.

Together, Cara and JJ were pure magic. I smiled and laughed through so many of their bucket list adventures. You could tell that JJ made Cara feel brave. Around him, she felt safe enough to relax, take chances, and start moving forward in a way that felt right for her. Their relationship developed so naturally, and I loved every minute of it.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was heartfelt, funny, and emotional in all the right ways. I also loved that it was a completely age-appropriate YA novel. It’s one I would happily recommend to teenagers.

While it is wildly out of character for me to read a series out of order, I’m not even a little mad that this was my first book by Ali Novak. I’ll be starting the series from the beginning tomorrow, and I’ve already added several of her other books to my TBR.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Spicy Chapter: None

This is a closed door romance. There are conversations about sex as well as jokes of sexual nature. There are only a few and are mild in context.

Language 🤬🤬🤬
F Word Count 8

Occasional F-words and/or mild sexual references. Typical F-word count: 1–10

———————————————————————
My Rating Scales

1/5 Spice
Very clean romance with little to no sexual content. Expect mostly kissing, emotional tension, and sweet romantic moments.

2/5 Spice
Some sexual content and chemistry, but nothing overly explicit. Expect fade-to-black scenes or lightly detailed intimate moments rather than graphic descriptions.

3/5 Spice
Open-door romance with moderate detail, but the scenes aren’t excessive or overly graphic. Expect a few moderately descriptive scenes that support the story rather than dominate it.

4/5 Spice
Definitely a spicy read with multiple open-door scenes and explicit detail. (🌶️) The intimate scenes are longer, more descriptive, and play a larger role in the overall story. (🫑)You’ll also find frequent sexual tension and references, including attraction, arousal, fantasies, dreams, and suggestive thoughts throughout the book.

5/5 Spice
Heavy spice with frequent, highly explicit scenes and graphic detail throughout the book. Expect lengthy intimate scenes, strong sexual content, and a story where the spice is a major focus of the reading experience. For me, these books fall into the “smut” category rather than simply being “spicy.”

0/5 Language
No profanity or crude language. F-word count: 0

1/5 Language
Occasional mild profanity. No F-words or explicit sexual language. F-word count: 0

2/5 Language
Frequent mild to moderate profanity, but still no F-words. F-word count: 0

3/5 Language
Mild swearing with occasional F-words but no explicit sexual language. Typical F-word count: 1–29

4/5 Language
Heavy profanity with frequent F-words and may also include minimal use of explicit sexual language. Typical F-word count: 30+

5/5 Language
Very heavy profanity with constant strong language, frequent F-words, and extensive explicit sexual language throughout the book. Typical F-word count: 50+

[Crystal Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire, who provided me with this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

In my early twenties, when Jennifer Weiner, Sophie Kinsella, and Marian Keyes were making "chick lit" popular, I was working as a bookseller and couldn't get enough. Then, as the shelves grew crowded with everyone dipping a toe into the genre, I drifted away from it. I still loved a good rom-com curled up on the couch on a Saturday night, but my reading tastes shifted elsewhere.

A couple of years ago, I found my way back to what's now called contemporary romance, and I'm loving it. These books make a fabulous palate cleanser between the darker, heavier reads I often gravitate toward.

This was my first Ali Novak book, and I loved her writing. The pacing was fantastic and kept me turning pages, I enjoyed getting to know the different characters, and there was just enough weight to the story that it never felt too fluffy.

Since this was my first Novak book, it was also my first Heartbreak Chronicles book. This one is book four in the series, which had me wondering whether you need to read them in order. The answer is no. Each Heartbreak Chronicles book stands on its own, though they share overlapping characters. Each installment focuses on a different member of the fictional band The Heartbreakers and his relationship, so while you'll pick up a deeper understanding of some secondary characters and their partners, you don't need the earlier books to enjoy this one. That said, I'm absolutely going back to read books one through three, because I think I just became a Heartbreakers fangirl.

This book follows Cara, a longtime Heartbreakers fan who's in remission from lymphoma but feels stuck, too scared to make real plans for her life in case the cancer comes back. Cara is a triplet, and her sister Stella is dating Oliver, the Heartbreakers' lead singer, on whom Cara has had a long-standing crush.

Stella and Cara have real tension in their relationship. Stella wants Cara to move forward, go to university, and live fully. Cara feels like Stella is trying to control her life and can't let go of her caregiver role.

Stella and their third triplet, Drew, push Cara to leave the house and come to a frat party the Heartbreakers are attending, and that's where Cara's life starts to shift. She strikes up a genuine friendship with the band's drummer, J.J., which turns into a staged relationship to help him out of a sticky situation. J.J. also becomes her bucket list buddy. Cara wrote the list at fifteen, shortly after her cancer diagnosis, and he's the first person she shares it with, because she trusts him not to pile on the pressure to finish it. Instead, he cheers her on through texts and calls while he's on tour, and helps her check a few items off in person. ;)

Did this book lean on some classic contemporary romance tropes? Absolutely. It's book four in the series, so we all knew roughly where it was headed. But was the ride getting there so much fun? Also absolutely.

I'll definitely be reaching for another Ali Novak book the next time I need a reading palate cleanser.

4 stars

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are certain series that instantly transport you back to a specific time in your life, and The Heartbreak Chronicles is one of those for me. I first read the early books back in college, and seeing JJ finally get his story all these years later felt both nostalgic and a little surreal.

What I appreciated most about In a Heartbeat is that while there is definitely romance, this feels just as much like Cara's story as it does a love story. After surviving cancer as a teenager, Cara has spent years living with the fear that it could all come back. As a result, she's stuck in a place where she's surviving rather than truly living. When she decides to revisit the bucket list she wrote as a teenager, the story becomes a journey of rediscovery, independence, and figuring out who she is outside of her illness.

The bucket list was easily my favorite part of the book. Some of the items are funny, some are surprisingly emotional, and all of them push Cara outside of her comfort zone in different ways. Watching her slowly reclaim experiences she felt she missed out on was incredibly rewarding. The story has a lot of heart without becoming overly heavy, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

JJ was exactly the kind of love interest I hoped he'd be. For years he's been painted as the funny, carefree drummer, but this book gives him much more depth. Beneath all the jokes and confidence is someone who is genuinely thoughtful and supportive. I loved how he encouraged Cara without pushing her too far and how invested he became in helping her complete her list. Their friendship felt natural, and the way he showed up for her over and over again made it easy to understand why she would fall for him.

That said, I did find myself wishing for a little more from the romance itself. The fake dating element is there, but it plays a much smaller role than I expected, and because so much of the story focuses on Cara's personal growth, the romance occasionally felt secondary. I also would have loved a bit more time spent developing their relationship and letting some of the emotional moments breathe.

Still, this was such an enjoyable read. It was fun, heartfelt, easy to fly through, and packed with the kind of emotional growth that makes coming-of-age stories so satisfying. More than anything, it felt like a fitting conclusion to a series. Watching these characters move forward while reflecting on how far they've come made this a really rewarding final installment.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Axellesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Cara had cancer as a teenager and is still scared to relapse. She kinda has her life on pause because of it. But, then she decides she wants to finish the bucket list she made back then, determined to live again. Cara can already cross meeting her favorite band, the Heartbreakers of the list because her twin sister is basically dating the lead singer. And JJ, the drummer, is asking her to be his fake girlfriend. He helps her with finishing the list. But can they keep a distance?

It's the first book of this author I'm reading and I was a little scared to see this is part of a series. But I can confirm that you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one! I never felt like I missed something.

We have the trope fake dating here. Novak did a really good job in picking this trope because it suits the story really well. It makes the romance in this YA contemporary more alive and it adds a little tense to the story as well, even though that's not the biggest focus. The biggest focus is completing the bucket list. I was really curious to see how this would've developed because I read a lot of YA books with those bucket lists. It's a fun list Cara made and it's pleasant to tick all the boxes with her as a reader.

I'm a sucker for stories with bands as being a fangirl myself. It was nice the relationships in this book weren't that focused on some characters being famous, it made them look like real humans. I absolutely loved the conversations Cara has with JJ. JJ is not only the love interest, but he has a bigger roll. I'm not going to spoil it, but it was really well done.

Cara is scared after all the treatments she had when she was a teenager and has the tendency to push everyone away, even her twinsiter Stella. I understand where Stella's behavior comes from, but I didn't really like her that much in this story.

Overall, I really liked reading this YA story with two of my favorite tropes in it!

[Carolina Moncayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first of all, I had to go back and read the first three books because my dumbass somehow started this one without properly knowing who everybody was 😭 BUT NOW I GET IT.

Cara might actually be my favorite protagonist in this entire series. She’s hilarious, sarcastic, and after spending so much of her life fighting cancer, she’s trying to figure out who she is outside of being sick. When she finds a bucket list she made years ago, she decides to start actually living, and honestly? I was sat.

And then there’s JJ!!! OH MY GOD, JJ!!!!

This man is chaos incarnate. Every other sentence out of his mouth is either a terrible joke, a pervy joke, or him being unexpectedly sweet. One minute he’s acting like a 12-year-old boy, the next he’s buying Cara a tiny glass alligator in Venice because it reminded him of her and I’m SOBBING.

Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The texting. The fake dating. The Everglades trip. The frat party. The wedding crash. The “hey princess” texts. I ate every single crumb.

What I loved most is that beneath all the humor, this is really a story about learning how to live when you’re terrified of losing everything again. Cara spends so much of the book scared of the future, and watching her slowly choose happiness anyway absolutely broke me.

Also, can we talk about how much Ali Novak’s writing has improved? The characters feel deeper, the relationships feel stronger, and the emotional moments hit so much harder.

By the end of this book I was a complete wreck. JJ and Cara own a piece of my heart now and I fear I may never recover.

Anyway, if anyone needs me, I’ll be thinking about a certain loud, chaotic boy who calls his girl “princess” and teaches her how to live again. (I’m in tears)

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘖𝘜𝘙𝘊𝘌𝘉𝘖𝘖𝘒𝘚 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!

[Tallulahslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read the series when it was on Wattpad, I loved it then but I love it so much more now. I never got to read Xander and JJ’s books on their but I love all four of the Heartbreakers with my whole heart.


This story was written so beautifully with such a difficult topic at the centre of the story. Cara was a teenager when she was first diagnosed with cancer and ever since she has feared that she would relapse.

She has put everything in life on hold including her love life because she is afraid to hurt herself and the people around her. That’s why she believes that pushing away the people around her will allow them not to be hurt if something does happen to her.

JJ proposes the idea of Cara being his fake girlfriend for a while in order to get his ex aka his sisters best friend off of his case. But like all fake relationships the more time they spend talking and texting with one another the more they both fall for one another.

One of my favourite parts of the book was the little would you rather moments that were scattered throughout the book. I love how both JJ and Cara used these moments to learn more about one another. We also get a glimpse of Cara’s fingerling of the Heartbreakers throughout her hospital stays when she seems to know JJ more than most people should, but it didn’t scare him away.

I cannot believe that this is the end of a series that I have loved for years and I’m so excited to see what else Ali Novak is going to work on now that the series is over. The book definitely had me emotional towards the end saying goodbye to one of my favourite series.

Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a Heartbeat by Ali Novak is a sweet, heartfelt YA romance that delivers exactly what fans of the genre are looking for: charming characters, swoon-worthy moments, and an emotional core that lingers long after the final page.

At the center of the story is Cara, a teenage girl navigating life in remission from lymphoma with the kind of quiet resilience that makes her immediately likable. Her love for pop band The Heartbreakers, a devotion that practically wallpapers her bedroom, feels completely authentic, and Novak does a wonderful job capturing the intensity of that kind of fandom. When Cara's world unexpectedly collides with the band through a family connection, the stage is set for a story full of warmth, humor, and genuine emotional depth.

The relationship that develops between Cara and band member JJ is the beating heart of the novel (pun intended). Cara is a protagonist worth rooting for, and JJ brings a charm that makes it easy to understand why readers will fall for him right alongside her. In full honesty, the story does take a little time to find its footing. The opening chapters build slowly, and it may take readers a bit to feel fully invested. But those who stick with it will find that patience rewarded. Once the story hits its stride, it's genuinely hard to put dow

Note: I haven't read any of the other books from this series, and I had no problem following the story line.

[Becky Passner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Reading In a Heartbeat by Ali Novak felt nostalgic in the best way because I’ve been following this series since its early days on Wattpad. There’s something special about getting to watch a story grow over time, and this book really reminded me why these characters stuck with so many readers in the first place. Getting reacquainted with Cara and JJ felt like reuniting with old friends.

What I appreciate about this series is how emotionally grounded it feels, even with all the drama and big feelings. The relationships are messy, the characters make frustrating decisions sometimes, and people don’t always communicate well, but that’s part of what makes it work. It feels like young love in an honest way.

This installment especially leans into the emotional side of the story. There’s a lot underneath the romance about grief, change, and trying to figure out who you are when life suddenly shifts around you. The characters are older now, and you can feel that in the writing. There’s still tension and heartbreak, but there’s also more reflection and maturity woven into it. This is a perfect last book to wrap up this series because it feels like the Heartbreakers are growing up alongside the original readers.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and heartfelt YA romance with so much more emotional depth than I expected. While the fake dating was what initially drew me in, Cara's journey of learning how to live after surviving cancer was what really stayed with me.
Cara was easy to root for. I appreciated that her remission wasn't treated as an automatic happy ending. Instead, the story explored the uncertainty that comes after, and how difficult it can be to plan for a future you never thought you'd have. Her bucket list added a fun element while also giving her the chance to rediscover herself.
JJ completely won me over. Beneath his loud, carefree exterior was someone incredibly patient, supportive, and kind. I loved watching their friendship naturally grow into something more, and their fake dating had plenty of cute moments that kept me smiling.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars is that I wanted a little more time with the romance toward the end. Some emotional moments wrapped up a bit quicker than I expected, and I would have happily spent longer with Cara and JJ together.
Overall, this was a charming, emotional read that balances humor, romance, and heavier topics really well. If you enjoy fake dating, rockstar romances, and stories about finding yourself after life takes an unexpected turn, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)

In a Heartbeat by Ali Novak

It was sweet to see the Heartbreak Chronicles come full circle. The series began with Stella trying to get an autographed CD for her sick sister Cara from her favorite band, The Heartbreakers, as a birthday gift. Now, years later, Cara is in remission and finally gets a story of her own. I also enjoyed finally getting drummer boy JJ Morris’s story!

Although Cara is in remission, she isn’t fully living her life. She’s practically paralyzed by fear of the future and the never-ending “what if it comes back?” scenarios. I appreciated watching her slowly realize that maybe the people who love her are right and that she can’t let fear of what might happen keep her from actually living.

I enjoyed watching Cara and JJ become friends and seeing how their relationship developed along the way. They’re both carrying their own struggles, and I appreciated how they helped one another grow and begin to move forward.

Overall, this was a cute, heartfelt YA romance and a fitting way to bring the Heartbreak Chronicles to a close.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for providing the eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Language: Moderate
Spice: Mild (kissing, fade-to-black intimacy)
Content Warnings: cancer and fear of recurrence, anxiety, car accident, grief, death of a sibling, mentions of drug use and overdose

[Amee · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review* Thanks to NetGalley for the In a Heartbeat ARC, book four in The Heartbreak chronicles series. My opinions are always mine. I started book four as a standalone and fell pretty seamlessly into the storyline, was able to put together the past couples from books 1-3. Our fmc, Cara’s, sister, Stella, played a large part in the story which really made me want to read her book. She’s dating the lead singer of the Heartbreakers band that JJ is in. She helped save Cara’s life donating an organ to her which is why we find Cara at a crossroads in a life she never thought she’d have a future in. There was tension between the sisters which started in previous books and bled into this one. Thankfully they were able to find their way back, family being so important in our story. Our MMC, JJ, was goofy but with all the seriousness childhood cancer brought to Cara so far, a fun loving goofball is exactly what she needed. Story takes us on Cara’s teenage bucket list with JJ helping out when he can and pushing them together to fall in love. I love a good slow burn. I also really enjoyed the sweetness of the story, a break from true angst is always needed and this was just the feel good kind of story I’d recommend. Now I need to start at the beginning.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

I started this series years ago when it was on Wattpad and so happy to get the final novel. This series still holds a special place on the shelf.

I have been excited to read about Cara and JJ. They are similar yet so different. Cara holds a lot of caution and is letting life drift by, whereas JJ acts without thinking. A chance meeting makes these 2 reevaluate life a little more. They both have hiccups that are preventing them from moving forward.

I enjoyed that they were checking items off a list while taking the time to get to know each other. I do wish we got a little bit more of the band stuff and how Cara would navigate this new experience.

I was happy to see both Cara and JJ grow throughout the story. This allowed them to understand each other better.

The siblings were challenging as one would expect. They've been through a lot and are doing the best they can for their age.

This story was predictable but I enjoyed each piece of it. There were flaws but I've been a fan of the series for awhile, so I wasn't as focused.

**thank you to netgalley and Source Books for the advance copy in exchange for my own thoughts and opinions**

[Soph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this ARC

⭐️ 3.5 Stars ⭐️

This was my first Ali Novak book, so I went into it without any expectations.

The story was cute, entertaining and a fun YA romance. There were some funny moments, but it also touched on more serious topics. Cara is currently in remission from cancer and the fear of it returning is always present. I also think it was important seeing how the people who love her cope with that fear and uncertainty.

I really liked the connection between the two main characters. They brought out a softer and lighter side of each other, which made their relationship enjoyable to follow.

I can understand why Stella acted the way she did to some extent, but I also felt she was a little too pushy toward Cara at times. I liked that Cara stood her ground and knew what she wanted or rather, what she didn’t want.

Overall, the story was easy to read, but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking. It didn’t completely catch me, but thanks to its shorter length, it was a quick, enjoyable, and light read. It’s definitely a good book to pick up when you’re looking for something easy to get through between heavier reads.

[Girlzgottaread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, easy read. I’m always a sucker for a bucket list storyline and this one was a classic 'learning how to live again' story that felt very YA but still heartfelt. Cara is in remission from cancer and trying to figure out who she is outside of being sick, which gave the story a really emotional foundation without making it feel too heavy the entire time.
The bucket list aspect was probably my favorite part... I loved watching Cara slowly check things off and push herself outside of her comfort zone, especially with JJ helping her along the way. Their dynamic was cute, supportive... Also… I will never get tired of relationships developing through texts and messages in books 😭 there’s just something about the anticipation and little conversations that always gets me. Those parts were some of my favorites here.
This is definitely a very YA read, so keep that in mind going in, but it was fun, wholesome, quick to get through, and had a lot of heart. Perfect if you’re looking for something light, comforting, and romance-forward with a little emotional depth mixed in.

[Larareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating 4.25 ⭐️

This was my first Ali Novak book and I absolutely loved it. It was sweet and cute, but also so so funny and also heartfelt.
I love a novel that has a bucket list and this one just exceeded my expectations. I love JJ and Cara and how he helped her through her list and the romance was so incredibly sweet.

Will definitely read the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what Ali Novak writes next.


!!! PS. I have to say that this book is completely YA. It's advertised by the author, here on Goodreads and on NetGalley as YA. Yet I've seen a couple reviews with people having a 🌶 rating and putting it at 2. There is absolutely no spice in this! There is kissing and cuddling, and it is mentioned that something happens, but absolutely nothing is described on page. It's kind of crazy to me to put a YA book that doesn't even show anything at 2 🌶. For me even Icebreaker isn't that high on the spice list😅😅😅

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago, I read the first two books in The Heartbreakers series (a series that follows a fictional boy band), The Heartbreakers and Paper Hearts. I loved them so much, and I wanted to read the third book right away. I did some digging, and it turns out The Heartbreaker series was a Wattpad series. I reread the Wattpad versions of the first two books, read the third book, Heartstrings, and started the fourth book on Wattpad.

Fast forward a few years, and I got to read an ARC of the fourth and final book in the series, In a Heartbeat, from @netgalley ! Each book follows a member of The Heartbreakers band. This book follows JJ and Cara. Cara is currently in remission from cancer, and she is struggling with moving on to normal life. This was such a special and personal book because of the author’s close relationship with cancer. While the topic was heavy, I never felt like it weighed down the book.

#theheartbreakers #paperhearts #heartstrings #inaheartbeat #wattpad

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with In a Heartbeat! Truthfully, it's probably my favorite of the Heartbreak Chronicles, and we finally get to have Cara as the FMC. I can't remember too much of what happens in the other Heartbreakers books aside from the first one, but that forget-ability doesn't apply to this one. Cara's struggle with learning to live and not just survive is so relatable and heartbreaking (ha!), and Cara's story isn't just about romance. It's about her fulfilling her bucket list, making memories she didn't think she'd be around to make, and learning who she is beyond her diagnosis. Ali, you did SO good with this last one. I started reading the Heartbreak Chronicles on Wattpad, and 13-year-old me is screaming at the chance to read this ARC. This is the feel good story I've been waiting for this year.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite YA authors has done it again...

Delivered a warm you to your toes story about a girl, a childhood illness survivor, robbed of the typical teen experiences and a boy, whose celebrity status is secondary to an intuitive, sensitive soul.

Cara and J.J. remind readers that physical appearances don't always tell the whole story. A person's experiences shape their character. Already in each other's orbit, these two knew of each other but did not really know each other. A spontaneous decision on Cara's part and receptiveness of J.J.'s creates an opportunity. The Author builds their relationship on a burgeoning friendship over times. This is no rushed insta-attraction but when the characters appreciate each others qualities.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cate Killingbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my pals at NetGalley for the ARC <3 4.5 stars!!!

Fake dating? yes. yes. and yes. The layers to this story! I am such a sucker for a) books with a lot of characters and b) those characters being well-developed. I love a dark and twisty, sarcastic FMC, opposed to a happy/optimistic FMC, and Cara was satisfying and enjoyable to follow. This was the first book I read that wove in childhood cancer, and I think the family dynamics were overall well explored, but I would have loved to learn more about Stella's resentment. Maybe that is in an earlier book that I missed? The bucket list did a great job of moving the story along; it kept the book at a strong pace and brought Cara and JJ closer together.

Ali, you nailed this book. I can't wait to go back and meet all of the other characters.

[Hannah Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

I squealed when I saw I got approved for this arc, and I don't think I have ever clicked open a book this fast! Ever since the beginning of this series, I have been anxiously awaiting Cara's book. I fell in love with her character in The Heartbreakers, and I wanted her to find love. She seemed like such a vulnerable character before, but this book goes into a deep dive of her character. I absolutely loved it! JJ is just well....he is very JJ, and that makes him perfect! They balance each other out so well, and I fell in love with them as a couple. I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up, and dare I say, it is one of my favorites from the series!

[Alicia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Cara has had cancer. Now that she is in remission, she isn’t sure how to live and what’s next. She doesn’t know how to live without the fear of cancer returning. Cara has a bucket list of activities she’s always wanted to do and hasn’t had a chance for. She meet’s JJ, the drummer of her favorite band, The Heartbreakers, because her sister, Stella (who is also one of the triplets with their brother Drew) is dating the band’s lead singer, Oliver. Together, she and JJ embark on a quest to conquer the list. In the process, they fall for each other. I loved the story. With JJ’s encouragement and love, Cara learns to face her fears, put them away and really begin living her life (alongside JJ). I highly recommend this book.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you sourcebooks for the ARC. I love a tragic YA novel that’s probably a bit problematic but also makes me cry! This book follows Cara who is in remission from cancer as she tries to get her life back through an old bucket list she finds when she was first diagnosed. Enters her sisters bfs best friend (who also is the drummer in her favorite band). He wants to help and also needs to get an ex off his back.

There’s a few things that were never resolved, but overall this was tragically sad and also a fun YA romance at the same time. Very captivating writing and storytelling and I’m a sucker for a someone finding themselves after being sick.

Overall recommend if you love YA romance, pop star love, and cancer/disability rep

[Aish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so so much. Cara was a character who stuck with me long after I finished the first The Heartbreakers Chronicles book, so I was so happy she got her own story. As much as I loved this book, I still wanted more. I know it's a YA novel, but I felt like the author shied away from more intimate romantic moments and deeper emotional conversations. At times, their relationship felt a bit surface level, and I wanted the book to dig deeper into it. Regardless, I am so sad this is the final book! I'd love a novella about the band's future or even one featuring the third triplet, Drew.

4.5 stars!!

Thank you to Ali Novak, SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.

[Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had no idea that this book was part of a series but it makes sense to me now. I had a fun time reading this book and found it to be very cute and cliche (in a good way).

There were some parts that felt like they could be expanded upon, but it doesn't take away from the relationship between Cara and JJ. Speaking of, their relationship had such good development; it didn't feel too fast paced or random. The book summary talks about how Cara agrees to become JJ's fake girlfriend, but honestly it's not mentioned much so that part was a bit misleading.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and goodreads for posting the giveaway I won this book from

[KDRBCK]

In a Heartbeat by Ali Novak is book 4 in The Heartbreak Chronicles. The book is ya and published by Sourcebo oks Fire.
This is Cara and JJ's story.
Cara is a cancer surviver, one of triplets - Stella is her sister. Stella who's dating Oliver the lead singer of the Heartbreakers.
JJ is the bands drummer, he has a rough past. But opposites attract they say.
Cara is kind of lost, lacks a goal and motivation. Except she's drawn to JJ.
I loved the worldbuilding, the storyline and the characters. Loved the characters depth, could feel their emotions - shed a tear or two.
A wonderful story in a wonderful series written by an outstanding wordsmith. All the stars.

[Victoria Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie, It took me a second to get into the book. Once JJ entered the picture and Cara started to come out of her depressive state, the book was hard for me to put down! I really enjoyed their adventures, the banter, the understanding, and the conversations the two main characters shared. It was truly a friend’s to lover’s story that had me hanging onto every word! I don’t think their story could’ve been written any other way! JJ’s unconditional friendship and love was exactly what Cara needed to become who she was meant to be!

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks and Ali Novak for the eARC in exchange for the honest review!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
1 🌶️



We’re concluding Ali Novak’s Heartbreak Chronicles series with In A Heartbeat and it was so sweet! I love how we come full circle with Cara & JJ where we met them in book 1 and even though JJ was a flirt with everyone they are endgame.

The book brings us along as Cara struggles to regain momentum in her life and release the fear of relapsing by completing her “I2D2” bucket list. Her and JJ relationship organically grows and their “fake dating” turns into the real deal.

Super sweet ending to this very mild YA series and can be read by all ages with just a sprinkling of bad language.

Thank you NetGalley & Ali Novak for the opportunity to read this book!