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Every Beat After
She’s guarding a borrowed heart. He’s locked his heart away. But the connection igniting between them might become the one thing they can’t live without.
Years after a life-saving heart transplant, Liv Karlsson lives in the fragile space between gratitude and fear—thankful for every heartbeat and afraid of when they might stop. Running her family’s cozy Swedish bakery gives her purpose, but mounting financial pressures and the shadows of her past leave her Is she truly living . . . or simply existing?
Then Hunter moves in next door. Guarded, cynical, and annoyingly attractive, he’s everything Liv avoids—and he’s also unfortunately her roommate’s cousin. But when he unexpectedly steps in to help Liv save the bakery with a new marketing plan, their reluctant partnership sparks something neither one is prepared for. He pushes her. Challenges her. Sees her. Suddenly, the girl who’s spent years protecting her heart finds it racing for someone who might actually understand her better than anyone ever has.
But just as Liv begins to imagine a future worth fighting for, a devastating revelation threatens to unravel everything. Now Liv must face the ultimate Will she find the courage to love, or will fear take it all away?
Years after a life-saving heart transplant, Liv Karlsson lives in the fragile space between gratitude and fear—thankful for every heartbeat and afraid of when they might stop. Running her family’s cozy Swedish bakery gives her purpose, but mounting financial pressures and the shadows of her past leave her Is she truly living . . . or simply existing?
Then Hunter moves in next door. Guarded, cynical, and annoyingly attractive, he’s everything Liv avoids—and he’s also unfortunately her roommate’s cousin. But when he unexpectedly steps in to help Liv save the bakery with a new marketing plan, their reluctant partnership sparks something neither one is prepared for. He pushes her. Challenges her. Sees her. Suddenly, the girl who’s spent years protecting her heart finds it racing for someone who might actually understand her better than anyone ever has.
But just as Liv begins to imagine a future worth fighting for, a devastating revelation threatens to unravel everything. Now Liv must face the ultimate Will she find the courage to love, or will fear take it all away?
Audible Audio
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Sara B. Larson
15 books1,952 followersSara B. Larson is the best-selling and critically acclaimed author of multiple adult contemporary romances and YA fantasy books,
including Every Beat After, A Promised Vengeance, the Defy trilogy, the Dark Breaks the Dawn duology, and the
Sisters of Shadow and Light duology. Beginning to Look A Lot Like Us (Nov. 4) and When We Were Everything (May 4, 2027) are her next releases. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her family and their dogs, Loki the Maltese and Bindi the English Cream Retriever, where she also runs a commercial preschool. When she’s not mothering, preschooling, or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction
She’s online at www.SaraBLarson.com.
including Every Beat After, A Promised Vengeance, the Defy trilogy, the Dark Breaks the Dawn duology, and the
Sisters of Shadow and Light duology. Beginning to Look A Lot Like Us (Nov. 4) and When We Were Everything (May 4, 2027) are her next releases. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her family and their dogs, Loki the Maltese and Bindi the English Cream Retriever, where she also runs a commercial preschool. When she’s not mothering, preschooling, or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction
She’s online at www.SaraBLarson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
May 26, 2026
I started reading this book and I was in tears from the get go! Oh my heart! I just adored everything about it! But there are definitely many emotional moments that will tug at your emotions and might have you shedding some tears as I did. It also didn't help that a high school senior in our community had died a couple of days before I read this book. My emotions were very tender over that student's death. We knew the family and the student. It happened a short while before graduation for their senior class and just rocked our community. So having the sorrow over that on my mind and in my heart then reading this book, I definitely cried. Probably a lot more than just a few tears. *Sigh*
It is truly a beautiful story. I loved seeing the perspective of Liv and watching her trying to navigate the fears and uncertainties and scares that come with all that she's been through and will go through. It was beautiful. I loved her family and friends and their big supportive community that they created for Liv. She had more hard to navigate and figure out and the perspective and emotions drew me in completely. I didn't want to set it down but life was calling.
I loved how the author balanced out the hard emotional moments with wonderful humor and lighthearted moments. And of course with a sweet love story! It just really had me feeling so connected to these characters and invested in their healing and happiness. We all have something that we're going through. Doesn't matter if one person's is bigger or harder than another persons's, we need love and a great support system! That's how he make it through it all.
Hunter was not the most lovable and likable character to begin with. But I loved how the further I read into the book, I understood him a little bit more. And just so you know, it's intentional for his character to be that way. *Winks* It works. Just trust! If you get frustrated with him, just take a deep breath and be patient with him. He needs patience and love. And I promise you're going to love him! Liv feels the same way as you. *Hee Hee*
Loved these two! I love their journey! I love the hard they have to go through! I love the joy they find! I love the heartbreaking moment that makes them have to really stop and think and talk and figure it all out! Definitely worth it! This is a book that I will be telling everyone about! But I will give the warning that it's an emotionally messy book that will possibly rip your heart out and put it all back together at the same time! (Ok, that was not an intentional pun or reference to the book-totally unintended when I wrote it).
Grab a copy! Have tissues handy! Have a comfy blanket to curl up with handy! Read with your favorite comfort drink and probably some chocolate as well!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses. Talk about death, a heart transplant. Family medical emergency. Medical Emergency in connection with a heart transplant, after the transplant.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
It is truly a beautiful story. I loved seeing the perspective of Liv and watching her trying to navigate the fears and uncertainties and scares that come with all that she's been through and will go through. It was beautiful. I loved her family and friends and their big supportive community that they created for Liv. She had more hard to navigate and figure out and the perspective and emotions drew me in completely. I didn't want to set it down but life was calling.
I loved how the author balanced out the hard emotional moments with wonderful humor and lighthearted moments. And of course with a sweet love story! It just really had me feeling so connected to these characters and invested in their healing and happiness. We all have something that we're going through. Doesn't matter if one person's is bigger or harder than another persons's, we need love and a great support system! That's how he make it through it all.
Hunter was not the most lovable and likable character to begin with. But I loved how the further I read into the book, I understood him a little bit more. And just so you know, it's intentional for his character to be that way. *Winks* It works. Just trust! If you get frustrated with him, just take a deep breath and be patient with him. He needs patience and love. And I promise you're going to love him! Liv feels the same way as you. *Hee Hee*
Loved these two! I love their journey! I love the hard they have to go through! I love the joy they find! I love the heartbreaking moment that makes them have to really stop and think and talk and figure it all out! Definitely worth it! This is a book that I will be telling everyone about! But I will give the warning that it's an emotionally messy book that will possibly rip your heart out and put it all back together at the same time! (Ok, that was not an intentional pun or reference to the book-totally unintended when I wrote it).
Grab a copy! Have tissues handy! Have a comfy blanket to curl up with handy! Read with your favorite comfort drink and probably some chocolate as well!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses. Talk about death, a heart transplant. Family medical emergency. Medical Emergency in connection with a heart transplant, after the transplant.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
June 5, 2026
Oh this book! 😭 I had no idea it would be so deep and a tear jerker! From the second I started it I was soo invested.
For one, I had no idea so much went into a heart transplant, and everything that you have to watch for after. It's so sad everything Liv had to walk through. 💔 But I thought so highly of her, how hard she tried to live a normal life. Even though she struggled with the thought of not living a full, long life.
And Hunter...he made me mad a few times, but it didn't take long to see HIM, how he was just hurting too...his scars, his past, everything he was fighting for and against.
And towards the end when everything came crashing down and truth comes out...I wanted to scream and cry and throw my book and hug it all at the same time. 😅
So if you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend giving it a try!! I don't believe you'll regret it. 🩷
(Book blurb in comments)
*Thank you so much @shadowmountainpub & @sarablarson for the #gifted copy! All opinions are my own
For one, I had no idea so much went into a heart transplant, and everything that you have to watch for after. It's so sad everything Liv had to walk through. 💔 But I thought so highly of her, how hard she tried to live a normal life. Even though she struggled with the thought of not living a full, long life.
And Hunter...he made me mad a few times, but it didn't take long to see HIM, how he was just hurting too...his scars, his past, everything he was fighting for and against.
And towards the end when everything came crashing down and truth comes out...I wanted to scream and cry and throw my book and hug it all at the same time. 😅
So if you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend giving it a try!! I don't believe you'll regret it. 🩷
(Book blurb in comments)
*Thank you so much @shadowmountainpub & @sarablarson for the #gifted copy! All opinions are my own
Read
January 28, 2026If you liked Return to Me, you’ll like this book.
August 7, 2026
Enjoyed this novel! I think this is the first time I ever cried in the first chapter of a book. EVERY BEAT AFTER is poignant, romantic, and has a huge gotcha-moment! Loved the depth and introspection of the characters.
June 14, 2026
4.25 stars
This is my first Sara B. Larson book and I am a fan!
This book was so special. I loved the characters and the storyline was so tender and sweet. Knowing a young woman who has had a heart transplant, made this even more special to me. There were so many beautiful moments and it just felt so much more real than lots of other romances I have read.
It was wholesome and clean as could be. I really enjoyed it.
It also takes place in Arizona which is always fun to read a book based where you live.
This is my first Sara B. Larson book and I am a fan!
This book was so special. I loved the characters and the storyline was so tender and sweet. Knowing a young woman who has had a heart transplant, made this even more special to me. There were so many beautiful moments and it just felt so much more real than lots of other romances I have read.
It was wholesome and clean as could be. I really enjoyed it.
It also takes place in Arizona which is always fun to read a book based where you live.
June 23, 2026
This is a story about a woman who has a heart transplant and a man who lost his sister because he chose to drive drunk. Everything was already heavy, but sure. Let's add in a dead dad and grandma having a stroke. The whole story was exhaustingly heavy. I don't think it can accurately be labeled as a romance, because the romance is such a minor side plot when compared to everything else.
I was also frustrated by the writing. Every reaction Liv had was blushing and heart racing. So many descriptions of her heart doing things, which would be fine because she is super aware of her heart and how it is functioning, but then you gotta do different descriptions for when she's feeling emotions, ya know? It was repetitive and felt shallow. Not to mention the ridiculous number of times we read about Hunter's muscles. Ugh.
The character interactions felt stilted and unnatural. I think the biggest illustration of this was Liv's two brothers. They call her "sis" and "Livaroonie." I have never once in my whole life heard real life siblings call each other "sis" or "bro." It was so painful.
Long Review (**Spoilers and Ranting Ahead**):
1. I think I'm going to start with Lou in my ranting phase. Seriously. Lou consistently dropped the ball on communicating all the relevant information.
-She didn't tell her roommate that her male cousin would be in the house when she got home.
-She didn't tell her roommate that her male cousin was badly scarred from an accident, so Liv's reaction to him wasn't the best. But she did tell her cousin about her roommate's heart transplant so he could be extra jerky about it.
-She invited her cousin to a party, but didn't tell him what they were celebrating. WHY??? And WHY didn't he ask??
-She didn't know the day her own cousin died? Doubtful.
You can get away with this once, maybe. Liv throwing her salad at Hunter was kinda funny. But the other instances were just there for plot convenience.
2. My second point of ranting: I didn't appreciate how forced the messaging was of "you won't have a fulfilling life if you don't have a boyfriend." Her friends, her roommate, her family were all pushing her to get a boyfriend and pitching it as the only solution. She's going over the books for her struggling bakery and out of nowhere, her grandma starts talking about how she needs to find love. The conversation made no sense to the situation. It was forced. Lou is convinced that Liv and Hunter are perfect for each other and keeps pushing and pushing for them to be together, even though they have both stated that they aren't interested. Why didn't they push the bucket list that she created when she got out of the hospital?
3.This book was waaaaay too long, and I mean this in terms of literal pages and in how it felt. There was so much tragedy going that we didn't need grandma having a stroke. Liv had enough emotional turmoil going on with guilt, grief, anxiety, stress, etc. that adding having a crisis because her grandparents' marriage was not as picture perfect as she believed was so unnecessary. Liv had enough to overcome with accepting that she needs to live her life and quit preparing for the worst (which only became a thing halfway through the book) that we didn't need this other layer of her needing to overcome something else to get to her happily ever after. The book was just thing after thing after thing burying the romance.
4. Hunter... I get that he's been through a lot and he blames himself and thinks of himself as a monster, but he was too mean right out of the gate and then he was mean for a really long time. But the real problem was that Liv started liking him before she had any reason to like him. She shouldn't have started liking him until she saw his kindness. Red flag.
But I also had a bit of whiplash. He goes from being such a jerk and pushing her away to being all sweet and taking care of her when she was sick and taking her to the hospital because her grandma had a stroke, and then staying at the hospital with her and her mom in case they needed something. It was a very abrupt shift. It didn't lead to them falling in love to feeling natural and romantic.
I was also frustrated by the writing. Every reaction Liv had was blushing and heart racing. So many descriptions of her heart doing things, which would be fine because she is super aware of her heart and how it is functioning, but then you gotta do different descriptions for when she's feeling emotions, ya know? It was repetitive and felt shallow. Not to mention the ridiculous number of times we read about Hunter's muscles. Ugh.
The character interactions felt stilted and unnatural. I think the biggest illustration of this was Liv's two brothers. They call her "sis" and "Livaroonie." I have never once in my whole life heard real life siblings call each other "sis" or "bro." It was so painful.
Long Review (**Spoilers and Ranting Ahead**):
1. I think I'm going to start with Lou in my ranting phase. Seriously. Lou consistently dropped the ball on communicating all the relevant information.
-She didn't tell her roommate that her male cousin would be in the house when she got home.
-She didn't tell her roommate that her male cousin was badly scarred from an accident, so Liv's reaction to him wasn't the best. But she did tell her cousin about her roommate's heart transplant so he could be extra jerky about it.
-She invited her cousin to a party, but didn't tell him what they were celebrating. WHY??? And WHY didn't he ask??
-She didn't know the day her own cousin died? Doubtful.
You can get away with this once, maybe. Liv throwing her salad at Hunter was kinda funny. But the other instances were just there for plot convenience.
2. My second point of ranting: I didn't appreciate how forced the messaging was of "you won't have a fulfilling life if you don't have a boyfriend." Her friends, her roommate, her family were all pushing her to get a boyfriend and pitching it as the only solution. She's going over the books for her struggling bakery and out of nowhere, her grandma starts talking about how she needs to find love. The conversation made no sense to the situation. It was forced. Lou is convinced that Liv and Hunter are perfect for each other and keeps pushing and pushing for them to be together, even though they have both stated that they aren't interested. Why didn't they push the bucket list that she created when she got out of the hospital?
3.This book was waaaaay too long, and I mean this in terms of literal pages and in how it felt. There was so much tragedy going that we didn't need grandma having a stroke. Liv had enough emotional turmoil going on with guilt, grief, anxiety, stress, etc. that adding having a crisis because her grandparents' marriage was not as picture perfect as she believed was so unnecessary. Liv had enough to overcome with accepting that she needs to live her life and quit preparing for the worst (which only became a thing halfway through the book) that we didn't need this other layer of her needing to overcome something else to get to her happily ever after. The book was just thing after thing after thing burying the romance.
4. Hunter... I get that he's been through a lot and he blames himself and thinks of himself as a monster, but he was too mean right out of the gate and then he was mean for a really long time. But the real problem was that Liv started liking him before she had any reason to like him. She shouldn't have started liking him until she saw his kindness. Red flag.
But I also had a bit of whiplash. He goes from being such a jerk and pushing her away to being all sweet and taking care of her when she was sick and taking her to the hospital because her grandma had a stroke, and then staying at the hospital with her and her mom in case they needed something. It was a very abrupt shift. It didn't lead to them falling in love to feeling natural and romantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Before anything else: please check the trigger warnings before picking this up. This is a heavy, emotional read that deals with grief, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, and loss. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and that weight is felt throughout the story.
This follows Olivia, a heart transplant survivor, and Hunter, her roommate’s cousin turned neighbor, who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Both characters carry so much emotional baggage, and the story leans deeply into that. The romance is a slow burn filled with angst, misunderstandings, and internal struggles.
One of my favorite parts of this book wasn’t even the romance—it was the familial and platonic love surrounding Olivia. Her relationship with her mom, grandma, and best friends added so much warmth and grounding to an otherwise heavy narrative, and it made her character feel incredibly supported and real.
That said, I’ll be honest: I’m not the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers, and the early tension between Olivia and Hunter really tested my patience. Their anger, avoidance, and tendency to lash out—especially when sensitive topics came up—was frustrating to read at times. There were moments where they felt very toxic for each other, even though it clearly stemmed from unresolved trauma.
However, the character development is where this book shines. Watching them slowly soften, communicate, and actually try was satisfying. Once they started talking, confessing, and being honest with each other, the emotional payoff felt worth it. The author handled their growth with care, and by that point, I was fully invested.
I did see the plot twist coming, but it didn’t take away from the experience. My main gripe is that I wished the ending and resolution were longer—it felt a bit rushed compared to how much time was spent building up the angst.
Overall, Every Beat After is an emotional, angsty romance that won’t be for everyone, but Sara Larsson did a great job telling this story. If you enjoy heavy themes, slow-burn romance, and character-driven narratives, this one is worth picking up—just make sure you’re in the right headspace before starting.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Sara Larsson for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Every Beat After via NetGalley.
Before anything else: please check the trigger warnings before picking this up. This is a heavy, emotional read that deals with grief, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, and loss. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and that weight is felt throughout the story.
This follows Olivia, a heart transplant survivor, and Hunter, her roommate’s cousin turned neighbor, who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Both characters carry so much emotional baggage, and the story leans deeply into that. The romance is a slow burn filled with angst, misunderstandings, and internal struggles.
One of my favorite parts of this book wasn’t even the romance—it was the familial and platonic love surrounding Olivia. Her relationship with her mom, grandma, and best friends added so much warmth and grounding to an otherwise heavy narrative, and it made her character feel incredibly supported and real.
That said, I’ll be honest: I’m not the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers, and the early tension between Olivia and Hunter really tested my patience. Their anger, avoidance, and tendency to lash out—especially when sensitive topics came up—was frustrating to read at times. There were moments where they felt very toxic for each other, even though it clearly stemmed from unresolved trauma.
However, the character development is where this book shines. Watching them slowly soften, communicate, and actually try was satisfying. Once they started talking, confessing, and being honest with each other, the emotional payoff felt worth it. The author handled their growth with care, and by that point, I was fully invested.
I did see the plot twist coming, but it didn’t take away from the experience. My main gripe is that I wished the ending and resolution were longer—it felt a bit rushed compared to how much time was spent building up the angst.
Overall, Every Beat After is an emotional, angsty romance that won’t be for everyone, but Sara Larsson did a great job telling this story. If you enjoy heavy themes, slow-burn romance, and character-driven narratives, this one is worth picking up—just make sure you’re in the right headspace before starting.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Sara Larsson for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Every Beat After via NetGalley.
June 9, 2026
Every Beat After was my first book by Sara B. Larson, and it won't be my last. This story tackles some heavy topics, including life after a heart transplant, survivor's guilt, grief, and forgiveness. Liv and Hunter both carry emotional wounds that have shaped their lives in very different ways, and watching them navigate those challenges made for an emotional read.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Liv's relationship with her family. Their close-knit bond was heartwarming, and I loved that they ran a Swedish bakery together. The descriptions of the pastries and treats had me craving a visit! I also appreciated Liv's supportive group of friends who encouraged her and helped her stay on track with her health goals.
Hunter was a more difficult character for me to connect with. Given his past, it made sense that he wasn't immediately likable, but it took me quite a while to warm up to him. Seeing his growth throughout the story made the journey worthwhile.
Overall, this was an emotional romance with themes of healing, family, friendship, and second chances. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, and a digital copy from NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Liv's relationship with her family. Their close-knit bond was heartwarming, and I loved that they ran a Swedish bakery together. The descriptions of the pastries and treats had me craving a visit! I also appreciated Liv's supportive group of friends who encouraged her and helped her stay on track with her health goals.
Hunter was a more difficult character for me to connect with. Given his past, it made sense that he wasn't immediately likable, but it took me quite a while to warm up to him. Seeing his growth throughout the story made the journey worthwhile.
Overall, this was an emotional romance with themes of healing, family, friendship, and second chances. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, and a digital copy from NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
August 7, 2026
4.25
this was sooo sweeeet!!!
this story follows two characters who have had reallllyyyy hard hands dealt in life and shows how they learn to heal and love.
it has a little bit of enemies to lovers / grumpy sunshine vibes which was super fun! i really liked both the main characters and just want to give them both a hug!
this story tackles some hard stuff which made it emotional and meaningful unlike some romances that are just fluff.
the chemistry between liv and hunter was amazing and i loved how much tension and passion there was between them without an ounce of spice.
one thing that did bug me is the MMC was sooo back and forth. one minute he doesn’t even want to be her friend because he believes he’s bad for her and then the next he’s asking her on a date and that went on for a while.
there was a bit of a twist that was interesting. (i did guess it pretty soon into the book but still i liked it)
i loved the inclusion of God and miracles as well.
if you’re looking for a clean book with lots of HEART, then you should definitely pick this one up ッ
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
this was sooo sweeeet!!!
this story follows two characters who have had reallllyyyy hard hands dealt in life and shows how they learn to heal and love.
it has a little bit of enemies to lovers / grumpy sunshine vibes which was super fun! i really liked both the main characters and just want to give them both a hug!
this story tackles some hard stuff which made it emotional and meaningful unlike some romances that are just fluff.
the chemistry between liv and hunter was amazing and i loved how much tension and passion there was between them without an ounce of spice.
one thing that did bug me is the MMC was sooo back and forth. one minute he doesn’t even want to be her friend because he believes he’s bad for her and then the next he’s asking her on a date and that went on for a while.
there was a bit of a twist that was interesting. (i did guess it pretty soon into the book but still i liked it)
i loved the inclusion of God and miracles as well.
if you’re looking for a clean book with lots of HEART, then you should definitely pick this one up ッ
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
September 6, 2026
I appreciate the deeper/emotional message, but I’m not sure I actually enjoyed reading it. Heavy & left me feeling emotionally exhausted. I did like it in some parts, and did finish it so there’s that lol. This book was also WAY longer than it should have especially with a predictable plot twist & I found myself looking forward to when it would finally be over.
Also, VERY vanilla which is okay but again, the book was too long 😭
The MFC & MMC gave me an INSANE amount of whiplash with their cycle of getting mad, pushing each-other away and coming back together. Over and over and OVER. I’m glad I read it… but I’m also very glad it’s over. 3.5/5 😂
Also, VERY vanilla which is okay but again, the book was too long 😭
The MFC & MMC gave me an INSANE amount of whiplash with their cycle of getting mad, pushing each-other away and coming back together. Over and over and OVER. I’m glad I read it… but I’m also very glad it’s over. 3.5/5 😂
August 27, 2026
I never watched return to me so I wonder if that could have been a part of my rating
I loved this book because it wasn’t your average rom com. This was heart wrenching but beautiful. Liv wave of emotions was everywhere . I loved the communication
The only thing is that it seemed like people with visible scars are attracted to each other, not a normal person. If this was dual pov, it would have been insta love
Some scenes were overly done and majority of the miscommunication came from Lou
Overall it was a page turner and just want I needed to get of a reading slump
Clean romance
I loved this book because it wasn’t your average rom com. This was heart wrenching but beautiful. Liv wave of emotions was everywhere . I loved the communication
The only thing is that it seemed like people with visible scars are attracted to each other, not a normal person. If this was dual pov, it would have been insta love
Some scenes were overly done and majority of the miscommunication came from Lou
Overall it was a page turner and just want I needed to get of a reading slump
Clean romance
June 26, 2026
2.5/5. Melodramatic. I liked that she quickly rejects Austin and that is not a drawn out storyline. There is a part at the end that was engaging. Narrator was good at making distinct voices.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It is “Return to Me” meets a slow daytime soap opera. There were so many things that happened to one family.
- dad dies from tumor when Livvy is 13
- grandfather dies 14, moves to grandmas to work in bakery
- enters heart failure at 17
- grandmother has massive stroke right after Liv has an upsetting conversation with her 24
- Bakery was struggling before, but now has to survive multiple closed days
Olivia is immature so her thought process is a frustrating journey. She reads one page of her grandmother’s journal and assumes that her grandmother lied to her about how wonderful their marriage was. Never occurs to her that her grandparents had a rough patch and got over it. Instead she jumps head first into assuming the worst. Later, she decides to make decisions for her and Hunter, namely to push him away. 🙄
The story does not make sense from a technical standpoint, so that was also something I had to try to ignore. Hunter would at least have a criminal case for manslaughter. No mention of his prison term, so the cops just ignored he killed someone while drunk? His parent’s reaction is kind of crazy. They respond more like parents dealing with a son intentionally murdering a daughter, rather than an accidental killing. It would have made more sense if they were just distant. Liv’s confrontation with the mother is so cringe. It just seemed really unrealistic, so it distracted me out of enjoying the story.
It was essentially love at first sight, but Hunter is wounded so they act as enemies first. I think love at first sight is hard to land. Then to have to make them enemies is nearly impossible.
Liv works at her grandmother’s bakery. She had a heart transplant at 17, and lives in a constant state of fearing her heart will fail again. She has had plenty of male interest, but pushes them away with constantly focusing on her heart issues. She has an amazing support system, to include a best friend that essentially acts as her personal trainer. She rooms with another friend, Lou. Lou’s cousin, Hunter, moved to Arizona and is living in the duplex apartment next door while it is being repaired. Cousin is super hot, and has scarring on the side of his face with a messed up ear. You learn he was drunk in a car crash which killed his sister. His parents don’t really talk to him anymore. Liv’s grandmother pushes her to find a relationship. Liv storms away, but finds out her grandmother suffered a massive stroke. Lou invites her to dinner, but concocts a story about a date, so Liv feels like she needs to actually find one. She goes out with the other best friend’s boss, Austin. He is a player, but seems interested in her. Hunter acts jealous, but he has already told her he doesn’t want to be “scar buddies”. Liv is angry, but also drawn to Hunter. Finally, Hunter drops his mask and asks her out. She touches his scar and that throws him because previous girlfriend always acted like scar wasn’t there. You learn his ex-business partner stole a lot of money from him and his girlfriend was cheating on Hunter with the business partner. Liv and Hunter start dating and it gets going fast. Then they are celebrating her annual day of receiving a heart, and Hunter realizes that her heart was his sister’s heart. He is crushed and runs away. She stops eating, and gets an electrolyte imbalance which causes her heart to freak out. Hunter sees her in the hospital and realizes he is doing this all wrong. But now Liv thinks it is for the best if they break up because she will hurt him one day when she dies. Her grandmother wakes up from her massive stroke and coma with partial paralysis on her right side. I don’t know how realistic that is. Grandma tells her how silly she is and that the journal she read shows that after they lost their second child they (grandma and grandpa) grew together again and chose each other every day. Hunter’s mom calls Lou to talk to Liv. She wanted to hear her voice since she has the daughter’s heart. Then Liv starts pleading with her to let Hunter back into their lives. The mother is outraged, and talks like a crazy person. Eventually, Hunter shows up at the apartment and tells Liv he will choose her everyday. A year later they are on their honeymoon watching an orca pod in the wild to check it off her bucket list. He is super into her, even his parents came to the wedding.
Overall too long, and too many bad things happening to multiple characters in a shortened time frame.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It is “Return to Me” meets a slow daytime soap opera. There were so many things that happened to one family.
- dad dies from tumor when Livvy is 13
- grandfather dies 14, moves to grandmas to work in bakery
- enters heart failure at 17
- grandmother has massive stroke right after Liv has an upsetting conversation with her 24
- Bakery was struggling before, but now has to survive multiple closed days
Olivia is immature so her thought process is a frustrating journey. She reads one page of her grandmother’s journal and assumes that her grandmother lied to her about how wonderful their marriage was. Never occurs to her that her grandparents had a rough patch and got over it. Instead she jumps head first into assuming the worst. Later, she decides to make decisions for her and Hunter, namely to push him away. 🙄
The story does not make sense from a technical standpoint, so that was also something I had to try to ignore. Hunter would at least have a criminal case for manslaughter. No mention of his prison term, so the cops just ignored he killed someone while drunk? His parent’s reaction is kind of crazy. They respond more like parents dealing with a son intentionally murdering a daughter, rather than an accidental killing. It would have made more sense if they were just distant. Liv’s confrontation with the mother is so cringe. It just seemed really unrealistic, so it distracted me out of enjoying the story.
It was essentially love at first sight, but Hunter is wounded so they act as enemies first. I think love at first sight is hard to land. Then to have to make them enemies is nearly impossible.
Liv works at her grandmother’s bakery. She had a heart transplant at 17, and lives in a constant state of fearing her heart will fail again. She has had plenty of male interest, but pushes them away with constantly focusing on her heart issues. She has an amazing support system, to include a best friend that essentially acts as her personal trainer. She rooms with another friend, Lou. Lou’s cousin, Hunter, moved to Arizona and is living in the duplex apartment next door while it is being repaired. Cousin is super hot, and has scarring on the side of his face with a messed up ear. You learn he was drunk in a car crash which killed his sister. His parents don’t really talk to him anymore. Liv’s grandmother pushes her to find a relationship. Liv storms away, but finds out her grandmother suffered a massive stroke. Lou invites her to dinner, but concocts a story about a date, so Liv feels like she needs to actually find one. She goes out with the other best friend’s boss, Austin. He is a player, but seems interested in her. Hunter acts jealous, but he has already told her he doesn’t want to be “scar buddies”. Liv is angry, but also drawn to Hunter. Finally, Hunter drops his mask and asks her out. She touches his scar and that throws him because previous girlfriend always acted like scar wasn’t there. You learn his ex-business partner stole a lot of money from him and his girlfriend was cheating on Hunter with the business partner. Liv and Hunter start dating and it gets going fast. Then they are celebrating her annual day of receiving a heart, and Hunter realizes that her heart was his sister’s heart. He is crushed and runs away. She stops eating, and gets an electrolyte imbalance which causes her heart to freak out. Hunter sees her in the hospital and realizes he is doing this all wrong. But now Liv thinks it is for the best if they break up because she will hurt him one day when she dies. Her grandmother wakes up from her massive stroke and coma with partial paralysis on her right side. I don’t know how realistic that is. Grandma tells her how silly she is and that the journal she read shows that after they lost their second child they (grandma and grandpa) grew together again and chose each other every day. Hunter’s mom calls Lou to talk to Liv. She wanted to hear her voice since she has the daughter’s heart. Then Liv starts pleading with her to let Hunter back into their lives. The mother is outraged, and talks like a crazy person. Eventually, Hunter shows up at the apartment and tells Liv he will choose her everyday. A year later they are on their honeymoon watching an orca pod in the wild to check it off her bucket list. He is super into her, even his parents came to the wedding.
Overall too long, and too many bad things happening to multiple characters in a shortened time frame.
September 6, 2026
Not a lighthearted romance….lots of heavy topics that everyone is working through
June 10, 2026
Liv and Hunter are both holding onto a lot due to their very difficult pasts. It makes navigating relationships of any kind, difficult. I wished, more than once, that I had dual perspective in this story. Because both characters are dealing with so much physically, emotionally and mentally, there is a lot of dramatic back and forth. I completely understand why but it got to be a lot. Maybe because I was listening to the audiobook? Regardless, I enjoyed this story and the characters. If two characters ever deserved love, it is Liv and Hunter.
July 25, 2026
This romance was... I want to say "heart wrenching" but that feels weird given the subject matter! But it was!
May 14, 2026
“What if you decided to live like you were guaranteed the best-case scenario instead of fearing the worst?”
ARC REVIEW: This book brought an insane amount of joy to my life while reading it. Watching Liv learn to embrace the life she was given and live every day as if it were her last was very inspiring. I loved seeing Hunter jealous of anyone else wanting to be in her life. We love a good jealous man. Learning about the operations of a bakery and heart transplants was also very insightful. Overall, an amazing debut for Sara B Larson, and a perfect cozy romance.
Quotes:
“Two of my biggest fears are that I will never find my person—or I will.” -Liv
“I can’t stop thinking about you. I wake up wanting to see you. I spend half my day trying to figure out how to make that happen.”-Hunter
"But it's up to you. You can choose to become angry and bitter. Or you can choose to look for reasons to still smile. A beautiful sunrise that takes your breath away. Or a hug from someone who makes you feel like your heart might burst. Even finding ways to help others who are hurting. When you do that, you'll be shocked at how happy it will make you.”
ARC REVIEW: This book brought an insane amount of joy to my life while reading it. Watching Liv learn to embrace the life she was given and live every day as if it were her last was very inspiring. I loved seeing Hunter jealous of anyone else wanting to be in her life. We love a good jealous man. Learning about the operations of a bakery and heart transplants was also very insightful. Overall, an amazing debut for Sara B Larson, and a perfect cozy romance.
Quotes:
“Two of my biggest fears are that I will never find my person—or I will.” -Liv
“I can’t stop thinking about you. I wake up wanting to see you. I spend half my day trying to figure out how to make that happen.”-Hunter
"But it's up to you. You can choose to become angry and bitter. Or you can choose to look for reasons to still smile. A beautiful sunrise that takes your breath away. Or a hug from someone who makes you feel like your heart might burst. Even finding ways to help others who are hurting. When you do that, you'll be shocked at how happy it will make you.”
June 6, 2026
5⭐️ ARC Review: I haven’t had the desire to read in a while, and thankfully, this book brought me back. I literally read this book in one day. I picked it up in the early morning and finished right before I went to bed. It was unputdownable.
I usually enjoy an unserious good time of a book that makes me giggle and kick my feet. This book was not that. At all. And I think I’m starting to enjoy books like this more. Obviously. Because it’s five stars.
I cried multiple times. Not full on sobs but my husband walked in and saw slow tears on my cheeks. He thought I was crazy lol. (But not really) There are some HEAVY things in this book. So if you don’t want to go in blind, or if you do, continue or skip the rest of this paragraph. Olivia had a heart transplant when she was 18. She is 25 in this present time. She struggles with wanting love but doesn’t want to have someone love her because she is a ticking time bomb. Her father and grandpa both died within the same year and all she has left is her mother, 2 brothers, and farmor (grandma). Hunter was in a car accident and it burned the side of his face, neck and chest. He has severe reconstructive scars. They both are dealing with some serious trauma, and I swear they both could never catch a break for the entirety of this book. But that didn’t bother me like it usually does.
I think the reason I loved this so much, and some people might find what I found relatable super annoying. But the way Olivia reacted to some things, I was like you know what, I would honestly probably act the exact same way. Same with the way Hunter reacted. They were both just so human to me and I found it refreshing rather than frustrating.
It was interesting to learn things about heart transplant recipients. I watched Return to Me when I was like 12 but recently watched it again this past year and I feel like this book delves deeper into what it’s really like to have a foreign heart in your body. The pills you have to take, your lifestyle and diet changes, your exercise, getting sick and what that can do, all of these things you don’t think about. It was all very interesting to me and I found myself really wanting to learn about it.
I enjoyed watching Hunter and Olivia come together and their resulting character growth. Hunter is quite brazen and honestly a complete jerk in the beginning, but he becomes someone who I would defend to the death. Same with Olivia. I enjoyed her for the entirety of the book though. And her friends were incredible. I hope hope hope that they get their own books. We will see. I don’t know if that will be a thing though. They were so loyal and brought happiness to this book. I loved their friendship.
I have one qualm with this book but I can’t say cause it’s a major spoiler lol. All I will say is Hunter’s family sucks They treat him horribly, and he deserved better.
Anyways I was happy with the ending and so glad they both finally got to be happy together. I loved them together. I will probably be thinking about this book for a while.
Read if you enjoy:
- Return to Me
- Single POV (Olivia’s)
- He falls first and harder
- Clean romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
I usually enjoy an unserious good time of a book that makes me giggle and kick my feet. This book was not that. At all. And I think I’m starting to enjoy books like this more. Obviously. Because it’s five stars.
I cried multiple times. Not full on sobs but my husband walked in and saw slow tears on my cheeks. He thought I was crazy lol. (But not really) There are some HEAVY things in this book. So if you don’t want to go in blind, or if you do, continue or skip the rest of this paragraph. Olivia had a heart transplant when she was 18. She is 25 in this present time. She struggles with wanting love but doesn’t want to have someone love her because she is a ticking time bomb. Her father and grandpa both died within the same year and all she has left is her mother, 2 brothers, and farmor (grandma). Hunter was in a car accident and it burned the side of his face, neck and chest. He has severe reconstructive scars. They both are dealing with some serious trauma, and I swear they both could never catch a break for the entirety of this book. But that didn’t bother me like it usually does.
I think the reason I loved this so much, and some people might find what I found relatable super annoying. But the way Olivia reacted to some things, I was like you know what, I would honestly probably act the exact same way. Same with the way Hunter reacted. They were both just so human to me and I found it refreshing rather than frustrating.
It was interesting to learn things about heart transplant recipients. I watched Return to Me when I was like 12 but recently watched it again this past year and I feel like this book delves deeper into what it’s really like to have a foreign heart in your body. The pills you have to take, your lifestyle and diet changes, your exercise, getting sick and what that can do, all of these things you don’t think about. It was all very interesting to me and I found myself really wanting to learn about it.
I enjoyed watching Hunter and Olivia come together and their resulting character growth. Hunter is quite brazen and honestly a complete jerk in the beginning, but he becomes someone who I would defend to the death. Same with Olivia. I enjoyed her for the entirety of the book though. And her friends were incredible. I hope hope hope that they get their own books. We will see. I don’t know if that will be a thing though. They were so loyal and brought happiness to this book. I loved their friendship.
I have one qualm with this book but I can’t say cause it’s a major spoiler lol. All I will say is Hunter’s family sucks They treat him horribly, and he deserved better.
Anyways I was happy with the ending and so glad they both finally got to be happy together. I loved them together. I will probably be thinking about this book for a while.
Read if you enjoy:
- Return to Me
- Single POV (Olivia’s)
- He falls first and harder
- Clean romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
July 3, 2026
This book was trying to pull at all my heart strings and for some reason it just wasn’t working. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think some of it had to do with my lack of affection for Hunter. He was such a jerk at the beginning and I don’t think any amount of good deeds helped me soften toward him. Maybe there just wasn’t enough transition / explanation. I don’t know. I just didn’t feel invested in or moved by these character’s struggles.
June 15, 2026
This was literally Return to Me but way less interesting and unnecessarily dramatic in such a dragging way! And the audio version did a terrible job with the voice of Hunter—sooo perfectly monotone it was uncanny. I just do not enjoy reading dramas! It is not my genre.
June 23, 2026
Not a lighthearted romance - some heavy subjects that weigh on your heart. Very similar to the movie Return to Me but even more. But sometimes life can be very heavy with many difficult experiences and this book speaks to those who triumph and find happiness despite the heartache. Content: clean.
September 13, 2026
📚Review📚
Every Beat After @sarablarson
I recieved a gifted copy from @shadowmountainpub and a positive review was not required.
I LOVED THIS READ.
Period.
That’s all you need to know.
But I’ll give you more reasons.
If you want just the right amount of tear jerking heartbreak, with real, deep, unfiltered emotions of grief and regret, this story has that.
But, if you want THE MOST sizzling chemistry, beautiful growth, discovery, faith, hope, and forgiveness you’ll get all that and more in this story as well.
Imagine the mixed feelings of gratefulness and Regretful sadness receiving a heart transplant. The only way you get to live is if someone else dies. The complexities of that are not often explored or portrayed and I think Sara shed a beautiful light on the toll that would take on a person.
Imagine making a mistake that was fatal to someone you loved. Could you ever forgive yourself? And if the ones that are supposed to have the most compassion can’t even forgive you, how could you recover from that?
Deep. Am I right?
I loved Liv’s “spooked” reactions, the family bakery, the scarred reminders, the friendships, the forced proximity, and the time it took these characters to heal. It wasn’t quick, it was realistic and heartfelt. AND Hunter was dreamy, he was hurt and angry, but so dreamy.
My favorite quote: “you know how precious life is, so instead of living in fear of it ending, live like every day is the gift you’ve been given. Because it is. You, alive, sitting in my car, looking at me like that, is a gift.”
Okay. I could have shared a billion more quotes and explained more reasons why I loved this story, but just give it a try. You will cry. And you will feel hope. I truly was blown away.
Every Beat After @sarablarson
I recieved a gifted copy from @shadowmountainpub and a positive review was not required.
I LOVED THIS READ.
Period.
That’s all you need to know.
But I’ll give you more reasons.
If you want just the right amount of tear jerking heartbreak, with real, deep, unfiltered emotions of grief and regret, this story has that.
But, if you want THE MOST sizzling chemistry, beautiful growth, discovery, faith, hope, and forgiveness you’ll get all that and more in this story as well.
Imagine the mixed feelings of gratefulness and Regretful sadness receiving a heart transplant. The only way you get to live is if someone else dies. The complexities of that are not often explored or portrayed and I think Sara shed a beautiful light on the toll that would take on a person.
Imagine making a mistake that was fatal to someone you loved. Could you ever forgive yourself? And if the ones that are supposed to have the most compassion can’t even forgive you, how could you recover from that?
Deep. Am I right?
I loved Liv’s “spooked” reactions, the family bakery, the scarred reminders, the friendships, the forced proximity, and the time it took these characters to heal. It wasn’t quick, it was realistic and heartfelt. AND Hunter was dreamy, he was hurt and angry, but so dreamy.
My favorite quote: “you know how precious life is, so instead of living in fear of it ending, live like every day is the gift you’ve been given. Because it is. You, alive, sitting in my car, looking at me like that, is a gift.”
Okay. I could have shared a billion more quotes and explained more reasons why I loved this story, but just give it a try. You will cry. And you will feel hope. I truly was blown away.
August 5, 2026
This was a good story about a girl that had a heart transplant and is afraid that she isn’t going to live long. Because of that she doesn’t want to fall in love or let anyone fall in love with her. She doesn’t want them to have to cope with her loss. However, when she starts getting to know her new neighbor things start to change. The problem is he doesn’t want to get close enough to anyone to fall in love either. Are they going to be able to find love together or will their reasons for not falling in love win?
I love how the story ended and how much the characters learned about making it through tough situations and tough consequences for past mistakes. Definitely recommend reading this book.
I love how the story ended and how much the characters learned about making it through tough situations and tough consequences for past mistakes. Definitely recommend reading this book.
June 3, 2026
First off, do not let this cover fool you! This gorgeous, fun, bright, and cheery cover is what drew me to this story. I did not read the blurb or any reviews before I started. This is how I roll most of the time. I like being surprised. And surprised I most certainly was!
This book is DEEP. Extremely emotional. Level 10 angst-fest. Sometimes raw. And beautifully and utterly poignant.
My first time reading a book from Sara and I was immediately in love with her writing. Every Beat After was a roller coaster of intense emotions. With characters bearing physical and psychological scars, conversations were at times volatile and difficult, yet heartfelt and meaningful.
I won’t get into specifics because I believe going in blind is the way to go. This story has been compared to a well known movie (one I have not watched) and from my understanding it is a good example of the plot. It also has Beauty and the Beast vibes. Both MCs are complex and in need of powerful love.
If you have enjoyed books by T. Bell, Ashley Dill, or the less angsty yet still soul deep Karen Kingsbury then this one is for you.
I was gifted a paperback copy by Shadow Mountain, which is greatly appreciated. I also listened to the audio and absolutely loved it.
This book is DEEP. Extremely emotional. Level 10 angst-fest. Sometimes raw. And beautifully and utterly poignant.
My first time reading a book from Sara and I was immediately in love with her writing. Every Beat After was a roller coaster of intense emotions. With characters bearing physical and psychological scars, conversations were at times volatile and difficult, yet heartfelt and meaningful.
I won’t get into specifics because I believe going in blind is the way to go. This story has been compared to a well known movie (one I have not watched) and from my understanding it is a good example of the plot. It also has Beauty and the Beast vibes. Both MCs are complex and in need of powerful love.
If you have enjoyed books by T. Bell, Ashley Dill, or the less angsty yet still soul deep Karen Kingsbury then this one is for you.
I was gifted a paperback copy by Shadow Mountain, which is greatly appreciated. I also listened to the audio and absolutely loved it.
June 28, 2026
warning: this book will emotionally wreck you in the best way possible. I’m not sure what I was expecting from this contemporary romance but it delivered above and beyond my hopes. The enemies vibe is top tier, and the softening is so sweet. But it was the YEARNING and learning love is worth the risk that really did me in. I cried and laughed and cried again. And the emotional impact of the last 1/3 of the book cannot be ignored. SO MANY STARS. love love love.
July 18, 2026
I heard about this book back in February at StoryCon. I'm not much of a contemporary romance reader but this was good! The author brings the complexity of having a new heart and the cost that brings. The story also shows different ways people struggle or deal with grief in good and bad ways. I appreciated that the characters talked about both sides of situations and that helped move the story forward. The dialogue did get a little wordy at times but I really liked seeing how Liv and Hunter came to understand and fall in love!
June 25, 2026
Almost skipped this when I saw "clean romance" on the cover because I do not like the implication that open door romance books are "dirty".
But with the library return date looming I decided to dip my toes in. It was heart felt and emotional, and better than I had hoped for
But with the library return date looming I decided to dip my toes in. It was heart felt and emotional, and better than I had hoped for
June 21, 2026
I cried too much in this book. The story of heartache and loss and tragedy really pulled at the heart strings. The beginning pulled me in, but the middle was a little drawn out. However, it picked up at the end again. My favorite quote: "I have always meant real love, the kind that can be strong enough to bend but not break when the storms of life hit. The kind of love that is worth fighting for."
August 22, 2026
Cute, emotional romcom book, a little cheesy. The two main characters are both in MASSIVE need of therapy which can be frustrating at times but overall a quick and easy read
September 22, 2026
If you liked the movie Return to Me, you’ll probably enjoy this book too. So sweet. Totally cried at one point. Bonus: Loved the Swedish grandmother and her bakery.
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