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Bleeding Hearts #1

Into the Tomorrows (Bleeding Hearts)

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I was born in sadness, which was just the beginning of a solemn and desolate life. I'm no stranger to pain—none of us are. The night I held my best friend's hand as she died, I understood true agony. And I never thought I'd feel happiness again. But that was so long ago... Moving to Colorado to be with Colin, my high school sweetheart, was the perfect way to start over and rekindle what had begun to fizzle. I wanted that spark to ignite, to burn in passion and desire. Instead, I found myself falling for Jude, my boyfriend's roommate. He’s the only person who understands my soul, who can breach the walls I’ve built. But I can't have him. Because I'm Trista Kohl, and my destiny is sorrow.

326 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2016

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About the author

Whitney Barbetti

18 books1,341 followers
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I am the author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. Please visit my website to see all of my current novels.



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5 stars
264 (40%)
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221 (34%)
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120 (18%)
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32 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
988 reviews1,302 followers
Read
June 12, 2016
DNF no rating

I have nothing but the utmost respect for this author, but sometimes a book just isn't for you, and this was the case here. I'm sad to say that it didn't work for me this time around.

Profile Image for talon smith.
710 reviews126 followers
June 11, 2016
Forget the fact that Whitney Barbetti is cool as shit. Forget the fact that Ten Below Zero is one of my my cherished books still to this day. And forget the fact that Whitney Barbetti likes tacos as much as I do. Whitney, as an author and her book Into The Tomorrow portrays some of the best writing I have seen to date. You don't like the characters or plot? I don't care. Whitney's writing is poignant, charismatic, and breathtaking.

"Time means nothing. Time is disposable. Time is the biggest thief of our lives, but only if we let it steal from us.”

The characters. The amount of connection and feelings I felt towards them all was astounding. We all have a little Trista in us. Even some Mila. And as much as I hate to admit it, we all know a Colin. Hell, we may even be a Colin. He drove me absolutely batty. Everything about him screamed wishy washy so I was very timid with him. You may want to hate some of the characters, but you won't. You'll empathize and understand them all.

Beautiful descriptions, incredible scenery, Taco Bell, gin and lemon lime soda, tent loads of angst, and a mysterious, sexy, and captivating Jude. I couldn't really ask for more from Whitney with this one.

“I think fear itself is healthy. It’s when you’re drowning in it that it’s not. Fear grounds you, but it can bury you too. Take a little bit, but then push on. And that’s what I did. She was profoundly beautiful and tremendously scary. Which is how every worthwhile thing should be.”

I'm going to go back to my whining about having to wait for the second book because OH MY GOD THAT ENDING. Barbetti, I'll give you 100 pounds of tacos with extra cheese if I can have Back to Yesterday now.
Profile Image for Lex Martin.
Author 37 books5,668 followers
June 16, 2016
This book was such an intense read for me. Between Whitney's beautiful prose and Trista's heartbreaking journey, I was completely sucked in, from beginning to end. I raged, I cried, and I gripped my Kindle like a life vest. Into the Tomorrows is a story you'll be thinking about long after you turn the last page.
Profile Image for Bianca.
529 reviews62 followers
June 18, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 STARS

“It’s like you’re full of secrets that you can’t speak, but you wear them on your face anyway.”

This is not your usual read. It is not the normal sad girl meets boy and he changes things. No. It’s more than that. Deeper. It’s a slow burn. It’s something that you can’t quite put your finger on, but its there. You feel it. And when things come to the surface? You’re just never the same.

“But in that moment, my indefinites transformed into something solid, real. Something I shouldn’t want, shouldn’t need. And yet…I did.”

Trista has lived in a world of sorrow. As the synopsis states, she tragically loses her best friend. And with that she loses a big part of herself. Unsure if she can ever overcome this, years later she moves to Colorado to be with her boyfriend, Colin. They have always lived a part, but with no reason to stay where she currently lives, she decides to move and be with him. She soon realizes that her heart is just not in it. Not with him. But Colin wants her to try. For them to be happy like before. But was Trista ever happy? When Trista meets his roommate, Jude something shifts in her. A light inside flickers deep inside of her. After a while that light that Jude found never wants to be turned off.

“You needed someone to see you were practically throbbing, with your aching, and- for some reason- I saw it. Saw you.”

Jude. There’s more to him than meets the eye. He is mysterious, yet gentle. He’s patient. He listens. He observes. His soul is pure. His words are meaningful and deep. He has secrets. You don’t know them. But you feel that he has them deep inside. His tattoos give a story. It’s his way of telling a story rather than allowing his scars to speak for themselves. It’s beautiful. Moving. And he will absolutely blow you away. Falling in love with Jude was easy for Trista. There was no trying. It just happened.

“Tell me what you’re feeling, Trista.”
“I’m not supposed to love you.”


The connection between Jude and Trista is unreal. He is so sensitive to her heart. To her thoughts. Her feelings. Her sorrow becomes his. He understands her sorrow. Probably more than she realizes. Their time together slowly brings Trista out of her shell. She begins to question her relationship with Colin, or the lack there of. I would not consider this a love triangle. Not even close. This story is multi layered. It’s deep. And to describe it be a love triangle would not do it justice. Instead, I will say that this story will push and challenge you. You will question love. And what does love look like? Feel like? Can you be in love with someone else when you barely know yourself? Love yourself?

“But Jude has snuck in, under the collapse of my life, burrowing into the cracks of what was left behind.”

The words in this book? Magical. Poetic. Astounding. Moving. I was mesmerized by the way the author crafted her story. Every word gave this story life. Every word was an intricate part of this story. I was overcome with emotion just by the very words in this book. Her words are powerful. Spellbinding. Addicting. The story pulls you in more and more as it develops and unfolds. You have no idea what’s to come. But you feel that there’s something underlying. Something waiting to be revealed. But when things come to the surface. Everything shatters. But not the love that Trista and Jude share. Their former shattered pieces are still whole and it is their love that keeps them together. But its their lives that will never be the same. And Jude? He promised he would wait. Wait until Trista is ready. Ready for what? That is for you to read.

“I think… that I could very easily drown in the feelings I have…for you.”

Into The Tomorrows is not a book that you read. It’s one that you get lost in. While I did have issues with the slow beginning, it later hit me that the author has her method for this. How can we truly understand the anguish, the pain, and the beauty of her words, the characters, and the story without being immersed in that world? This is a book that you savor. You absorb. You live. It is brave, thought provoking, and will leave you breathless. I have always been in awe of this author’s writing, but this book solidified it for me.
Profile Image for Amy .
3,129 reviews
June 16, 2016
“My identity was lost in the in-betweens”

“I can feel your loneliness, Trista.” He was watching me, the moon reflecting off of his face. “It’s in your eyes, that hunger for something that digs past the superficial. You want someone to know you, but you’re afraid too. And you’re consoling yourself with someone who doesn’t want to know you because you know it’s safe.” He let out a breath, like he was absolving himself of some kind of demon. “ And fuck me if it doesn’t make me want to give you what you need. You’re hungry—you’re starving. And I wish it didn’t make me want to feed you.”

“My whole body is a story, and each mark upon it is a page. Sometimes things happen in a story that you don’t want—or don’t expect—because you don’t choose it. And then, some things happen because you’ve chosen them—wanted them. My scars are things I didn’t choose. My tattoos are things I’ve chosen. And all of it is me, my story. It’s the story that sits on my throat, begging to be told. And when you’re private to tell the story, you wear it instead.”

Every once in a while there is a story that is written that just blows your mind. The story is unlike anything that you’ve read before. From the moment you get it in your hands, all you can do is devour the words. For me, Into the Tomorrows, is one of those books.

Into The Tomorrows is unlike anything that I’ve read from Whitney Barbetti before and in my opinion, this is her best writing to date. Yes, you heard me. HER BEST WRITING. To say that this story has blown me away would be a complete and utter understatement. There are no words for what this story means to me.

Into The Tomorrows is real and raw. The emotions that this story pulls out of you are so unexpected. This book isn’t a traditional love story. Yes, there is some romance, but this book is about so much more. The characters are so complex and at times frustrating and not easy to love. Trista’s journey is not an easy one at all. Her story is heartbreaking and is one of loss. Her story will show you just how that loss can take over your life and make you a shell of the person you used to be. It’s a story of loosing yourself and clawing your way back. It’s about knowing when it’s time to let go; even if you don’t want to and moving on.

And I just have to say, that ending……The ending just blew me away. I didn’t see it coming. It was so powerful. It was so moving. It had me feeling so many things. My only complaint is that the story ended and I don’t have the next book in my hands. I have so many questions!! I am dying and I mean dying to know what happens next.

Whitney Barbetti has completely outdone herself with Into The Tomorrows. The writing is brilliant and gripping and it will leave you begging for more. This book has definitely earned itself a top spot on my list of favorite reads of 2016.
Profile Image for Shannon.
522 reviews165 followers
June 16, 2016
I haven't had such a visceral reaction to a story in a long time. Whitney's style and poise is so poignant, it spoke to me on such a personal level, it's incomprehensible. This is a story that no reader should overlook.

Trista. I don't even know how to start other than saying I wish I could've helped this girl. Just start by reading the blurb, and tell me your heart doesn't hurt for this her. After hearing what she had been through, the problems she faced with her mother and her lack of identity, my heart was breaking for her. One of Trista's biggest issues was that she has always blended into the background, and due to various reasons, she had no idea of who she was as a person. She was always recognized as the other half of Ellie and Trista, or known as Colin's girlfriend, but never just Trista Kohl. Now that she wants to be just Trista, she's completely lost.

“I can’t, not right now. It’s so much, and I’m not ready for you.”
I felt him press a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll be waiting when you are.”


Jude is the type of person that is just incredibly soulful and wise. He possesses wisdom beyond his years and delivers it in such a manner as well. He kind of reminds me of grandmother Willow. He smart, passionate, confident, intensely focused and loyal. He values honesty and both has previously and continues to put himself in harms way in order to protect those around him. Not every book needs an alpha-caveman like hero. You know the ones, "me like girl, me chase girl, me love girl" while pounding in their chest and marking their territory. I loved everything about Jude and how immensely unique his character was. He speaks when he has something to say, supports others when that's what they need, and does it all with a quiet and clear grace.

With how amazing Jude was, he was the absolute perfect type of character to be matched up with Trista. He was so sure footed and knew what he wanted in life, has a solid base of morals and a foundation laid for the rest of his life. Trisha was so lost and unidentified that she possessed none of the sureness that Jude had. But the perfect thing was how Jude could help her along the way, to delve inside her and discover these qualities, these likes, dislikes, and hopes. I can't think of a better set of complimentary main characters in any book I've read in a long time.

“Ready?” he asked against the shell of my ear.
Every time he asked that, he made me think I wasn’t ready. No, definitely not ready for the havoc Jude would wreak upon my heart.
But I nodded, and his arms slid down until we were holding hands. And as we began our descent, all I could think about was how he didn’t let go of me. Not once. He held my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Jude was a holder. And I’d never realized until that moment how badly I’d needed to be held.


I loved the setting of the roof and how this could be a private place for Jude and Trista together. I swooned over every second of these conversations and they really helped to build the connection between these two characters. There's just something about people talking about their secrets in the dark that speaks to me. They were safe, calm and trusting of the other. They could confide in each other and believe what was happening. The roof was there space, and some pretty important information was traded there. If I could think about a major turning point in the novel for their relationship, it would have to do with this setting.

There were a few truly unique elements during Into The Tomorrows, one of my favourites being the foreshadowing and comparisons with the myth and Celtic legend of Tristan and Iseult. It was refreshing and quite captivating to read about while woven into this story.

Realism is a topic that I want to touch upon briefly, and this could very well be how I originally connected with the story and Trista so well and so quickly. Her best friend Ellie dies at a party, because of some drugs that she's taken. *spoiler police, don't get mad. It's in the synopsis*. This immediately struck a nerve with me. I'm extremely thankful to say that none of my friends have died, but it's a very scary revelation when you're at a party, and you realize your friend(s) have taken something, whether it's ecstasy, MDMA, Molly, whatever the case may be. For the most part, sure all ends up being okay, but there are times when it doesn't. It's nerve wracking, especially when you didn't know they were taking anything in the first place. I can easily recall what it's like on those nights, being in that situation of trying to look out for someone. Being in Trista's shoes is one of my greatest fears in that sense.

“Tell me something, Jude.”
“What?”
“Anything.” Just help me not feel so alone.
“Do you know why I love the mountains so much?”
“No.”
“Life is temporary. The world is not.”
[...]
“I climb mountains so that I can see the world. The world doesn’t care what I’ve done.”


On a lighter note, the realism in the camping and travel scenes to the fear and adrenaline of wildlife spottings was completely on point. I enjoy hiking, I have previously climbed a mountain (just as Trista and Jude do) and in the past I was an avid camper. I can say from experience, Whitney knows what she's talking about and paints a precise picture with her words.

There were so many feelings I had and different emotions that I experienced during this book. Everything from the high of a swoon worthy man showing his adoration to the depths of despair and loneliness, Whitney creates it all. She took my breath away and at times created tears. My thoughts and emotions on this story are still over the top, even days after finishing. I won't let these two go from my heart for a long time.

“What if the truth is dirty?” I followed it with a nervous swallow, watched as his gaze shifted for a second to my throat before meeting my eyes again.
“Then I appreciate it even more. Let me be stained with truth. I’ll take a dirty truth over a pretty lie any day.”


I tend to associate songs with the books that I read, whether they match with a theme, scene, character, etc. One that I kept thinking of for Jude and Trista was Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes. I love the emotion it can bring to these two and their situation.

I won't lie to you
I know he's just not right for you
And you can tell me if I'm off
But I see it on your face
When you say that he's the one that you want
And you're spending all your time
In this wrong situation
And anytime you want it to stop

I'll stop time for you
The second you say you'd like me too
I just wanna give you the loving that you're missing
Baby, just to wake up with you
Would be everything I need and this could be so different
Tell me what you want to do

I know I can treat you better
Than he can
And any girl like you deserves a gentleman
Tell me why are we wasting time
On all your wasted crime
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can


At times I found a few idioms and sentences to be a tad repetitive. The same issues were discussed over and over again as way of explanations to why a character acted the way they did --- I both agree and disagree with this to an extent. I disagree at times for the reasoning, just meaning that I don't necessarily see it as a good enough reason to justify the behaviours, but then on the other hand, I completely understand. These were some deep routed issues and fears, so I can acknowledge how important they were to address and why they kept resurfacing. Because of this, even if it came across as repetitive at times, I can appreciate why it continues to be brought up throughout the novel. *No, don't worry, it's not a case of the heroine's self esteem issue, thinking she isn't good enough for the hero -- that drives me bonkers when overdone :P and yes, I'm purposely being vague. Read the book and find out!*

“My whole body is a story, and each mark upon it is a page. Sometimes things happen in a story that you don’t want—or don’t expect—because you don’t choose it. And then, some things happen because you’ve chosen them—wanted them. My scars are things I didn’t choose. My tattoos are things I’ve chosen. And all of it is me, my story. It’s the story that sits in my throat, begging to be told. And when you’re too private to tell the story, you wear it instead.”


There were a few twists and revelations during Into The Tomorrows and in my opinion, there's three major ones. One of them had a few small hints hidden throughout the story which I picked up on fairly easily. If you're paying attention, I'm sure you will as well, it's not a complete bomb dropping if you know what to look for, and I believe it's written this way as to give the reader suspicions. The second one, while no there were no hints, it refers to both the past and present, as well as shedding light on some of the aforementioned issues. This one I speculated on for a long time - like most of the novel, long time. These two twists *for me, at least* were the sort of obvious ones; not predictable, but easier to see. The last twist though? Holy crap on a cracker, Batman! I did NOT see that one coming at all. I was more than a little shocked. I knew something was up, but I couldn't quite figure out what it would be. The reveal was like a sucker punch to the gut. I was shaken and didn't know at the time how to handle it. I felt like I was actually a part of the book, these characters were so real to me. I was hurt and confused, angry and alone, much like this character in the story.

While talking about the predictions I was making, I have a secret to confess. I did, shamefully, peak forward in the book to see if my guesses were correct. This isn't usually something I do but I couldn't help it, I just needed to confirm my queries. Now, an extremely important point I need to get across. I read part of the ending while I was only a little more than a third of the way through the book. I understood what was happening in the end, but didn't have a huge amount of connection to it, if that makes sense. But then by the time I finished and actually read the ending how it should've been, after knowing all that I know and investing my feelings into these characters, I was completely blown away. Speechless. Dumbfounded. I didn't know how to react and had to consciously remind myself to inhale and exhale. That last chapter was one of the most intense I've experienced in a long, long time. Note I said experienced, not read. Since finishing it three days ago, I've read the last few pages no less than eight or nine times. It just keeps repeating in my head and I need to go back and experience the words again.

There's a warning at the beginning of the book that Into The Tomorrows is not a complete novel. It's not a stand alone and is actually the first book in a series. The ending, while I wouldn't refer to it as a cliffhanger, leaves you guessing. Could Whitney end the story there? She totally could - that's what I mean about it not being a cliffhanger - but she leaves you needing more and with a want for the rest of Trista and Jude's story. I need the second book like I need a million dollars... I needed it yesterday. I have so many feels and questions. On the plus side, the first chapter of Back to Yesterday is included at the end, so you get a glimpse into what happens next. After this delicious little morsel, my thirst for the second book in the series is only amplified. I need it now! I keep tapping on the last page in my kindle, hoping more might magically appear.

Into the Tomorrows is so much more than just the words on a page. It's an enchanting journey of loss, hope, heartbreak, beauty and sorrow. I relished every moment and lived through every word. This will give you a major book hangover, I guarantee it.

“Life’s too God damn short to be living so sad.” His voice had taken on an edge of impatience and he coughed again into his hand. “Live for tomorrow.”
“Sometimes, there is no tomorrow.” I thought of Ellie, how I’d prayed to wake up from what I assumed was a nightmare. For the tomorrow to carry me from the nightmare.
“Which is why you should live for it.


*An ARC was provided by the author and Indie Girl Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kimberly Dodd.
54 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2016
Wow. As I sit here and mourn the end of this book, I'm trying to find the words to adequately portray my feelings.

This book was achingly beautiful in all of the best possible ways. Barbetti always manages to steal my breath with her words but the emotions and feelings I have after this one is everything.

These characters carried parts of my soul around with them. Feelings I know all too well we're there, in black and white, written on a page for everyone to read.

This is hands down one of my new all time favorite books and I can tell it's going to climb right to the top of my favorite series. Loved every page. Every single page.

Can I have Back to Yesterday yet? Pretty pretty please?!
Profile Image for Ali .
663 reviews153 followers
August 9, 2016
2.5 stars

I am struggling with my overall rating and thoughts on Into the Tomorrows. Barbetti’s Ten Below Zero was a standout read for me when I read it last year, and I was very much looking forward to this title. I like broken characters and the idea of falling for your partner’s roommate is the right amount of taboo to catch my attention.

So, why the struggle?

Well, there were a couple of things. Let’s start with the bad then move on to the good.

Trista.

Trista has not had a happy life, her childhood was not carefree and she lacked a lot of love at home. One constant was her best friend and later, in high school, her boyfriend. Though, Colin really sucks at being a boyfriend as time goes on. Trista is content with that. As if she’s programmed to just accept whatever is given with no expectations or belief that she even deserves better. Through so much of the book this girl is depressed and I had such a hard time with that. Not because I don’t understand depression or grief and the heavy burden they both play on a life…it was more that she seemed to look for it. As if she chose to turn every memory into something sad instead of something cherished.

Had her depression lasted for a shorter time, I would have been behind it 100%. But she lived this way for years. YEARS. Years with a sad and lonely life. Years with a boyfriend she rarely saw and didn’t even know anymore. I hated the timeline of it all. I hated that she never, in all those years, tried to be a person with value and worth. I know people deal with grief differently and so many readers will understand her plight, but…for me…it was difficult.

Colin.

What an utter twat. I never saw him as anything other than that. Which makes it really difficult to understand why either of them stayed in this weird, six year, relationship. Separated by distance, by choice, yet still technically together. FOR YEARS. Again, the timeline just didn’t work for me. I saw through this guy from the beginning, in all things expect for one. He kept one secret that I didn’t quite see coming.

There are a lot of secrets in this story. Most, I think a lot of readers will pick up on. But it was those secrets that kept me reading, I really wanted to see how tragic the reveal would be. I mean, there was no way it could flesh out with a tidy happy ending. Not easily, anyway.

That was a tick on the plus side.

Another plus was Jude. The only really developed and appealing character. He’s caring and tender but he also holds his cards close to his chest. I could easily see why Trista would fall for him, even when I had a hard time understanding why he would fall for her.

While the beginning was a rough go for me, it got better once Jude and Trista really began to connect. And the ending, well…I saw that cliff coming and still willing jumped and now I’ll be hanging on it until book two arrives.
Profile Image for Kandi Steiner.
Author 86 books14.9k followers
June 29, 2016
I finished this book two days ago and I still don't have the words to explain how much I loved it. It's been a LONG time since I devoured a book the way I did this one. If you don't read the rest of this review, make sure you read and retain this next sentence: BUY THIS BOOK. Buy it right now. Read it and savor it and wrap yourself up like a burrito inside its pages. Whitney Barbetti's Into the Tomorrows is one of my top reads this year!

First let me start this by saying it's been FOREVER since I read a book so in tune with my own soul. I could feel Trista and her struggles bone-deep. The writing in ITT is phenomenal, capturing you like a sticky spider web and holding you captive. Each sentence is a song, each chapter a poem. There is so much more than an angsty new adult read here (though I do LOVE the angst) - there's self-discovery, there's pain, there's hope. It's absolutely incredible to be a part of.

I'll also say that I wish I could have been the first to read this book so I could call dibs on Jude. Good LORD I haven't fallen for a book boyfriend this hard in quite some time. I'm still dreaming about Jude (also about wrestling bears, but that's a tale for another time). He's attentive - startling so - and he's profound and beautiful and rugged and caring. He's funny. He's hot. He's just... everything. I loved every single second spent with him inside this book.

"Had a man ever looked at me like that? So entirely focused?"

Angst is my thing. It just is. I love to write it, read it, FEEL it - and I felt it so hard during this book. From the moment Trista and Jude met, I knew... I KNEW I was in for a ride. And let me just tell you, I physically ached during this book in the best way.

Surprisingly, Yellowstone was my favorite part of ITT. Everything about that trip called to me and I can't wait to actually get there and see it all myself. The imagery in this book is just insane, and it shows Barbetti's passion for and attention to the tiny details that really make a novel stand out.

"Let me be stained with truth." <--- THIS!!! *dies*

I can't say enough good things about Into the Tomorrows and Barbetti's writing style. Yes, there is a cliffhanger, but you know what? It's worth it. I'm actually looking FORWARD to torturing myself and asking what will happen for the next few months as I wait for book two.

If I can leave you with anything, I'd like it to be this: Take a chance on Into the Tomorrows and Whitney Barbetti. You have my word that you won't regret it!

(P.S. Read the acknowledgements. They're hilarious. THANKS B! ;) Bahahaha.)
Profile Image for Amy.
693 reviews
June 19, 2016
Into The Tomorrows (Bleeding Hearts Book 1)
Whitney Barbetti
3.5 stars

So I don’t know if Im in a reading funk but the stories just aren’t hitting me right or well the past few days. The preface of this book is just sad. Trista is born from hate almost – not even sadness and it bothered me that her mother was such a worthless piece of shit. There was no strong female lead. We had a child basically verbally abused by her mother which lead to her lacking any self esteem in who she was. Her entire childhood from the minute she was born was “lost.”

Her boyfriend Colin was a douche in himself. There is also a tragedy that involves drugs which if this is a trigger then you don’t need to click this up. Colin didn’t bring Trista in to a good place or much less try. Trista was too busy trying to figure out who she was and instead of Colin helping her; he was hindering her in more ways than one.

Jude is a stronger character in this book but plays a part of deceit in Trista’s life. He was a match for Trista as far as he was well grounded for the most part and gave some firm footing for Trista to stand on at moments.

The ending is a cliffhanger but you do get a small glimpse into Back to Yesterday; the second book. Again this was not my cup of tea as it was full of sadness and heart wrenching moments .. There weren’t very many happy times in this book and not much suspense in the sense of “who is behind all this mess” type of thing. If you love a tear jerking heart breaking read then this one is for you
!
Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Profile Image for cynthia.
120 reviews
October 11, 2016
Still processing feelings

It's a few months after I've read ITT and I still don't know how to express how much I loved this story but figure I needed to give it a try.

Into the tomorrows is a story about loss, self discovery, and finding love. The female MC Trista has not had an easy life.

Love the poems
Jude is everything
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
June 13, 2016
Full Review to Come.

I think this is Whitney Barbetti's best work yet!
Profile Image for Mary Ruth .
222 reviews51 followers
June 23, 2016

*An e-ARC of the book was given by the author in exchange for an honest review*

There is no doubt that Whitney Barbetti is really one of my literary goddesses. This woman knows how to capture simple emotions and draw depth from them. Into the Tomorrows was a consuming read; something that will keep you thinking, feeling, and anticipating. So addictive and hard to put down!
“You’re not Trista the sad; you’re Trista the unknown.”

Trista never had a clear picture of the kind of woman she was. She was always attached to someone, always part of another. So when she was in the process of losing both of her other halves, she felt lost. Now on the quest of standing independently on both feet, Trista finds herself, yet again, dangerously attached to a man whose ability of making her feel special consumed her. Trista’s depth was addicting. Being able to feel and experience with her felt like a number of first times. It was like the first breath after a flight or the first heartbeat after a first kiss; all too exhilarating and palpable.
I’d had this feeling about Jude, like he could upend my life without really trying to. That I could fall in love with him without meaning to.

Jude always needed to feel alive. And he sought that life atop mountains, bordering the trees. He always seems like he needed to go extreme; to prove something, feel something, and discover something. Jude’s adventurous soul was such an inspiring feat in this book. He represented trust and security, the beauty of success in taking risks. But meeting and feeling with Trista was the most intense adventure he’s ever been in, and losing her might be the only adventure that could endanger his heart.
“You’re hungry—you’re starving. And I wish you didn’t make me want to feed you.”

The slow, seeping emotions in this book was absolutely addicting. Whitney Barbetti did a wonderful job in establishing an unpredictably gripping plot with this one. The main focus was not the romance but the characters’ search for something deeper, the hunger for something more. I loved the courage and risk Jude’s character inspired, contrasting Trista’s safe and lost one. And unexpectedly, these two souls combined was a poignant mess of hope, brokenness, scars, and love. Into the Tomorrows is an immensely satisfying read and I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Samantha Hanson.
139 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2016
Whitney Barbetti has done it again. This woman can write a story that will punch you in the gut and make you do a double take before you even know what hits you.

Oh Jude! I am seriously in love. I think he is my soulmate character. If I could make a mold it would definitely be in the form of Jude… sigh. Poor Trista has had a rough upbringing and her boyfriend Colin really was the kind of guy you want to smack upside the head. He leaves Trista to fend for herself after a move and my boy Jude is there to step in and be a good friend. I loved watching Trista find herself and learn who she really is.

This book is a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see where Whitney takes the story. I feel so connected to these characters and I was terribly sad when the book ended. This is a book that needs to be one-clicked. Get this 5 star read now!
Profile Image for Sanaa .
1,219 reviews177 followers
June 16, 2016
3-3.5 stars

WOW!!

What a story. I'm not gonna lie but I was so not expecting that ending. It was shocking to say the least. I would love the second book like yesterday.

The reason why I gave this book the rating I did was because of the story around the halfway mark. I got quite bored. I honestly thought that the first 15% and the ending were the best part of the story. Had it gone that emotional and evoked some more through the middle, this story would have had a totally different rating.

I also wasn't the best fan of Trista for some of the things she did. But aside from that, I loved the writing and way Whitney got some emotions out of me. I love Whitney and I will always read her books even after this!

An arc was provided for an honest review!
Profile Image for Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks.
1,790 reviews168 followers
June 16, 2016
Oh how I love Whitney Barbetti's way with words! She can put so many emotions into them and create these beautiful stories.

So far, the books of hers I've read have the perfect ammount of angst the stories needed and Into the Tomorrows is not different.

I had Colin figured out since the first time he appeared and although my heart broke for Trista I wanted to shake her up and show her what she was missing. I love Jude. He is everything. And I like Mila too.

Now I really like Trista. I like how we can all relate to her a time or two in our lives, even if our lives and experiences are different than hers.

I can't wait for the next book, I have a feeling I will enjoy seeing more of them and seeing Trista mature even more!!!
Profile Image for Aubrey Bertucci.
44 reviews
March 19, 2023
Based on the half naked sexy mountain man on the cover, you'd think this book was full of all sorts of spice🌶️...it will surely disappoint in the spice department if that's what you're looking for. Please don't judge this book by its sexy man cover, it's fine for Grandma.

While slightly predictable, the overall book had a good storyline with a lot of geography/nature/science stuff. I think I'm noticing this more while I do my 50 states challenge as I read books from different settings and states!

This book was more about Trista finding herself than any man. I think the author really missed a large community of readers by choosing such a smutty cover. The WASPY moms certainly won't be suggesting it for book club anytime soon.

While there was some alcohol, drugs, and a mini sex scene at the end, the majority of the book was PG. Although it covers some tough topics.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but wasn't what I expected. I liked the story and setting and it gave me the itch to travel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
998 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2019
Cliffhanger, but still a good story

Trista has had a life of heartache, and it only seems to get worse. When she finally gives in to moving to Colorado with her longtime boyfriend Colin. Colin's roommate Jude seems more intune with her than Colin and she feels more alone than ever.
Without giving away the ending, just know that it gets worse before there's any reprieve. That is Ms. Barbetti's style and will give you all the feels for these characters. You will feel their sadness and their pain, their joys and triumphs, and every emotion in between.

I also listened to the audiobook. I would have given it 5 stars but it's a cliffhanger and at the time of reading this there is no audiobook version for the second half. I would rather have the option to read and listen so I don't have to put the book completely down. Lauren Sweet portrayed Trista flawlessly, wringing out both her sorrow and anger with such believable conviction.
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.&#x1f4d6;&#x1f49b;.
2,235 reviews
April 5, 2017
I went back and forth on how to rate this book. The ending was shocking and I enjoyed that the most. I have to say that I went back and forth between loving and hating Colin and Tristan. I am going to start book 2 just to get some closure.
Profile Image for Alison.
302 reviews26 followers
February 6, 2019
I made it about 48% through this audiobook and had to toss it. The most boring, depressing non story I have ever attempted. Since I knew it wasn’t going to actually end, I had to give up
Profile Image for Sanzana.
158 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2016
***ARC generously given by Indie Girl Promotions

Some parts of this story contain minor spoilers.

In every book I've read of Whitney's, her male heros reflect her in a way. Jude is insightful and his stories, like Whitney's, make me "think too much." Making me feel a lot like the female lead, uncomfortable, but I can help but want to be embraced by Jude...embraced by the story.

By far, Jude is my favourite male hero (I'm so sorry Everett) that Whitney has written.

Into the Tomorrow's, despite not being a standalone, is one of my favourite serials that I've read since...awhile. Although it does have a cliff-hanger, I love how most things at the end of the book were tied and somewhat resolved. Giving me some satisfaction as opposed to an abrupt ending.

I can't name a single book by Whitney that hasn't caused me to feel. I cried reading this book even though I was prepared. I cried a lot, but then again, I'm emotional AF, so you may not feel the same. But crying is cathartic to me, and with the story and the characters, it felt even more special.

I'm rambling, I'm sorry.

I didn't like Trista. I didn't like what she was doing to herself and her relationship with Colin. Heck, I hated what Colin was doing to her.

But there was something telling me to read on. To hear Trista's story and listen to her words. To not judge her for her actions and decisions. She's human, as Jude says. Her voice needs to be heard.



I look for connections between myself and the characters when I read novels. Trista did things the opposite of me, and yet, I still love her character. I love her and her story. Sure, I've been upset with her choice of words in certain situations, but she isn't me. And I had to come to acceptance with that while reading her story.

Don't mistake my words as a bashing for the book (I did give the novel 5 stars after all) but it's me coming into terms with books and words that make me feel uncomfortable. The things Colin did when it comes his social media posts is something I can be guilty of. And seeing myself that way made me uncomfortable.

I also really, really loved Trista's poems. I am obsessed with poetry and god, her words really spoke to me.

It's the twilight of my relationship,
something I didn't understand
until a man on a roof with words
meant to slide into the cracks left from the
relationship
told me with his lips and his hands and his
presence
that he was not safe.


Like??!! GOD this! I kind want it on special paper and placed on my walls!

I do hope that you'll all give this a chance. I know many of you are afraid of cliffys like I am, but I think you'll really love this one. I did, and frankly, I want more. Whitney, if you're reading this, I'm so glad you wrote another book. I'm so glad you wrote this one.

I always need your books to breathe.

Life is temporary. The world is not.
Profile Image for Natalie Williams (BibliophileLove_ox).
157 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2016
Okay. I have no idea where to start with this.

I LOVE Whitney Barbettis words, all of them. Her ability to take 26 letters and mix them around to create something so beautiful and consuming stuns me. The way she can start a book and have me dragged in and crying before the second chapter? Amazing.

Ten below Zero was one of my favourite reads by this author and one of my most cherished books ever but lets stop and take a minute because Into the Tomorrows has just fucking topped it!!!! Yes i devoured this book, i loved the slow pace of it and how there was so much detail and so many feels in each and every chapters. FUCK...i havent read an ending chapter that intense in forever. I was on the edge of my seat, tears may have been involved. When it ended...well i spemt 5 minutes tapping my screen hoping it wasnt over. OH MY GOD that ending!!!

Trista.. Oh girl, my heart broke for you so many times. Trista moves to colorado to be with her boyfriend, empty and alone after a tragic event. Not sure where her relationship is going she takes the chance.

Jude Sigh MINE. DIBS. I WANT HIM!!! Jude is Trista's new roomie. Somewhat a geek and always there for her. Some would call their meeting fate. Call it what you will, these characters together are beautiful and all consuming. Jude helps Trista, he's her shoulder to cry on and her only friend since Ellie. Somewhere amongst there time together feelings develop and whilst finding herself she also finds something so much more in Jude.

I loved everything about this book, its a story of love, guilt, heartbreak and an adventure of finding your true self. I cried, im sure somewhere i laughed and smiled through my tears too.
These characters are everything. I felt everything they did, it was like i was right there alongside them. It was the moments where they were sat with simple conversation or sat in silence that i loved them the most. The moments where their souls were bared to each other without saying anything. This story gripped me and wouldnt let go, it was so raw and oh so real.

I’m not ready for you

There is no doubt your heart will break when you meet Trista, the broken girl with sad eyes.
But you feel so much more when she meets the one person that is willing to do anything to give her what she is hungry for.

Please wait for me, Because I will come back for you

Despite this book not being a standalone, it is by far one of my favourites this year. Cliffhanger yes, but not one that leaves so much unanswered. Please dont put this book off until book two is released, its worth reading right now!!
I havent read a book by Whitney Barbetti that hasnt caused me to cry and feel all the damn feels.
I need book 2 like RIGHT NOW!!! Im not above begging ;)

Its beautiful. Its raw. Its everything.



Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
January 3, 2017
Title: Into the Tomorrows

Series: Bleeding Hearts #1

Author: Whitney Barbetti

Genre: Romance, New Adult & College

Blurb:

I was born in sadness, which was just the beginning of a solemn and desolate life. I'm no stranger to pain—none of us are. The night I held my best friend's hand as she died, I understood true agony. And I never thought I'd feel happiness again. But that was so long ago... Moving to Colorado to be with Colin, my high school sweetheart, was the perfect way to start over and rekindle what had begun to fizzle. I wanted that spark to ignite, to burn in passion and desire. Instead, I found myself falling for Jude, my boyfriend's roommate. He’s the only person who understands my soul, who can breach the walls I’ve built. But I can't have him. Because I'm Trista Kohl, and my destiny is sorrow.
PLEASE NOTE: Into the Tomorrows is not a standalone. It is the first book in a series. The sequel, Back to Yesterday, will be published late summer or early fall.

Thoughts: I first discovered newcomer Whitney Barbetti a couple years ago when she published “Ten Below Zero” and though I was relatively new to the book scene at the time, I recognized the genius of her writing. Then she published her “He Found Me” series, and that confirmed it . . . she’s no 1-hit wonder (writer). Barbetti is the real deal. “Into the Tomorrows” is definitely on par with her previous books too. There’s usually a great bit of sadness in her writing, the characters stories that is. Barbetti pulls you in quickly and exposes you to their lives, making you feel what they feel. When her character’s stomach falls you plummet right along with them!

As the book blurb describes, Trista Kohl’s destiny is sorrow. Her Mother told her, “Sorrow. It’s your destiny.” She never wanted Trista, blames her for her woes, for Krista’s Father leaving her when she told him she was pregnant. She drowns her sorrows in booze and later kicks Krista out of the house. Three years after the traumatic death of her best friend Ellie that put Krista in a tail spin, she moves from Wyoming to Colorado to live with her boyfriend Colin. They’d been “together” almost six years, but not really together. It’s an odd relationship and once she arrives at his request he’s distant, running hot and cold or really more like lukewarm and cold. His roommates are twins Jude and Mila. If you’re thinking love triangle, well this is so much more twisted than that!

There were plenty of plot twists I totally didn’t see coming and the ending . . .well that just blew me away. I won’t tell you what happened or who did what, but I found myself wishing Krista would rip someone a new one and take a swing at em’ too. What a cliff hanger, only this cliff didn’t come with an arm back up the 500 foot drop!

Grade: A+
Review by: Jeananna
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Book Loving Fairy-Blog.
1,263 reviews31 followers
June 10, 2016
Star Rating: 5 stars

“Love isn’t worth the heartache it leaves behind. Don’t fall in love. You’ll lose all your happiness.”

This was a gripping read for me, very raw and real.

The emotions that come out when Ellie dies is real and you can feel the pain through Trista’s words.

Trista Kohl, the girl that is swamped with sorrow and doesn’t know how to find her way out of it and simply at this point in her life she doesn’t want to, for anyone. Time passes and Trista still feels trapped in the a very hurtful past and doesn’t seem to come to grips with what’s in her future. Can moving to Colorado with her boyfriend of years help her?
I was angry and sad all throughout this book for many reasons, one big, huge one that stood out to me was Colin. Ugh, I wanted to ring his neck, REPEATEDLY! Trying to come off as the ever doting boyfriend who just wanted his happy girlfriend back in the beginning but soon I started noticing his changes before even Trista did, annoying by the way, but I still was hopeful until Jude entered this and things changed.

“Always do what you are afraid to do.”

Trista’s life is so real and heartbreaking that one can’t help but wonder why there are human beings that actually treat their children like that. The hurt and basic abandonment from her mother is what caused Trista’s problems from the beginning.
Jude and Colin, totally different people who are in her life and she knows it wrong to want one and not really care if she has the other but nothing stops her from realizing what is right in front of her.
I never expected what happened at the end of this book, I am not one that is fond of Cliff hangers and this is no exception, I worry what happened to her. Is she okay? what about Jude? Did she really leave him? All the while I can only think I hope not because that would give me a reason to ugly cry, not pretty by the way!

This is my first read from this author and I will be looking into getting more of her books because I really love Trista and I can’t wait to meet more of her characters.

“I’m not ready for you.”

Heart breaking moments are what is in store for you when you meet Trista the broken girl who has the sad eyes and hungry for something that only one person can give her and he is willing, without a doubt and is waiting.

“Please wait for me, Because I will come back for you.”

I need Back to Yesterday like 5 minutes ago when I finished this book. I need Jude and I need my broken girl. It’s not often I hold a book so close to me but when I do I grip it tight and don’t let go.

-Michele Y
Profile Image for Tina.
612 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2016
I was hesitant to read this one.

I love Whitney Barbetti. Her writing evokes so much emotion and I feel like her words are written for my soul. This book comes after a long pause since her last release and I was rabid for something from Barbetti’s brain. So naturally when this book came about and I heard more about it and saw the lovely cover, I was anxious to read it. Then I read the synopsis… Cheating. I hate it. With a passion. So naturally I was VERY torn about reading this book but I took a chance and I was left stunned in the end.

Into the Tomorrows is the first in the Bleeding Hearts series. With that being said, the ending is a bit of a shock that will leave you desperate for the next book. So you have been warned. The book is written in the beautiful style that is quickly becoming a signature of Barbetti. It is filled with beautiful prose, emotion, and angst that is so deep it hurts. It is a book that makes you think.

We have many characters that are important in this story. There is Trista, Colin, Jude, and Mila. Everyone is interconnected and their lives fused together. Trista is the main female character. She is a very introspective and hesitant woman. When you start reading the book, the story starts with a gut wrenching bang, a moment that defines Trista’s future and gives the reader vital insight into who she is and why. Colin is Trista’s boyfriend and Jude and Mila are his roommates. The dynamics within this group is very interesting. They all have very distinct characteristics that enhance the book.

I am trying so hard not to blurt out the secrets in this story. There are things I did not see coming and in the end I was reeling. I was angry and confused. I was heartbroken for these characters and ready to fight in someones corner. Barbetti shows the reality of the gray area, the area in a love story where you love more than one person, both differently and for very different reasons. She explores the guilt, the confusion, and the emotion behind Trista’s story. The way everything is presented is different from the genre and as someone who avoids this theme, I loved this book. Don’t let it deter you.
Profile Image for Beauté De Livres  (Vivian Freeman).
226 reviews23 followers
June 26, 2016
It’s been a week since I’ve read this book and every day I sit at my laptop determined to write a review and every day I shut my laptop in defeat. Usually I am good with words and expressing how a book made me feel, but for this one, I come up blank. What I find more peculiar is that I inhaled this book. I took in every word and absorbed every sentence. It weighed heavy on my mind and even heavier on my heart. Through Trista Kohl, Whitney Barbetti has paid attention to detail and depicted sadness in an alluring and enchanting story of love, loss and light.

Into the Tomorrows is about a girl that is born into sadness and continues to live in darkness and disheartenment. Consumed by the death of her best friend, Barbetti takes readers on an exploration of Trista’s fears and intense loneliness. Shrouded in solitude for so long, Trista finally decides she needs to let the past go. Off to Colorado to live with her boyfriend of six years, Trista longs to find herself, longs to belong, and longs for hope.

Instantly being with Colin seems like a mistake. Returning to Colin feels wrong. But, here with Colin… is Jude.

Jude is like the sun. Strong, fierce and burning so bright, he is different, he is captivating, he is the light that eclipses Trista’s dark.

In a poignant journey of self-discovery, Whitney Barbetti weaves in a love story that can only be described as spellbinding and soul wrenching, filled with anguish, heartache and a determined streak of hope. Jude and Trista, together tell the multifaceted tale of finding the right kind of love at that the wrong time. Written with such thought and meticulousness, Trista’s story and her connection with Jude is deep and profound. You will feel it in your heart and you will feel it in your bones. Flawlessly, Barbetti’s writing brings to life the intricacies of the body, heart, soul and mind, having you devoted, invested and desperate for more.
Profile Image for Sakuranko.
495 reviews58 followers
August 26, 2016
I am trying to put my better words for this review. It was annoying finish this book due all my family decided talk me when I was reaching to the last chapters. Wow this was so unexpected in many different ways. First the fact about Ellie wow that was amazing. This book is about sorrow and grief more than a romantic and sexy book that surely is too.

I felt pretty bad about Trista. First because come on that name is not nothing pretty and her mom is a truly bitch. And well Colin is a son of bitch too. The worst boyfriend ever. And the most sad part was that book let me remember and let me know that I was in a similar situation with a guy few years ago and I was so silly. And I love it when a book touched me in parts of my life. That is good because I remembered my ex asshole boyfriend and all his shit and he was just like Colin. The videogames were more important for him than me. About the last cliffhanger that was unexpected (at least a part).

I love it how Whitney Barbetti plays in this book about the Honesty and the Lies and probably this is a big issue in this book. Because just like that is how works in the real life. Not everything is completely white or black. And the people that we know carry a lot of lies for us (and that is sad) but each people has their reasons for that. I felt annoyed just in the last chapters but I love it how everything was wrapped with this book. The lies are the worst. The best is be honest wit ourselves.

5 STARS! -> I need the sequel!
Profile Image for Chelsea Tollefson.
310 reviews5 followers
June 21, 2016
Interesting... I thought I had read a book from this author before, and I just looked after finishing this one. I read He Found Me.

Throughout Into the Tomorrows, I enjoyed the story but there were a couple things that really irked me. It took me a while to figure out what they were. Then I just read my review from He Found Me and my feelings are exactly the same.

I enjoyed the story. The things that rubbed me the wrong way:
-wordiness. It was so repetitive. Yes, I understand that you only know yourself as half of Ellie and Trista. Yeah, I got that Jude could be described as solid. I KNOW BECAUSE YOU'VE SAID IT A MILLION TIMES.
-believability. I just couldn't connect with Jude. He just didn't seem like a person that could ever exist. Maybe it's the language they use in dialogue that's so formal. Still not sure exactly why, but it didn't work for me. (I'll put the same disclaimer here as my other review: yes, I realize it's fiction. But unless it's paranormal, it needs to seem like something - or someone - that could potentially exist in the world. And he didn't seem like that to me)
-I don't know how else to say this: everything was laid on real thick. I was not really surprised by anything that happened because the ominous...ness... (Word?) was everywhere.

So, all these things said, I would still probably recommend this book. It really is a good, original story. I think maybe this author's writing style is just not my personal cup of tea.
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