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Sweetest Heartbreak

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WINNER OF THE 2018 SOON TO BE FAMOUS IL AUTHOR PROJECT

When naïve, humble, and beautiful meets arrogant, brash, and handsome, it can only lead to…Sweetest Heartbreak

Twenty-three year old Leah Dawson is better off than most, and she knows it. With a supportive family, a great job out of college, and her best friend, Eli, by her side, she doesn’t take anything this life has to offer for granted. A lesson she learned when she lost her dad to cancer. Another lesson she’s learned? Don’t date your best friend. But she and Eli worked through the awkwardness and are now firmly planted in the friend zone. Until she meets Eli’s other best friend, Heath, and true feelings are exposed.

Fresh out of rehab, Heath Braeburn is Leah’s opposite in every way. Spoiled. Reckless. Impetuous. The only thing they have in common is Eli, who has been by Heath’s side through it all, including when his mom up and left years ago. A fact he’s never gotten over. But at twenty-four years old, it’s time to prove that he’s not the man everyone has come to expect him to be. Starting with Leah. She is his clean slate. His game changer. But will he become Leah’s biggest regret?

This is a story of what happens when friendships are tested, words go unspoken, and hearts are broken. And how three friends all manage to find their way back to each other.

Due to strong sexual content, coarse language and mature subject matter, this book is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2017

169 people are currently reading
906 people want to read

About the author

Heather Bentley

3 books172 followers
Winner of the 2018 Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Award

** FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED**
Sweetest Heartbreak
Beautiful Lies



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5 stars
129 (27%)
4 stars
162 (34%)
3 stars
131 (27%)
2 stars
35 (7%)
1 star
18 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
February 28, 2018
Once I started this “second chance” jewel, I could not put it down. I loved the characters, loved their flaws, loved how their friendships were tested!

My quick summation of the storyline .....
A recipe for disaster = two best friends in love with the same girl! What could possibly go wrong?

As the title suggests, there is definite "heartbreak," but the "sweetest" part is the redemption.

When Eli told me I’d finally be meeting his oldest and dearest friend, I pictured the three of us becoming some kind of corny trio. Cooking dinners together. Bickering over which movies to watch. Exactly what Eli and I already do in real life.

But, so far, it’s the exact opposite. Heath makes my neck hot, my stomach queasy, and my pulse race.

This is not going well. This is not going well at all.

I know I am a glutton for punishment, but I would have loved for an all out, throw down the gauntlet breakup between H and h. There was huge potential for some serious angst. But all in all, this was an engaging read and I enjoyed their journey. Would definitely recommend!

My first read by this author and was very impressed. Would love to read more of what she has to offer!

Currently free on KU
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,786 reviews5,028 followers
dnf
January 13, 2018
DNF @ 68%

I tried. I really did.

I never felt a connection between the characters. I never connected with the characters themselves either. The reason for the "heartbreak" was some OTT melodramatic reaction instead of using good ol' communication and talking to each other instead ! I ended up skimming after that drama, and it didn't seem to get any better .

I'm bummed because some of my GR friends seemed to really enjoy this...but it just wasn't my cuppa 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
Want to read
November 11, 2017


I NEEEEEED TO READ ASAP!

Stand-alone book 1.
LIVE at 99¢! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
When naïve, humble, and beautiful meets arrogant, brash, and handsome, it can only lead to…Sweetest Heartbreak
Twenty-three year old Leah Dawson is better off than most, and she knows it. With a supportive family, a great job out of college, and her best friend, Eli, by her side, she doesn’t take anything this life has to offer for granted. A lesson she learned when she lost her dad to cancer. Another lesson she’s learned? Don’t date your best friend. But she and Eli worked through the awkwardness and are now firmly planted in the friend zone. Until she meets Eli’s other best friend, Heath, and true feelings are exposed.
Fresh out of rehab, Heath Braeburn is Leah’s opposite in every way. Spoiled. Reckless. Impetuous. The only thing they have in common is Eli, who has been by Heath’s side through it all, including when his mom up and left years ago. A fact he’s never gotten over. But at twenty-four years old, it’s time to prove that he’s not the man everyone has come to expect him to be. Starting with Leah. She is his clean slate. His game changer. But will he become Leah’s biggest regret?
This is a story of what happens when friendships are tested, words go unspoken, and hearts are broken. And how three friends all manage to find their way back to each other.
Profile Image for Robin Hill.
Author 3 books296 followers
March 6, 2018
Miracles, like second chances, are hard to come by.

This is Bentley's sophomore release and it is FANTASTIC. It follows three best friends and one troubled romance. Leah is as sweet and as good as they come, but she risks everything when she falls head over heels for her best friend’s best friend. On the surface, Heath is an arrogant self-absorbed prick, but beneath his hardened exterior lies a vulnerable, heartbroken soul with a lifetime of abandonment and trust issues. Leah does not go in blindly, but with Heath’s history of sabotaging everything good in his life, it’s just a matter of time before she’s next.

This book effing broke me. Bentley NAILS these characters. Their motives are genuine and their actions, while sometimes painful to read, are unapologetically owned.

“I swear to you, I will never hurt you again.”

She turns away and whispers, “You’re hurting me right now.”
<-- 😭 Just kill me...

I was absolutely gutted watching their descent to rock bottom, but I cheered hard when they made it back to the top.

"Why, Heath? We lost so much. We lost everything. You've told me you're sorry, but you never told me why." <-- No shit, Heath? WTF?? 💔💔💔

I read the majority of this book in one sitting. Once the inevitable happened, I could not put it down. I was convinced Bentley had lost me. Could any of these characters be redeemed? I would have bet money the answer was no, but she surprised me. Not only did she redeem them, she made me fall in love with them all over again. I loved it, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. 👏👏👏
Profile Image for Malene.
1,341 reviews758 followers
November 29, 2017
Sweetest Heartbreak lived up to its title cause it was definitely an emotional story filled with heartbreak and loss. I really enjoyed this story especially because of the characters Leah, Eli, Heath and Connor. Their friendships and relationships were the heart of the story.

The conflict which was bound to happen was a little predictable but my reservations for the remaining story was unfounded cause Heather Bentley delivered a strong and moving story with well developed characters who grew and learned from their past mistakes. Leah and Heath’s self discovery and change was depicted beautifully. Their evolution wasn’t rushed which I appreciated since Leah’s rock bottom took time to process and for her to heal. Her black hole wasn’t pretty and I felt and could relate how her broken heart made her want to do things to just forget. In this case it was destructive and unhealthy decisions. Heath’s evolution allowed him to put other people’s needs before him and just be there for Leah and his friends. He definitely redeemed himself.

Sweetest Heartbreak is not only about love it’s also about family. Leah and Heath had the support of their friends and family no matter what. Eli was loyal to the bone and his love for his to friends had no limits. The same can be said about Connor who was Leah’s twin brother. Their relationship was incredible as was the one they shared with their mother.
After finishing Sweetest Heartbreak I have a request for Heather Bentley. Please give me Connor’s story! These characters have definitely made an impact on me and I need more.
Especially more Connor.

4 BadAssDirtyIFeelItStars

I voluntarily reviewed an arc provided by the author
Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
1,186 reviews29 followers
October 29, 2017
I received a copy of this book ftom the author...and I am so very thankful. What a beautiful gem of a love story this was. It truly was the sweetest heartbreak. The angst was not over the top...not the kind that made you head, sobbing like a child, to your blankie fort. But I did shed tears, happy joyous tears, by the end. And extra bonus points for "Soup Man"...I laughed like a loon at every soup variety nickname the trio of Eli, Leah and Heath came up with. I look forward to reading many more books, from Heather Bentley. Thank you for writing a beautiful romance that made my heart bubble!!
Profile Image for Annmarie.
1,245 reviews51 followers
January 14, 2019
This is a complete and total spoiler review!!!!! If you haven't ready the book, don't read it, unless your like me and want to know ahead of time.

The H is an addict and has a chip on his shoulder because his mother left when he was a baby. So, his best friend Eli brings his other Best Friend, Leah to meet him because he just got out of rehab. Leah has wanted to meet Eli's other BFF for a while but Eli was worried about Heath hurting her, plus he harbors feelings for Leah himself. Anyway, they meet and both, no thanks to Heaths off-putting attitude, become friends and then more. Leah loves him and they move in together. I think a year or two go by where they are together in bliss. Leah says she loves him and he doesn't say it back. Leah keeps getting asked to move to Chicago for work but doesn't want to go and keeps saying no. Heath finds these emails and thinks she is leaving him like his mom. He asks her right away like a normal person and she explains and it okay.... Not really. He gets high and drunk and stages it for her to walk in with him having sex with a girl he used to go to for sex. IN THEIR BED. She comes home and sees this, out of the blue. She is heartbroken, her soul is crushed as she listens to their "Moans and Grunts" She calls his name and he smiles at her and says he will take care of her next. Or "She can join them". WOW.
She ends up taking the job in Chicago for a year. She is a mess, she is losing weight and getting drunk all the time. She is having drunk sex with random men and gets pregnant. Its in the tubes so she loses the baby painfully. Her friends and family rally around her and Eli is finally told what happened between his two besties. He is in love with his fiancee now and doesn't have the romance feelings for Leah but loves her still and they are family. Leah comes back home. Heath by this point has found out that she was never leaving and knows he screwed up. He also has made a huge life change. He hasn't been with anyone else, we are never told of any other women. He still loves Leah but knows she cannot forgive him. He settles for being friends. Leah is dating and has a steady guy but, of course, he is too nice. Heath finally tells Leah about why he did what he did and she tells him what happened in Chicago. They don't get back together until the very end, which was good for me, how she can un-see that was beyond me. Its a HEA with them married and living in his childhood home. He makes amends with everyone, but in the real world, after seeing him with that woman, hearing them, him saying those things with another woman under him, I just cant imagine a woman going back. The image was burning in the brain. He is very sincere in his life change and knows his mistake. He really never expected to be forgiven and would have settled for friendship. She did forgive him though, he really did change. I am on the fence. He destroyed her, literally, and on purpose. How did she get past it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jean.
802 reviews51 followers
October 30, 2017
Second chance romance done to pure perfection!

Don't get me wrong, this book took me on a crazy rollercoaster ride, but guess what? I didn't want to get off!

Leah and Eli are best friends. Eli and Heath are best friends. So of course, when Eli finally introduces Leah and Heath, it was with the hope that they could all be "friends" without Heath making any moves on Leah. But with Eli holding a secret close to his heart, and Heath being the bad boy, non-commitment kind of person, it was just a matter of time before things blew up! In the meantime, they all become good friends.

There is a whole lot to this story. Eli coming to some kind of acceptance, Leah opening her heart to someone, and Heath accepting his past without losing his mind. But Heath's doubts and insecurities screw EVERYTHING UP!! Dammit Heath!

This book.....this book right here.....this is real life......these things happen to real people!

Loved it, and will definitely be going back to read Heather's first book!

Thank you Heather so much for the ARC! I really appreciate it and ate this book up in less than 24 hours!
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
November 9, 2017
I had to gather my thoughts after reading Heath & Leah's story because my emotions were all over the place. Their story had me grabbing for a lifeline to stay afloat.

Leah' positive outlook on life was something that Heath was not used to because of his past. When it seemed like her ray of sunshine was penetrating his dark clouds he made sure to remind himself that happiness was not in his cards. And to be honest if I would have had the past that Heath had I probably would feel the same way.

But Leah always wanting everyone to be happy always held out hope but how much hope can someone have when the one you really want to help flat out refuses it?

An emotional story of second chances at life, friendships, love and most of all forgiveness. I was not prepared for the issues that Heath faced and how Leah would handle them. Be prepared to get lost in Ms Bentley's beautiful words. ~Kara 4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Paula White.
604 reviews35 followers
October 24, 2017
I was so lucky to receive an ARC for this, I went hunting on FaceBook when I saw Robin's rave review!

It was really good - lots of feels - the pretzel tummy - romance - good friendships - personal growth and finally to the happy ending - sigh.

You will see from my comments - all sailing along nicely at 40% and you know that can't go on, so you wait with anticipation and then bang 44% Heath had to sabotage himself and Leah and what a way he did it! If only he had spoken to her...then we wouldn't have a story so maybe not such a good thing after all. Leah's response was different other stories - she went in to mega destruction mode until she had a wake up call. Then begins the healing, soul searching, personal growth and finally the HEA. I love this group of characters and want more Heath and Leah and would love to know what is going on with Leah's brother.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,298 reviews362 followers
April 25, 2018
Heath and Leah.

This book contains cheating. I don't like cheating and I don't usually read book that contain someone cheating unless it is focused on the road of redemption, whether the couple end up back together or not.

Heath is a mess and to be fair the warning signs are there for Leah that he's not a good bet, he's not stable enough and he doesn't have a good track record with relationships. That said he is different with her and they feel a connection so they get together.
By 50%, the nasty deed is done and it's about recovery and both of them picking up the pieces from the wreckage.
What Heath does is awful, who and how it happens is totally destructive to their relationship but his past does play a factor in his warped view of relationships, I am not making excuses, what he did is a huge NO, but it's well written.
He makes huge changes and Leah doesn't welcome him back with open arms and redemption is a long road, it takes some time.
There is also a scene that shows he learnt his lesson by not repeating his mistake when he had opportunity to do so even though at the time he is free.
There are good secondary characters esp a best friend who is quite focal in the story.
This is my first book by this author.

If you can't tolerate cheating this book won't be for you but if you are looking for redemption and a bit of heartbreak then you may enjoy it.

💞💓💕💔💔💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Veronica WordsAreMyDrinkOfChoice.
493 reviews107 followers
May 21, 2019
Am completely gobsmacked about the high ratings. The writing and story is not bad but the characters are ridiculous! Heath was an asshole, no matter his history, he didn't exactly fight for Leah, and it took him a good while to change, let's not forget he almost took Lucy to bed when he realised how much he had hurt Leah, on top of cheating on her in the past! Leah was a doormat of massive proportions, forgiving Heath as soon as she is in town five minutes with him. No surprise with her mother, who was useless, not loyal, but in fact being best buds with Heath! Not a fan of Lucy either, Heath is her brothers best friend and she is friends with Leah, but had no problem trying to sex up Heath and then take him as a date to Eli's wedding! True love me thinks not! I m sorry but the whole pushing the heroine away to protect trope needs to die, it’s ridiculous. I am also never going to believe a hero who cheats, doesn’t not have contact with the heroine for a year, who does not fight for her, who almost hooks up with his best friends sister, is a good guy or actually loves the heroine. If this book had any liking for the heroine she would have ended up with someone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for diann bryan.
534 reviews
December 11, 2018
Eli has two best friends! Heath & Leah! Read this story that is best described by it’s title “ Sweetest Heartbreak “ to find out all the ups and downs these three go through. This is my 1st book I have read by Heather Bentley but it definitely won’t be my last! This story had me feeling every emotion. Discover how they all found life beyond their Heartbreak!
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,859 reviews31 followers
November 23, 2017




I had never read anything written by this author. The blurb looked promising and intriguing. At first I thought I was going to read a love triangle, so I was somewhat slightly disappointed because I stay away from that kind of storyline. After more than 25% read, I realized I was wrong. This 4.5 star story was captivating and highly entertaining.

Leah and Eli dated briefly in college but soon realized they were better off as friends. Heath happens to be Eli’s best friend fresh out of rehab who doesn’t look like he’s changed. Leah is drawn to him. One thing leads to another and Heath’s messes it all up by hurting Leah’s in the worsts of ways. This is their story.

I enjoyed this story very much. At first I wasn’t so sure because I hate love triangles but it was far from being it. Great storyline that flowed well. Full of angst, but not overly so. I wanted to throw my kindle at heath a time or two. Bottomline this is a must read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Cathy.
945 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2019
Heath and Leah have a mutual best friend Eli, he's managed to keep them apart for years but once they meet it's opposites attract! Although in their early 20's at the beginning I felt they seemed much younger. There was inevitable drama and at rock bottom the story became devastating. I was happy when Heath finally grew up and redeemed himself.

This was my first read by this author but I will definitely look up more.
Profile Image for Donna B.
197 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2018
Beautiful , second chance romance with the perfect sweet/sexy/angsty combination. I wanted to choke the living daylights out of Heath after that one scenario, but he redeemed himself and won my heart. ❤️
Profile Image for HeatherP.
1,054 reviews25 followers
January 2, 2018
What I love about Heather's writing is that she gets down to the realness of it all. The heartbreak, the mistakes, the emotion, and the healing. She covers it all and this story is a prime example of it. 

Heath and Leah's story isn't perfect. It's ugly at times and beautiful in others. Some of the ugly was brutal but then you have some of the beautiful and that is flawless. Sweetest Heartbreak reminds readers what it means to put your heart out there and never know what kind of journey it will take, you just have to trust it and enjoy the ride.

The friendship and the family love in this story is a lot of my favorite parts. All of the supporting characters were just as amazing as Heath and Leah. 

Throughout this whole ride you wonder how she could redeem the characters and heal your heart. Well she does it and she did it with such skill that I'm still shocked this is her sophomore release. I'm still floored Beautiful Lies was her first book. That was one of my top books last year. 

I recommend this book, grab it now and fall in love with her writing like I have. 

ARC in exchange for honest review
Profile Image for The BookAddict Mom.
262 reviews23 followers
November 10, 2017
description

Heather Bentley amazed me with her debut book, Beautiful Lies, and now with her sophomore book, Sweetest Heartbreak, she has done it once again! Such a gut-wrenching story that put me through all the feels. This author is definitely going places and I am excited to see what she comes up with next. Definitely an author fans of emotional romance reads need to check out.
Profile Image for Emily Bowie.
Author 29 books592 followers
November 7, 2017
The greatest love stories have the most heartbreaking tales. This story is no exception to this rule. This book is written wonderfully, capturing the rise of love between the main characters, to only have them fall even faster.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,010 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I really wasn’t sure what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised is definitely an understatement!
The story flowed and the characters were well developed. I devoured this book in one sitting and found myself wanting more!
I wasn’t sure I liked Heath in the beginning and if I’m honest I was very cautious that he’d ever be able to turn it around but he surprised me. He’s been through a lot and my heart broke for him! Sigh!
Eli also had a tiny moment where I didn’t like him too much but in the end I was hooked. There came a point where everything just clicked into place and I was lost in this book and nothing else existed.
Leah was a great heroine and Lindsey and Connor also made a great additions. I’d definitely love a story for Connor. I can’t wait to read more from Heather Bentley!
Profile Image for Stephanie Martinez.
489 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2019
Let me start off by saying that I don't think I have ever cried so much at a romance novel in my entire life. I loved the character development that occurred throughout the book and I was okay with how it ended. It definitely follows the romance novel "formula" and therefore was not surprising, but it worked. I also really appreciated that it was a romance/character book and not a sex book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,397 reviews24 followers
May 9, 2018
My favorite part was the costumes. So sweet!
Profile Image for Jessica.
452 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2017
Sweetest Heartbreak
Heather Bentley

Reviews on Goodreads. Amazon. The book addicts.

Omg!! This book is fabulous!! I just could not put it down!! I loved it !! This story is not only
About love it's also about friendships, relationships, and so so much more ..the little twists and turns, the love, the heartbreak it all comes together to be one phenomenal story!! I can't wait for more from this author !!!

I love the characters .. the way they grow and change .. oh.. it's so real !!

Heads up. Good luck
Profile Image for Ann Marie.
213 reviews14 followers
November 9, 2017
FIVE STARS!!!!

I absolutely LOVE this story! We get to meet the sweetest woman Leah, with her friendly fun loving personality and her best friend Eli by her side I know you will adore her too! These two are the cutest of best friends and I totally get it, my bff is a guy too!

When Eli introduces Leah to his other best friend Heath, Eli knows exactly what will happen and he has Leah’s best interests at heart, it's why he waited a long time before introducing them as he wanted to protect her. Now the two will meet. <>

Heath is one of those guys that well honestly we would consider a player. He has a lot of issues he needs to deal with. You wind up figuring out why he has them and you get why he does what he does. No one (woman) has been able to get to him; break down those walls he built years ago that keeps his heart well guarded.

Heath wants Leah, Leah wants to get to know Heath better, but she doesn't want to upset the balance between Heath and Eli so she is hesitant. Heath doesn't know how to NOT be the a--hole he was being. In a whirlwind of emotions/attraction these two have major sparks that fly and they seem to be well on their way to a perfect future. Sadly though everything comes crashing down around these two lovebirds, doubt insecurities and hurt mixed with a lack of communication…..perfect for a major storm! And that is what happens. From the first kiss to the final blow, you are left gripping your tablet yelling NOOOOOO!!!! Tears may come, but I promise it will get better. With Leah going through so much, Heath not allowing himself to feel anything will these two ever work it out?

It’s a must read!!! You will not be disappointed! Huge fan of this book!!! Now stalking everywhere!
Profile Image for Heather.
104 reviews11 followers
October 22, 2017
I love Leah and Heath, their story isn't an easy one and will keep you guessing the whole way through. I will definitely be reading more of Heather's books.
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