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Change of Heart
Does my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin. Does his heart ever miss Easton without knowing why? Lub-dub Sweet, kind, beautiful, River. Easton never meant to meet him...never meant to know him...never meant to fall for him. Lub-dub Easton loved River's heart long before he ever met him, but is it possible he’s falling in love with his mind and soul too? ***Change of Heart is a stand alone story with strong hurt/comfort themes, mild bisexual awakening themes, and a HEA
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2019
222 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
101 books3,286 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
June 30, 2019
The blurb is somewhat angsty, but this story is all sweetness with minimal angst and a very appealing blend of friendship, hurt/comfort, love-at-first-sight, and bisexual awakening.
Easton kept a secret from River for far too long, and I knew how River would find out the truth pretty much from page one. I'm glad that River was mature enough to talk to Easton, though.
The ending was just so sexy and romantic, and I loved the dual POV.
I desperately want Bradon and Fox's story next!
Easton kept a secret from River for far too long, and I knew how River would find out the truth pretty much from page one. I'm glad that River was mature enough to talk to Easton, though.
The ending was just so sexy and romantic, and I loved the dual POV.
I desperately want Bradon and Fox's story next!
June 9, 2019
This romance is just gorgeous, there's no other word for it imho. From the start to the finish I had a really warm feeling of love throughout the narrative even though there were moments tinged with sadness.
I think K.M. has handled what could have been a truly mawkish subject with consummate skill, it's a difficult tone to get right but overall this romance with a twist had a strength of feeling which was pitched perfectly.
Easton's love for his dead husband Paul is present throughout, the necessary level of weight for his grieving is there but Paul never overtakes the story and becomes too big an issue for a new relationship to take hold.
And River, the recipient of Paul's heart, is also enough of a strong character that he never feels like a substitute and the affection which grows between them, while it has possibly dubious beginnings, is allowed to develop and meander through friendship into affection and attraction and then into love organically.
It's a tough subject to tackle and I think it's pitched perfectly. Enough weight is given to each aspect of the romance and, while things do perhaps happen a little bit quickly, I think sometimes when you've lost a great love, when another one arises, it feels almost like a miracle which has to be grasped and not let go of.
There's also perhaps hints of a second book which I would absolutely love to read because I think Fox needs his own chance to move on from grieving his best friend and I think Brandon might just be the one to do it, even if he's not aware of it just yet.
Also, as a final point, the use of colour in this book to reflect the journey Easton takes from grief and back into life is beautifully done. Bravo for that.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I think K.M. has handled what could have been a truly mawkish subject with consummate skill, it's a difficult tone to get right but overall this romance with a twist had a strength of feeling which was pitched perfectly.
Easton's love for his dead husband Paul is present throughout, the necessary level of weight for his grieving is there but Paul never overtakes the story and becomes too big an issue for a new relationship to take hold.
And River, the recipient of Paul's heart, is also enough of a strong character that he never feels like a substitute and the affection which grows between them, while it has possibly dubious beginnings, is allowed to develop and meander through friendship into affection and attraction and then into love organically.
It's a tough subject to tackle and I think it's pitched perfectly. Enough weight is given to each aspect of the romance and, while things do perhaps happen a little bit quickly, I think sometimes when you've lost a great love, when another one arises, it feels almost like a miracle which has to be grasped and not let go of.
There's also perhaps hints of a second book which I would absolutely love to read because I think Fox needs his own chance to move on from grieving his best friend and I think Brandon might just be the one to do it, even if he's not aware of it just yet.
Also, as a final point, the use of colour in this book to reflect the journey Easton takes from grief and back into life is beautifully done. Bravo for that.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 28, 2019
Easton was exhausting. I get that he was mourning his husband but he was relentless in his misery which went on and on ..... and on. I ended up skimming to get to the parts in River's POV which were, on the whole, overshadowed by the misery.
Most loved this book so I think it's a "me" problem.
And so this book funk continues. 😩
Most loved this book so I think it's a "me" problem.
And so this book funk continues. 😩
July 21, 2019
River has Easton’s dead husband’s donated heart !
This amazing tale is about a heart donor, and our author has made it very endearing.
Sweet, Graphic Artist, emotional Easton, 35, still misses his husband after five years. An old card is found in Paul’s belongings from the heart recipient. Curious Easton wants to see him.
River, 30, works in marketing and continues to be lonely. He has a new chance at life, but he yearns for something he doesn’t understand.
After Easton saves River, they become close, but there is never a good time to tell River he knows about the heart donation.
They move forward, with River finding his first urge to act on his desires. River hasn’t been with a man, and we get to see his first times.
It’s a slow burn that turns to love. Wonderful characters, deep thoughts, hesitation, and guilt, are next to intense emotions, and hot sexiness.
I shed some sad tears and also happy tears. ENJOY !
==========
This amazing tale is about a heart donor, and our author has made it very endearing.
Sweet, Graphic Artist, emotional Easton, 35, still misses his husband after five years. An old card is found in Paul’s belongings from the heart recipient. Curious Easton wants to see him.
River, 30, works in marketing and continues to be lonely. He has a new chance at life, but he yearns for something he doesn’t understand.
After Easton saves River, they become close, but there is never a good time to tell River he knows about the heart donation.
They move forward, with River finding his first urge to act on his desires. River hasn’t been with a man, and we get to see his first times.
It’s a slow burn that turns to love. Wonderful characters, deep thoughts, hesitation, and guilt, are next to intense emotions, and hot sexiness.
I shed some sad tears and also happy tears. ENJOY !
==========
June 30, 2019
Hmm, didn't get a lot of emotional feels from this story at all, and I didn't like the fact that the last 30% or so seemed to just revolve around sex, and Easton teaching River a thing or two...but hey, it's a Kimmy Neuhold read so I suppose I should've expected it really.
Yes, I was sorry for Easton and the completely unexpected and untimely death of his husband and soulmate Paul, but I was also pretty p'd off with the fact that he couldn't or wouldn't tell River the real reason he was drawn to him in the first place. It seemed to me that they originally got together under false pretences...particularly on Easton's part, as he started out only being interested in whether River was a worthy recipient of Paul's transplanted heart. Oh well, you can't win them all. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Yes, I was sorry for Easton and the completely unexpected and untimely death of his husband and soulmate Paul, but I was also pretty p'd off with the fact that he couldn't or wouldn't tell River the real reason he was drawn to him in the first place. It seemed to me that they originally got together under false pretences...particularly on Easton's part, as he started out only being interested in whether River was a worthy recipient of Paul's transplanted heart. Oh well, you can't win them all. 3.5 stars rounded up.
August 24, 2021
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars (I may round up later). On the one hand the relationship development was great, the love really grew gradually and came through to me. Easton grief felt real and his "recovery" earned and genuine. The sexual exploration was good too.
On the other hand, this features the big secret trope that I usually don't like and didn't like here. The secret was dragged for WAY too long and I did not like the way it was revealed and the consequences. On that one, Easton was a coward who did not fight enough for what he wanted. Another thing that "bugged" me was that the 2 MCs only have one friend each and one has a mom and that's it. It isolated them a bit, that seems to be trend with Neuhold books, it usually does not bother me but here it did. We know nothing about Easton's parents (there is one line about them that wasn't very clear) or even Paul's parents. I don't know it felt weird.
I would still recommend it because it's sweet and relationship is great, the only downfall was the last 20% and the epilogue was a bit short for me.
On the other hand, this features the big secret trope that I usually don't like and didn't like here. The secret was dragged for WAY too long and I did not like the way it was revealed and the consequences. On that one, Easton was a coward who did not fight enough for what he wanted. Another thing that "bugged" me was that the 2 MCs only have one friend each and one has a mom and that's it. It isolated them a bit, that seems to be trend with Neuhold books, it usually does not bother me but here it did. We know nothing about Easton's parents (there is one line about them that wasn't very clear) or even Paul's parents. I don't know it felt weird.
I would still recommend it because it's sweet and relationship is great, the only downfall was the last 20% and the epilogue was a bit short for me.
January 2, 2025
5+ Stars
Re-read 1-1-25
Re-read 1-1-24
I still love this book. It's romantic and very sweet and sexy. It's my favorite read to start the New Year. I am going to repeat my hope...I wish she'd write a story for Fox and Brandon.💜
Re-read 1-01-23
As tradition, I'm starting my year reading my favorite books. Change of Heart is still one of my favs and I still loved it when I revisited these characters. I still want her to write about Brandon and Fox...they deserve love too...dammit!
Edited: 1-01-22
Decided to start my year reading some of my favorite all-time books. I love this story and wish she would write Brandon and Fox's story one day.
Change Of Heart is one of my all-time favorite comfort reads. Since this is my birthday week, I decided to re-read some of my comfort reads. I love this story as much as I did the first time I read it.
Re-read 1-1-25
Re-read 1-1-24
I still love this book. It's romantic and very sweet and sexy. It's my favorite read to start the New Year. I am going to repeat my hope...I wish she'd write a story for Fox and Brandon.💜
Re-read 1-01-23
As tradition, I'm starting my year reading my favorite books. Change of Heart is still one of my favs and I still loved it when I revisited these characters. I still want her to write about Brandon and Fox...they deserve love too...dammit!
Edited: 1-01-22
Decided to start my year reading some of my favorite all-time books. I love this story and wish she would write Brandon and Fox's story one day.
Change Of Heart is one of my all-time favorite comfort reads. Since this is my birthday week, I decided to re-read some of my comfort reads. I love this story as much as I did the first time I read it.
June 20, 2019
So overall I really enjoyed this, I enjoyed Easton and River together a lot, they were so sweet and wonderful together, and also yes, hot.
I also thought this concept was really interesting, because I had never seen it before. Falling in love with the guy who got your dead husband's heart? Crazy situation and complicated but so interesting.
And the author wrote these two together so well, and their romance was so great. And getting Easton from a place of heavy grieving even 5 years later to where he was at the end was great.
But something greatly annoyed me. How Easton having to tell River about his heart being his dead husband's was handled. I get that that is a heavy thing and hard to even bring up and talk about, and I get at first when Easton was just determined to see that Paul's heart was given to a person worthy of it and nothing else that he wouldn't tell him.
But when they started hanging out more, he should have told him. Just because it's understandable why he didn't, doesn't make it okay. He drags it out for months and months well past when these two sleep together and exchange "I love you's" which also brings me to my second annoyance: how easily River forgave Easton. He runs out of the house and all, and he takes a few days (and goes to Easton instead of Easton going to him, which Easton should have done) but still, once Easton explains his own reasoning it's just basically a "okay I forgive you" thing and I don't like that. No matter Easton's reasoning, it wasn't okay, and he should have had to do more to earn River's forgiveness.
Also, once the secret came to light? I totally saw it coming the whole book and it wasn't very surprising or interesting. Like this shit has been done so many times and I knew when It was just terribly cliche. And yes sometimes cliches work because they're cliches for a reason, but I just wish maybe Easton had been the one to tell River the truth for a change, even if it was the same day that River finds out, so Easton would still keep it for so long...but then the book doesn't do it the way I was expecting, make it a little interesting and different...
It just annoyed me too much to give this 5 stars. The angst could have come from something different than that. Like what if River knew from almost the beginning and the rest of it was these two falling for each other but dealing with the weirdness of him having Paul's heart? Of them trying to figure out if they're falling for each other because of Paul's heart or because of each other.
What was accomplished in this could have been accomplished without the big cliche secret.
But aside from that, I enjoyed everything about this novel. About River and Easton, who had such great chemistry and worked so well together. If I ignored how easily they get past the secret, the ending is so sweet and wonderful and adorable.
So this was a well written, sweet book with a great romance between the two MC's, but it's plot left me more annoyed than anything, so just 4 stars overall for me.
Still recommend this, because others might not be as annoyed with that as me - and even if they are, it's worth it for River and Easton's relationship.
I also thought this concept was really interesting, because I had never seen it before. Falling in love with the guy who got your dead husband's heart? Crazy situation and complicated but so interesting.
And the author wrote these two together so well, and their romance was so great. And getting Easton from a place of heavy grieving even 5 years later to where he was at the end was great.
But something greatly annoyed me. How Easton having to tell River about his heart being his dead husband's was handled. I get that that is a heavy thing and hard to even bring up and talk about, and I get at first when Easton was just determined to see that Paul's heart was given to a person worthy of it and nothing else that he wouldn't tell him.
But when they started hanging out more, he should have told him. Just because it's understandable why he didn't, doesn't make it okay. He drags it out for months and months well past when these two sleep together and exchange "I love you's" which also brings me to my second annoyance: how easily River forgave Easton. He runs out of the house and all, and he takes a few days (and goes to Easton instead of Easton going to him, which Easton should have done) but still, once Easton explains his own reasoning it's just basically a "okay I forgive you" thing and I don't like that. No matter Easton's reasoning, it wasn't okay, and he should have had to do more to earn River's forgiveness.
Also, once the secret came to light? I totally saw it coming the whole book and it wasn't very surprising or interesting. Like this shit has been done so many times and I knew when It was just terribly cliche. And yes sometimes cliches work because they're cliches for a reason, but I just wish maybe Easton had been the one to tell River the truth for a change, even if it was the same day that River finds out, so Easton would still keep it for so long...but then the book doesn't do it the way I was expecting, make it a little interesting and different...
It just annoyed me too much to give this 5 stars. The angst could have come from something different than that. Like what if River knew from almost the beginning and the rest of it was these two falling for each other but dealing with the weirdness of him having Paul's heart? Of them trying to figure out if they're falling for each other because of Paul's heart or because of each other.
What was accomplished in this could have been accomplished without the big cliche secret.
But aside from that, I enjoyed everything about this novel. About River and Easton, who had such great chemistry and worked so well together. If I ignored how easily they get past the secret, the ending is so sweet and wonderful and adorable.
So this was a well written, sweet book with a great romance between the two MC's, but it's plot left me more annoyed than anything, so just 4 stars overall for me.
Still recommend this, because others might not be as annoyed with that as me - and even if they are, it's worth it for River and Easton's relationship.
March 1, 2022
Sooo beautiful!!!!
June 20, 2019
Un viudo que se enamora del hombre que recibe el corazón de su marido fallecido. Entretenido y pareja muy mona, pero azúcar en vena y medio libro con alguien llorando por algo.
No ha estado mal, pero tampoco bien, para pasar el rato. Me gustan los libros con un conflicto y angst que parezca más real, no situaciones que se resuelven con tanta facilidad y conversaciones en las que todo es: te amo más que a nada en el mundo, yo leo romántica para leer eso, pero SOLO eso no es suficiente para que haya una gran historia de amor.
Entretenida para cuando te apetece algo muy dulce.
No ha estado mal, pero tampoco bien, para pasar el rato. Me gustan los libros con un conflicto y angst que parezca más real, no situaciones que se resuelven con tanta facilidad y conversaciones en las que todo es: te amo más que a nada en el mundo, yo leo romántica para leer eso, pero SOLO eso no es suficiente para que haya una gran historia de amor.
Entretenida para cuando te apetece algo muy dulce.
July 7, 2019
Oh my goodness, EVERYTHING about this story just reached out and grabbed me. It’s one of those “dammit, I’m already crying” books, and even after the initial bawl-fest those tears kept popping up here and there along the way. But it was SO good. Yes, it was emotional. And yes, at times there was some frustration with Easton for how he handled things. But I so very much wanted Easton to find his happiness again because I felt so much for him.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Return to Me (Duchovny, Driver), the initial setup is similar. But here the author gives the story its own originality, and gives readers two main characters with whom it is easy to become emotionally attached. I certainly did, even when Easton was being frustrating by keeping a secret—a BIG secret—from River.
With Easton, my heart broke for him from the very start. Unless someone has been in his same situation, I don’t think anyone can truly comprehend what he had to go through, and how deeply it affected him. With River, he was just a beautiful person all around, and with the way he always wonders what it would be like to find that one true love, I really wanted him to be able to find that person.
The development of their relationship felt natural (or as natural as it could with Easton’s secret hanging over things), nothing felt rushed. I kept rooting for the two of them while at the same time wanting to give Easton a shake and say “tell him, tell him!”, but understanding why he was afraid to do it.
Both Easton and River had good friends to support them, and I loved both of those characters. Fox was Easton’s husband’s best friend, and now is pretty much Easton’s best friend and voice of reason (even if Easton doesn’t want to listen). Brandon is River’s best friend, and the understanding and support he shows while River is trying to work things out regarding his attraction to Easton is wonderful. I’m hoping we’ll get to see more of both of these guys in another book.
Even with as frustrating as Easton could be with his secret, Change of Heart was still a 5-star read for me, and is a story I highly recommend for any M/M romance fan. Go into it prepared for the emotions because you’re going to get all the feels. The adult language and sexual content so make this book one for readers 18+.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Return to Me (Duchovny, Driver), the initial setup is similar. But here the author gives the story its own originality, and gives readers two main characters with whom it is easy to become emotionally attached. I certainly did, even when Easton was being frustrating by keeping a secret—a BIG secret—from River.
With Easton, my heart broke for him from the very start. Unless someone has been in his same situation, I don’t think anyone can truly comprehend what he had to go through, and how deeply it affected him. With River, he was just a beautiful person all around, and with the way he always wonders what it would be like to find that one true love, I really wanted him to be able to find that person.
The development of their relationship felt natural (or as natural as it could with Easton’s secret hanging over things), nothing felt rushed. I kept rooting for the two of them while at the same time wanting to give Easton a shake and say “tell him, tell him!”, but understanding why he was afraid to do it.
Both Easton and River had good friends to support them, and I loved both of those characters. Fox was Easton’s husband’s best friend, and now is pretty much Easton’s best friend and voice of reason (even if Easton doesn’t want to listen). Brandon is River’s best friend, and the understanding and support he shows while River is trying to work things out regarding his attraction to Easton is wonderful. I’m hoping we’ll get to see more of both of these guys in another book.
Even with as frustrating as Easton could be with his secret, Change of Heart was still a 5-star read for me, and is a story I highly recommend for any M/M romance fan. Go into it prepared for the emotions because you’re going to get all the feels. The adult language and sexual content so make this book one for readers 18+.
July 27, 2019
I've only read one other m/m with this type of story, First Light, so I was eager to dig into this one. While this book didn't have the angsty emotional feels I thought it would, it was still an enjoyable, surprisingly sweet read.
Easton and River's romance may have been fated, a mysterious pull they both felt, even while Easton keeps his secret knowledge about River's donated heart. Aside from the mysterious pull, the two men have quite a lot in common and quickly build a friendship that leads to romance. I liked the first meeting that didn't quite go as planned and enjoyed watching the men connect over time. The romance progressed organically and I really was rooting for them as a couple. As Easton starts to feel ready to move on, the feelings of grief are replaced with feelings of guilt over everything he is keeping secret.
Unfortunately, it was telegraphed quite early how the secret would be revealed, making it less of a climactic scene when it happens. I think a prologue that gave us a bit of time to see the relationship between Easton and Paul would have added to the emotional impact of the story.
Easton and River's romance may have been fated, a mysterious pull they both felt, even while Easton keeps his secret knowledge about River's donated heart. Aside from the mysterious pull, the two men have quite a lot in common and quickly build a friendship that leads to romance. I liked the first meeting that didn't quite go as planned and enjoyed watching the men connect over time. The romance progressed organically and I really was rooting for them as a couple. As Easton starts to feel ready to move on, the feelings of grief are replaced with feelings of guilt over everything he is keeping secret.
Unfortunately, it was telegraphed quite early how the secret would be revealed, making it less of a climactic scene when it happens. I think a prologue that gave us a bit of time to see the relationship between Easton and Paul would have added to the emotional impact of the story.
June 17, 2019
This is the best book I've ever read!
Grab the tissues! This book will rip your heart out, stomp on it, and then gently pick it up and carefully place it back in your chest. I was two pages in and I was bawling. Thats right, the prologue made me cry. That said I absolutely loved this book.
KM Neuhold is one of my favorite authors and she absolutely did not disappoint with this book. From the fist page to the last the emotions were real and palpable. I could have sworn I was grieving a loved one just like Easton. At the same time River and Easton managed to make me laugh out loud. The bond formed between these two men speaks of things beyond our comprehension. Magic, if you will. The connection that proves that true love never dies.
Change of Heart is full of love, sadness and humor, but most of all hope. Hope that it's never too late to be happy. Hope that love will always find you. Hope that life will go on. River and Easton's story will be one that sticks with me, one that I'll recommend to people who love a good cry followed by the sweetest, most deserved HEA. I sincerely hope that everyone who reads it loves it, and them, as much as I do.
Grab the tissues! This book will rip your heart out, stomp on it, and then gently pick it up and carefully place it back in your chest. I was two pages in and I was bawling. Thats right, the prologue made me cry. That said I absolutely loved this book.
KM Neuhold is one of my favorite authors and she absolutely did not disappoint with this book. From the fist page to the last the emotions were real and palpable. I could have sworn I was grieving a loved one just like Easton. At the same time River and Easton managed to make me laugh out loud. The bond formed between these two men speaks of things beyond our comprehension. Magic, if you will. The connection that proves that true love never dies.
Change of Heart is full of love, sadness and humor, but most of all hope. Hope that it's never too late to be happy. Hope that love will always find you. Hope that life will go on. River and Easton's story will be one that sticks with me, one that I'll recommend to people who love a good cry followed by the sweetest, most deserved HEA. I sincerely hope that everyone who reads it loves it, and them, as much as I do.
June 28, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Change of Heart is a sweet and romantic story about moving past grief and finding a second chance at love. At its root, this is a simple story about two men falling in love. While we know that Easton’s secret about Paul’s heart is a conflict waiting to strike, most of the book focuses on Easton and River’s developing relationship. It is a slow build as Easton comes to terms with the idea of finding love again after Paul. He has been living mostly in stasis for the past five years and, at first, he isn’t ready to explore things with River. But River is incredibly patient, always going at Easton’s pace and building a friendship that eventually turns into more. For his part, River has always known he is bisexual, but never been involved with a man, so he too needs time to adjust to this new relationship. Neuhold does a really nice job here with the pacing, giving the story the slow build that it needs, but also providing a really warm and sexy connection as the guys build their relationship.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Change of Heart is a sweet and romantic story about moving past grief and finding a second chance at love. At its root, this is a simple story about two men falling in love. While we know that Easton’s secret about Paul’s heart is a conflict waiting to strike, most of the book focuses on Easton and River’s developing relationship. It is a slow build as Easton comes to terms with the idea of finding love again after Paul. He has been living mostly in stasis for the past five years and, at first, he isn’t ready to explore things with River. But River is incredibly patient, always going at Easton’s pace and building a friendship that eventually turns into more. For his part, River has always known he is bisexual, but never been involved with a man, so he too needs time to adjust to this new relationship. Neuhold does a really nice job here with the pacing, giving the story the slow build that it needs, but also providing a really warm and sexy connection as the guys build their relationship.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 17, 2020
3 Stars
This had a lot of promise but, ultimately, I was underwhelmed.
This certainly isn't your ordinary romance plot, which intrigued me. Falling in love with your deceased husband's organ recipient? It sounded right up my angsty alley. In actuality, this was sweeter and less heartwrenching than I had expected. I would have liked this more if it hadn't taken Easton so fking long to tell River. Like they . I expected and honestly needed way more groveling because this life-altering secret was practically brushed aside. And to top it off, . This had such a great beginning but towards the end, I started heavily skimming, especially during the countless sex scenes. This book needed less sex, more conversations, and a less wtf ending. On the bright side, it looks like Fox and Brandon (their friends) will be getting their own book.
This had a lot of promise but, ultimately, I was underwhelmed.
This certainly isn't your ordinary romance plot, which intrigued me. Falling in love with your deceased husband's organ recipient? It sounded right up my angsty alley. In actuality, this was sweeter and less heartwrenching than I had expected. I would have liked this more if it hadn't taken Easton so fking long to tell River. Like they . I expected and honestly needed way more groveling because this life-altering secret was practically brushed aside. And to top it off, . This had such a great beginning but towards the end, I started heavily skimming, especially during the countless sex scenes. This book needed less sex, more conversations, and a less wtf ending. On the bright side, it looks like Fox and Brandon (their friends) will be getting their own book.
August 9, 2021
Holy wow, CHANGE OF HEART was a beautiful story about learning to live again after a loss and finding love while healing. This was not an easy read at times - East's grief is heartbreaking - but Neuhold gives so much care to the story and even with the heavy themes of death and grief, it's still a hopeful story. This is all about healing and finding love again. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to lose a spouse, I would be destroyed, and I like that Neuhold doesn't sugarcoat that experience but at the same time she shows that you can recover and you can love again, even if it's painful at first. I worried a little bit that East would be so attached to the idea of his late husband's heart that it would affect his love for River as a separate individual, but I never felt that way. East isn't magically over his grief but he sees River for who he is and I never doubted their love.
East and River were so perfect together, both just genuinely nice guys, and their love of graphic novels and art helps bring them together in friendship. River has known he's bisexual since he was a teenager but he's never had a relationship with a man before so everything is new for him. I liked that things were a little bit slower between the two, this seemed to fit both River's inexperience and East's grief. But even with things moving slowly their care and affection for each other is always there and I liked those little moments of just holding hands, cuddling on the couch, and light touches. When things do start to heat up it's on fire but it never felt like the tone changed unexpectedly.
Everything about CHANGE OF HEART is a gentle progression and Neuhold doesn't rush anything but also doesn't bog the pacing down. This character driven romance is the perfect blend of emotional, hopeful, and sweet.
Content Warning: Easton is grieving the death of his husband
East and River were so perfect together, both just genuinely nice guys, and their love of graphic novels and art helps bring them together in friendship. River has known he's bisexual since he was a teenager but he's never had a relationship with a man before so everything is new for him. I liked that things were a little bit slower between the two, this seemed to fit both River's inexperience and East's grief. But even with things moving slowly their care and affection for each other is always there and I liked those little moments of just holding hands, cuddling on the couch, and light touches. When things do start to heat up it's on fire but it never felt like the tone changed unexpectedly.
Everything about CHANGE OF HEART is a gentle progression and Neuhold doesn't rush anything but also doesn't bog the pacing down. This character driven romance is the perfect blend of emotional, hopeful, and sweet.
Content Warning: Easton is grieving the death of his husband
July 2, 2019
DNF@57%
I get that every person’s struggle with loss is different. Of course I understand that there is no right way to handle pain and when you do find happiness, you wanna hold onto it. But given Easton’s personality, I really think that this big lie hanging on their heads was jarring for me. This novel is too perfect in every romantic aspect and it paces so seamlessly that I cringed a bit at how blaringly the author was trying to set up that big reveal in the end. It just seems hypocritical to fall for this story I guess. Hence, I’ll stop while I don’t feel angry just yet.
I get that every person’s struggle with loss is different. Of course I understand that there is no right way to handle pain and when you do find happiness, you wanna hold onto it. But given Easton’s personality, I really think that this big lie hanging on their heads was jarring for me. This novel is too perfect in every romantic aspect and it paces so seamlessly that I cringed a bit at how blaringly the author was trying to set up that big reveal in the end. It just seems hypocritical to fall for this story I guess. Hence, I’ll stop while I don’t feel angry just yet.
June 23, 2023
I tried so hard to like this but I just can't,
The set up to climax was so bad, it was not bad but it's so predictable i can smell it from miles away and how and when it's gonna happen and I'm correct once again.
I just Hate how they the mc kept stalling a significant information and kept it hidden from the other mc until near the end of the book, it was just so childish for me idk 😩😩😩.
The set up to climax was so bad, it was not bad but it's so predictable i can smell it from miles away and how and when it's gonna happen and I'm correct once again.
I just Hate how they the mc kept stalling a significant information and kept it hidden from the other mc until near the end of the book, it was just so childish for me idk 😩😩😩.
June 28, 2019
3.5
Great concept. I loved River. Easton I had a harder time with. Tough situation, and much more serious than the author's other work. Looking forward to Brandon & Fox's story, though I hope it is a bit lighter.
Great concept. I loved River. Easton I had a harder time with. Tough situation, and much more serious than the author's other work. Looking forward to Brandon & Fox's story, though I hope it is a bit lighter.
September 4, 2024
“Can I…” He looks over at me with a shy smile.
“Anything,” I tell him honestly. If he asked me for the moon, the sun, the entire galaxy I’d find a way to give it to him, just to see him smile.
Wow!!!! This was really one punch to the heart after the next. Even the sweetest moments between Easton and River were tinged with this cloud of despair because there's this big secret that is hovering over them. As a reader, I loved how they began to fall for each other but at the same time I was so stressed because I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I really thought the relationship they had was beautiful. I think even if it started under unusual and not fully honest circumstances, what they created together was very real. Easton really came alive again and was able to live his life with River's help. I also liked how River really did take care of his heart and understood that he was very lucky and made sure that he didn't waste his second chance.
My only real beef with this book is that it felt it took too long for the big reveal. It made the last 25% just seem to go by way too fast and I would have liked it a big dragged out more. Maybe getting more insight as to what River was thinking and how he was processing finding out the truth. I also feel like I didn't get to know Easton enough! I feel like his major traits were that he was grieving and an artist. I would have loved to just get to know him a little bit more of his likes and dislikes and who he was as an individual.
tw* grief is a very big topic in this book
“Anything,” I tell him honestly. If he asked me for the moon, the sun, the entire galaxy I’d find a way to give it to him, just to see him smile.
Wow!!!! This was really one punch to the heart after the next. Even the sweetest moments between Easton and River were tinged with this cloud of despair because there's this big secret that is hovering over them. As a reader, I loved how they began to fall for each other but at the same time I was so stressed because I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I really thought the relationship they had was beautiful. I think even if it started under unusual and not fully honest circumstances, what they created together was very real. Easton really came alive again and was able to live his life with River's help. I also liked how River really did take care of his heart and understood that he was very lucky and made sure that he didn't waste his second chance.
My only real beef with this book is that it felt it took too long for the big reveal. It made the last 25% just seem to go by way too fast and I would have liked it a big dragged out more. Maybe getting more insight as to what River was thinking and how he was processing finding out the truth. I also feel like I didn't get to know Easton enough! I feel like his major traits were that he was grieving and an artist. I would have loved to just get to know him a little bit more of his likes and dislikes and who he was as an individual.
tw* grief is a very big topic in this book
July 16, 2020
The prologue had me crying, and I had very high hopes that this book was going to break my heart. Unfortunately, not quite. After a very strong beginning, it was lagging in the middle, and Easton and his huge secret was getting on my last nerve. Just tell River, already!!!
Ok beside that, it was a tender love story between Easton and River, low angst and lots of bedroom action, (where I wanted more talking and emotion). It was enjoyable, just not as sad and emotional as I was expected.
Ok beside that, it was a tender love story between Easton and River, low angst and lots of bedroom action, (where I wanted more talking and emotion). It was enjoyable, just not as sad and emotional as I was expected.
June 23, 2019
In not sold
First off, full disclaimer I avoid grief-laden romances because I just don't want one of the guys to have to compete with the memory of the perfect one that passed away....so I'm not wholly unbiased about this storyline. On a strong plus... I also have to say the writing of this is excellent and very real. There were sweet moments, romance, and 🔥sex with connection. Great, right? Not completely.
My issues...There was such an imbalance in this relationship. River again was perfect...so I guess Easton sure knows how to catch them. So perfect River who is lied to does everything for Easton, to bring color into his life. However River is always an afterthought to Paul in Eastons eyes imho... I about lost it when it was River that goes to Easton after the lie is found...River goes to Easton....Easton does nothing for days...days! No attempts to talk or apologize or even see if River was okay...nothing! He's the epitome of selfish and self-absorbed. Where is Eastons true love...and gesture...any balance to how good River is to him? I quit reading after River goes to Easton and it's all glossed over...no harm, no foul. I just feel River deserved more than Easton could give. Too bad Brandon is straight, he was the best.
First off, full disclaimer I avoid grief-laden romances because I just don't want one of the guys to have to compete with the memory of the perfect one that passed away....so I'm not wholly unbiased about this storyline. On a strong plus... I also have to say the writing of this is excellent and very real. There were sweet moments, romance, and 🔥sex with connection. Great, right? Not completely.
My issues...There was such an imbalance in this relationship. River again was perfect...so I guess Easton sure knows how to catch them. So perfect River who is lied to does everything for Easton, to bring color into his life. However River is always an afterthought to Paul in Eastons eyes imho... I about lost it when it was River that goes to Easton after the lie is found...River goes to Easton....Easton does nothing for days...days! No attempts to talk or apologize or even see if River was okay...nothing! He's the epitome of selfish and self-absorbed. Where is Eastons true love...and gesture...any balance to how good River is to him? I quit reading after River goes to Easton and it's all glossed over...no harm, no foul. I just feel River deserved more than Easton could give. Too bad Brandon is straight, he was the best.
June 21, 2019
This book had me all in my feels. The prolog snagged me, and I was hooked after. This book is about grieving, both the loss of a loved one and of ones self. About healing and finding a new self, but most of all, finding love when you think it’s impossible. I shed a few tears with this one. Called my husband at work to make sure he knew just how much I love him. And made me remember that life isn’t guaranteed to us. So never take any moment of it for granted.
I’m so glad there will be a book about Fox and Brandon. Can’t wait to read them
I’m so glad there will be a book about Fox and Brandon. Can’t wait to read them
June 28, 2019
What a great book! Doing a book like this with loss, life and and a love brought together by loss is hard to do and be believable.
Easton lost Paul 5 years ago to an accident. River needed a heart. Easton made the hardest decision any spouse should have to make and gave away his loves heart.
I love how this book was done. Easton got curious and wanted to make sure his late husbands heart went to someone worthy. He ended up meeting River who is an amazing man. He is kind and genuine. And Easton doesn’t mean to fall for him. But he does.
When River found about the connection, there was upset. He was hurt and confused (obviously) but he didn’t let that rule his future. Granted, the emotional reconcilable was quick but for them it worked.
Honestly. Loved this.
Easton lost Paul 5 years ago to an accident. River needed a heart. Easton made the hardest decision any spouse should have to make and gave away his loves heart.
I love how this book was done. Easton got curious and wanted to make sure his late husbands heart went to someone worthy. He ended up meeting River who is an amazing man. He is kind and genuine. And Easton doesn’t mean to fall for him. But he does.
When River found about the connection, there was upset. He was hurt and confused (obviously) but he didn’t let that rule his future. Granted, the emotional reconcilable was quick but for them it worked.
Honestly. Loved this.
July 2, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
Epically beautiful!!
I know this story would grab my heart and it totally did! It shattered it and put it back together! Kyleen has a way with words and this journey through grief, life, love, and forgiveness; is so epically beautiful, both River, Easton (and Paul) will be in my heart forever!
This story follows a life-altering event for both River and Easton, through the outcomes are very different. 5 years later Easton is still grieving, living in a very grey world, and going through the motions, rather than living. River, on the other hand, is going through the motions of work and life but longs to find an epic love that would add passion to his life. A bit of help from a friend and some unfortunate timing and River and Easton meet and embark on a challenging journey of grief, healing, self-discovery and a new life filled with color!
This book is a fantastic example of what the human heart is capable of and just a beautiful journey to finding new love in an unusual place. I loved River and Easton and hope we will be seeing more of them soon!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
Epically beautiful!!
I know this story would grab my heart and it totally did! It shattered it and put it back together! Kyleen has a way with words and this journey through grief, life, love, and forgiveness; is so epically beautiful, both River, Easton (and Paul) will be in my heart forever!
This story follows a life-altering event for both River and Easton, through the outcomes are very different. 5 years later Easton is still grieving, living in a very grey world, and going through the motions, rather than living. River, on the other hand, is going through the motions of work and life but longs to find an epic love that would add passion to his life. A bit of help from a friend and some unfortunate timing and River and Easton meet and embark on a challenging journey of grief, healing, self-discovery and a new life filled with color!
This book is a fantastic example of what the human heart is capable of and just a beautiful journey to finding new love in an unusual place. I loved River and Easton and hope we will be seeing more of them soon!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
July 25, 2019
Another great book by K.M. Neuhold - this one was a bit different than the others of hers that I've read, but it was still hot and addictive.
Easton had my attention from page one; his hurt and hopelessness twisted my heart. His journey out of the depression that took over his life after the death of his husband was something I don't think I have seen to that extent in a book, and KM did it so beautifully.
River was different than I expected from reading the blurb, but it made him so much more likable to me. I loved that he tried to explain about all the different things he still needed to do, five years on from the transplant. I loved that he was this bright spot for Easton as they were getting to know one another.
When I was younger I read so many books that dealt with teens getting sick or having some kind of transplant and those books tore at my heart; this one was no different.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Easton had my attention from page one; his hurt and hopelessness twisted my heart. His journey out of the depression that took over his life after the death of his husband was something I don't think I have seen to that extent in a book, and KM did it so beautifully.
River was different than I expected from reading the blurb, but it made him so much more likable to me. I loved that he tried to explain about all the different things he still needed to do, five years on from the transplant. I loved that he was this bright spot for Easton as they were getting to know one another.
When I was younger I read so many books that dealt with teens getting sick or having some kind of transplant and those books tore at my heart; this one was no different.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 17, 2019
Colors
I knew I wanted to read this, just based on the premise.
Easton's husband dies in a work accident, and a man named River receives the donor heart.
Five years later, Easton is still struggling to move on, he asks Fox, his best friend and a PI, to find River to see if he's worthy of Paul's heart. Easton doesn't intend to meet River, but is forced to interceded when River steps into oncoming traffic.
The whole thing is a rollercoaster. Easton's guilt as he becomes closer to and finds it harder to tell him the truth. I enjoyed the visual metaphor, with the loss of his husband, Easton, an artist, lost his colors.
I wanted to feel more of an emotional connection to Paul, so I'd have more personal empathy for Easton. I think an introduction to Paul prior to the accident would have helped more than the small flashbacks.
Overall the book is compelling and re-readable.
I knew I wanted to read this, just based on the premise.
Easton's husband dies in a work accident, and a man named River receives the donor heart.
Five years later, Easton is still struggling to move on, he asks Fox, his best friend and a PI, to find River to see if he's worthy of Paul's heart. Easton doesn't intend to meet River, but is forced to interceded when River steps into oncoming traffic.
The whole thing is a rollercoaster. Easton's guilt as he becomes closer to and finds it harder to tell him the truth. I enjoyed the visual metaphor, with the loss of his husband, Easton, an artist, lost his colors.
I wanted to feel more of an emotional connection to Paul, so I'd have more personal empathy for Easton. I think an introduction to Paul prior to the accident would have helped more than the small flashbacks.
Overall the book is compelling and re-readable.
July 29, 2019
2,5/5
Easton a perdu son mari suite à un accident. En état de mort cérébrale, il se résout à devoir le quitter et à autoriser le prélèvement de ses organes, en particulier le cœur. Cinq ans plus tard, Easton décide de retrouver le receveur du cœur de Paul, son défunt mari et fait alors la connaissance de River.
Bon, c'est un sujet assez délicat et pour moi, soit ça passe, soit ça casse. Ici, ça ne l'a pas fait...et c'est pas passé.
J'ai trouvé ce livre pas crédible, facile et cliché, d'un bout à l'autre. Dès les premières pages, lorsque j'ai compris la direction prise par l'auteur, j'ai su que ça n'allait pas passer. J'ai voulu continuer pour voir la réaction de River, et surtout car ce livre est court, sinon j'aurais abandonné très vite.
Déjà, le don d'organe est strictement anonyme...Le coup du papier signé de son nom, c'est moyen. Ensuite, je peux comprendre qu'on puisse se poser des questions, on s'en posait au début de la greffe du cœur, mais le myocarde est juste, par définition, du muscle. Donc les interrogations existentielles concernant le réel amour de River envers Easton n'ont pas lieu d'être. Par contre, le fait qu'Easton s'attache directement à River de la façon dont l'auteur le décrit, c'est maladroit...
Le thème de la seconde chance pour moi est mal traité. Quelque chose cloche dans cette histoire... enfin plusieurs choses !
Ceci dit, ça se laisse lire, et comme je le disais, c'est assez court !
Easton a perdu son mari suite à un accident. En état de mort cérébrale, il se résout à devoir le quitter et à autoriser le prélèvement de ses organes, en particulier le cœur. Cinq ans plus tard, Easton décide de retrouver le receveur du cœur de Paul, son défunt mari et fait alors la connaissance de River.
Bon, c'est un sujet assez délicat et pour moi, soit ça passe, soit ça casse. Ici, ça ne l'a pas fait...et c'est pas passé.
J'ai trouvé ce livre pas crédible, facile et cliché, d'un bout à l'autre. Dès les premières pages, lorsque j'ai compris la direction prise par l'auteur, j'ai su que ça n'allait pas passer. J'ai voulu continuer pour voir la réaction de River, et surtout car ce livre est court, sinon j'aurais abandonné très vite.
Déjà, le don d'organe est strictement anonyme...Le coup du papier signé de son nom, c'est moyen. Ensuite, je peux comprendre qu'on puisse se poser des questions, on s'en posait au début de la greffe du cœur, mais le myocarde est juste, par définition, du muscle. Donc les interrogations existentielles concernant le réel amour de River envers Easton n'ont pas lieu d'être. Par contre, le fait qu'Easton s'attache directement à River de la façon dont l'auteur le décrit, c'est maladroit...
Le thème de la seconde chance pour moi est mal traité. Quelque chose cloche dans cette histoire... enfin plusieurs choses !
Ceci dit, ça se laisse lire, et comme je le disais, c'est assez court !
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