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Virginia Clan #1
Wasted Heart
Fantasies can sometimes mess up the real thing.
Austy Nunziata has spent two years pining for her married best friend and about the same amount of time berating herself for it. In fact, she's so adept at trying to stamp out her feelings that she could probably write a How-To guide on the subject. One, move 3,000 miles away from your best friend. Two, get a time-consuming job so you don't have time to think about your best friend. Three, hang out with new friends who aren't anywhere as enchanting as your best friend. Four, get involved with a striking woman who is smart, sexy, caring and, most importantly, available, unlike your best friend. Five, hope the new love interest doesn't find out about your pathetic best friend obsession before you have time to replace it with actual life-altering love.
Even following her own step-by-step process, Austy may not be able to redirect all of her misguided feelings. Becoming involved with Elise Bridie helps her realize how pointless her pining has been. But when Elise suspects that she harbors feelings for someone else, will their new found love survive the unrequited infatuation of Austy's fantasies?
233 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2006
37 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Galli
19 books267 followersLynn Galli calls the Pacific Northwest home even though she's never written any software code, built an airplane, worn socks with sandals, or slung coffee. For the most part, she enjoys her real job but absolutely lives for the time she gets to spend writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 26, 2017
Excellent read! good narrative,great chemistry,very insightful and a nice romantic storyline..good storytelling by an incredible writer..highly recommend
January 2, 2013
Excellent writing, editing, and character development rarely share the same space. but they do for this author. i loved this book so much, part of me wants to move to virginia in hopes of meeting these people and joining their world. seriously.
when you don't find yourself distracted by grammatical errors, story-line not making sense, or any other of the numerous things that can bug a person about a book; you find yourself wondering where the last 6 hours went. so be warned.
I have since gone on to read the rest of the Virginia crew books. They are all equally well written, with characters you will bond with. You get a nice balance of drama (without the politics), heart warming, and some hot and steamy as well. The thing that really made this book a winner for me (and the others), is the banter and chemistry between the characters. The author does really well with hot and witty communication. Start with this one, and see if this is a journey you'd like to take. If you like it, you'll love all the others as well.
when you don't find yourself distracted by grammatical errors, story-line not making sense, or any other of the numerous things that can bug a person about a book; you find yourself wondering where the last 6 hours went. so be warned.
I have since gone on to read the rest of the Virginia crew books. They are all equally well written, with characters you will bond with. You get a nice balance of drama (without the politics), heart warming, and some hot and steamy as well. The thing that really made this book a winner for me (and the others), is the banter and chemistry between the characters. The author does really well with hot and witty communication. Start with this one, and see if this is a journey you'd like to take. If you like it, you'll love all the others as well.
August 16, 2016
I have three or four problems with this book. Probably, more likely than not, my own fault.
1) While this is the first book in a series, and while the first book I actually read was published after this book, that book I first read isn't listed as being in any series. And yet, I already knew the ultimate result of at least two or three of the characters in this book. Because they popped up in other books. Cameos. So, my fault for not reading this authors books in publication order.
2) I'm getting bloody tired of how so many books seem to need to have a conflict spring up. I realize that's kind of taught in creative writing. A conflict to resolve needs to be in there. But still. I'm getting mighty tired of how cliche and overused miscommunication/misunderstandings are used to create a conflict that needs to be resolved. But, again, that's also mostly my fault. I mean, what do I expect if I were to read a romance novel? There's going to be some conflict, then some resolution. If it's a romance. Most likely the conflict will be miscommunication. Or a dangerous situation. It's like written in stone, or something.
3) I found the whole friends thing smothering. I mean, the part wherein they are constantly talking over each other, rolling over each other excitedly, like they were over-excited kittens. But that's also my issue. In that I don't like being smothered.
4) I knew I had four things. By the time I got to the third thing, I couldn't remember what the other two were. So I came up with that smothering thing. Now I don't know what to put here.
Character-wise, I liked the two main characters. Mostly. Elise has a tendency to jump to conclusions and be stubborn about it, which I found vaguely, slightly annoying. Austy was kind of annoying with her depressing thoughts and need to talk out-loud to herself, but eh.
I don't remember which book it was, which review, where ever it was I read it, but I recall seeing some comment about how the reviewer disliked how everyone always seemed to be described as being gorgeous. I shrugged when I read that. Mentally. If it's a romance, and it's two people at the start of a relationship/romance/fling, more than likely they are going to see the positive, and see every new look, whether in a fancy dress, covered in grease after working on a car, or whatever, as lovely. So it might come across as if everyone involved are just so damned pretty/beautiful/gorgeous. Which I mention because that came up again in this book.
Not sure, really, how attractive Austy looks. The book is a one-point-of-view book from Austy's point of view. Some comments by others seemed to indicate that she's attractive, but we don't have Elise's point of view to drive up the "beautiful/gorgeous" comments/thoughts/etc. Elise, on the other hand, doesn't need just Austy's view of her to have her beauty conveyed. She actually is the kind that cause people to stop and stare. And drool. She was even a model back in the day. Something like age 16-23. To pay for college and graduate school (I think graduate school was mentioned). So this is one of the few times when I have objective evidence of someone's looks, instead of just subjective.
I had a point. I can't recall it now. Just that the fact that a book has a character marveling over the beauty of the person they love, doesn't mean that that individual would be seen as beauty to those not in love with them. So if romance books seem to be filled with beauties, there's likely a reason for that. On the other hand, we have objective evidence of Elise's looks. Okay, I still don't recall specifically what idea I wanted to convey. So I'll move on.
1) While this is the first book in a series, and while the first book I actually read was published after this book, that book I first read isn't listed as being in any series. And yet, I already knew the ultimate result of at least two or three of the characters in this book. Because they popped up in other books. Cameos. So, my fault for not reading this authors books in publication order.
2) I'm getting bloody tired of how so many books seem to need to have a conflict spring up. I realize that's kind of taught in creative writing. A conflict to resolve needs to be in there. But still. I'm getting mighty tired of how cliche and overused miscommunication/misunderstandings are used to create a conflict that needs to be resolved. But, again, that's also mostly my fault. I mean, what do I expect if I were to read a romance novel? There's going to be some conflict, then some resolution. If it's a romance. Most likely the conflict will be miscommunication. Or a dangerous situation. It's like written in stone, or something.
3) I found the whole friends thing smothering. I mean, the part wherein they are constantly talking over each other, rolling over each other excitedly, like they were over-excited kittens. But that's also my issue. In that I don't like being smothered.
4) I knew I had four things. By the time I got to the third thing, I couldn't remember what the other two were. So I came up with that smothering thing. Now I don't know what to put here.
Character-wise, I liked the two main characters. Mostly. Elise has a tendency to jump to conclusions and be stubborn about it, which I found vaguely, slightly annoying. Austy was kind of annoying with her depressing thoughts and need to talk out-loud to herself, but eh.
I don't remember which book it was, which review, where ever it was I read it, but I recall seeing some comment about how the reviewer disliked how everyone always seemed to be described as being gorgeous. I shrugged when I read that. Mentally. If it's a romance, and it's two people at the start of a relationship/romance/fling, more than likely they are going to see the positive, and see every new look, whether in a fancy dress, covered in grease after working on a car, or whatever, as lovely. So it might come across as if everyone involved are just so damned pretty/beautiful/gorgeous. Which I mention because that came up again in this book.
Not sure, really, how attractive Austy looks. The book is a one-point-of-view book from Austy's point of view. Some comments by others seemed to indicate that she's attractive, but we don't have Elise's point of view to drive up the "beautiful/gorgeous" comments/thoughts/etc. Elise, on the other hand, doesn't need just Austy's view of her to have her beauty conveyed. She actually is the kind that cause people to stop and stare. And drool. She was even a model back in the day. Something like age 16-23. To pay for college and graduate school (I think graduate school was mentioned). So this is one of the few times when I have objective evidence of someone's looks, instead of just subjective.
I had a point. I can't recall it now. Just that the fact that a book has a character marveling over the beauty of the person they love, doesn't mean that that individual would be seen as beauty to those not in love with them. So if romance books seem to be filled with beauties, there's likely a reason for that. On the other hand, we have objective evidence of Elise's looks. Okay, I still don't recall specifically what idea I wanted to convey. So I'll move on.
April 18, 2014
4.5 stars
Now my favorite Lynn Galli book! oh, wait. Blessed Twice is still tops, thanks to M. That was a solid 5. This comes a close second. I would have loved to read more from Elise's POV and why she acted the way she did. Her action seemed to come from a deep-seated insecurity that's hard to imagine on someone with her looks and talent. Maybe if she were less perfect. :)
Now my favorite Lynn Galli book! oh, wait. Blessed Twice is still tops, thanks to M. That was a solid 5. This comes a close second. I would have loved to read more from Elise's POV and why she acted the way she did. Her action seemed to come from a deep-seated insecurity that's hard to imagine on someone with her looks and talent. Maybe if she were less perfect. :)
November 13, 2017
The Virginia Clan series is off to an excellent start because I could not stop reading Wasted Heart once I started.
Austy Nunziata (love the name!) has been secretly in love with her best friend Willa for a few years and knows she can never have her. Willa is happily married and doesn’t even know Austy is carrying a torch for her. To escape the torture Austy moves to the other side of the country to re-boot life and career in Seattle.
She burries herself in her office on the fifth floor of the federal courthouse working complex crimes as the Assistant United States Attorney and that’s where she meets the striking FBI agent Elise Bridie (another good name!).
Elise is drop dead gorgeous, smart, highly capable and available. Is it enough to let Austy leave the safe fantasies about Willa and embark on something real with the ex-model from Seattle? And what happens when Elise suspects Austy’s heart might no be hers to keep?
The story was well written, well paced, had great dialogue, great characterization, memorable sexytimes, a bit of adrenaline action, a touch of angst – all in all a great read and very promising for the rest of the series.
f/f explicit
Themes: what we have here is a failure to communicate, ye gods those friends are pushy, the sex scene is excellent, Elise must be exceptionally purdy because it’s mentioned enough times, a femme who's capable under a car, gotta love that.
4.4 stars
Austy Nunziata (love the name!) has been secretly in love with her best friend Willa for a few years and knows she can never have her. Willa is happily married and doesn’t even know Austy is carrying a torch for her. To escape the torture Austy moves to the other side of the country to re-boot life and career in Seattle.
She burries herself in her office on the fifth floor of the federal courthouse working complex crimes as the Assistant United States Attorney and that’s where she meets the striking FBI agent Elise Bridie (another good name!).
Elise is drop dead gorgeous, smart, highly capable and available. Is it enough to let Austy leave the safe fantasies about Willa and embark on something real with the ex-model from Seattle? And what happens when Elise suspects Austy’s heart might no be hers to keep?
The story was well written, well paced, had great dialogue, great characterization, memorable sexytimes, a bit of adrenaline action, a touch of angst – all in all a great read and very promising for the rest of the series.
f/f explicit
Themes: what we have here is a failure to communicate, ye gods those friends are pushy, the sex scene is excellent, Elise must be exceptionally purdy because it’s mentioned enough times, a femme who's capable under a car, gotta love that.
4.4 stars
December 18, 2017
This is my first Lynn Galli book, and I was SO impressed. What a great writer she is. I loved the story and the characters. I grew-up in a family full of lawyers, and legal thrillers are a favorite of mine. I can't wait to read more of her books.
May 9, 2025
3.75★ rounded up.
Wasted Heart has held up remarkably well for being written in 2006. I was consistently invested in how the author would handle one of the leads being in love with someone else already and I'm satisfied with how she handled Austy's character progression.
What prevented it from being a 4 star read is the self-deprecating, sardonic style of humor throughout Austy's first person narration that wasn't my style and was the most dated part of the book. Noting some time period appropriate homophobia, but nothing too daunting to read on-page. .
Elise studied me for a long moment, not letting up on her sexiness. "Fascinating. You don't believe someone could be enchanted by you?"
Wasted Heart has held up remarkably well for being written in 2006. I was consistently invested in how the author would handle one of the leads being in love with someone else already and I'm satisfied with how she handled Austy's character progression.
What prevented it from being a 4 star read is the self-deprecating, sardonic style of humor throughout Austy's first person narration that wasn't my style and was the most dated part of the book. Noting some time period appropriate homophobia, but nothing too daunting to read on-page. .
January 7, 2014
I can sum it up in one word: YAY!
November 21, 2017
I'm really enjoying Lynn Galli as an author. Her books are engaging with great characters and this one is no different. Austy is in love with her married best friend and moves across country to the US Attorney's office in Seattle to put some distance between them. The Virginia group of friends is not particularly good at respecting that boundary, probably because Austy didn't tell them why.
Austy's internal monologues are hysterical and they give an entertaining perspective on her personality and decisions. I regret not having read these in order but I suppose it doesn't really matter because it's not like there are surprise endings in the romance genre... which is exactly why I read them.
Austy's internal monologues are hysterical and they give an entertaining perspective on her personality and decisions. I regret not having read these in order but I suppose it doesn't really matter because it's not like there are surprise endings in the romance genre... which is exactly why I read them.
December 18, 2018
Still one of my favorites. Austy and Elise melt my heart every time I read them.
A great book about the importance of communication and avoiding mind reading.
A great book about the importance of communication and avoiding mind reading.
May 31, 2020
This was supposed to come across as witty unfortunately it took me awhile to warm up to that writing style. Fortunately it grew on me and i ended up loving the characters.
March 1, 2022
other than bad narration on how to change a clutch in a mustang this was a really good book
December 17, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read more. The story is funny, has thrilling events (e.g. a kidnapping) hot love scenes, and a happy ending. For what more could one ask? Seems pretty awesome to me.
November 13, 2017
Man I just read the best sex scenes in a lesfic. The author certainly knows stuff.
At first I was rooting for the best friend but later on I fell inlove with the main character's real love interest.
Lynn Galli is a must read author. I had fun reading this book. Will surely read her other works.
At first I was rooting for the best friend but later on I fell inlove with the main character's real love interest.
Lynn Galli is a must read author. I had fun reading this book. Will surely read her other works.
August 21, 2017
good humoures book...
August 24, 2023
Hmmm
Reread from 2012.
I am usually not a fan when a story is 75% revolving around romance. However. However, somehow Wasted Heart’s Austy was endearing enough to win me over with her funny internal monologue. I gather she’s hot, smart, self-deprecating to a point that she’s not full of herself but a boss b*tch in a courtroom.
The story did have some degree of variation which kept the flow interesting especially when it came to the criminals. There were some thrilling scenes injected in the story that made it livelier and entertaining.
Reread from 2012.
I am usually not a fan when a story is 75% revolving around romance. However. However, somehow Wasted Heart’s Austy was endearing enough to win me over with her funny internal monologue. I gather she’s hot, smart, self-deprecating to a point that she’s not full of herself but a boss b*tch in a courtroom.
The story did have some degree of variation which kept the flow interesting especially when it came to the criminals. There were some thrilling scenes injected in the story that made it livelier and entertaining.
July 28, 2019
I liked both of these characters, although as the story is told in first person we get to know Austy a bit better than Elise. I enjoyed the way the two characters came to know each other and their courtship, but the story falls down a bit toward the end where the crime aspect takes over and a contrived event leads to a breakup. Still it's a nice story and it sets up the rest of the books in the series.
October 6, 2013
I was expecting more from this book. The story, albeit interesting when you read the back cover blurb, fails to unfold in a pace that would keep said interest alive. The characters seem a bit two-dimensional, although it gets better toward the end. All in all it's not a bad book, but it's not a page-turner either.
May 29, 2022
After reading the prequal I was excited to read more about the Virginia Clan. The first book in the series focuses on Austy and Elise. Austy moves to Seattle to try and move on from her love with Will her "married best friend, in Virginia" and meets FBI agent Elise during a case.
As the book progresses the story drew me in more and was excited to continue reading. The action that comes in towards the middle adds and extra element that I enjoyed. What I did not enjoy was the over abundant use of the word "Lesbian" not because I hate the word, but 43 times is over the top. There is a reason I am reading the book, I don't need it being mentioned ever few pages, I am hardly likely to forget. I also got irritated with the repetition of the whole in love with the best friend, who is married, in Virginia thing. this was repeated way too much and just irritated me. Personally I found a few things in the book unnecessary, but that's just me. Otherwise I did enjoy the development of their relationship, I found the friend group to be a little over the top and controlling but the circumstances I supposed made them more intense. I am glad Aus stepped up for herself in the end.
As the book progresses the story drew me in more and was excited to continue reading. The action that comes in towards the middle adds and extra element that I enjoyed. What I did not enjoy was the over abundant use of the word "Lesbian" not because I hate the word, but 43 times is over the top. There is a reason I am reading the book, I don't need it being mentioned ever few pages, I am hardly likely to forget. I also got irritated with the repetition of the whole in love with the best friend, who is married, in Virginia thing. this was repeated way too much and just irritated me. Personally I found a few things in the book unnecessary, but that's just me. Otherwise I did enjoy the development of their relationship, I found the friend group to be a little over the top and controlling but the circumstances I supposed made them more intense. I am glad Aus stepped up for herself in the end.
January 25, 2011
Another part of her series. I wanted to skip this as it is about a character (Austy) that I didn't connect with before, but this dive into her life was a nice read. Again firmly settled in the romance genre, not very original but heart-warming.
***
As a collective reaction to all books, I would say that she is a great storyteller, but her books could use some work. The ones listed in this post also all contained errors of the incorrect word usage type that could be typos (mixing up arraignment and arrangement, for example), and questionable comma choices. On her website she also states that part of her reason to reissue some of her books as special editions was to give them another edit and remove glaring errors. I don't want to know what errors were removed if those that are still there were missed in this round of editing.
The couples 'crisis' often stem from one moment of miscommunication/non-communication that seems very fabricated just to set up the crisis. That breaks the flow of otherwise engaging stories and is very predictable if it happens in every book. I also noticed the point of view. Without going back to check every book, they are written in a mix of first person narrative for one character and third person for the other. I find that mix odd, and sometimes it annoyed me. Also, especially in Waster Heart, the first person narrative is used to have that character's inner monologue sort of address the reader. Meant to be funny I'm sure, but if every chapter ends with such a comment, it's annoying. It just shows to me that a) first person is hard to do and it takes a lot of skill to do right and b) first person is not the best POV to tell a story. (I'm still amazed at how well it worked for me in Hunger Games).
***
As a collective reaction to all books, I would say that she is a great storyteller, but her books could use some work. The ones listed in this post also all contained errors of the incorrect word usage type that could be typos (mixing up arraignment and arrangement, for example), and questionable comma choices. On her website she also states that part of her reason to reissue some of her books as special editions was to give them another edit and remove glaring errors. I don't want to know what errors were removed if those that are still there were missed in this round of editing.
The couples 'crisis' often stem from one moment of miscommunication/non-communication that seems very fabricated just to set up the crisis. That breaks the flow of otherwise engaging stories and is very predictable if it happens in every book. I also noticed the point of view. Without going back to check every book, they are written in a mix of first person narrative for one character and third person for the other. I find that mix odd, and sometimes it annoyed me. Also, especially in Waster Heart, the first person narrative is used to have that character's inner monologue sort of address the reader. Meant to be funny I'm sure, but if every chapter ends with such a comment, it's annoying. It just shows to me that a) first person is hard to do and it takes a lot of skill to do right and b) first person is not the best POV to tell a story. (I'm still amazed at how well it worked for me in Hunger Games).
April 9, 2016
2016 Update: I've re-read this story and confirmed that this is one of the ones I enjoy most in her series.
2014 Review: This is the 1st book in the series that revolves around a bunch of friends in Virginia. I have to admit that I did not read this one 1st, I read it after reading all of the others but by then I felt compelled to read Austy’s story as well. Let’s be blunt, read the book, read the series. They are well written and I had a tough time putting them down.
Product Description:
“Austy Nunziata has spent two years pining for her married best friend and about the same amount of time berating herself for it. In fact, she’s so adept at trying to stamp out her feelings that she could probably write a How-To guide on the subject. One, move 3,000 miles away from your best friend. Two, get a time-consuming job so you don’t have time to think about your best friend. Three, hang out with new friends who aren’t anywhere as enchanting as your best friend. Four, get involved with a striking woman who is smart, sexy, caring and, most importantly, available, unlike your best friend. Five, hope the new love interest doesn’t find out about your pathetic best friend obsession before you have time to replace it with actual life-altering love.
Even following her own step-by-step process, Austy may not be able to redirect all of her misguided feelings. Becoming involved with Elise Bridie helps her realize how pointless her pining has been. But when Elise suspects that she harbors feelings for someone else, will their new found love survive the unrequited infatuation of Austy’s fantasies?”
2014 Review: This is the 1st book in the series that revolves around a bunch of friends in Virginia. I have to admit that I did not read this one 1st, I read it after reading all of the others but by then I felt compelled to read Austy’s story as well. Let’s be blunt, read the book, read the series. They are well written and I had a tough time putting them down.
Product Description:
“Austy Nunziata has spent two years pining for her married best friend and about the same amount of time berating herself for it. In fact, she’s so adept at trying to stamp out her feelings that she could probably write a How-To guide on the subject. One, move 3,000 miles away from your best friend. Two, get a time-consuming job so you don’t have time to think about your best friend. Three, hang out with new friends who aren’t anywhere as enchanting as your best friend. Four, get involved with a striking woman who is smart, sexy, caring and, most importantly, available, unlike your best friend. Five, hope the new love interest doesn’t find out about your pathetic best friend obsession before you have time to replace it with actual life-altering love.
Even following her own step-by-step process, Austy may not be able to redirect all of her misguided feelings. Becoming involved with Elise Bridie helps her realize how pointless her pining has been. But when Elise suspects that she harbors feelings for someone else, will their new found love survive the unrequited infatuation of Austy’s fantasies?”
July 7, 2014
I'll be upfront here: I had a hard time liking Austy. And because this book is written in her POV, I hate to admit it pulled the book down for me.
Sure, Austy is a likeable character. Smart, successful, beautiful, but at the same time insecure as hell. But I couldn't really get into her narrative, specifically in the beginning. The narrative seems a bit detached from everything that is happening to her.
This doesn't mean it wasn't a nice story. I can only be jealous of that group of friends. If you have one of those, you are very lucky, even with all the meddling and overprotectivness. And all of the secondary characters were very nicely done. You can't help but admire both Elise and Scott because of how Elise has taken him in and how Scott is so thankful of that.
It has an ultra HEA, but that's ok, they both deserve it.
One note on the villains here: I have never seen such a stupid bunch of criminals. I know they only exist as a plot device in the end , but a bit more intelligence wouldn't have hurt.
I have to give props to that judge in the end. The way she handled that was just awesome :)
Sure, Austy is a likeable character. Smart, successful, beautiful, but at the same time insecure as hell. But I couldn't really get into her narrative, specifically in the beginning. The narrative seems a bit detached from everything that is happening to her.
This doesn't mean it wasn't a nice story. I can only be jealous of that group of friends. If you have one of those, you are very lucky, even with all the meddling and overprotectivness. And all of the secondary characters were very nicely done. You can't help but admire both Elise and Scott because of how Elise has taken him in and how Scott is so thankful of that.
It has an ultra HEA, but that's ok, they both deserve it.
One note on the villains here: I have never seen such a stupid bunch of criminals. I know they only exist as a plot device in the end , but a bit more intelligence wouldn't have hurt.
I have to give props to that judge in the end. The way she handled that was just awesome :)
September 4, 2012
I can't wait to read more of Lynn Galli's books and have already purchased the next in the series (Imaginary Reality.) Sometimes, in our craze-fueled and occasionally cruel world, the best kind of book to read is one with a sweet side that ends happily. Because love rarely works out so well in real life, it's kind of nice to have a little fantasy to fall back onto from time to time.
Wasted Heart spoke to me on so many levels: the unrequited love for a friend aspect (who hasn't been through that messy and tiresome situation?), the likable, endearing characters you'd love to know outside of these pages and the sincere, humorous side that made it hard for me to finish without regret. I can't recommend this enough: a warm and wonderful world that would make even a cynic smile!:)
Wasted Heart spoke to me on so many levels: the unrequited love for a friend aspect (who hasn't been through that messy and tiresome situation?), the likable, endearing characters you'd love to know outside of these pages and the sincere, humorous side that made it hard for me to finish without regret. I can't recommend this enough: a warm and wonderful world that would make even a cynic smile!:)
April 16, 2008
I've discovered that the only thing more fun than a trashy romance novel when the weather gets nice out is a LESBIAN trashy romance novel. Especially one that is actually about the trials and tribulations of romance and less about (a) coming out or (b) battling homophobia.
September 13, 2012
What starts out as your usual love story, surprised me in the middle with some action events.
November 29, 2015
Nicely paced book and a good romantic story. I also like the friendship among the Virginia clan, and I can't wait to know all of them. :)
May 23, 2017
amazing piece , contains everything i look for in romance genre . chemistry between the characters and slow development tops of all
July 18, 2025
Rounded down from 3.50
I’d been meaning to read Wasted Hearts for ages, and once I finally picked it up, I tore through it in under 24 hours. That in itself says a lot.
I really liked the characters, especially Elise: she’s sweet, grounded, and genuinely charming. I just wish we got more of her. Her story does come through eventually, but it felt a little underexplored, like there was more beneath the surface that never quite made it to the page. Austy, on the other hand, was harder for me to connect with. I found her a bit overwhelming at times, and I struggled to really understand or empathize with her. Something about her arc felt slightly out of reach.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending… It felt a bit abrupt, and I really would have *loved* an epilogue. Elise and Austy have incredible chemistry, and they make a beautiful, compelling couple. I just wanted to see a glimpse of what their future might look like beyond the final chapter.
All that said, it’s a book that clearly got under my skin. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m glad I finally read it 💖
I’d been meaning to read Wasted Hearts for ages, and once I finally picked it up, I tore through it in under 24 hours. That in itself says a lot.
I really liked the characters, especially Elise: she’s sweet, grounded, and genuinely charming. I just wish we got more of her. Her story does come through eventually, but it felt a little underexplored, like there was more beneath the surface that never quite made it to the page. Austy, on the other hand, was harder for me to connect with. I found her a bit overwhelming at times, and I struggled to really understand or empathize with her. Something about her arc felt slightly out of reach.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending… It felt a bit abrupt, and I really would have *loved* an epilogue. Elise and Austy have incredible chemistry, and they make a beautiful, compelling couple. I just wanted to see a glimpse of what their future might look like beyond the final chapter.
All that said, it’s a book that clearly got under my skin. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m glad I finally read it 💖
February 5, 2021
Would give it 4 stars if the second half of the book was on the same level as the first, but I basically skimmed the last third because it’s conflict and resolution was so frustrating. I hate when authors use misunderstandings to cause problems between romantic partners. It’s lazy. I also thought the first person POV was funny in the first chapter, but hardly anywhere else (and from the previews of the others books by the author, this is the only way she knows how to write).
Overall: interesting story, lovable characters, annoying friends, dumb criminals and plot holes, lots of steam, lovely build-up, and a babe of a romantic interest who should’ve been in the book way more.
PS: There’s a Sue Bird mention/encounter!!! Almost deserving of another star
Overall: interesting story, lovable characters, annoying friends, dumb criminals and plot holes, lots of steam, lovely build-up, and a babe of a romantic interest who should’ve been in the book way more.
PS: There’s a Sue Bird mention/encounter!!! Almost deserving of another star
September 5, 2017
I can't say this book impressed me like Uncommon Emotions did. Austy was just dull. I can't see what Elise sees in her. She doesn't have a trait that stands out or makes her special. She isn't particularly sarcastic, she isn't quirky, and she isn't funny. I don't find her overwhelmingly kind either. She just exists. While I'm at it, I do not even know why the Virginia clan loves her so much. I have read some amazing books with memorable characters in ff fiction, and Austy does not cut it for me. Elise, on the other hand, is very memorable. She is calm, cool and collected, kind, and loving. I hate to say it, but she can do better than Austy.
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