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Hearts #1
Where the Heart Is
Felicity Jamison could never have imagined how one fateful night would change her life. Compelled to stay away from the only place she’s ever felt at home, has meant losing her best friend and first love, Nate Davenport.
Fate now intervenes leaving her with no other choice but to return.
Not only does she harbour demons of her own, she carries with her a secret that threatens to destroy an entire family.
Nate has experienced his fair share of grief, what he didn't expect was for Felicity to walk back into his life, a mere shadow of the girl he used to know.
Angry and hurt, the last thing he is willing to admit is how much he needs her.
Will he risk turning to her for comfort?
Together, can they move past a heart-breaking revelation or are they destined to be apart forever?
Where the Heart Is is Book 1 of the Hearts Series. It can be read as a standalone.
Fate now intervenes leaving her with no other choice but to return.
Not only does she harbour demons of her own, she carries with her a secret that threatens to destroy an entire family.
Nate has experienced his fair share of grief, what he didn't expect was for Felicity to walk back into his life, a mere shadow of the girl he used to know.
Angry and hurt, the last thing he is willing to admit is how much he needs her.
Will he risk turning to her for comfort?
Together, can they move past a heart-breaking revelation or are they destined to be apart forever?
Where the Heart Is is Book 1 of the Hearts Series. It can be read as a standalone.
- GenresContemporary Romance
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
76 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Pullen
19 books346 followersL.S. Pullen, aka Leila, is an indie author, born and raised in North London; and now resides in East of England. No longer working the corporate life, she writes full time.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her walking her adopted pooch Luna whilst squirrel spotting. As well as looking after her bunnies Beatrix & Bucky. And in true English cliche fashion, she loves afternoon tea.
You can find everything you need to know about the author here on her website: https://lspullen.co.uk
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lspullenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lspauthor
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her walking her adopted pooch Luna whilst squirrel spotting. As well as looking after her bunnies Beatrix & Bucky. And in true English cliche fashion, she loves afternoon tea.
You can find everything you need to know about the author here on her website: https://lspullen.co.uk
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lspullenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lspauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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February 14, 2024💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2018)!💝
dnf
November 25, 2018Dnfed @ 44%
October 26, 2018
Wow! What a great debut! It was sweet with a steady burn and just the right amount of steam. I can’t wait for Charlie and Sophie’s story!
February 24, 2019
4 Stars
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
Pullen’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. Everything about Felicity was so mysterious and intriguing – I wanted to know what has been going on with her right away. I liked her character very much. She was strong, determined, and fearless but also vulnerable, scared, and guarded. Nate was the perfect guy and the perfect counterpart to Felicity. He was strong, understanding, and protective, but also quick-tempered and hothead-ish – I thought he was great anyway.
Toward the end I became more and more impatient with the two love birds – at almost got the point where I found it annoying. It was obvious (to everyone in the book and me!) that they loved each other but their stubbornness made it almost impossible for a happily ever after – only almost. ;)
Where the Heart is addresses a few sensitive but important topics. I don’t think a trigger warning is necessary here since none of the topics are described in great detail. They are simply mentioned and talked about.
Pullen’s debut novel is definitely an emotional read but due to the lack of detailed descriptions, it is not overly emotional. It is definitely something to think about.
A thing that was missing, were the characters’ descriptions. How do they look (besides their eye-color), what do they wear, what occupations do they have, what do they like to do in their free time? It was all a little too vague for me.
I’m a super slow reader and due to my full-time job and active social life, it usually takes me at least a week (or even more) to finish a book. I also can’t start and finish a book in one sitting anymore. It’s just too exhausting. I still don’t know what happened that weekend but I read Where the Heart is in a day. I started Saturday evening and finished it a day later on Sunday evening. It was such an amazing feeling to finally read that long again and without bigger interruptions, and having a great book in doing so made it even more fun.
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
Pullen’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. Everything about Felicity was so mysterious and intriguing – I wanted to know what has been going on with her right away. I liked her character very much. She was strong, determined, and fearless but also vulnerable, scared, and guarded. Nate was the perfect guy and the perfect counterpart to Felicity. He was strong, understanding, and protective, but also quick-tempered and hothead-ish – I thought he was great anyway.
Toward the end I became more and more impatient with the two love birds – at almost got the point where I found it annoying. It was obvious (to everyone in the book and me!) that they loved each other but their stubbornness made it almost impossible for a happily ever after – only almost. ;)
Where the Heart is addresses a few sensitive but important topics. I don’t think a trigger warning is necessary here since none of the topics are described in great detail. They are simply mentioned and talked about.
Pullen’s debut novel is definitely an emotional read but due to the lack of detailed descriptions, it is not overly emotional. It is definitely something to think about.
A thing that was missing, were the characters’ descriptions. How do they look (besides their eye-color), what do they wear, what occupations do they have, what do they like to do in their free time? It was all a little too vague for me.
I’m a super slow reader and due to my full-time job and active social life, it usually takes me at least a week (or even more) to finish a book. I also can’t start and finish a book in one sitting anymore. It’s just too exhausting. I still don’t know what happened that weekend but I read Where the Heart is in a day. I started Saturday evening and finished it a day later on Sunday evening. It was such an amazing feeling to finally read that long again and without bigger interruptions, and having a great book in doing so made it even more fun.
October 27, 2018
Finding a debut author who really knows how to bring in the feels is such a treat. I was in every emotion as though I was the main character, Felicity. The plot twist and turns had me guessing and yearning for more.
L.S. Pullen has done amazing work with this debut and I can’t wait for more! One-click this now, what are you waiting for.
L.S. Pullen has done amazing work with this debut and I can’t wait for more! One-click this now, what are you waiting for.
November 3, 2018
Loved this book! You know I am a sucker for a great love story and Felicity and Nate certainly delivered. Great cast of supporting characters as well - can’t wait to read their stories. I got a little lost in the world the Author created and can’t wait to get back there. Thank you for a great read!
February 1, 2019
There’s something to be said about romances featuring characters with a past history. It adds an irresistible undertone of desire that can be felt throughout the plot until the characters reach the point of no return. L.S. Pullen executed that with Felicity and Nate’s story, flawlessly weaving the innocence of past young love into the present storyline of complicated adulthood.
More endearing still were the themes of friendship in this novel. The supporting characters, specifically Simon and Sophie, were rich enough to add extra depth and give us more insight into Felicity.
This novel didn’t read like a debut and instead was paced well with enough tension to keep me turning the pages to find out what happened next. This won’t be the last book I read from this author!
More endearing still were the themes of friendship in this novel. The supporting characters, specifically Simon and Sophie, were rich enough to add extra depth and give us more insight into Felicity.
This novel didn’t read like a debut and instead was paced well with enough tension to keep me turning the pages to find out what happened next. This won’t be the last book I read from this author!
July 17, 2022
A beautiful second chance romance. I absolutely loved this. Felicity (Flick) hasn’t had the easiest time and I felt so much for her. The push and pull between her and Nate was perfect. Now I need to hop into Charlie and Sophie’s book.
October 26, 2018
I was excited to receive an ARC for Where the Heart Is and it didn’t disappoint. LS Pullen did a great job of tugging on heart strings, conjuring much empathy for her characters, and hoping for a happy ending. She did all of this and more in her debut novel. Can’t wait to see what else she has in her arsenal of words.
October 24, 2018
A great debut! A wonderful heart felt story about friendship and family and above all love. Characters that were not only likable, but identifiable. And some hot steam to boot. Y’all make sure to read it ASAP.
November 23, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I’ve not had great luck finding new authors who appeal to me and can pull me in and impress me with their storytelling abilities. LS Pullen did a fantastic job telling Felicity and Nate’s story, weaving their past into their present and building a foundation for their future that was rock-solid.
I loved how LS Pullen handled the delicate situations of trauma and mental illness in Where the Heart Is. Both situations served to move the plot forward while being respectful of the pain Felicity was dealing with. I was happy to see how Ms. Pullen allowed Felicity to grow in strength while never making it seem like something magically healed everything she’d suffered through.
Nate was incredible. I loved how sensitive and respectful he was to Felicity. He was dealing with a lot on his own, considering what brought him and Felicity back together, but it only helped him to acknowledge the things he'd always known and wanted. He was such an unwavering and supportive force throughout the novel; it was impossible not to fall a little bit in love with him.
My only wish for this novel is that it gets another editing pass. There were quite a few issues with plural/possessive transposition, as well as several typos. It wasn’t enough to take me out of the experience of the novel, but enough to be noticeable.
Where the Heart Is is the debut novel from LS Pullen. I was quite impressed with her storytelling abilities, and I am sure as she continues to write and learn, her work will be highly sought after. I can’t wait to see what she has in store in the future and look forward to watching her grow.
I loved how LS Pullen handled the delicate situations of trauma and mental illness in Where the Heart Is. Both situations served to move the plot forward while being respectful of the pain Felicity was dealing with. I was happy to see how Ms. Pullen allowed Felicity to grow in strength while never making it seem like something magically healed everything she’d suffered through.
Nate was incredible. I loved how sensitive and respectful he was to Felicity. He was dealing with a lot on his own, considering what brought him and Felicity back together, but it only helped him to acknowledge the things he'd always known and wanted. He was such an unwavering and supportive force throughout the novel; it was impossible not to fall a little bit in love with him.
My only wish for this novel is that it gets another editing pass. There were quite a few issues with plural/possessive transposition, as well as several typos. It wasn’t enough to take me out of the experience of the novel, but enough to be noticeable.
Where the Heart Is is the debut novel from LS Pullen. I was quite impressed with her storytelling abilities, and I am sure as she continues to write and learn, her work will be highly sought after. I can’t wait to see what she has in store in the future and look forward to watching her grow.
November 5, 2018
5 stars!
Wow! I was blown away by this debut! I loved everything about this story. It was raw, heartbreaking, and full of love!
I couldn’t get enough of Felicity and Nate. They have so much chemistry!
I’ll admit, I’m a softy for great love stories! They don’t come easy and L.S. Pulled really pulled this one off!
I also loved the supporting characters in this book and cannot wait to read their story.
Wow! I was blown away by this debut! I loved everything about this story. It was raw, heartbreaking, and full of love!
I couldn’t get enough of Felicity and Nate. They have so much chemistry!
I’ll admit, I’m a softy for great love stories! They don’t come easy and L.S. Pulled really pulled this one off!
I also loved the supporting characters in this book and cannot wait to read their story.
January 8, 2019
Loved this book! Must read!
Read
August 28, 2020What a wonderful debut novel! I'm a sucker for second chance romances and this one has all the right pieces to build a compelling story with a lot of heart and emotion.
And Flick...I'm in love with that nickname <3
If you're looking for some new to you authors give this one a chance!
And Flick...I'm in love with that nickname <3
If you're looking for some new to you authors give this one a chance!
March 9, 2020
I am a sucker for second chance with first love stories, so this was a perfect choice for me. The writing was incredible and was surprised it was a debut book for this author. Felicity was an amazingly strong heroine who, despite going through heartbreak and trauma as well as dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, continued to move ahead and never give up. Nate frustrated me a couple times, but I forgave him and I’m glad Flick did too! The passion and love could be felt through great writing. Supporting characters were perfect and added depth to the storyline. I was a little confused at the flashback in the beginning of the story...it didn’t make sense to me, but it was minor. Love this story and backstory and will be reading Charlie and Sophie’s story soon!!
February 23, 2021
A Satisfying Read
I don't read many romances. This book grabbed my attention and held it, from its charming beginning to the interesting and relatable people and events that give this story life. True to genre, satisfying and never trite, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done!
I don't read many romances. This book grabbed my attention and held it, from its charming beginning to the interesting and relatable people and events that give this story life. True to genre, satisfying and never trite, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done!
November 19, 2019
Good second chance romance with a few heart racing sex scenes thrown in. Definitely felt like I got to know the characters and am looking forward to reading more from her.
May 5, 2021
Loved it. R. A
They went through so much but loved each other since kids. It's a must read.It's a great read won't be able to but it down.
They went through so much but loved each other since kids. It's a must read.It's a great read won't be able to but it down.
October 28, 2018
Nate and Felicity are the perfect characters. The complaint each other so well.
This is my first read from L.S. Pullen and my word it was freaking incredible.
I love how the author touched on so many touchy subjects but that is life. There are great times and crappy times.
We are only human and we can handle so much whether we think we can or not.
What happened to Felicity and Sophia broke my heart. When I read that I had tears in my eyes. It broke my heart, like my heart cried for her.
People don't realize that the anxiety and struggle to live and maintain your everyday life is hard. I can relate more than you could now.
So thank you for touching on this very sensitive subject.
I will not ruin it for you at all but I promise you will love every word and you will love every character.
I can't wait to read Charlie and Sophia's story next. I am hoping I get my Nate and Felicity fix.
While reading this book all I could like of was this song...
Only Exception by Paramore
This is my first read from L.S. Pullen and my word it was freaking incredible.
I love how the author touched on so many touchy subjects but that is life. There are great times and crappy times.
We are only human and we can handle so much whether we think we can or not.
What happened to Felicity and Sophia broke my heart. When I read that I had tears in my eyes. It broke my heart, like my heart cried for her.
People don't realize that the anxiety and struggle to live and maintain your everyday life is hard. I can relate more than you could now.
So thank you for touching on this very sensitive subject.
I will not ruin it for you at all but I promise you will love every word and you will love every character.
I can't wait to read Charlie and Sophia's story next. I am hoping I get my Nate and Felicity fix.
While reading this book all I could like of was this song...
Only Exception by Paramore
November 19, 2018
If I didn’t know this was a debut novel, I wouldn’t have been able to tell. The author did a great job portraying anxiety and emotions, I connected to the main characters right away. Beautiful second chance romance with the right amount of chemistry between the two main characters. Excited to see what’s next for supporting characters.
Read
October 6, 2020Really enjoyed this book, a great read. Thought the letter in this book was overwhelming brought tears to my eyes. Enjoyed the relationship each character had with the other. Great friendships and loving family bonds absolutely beautiful.
October 27, 2018
Finding a debut author who really knows how to bring in the feels is such a treat. I was in every emotion as though I was the main character, Felicity. The plot twist and turns had me guessing and yearning for more.
L.S. Pullen has done amazing work with this debut and I can’t wait for more! One-click this now, what are you waiting for.
L.S. Pullen has done amazing work with this debut and I can’t wait for more! One-click this now, what are you waiting for.
September 27, 2022
Childhood friends✅
Grief/Loss✅
Past Trauma✅
It's always been you✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 3🌶️
When she was younger Felicity knew that she would one day end up with Nate, her best friend, she even told him so. However, one night, one naive decision changed Felicity's life forever. There is no way she can face him again. It's better for everyone if she just stays away and tries to forget everything that happened.
Trying to be a good guy can sometimes get you nowhere, Nate learned that the hard way. It's been years since he has seen his best friend and the only girl, he truly cared for. He knows his actions have made her stay away but how can he prove to her he changed if she never returns?
What happens when Felicity and Nate are forced back together again?
What happened to Felicity that fateful night?
Will Nate and Felicity both be able to overcome all that has happened to them and be able to give it another try?
Buckle up and hold on for this emotional book. I went from crying to laughing while loving Nate and hating him in the same breath. This book is a true representation of how trauma along with grief and loss changes a person to their core. We get to watch both Nate and Felicity work to overcome everything they have been through, and it is heart-wrenching at times but so worth it in the end. I have never related more to a book than I did to this one. I related to Nate so much it is scary, at times Nate's thoughts mirrored my own 100%. I also see myself in Felicity and felt her pain to my core. Even though this book is emotional it is worth it to watch two people heal each other. It shows how the right person and the right love can work wonders for someone's mental health. A must read for everyone.
Grief/Loss✅
Past Trauma✅
It's always been you✅
Plot 5✨
Spice 3🌶️
When she was younger Felicity knew that she would one day end up with Nate, her best friend, she even told him so. However, one night, one naive decision changed Felicity's life forever. There is no way she can face him again. It's better for everyone if she just stays away and tries to forget everything that happened.
Trying to be a good guy can sometimes get you nowhere, Nate learned that the hard way. It's been years since he has seen his best friend and the only girl, he truly cared for. He knows his actions have made her stay away but how can he prove to her he changed if she never returns?
What happens when Felicity and Nate are forced back together again?
What happened to Felicity that fateful night?
Will Nate and Felicity both be able to overcome all that has happened to them and be able to give it another try?
Buckle up and hold on for this emotional book. I went from crying to laughing while loving Nate and hating him in the same breath. This book is a true representation of how trauma along with grief and loss changes a person to their core. We get to watch both Nate and Felicity work to overcome everything they have been through, and it is heart-wrenching at times but so worth it in the end. I have never related more to a book than I did to this one. I related to Nate so much it is scary, at times Nate's thoughts mirrored my own 100%. I also see myself in Felicity and felt her pain to my core. Even though this book is emotional it is worth it to watch two people heal each other. It shows how the right person and the right love can work wonders for someone's mental health. A must read for everyone.
June 20, 2019
This book is such a wonderful debut. I loved the characters as well as the mystery of flick's past that is woven throughout. I can't wait to read the next book from this author.
August 16, 2020
This is a stand-alone novel, but also a continuation of the excellent Hearts of War (2 generations down).
The story centers on Nate and Felicity to have a teenage misunderstanding and while going their own ways, Felicity experiences an awful experience causing her to have anxiety attacks. When Nate’s grandfather dies 2 years later, she returns home.
Felicity’s back story and her return make for a great read. I loved Hearts of War and I loved this story. My only small complaint were the very descriptive sex scenes. My personal taste prefers more inuendo and less explicit, but that is just me.
All in all, a terrific book and I will go back and read Book 2 for sure!
The story centers on Nate and Felicity to have a teenage misunderstanding and while going their own ways, Felicity experiences an awful experience causing her to have anxiety attacks. When Nate’s grandfather dies 2 years later, she returns home.
Felicity’s back story and her return make for a great read. I loved Hearts of War and I loved this story. My only small complaint were the very descriptive sex scenes. My personal taste prefers more inuendo and less explicit, but that is just me.
All in all, a terrific book and I will go back and read Book 2 for sure!
March 13, 2022
Oh Nate
This book was so raw and real!
Childhood best friends, torn apart by a terrible secret.
Nate and Felicity's relationship is everything we always want , their love palpable through the pages but Felicty has a secret that haunts her and shakes who she is at the core.
It deals with some very heavy topics and shows that sometimes no matter how much we love someone and how comforting and reassuring their presence is, our healing journey is our own. This was my first book by Pullen but definitely not my last, I loved the way the story drew me in from the beginning, I was unable to put it down!
This book was so raw and real!
Childhood best friends, torn apart by a terrible secret.
Nate and Felicity's relationship is everything we always want , their love palpable through the pages but Felicty has a secret that haunts her and shakes who she is at the core.
It deals with some very heavy topics and shows that sometimes no matter how much we love someone and how comforting and reassuring their presence is, our healing journey is our own. This was my first book by Pullen but definitely not my last, I loved the way the story drew me in from the beginning, I was unable to put it down!
May 25, 2023
This was ny first read by this author and i was recommended this to read by a friend when i was looking for an emotional story and it def delivered on the emotions for sure.
Flick moved away from home after a change in dynamic with the relationship between herself and bestfriend Nate, she wants more and well he didnt.
But when a bereavement brings her home will she actually listen to what he has to say?
So many bumps for this couple but you could never deny the pull for them to be together and the chemistry between them.
Both had made mistakes and both have their own demons to fight through the book leaving them to either support each other or walk away.. which will it be?
Really like these guys but also loved all the friends/friendship relationships too.
Looking forward to jumping into book 2 asap!
Flick moved away from home after a change in dynamic with the relationship between herself and bestfriend Nate, she wants more and well he didnt.
But when a bereavement brings her home will she actually listen to what he has to say?
So many bumps for this couple but you could never deny the pull for them to be together and the chemistry between them.
Both had made mistakes and both have their own demons to fight through the book leaving them to either support each other or walk away.. which will it be?
Really like these guys but also loved all the friends/friendship relationships too.
Looking forward to jumping into book 2 asap!
February 26, 2025
This book adrresses some heavy topics, but with a sympathetic touch that endears you to the characters nonetheless. There are trigger warnings which should be heeded, but the empathetic writing helps the reader appreciate the nuances of the story as the characters struggle to cope with life changing trauma.
Felicity and Nathaniel are well developed characters, who try to live their lives to the best of their ability, but have to manage past mistakes and current challenges. You fall in love with both of them, and want them to find their way back to their childhood innocence, even though you know that is really a pipedream.
Experience changes people. No matter how much you want to fight it, it's difficult to work though emotional trauma, and it is not simple to explain. Can people be bigger than their own needs? Not always, but sometimes you are lucky enough to find the person who can see past the barriers and find their way into your heart.
Hard topics for a debut novel, but well written and sensitively managed with characters who will hit home.
Felicity and Nathaniel are well developed characters, who try to live their lives to the best of their ability, but have to manage past mistakes and current challenges. You fall in love with both of them, and want them to find their way back to their childhood innocence, even though you know that is really a pipedream.
Experience changes people. No matter how much you want to fight it, it's difficult to work though emotional trauma, and it is not simple to explain. Can people be bigger than their own needs? Not always, but sometimes you are lucky enough to find the person who can see past the barriers and find their way into your heart.
Hard topics for a debut novel, but well written and sensitively managed with characters who will hit home.
July 23, 2024
Emotional but worth it
I really enjoyed Where the Heart Is, I thought it was written really well and it handled the sa topic realistically and with great sensitivity. I loved the characters Nate and Felicity, their banter and the relationship felt so real and it was enjoyable to read. I loved all the characters they all made this novel, the storyline I felt was hard sometimes not because I didn't like the plot or anything, but because it was so hard hitting, I loved the plotline and the direction it went in, the romance and spice was perfect and it balanced this novel out really well. I felt I was on an emotional rollercoaster with this book because I was so invested in our characters and their lives. This book does have a few trigger warnings so I advise you read them first, apart from that I highly recommend this book
I really enjoyed Where the Heart Is, I thought it was written really well and it handled the sa topic realistically and with great sensitivity. I loved the characters Nate and Felicity, their banter and the relationship felt so real and it was enjoyable to read. I loved all the characters they all made this novel, the storyline I felt was hard sometimes not because I didn't like the plot or anything, but because it was so hard hitting, I loved the plotline and the direction it went in, the romance and spice was perfect and it balanced this novel out really well. I felt I was on an emotional rollercoaster with this book because I was so invested in our characters and their lives. This book does have a few trigger warnings so I advise you read them first, apart from that I highly recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews