What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever Yours #1
Just a Heartbeat Away
Some people change your life
Others change your heart
Newly widowed dad Sebastian Dorner was unraveling at the edges—until his son’s teacher, Via DeRosa, threw him a lifeline. Now, two years later, they reconnect at Matty’s new school, and an inconvenient but unmistakable jolt of attraction crackles between them. But why does the first person to spark with Sebastian in years have to be a millennial? Is twentysomething Via really too young for him or does fortysomething Sebastian just feel too damn old?
A former foster kid, Via’s finally forged the stable life she’s always dreamed of—new job, steady income, no drama. The last thing she needs are rumors about her and a single dad at school. But why does she keep being drawn into his capable, worn-flannel orbit? And why does being around Sebastian, Matty and even their dog, Crabby, seem to spark so much want?
They’re trying to ignore the tension threatening their friendship. But sometimes what’ll heal you is just a touch—and a heartbeat—away…
Others change your heart
Newly widowed dad Sebastian Dorner was unraveling at the edges—until his son’s teacher, Via DeRosa, threw him a lifeline. Now, two years later, they reconnect at Matty’s new school, and an inconvenient but unmistakable jolt of attraction crackles between them. But why does the first person to spark with Sebastian in years have to be a millennial? Is twentysomething Via really too young for him or does fortysomething Sebastian just feel too damn old?
A former foster kid, Via’s finally forged the stable life she’s always dreamed of—new job, steady income, no drama. The last thing she needs are rumors about her and a single dad at school. But why does she keep being drawn into his capable, worn-flannel orbit? And why does being around Sebastian, Matty and even their dog, Crabby, seem to spark so much want?
They’re trying to ignore the tension threatening their friendship. But sometimes what’ll heal you is just a touch—and a heartbeat—away…
384 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2020
290 people are currently reading
4200 people want to read
About the author
Cara Bastone
13 books5,140 followersHi, I’m Cara!
I’m a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with my husband, son, and an almost-goldendoodle. My goal with my work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories.
I’ve been a fan of the romance genre since I found a grocery bag filled with my grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when I was in high school. I’m a fangirl for pretzel sticks, long walks through Prospect Park, and love stories featuring men who aren’t crippled by their own masculinity.
I’m a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with my husband, son, and an almost-goldendoodle. My goal with my work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories.
I’ve been a fan of the romance genre since I found a grocery bag filled with my grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when I was in high school. I’m a fangirl for pretzel sticks, long walks through Prospect Park, and love stories featuring men who aren’t crippled by their own masculinity.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
dnf
October 27, 2023DNF at 20%. This might be a petty reason to dnf a book but I didn’t like the way the hero was describing the heroine’s friend 🥴. Saying she was too gorgeous to even look at when he didn’t even think about the heroine this way. Nope. He only ever referred to the heroine as “cute”
This is literally what he thought when he first met the heroine’s friend ⬇️
“They’d met briefly outside his truck, and Sebastian felt a little skip of his heart when she spoke to him now. She definitely had some strange energy coming off of her. Maybe it was her ethereal river of dark hair or those eerie eyes. Or maybe it was the fact that she was painfully gorgeous, fierce and beautiful like a goddess, or a pirate queen. But either way, Seb was having trouble looking her in the face for any length of time.”
Wtf?? 🥴 I don’t want to read a romance book where the hero has these thoughts about someone who isn’t the heroine.
This is literally what he thought when he first met the heroine’s friend ⬇️
“They’d met briefly outside his truck, and Sebastian felt a little skip of his heart when she spoke to him now. She definitely had some strange energy coming off of her. Maybe it was her ethereal river of dark hair or those eerie eyes. Or maybe it was the fact that she was painfully gorgeous, fierce and beautiful like a goddess, or a pirate queen. But either way, Seb was having trouble looking her in the face for any length of time.”
Wtf?? 🥴 I don’t want to read a romance book where the hero has these thoughts about someone who isn’t the heroine.
July 23, 2021
3 stars
Had this been done a little differently, I feel like I would have loved it so much! While I did enjoy some of it, most of it ended up being just okay for me. I love a good age gap romance but my goodness… I’ve never in my life read a book so focused on it. Sebastian worried/talked about him being too old for her constantly. She was in her late twenties, and he was in his early forties so it wasn’t the biggest age gap ever or anything taboo, but I felt like the whole book was centered around that. What I did love was watching Sebastian as a father and all the scenes with Matty. His friend Tyler was great too, I’m glad to see he has a book and I’ll check it out eventually.
I adored Cara Bastone’s other books (especially Sweet Talk) but this one wasn’t my favorite. If you love a good slowburn and don’t mind the hero being so hung up on the age gap, give this one a go!
Had this been done a little differently, I feel like I would have loved it so much! While I did enjoy some of it, most of it ended up being just okay for me. I love a good age gap romance but my goodness… I’ve never in my life read a book so focused on it. Sebastian worried/talked about him being too old for her constantly. She was in her late twenties, and he was in his early forties so it wasn’t the biggest age gap ever or anything taboo, but I felt like the whole book was centered around that. What I did love was watching Sebastian as a father and all the scenes with Matty. His friend Tyler was great too, I’m glad to see he has a book and I’ll check it out eventually.
I adored Cara Bastone’s other books (especially Sweet Talk) but this one wasn’t my favorite. If you love a good slowburn and don’t mind the hero being so hung up on the age gap, give this one a go!
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Patrick Zeller
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10h 9m
September 13, 2020
If you’re craving a feel good romance, THIS IS IT.
This book has the most powerful slow burn I’ve read in a while, prepare yourself for some intense YEARNING. It felt so good to hope, wish, desire and NEED along with the characters. And the delivery? I didn't expect it to be so HOT. The sex on page is equally smoking and heartfelt. So much HEART! So much HEAT!
Delightful storytelling, engaging dialogues, and complex characters, I can’t choose whom I prefered: the single dad, his kid, their dog, the heroine, their best friends, the gossipy coworkers...
The cast of secondary characters brought so much to this story, layers upon layers of warm, real and happy feels.
We have mature characters not afraid of talking and some touches of levity brought by their flirtatious thoughts. The hero’s inner battle regarding the dating scene, texting/sexting was adorably fun to read and watching him interacting with the heroine, Violetta, on page, was so cute it was disarming. Sebastian is not only an amazing dad (widower) but also a gentle and caring soul. This man had me smiling all afternoon with how endearing it was to see him fight the crush he has for his son’s teacher. His relationship with his kid is both adorable and admirable and the bromance going with his best friend Tyler is amazing.
All I know is that I feel positively recharged, my heart is full and happy from reading this book.
✔︎widowed single dad
✔︎heroine is his son’s teacher
✔︎age gap
✔︎friends to lovers
✔︎slow burn
✔︎bromance
✔︎humor
✔︎dog stealing the show 🐶
✔︎no drama!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
March 2, 2022
This was such a refreshing read and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Sebastian has lost is wife and isn't holding things together very well. When his son's teacher calls him in to discuss her worries with how he's caring for his son, Sebastian knows he needs to turn things around. I really enjoyed Via's character and how caring she was for both Sebastian and his son. A few years pass and she gets a job as a school counselor at the school Sebastian volunteers at and his son attends. Sebastian and Via reconnect and run into each other a lot at the school. Their romance is definitely a very slow one and it was very sweet! Via is able to connect with Sebastian more so than any guys in her past relationships and I really loved the bond they developed before things turned into something more. For a small town romance with a single father, I'd recommend picking this one up!
September 11, 2020
2020 Fall Bingo (#fallintorombingo🍁): Crafts or Puzzles
Not the biggest fan of kids in romance, so I was not expecting to like this debut as much as I did. This hit me right in the feels. Slowest of slow burns, palpable yearning everywhere, and so romantic that my heart hurt at times.
I read this via the library despite receiving an arc; the PDF format hurt my eyes and I couldn’t get through the arc.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Not the biggest fan of kids in romance, so I was not expecting to like this debut as much as I did. This hit me right in the feels. Slowest of slow burns, palpable yearning everywhere, and so romantic that my heart hurt at times.
I read this via the library despite receiving an arc; the PDF format hurt my eyes and I couldn’t get through the arc.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2021
This is such a sweet small town romance! It's got an older, single dad hero who falls for his son's elementary school teacher. There's slow burn, a dog, and the loveliest characters. If you love small town romances with lots of feels, I highly recommend this one!
Read
June 23, 2021DNF at 37%.
I kept reading thinking the h will eventually break up with her boyfriend, but she doesn’t do it up until 60% of the book.
I don’t have the time for that 😑
But special mention to the H for looking at her ankles instead of her ass, a true king 🥵🥰😜
“Also, it didn’t hurt that she looked so damn good with that cap pulled low over her eyes and those leggings that showed two perfectly hollowed ankles.”
I kept reading thinking the h will eventually break up with her boyfriend, but she doesn’t do it up until 60% of the book.
I don’t have the time for that 😑
But special mention to the H for looking at her ankles instead of her ass, a true king 🥵🥰😜
“Also, it didn’t hurt that she looked so damn good with that cap pulled low over her eyes and those leggings that showed two perfectly hollowed ankles.”
May 31, 2021
I read so many romance stories involving age gap. But never like Just a Heartbeat Away. Miss Bastone done a wonderful job. I never consider myself drooling about older man fantasy. After listening to Just a Heartbeat Away, I want to live in this small town.
The story is not just about romance. It is focusing about life, age and second chance in love. Seb is hot. I am sure he looks like DILF that kind of fantasy. He lost his confidence after his wife passed away. A young Via, his son's teacher, brought a longing in him to feel alive again. Their push and pull is just too sweet. The sex is short but so steamy and satisfying.
I do love love the story. Miss Bastone is relatively new author for me. Surely I will sign up for more of her books.
5 stars
The story is not just about romance. It is focusing about life, age and second chance in love. Seb is hot. I am sure he looks like DILF that kind of fantasy. He lost his confidence after his wife passed away. A young Via, his son's teacher, brought a longing in him to feel alive again. Their push and pull is just too sweet. The sex is short but so steamy and satisfying.
I do love love the story. Miss Bastone is relatively new author for me. Surely I will sign up for more of her books.
5 stars
June 30, 2020
I WANT TO LIVE IN THIS BOOK. Ugh, this hit all of my decent people being decent buttons and the slow burn was delicious and hot and the kid was cute and they TALKED and everything about this worked for me on all the levels. Immediately going to pre-order book 2.
Read for The Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020 square: Ice Cream
Read for The Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020 square: Ice Cream
October 3, 2023
Wow. I didn't expect this book to knock me off my feet the way it did. This romance was wholesome, soothing and warm. This is the kind of book that I would recommend reading a chapter before going to bed (like I did) not because it's boring but because it's enjoyable and won't stress you out. I also think this is the perfect time of year to read it because it takes place in the fall (there are mentions of thanksgiving and Christmas) and even though it's set in Brooklyn the vibes are giving "small town romance."
HEROES NAMED SEBASTIAN CONTINUE TO HAVE ME IN A CHOKEHOLD.
Some background info: For some reason, I'm way tougher on contemporary romances than I am on historical romances, don't ask me why, I just am. Contemporary romances that give me the butterflies in my stomach that I get from historical romances are usually written by Talia THEE Hibbert. But friends, Just a Heartbeat Away gave me butterflies!
The Plot: When Sebastian Dorner first meets his son's Pre-K teacher, Via DeRosa, it's only six months after the death of his wife Cora. Sebastian doesn't know how to function let alone how to be a proper father to his son. Via sees that he's struggling, and she gives him a gentle kick in the right direction and Sebastian gets his life back on track. They meet again two years later, Via is now the guidance counselor at Sebastian's son's new school and friendship, and eventually love blossoms between them.
What I loved about this book: So many things lol There were things that I loved in this book that I would not have been a fan of in any other romance. For example.....
1) Via is in a serious relationship for half of the book, and no she does not cheat on her boyfriend with Sebastian. I usually hate it when MCs are either hung up on or are in relationships with other characters BUT in this case, it actually made sense. Via is only with her boyfriend-his name is Evan-because he represents stability for her. Via's parents died when she was young, and she had to go into foster care. She goes from foster home to foster home before she finally ends up in a permanent loving home. So given her background, it made sense that she would try to make this relationship work even though they're clearly not compatible. I also like how Evan wasn't a stereotypical "evil" boyfriend." Sure, he was a bit of a man child (lol) but he wasn't a bad person! They love each other, they just want different things in life. Which happens in real life, relationships run their course and there aren't any bad guys. In fact, there weren't any villains in this book. It was so refreshing. I'm so over cartoonish villains in my romances. THERE I SAID IT.
Sebastian is also dipping his toe back into the dating scene and he goes on a couple of dates with women that he's met online (he even goes on a "friend" date with Via's friend Fin). He sleeps with one of these dates but it's not a descriptive scene (thank goodness) he talks about it with a friend, because he felt weird about sleeping with someone after so many years.
2) Sebastian is a widower and while I'm usually OK with widower/widow MCs, I HATE it when their late spouses are put on a pedestal. I love how Sebastian's relationship with his late wife Cora is handled. He did love her, and she was a great mother, but their marriage wasn't perfect, and she wasn't really the love of his life. Similar to Evan/Via's relationship, they just weren't compatible, and Sebastian carries guilt about that, He didn't cheat on Cora or anything he just felt like he wasn't the best husband and father when she was alive.
3) I know some people hate kids in romances, but MY GOODNESS SEBASTIAN'S SON MATTY IS JUST THEE CUTEST KID EVER. He's not one of those kids in romances who exist solely to cause trouble for the couple and he's not a "wise beyond his years" kid either. He acts like a real kid. For example, Matty has this thing where he'll only drink water if it's his dad's water and I was like YES THIS IS THE KIND OF ADORABLE/WEIRD STUFF THAT KIDS DO ALL THE TIME THANK YOU CARA BASTONE. Side note: I've read romances where I've wanted to ask the author "have you ever been around a kid in real life or is this how you THINK kids act in real life?" but that's a rant for another day! Sebastian is such a great dad yet he's so hard on himself and you just want to shake him and go "NO YOU'RE ACTUALLY DOING AMAZING SWEETIE."
4)Another thing I loved about this book was the COMMUNICATION. Communication is sexy! These grown folks talk things out and I love it! When Sebastian is being weird about their age gap (Seb is 42, while Via is 28) Guess what happens? THEY TALK ABOUT IT. When Via tries to run off because she's afraid that she's gonna mess things up if she gets into a relationship with Sebastian, Guess what? Sebastain runs after her and THEY TALK ABOUT IT. They put all their fears on the table. It's just *chef's kiss*
Other things I loved about this book that I'm just gonna put in one paragraph because my hands are tired: The secondary characters are delightful. The other teachers at the school are amazing, hilarious and they ship the hell out of Via and Sebastian. I loved that you have so many people helping Sebastian with Matty (His friend Tyler, Cora's friend Mary and Cora's parents) it truly takes a village, and it was so heartwarming to see people stepping up for Matty and Sebastian. Another thing I loved was that Via and Sebastian are normal looking people. They're attractive, but they're not supermodels. It's so refreshing. I'm so sick of reading about gorgeous people falling in love. I also loved Crabby the dog (he's the dog on the cover) Crabby is a legend, an icon, the moment.
Oh, before I forget. Yes, this is a slow burn romance but the HEAT is there. Like...don't let the cute cover fool you because once they finally get together.....KABOW. This is not a closed door romance. The door is WIDE open.
CW: loss of spouse, loss of parents, grief
HEROES NAMED SEBASTIAN CONTINUE TO HAVE ME IN A CHOKEHOLD.
Some background info: For some reason, I'm way tougher on contemporary romances than I am on historical romances, don't ask me why, I just am. Contemporary romances that give me the butterflies in my stomach that I get from historical romances are usually written by Talia THEE Hibbert. But friends, Just a Heartbeat Away gave me butterflies!
The Plot: When Sebastian Dorner first meets his son's Pre-K teacher, Via DeRosa, it's only six months after the death of his wife Cora. Sebastian doesn't know how to function let alone how to be a proper father to his son. Via sees that he's struggling, and she gives him a gentle kick in the right direction and Sebastian gets his life back on track. They meet again two years later, Via is now the guidance counselor at Sebastian's son's new school and friendship, and eventually love blossoms between them.
What I loved about this book: So many things lol There were things that I loved in this book that I would not have been a fan of in any other romance. For example.....
1) Via is in a serious relationship for half of the book, and no she does not cheat on her boyfriend with Sebastian. I usually hate it when MCs are either hung up on or are in relationships with other characters BUT in this case, it actually made sense. Via is only with her boyfriend-his name is Evan-because he represents stability for her. Via's parents died when she was young, and she had to go into foster care. She goes from foster home to foster home before she finally ends up in a permanent loving home. So given her background, it made sense that she would try to make this relationship work even though they're clearly not compatible. I also like how Evan wasn't a stereotypical "evil" boyfriend." Sure, he was a bit of a man child (lol) but he wasn't a bad person! They love each other, they just want different things in life. Which happens in real life, relationships run their course and there aren't any bad guys. In fact, there weren't any villains in this book. It was so refreshing. I'm so over cartoonish villains in my romances. THERE I SAID IT.
Sebastian is also dipping his toe back into the dating scene and he goes on a couple of dates with women that he's met online (he even goes on a "friend" date with Via's friend Fin). He sleeps with one of these dates but it's not a descriptive scene (thank goodness) he talks about it with a friend, because he felt weird about sleeping with someone after so many years.
2) Sebastian is a widower and while I'm usually OK with widower/widow MCs, I HATE it when their late spouses are put on a pedestal. I love how Sebastian's relationship with his late wife Cora is handled. He did love her, and she was a great mother, but their marriage wasn't perfect, and she wasn't really the love of his life. Similar to Evan/Via's relationship, they just weren't compatible, and Sebastian carries guilt about that, He didn't cheat on Cora or anything he just felt like he wasn't the best husband and father when she was alive.
3) I know some people hate kids in romances, but MY GOODNESS SEBASTIAN'S SON MATTY IS JUST THEE CUTEST KID EVER. He's not one of those kids in romances who exist solely to cause trouble for the couple and he's not a "wise beyond his years" kid either. He acts like a real kid. For example, Matty has this thing where he'll only drink water if it's his dad's water and I was like YES THIS IS THE KIND OF ADORABLE/WEIRD STUFF THAT KIDS DO ALL THE TIME THANK YOU CARA BASTONE. Side note: I've read romances where I've wanted to ask the author "have you ever been around a kid in real life or is this how you THINK kids act in real life?" but that's a rant for another day! Sebastian is such a great dad yet he's so hard on himself and you just want to shake him and go "NO YOU'RE ACTUALLY DOING AMAZING SWEETIE."
4)Another thing I loved about this book was the COMMUNICATION. Communication is sexy! These grown folks talk things out and I love it! When Sebastian is being weird about their age gap (Seb is 42, while Via is 28) Guess what happens? THEY TALK ABOUT IT. When Via tries to run off because she's afraid that she's gonna mess things up if she gets into a relationship with Sebastian, Guess what? Sebastain runs after her and THEY TALK ABOUT IT. They put all their fears on the table. It's just *chef's kiss*
Other things I loved about this book that I'm just gonna put in one paragraph because my hands are tired: The secondary characters are delightful. The other teachers at the school are amazing, hilarious and they ship the hell out of Via and Sebastian. I loved that you have so many people helping Sebastian with Matty (His friend Tyler, Cora's friend Mary and Cora's parents) it truly takes a village, and it was so heartwarming to see people stepping up for Matty and Sebastian. Another thing I loved was that Via and Sebastian are normal looking people. They're attractive, but they're not supermodels. It's so refreshing. I'm so sick of reading about gorgeous people falling in love. I also loved Crabby the dog (he's the dog on the cover) Crabby is a legend, an icon, the moment.
Oh, before I forget. Yes, this is a slow burn romance but the HEAT is there. Like...don't let the cute cover fool you because once they finally get together.....KABOW. This is not a closed door romance. The door is WIDE open.
CW: loss of spouse, loss of parents, grief
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
Reread Feb 13, 2022: I loved this just as much the second time. Listened to the audiobook this time. I just love this slow burn, sweet romance.
First read, May 10, 2021:
Single parent, widower romances are kind of my catnip. So when I saw a few friends raving about this one...I had to pick it up. And OMG this book! I knew it was going to be good, but wow did it sneak up on me and just bury itself into my heart. 🥰 Just a Heartbeat Away is book 1 in this author’s Forever Yours series and I’m obsessed, I read the prequel novella first and have already jumped into book 2.
Sebastian is a 42-year-old devoted father to his 6-year-old son Matty, two years ago he lost his wife in a car accident and kind of lost his way as well. His son’s pre-k teacher at the time reached out to Sebastian and kind of gave him a plan to focus on his son’s care through the grief/loss. The talk really woke something up in Sebastian and helped him step up to becoming an amazing father, I loved how Via gave him the tools/resources he need to do better for his son and Sebastian actually ran with it. Two years later they meet again, Via just got a counseling job at Matty’s elementary school and finds out Sebastian is a lunch monitor there too. Sebastian’s friends have recently been trying to convince him to get back into the dating game and when he sees Via again, he’s so into her. But there are definitely things in their way to be together, like the fact that Via has a boyfriend and that Sebastian thinks he’s “too old” for her 27-year-old self.
I loved Sebastian so much, but I really adored Via too. Via was a foster kid and deals a lot with her own loss of her parents from when she was a preteen and a lot of feelings of loneliness. She has worked hard to be independent and successful, not relying on others and I loved seeing Sebastian care for her. Sebastian and Via definitely dance around their growing feelings for one another and they become friends. They end up spending a lot of time together with both working at the same school, joining coworkers on a softball team, and his adorable son Matty bringing them together a few times. This is a super slow burn romance done right, it is so deliciously amazing and Sebastian & Via are perfection together. Their romance slowly builds up over time with just little things so when they finally get together, holy fireworks. The last 30% of the book I was just riveted on each page and loved every minute of it. And when Sebastian talks about dark chocolate versus milk chocolate, holy wow yes please. 👀🔥🔥🔥 This was such a sweet read filled with so much romance, steam, and pining. Definitely a new fav!
First read, May 10, 2021:
Single parent, widower romances are kind of my catnip. So when I saw a few friends raving about this one...I had to pick it up. And OMG this book! I knew it was going to be good, but wow did it sneak up on me and just bury itself into my heart. 🥰 Just a Heartbeat Away is book 1 in this author’s Forever Yours series and I’m obsessed, I read the prequel novella first and have already jumped into book 2.
Sebastian is a 42-year-old devoted father to his 6-year-old son Matty, two years ago he lost his wife in a car accident and kind of lost his way as well. His son’s pre-k teacher at the time reached out to Sebastian and kind of gave him a plan to focus on his son’s care through the grief/loss. The talk really woke something up in Sebastian and helped him step up to becoming an amazing father, I loved how Via gave him the tools/resources he need to do better for his son and Sebastian actually ran with it. Two years later they meet again, Via just got a counseling job at Matty’s elementary school and finds out Sebastian is a lunch monitor there too. Sebastian’s friends have recently been trying to convince him to get back into the dating game and when he sees Via again, he’s so into her. But there are definitely things in their way to be together, like the fact that Via has a boyfriend and that Sebastian thinks he’s “too old” for her 27-year-old self.
I loved Sebastian so much, but I really adored Via too. Via was a foster kid and deals a lot with her own loss of her parents from when she was a preteen and a lot of feelings of loneliness. She has worked hard to be independent and successful, not relying on others and I loved seeing Sebastian care for her. Sebastian and Via definitely dance around their growing feelings for one another and they become friends. They end up spending a lot of time together with both working at the same school, joining coworkers on a softball team, and his adorable son Matty bringing them together a few times. This is a super slow burn romance done right, it is so deliciously amazing and Sebastian & Via are perfection together. Their romance slowly builds up over time with just little things so when they finally get together, holy fireworks. The last 30% of the book I was just riveted on each page and loved every minute of it. And when Sebastian talks about dark chocolate versus milk chocolate, holy wow yes please. 👀🔥🔥🔥 This was such a sweet read filled with so much romance, steam, and pining. Definitely a new fav!
June 10, 2020
This book joins the cursed list of Heroines with Freakishly Tiny Hands.
He bent over her hand, kneeling beside her. Dang, she was so small. If he’d laid her little golden hand on top of his, her fingers wouldn’t even have made it to his second knuckles. She wore no rings or polish, just clean fingernails.
Seriously, people, just picture that. What the hell.
That said, this book is an actual delight of a slow burn romance about mature, nuanced adults who have some issues but who ultimately display great personal growth. I was expecting it to be angsty, when the reality is that it’s sweet and filled with melancholy and warmth. I do not joke when I say it’s a slow burn, perhaps slower than it should be, but it really fits the story, just be warned that the MC’s friendship weighs way more than their romance.
I’m also impressed that this book doesn’t demonize the dead wife, and even when the hero talks about their less-than-perfect relationship, I never felt like the book was trying to undermine their relationship in order to position his romance with the heroine as more special (although it still kind of does that, but in a way that doesn’t feel unfair to his dead wife). I think the key here is that it paints the other woman vividly and in detail allowing us to see her as an actual person instead of just a plot device.
Highly recommended but please don’t underestimate me when I say that it is a very slow burn.
Those hands, tho!
Review copy provided by the publisher.
CW: spouse death, parents death, and a small instance of fatphobia in which the heroine is harassed by a parent and his weight is remarked on in ways that felt unnecessary and like it was somehow part of what made this man bad.
October 14, 2020
3.5 Stars
Just a Heartbeat Away is a great single dad and age gap romance. I really enjoyed it mainly because of the characters. I absolutely adored Via, Sebastian and Matty.
The forty two year old Sebastian is a widow and tries to get back to a normal life with his six year old son Matty. His son’s former teacher twenty seven year old Via shows back up in Sebastian’s life and no matter how hard he tries a crush slowly develops.
It’s a cute slow burn with some hilarious dialogue. I enjoyed Sebastian and Via’s growth throughout the story. It became a little repetitive after the halfway mark because I just needed them to communicate and tell each other how they felt. Sebastian was hung up over the age difference and used that as a reason not to start anything with Via.
There’s some wonderful side characters especially Sebastian and Via’s friends Tyler and Serafine. They share some great chemistry. Also Sadie was a hoot.
I’ll keep reading the series cause the author has created some amazing characters and laid a strong foundation for the upcoming books. I’m excited about Tyler and Serafine.
3.5 Stars
Just a Heartbeat Away is a great single dad and age gap romance. I really enjoyed it mainly because of the characters. I absolutely adored Via, Sebastian and Matty.
The forty two year old Sebastian is a widow and tries to get back to a normal life with his six year old son Matty. His son’s former teacher twenty seven year old Via shows back up in Sebastian’s life and no matter how hard he tries a crush slowly develops.
It’s a cute slow burn with some hilarious dialogue. I enjoyed Sebastian and Via’s growth throughout the story. It became a little repetitive after the halfway mark because I just needed them to communicate and tell each other how they felt. Sebastian was hung up over the age difference and used that as a reason not to start anything with Via.
There’s some wonderful side characters especially Sebastian and Via’s friends Tyler and Serafine. They share some great chemistry. Also Sadie was a hoot.
I’ll keep reading the series cause the author has created some amazing characters and laid a strong foundation for the upcoming books. I’m excited about Tyler and Serafine.
3.5 Stars
September 10, 2025
[Reviewer's Note] This is my 400th reviewed and 500th rated book on Goodreads. Free coffee for everyone!!
I decided to give this older Cara Bastone romance a try because I adored her most recent romcoms, Ready or Not and Promise Me Sunshine. However Just a Heartbeat Away is more a straight-down-the line Contemporary Romance (or New Adult I suppose) then her newer duo. That’s fine, but it’s not my favorite genre, as I find it tedious with all the talking and the not doing. Lots of meeting up for cocktails or coffee and bumping into each other at the farmer’s market (or bookstore, or dog park, or _________). I don’t want to disparage CR too much as this might be your favorite genre, but for me, it’s like a boring Hallmark movie but with crazy hot sex near the end. (Not that that’s a bad thing. Hallmark movies could probably benefit from some crazy hot sex near the end...)
Okay, mini rant over, let’s talk about this book. For the most part, it’s lovely. Bastone tackles the tried-and-true age gap/single father trope, and she does it well. The danger with age gap is that the older character, usually the MMC, is deluding himself at the start of the book that’s he’s too old for the FMC. If the author’s smart, they’ll have the older MC gradually realize that he’s deluding himself, but if the older character sticks with his delusion when it comes to a head, that usually leads to a 3AB that nobody wants or likes. I trusted Bastone wouldn’t do that, and she didn’t. Instead, Seb lets Via make her own decision because even though she’s young, she’s still an adult. Swoony, right?
In conclusion, this is a fine Contemporary Romance and if this trope interests you, Bastone delivers and enjoyable read.
Bonus gripe: Part of me wants to deduce a star because there is a cute pet on the cover, but the pet has zero importance to the plot. I see what you did there, stupid publisher. But, I know this is a pet peeve (heh!) of mine.
I decided to give this older Cara Bastone romance a try because I adored her most recent romcoms, Ready or Not and Promise Me Sunshine. However Just a Heartbeat Away is more a straight-down-the line Contemporary Romance (or New Adult I suppose) then her newer duo. That’s fine, but it’s not my favorite genre, as I find it tedious with all the talking and the not doing. Lots of meeting up for cocktails or coffee and bumping into each other at the farmer’s market (or bookstore, or dog park, or _________). I don’t want to disparage CR too much as this might be your favorite genre, but for me, it’s like a boring Hallmark movie but with crazy hot sex near the end. (Not that that’s a bad thing. Hallmark movies could probably benefit from some crazy hot sex near the end...)
Okay, mini rant over, let’s talk about this book. For the most part, it’s lovely. Bastone tackles the tried-and-true age gap/single father trope, and she does it well. The danger with age gap is that the older character, usually the MMC, is deluding himself at the start of the book that’s he’s too old for the FMC. If the author’s smart, they’ll have the older MC gradually realize that he’s deluding himself, but if the older character sticks with his delusion when it comes to a head, that usually leads to a 3AB that nobody wants or likes. I trusted Bastone wouldn’t do that, and she didn’t. Instead, Seb lets Via make her own decision because even though she’s young, she’s still an adult. Swoony, right?
In conclusion, this is a fine Contemporary Romance and if this trope interests you, Bastone delivers and enjoyable read.
Bonus gripe: Part of me wants to deduce a star because there is a cute pet on the cover, but the pet has zero importance to the plot. I see what you did there, stupid publisher. But, I know this is a pet peeve (heh!) of mine.
February 6, 2021
Wow, just wow!! I grabbed this book for 99 cents off of a BookBub deal and it was worth every penny and so much more. I’m a huge fan of relationships that take time to build and the friends to lovers trope and author Cara Bastone did a fantastic job showing us both in Just A Heartbeat Away. Complex and poignant I found it impossible to put this book down.
Sebastian Dorner meets Via DeRosa when he’s at the lowest point in his life as his son, Matty’s Pre-K teacher where she shares that she’s begun to see signs of neglect in his son and she’s worried about his grief and his ability to care for his son. Offering kindness, no judgment, and a plan to help him get on track, Via is the lifeline that Seb needs at that point in his life. Two years later, they meet briefly only to realize they will be working at the same school where Via has been hired as the guidance counselor and Seb is a lunch monitor and the soccer coach.
Via is in a relationship at the start of this story and Seb has begun dating again recently, but there is this simmering attraction between them from the start. Both characters have a bit of baggage, Seb’s stems from his struggles after his wife’s death learning to be a better dad and feeling older than his years; Via’s stems from being orphaned at age 12, bounced around in the foster system until she landed in a good place where she met her best friend and foster sister but she craves stability and she fully admits ever since her parents died she’s felt an overwhelming since of loneliness. These are not perfect people, but throughout this book we see them working to change and be better.
For a good portion of this book Via and Seb fought their attraction, Via because she was dating someone else and Seb because Via was dating someone else and he felt he was too old for her (14 years). Honestly, Seb’s obsession with their age difference was the only part of this book that got tiring, but I’m overlooking it because I loved the rest of the story so much. Even while they fought it, as a reader, I could feel it. It was in the little glances, the subtle friendly touches, the sweet words, and the whole time I was waiting for the time they could be together all while wondering if it would actually happen. Seriously,…sitting…on…the…edge…of…my…seat!
I feel like I must mention the secondary characters because they were so vivid first off Matty (Seb’s son), kids in romance books can go either way for me, but Matty was amazing. He was smart, inquisitive, and I adored his relationship with Seb. Seb’s best friend since kindergarten Tyler was often the voice of reason with Seb, telling him what he needed to see even if he didn’t want to hear it. Mary, another friend of Seb’s who was his late wife’s best friend was sweet, funny, and someone both Seb and Matty needed in their lives. Serafine (Fin), Via’s best friend/foster sister is almost an ethereal character, but I loved her no nonsense way of speaking and her fierce loyalty. One big surprise character that really touched me was Muriel, Seb’s late wife’s mother, there was no doubt she still mourned her daughter and she loved her grandson fiercely, but her heart to heart talks with Seb were unexpected but favorite scenes in this book.
I loved the way this story built, how we got to see these characters grow throughout, the slow build from friends to lovers, and their open and honest communication. Just A Heartbeat Away is a book I will think about for a long time, one I will recommend to anyone who will listen, and definitely one of my favorites of 2021.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Sebastian Dorner meets Via DeRosa when he’s at the lowest point in his life as his son, Matty’s Pre-K teacher where she shares that she’s begun to see signs of neglect in his son and she’s worried about his grief and his ability to care for his son. Offering kindness, no judgment, and a plan to help him get on track, Via is the lifeline that Seb needs at that point in his life. Two years later, they meet briefly only to realize they will be working at the same school where Via has been hired as the guidance counselor and Seb is a lunch monitor and the soccer coach.
Via is in a relationship at the start of this story and Seb has begun dating again recently, but there is this simmering attraction between them from the start. Both characters have a bit of baggage, Seb’s stems from his struggles after his wife’s death learning to be a better dad and feeling older than his years; Via’s stems from being orphaned at age 12, bounced around in the foster system until she landed in a good place where she met her best friend and foster sister but she craves stability and she fully admits ever since her parents died she’s felt an overwhelming since of loneliness. These are not perfect people, but throughout this book we see them working to change and be better.
For a good portion of this book Via and Seb fought their attraction, Via because she was dating someone else and Seb because Via was dating someone else and he felt he was too old for her (14 years). Honestly, Seb’s obsession with their age difference was the only part of this book that got tiring, but I’m overlooking it because I loved the rest of the story so much. Even while they fought it, as a reader, I could feel it. It was in the little glances, the subtle friendly touches, the sweet words, and the whole time I was waiting for the time they could be together all while wondering if it would actually happen. Seriously,…sitting…on…the…edge…of…my…seat!
I feel like I must mention the secondary characters because they were so vivid first off Matty (Seb’s son), kids in romance books can go either way for me, but Matty was amazing. He was smart, inquisitive, and I adored his relationship with Seb. Seb’s best friend since kindergarten Tyler was often the voice of reason with Seb, telling him what he needed to see even if he didn’t want to hear it. Mary, another friend of Seb’s who was his late wife’s best friend was sweet, funny, and someone both Seb and Matty needed in their lives. Serafine (Fin), Via’s best friend/foster sister is almost an ethereal character, but I loved her no nonsense way of speaking and her fierce loyalty. One big surprise character that really touched me was Muriel, Seb’s late wife’s mother, there was no doubt she still mourned her daughter and she loved her grandson fiercely, but her heart to heart talks with Seb were unexpected but favorite scenes in this book.
I loved the way this story built, how we got to see these characters grow throughout, the slow build from friends to lovers, and their open and honest communication. Just A Heartbeat Away is a book I will think about for a long time, one I will recommend to anyone who will listen, and definitely one of my favorites of 2021.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 5, 2020
I haven’t read too many début stories this year, but I heard good chatter on social media about Cara Bastone’s Just a Heartbeat Away, the first full length novel in her Forever Yours series. (Technically her first book is a prequel novella to the series, When We First Met, but this is her first full length story). What a good decision! It’s got everything I look for in a contemporary romance and is a strong contender for my top ten list this year.
Sebastian Dorner is in a spiral of grief after the sudden loss of his wife in a car accident when his son Matty’s pre-Kindergarten teacher, Via DeRosa calls him into the school to gently point out some neglect of Matty that she’s noticed and offer him some suggestions on how to get them both on a better path, one day at a time. He’s grateful for her suggestions, but embarrassed that he’d let things get so bad and not noticed – and resolves to follow her advice which turns out to be a lifesaver in getting him to focus and move forward.
Two years later, Sebastian and Matty have moved into a new house and Matty is going to a new school, one where – coincidentally – Via has just gotten a job for the upcoming year as an elementary school-age counselor. Sebastian has just taken a part time position on staff as well, as a lunch monitor and soccer coach, as he’s self employed as a furniture maker and plans to use the time at school as his breaks. Via is twenty-seven and has a boyfriend, Sebastian is forty-two and widowed. Both new at this school and with their prior connection, they become friends easily – plus they live within walking distance of each other. But soon they can’t deny an attraction – one that troubles Sebastian as he believes Via is too young for him. Will he let his fears get in the way of a second chance at happiness?
This book pulls no punches in giving you all the feels ranging from shared grief to happiness and contentment as Sebastian puts his early struggles behind him and focuses on the reality of raising his son and making the best of their situation. His best friend Tyler has been with him through it all and now that Sebastian is on the other side of those dark days, he’s been encouraging Sebastian to get back into the dating game and plying him with a variety of dating apps, though Sebastian’s thoughts keep straying to Via. This is a slow burn romance, building up tension as Sebastian and Via’s friendship becomes deeper. (When Via realizes her feelings for Sebastian are growing, she breaks things off so there is no cheating in this story.) Eventually they yield to that mutual attraction in some sexy scenes but it will take more than that for Sebastian to overcome his feelings over their age difference, something that doesn’t bother Via at all.
There are many different relationships at play in this story, and I love how the author balances out the romance between Sebastian and Via with the other connections in their lives. Sebastian’s in-laws of course grieve the loss of their daughter Cora, a woman who was very much like her mother Muriel. Sebastian and Muriel have an interesting relationship and their heart-to-heart conversations help Sebastian make decisions about his and Matty’s future. Via grew up in foster homes and relates to Sebastian’s grief from her personal understanding of loss. She has a best friend, her foster sister Serafine whom she confides in and relies on for advice. Sebastian’s best friend Tyler has been with Sebastian through the bad times and the good times and doesn’t shy away from telling him what he thinks. The conversations in this story are its strength, making you care about everyone involved.
I have to confess that I have a fondness for heroes who work with their hands (especially furniture makers) and for age-gap romances, so this novel already had some positive checkmarks for it before I even picked it up. Add to that really wonderful characters, people who aren’t afraid to admit how they are feeling (especially Sebastian, who could have walled himself off but instead chooses to be open and honest), sexual tension that leads to some passionate love scenes, and you have a charming romance that has a new spot on my keeper shelf. Fans of Kate Clayborn, Lucy Parker, and Jill Shalvis will enjoy this new contemporary romance author and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Sebastian Dorner is in a spiral of grief after the sudden loss of his wife in a car accident when his son Matty’s pre-Kindergarten teacher, Via DeRosa calls him into the school to gently point out some neglect of Matty that she’s noticed and offer him some suggestions on how to get them both on a better path, one day at a time. He’s grateful for her suggestions, but embarrassed that he’d let things get so bad and not noticed – and resolves to follow her advice which turns out to be a lifesaver in getting him to focus and move forward.
Two years later, Sebastian and Matty have moved into a new house and Matty is going to a new school, one where – coincidentally – Via has just gotten a job for the upcoming year as an elementary school-age counselor. Sebastian has just taken a part time position on staff as well, as a lunch monitor and soccer coach, as he’s self employed as a furniture maker and plans to use the time at school as his breaks. Via is twenty-seven and has a boyfriend, Sebastian is forty-two and widowed. Both new at this school and with their prior connection, they become friends easily – plus they live within walking distance of each other. But soon they can’t deny an attraction – one that troubles Sebastian as he believes Via is too young for him. Will he let his fears get in the way of a second chance at happiness?
This book pulls no punches in giving you all the feels ranging from shared grief to happiness and contentment as Sebastian puts his early struggles behind him and focuses on the reality of raising his son and making the best of their situation. His best friend Tyler has been with him through it all and now that Sebastian is on the other side of those dark days, he’s been encouraging Sebastian to get back into the dating game and plying him with a variety of dating apps, though Sebastian’s thoughts keep straying to Via. This is a slow burn romance, building up tension as Sebastian and Via’s friendship becomes deeper. (When Via realizes her feelings for Sebastian are growing, she breaks things off so there is no cheating in this story.) Eventually they yield to that mutual attraction in some sexy scenes but it will take more than that for Sebastian to overcome his feelings over their age difference, something that doesn’t bother Via at all.
There are many different relationships at play in this story, and I love how the author balances out the romance between Sebastian and Via with the other connections in their lives. Sebastian’s in-laws of course grieve the loss of their daughter Cora, a woman who was very much like her mother Muriel. Sebastian and Muriel have an interesting relationship and their heart-to-heart conversations help Sebastian make decisions about his and Matty’s future. Via grew up in foster homes and relates to Sebastian’s grief from her personal understanding of loss. She has a best friend, her foster sister Serafine whom she confides in and relies on for advice. Sebastian’s best friend Tyler has been with Sebastian through the bad times and the good times and doesn’t shy away from telling him what he thinks. The conversations in this story are its strength, making you care about everyone involved.
I have to confess that I have a fondness for heroes who work with their hands (especially furniture makers) and for age-gap romances, so this novel already had some positive checkmarks for it before I even picked it up. Add to that really wonderful characters, people who aren’t afraid to admit how they are feeling (especially Sebastian, who could have walled himself off but instead chooses to be open and honest), sexual tension that leads to some passionate love scenes, and you have a charming romance that has a new spot on my keeper shelf. Fans of Kate Clayborn, Lucy Parker, and Jill Shalvis will enjoy this new contemporary romance author and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
life-is-too-short
November 19, 2020There's nothing wrong with this book but I spent a lot of time not reading it, you know? I didn't touch it yesterday and then I picked it up and recalled it was an interaction between the heroine & hero's child that had me turning it off Mon night and I read a couple more paragraphs and recalled reading is not supposed to be a chore.
Something about the combination of the slow burn and narrative style made it hard for me to connect to the MCs or root for them, thus my earlier comment about rooting for the hero (Sebastian) and his best friend, Tyler. Unfortunately, it didn't go that way but I did feel more connected to them.
This is a 42 year old hero and a late 20s heroine (Via). There's a lot of good stuff here, but it definitely made a deal of the age gap while also trying to convince me the age gap was not a thing. And also, I'm feeling a little drained and don't really need to read a character discussing his age every other page. You know what, I could go on.
My point is this wasn't for me, but I really think it could be for a lot of people.
DNF 55%
Something about the combination of the slow burn and narrative style made it hard for me to connect to the MCs or root for them, thus my earlier comment about rooting for the hero (Sebastian) and his best friend, Tyler. Unfortunately, it didn't go that way but I did feel more connected to them.
This is a 42 year old hero and a late 20s heroine (Via). There's a lot of good stuff here, but it definitely made a deal of the age gap while also trying to convince me the age gap was not a thing. And also, I'm feeling a little drained and don't really need to read a character discussing his age every other page. You know what, I could go on.
My point is this wasn't for me, but I really think it could be for a lot of people.
DNF 55%
October 25, 2022
5⭐
Dar ir dar kartą įsitikinau, kad esu absoliuti romantikos gerbėja, o jei ji dar saldi saldi, miela ir pūkuota, tai čia man 🙈 Pirmoji knygų serijos Per žingsnį nuo meilės dalis Ypatingas akimirksnis sužavėjo nuo pirmų puslapių. Jautri, emocionali istorija apie našlį 40-metį vyrą Sebastianą, kuris lieka su sūnumi dviese. Kaip nepalūžti, kur rasti jėgų, nuo ko pradėti... O jei dar nebuvai tėvas kaip tikras tėvas nuo pradžių, ką daryti su vaiku, kai jam likai vienintelis žmogus žemėje. Kas jiems padėjo rasti jėgų ir susitvarkyti gyvenimą, kur jo tykojo meilė ir kokios kliūtys? Ir ką pastebėjau, kad seniai nebuvo į rankas pakliuvęs toks realistiškai paprastas romanas, kur meilės ir aistros prieskonių netrūko, bet nebuvo kaip „zuikiai visur ir visada“, kas realiai neįsivaizduoju ar būna taip gyvenime 🙈 o čia sužavėjo, kad romanas apie vyresnį vyrą, kuris tiesiog pakerėjo savo stotu, būdu ir šiaip, nu labai labai viskas patiko ❤️ Kitos dalys tęsiniai ir tie patys veikėjai, tad rekomenduoju nuo pirmos dalies skaityti 😊
Dar ir dar kartą įsitikinau, kad esu absoliuti romantikos gerbėja, o jei ji dar saldi saldi, miela ir pūkuota, tai čia man 🙈 Pirmoji knygų serijos Per žingsnį nuo meilės dalis Ypatingas akimirksnis sužavėjo nuo pirmų puslapių. Jautri, emocionali istorija apie našlį 40-metį vyrą Sebastianą, kuris lieka su sūnumi dviese. Kaip nepalūžti, kur rasti jėgų, nuo ko pradėti... O jei dar nebuvai tėvas kaip tikras tėvas nuo pradžių, ką daryti su vaiku, kai jam likai vienintelis žmogus žemėje. Kas jiems padėjo rasti jėgų ir susitvarkyti gyvenimą, kur jo tykojo meilė ir kokios kliūtys? Ir ką pastebėjau, kad seniai nebuvo į rankas pakliuvęs toks realistiškai paprastas romanas, kur meilės ir aistros prieskonių netrūko, bet nebuvo kaip „zuikiai visur ir visada“, kas realiai neįsivaizduoju ar būna taip gyvenime 🙈 o čia sužavėjo, kad romanas apie vyresnį vyrą, kuris tiesiog pakerėjo savo stotu, būdu ir šiaip, nu labai labai viskas patiko ❤️ Kitos dalys tęsiniai ir tie patys veikėjai, tad rekomenduoju nuo pirmos dalies skaityti 😊
did-not-finish
October 11, 2023DNF at 31%.
I like the writing, but there are a couple things that bother me in the setup and I just don't wanna.
1. The dude doesn't have sex for years after his wife dies, but DOES have sex with a random woman after he meets the heroine and has started having a crush on her. Yes, she is in a relationship, but I don't care. This is a romance and I don't want to hear about my main characters having sex with other people. Which leads to my second ick...
2. The heroine is living with her boyfriend (who, yes, is immature and not great) and having a crush on the hero. It's disturbing. I like both characters, but I don't enjoy starting a romance when one of the people is with someone else.
So... moving on to the next book. I'm going to try Tyler's story, but I don't expect to like him very much.
I like the writing, but there are a couple things that bother me in the setup and I just don't wanna.
1. The dude doesn't have sex for years after his wife dies, but DOES have sex with a random woman after he meets the heroine and has started having a crush on her. Yes, she is in a relationship, but I don't care. This is a romance and I don't want to hear about my main characters having sex with other people. Which leads to my second ick...
2. The heroine is living with her boyfriend (who, yes, is immature and not great) and having a crush on the hero. It's disturbing. I like both characters, but I don't enjoy starting a romance when one of the people is with someone else.
So... moving on to the next book. I'm going to try Tyler's story, but I don't expect to like him very much.
January 1, 2025
I’d very much like to give this book 5 stars. It is certainly head-and-shoulders above most of the contemporary romances I’ve read, with many tender, heartfelt moments and passages that authentically capture the beginning, building, and culmination of a relationship between a widower with a young child and a lonely grade school counselor.
The elements that felt beautifully authentic: Via’s determination to provide herself stability and her caution about rocking the boat, and her feelings of aloneness. As a former foster child, it’s easy for the reader to see how these are core to Via’s make-up and approach to the world at large. Seb prioritizing his son’s needs, and his insecurity over the 15-year age difference between him and Via.
Unfortunately, the authenticity was counter-balanced by elements that seemed exaggerated for dramatic effect, starting with the very first scene in the book, in which a disheveled and not-so-clean Seb appears at a meeting with his son’s pre-school teacher. Sure, a man who had lost his wife in a vehicle accident six months prior would be grieving, confused, and possibly depressed, but would he forget how to bathe and button his shirt? Mountains of floundering grief for a woman the reader finds out he barely knew when he married her because she became pregnant and only came to feel affection for, not love? It felt false and manipulative. Then the author turned Seb into Saint Seb, the father who did and said everything right, the all-wise, all-knowing earth father, the father who never seemed to give a half-assed explanation or get impatient or make a mistake with his son. He would have been so much more believable if he had snapped out “Because I said so!” at least once.
Throw in a few things I just plain didn’t like, most notably the way it took half a book for Via to shuck her boyfriend and for Seb to quit dating a stream of women. And while we’re at it, the names Via and Seb—horrible abbreviations for Violetta and Sebastian. The overuse of similes, some of which were head-scratchers, such as “There was a well of pleasure within her that Seb was wringing out of her like water from a wet ponytail.” Um, what?
So it wasn’t perfect. It was still one of the best contemporary romance I’ve read in the last couple of years. And—happy dance!—it was written very effectively in third person, switching between the MC’s points of view.
The elements that felt beautifully authentic: Via’s determination to provide herself stability and her caution about rocking the boat, and her feelings of aloneness. As a former foster child, it’s easy for the reader to see how these are core to Via’s make-up and approach to the world at large. Seb prioritizing his son’s needs, and his insecurity over the 15-year age difference between him and Via.
Unfortunately, the authenticity was counter-balanced by elements that seemed exaggerated for dramatic effect, starting with the very first scene in the book, in which a disheveled and not-so-clean Seb appears at a meeting with his son’s pre-school teacher. Sure, a man who had lost his wife in a vehicle accident six months prior would be grieving, confused, and possibly depressed, but would he forget how to bathe and button his shirt? Mountains of floundering grief for a woman the reader finds out he barely knew when he married her because she became pregnant and only came to feel affection for, not love? It felt false and manipulative. Then the author turned Seb into Saint Seb, the father who did and said everything right, the all-wise, all-knowing earth father, the father who never seemed to give a half-assed explanation or get impatient or make a mistake with his son. He would have been so much more believable if he had snapped out “Because I said so!” at least once.
Throw in a few things I just plain didn’t like, most notably the way it took half a book for Via to shuck her boyfriend and for Seb to quit dating a stream of women. And while we’re at it, the names Via and Seb—horrible abbreviations for Violetta and Sebastian. The overuse of similes, some of which were head-scratchers, such as “There was a well of pleasure within her that Seb was wringing out of her like water from a wet ponytail.” Um, what?
So it wasn’t perfect. It was still one of the best contemporary romance I’ve read in the last couple of years. And—happy dance!—it was written very effectively in third person, switching between the MC’s points of view.
September 3, 2020
2.5 okay stars. I admit I did a bit of skimming. This book had a reasonable plot and several tropes that I usually like. It was very slow burn, however, and felt a bit repetitive at times. The age gap wasn't that huge IMO, and the hero, Seb, especially seemed to be way too hung up on it for way too long. I got a bit sick of his dwelling on that so much. Alright, already! I did like Seb's sweet relationship with his young son, however.
I quite liked the heroine, Via, and I could feel some of her loneliness due to her life circumstances. I could understand why she clung to a dud relationship with Evan, even though it was going nowhere. It was great once she finally gave him the flick.
I did get a bit sick of the repetition of how much bigger the hero was compared with the heroine. Yeah, we get it. He's got big feet (and of course a correspondingly big .... you know where I'm going). Yeah he's so much bigger than tiny little Via. OK, OK, enough.
I'm not really a fan of crystals and auras etc so I didn't connect wth that aspect of the book at all. Just skipped over that stuff. For that reason I'm not going to read the second book, about Fin and Tyler. Also cos this one was (sorry) a little boring. I liked that the author depicted realistic people with complex lives and emotions. Unfortunately, for me it needed to move along a lot faster and avoid getting snagged on the repetition.
I quite liked the heroine, Via, and I could feel some of her loneliness due to her life circumstances. I could understand why she clung to a dud relationship with Evan, even though it was going nowhere. It was great once she finally gave him the flick.
I did get a bit sick of the repetition of how much bigger the hero was compared with the heroine. Yeah, we get it. He's got big feet (and of course a correspondingly big .... you know where I'm going). Yeah he's so much bigger than tiny little Via. OK, OK, enough.
I'm not really a fan of crystals and auras etc so I didn't connect wth that aspect of the book at all. Just skipped over that stuff. For that reason I'm not going to read the second book, about Fin and Tyler. Also cos this one was (sorry) a little boring. I liked that the author depicted realistic people with complex lives and emotions. Unfortunately, for me it needed to move along a lot faster and avoid getting snagged on the repetition.
July 23, 2021
Just a Heartbeat Away is my 3rd book by Cara Bastone. The other two books I read by her I loved. Unfortunately, with this one I lost in while reading it. I got frustrated listening to the hero worry about how much older he was to the heroine throughout the whole book. Plus the heroine having a boyfriend for at least half the book was disappointing.
My stars waivered and finally decided to go with 2.5 stars. Losing interest in the storyline was unfortunate but that is the main reason I struggled deciding on a star rating.
● widower, single dad
● elementary school teacher
● age gap
● former foster kid
● slow burn
My stars waivered and finally decided to go with 2.5 stars. Losing interest in the storyline was unfortunate but that is the main reason I struggled deciding on a star rating.
● widower, single dad
● elementary school teacher
● age gap
● former foster kid
● slow burn
Audio book source: Hoopla
Narrator: Patrick Zeller
Length: 10H 09M
March 18, 2023
Mozzarella, Feta, Gouda, Brie…. A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF CHEESE dripped from Bastone’s debut pages!
I’m paraphrasing here, because I was laughing too hard to read correctly, but prepare yourself for this particularly comical gem. Ready?
When discovering a new love interest…..
‘It was like, for years, she was eating only Easy Mac, that she didn’t even realize there was Filet mignon!’ 🤣
I can’t even rate this book badly. It started strong and then…the cheese. THE GLORIOUS CHEESE !! 🧀
It’s unfathomable that this is the same author that wrote the delightful (cheese-less!) Call Me Maybe, Sweet Talk & Seatmate. Proof positive that practice makes perfect!
I’m paraphrasing here, because I was laughing too hard to read correctly, but prepare yourself for this particularly comical gem. Ready?
When discovering a new love interest…..
‘It was like, for years, she was eating only Easy Mac, that she didn’t even realize there was Filet mignon!’ 🤣
I can’t even rate this book badly. It started strong and then…the cheese. THE GLORIOUS CHEESE !! 🧀
It’s unfathomable that this is the same author that wrote the delightful (cheese-less!) Call Me Maybe, Sweet Talk & Seatmate. Proof positive that practice makes perfect!
August 18, 2020
This was a good, sweet (but not cloying sweet or precious sweet), slow burn romance. It does not have a lot of high highs or dramatic emotional moments, but it manages to have good romantic and interpersonal tension while letting us just in on two regular folks falling into romance.
When we first meet our couple, Seb and Via, they are practically strangers. Seb has just lost his wife in a car accident and is lost, shell shocked, and doesn't quite know how to be the sole responsible parent for his young son. Via is his son's pre-k teacher and during a parent-teacher conference she tells Seb that she notices that Matty (the young son) is showing signs of neglect. His lunch is not packed, he is wearing the same clothes, shows some signs of not being bathed etc. Her tone is not judgemental but compassionate. But it acts as electrical prod on Seb. He is brought out of his own self pity and realizes that he needs to step up. Via helps, she gives Seb a checklist of things he should do to make sure Matty is ready for each day.
Fast forward a few years later. Matty is now in second grade at a different school and Seb is super dad. He quit his job as a high powered architect and now makes custom furniture (as you do...) and works as the second & third grade coach at the school Matty goes to as well as the lunch room monitor. We learn that the list Via gave his was a lifeline for him and helped him get his shit together with Matty. He and Matty have a great relationship and he feels his life is full, but he's been all about his kid and hasn't dated at all since his wife died.
Via comes back into their lives as the new school counselor. As we catch up with Via we learn that she was a child of the foster system because her parents died in a car accident while she was still a minor and she is now dating Evan, a movie star handsome paralegal.
Via and Seb strike up a cordial friendship that slowly becomes a closer one until they begin to catch feelings. But Seb is 42 and Via is 27. He feels their age gap very keenly. Also he is finally entering the world of dating thanks to his friend who got him onto a dating app. Via for her part comes with all the attendant insecurities of a child who lost parents early and has no family except for her best friend who was also her foster sister. She needs stability and connection, which she tries to hold onto with both hands with her relationship with Evan. She needs to make sure any new connections she makes are the staying kind. But their attraction is strong and they each have to navigate through some things before they can admit their feelings for each other
There are many things I liked about this. Among the the top is I liked the voice of the author. The writing was accessible and really strong. There were places where I really liked the descriptive passages of how in one scene Via was feeling panicky or in another scene how Seb was working through some revelations about his late wife. Speaking of, I loved her characterization of Cora, Seb's late wife. At one point she was described as a warhead candy 'so sour it hurt, but still you wanted more." It would seem an unflattering description but as Seb thinks about Cora, you get a picture of a bright, sharp woman who was also very loving and maternal. We don't get a lot of Cora, no flashbacks or long lingering ruminations, but what pieces we do get paint a clear picture of her in very decisive language of a woman with a very decisive personality. I always enjoy that type of descriptive writing, not fulsome, yet able to paint a picture with very economical yet precise words.
I also liked the conception of Via as a character. I think the author did a good job of giving us a lot of Via's textures. For instance, food is important to Via. Not in a triggering way, but in a comfort way. There is also a little hint that she might be a bit food insecure. This is not a huge plot point, though. It isn't some Checkov's bagel that comes back in a big way. It just is. She loves to cook and food is important and has meaning.
Also I liked that a lof the book is told from Seb's POV. We get insight into his feelings for Via a lot sooner and a lot clearer than we do with hers for him. And even thought it is slow burn, it isn't closed door. Once Via and Seb admit heir feelings, all that sexual tension comes roaring out into open door sexy times!
There are a lot of colorful and interesting supporting characters. I sense a bit of sequel bait between her BFF Fin and Seb's BFF Tyler. I enjoyed all their interactions and friendships with the teachers in the school.
I was a little puzzled by the school. It seems like Seb is the only male presence at the school the way he is presented. The women all swoon over him (he is a big, strapping lumberjack of a man). I kept waiting to see if there were any male teachers in their group. There just never seemed to be. Until way late in the book and he is introduced more as a plot convenience than anything else.
Also, I thought the school was private, I mean the descriptions of the staff meetings just sound like they would not pass muster in for a public school. But it is actually a public school.
Anyhoo, this was a quick and fun read. Hit just the 'comfortable and easy' read spot I have been carefully curating during The Times of The 'Rona.
When we first meet our couple, Seb and Via, they are practically strangers. Seb has just lost his wife in a car accident and is lost, shell shocked, and doesn't quite know how to be the sole responsible parent for his young son. Via is his son's pre-k teacher and during a parent-teacher conference she tells Seb that she notices that Matty (the young son) is showing signs of neglect. His lunch is not packed, he is wearing the same clothes, shows some signs of not being bathed etc. Her tone is not judgemental but compassionate. But it acts as electrical prod on Seb. He is brought out of his own self pity and realizes that he needs to step up. Via helps, she gives Seb a checklist of things he should do to make sure Matty is ready for each day.
Fast forward a few years later. Matty is now in second grade at a different school and Seb is super dad. He quit his job as a high powered architect and now makes custom furniture (as you do...) and works as the second & third grade coach at the school Matty goes to as well as the lunch room monitor. We learn that the list Via gave his was a lifeline for him and helped him get his shit together with Matty. He and Matty have a great relationship and he feels his life is full, but he's been all about his kid and hasn't dated at all since his wife died.
Via comes back into their lives as the new school counselor. As we catch up with Via we learn that she was a child of the foster system because her parents died in a car accident while she was still a minor and she is now dating Evan, a movie star handsome paralegal.
Via and Seb strike up a cordial friendship that slowly becomes a closer one until they begin to catch feelings. But Seb is 42 and Via is 27. He feels their age gap very keenly. Also he is finally entering the world of dating thanks to his friend who got him onto a dating app. Via for her part comes with all the attendant insecurities of a child who lost parents early and has no family except for her best friend who was also her foster sister. She needs stability and connection, which she tries to hold onto with both hands with her relationship with Evan. She needs to make sure any new connections she makes are the staying kind. But their attraction is strong and they each have to navigate through some things before they can admit their feelings for each other
There are many things I liked about this. Among the the top is I liked the voice of the author. The writing was accessible and really strong. There were places where I really liked the descriptive passages of how in one scene Via was feeling panicky or in another scene how Seb was working through some revelations about his late wife. Speaking of, I loved her characterization of Cora, Seb's late wife. At one point she was described as a warhead candy 'so sour it hurt, but still you wanted more." It would seem an unflattering description but as Seb thinks about Cora, you get a picture of a bright, sharp woman who was also very loving and maternal. We don't get a lot of Cora, no flashbacks or long lingering ruminations, but what pieces we do get paint a clear picture of her in very decisive language of a woman with a very decisive personality. I always enjoy that type of descriptive writing, not fulsome, yet able to paint a picture with very economical yet precise words.
I also liked the conception of Via as a character. I think the author did a good job of giving us a lot of Via's textures. For instance, food is important to Via. Not in a triggering way, but in a comfort way. There is also a little hint that she might be a bit food insecure. This is not a huge plot point, though. It isn't some Checkov's bagel that comes back in a big way. It just is. She loves to cook and food is important and has meaning.
Also I liked that a lof the book is told from Seb's POV. We get insight into his feelings for Via a lot sooner and a lot clearer than we do with hers for him. And even thought it is slow burn, it isn't closed door. Once Via and Seb admit heir feelings, all that sexual tension comes roaring out into open door sexy times!
There are a lot of colorful and interesting supporting characters. I sense a bit of sequel bait between her BFF Fin and Seb's BFF Tyler. I enjoyed all their interactions and friendships with the teachers in the school.
I was a little puzzled by the school. It seems like Seb is the only male presence at the school the way he is presented. The women all swoon over him (he is a big, strapping lumberjack of a man). I kept waiting to see if there were any male teachers in their group. There just never seemed to be. Until way late in the book and he is introduced more as a plot convenience than anything else.
Also, I thought the school was private, I mean the descriptions of the staff meetings just sound like they would not pass muster in for a public school. But it is actually a public school.
Anyhoo, this was a quick and fun read. Hit just the 'comfortable and easy' read spot I have been carefully curating during The Times of The 'Rona.
October 17, 2020
3.5 stars but rounding up to 4 because the relationship between the two leads felt very believable and true.
Things I liked:
+ the way Seb and Via communicated and actually talked to each other
+ a six year old child who acted like a actual six year old child and not a infant or a teenage trapped in the body of small one (look, I'm sorry but a lot of authors can't write kids well in literature. So when I find one who can, I make note)
+ all the secondary characters including Seb's friends, his in-laws, Via's new teacher friends and her bff/foster sister. I loved them all.
+ the sex scenes. They were definitely more sexier and hotter than I expected them to be but fit both characters and added to their emotional connection/story arc
+ Seb's mother-in-law. I was not expecting her conversations with Seb to hit me in the feels BUT THEY DID AND I LOVED IT.
+ Via and her ache of loneliness. I related to that so much.
Things I did not like:
+ Seb and the whole age difference issue. He probably said at least ten or twelve times that he is 42 and Via is 27 AND HOW CAN THEY GET TOGETHER WHEN HE IS SUCH AN OLD MAN?!??! He dropped it once Via said the age issue didn't bother her but at that point we were already 80% of the story in and I was annoyed.
+ Speaking of repeating things, I get it. Seb is built like a brawny lumberjack while Via is a tiny, petite Italian woman. He is large and Via is small (in stature). YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP REPEATING IT. If I read one more line about how he could span her waist with his hands or how large she was in comparison to him I was going to throw my kindle across the room
+ Cursing in religious names. I understand 100% this is a personal preference of mine and I also understand if it does not bug anyone else while they were reading but like five or six times one of the characters cursed a different Christian religious figure (Oh God, Jesus Christ and Holy Mary, Mother of - are the three I can think of on the top of my head) in conversation and I didn't like that. Again, personal preference due to my own faith, will probably not bother anyone else but it bothered me.
All that said, I already have book 2 on my kindle because I need to read Tyler's and Sef's story. STAT.
Things I liked:
+ the way Seb and Via communicated and actually talked to each other
+ a six year old child who acted like a actual six year old child and not a infant or a teenage trapped in the body of small one (look, I'm sorry but a lot of authors can't write kids well in literature. So when I find one who can, I make note)
+ all the secondary characters including Seb's friends, his in-laws, Via's new teacher friends and her bff/foster sister. I loved them all.
+ the sex scenes. They were definitely more sexier and hotter than I expected them to be but fit both characters and added to their emotional connection/story arc
+ Seb's mother-in-law. I was not expecting her conversations with Seb to hit me in the feels BUT THEY DID AND I LOVED IT.
+ Via and her ache of loneliness. I related to that so much.
Things I did not like:
+ Seb and the whole age difference issue. He probably said at least ten or twelve times that he is 42 and Via is 27 AND HOW CAN THEY GET TOGETHER WHEN HE IS SUCH AN OLD MAN?!??! He dropped it once Via said the age issue didn't bother her but at that point we were already 80% of the story in and I was annoyed.
+ Speaking of repeating things, I get it. Seb is built like a brawny lumberjack while Via is a tiny, petite Italian woman. He is large and Via is small (in stature). YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP REPEATING IT. If I read one more line about how he could span her waist with his hands or how large she was in comparison to him I was going to throw my kindle across the room
+ Cursing in religious names. I understand 100% this is a personal preference of mine and I also understand if it does not bug anyone else while they were reading but like five or six times one of the characters cursed a different Christian religious figure (Oh God, Jesus Christ and Holy Mary, Mother of - are the three I can think of on the top of my head) in conversation and I didn't like that. Again, personal preference due to my own faith, will probably not bother anyone else but it bothered me.
All that said, I already have book 2 on my kindle because I need to read Tyler's and Sef's story. STAT.
February 2, 2021
Just a Heartbeat Away is totally not my tropes. Single dad, age gap, adorable moppet: these are not tropes that I enjoy. Honestly, if I hadn't recently listened to Bastone's Call Me Maybe, which was absolutely totally my thing, and if the reviews weren't so good, I might have DNFed early on, because the start was a bit rough for me. But I'm very glad I didn't, because I was in my feels by the end.
What I loved about this book was how much it focuses on mental health and toxic masculinity. Seb is such a gentle giant. The opening scene is a pre-romantic meeting with Via, who was teaching his son. She tells Seb that he's been a neglectful parent and makes suggestions for improvement. Rather than yelling or ignoring her like most men would, Seb takes these suggestions to heart, starts therapy, and rebuilds himself, coming out of his post-grief catatonia.
The portrayal of grief is great, I think. Many kinds of loss are covered and from many different stages, and it's very clear that grief never ends and that it will always have an emotional impact, that it changes you forever in ways both expected and unpredictable. Obviously there are some sad moments, but the vibe overall is hopeful.
Seb and Via have a wonderful bond and great chemistry. I'll admit, though, that, due to my general disinterest in age gap romance and the way Seb constantly thinks about the gap, they're not my favorite romance personally. They worked for me, but not as well as they might have if he'd been less hung up on their ages. Then again, that did hit very real and believable from an emotional perspective. If this is your trope, though, one hundred percent I recommend this.
I'm so excited to read more of this series, and I'm hoping for ones that are more up my trope alley. That said, I'm so impressed by how well this did end up working for me, given that it's not my usual thing.
What I loved about this book was how much it focuses on mental health and toxic masculinity. Seb is such a gentle giant. The opening scene is a pre-romantic meeting with Via, who was teaching his son. She tells Seb that he's been a neglectful parent and makes suggestions for improvement. Rather than yelling or ignoring her like most men would, Seb takes these suggestions to heart, starts therapy, and rebuilds himself, coming out of his post-grief catatonia.
The portrayal of grief is great, I think. Many kinds of loss are covered and from many different stages, and it's very clear that grief never ends and that it will always have an emotional impact, that it changes you forever in ways both expected and unpredictable. Obviously there are some sad moments, but the vibe overall is hopeful.
Seb and Via have a wonderful bond and great chemistry. I'll admit, though, that, due to my general disinterest in age gap romance and the way Seb constantly thinks about the gap, they're not my favorite romance personally. They worked for me, but not as well as they might have if he'd been less hung up on their ages. Then again, that did hit very real and believable from an emotional perspective. If this is your trope, though, one hundred percent I recommend this.
I'm so excited to read more of this series, and I'm hoping for ones that are more up my trope alley. That said, I'm so impressed by how well this did end up working for me, given that it's not my usual thing.
July 12, 2021
This book has officially stolen the spot for my favorite romance I've read this year. Holy moly, it was wonderful.
Wholesome & sweet storyline? Check.
Extremely likable, well developed, and realistic characters with complex back stories? Check.
Delicious pining? Check.
A book-boyfriend worthy hero who is in touch with his emotions, self aware, and too dang sweet for his own good? Check.
A soft yet strong heroine who is both relatable and aspirational (as in, I aspire to be just like her??) Check.
A cutie-patootie-pie dog? Check.
Steamy scenes that were so intimate I almost cried? Check.
I can't force you to read this book.. but I'm forcing you to read this book. It is everything.
I keep telling myself that I don't like kids in romances because I'm not in that stage of life, but can I just say.. sweet single dads???? I've been missing out.
The romance is a slowwwww burn, but it was oh-so worth it when they finally confessed their feelings. I was swooning so hard that I felt dizzy. The only thing that I found lacking was that there was a pretty abrupt ending. I could have read so much more about Seb and Via's relationship, but even just a prologue would have been nice. Maybe we'll get one in the future? Or a novella? I would LOVE to see their relationship several years in the future.
Wholesome & sweet storyline? Check.
Extremely likable, well developed, and realistic characters with complex back stories? Check.
Delicious pining? Check.
A book-boyfriend worthy hero who is in touch with his emotions, self aware, and too dang sweet for his own good? Check.
A soft yet strong heroine who is both relatable and aspirational (as in, I aspire to be just like her??) Check.
A cutie-patootie-pie dog? Check.
Steamy scenes that were so intimate I almost cried? Check.
I can't force you to read this book.. but I'm forcing you to read this book. It is everything.
I keep telling myself that I don't like kids in romances because I'm not in that stage of life, but can I just say.. sweet single dads???? I've been missing out.
The romance is a slowwwww burn, but it was oh-so worth it when they finally confessed their feelings. I was swooning so hard that I felt dizzy. The only thing that I found lacking was that there was a pretty abrupt ending. I could have read so much more about Seb and Via's relationship, but even just a prologue would have been nice. Maybe we'll get one in the future? Or a novella? I would LOVE to see their relationship several years in the future.
September 19, 2020
2.5 stars
This saddens me and part of me feels like I am being overly harsh but at the same time I just didn't enjoy this as much as I wish I did. Which is weird, because it's a slow burn romance that's satisfyingly low on drama and features adults who actually talk to each other and are pretty upfront about their feelings.
I should have adored this!
Instead, I was too annoyed by Sebastian constantly going on and on about the age difference between him and Via (she's 28, he's 42). Age differences such as theirs don't generally bother me so I got bored by Seb staying so hung up on that fact throughout the book; it was simply too much and went on too long. As a result, by the time they did finally get together I felt entirely disconnected from the story and didn't care about the romance at all.
I'm not entirely sure whether the writing style contributed to my dislike as well, because I wasn't a huge fan, so I'd be willing to try book 2. The only thing that worries me is that I didn't have any connection with Serafine and the whole crystal and aura thing is not something that appeals to me so I'm torn.
This saddens me and part of me feels like I am being overly harsh but at the same time I just didn't enjoy this as much as I wish I did. Which is weird, because it's a slow burn romance that's satisfyingly low on drama and features adults who actually talk to each other and are pretty upfront about their feelings.
I should have adored this!
Instead, I was too annoyed by Sebastian constantly going on and on about the age difference between him and Via (she's 28, he's 42). Age differences such as theirs don't generally bother me so I got bored by Seb staying so hung up on that fact throughout the book; it was simply too much and went on too long. As a result, by the time they did finally get together I felt entirely disconnected from the story and didn't care about the romance at all.
I'm not entirely sure whether the writing style contributed to my dislike as well, because I wasn't a huge fan, so I'd be willing to try book 2. The only thing that worries me is that I didn't have any connection with Serafine and the whole crystal and aura thing is not something that appeals to me so I'm torn.
December 16, 2021
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump and this book pulled me right out! There’s so much tenderness and sweetness in Just A Heartbeat Away. I’m not normally a fan of age gap or widower romances, but Cara Bastone’s writing has made me a believer. The slow burn, friends to lovers build up, and wonderfully adorkable awkwardness between Seb and Via is chef’s kiss perfect. The story hurt my heart at times (please see the CW’s), but it also had me grinning ear to ear. Matty and Crabby were adorable and I appreciated that Matty actually acted like a six year old. I'm not usually a single parent trope lover, but Seb and Matty's relationship gave me all the heart eyes. I also really loved Muriel and her no nonsense advice. I do wish that the age difference wouldn't have been such a huge plot point for so long, but overall this was a fantastic love story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
CW: death of loved ones (past, automobile and/or drunk driving related), grief, negative experiences in foster care (past), loneliness, fear of instability, financial insecurity & concerns, workplace related physical altercation (on page)
CW: death of loved ones (past, automobile and/or drunk driving related), grief, negative experiences in foster care (past), loneliness, fear of instability, financial insecurity & concerns, workplace related physical altercation (on page)
November 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Via first meets Sebastian not long after his wife has died. He is trying to deal with the grief of losing his wife and adjust to being a sole parent to their son Matty. Via is Matty’s teacher and has concerns about his well being. Sebastian is struggling with all the new responsibilities that come with being a single parent and is really embarrassed that it takes someone else to notice how he isn’t coping before he realises it himself. Via’s concern comes from a good place though and she gives Sebastian some good ideas of where to start with changing things at home to make things better for both of them.
Two years later, Sebastian and Matty are in a much better space. Sebastian made some adjustments to his work schedule and now Matty is his priority. He took on board all of the suggestions that Via gave him and they have made such a difference to their daily routine.
On the first day of the new school year Sebastian is surprised and delighted to see that Via is a teacher at Matty’s new school. She is even prettier than she remembered and Matty is thrilled to see her again too. Sebastian does a bit of volunteer work at school so their paths begin to cross more frequently and soon he can’t seem to get her out of his head. However, Via has a boyfriend so he is mindful that nothing will ever come from the connection he has with her.
Via does have a long term boyfriend but things are not going well for them. He has recently left his job and she is trying to be understanding of his need to change his career path but gets frustrated at some of the things he does too. And, she is also feeling a connection with Sebastian that she feels guilty about, she hasn’t acted on it or said anything to him but she knows he feels it too.
Eventually, things get to a point where Via needs to decide what is best for her in the long term and follow her heart :)
My weekend audio listened served up a light and fluffy romance story with plenty of cutesy moments sprinkled all over.
Via first meets Sebastian not long after his wife has died. He is trying to deal with the grief of losing his wife and adjust to being a sole parent to their son Matty. Via is Matty’s teacher and has concerns about his well being. Sebastian is struggling with all the new responsibilities that come with being a single parent and is really embarrassed that it takes someone else to notice how he isn’t coping before he realises it himself. Via’s concern comes from a good place though and she gives Sebastian some good ideas of where to start with changing things at home to make things better for both of them.
Two years later, Sebastian and Matty are in a much better space. Sebastian made some adjustments to his work schedule and now Matty is his priority. He took on board all of the suggestions that Via gave him and they have made such a difference to their daily routine.
On the first day of the new school year Sebastian is surprised and delighted to see that Via is a teacher at Matty’s new school. She is even prettier than she remembered and Matty is thrilled to see her again too. Sebastian does a bit of volunteer work at school so their paths begin to cross more frequently and soon he can’t seem to get her out of his head. However, Via has a boyfriend so he is mindful that nothing will ever come from the connection he has with her.
Via does have a long term boyfriend but things are not going well for them. He has recently left his job and she is trying to be understanding of his need to change his career path but gets frustrated at some of the things he does too. And, she is also feeling a connection with Sebastian that she feels guilty about, she hasn’t acted on it or said anything to him but she knows he feels it too.
Eventually, things get to a point where Via needs to decide what is best for her in the long term and follow her heart :)
My weekend audio listened served up a light and fluffy romance story with plenty of cutesy moments sprinkled all over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews