What do you think?
Rate this book
His Heart
Her greatest tragedy is his second chance at life.
For Sebastian McKinney, wrestling is life. He’s focused and determined. Strong and capable. Nothing, not even his biggest rival, will stand in his way.
Except a silent illness that almost kills him.
Brooke Summerlin is no stranger to adversity. Raised by an abusive mother, she’s learned to cope as best she can. When Liam sweeps into her life, she believes she’s found the impossible—a happily ever after.
Until her happy ending is ripped away. And Brooke’s greatest tragedy becomes Sebastian’s second chance at life.
Four years later, two souls linked by loss find each other. Although their connection is undeniable, Brooke sinks in grief that threatens to drown her. Sebastian is desperate to help—desperate to save her—even though he has his own uncertainties to face.
But sometimes love transcends the boundaries between life and death—between what is known and what cannot be explained. The heart that loved Brooke still beats for her.
And the one thing that might save them both is love.
Author’s note: An intense stand-alone contemporary romance that explores the transcendent, healing power of love. You’ll need a few tissues (and maybe some chocolate), but trust me, their beautiful happily ever after is worth it.
For Sebastian McKinney, wrestling is life. He’s focused and determined. Strong and capable. Nothing, not even his biggest rival, will stand in his way.
Except a silent illness that almost kills him.
Brooke Summerlin is no stranger to adversity. Raised by an abusive mother, she’s learned to cope as best she can. When Liam sweeps into her life, she believes she’s found the impossible—a happily ever after.
Until her happy ending is ripped away. And Brooke’s greatest tragedy becomes Sebastian’s second chance at life.
Four years later, two souls linked by loss find each other. Although their connection is undeniable, Brooke sinks in grief that threatens to drown her. Sebastian is desperate to help—desperate to save her—even though he has his own uncertainties to face.
But sometimes love transcends the boundaries between life and death—between what is known and what cannot be explained. The heart that loved Brooke still beats for her.
And the one thing that might save them both is love.
Author’s note: An intense stand-alone contemporary romance that explores the transcendent, healing power of love. You’ll need a few tissues (and maybe some chocolate), but trust me, their beautiful happily ever after is worth it.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2017
1423 people are currently reading
2827 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
81 books12.3k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
Add Claire's next releases to your TBR today:
NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIO:
Add Claire's next releases to your TBR today:
NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIO:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 5, 2017
His Heart is by Claire Kingsley. In full disclosure, I don’t usually do well with books with a lot of sad content. I get too emotionally involved. So, I was hesitant to read this one. But I have loved this author in the past so I decided to take a chance. And I am so glad that I did. Claire somehow kept the story moving and didn’t dwell too long on the events so I didn’t have time to sink into despair. And I had fallen so deeply in love with the characters that I didn’t have a choice but to hang in there to see how everything turned out. In a word, this book was amazing!
When we first meet Brooke Summerlin she is sixteen years old. She has grown up with a drug addicted, alcoholic mother that doesn’t think twice to hit her when she gets angry. Brooke’s mother has moved them at least twenty three times in her young life. At each place she has a new man. Then Brooke met Liam Harper, the school popular boy and football star. He became Brooke’s only friend and not so long after, her boyfriend, her first love. When Brooke’s mother decides it’s time to go again and Brooke has had enough, Liam and his family come to her rescue.
“With Liam, I was safe. With Liam, I was home.”
Liam and Brooke are now in college and happy, making plans for their future together. Until that future is stolen from them, Liam’s life taken much too soon. Brooke tries but she can’t hold up under the pain of her loss. Liam was her world, her life. She slips into despair, not wishing for death but not really caring if she continues to live. Fast forward four years and that is the way that we find her.
Sebastian McKinney is a high school wrestler, an athlete. He takes care of his body, eats healthy, trains, and already has a college scholarship to continue wrestling at the next level. Until his world is literally ripped out from under him. He has a disease that affects his heart. For two years he tried to overcome it, only to continue to weaken. He lost everything and can barely stand long enough to walk from the bed to the bathroom. He was ready to give up, to stop fighting. Until the call came that gave him a second chance.
Four years later, Sebastian saw her. He had never seen a picture of her, but he knew it was her. His heart knew it was her. He had seen that look in her eyes. It was the same look he had when he was ready to give up the fight. He doesn’t know why but he knows that it’s the right thing to do, to help her.
“Meeting him shouldn’t have changed anything. But it had. Meeting him had changed everything.”
I think they both knew it from the start but it took awhile for them each to fully realize that they loved each other. But Brooke still struggled. That pit of darkness was always there, waiting to suck her back in. She felt like she must have inherited it from her mother. That she would suck the life out of anyone she cared about just as her mother had. In the end, she had to decide what would win. Would she let the darkness win, or would she fight her way out of it, and let love win?
This was such a beautifully told story. It is told from both Brooke and Sebastian’s point of views. Yes my eyes might have watered a time or two. But it also made me smile. Sebastian’s heart might have recognized Brooke, but it was Sebastian that fell in love with her, that needed her as much as he needed to breathe. As much as he needed his heart to continue to pump blood throughout his body. He had been given this second chance at life, and he wasn’t going to live it without her.
When we first meet Brooke Summerlin she is sixteen years old. She has grown up with a drug addicted, alcoholic mother that doesn’t think twice to hit her when she gets angry. Brooke’s mother has moved them at least twenty three times in her young life. At each place she has a new man. Then Brooke met Liam Harper, the school popular boy and football star. He became Brooke’s only friend and not so long after, her boyfriend, her first love. When Brooke’s mother decides it’s time to go again and Brooke has had enough, Liam and his family come to her rescue.
“With Liam, I was safe. With Liam, I was home.”
Liam and Brooke are now in college and happy, making plans for their future together. Until that future is stolen from them, Liam’s life taken much too soon. Brooke tries but she can’t hold up under the pain of her loss. Liam was her world, her life. She slips into despair, not wishing for death but not really caring if she continues to live. Fast forward four years and that is the way that we find her.
Sebastian McKinney is a high school wrestler, an athlete. He takes care of his body, eats healthy, trains, and already has a college scholarship to continue wrestling at the next level. Until his world is literally ripped out from under him. He has a disease that affects his heart. For two years he tried to overcome it, only to continue to weaken. He lost everything and can barely stand long enough to walk from the bed to the bathroom. He was ready to give up, to stop fighting. Until the call came that gave him a second chance.
Four years later, Sebastian saw her. He had never seen a picture of her, but he knew it was her. His heart knew it was her. He had seen that look in her eyes. It was the same look he had when he was ready to give up the fight. He doesn’t know why but he knows that it’s the right thing to do, to help her.
“Meeting him shouldn’t have changed anything. But it had. Meeting him had changed everything.”
I think they both knew it from the start but it took awhile for them each to fully realize that they loved each other. But Brooke still struggled. That pit of darkness was always there, waiting to suck her back in. She felt like she must have inherited it from her mother. That she would suck the life out of anyone she cared about just as her mother had. In the end, she had to decide what would win. Would she let the darkness win, or would she fight her way out of it, and let love win?
This was such a beautifully told story. It is told from both Brooke and Sebastian’s point of views. Yes my eyes might have watered a time or two. But it also made me smile. Sebastian’s heart might have recognized Brooke, but it was Sebastian that fell in love with her, that needed her as much as he needed to breathe. As much as he needed his heart to continue to pump blood throughout his body. He had been given this second chance at life, and he wasn’t going to live it without her.
October 16, 2020
Heart wrenching, cry/ tear jerking, emotional book! It shook me hard and pull out my ugly cries I kept inside! Such a tremendous, perfectly written book, touch your soul! I loved it so much! It comes for all the people who suffer from great losses of their lives and try to find their ways to feel alive ! A splendid second chance book! A wonderful hero and broken, struggling but strong heroine!
January 18, 2020
The lives of THREE PEOPLE are intertwined in a heart-wrenching way.
A girl who is bullied at school by mean girls and abused at home by her drug addict mother: Brooke
An awesome guy who saves her from her own evil mother and gives her a new family with a promise for a happily ever after: Liam - but then, a tragic accident happens and this HEA never happens as Liam dies.
Another great guy in a different part of the country, who has been slowly dying with heart failure, is revived with Liam’s heart: Sebastian.
A tragedy and a new beginning...
A death and a life saved...
A heart shared by two and loved by one...
***********************************************
The good part of their story is that nothing happens in a rush one after the other. There is a mourning period before the healing period.
4 years pass.
Sebastian slowly regains his health.
Liam’s family goes through therapy and they are at least happy that their son’s tragic death made it possible for a new life to be saved.
Sadly, Brooke is on a roller-coaster of self-destruction. For a girl who was never loved and cared about for so long and then found a precious love like Liam’s, a life without him is like living in a continuous torture for Brooke and she can’t cope with it. Slowly, she loses everything, her home, school and her job and she turns to alcohol and drugs.
***********************************************
Sebastian was once a wrestler, but after all the suffering he has been through, he hasn’t chosen his new path in life and on one of those days, he decides to visit Liam’s family who live in a state 24-hours drive away.
That trip leads him to Brooke, as well.
And magically, Sebastian’s heart that once belonged to Liam recognizes Brooke even before he knew who she was.
Meeting Sebastian changes everything for Brooke. It becomes a mile-stone in her life.
LIFE AND LOVE EXIST IN THE BEATS OF HIS HEART.
A HEART SHARED BY TWO.
LOVED BY ONE.
The path Brooke and Sebastian walk together is a rough one, full of set-backs. Their struggle is painful but the bond that helps them to survive what life throws at them is inspiring.
There are good days and there are bad days as Brooke’s depression is a serious one.
Also, family and friends cannot easily accept their being together because they think Sebastian is a replacement of Liam and Brooke is with Sebastian because of his heart.
However, on the contrary, Brooke falls in love with Sebastian despite his heart that once belonged to Liam as this fact makes her suffer every time she stares at his chest.
And Sebastian is at first pulled towards Brooke by a bit of an unknown force – maybe love that transcends even death - but he falls in love with her because of who she is. He finds her hauntingly beautiful. He loves her with all the strong and weak parts of her.
***********************************************
Whereas Liam and Brooke’s love was deep and real, it was the first love of a young girl - a pure sweet love.
The love between Sebastian and Brooke is a more passionate one, unlike anything she has felt before.
***********************************************
Meanwhile, Sebastian’s ex, who couldn’t stay with him when he was sick and dying because it was too boring for her young age, comes back and she shamelessly tries to get him back.
Sebastian is rigid about it, though – kudos to the guy for his 5-star quality character!
***********************************************
The book is 335 pages and it is told both by Brooke and Sebastian. (Never by Liam).
The length of a novel is sometimes what makes it a success or a failure. Some books are too short without enough character development and enough dialogues. Everything feels rushed. And some books are too long and dragging with too many unnecessary details added to it for an unknown purpose.
This book is just long enough. A love like Liam and Brooke’s and a tragedy like losing Liam, then again Sebastian’s tragedy and healing, Sebastian and Brooke meeting and falling for each other, and then struggling with this new fact, trying to accept and embrace it etc -all that required enough time and the writer is impeccable at her pacing. The book has just the right length, or otherwise, it would have been a rushed second chance in life novel with a wasted potential. Now, with enough character development and all, it is a perfectly written romance which touches your heart and leaves an awesome bittersweet taste.
***********************************************
If you can deal with a heart shared by two and loved by one, then this book would be a perfect romance for you as well. I loved it. I cried a few times – not ugly cry but I felt what they felt and couldn’t stop my tears.
I loved all three of the main characters equally, I mean Liam, Brooke and Sebastian. They are all likable characters.
Some readers might resent and dislike Brooke for her self-destruction that lasted for too long maybe but I couldn’t judge her and I never wish to be in her shoes and experience what she suffers through.
Here are a few impressive moments from their story…
“Brooke, this heart beat for you when it lived inside him,” Sebastian said. “It still beats for you now that it lives inside me.”
***
“I’m taking you to my house. I want to make sure you don’t fucking die in your sleep.”
“I’m not gonna die,” I said, my voice dreamy. “I can’t die now. I already did.”
***
“This heart knew you. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true. It’s why I approached you. Why I insisted you take my phone number. There was a connection between us, from that first moment.”
***
I didn’t love her because of some weird transplant phenomenon. It wasn’t like the random cravings I got for peach iced tea. But there was an element I couldn’t explain. Liam’s heart had recognized hers the day we met. But the bond we’d forged was ours. It was built on the ashes our former lives—our former selves.
***********************************************
P.S. If you wanna check the results of some research on heart transplant and related memory transfer and personality changes, click the following link:
http://www.namahjournal.com/doc/Actua...
A girl who is bullied at school by mean girls and abused at home by her drug addict mother: Brooke
An awesome guy who saves her from her own evil mother and gives her a new family with a promise for a happily ever after: Liam - but then, a tragic accident happens and this HEA never happens as Liam dies.
Another great guy in a different part of the country, who has been slowly dying with heart failure, is revived with Liam’s heart: Sebastian.
A tragedy and a new beginning...
A death and a life saved...
A heart shared by two and loved by one...
***********************************************
The good part of their story is that nothing happens in a rush one after the other. There is a mourning period before the healing period.
4 years pass.
Sebastian slowly regains his health.
Liam’s family goes through therapy and they are at least happy that their son’s tragic death made it possible for a new life to be saved.
Sadly, Brooke is on a roller-coaster of self-destruction. For a girl who was never loved and cared about for so long and then found a precious love like Liam’s, a life without him is like living in a continuous torture for Brooke and she can’t cope with it. Slowly, she loses everything, her home, school and her job and she turns to alcohol and drugs.
***********************************************
Sebastian was once a wrestler, but after all the suffering he has been through, he hasn’t chosen his new path in life and on one of those days, he decides to visit Liam’s family who live in a state 24-hours drive away.
That trip leads him to Brooke, as well.
And magically, Sebastian’s heart that once belonged to Liam recognizes Brooke even before he knew who she was.
Meeting Sebastian changes everything for Brooke. It becomes a mile-stone in her life.
LIFE AND LOVE EXIST IN THE BEATS OF HIS HEART.
A HEART SHARED BY TWO.
LOVED BY ONE.
The path Brooke and Sebastian walk together is a rough one, full of set-backs. Their struggle is painful but the bond that helps them to survive what life throws at them is inspiring.
There are good days and there are bad days as Brooke’s depression is a serious one.
Also, family and friends cannot easily accept their being together because they think Sebastian is a replacement of Liam and Brooke is with Sebastian because of his heart.
However, on the contrary, Brooke falls in love with Sebastian despite his heart that once belonged to Liam as this fact makes her suffer every time she stares at his chest.
And Sebastian is at first pulled towards Brooke by a bit of an unknown force – maybe love that transcends even death - but he falls in love with her because of who she is. He finds her hauntingly beautiful. He loves her with all the strong and weak parts of her.
***********************************************
Whereas Liam and Brooke’s love was deep and real, it was the first love of a young girl - a pure sweet love.
The love between Sebastian and Brooke is a more passionate one, unlike anything she has felt before.
***********************************************
Meanwhile, Sebastian’s ex, who couldn’t stay with him when he was sick and dying because it was too boring for her young age, comes back and she shamelessly tries to get him back.
Sebastian is rigid about it, though – kudos to the guy for his 5-star quality character!
***********************************************
The book is 335 pages and it is told both by Brooke and Sebastian. (Never by Liam).
The length of a novel is sometimes what makes it a success or a failure. Some books are too short without enough character development and enough dialogues. Everything feels rushed. And some books are too long and dragging with too many unnecessary details added to it for an unknown purpose.
This book is just long enough. A love like Liam and Brooke’s and a tragedy like losing Liam, then again Sebastian’s tragedy and healing, Sebastian and Brooke meeting and falling for each other, and then struggling with this new fact, trying to accept and embrace it etc -all that required enough time and the writer is impeccable at her pacing. The book has just the right length, or otherwise, it would have been a rushed second chance in life novel with a wasted potential. Now, with enough character development and all, it is a perfectly written romance which touches your heart and leaves an awesome bittersweet taste.
***********************************************
If you can deal with a heart shared by two and loved by one, then this book would be a perfect romance for you as well. I loved it. I cried a few times – not ugly cry but I felt what they felt and couldn’t stop my tears.
I loved all three of the main characters equally, I mean Liam, Brooke and Sebastian. They are all likable characters.
Some readers might resent and dislike Brooke for her self-destruction that lasted for too long maybe but I couldn’t judge her and I never wish to be in her shoes and experience what she suffers through.
Here are a few impressive moments from their story…
“Brooke, this heart beat for you when it lived inside him,” Sebastian said. “It still beats for you now that it lives inside me.”
***
“I’m taking you to my house. I want to make sure you don’t fucking die in your sleep.”
“I’m not gonna die,” I said, my voice dreamy. “I can’t die now. I already did.”
***
“This heart knew you. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true. It’s why I approached you. Why I insisted you take my phone number. There was a connection between us, from that first moment.”
***
I didn’t love her because of some weird transplant phenomenon. It wasn’t like the random cravings I got for peach iced tea. But there was an element I couldn’t explain. Liam’s heart had recognized hers the day we met. But the bond we’d forged was ours. It was built on the ashes our former lives—our former selves.
***********************************************
P.S. If you wanna check the results of some research on heart transplant and related memory transfer and personality changes, click the following link:
http://www.namahjournal.com/doc/Actua...
December 8, 2020
*Spoiler Alert*
I think Kingsley went overboard with Brooke's inability to cope with Liam's death and the further I read, the more it became difficult to understand her self-destructive antics. We've all at some point suffered indescribable grief that literally brings you to your knees; yet, we take baby steps back toward the land of the living, and by some small mercies, life begins to have meaning again.
So, for Brooke to basically throw her life out the window because of a boy makes no sense. Is it sad that he died? Yes. Does it justify her spiral into drugs and alcohol? No. Do I feel her pain? Not really, since it became excessive and self-indulgent.
In addition to the above, Kingsley also employed a tonne of foreshadowing which made each plot twist not only predictable but also lacking in impact. We knew Liam would die which he did. We knew Sebastian would get his heart. The only variable was Brooke, and that wasn't handled properly, IMO.
DNF @54%.
July 17, 2018
★ 2.5 stars!! ★
Infelizmente esse livro não me tirou o fôlego ou emocionou como eu esperava...
Sim, é uma história comovente e algumas partes foram difíceis e dolorosas, no entanto, eu não fui capaz de “sentir” muita coisa...
Justamente por ser um livro bem emocional, eu senti falta de sentimento e emoção no desenrolar do enredo e entre os personagens e com isso achei que algumas cenas ficaram forçadas.
Além disso, não consegui superar meu aborrecimento em relação a Brooke e sua constante autodestruição. Até certo ponto eu entendi o comportamento dela, porém não me agradou.
Enfim, apesar de achar a narrativa um pouco cansativa em alguns momentos, no geral foi uma leitura ok.
Posso dizer que gostei, mas não caí de amor e definitivamente não superou minhas expectativas.
Infelizmente esse livro não me tirou o fôlego ou emocionou como eu esperava...
Sim, é uma história comovente e algumas partes foram difíceis e dolorosas, no entanto, eu não fui capaz de “sentir” muita coisa...
Justamente por ser um livro bem emocional, eu senti falta de sentimento e emoção no desenrolar do enredo e entre os personagens e com isso achei que algumas cenas ficaram forçadas.
Além disso, não consegui superar meu aborrecimento em relação a Brooke e sua constante autodestruição. Até certo ponto eu entendi o comportamento dela, porém não me agradou.
Enfim, apesar de achar a narrativa um pouco cansativa em alguns momentos, no geral foi uma leitura ok.
Posso dizer que gostei, mas não caí de amor e definitivamente não superou minhas expectativas.
February 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
I pretty much went into this one blind. I didn’t t read the blurb or any reviews and I just jumped in. From reading the first few chapters, I knew where this was going, and I was dreading it, and of course I cried.
My heart broke for Brooke. She went through so much, an abusive mother and the death of her boyfriend, Liam. At first, I thought she was just not dealing well with Liam’s death, but I figured out there was more going on with her. I absolutely adored Sebastian. He was so true to himself and what he wanted to do with his life. Of course, he was crazy about Brooke and would do anything to get her to fight her inner demons.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I feel like I need to tell you this is a box of tissue type of book. There are sad and heartbreaking moments, but there are few beautiful moments that will make you smile.
Be sure to read the extended epilogue at the end. It was really cute.
I pretty much went into this one blind. I didn’t t read the blurb or any reviews and I just jumped in. From reading the first few chapters, I knew where this was going, and I was dreading it, and of course I cried.
My heart broke for Brooke. She went through so much, an abusive mother and the death of her boyfriend, Liam. At first, I thought she was just not dealing well with Liam’s death, but I figured out there was more going on with her. I absolutely adored Sebastian. He was so true to himself and what he wanted to do with his life. Of course, he was crazy about Brooke and would do anything to get her to fight her inner demons.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I feel like I need to tell you this is a box of tissue type of book. There are sad and heartbreaking moments, but there are few beautiful moments that will make you smile.
Be sure to read the extended epilogue at the end. It was really cute.
December 13, 2018
“This heart is yours.” He leaned down so our foreheads touched. “It always was, and I’m grateful every day that it led me to you.”
January 8, 2019
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I hate when I'm in a minority, and it seems like I am there yet again. I didn't love it. I didn't even shed a tear. I went into this expecting (and wanting) a total angst fest, but sadly I never connected enough with the characters or their connections to each other to feel anything really. I felt like we were told about their big loves, but didn't actually get to experience them. With all of it, I felt like the pacing and time jumps contributed a lot to that feeling of being just told about their connections. It often even felt like we were told about the development of feelings after the fact -- like all of a sudden they were in love and had been for a while. I'd be thinking "where'd that come from?!". I became rather frustrated with it all, but I stuck with the book because so many of my GR friends seemed to love this. For that reason, it very well could be a me thing -- but it simply wasn't my cuppa.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Sebastian's story. Brooke found an unlikely hero in a popular boy named Liam in high school and fell in love with him. Tragedy strikes, and her life is forever changed. Years later, she meets Sebastian who is connected to Liam in an unusual way. They bond instantly, and Sebastian can relate to the sadness he sees in Brooke's eyes and ends up offering to help her. The are some sad times, some big baggage they have to work through, a little bit of ex and family drama, and a few sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Brooke and Sebastian's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not my favorite writing style. This is told in 3 parts. I felt like I didn't really connect with any of the mcs, so that might have contributed to me feeling like it dragged a good bit and had too many time jumps. Time jumps were a common thing throughout the 3 sections, and I thought they felt choppy at times. I never skimmed though.
Instalove:No, they take a while in the story to declare stronger feelings (even though later they recall falling in love fast).
H rating: 3.5 stars. Sebastian. I liked him better than the h, but I think I still wanted more depth into his character.
h rating: 3 stars. Brooke. I struggled with her ability to self destruct, but I also felt bad for her circumstances some of the time. Middle of the road rating for her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed. I think it's because of my issues with connecting to the characters and their connection to each other. Other reviewers claimed to be very emotional when reading this.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. It is kind of a slow burn, as it takes a good while for them to be intimate (60ish%).
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with a HEA ending .
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: I hate when I'm in a minority, and it seems like I am there yet again. I didn't love it. I didn't even shed a tear. I went into this expecting (and wanting) a total angst fest, but sadly I never connected enough with the characters or their connections to each other to feel anything really. I felt like we were told about their big loves, but didn't actually get to experience them. With all of it, I felt like the pacing and time jumps contributed a lot to that feeling of being just told about their connections. It often even felt like we were told about the development of feelings after the fact -- like all of a sudden they were in love and had been for a while. I'd be thinking "where'd that come from?!". I became rather frustrated with it all, but I stuck with the book because so many of my GR friends seemed to love this. For that reason, it very well could be a me thing -- but it simply wasn't my cuppa.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Sebastian's story. Brooke found an unlikely hero in a popular boy named Liam in high school and fell in love with him. Tragedy strikes, and her life is forever changed. Years later, she meets Sebastian who is connected to Liam in an unusual way. They bond instantly, and Sebastian can relate to the sadness he sees in Brooke's eyes and ends up offering to help her. The are some sad times, some big baggage they have to work through, a little bit of ex and family drama, and a few sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Brooke and Sebastian's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not my favorite writing style. This is told in 3 parts. I felt like I didn't really connect with any of the mcs, so that might have contributed to me feeling like it dragged a good bit and had too many time jumps. Time jumps were a common thing throughout the 3 sections, and I thought they felt choppy at times. I never skimmed though.
Instalove:No, they take a while in the story to declare stronger feelings (even though later they recall falling in love fast).
H rating: 3.5 stars. Sebastian. I liked him better than the h, but I think I still wanted more depth into his character.
h rating: 3 stars. Brooke. I struggled with her ability to self destruct, but I also felt bad for her circumstances some of the time. Middle of the road rating for her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed. I think it's because of my issues with connecting to the characters and their connection to each other. Other reviewers claimed to be very emotional when reading this.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. It is kind of a slow burn, as it takes a good while for them to be intimate (60ish%).
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with a HEA ending .
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
November 9, 2018
I loved it so much. <3
I also want to thank my sweet friend "Dilek" for recommending this book to me. :)
Ps. You can read her beautiful review from this link. ;)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Two wrongs do not a right make
but two sorrows
come together
to create something more
something beautiful
because love is the ultimate healer
the righter of wrongs
mender of woes
fulfiller of dreams
love makes all things possible
it is breath, heat, and life
creation and truth
the answer to the ultimate question
why are we here...
I also want to thank my sweet friend "Dilek" for recommending this book to me. :)
Ps. You can read her beautiful review from this link. ;)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Two wrongs do not a right make
but two sorrows
come together
to create something more
something beautiful
because love is the ultimate healer
the righter of wrongs
mender of woes
fulfiller of dreams
love makes all things possible
it is breath, heat, and life
creation and truth
the answer to the ultimate question
why are we here...
January 31, 2020
5 💔 stars.
The author wrote about this book and I understand why :
"This book is unlike anything else I’ve ever written so far. And it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever written." 💔
I really appreciated seeing that after reading this poignant and emotional story. Not only was it a beautiful love story but it had "guts" as well as "heart".
It was a very real story with it's share of heartbreak and loss but there was also hope and joy contained in these pages.
It demonstrated the power of the human spirit to endure and survive but more importantly to learn to embrace life fully and live again after such devastation.
Brooke and Sebastion were both survivor's for me and I felt their pain as well as their joy.
Remarkable read with the need for "tissue paper" at the ready.🤣
So glad that I opened up this fabulous book, not so much an angsty reader but I really adored this beautiful story.
💓💔💓💔💓💔💓💔💓
Claire Kingsley should be proud, I think it is probably the best book that she has ever written and my absolute favorite read of hers so far.👍
The author wrote about this book and I understand why :
"This book is unlike anything else I’ve ever written so far. And it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever written." 💔
I really appreciated seeing that after reading this poignant and emotional story. Not only was it a beautiful love story but it had "guts" as well as "heart".
It was a very real story with it's share of heartbreak and loss but there was also hope and joy contained in these pages.
It demonstrated the power of the human spirit to endure and survive but more importantly to learn to embrace life fully and live again after such devastation.
Brooke and Sebastion were both survivor's for me and I felt their pain as well as their joy.
Remarkable read with the need for "tissue paper" at the ready.🤣
So glad that I opened up this fabulous book, not so much an angsty reader but I really adored this beautiful story.
💓💔💓💔💓💔💓💔💓
Claire Kingsley should be proud, I think it is probably the best book that she has ever written and my absolute favorite read of hers so far.👍
December 31, 2017
Just WOW. This book take my breath away!!!! I loved this one!!!!!!!
September 18, 2020
4,5 stars
"Come stai Bi?«Sono morta Liam.»
Può la più grande tragedia di una persona diventare la seconda possibilità di vita per un'altra?
È questo il dilemma che affronterete leggendo il romanzo della Kingsley e la storia di Brooke e Sebastian. Brooke, che dopo quattro anni da uno dei dolori più grandi della sua vita, ancora annega nella disperazione che l'ha ormai sopraffatta, facendole vivere una vita che ha sempre disprezzato. Sebastian, invece, a cui la vita ha donato una seconda possibilità e che cerca di non buttare via, vivendola appieno. Due mondi opposti, che non avrebbero modo di collidere se non ci fosse un filo che li unisce e anche se sembra sottile quel filo, alla fine riuscirà forse a non spezzarsi e a ricucire strappi che sembravano ormai impossibili da riparare.
Una storia emozionante che, a dire il vero, non mi aspettavo. Avevo letto un altro romanzo dell'autrice che non mi aveva entusiasmata, ma questo è un altro pianeta. Tutto trattato con naturalezza, anche se le emozioni sono forti, ho trovato il tipo di narrazione molto delicata e commovente. Qualche scena di passione l'ho trovata anche superflua a dire il vero, perché la storia, per quanto è bella di suo, non ne aveva bisogno. Non ho pianto, ma il nodo in gola si è formato più di una volta e non mi è accaduto su altri libri sull'argomento che, seppur narrando una bella storia, non hanno saputo trasmettermi le stesse emozioni.
Se vi fosse sfuggito, come è successo a me, recuperatelo, ne vale la pena.
"...credevo che l'amore lavorasse in modi che non possiamo capire. Era più potente del lutto. Più potente del dolore. persino più potente della morte. E alla fine, l'amore avrebbe sempre vinto."
November 5, 2020
Safety:
- No virgins
- No others after meeting
Brooke (24) and Sebastian (25)
Sexual past:
- Heroine: her deceased boyfriend was her first everything. Later she has a casual relationship going on with a rock singer who is a piece of shit. She didn’t jump from guy to guy after her boyfriend’s death but has been four years and it was pretty obviously there were others too. She had fun with the guy but at the same time it’s a convenience for her, also she mentions later that has been years since he had a real orgasm. I don’t think she was faking pleasure, I understand it as a intense orgasm with a really connection with the other person
- Hero: not a whore, dated for three years his ex and I assume she was his first. Then, after recovering he mentions three women during the four years after his transplant
Tracy and I had dated for a while, but nothing had come of it. Just like Jessica. And Brianna before her. I hadn’t had a serious, long-term girlfriend since Cami. They had all been nice girls. Pretty. And come on, I liked sex as much as the next guy. But there hadn’t been anything there. We just went out, talked a little. Maybe fucked afterward, if we’d gotten that far.
I like it but it has potential to be so much more, I like how he is so in love with her, there was a scene when he said to her or she choose to live or she can die but he is going with her. Obviously it is not healthy but it was intense and served it’s purpose of showing how he is crazy about her.
She is depressed, needing treatment and her best friend Olivia, who is his ex sister was truly a bitch to her, accusing her of wanting attention and being the reason her brother died (it was a car accident). It was so fucking cruel, Brooke slapped her and felt real bad about it, of course I’m agains physical aggression but fuck this bitch. Her words could lead a depressed person to suicide. It was ridiculous, that is definitely not how you show support of that you care. Brooke had issues with alcohol and her mother who was toxic and addicted had just died so she was obviously going throw a lot.
I didn’t like how the romance between the couple’s best friends Olivia and Charlie were going faster than the hero and the heroine’s. They move in together, married and had kids before them and we even heard about their sex lives. I don’t know why it bothers me but I think is because I didn’t like Olivia very much.
Liam (ex boyfriend) was a sweetheart, I loved Sebastian but I’m crazy abou a teen love story and I assume he was a virgin too and he was so loving with her. I wish there was more about them but I understand it could have taken away of Brooke and Sebastian’s story.
- No virgins
- No others after meeting
Brooke (24) and Sebastian (25)
Sexual past:
- Heroine: her deceased boyfriend was her first everything. Later she has a casual relationship going on with a rock singer who is a piece of shit. She didn’t jump from guy to guy after her boyfriend’s death but has been four years and it was pretty obviously there were others too. She had fun with the guy but at the same time it’s a convenience for her, also she mentions later that has been years since he had a real orgasm. I don’t think she was faking pleasure, I understand it as a intense orgasm with a really connection with the other person
- Hero: not a whore, dated for three years his ex and I assume she was his first. Then, after recovering he mentions three women during the four years after his transplant
Tracy and I had dated for a while, but nothing had come of it. Just like Jessica. And Brianna before her. I hadn’t had a serious, long-term girlfriend since Cami. They had all been nice girls. Pretty. And come on, I liked sex as much as the next guy. But there hadn’t been anything there. We just went out, talked a little. Maybe fucked afterward, if we’d gotten that far.
I like it but it has potential to be so much more, I like how he is so in love with her, there was a scene when he said to her or she choose to live or she can die but he is going with her. Obviously it is not healthy but it was intense and served it’s purpose of showing how he is crazy about her.
She is depressed, needing treatment and her best friend Olivia, who is his ex sister was truly a bitch to her, accusing her of wanting attention and being the reason her brother died (it was a car accident). It was so fucking cruel, Brooke slapped her and felt real bad about it, of course I’m agains physical aggression but fuck this bitch. Her words could lead a depressed person to suicide. It was ridiculous, that is definitely not how you show support of that you care. Brooke had issues with alcohol and her mother who was toxic and addicted had just died so she was obviously going throw a lot.
I didn’t like how the romance between the couple’s best friends Olivia and Charlie were going faster than the hero and the heroine’s. They move in together, married and had kids before them and we even heard about their sex lives. I don’t know why it bothers me but I think is because I didn’t like Olivia very much.
Liam (ex boyfriend) was a sweetheart, I loved Sebastian but I’m crazy abou a teen love story and I assume he was a virgin too and he was so loving with her. I wish there was more about them but I understand it could have taken away of Brooke and Sebastian’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
Brooke (16) is a social outcast. Her mother, a drunk, a druggie and continues to have a series of interchangeable boyfriends. Having moved houses once again, Brooke no longer attempts to make friends. Until Liam - a popular jock - asks her out, and pursues a relationship with her.
So Liam and Brooke. Secure. Stable. A child like love. The kind of couple that lasts twenty five years because they're content together. They have a deep respect for one another. There's this sweetness there. They go off to college together. Liam is set to promise a marriage. An impending future of happiness. Until it's taken away.
On the other hand, we have Sebastian (18). An upcoming wrestler. Strong. Confident. Wins the state championship with his girlfriend Cami and parents by his side. Until he collapses after his win, diagnosed with a heart condition.
Like me, a lot of safety readers are concerned about a hero's past, and devotion. I actually think Cami was a good girlfriend, and understood her deciding to end their relationship 2 years after his diagnosis. He was no longer the same guy, and the dynamic of their relationship had completely changed. She was a regular girl next door kind of girlfriend, that you break up with somewhere down the line.
Four years later, Brooke and Sebastian meet. I genuinely loved this book. And what cemented that, though a little morbid was when Sebastian tells Brooke that he would die with her should she choose to commit suicide. He would take that step because she was his life, and they were in it together. The crux of the problem in this book wasn't her "love" for Liam, but rather the need to self-love through the guilt, and the darkness of her upbringing.
One thing I will say is that I hated Olivia, Liam's sister. She was cruel, and what she said to Brooke was unforgivable and disgusting in my eyes. I wished Brooke cut ties with her.
However, I would recommend this for the safety gang. I'm a stickler and will flag up any flaws, but I can genuinely say it was a very heartwarming read.
So Ms Kingsley, I will be reading your books girlll (provided they are safe.)
So Liam and Brooke. Secure. Stable. A child like love. The kind of couple that lasts twenty five years because they're content together. They have a deep respect for one another. There's this sweetness there. They go off to college together. Liam is set to promise a marriage. An impending future of happiness. Until it's taken away.
On the other hand, we have Sebastian (18). An upcoming wrestler. Strong. Confident. Wins the state championship with his girlfriend Cami and parents by his side. Until he collapses after his win, diagnosed with a heart condition.
Like me, a lot of safety readers are concerned about a hero's past, and devotion. I actually think Cami was a good girlfriend, and understood her deciding to end their relationship 2 years after his diagnosis. He was no longer the same guy, and the dynamic of their relationship had completely changed. She was a regular girl next door kind of girlfriend, that you break up with somewhere down the line.
Four years later, Brooke and Sebastian meet. I genuinely loved this book. And what cemented that, though a little morbid was when Sebastian tells Brooke that he would die with her should she choose to commit suicide. He would take that step because she was his life, and they were in it together. The crux of the problem in this book wasn't her "love" for Liam, but rather the need to self-love through the guilt, and the darkness of her upbringing.
One thing I will say is that I hated Olivia, Liam's sister. She was cruel, and what she said to Brooke was unforgivable and disgusting in my eyes. I wished Brooke cut ties with her.
However, I would recommend this for the safety gang. I'm a stickler and will flag up any flaws, but I can genuinely say it was a very heartwarming read.
So Ms Kingsley, I will be reading your books girlll (provided they are safe.)
November 26, 2018
This was a beautiful story about loss and healing and the journey of finding love again.
His Heart brings Brooke and Sebastian together 4 years after a tragedy. That tragedy gave one of them another chance at life and left the other drowning in despair.
Depression isn’t the main focus of this story, but it’s really what I focused on the most. If you’ve ever lived with a loved one with depression, you know it’s not only sad to deal with, but also extremely frustrating. You want them to snap out if it and get some help pronto. But you learn quickly that that mindset is useless and will just lead to more frustration. In that regard, I think that Claire Kingsley did a great job making us feel Brooke’s depression. She didn’t gloss over it and make it all better. I found myself getting so anxious and irritated with her depression. I wanted to yell at her and give her ultimatums. Claire Kingsley pulled a lot of emotion out of me, and that’s no easy task. So I give her major points for that.
I really loved the author’s note at the end of the book. This isn’t a conventional love story. The HEA doesn’t come easily for these characters. She chose some hard topics and gave us a realistic portrayal that I really respect.
His Heart brings Brooke and Sebastian together 4 years after a tragedy. That tragedy gave one of them another chance at life and left the other drowning in despair.
Depression isn’t the main focus of this story, but it’s really what I focused on the most. If you’ve ever lived with a loved one with depression, you know it’s not only sad to deal with, but also extremely frustrating. You want them to snap out if it and get some help pronto. But you learn quickly that that mindset is useless and will just lead to more frustration. In that regard, I think that Claire Kingsley did a great job making us feel Brooke’s depression. She didn’t gloss over it and make it all better. I found myself getting so anxious and irritated with her depression. I wanted to yell at her and give her ultimatums. Claire Kingsley pulled a lot of emotion out of me, and that’s no easy task. So I give her major points for that.
I really loved the author’s note at the end of the book. This isn’t a conventional love story. The HEA doesn’t come easily for these characters. She chose some hard topics and gave us a realistic portrayal that I really respect.
December 14, 2017
2 stars for the Hero. He was pretty perfect and he put up with a lot from the heroine. I understood the heroine in the beginning but the longer her self destructing behavior continued the less I liked her.
September 4, 2020
3.5⭐️’s
But the worst pain wouldn’t exist without the love that preceded it. And isn’t that love worth something? In fact, isn’t that love worth everything?
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-neglected & abused child, addicted parent, depression, loss of loved one
- Audio: N/A. I read this
- Setting: Arizona and Iowa
Characters:
- Brooke (spans from age 16-23):
- Brooke grew up in a home with a mother who had addiction problems and constantly moved (depending on where she could find the next man). Brooke didn’t have a solid foundation and was always an outsider. She kept a notebook handy and it was an outlet for her thoughts.
- “I was a nobody with no father and a drug addict mother who slapped me around when she got mad. Who wanted that girl around? No one.”
- Liam (age span late teens to early 20’s): Liam was sweet and confident. Popular in school, but not an asshole. He came to Brooke’s rescue more than once.
- ”Liam had always been different from his friends. He was a deep thinker who liked to ponder big questions and find meaning in simple things.”
- Sebastian (spans from age 18-25): Sebastian worked hard and was a state wrestling champ his senior year. Unfortunately his bad heart stopped that forward momentum and his life ceased being all about wrestling and became all about surviving.
- ”Wrestlers look muscular and strong, as if the key to winning is in our bodies. But it isn’t. It’s in our minds. Mental strength, toughness, fortitude—that’s what it takes to win. I’d beaten guys bigger and stronger than I was. Guys who were older and had more experience. All because I had it in me to go the distance. To last longer. Endure more. To never, ever give up.”
- Together:
- Brooke and Liam had a sweet relationship, but there was certainly no heat. There were no descriptive sex scenes and I think one kiss. It was clear they loved each other, but i just didn’t feel they had any passion
- Brooke and Sebastian had a more intense relationship. Drawn together by some unknown force, they instantly connected. Theirs was not a high school first love type of romance, but one that would weather the storms.
”I did love Liam, you know that. But this is different. I don’t know if I can explain it. Liam was comfortable. Like a cozy blanket. But Sebastian is…” “Like a triple shot, don’t hold the whipped cream, melt your panties off orgasm?” “Yes, exactly,” I said. “Everything with him is like life on steroids.”
The story:
- As is obvious from the blurb, Liam’s loss of life and subsequent donation of his heart saves Sebastian. I loved the organ donation aspect of the story.
- Told in 2 major parts. Liam and Brooke in Arizona and Sebastian living life in Iowa. Part 1 is About 20%. Part 2 is life after Liam’s death and focuses on Brooke and Sebastian in Iowa.
Other:
- I struggled with Brook because she felt weak to me and I felt like someone was always coming to her rescue. First it was Liam, then his family, then the musician, then Sebastian. So she wasn’t a strong female character. I felt like if she was left to her own devices she would’ve followed the same path as her mother and I just didn’t find her character enjoyable.
- I was confused.......Did Brooke suffer from depression or not?? This was so unclear to me.
- If she did.....I felt it was a missed opportunity to bring awareness to that mental health issue.
- If she did......I was disappointed in the cliff scene as it was unrealistic. Someone with depression just can’t all of a sudden say I don’t wanna feel like this anymore and magically be better without any type of medication or therapy.
- If she did.....then the low’s and the desire to numb everything made sense.
- However.....if she didn’t suffer from depression, then her inability to get over Liam‘s death and the relapses into the same destructive patterns as her mother was frustrating and disappointing.
- I really loved the way Sebastian fought so hard not to give up. He didn’t wallow in a pity party and took things in stride with an amazing attitude. When he just couldn’t take anymore, my heart broke for him.
- The writing was good
Overview:
- POV: dual POV with Sebastian and Brooke. Never Liam. So because of that I didn’t connect with Liam in the story and wasn’t devastated when he died.
- H likable? Not really. I thought she was weak
- h likable? Yes. I liked both Liam and Sebastian.
- h virgin? with Liam yes, but it was off page.
- First time they kiss: 7% with Liam. 58% with seb
- First time they sleep together: 59% (with Seb)
- First time they say I Love You 60% (Brooke and Seb)
- steamy? No
- OW/OM drama? a little. Sebastian’s ex showed up. Thankfully he put her in her place right away.
- H/h cheat? no
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? no
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? about a year later
Quotes
“I struggle with knowing that my second chance at life brought someone else a lot of pain. But I want you to know how grateful I am.”
“The choice is yours, Brooke. Yours, and no one else’s. You get to decide who you are. That’s the beauty of it. The houses you lived in or the messes inside them don’t define you. Your mother doesn’t define you. Loss doesn’t define you. What matters are the decisions you make. You can’t control what happens to you. And sometimes that means pain and suffering. Grief and loss.”
“I love you because you’re my heart. You’re my life. And if I choose that—if I choose to love you and be the man you need—we both win.”
But the worst pain wouldn’t exist without the love that preceded it. And isn’t that love worth something? In fact, isn’t that love worth everything?
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-neglected & abused child, addicted parent, depression, loss of loved one
- Audio: N/A. I read this
- Setting: Arizona and Iowa
Characters:
- Brooke (spans from age 16-23):
- Brooke grew up in a home with a mother who had addiction problems and constantly moved (depending on where she could find the next man). Brooke didn’t have a solid foundation and was always an outsider. She kept a notebook handy and it was an outlet for her thoughts.
- “I was a nobody with no father and a drug addict mother who slapped me around when she got mad. Who wanted that girl around? No one.”
- Liam (age span late teens to early 20’s): Liam was sweet and confident. Popular in school, but not an asshole. He came to Brooke’s rescue more than once.
- ”Liam had always been different from his friends. He was a deep thinker who liked to ponder big questions and find meaning in simple things.”
- Sebastian (spans from age 18-25): Sebastian worked hard and was a state wrestling champ his senior year. Unfortunately his bad heart stopped that forward momentum and his life ceased being all about wrestling and became all about surviving.
- ”Wrestlers look muscular and strong, as if the key to winning is in our bodies. But it isn’t. It’s in our minds. Mental strength, toughness, fortitude—that’s what it takes to win. I’d beaten guys bigger and stronger than I was. Guys who were older and had more experience. All because I had it in me to go the distance. To last longer. Endure more. To never, ever give up.”
- Together:
- Brooke and Liam had a sweet relationship, but there was certainly no heat. There were no descriptive sex scenes and I think one kiss. It was clear they loved each other, but i just didn’t feel they had any passion
- Brooke and Sebastian had a more intense relationship. Drawn together by some unknown force, they instantly connected. Theirs was not a high school first love type of romance, but one that would weather the storms.
”I did love Liam, you know that. But this is different. I don’t know if I can explain it. Liam was comfortable. Like a cozy blanket. But Sebastian is…” “Like a triple shot, don’t hold the whipped cream, melt your panties off orgasm?” “Yes, exactly,” I said. “Everything with him is like life on steroids.”
The story:
- As is obvious from the blurb, Liam’s loss of life and subsequent donation of his heart saves Sebastian. I loved the organ donation aspect of the story.
- Told in 2 major parts. Liam and Brooke in Arizona and Sebastian living life in Iowa. Part 1 is About 20%. Part 2 is life after Liam’s death and focuses on Brooke and Sebastian in Iowa.
Other:
- I struggled with Brook because she felt weak to me and I felt like someone was always coming to her rescue. First it was Liam, then his family, then the musician, then Sebastian. So she wasn’t a strong female character. I felt like if she was left to her own devices she would’ve followed the same path as her mother and I just didn’t find her character enjoyable.
- I was confused.......Did Brooke suffer from depression or not?? This was so unclear to me.
- If she did.....I felt it was a missed opportunity to bring awareness to that mental health issue.
- If she did......I was disappointed in the cliff scene as it was unrealistic. Someone with depression just can’t all of a sudden say I don’t wanna feel like this anymore and magically be better without any type of medication or therapy.
- If she did.....then the low’s and the desire to numb everything made sense.
- However.....if she didn’t suffer from depression, then her inability to get over Liam‘s death and the relapses into the same destructive patterns as her mother was frustrating and disappointing.
- I really loved the way Sebastian fought so hard not to give up. He didn’t wallow in a pity party and took things in stride with an amazing attitude. When he just couldn’t take anymore, my heart broke for him.
- The writing was good
Overview:
- POV: dual POV with Sebastian and Brooke. Never Liam. So because of that I didn’t connect with Liam in the story and wasn’t devastated when he died.
- H likable? Not really. I thought she was weak
- h likable? Yes. I liked both Liam and Sebastian.
- h virgin? with Liam yes, but it was off page.
- First time they kiss: 7% with Liam. 58% with seb
- First time they sleep together: 59% (with Seb)
- First time they say I Love You 60% (Brooke and Seb)
- steamy? No
- OW/OM drama? a little. Sebastian’s ex showed up. Thankfully he put her in her place right away.
- H/h cheat? no
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? no
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? no
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? about a year later
Quotes
“I struggle with knowing that my second chance at life brought someone else a lot of pain. But I want you to know how grateful I am.”
“The choice is yours, Brooke. Yours, and no one else’s. You get to decide who you are. That’s the beauty of it. The houses you lived in or the messes inside them don’t define you. Your mother doesn’t define you. Loss doesn’t define you. What matters are the decisions you make. You can’t control what happens to you. And sometimes that means pain and suffering. Grief and loss.”
“I love you because you’re my heart. You’re my life. And if I choose that—if I choose to love you and be the man you need—we both win.”
November 22, 2020
When Brooke looses her finance her world is titled upside down, and although she tries to carry on living she soon finds herself crumbling.
I really like Sebastian. Brooke I didn't hate, she was ok, but I didn't find my gut clenching as I thought it would be as the author depicted Brooke's pain and struggles. That being said there were moments in the book that made me tear up a bit.
I don't feel Brooke's mental health and wellbeing was explored as fully as it should have been, therapy was mentioned only once or twice fleetingly.
Cute epilogue.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
I really like Sebastian. Brooke I didn't hate, she was ok, but I didn't find my gut clenching as I thought it would be as the author depicted Brooke's pain and struggles. That being said there were moments in the book that made me tear up a bit.
I don't feel Brooke's mental health and wellbeing was explored as fully as it should have been, therapy was mentioned only once or twice fleetingly.
Cute epilogue.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
January 31, 2018
**********Broken stars**********
Brooke, a girl whose world was shattered..... her little heart was fulled with pain and fear instead of love when she was so young......
And Sebastian strong boy whose heart gave up him so early....
Liam who has a heart of gold was in a mess trying to save his sweatheart wih his all power till the death darkened his door...
This is so beautiful and heartbroken, emotional love story. When you start to read this book you will witness how life treat her. She was so little when she faced ugly side of life and She has the weight of world on her shoulders... while her peers playing with their sweet toys she was hiding back of curtains..... What a life ...But with Liam she starts to live and turn her back the all bad things.. But when their life shattered disastrous accident she find herself broken, lonely and helpless....
Sebastian takes strong steps after four years with the operation...... But someone's last breath let other's second chance in life......
I cried a lot.. from the beginning till the end of book my heart was in my mouth.. Pain was really unbearable..... later I read real scientific fact about transplant and BOOM.....
Book is fantastic... words dance with every emotion you can imagine and find a way to touch to your heart....I m %100 positivi you will love it. At least find book four stars.. Trust book and author she created unique world......
There are lots of scenes broke my heart...
When Brooke gave up her life again and again.....
when she met Sebastian.
how Sebastian knew who she was.....
when Sebastian took Brooke her hand and put it on his(???) heart.... (I was at bedand clock was 2:00am and started to cry :(((((( )
Specially in that scene I wanted to run to her world and hug her, try to say her "Everything will be ok." But Sebastion took care of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I’m not gonna die,” I said, my voice dreamy. “I can’t die now. I already did.”
and take time and look at this article
my link text
Brooke, a girl whose world was shattered..... her little heart was fulled with pain and fear instead of love when she was so young......
And Sebastian strong boy whose heart gave up him so early....
Liam who has a heart of gold was in a mess trying to save his sweatheart wih his all power till the death darkened his door...
This is so beautiful and heartbroken, emotional love story. When you start to read this book you will witness how life treat her. She was so little when she faced ugly side of life and She has the weight of world on her shoulders... while her peers playing with their sweet toys she was hiding back of curtains..... What a life ...But with Liam she starts to live and turn her back the all bad things.. But when their life shattered disastrous accident she find herself broken, lonely and helpless....
Sebastian takes strong steps after four years with the operation...... But someone's last breath let other's second chance in life......
I cried a lot.. from the beginning till the end of book my heart was in my mouth.. Pain was really unbearable..... later I read real scientific fact about transplant and BOOM.....
Book is fantastic... words dance with every emotion you can imagine and find a way to touch to your heart....I m %100 positivi you will love it. At least find book four stars.. Trust book and author she created unique world......
There are lots of scenes broke my heart...
When Brooke gave up her life again and again.....
when she met Sebastian.
how Sebastian knew who she was.....
when Sebastian took Brooke her hand and put it on his(???) heart.... (I was at bedand clock was 2:00am and started to cry :(((((( )
Specially in that scene I wanted to run to her world and hug her, try to say her "Everything will be ok." But Sebastion took care of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I’m not gonna die,” I said, my voice dreamy. “I can’t die now. I already did.”
and take time and look at this article
my link text
June 8, 2020
DNF@78%
I should have know better to even start this book as it contains features I dislike in a story:
YA's
Death
An FC who fails to recognise what she has. The inevitability of her repeated behaviour and a pattern that she kept repeating. Too many excuses made for her actions. The book cover depicts an "older couple" but this storyline is YA
.
By 78% I read enough
I should have know better to even start this book as it contains features I dislike in a story:
YA's
Death
An FC who fails to recognise what she has. The inevitability of her repeated behaviour and a pattern that she kept repeating. Too many excuses made for her actions. The book cover depicts an "older couple" but this storyline is YA
.
By 78% I read enough
November 8, 2020
Up to 75%, story seemed solid 4 stars. At the end this left me somehow hollow and in general I didn't deeply feel for this characters and their story.
dnf-try-again-later
September 18, 2022DNF 13% - pet peeve; author not descriptive enough. I hate new authors who never bother to fully describe what the main characters look like.🙄 what ever happened to character development?
The h has dark hair and she’s quiet. That’s all we get. What color are her eyes, what’s her face like, is she a beauty, a plain Jane, curvy, skinny, what?
The H1 has blonde hair and is hot. Wtf, that’s all?
She takes longer describing what a house looks like than the main characters.
And out of the blue we are told they’re in love, not shown the process. These two didn’t have any chemistry, when did they fall in love? He said his ex was boring…but we are shown how boring h was too.🤷🏻♀️
This book just felt blah. Something felt missing.
So glad it was a free KU book, and I didn’t have to buy it.
The h has dark hair and she’s quiet. That’s all we get. What color are her eyes, what’s her face like, is she a beauty, a plain Jane, curvy, skinny, what?
The H1 has blonde hair and is hot. Wtf, that’s all?
She takes longer describing what a house looks like than the main characters.
And out of the blue we are told they’re in love, not shown the process. These two didn’t have any chemistry, when did they fall in love? He said his ex was boring…but we are shown how boring h was too.🤷🏻♀️
This book just felt blah. Something felt missing.
So glad it was a free KU book, and I didn’t have to buy it.
November 8, 2017
What love story is perfect in all the ways that there is no conflict, no pain, no loss, no tears? NONE!!
Well Brooke and Sebastian's story was no different.
Brooke's POV had me wanting to wrap her up and protect her from the injustices that she faced even when she was of age to decide what was best for her. But the loss that she experienced was something that I myself do not know how I would have faced it had I experienced it.
Sebastian's story was a little different. He faced challenges that not only would affect him but also his loved ones.
These two individuals are very different yet one tragic moment binds them for life. Sebastian being grateful for having a second chance at life makes sure to appreciate it everyday. Certain events allow their paths to cross and in that first moment of meeting each other, Sebastian without a doubt knows that Brooke is meant to be his'.
There is so much emotion in this tragic but beautiful second chance love story that it had me chocking up so be prepared. 4.5 Stars
Well Brooke and Sebastian's story was no different.
Brooke's POV had me wanting to wrap her up and protect her from the injustices that she faced even when she was of age to decide what was best for her. But the loss that she experienced was something that I myself do not know how I would have faced it had I experienced it.
Sebastian's story was a little different. He faced challenges that not only would affect him but also his loved ones.
These two individuals are very different yet one tragic moment binds them for life. Sebastian being grateful for having a second chance at life makes sure to appreciate it everyday. Certain events allow their paths to cross and in that first moment of meeting each other, Sebastian without a doubt knows that Brooke is meant to be his'.
There is so much emotion in this tragic but beautiful second chance love story that it had me chocking up so be prepared. 4.5 Stars
May 8, 2019
Such a unique story. I live for these narratives. However, I gave 4 not 5 stars as I felt like the romance in the story was constantly overshadowed by the tragedy. I don’t usually mind this in the beginning and middle (as it’s understandable) but even in the end, the tragedy was always there. I wanted the main MCs to heal, which they did, but the happiness in the end did not feel full circle. At least to me.
But other than that- this is honestly a beautiful story and I can’t wait to dive into more of this Author’s work. Highly recommend it x
But other than that- this is honestly a beautiful story and I can’t wait to dive into more of this Author’s work. Highly recommend it x
January 14, 2018
This book is heartbreaking in places, very sweet in others and unfortunately frustrating as well. Brooke pretty much wore me out with her self destructive behaviour which went on way too long. Sebastian was a damn saint to keep on going back for more.
Sebastian is everything I want to read in a hero, but I just wish he's given Brook a boot up the backside to wake her the hell up a lot sooner. Her idiocy took away a star because .... stupid.
3.75 stars
Sebastian is everything I want to read in a hero, but I just wish he's given Brook a boot up the backside to wake her the hell up a lot sooner. Her idiocy took away a star because .... stupid.
3.75 stars
February 11, 2020
Per quanto mi riguarda questo libro è MERAVIGLIOSO! Avevo già letto un libro di questa autrice che non mi aveva convinto molto, ho voluto darle un'altra opportunità visto l'argomento. Ne ho amato ogni parte: la prima in cui le storie scorrono parallelamente, la parte centrale in cui i mondi vanno in collisione, la parte finale in cui ogni cosa va al suo posto. Ho adorato che l'autrice non abbia mai premuto l'acceleratore, che ha gestito tutto emozionando, ma non esagerando.
January 3, 2018
Kleenex should give goodreads members some good discount!
It was such an a-ma-zing read! Worth my tears and sleep deprivation! Thsnk you, author!
It was such an a-ma-zing read! Worth my tears and sleep deprivation! Thsnk you, author!
February 6, 2019
Me gustó, para el final decae un poquito, buenos personajes, sin instalove, sin instalust, con buen ritmo.
January 3, 2018
It takes a special book to make my bawl my eyes out on a beach in Barbados. Damn you, Claire Kingsley! Damn you! This is a story of love, loss, more love, and what happens when you're too afraid to live. It's deep, it hurts (ha! accidental romance novelist humor there), it's beautiful. But most of all it's hopeful. For anyone who has lost someone they love, His Heart is a stirring reminder that there is life after death for survivors.
December 17, 2019
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Ci sono libri speciali che entrano nel cuore e non se ne vanno più. Ci sono libri in grado di farti sentire ogni emozione dalla prima fino all'ultima pagina. Ci sono libri che ti fanno capire che la vita è preziosa, che tutta la felicità può svanire da un secondo all'altro. Questi libri io li definisco “speciali” perché sono libri potenti, scritti con il cuore in cui l’autore riversa tutte le sue emozioni e le trasmette a noi lettori che sentiamo ogni sensazione, ogni emozione positiva o negativa, ogni silenzio, ogni gesto fatto con amore. Claire Kingsley racconta questa storia con una semplicità e una sensibilità strabilianti, tocca con mano il cuore, ti entra fin dentro nelle profondità dell'anima. È una storia difficile da scrivere ma anche da leggere. È un romanzo potente e profondo, un vero pugno nello stomaco. Quale storia d’amore è perfetta? In quale non c’è dolore, perdita e lacrime? In nessuna. In questa storia le vite di tre persone si intrecciano: quella di Brooke, Liam e Sebastian. Brooke ha affrontato il lato negativo della vita e ha avuto per troppo tempo il mondo sulle spalle. Non sa cosa significa amare perché non è mai stata amata, non sa cos’è l’amore, non sa cosa sono i sentimenti e Liam le mostra cosa significa amare. Brooke ha faticato tanto per rimanere a galla, quell’oscurità è sempre lì che tenta di risucchiarle la vita e ogni scelta che compie la spinge in due direzioni: vincere l’oscurità o lottare per l’amore. Brooke è una ragazza il cui mondo è andato in frantumi improvvisamente dopo una perdita terribile. Il suo punto di vista mi ha fatto desiderare di avvolgerla tra le braccia e proteggerla dalle ingiustizie, dal dolore, dalla perdita e dalle situazioni che ha affrontato. Sebastian è un promettente wrestler, forte e determinato, fino a quando viene travolto da una malattia. Un momento tragico legherà le vite di Sebastian e Brooke. La loro lotta è dolorosa ma il legame che li lega, li aiuta a sopravvivere. Alcuni eventi permettono alle nostre strade di incrociarsi e questi due sono destinati ad amarsi. Ho sentito ogni emozione che i due protagonisti nella storia provano, si viene travolti da questa intensità che l’autrice riesce a descrivere perfettamente senza affrettare nulla ma dando il tempo ad ogni evento di lasciare la propria impronta nella vita dei due protagonisti. Il cuore di Sebastian sa che è Brooke la donna giusta. Penso che sin dall'inizio dovevano incontrarsi per rendersi conto di amarsi. Ci sono scene che mi hanno spezzato il cuore e poi un attimo dopo me lo hanno ricucito. Ammetto che non posso fare a meno di leggere queste storie perché solo questo tipo di romanzi riescono ad entrare nel mio cuore e a rimanerci per molto tempo. È veramente difficile leggere questo tipo di romanzi e bisogna essere veramente coraggiosi per affrontare questa lettura. Ogni momento della storia sarà una montagna russa di sensazioni e di emozioni, di momenti rubati, di lacrime amare e nuovi inizi...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Ci sono libri speciali che entrano nel cuore e non se ne vanno più. Ci sono libri in grado di farti sentire ogni emozione dalla prima fino all'ultima pagina. Ci sono libri che ti fanno capire che la vita è preziosa, che tutta la felicità può svanire da un secondo all'altro. Questi libri io li definisco “speciali” perché sono libri potenti, scritti con il cuore in cui l’autore riversa tutte le sue emozioni e le trasmette a noi lettori che sentiamo ogni sensazione, ogni emozione positiva o negativa, ogni silenzio, ogni gesto fatto con amore. Claire Kingsley racconta questa storia con una semplicità e una sensibilità strabilianti, tocca con mano il cuore, ti entra fin dentro nelle profondità dell'anima. È una storia difficile da scrivere ma anche da leggere. È un romanzo potente e profondo, un vero pugno nello stomaco. Quale storia d’amore è perfetta? In quale non c’è dolore, perdita e lacrime? In nessuna. In questa storia le vite di tre persone si intrecciano: quella di Brooke, Liam e Sebastian. Brooke ha affrontato il lato negativo della vita e ha avuto per troppo tempo il mondo sulle spalle. Non sa cosa significa amare perché non è mai stata amata, non sa cos’è l’amore, non sa cosa sono i sentimenti e Liam le mostra cosa significa amare. Brooke ha faticato tanto per rimanere a galla, quell’oscurità è sempre lì che tenta di risucchiarle la vita e ogni scelta che compie la spinge in due direzioni: vincere l’oscurità o lottare per l’amore. Brooke è una ragazza il cui mondo è andato in frantumi improvvisamente dopo una perdita terribile. Il suo punto di vista mi ha fatto desiderare di avvolgerla tra le braccia e proteggerla dalle ingiustizie, dal dolore, dalla perdita e dalle situazioni che ha affrontato. Sebastian è un promettente wrestler, forte e determinato, fino a quando viene travolto da una malattia. Un momento tragico legherà le vite di Sebastian e Brooke. La loro lotta è dolorosa ma il legame che li lega, li aiuta a sopravvivere. Alcuni eventi permettono alle nostre strade di incrociarsi e questi due sono destinati ad amarsi. Ho sentito ogni emozione che i due protagonisti nella storia provano, si viene travolti da questa intensità che l’autrice riesce a descrivere perfettamente senza affrettare nulla ma dando il tempo ad ogni evento di lasciare la propria impronta nella vita dei due protagonisti. Il cuore di Sebastian sa che è Brooke la donna giusta. Penso che sin dall'inizio dovevano incontrarsi per rendersi conto di amarsi. Ci sono scene che mi hanno spezzato il cuore e poi un attimo dopo me lo hanno ricucito. Ammetto che non posso fare a meno di leggere queste storie perché solo questo tipo di romanzi riescono ad entrare nel mio cuore e a rimanerci per molto tempo. È veramente difficile leggere questo tipo di romanzi e bisogna essere veramente coraggiosi per affrontare questa lettura. Ogni momento della storia sarà una montagna russa di sensazioni e di emozioni, di momenti rubati, di lacrime amare e nuovi inizi...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews