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Heart Resort #1
It Takes Heart
From romance author Tif Marcelo comes a heartwarming story about taking a second chance on love at a family-owned couples resort.
Heart Resort, a private resort in the Outer Banks, is a romantic getaway for couples but a hotbed of family drama for its proprietors, the Puso family. Brandon Puso, the youngest of the four siblings, prefers life on his own as a licensed contractor in DC after a falling-out with his eldest brother.
After a hurricane plows through the Outer Banks, Brandon has a change of heart. He returns to the resort to help with the grand reopening but encounters his big sister’s best friend, designer Geneva Harris, who’s there to do the same thing. But Geneva and Brandon have a secret. Years ago, they had a secret romance that ended in heartbreak.
With the resort’s future at stake, Brandon and Geneva decide to put the past aside and to keep peace with the family. But as their mutual attraction heats up, they have to decide if history will repeat itself—or if this time, love gets a second chance.
Heart Resort, a private resort in the Outer Banks, is a romantic getaway for couples but a hotbed of family drama for its proprietors, the Puso family. Brandon Puso, the youngest of the four siblings, prefers life on his own as a licensed contractor in DC after a falling-out with his eldest brother.
After a hurricane plows through the Outer Banks, Brandon has a change of heart. He returns to the resort to help with the grand reopening but encounters his big sister’s best friend, designer Geneva Harris, who’s there to do the same thing. But Geneva and Brandon have a secret. Years ago, they had a secret romance that ended in heartbreak.
With the resort’s future at stake, Brandon and Geneva decide to put the past aside and to keep peace with the family. But as their mutual attraction heats up, they have to decide if history will repeat itself—or if this time, love gets a second chance.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
454 people are currently reading
2636 people want to read
About the author
Tif Marcelo
32 books759 followersTif Marcelo is a veteran US Army nurse and holds a BS in Nursing and a Master’s in public administration. She believes and writes about the strength of families, the endurance of friendship, heartfelt romances, and is inspired daily by her own military hero husband and four children. She hosts The Stories to Love Podcast, and is the USA Today bestselling author of In a Book Club Far Away, Once Upon a Sunset, The Key to Happily Ever After, which was a Target Diverse Book Club pick, The Holiday Switch, and the Heart Resort and Journey to the Heart series. She and her books have been featured in The Today Show, Shondaland, Real Simple Magazine, The Asian Journal and more! Her website, which includes a link to her newsletter, is www.TifMarcelo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 9, 2021
Have you ever been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina? It’s one of my favorite places. And this cover? It includes one of my favorite lighthouses. All lighthouses are my favorite, but this one at Bodie Island is extra special. I was so excited to read my first book by Tif Marcelo, especially because of this setting.
About the book: “From romance author Tif Marcelo comes a heartwarming story about taking a second chance on love at a family-owned couples resort.”
The Puso family owns the Heart Resort in the Outer Banks. It’s a romantic place for couples only. The Puso family itself is drama-filled, though. Unfortunately, a hurricane damages the resort, and Brandon Puso returns home to help repair his family’s business. Geneva is his sister’s best friend, and she’s also there helping with the reopening. Geneva and Brandon have a past. And they may have a future? Second chances, anyone?
I love second chance romances! I find them so hopeful. The Pusos are a Filipino-American family, which infused culture into the story in the best of ways, and the characters in the story are well-drawn. The setting could not have been more perfect. It made me wish this resort existed!
Overall, It Takes Heart is a sweet and uplifting story full of drama and fun dynamics between all the characters with a great big side of love.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “From romance author Tif Marcelo comes a heartwarming story about taking a second chance on love at a family-owned couples resort.”
The Puso family owns the Heart Resort in the Outer Banks. It’s a romantic place for couples only. The Puso family itself is drama-filled, though. Unfortunately, a hurricane damages the resort, and Brandon Puso returns home to help repair his family’s business. Geneva is his sister’s best friend, and she’s also there helping with the reopening. Geneva and Brandon have a past. And they may have a future? Second chances, anyone?
I love second chance romances! I find them so hopeful. The Pusos are a Filipino-American family, which infused culture into the story in the best of ways, and the characters in the story are well-drawn. The setting could not have been more perfect. It made me wish this resort existed!
Overall, It Takes Heart is a sweet and uplifting story full of drama and fun dynamics between all the characters with a great big side of love.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 10, 2022
It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo
Heart Resort series #1. Contemporary romance with extended family dynamics. Second chance, sibling best friend troupes. Filipino-American culture. Alternating chapters from Brandon and Geneva.
Brandon returns to his family’s private resort in the Outer Banks to help win repairs from hurricane damage. Brandon will have to work with Geneva as the designer though their past is a bit rocky.
Lots of family dealings and angst. Brandon and Geneva have a lot to work on emotionally. I wasn’t happy with their lying to each other but of course, they resolve their differences. Slow start with focus on family at heart with plenty of cultural add-ins.
Heart Resort series #1. Contemporary romance with extended family dynamics. Second chance, sibling best friend troupes. Filipino-American culture. Alternating chapters from Brandon and Geneva.
Brandon returns to his family’s private resort in the Outer Banks to help win repairs from hurricane damage. Brandon will have to work with Geneva as the designer though their past is a bit rocky.
Lots of family dealings and angst. Brandon and Geneva have a lot to work on emotionally. I wasn’t happy with their lying to each other but of course, they resolve their differences. Slow start with focus on family at heart with plenty of cultural add-ins.
August 19, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
IT TAKES HEART (Heart Resort Book #1) by Tif Marcelo is a second chance contemporary romance and the first book in a new series featuring a Filipino-American family of three brothers and one sister who own and run the Heart Resort in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Brandon Puso is the youngest of the Puso clan and a licensed general contractor in business with his friend from college. Since a falling out with his oldest brother, Brandon has been living in the home of his deceased parents in Annapolis. But after a hurricane rips through the Outer Banks, Brandon returns to Heart Resort to help his siblings get it repaired and set up for a grand re-opening.
Interior designer Geneva Harris is Brandon’s sister best friend and has always been around the Puso family. Geneva is at the resort to help with the interior design and a rest from her hectic schedule. Geneva does not know Brandon will be at the resort and none of the siblings know that Geneva and Brandon had a secret romance that ended in heartbreak.
Brandon and Geneva agree to work together as friends, but their mutual attraction continually heats up. They have a short time to work together and to decide if they will once again go their separate ways or if this time, they will get a second chance at love.
This is a romance that was so enjoyable to read. The family gives you not only the usual sibling dynamics, drama, angst, love and understanding, but also an interesting infusion of Filipino culture and food. Brandon is doing well professionally but dealing with so much emotionally. Geneva is also doing great professionally but she never settles anywhere and lives out of her bags. Both run from their emotions and emotional situations and Ms. Marcelo does a good job of having each work through their baggage with the help of family and/or having frank conversations between themselves. There are short sex scenes that are neither explicit nor graphic. I am definitely looking forward to reading the other siblings‘ stories in this Heart Resort series as well.
I recommend this heartfelt second chance contemporary romance!
IT TAKES HEART (Heart Resort Book #1) by Tif Marcelo is a second chance contemporary romance and the first book in a new series featuring a Filipino-American family of three brothers and one sister who own and run the Heart Resort in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Brandon Puso is the youngest of the Puso clan and a licensed general contractor in business with his friend from college. Since a falling out with his oldest brother, Brandon has been living in the home of his deceased parents in Annapolis. But after a hurricane rips through the Outer Banks, Brandon returns to Heart Resort to help his siblings get it repaired and set up for a grand re-opening.
Interior designer Geneva Harris is Brandon’s sister best friend and has always been around the Puso family. Geneva is at the resort to help with the interior design and a rest from her hectic schedule. Geneva does not know Brandon will be at the resort and none of the siblings know that Geneva and Brandon had a secret romance that ended in heartbreak.
Brandon and Geneva agree to work together as friends, but their mutual attraction continually heats up. They have a short time to work together and to decide if they will once again go their separate ways or if this time, they will get a second chance at love.
This is a romance that was so enjoyable to read. The family gives you not only the usual sibling dynamics, drama, angst, love and understanding, but also an interesting infusion of Filipino culture and food. Brandon is doing well professionally but dealing with so much emotionally. Geneva is also doing great professionally but she never settles anywhere and lives out of her bags. Both run from their emotions and emotional situations and Ms. Marcelo does a good job of having each work through their baggage with the help of family and/or having frank conversations between themselves. There are short sex scenes that are neither explicit nor graphic. I am definitely looking forward to reading the other siblings‘ stories in this Heart Resort series as well.
I recommend this heartfelt second chance contemporary romance!
January 3, 2022
The Heart Resort is a private couples resort in the Outer Banks of North Carolina owned by a Filipino-American family, the Pusos. After a hurricane shuts the business down, the youngest Puso sibling Brandon decides to return to helpout. After working as a contractor in the DC area for years, he finally decides to make up with his eldest brother and use his professional expertise to make up for lost time.
However, Brandon encounters something unexpected when he arrives at the resort, his older sister’s best friend Geneva Harris. Years ago at a family wedding, Brandon and Geneva discovered an unexpected spark between them that led to an intense but brief secret romance that ended with both of them heart broken. But now the family needs them to work together to fix up the resort for its reopening before the latest hurricane barrels through the Outer Banks. With Brandon leading construction and Geneva doing the design, everyone notices how well they work together. But will their spark lead them to more hidden heartache, or will this second chance turn into something more?
It Takes Heart is full of family drama and secrets which set the stage for a feel-good romance centered on two young Filipino-Americans. This story will warm your heart with touching family moments and a coming into your own tale. With Filipino culture mixed in, this book creates a compelling combination of appreciating personal history and making way for a brighter future. This is the first book in the Heart Resort series.
However, Brandon encounters something unexpected when he arrives at the resort, his older sister’s best friend Geneva Harris. Years ago at a family wedding, Brandon and Geneva discovered an unexpected spark between them that led to an intense but brief secret romance that ended with both of them heart broken. But now the family needs them to work together to fix up the resort for its reopening before the latest hurricane barrels through the Outer Banks. With Brandon leading construction and Geneva doing the design, everyone notices how well they work together. But will their spark lead them to more hidden heartache, or will this second chance turn into something more?
It Takes Heart is full of family drama and secrets which set the stage for a feel-good romance centered on two young Filipino-Americans. This story will warm your heart with touching family moments and a coming into your own tale. With Filipino culture mixed in, this book creates a compelling combination of appreciating personal history and making way for a brighter future. This is the first book in the Heart Resort series.
September 12, 2021
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a solid second chance romance and start to a new series.
First off, I really enjoyed seeing all the Filipino culture. I am half Filipino myself so it was so amazing seeing the representation. From the Filipino names of the tiny homes to a discussion on “Filipino time,” there was so much culture woven throughout the book. Additionally, the family dynamic of the Puso family was very typical of a Filipino family. Side note, I loved that the resort was named Heart Resort because their last name, Puso, is Tagalog for heart. That was very clever.
I also liked “cozy” feeling of the storyline. The plot was so family oriented and you could tell there was a lot of love between the family members themselves and their friends.
My biggest issue with this book is the pacing. The book dragged in parts, mainly in the beginning and middle. There wasn’t a whole lot happening besides set up for future books in the series (i.e. relationship issues for Brandon’s other siblings). At times there was little focus on Brandon and Geneva’s romance. Towards the end the book finally picked up speed and became more exciting.
Overall, I can tell this will be an amazing series. This book just fell a little short on Brandon and Geneva’s story.
I thought this was a solid second chance romance and start to a new series.
First off, I really enjoyed seeing all the Filipino culture. I am half Filipino myself so it was so amazing seeing the representation. From the Filipino names of the tiny homes to a discussion on “Filipino time,” there was so much culture woven throughout the book. Additionally, the family dynamic of the Puso family was very typical of a Filipino family. Side note, I loved that the resort was named Heart Resort because their last name, Puso, is Tagalog for heart. That was very clever.
I also liked “cozy” feeling of the storyline. The plot was so family oriented and you could tell there was a lot of love between the family members themselves and their friends.
My biggest issue with this book is the pacing. The book dragged in parts, mainly in the beginning and middle. There wasn’t a whole lot happening besides set up for future books in the series (i.e. relationship issues for Brandon’s other siblings). At times there was little focus on Brandon and Geneva’s romance. Towards the end the book finally picked up speed and became more exciting.
Overall, I can tell this will be an amazing series. This book just fell a little short on Brandon and Geneva’s story.
August 30, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo, a second chance romance tells the story of Brandon Puso and Geneva Harris. It's the first book in the Heart Resort series and follows a Filipino-American family.
Brandon Puso, the youngest of the Puso siblings, returned home to Heart Resort to help with the renovations of the resort prior to its grand re-opening. However, he would be in for the biggest surprise of his life when he discovered he would have to work with the woman who broke his heart four years ago.
Geneva Harris grew up with the Puso family and is the best friend of Brandon’s sister. Because of her bond with the family, she provided her skills as an interior designer pro bono in the renovation of Heart Resort. Little did she know Brandon would return to the resort and that she would have to work with him.
I had high hopes for It Takes Heart; it being a second chance romance. However, the romance to a back seat to the other events. The story focused on sibling dynamics. In this installment we get a story laced with secrets, drama and angst.
What I Enjoyed
Beach Setting: Nothing excites more than being on the beach and the fact the story took place on beach resort was a major plus.
Culture: I enjoy learning about the various cultures and It Takes Heart provided a wonderful introduction to the Filipino culture.
Narration: Joy Regullano and Reuben Uy narrated. Both are new to me. The narration alternated between the chapters. It took me sometime to get with the voice of the male narrator, but after a while I came to appreciate his tone. Both narrators voices were distinct for each of the characters.
What I did not Enjoy
Characters: Unfortunately, I could not relate to any of the characters and I was not invested in Brandon and Geneva’s relationship. They all kept secrets from each other while advocating for open communicati0n among themselves. Makes no sense to me.
Pacing: The story dragged in several places, making it feel like a chore to get through. After a while, I started skipping parts of the story.
Romance: If a book is being promoted as a contemporary romance, then I would expect the romance to be the focal point of the story. Not the blip on the radar it received here with one intimate scene thrown in for good measure. Which probably would not have happened if they were not trapped due the tropical storm. 🙄 Never once did I feel the chemistry Brandon and Geneva supposedly shared. I am still trying to wrap my head around the reason for their break-up. As usual, failure to communicate played a major role in their break-up. In the end, it didn’t matter to me if they got back together or not.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I know other readers may feel differently, but It Takes Heart didn’t click for me. I am not sure if I will continue the series.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Brandon Puso, the youngest of the Puso siblings, returned home to Heart Resort to help with the renovations of the resort prior to its grand re-opening. However, he would be in for the biggest surprise of his life when he discovered he would have to work with the woman who broke his heart four years ago.
Geneva Harris grew up with the Puso family and is the best friend of Brandon’s sister. Because of her bond with the family, she provided her skills as an interior designer pro bono in the renovation of Heart Resort. Little did she know Brandon would return to the resort and that she would have to work with him.
I had high hopes for It Takes Heart; it being a second chance romance. However, the romance to a back seat to the other events. The story focused on sibling dynamics. In this installment we get a story laced with secrets, drama and angst.
What I Enjoyed
Beach Setting: Nothing excites more than being on the beach and the fact the story took place on beach resort was a major plus.
Culture: I enjoy learning about the various cultures and It Takes Heart provided a wonderful introduction to the Filipino culture.
Narration: Joy Regullano and Reuben Uy narrated. Both are new to me. The narration alternated between the chapters. It took me sometime to get with the voice of the male narrator, but after a while I came to appreciate his tone. Both narrators voices were distinct for each of the characters.
What I did not Enjoy
Characters: Unfortunately, I could not relate to any of the characters and I was not invested in Brandon and Geneva’s relationship. They all kept secrets from each other while advocating for open communicati0n among themselves. Makes no sense to me.
Pacing: The story dragged in several places, making it feel like a chore to get through. After a while, I started skipping parts of the story.
Romance: If a book is being promoted as a contemporary romance, then I would expect the romance to be the focal point of the story. Not the blip on the radar it received here with one intimate scene thrown in for good measure. Which probably would not have happened if they were not trapped due the tropical storm. 🙄 Never once did I feel the chemistry Brandon and Geneva supposedly shared. I am still trying to wrap my head around the reason for their break-up. As usual, failure to communicate played a major role in their break-up. In the end, it didn’t matter to me if they got back together or not.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I know other readers may feel differently, but It Takes Heart didn’t click for me. I am not sure if I will continue the series.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
August 1, 2021
Rating: 3.5 Stars
After an absence, Brandon returns to the family resort in order to help prepare for the grand re-opening. Little did he know, he would be working alongside the woman who broke his heart. With a new storm brewing, and family and romantic tensions growing, will Brandon be able to deny his heart’s true desire?
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I loved the beach setting, all the food, watching the resort come together, and learning about the family dynamics. With that said, I thought the romance took a bit of a backseat to the family drama.
As the first book in the series, I understand the need to introduce the family. I cannot lie, it was a pleasure meeting them. I can almost imagine their stories, especially Gil’s which I hope results in a reunion. However, I still wish there had been a bigger focus on the central romance between Geneva and Brandon.
I thought Brandon and Geneva shared something really special and I was rooting for them. Both had some baggage to unpack before they could really be together, but it was easy to see how they were deeply embedded in each other’s lives. They shared so much history, so many memories, and I appreciated getting to peek into their past.
Overall: An enjoyable story with a strong ending that left me with a warm heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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After an absence, Brandon returns to the family resort in order to help prepare for the grand re-opening. Little did he know, he would be working alongside the woman who broke his heart. With a new storm brewing, and family and romantic tensions growing, will Brandon be able to deny his heart’s true desire?
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I loved the beach setting, all the food, watching the resort come together, and learning about the family dynamics. With that said, I thought the romance took a bit of a backseat to the family drama.
As the first book in the series, I understand the need to introduce the family. I cannot lie, it was a pleasure meeting them. I can almost imagine their stories, especially Gil’s which I hope results in a reunion. However, I still wish there had been a bigger focus on the central romance between Geneva and Brandon.
I thought Brandon and Geneva shared something really special and I was rooting for them. Both had some baggage to unpack before they could really be together, but it was easy to see how they were deeply embedded in each other’s lives. They shared so much history, so many memories, and I appreciated getting to peek into their past.
Overall: An enjoyable story with a strong ending that left me with a warm heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
August 13, 2021
I was really looking forward to this story about a Filipino-American family and their resort built on a heart shaped peninsula in the Outer Banks, it was billed as a romance but in reality is was more of a family drama with bits of a romance thrown in. That’s not bad per se, but I was expecting a romance novel and I didn’t get that. The first book in a series is always tough as it sets the scene for the series, introduces series characters, and give the reader a feel for the series, and I’ll be honest at times I wish authors would write a prequel that sets that scene and introduces the characters so when the first book comes around, we get an actual story about the two people it’s supposed to be about. As women’s fiction or even just a straight up fiction novel, It Takes Heart mostly works, but as a romance it fails.
From the first chapter I was a bit lost and honestly thought there must have been a first book in the series even though this was labeled the first in a series. It all begins at a wedding reception for the oldest son of the Puso family that lost their parents in an accident four years prior. The youngest son, Brandon, is nursing a sore knee after the garter toss when he is approached by his older sister’s best friend and his long time crush Geneva. The two have a short lived secret relationship that leaves them both sad and hurt. Four years later following a hurricane that has damaged the Puso family’s couples resort named Heart Resort (which sorry IMHO is not a great name), they face each other again for the first time as they help Brandon’s family rebuild and get ready for a grand re-opening .
This book was filled with sibling drama with no one really communicating very well. There were so many secrets between them all despite the fact they promised open communication when they went into business together to buy the resort to pay homage to their late parents. I’m honestly still a bit confused as to why they decided this, the family vacationed in the outer banks, but it was never really spelled out why they felt the need to ditch everything in their lives to open this resort that quite honestly no one seemed thrilled to be running. Between all of that we have Brandon and Geneva first trying to ignore one another, then thrown together working on projects with longing and supposed heat which I never felt, and then trapped together during a tropical storm where they rekindled their previous relationship only to break off again. At times I felt like I was slogging through quick sand trying to get through this book, the characters were not well developed, the plot was all over the place, and to be quite honest because we never really got to know any of the characters well, just bits and pieces doled out I guess to tease future books, I honestly didn’t care about any of them and that’s sad. I feel like the premise of this book was good, the idea was fabulous, but the execution missed the mark big time.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
From the first chapter I was a bit lost and honestly thought there must have been a first book in the series even though this was labeled the first in a series. It all begins at a wedding reception for the oldest son of the Puso family that lost their parents in an accident four years prior. The youngest son, Brandon, is nursing a sore knee after the garter toss when he is approached by his older sister’s best friend and his long time crush Geneva. The two have a short lived secret relationship that leaves them both sad and hurt. Four years later following a hurricane that has damaged the Puso family’s couples resort named Heart Resort (which sorry IMHO is not a great name), they face each other again for the first time as they help Brandon’s family rebuild and get ready for a grand re-opening .
This book was filled with sibling drama with no one really communicating very well. There were so many secrets between them all despite the fact they promised open communication when they went into business together to buy the resort to pay homage to their late parents. I’m honestly still a bit confused as to why they decided this, the family vacationed in the outer banks, but it was never really spelled out why they felt the need to ditch everything in their lives to open this resort that quite honestly no one seemed thrilled to be running. Between all of that we have Brandon and Geneva first trying to ignore one another, then thrown together working on projects with longing and supposed heat which I never felt, and then trapped together during a tropical storm where they rekindled their previous relationship only to break off again. At times I felt like I was slogging through quick sand trying to get through this book, the characters were not well developed, the plot was all over the place, and to be quite honest because we never really got to know any of the characters well, just bits and pieces doled out I guess to tease future books, I honestly didn’t care about any of them and that’s sad. I feel like the premise of this book was good, the idea was fabulous, but the execution missed the mark big time.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
July 25, 2021
This was an ok read for me. It was a choppy read with the storylines going all over the place. This is the first book in a series so I’m aware that storylines need to be introduced that with not be fully addressed in the first book. Even with that knowledge, the main storyline of Geneva and Brandon had no cohesiveness to it and got tied up in a strange and abrupt way. Too bad because the characters and setting have a lot of potential.
April 9, 2021
There's some books that just feel long, even if their page count is low. This is one of them. I never wanted to pick it up, and it became a fight to finish. There wasn't anything bad about it, it just wasn't particularly good either.
I think my main problem with this was the romance, or lack thereof. This is mistakenly marked as a romance, it's more of a general fiction or family novel. I started this expecting a romcom or a light read, and instead I got a family drama. I wasn't in the right mood for a family drama, so I wasn't in the mood for this.
My feelings toward this are pretty nondescript, so I really don't have much else to say. The setting was fun, and the characters were interesting, but I didn't care about the plot. It wasn't my type of book, bit I can see other peopl enjoying it!
Thanks to Tif Marcelo and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think my main problem with this was the romance, or lack thereof. This is mistakenly marked as a romance, it's more of a general fiction or family novel. I started this expecting a romcom or a light read, and instead I got a family drama. I wasn't in the right mood for a family drama, so I wasn't in the mood for this.
My feelings toward this are pretty nondescript, so I really don't have much else to say. The setting was fun, and the characters were interesting, but I didn't care about the plot. It wasn't my type of book, bit I can see other peopl enjoying it!
Thanks to Tif Marcelo and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 9, 2021
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I simply adore being able to read the beginnings of a brand new series! The map is made, the introductions and platforms are raised for what's to come in future books. It's also a way to see into an author's thoughts and thinking process of what they want to bring to an audience. It Takes Heart is exactly that. A start to a new series and a second chance for Brandon and Geneva!
I am a sucker for a good second-chance romance. Add in the family history, culture, and a setting that has me wanting to book a trip down south... well, that's book perfection to me!
I found It Takes Heart filled with just that. Heart and a whole lot more! It's out today, book friends.
~Tanja
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October 27, 2021
(Free review copy) I have really enjoyed a lot of Marcelo’s other stories but this one was pretty forgettable for me. There was SO much backstory and SO much family angst that I couldn’t quite figure out if it was supposed to be a second chance romance or a family drama. Mediocre.
August 9, 2021
Blog tour: http://lianareads.home.blog/2021/08/0...
If you know me, you may know that I love romance and especially second chance romance stories.
What a great story. I loved so much the setting that I feel like it’s a must on my to see list if I ever get to visit the country.
Everyone is like a big family that come together to help and build each other’s lives through good and bad things. I loved the support and friendship that comes along with this community.
And of course, I loved the romance side of the story. It has heart and emotions, chemistry and great dialogue.
I haven’t read any of the author’s previous books but I know now that it’s a must because her writing is great and it really makes you feel like being there with the characters and feeling all the great things they do. From heartbreak to happiness and love.
If you know me, you may know that I love romance and especially second chance romance stories.
What a great story. I loved so much the setting that I feel like it’s a must on my to see list if I ever get to visit the country.
Everyone is like a big family that come together to help and build each other’s lives through good and bad things. I loved the support and friendship that comes along with this community.
And of course, I loved the romance side of the story. It has heart and emotions, chemistry and great dialogue.
I haven’t read any of the author’s previous books but I know now that it’s a must because her writing is great and it really makes you feel like being there with the characters and feeling all the great things they do. From heartbreak to happiness and love.
August 10, 2021
I just adore Tif's writing! Her books always feel like being welcomed into a new family, and I loved getting to know the Pusos. And what could be more perfect for your next summer read than than a second chance romance set on a heart shaped island resort? Bump this one to the top of your reading list!
August 13, 2021
Tropes:
Best friend's brother/sisters best friend
Second chance
Fake relationship
This book moved a bit slow for me. I also didn't connect very well with the hero, Bran. He's kind of a jerk to his best friend, his brothers are all jerks to him, and I'm confused by the choices he makes. He wanted to sell the Annapolis house 4 years ago but then yelled at Geneva when she wanted to throw out tuperware?
I appreciated the Filipino culture and how Bran had been in therapy for four years. But I wonder, if Bran had trouble taking to his brothers, dealing with storms, and sharing his feelings with Geneva now, what was he like four years ago? Did he grow between then and now?
Very slow burn (80%), the end wrapped up a bit too fast for me, low heat level. I found the side plot of Eden injecting the romance novel plot points a bit too heavy handed.
Best friend's brother/sisters best friend
Second chance
Fake relationship
This book moved a bit slow for me. I also didn't connect very well with the hero, Bran. He's kind of a jerk to his best friend, his brothers are all jerks to him, and I'm confused by the choices he makes. He wanted to sell the Annapolis house 4 years ago but then yelled at Geneva when she wanted to throw out tuperware?
I appreciated the Filipino culture and how Bran had been in therapy for four years. But I wonder, if Bran had trouble taking to his brothers, dealing with storms, and sharing his feelings with Geneva now, what was he like four years ago? Did he grow between then and now?
Very slow burn (80%), the end wrapped up a bit too fast for me, low heat level. I found the side plot of Eden injecting the romance novel plot points a bit too heavy handed.
September 2, 2021
This one was super cute, a second chance romance that is equally about a family who runs a resort in the Outer Banks. The Puso’s have lots of dramas and complicated relationships with each other and I actually enjoyed their family dynamics more than the blossoming romance between Gen and Brandon. I loved the addition of their Filipino culture and food and appreciated their strong sense of family. I would be a little hesitant to label this as a straight up romance, maybe a kid between romance and WF? Whatever you wanna call it this was pretty fun and if it continues on as a series I’ll keep reading it.
April 3, 2022
This book had some major pacing issues that made it hard to want to keep going at times. I think another problem was the lack of noticeable chemistry/banter between the two main characters. I love the sibling construct and their business, so I may give at least one more of the series a try. This one was largely forgettable though.
December 28, 2022
It is a sweet book. I like how the family came together after a hurricane, but there was an interesting family dynamic. They all seem to be close, yet they all have secrets. All of them have something that they want to tell their siblings, but it takes them days if not weeks to share the news.
I enjoyed the narrator. Although I had some issues, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the series.
I enjoyed the narrator. Although I had some issues, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the series.
August 10, 2021
I’ve read several books by this author so I was excited to get an early copy of her newest book. I thought the story started out good, they meet at the wedding and are going back to his room. I turn to the next chapter and I was like what??!! It became confusing and I had a hard time following the story. It jumps around too much.
It’s a new series and I’m sure there will be many who will enjoy this start to it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
It’s a new series and I’m sure there will be many who will enjoy this start to it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
August 14, 2021
I love this book. Everything about it was wonderful. The characters were fun, relatable, and interesting. The setting of the Outer Banks was beautiful and brought to life with Tif Marcelo’s wonderful detailing. The storyline of Brandon and Geneva was fun, sweet, sexy, and real. I love the Puso family and all their dynamics.
At the beginning there were plenty of characters to keep track of but quickly it became obvious that they were one big family. I quickly figured out the dynamics between the different characters and how they all fit together. Chris was the boss, the oldest, and in charge. He rubbed many others wrong, but he did not know how to stop being who he was. Geneva was not actually part of the family, but she was welcomed to Heart Resort as if it was where she belonged. Brandon, the youngest, seemed to be pushed aside often. His thoughts were not important, and he felt like he was not needed. There are other characters also, but these were the three that intrigued me most.
I would love to have more to read about the Puso family and see how the family continues their Heart Resort and their relationships. There is a little romance but mostly this is a family drama book.
At the beginning there were plenty of characters to keep track of but quickly it became obvious that they were one big family. I quickly figured out the dynamics between the different characters and how they all fit together. Chris was the boss, the oldest, and in charge. He rubbed many others wrong, but he did not know how to stop being who he was. Geneva was not actually part of the family, but she was welcomed to Heart Resort as if it was where she belonged. Brandon, the youngest, seemed to be pushed aside often. His thoughts were not important, and he felt like he was not needed. There are other characters also, but these were the three that intrigued me most.
I would love to have more to read about the Puso family and see how the family continues their Heart Resort and their relationships. There is a little romance but mostly this is a family drama book.
July 25, 2021
I enjoyed this story mainly because it was predominantly set in the Outer Banks of N.C.- my home state. Brandon has a secret affair with his sister’s best friend 4 years ago after his brother’s wedding. All of the family members are keeping secrets from each other and most of them have a ton of emotional baggage they need to unpack. The saving grace for all of them may be the time they spend working together to help save and rebuild Hearts Resort.
There is a lot of emotional angst between the characters which frustrated me and had me wishing to get to the end.
This was my first book by this author and I appreciate the publisher offering me a copy to read and review.
There is a lot of emotional angst between the characters which frustrated me and had me wishing to get to the end.
This was my first book by this author and I appreciate the publisher offering me a copy to read and review.
July 9, 2021
Heart Resort, a couples resort, is in North Carolina and run by the Puso family. The 4 Puso children are working to get the resort back in working order after a hurricane caused a large amount of destruction. Chris, the oldest, doesn’t want to relinquish control and is shocked when his brother, Brandon, shows up unannounced. Beatrice has invited her best friend, Geneva, to design the couples cabins and spend time on the beach. Little does the Puso family know, Brandon and Geneva have a history. The family dynamics in this book were so real and raw that you really got the chance to connect with the characters. Second chance romances is my favorite trope and this one was perfect with the character growth! My husband is a first generation Filipino-American, same as the Puso children, and it was so fun to read and understand the Tagalog words that I hear his Mom and Lolo (grandfather) say all the time! Also, FILIPINO TIME is a real thing…I had no idea!! 😂😂 I can’t wait for my mother-in-law to read this one -it’ll be a new favorite for sure!
April 11, 2021
It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo a heart warming five-star read. This didn’t always deserve to be five-stars, as at points I felt like this was the second in a series and I had missed the first, but overall, by the end of the story I loved it. All of the tiny details warmed me as much as much as the tiny, detailed houses. Brandon and Geneva have insane chemistry and it climbs off the page as you read, chemistry I was surprised had allowed them to stay apart, but they each have a compelling story that stopped them from being together. I can’t wait to hear more about the Puso’s and the island shaped like a heart.
February 8, 2022
So a cute and hopeful story filled with love, family, second chances. Can’t wait to read the next installment
August 15, 2021
This is the first book in a new series about a Filipino-American family that has opened a resort in the Outer Banks of NC aimed at helping couples that are drifting apart come back together.
The book starts at a wedding 4 years previously and there is a hook up between Brandon and Geneva that didn't last too long. Perhaps it was expectations, or lack thereof, or that they were too close since they were family friends. But whatever the cause, it takes time for them both to realize that maybe they shouldn't have given up so soon.
While billed as a romance, the romance portion was very light in my opinion. I think it is more of a second chance at romance and Brandon and Geneva working out their issues with each other and on their own. Of course, keeping all of this a secret from their families....who aren't as clueless as you might think. And what better place that the resort for couples that they are helping rebuild after a hurricane took down part of the buildings. Outside of the chemistry between the two, they have their own issues to work through including a lack of commitment and fear of the unknown.
I enjoyed the back and forth between all of the families but I have to say that Chris needs to lighten up. He is the oldest brother of the Puso family and runs the resort and he is a bit of a control freak. I had to laugh at some of the dialogue that involved his wife, Eden. She is an author and I think the funniest part when she said that her characters were not following the outline and were going rogue! I have heard this from many authors that they have a plan and then the character decides to go down another path.
The book does go back and forth in time so that we can see what happened between Brandon and Geneva in the past. The book did feel longer than normal and while I enjoyed the book, it didn't draw me in as much as other books. I did enjoy the story and the family and am curious what might happen for other siblings in this series. I did learn some new words that are Filipino which I really enjoyed. And of course the food discussions...left me hungry for more!
We give this book 3 paws up.
The book starts at a wedding 4 years previously and there is a hook up between Brandon and Geneva that didn't last too long. Perhaps it was expectations, or lack thereof, or that they were too close since they were family friends. But whatever the cause, it takes time for them both to realize that maybe they shouldn't have given up so soon.
While billed as a romance, the romance portion was very light in my opinion. I think it is more of a second chance at romance and Brandon and Geneva working out their issues with each other and on their own. Of course, keeping all of this a secret from their families....who aren't as clueless as you might think. And what better place that the resort for couples that they are helping rebuild after a hurricane took down part of the buildings. Outside of the chemistry between the two, they have their own issues to work through including a lack of commitment and fear of the unknown.
I enjoyed the back and forth between all of the families but I have to say that Chris needs to lighten up. He is the oldest brother of the Puso family and runs the resort and he is a bit of a control freak. I had to laugh at some of the dialogue that involved his wife, Eden. She is an author and I think the funniest part when she said that her characters were not following the outline and were going rogue! I have heard this from many authors that they have a plan and then the character decides to go down another path.
The book does go back and forth in time so that we can see what happened between Brandon and Geneva in the past. The book did feel longer than normal and while I enjoyed the book, it didn't draw me in as much as other books. I did enjoy the story and the family and am curious what might happen for other siblings in this series. I did learn some new words that are Filipino which I really enjoyed. And of course the food discussions...left me hungry for more!
We give this book 3 paws up.
March 21, 2022
Sweet romance, strong secondary characters, a good set-up for the series, but a bit slow / it felt long.
Luna the cat is adorable, and I love the scene where Brandon and Geneva risk their own safety to make sure she's safe during a bad storm.
I thought the Tagalog names (Tiwala, Halik, Ligaya) for the houses in the couples resort was a charming touch, and the resort being called Heart Resort because the family's surname is Puso is a cute touch. There were moments when I started to feel it veered towards being too cutesy, but then that kind of cheese is pretty solid branding for a couples resort, and I like that Filipino references.
There were also moments that were a bit too meta-cutesy, mostly when Brandon's sister-in-law Eden, a romance writer, talks about tropes that are clearly reflecting the tropes in this novel (second chance romance, forced proximity, best friend's younger brother). Like, yes, those are accurate, and yes, having a character who's a romance writer bring it up is believable, but meh. No cookie for you, just because I'm feeling petty.
The book did feel long, and I'm not super sure why. The romance between Brandon and Geneva was believable, and the family dynamics within the Puso family felt realistic. Yet I never quite got sucked in. Perhaps there was just a bit too much going on, with all these various seeds of various Puso sibling stories being set up for future books? I usually like those in romance series. I actually think feel for Chris and Eden, I think the story being set up for Gil and his ex-wife seems intriguing, and I'm curious what romance will be set up for Beatrice. But there were moments when I wanted to find out more about them than stay with Brandon and Geneva.
Overall, solid, sweet romance with family dynamics. Just a bit uneven for me.
+
Thanks to Thomas Allen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Luna the cat is adorable, and I love the scene where Brandon and Geneva risk their own safety to make sure she's safe during a bad storm.
I thought the Tagalog names (Tiwala, Halik, Ligaya) for the houses in the couples resort was a charming touch, and the resort being called Heart Resort because the family's surname is Puso is a cute touch. There were moments when I started to feel it veered towards being too cutesy, but then that kind of cheese is pretty solid branding for a couples resort, and I like that Filipino references.
There were also moments that were a bit too meta-cutesy, mostly when Brandon's sister-in-law Eden, a romance writer, talks about tropes that are clearly reflecting the tropes in this novel (second chance romance, forced proximity, best friend's younger brother). Like, yes, those are accurate, and yes, having a character who's a romance writer bring it up is believable, but meh. No cookie for you, just because I'm feeling petty.
The book did feel long, and I'm not super sure why. The romance between Brandon and Geneva was believable, and the family dynamics within the Puso family felt realistic. Yet I never quite got sucked in. Perhaps there was just a bit too much going on, with all these various seeds of various Puso sibling stories being set up for future books? I usually like those in romance series. I actually think feel for Chris and Eden, I think the story being set up for Gil and his ex-wife seems intriguing, and I'm curious what romance will be set up for Beatrice. But there were moments when I wanted to find out more about them than stay with Brandon and Geneva.
Overall, solid, sweet romance with family dynamics. Just a bit uneven for me.
+
Thanks to Thomas Allen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2021
It Takes Heart is about family, both found and blood, and the ties that hold us together and maybe hold us back if we let them. It's a second chance romance for Geneva and Brandon, who had a love affair four years ago but broke up. Brandon is the younger brother of Geneva's best friend, so they've also basically grown up together. And younger doesn't mean age gap, they are only a couple of years apart in age. They come together again to work on the Puso family resort, damaged in a hurricane and racing the clock for a grand reopening before another storm hits.
With a large family involved, there are a lot of characters introduced both for the current story's conflict as well as what will presumably be several more books in the series for the other family members. Everyone has their issues and secrets. It will be a full series. The only drawback is sometimes I felt those other glimpses into what is going on with the siblings, slowed down Geneva and Brandon's story. That said, we can fully see all the family dynamics at play. We also see many of the cultural touchstones of a Filipino American family, from phrases to food, and I really enjoyed that.
There is a lot of chemistry between Geneva and Brandon. Sexy times are on the page but not explicit, so I don't call this high heat. It's more high angst. Both characters have a lot of growth to do related to their roles in the respective families, to their parents, and what they want to be when they grow up, for lack of a better way to state it. In that respect, the characters feel young to me, but it's a common place for young professionals who need to decide if they are on the right path or if it's time to pivot. Both Geneva and Brandon have had certain roles in their families and need to assert themselves for their own dreams and goals, as well as decide if there is a place for their love in these new roles and goals. It hits all the beats in a romance. And I had to chuckle at the sister in law who is a romance writer, calling out certain "plot" points, it was light humor in just the right places.
So yes, there is also only one bed, and a danger bang in the middle of the storm. Add in tropes of family, found family, second chance, love interest is best friend's sibling. plus a gorgeous beach setting and there is something here for everyone.
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
With a large family involved, there are a lot of characters introduced both for the current story's conflict as well as what will presumably be several more books in the series for the other family members. Everyone has their issues and secrets. It will be a full series. The only drawback is sometimes I felt those other glimpses into what is going on with the siblings, slowed down Geneva and Brandon's story. That said, we can fully see all the family dynamics at play. We also see many of the cultural touchstones of a Filipino American family, from phrases to food, and I really enjoyed that.
There is a lot of chemistry between Geneva and Brandon. Sexy times are on the page but not explicit, so I don't call this high heat. It's more high angst. Both characters have a lot of growth to do related to their roles in the respective families, to their parents, and what they want to be when they grow up, for lack of a better way to state it. In that respect, the characters feel young to me, but it's a common place for young professionals who need to decide if they are on the right path or if it's time to pivot. Both Geneva and Brandon have had certain roles in their families and need to assert themselves for their own dreams and goals, as well as decide if there is a place for their love in these new roles and goals. It hits all the beats in a romance. And I had to chuckle at the sister in law who is a romance writer, calling out certain "plot" points, it was light humor in just the right places.
So yes, there is also only one bed, and a danger bang in the middle of the storm. Add in tropes of family, found family, second chance, love interest is best friend's sibling. plus a gorgeous beach setting and there is something here for everyone.
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2021
"...he tried to flip the situation. If the tables were turned, would he be hesitant too? Wouldn't he assume that past behavior predicted present behavior?"
That quote is so much the essence of the romantic family drama It Takes Heart by the wonderful Tif Marcelo.
This novel centers around Brandon Puso, his three siblings and family friend Geneva. The Filipino American family owns Heart Resort on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A hurricane caused them to shut down but now they are re opening and Brandon has returned after a falling out with big brother Chris, the unofficial head of the family. He also has not seen Geneva since she left him after they started a secret affair.
There are so many things I truly loved about this book. First the inclusion of Filipino culture and food was delightful and made me very hungry. Second was the family dynamics. Each sibling is hiding something from the family that they believe will cause chaos and heartache. Then I loved the location. The unpredictability and beauty of the island was very similar to my home on Long Island.
Mostly though I fell in love with Brandon and Geneva and their love not only of each other but for the entire Puso family. They fight so hard to fight their attraction and genuine feelings for each other thinking they are helping the family.
One of my favorites characters was Eden, wife of Chris, who is a romance writer and there are some tongue in cheek comments that had me smiling like a Cheshire cat. The writer knows her audience and their love of romance troupes.
This is a stand alone first book in a series. Time is spent introducing the family, the resort and the drama and then focused mostly on Brandon and Geneva. I am excited for this series which gives me Virgin River and Chesapeake Shore vibes.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
That quote is so much the essence of the romantic family drama It Takes Heart by the wonderful Tif Marcelo.
This novel centers around Brandon Puso, his three siblings and family friend Geneva. The Filipino American family owns Heart Resort on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A hurricane caused them to shut down but now they are re opening and Brandon has returned after a falling out with big brother Chris, the unofficial head of the family. He also has not seen Geneva since she left him after they started a secret affair.
There are so many things I truly loved about this book. First the inclusion of Filipino culture and food was delightful and made me very hungry. Second was the family dynamics. Each sibling is hiding something from the family that they believe will cause chaos and heartache. Then I loved the location. The unpredictability and beauty of the island was very similar to my home on Long Island.
Mostly though I fell in love with Brandon and Geneva and their love not only of each other but for the entire Puso family. They fight so hard to fight their attraction and genuine feelings for each other thinking they are helping the family.
One of my favorites characters was Eden, wife of Chris, who is a romance writer and there are some tongue in cheek comments that had me smiling like a Cheshire cat. The writer knows her audience and their love of romance troupes.
This is a stand alone first book in a series. Time is spent introducing the family, the resort and the drama and then focused mostly on Brandon and Geneva. I am excited for this series which gives me Virgin River and Chesapeake Shore vibes.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2021
The Puso family owns a resort complex in the Outer Banks. After a natural disaster, the resort is in need of extensive repairs, and does the Puso family. It's easy to see from the start there are some issues needing resolution between the family members.
It Takes Heart focuses on Brandon Puso. Years ago something happened between Brandon and Geneva, his sister's best friend. There's a big family here, so there's lots of ground to cover to cover both the second chance romance and the family drama that is at play in this story. I did think that slowed the story down, and that was sometimes noticable in the reading.
Overall, I found the story to be interesting as it did incorporate diversity and the culture of a Filipino-American family. There were some nice lighter moments as well. While It Takes Heart was more family drama than romance, I did like the family drama aspect of the story right along with the romantic elements. Brandon and Geneva had to resolve a few issues before they could be together, and I did like that part of the story. Overall, a typical family drama with romantic elements.
It Takes Heart focuses on Brandon Puso. Years ago something happened between Brandon and Geneva, his sister's best friend. There's a big family here, so there's lots of ground to cover to cover both the second chance romance and the family drama that is at play in this story. I did think that slowed the story down, and that was sometimes noticable in the reading.
Overall, I found the story to be interesting as it did incorporate diversity and the culture of a Filipino-American family. There were some nice lighter moments as well. While It Takes Heart was more family drama than romance, I did like the family drama aspect of the story right along with the romantic elements. Brandon and Geneva had to resolve a few issues before they could be together, and I did like that part of the story. Overall, a typical family drama with romantic elements.
March 27, 2022
"Are you ready to stay? And unpack your entire life from that duffle bag of yours?"
This was the cutest second chance romance that I've read in a while! Following Brandon and Geneva around Heart Resort was so fun and they had no idea how to really deal with their feelings for each other especially with Brandons family not knowing all their secrets. Geneva was used to moving constantly and being busy with work to settle down and Brandon didn't know how to convince her to stay and let her know he was worth staying for! I loved the relationship that Brandon had with his siblings and that Geneva was just as close to them. And who doesn't love a kitty named Luna!! So cute! Definitely recommend picking this up for a cute resort romance!
This was the cutest second chance romance that I've read in a while! Following Brandon and Geneva around Heart Resort was so fun and they had no idea how to really deal with their feelings for each other especially with Brandons family not knowing all their secrets. Geneva was used to moving constantly and being busy with work to settle down and Brandon didn't know how to convince her to stay and let her know he was worth staying for! I loved the relationship that Brandon had with his siblings and that Geneva was just as close to them. And who doesn't love a kitty named Luna!! So cute! Definitely recommend picking this up for a cute resort romance!
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