My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It never ceases to amaze me how books that I really don’t relish for most of the book will sometimes redeem themselves towards the end of the book. I honestly don’t know what it is that feeds this phenomenon, but it has happened so many times in the past year or two that I should no longer be surprised. But I am. And this book is one that fits this pattern completely.
For three-fourths of the book, I really could have cared less about the main characters, Adam and Katie, and their relationship. I found the writing style clever since the author wrote from both perspectives, alternating between the chapters. I will say she was an expert at this style of writing. I have read other books where this literary device was used, and it was a horror! I would find myself getting lost, but not so with Faith Sullivan. Notwithstanding, I found the relationship between Adam and Katie too good to be true and much too hackneyed.
Another issue I have is the fact that Adam and Katie broke the rules. Okay, maybe they didn’t do anything illegal, but they refused to acknowledge authority in favor of the love they had for each other. I am one who does no espouse the view that the end justifies the means. I was of the opinion that Adam should have followed protocol at work, and Katie should have not subversive in going to meet Adam against her father’s wishes.
One other thing that bothered me was the profanity and implied sex scene. I am glad that the author did not go into detail in the bedroom, but I was actually more bothered by the profanity. However, rest assured that I did not mark down the book for either of these things per my review policy. I realize the author’s target audience is college age, but it would have been nicer if Katie had kept her morals intact.
I can imagine what you might be thinking–why did I rate this book four stars? It sounds like I hated it! Actually, I did not hate it. Because of the last fourth of the book, I actually want to read the next book. Suddenly, everything made sense. While Katie and Adam may have broken some rules, those in authority over them broke laws. I don’t sanction what the couple did, but the others were much more at fault. I actually wanted everything to work out! And then the abrupt ending came. I will not spoil anything for potential readers, but know that the ending will definitely leave you hanging and hungry for the sequel.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Synopsis of Hearbeat:
Are you able to escape within my pages?
Does my writing make you feel something?
Are there characters that you can’t get out of your head?
Let me know!
Email me at faithsullivanwrites@hotmail.com or on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_.
