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The Heart #1
Beside Your Heart
"It's an emotional story that will take the reader back to those feelings that made the late teen years such a powerful time."
Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life.
Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?
***The sequel, Disclosure of the Heart, is due out on November 5.***
Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life.
Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?
***The sequel, Disclosure of the Heart, is due out on November 5.***
256 pages, ebook
First published June 16, 2013
About the author
Mary Whitney
120 books595 followersMary Whitney blames Laura Ingalls Wilder and Margaret Mitchell for her obsession with romance novels. At an early age, Mary fell in love with the Little House series and its dreamy hero, Almanzo Wilder, who only wanted Laura to be Laura. Like many women, Mary later graduated to the ultimate, tall and dark bad boy, Rhett Butler, who loved Scarlett despite her flaws.
Mary has lived around the U.S., and after a first career in the non-profit world and politics, she's settled in Northern California with her husband and daughters. She spends her days writing characters she hopes somehow capture the romance of Rhett and Scarlett and Almanzo and Laura. She's a firm believer in what Rhett says to Scarlett: "You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.
Mary has lived around the U.S., and after a first career in the non-profit world and politics, she's settled in Northern California with her husband and daughters. She spends her days writing characters she hopes somehow capture the romance of Rhett and Scarlett and Almanzo and Laura. She's a firm believer in what Rhett says to Scarlett: "You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 5, 2017
3.5 STARS
If you are in mood for real angsty story full of teenage drama, Beside Your Heart is the right book for you. I really enjoyed this story about young love, read it in a short time and now I am impatiently waiting for sequel!
My Nicki and Adam:
Nicki and Adam used to be very close at high school, which was 5 years ago. Now Nicki is just ordinary young woman working in politics in US, while Adam is from noble English family working in media in Britian. They are both seeing other people at the moment but Nicki still did not get over him completely.
Through out the book, readers will see what happened 5 years ago, how their relationship developed and why it ended. After very difficult summer, Nicki is back in school, crushing on Adam, only to find him dating school cheerleader. And so all that teenage drama began...
Adam was your typical English gentleman. He was nice, caring and charming so I was not surprised that Nicki fell for him. Adam helped her to deal with sudden death of her sister and gained her heart in return. Unfortunatelly he was only naive teenager and some of his actions did not really stand well with me. It is not that long since I have been teenager myself but now it really irriates me what kind of stupid decisions teenagers are able to make from time to time.
Nicki is kind of person who doesn’t really care what other people think of her. I liked that about her. She was extremely smart, had a mind of adult but behaviour of a teenager. Difficult events in her life changed her way of thinking, made her a little bit bitter, always expecting the worst from life. But she still remained sweet and strong person and I had to admire her for that.
Beside Your Heart is beautiful story about young love which developed under unfavorable circumstances. Can true love overcome everything? Unfortunatelly we did not get answer to that question in this book. There is no cliffhanger but ending will definitely leave you wanting more!
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
If you are in mood for real angsty story full of teenage drama, Beside Your Heart is the right book for you. I really enjoyed this story about young love, read it in a short time and now I am impatiently waiting for sequel!
My Nicki and Adam:
Nicki and Adam used to be very close at high school, which was 5 years ago. Now Nicki is just ordinary young woman working in politics in US, while Adam is from noble English family working in media in Britian. They are both seeing other people at the moment but Nicki still did not get over him completely.
Through out the book, readers will see what happened 5 years ago, how their relationship developed and why it ended. After very difficult summer, Nicki is back in school, crushing on Adam, only to find him dating school cheerleader. And so all that teenage drama began...
“The bright side is the wonderful memories are always there waiting for you, right beside your heart.”
Adam was your typical English gentleman. He was nice, caring and charming so I was not surprised that Nicki fell for him. Adam helped her to deal with sudden death of her sister and gained her heart in return. Unfortunatelly he was only naive teenager and some of his actions did not really stand well with me. It is not that long since I have been teenager myself but now it really irriates me what kind of stupid decisions teenagers are able to make from time to time.
Nicki is kind of person who doesn’t really care what other people think of her. I liked that about her. She was extremely smart, had a mind of adult but behaviour of a teenager. Difficult events in her life changed her way of thinking, made her a little bit bitter, always expecting the worst from life. But she still remained sweet and strong person and I had to admire her for that.
Beside Your Heart is beautiful story about young love which developed under unfavorable circumstances. Can true love overcome everything? Unfortunatelly we did not get answer to that question in this book. There is no cliffhanger but ending will definitely leave you wanting more!
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
March 16, 2015
The Beginning of Across-the-Pond Romance
I've had my eye on this series for some time and I'm glad I finally read book one.
When political operative Nicki Johnson googles her high school love Adam Kincaid, she finds out he's dating an English aristocrat named Muff.
I gaped at the photo. I'd never seen Adam dressed so well. He wore a dark gray morning coat with tails, a vest, tie, and striped trousers. Next to him, Mary or Muff or Twat -- whatever her name was -- wore a pale pink coat dress.
The discovery fuels a sense of longing as well as many memories of the past. Beside Your Heart explores how Nicki and Adam meet in high school. I seem to enjoy New Adult more than Young Adult these days, so I think I'll enjoy the next two novels about their adult romance better.
Nicki's younger sister died in a harrowing car accident, and she is mired in grief throughout the story. Coupled with what happens to the relationship between Nicki and Adam, a sad tone pervades the novel. But Adam is lovely in how he helps her through her grief.
Her grandmother explains grief well:
"At times, your grandfather's passing is as hard for me today as it was the day he died, but the pain isn't as constant anymore. I can go days and even weeks of going along in my life with nothing. The it can hit me out of the blue, and I feel the grief all over again. Other times, you know when a bad patch of pain is coming...birthdays, holidays."
I loved all the Englishisms, like shagging, snogging, and spotted dick, hehe.
Overall this is a well-written story about first love.
I've had my eye on this series for some time and I'm glad I finally read book one.
When political operative Nicki Johnson googles her high school love Adam Kincaid, she finds out he's dating an English aristocrat named Muff.
I gaped at the photo. I'd never seen Adam dressed so well. He wore a dark gray morning coat with tails, a vest, tie, and striped trousers. Next to him, Mary or Muff or Twat -- whatever her name was -- wore a pale pink coat dress.
The discovery fuels a sense of longing as well as many memories of the past. Beside Your Heart explores how Nicki and Adam meet in high school. I seem to enjoy New Adult more than Young Adult these days, so I think I'll enjoy the next two novels about their adult romance better.
Nicki's younger sister died in a harrowing car accident, and she is mired in grief throughout the story. Coupled with what happens to the relationship between Nicki and Adam, a sad tone pervades the novel. But Adam is lovely in how he helps her through her grief.
Her grandmother explains grief well:
"At times, your grandfather's passing is as hard for me today as it was the day he died, but the pain isn't as constant anymore. I can go days and even weeks of going along in my life with nothing. The it can hit me out of the blue, and I feel the grief all over again. Other times, you know when a bad patch of pain is coming...birthdays, holidays."
I loved all the Englishisms, like shagging, snogging, and spotted dick, hehe.
Overall this is a well-written story about first love.
Want to read
June 12, 2013 OMG a new second-chance romance!!!!!!
Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life.
Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?
New Adult Romance
Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life.
Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?
New Adult Romance
June 23, 2013
Sweet Lord Almighty I did NOT expect this angst ridden book about Nicki & Adam ~ The gorgeous Brit that comes to Texas and captures Nicki's eye after the most horrific time in her life. This book starts out with Nikki in 1998 reflecting back to the time she spent her junior year of high school with Adam ~ When the reflection started I
She had just been through a horrific accident with a devastating aftermath the summer before her junior year! She starts school changed and immediately Adam is right in the forefront! While Adam is friendly to her and she's fighting her attraction to him he also has his cheerleader girlfriend Meredith and Nicki's inner dialogue had me
at times. Trying not to want/like Adam and telling herself she would get over him only got harder as she figured out he was the one person she could talk to about EVERYTHING. There was some times in the beginning where I was
but then the author did a great job leading up to the moment to where these two finally admit they "fancy" one another and by that time I was
I was so happy but then a huge
was dropped since Adam was going to be leaving the States in June to head home to Cambridge ~ when they both figured they would put the inevitable off I just
but when something happens that I didn't foresee I was
but the repercussions just had me
and when that time came the ultimate goodbye I was utterly
I didn't want this to end this way I need more! Well I got more in the Epilogue told from Adam's POV and I was
and I can't WAIT for more I need more I want to see where this one goes!
A 5 star angst ridden book about first love that had me questioning if it was the forever love a soul searing love that not many people experience. What's to come I don't know but I know I will READ any sequels about Adam & Nicki cause I don't think these two journey is over quite yet!
She had just been through a horrific accident with a devastating aftermath the summer before her junior year! She starts school changed and immediately Adam is right in the forefront! While Adam is friendly to her and she's fighting her attraction to him he also has his cheerleader girlfriend Meredith and Nicki's inner dialogue had me
at times. Trying not to want/like Adam and telling herself she would get over him only got harder as she figured out he was the one person she could talk to about EVERYTHING. There was some times in the beginning where I was
but then the author did a great job leading up to the moment to where these two finally admit they "fancy" one another and by that time I was
I was so happy but then a huge
was dropped since Adam was going to be leaving the States in June to head home to Cambridge ~ when they both figured they would put the inevitable off I just
but when something happens that I didn't foresee I was
but the repercussions just had me
and when that time came the ultimate goodbye I was utterly
I didn't want this to end this way I need more! Well I got more in the Epilogue told from Adam's POV and I was
and I can't WAIT for more I need more I want to see where this one goes!
A 5 star angst ridden book about first love that had me questioning if it was the forever love a soul searing love that not many people experience. What's to come I don't know but I know I will READ any sequels about Adam & Nicki cause I don't think these two journey is over quite yet!
August 21, 2013
Smh....completely dumbfounded. What.The.Hell was that ending? I'm so confused...please tell me there is more to this story. Review to come on 8/21 for my tour stop.
Full Review:
Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing a loved one and then losing everyone else is even harder. That is what happens to Nicki. Physically, everyone is present; mentally, they have mostly checked out…even her.
I can’t imagine what life could be like for a young girl who survives such tragedy only to be alone. I really felt Nicki’s heartbreaking story. But that isn’t just what this is about…this is a story of love. A story of how opposites attract, how no matter where life takes you, there are just some things worth holding onto. I really had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. At some times through the story, I still didn’t know where things were headed or how it would all play out.
Adam both pulled my heartstrings and completely pissed me off. And Nicki, she is so afraid of losing again, she stops living and taking chances. I watched as not only their relationship formed and blossomed, but how the relationship with Nicki and her parents changed. (That was one of my favorite things about this book—it shows that no good deed goes unpunished and that everyone deserves a little forgiveness).
I did, however, fall for Nicki and Adam; and their difficult, yet beautiful beginning. I only hope there is more to their story; the epilogue…skip it for as long as you can. That is the only part of the book that left me truly confused. I know it takes place 10+ years later (and from Adam’s POV) but I didn’t know how it really fit in with the story. I can guess it is because it sets us up for what will come next, set in present day; but it really kind of soured the sweet sadness at the end of this book. I look forward to seeing where the author is headed.
**3.5 Long-Distance Doesn’t Last Stars**
Full Review:
Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing a loved one and then losing everyone else is even harder. That is what happens to Nicki. Physically, everyone is present; mentally, they have mostly checked out…even her.
“I made it home without crying—probably because I was too agitated. When I got inside my room, I sighed; things were really over and done with. I doubted he would speak to me again. I curled up on my bed, clutching a pillow to my chest as reality set in. The fact was, I desperately wanted to speak with someone—about the accident, about missing Lauren, or how Mom was doing and Dad was reacting….Lisa and Rachel felt it was their job to shield me from all things painful. Mom—well, she just wouldn’t talk at all. And Dad had been so withdrawn to begin with that he was useless. So although I spent time with some people and kept relatively busy, I was lonely. Adam had been a nice distraction in a way. Now, I had no one.”
I can’t imagine what life could be like for a young girl who survives such tragedy only to be alone. I really felt Nicki’s heartbreaking story. But that isn’t just what this is about…this is a story of love. A story of how opposites attract, how no matter where life takes you, there are just some things worth holding onto. I really had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. At some times through the story, I still didn’t know where things were headed or how it would all play out.
Adam both pulled my heartstrings and completely pissed me off. And Nicki, she is so afraid of losing again, she stops living and taking chances. I watched as not only their relationship formed and blossomed, but how the relationship with Nicki and her parents changed. (That was one of my favorite things about this book—it shows that no good deed goes unpunished and that everyone deserves a little forgiveness).
I did, however, fall for Nicki and Adam; and their difficult, yet beautiful beginning. I only hope there is more to their story; the epilogue…skip it for as long as you can. That is the only part of the book that left me truly confused. I know it takes place 10+ years later (and from Adam’s POV) but I didn’t know how it really fit in with the story. I can guess it is because it sets us up for what will come next, set in present day; but it really kind of soured the sweet sadness at the end of this book. I look forward to seeing where the author is headed.
**3.5 Long-Distance Doesn’t Last Stars**
May 11, 2013
Title: Beside Your Heart
Author: Mary Whitney
Genre: New Adult Romance
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Rosette
I'm not sure what to even say or what to write after having just finished Beside Your Heart. I am emotionally spent after having read the 351 pages of this beautifully written novel. I cried, and quite honestly, you don't see me cry often while reading a book. But I did with Beside Your Heart.
This is a story of first loves. But to describe it as such would be nothing short of oversimplifying a story that transcends one genre. Yes it is a romance. It's an incredibly enchanting tale of two teenagers, who in their last year of their high school career, have fallen hopelessly and irrevocably in love with the other. But beyond the romance, there is a dramatic backdrop story of Nicki Johnson. She is the girl, who in the beginning of senior year, is desperately trying to deal with her feelings of grief and loss over her younger sister, Lauren, from a recent car accident. Nicki and her mother were in the car but had survived. But unlike her mother who was unconscious after the accident, Nicki had heard everything. While still in the mangled vehicle, Nicki is aware of the moment her sister, Lauren, passes away.
Nicki has spent the entire summer trying to mend her body from the traumatic injuries she incurred. Multiple scars mark her petite frame.
She is left alone to grieve, internally hiding her despair. No one wants to speak of Lauren, even her best friends Lisa and Rachel try to ignore the fatality, knowing this would only beget more pain and sorrow for Nicki. How befitting it is that this author allows realistic character traits in Nicki's close friends and even Nicki's mother. More often than not, in the case of a lost loved one, ignoring the incident is a practical defense mechanism. And Nicki is fine with ignoring it, at least, she thinks it is.
Then this boy, Adam, steps into her life. Originally from Great Britain, his family has temporarily relocated to the area and has lived there for the last few years due to his father's work. They are locker neighbors this senior year, and Nicki doesn't think she falls within his radar of girlfriend material. So she is skeptical about Adam's attentions towards her.
But there is strength about Nicki that tugs at Adam's heart. Slowly he helps Nicki to heal the wound that has festered; and like a lancet, he opens the wound freeing the emotions that were once bottled up. Eventually she is able to talk about Lauren again without the feelings of hopelessness and despair that she once felt.
The bond they share oversteps the basic boy-girl relationship. There's is so much more. The journey they take us on, from the blooming flirtatious friendship, to the wanton abandon of love they feel for the other, is intense. Likely, for me, it will be unforgettable.
I'm not sure that 5 stars would be enough for this story. It could be that I'm partial to the story line, having married my high school sweetheart, and in the beginning had our own issues to deal with. But there is no denying the author's exceptional skills at writing, and her ability to weave a story is nothing short of phenomenal. To say I am anxiously awaiting Book 2 would be a complete understatement.
An ARC was provided by the author for this honest review.
Author: Mary Whitney
Genre: New Adult Romance
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Rosette
I'm not sure what to even say or what to write after having just finished Beside Your Heart. I am emotionally spent after having read the 351 pages of this beautifully written novel. I cried, and quite honestly, you don't see me cry often while reading a book. But I did with Beside Your Heart.
This is a story of first loves. But to describe it as such would be nothing short of oversimplifying a story that transcends one genre. Yes it is a romance. It's an incredibly enchanting tale of two teenagers, who in their last year of their high school career, have fallen hopelessly and irrevocably in love with the other. But beyond the romance, there is a dramatic backdrop story of Nicki Johnson. She is the girl, who in the beginning of senior year, is desperately trying to deal with her feelings of grief and loss over her younger sister, Lauren, from a recent car accident. Nicki and her mother were in the car but had survived. But unlike her mother who was unconscious after the accident, Nicki had heard everything. While still in the mangled vehicle, Nicki is aware of the moment her sister, Lauren, passes away.
Nicki has spent the entire summer trying to mend her body from the traumatic injuries she incurred. Multiple scars mark her petite frame.
She is left alone to grieve, internally hiding her despair. No one wants to speak of Lauren, even her best friends Lisa and Rachel try to ignore the fatality, knowing this would only beget more pain and sorrow for Nicki. How befitting it is that this author allows realistic character traits in Nicki's close friends and even Nicki's mother. More often than not, in the case of a lost loved one, ignoring the incident is a practical defense mechanism. And Nicki is fine with ignoring it, at least, she thinks it is.
Then this boy, Adam, steps into her life. Originally from Great Britain, his family has temporarily relocated to the area and has lived there for the last few years due to his father's work. They are locker neighbors this senior year, and Nicki doesn't think she falls within his radar of girlfriend material. So she is skeptical about Adam's attentions towards her.
But there is strength about Nicki that tugs at Adam's heart. Slowly he helps Nicki to heal the wound that has festered; and like a lancet, he opens the wound freeing the emotions that were once bottled up. Eventually she is able to talk about Lauren again without the feelings of hopelessness and despair that she once felt.
The bond they share oversteps the basic boy-girl relationship. There's is so much more. The journey they take us on, from the blooming flirtatious friendship, to the wanton abandon of love they feel for the other, is intense. Likely, for me, it will be unforgettable.
I'm not sure that 5 stars would be enough for this story. It could be that I'm partial to the story line, having married my high school sweetheart, and in the beginning had our own issues to deal with. But there is no denying the author's exceptional skills at writing, and her ability to weave a story is nothing short of phenomenal. To say I am anxiously awaiting Book 2 would be a complete understatement.
An ARC was provided by the author for this honest review.
August 10, 2013
I'm just going to start off my review with a little complaint and get it out the way. The blurb and the cover are very misleading IMO. From that information alone, going in to the book I would have thought that the book was about adults, in adult situations and a second chance at love. That wasn't the book at all. This is the story of the first time romance, what happened right at the beginning and the painful way that it ended. 95% of the story is set in a high school, with that aged people and is therefore very much a Young Adult book. If the second book in the series goes how I think (and hope) it will, then I'd say that blurb is for the whole series, not just the first book.
So, some have described this as a second chance romance, but I disagree. This is a story about a young couple in high school, starting up a relationship. Nicki is returning to school after a hellish summer. Suffering through overwhelming grief, the last thing she expects is to fall for the hot British guy at school. Adam is the guy every body wants, but the one only one girl has and it's not Nicki.
The relationship between Adam and Nicki was SO sweet, I loved it. It was slow building and believable. They didn't just jump straight in to anything serious with each other, their interactions slowly started from a small "hi", to friendship, eventually ending up as a couple. They were really so perfect together and I loved watching them grow from strength to strength. Individually I liked both characters, especially Nikki. Going through all she had been through (and it was a lot like hell), she could have taken a turn for the worse but she hadn't and her maturity really shined through. Adam on the other hand.. he had his moments.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I really thought it was going to possibly be half about the past, and half the present with the pair of them rekindling their old love. I am hoping that this is the direction the second book will go, so for that alone I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'Beside Your Heart' blog tour.*
“The bright side is the wonderful memories are always there waiting for you, right beside your heart.”
So, some have described this as a second chance romance, but I disagree. This is a story about a young couple in high school, starting up a relationship. Nicki is returning to school after a hellish summer. Suffering through overwhelming grief, the last thing she expects is to fall for the hot British guy at school. Adam is the guy every body wants, but the one only one girl has and it's not Nicki.
The relationship between Adam and Nicki was SO sweet, I loved it. It was slow building and believable. They didn't just jump straight in to anything serious with each other, their interactions slowly started from a small "hi", to friendship, eventually ending up as a couple. They were really so perfect together and I loved watching them grow from strength to strength. Individually I liked both characters, especially Nikki. Going through all she had been through (and it was a lot like hell), she could have taken a turn for the worse but she hadn't and her maturity really shined through. Adam on the other hand.. he had his moments.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I really thought it was going to possibly be half about the past, and half the present with the pair of them rekindling their old love. I am hoping that this is the direction the second book will go, so for that alone I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'Beside Your Heart' blog tour.*
May 23, 2013
You know that feeling I always talk about? The one where I KNOW it's sure to be a fav of mine, those heart palpitations I get!? YEA, WELL...I had those all throughout reading this book! I stayed up till 5 am reading bc I couldn't put it down! Such an incredible and loving story from beginning to end! When I tried explaining the book to a friend, I started crying!! Just thinking about this story makes me tear up! Can't wait for it's release!! :)
June 12, 2013
Since we are only allowed on review per book please
see my full review here on LLL>>>>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
Many thanks for the likes :-)
An ARC was provided by the author for this honest review.
see my full review here on LLL>>>>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
Many thanks for the likes :-)
An ARC was provided by the author for this honest review.
March 16, 2017
Recalled the memories of the past #just you and me#love of my life#
May 5, 2016
Every once in a while I’ll stumble upon a book that just catches my eye with it’s cover. Then I’ll read the synopsis and think, “hmmm, intriguing” (seriously, I remember crap like that).
Mary Whitney’s Beside Your Heart was one of those books. I happened to see it on someone’s blog, envied them briefly that they received it for review, checked the price on Amazon, and then promptly purchased said book because it’s only $2.99 – why not?
I was not disappointed in the tiniest bit with this book that I took a chance on. With a quirky set-up to the start of story, I was in for one heck of a romance that we all know is doomed from the start… or is it?? Let me explain.
Story / Tempo
From the synopsis, you’ve probably surmised that the story starts years after high school and our protagonist, Nicki, in a moment of weakness, is looking up her high school love on the internet. From there, we’re transported back in time to Nicki’s worst year in high school. I’m not spoiling a thing for you by telling you that the bulk of the story is spent on Nicki and Adam’s relationship in high school and how Adam helps Nicki get through this year.
I absolutely loved how this story flowed. It was sweet, tortuous, and I could completely relate to Nicki’s feelings for Adam. I totally remember those feelings from high school… maybe even college. When a guy you had a crush on totally got you, thought you were totally cool, loved hanging around with you, but you were only friends because of a pesky thing called “his girlfriend”. Oh, wait! I didn’t mention our love interest has a girlfriend did I? Makes for a very intriguing storyline… seriously! I ate this one up, smiling all the way. Oh, I love my teenage angst…
Characters
I really dug Nicki. She had a really unique personality and sense of humor. I loved reading her POV during the story because of this. I also thought that Ms. Whitney did a great job of communicating the pain Nicki felt over the loss of her sister to the pages of the story.
Adam, Adam, Adam… um, yeah… dreamy, British, Adam. *sigh* He was truly a guy’s guy. He did the kind of things you hate that guys do. But they wouldn’t be guys if they didn’t do stupid things sometimes. I wish I could say more about him but some of things I want to say might spill some beans about the story so I’m just going to hush and let you discover Adam for yourself.
Ms. Whitney’s supporting characters were absolutely outstanding! I can’t say enough how much I LOVED Sylvia!!! She was the typical, annoying younger sister to Adam that I could picture so easily in my head. When an author can write words that immediately paint pictures in my head, I say that’s a good thing. Hell to the Yeah!! Also awesome were Adam and Nicki’s mutual friend, Tom, who I pictured as a big teddy bear, just more handsome. Finally, Nicki’s besties, Lisa and Rachel, were a great balance/sound board to everything Nicki was going through. And they rarely complained about being left behind for the “boyfriend” – outstanding :)
I want to warn you… this story will not end like you think it should (you know you like to boss authors around, c’mon!). I will give you a hint, though. It ends with a chapter of Adam’s POV and it’s in the future. Just don’t go looking for the HEA to be all nice, neat, and tied up with a bow in this book. There are 2 more books coming in this trilogy (phew, thank goodness!). Book two will be out in November 2013 and book three will be out in early 2014.
Review appears on My ParaHangover
Mary Whitney’s Beside Your Heart was one of those books. I happened to see it on someone’s blog, envied them briefly that they received it for review, checked the price on Amazon, and then promptly purchased said book because it’s only $2.99 – why not?
I was not disappointed in the tiniest bit with this book that I took a chance on. With a quirky set-up to the start of story, I was in for one heck of a romance that we all know is doomed from the start… or is it?? Let me explain.
Story / Tempo
From the synopsis, you’ve probably surmised that the story starts years after high school and our protagonist, Nicki, in a moment of weakness, is looking up her high school love on the internet. From there, we’re transported back in time to Nicki’s worst year in high school. I’m not spoiling a thing for you by telling you that the bulk of the story is spent on Nicki and Adam’s relationship in high school and how Adam helps Nicki get through this year.
I absolutely loved how this story flowed. It was sweet, tortuous, and I could completely relate to Nicki’s feelings for Adam. I totally remember those feelings from high school… maybe even college. When a guy you had a crush on totally got you, thought you were totally cool, loved hanging around with you, but you were only friends because of a pesky thing called “his girlfriend”. Oh, wait! I didn’t mention our love interest has a girlfriend did I? Makes for a very intriguing storyline… seriously! I ate this one up, smiling all the way. Oh, I love my teenage angst…
Characters
I really dug Nicki. She had a really unique personality and sense of humor. I loved reading her POV during the story because of this. I also thought that Ms. Whitney did a great job of communicating the pain Nicki felt over the loss of her sister to the pages of the story.
Adam, Adam, Adam… um, yeah… dreamy, British, Adam. *sigh* He was truly a guy’s guy. He did the kind of things you hate that guys do. But they wouldn’t be guys if they didn’t do stupid things sometimes. I wish I could say more about him but some of things I want to say might spill some beans about the story so I’m just going to hush and let you discover Adam for yourself.
Ms. Whitney’s supporting characters were absolutely outstanding! I can’t say enough how much I LOVED Sylvia!!! She was the typical, annoying younger sister to Adam that I could picture so easily in my head. When an author can write words that immediately paint pictures in my head, I say that’s a good thing. Hell to the Yeah!! Also awesome were Adam and Nicki’s mutual friend, Tom, who I pictured as a big teddy bear, just more handsome. Finally, Nicki’s besties, Lisa and Rachel, were a great balance/sound board to everything Nicki was going through. And they rarely complained about being left behind for the “boyfriend” – outstanding :)
I want to warn you… this story will not end like you think it should (you know you like to boss authors around, c’mon!). I will give you a hint, though. It ends with a chapter of Adam’s POV and it’s in the future. Just don’t go looking for the HEA to be all nice, neat, and tied up with a bow in this book. There are 2 more books coming in this trilogy (phew, thank goodness!). Book two will be out in November 2013 and book three will be out in early 2014.
Review appears on My ParaHangover
June 22, 2013
This review can also be found here: http://brittanyandbiancablabbooks.blo...
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nicki Johnson is a senior in high school that has been through enough grief in her 17 years of living to last her a lifetime. She survived an accident that killed her sister and her mom was never the same. As broken as she is, she becomes drawn to British student, Adam Kincaid, a fellow classmate of hers. As time goes on neither can fight the inevitable and they fall for each other, hard. The story actually begins years later where Nicki googles her high school first love, Adam. I don’t want to give it away, but the book takes a surprising twist and gives a POV of their relationship I wasn’t expecting. Ok just a hint. Because I loved the story that much! Most stories of second chance romance gives us the present and TELLS us how they became to be. This story is different. We get to SEE how this love became to be.
It was not just insta-love for this couple. They actually fell in love, and it was really the most beautiful part of this story. Nicki has always felt alone in her grief, until Adam. Although in high school, Adam and Nicki were not your average high school couple. Everything was definitely not rainbows and butterflies. They helped each other deal with real issues. The first time they said I love you was one of my favorite parts of their story. I cannot help but calling them and this story beautiful. It’s the best word to describe everything Nicki and Adam. You feel every emotion, their ups and downs, their uncertainty about the future. This book gets you so wrapped up in the characters you hold on to every word.
I absolutely adored the story of Nicki and Adam. I enjoyed every page, every moment of their story. The author has a style of writing that I really enjoyed. The flow of the story was slow paced, but I think this was on purpose. How many times have I read a story where it felt rushed? Not this one! At the end of the story, I was just in tears. I was so overwhelmed with the love between Nicki and Adam. In the epilogue we are brought back to the future. The ending was just not enough for me. So much left unanswered. I truly hope that there is more to Nicki and Adam’s story.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nicki Johnson is a senior in high school that has been through enough grief in her 17 years of living to last her a lifetime. She survived an accident that killed her sister and her mom was never the same. As broken as she is, she becomes drawn to British student, Adam Kincaid, a fellow classmate of hers. As time goes on neither can fight the inevitable and they fall for each other, hard. The story actually begins years later where Nicki googles her high school first love, Adam. I don’t want to give it away, but the book takes a surprising twist and gives a POV of their relationship I wasn’t expecting. Ok just a hint. Because I loved the story that much! Most stories of second chance romance gives us the present and TELLS us how they became to be. This story is different. We get to SEE how this love became to be.
It was not just insta-love for this couple. They actually fell in love, and it was really the most beautiful part of this story. Nicki has always felt alone in her grief, until Adam. Although in high school, Adam and Nicki were not your average high school couple. Everything was definitely not rainbows and butterflies. They helped each other deal with real issues. The first time they said I love you was one of my favorite parts of their story. I cannot help but calling them and this story beautiful. It’s the best word to describe everything Nicki and Adam. You feel every emotion, their ups and downs, their uncertainty about the future. This book gets you so wrapped up in the characters you hold on to every word.
I absolutely adored the story of Nicki and Adam. I enjoyed every page, every moment of their story. The author has a style of writing that I really enjoyed. The flow of the story was slow paced, but I think this was on purpose. How many times have I read a story where it felt rushed? Not this one! At the end of the story, I was just in tears. I was so overwhelmed with the love between Nicki and Adam. In the epilogue we are brought back to the future. The ending was just not enough for me. So much left unanswered. I truly hope that there is more to Nicki and Adam’s story.
November 23, 2015
I love stories about second chances. I love when the couple falls in love in high school and then meet years later. There is something sweet and romantic and I just can’t get enough of those books.
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes and I think I was connected a little too much. Something happens in the book that just killed me. I could not believe it. I thought it was a bad dream that Nicki was having. Unfortunately it was not a nightmare, but the truth. It took me some time to get over that.
Pace of the Story: Perfect.
Positives: The writing, the story, the development of the characters. I think the author wrote the 17 year old Nicki character very well. Nicki just went through a tragedy the summer before she meets Adam, but the way she handles it, I think showed her strength. And then I understood Nicki’s insecurities when it came to hot and loveable, Adam Kincaid. I love the way she handled him when she thought he was just being “nice” to her. I am still thinking about these characters. The epilogue was in Adam’s POV and I read it three times already. I want book #2 NOW!!!
Negatives: Not sure if there are any negatives. My faith and trust in one of the characters was my only negative thought. Felt out of character. Truly, it was my only disappointment in the book. I had tears. It broke my heart.
Do I recommend? Yes. Especially if you love books about second chances, you will love this book. There were good tears and bad tears. I love books that can make me feel all different emotions.
Bottom line: When I started reading this book, I did not know what to expect. I never heard of this author so I had no expectations. WOW, I was blown away and so happy to see there are other books that she has written. The author said that there will be 2 more books in this series. I cannot wait. I hope there is a HEA for this coupleI hope we see more of Adam’s sister. I really liked her.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes and I think I was connected a little too much. Something happens in the book that just killed me. I could not believe it. I thought it was a bad dream that Nicki was having. Unfortunately it was not a nightmare, but the truth. It took me some time to get over that.
Pace of the Story: Perfect.
Positives: The writing, the story, the development of the characters. I think the author wrote the 17 year old Nicki character very well. Nicki just went through a tragedy the summer before she meets Adam, but the way she handles it, I think showed her strength. And then I understood Nicki’s insecurities when it came to hot and loveable, Adam Kincaid. I love the way she handled him when she thought he was just being “nice” to her. I am still thinking about these characters. The epilogue was in Adam’s POV and I read it three times already. I want book #2 NOW!!!
Negatives: Not sure if there are any negatives. My faith and trust in one of the characters was my only negative thought. Felt out of character. Truly, it was my only disappointment in the book. I had tears. It broke my heart.
Do I recommend? Yes. Especially if you love books about second chances, you will love this book. There were good tears and bad tears. I love books that can make me feel all different emotions.
Bottom line: When I started reading this book, I did not know what to expect. I never heard of this author so I had no expectations. WOW, I was blown away and so happy to see there are other books that she has written. The author said that there will be 2 more books in this series. I cannot wait. I hope there is a HEA for this coupleI hope we see more of Adam’s sister. I really liked her.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2013
Beside Your Heart is such an AMAZING read! I have never read a story that brought me to tears one minute and then laughter another. I mean Mary has such a way with words and descriptions that I wanted more no I needed more and I could not put this book down. I was supposed to be doing a research paper when I read this book and I put it down so I could read.
Imagine your in high school and your life is going along great until your sister dies. Grief has struck your family hard and your mother checks out and leaves you to grieve alone. What do you do? Well Nicki found Adam and together Adam helped her through the worse year of her life. They became best friends and more. The love they shared is a rare love that only comes once in a lifetime. But as things happen in high school Adam moved on and left Nicki. She was devastated but she is a survivor so she did what anyone with a broken heart does she moved on. But the heart wants what the heart wants and there is no denying it she will always want Adam and thinks of him often.
So one day while at campaign head quarters she sees his name and she decides to google him. What she finds is his name plastered all over the British tabloids. He is dating an aristocrat's daughter. Nicki's heart just breaks some more even though she has not seen him in forever. She still loves him and we get to see through her memories and flashbacks what happened that year they spend together. Nicki and Adam have something special and through the memories and flashbacks we get to see the mistakes that were made and the heart ache Nicki endures. We get to see what happens when you never forget your first love. The heart knows what it wants and Nicki's heart wants Adam. Will they get a HEA?
Imagine your in high school and your life is going along great until your sister dies. Grief has struck your family hard and your mother checks out and leaves you to grieve alone. What do you do? Well Nicki found Adam and together Adam helped her through the worse year of her life. They became best friends and more. The love they shared is a rare love that only comes once in a lifetime. But as things happen in high school Adam moved on and left Nicki. She was devastated but she is a survivor so she did what anyone with a broken heart does she moved on. But the heart wants what the heart wants and there is no denying it she will always want Adam and thinks of him often.
So one day while at campaign head quarters she sees his name and she decides to google him. What she finds is his name plastered all over the British tabloids. He is dating an aristocrat's daughter. Nicki's heart just breaks some more even though she has not seen him in forever. She still loves him and we get to see through her memories and flashbacks what happened that year they spend together. Nicki and Adam have something special and through the memories and flashbacks we get to see the mistakes that were made and the heart ache Nicki endures. We get to see what happens when you never forget your first love. The heart knows what it wants and Nicki's heart wants Adam. Will they get a HEA?
June 18, 2013
4.5/5 stars! This was a totally surprising read by a wonderful author!
Mary Whitney is a fantastic writer and she gives us an absolutely beautiful story about first love. The story tells us what happened years before between Nicki and Adam. Nicki has never really gotten over Adam, even though they were very close while in high school. Adam helped Nicki cope with the sudden death of her sister and Nicki falls for him.
This book has a much more emotional feel than most stories about high schoolers. I felt that both Nicki and Adam were very mature for their age, which I appreciated. All in all, this is a wonderful story with very well-written characters. The author throws a few things in the way of Nicki and Adam finally being together, and the ending will really leave you wanting to read much more from Mary Whitney!
(ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)Beside Your HeartMary Whitney
Mary Whitney is a fantastic writer and she gives us an absolutely beautiful story about first love. The story tells us what happened years before between Nicki and Adam. Nicki has never really gotten over Adam, even though they were very close while in high school. Adam helped Nicki cope with the sudden death of her sister and Nicki falls for him.
This book has a much more emotional feel than most stories about high schoolers. I felt that both Nicki and Adam were very mature for their age, which I appreciated. All in all, this is a wonderful story with very well-written characters. The author throws a few things in the way of Nicki and Adam finally being together, and the ending will really leave you wanting to read much more from Mary Whitney!
(ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)Beside Your HeartMary Whitney
October 3, 2013
I love the feeling when you find a book that you've heard nothing about and start reading with no expectations and it turns into a new favorite. This was one of those books for me. I read only a couple of the reviews and they were all favorable so I figuired I'd give it a shot. I am soooo glad I did.
Even though the story is about a couple of 17 year olds in love during their last year in high school, there were times when I forgot how old they were. The characters were mature and the story felt real. They do deal with a few heavy & emotional issues and I will admit that there was one part that made me cry, not just tear up but actually cry :-( There is not a cliffhanger but the epilogue eludes to there being more to the story.
This is the perfect book to cleanse your pallete after reading all of the typical angst ridden drama filled love stories. I highly reccommed it!
Even though the story is about a couple of 17 year olds in love during their last year in high school, there were times when I forgot how old they were. The characters were mature and the story felt real. They do deal with a few heavy & emotional issues and I will admit that there was one part that made me cry, not just tear up but actually cry :-( There is not a cliffhanger but the epilogue eludes to there being more to the story.
This is the perfect book to cleanse your pallete after reading all of the typical angst ridden drama filled love stories. I highly reccommed it!
June 21, 2013
FULL RECOMMENDATION ON SMUTBOOKCLUB.COM"
4.5/5 stars
I got all the way through, crying my eyeballs out of my face, pretend-lecturing these kids in my head, only to get to the end and say, "I NEED MORE."
4.5/5 stars
I got all the way through, crying my eyeballs out of my face, pretend-lecturing these kids in my head, only to get to the end and say, "I NEED MORE."
Shelved as 'no-dnf-zzz-avoid'
October 23, 2015Per reviews Adam, the H, cheated on h in high school.
Not for me.
Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2013
The first thing I did after reading beside your heart was try to find any info online about the sequel. I mean I loved this book. I didn't want it to end, but yes all good things must come to an end. I actually was blown away by this book, It was a story about a possible second chance romance. One where we get to relive the beautiful yet haunting past of one young couple.
Nicki decides to google her her high school love Adam. Only to find some articles in the British tabloids. He is successful and dating a woman from a aristocratic family. She feels a pain of jealousy even though she has a boyfriend. He is a world away and she can't help but remember their year together. I meant so much to her. He helped her heal from her sister's death, but their time was short lived. It was far more to both of them then a high school romance.
I enjoyed how in the beginning of the book you obviously see that Nikki has not forgotten Adam. Then we are taken back and relive their relationship. It seems that thee two were made for each other. He is so kind and so very understanding. He doesn't push her and he sees the true pain she is in from losing her sister. I mean high school is hard enough, but to have experienced such loss at a young age is just devastating. Adam sees right through her to her core. These two are so young but so mature about their relationship. They make the best of the time they have together. This story is so romantic, and heartfelt. The characters seem like old souls that belong together. They have plenty of ups and downs in the book. Ones that will make you want to cry. These two become so much more to each other then just a high school romance. It was a real beautiful eye opening experience reading this book. Nicki has found her true and well deserved happiness with Adam. Their love is never ending and one they should be telling their grandchildren about. Second chances are hard to come by. Adam and Nicki may have a chance at theirs.
My take is that this is a beautifully romantic story about two people that find love at a very young age. Their love never ends even when they are a part. The time of their second chance romance may be approaching. You definitely will want to witness it. You will fall in love with Nicki and Adam. They will make you laugh, they will make you cry, and they will keep you wanting a whole lot more from them. Beside Your Heart by Mary Whitney is a must read from me.
Nicki decides to google her her high school love Adam. Only to find some articles in the British tabloids. He is successful and dating a woman from a aristocratic family. She feels a pain of jealousy even though she has a boyfriend. He is a world away and she can't help but remember their year together. I meant so much to her. He helped her heal from her sister's death, but their time was short lived. It was far more to both of them then a high school romance.
I enjoyed how in the beginning of the book you obviously see that Nikki has not forgotten Adam. Then we are taken back and relive their relationship. It seems that thee two were made for each other. He is so kind and so very understanding. He doesn't push her and he sees the true pain she is in from losing her sister. I mean high school is hard enough, but to have experienced such loss at a young age is just devastating. Adam sees right through her to her core. These two are so young but so mature about their relationship. They make the best of the time they have together. This story is so romantic, and heartfelt. The characters seem like old souls that belong together. They have plenty of ups and downs in the book. Ones that will make you want to cry. These two become so much more to each other then just a high school romance. It was a real beautiful eye opening experience reading this book. Nicki has found her true and well deserved happiness with Adam. Their love is never ending and one they should be telling their grandchildren about. Second chances are hard to come by. Adam and Nicki may have a chance at theirs.
My take is that this is a beautifully romantic story about two people that find love at a very young age. Their love never ends even when they are a part. The time of their second chance romance may be approaching. You definitely will want to witness it. You will fall in love with Nicki and Adam. They will make you laugh, they will make you cry, and they will keep you wanting a whole lot more from them. Beside Your Heart by Mary Whitney is a must read from me.
November 2, 2013
3.75 Having a Bad Year Stars
Sometimes life just conspires against you. You know those days/weeks that nothing goes right. You forget an appointment. You spill coffee on your shirt. The gas light comes on but its pouring down rain. You forget to put the K cup in and just get a cup of warm water. (that actually happened this week) A pig poops in the middle of the pep rally you planned. (that also actually happened this week...don't ask)
Nicki has had a bad summer. She was in a horrid car accident and has the physical and emotional scars to prove it. Her sister was killed. Her mother has shut down and checked out. And her boyfriend broke up with her during all the hospital drama. Now she is beginning her junior year with the great big Pig Pen Sized cloud over her life. And to make matters worse...the cute guy that moved to town last year has the locker next to hers and makes out with his airhead girlfriend. Every. Morning.
Adam is the cute boy who moved to town from England last year. He is the maker-outer. He hangs out with Nicki's group of friends occasionally and is the object of Nicki's crush. The one she doesn't want to talk about.
Adam and Nicki find their way to each other, of course. But Nicki is going through a LOT of stuff. Her sister, her parents, the fact that her shiny, new, sexy accented boyfriend is moving back to England. Yep...all the ingredients of a bad year. And he is moving back. No doubt about that. But what happens in between...and after. Can they have an happily ever after or even a happily now?
I do love a good YA read. I love being able to recommend them to my high school students. (see Pep Rally Pig Incident above) I can easily recommend this to them. Good story. Great emotion and high school drama. This would have been a 4 star read for me except for the end. I wanted more. Can we have a novella or an epilogue or something please??? This book can turn a bad week good. And bonus...no pig poop.
Sometimes life just conspires against you. You know those days/weeks that nothing goes right. You forget an appointment. You spill coffee on your shirt. The gas light comes on but its pouring down rain. You forget to put the K cup in and just get a cup of warm water. (that actually happened this week) A pig poops in the middle of the pep rally you planned. (that also actually happened this week...don't ask)
Nicki has had a bad summer. She was in a horrid car accident and has the physical and emotional scars to prove it. Her sister was killed. Her mother has shut down and checked out. And her boyfriend broke up with her during all the hospital drama. Now she is beginning her junior year with the great big Pig Pen Sized cloud over her life. And to make matters worse...the cute guy that moved to town last year has the locker next to hers and makes out with his airhead girlfriend. Every. Morning.
Adam is the cute boy who moved to town from England last year. He is the maker-outer. He hangs out with Nicki's group of friends occasionally and is the object of Nicki's crush. The one she doesn't want to talk about.
Adam and Nicki find their way to each other, of course. But Nicki is going through a LOT of stuff. Her sister, her parents, the fact that her shiny, new, sexy accented boyfriend is moving back to England. Yep...all the ingredients of a bad year. And he is moving back. No doubt about that. But what happens in between...and after. Can they have an happily ever after or even a happily now?
I do love a good YA read. I love being able to recommend them to my high school students. (see Pep Rally Pig Incident above) I can easily recommend this to them. Good story. Great emotion and high school drama. This would have been a 4 star read for me except for the end. I wanted more. Can we have a novella or an epilogue or something please??? This book can turn a bad week good. And bonus...no pig poop.
June 16, 2013
I had the opportunity to read "Beside Your Heart" as an ACR - I'm in Co Spgs, CO I started reaf=ging this book friday and finished it friday. With major issues going on in my state with fires, Mary's book being so very emotional I was able to read and get so into the emional storyy and even release some tears which was very cathartic to what was going on in real life as well as in "Beside Your Heart" Nicki and Adam are the main characters, and there story is perfectly precious, with a heartaching backstory, with the death of one of there family members. Marys writes past and present perfectly, with a prologue of the now, leading to the then ending with the what could be, The balancing is remarkable,and most definately makes you want more and there surely could be as well as sub-storylines for potentially more books. She left us hanging just right that she could continue but doesn'thave to, But I can say I want More and SOON. LOL The story is perfectly what High School love is, with young lover, ingnorance to true feeling, anguish and heartache, all things you remember from your own time there. Loss of life is a huge impact of this story and deaing with loss of death and even guilt, of living, Nicki is a young Texas girl that has had an enormous loss of her younger sister in a car accident that she managed to servive, Adam is a stdent here from England for the year, so there is also a time frame to this story.
Mary incompasses everything, current girls friend, how do you really feel, why to I feel so strong, but we have only so much time, first sexual expierence it's just rounded perfect.. Thru t all we end up years laster we're Mary bring her political savvy... And leaves us with.. but now what..
I read this in one day and just adorded it. Well done Mary I so looke forward to more of your stories.
Mary incompasses everything, current girls friend, how do you really feel, why to I feel so strong, but we have only so much time, first sexual expierence it's just rounded perfect.. Thru t all we end up years laster we're Mary bring her political savvy... And leaves us with.. but now what..
I read this in one day and just adorded it. Well done Mary I so looke forward to more of your stories.
June 18, 2013
One of the most romantic, beautiful, devastating, heartbreaking, tear raising stories I have ever read with a CLIFFHANGER THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO CRY IN FRUSTRATION. As I am doing now,… the next book book better come out pronto or I will not be happy. I need to know what happens.. because I know that there love was meant to be!!!!
on a side note
on a side note
August 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this one <3
June 28, 2013
Nose Graze — Young Adult book reviews
2.5 Stars
This review is painfully difficult for me to write, because I had such strongly mixed feelings about Beside Your Heart . It wasn't a perfect book and there were a lot of things that I didn't like, but there were also a few things that I did like.
The Bad
The worst thing about Beside Your Heart is that we get the end of the book at the beginning. From the synopsis, I thought this book was going to be about Nicki googling her high school love (Adam), and then running off to England to meet him again. But that wasn't the book at all. We get the prologue, which is about Nicki googling her "old high school love", but then the entire rest of the book is about her high school relationship with Adam (sort of like a book-long flashback). But the problem with that was we knew at the beginning that their relationship didn't last, so I never felt motivated to actually read about a high school relationship doomed to fail. There were no surprises in the book and I knew what was going to happen at the end from the very beginning, because it was in the prologue.
My other problem with the book was Nicki. At the beginning, I had the hardest time relating to her. She has a crush on Adam, but Adam has a girlfriend. So she spends MONTHS moping around, avoiding Adam at all costs because she "can't bear to see her with his girlfriend", and just feeling really sorry for herself because she can't be with Adam. But the way she was acting made it seem like she had a huge history with Adam (like as if he was her ex-boyfriend), and that's why she couldn't stand seeing him with another girl. But in reality, she had never dated him and was barely even friends with him. And yet, it was "so painful" for her to see him with another girl. The whole thing just felt a little dramatic and exaggerated.
The below paragraph isn't really a spoiler because we know from the prologue that Nicki and Adam's relationship doesn't last, but I'll put it in spoiler tags just in case.
The Good
The thing that really saved Beside Your Heart was the romance. I know I didn't understand Nicki's obsession with Adam at the beginning, but once they finally got together and started dating, I loved their relationship. They were so cute together, and they just clicked! There were lots of sweet kissing scenes, some sex scenes, and just sweet romantic moments! And I really liked how Adam had a "no lying" policy, which he followed through with even when it wasn't easy...
Overall
So, overall, I'm extremely uncertain about Beside Your Heart . I didn't like how the ending didn't provide us with anything we didn't already know from the prologue (), and I didn't quite click with Nicki at the beginning. But there were some parts of the book that I did really enjoy. When the romance was at its peak, it was incredibly sweet and really fun to read about. I think I wish that the book was structured differently, or at least that the prologue had been cut out completely to keep some element of surprise in tact. Then I think I would have enjoyed it significantly more.
Read
October 1, 2013Received an ARC. Go check out my review at over at the Falling In Fall blog! http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com/201...
I rated Beside Your Heart three and a half leaves. It was a classic New Adult romance book, and I loved it. I’ve been finding myself drifting away from high school romance lately, but this book had the emotional maturity that made up for the high school setting. Nicki’s past broke my heart. She was in a terrible car accident with her younger sister, Lauren, and their mom when they were hit by a drunk driver. Nicki walked away but with enough emotional and physical scars to last a lifetime. Her mother barely survived, but the real damage occurred when Nicki heard her sister die while they were trapped in the car. Having two younger brothers myself, I could not even begin to imagine what I would after experiencing their loss. And for that reason alone, Nicki proves to be a strong heroine.
As she goes back to school and tries to fall into a seemingly normal pattern of life, Nicki has to deal with her reluctant crush on Adam. Adam made me swoon. First of all, he’s British, which is hot in itself. Especially the lingo he uses; I mean, wow. Second, he gets Nicki like no one else does; he inadvertently causes her to talk about Lauren and has her almost acting normal. Their relationship is complicated. Enter Adam’s cheerleader girlfriend and a cousin who takes an immediate liking to Nicki on a quick visit. There are other things that put them on a rocky road to finally being together and staying together; one being Nicki’s obvious emotional issues and some others that I can’t spoil.
I genuinely liked this book. It was hard to put down. I was expecting an easy read, but the book hit me hard emotionally. Nicki is mature for her age, so despite all her baggage, I didn’t get as frustrated with her as I normally do with female protagonists that try to play off their attraction to a guy. Adam is also mature for his age, except for how he doesn’t break up with his girlfriend fast enough. Then again, he is a guy… The love scenes are sweet and also intense, because they are New Adult sex scenes. The only part that confused me was the ending. The author could leave it as it is, slightly cliffhanger-y with many loose ends, or she could write a sequel explaining that last scene and how it connects to the prologue of the book. Either way, this book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It is a story of first love, true love, and unrequited love.
I rated Beside Your Heart three and a half leaves. It was a classic New Adult romance book, and I loved it. I’ve been finding myself drifting away from high school romance lately, but this book had the emotional maturity that made up for the high school setting. Nicki’s past broke my heart. She was in a terrible car accident with her younger sister, Lauren, and their mom when they were hit by a drunk driver. Nicki walked away but with enough emotional and physical scars to last a lifetime. Her mother barely survived, but the real damage occurred when Nicki heard her sister die while they were trapped in the car. Having two younger brothers myself, I could not even begin to imagine what I would after experiencing their loss. And for that reason alone, Nicki proves to be a strong heroine.
As she goes back to school and tries to fall into a seemingly normal pattern of life, Nicki has to deal with her reluctant crush on Adam. Adam made me swoon. First of all, he’s British, which is hot in itself. Especially the lingo he uses; I mean, wow. Second, he gets Nicki like no one else does; he inadvertently causes her to talk about Lauren and has her almost acting normal. Their relationship is complicated. Enter Adam’s cheerleader girlfriend and a cousin who takes an immediate liking to Nicki on a quick visit. There are other things that put them on a rocky road to finally being together and staying together; one being Nicki’s obvious emotional issues and some others that I can’t spoil.
I genuinely liked this book. It was hard to put down. I was expecting an easy read, but the book hit me hard emotionally. Nicki is mature for her age, so despite all her baggage, I didn’t get as frustrated with her as I normally do with female protagonists that try to play off their attraction to a guy. Adam is also mature for his age, except for how he doesn’t break up with his girlfriend fast enough. Then again, he is a guy… The love scenes are sweet and also intense, because they are New Adult sex scenes. The only part that confused me was the ending. The author could leave it as it is, slightly cliffhanger-y with many loose ends, or she could write a sequel explaining that last scene and how it connects to the prologue of the book. Either way, this book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It is a story of first love, true love, and unrequited love.
August 23, 2013
Full review and eBook giveaway available at A Lust For Reading. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Once again I have fallen for a story about teenage love. We start off with Nikki Johnson looking her high school boyfriend, Adam Kincaid, up online. Adam had returned to England after their year together and is now successful and dating a beautiful, snooty English girl named Muff. It is totally okay to snort at her name, I sure did.
We are soon brought back to high school in 1992 and a 17 year old Nikki. She is having a hard time dealing with her sister's death and she herself is covered in gruesome scars from the accident. Adam is the handsome, British guy with the locker next door. Nikki and Adam are just friendly acquaintances but with two classes together and being locker neighbors, their friendship deepens. Adam is the only person Nikki can open up to about her sister. Their flirtatious banter eventually develops into so much more.
I loved watching their friendship and then romance blossom. Although their relationship was filled with typical teenage angst, I enjoyed every minute of it and I didn't want to get to the end. Oh and dear, sweet Adam. What I wouldn't have given for a hot, caring guy with a British accent to be in my high school! I really adored him and what got to me the most was he didn't hide his emotions at all. There is a point towards the end where he just lets it all out and it was literally painful for my heart.
The book ends back in the present, 15 years after they parted, with Nikki and Adam meeting up once again. And then it ends. Gah! I want to know if they can reconnect and fall in love again! Thankfully we don't have too long to wait as book 2 is due out in November. If you enjoy new adult romance novels you definitely need to give Beside Your Heart a read.
Once again I have fallen for a story about teenage love. We start off with Nikki Johnson looking her high school boyfriend, Adam Kincaid, up online. Adam had returned to England after their year together and is now successful and dating a beautiful, snooty English girl named Muff. It is totally okay to snort at her name, I sure did.
We are soon brought back to high school in 1992 and a 17 year old Nikki. She is having a hard time dealing with her sister's death and she herself is covered in gruesome scars from the accident. Adam is the handsome, British guy with the locker next door. Nikki and Adam are just friendly acquaintances but with two classes together and being locker neighbors, their friendship deepens. Adam is the only person Nikki can open up to about her sister. Their flirtatious banter eventually develops into so much more.
I loved watching their friendship and then romance blossom. Although their relationship was filled with typical teenage angst, I enjoyed every minute of it and I didn't want to get to the end. Oh and dear, sweet Adam. What I wouldn't have given for a hot, caring guy with a British accent to be in my high school! I really adored him and what got to me the most was he didn't hide his emotions at all. There is a point towards the end where he just lets it all out and it was literally painful for my heart.
The book ends back in the present, 15 years after they parted, with Nikki and Adam meeting up once again. And then it ends. Gah! I want to know if they can reconnect and fall in love again! Thankfully we don't have too long to wait as book 2 is due out in November. If you enjoy new adult romance novels you definitely need to give Beside Your Heart a read.
June 18, 2013
I really loved this book. I cried quite a bit during the entire book, and just felt so bad for Nicki. She suffered so much, and it broke my heart that she lost her sister that she was close to. The feeling of being alone I can relate to, and the author made it to where I could actually feel her loneliness. She meets Adam and this was her first true love. I fell in love with Adam, and I kept hoping there was a they could make the relationship work. Adam was so loving towards her and became her confidant. They got so close but knowing it was going to have to end just kept making me more sad. I cried so much at the end. The part when he broke down had me crying. Nicki was also his first true love, and he was losing a part of himself. I loved the other characters as well. Adam's sister Sylvia was so adorable, and truly looked up to her big brother. Nicki's best friends brought back memories of my high school best friends. Lisa and Rachel were really good friends to her, and I could understand that they didn't know how to help her and only wanted to protect her from getting her heart broken. Everybody knew Adam was leaving back to his home country at the end of the school year. However, all their friends and even their family could see the connection Nicki and Adam had. There were so many talking them out of it because they all knew it would end badly, but something like that can't be stopped. If it is meant to be it is meant to be. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I don't like endings where I don't know exactly if they got their HEA. It just ended, and I was like uh hello??? where are the other pages. To me it sounds like there could be room for a second book. I sure hope so because I really would love to see more of Nicki and Adam find their ways back to each other.
March 19, 2014
From my blog.
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
First of all, I'm perfectly aware of the fact that nothing I say can ever do this book any justice. I went in with almost no expectations, just knowing that I liked the blurb a lot, but once I got into it, I was completely and utterly blown away.
Emmm... I really, really want to end this review right here, because if you asked me what I liked the most, I'd answer, "EVERYTHING!" There wasn't a part of this book I didn't love. It was written well. Characters were real. Plot interesting.
It had just the right amount of sweet to not make me want to gag, enough heartache and angst to keep me going, and more than enough tears. But even though I cried so much, I don't remember any real pain while reading it. It wasn't the kind of angst that made my stomach churn and never want to see the book again. Instead, somehow all those tears I shed made me love it even more.
It's a story about first love that cannot last. (Or can it?) Beautiful, yet heartbreaking. It's a story about surviving and learning to move on. It had it all and even more. I told you, I can't even put together coherent sentences, mostly because I'm tearing up again.... But I can tell you that YOU HAVE TO READ IT!
NO CLIFFHANGER, but I can guarantee that you will want so much more. Nicki and Adam didn't get their HEA yet, but I'm hoping they will soon.
Should you read it? Yes! Yes! Yes! This is so far one of my this year's favorite books and giving it 5 birdies is not nearly enough...
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
First of all, I'm perfectly aware of the fact that nothing I say can ever do this book any justice. I went in with almost no expectations, just knowing that I liked the blurb a lot, but once I got into it, I was completely and utterly blown away.
Emmm... I really, really want to end this review right here, because if you asked me what I liked the most, I'd answer, "EVERYTHING!" There wasn't a part of this book I didn't love. It was written well. Characters were real. Plot interesting.
It had just the right amount of sweet to not make me want to gag, enough heartache and angst to keep me going, and more than enough tears. But even though I cried so much, I don't remember any real pain while reading it. It wasn't the kind of angst that made my stomach churn and never want to see the book again. Instead, somehow all those tears I shed made me love it even more.
It's a story about first love that cannot last. (Or can it?) Beautiful, yet heartbreaking. It's a story about surviving and learning to move on. It had it all and even more. I told you, I can't even put together coherent sentences, mostly because I'm tearing up again.... But I can tell you that YOU HAVE TO READ IT!
NO CLIFFHANGER, but I can guarantee that you will want so much more. Nicki and Adam didn't get their HEA yet, but I'm hoping they will soon.
Should you read it? Yes! Yes! Yes! This is so far one of my this year's favorite books and giving it 5 birdies is not nearly enough...
October 21, 2013
I love high school love stories but this was more than that. I also love second chance romances so I'm looking forward to the continuation of this story. I wasn't totally in love with Nicki towards the end but in retrospect I guess I can understand her reasoning for the choices she made. Adam was perfect (for most of the story) but he really threw me for a loop. Even so, I can't help but love him. I'm sure some people won't agree but
So, I loved this even though I had some issues with Nicki. Looks like the sequel will be out in a couple of weeks and I can't wait!
So, I loved this even though I had some issues with Nicki. Looks like the sequel will be out in a couple of weeks and I can't wait!
June 24, 2013
The story begins when we meet Nicki, she decides to Google her high school boyfriend Adam. We meet him as Nicki remembers back when....Adam is here for a year as his dad works on assignment. He is from England and has amazing looks and a great personality. Nicki going through a bit of turmoil is just trying to get by. Being involved in a horrible accident that left her badly scarred, and remembering the loss of her sister, her parents divorced and life just tossed about. She does have a couple of really good friends, Lisa and Rachel. Upon getting to know Alex as his locker is next to her’s, she finds herself thinking about him. Although he does have a girlfriend that he constantly makes out with by her locker she tries to be as friendly as possible. We see them evolve into a couple. Adam brings out confidence in Nicki that she doesn’t have. He listens to her stories about her family and her sister Lauren. Always there to tell her that she is beautiful! We see them evolve into a romantic relationship. Trying to deny the thought that at the end of the school year Adam will return to England, and Nicki doesn’t want to deal with the loss of yet another close relationship. This was a nice story, I wish there were a little bit more to the Epilogue though. Is there a 2nd book coming out? In any case I give this book 3.5 stars.
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