I was so excited to get an advance copy of this book for review. It seems like it’s been ages since I plucked Lindsey’s book out of the slush to feature her in the New Agent query contest. Her writing pulled me in instantly then, and it kept my interest completely now. Read on for the full review.
Audra Madison simply wanted to walk in the shoes of Emily Cavanaugh, a free-spirited teenager who died too young. After all, Audra wasn’t supposed to be here.
Thanks to Emily, Audra has a second chance at life. She’s doing all the things that seemed impossible just two years ago: Go to college. Date. Stargaze in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe get a tattoo. You know, live.
Jake Cavanaugh, a photographer with mysterious, brooding gray eyes, agrees to help chronicle her newfound experiences. She makes him laugh, one of the only people who can these days. As they delve into each other’s pasts – and secrets – the closer they become.
But she’s guarded and feels like she can’t trust anyone, including herself.
And he’s struggling with the fact that his beloved sister’s heart beats inside her.
REVIEW:
So, Lindsey warned me about this book. She told me it was going to make me cry. But I, in my stupid arrogance, didn’t listen. Oh, no, I scoffed, crying is for mere mortals. I don’t cry at books! Boy, do I feel silly. Two weeks later, there I was, clutching the book and sobbing like someone just told Trump is going to be named Supreme Continual Ruler of the United States. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
And dammit, I hate things that make me cry. But I adored this book. The writing is beautiful, and Audra’s impossible not to root for. After all, she had a heart transplant. She didn’t expect to live long enough to get to college. But now she’s healthy and alive… and she’s got a crush on the brother of the girl who died to make it possible. OUCH.
Jake is utterly swoon-worthy. He’s hot, he’s a photographer who plays piano, and he’s really conflicted about falling for the girl who is carrying around his sister’s heart. It’s so easy to root for both of them, yet so easy to see why starting a relationship could feel weird and awkward. Especially at 18 and 20.
The entire book is a delight. The romance unfolds in a realistic manner, the pacing is spot-on, and the ending is absolutely perfect. 5 Stars. Highly recommended!
Lindsey has been writing since she was nine years old, when she discovered the awesomeness that is Harriet the Spy. Her books always include a romance, though sometimes there’s an added sci-fi or magical realism twist. She lives in Columbus, Ohio (where the weather is never quite right). Her BFA in Photography and Graphic Design has granted her a wide assortment of creative knowledge that serves as inspiration (and not much else). When she’s not crafting YA and NA stories, you’ll likely find her spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, playing a video game, singing show-tunes, or performing in a burlesque show—because she enjoys giving her introversion a worthy adversary. (Plus, it’s the closest to Broadway she’ll ever get.) Lindsey was a proud 2016 Pitch Wars Mentee and thoroughly adores being a part of the wonderful writing community. THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS is her debut novel.