This book was a beautiful story of not only romance but of love in many forms. Heidi McLaughlin has captured the complexities of love, loss, tragedy and hope through the voices of multiple characters. I read Heartbreak Hill with interest and connection to the all of the families involved. Thanks so much #NetGalley #Montlake #HeidiMcLaughlin

Heartbreak hill is a difficult yet amazing read, I couldn’t put it down! This book follows Grayson and Reid through the journey of a heart transplant, at the same time as following Nadia whose husband died in a tragic accident which led him to donating his heart.

I love how this book progressed through the relationships with different characters and the bond that was created between Grayson and Rafes children.

I have loved everything I have read by Heidi McLaughin and this definitely didn’t disappoint!

Excellent book, loved it! Looking forward to more from this author! Apologies for the lateness of my review

This one had potential but fell short for me...

I had some difficulty getting into this one as it is told in third person POV focusing on various characters. Then I could tell a major event that was coming and it was starting to crush me. Unfortunately, it really seemed to fall flat after the first few chapters. It was a unique storyline and was neat to see how two stories connected but there wasn't much else and it seemed to drag on for the most part.

Thanks so much Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. this was my first book from this author the story called my attention like the cover. One of the things I enjoyed was that each character had their own problems and still were resilient and they were trying to be more and make better and that is very important, emotional grown and character building

Thank you NetGalley, Heidi McLaughlin and Montlake for this e-ARC, '

Themes of love, sorrow, and second chances are all explored in this intensely emotional romance. Four characters and their families—Reid, Grayson, Rafe, and Nadia—are described in the story. They all struggle with intense emotions, self-doubt, and trying of starting a new lifestyle. The book explores the emotional complexities of organ donation, showing how the grief of one family can lead to the save of another. The story of Grayson and Reid's love is entwined with the suffering and recovery of everyone affected by the transplant, especially the family of the heart donor. I will absolutely be reading more from this author..

This was definitely a slow burn romance story. In the beginning I liked it a lot and was really into it and then once it got to the middle, I felt the story started to drag a bit. I really liked Grayson, who was one of the MC’s. He had a secret that he kept from almost everyone in his life until the day he collapsed during a basketball game. On the other side of the story, we have Nadia whose husband had a tragic thing that happened to him. Nadia and her children try to go on through life with the loss of their loved one and that part of the story was sad but also at times was heartwarming.

This seemed a bit drawn out at times, but still enjoyable. A sweet story with great characters. Little in the way of spice, but still good.

Wow what a book, my first book I’ve read by Heidi McLaughlin and I’m so blessed to have found her, I will absolutely be reading more from her.
Have tissues at hand for this book but honestly don’t let that deter you as it’s truly such a beautiful story.
It follows Grayson, he was born with a life threatening heart defect, he’s madly in love with Reid but he keeps her at arms length because of his health. Reid loves Grayson, has learnt to accept they will only have their friendship.
Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns of his secret as his life hands dangerously in the balance.
Meanwhile Rafe is involved is a tragic accident, his wife Nadia makes a life changing decision that will alter the course of Grayson future.
The story follows both Grayson, his second chance at life and Nadia and her little girls as they navigate their loss.
I sobbed, literally gut reaching sobs at parts, having also experienced sudden loss it resonated with me deeply. Honestly such a beautifully written story.
Thank you NetGalley, Heidi McLaughlin and Montlake for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫 (3.75/5)

What starts out as a fun morning turns tragic. A loss of life. And a family devastated. Another family praying for a miracle. Grief and healing on all sides. A family lost is a family found.

I’m not going to lie, this is a tough read. Deals with so many conflicting emotions and life altering decisions. If you keep reading, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I found the cellular memory references intriguing. This definitely sheds light on organ donation from the grief stricken wife’s heartfelt and unfavorable decision to the grateful recipients new lease on life. The author did a good job of showing how mentally draining this is if you are not aware of your loved ones wishes. I loved the characters and their growth, especially the resilience of the children. Have the hard talk you pray you’ll never need.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

This is a deeply emotional romance that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers around Grayson, who has been secretly in love with his best friend Reid but keeps her at a distance due to a life-threatening heart condition. Reid grows tired of waiting for Grayson to reciprocate her feelings, but their world is turned upside down when Grayson collapses on the basketball court. His survival depends on a heart transplant, a miracle that comes at the cost of another family’s grief.

The novel delves into the emotional complexities of organ donation, examining how one family’s loss becomes another’s salvation. Grayson and Reid’s love story is interwoven with the pain and healing experienced by others affected by the transplant, including the heart donor’s family. McLaughlin captures the raw emotions of grief, longing, and hope, with well-developed characters who face their own uphill battle of heartbreak.

The narrative brings readers through a visceral journey—from frustration with Grayson’s initial actions to deep empathy for Reid, and intense moments of emotional release. Nadia, a character experiencing profound loss, adds another layer of realism and depth. The novel’s title, Heartbreak Hill, reflects not only a physical race but also the emotional challenges each character must overcome to move forward in life. The story is intense, heartfelt, and may bring readers to tears, particularly through the symbolism of cardinals, which offer moments of beauty and hope amid the heartache.

"Heartbreak Hill," a story by Heidi McLaughlin, explores themes of hope, life, death, grief, and new beginnings. The narrative also incorporates unexpected and intriguing twists related to high-risk medical procedures.

The story shows the lives of four people - Reid, Grayson, Rafe, and Nadia - and their families. Each of them deals with strong feelings, self-doubt, and the effort to find a new way of living.

Reading it wasn't simple, as it explores grief and strong feelings. Nevertheless, it was completely worthwhile the tears I cried and the emotions it evoked. It also helped me value what I have in life, what I've lost, and the opportunities I've had for a fresh start.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sending me this ARC!

heartbreak hill by Heidi McLaughlin

Another tear jerking read from the author!

Grayson has a heart defect. He still is able to find love, but then he colapses while playing basketball and things really change drastically for him.

Nadia has to make difficult decisions after the sudden tragic death of her husband Rafe.
I loved her children!


The book is told in different perspectives and there are many parts of life in the story, grief, death, hope, second chances, love, healing.........and others.

The book really made me think quite a bit and it was very emotional, reading Nadia's parts of the story.

I liked the parts when Grayson spent time with the girls quite a bit.

I read quickly, cried a bit and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I would recommend it to people who enjoy emotional reads, with loss and grief yet healing as well, and love.

so another winner from the author

highly recommended
4****

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley

I enjoyed this. It was a heartbreaking yet inspiring read. The character growth was very good throughout the book and it made me super emotional. Reading the authors message at the back this book was taken from a 'what if' thought and turned into this. It really is something I have asked myself in the past with transplant and organ donations etc.

I think for me, the thing I struggled with the most was the way it was written mainly the fact is was written in 3rd person. I just find connecting with the storyline and characters is hard. It was a very hard read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Heidi and the publishers for allowing me this ARC.

Let me say right off that your heart is not ready for this book. In all seriousness it will never be ready. With that said, you really just need to do a deep dive right on into this heartbreaking but oh so full of hope and love book.

I started writing my review for Heartbreak Hill when I got to Chapter 19 because of the feelings it was evoking in me. This is one of the most emotionally devastating books I have ever read. If you think your heartstrings have been pulled as tight as possible then you need to read this book to feel those strings break.

This book is perfectly written. The pacing, tone, character development, just brilliantly done.

As you can tell I'm not going to talk about the storyline because you can get that from the blurb. I don't want anything to ruin any aspect of this book as you read it because it is just that special. I hope you all feel for this story the way that I did.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Grayson loves Reid and it is because of that love that he does not pursue anything more than friendship and the reason that he is keeping a secret from her that could change everything. When that decision is taken from his hands, he must not only deal with the emotional aftermath his actions would have on him but on her as well.

Nadia is happily married to Rafe and loves the family they have created but sometimes gets distracted by the little things rather than what is important. His sudden death changes her whole world and the way she looks at thing as she is faced with a decision that even though it is selfless is one, she should not have had to make at this time in her life.

This is heartbreaking story about love, loss, and healing as two couples are entwined through tragedy find hope for the future even if it is not as they expected. The emotions are heartfelt and will give you a greater appreciation for how special the people in your life truly are.

Thank you to netgalley and montlake for this gifted arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely a slow burn romance story. In the beginning I liked it a lot and was really into it and then once it got to the middle, I felt the story started to drag a bit.

I really liked Grayson, who was one of the MC’s. He had a secret that he kept from almost everyone in his life until the day he collapsed during a basketball game. Reid is his gf who tries to help process his emotions with his new heart and to navigate through his second chance at life.

On the other side of the story, we have Nadia whose husband had a tragic thing that happened to him. Nadia and her children try to go on through life with the loss of their loved one and that part of the story was sad but also at times was heartwarming.

💭I still thought it was a nice story. Please just make sure you check triggers before you read.

This book was a tearjerker. Within the first couple of chapters I was crying like a baby. You will go on a journey of happiness, grief, hope and love. Grayson and Reid are best friends, who became more for one night. After that one night, she fell harder for him and he kept her in the friend zone. When he collapses after playing basketball, she thinks he is faking due to what she told him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. He has been keeping a secret from her and they might not get a second chance.

Nadia and Rafe are happily married, raising two precocious daughters. When he leaves to run in an annual race, she never imagines her worst nightmare coming true. While running, Rafe saves a woman from being hit by a car; unfortunately he doesn’t make it. Now Nadia has to decide whether to donate his organs and how to go on with her life.

As the story progresses, all of their lives diverge in an unexpected way. Reid loves Grayson, but doesn’t know if she can believe he truly loves her. Nadia has to learn how to be the only caregiver for her daughters. Grayson has to learn how to live with another person’s heart keeping him alive and the ache in his chest.

This is a beautifully written story about love, loss and learning how to move on after loss. I couldn’t put this book down. I hope we get more, especially about Nadia and her future. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

Heartbreak Hill by Heidi McLaughlin is a wonderful romance about love, loss, and second chances.
I really enjoyed every bit of Grayson and Reid. Their relationship was very realistic. They are very relatable.
McLaughlin's writing effortlessly blends heartwarming moments with humor, creating a story that is as touching as it is entertaining.

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Heidi...Heidi...Heidi! I cannot tell you how often I cursed you reading this book. The tears freely feel more often than not. It is a subject matter that has always intrigued me, and I love stories that explore this phenomenon. I understand Grayson's reluctance to be in a relationship, and I can easily understand Reid's reluctance to accept this explanation. I did have a hard time with their chemistry, but I'm glad the story went in a different direction than I expected. The ending and the tears that followed cemented the 5 stars since I was leaning forward 5 star (chemistry being the culprit).