"Dance with me in heaven, Daddy"

During the chapters that showed the loss of a father and a husband, it was truly heartbreaking to see that side of grief, and how things are forever altered afterwards, including familial bonds, falling into depression, and expressing grief through other avenues, such as anger. Especially when it is so sudden and unexpected, and you don't even have time to say goodbye. It also highlights the importance of the decision of organ donation, and how being selfless can save more lives, even after someone has passed. I just knew what would be happening when these chapters first started, but I wasn't expecting how sad I would feel without being emotionally connected to the characters, since they had just been introduced.

On the other hand, with Grayson and Reid, it shows the alternative side, of someone who's heart has failed and desperately needs a heart transplant. With these chapters, it shows more about what happens to the organs after they are donated, the lives that they could save, and how the person lives afterwards, including the guilt that they may feel for receiving an organ from someone who had passed, and knowing that they need to make changes in order to live a better, healthier life.

And when the two sides converge, it's a whole new level of emotional.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, but be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions all the way through and have tissues ready.

There were moments in this book of utter heartbreak (as to be expected by the title!) and a storyline filled with difficult emotions.

For me, it felt like two stories that had been squeezed into one book, with neither receiving the attention it deserves. Both HEAs felt extremely rushed, and months at a time were glossed over. I also struggled with everything being 3rd person; it took me about 50% of the book to become immersed in the story.

However, the link between the two stories, and the subsequent revelations, were very gripping, and I think with just a few tweaks it would have been an amazing book.

I was able to read an ARC courtesy of Montlake, NetGalley, and the Author.

This novel is a very good but tear jerker! Heidi tap dances on all your feelings in this book. The characters are so relatable, likeable, and you ultimately feel for each one of them as if they were your own family.

Grayson was born with a heart defect and ultimately has a complication arise that needs immediate attention. As one person faces a complete tragedy Grayson is given the gift of a second chance. Despite feeling as if he doesn’t deserve it Grayson tried to avoid falling in love at all costs.

Reid Sullivan, a female who Grayson instantly begins to fall for enters the picture and readers are taken on one of the sweetest journeys to finding love and what makes you happy. This novel is encompasses love, lost and second chances so beautifully!

Reading this book was quite a journey for me. It delved into the profound and often painful experience of losing someone, which resonated deeply with my own life. The author did an exceptional job of portraying the raw emotions associated with grief—every page felt like a mirror reflecting my own struggles and feelings.

However, what struck me the most was the theme of redemption and the possibility of second chances. It was both uplifting and bittersweet, reminding me that life, despite its heart-wrenching moments, can offer us new beginnings. The characters’ resilience and ability to navigate their pain toward a brighter future left me feeling hopeful.

While it was a difficult read at times, I found it to be incredibly rewarding. It encouraged me to reflect on my own experiences with loss and the importance of embracing the second chances that life offers us. I would recommend it to anyone who’s been through a similar journey; it’s a poignant reminder that even in our darkest times, there’s always a glimmer of hope.

this was such an interesting book, I’ve never read a book with this storyline before and I was excited for a good cry. I loved the Nadia and Rafe storyline but I could warm to Grayson I did like Reid though but i just felt Grayson wasn’t all that good of a person to Reid even if they were bestfriends. I also didn’t enjoy that they got engaged so quickly but i do understand that with something so life threatening you will think about the future more. I also felt it dragged a bit but i think that’s because it was in 3rd person but it wasn’t a bad book at all just wasn’t personally for me.

As a mum of 3 with a partner I adore this book was a difficult read and it really opened my eyes to the power of grief.

This book follows Grayson and Reid who have loved each other so deeply but Grayson keeps pushing Reid away and keeps her firmly in the friend zone as he has some secrets..until he collapses at a basketball game and is given a second chance at life, what will he change?
At the same time, we have Nadia, Rafe and their two daughters. Rafe is running the commonwealth race and he loving family are at the finish line, when Tragedy strikes. Leaving a heartbroken widow and two girls missing their daddy. Will the love ever be replaced?

This book wow, the grief representation on this book is everything. I cried so many times. I was really able to put myself in the shoes of Nadia and I just loved how this book was written. Highly recommend.

Heartbreak Hill by Heidi McLaughlin. Heartbreak Hill was an amazing story about both sides of organ donation. The feelings and the stresses families go through.

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Heidi McLaughlin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really interesting book diving into the two sides of organ donation.

Nadia and Rafe have an amazing relationship and life - house in the burbs, two beautiful daughters and great friends. Unfortunately, tragedy takes Rafe away from his family and Nadia is left brokenhearted and with the decision on if she should donate his organs.

Grayson is enjoying life while keeping his love for his best friend (Reid) hidden due to a heart defect he hasn’t told her about. One day, he collapses and during surgery they realize his heart is in really bad shape. He is put in a coma to give his body a break until a donor can be found.

The story is 3 POV told in third person which isn’t my favorite - Reid, Grayson and Nadia as they survive after the loss/surgery and how their life progressed.

I don’t know if this was just a me thing but I bawled an insane amount for the first 50% of the book. As a mom and wife, I couldn’t help but put myself in Nadia’s position and it was heartbreaking.

I was really afraid it was going to go a certain way and was happy it didn’t (sorry- vague to avoid spoiling). The first half was really emotional for me and then the last half just seemed to wrap up quicker and cleaner than I wanted.

Grief, loss, and second chances. And romance, with spice. This one didn't evoke the emotional reaction I expected given the plot but it's. very good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

this second chance story will have you go through a world wind of emotions while reading it. I love a good Heidi McLaughlin book but this wasn't my cup of tea. still would reccomend for others to give it a shot, might be more up their alley.

I'm pleased I was given the opportunity to read this book but wow it did exactly what it said on the tin - it was heartbreaking.
It was very sad but well told and I cried a lot of the way through.
The description of grief is painful but real.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There was just something about the premise of Heartbreak Hill that intrigued me, and I couldn't resist adding it to my TBR. I was curious about the heart transplant element and how it would affect both storylines... And it without doubt turned out to be a powerful and moving read. The first part of the title seems to fit the story very well, and definitely make sure to have some tissues at hand before you start reading! Even dear old stone-faced me couldn't keep it dry this time around...

Heartbreak Hill won't be for everyone, and you definitely have to brace yourself for a LOT of focus on grief and loss. While there is hope and romance found along the way, this book is neither essentially happy nor uplifting, so if you are looking for something light to read this is not the book for you. If you don't mind strong emotions and a lot of sadness, Heartbreak Hill will offer you an interesting journey though. The heart transplant/donor element was fascinating, and it was what made this story stand out for me.

The story switches mainly between Nadia and Graydon. Nadia's POV focuses on grief and loss after her husband passed away and she donated his organs; Graydon's POV is all about second chances and embracing a new life after receiving a heart transplant. Together, these POVs offer you a rollercoaster ride full of emotions, although I personally think Nadia's POV is the stronger of the two. Her reactions felt more genuine, and everything she went through after the car accident was heartbreaking. It shows that grief is messy and follows no schedule, and her development was realistically done.

I was less of a fan of Graydon's POV, mostly because his behavior could get pretty frustrating at times. The steamy scenes put a damper on things for me as well, which just didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the story... Then again, it's no secret that I'm never a fan. The romance itself I had mixed thoughts about as well, mostly because it didn't feel 100% genuine and the final solution was just a bit too convenient. The cellular memory element itself was fascinating though.

If you enjoy engaging and highly emotional contemporaries that focus on grief and loss as well as new beginning and second chances, you will most likely have a great time reading Heartbreak Hill. It's not a lighthearted read, but the journey is definitely worth it!

Not my first Heidi McLaughlin book and although I do generally enjoy her books this one didn't do it for me.
Probably because it was written in 3rd person which I honestly do not usually mind.
Will recommend for readers who prefer reading 3rd person and who love books about loss and overcoming grief.

Thank you Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts.

Heartbreak Hill by Heidi McLaughlin for me was a very emotional read, which I look for books that can pull my emotions out. A man dies after a tragic accident and what follows is the story line, between his wife and children and the man that receives his heart. This book could be triggering for some people, but I would still recommend it to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and Montlake the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I was hooked from the start. Talk about having your heart ripped to pieces and slowly being put back together. I really enjoyed how the 2 main storylines joined together at the end and everyone got a HEA. I do think Reid and Grayson’s engagement happened super fast, like I had to go back and make sure I didn’t miss something. But overall I loved this book and will remember this story forever.

I was really interested in the premise of this novel, but ultimately was really disappointed in the execution. The characters felt very two-dimensional, the plot was wafer-thin, and the pacing was all off. These characters experienced a lot and despite this, I hard a hard time connecting with them. It felt like we were jumping from point A to B and so on quickly with little explanation. I feel like the story needed to be fleshed out more in the first half and the second half would have more impactful.

Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Grayson has been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment. One such person is Reid Sullivan, his coworker, neighbour, best friend, and the woman he's madly in love with. Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future, and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.

Grayson got a new heart after his gave out. The near-death experience had him wanting to get together with Reid and not waste anymore time. I feel like their relationship was rushed after they got together. They'd had feelings for the longest time but a proposal so soon after just starting to date came out of nowhere.

Somewhere else, Nadia was learning to cope with life after her beloved husband Rafe's death. Raising her two young daughters was quite the tumultuous task. I loved how family and friends rallied around her. The potential of new love was one that was carefully handled and I loved how it turned out.

The premise of this book had me intrigued. I had an idea of what would happen and was taken on quite the emotional journey. The surprising connections between these two groups of people were amazing. I especially loved the ending.

There were multiple narrators for each POV. I loved Reid's narrator but the rest were not as good. Still enjoyed the audio. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam level: 3.5🌶️ Open door, mild to moderate details

Holy emotional story, Batman! I have heard great things about Heidi's books, but have not read any of them myself. This was a heck of a place to start. The ties between Grayson, Reid, Nadia, and Rafe are strong and deeply rooted. Their story is one of sacrifice, pain, second chances, and ultimately, love. It is a beautiful story that will break your heart before piecing it back together.

This is an original 4 star story that will pull on your heartstrings.

Grayson and Reid have been best friends but they are both in love with each other. Grayson keeps her at arms length until his life altering secrets come to life. It might be too late.
Nadia and Rafe have been married for years and they share 2 daughters . Tragedy will strike them when they least expect it and one will be left to make difficult decisions. These 2 families will be reunited and the healing process can happen.

This story is like 2 stories that are interconnected. It’s about getting a second chance at life and at love. Loss and tragedy. Healing physically and emotionally. Forming ever lasting bonds. Hold on for this emotional roller coaster ride. Beautifully written with an amazing storyline. Bottomline this is a must read.

Told in the third person with an HEA. Although make sure to stock on tissues.

I read a lot of books during the year and this book was hard for me to get into. I didn’t like the main character and thought he could have treated Reid better throughout the book. I enjoyed reading Nadia’s chapters the most and was heartbroken for her. Overall, this book had a unique plot that I hadn’t read before. I’d recommend it to those looking for something different.