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A review by lenoreo
Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne
5.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/03/17/heart-smart-by-emma-lee-jayne/
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — Wow. This one just grabbed me, sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go…I kind of love that feeling.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with a grumpy/jerk hero, b/c that’s not something I gravitate towards AT ALL. But there was SO MUCH going on underneath Max, he was kind of fascinating to get to know. Don’t get me wrong, he was a jerk…and sometimes there were no excuses. But other times he was hiding a tender heart that was afraid and confused. It was so interesting being in his head, and seeing him completely miss certain social cues and such — and to see how he had interpreted things along the way in his life. I genuinely didn’t expect to fall in love with him, but I did…right alongside Holly. When Holly pushed him enough and he got over himself, he was observant, kind, and desperately deserving of love.
Holly, on the other hand, I probably fell in love with right away. I’m loving seeing these characters with ADHD, b/c I’m suddenly starting to recognize myself in parts of them. She was so earnest, and with such a HUGE heart. I LOVED how tenacious she was when she wanted something, and how she could see past facades at times, so wasn’t put off at first push. She was sassy, adorable, smart, and just so easy to love. I LOVED how much she wanted to help lift others up, knowing how hard it can be to start with disadvantages.
Now don’t get me wrong, they were both wrapped up in their own perceived deficiencies, with strong walls protecting themselves…but I was okay with the timeline for watching those crumble and seeing them figure things out. It was immensely satisfying. Because honestly? They were so cute together. I loved the way they pushed and challenged one another. I loved the way they teased. Oh yeah, and their chemistry was pretty freaking amazing as well.
Lots of really interesting side characters in this one too…like, LOTS. From Max’s grad students, to his sister Tavey, to Lily MacPherson, to Holly’s friend Liz…it was a really interesting cast, and I’m desperate for more books from ANY OF THEM.
While the connections with the Smartypants Romance Universe were pretty high level, and not as woven in as in other books in the SPRU, this one fit just in the way the book made me feel. It seriously gave me HUGE Laws of Physics vibes — with quirky and unique characters you can’t help but love and root for.
What can I say? I’m in love. I need more. Like yesterday. Get on it Ms. Jayne!
I received a free copy through Smartypants Romance in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — Wow. This one just grabbed me, sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go…I kind of love that feeling.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with a grumpy/jerk hero, b/c that’s not something I gravitate towards AT ALL. But there was SO MUCH going on underneath Max, he was kind of fascinating to get to know. Don’t get me wrong, he was a jerk…and sometimes there were no excuses. But other times he was hiding a tender heart that was afraid and confused. It was so interesting being in his head, and seeing him completely miss certain social cues and such — and to see how he had interpreted things along the way in his life. I genuinely didn’t expect to fall in love with him, but I did…right alongside Holly. When Holly pushed him enough and he got over himself, he was observant, kind, and desperately deserving of love.
Holly, on the other hand, I probably fell in love with right away. I’m loving seeing these characters with ADHD, b/c I’m suddenly starting to recognize myself in parts of them. She was so earnest, and with such a HUGE heart. I LOVED how tenacious she was when she wanted something, and how she could see past facades at times, so wasn’t put off at first push. She was sassy, adorable, smart, and just so easy to love. I LOVED how much she wanted to help lift others up, knowing how hard it can be to start with disadvantages.
Now don’t get me wrong, they were both wrapped up in their own perceived deficiencies, with strong walls protecting themselves…but I was okay with the timeline for watching those crumble and seeing them figure things out. It was immensely satisfying. Because honestly? They were so cute together. I loved the way they pushed and challenged one another. I loved the way they teased. Oh yeah, and their chemistry was pretty freaking amazing as well.
Lots of really interesting side characters in this one too…like, LOTS. From Max’s grad students, to his sister Tavey, to Lily MacPherson, to Holly’s friend Liz…it was a really interesting cast, and I’m desperate for more books from ANY OF THEM.
While the connections with the Smartypants Romance Universe were pretty high level, and not as woven in as in other books in the SPRU, this one fit just in the way the book made me feel. It seriously gave me HUGE Laws of Physics vibes — with quirky and unique characters you can’t help but love and root for.
What can I say? I’m in love. I need more. Like yesterday. Get on it Ms. Jayne!