Member Reviews
Heartbeat by Belinda Williams is a good fit for readers who enjoy romance novels with a focus on innocent love, the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and the struggle to maintain a positive reputation.
This book is about a young woman named Chloe. She's grown up with a famous actress mother and is a well known actress herself. On her 21st birthday she's lucky to meet and enjoy the presence of one of her favorite band named Gypsy Hour. This is where her story begins. She learns the ups and downs of being and adult, being in the public eye and about relationships.
At first this book was kind of slow and I didn't feel any connection to the characters but near the middle I really got into the story and began to feel very much a part of the characters world. Chloe is so sweet but kind of naive which seems difficult when growing up in Hollywood but she's also rash and makes decisions without thinking them completely through although she means well. Gabe is a sweetheart right from the beginning but he's overshadowed by Johnny. Johnny's a playboy and a little bit of a jerk only thinking about himself but he does turn things around and shows that he genuinely care about Gabe and Chloe. The other band members are also pretty cool. We learn a little bit about Emilio but not much about Levi. Chloe's little brother Damon was an instantly lovable character, I wanted to hug him so bad poor kid. Chloe's friends are also very nice although we don't quite see a lot of them other than Faith. Faith is hardcore tough and protective I really like her and would read more about her. [Another big part of the story is that Chloe has a stalker, and I couldn't believe it when it turned out to be Levi that was unexpected, but it's possible that it was unexpected because we learn almost nothing about him during the story or at least that's what I think he could have been a little more fleshed out and maybe given the reader some clues as to him possibly being the stalkers but it was still a fun reveal.
I enjoyed this, maybe not as much as the first one, there was something too childish in Chloe, though an argument can be made that 21 is still young. On top of being a child star, she has had the Hollywood life so her sheltered life comes through.
Williams links together previous characters we've met before and I enjoyed seeing them. I liked Gabe and I enjoyed his character a lot. There is a lot of drama and emotional torment but Williams balances it and adds an air of mystery. Once you get used to the characters there is a nice story about finding your feet in the world and discovering who you are and how you want the world to see you.
Heartbeat is another exciting, well-written installment of the Hollywood Hearts series.
Chloe a veritable Hollywood starlet. Celebrating her 21st birthday means a bash, and it's where she meets her crush, Gabriel da Silva, drummer extraordinaire. Yet, when a scandal breaks out and she's pictured with the band's lead singer instead of Gabe, will it ruin her chances with Gabe even though the pictures don't depict what really happened (or didn't happen to be more accurate)? As it becomes obvious Chloe has a stalker that doesn't want her and Gabe together, the tension between our couple ramps up.
I loved Chloe in Heartbeat. For a 21 year old, she's rather mature and self-possessed. She may be a tad naive, but she's no doormat. She's got a strong backbone and doesn't let people run her over. Gabe too was a sweetheart, but he had a heartbreaking past. I felt for him, really felt for him as slowly his past was revealed.
The combination of sweet romance and suspenseful mystery is an engaging one and I liked Heartbeat even more than Heartbreaker, the previous story in this series. This series just keeps getting better, I'm really anxious for more.
It was kind of a quick read for me. Not sure if it was because I had nothing to do all day or what. I started the book then next thing I knew, I was done!
This is one of those books where you think you know, but then you have find your jaw dropped saying OMG!!
This is the 3rd book in the series. You can read it as a standalone. You do see the other characters from the other 2 books in this 3rd book.
Claire a major movie actress has a big birthday bash! You know you got to throw down when you turn 21 right!
The band playing is kind of sort of major as well. She has the hots for the drummer. Almost like a high school crush with the way she acted around the whole band. It was funny stupid!!
This book also shows you age isn't anything but a number. When you really love someone that doesn't get in the way. It's also about trust.
There were some slow parts, and other times it picked up and I wanted to hurry up and read so I could see what was going to happen. Who was actually trying to scare Claire and ruin her family.
Gabe, gabe, gabe! The hot drummer, who has some secrets.
I didn't like her mom at all, she meddles and did things a mother shouldn't have done. If she was my mom, I would've slapped her until tomorrow!!
Great thing is there is a HEA in this book. You just need to read and finish it to see what happens.
4.5- Sweet and innocent meets rock and roll stars. When pictures of Chloe appear in print what happens when it shows her with someone completely different than the person she wants to be with? Will she realize there are more to the pictures ? Chloe is sweet and has had a crush on rock drummer Gabriel, will he believe what the press is printing or will he believe Chloe? Thank you for allowing me to read this book and write about it.
Belinda Williams has written another heartfelt and lively novel with Heartbeat, the third book from her Hollywood Hearts series. It is a passionate read, complete with a suspenseful plot, interesting characters, and a romance surrounded by rock and roll. This story is about Chloe Kemp, a successful child-star, dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a twenty-one-year-old actress in Tinseltown.
Chloe finds love with Gabriel da Silva, a very talented drummer with a successful rock band. Their love is able to withstand many obstacles, including a stalker, the paparazzi, and nine months of separation.
Ms. Williams has become one of my favorite authors and her novels are consistently engrossing. This book is nicely written, and I savored the relationships Chloe had with those she loves and cares about. If you enjoy a novel with a strong heroine, an eclectic group of caring friends, and a kind hero, then spend sometime in Hollywood with Heartbeat.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Heartbeat is the third book in the Hollywood Hearts Series from Belinda Williams. You can read this book as a standalone as this is the first book I have read in this series.
Chloe Kemp is a twenty one year old who knows it is not easy growing up i the celebrity spotlight. Unlike other child actors though, Chloe is determined to hold onto her squeaky clean reputation. So far it has been easy because she really is the sweet innocent girl the media portray her to be. Until a video of her in bed with the lead singer of a famous rock band is released online. Only nothing happened. Not that anyone would ever believe her. Nor will anyone believe she was in bed with the wrong rock star. Chloe has fallen for drummer Gabriel da Silva, and she is heartbroken she has ruined her chances with him. Or is it possible he has fallen for Chole's sweetness?
When Chloe is sent incriminating images, it becomes apparent someone is following her with the intention of ruining her reputation as well as any relationship with Gabe. If Chloe wants her career to survive, and a shot with Gabe is it time she grows up and trusts her heart.
I really enjoyed this book. I wouldn't mind going back either and reading the first two books in the series. I really like Chloe. She could be just about anyone's bestie. She is just so sweet but has this side of her that has a backbone and she is not taking crap from anyone. She too has this huge crush on Gabe but due to unfortunate circumstances images are leaked of her in the bed of the lead singer of Gabe's band. However that doesn't stop their friendship from growing and thing moving in the right direction. Then again more images are leaked and it is clear that Chloe has a stalker. If you really want to know what happens though you have to read the book as I don't want to ruin anything for anyone. But I loved this book. It kept my attention and had me engrossed in it till the very end.
Chloe’s good friends were Faith, Ally, and Lena . It was Chloe’s twenty first birthday party. Tonight five hundred people would be joining Chloe and her friends at her mother's estate. Chloe’s mom was a retired actress. Chloe couldn’t believe the band Gypsy Hour would be playing at her birthday party. Chloe had been acting since she was six so she was a well known actress known for her innocence and sweetness. Chloe couldn’t wait to meet the members of Gypsy Hour and she had a crush on the drummer Gabe. Chloe was innocent as she was still a virgin. Chloe did have a great time at her party even if she had been a little awed by Gabe. Chloe had drank a lot more than she normally did but you only turned twenty one once. At about two a m Chloe had to go to the bathroom and decided to use a guest bathroom and went into the guest room and Johnny was there with only his jeans on. He gave Chloe a birthday kiss and gropped her chest for a second and then Chloe slapped him. Someone had taped it but left out the slap. It was all over the internet shortly thereafter. Then an offer came through Chloe’s agent to d a music video with Gypsy Hour. Chloe didn’t want to do the video she felt she had blown her chance to get to know Gabe. But Chloe sis end up doing the video and talks to Gabe and they end up dating each other.
I loved this book. It was a short terrific enjoyable romance I loved how Chloe always believed in Gabe. I also loved how Chloe got Gabe and her very shy brother Damon to meet and start jamming together. I loved how close and caring Chloe was with Damon. I loved how the author showed how difficult coming out of the closet especially in a famous family was especially for someone like Damon. I thought there was a lot of realism in this book. I love how protective Gabe was of Chloe. But also Viktor who cared more than a bodyguard normally would about Chloe. I adored the ending of this book it was just great and brought everything together. I loved Chloe and Gabe together. I loved the plot and pace of this book. I loved Chloe and her good friends relationship and how they were all there for her. I couldn’t find a single thing I didn’t love about this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of thos book and I highly recommend.
Chloe is a sweet young woman, who is naïve at times. It seems like she has lead a sheltered life even though her mother is a famous actress. Chloe does not want to upset anyone, but she needs to take charge over her life. She has this crush on Gabe, but things get in their way. Will he believe her? Will they move on together?
This had some romance with a bit of drama. This was my first book I read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by her.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
Chloe is a child star who is growing into a major talent with a famous movie star mother. She is used to fame but not the kind that starts happening on her 21st birthday. All of a sudden her sexuality is a commodity and it affects her relationship with Gabe, the drummer from her favorite rock band. Great story!
This was another great addition to the Hollywood Hearts series!I've loved Chloe since the first installment - Heartthrob and was waiting to see when she would get her book.And it did not disappoint!
Chloe is just this sweet and amazing person, but has a backbone of steel too!
She's always maintained a good reputation and has this girl-next-door image.But all this changes on the day of her 21st birthday bash!She meets the drummer-Gabe, from her favorite band, and is glad to feel the connection with him(one that she hopes he feels too).But due to a turn of events, she gets caught on video with one of the bandmates.And sadly its the lead singer and not Gabe.It's definitely not what it looks like, but her image could take a hit.And she's also worried about what Gabe would think of it.
But he sees the truth and their friendship seems to be going in the right direction when more images and information come to light, making the situation even more serious!
So, not only does she have an over protective mother from whom she wishes to break free slowly and gain independence, she also has a stalker now and a reputation to maintain.What should she do now?
Just like the previous two books this one also had a perfect mix of romance, suspense and humor.The characters were amazing!Though Chloe is young and undeniably sweet, she's not completely naive.She is strong in her own right and has an amazing circle of friends(who I love).It was really great seeing Jake,Ally,Marc and Lena again!Gabriel was also wonderful!He's strong but tender with Chloe and has his own share of secrets too.But they were perfect for each other!I loved watching their relationship develop!
So if you haven't read this series yet, I'd urge you to start it as you'll definitely like it!
And I'm guessing Faith's story is next!She's so feisty and I can't wait to read her story! :D
This was a great book to read. Not read much by this author but I did enjoy this book. Well written with a great storyline and amazing characters. Look forward to more by this author in the future. Would recommend
I was a little disappointed at first because I thought this more of a young adult book. Although Chloe is just running 21 the other supporting characters for the most part are older. Chloe is a lovely person and her goodness shines through. Her brother is funny and sweet. Gabe is a very interesting character and I wished we had some of the storyline from his POV. I was a little shocked by the mom, the stalkers identity and Gabe's revelations. I have not read the other stories in the series, after reading this one I did add them to my reading list.
I didn't think there was much of a storyline. The bad guy suddenly is revealed and is out of left field and then disappears quickly. The content before and after is unremarkable. The mother of the actress made me sick.
I've read much better from this author. I do appreciate the opportunity but this is a miss.
Heartbeat, Hollywood Hearts: Book 3, Belinda Williams
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
I loved the first book, with Ally and Jake, enjoyed the second with Lena and Marc and looked forward to this. Ally and Jake are still my favorites ( in fact I'm just having a reread after finishing this one...) but this comes a close second.
Chloe is a real star, lovely girl, over protective mama and at 21 trying to take some control over her life without upsetting anyone. Its interesting reading her back in book one after having read this one, in fact its put a whole slant on all of the characters now I know more about them.
Its her 21st and she's having a party, arranged by mama, with her favorite band playing. She's gobsmacked to meet them, awed at meeting Gabriel, the drummer who she's admired for so long.
Through a culmination of circumstances she gets caught on video with the lead singer that night. Its not what it looks like but can she convince anyone? Will Gabe believe her, and who did it anyway? And why? And what happens next?
Gabe accepts her explanation, and things seem to be going well until more images get revealed, along with some information that makes it clear she has a stalker. What now? The tone of the messages is quite threatening.
Chloe is lovely, and handles events so well. Gabe too is a real strength to her, she needs that. I loved him, a real gentleman.
We meet Ally, Lena, Faith, Jake and Marc again. The group have become close friends and she needs their support, as events go further and put pressure on her and Gabe's relationship. Can they come through, as the secrets that come out are ever more more complicated.
I was shocked at some of the revelations, certainly didn't see those coming and it makes for an action packed complex romance that was just perfect. Its one that will, like the first book, become a re-reader for me.
I loved that we got the real Hollywood setting, the action and dramas of filming, and the difficulties of merging a Hollywood relationship with the odd hours of filming, that comes with a Rock star touring schedule. I like books to reflect the realities of the settings and all three of these have done that beautifully.
Stars: Five, a perfect Hollywood romance, with a solid story backing it.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
This is the third book in the series. I always enjoy reading about the past couples, I like knowing what they are up to. This book was about Claire, and her interest in rockstar hottie Gabe. Someone is following Claire, and all hell breaks lose killing her image, pictures arise that are not the truth. Does she lose her chance with Gabe, will the truth come out? And who is doing it.? suspenseful romance..Can't wait for Faith's next.
Cute story with a bit of grit to it. Chloe was an absolute sweetheart in the face of both internal and external pressure she managed to stay true to herself. Gabe poor guy, he had it hard, I would have loved to read even one chapter that gave an insight as to what was going through his mind.
Heartbeat(Hollywood Hearts #3) by Belinda Williams starts out with Chloe Kemp’s favorite band headlining her twenty-first birthday gala. Although she has a serious crush on drummer Gabe, it’s the band’s lead singer Johnnie that ends up giving her a birthday kiss. The next morning she wakes up & finds that the kiss was recorded and has gone viral across the media. She’s pretty she’s lost any chance of developing something more with Gabe. Fortunately, she gets a second chance with her dream guy.
The first half of is engaging as Chloe gets to know Gabe and struggles with breaking away from her innocent child star persona. However, the story line was too plot driven in the second half including a stalker and the reveal that Gabe might not be the man she thinks he is. I think the novel would be better with fewer plot devices and more character development. Although I found Chloe engaging, Gabe never really developed for me until the very end. Although I enjoyed reading about Chloe’s journey, I wasn’t invested in her HEA with the hero. As Hollywood themed chick lit, the story works. As a romance, not so much.