This book was everything I could have hoped for.

I truly do not think I can adequately put into words just how much I loved this book. Truly, it consumed every part of me while reading. I CRIED. I NEVER cry while reading, and for an author to be able to elicit that kind of emotion from me is special.

This was my first dark romance and I went in almost entirely blind, and honestly I think this was a big reason for how much I loved this book. Jennifer Hartman shows how in the darkest of dark times, we hold onto whatever light we can find. This was raw, taboo, extremely vulnerable, so emotional and breathtakingly beautiful.

This book WILL be in my top reads of 2023. I can’t remember a time I felt like this after reading a book (probably ACOTAR). I don’t give out 5 stars very often, but this book deserves endless stars. I cannot wait to read more from Jennifer Hartman.

This story is beautifully heartbreaking and an emotional rollercoaster. Dean and Cora go through a truly horrific experience together - and then have to piece their lives back together with only each other knowing the truth of what happened. Cora grapples with her feelings after growing her entire life thinking the pranks she and Dean played on one another were just that. Soon she realizes she cannot handle this new take on live without him - but she is torn because he is also her sister's fiancée.
Hartmann does a wonderful job at grabbing your heart and taking you on this wild ride. I had no idea of the twists and turns or where this story would end up - but I wish I could read it again and feel it all over once more.

Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann has been on my list to read for a long time, so when I saw it was being re-released by Blook I knew it was the right time to jump in. Narrated by Laurie West and Christian Black, this book wrecked me. This is a dark story with dark subjects and may not be for everyone. Cora and her sister’s fiancé, Dean, have never gotten along, so when she needs help, calling him is her last option. What neither saw coming was being kidnapped and having to do the unthinkable and connecting in ways they never expected.

I do not want to go into the story too much, but afterwards they find themselves continuing to connect because no one knows what they went through. Now they are trying to get into their new normal, but how? Cora and Dean broke my heart and their journey was not an easy one. The story was emotional, dark, full of angst and poignant and I was captivated from start to finish.

Happy listening!

Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for a free Audiobook in return for an honest review.

This book was a surprise! It had a different cover, a necklace with a heart pendant.
Corabelle and Dean find themselves shackled in a dark room. They had been been kidnapped by a perverted psyhcopath They are not a couple, they were only together because Dean was giving Corabelle a lift, helping her out. Dean is Corabelles sister's partner of 15 years who she can't really stand. However over time, in a small place, a foot away from you, their affection builds for each other and she notices he is actually a decent and caring hunan being. The kidnapper rapes Cora once but thereafter he wants them as a couple to 'perform'. This is extremely awkward, Dean is not her boyfreind but when its either do it or die, literally with a gun to your head, you have no option.
There are many triggers in this *violence, rape, voyeurism.
The narration is good, I prefer the female narrator is much better, not sure why they used a male narrator as well?
But if you like EL James and you can get over the first rape section this book is quite raunchy and enjoyable with some growing genuine romance too you will love this book!

July 2023: thank you to NetGalley for sending me the audiobook. It was such a great way for me to get my reread in since I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since January. This has been one of my favorite books this year and listening to the audio version was just as emotional.


Jan 2023:
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎,“ 𝙸 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚜𝚑. “𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎.“

This story is about Cora who gets kidnapped along with the person she dislikes the most, her sisters fiance Dean. After weeks of torture they are able to escape, but only physically. Mentally, they are still in that basement fighting for their lives. You always hear stories about the people who were able to escape their captors, but you never get to see the aftermath and how they go on living after something so horrific. This is a very raw, emotional, and tragically beautiful love story of two people, bonded by their trama, trying to survive in the world.

I loved this book so much. I went into it completely blind and had no idea what it was about. Once Cora and Dean were kidnapped I assumed the enitre book was going to be about their capture. I was pleasantly surprised when we were able to follow them on their healing journey after they escaped. The relationship development between our two main characters was simultaneously brutal and beautiful. This book has both Cora and Dean's POVs which I think fit perfectly with the story. This story has just the right amount of trama, healing, and angst; it just made the story feel so much more real. Dean is my new favorite person; even going through his own trama he was always there whenever Cora needed someone. If I ever end up in a situtation like this, I would definitely want a 'Dean' with me.

Wow, I’m in shock honestly. This was dark and I felt sad the whole way through. Don’t get me wrong, this was a fantastic read but I believe it is better if you go in blind. These characters go through so much that their connection is inevitable. This isn’t your average romance it’s a journey of being at your lowest point and coming back and battling demons and finding yourself in the world again. From the start of this book, it just dived straight into the darkness and draws you in so fast. I honestly only felt one emotion reading this book sadness. If there were happy bits I was sad still. I read the physical and listened to the audiobook. The audiobook was fantastic and enhanced my experience while reading. It's told in a dual narration as well.

Overall really good read and I do recommend just please look into triggers before diving in.

If you love:

🔹Dark Content & Themes
🔹Graphic Scenes
🔹Survival
🔹Intimate Connection
🔹Mental Health
🔹Emotional Reads

Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Physical & Audiobook ARC
Pages: 300
Audio Length: 12hrs 7mins
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone:
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Kidnapping, SA, R, Captivity, Violence, Physical Abuse, Guns, Forced Cheating, Murder, Past Memories, Miscarriage, Tattoo, Alcohol, Drug Use, Overdose, Mental Health, Trauma, Medical Content & Playlist
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

3.5/5 ⭐️

I Iistened to this book on @netgalley and really enjoyed it! I had forgotten what it was about before I started listening so I was really taken aback when the main characters got kidnapped.

The story is very well written and has a couple of hot spicy scenes, and the development of the relationship is very realistic, in my opinion.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a mini thriller. About 1/3 of the book is the thriller portion, and the remaining 2/3 is the relationship progression.

I would definitely recommend you give this a try if you’re looking for something with a tiny bit of edge but still some romance.

STILL BEATING review

⭐️⭐️/5

🔒This was… not what I expected. I had never read a “dark romance” book before so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’ve seen a lot of good reviews for this one so I gave it a try. I’m not sure if dark romance isn’t for me or if it was just this book in particular that didn’t work for me?

🔒Here’s a summary of the plot:👇
Cora is stranded after her sister’s birthday party and the only person who is able to pick her up is the last person she wants to see, her sister’s fiancé. Just as she’s thinking her night can’t get any worse, a stranger attacks them both. She wakes up in the stranger’s basement and is now trapped there with her sister’s fiancé. Can her worst enemy be the one person to save her?

🔒I’m going to be honest, the plot summary didn’t convey how cheesy the storyline of this one is. It felt like a WattPad read for the majority of the book. I couldn’t buy into the romance storyline at all (are y’all actually in love or just suffered through the same trauma?). Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this one. It just wasn’t for me. I don’t think I’ll be checking out anymore “dark romances” anytime soon. 🤣

I went in blind, only knew that the MCs were kidnapped together. The book was separated into 3 parts which was a good way to separate events, and how the MCs dealt with their trauma. Very heavy emotional plot, I was unsure if I should continue because the kidnapping was just heavy, but the entire book was written so well I had to finish it. The audiobook was just as great, the narrators did an amazing job.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a reread for me and it was just as heartbreaking the second time around.
The things Cora and Dean have to endure are dark. You absolutely should check triggers before diving into this book. It's not for the faint of heart.
The audio is fantastic. I truly felt the emotions of the situation alongside Cora and Dean.
Amazing book all the way around!

This audio? The writing? Wow! This deserves infinite amount of stars!

This is one of those books that will live with me forever. It is absolute perfection from start to finish.

Dean and Cora are the true definition of enemies. Dean is engaged to Cora’s sister and they can’t stand to be in the same room as one another. Until one night when they are kidnapped together. What do you do when the only person you can rely on is the one person you truly hate?

Cora is an extremely strong woman, but DEAN!!! Dean is high up there with the ultimate book boyfriends. He is extraordinarily sweet. 🥹 I just love him so much!

Jennifer did a beautiful job at turning such a horrific and raw story into an absolute masterpiece.

I read this in audio format and just, WOW!!! This is actually a re-read for me. I physically read it last year and it was amazing. I truly didn’t think it would be better the second time around, but boy was I wrong. The narrators brought this story to life. I didn’t think it was possible, but Laurie West and Christian Black made me cry even harder this time. I was in an absolute puddle.

“She can pretend to hate me. If it diminishes even a fraction of her pain, she can pretend all she wants. But I know it’s love… it has to be, because if this isn’t love… Then I am certain it does not exist.” 😭

As always, check your trigger warnings 🖤

Side Note - There is a bonus chapter at the end of the audiobook for a future book to come. It was only one chapter and I was crying. I can’t wait for Tabitha’s beautiful story. She deserves her happy ever after.

This is a difficult review to write due to the dark subject matter in the book. Please check the trigger warnings before reading. I listened to the audiobook and I think that may be the best way to read this one. The narrators did a phenomenal job and I loved the before and after effect using the male/female voices. The story itself is very dark and the first part is difficult to read, but then it becomes addictive and I ended up staying up super late listening in one go. Dean and Cora are strong characters that have to fight in so many ways to survive and thrive and find their happily ever after.

Rounded up from 4.5
Cora wakes up, shackled in a madman's basement, after her sister's birthday party. Worst, Dean, her sister's fiancé and arch nemesis, is shackled beside her. They always thought they would end up killing each other, but now they need to collaborate to survive. Who is this madman that is keeping them? What does he want from them?
It's a dark, forbidden, taboo, enemies to lovers, sister's fiancé romance, and it was amazing. Please check your trigger warnings before you jump into this because wow. This was hard. I listened to the audio book, and the narration was captivating. During part 1 (Cora's POV), I was wishing I could get Dean's POV, and I was glad to hear it in part 2. It doesn't go back his POV on the events in part 1, it picks up from where they left off. Same when we go back from part 2 to part 3 (back to Cora's POV). These switches were interesting, letting us know each character more in depth, but I would've liked to see Dean's POV in Cora's parts and vice and versa (it would've been nice if the POVs switched every other chapter or so). But it didn't bother me tons. It still grabbed me from the first minute. Dark romance is not usually my thing, but I've heard such good things about this one I had to give it a try, and it was very well done. Also, how twisted am I that I preferred part 1 to the rest? Don't get me wrong, I loved the whole book, but that first part was so intense...
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

*Audio listen 7/2023
This was one of my top books for 2022 so when the audio was released I was able to listen. The narrators were great and really brought this book to life. Although this time around I wasn't surprised by any of the story I still enjoyed reliving the journey. A definite recommend. Please check TW as this is a graphic, dark romance.



*Original review from 2/2022
I kept waiting for this book to let me down. I added this book to my TBR probably a year ago and I kept skipping it (as beautiful as the cover is, it intimidated me). It kept being recommended on so many platforms but I didn't want to believe the hype. Let me tell you, it's worth all of the hype and not one second did [author:Jennifer Hartmann|20208474] let us down as readers. This story was so well thought out. She didn't cut corners on our emotions or even the characters. 5 solid stars and a top read not just for the year but overall. Wow, blown away!

After a night out at her sister's birthday party to celebrate, Cora's night takes a turn for the worse. She finds herself locked in a basement although she is not alone. Alongside her is her sister's fiance Dean. Cora and Dean have always had a peculiar relationship that included pranks and jokes. Over 15 years in each other's lives they have shared a mutual dislike for each other, or so they thought. Now when faced with a life-or-death situation, they must come together. A life-altering experience that no one else can imagine brings on an undeniable connection.

With intertwining running themes, this book has left me with mixed feelings. I rate it a 2.5. The thriller, suspense, and strong spicy romance themes didn't seem to connect or mesh well for me. As a fiction novel, it still overtly felt unrealistic during scenarios that were meant to be serious to the reader.

Still Beating is a thought-provoking take on a dark romance. If you are in search of a book that includes overcoming trauma and forbidden love, this book could be for you.

*Trigger warnings for this book include rape, miscarriage, and explicit sex.

I am very interested in seeing what else this author has to offer. I look forward to checking out Lotus next.

Title: "Still Beating" by Jennifer Hartmann: A Dark and Raw Journey of Survival and Healing

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

WARNING: This is a dark romance. This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers, including rape, as well as strong language and explicit sex. 18+ only. Please read responsibly.

Jennifer Hartmann delves into the depths of dark romance in "Still Beating," delivering a gripping and emotionally charged story that explores trauma, survival, and the complexities of human connection. With its realistic portrayal of healing and the transformative power of love, this book leaves a lasting impact.

Cora and Dean, long-standing enemies, find themselves unexpectedly shackled together in a madman's basement. Forced to rely on each other for survival, their shared experience starts to blur the lines between hate and love. As their captor reveals a twisted plan, Cora and Dean must confront their past and navigate the challenging path to healing. Jennifer Hartmann brilliantly depicts the heart-wrenching scenes in the basement, capturing the devastation and the unwavering support Dean offers Cora.

One of the strengths of "Still Beating" is its realistic depiction of trauma bonding. Amidst the darkness, Cora finds solace in Dean, as he becomes her pillar of strength in the most unimaginable circumstances. Hartmann portrays the journey of healing authentically, showcasing the messy and non-linear path to recovery. There are no quick fixes, but rather a raw and unfiltered exploration of the complexities of moving forward after such trauma.

The title, "Still Beating," holds profound meaning within the story. It symbolizes the resilience and strength of the characters as they endure unimaginable horrors and strive to reclaim their lives. This theme resonates powerfully throughout the book, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

While the story excels in its exploration of trauma and healing, one aspect that could have been handled differently is the portrayal of Cora's sister. In order to justify Cora's betrayal, the sister is often presented in a negative light. This approach felt unnecessary and could have been addressed without resorting to comparison or negative portrayals.

Regarding the audio narration, the voice actors bring an extra layer of emotion to the story. Their portrayal of the characters' pain and rawness adds depth to the already compelling narrative. The audio rendition enhances the overall experience, immersing the listener in the intense emotions and dark scenes.

"Still Beating" is a dark romance that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as lovers of crime and thrillers. However, it's important to note that this book contains sensitive subject matter, including rape, so readers should approach it with caution and be aware of the content warnings.

In conclusion, Jennifer Hartmann delivers a gripping and emotionally charged story in "Still Beating." It is a tale of survival, healing, and the transformative power of love in the face of unimaginable darkness

Thank you for the audio copy of Still Beating!

What a wild ride this book was. Jennifer Hartman is another new author to me this month. I should have read it sooner instead of waiting cause the reviews were right.

The story is about Coralee and Dean. They are enemies, pranksters, Cora is like I don’t like you but I have to deal with you cause you are dating my sister vibe. They end up in a terrible situation. Where they learn about each other and actually start caring.

You go through emotions on how any person would react to the situation that they were involved in. Both of them completely different reactions from them.

If you haven’t read this book. You should! Don’t let it sit on your tbr anymore

READ. THIS. BOOK

I feel like a been in the boxing ring with every emotion going.

This book is devastatingly beautiful. I read it in one sitting, it’s just that good. Still Beating is DARK and addresses some sensitive issues so . . .

Please check your TWs

Cora and Dean have known each other for 15 years. Dean is Cora's sister's fiancé and they hate each other, allegedly. Up to the day they were kidnapped by a "matchmaker" serial killer, who gets off on seeing his victims falling in love with one another before killing them both.

The book was originally published in 2020, but it's being republished now. While I tried to approach the story with an open mind, I couldn't help but notice some of its flaws.

Cora's "I'm not like other girls" personality made me instantly dislike her. The way she describes herself and her sister at the beginning of the book legit made me roll my eyes and her constant negativity towards Dean was frustrating. However, Dean was a great character who kept me invested in the story from start to finish. Him putting up with Cora's stubbornness and immaturity made him a standout character.

Despite some of the outdated characterizations and plot points, the book still manages to deliver an intriguing plot. However, some of the characters lacked boundaries and didn't take a hint, which was frustrating at times.

On a positive note, the audiobook narration was really good! Listening to it made it easier to get though, as I have a young child so having an earbud in my ear was way easier than trying to read it lol.

Overall, my feelings towards this book are mixed. There were moments when I genuinely enjoyed it, and others when I despised it. I remained invested in the story primarily because of Dean, while Cora's character put me off. She did improve slightly towards the end, but not enough to make me like her.

3/5

This is a dark and poignant read that left a deep impression on me. This is Cora and Dean's story, they are long-time adversaries brought together in a harrowing situation. Their journey is filled with darkness, trauma, and an unbreakable bond that forms amidst the chaos. Hartmann's storytelling is hauntingly beautiful, delving into their emotions with authenticity. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by Laurie West and Christian Black, whose performances were exceptional, breathing life into the characters. This book is a powerful exploration of love, redemption, and human resilience. Hartmann's talent shines through, and I eagerly await more from this gifted storyteller.