**3.5 Stars**

My Heart Still Beats is the first book I have read by this author. Tessa is expected to plan her best friend's bachelorette party in Jamaica but due to trauma she has recently experienced she is struggling in many aspects of her life. The best man/brother of the groom, Ben, agrees to step in and plan it for her when he sees that she is having difficulty with the arrangements and from the minute he meets Tessa, he wants to help her in any way he can, despite also dealing with his own demons from his past.

I adored Ben for the most part. He was helpful, sweet, patient and caring. I struggled a little more to connect to Tessa, I think just because there was so much going on for her that I felt like it was difficult to really connect with her, though I did feel for her with all she had been through. I did feel like the story was somewhat more emotionally laden in terms of complex topics than I was expecting, which made it difficult at times to stay truly invested in. While I normally am someone who can read a book I enjoy in one or two sittings, I felt I had to keep putitng this book down as it wasn't holding my attention enough and/or I felt like there was just too much happening from the past that was impacting Ben and Tessa being able to build their relationship. Reading is an escape for me and while I have no issue reading books with darker themes (and sometimes really enjoy it), I am not so much a fan when I feel like the book is weighed down with too many larger issues that it impacts the larger relationship development. Overall this was an ok read for me. I would still be interested in reading some of the author's other books.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Heart Still Beats by Helen Hardt is a new novel that foocus on Tessa and Ben, best friend of Skye, and younger brother of Brayden, respectively. What important to note is this is not a Dark Rose series book, but it does contain several trigger themes and is quite dark in some places. What I did appreciate though, is although this story has a dark theme, I felt the focus was on the love and acceptance from the right person allowing you to move forward in your pain and grief. Overall, while this wasn't my favorite novel by this author, I think it still had so many positive qualities that I would recommend it to others who need to see how love and positivity in a person's life can be what they need to be able to get past their current suffering.

This book is packed with a ton of baggage. These two characters have so much, I was a little overwhelming, I wanted to hug Tessa so bad, I adored Ben, and he was perfect with her, they were STEAM!!!! But aside from that it was a little hard to connect with the characters, mainly because of EVERYTHING going on with them, but I will for sure read more from this author.

**Tessa** used to be a vibrant and carefree woman until she experienced severe trauma from sexual assault, which left her withdrawn and distrustful. She feels like she'll never regain her former happiness. Now, she must put on a brave face to organize her best friend's bachelorette party, despite her overwhelming desire to hide from the world.

**Ben**, a wealthy and charming reformed playboy, works with his brother Braden. Knowing Tessa's past, he becomes protective and deeply empathetic towards her. His feelings for her grow as they spend more time together, and he falls in love with her. Despite knowing she may never be ready for a romantic relationship, Ben is determined to support her and help her find happiness.

As Tessa slowly heals, Ben's own troubled past begins to resurface, complicating their dynamic. Helen Hardt's book, known for its intense romance, delves deeply into emotional and dark themes with care and sensitivity. The story is a compelling emotional journey, eliciting a wide range of reactions from the reader, from laughter to tears and frustration.

Decidedly less spicy than other books I’ve read from this author, this story is much more in the “tear your heart out” book category.

The hits keep on coming with timeline moves that slowly unravel more and more of the traumas and history of the characters and reveal an unexpected crossover in their lasts

Well written and engaging, I enjoyed this book

This review is based on a ARC and not the finished book.

"It's knowing that my heart still beats." -Ben Black

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Helen Hardt for the ARC!

Helen Hardt has given us another masterpiece! Absolutely loved Tessa and Ben as the main characters for this book and how their relationship progressed throughout the book. Warning: this book contains dark and emotional themes.

Tessa Logan has gone through a traumatic experience and her whole life is turned upside down. While dealing with the trauma she is supporting her best friend, Skye, by planning her bachelorette party with Ben, Skye's future brother-in-law. Hardt gives us an insight into Tessa's mind as she is dealing with her trauma and the mental pain it has caused her. Ben Black is rich, hot as hell, and supportive, He has a dark past which comes back to bite him in the butt while planning his brothers bachelor party. While planning the bachelorette and bachelor parties Tessa and Ben slowly get to know each other. Ben is extremely supportive and understanding of what Tessa is going through. I love that Ben does not push Tessa too much and just enough until she is fully comfortable with him. While there aren't many sex scenes, like in her Black Rose series, I honestly don't mind and feel it would take away from how beautifully Ben and Tessa's relationship progressed.

I can't wait to read more of Hardt's work! If you want romance and are okay with dark and emotional themes I definitely recommend this book.

Learning to love again!

Tessa Logan was trying to plan her best friend’s bachelorette party in Jamaica as maid of honor but she was dealing with PTSD from her assault so most of the planning was done by the best man billionaire Ben Black, who was fighting his own demons.

There is so much between Tessa and Ben trying to deal with all of the emotional landmines when he would try to get closer to Tessa and something would trigger a memory but he would persevere because he couldn’t get Tessa out of his mind.

My Heart Still Beats has many triggers in the story so pay attention to the warnings.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A good title...

Tessa is recovering from abuse. Her mental health is in a fragile, cocooned state to protect herself from trauma. But she has to help plan a destination wedding with Ben. I liked Ben, He was a good match for Tessa, as she deals with finding her way in the world again. Nicely done, Helen.
Recommend.
4.5

This was a good story. I liked the fragility of Tessa but her underlying strength. Ben was so patient with her and I enjoyed how he helped her through this really dark time in her life. It was a little unbelievable when their relationship turned physical however.
When all the suspense came to a head when their pasts collided, I wasn’t sure what would happen, but it turned out for the best in the end.
I was also glad that the author didn’t drag out their story into numerous books.

"My Heart Still Beats" is a captivating tale of love and healing, where Tessa navigates trauma with the support of friends and a new love interest. After a harrowing experience, Tessa struggles to open up and find happiness, especially as she plans her friend's bachelorette party. Ben, a charming businessman, shows understanding and care towards Tessa's past, sparking a deep connection between them. Helen Hardt sensitively portrays Tessa's journey, highlighting the complexities of overcoming fear and embracing love. The growth of both Tessa and Ben is beautifully depicted, showcasing their healing and budding romance in a heartfelt and genuine way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Ehhh I found myself struggling to read and enjoy this one. I found the character not realistic and the assault/trauma on page was a lot to read, and I read some really heavy / dark romance novels, but this wasn't for me. I felt like their first time was just...not good and not how he would have actually acted. Firs tbook by this author for me, so idk if ill read more.

𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎: My Heart Still Beats
𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛: Helen Hardt
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Romance
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: May 28th 2024
𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.9 Stars

🛑 Potential spoilers and triggers ahead 🛑

This book is honestly a good read. I will say that there are some pretty bad triggers for those who stray from books with sexual abuse scenes.

‘My Heart Still Beats’ is such an enticing novel. The way it is written really brings you in making you feel like you are living the story with the characters.

Im obsessed with the amount of detail that was poured into this. When Tessa’s dad dies and everyone is attending the funeral. Tessa’s uncle spoke a beautiful eulogy and really drew me in. I love how the author took her time in making sure even the not-so-main characters get a detailed backstory. This is what makes the book seem like you have stepped into their world as you get to truly know the characters.

Honestly the only con I have with the book is there tends to be quite a bit of repetitive sentences and such but its nothing I cant ignore as the storyline is perfect.

The relationship between Tessa and Ben is so sweet 🥹 His protectiveness over Tessa and his patience with her is incredible. I love that not only does he respect her boundaries from her trauma but he even initiated some boundaries to show his patience and respect towards her.

🤍 All in all- 10/10 RECOMMEND! 🤍

I absolutely loved this book. Once I got about 5 chapters in I was absolutely ENTHRALLED. Tess and Ben’s story is full of emotion, growth, and I was pulling so hard for these two. Such a great read, I definitely recommend!!!!

Can Tessa allow herself to feel again? After an attack left her an introvert, scared of her own shadow, she must venture out to set up a bachelorette party for her best friend's destination wedding. But when the groom's brother and best man, Ben, wants to meet with her to set up the bachelor and bachelorette parties together, can she do it? Once they spend some time together, can she ignore the feelings that arise? Ben struggles with his own demons, which also end up being entwined with her own. A story filled with suspense and high emotion. A must read!

I really enjoyed this book! I found Tessa's mental health struggles to be presented in a reasonable manner at the beginning. Her character devlopment throughout one book was immense. I wish so many awful things wouldn't have happened to her. It did seem that each trauma served a purpose of developing the story or her character, though. I do think Ben had a lot more potential romantically. The two major sex scenes with Tessa and Ben were a bit disappointing as far as his performance is concerned. I just expected more from that character based on the build up of his attraction to Tessa and the description of his prior sexual experiences. I would definitely read another book by this author!

First and foremost, trigger warning for SA. The story was heavier than I thought it was going to be. I never really fully connected with the story and felt like an outsider looking in, instead of a part of the story. This read was just OK for me and not as enjoyable as the Follow Me series. Tessa is trying to plan her best friend’s bachelorette party and is failing. She has a traumatic past she is dealing with. Ben is the best man and steps into help Tessa. He has a past of his own and throughout the story they help heal each other. I was left wanting more and felt unfulfilled at the end. Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an emotional read. I feel for these characters and felt everything they were going through and experiencing. Tessa has been through some really traumatic events recently and as we learn more of her story there is past events too. She used to be fun, bubbly, outgoing but now just a shell of herself. Life keeps going on even though you feel like yours is crumbing. Her best friend is getting married and she has a bachelorette party to plan and attend. She meets Ben- the brother to the groomsman. He comes in and is such a golden retriever character. His patience and kindness to Tessa is beautiful. He really understands her trauma and trying to help her start again. Ben has also had a traumatic past and meeting Tessa seems to be what he really needed. A beautiful touching emotional story. Many thanks to Entangled: Amara Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

First....the Trigger Warning at the front of this book is no joke. There are active scenes in this book that are tied to some pretty serious trauma.

The title of the book and the cover really had me intrigued. But I am going to admit, the first half of this book was a big 'meh.' It was Tessa. I know she was dealing with some pretty strong trauma but she was being a bitch. Everyone was trying and she just turned into a rager. However, you mix that with Ben the Billionaire just being the nicest person imaginable while also admitting to recently quitting his playboy, BDSM ways to find love, it was a little hard to swallow.

But, if you stick with it, you finally see Tessa become a person you might actually have compassion for and Ben stop being a giant pushover. I will say the author was really smart and kept an integral part of the story until the very end so you couldn't help but finish it.

All in all, it was a good read. I would try other books by the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dark and uplifting at the same time, the story grabs hold and doesn't let go. Sensitive topics handled with grace, the dark moving to the light, strength overcoming obstacles and challenges. Strong story and strong characters, with a bit of heat. Highly recommended (watch for triggers).

This book had my emotions all over the place. The trauma… my heart ached. It was raw and emotional. Please check CWs as there as on page triggers. This was overall a good read.