CROSS NY HEART
BY: MEGAN COLLINS

4.25 Stars!

I read and loved Author, Megan Collins debut novel called, "THE WINTER SISTER," which was one that was memorable and I remember being riveted, how suspenseful it was. The prose and imagery was flawless. It's the kind of novel that examines how we are affected by our choices in ways that are profound and impact us that is felt not just by the character's decisions, but resonates with the reader that was a meditative reading experience that is a deeply felt. This was an impressive follow up as far as being a plot driven, and suspenseful novel that I read in one sitting. Megan Collin's has wrote another impressive psychological thriller and her character development in which her Protagonist is layered and a novel that had my admiration for how she had me stop and question if what I had thought I missed something, which reading further I was impressed that it was a clever and unexpected, but has left a lasting impression at her writing skills. This is a cut above most psychological thrillers with writing that brings warmth to her development of the main character Rosie. At first I thought that this may be more relatable to a younger audience, but it was impossible to predict until I grew closer to the end, which I guessed correctly. Until I still wonder if that was what Megan Collins meant for it to be so obvious on purpose, I would love to reread her debut "THE WINTER SISTER," to see if it resonates as strongly, or if I would feel the same way as I remember feeling after finishing it. Megan Collins has written several books since that one. That book had left me with such a lasting impression, that when I read the synopsis this her latest called, "CROSS MY HEAT," shows that she's an astute author. I was unable to put this down, but her debut remains my favorite. It might seem unfair to compare the two, but it had a lasting impression that had after all this time I remember that it had struck a chord within me that moved me within that had more depth that I can't remember what that was, only that I still feel that after all these years I remember how I felt while I was reading it and it's one that I would like to see if it resonates me. Those are my favorite books that brings me to say that this was a way above average psychological thrillers that I used to read more often many years ago, This is far and above better than most with it having so many twists and turns that it's nuanced writing making me suspicious of everyone just as the author intended I suspect. So, this is one that I'll remember except that I think the ending was one that dragged out for me,,but then again, I do continue to read them every once in awhile I was ready to reach the end. I think that when I reached the final reveal I suspected that person's relationship with a certain character felt off throughout the novel, and actually I thought the reasoning and logic might appeal to a younger reader. It's main character Rosie Lachlan is well developed who is working for her parents Bridal Salon, who is 31 years old, with a string of rejections in romantic relationships, and feels like she is looking for another one, since she seems to need to be in one to validate her. I've known one friend who I lost touch with who Rosie sort of reminded me of in parts of this novel. She appeared to be of the mindset that being single is a state that she doesn't think is okay. As if she is half a person unless she is involved within a romantic relationship that is only a partner can make her feel whole. Or her parents seem to be happily married for her whole life, and she is yearning for that stage of her life to begin? But, with someone who typically has had the relationship experience where she has always been rejected? with her age at 31 years old having her childhood best friend, happily married? I was initially worried that Rosie would be comprised of that type of character, she does have that trope at least in the beginning,,but surprised me with her complex character, her compassion, and for now as it begins, that's seems to be her sole focus. I empathized with her somewhat in that she feels as life is passing her by, and feels that getting married will complete her, which never does There is a reason why I'm not saying more, and it basically states this in the beginning of this ARC, I've given nothing away, except my deeper analysis which I can assure you that this author is talented.

The thing with Rosie is that she has had a heart transplant recently and her best friend, Nina who is a nurse broke her HIPPA oath and told Rosie who she's pretty sure who her heart donor is. Her name was Daphe Thorne whose husband Morgan is an established Author and somewhat a celebrity. Rosie starts up an email that she writes to which is called DonorConnect that is a service that acts as an intermediary that forwards her email to Morgan who enthusiastically responds within a few days. It's evident that she is a nice person, but to most experienced people it's obvious that she's interested in him by how she seems to write to him trying too hard at impressing him. She has his dead wife's heart, but now she seems to wants his, too.

That email service that forwards their exchange of long emails between them begins each of the volley of their long, oversharing where he seems just as enthusiastic towards her, always reminds both sender and recipient not to share names, email addresses and any identifiable information unless both donor families and the transplant client agree. Rosie does a little stalking of Morgan and it should be obvious that he has issues that a man that lost his wife is encouraging her.

There's the beginning with many twists and turns, and so much happens that be prepared to get easily drawn in. I will just say that Rosie stalks Motgan's social media where she starts noticing that someone leaves an accusatory hate message that Rosie can read. She spends all her free time obsessed checking his social media checking what he posted, and her friend Nina keeps telling Rosie that she should stop writing to him, which Rosie sticks up for Motgan, and Rosie sees more hate anonymous messages, and will she be safe as their emails continue and they both act more familiar?

I do recommend this as for those who like multilayered suspense driven plots. I did read the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS where Megan Colins mentioned someone in the book industry urged her to go darker with this novel, which she did, and it gets dark, but I haven't given away anything if it seems like It's going in a certain direction, think again. There's some positive things I would like to say about what I admired that is too much that could be innocent enough, but I think that it will be better for you to learn it as you read and it wouldn't exactly be a spoiler, but why not let it be an extra thing for you to discover and enjoy it or not? Just I would like to say that I could tell from the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS that Megan Collins seems extremely likable and humble which I could tell that I like her, and maybe I'll go to an Author event if she is ever in the area. This was closer to 4.5 Stars, and I might change my rating to reflect that. This was really well written and I think this is one of the better psychological thrillers that I've read in a very long time. This novel will be one that engages you once you start it. I admire this author's spectacular talent, and except the ending being too drawn out my rating has more to do with psychological thrillers aren't my favorite genre, since this was more enjoyable I'm rating this 4.25 stars. But, except for the ending reveal seeming too long, prepare yourself to be impressed with the writing to be excellent. I wish that there was as much depth as her debut, "THE WINTER SISTER," but I highly recommend both. I say that it's actually unfair to compare them, and it's a talent to the author's credit that she doesn't write the same book over and over. 4.25 Stars!

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Megan Collins, and Atria for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#CrossMyHeart #MeganCollinCROSS NY HEART
BY: MEGAN COLLINS

4.25 Stars!

I read and loved Author, Megan Collins debut novel called, "THE WINTER SISTER," which was one that was memorable and I remember being riveted, how suspenseful it was. The prose and imagery was flawless. It's the kind of novel that examines how we are affected by our choices in ways that are profound and impact us that is felt not just by the character's decisions, but resonates with the reader that was a meditative reading experience that is a deeply felt. This was an impressive follow up as far as being a plot driven, and suspenseful novel that I read in one sitting. Megan Collin's has wrote another impressive psychological thriller and her character development in which her Protagonist is layered and a novel that had my admiration for how she had me stop and question if what I had thought I missed something, which reading further I was impressed that it was a clever and unexpected, but has left a lasting impression at her writing skills. This is a cut above most psychological thrillers with writing that brings warmth to her development of the main character Rosie. At first I thought that this may be more relatable to a younger audience, but it was impossible to predict until I grew closer to the end, which I guessed correctly. Until I still wonder if that was what Megan Collins meant for it to be so obvious on purpose, I would love to reread her debut "THE WINTER SISTER," to see if it resonates as strongly, or if I would feel the same way as I remember feeling after finishing it. Megan Collins has written several books since that one. That book had left me with such a lasting impression, that when I read the synopsis this her latest called, "CROSS MY HEAT," shows that she's an astute author. I was unable to put this down, but her debut remains my favorite. It might seem unfair to compare the two, but it had a lasting impression that had after all this time I remember that it had struck a chord within me that moved me within that had more depth that I can't remember what that was, only that I still feel that after all these years I remember how I felt while I was reading it and it's one that I would like to see if it resonates me. Those are my favorite books that brings me to say that this was a way above average psychological thrillers that I used to read more often many years ago, This is far and above better than most with it having so many twists and turns that it's nuanced writing making me suspicious of everyone just as the author intended I suspect. So, this is one that I'll remember except that I think the ending was one that dragged out for me,,but then again, I do continue to read them every once in awhile I was ready to reach the end. I think that when I reached the final reveal I suspected that person's relationship with a certain character felt off throughout the novel, and actually I thought the reasoning and logic might appeal to a younger reader. It's main character Rosie Lachlan is well developed who is working for her parents Bridal Salon, who is 31 years old, with a string of rejections in romantic relationships, and feels like she is looking for another one, since she seems to need to be in one to validate her. I've known one friend who I lost touch with who Rosie sort of reminded me of in parts of this novel. She appeared to be of the mindset that being single is a state that she doesn't think is okay. As if she is half a person unless she is involved within a romantic relationship that is only a partner can make her feel whole. Or her parents seem to be happily married for her whole life, and she is yearning for that stage of her life to begin? But, with someone who typically has had the relationship experience where she has always been rejected? with her age at 31 years old having her childhood best friend, happily married? I was initially worried that Rosie would be comprised of that type of character, she does have that trope at least in the beginning,,but surprised me with her complex character, her compassion, and for now as it begins, that's seems to be her sole focus. I empathized with her somewhat in that she feels as life is passing her by, and feels that getting married will complete her, which never does There is a reason why I'm not saying more, and it basically states this in the beginning of this ARC, I've given nothing away, except my deeper analysis which I can assure you that this author is talented.

The thing with Rosie is that she has had a heart transplant recently and her best friend, Nina who is a nurse broke her HIPPA oath and told Rosie who she's pretty sure who her heart donor is. Her name was Daphe Thorne whose husband Morgan is an established Author and somewhat a celebrity. Rosie starts up an email that she writes to which is called DonorConnect that is a service that acts as an intermediary that forwards her email to Morgan who enthusiastically responds within a few days. It's evident that she is a nice person, but to most experienced people it's obvious that she's interested in him by how she seems to write to him trying too hard at impressing him. She has his dead wife's heart, but now she seems to wants his, too.

That email service that forwards their exchange of long emails between them begins each of the volley of their long, oversharing where he seems just as enthusiastic towards her, always reminds both sender and recipient not to share names, email addresses and any identifiable information unless both donor families and the transplant client agree. Rosie does a little stalking of Morgan and it should be obvious that he has issues that a man that lost his wife is encouraging her.

There's the beginning with many twists and turns, and so much happens that be prepared to get easily drawn in. I will just say that Rosie stalks Motgan's social media where she starts noticing that someone leaves an accusatory hate message that Rosie can read. She spends all her free time obsessed checking his social media checking what he posted, and her friend Nina keeps telling Rosie that she should stop writing to him, which Rosie sticks up for Motgan, and Rosie sees more hate anonymous messages, and will she be safe as their emails continue and they both act more familiar?

I do recommend this as for those who like multilayered suspense driven plots. I did read the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS where Megan Colins mentioned someone in the book industry urged her to go darker with this novel, which she did, and it gets dark, but I haven't given away anything if it seems like It's going in a certain direction, think again. There's some positive things I would like to say about what I admired that is too much that could be innocent enough, but I think that it will be better for you to learn it as you read and it wouldn't exactly be a spoiler, but why not let it be an extra thing for you to discover and enjoy it or not? Just I would like to say that I could tell from the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS that Megan Collins seems extremely likable and humble which I could tell that I like her, and maybe I'll go to an Author event if she is ever in the area. This was closer to 4.5 Stars, and I might change my rating to reflect that. This was really well written and I think this is one of the better psychological thrillers that I've read in a very long time. This novel will be one that engages you once you start it. I admire this author's spectacular talent, and except the ending being too drawn out my rating has more to do with psychological thrillers aren't my favorite genre, since this was more enjoyable I'm rating this 4.25 stars. But, except for the ending reveal seeming too long, prepare yourself to be impressed with the writing to be excellent. I wish that there was as much depth as her debut, "THE WINTER SISTER," but I highly recommend both. I say that it's actually unfair to compare them, and it's a talent to the author's credit that she doesn't write the same book over and over. 4.25 Stars!

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Megan Collins, and Atria for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#CrossMyHeart #MeganCollins #Atria #NetGalley

Megan Collins’ Cross My Heart is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. With a complex web of secrets, lies, and mistaken intentions, the story delivers twist after twist, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The narrative hooks you immediately, immersing you in a world where nothing—and no one—is as it seems. Just as you think you’ve figured out the mystery, Collins masterfully shifts the storyline, forcing you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew. This constant sense of discovery makes the book impossible to put down.

One of the strengths of Cross My Heart is its layered plot. Collins skillfully weaves multiple storylines together, creating a dynamic and unpredictable narrative. The interplay between the characters and their secrets ensures that the tension never lets up, while the frequent misdirection keeps readers on edge.

The characters are nuanced and compelling, and the theme of mistaken identity or perception adds an intriguing psychological depth. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the revelations are both shocking and satisfying, making for a conclusion that feels earned and impactful.

Overall, Cross My Heart is a dark, twisted thriller that excels in keeping its audience engaged. Megan Collins has crafted a story full of suspense, complexity, and emotional depth—a must-read for fans of mysteries that keep you guessing to the very last page.

WOW I loved this so much! Megan Collins is such a talented writer on so many levels. Her prose is descriptive yet sharp and this story is so pacey, I couldn't put it down. I also love how she crafted Rosie as a protagonist with flaws and problems yet so so relateable. I loved the structure of the Part One and then the midpoint twist had me gasping. This was such a fun ride and I was totally on board the whole time.

Rosie had to have a heart transplant and her donor was the wife of a famous author, Morgan. They begin to email each other through DonorConnect although they don’t use their names. Rosie figures out who is his and begins digging into his life and why his wife died. This book is a solid thriller but it’s also the story about how we act when love doesn’t live up to our expectation.

4.5 stars

This is for every woman who has ever been called "crazy" by an ex! And it was sooo good! 
*
Rosie Lachlan keeps hearing that she's "too much" from her boyfriends, but all she wants is to find The One. After receiving a heart transplant, she believes she's found that with Morgan, the husband of the heart donor. But was his wife's death really an accident?
*
I absolutely loved the characters in this. Rosie is an unreliable narrator, can easily come off as unhinged, but I just liked her SO much. And her relationships are so charming but all have just enough of a hint of suspicion, so you really can't trust anyone. I did guess one big twist, but I didn't have it completely right and it was so completely engrossing I couldn't put it down. 
*
And the ending was just so completely perfect
*
@megancollinswriter is quickly becoming an auto-buy for me, definitely check this one out!

This was my first book by Megan Collins and IT. DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. I love the whole premise behind this book. She has his late wife's heart, are they destined to be together?? I predicted part of the "twist" early on...However, the ending twist was not 100% what I predicted. I loved this book, I enjoyed the character development on all of the characters, and honestly solid plot twist. Definitely would recommend.

Obsession, murder... creepy stalker vibes... the perfect kinda book. I can't love this more. The suspense just kept getting more intense. Definitely a 5 star read.

Megan Collins' "Cross My Heart" is an emotionally charged contemporary thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The story centers around Rosie Lachlan, a heart transplant recipient who becomes obsessed with - and romantically pursues - her donor's husband, Morgan Thorne. This twisty tale of obsession and suspense is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Collins' pacing is masterful, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into Rosie's psyche. The characterization is spot-on, with Rosie emerging as a deeply flawed yet sympathetic protagonist. Her journey from heartbreak to obsession is portrayed with nuance and empathy, making her a compelling character to follow.

The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Morgan and the mysterious Daphne, adds layers of intrigue to the story. Collins skillfully weaves their backstories into the narrative, keeping readers guessing about their true motives and secrets.

"Cross My Heart" is gripping, well-plotted, and features well-drawn characters. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, obsession, and the fragility of life is both thought-provoking and entertaining. With Collins' signature sharp and engaging prose, this a standout psychological thriller that is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.

The leaves had started falling from the trees, their nearly bare branches were menacing as she walked through the wooded area. The dry leaves crunched beneath her feet and she picked up her pace as she came closer to the house she liked to admire. Her heart rate picked up in anticipation, a heart that beat stronger than she thought possible.

Cross My Heart is a thriller following Rosie, the recent recipient of a heart transplant. Working in her parent’s bridal boutique, she is surrounded by happily ever afters, but hasn’t found her own. When she strikes up a conversation with the widower of her heart donor… she begins to think that she may have found her person.

This book was unhinged in the best way. Definitely a thriller that will keep you engaged and questioning a lot of things. I wasn’t a fan of the overly long chapters, but this read was twisty and suspenseful!

If you like psychological thrillers with obsession, unreliable narrators, and unhinged characters… add this to your 2025 release purchases!

Rosie works at a bridal shop and has had more than her share of heartbreak. Her path to recovery from a heart transplant surgery was slow but her physical and emotional wounds are slowly knitting together. She realizes how fortunate she is to have a second chance so extends grace to others. She and the heart donor's husband begin corresponding and discover more about each other's lives. But things take twisty turns and all is not as it seems. Who can Rosie truly trust?

I really liked this thriller. Sometimes circumstances aren't convincingly believable but its originality and cleverness win points. Easily. It isn't nail bitingly tense but it is suspenseful with brilliant surprises. When author characters are involved, I hope for beautiful prose and turn of phrase. This scratched that itch. Those with health issues like myself will surely relate to Rosie's feelings and caution.

The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had been seeing so many reviews for this one so I just had to accept the widget. It is a fast paced thriller that will have you turning pages. It is definitely one I'll be recommending to get out of slumps.

Our story starts with Rosie, who is just getting back on her feet after a heart transplant. We are led to believe that prior to Rosie’s transplant that she was left by her fiancé on the day of her wedding, however we later learn that Rosie’s viewpoint doesn’t always match e stone else’s. Through a website, Rosie is able to connect with the family members of her donor. But when Rosie starts to have feelings for the husband of her donor, the people closest to her start to become concerned. Rosie learned her donor was the wife as local author. As she begins “researching” more about him, she begins to question the death of his wife and their relationship in general. But nothing can prepare Rosie or heart for the next twist in her story…

This book was my most difficult read of 2024. The first half of the book took me forever to get through but I flew through the second half. My biggest hang up with the book was the unlikable main character, Rosie. Rosie is characterized as a woman with unhealthy attachments to the men with whom she has relationships. She has exaggerated reactions to rejection. These depictions are harmful to women. After reading the second half of the book, I realized that was purposeful in order to show what can happen when women are not respected and used in relationships. On the flip side, it’s a warning to women to not ignore red flags and respect themselves.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is going to be a top 2025 thriller!!! A year after receiving a heart transplant Rosie reaches out to the donor’s family via an anonymous connection service for organ recipients and donors. The donor’s husband replies and they start communicating, each interested in finding about the other.

It’s best to go into this book blind so I won’t tell anymore about the plot but this is a book every thriller lover needs to read. The characters are so real and the plot is extremely well done. The book had me refusing to put it down and questing everything. I’m so glad I read this book!

A deep dive into the psyche of the main character as she navigates emotions and the aftermath of a heart transplant as well as a painful break up.

What a great read! There were so many twists and turns! Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was completely thrown off!! What a crazy ride!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc of this book! 4.5 stars! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, but it had me gripped from the beginning. There was a plot twist halfway through, and I thought I knew where it was going after that, yet it took different turns and still continued to surprise me. This was a fast-paced thriller that I really enjoyed!

This was a super entertaining and quick thriller that had me interested from the beginning.

Rosie is a woman with an obsessive behavior, who decides to connect with the husband of her heart transplant donor. This initial interaction leads to a whole series of events. I can’t even share more than that because it would reveal spoilers.

I appreciated that there was no build-up in this thriller. Even though the plot itself wasn’t inherently fast-paced, the fact that there weren’t filler plot points made it seem quicker. The plot twists were fun at first, but quickly became too far-fetched to be believable. I also found myself frustrated with Rosie. It felt like watching one of those horror movies where you want to step into the story and shake the main character for continuing to make poor decisions.

Overall, still a fun read and I don’t regret picking this up. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is my first time reading a book by this author. With that being said, let me review this book. Rosie was left at the alter. She only wants to find someone to love. Working in the bridal salon also adds some heartache. Plus she needs a heart transplant which she gets. Through donor connect she figures out who her heart is from. Daphne Thorne, married to Morgan Thorne a novelist. She really wants to meet him but there are rumors that Morgan killed his wife. The first half was good. The second half was okay. There is a major twist in this book. I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC for an honest review. I gave it three stars because it was a little to long but it was a decent read.

This was a wild ride from start to finish with a complex FMC. Poor Rosie not only needed a heart transplant, but she was dumped while wearing her wedding dress. Her search for love and who donated to heart takes her on a plot twisted rollercoaster of a ride. Totally enjoyed this book!

Thanks for the opportunity to read!

Rosie just wants to be loved. Her last relationship left her with a broken heart, so broken in fact that she needed a heart transplant. When she starts talking with the donors husband through an anonymous donor site, she also suspects out that she is talking to the famous author Morgan Thorne. The more she learns about his wife and her death though, the more she questions if it was really an accident.

PHEW this book had lots of turns. Honestly, I truly hate to say this word the talking about women, but since these women were fictional….we were dealing with some crazy ladies in this one! Not that there weren’t men that made them that way, and I hated them too, but several of these characters needed some serious therapy! I could feel how desperate Rosie was to feel loved, and I just wanted to jump through the pages and be like girl…you don’t need a man! I did not see the story unfolding the way they did and fully enjoyed this ride!

Thank you to @atriabooks for my gifted copy of this book!