Thank you NetGalley and Putnam books for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this! Second Chance Romance along with an Irish Rockstar? Sign me up!

Cielo (Lo) is a Texas transplant in Galway Ireland as a Med Student. Her cousin and best friend is getting married and the best man? Aiden, her ex who moved to London, ending their relationship for his music career 2 years ago. Aiden quickly realizes he’s not over Lo, and she is his muse (swoon).

Lo is a cancer survivor so the book does discuss a lot of that, but the author does it in a great way!

Totally recommend especially if you read Morbidly Yours! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
😭😭😭😭 (number of times I ugly cried)

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 is a second-chance romance for people who are fiercely independent, loyal to a fault, and need a reminder that there is still good in the world.

🪕Dual POV
🩺Musician X Med Student
🪕Meddling best friends
🩺Miscommunication
🪕Absent Father
🩺Cancer treatment (past)
🪕A perfectly placed flock 🐏 😉
🩺 Rope/Bondage play
🪕Power play
🩺HEA

After loving Ivy Fairbank's first novel, 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦, I was so glad to revisit the main characters in her newest release, 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. While MIL had themes of grief and loss, 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 illustrated themes of 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳.
Fairbanks expertly portrayed a woman who is fiercely independent, but is honestly her own worst enemy. Cielo doesn't ask for help and deems herself weak if she can't do everything on her own. 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲! However, the story follows such a unique order of events that perfectly illustrate Cielo's dynamic growth. She is so far from the person she was on page 1 and I'm so proud of her! 🥹

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗼'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀--𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵, 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵, 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀𝘆, 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗱𝗲, 𝗰𝗮𝗻 get their happy ending without sacrificing their identity. Even in the darkest of times, Cielo never loses sight of who she is. She uses the adversity she faces as fuel to take what she wants and to be vulnerable. Simply put, she doesn't change who she is at her core for the sake of her happy ending. Instead, she finds her rock.
Honestly, this is just as much Aidan's story as it is Cielo's. While, Cielo learns to let others take the reins, Aidan must learn to use his voice for more than serenading crowds. Aidan's story illustrates advocating for yourself, owning your identity, and fighting for what you want. Aidan is swoon-worthy for more than his songs.

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 will make you realize that even if you can handle everything on your own, take all the punches as they come, and organize those punches by color and size, you shouldn't have to do it alone. 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 encapsulates the complexities of navigating that uncertain terrain, and what happens when you succeed in letting others in.

Thank you to Ivy Fairbanks, Netgalley, and Penguin Group - Putnam for an advanced e-galley of one of my favorite books of 2025!

Morbidly Yours was my favorite romcom the year it was released. I absolutely knew I needed more Ivy Fairbanks storytelling as soon as I could get my hands on it. Heart Strings picks up a few years later, still in Galway, in the preparation for a wedding where the maid of honor and best man haven’t really spoken since an awful breakup. What I love about Ivy’s writing is that her stories aren’t all sunshine and roses, just like life isn’t. Big, scary, difficult situations happen, but how and with who we handle them can make a world of difference. And ultimately, you have to make sure you’re happy with the life you’re living, no matter what others may try to tell you. I laughed. And I cried. And Heart Strings was some wonderful catharsis, and an excuse to play Irish trad music in the background. A firm five star read for me. Give it a try if you’re interested in:

-Second Chance Romance
-Latinx FMC
-Rockstar Romance (although Aiden might disagree with you)
-Hookers (absolutely not what you think it is)
-Light Bondage
-Inappropriate operation of a hearse

Absolutely looking forward to Saoirse’s book, but if her intended male lead is who I think was suggested in this one, I’m not sure how Ivy’s going to manage to redeem him in my eyes after that introduction.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ivy Fairbanks, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Plot:
Cielo moved to Galway for medical school, where she met Aidan. He was an aspiring musician at the time and they were head over heels in love. As her schooling got busier and his career took off, they decided it be best to part ways and "not do the whole long distance thing."
Now Aidan is back in Galway for a wedding that Cielo is also a part of. Looking to reconnect, can Aidan use this wedding to his advantage?

My Thoughts:
The 1st Love in Galway book was adorable and this one was just as great. I love when a character knows what they want, are able to admit their shortcomings, and act like adults. Aidan was perfect at all those things. He realized he messed up and he wanted his lady back.
Both characters had their own plots and I liked that each person tried to handle any issues on their own. They both work on themselves and grow as people before the wedding forced them to see each other again.
Cielo is a great character that I can resonate with. Likes to be in control and is a perfectionist while Aidan is capable of going with the flow and challenging some of Cielo's ideals. They complimented each other really well.

Here's to hoping for a Love in Galway book 3. Maybe there was a hint of a spin-off couple? At least, I sure hope there was.

Fairbanks does it again. She has crafted an interesting story with characters that I immediately cared about. I loved this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was very cute! I enjoyed it a lot and found it to be very funny, heartfelt, and also spicy. This is everything a modern romcom should be. The representation felt very respectful and I can tell that the author takes that seriously. There were also many moments while reading where I laughed out loud. This was so fun and enjoyable!

i'm sad to say I didn't enjoy this book like I did with morbidly yours. i wish their love story was presented better and introducted in the first book. I frankly did not connect much with either character and the constant lust factor really took me out of it. i'm looking forward to whatever ivy puts out next but this was a miss for me. thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

i'm sad to say I didn't enjoy this book like I did with morbidly yours. i wish their love story was presented better and introducted in the first book. I frankly did not connect much with either character and the constant lust factor really took me out of it. i'm looking forward to whatever ivy puts out next but this was a miss for me. thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

I absolutely adored Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks! The growth of Cielo and Aidan over the years they’ve been apart is so beautifully crafted. Both characters really come into their own during their time apart, and you can see how the events of their lives shape who they are when they finally reconnect. What really struck me was the intentionality they both have in being open and honest with one another, allowing for a deep emotional connection to bloom that feels real and earned. Cielo’s journey, in particular, is so empowering—she learns that it’s okay to lean on others during tough times, and that support isn’t a weakness, but a strength. Her emotional growth was a big highlight of the book for me!

The writing is fantastic, too. Ivy Fairbanks has a perfect balance of humor, heartfelt moments, and great dialogue that makes the book so enjoyable to read. The way she weaves in scene-setting without bogging things down, while still keeping the story flowing, is impressive. The second-chance romance feels so genuine, and I loved how Cielo is a strong, independent FMC, while Aidan is in touch with his feelings in a way that’s not overly dramatic. If you love a swoon-worthy romance with characters who grow and evolve both individually and together, this book is a must-read!

Really cute, sweet and heartwarming read. I haven't had a chance to read the first book in this series (Morbidly Yours), but it had been on my TBR list. I was still able to follow the story with no issue. The characters from the first book are included and a big part of this plot, and I can't wait to read their story as well.
This is the first book that I've had the pleasure of reading by Ivy, and I'm looking forward to exploring her other work, Her writing is easy to read and easy to follow. I read this book in one day because I started reading and just got totally sucked into the story. The pacing was really good. There was one part of the story that had me absolutely screaming with laughter because it went from spicy to dark humor so quickly. The male main character Aidan reminds me of Ed Sheerin and he is a YEARNER. Big fan of that. The female main character Cielo "Lo" is a force to be reckoned with and she comes off as a tough as nails ice queen because she doesn't want to have to need anyone. The second chance romance is a trope that I'm a fan of and Ivy absolutely delivered in an original way.

A really emotionally evoking book tackling tough subjects but staying relevant and easy to resonate with! I really loved the main characters and their relationship!

I’m in the minority for this book, but I just wasn’t a huge fan. I love romance, but I struggled through this book. I found myself wishing the main characters wouldn’t get a HEA.

This book had me swooning, sighing, and smiling like a fool from start to finish. Set against the charming backdrop of Galway, Heart Strings delivers a perfect blend of slow-burn romance, musical chemistry, and emotional depth. Ivy Fairbanks nails banter, longing, and all the little moments that make romance unforgettable. If you love Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez, Heart Strings will hit all the right notes.

A solid sequel to "Morbidly Yours".

The storyline and character development in "Heart Strings" proves that the author's first book was no anomaly.

What will the reader encounter?

A full figured woman who owns her sexuality yet grapples with her parental relationships. Her childhood illness proved to be the impetus for her career but also struck the debilitating blow to her parents' marriage. The author explores this realistically.
As for our hero, he too has professional struggles. Unlike the heroine, he has a supportive family (the reader will enjoy his mother and sister's unique hobbies) but initially lacked confidence for his dream.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons in exchange for an honest review.

#HeartStrings #NetGalley

4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
((ARC))

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I am SO LUCKY that I got an ARC!!!

Ceilo (Lo) and Aidan met when Lo came to Ireland to visit her cousin Lark, and the 2 became inseparable. It was hot and passionate. But when Aidan, who’s a musician, got the chance of a lifetime to record in London, he took the opportunity and left Lo with a broken heart.
But his heart was broken too and every song he writes is about her.
2 years later, they’re forced back together as Maid of Honor and Best Man in Callum and Larks (Morbidly Yours) wedding.

This was SO GOOD. I love a second chance romance. I loved the lgbt rep, Lo’s Hispanic heritage and acknowledge of her struggles working as a doctor in a male dominated field. I also loved Aidan’s vulnerability and willingness to be **ahem** told what to do 😉
But my favorite part was how much Callum and Lark was in this! Often in series the characters who made you fall in love with the books aren’t around much, but we got a lot of them 🖤 ☘️

shoutout to netgalley for the arc!

i was frothing at the mouth when reading morbidly yours, so finally getting read cielo’s HEA was SO FUN AND SPECIAL. this book is full of HOT scenes (rope play, fem dom, hearse, etc) and i can easily say that was so beyond unexpected but also so FUN to see. i can easily say that i too did a little cross in the air reading some of these scenes 😂

cielo and aiden’s are really a good example of right person wrong time, and i think the second chance romance played out as well as it could have. they really love each other, and it’s so sweet to see how they grow and support each other.

ALSO shoutie outie to seeing callum and lark!!!!! i LOVED their prominence in the plot and getting a peek into their HEA as well 😭😭😭 i love them so much.

i cannot wait for book 3. 😈😈

Thanks to Putnam books for the ARC of this book! I read Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks last year and was excited to read the next book in the series. It was fun to check in on Callum and Lark while reading Cielo and Aidan's story. Though it was fun to reconnect with characters, I do still think this one could be read as a standalone book, too! Both main characters in this book had a lot of depth and reading along as they found their way back to each other was enjoyable. If you like second chance romance, this one is definitely for you. If you enjoy authors like Abby Jimenez (romance with some depth and heartache mixed in) this one is also for you! It was a five star read for me and I can't wait to read more from Ivy Fairbanks! See below for a brief synopsis!

Cielo aka "Lo" moved to Galway for medical school from Texas after her cousin Lark made the move previously. She wanted to have some indepencende from her family and make choices on her own . She ended up fall and for Aidan, a native Irish singer, who was on the cusp of making it big as a musician. Despite their clear and strong connection, her fear of a long distance relationship pushed them apart when Aidan got a record deal and had to relocate to London. Despite that, they never really moved on. When they get thrown together for the wedding of Lark and Callum, their love burns brighter than ever. As they navigate circumstances in their lives that are beyond their control, they realize that maybe their love is worth the trouble after all.

Ivy Fairbanks has done it again! Bringing us back to Galway as a follow up to a much loved Morbidly Yours, Heart Strings delivers across the board. Added to my list of all-time favorite Second-Chance-Romances, I loved Lo and Aiden’s story. A journey of accepting the love and help of others, Heart Strings is packed with heart and emotion. Not to mention the comedic relieve and laughs - I now have a new appreciation for ventriloquism and hearses (IYKYK). Any Ivy Fairbanks read goes on my TBR as soon as it’s announced!

ARC via NetGalley

Goodreads review

“Morbidly Yours” was one of my favourite books of 2024, so imagine my excitement when I received an early copy of this sequel! This one handles a sensitive spot for me (cancer), but it’s handled so beautifully and carefully that I didnt mind (trust Ivy Fairbanks to handle delicate subjects with care!).

The chemistry is there, the setting is gorgeous, and I loved that despite being a second chance story, we spend our time in the present — I like second chances but find overuse of flashbacks to the “before” to be exhausting. I loved the characters— everyone needs an Aidan in their life.

I cannot WAIT for book 3!

3.5⭐️




Cielo y Aidan eran novios, eran felices y pensaban que siempre estarían juntos, hasta que él saltó a la fama y rompieron. Han pasado dos años sin verse ni hablar, pero serán dama de honor y padrino en la boda de Lark y Cal (protagonistas del libro anterior) y tendrán que pasar tiempo juntos. ¿Lograrán hablar y solucionar lo que salió mal, o ya es demasiado tarde?

~

Hubo algo que no me gustó y de lo que siempre me quejo: al terminar la relación, Aidan regresó a sus tendencias de mujeriego, mientras que Cielo no salió con nadie ni mucho menos durmió con otro.





Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.