I am so in love with this couple. Ben and Tessa are everything. This story absolutely broke me but it’s so beautifully written and the journey this couple makes with pull emotion from everyone who reads it.
This book is full of trauma and emotion for both characters. It just goes to show what other peoples actions and decisions can do to a person, physically and emotionally but that it is possible to heal. Ben is amazing and I loved him instantly when he knew Tessa had been done the ultimate wrong and instead of giving up on her he stuck by her side even though he was fighting his own demons. Later, she showed him that his efforts weren’t fruitless. This is one of the most beautifully haunting books I’ve read by Helen and I hope Ben and Tessa get a book 2

My heart goes to those who fight every single day to get better after a traumatic life moment.

Ben and Tessa's relationship's is about patience, braveness and pure hearts. I really enjoyed this book - loved how patient Ben was with Tessa and her strength. My heart broke when I read the communion scene.

I really wished the author development a little more Tessa's religion trauma and how she'll work with it- I think as a little girl that event can change you deeply.

This is an unedited version so I hope the author changes some Spanish mistakes I found here - they're small but I did notice.

My Heart Still Beats is a book everyone should read. Before reading it I must tell you this book address sensitive topics and traumas so please read the warning triggers list 🙏🏽.

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Helen Hardt for this eArc.

This was an amazing book, I loved it from beginning to end. These characters seemed so tortured by things in their past and it was amazing to see both of them help each through whatever it was that was torturing them. I loved this book.

My Heat Still Beats is a very well written story with all kinds of feels to it. There is heartbreak, evil men, healing, love and romance. Helen Hardt writes these kinds of stories so well and the reader is torn between crying, laughter and everything in between. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Benjamin and Tessa get their happy ever after but it was definitely without lots of heartache before this happens. One thing I absolutely loved was this was a one and done story with no cliffhanger! I know this author is famous for these but it was a nice change to get the HEA in one sitting. I totally recommend My Heart Still Beats!

Ben Black has it all - except the one thing he never knew he wanted. Tessa has has hard burdens to overcome and looking for love was not in her plans. But it only takes a few conversations to be proof that they were made for each other. While this book deals with a lot of mental health issues, Helen Hardt does this with poise and grace - a great read.

Getting better takes time, patience, and hard work. Heartfelt "My Heart Still Beats" is not just about love. It tells the stories of two families, culture, the choices we make, pain, sadness, and how love can help us heal.

It requires a great deal of emotional energy to read this one. If you've experienced abuse, please be cautious and check the trigger warnings. Helen always takes us on a deep journey that helps us appreciate where we are now. I really like this one.  Unputdownable!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance e-copy of My Heart Still Beats in exchange of an honest review.

Helen Hardt's latest novel, explores the life-changing power of love amidst the depths of trauma. Ben and Tessa both scarred by their past, find solace and healing in an unlikely connection.

The story revolves around the forced proximity between the main characters, a trope that Hardt handles with skill and sensitivity. The characters' reluctance to open up is palpable, yet their undeniable chemistry and desire for redemption draw them together.

The romance is heartwarming and sensual, balancing the darker elements of the plot with hope and resilience. Hardt's writing is both evocative and emotional, capturing the complexities of love, trauma, and the journey towards recovery.

However, there are some elements of the story that feel somewhat not needed in the story and could have been omitted without detracting from the overall impact. Additionally, the novel's trigger warnings should be taken seriously, as the subject matter may be sensitive for some readers.

Despite these minor flaws, 'My Heart Still Beats' is a captivating and ultimately satisfying read. Helen Hardt's ability to weave a compelling tale of love and healing is evident throughout. Fans of romance and those seeking a thought-provoking and emotional story will find this novel both enjoyable and impactful.

**Rating:** 4.5 out of 5 stars

**Pros:**

* Sweet and steamy romance
* Compelling characters and forced proximity trope
* Heartfelt and evocative writing
* Themes of trauma, healing, and resilience

**Cons:**

* Some unnecessary elements in the plot
* Subject matter may be sensitive for some readers

My Heart Still Beats by H. Hardt, published by Entangled Publishing is a full length stand alone.
This is a dark read. The story deals with sensitive content, consider you warned.
A lost soul meets her soulmate on a friends wedding. But sometines love isn't enough.
An emotional read that gives all the feels and deserves all the stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Helen Hardt has done it again, another amazing book. I am already a giant fan of Helen Hardt's writing and prior to reading her books I was not a fan of dual point of view books. Once I started reading Helen Hardt, I now love dual point of view books. This book is Tessa and Ben Black's story. You may recognize Ben Black as the brother of Braden Black and Tessa as the best friend of Sierra from the follow me series. This book keeps you interested from the first chapter to the epilogue. Once I started reading this I could not put it down. This book does address some trauma and has some very serious moments, make sure to check the trigger warnings. This book is also very emotional. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book from Helen Hardt.

From the moment I read the dedication - going out to those who have fought depression - I knew this book would break my heart in the best ways. 🥹❤️

My Heart Still Beats is about so much more than just romance. It’s filled with the stories of two families, culture, the choices we make, trauma, grief, and of course the healing power of love 💕 It’s beautiful and at times gut wrenching. This book covers some of the hardest topics so check the trigger warnings before reading.

For the first half, I was absolutely entranced by this book. Time flew by and the short, fast chapters kept my attention as I swooned over Ben Black. 😍 Tessa hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand and truly deserves the world. I was very invested in watching her get a much-needed HEA.

The pacing of the second half slowed a bit for me, and certain aspects felt overplayed/redundant. What started as a 5 ⭐️ read dropped a bit, but it was still a really great story! This is my first book by Helen Hardt, and I’d definitely pick up another.

4.25 ⭐️ rounded down

Thank you to NetGalley & Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

A sweet and steamy romance from bestselling author, Helen Hardt. Two individuals both overcoming trauma in their own ways who come together in a forced proximity love story. This one is marked as a darker romance due to the subject matter but the love story itself between the main characters is sweet with a happy ever after. Check the trigger warnings and take care if you’re an abuse survivor. I liked this one, but there were a few things that I thought felt forced and could have been taken out and still been fine. I’ve read Helen Hardt before and if you’re a fan of hers or of romance in general this one would be something you’d enjoy.

She's a lost soul but she meets her soul mate when she meets the billionaire best man at her best friend's wedding....

It's a dark angsty romance. Ends with a happy ending of course because it's a romance. :) Both major characters deal with a lot of trauma from the past but it's worth the read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.