3.5 ⭐️ Fast paced thriller that was a quick read for me. I enjoyed the storyline and plot twists.

Rosie is a recovered heart transplant patient that strikes up communication through a secure app with the husband of her doner. Turns out her benefactor was murdered and many suspect her husband Morgan is at fault.

When Morgan ends up dead too, several people become suspects. Rosie finds herself in the middle of the police investigation and as a target for the killer.

Thank you Atria books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the formatting of this story! The emails, connections through the donor website, and almost diary-like narration all made for a thrilling and creepy read. These people are disturbed and as unreliable as you can get and that makes this a delicious read.

4.5

My thoughts:
What an eerie, twisty story about a heart transplant patient who becomes obsessed with the donors spouse.
The stalker vibes alone are intense!
The mystery suspense aspect is off the charts.
Perfect for fans of a domestic thriller with a very unique plot twist.

4.25 rounded down

Thanks to the format of the beginning of the book, I was hooked straightaway. Rosie and Morgan Thorne begin exchanging emails. Rosie has received a heart transplant and the heart belonged to Morgan’s wife. The emails are engaging and connected and Rosie is quickly overly interested in Morgan.

Then, weird things start happening and Morgan ends up dead. The weird stuff continues, Rosie begins spiraling and it doesn’t look good.

I definitely didn’t anticipate parts of this story and enjoyed the twists mystery.

Advanced reader copy provided by Atria but all opinions are my own.

Welcome to Rosie’s world. The obsessive world where you want so desperately to find love, and your Mr. Right.
At the start, you quickly learn Rosie is a bit of an oddball that has made some mistakes in the past. She is a recent heart transplant recipient, who finds the widower of the woman who died and gave Rosie a second lease on life. DonorConnect connects her with Morgan, a well known author, the husband of Daphne. Rosie wants to learn more about the woman whose heart is now hers. Morgan and Rosie begin corresponding through emails. In the process, Rosie is taking a liking to Morgan. Rosie is following the same pattern, following head over heels way too fast. Her parents and best friend, are very sceptical. Is Rosie going down the same road once again?

As Rosie starts to find out more about Morgan, she becomes aware that some people believe that Morgan might have had something to do with Daphne’s death.
At this point, things get wild and crazy. There were big twists that I didn’t see coming, and one twist I did. I found the story to get a little messy and a bit sluggish 3/4 of the way through, I was ready for the story to wrap up.

Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable psychological thriller, and I think it’s going to be one lots of people are talking about!
This book releases on Jan 14, 2025
Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for the early copy.

Wasn’t a fan of the main character in this book. She was kind of annoying to me. The twist was god and I definitely picked the wrong person to be the killer. Would recommend but didn’t love

If you love tangled webs, unreliable narrators, and a story that keeps you guessing, CROSS MY HEART is a must-read!

The twists and turns had me constantly questioning how far Rosie would go for love—and just when I thought I had it figured out, the ending blew me away.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Add this one to your TBR—you won’t want to miss it.

Talk about jaw dropping shock! There were so many twists that I couldn’t pick up my jaw. I swore I knew who was doing it all but boy was I wrong. This was a perfect, fast paced thriller.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins is a thrilling, emotional journey about Rosie, a woman who receives a heart transplant from the wife of a man she later falls for. As Rosie grows closer to the widower, she begins to suspect that the death of his wife may not have been an accident, leading her into a dangerous web of secrets and deceit. Collins masterfully builds tension as Rosie grapples with her complicated feelings, both for the man and the mystery surrounding his wife’s death. However, while the story is gripping, the frequent references to Taylor Swift felt overdone and distracted from the overall plot. The twist at the end, though unexpected, left me feeling somewhat disappointed—it didn’t pack the punch I was hoping for after all the buildup. Despite its flaws, Cross My Heart is a solid psychological thriller, but it may not be as impactful as it intends to be.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins was an absolute thrill! From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I thought I had the ending all figured out, but the unexpected twist completely caught me off guard and made the experience even better. Collins masterfully builds suspense and layers intrigue throughout the story, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

What made this book extra special for me was how much it reminded me of the classic thrillers that originally got me hooked on reading. The combination of complex characters, a gripping plot, and just the right amount of psychological tension made it a fun and nostalgic read. If you’re a fan of twisty, suspenseful novels that keep you on your toes, Cross My Heart is a must-read!

Rosie is one year out from a life saving heart transplant when she starts anonymously corresponding with her donor’s husband and starts obsessing when she figures out who he is.

What a wild ride!!! There were times I absolutely loathed the main character and couldn’t wait to be done with her, but there were other times that she felt so relatable and normal. This book is set in Crazytown USA and all of its residents are insane. Everyone is a suspect and you’ll question Rosie’s reliability throughout every page. With Taylor Swift references aplenty, this thriller not only has great twists and turns, but it also makes readers dive deeper into the “crazy woman” stereotype. Are women crazy or is it a byproduct of loving men? There were so many details in this book that made it unique. I would definitely recommend it to thriller fans!

CROSS MY HEART is filled with absolutely unhinged characters making horrible choices which makes the best fodder for a twisty book.

After receiving a heart transplant, Rosie begins to suspect her heart donor is the wife of the famous author, Morgan Thorne. She begins messaging him through an anonymous service called DonorConnect. The more they correspond, the more certain Rosie is that they are destined to be together. But eventually rumors arise and doubt starts to bring up an important question - was Morgan’s wife’s death a freak accident? And did Morgan have anything to do with it?

This book has a cast of characters that are completely deranged. So many red flags popping up everywhere on everyone, I feel like the whole lot must’ve been color blind. Was it ridiculous? Yes. Was it entertaining? Yes. Do I think there was something in the danishes at Sweet Bean effecting everyone? Also yes. If you enjoy a story of obsession filled with unreliable characters with messy histories, this one is for you!

Rating: I liked it

DNF @ 15%

The first half of the book was too slow for me and didn't grab my attention.

🗣 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book via gifted eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.

4.5 stars

A heart transplant recipient using Donor Connect like her own personal dating app? Sign me up! From the second I saw the concept of this book I was hooked, I had to get my hands on it.

Which even though I loved the idea behind this thriller, I was convinced I had it solved before I even started. Jokes on me! Almost every time I thought I course corrected, a twist hit and quickly humbled me. Especially that first twist, oh my goodness was that *chefs kiss* perfect!

This is probably my medical background coming out but I loved the detail Collins put into the heart transplant aspect. It’s nothing technical where it gets difficult to understand but I loved getting a little deeper glimpse into what it actually means to receive a heart transplant.

Despite having multiple of her books on my shelf and TBR this was my first read by Megan Collins and I am kicking myself for taking so long. Her backlist is moving it’s way up my TBR!

Read if you love:
❤️ Psychological thriller
🏥 Medical aspects
🤫 Twists
🤷🏻‍♀️ Unreliable narrator

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for my review copy in exchange for an honest review! 💜

I sat with my thoughts about this book for a while because I honestly wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

The first half of the book was SLOW, and I honestly contemplated DNFing it, but I wanted to power through and give it more of a chance.

The last bit is likely what saved the book for me, but honestly even the ending was a little far fetched in its plot twists.

The female main character (I’m so sorry) was so incredibly, unbearably annoying and I tried so hard to like her.

I didn’t care much for any of the characters to be completely honest, and they overall fell flat for me as well.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, and I think the premise was interesting, and I see many other people have enjoyed it, but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the eARC!

When I say I’m obsessed… this book was soooo good! The characters, the twists and it was giving You vibes.
What happens when someone with a heart transplant starts talking to her donors husband? Rosie works at her parent’s bridal store and lives in a studio apartment above their garage. Rosie has alot of love to give but it’s a bit much and she goes too far.
Rosie starts messaging her donors husband through DonorConnect. It’s supposed to be anonymous but she knows who he is and her attraction grows. His wife died by a fall and some people think it wasn’t an accident. Is he dangerous?
The writing is unreliable and you definitely do not know who to trust! Get ready for a wild ride.

After receiving a heart transplant, a woman becomes infatuated with her donors husband. As her feelings tiptoe into obsession, we learn the death of his wife might not have been an accident and plenty of twists and turns are revealed in their respective stories. Pretty much everything about this was ridiculous but in an entertaining way.

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.