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Member Reviews

Kelsey and Dominic probably couldn’t be more wrong for each other, and timing couldn’t be more off, but sometimes the universe just has its way of giving us what we need most when we need it.

While Kelsey is trying to leave her long term, toxic ex behind her, she doesn’t expect to meet someone who has her thinking she would want to dive head first into a serious relationship again, so fast. But Dominic and his dominant, brooding personality just seems to work his way into Kelseys life, and she has a hard time then getting him out!

I did love Kelsey, I felt bad for her when her life was falling apart when all she wanted was her white picket fence and happy ending. I didn’t ever really fall in love with Dominic, I definitely wanted more from his story, and WHY Kelsey was letting this man into her life so fast!

Overall, this was a super cute short read if you need a little fluffy light love story to cleanse your palate!

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Lightheaded Heart was the first book I've read by Anna Alkire and I enjoyed it. A cute romcom with more layering on the characters. A lovely romance.

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I’m familiar with the author and have read her previous works, so this story was a bit of a disappointment for me. The tone throughout the book feels gloomy and sorrowful, and the story lacks a smooth, cohesive flow. The narrative is seen through Kelsey’s eyes, but unfortunately, we don’t get a deeper insight into Dominic’s emotions or actions.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.

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This book is so good. I’ve reread already and I have recommended it to my friends. Can’t say enough good thing about it.

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Kelsey is just coming out of a terrible relationship with her ex (Gerry) and Dominic naturally has sworn off all relationships. And they meet. Naturally they are drawn together, have chemistry, but Kelsey's life is a hotttttt messssss.

Gerry is one turd muffin. Wow.

Then there's Brad.

Then there's Raven.

What is up with these random side characters?

The book had its quirks, there is the age gap, the 'sugar daddy' type 'let me take care of you', none of which gives ick vibes.

This was a fast easy light read.

Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Water's Edge Publishing for my DRC.

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Lightheaded Heart by Anna Alkire is an emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into the complexities of self-worth, vulnerability, and unexpected love. It’s not just a romance—it’s a raw, intimate exploration of survival in the aftermath of betrayal, wrapped in a story that’s equal parts heartache and heat. With flawed, captivating characters and a slow-burn relationship that simmers with tension, Alkire has crafted a deeply compelling read.

The protagonist’s voice is unflinchingly honest—sometimes painfully so. She’s grappling with the fallout of losing everything, from her home to her sense of self, after an abusive relationship. The way she describes her shame, her hunger (both literal and metaphorical), and her desperate need for control is visceral and relatable. Alkire doesn’t sugarcoat the protagonist’s spiral, which makes her eventual moments of hope and growth feel even more earned.

Enter Dominic Lockwood, a wealthy, magnetic man who seems to have everything except emotional vulnerability. On the surface, Dominic is the archetypal aloof alpha—the kind of man who proposes "arrangements" rather than relationships. But Alkire smartly avoids making him a stereotype. As much as Dominic wants control, he’s not cruel. His obsession with protecting the protagonist from her abusive ex and his unexpected tenderness complicate his character in ways that keep you guessing. The slow revelation of who Dominic really is beneath his cold exterior is one of the book’s strongest elements.

The romance between them is messy, sensual, and layered with power imbalances that Alkire handles with care. Their relationship starts with sharp edges—barbs, bargains, and guarded hearts—but softens as they begin to see each other not just as escape routes or challenges, but as people who are capable of love despite their scars. The emotional push-and-pull is palpable, and the chemistry is undeniable. Their intimate moments are as much about reclaiming trust as they are about passion.

That being said, the pacing can feel uneven at times. Some sections—especially the early parts detailing the protagonist’s downfall—are so immersive that when the story shifts into romance mode, it takes a minute to adjust. There are also moments where the external conflict (particularly involving the ex) feels slightly rushed, and you’re left wanting a bit more resolution to some of the subplot threads.

At 4 stars, Lightheaded Heart is a beautifully written, deeply affecting story of love and survival. It’s raw but hopeful, steamy but tender, with characters who feel achingly real in their struggles and desires. If you’re looking for a romance that’s more about healing than perfection—and you don’t mind getting your heart a little bruised along the way—this one is well worth the read. Just be prepared to fall for both characters, flaws and all, and to reflect on the ways we sometimes stumble into love exactly when we least expect it.

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#Review: *Lightheaded Heart* - Anna Alkire [18+]
4.4/5✨
3/5🌶️

I saw this book on Netgalley and I instantly requested it! I've wanted to read a book by Anna for a while now and this was the perfect opportunity for me🥰. Thank you so, so much for offering me this chance Anna!

Kelsey has been part of a pretty toxic relationship with Gerry. He only took what he needed and wanted from Kelsey, never giving anything back. Until her glass was filled over the limit when Kelsey found out that her boyfriend dried all her savings and she had nothing left. That was the last straw and Kelsey decided she deserved more that him.
It wasn't easy for Kelsey to fight against Gerry. But she was determined to make things right, even when he was playing dirty.

While dealing with the Gerry issue, Kelsey has met another man who caught her attention. But was this Dominic guy the same as Gerry? A very dominant man, who showed no emotions towards Kelsey and only took what he needed. It looked like Kelsey didn't have the best luck with choosing men. Will this time be different or she will end up with a broken heart all over again?

This story was a bit different from anything I've read so far, because the characters weren't portrayed as some perfect people. They had multiple weaknesses which defined them as people and were an important piece in the storyline.

#AgeGap
#StrangersToLovers
#Alpha
#SinglePov
#AccidentalPregnancy
#Billionaire

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Fun Quick Read. It was completely bingeable.
Found Kelsey to be a character that readers could connect with and relate to.
Was not a groundbreaking story, but overall I enjoyed the book!


Thanks to NetGalley and Water’s Edge Publishing for the ARC

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This was a great romance! It felt like it was written about a real person and was very relatable and it made me feel for them!

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This book was so easy to read and I read it in one sitting. Before you read definitely check the trigger warnings because it deals with a lot of intense topics. I want to continue reading the series because it intrigues me and I want to see these characters again. I love how she was able to have amazing people around her to help her get out of a terrible situation. I didn’t particularly love the Insta love and third act break up which lost the stars for me. Overall not a bad book

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“Lightheaded Heart” is the second book in the Waterfall Canyon series by Anna Alkire. I preferred this title over the first book in this series “Hotheaded Heart”. I preferred the tropes in this new story. Hotheaded Heart had a best friend’s brother trope and that’s so over used. In this book Kelsey’s life is falling apart when she learns her Terrible ex has been stealing from her so she leaves their shared house and end up staying with a not even good friend Maria’s parents guest house. Kelsey’s has an accidental run in with Dominic Lockwood. Dominic and Kelsey starts a no strings attached relationship that Dominic mistakenly believes that’s with Kelsey wants as well. Dominic also becomes protective of Kelsey as her ex comes back to try and destroy Kelsey’s life. I love how Kelsey isn’t the perfect FMC as her life is falling apart and she befriends Maria, the bold supportive friend we all need. I love a protective MMC but I not when Dominic became demanding.

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🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lightheaded Heart by Anna Alkire tells such a beautiful and real story about finding yourself and staying strong through tough times. Kelsey, the main character, is stuck in a toxic relationship, and watching her fight for her freedom is both heartbreaking and inspiring. 🍂 Alkire really brings Kelsey’s journey to life with these amazing details—one minute you’re feeling the calm of the hiking trails, ⛰️🐦 and the next, you’re right there with Kelsey as her life feels like it’s falling apart. 🍃 The friendships she leans on, and the new connections she makes, add this warmth and hope to the story that feels so comforting. It’s really a book about strength, healing, and learning to love yourself again. The way Alkire mixes humor with real moments of vulnerability makes Kelsey’s growth feel so personal. It’s not just a book about struggle—it’s about renewal and the power of believing in yourself. You’ll definitely carry this one with you long after you finish it. 🪶

Thank you Water’s Edge Publishing and Netgalley for my gifted copy

#Bookworm #Reader #Bibliophile#AmReading #netgalley

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Instant chemistry, plenty of spice, with a compelling story line. Some parts of the story and their relationship felt unhealthy or unresolved but overall a great book with good writing.

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This was a typical push and pull romance. Very modern day "scared to do anything relationship related" type. I thought it was an OK and quick read.

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Lightheaded Heart by Anna Alkire is an unforgettable romance that hooked me from the first page. As the second book in the Waterfall Canyon series, it stands out with its emotionally charged story and characters who truly make you feel. Kelsey and Dominic’s journey together is anything but smooth, starting with a misunderstanding that has them at odds. Dominic initially mistakes Kelsey for someone looking for a casual arrangement, but as the story unfolds, their connection deepens, and their individual struggles add layers to their emotional journey.

What I loved about this book was how Alkire blends intensity with heart, making the emotional highs and lows of the characters feel real. Both Kelsey and Dominic face past challenges they need to overcome, but despite the obstacles, there’s a strong, undeniable pull between them. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but the payoff at the end is totally worth it.

I couldn’t help but dive straight into Hotheaded Heart, the first book in the series, after finishing this one. If you enjoy romances that feature strong characters who fight for their happiness, this is a must-read. The writing is engaging and passionate, and the story will keep you invested from start to finish.

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2 Stellar Blue Jay Stars⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️/5

This book had so much potential, it set up for having one of my favourite tropes of all and then it went and HAD MY LEAST FAVOURITE...

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Kelsey has just found out that her long-term boyfriend has maxed out her credit cards and cleared out their savings account. She has given him a week to return her money or she will go to the authorities. She moves out and temporarily moves in with a friend to deal with the complete disaster her life has become. One night on a girl's night while she is drinking away her sorrows, she runs into the sexy Dominic who immediately goes goo goo guys for her and he wants one thing from her... no strings attached sex.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I should have DNF'ed this when someone asked me at 34% what the book was about and I had no clue how to explain it... I was still trying to figure out where the plot was going and didn't know how all the characters fit together.

Then I should have DNF'ed when I realized Kelsey was "not like the other girls" as she had every man she met lusting after her like a cartoon wolf with heart eyes... THERE WAS NOT 1 MAN (Her Ex), NOT 2 (Her Other Nice Ex From Highschool)... BUT THREE SEPARATE MEN (Dominic)... but she was pretty plain and boring. She is an accountant who doesn't have much going on for her personality except that she stress cleans. She's walked over pretty easily and doesn't want to inconvenience anyone with her drama. Now she is dealt a bad hand... her Ex is terrible - he is a manipulative emotionally abusive gaslighting ass but it was a little confusing how someone who doesn't typically stand out would have all these men so obsessed with her.

Then we have Dominic... who is the other reason I should have DNF'ed. He is a walking red flag and after about the 5th red flag, I was questioning what Kelsey saw in him and am I being gaslit about him being this amazing MMC. You should not have the MMC of a romcom have any red flags...this is the man who you imagine as your fictional boyfriend. But he was bossy, demanding, jealous and did not listen at all to what Kelsey wanted... Now this is a great type of MMC in a dark romance but not in something that is meant to be light and fluffy. He constantly tells her that he wants nothing from her but sex and I didn't see any real growth in his character.

THEN the book fell really flat when it went in the direction of my worst trope. Now my worst trope is not one, but actually two tropes combined and I hate IT! When the first sprinkling of the potential combo trope made itself known, I actually told my husband if it did happen I would throw the book across the room. Now I didn't wanna damage my Kindle but metaphorically I did! The trope combo was Third Act Breakup with ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY. It feels like a cop-out to the relationship and such a cop-out to the reconciliation of a relationship. You should not have to have a baby PULL PEOPLE together. I do not mind either of those tropes separately but TOGETHER... it's just not for me

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Strangers to Lovers
▶ Age Gap
▶ Panic Attacks
▶ Bachelor Competition
▶ Miscommunication
▶ Third Act Breakup
▶ Accidental Pregnancy

Overall I don't think this book was for me... It didn't play into my happy tropes and I kept wanting her to end up with her ex... Not the gaslighting one but the sweet farming one from high school who was just a gentleman and sweet!

Thank you Water's Edge Publishing and Netgalley for my gifted copy... I am sorry I didn't like this

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Okay, apparently I'm in my dual POV era, because this is another one that hit the mark. I really enjoyed reading it—it's a true reflection of how quickly someone can move on after they’ve emotionally checked out months ago. I especially appreciate characters like Dominic, the ones you think are set in their ways, until… they’re not.

Also, the spicy parts were definitely enjoyable.

Would definitely read again.

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This was a good read! I really enjoyed the different characters and the story was well written. I would definitely recommend!

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Kelsey is just coming out of a horrible relationship and Dominic has sworn off relationships when their paths cross. The pair become infatuated with each other and have to try and navigate their different boundaries and pasts to see if a future is a possibility.

I enjoyed this book a lot until the MMC started pushing the line with his controlling nature and jealousy. I lost a lot of appreciation for him at that point and wasn’t near as invested in their relationship after that. This book does the age gap trope really well though. It doesn’t feel inappropriate or creepy and while it is mentioned a couple of times it’s not obnoxiously central to their relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley and Water’s Edge Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Lightheaded Heart is book two in the Waterfall Canyon series by Anna Alkire.
After reading and absolutely loving Lightheaded Heart I went straight to Amazon and got book one Hotheaded Heart.
Lightheaded Heart is a wonderful and captivating romance that grabs you from the first page. The characters are dynamic, and the emotional depth of their journey is beautifully portrayed. Alkire's writing is passionate and engaging, making this a must-read for anyone who loves a story full of intensity and heart.

Thank You NetGalley and Water's Edge Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

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