I wanted to love this book but found it lacking in a few ways.

First I will say it is mis-marketed as a romantic comedy. This book is sad and at times depressing. It deals with heavy subjects including medical conditions and death and for me it’s handled in a way that doesn’t read as a romcom.

The oremise was intriguing and the way the story was told was unique. I was intrigued from the start. Nick is the best character in the book - he stole my heart.

But overall the book was painfully slow paced and covered so much time - I felt much of it could have been edited down.

The ending is a payoff if you make it that far.

sadly this was a miss for me. The concept IS SO GOOD! A woman who is constantly on the brink of death and meets a mystery man in purgatory?? yes! But jesus christ it was so boring and long winded at times especially when she was a kid. I think her childhood could've been summarized so that we could get to the meat on the story faster. and the romance fell completely flat for me as well.

Thank you @beckyhunterbooks for my free copy and @readforeverpub @netgalley for the free e-arc 💖.

🗓️Out April 22, 2025

✨What it is about:
Emery’s failing heart could stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick—a mysterious guide between life and death. As their connection deepens, so does their love. But when Emery gets a chance to live, she must choose: a future in the world of the living, or the love she found beyond it.✨

💭My thoughts:
This was a super emotional story that was truly heartbreaking for me many ways. It explored themes of childhood trauma, grief, and guilt in a way that really pulled at my heartstrings. The concept felt very original—from the unique medical condition (loosely based on a real one) to the time lapses between real life and death. It evoked emotions similar to those I felt when I read The Time Traveler’s Wife. The idea of finding a love that exists only in the space between life and death was difficult to wrap my head around…finding something as precious as a soulmate, only to have to keep letting it go… that really hurt.
While Emery and Nick’s relationship bordered on insta-love, it felt believable to me given the intense, traumatic events that brought them together—these naturally tend to intensify emotions and fast-track closeness. Emery faced impossible choices time and time again and although I didn’t always agree with her decisions, I could understand how her experiences shaped them.
One thing that threw me off was the length of time the story covered, and how some things resolved with side characters—I won’t give anything away, but that aspect was hard for me to believe.
Overall, I think this was a thought provoking read, perfect for anyone drawn to stories about love, mortality, and the impossible choices we sometimes have to make in life.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
💞Magical realism
💞Second chances
💞Dual POVs
💞Love triangle (kind of)
💞Complex family dynamics
💞Emotional reads

⚠️CW: Grief, abandonment, loss, death, life threatening cardiac medical condition, some sexual content.

If you're needing a good cry, pick up You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter! This emotional story will have you reading through your tears because you won't want to put it down!
Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart occasionally stop at times of shock or stress.

Each time she "dies" she ends up in the space between life and death with her guide, Nick. This story is told over the course of Emery's life, through the events that occur right before her heart stops and through her meetings in limbo with Nick.

Though this book triggered my anxiety and hit a little too close to home with some of the topics- like grief, trauma, and family dynamics- I couldn't put it down. I appreciated how Emery's condition affected how she approached life- and how her approach changed as she got older.

I loved that, because this story was women's fiction, the romance wasn't a typical love story, and there wasn't a formulaic plot where you know for sure who she'll end up with or even how the story will end. It did take me several days to sit on this story before I could decide on how I felt about the ending, because it had me so conflicted. While I can't say I'm completely content, I think it was the best outcome.

4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for a NetGalley copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. You Make My Heart Stop comes out April 22, 2025.

IT'S ME, HI, I'M THE PROBLEM, IT'S ME!!!!!! You Make My Heart Stop written by Becky Hunter wasn't for me at all. If you are looking for a cute cheesy romance story, this book won't be for you because it's not your typical romance story, the main character is in love with the afterlife. I know this is a magical realism book, but it just didn't work for me. I didn't like the main character at all, she was way too selfish for my liking. Unfortunately, Becky Hunter didn't make my heart stop with this novel. I know many readers will eat this book up, but it just didn't work for me. I really wanted to like this book because it has an adorable cover and the synopsis sounded so promising, but sadly it missed the mark for me. I didn't have an issue with the magical realism aspect, in fact I do enjoy this trope, but I just couldn't find a liking or a connection with the main character. Don't let my two star rating deter you from this book please, these are just my opinions and how I felt about this book. If you don't mind selfish and careless characters, then I suggest you mark your calendars for April 22nd, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on You Make My Heart Stop. I expected my heart to beat out of my chest or even shed a a few tears along the way, but none of those things happened, which left me feeling disappointed.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND FOREVER GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

"So, what are you, an angel of death or something?"

"Hitting your early twenties didn't heighten your sense of maturity".

"You should never apologize for being yourself. Never".

"There is no version of reality where I get to have you with me. So it's easier not to want it".

"Death will come, sooner or later, but you don't have to chase it".

"Every version of me would love every version of you".

"I believe our souls will find each other again".

For years, Emery Wilson has lived with a condition- reflex anoxic syndrome which is when the heart stops beating and she needs CPR. When her heart stops, Emery actually dies, but if she is administered CPR, she will come back to life within a matter of seconds. The first time Emery died she was just five years old, but continues to have this condition throughout her life. When she was just a child, Emery had a crush on her best friend Bonnie's brother- Colin, but that crush went no where. Emery is always the center of attention, and she's known as the problem child. In Emery's exact words, people that care about her are nightmares. Emery went to university for an art major, but not because she wanted to be an artist, she only went to make friends and go to parties to drink and have fun. Emery never wanted to be a burden to those who cared about her, but she always made the most careless decisions. The only time Emery's heart stops is when she's scared, surprised, and or in pain. Nick Ryemore is a thirty-five year old ghost or an angel of death with a Scottish accent. Nick is basically a guide for dead people. Nick is an angel, a ghost, or a spirit of some kind that only shows up when Emery dies. Nick was born during World War Two and died a week after he turned thirty five years old. Nick always promises Emery that it's going to be okay when they meet and every time he has to say goodbye to her. During their times together, Nick has a contagious laugh, he has light gray and green eyes, and chestnut brown hair. Nick only sees the moments before Emery dies and then he shows up with answers for her.

Emery Wilson is a selfish bitch. Nick and Emery attempt to flirt with each other during their very limited visits with each other, and soon later form a crush for each other, but the crush was often one sided whether is was Nick or Emery. When Nick appeared and shared something valuable with Emery, she always took everything he said as a joke. Despite this heart condition Emery had, I cheered her on because she never wanted to stop living her life, but Emery makes so many irrational and dumb choices despite having so many people around her that cared about her well-being. Emery thinks her angel of death- Nick is super hot, but their one sided crush never went anywhere. Nick appears only when Emery does something risky or impulsive. Together, Nick and Emery have philosophical debates whenever they had their limited time visits. Emery couldn't do things that other people could do because she was different. But, that never stopped her from living her life. Emery says she loves Nick, but she would always throw a tantrum and be bitter whenever Nick would lecture her about being careful or when they would see each other next. Despite having a love for Nick and being the only person that can see him, Emery never talked about Nick because people wouldn't believe her or they would think she's a crazy lunatic. I felt bad for Emery as she was navigating life with this heart condition, but in my opinion she should have been more careful and or made rational decisions, so she wouldn't get hurt. Nick was super sweet towards Emery during their timed visits, but I do believe he should have put his foot down more when Emery would throw a tantrum.

Thank you so much @beckyhunterbooks for sending me your book, and @netgalley for the ebook!! This was such a unique and beautiful story, and is now one that I will consistently reccomend. I do not think that I will ever get over this, and the beauty and depth that encompasses this story. Just… wow.

Emery is born with a fairly inexplicable heart condition, causing her to essentially die at the drop of a hat. As long as CPR is performed timely, she comes back. This story follows her life over the years. What she sees when she dies, and how everyone in her life is impacted by her illness. The swayed choices, missed opportunities, love and relationships, her career- literally every facet of Emery’s life. Her journey is both heartbreaking and beautiful. I found everything about this story so unique, and I simultaneously couldn’t put it down, while also never wanted it to end.

This story was so much more emotion than I ever expected. Magical realism throughout that truly made you think about your own life. Great story!

You Make My Heart Stop

This book, is heart crushingly beautiful. Emery discovers at a young age that she has a rare condition (fictitious in nature) that causes her heart to stop. Once it stops beating, she goes into an in between state where she meets a guide of death that’s paired with her to usher her into the afterlife. I was initially taken aback by them meeting while she was a child and then subsequently falling in love, however there was no romantic connection, attraction or grooming whatsoever until far after she was an adult.

This book explores complex familial, platonic and romantic relationships, with and without the factor of having a rare, potentially fatal, disorder. I loved the pacing of this book, and nearly cried like four different times (iykyk which parts). Overall, I truly loved this read and would highly recommend!

Trigger warnings: death, tense familial relationships, parental abandonment, postpartum depression, violent assault (potentially sexual?), suicidal ideations/attempt, cancer & heart disease

You Make My Heart Stop is a heartfelt novel based on a theme of second chances.

Emery has a rare heart condition that makes her heart stop at any given time, sending her into the afterlife for brief moments. It is in this afterlife that Emery meets Nick, the resident facilitator who helps “travelers” move on into the “light.”

Over the years, and numerous cardiac episodes, Emery and Nick develop a fondness for each other. But Emery has a life, a real life in the real world. Should she give up everything she has for a moment in time with Nick before moving on?

I thoroughly enjoyed You Make My Heart Stop. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but surprisingly good. The narrative ran a little slow at times, but overall the pacing was just right.

The story unfolds in a linear timeline. And it is told in dual points of view — Emery and Nick, with Emery being the primary MC of the story.

There were a number of different characters. But not so much that it got overwhelming. The primary characters were well developed with each having distinct personalities.

The whole premise of an afterlife was intriguing and author Hunter executed the story perfectly with the linear timelines and dual points of view.

With a poignant finale, there’s so much to love about the novel. Five stars.

I received a DRC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my thoughts and opinions.

I really loved the premise and the unique storyline—it had me intrigued from the beginning, though I wasn’t fully hooked right away. Nick stole my heart more than any of the other characters. While there were a few parts where the book felt a bit slow, the ending definitely made up for it! Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this arc!

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing & Becky Hunter for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wow! This book absolutely floored and moved me. What an interesting concept- some might call it magical realism, some might identify it as a version of their religious belief---it really all depends on what you think happens after a heart stops.

There's much to be gathered about what a life lived looks like. The value and balance of taking risks and letting love in.

The feelings this book conjured for me are those similar to the feelings I received from the following books:
-The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
-The Measure by Nikki Erlick
-The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The romance/love story is moving- and it's technically a love triangle, but on multiple planes, it's not as sordid as you expect. This story leans harder into Women's Fiction than Romance, as you may find the ending to not be a traditional HEA.

Content warning: Suicidal Ideation

This was definitely an emotional book. It is a book that makes you question your own mortality. Emery has a rare heart condition, and if her heart health is jeopardized then it can cause her heart to stop. Every time her heart stops she meets Nick, but once her heart is revived she is back in her old life. She is conflicted about being with Nick, but that means choosing death. She also doesn't want to leave behind her family and friends.

This book was essentially about seeing the value of life and the will to live. Emery's heart condition affects her family and friends, who are overprotective of her but Emery wants to live life to the fullest. The book also focuses on family dynamics, childhood trauma and grief. After reading this book, it makes the reader think what they would do if they faced a situation similar to Emery.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "You Make My Heart Stop" and all opinions expressed are my own. I loved "One Moment" but... I loved this book more. I'm just sitting here saying wow. I lost myself in this book, magical realism is my favorite! I was feeling quite down lately since my husband passed away a few years ago. I miss him so much. Maybe he sent me this book to read to tell me to live my life as best I can. We will be together. I needed this book! "I believe our souls will find each other again"

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for allowing me to read an ARC of You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter, in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! Just. WOW! I absolutely loved this book!

This was a superbly written story with an intriguing premise, overflowing with "what ifs" and "will this time be the last time" moments, and realistic and relatable characters.

Becky Hunter is now at the top of my must-read authors list.

I would give this book more stars if I could! It was heartfelt, engaging, page turning, and completely lovely. The characters are well-written, the plot is very unique and I only wish I could have continued to read about Emery, Nick, Bonnie, Colin and the others for a longer time. I think Ms Hunter treated so many themes, gay marriage, serious illness, death, divorce, and love, with a gentle hand that still managed to get the message through. After reading this and her debut novel, One Moment, I will always pick up one of her books to read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for this ebook arc to read. All opinions are my own

I spent last night processing this book. This book is unlike any other book I’ve ever read, although I will say just like any other book she’s (Emily Stone (pen name)) written I sobbed. Becky has a way of emotionally connecting you to her characters and hitting you hard at that big moment in her books. She’s good at making your really think and out yourself in these scenarios. This book was no different.

This story was a wild ride of life, health scares, tragedies, family tensions and whole experience with the in between of life and death. In the in-between we meet Nick, a man who guides you to accepting your death. Well, what happens when you have a heart condition where you clinically die on occasion, but can be revived. At the age of 5 Emery’s family discovers she has a rare heart condition where instances of surprise or pain can cause her heart to spasm and stop, but as long as she has someone to revive her, she is just fine. You Make My Heart stop follows her through the many years of her life from childhood into adulthood, and the many instances where she meets Nick and builds a friendship/relationship. As life gets hard she wants to run to him, but to do that she would have to leave everyone she loves and who love her. The tension and tug and pull of her heart in this book is tragic and eye opening. While there was an underlying string of romance, it was clearly not the focal point. This book was about seeing the value of life and living.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Becky Hunter for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow. What a beautiful, heartbreaking and emotional book! Becky managed to create an entirely unique premise, and used magical realism to write a book that will stay on my mind for a really long time!

Emery has a condition where her heart can stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick in the space between life and death. His job is to guide souls into the afterlife. Emery is the only person who he continues to meet again and again, and eventually they fall in love. There's no way they can be together forever, and yet when Emery is given a chance to fix her heart condition, she wonders how can she could possibly live without ever seeing him again.

Becky Hunter writes the most beautiful words! This book flowed so well, the characters leapt off the page, and I devoured every bit of it. I couldn't figure out how the story was going to wrap up, but I should have known that it would have the best possible resolution. I will say that I wish there could have been more of Nick scenes. A large part of the book didn't have him in it, since Emery only interacted with him when her heart stopped. And for that reason, it felt like the romance was secondary to other themes in the book. It was more of an exploration of grief, childhood trauma, family dynamics and guilt, with a focus on Emery as she grows up and comes to terms with her situation. And that wasn't a bad thing at all! This was definitely a book that made you think and question what you would do if you were in her situation.

I truly enjoyed reading this one, and highly recommend it, especially if you're someone who prefers your romance novels to be on the more emotional side.

You Make My Heart Stop will publish on April 22nd, 2025. A huge thank you to the author for sending me a signed ARC of her book. I will always treasure it! And thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for providing me with an e-arc as well.

A solid book about grief and taking a stab at life. It was a bit of a miss as it felt too long and drawn out for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. Unfortunately, this book was not my cup of tea. Even though it was marketed as a romantic comedy, I found this book to be utterly depressing.

First off, thank you NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Becky Hunter for the opportunity to read this book.

The premise of this book is so interesting. This idea that something as simple as the shock of a thorn prick could stop her heart. While I know that the condition that Emery has is a work of fiction, the concept still fascinated me. I do like that we get to grow with Emery and we literally see her every stage of her life, and get to grow with her. And coming along as well is Nick, her ghost/guide/soul mate who also gets to see Emery at every stage of her life.

What I appreciated most in the book was Nick. He never wanted Emery to stay with him. He always knew it wasn’t her time. He always wanted her to have more to her life than what he could offer her. It was interesting to see Emery try and sometimes fail at that, but I love that she tried.

There were so many things that I wanted to like in this book, but some things fell flat. There were times I wanted more of her relationship with Nick & also Colin. He was another constant in her life that I wanted more there. I loved the relationship with Amber in the first part of the book but towards the middle things just didn’t develop as much.

There were definitely things that worked in this book, and it kind of reminded me of the Time Travelers Wife at times. Thank you again, to NetGalley and the publishers for this book. I always appreciate the team at Forever sharing books with us.