Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Thank you Penguin Teen for the e-ARC! I've read Kristina Forest's adult series which follows The Greene Sisters. So I was excited to read her upcoming YA novel, which did not disappoint! This was a 4 star read in my opinion. The hoops Margot and Isaac had to go through to uncover the truth about Healing Hearts, Inc. while also finding their way back to one another was chef's kiss. This story definitely kept me intrigued and turning pages. Heartsick is a really cute and funny read, and I'd certainly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

Heartsick is one of those books that reminds you, no matter your age, that you have to live for yourself. Not for your family, not for your friends, not even for the people who love you the most. Margot and Isaac’s story is a beautiful and honest reflection of that truth: the importance of finding your own passions, defining your own path, and trusting that you are enough.

I loved the dynamic between Margot and Isaac, how their hurt, fear, and uncertainty about life after high school spill into their relationship in such a raw, real way. They don’t always handle things perfectly (who does?), and they sometimes lash out at each other instead of working through it. But that’s what makes it feel so human. Their journey is full of tension, emotion, and that deep, aching vulnerability that comes with being young and unsure about what comes next.

This book perfectly captures the high school experience, wanting to make your family proud while still trying to figure out who you are. The suspenseful thread throughout kept me on my toes, and I loved that I never quite knew what was going to happen next, even though I trusted there would be a happy ending. It made the journey that much more powerful.
What really stuck with me is the way Kristina Forest writes about love, not just romantic love, but self-love and the courage it takes to let go. The idea that love can be so deep, it’s easier to want to forget it than face life without it… that hit hard. And yet, by the end, Margot and Isaac both discover something even more lasting: a sense of self. Margot steps out of her sister’s shadow, learns to stop walking on eggshells, and finds her voice. Isaac, too, becomes brave enough to share his truth with his family.

Heartsick is filled with heart, growth, and the kind of story that makes you reflect on your own journey. I devoured it in one sitting and with every Kristina Forest book I read, I fall more in love with her writing.

Was this review helpful?

I adore the concept of Healing Hearts: taking a little white pill and all of your heartbreak goes away. I think it fits perfectly into a YA frame. I think younger readers will be able to relate to both Margot (the younger sibling who feels she has to fit this family standard) and Isaac (who is a bit shy and hesitating but will be strong and present with the people he cares about). The fact that the two characters are drawn closer by their circumstances, close enough to get a second chance is so heartwarming! The plot took some fun and unexpected turns which I wasn’t expecting, but the turns were well crafted and fit the story and what the characters needed to grow. Forest continues to create warm, honest, and gooey love stories that are joyous to indulge in.

Was this review helpful?

Margot Whitman is an intern at Healing Hearts Inc, the company that created a pill which can erase heartbreak. She has considered taking it to get over her ex, Issac, but erasing their love feels wrong. Then,Issac shows up- presumably to erase their relationship for himself. When the two overhear some information they aren’t meant to, things take a turn. Can broken hearts be mended? Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC read and @kristinaforest_ for creating this story!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for accepting my request for an ACR of this book!
“Heartbreak doesn’t have to last forever”

This type of book is so different but so needed. I’m not one for medical books personally, but this one wasn’t so bad. If I had to say what this book was similar to, I would instantly direct you to Adam Silvera, it has a sort of medical est feel to the topic without it being something incredibly graphic while being similar to events or concepts in life. I loved Margot and Issac as characters and their adventure they go on to right a wrong. The villain was very fun to interact with our two protagonists as well. It was a trip that led the reader across states. I enjoyed seeing Margot and Issacs relationship as well. It was in a whole, part romcon, part adventure, all fun, with low stress situations.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! The concept of a pill erasing heartache isn’t too far fetched with the society we currently live in so I liked that this felt realistic. Even though this is considered an YA story, the intrinsic way Kristina wrote and identified the real pangs of heartbreak and breakups was so relatable, for both young people and adults. I’ve loved Kristina’s prior work and this one falls right on the line of me continuing to leave the way she brings her stories to life.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very sweet (and low angst) second chance romance. I liked Margot and Isaac and how they worked through their issues, especially their miscommunication from the past. I liked the Healing Hearts mystery, even if it was a little over the top. I did not like the constant talk of conspiracy theories. Overall, a sweet book, not a great fit for me, but I can see a lot of others liking it.

Was this review helpful?

I love Kristina Forest's previous books the Greene Sisters Series. This was my first YA book read from her. I really enjoyed it. The concept of taking a pill to forget your heartbreak (reminds me of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is such an interesting and conflicting concept. I can see both sides of taking the pill or not. The world-building behind people's stories of taking the pill were super fascinating.

Isaac is an adorable and sweet comic nerd who is madly in love with his ex-girlfriend Margot. Together they discover the truth behind the company of said pill. I didn't want to stop reading, I was curious how they would be able to expose them.

I loved Margot's relationship with her sister Ashton and how they supported each other. Excited to continue to read more books by Kristina!

Was this review helpful?

Awww, this was such a sweet and unique read! The concept was so intriguing—who wouldn’t be tempted by a pill that could erase heartbreak? We’ve all felt that chest-aching kind of pain, but as Isaac and Margot discover, it doesn’t last forever. I was hooked from the start, and once the story picked up, things got wild in the best way. It was the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and comedy—I actually laughed out loud a few times. I also loved watching both main characters stand up for what they believed in and finally find the courage to open up.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin YA group for the ARC of this book 😊

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book! Cute YA read 🥰 Nice mix of romance and and adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a cute YA story.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers for the advanced reader copy of Heartsick by Kristina Forest!

High school seniors, Margot and Isaac, recently broke up and both haven't gotten over it. Margot, with the help of her sister, gets an internship working for Healing Hearts Inc., a company which developed a pill that can erase a person’s heartbreak. Margot, heartbroken over the breakup, contemplates taking the pill but doesn’t. She then witnesses Isaac showing up to Healing Hearts. Both of them end up overhearing Healing Hearts leaders discussing harmful secrets about the pill. This forces both of them to flee and work together so people know the truth about the pill.

I love Kristina Forest and am so excited to read her upcoming YA release! I was immediately drawn in by the premise of this story - I loved the creativity and originality to it! Margot and Isaac were a lovely pair. I enjoyed their growth throughout the story and was engaged throughout as they sought to reveal what was going on at Healing Hearts.

If you enjoy a YA second chance romance, this is one to check out!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks a lot to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

I’m a huge fan of Kristina Forest’s adult books, particularly “The Neighbor Favor,” “The Partner Plot,” and “The Love Lyric.” This was my first YA book by her, but I have several more on my TBR list that I’ll be reading soon.

This book exceeded my expectations. It’s a perfect blend of a love story and a true crime mystery. I was completely engrossed in two separate stories that seamlessly came together, almost as if they were destined to meet.

The title is spot-on for several reasons, and now that I’ve read the book, I can see the clever play on words. This YA novel was both sweet and hard-hitting, with a touch of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment with Margot and Isiah. I wouldn’t change a thing about their story. These are the types of books I wish I had had growing up to show that high school romance for black girls and boys is not just a Disney movie fantasy but something that can happen in real life. I can’t express how much I appreciate this story.

Was this review helpful?

I love books written by Kristina Forest and have a designated area on my bookshelf specifically for her books. As such, I was excited to receive this e-ARC and eagerly anticipated the genius she’d display with this YA novel. She didn’t disappoint! This was such a delightful read for teens, young adults, and those who are young at heart.

The second-chance romance for high schoolers was a bit amusing to me. It flashed me back to my high school days when I thought I’d found the love of my life and experienced all the emotions that came with it. Both Margot and Isaac were cute characters and very relatable youngsters. The storyline was a little far fetched for me. But in the age of innovation, anything can happen.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the theme. It was really sweet to read. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Teens for the e-ARC!!

Was this review helpful?

“In the end, Healing Hearts did get one thing right. Heartbreak doesn’t have to last forever.”

YA Romance turns into YA Thriller. Reminded me a lot like A Good Girls Guide to Murder vibes without the murder. Love the concept and the open communication in the end is what pulled me through. It was really reflective with the “would you take a pill to heal your broken heart?”
I thought it was going to be turned into like a fantasy concept so that took me in through a mind loop.

Was this review helpful?

Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review.

📚 Book: Heartsick
🗓️ Release Date: October 7, 2025
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Omg, y’all... I just finished an early copy of Heartsick by Kristina Forest, and it was the cutest read ever! I flew through it in less than two days! Like seriously, from page one I was hooked. It gave off major The Series Forever vibes on Netflix — and if you know, you know. That mix of complicated emotions, swoony moments, and just the right amount of teen drama?? YES.

The characters felt real and relatable, the dialogue was sharp and funny, and the chemistry?? Off the charts! Kristina Forest never misses, but this one right here — this one stole my heart in the best way. If you're looking for a feel-good love story that also tugs at your heartstrings, this is it.

Was this review helpful?

I love Kristina Forrest! I’m 29, and eat up all her YA books! This was no different! She does YA very well and this was so cute! The banter!

Was this review helpful?

So stinking cute!! I love Kristina Forest’s writing and Heartsick was no different. This is a YA romance my younger self would have truly enjoyed. Two highschool students planning for their futures realize they are moving at a different pace. They break up and attempt to move on. Enter Healing Hearts , a shady company where Margot is interning. The company claims to make a pill that can heal a broken heart. After overhearing some shady admissions Margot and Isaac have to work together to get to the bottom of what’s really going on at Healing Hearts.

I loved the mystery element of this book. I think it will really capture younger readers and keep them beyond just the romance element. Margot’s desire to be a journalist and Isaac’s talent for comic books was endearing and I loved hearing about their hobbies/passions. Also, the fact finders? Hilarious and I love what their conspiracy theories added to the story. Perfect for readers ages 13-17 or for anyone who enjoys a sweet YA romance.

Was this review helpful?

Note: I received an uncorrected proof via netgalley.

When Kristina first posted about the plot of her upcoming YA book, I was very intrigued and felt it held up to my expectations. I liked the dual pov and felt she captured the essence of the teen voice well. I had to ignore some miscommunications as teenage behavior. And had to suspend my disbelief for elements of the plot that seemed to be extraordinary circumstances but overall I liked the plot and felt the pacing worked.

Was this review helpful?

This was really cute! I’ve been a big fan of Kristina Forest’s books, and while I like her adult romances more this one was nice. Margot and Issac’s second chance romance was sweet and I loved seeing them go for each other again while thinking of their futures. While the main plot about the power hungry organization was a little out there it fit the theme of heart break and put a spotlight on power hungry organizations. I liked Margot and Issac fighting for their love and dreams but I do wish there was a bit more of a conversation on why things like heartbreak are ok to feel. Overall it was a quick but satisfying read. Cute and fun 4/5=7/10 Thank you Net Galley

Was this review helpful?