Reviews

Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne

sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 probably. A fun concept, and readable writing, but just too many misses in the execution. As other reviewers have also pointed out, both main characters (but especially Max) exhibit problematic behaviour and try and justify it by internally monologuing on why it's wrong.... while doing it. The heroine is meant to be a communications specialist, but we don't see enough of her doing that to make it believable. And the whole thing comes with a very healthy dose of instalove.

sznnbrgrn's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

jenlynnhill's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed this book for the most part. Annoyed that we don't find out if he won the award or not.

makrela29's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

5.0

I could NOT love this book more than I do. I absolutely adored this enemies to lovers romance that was loosely a Beauty and the Beast reimagining. Max is a grumpy Soils professor that nobody likes. He is on the spectrum and has trouble connecting with people socially or speaking in public. When his Department sends Holly to help him improve his image/communciation skills sparks fly. Between witty banter and funny pranks the chemistry between these two MCs is off the charts. There are a couple steamy open door scenes that I enjoyed but the best part of the book for me was how real and relatable the characters were. Max has a disability from a car crash in addition to being neurodiverse, while Holly has ADHD and suffered an ectopic pregnancy. HIGHLY recommend this one especially for fans of Abby Jimenez, Chloe Liese or Ali Hazelwood's The love hypothesis. Also great on audio with two narrators. The epilogue at the end of the book was just the perfect ending to this story about found families (both of the animal and human variety).

CW: Fostering/adoption, Ectopic pregnancy loss

tcgav's review against another edition

4.0

I didn't really like either of the main characters but liked this book still? 

myaddiction's review against another edition

4.0

A little longer than it needed to be. Otherwise, entertaining, comical at times, and likable main characters.

maymay0316's review against another edition

2.0

This book had potential but I think it was executed so badly at times that it really took me out of it. The characters were almost nonsensical at times but they did have some cute interactions which I enjoyed. It was just a bit chaotic.

The whole cursing thing kinda made Holly seem a bit juvenile. I felt like parts of this book were really insensitive or the characters would be like "I would never want to do xyz or come off as xyz" and then they would immediately do the thing.

Although, I am not an authority to say whether the representations in the book were done right, it felt like it was being used just for diversity which was kinda gross. Telling a character who has an injury after a car accident to stop bringing their cane and using it as a crutch just seems very problematic to me.

franny_mae's review against another edition

4.0

I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers workplace romance. I loved Holly and Max’s chemistry and their journey together as they both learn they are worthy of love.

I never thought hearing “you’re my fungus” could be so romantic. The perfect declaration of love for this pair.

itsbrittanybich's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0