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destinydeeter's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so much darker than the first two, but because of that it felt so much more real. I feel like the characters had personality and their lives outside of each other felt more developed. Definitely my favorite of the three and I feel like the author’s plot and character development has grown a lot.
gracecarman's review against another edition
5.0
Love love love! A wonderful addition to the series!! How is it possible I fall in love with every man in this family in a different way in each book?? Love!
sotet_demonom's review against another edition
5.0
I read this in less than a day... The first book in this series of standalones by this author is one I think about almost every day since reading it. I was surprised to see those MCs as side characters in this and loved it. This book had me laughing, and cringing, and tearing up... it broke my heart and slowly put it back together again in imperfectly perfect little pieces. I loved the autistic representation and the internal fight the FMC had throughout this, how supportive her "one night stand" was, and the struggles they both went through with mental and physical issues they fought every single day. I don't often read authors notes, but I feel like the note at the end is just as important as the story that came before it. The fact that the author pulled a lot of the material for this one from her own personal experiences really shows in the care and heartbreak of this book. I think the only closure that was maybe lacking in the end was the sister... bitch never did apologize, at least on page, I like to think that eventually she would have come around.
em_who_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure I was ready for The Heart Principle. My heart is still aching after reading this - in a good way, but readers should know this isn't your average, fluffy romance. That should be expected coming from Helen Hoang, but this book is full of heavy emotion. It might take some recovery.
Anna Sun is a violinist who became popular after a video of her playing went viral. Her career takes off, but the pressure to be perfect becomes overwhelming. Now, any time she picks up her violin, she gets stuck on a loop at every mistake and can't even finish a song. Nothing is good enough. She goes to therapy to help fix her career but ends up with more items on her perceived list of problems. Anna only wants to fit in, but never really knows how. She observes people and copies their mannerisms, masking her every thought and feeling. But it's not working. She has been struggling for years and she can't seem to make her family or her boyfriend happy.
When her longtime boyfriend decides they should see other people before settling down, it triggers something within her. Maybe this is her chance to do something for herself for once.
Enter Quan, tattooed and riding on a motorcycle, he seems like the ultimate bad boy, but that's just not the case. A more thoughtful man basically doesn't exist. Quan is recovering from a traumatic illness that took over his life for the last few years. He’s still struggling emotionally but knows he needs to get himself back out there - a one-night stand to take the pressure off. He re-downloads the dating apps and his path crosses with quirky, smart, intriguing Anna.
However, their attempts at a casual hookup don't work. Both of them have their own issues when it comes to sex. They try once, twice, three times. Sure, there's kissing, touching, and all-around good feelings, but there are complications. Despite that, neither are ready to let the other go. The spark between them is built for so much more than a one-night stand. In fact, it might be the only thing that can keep Anna's head above water as tragedy strikes her world. But can that spark survive when there are so many gusts and waves threatening to blow it out?
This story is about so much more than just romance. It goes full force into trauma, family dynamics, caregiving, and all the hurt and pain that surround them. At the core of this story is Anna learning to advocate for her own needs and realizing that what she needs is just as important as what other need from her. I'll say it was very hard to read parts of this book. Anna is so battered down she can't speak up for herself, and I think every reader will be screaming for her to just say something - anything - but of course, it's not that easy. This is not an easy book. But it's so full of heart. Helen Hoang is an immense talent.
Anna Sun is a violinist who became popular after a video of her playing went viral. Her career takes off, but the pressure to be perfect becomes overwhelming. Now, any time she picks up her violin, she gets stuck on a loop at every mistake and can't even finish a song. Nothing is good enough. She goes to therapy to help fix her career but ends up with more items on her perceived list of problems. Anna only wants to fit in, but never really knows how. She observes people and copies their mannerisms, masking her every thought and feeling. But it's not working. She has been struggling for years and she can't seem to make her family or her boyfriend happy.
When her longtime boyfriend decides they should see other people before settling down, it triggers something within her. Maybe this is her chance to do something for herself for once.
Enter Quan, tattooed and riding on a motorcycle, he seems like the ultimate bad boy, but that's just not the case. A more thoughtful man basically doesn't exist. Quan is recovering from a traumatic illness that took over his life for the last few years. He’s still struggling emotionally but knows he needs to get himself back out there - a one-night stand to take the pressure off. He re-downloads the dating apps and his path crosses with quirky, smart, intriguing Anna.
However, their attempts at a casual hookup don't work. Both of them have their own issues when it comes to sex. They try once, twice, three times. Sure, there's kissing, touching, and all-around good feelings, but there are complications. Despite that, neither are ready to let the other go. The spark between them is built for so much more than a one-night stand. In fact, it might be the only thing that can keep Anna's head above water as tragedy strikes her world. But can that spark survive when there are so many gusts and waves threatening to blow it out?
This story is about so much more than just romance. It goes full force into trauma, family dynamics, caregiving, and all the hurt and pain that surround them. At the core of this story is Anna learning to advocate for her own needs and realizing that what she needs is just as important as what other need from her. I'll say it was very hard to read parts of this book. Anna is so battered down she can't speak up for herself, and I think every reader will be screaming for her to just say something - anything - but of course, it's not that easy. This is not an easy book. But it's so full of heart. Helen Hoang is an immense talent.
schaidez17's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kittybetty's review against another edition
5.0
Love. As noted in my review of book 1, I love the neurodiversity in this series. I should add, also the ethnic diversity.
Romances are usually at least part fantasy, so I suspend disbelief when a character is economically free beyond their imaginable means and stuff, but I can't say that it doesn't bother me a bit.
Also a note for fellow Aces: there's a lot of sex and it's pretty explicit. That bothers me a bit, too. But it wasn't as boring as sitting through a golf game--I didn't have the urge to flip forward to see when the real action starts again--because Hoang has written a book where what happens in bed really matters. The characters confront problems and work them out, and some of that happens sexually. So, okay. It's like reading battle scenes (usually a big yawn) where major important things happen, not just another skirmish.
Romances are usually at least part fantasy, so I suspend disbelief when a character is economically free beyond their imaginable means and stuff, but I can't say that it doesn't bother me a bit.
Also a note for fellow Aces: there's a lot of sex and it's pretty explicit. That bothers me a bit, too. But it wasn't as boring as sitting through a golf game--I didn't have the urge to flip forward to see when the real action starts again--because Hoang has written a book where what happens in bed really matters. The characters confront problems and work them out, and some of that happens sexually. So, okay. It's like reading battle scenes (usually a big yawn) where major important things happen, not just another skirmish.
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
This was so moving! It didn't top Bride Test for me personally, but I think that this might be Helen's finest work yet.
I'm really sad she had to respond to a review that critiques how this isn't really a romance. I think that reviewer is wrong; there are so many different types of romances, and this one squarely reads like romance to me. The Heart Principle tells a story of self-love, self-acceptance, and a man happens to be a part of that journey. It's heartfelt and devastating, funny and charming, and a book that bares its' soul to readers.
I always enjoy reading Helen's books. She's a phenomenal writer and continues to grow and excel in her skills and I trust that she'll produce something beautiful. Anna's story is devastating and beautiful, and I loved seeing her growth against all the hardships in her life: the burnout, becoming a caregiver, finding a way out from masking, unraveling her true self, and coming out the other side more brave, confident, and on a path of healing. I also really appreciate Helen's transparency in how personal this book is for her. She didn't have to admit these things, but it helps humanize Anna's story even more when fiction is sometimes easy to read and set aside.
I think you should pick this book up. It may not be the romance some reviewers are wanting, but it's a complicated romance - with love, with family, with yourself - everyone needs.
I received a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Berkley for providing me access!
I'm really sad she had to respond to a review that critiques how this isn't really a romance. I think that reviewer is wrong; there are so many different types of romances, and this one squarely reads like romance to me. The Heart Principle tells a story of self-love, self-acceptance, and a man happens to be a part of that journey. It's heartfelt and devastating, funny and charming, and a book that bares its' soul to readers.
I always enjoy reading Helen's books. She's a phenomenal writer and continues to grow and excel in her skills and I trust that she'll produce something beautiful. Anna's story is devastating and beautiful, and I loved seeing her growth against all the hardships in her life: the burnout, becoming a caregiver, finding a way out from masking, unraveling her true self, and coming out the other side more brave, confident, and on a path of healing. I also really appreciate Helen's transparency in how personal this book is for her. She didn't have to admit these things, but it helps humanize Anna's story even more when fiction is sometimes easy to read and set aside.
I think you should pick this book up. It may not be the romance some reviewers are wanting, but it's a complicated romance - with love, with family, with yourself - everyone needs.
I received a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Berkley for providing me access!
allyrbenedict's review against another edition
4.0
I honestly did not know this was part of a trilogy, but I'm so glad I read this book! I love books that break down barriers/stigma, and this does that in many ways. I look forward to reading the previous books!